Pacifier

Abstract

Suggested is a pacifier, comprising a mouthpiece and a shield further including a vibration-generating device.

Claims

1. A pacifier, comprising a mouthpiece and a shield, further including a vibration-generating device adapted to generate vibrations in the range of 10 to 100 hertz, wherein the vibration-generating device is accommodated in the mouthpiece, and wherein the vibrations are generated by a motor that carries an imbalance, or comprises a capsule having a membrane, which is subjected to mechanical vibration; and further including a pressure sensor adapted to switch on the device when a selected pressure is applied to the mouthpiece and to switch off the device after a short delay time as soon as the pressure applied to the mouthpiece disappears.

2. The pacifier of claim 1, wherein the outer portion thereof consists of silicone, latex, or another moisture-resistant and plasticiser-free synthetic material.

3. The pacifier of claim 2 further including a radio sensor which is adapted to be in radio contact with an analysis unit.

4. The pacifier of claim 1 having a round cherry shape or an orthodontic shape which is flattened at the front and is thus adapted to the shape of the palate in the oral cavity.

5. The pacifier of claim 1 supplied with power by a miniaturised lithium button cell.

6. The pacifier of claim 1 further including a radio sensor which is adapted to be in radio contact with an analysis unit.

7. The pacifier of claim 6 including at least one temperature sensor adapted to transmit sensed temperature information to the analysis unit.

8. The pacifier of claim 6, wherein the analysis unit represents a smartphone, and that the transmission of information is performed via an app.

9. The pacifier of claim 6 having a round cherry shape or an orthodontic shape which is flattened at the front and is thus adapted to the shape of the palate in the oral cavity.

10. The pacifier of claim 9 supplied with power by a miniaturised lithium button cell.

11. The pacifier of claim 10 including at least one temperature sensor adapted to transmit sensed temperature information to the analysis unit.

12. The pacifier of claim 11, wherein the analysis unit represents a smartphone, and that the transmission of information is performed via an app.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pacifier in accordance with the present invention, and

(3) FIG. 2 schematically illustrates components forming part of the pacifier in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(4) Teat

(5) The teat is further characterised in that the vibration-generating device is accommodated in the mouthpiece. When the infant, or the toddler, receives the teat in their mouth and applies some pressure to the mouthpiece, either through their gums and/or through the sucking reflex, the vibration-generating device is activated. Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment of the invention, a pressure sensor is located in the mouthpiece, which may switch on the device as soon as pressure is applied to the mouthpiece, and which may, optionally, switch it off with a short delay time of a few seconds as soon as the pressure disappears.

(6) The pacifier 100 as a whole, particularly, the mouthpiece, preferably consists of silicone, latex, or another moisture-resistant and plasticiser-free synthetic material. Further, the dummies may have a round cherry shape or an orthodontic shape which is flattened at the front and is thus adapted to the shape of the palate in the oral cavity.

(7) Vibration Device

(8) For example, the vibrations may be generated by a small motor which carries an imbalance. Due to its inertia, said imbalance may cause the mouthpiece of the teat to vibrate. Alternatively, it is possible to employ a capsule having a membrane which is subjected to mechanical vibration. It represents the counterweight of the housing which is subjected to vibration by the inertia of the membrane. Corresponding devices may be operated, for example, by miniaturised lithium button cells.

(9) The vibration device may also be equipped with a radio sensor which is in contact with an analysis unit, for example, a smartphone. In this way, the sensor may signal whether the pacifier has been activated or not. Moreover, other information may in principle be transmitted as well, for example, the body temperature, using a corresponding temperature sensor. Conversely, it is possible to control the mode of the vibration device using an analysis unit and a corresponding app, particularly, the vibration frequency which, for example, may be adjusted from 10 to 100 Hertz in a continuously variable manner. In doing so, it is also possible to adjust and to start stored vibration programmes, for example, an increasing or decreasing course of the vibration frequency over time.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

(10) Additionally disclosed are the use of the teat of the invention for soothing infants and toddlers as well as the use of a vibration massage of teeth and gums for soothing infants and toddlers.