CH720445A2 - Biting and cuddling device for babies and toddlers - Google Patents

Abstract

A sucking/biting and cuddling device (100) for small children comprises a pacifier (11), a plush toy (21) and a connecting element (30) for reversibly connecting the pacifier to the plush toy. The connecting element (30) comprises a snap fastener on a tab that is firmly connected to the plush toy and can engage with a ring on the pacifier. The plush toy (21) can thus be separated from the pacifier (11) and washed in a washing machine for cleaning, and the pacifier (11) can be boiled or replaced independently of the plush toy. The pacifier (11) can then be reconnected to the plush toy (21) using the connecting element (30).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a sucking/biting and cuddling device for small children according to the preamble of the independent patent claim. Further aspects of the invention relate to a sucking/biting element and a cuddling element for use in such a sucking/biting and cuddling device and a set of such for producing the said sucking/biting and cuddling device.

background

[0002] A pacifier (also known colloquially as a pacifier, dummy or pacifier) essentially contains a mouthpiece, which is usually made of a soft material such as latex or silicone, and a shield which prevents the mouthpiece from being swallowed. The pacifier serves to satisfy the sucking needs of infants and small children and therefore functions as a suction element.

[0003] The child's sucking reflex should not be prolonged beyond the time provided by nature. When the transition to solid food takes place, the pacifier should therefore be weaned off slowly. After that, the pacifier can be replaced with a teething ring or another biting element made of a harder material, which massages the toddler's jaw and can facilitate the eruption of teeth.

[0004] Both devices, i.e. the suction element and the bite element, should be cleaned regularly for hygienic reasons, e.g. by boiling or by cleaning with detergent and a brush.

[0005] A cuddly toy is a children's toy made of plush or another soft material in the shape of an animal or a modified fantasy form. The cuddly toy is also known as a stuffed animal or plush toy and is often given to a child as a cuddle when they are still an infant or toddler, i.e. it functions as a cuddly toy. It often accompanies the child throughout childhood and can be seen by the child as a source of comfort, a sleep aid, a friend/companion and much more. A possible psychological function of the cuddly toy has been described with the term "transitional object" with the help of which the child can cope with the transition from the symbiotic mother-child relationship of infancy.

[0006] The security blanket (also called a comfort blanket or cuddly blanket) can also be used as a common and widespread cuddling item. It is usually a large handkerchief or a small blanket, which can sometimes be sewn on or combined with a stuffed animal, and helps babies or small children to accept the absence of their caregiver, to find independence, to calm down and to fall asleep.

[0007] The cuddly elements mentioned should also be cleaned regularly for hygienic reasons, e.g. in a washing machine.

[0008] In the prior art, a soft toy is known which is firmly connected to a pacifier. This has the disadvantage of being difficult to clean, as the pacifier can easily be damaged when the soft toy is cleaned in a washing machine. Conversely, the soft toy does not tolerate boiling the pacifier. In addition, the entire device must be disposed of if the pacifier cannot or should not be used any further, e.g. because it is damaged by prolonged use or because it is to be replaced by a teething ring as the child gets older.

Description of the invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] This object is achieved by the devices having the features of the independent patent claims.

[0011] Accordingly, as a first aspect of the invention, a sucking/biting and cuddling device for small children comprises a sucking/biting element and a cuddling element.

[0012] The sucking/biting element is designed such that it can be at least partially placed in the mouth by an infant or toddler to satisfy the infant's need to suck or to massage the toddler's jaw. The sucking/biting element is preferably a pacifier or a teething ring.

[0013] The cuddly toy is preferably made of a material compatible with children's toys and is preferably a plush toy or a cuddly blanket. This makes it easier for the child to establish an emotional connection to the cuddly toy.

[0014] The sucking/biting and cuddling device also includes a connecting element for reversibly connecting the sucking/biting element to the cuddling element. In this context, reversible means that the connection between the sucking/biting element and the cuddling element can be made and removed by an adult by hand, i.e. without using tools or sewing material, without damaging or structurally altering the individual elements. This means that the cuddling element can be cleaned separately from the sucking/biting element, which has hygienic advantages. In addition, the sucking/biting element can be exchanged or replaced and the cuddling element can continue to be used, which on the one hand has economic and ecological advantages and on the other hand makes emotional adjustment for the child unnecessary or at least easier.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the sucking/biting and cuddling device, the cuddling element is designed to be washable, i.e. it is constructed in such a way that it can be washed for cleaning, in particular in a commercially available washing machine. In other words, the cuddling element does not contain any materials that prevent washing (preferably in a washing machine). Cleaning preferably takes place with the sucking/biting element separated. This makes cleaning easier, which brings hygienic advantages.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the sucking/biting and cuddling device, the connecting element comprises at least one element from the group consisting of - a Velcro fastener, - a loop, - a snap fastener and - a magnetic fastener.

[0017] This makes it easier to ensure a reversible connection of the cuddly element to the suction/biting element.

[0018] Preferably, the connecting element of the suction/biting and cuddling device comprises a tab or a cord. In particular, the reversible connection of the suction/biting element to the cuddling element is made exclusively along the tab or cord. In other words, there is no connecting means in any other position on the first element (e.g. the suction/biting element) other than on the tab or cord. This facilitates the reversible connection of the cuddling element to the suction/biting element.

[0019] Preferably, the connecting element is fixedly arranged on the cuddling element of the suction/biting and cuddling device, e.g. sewn on. The suction/biting element then comprises a fastening element, in particular a ring, into which the connecting element can engage to produce the reversible connection. This enables the cuddling element to be reversibly connected to the suction/biting element in a relatively simple technical manner.

[0020] A second aspect of the invention relates to a suction/biting element which is designed for use in a suction/biting and cuddling device as described above. In particular, the suction/biting element comprises a fastening element which is designed such that a connecting element of the suction/biting and cuddling device can engage in it. This enables the cuddling element to be reversibly connected to the suction/biting element in a relatively simple technical manner.

[0021] A third aspect of the invention relates to a cuddling element which is designed for use in a suction/biting and cuddling device as described above. In particular, the cuddling element comprises a connecting element, e.g. with a push button, for reversibly connecting the cuddling element to a suction/biting element of the suction/biting and cuddling device. This enables the cuddling element to be reversibly connected to the suction/biting element in a relatively simple technical manner.

[0022] As a fourth aspect of the invention, a set for producing a sucking/biting and cuddling device according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a sucking/biting element as described above in connection with the second aspect of the invention and a cuddling element as described above in connection with the third aspect of the invention. This allows different sucking/biting elements or cuddling elements to be combined with one another, which facilitates the adaptability of the invention, e.g. for different age groups.

[0023] The embodiments described relate equally to the product claims and to any process aspects. As is obvious to the person skilled in the art, synergistic effects can arise from the combination of features of different embodiments, although these may not be described in detail.

Short description of the drawings

[0024] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the embodiments presented below with reference to the drawings. They show: Figures 1 and 2 show a sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 with a sucking/biting element 10 and a cuddling element 20 according to a first embodiment of the invention with an opened (Figure 1) and closed (Figure 2) connecting element 30 with a magnetic closure 35, 36 on a tab 37. Figures 3 and 4 show a sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 with a sucking/biting element 10 and a cuddling element 20 according to a second embodiment of the invention with an opened (Figure 3) and closed (Figure 4) connecting element 30 with a Velcro closure 31, 32. Figures 5 and 6 show a sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 with a sucking/biting element 10 and a cuddling element 20 according to a third embodiment of the invention with an opened (Figure 5) and closed (Figure 6) connecting element 30 with a snap fastener 33, 34 on a tab 37. Figures 7 and 8 show a sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 with a sucking/biting element 10 and a cuddling element 20 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention with opened (Figure 7) and closed (Figure 8) connecting element 30 with a loop 39 on a cord 38.

Way(s) of carrying out the invention

[0025] Figures 1 and 2 show a sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 with a sucking/biting element 10 in the form of a pacifier 11 (only the rear part with shield shown) and a cuddling element 20 in the form of a plush duck 21 (only the front part with beak shown) according to a first embodiment of the invention. The plush toy 21 is washable in a washing machine. In other words, it does not contain any materials that prevent such washability. In addition, the seams and the other design are such that such washability is guaranteed. This makes cleaning easier and improves hygiene. In Figure 1, the sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 is shown with the connecting element 30 open/connection not established, and in Figure 2 with the connecting element 30 closed/connection established. The connecting element 30 comprises a tab 37 with a magnetic closure 35, 36 on the tab 37. The tab 37 is firmly sewn onto the cuddly element 20 and designed such that the connection to the cuddly element 10 is only established along the tab 37 and not at other locations on the plush toy 21. To do this, the tab 37 with the distal part 36 of the magnetic closure is threaded through a ring 13 of the pacifier 11 and the magnetic closure is then closed so that the tab 37 engages in the ring 13 of the pacifier 11 and a reversible connection is created between the suction/biting element 10 and the cuddly element 20. This facilitates the reversible connection of the cuddly element 20 to the suction/biting element 10 and the pacifier 11 can be cleaned, replaced or exchanged independently of the plush toy 21. To release the reversible connection, the magnetic closure is opened again and the tab 37 is threaded out of the ring 13.

[0026] Figures 3 and 4 show a sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The second embodiment of the invention is similar to the first embodiment described above with the differences that the connecting element 30 is not arranged on a tab and that a Velcro fastener 31, 32 is used instead of the magnetic fastener. The hook part 31 of the Velcro fastener is arranged on a tongue, the loop part 32 of the Velcro fastener is located in the beak of the plush duck 21. The tongue can then be threaded through the ring 13, then the Velcro fastener is closed and thus the connection is made. The loop part can also be omitted if a material is used as the plush toy material, at least in the beak of the plush duck, into which the hooks of the Velcro fastener can engage directly. This simplifies the production of the sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 and reduces costs.

[0027] Figures 5 and 6 show a sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 according to a third embodiment of the invention with an open (Figure 5) and closed (Figure 6) connecting element 30. The sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 is very similar to the first embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 with the difference that instead of the magnetic closure 35, 36, a snap fastener 33, 34 is used on the tab 37. Another difference is that a dinosaur 21 is used instead of the plush duck. It should be noted that many different plush toys in animal or other forms can be used within the scope of the present invention without deviating from the inventive concept.

[0028] Figures 7 and 8 show a sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 with a sucking/biting element 10 in the form of a teething ring 12 and a cuddling element 20 in the form of a comfort blanket 22 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Here too, the device is shown in Figure 7 with the connecting element 30 open and in Figure 8 with the connecting element 30 closed. The connecting element 30 comprises a loop 39 on a flexible cord 38, which is fixedly attached to the comfort blanket 22. The loop 39 can be threaded through the ring 13 of the teething ring 12 to create the connection and the comfort blanket 22 including the cord 38 is then pulled through the loop, so that a so-called anchor stitch is created. This results in a simple but stable reversible connection between the suction/biting element 10 and the cuddling element 20.

Representation of a preferred embodiment

[0029] A sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 for small children comprises a pacifier 11, a plush toy 21 and a connecting element 30 for reversibly connecting the pacifier to the plush toy. The connecting element 30 comprises a snap fastener 33, 34 on a tab 37 that is firmly connected to the plush toy and can engage in a ring 13 of the pacifier. The plush toy 21 can thus be separated from the pacifier 11 and washed in a washing machine for cleaning and the pacifier 11 can be boiled or replaced independently of the plush toy. The pacifier 11 can then be reconnected to the plush toy 21 using the connecting element (30).

[0030] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be clearly pointed out that the invention is not limited to these and can also be carried out in other ways within the scope of the following patent claims. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the described features of the individual embodiments are not limited to these, but can be combined as desired without deviating from the inventive idea.

Claims (10)

1. A sucking/biting and cuddling device (100) for small children comprising - a sucking/biting element (10) designed such that it can be at least partially taken into the mouth by an infant or small child, - a cuddling element (20) and - a connecting element (30) for reversibly connecting the sucking/biting element (10) to the cuddling element (20). 2. The sucking/biting and cuddling device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sucking/biting element (10) comprises at least one element from the group consisting of a pacifier (11) and a teething ring (12). 3. The sucking/biting and cuddling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cuddling element (20) comprises at least one element from the group consisting of a plush toy (21) and a cuddle cloth (22). 4. The sucking/biting and cuddling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cuddling element (20) is designed such that it can be washed for cleaning, in particular in a washing machine. 5. The sucking/biting and cuddling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (30) comprises at least one element from the group consisting of - a Velcro fastener (31, 32), - a loop (39), - a snap fastener (33, 34) and - a magnetic fastener (35, 36). 6. The sucking/biting and cuddling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (30) comprises a tab (37) or a cord (38), and in particular wherein the reversible connection of the sucking/biting element (10) to the cuddling element (20) is made exclusively along the tab (37) or cord (38). 7. The sucking/biting and cuddling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (30) is fixedly arranged on the cuddling element (20) and wherein the sucking/biting element (10) comprises a fastening element (13) for engaging the connecting element (30), in particular a ring. 8. A suction/biting element (10) designed for use in a suction/biting and cuddling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular comprising a fastening element (13) designed to engage a connecting element (30) of the suction/biting and cuddling device (100) to produce a reversible connection. 9. A cuddling element (20) designed for use in a sucking/biting and cuddling device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in particular comprising a connecting element (30) for reversibly connecting the cuddling element (20) to a sucking/biting element (10) according to claim 8. 10. A set comprising at least one sucking/biting element (10) according to claim 8 and at least one cuddling element (20) according to claim 9 for producing a sucking/biting and cuddling device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7.