Teething Glove and Mitt

Abstract

A teething glove or mitt comprising a covering for a hand comprising comprises a textured surface in the form of raised bumps distributed on the surface of the glove or mitt.

Claims

1. A teething glove comprising a covering for a hand comprising a separate sheath for each finger, wherein the glove further comprises a textured surface in the form of raised bumps distributed on the surface of the glove.

2. The teething glove of claim 1, wherein the glove is made of a washable, nontoxic and breathable rubber or comparable synthetic material.

3. The teething glove of claim 2, further comprising a hook and loop fastener positioned at the base of the glove for use in adjusting and securing the unit for comfortable, customized fit around the wearer's wrist.

4. The teething glove of claim 2, further comprising a concealed pocket configured to receive an object, wherein the pocket is incorporated into the wrist portion of the glove.

5. The teething glove of claim 2, wherein the glove is coated with a delicious flavoring based on popular baby foods such as fruits or vegetables.

5. The teething glove of claim 2, wherein the glove is produced in a myriad of charming colors to appeal to children.

7. The teething glove of claim 2, wherein the glove is capable of being chilled in the refrigerator before use.

8. The teething glove of claim 2, sized appropriately for use by a human infant.

9. The teething glove of claim 2, sized appropriately for use by a human adult.

10. The teething glove of claim 2, further comprising a lining in the interior of the glove comprising a cushiony soft cotton or comparable material.

11. A teething mitt comprising a covering for a hand comprising a separate sheath for covering a thumb and a single sheath for covering the four remaining fingers, wherein the mitt further comprises a textured surface in the form of raised bumps distributed on the surface of the mitt.

12. The teething mitt of claim 11, wherein the mitt is made of a washable, nontoxic and breathable rubber or comparable synthetic material.

13. The teething mitt of claim 12, further comprising a hook and loop fastener positioned at the base of the mitt for use in adjusting and securing the unit for a comfortable customized fit around the wearer's wrist.

14. The teething mitt of claim 12, further comprising a concealed pocket configured to receive an object, wherein the pocket is incorporated into the wrist portion of the mitt.

15. The teething mitt of claim 12, wherein the mitt is coated with a delicious flavoring based on popular baby foods such as fruits or vegetables.

16. The teething mitt of claim 12, wherein the mitt is produced in a myriad of charming colors to appeal to children.

17. The teething mitt of claim 2, wherein the mitt is capable of being chilled in the refrigerator before use.

18. The teething mitt of claim 12, sized appropriately for use by a human infant.

19. The teething mitt of claim 2, sized appropriately for use by a human adult.

20. The teething mitt of claim 12, further comprising a lining in the interior of the mitt comprising a cushiony soft cotton or comparable material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a teething glove, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a section of the glove showing a hemispherical raised bump.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a teething mitt, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a teething glove, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a hook and loop securing wrist strap.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a teething mitt, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a concealed pocket for receiving an object such as a squeaky toy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Please refer to the drawings.

[0019] The Teething Glove and Teething Mitt offers users a teether providing a practical improvement to the design of infant teethers which enables infant children to comfortably hold the teether within their mouth, unassisted. The Teething Glove and Mitt is a line of specially designed teethers, configured in the form of a wearable glove 10 or mitt 20 to be easily slipped over the infant's hand and designed specifically to alleviate the pain caused by teething. Sold individually or in sets of two for both the left and right hand, the Teething Glove and Mitt is produced in a one-size-fits-all standard. Either version of the unit (glove or mitt) measures approximately between 2 to 3 inches in length, inches in width and approximate one to 2 inches in total depth.

[0020] An alternative embodiment provides the glove or mitt to be sized appropriately for the hand of a parent or caregiver.

[0021] The glove version 10 of this product features a five finger design for covering a human hand comprising a separate sheath for each finger, with individual sections for the thumb 14 and four fingers 12, while the mitt version 20 features a thumb section 24 and a single sheathe 22 that accommodates the four remaining digits. Either version of this teethes encompasses the child's hand completely and extends slightly beyond the child's fingers. The interior of the Teething Glove and Mitt can be manufactured primarily of cushiony soft cotton or comparable material that is gentle on the baby's skin.

[0022] In an embodiment, to prevent the glove or mitt from sliding off during wear, a simple, self-adhesive hook and loop fastener 16 is positioned at the base of each glove for use in adjusting and securing the unit for a comfortable, customized fit around the wearer's wrist. In an embodiment, a concealed pocket 26 is configured to receive an object, such as an entertaining squeaky toy is incorporated into the wrist portion of the glove or mitt. The most notable aspect of the Teething Glove and Mitt however is found in the waterproof teether0 material which coats the exterior of each. A nontoxic and breathable rubber or comparable synthetic, this washable material features a textured surface to provide soothing relief to aching gums. As such, a series of raised bumps 18 or nodules are distributed upon the surface of the top and underside of the glove or mitt to provide a gentle surface on which the child can bite down to alleviate teething discomfort.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the teethers can be offered in versions coated with a delicious flavoring based on popular baby foods such as fruits or vegetables.

[0024] The Teething Glove and Teething Mitts produced in a myriad of charming colors to appeal to children. Because the safety and well-being of the infant is of the utmost importance, the Teething Glove and Mitt is manufactured in accordance to the stringent guidelines for children's accessories as set forth by the Juvenile Products Manufactures Association (JPMA).

[0025] Use of the Teething Glove and Mitt is very simple and straight forward. First, the parent or caregiver slides the open end of the appropriate right or left Teething Glove or Mitt over the infant's hand, securing the cushiony soft glove or mitt in place around the child's wrist by means of the integrated hook and loop strap. After making any necessary adjustments for a comfortable fit, this process is repeated with the remaining glove. Next, the parent allows the child to insert their gloved or mitted hand within their mouth, enabling the child to gently chew on the actual teething surfaces as desired. For extra relief, the Teething Glove and Mitt can be chilled in the refrigerator before being given to the child, thereby providing cold therapy to the sore gums.

[0026] The Teething Glove and Mitt is an innovative product concept offering users many significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, this cleverly designed line of infant teethers offers soothing comfort to any child as they cut their first teeth. A cleverly designed line of wearable gloves and mitts boasting integrated teethers incorporated into their design, the Teething Glove and Mitt provides steadfast and gentle counter-pressure to emerging teeth. Massaging the gums with a soft, yet firm textured nontoxic rubber material, the Teething Glove and Mitt provides a practical way in which to alleviate the pain caused by teething, both in the front of the mouth, as well as in the hard-to-reach area in the back of the gums. Offering an effective treatment for teething pain, use of the Teething Glove and Mitt can also effectively prevent the irritability and restlessness that is often associated with the teething process. Perhaps most importantly, the unique, glove and/or mitt design of the Teething Glove and Mitt enables infants and toddlers to easily hold and utilize the unit. Slipped over the hand and inserted directly into the mouth, the Teething Glove and Mitt is utilized in a comfortable and relaxed manner. A practical alternative to oversized circular rings which can be difficult for the infant to hold or properly position within their mouth, the Teething Glove and Mitt is easily handled by babies and toddlers alike. Sparing the parent or caregiver the task of continuously holding onto an infant's teether for them, use of the Teething Glove and Mitt enables the parent to focus their attention to other aspects of their child's care. In addition, the washable Teething Glove and Mitt provides a sanitary alternative to allowing the child to suck on their own hands and fingers. Protecting the child from germs and bacteria that may be lingering on the hands, the Teething Glove and Mitt are beneficial products which protect the health and well-being of the infant. Easily refrigerated, the Teething Glove and Mitt can also be utilized to administer cold therapy, thus providing instant relief to bleeding and swollen gums. Manufactured in accordance to JPMA standards, parents and caregivers can rest assured that they are using a product that was made with the safety and care for their baby in mind.

[0027] Innovative and practical, the Teething Glove and Mitt offers users a simple means of alleviating the pain caused by teething. Providing gentle, soothing relief to swollen and sore gums, this cleverly designed product proves an invaluable accessory for any parent or caregiver of a small child. Affordably priced, the Teething Glove and Mitt will be well received by parents and professional caregivers, a very sizable market potential.

[0028] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fail within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.