DEVICE FOR SECURING A PACIFIER IN AN ACCESSIBLE PLACE FOR THE CHILD USER DURING AND BEFORE USE

Abstract

A pacifier securement device is provided. The pacifier securement device is adapted to secure a pacifier, of any kind, in a fabric-stuffed elongated tube providing a pacifier compartment with a snap closure to hold the pacifier to a proximal end of the tube. The proximal end snaps and unsnaps to allow for replacement and interchangeability as well as removal of the pacifier for washing and keeping the pacifier sanitary. The device is long enough so that the present invention is able to be snapped, zipped, or tucked into the child's clothing, strapped into the buckles of a car seat or stroller, bundled in a blanket, or snuggled by the infant, while keeping the secured pacifier within oral reach.

Claims

1. A pacifier securement device, comprising: an elongated tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end; a flap extending from the proximal end so as to be movable between an open condition and a closed condition engaging the elongated tube; a plurality of soft nubs spaced apart along an outer surface of the elongated tube; a nipple slot disposed in the flap, the nipple slot being dimensioned to slidably receive a nipple of a pacifier therethrough so that the closed condition sandwiches a guard of said pacifier between the flap and the elongated tube; a first fastener portion along an inner surface of the flap; and a second fastener portion along an outer surface of the elongated tube so that in the closed condition the first and second fastener portions securely engage.

2. The pacifier securement device of claim 1, further comprising a filling disposed within the elongated tube.

3. The pacifier securement device of claim 1, wherein the elongated tube is made of soft material.

4. The pacifier securement device of claim 1, further comprising soft nubs spaced apart along the outer surface of the elongated tube.

5. The pacifier securement device of claim 1, wherein a distance between the distal and proximal ends of the elongated tube is between twelve and twenty-four inches.

6. A pacifier securement device, comprising: an elongated tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end for a distance between twelve and twenty-four inches, wherein the elongated tube is made of soft material; a filling disposed within the elongated tube; a plurality of soft nubs spaced apart along the outer surface of the elongated tube; a flap extending from the proximal end so as to be movable between an open condition and a closed condition engaging the elongated tube; a nipple slot disposed in the flap, the nipple slot being dimensioned to slidably receive a nipple of a pacifier therethrough so that the closed condition sandwiches a guard of said pacifier between the flap and the elongated tube; a first fastener portion along an inner surface of the flap; a second fastener portion along an outer surface of the elongated tube so that in the closed condition the first and second fastener portions securely engage; and a filling disposed within the elongated tube.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0015] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0017] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a securement device that secures a pacifier, of any kind, in a fabric-stuffed elongated tube shape that has a pacifier compartment with a snap closure to hold the pacifier to a proximal end of the tube. The proximal end snaps and unsnaps to allow for replacement and interchangeability as well as removal of the pacifier for washing and keeping the pacifier sanitary. The device is long enough so that the present invention is able to be snapped, zipped, or tucked into the child's clothing, strapped into the buckles of a car seat or stroller, bundled in a blanket, or snuggled by the infant, while keeping the secured pacifier within oral reach.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, the present invention may include a pacifier securement device 10 providing an elongated tube 12 that extends between twelve and twenty-four inches. The tube 12 may be made of soft and comfortable material. The tube 12 may be defined by a base substrate 12a and a cover substrate 12b joined so as to defining an inner cavity filled with filling 24. Spaced apart along an outer surface of the elongated tube may be a plurality of nubs 14. The base substrate 12a may extend beyond the cover substrate 12b along a longitudinal axis of the elongated tube 12 for as to form a flap 16. The flap 16 is movable between an open condition, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and a closed condition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, providing a pacifier compartment to secure a pacifier 20 to a distal pacifier securement device 10.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, along an inner surface of the flap 16 may be a flap slit 22 dimensioned and adapted to receive a nipple 20a of a pacifier 20 yet too small so that the guard 20b of the pacifier 20 cannot pass therethrough, as illustrated in FIG. 3, thereby securing the pacifier 20 in the pacifier compartment. Fasteners 18 may be attached to the flap 16 so that along the inner surface of the flap 16 one or more first portions 18b of the fastener 18 are present. The first portions 18b may be located in the corners of the flap 16. Along an outer surface of the elongated tube 12 may be second portions 18a of the fastener 18 that mate with said first portions 18b in the closed conditions, so that the flap 16 is secured to the elongated tube 12.

[0020] A method of using the present invention may include the following. The pacifier securement device 10 disclosed above may be provided. A user may move the flap 16 to the open condition. Then the user may slide the nipple 20a of a pacifier 20 through the flap slit 22 so that it protrudes through an outer surface of the flap 16, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Then the user may move the flap 16 to the closed condition so that the first and second portions of the fasteners 18 securely engage, trapping the pacifier 20 in the pacifier compartment. Then an infant or toddler can suck on the pacifier 20 while the distal end of the tube 12 can be tucked away in clothing, sleep sacks 26, portions of strollers, swings, car seats 28 or the like, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The pacifier compartment formed by folding the flap 16 in the closed condition removably secures the pacifier 20, and as a result, maintains the pacifier 20 within oral reach. Thus, the pacifier 20 is orally accessible since the secured distal end prevents the proximal end from falling too far away from the baby's mouth. The present invention is also usable as a small soft toy.

[0021] A method of manufacturing the present invention may include the following steps. An individual may use a strip of fabric 6-8 inches wide and 12-24 inches long, and fold over the length of the strip of fabric in half making the width three to four inches and joining the sides together. The individual may sew the closed end of the fabric and down the long side leaving one end open, from the sewn end, and forming the foldable flap 16. In the center of the flap 16, the individual may sew a button hole/slit 22 approximately 1-1\2 inches long and, on each corner place, attach a snap closure 18 to the flap 16 with the button hole to the back of the long tube. This creates the pocket for the pacifier at the open end of the tube 12. Then the manufacture may stuff pillow stuffing 24 into the open end until the entire tube 12 is filled and has stiffness and stability.

[0022] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.