Abstract:
A Developmental Pacifier is provided to help infants with functional feeding development and to assist with specific developmental problems in young children such as developmental delays, prematurity, gastro-esophageal reflux, autism spectrum disorder, hypotonicity, cerebral palsy, Down&#39;s syndrome, microcephaly, and other sensory integrative dysfunctions. The developmental pacifier of the present invention encourages acceptance of food textures and stimulates oral-motor awareness, and reduces or eliminates functional feeding problems in children. The Developmental Pacifier has a nipple with an upper portion and a base portion, a base, and sensory elements. A series of Developmental Pacifiers with varying sensory elements may be used for certain treatment regimens as prescribed by a medical practitioner, pediatric occupational therapist, or other pediatric specialist.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/766,458 filed on Jun. 21, 2007. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to pacifiers for infants, and more particularly to a pacifier for treating various developmental delays and disorders in children. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Infant pacifiers are known and available. Common among infant pacifiers are elements including a nipple on which an infant can suck, a base or shield upon which the nipple is attached to prevent the infant from choking or otherwise ingesting the nipple, and often times a handle or similar structure to allow the infant or an adult to grip and place the pacifier. 
         [0006]    There has been a trend in recent years to improve upon the basic infant pacifier design by making the nipple structure flatter and angled, so-called “orthodontic style” pacifiers. The purpose of such orthodontic style designs being to reduce the incidence of dental deformation and also to improve the sucking process. 
         [0007]    Pacifiers are commonly made from a moderately soft material such as an elastomer, the surface of the nipple of said pacifier commonly being smooth. Teethers, on the other hand, are often made from a harder durometer material and are not commonly in the shape of a nipple. Teethers may also contain hard bumps to encourage chewing and associated break through of new teeth. In addition, pacifiers and teethers are intended to sooth and calm stressed or otherwise agitated infants. The pacifiers of the prior art were not intended to, nor do they. address infants with specific developmental problems such as developmental delays, pre-maturity, gastro-esophageal reflux, autism spectrum disorders, sensory modulation disorders, hypotonicity, cerebral palsy, Down&#39;s Syndrome, microcephaly, and other sensory integrative dysfunctions. The applicant, through extensive work as a pediatric occupational therapist, has invented a novel, unique and non-obvious developmental pacifier to help infants with functional feeding development and to assist infants with sensory integrative dysfunctions. 
         [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a developmental pacifier that assists infants with specific developmental problems such as developmental delays, pre-maturity, gastro-esophageal reflux, autism spectrum disorder, hypotonicity, cerebral palsy, Down&#39;s Syndrome and microcephaly. It is another object of the present invention to provide a developmental pacifier that encourages acceptance of food textures and stimulates oral-motor awareness. It is another object of the present invention to provide a developmental pacifier that reduces or eliminates functional feeding problems in children. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a series of developmental pacifiers that progressively and systematically introduces texture to assist infants with specific developmental problems such as developmental delays, pre-maturity, gastro-esophageal reflux. autism spectrum disorder, hypotonicity, cerebral palsy, Down&#39;s Syndrome and microcephaly. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a series of developmental pacifiers that encourages acceptance of food textures and stimulates oral-motor awareness. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a series of developmental pacifiers that reduces or eliminates functional feeding problems in children. The present invention, and the embodiments described herein, provide for a Developmental Pacifier and a series of cooperatively inter-related Developmental Pacifiers for addressing various developmental difficulties in children. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a developmental pacifier comprising a nipple having an upper portion and a lower portion, the length of the upper portion being approximately the length of the lower portion, and the upper portion being 20% to 80% of the diameter of the lower portion, a plurality of sensory elements attached to the surface of said nipple, a base attached to the lower portion of said nipple, the base being substantially oval in shape, and a grip attached to the base. 
         [0010]    The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of introduction, and is not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention will be described by reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the Developmental Pacifier according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the Developmental Pacifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the Developmental Pacifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the opposing side of the Developmental Pacifier according one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the opposing side of the Developmental Pacifier according to one embodiment of the present invention with an alternative mark; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the opposing side of the developmental pacifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the Developmental Pacifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the Developmental Pacifier according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of the Developmental Pacifier according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of the opposing side of the Developmental Pacifier according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the opposing side of the developmental pacifier according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the developmental pacifier according to another embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a side view rotated ninety degrees with respect to the view of  FIG. 12  of the developmental pacifier according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]    The present invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by this specification and the appended claims. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]    For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 1-13  illustrate a pacifier which generally comprises a nipple, a base, and sensory elements. The sensory elements may vary in dimensions and geometric arrangement. The sensory elements may also, in some embodiments of the present invention, be attached to the base in addition to being attached to the nipple. It is important to note that various combinations of the various embodiments of the present invention may be used for certain treatment regimens as prescribed by a medical practitioner, pediatric occupational therapist, or other pediatric specialist. Such a system for treating functional difficulties in children may include, for example, a series of developmental pacifiers each with progressively larger bumps, ridges, or other sensory elements. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the Developmental Pacifier  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a nipple  101  is shown. The shape of the nipple  101  is similar to that of a maternal nipple, the nipple  101  having a nipple upper portion  103  that is of a lesser diameter than the nipple base portion  105 . The length of the nipple upper portion  103  is approximately equal to the length of the nipple base portion  105 . Attached to the surface of the nipple  101  are sensory elements  107  that may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be bumps. The size of the bumps may vary. The sensory elements may also, in other embodiments of the present invention, be other textured geometric shapes such as triangles, squares, stars, hearts, circles, rectangles, and the like. The sensory elements  107  may also, in some embodiments of the present invention, be arranged in a pattern, for example, in rows that are parallel to the length of the nipple  101 . The sensory elements  107  may also vary in size. Attached to the nipple is a base  109 . The base  109  provides a structural element for the child to grasp, and also serves to prevent choking or subsequent ingestion of the nipple  101 . The base  109  has a rounded geometry such as that of an oval. The developmental pacifier  100  that comprises a nipple, a base and sensory elements are preferably formed integrally with one another and made of the same material. They also may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be formed separately from the same or different materials and joined to one another by heat bonding, sonic welding, or the like. The developmental pacifier  100  is made from a moderately soft material such as an elastomer, such as a medical grade thermoplastic elastomer, for example, KRATON® brand thermoplastic elastomer (KRATON ® is a registered trademark of Kraton Polymers, LLC, Houston, Tex.). Other materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for infant pacifiers may also be used. Another example is Class Six Tested Food Grade Silicone. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of a second embodiment of the Developmental Pacifier  200  is shown. Referring to  FIG. 2 , a nipple  201  is shown. The shape of the nipple  201  is similar to that of a maternal nipple, the nipple  201  having a nipple upper portion  203  that is of a lesser diameter than the nipple base portion  205 . The length of the nipple upper portion  203  is approximately equal to the length of the nipple base portion  205 . Attached to the surface of the nipple  201  are sensory elements  207  that may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be bumps. The size of the bumps may vary. The sensory elements may also, in other embodiments of the present invention, be other textured geometric shapes such as triangles, squares, stars, hearts, circles, rectangles, and the like. The sensory elements  207  may also, in some embodiments of the present invention, be arranged in a pattern, for example, in rows that are parallel to the length of the nipple  201 . The sensory elements  107  may also vary in size. Attached to the nipple is a base  109 . The base  209  provides a structural element for the child to grasp, and also serves to prevent choking or subsequent ingestion of the nipple  201 . The base  209  has a rounded geometry such as that of an oval. Further,  FIG. 2  shows sensory elements  211  attached to the nipple side of the base  209  to provide for additional sensory stimulation around the base of the lips while in use by a child. The developmental pacifier  200  that comprises a nipple, a base and sensory elements are preferably formed integrally with one another and made of the same material. They also may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be formed separately from the same or different materials and joined to one another by heat bonding, sonic welding, or the like. The developmental pacifier  200  is made from a moderately soft material such as an elastomer, such as a medical grade thermoplastic elastomer, for example, KRATON® brand thermoplastic elastomer (KRATON ® is a registered trademark of Kraton Polymers. LLC, Houston, Tex.). Other materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for infant pacifiers may also be used. Another example is Class Six Tested Food Grade Silicone. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  shows a plan view of the developmental pacifier from the nipple side of the base. The sensory elements  211  are shown in rows and continuing on to the base  209 . Other embodiments of the present invention may contain varying geometric patterns of sensory elements, or random placement of the sensory elements  211 . 
         [0031]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , a plan view of the opposing side of the developmental pacifier is shown. The interior of the nipple  405  is shown. The interior may he hollow, solid, or filled with another material such as a liquid, gel, solid, or gas. Further depicted in  FIG. 4  is a grip  401  that is semi-circular in shape that may he used by the child or an adult to grasp, position, place or remove the developmental pacifier. Also shown in  FIG. 4  is a mark  403  such as the word “Nooper” that may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be molded or otherwise printed on the base  209  of the developmental pacifier.  FIG. 5  is a plan view of the opposing side of the developmental pacifier with an alternative embodiment of the identifying mark  503 . 
         [0032]    To clearly show all views of the developmental pacifier,  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the opposing side of the developmental pacifier, all elements shown in  FIG. 6  being previously described herein. 
         [0033]    A third embodiment  700  of the developmental pacifier is depicted in  FIG. 7 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , a nipple  701  is shown. The shape of the nipple  701  is similar to that of a maternal nipple, the nipple  701  having a nipple upper portion  703  that is of a lesser diameter than the nipple base portion  705 . The length of the nipple upper portion  703  is approximately equal to the length of the nipple base portion  705 . Attached to the surface of the nipple  701  are sensory ridges  707  that may, in some embodiments of the present invention, further contain sensory elements  709  along the surface of the ridges. The sensory elements  709  may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be bumps. The size of the bumps may vary. The sensory elements may also, in other embodiments of the present invention, be other textured geometric shapes such as triangles, squares, stars, hearts, and the like. The sensory elements  709  may also vary in size. Attached to the nipple is a base  209 . The base  209  provides a structural element for the child to grasp, and also serves to prevent choking or subsequent ingestion of the nipple  701 . The base  209  has a rounded geometry such as that of an oval. Further,  FIG. 7  shows sensory elements  211  attached to the nipple side of the base  209  to provide for additional sensory stimulation around the base of the lips while in use by a child. The developmental pacifier  700  that comprises a nipple, a base and sensory elements are preferably formed integrally with one another and made of the same material. They also may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be formed separately from the same or different materials and joined to one another by heat bonding, sonic welding, or the like. The developmental pacifier  700  is made from a moderately soft material such as an elastomer, such as a medical grade thermoplastic elastomer, for example, KRATON® brand thermoplastic elastomer (KRATON ® is a registered trademark of Kraton Polymers, LLC, Houston, Tex.). Other materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for infant pacifiers may also be used. Another example is Class Six Tested Food Grade Silicone. 
         [0034]    Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted by way of  FIGS. 8-13 .  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the Developmental Pacifier according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 8 , a nipple  801  is shown. The shape of the nipple  801  is similar to that of a maternal nipple, the nipple  801  having a nipple upper portion  803  that is of a lesser diameter than the nipple base portion  805 . The length of the nipple upper portion  803  is approximately equal to the length of the nipple base portion  805 . Attached to the surface of the nipple  801  are sensory elements  807  that may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be bumps. The size of the bumps may vary. The sensory elements may also, in other embodiments of the present invention, be other textured geometric shapes such as triangles. squares, stars, hearts, circles, rectangles, and the like. The sensory elements  807  may also, in some embodiments of the present invention, he arranged in a pattern, for example, in rows longitudinal to the length of the nipple  801  and sharing a common origin at the tip of the nipple  801 . The sensory elements  807  may also vary in size. Attached to the nipple is a base  809 . The base  809  provides a structural element for the child to grasp, and also serves to prevent choking or subsequent ingestion of the nipple  801 . The base  809  has a rounded geometry such as that of an oval. The Developmental Pacifier that comprises a nipple, a base and sensory elements are preferably formed integrally with one another and made of the same material. They also may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be formed separately from the same or different materials and joined to one another by heat bonding, sonic welding, or the like. The Developmental Pacifier is made from a moderately soft material such as an elastomer, such as a medical grade thermoplastic elastomer, for example, KRATON® brand thermoplastic elastomer (KRATON ® is a registered trademark of Kraton Polymers, LLC, Houston, Tex.). Other materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for infant pacifiers may also be used. Another example is Class Six Tested Food Grade Silicone. Also depicted in  FIG. 8  are safety holes  811  that are placed for safety considerations. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each safety hole perforates the base  809  symmetrically and in proximity to a grip (not shown in  FIG. 8 ). Safety holes may also be placed in other locations or be omitted entirely. 
         [0035]      FIG. 9  depicts a plan view of the Developmental Pacifier of  FIG. 8  looking down at the nipple side of the Developmental Pacifier. The nipple  801 , nipple upper portion  803  and nipple base portion  805  can be clearly seen along with the sensory elements  807 , base  809 , and safety holes  811 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of the opposing side of the Developmental Pacifier of  FIG. 8 . Depicted is a first grip  1001  and a second grip  1003 . In one embodiment of the present invention, each grip is a curved rectangular piece protruding from the back side of said developmental pacifier and placed symmetrically on each side of the base  809 . Although other grip geometries and locations are within the scope of the present invention, applicants have found that the geometries and symmetrical placement of the two grips along with the proportional sizing of the grips with respect to the base provides for a structure that is comforting and easy to use to an infant. 
         [0037]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the opposing side of the Developmental Pacifier depicted in  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments of the present invention, an identifying mark  1005  may be molded into or otherwise placed on the base  809 . 
         [0038]    To completely describe and depict the embodiment of the present invention illustrated by way of  FIGS. 8-13 ,  FIG. 12  is a side view of the Developmental Pacifier and  FIG. 13  is a side view rotated ninety degrees with respect to the view of  FIG. 12  of the Developmental Pacifier. 
         [0039]    It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the various objects of the present invention, a Developmental Pacifier for assisting infants with certain developmental problems, encouraging acceptance of food textures and stimulating oral-motor awareness in children, and reducing or eliminating functional feeding problems in children. While the various objects of this invention have been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.