CH720445B1 - Teething, sucking, and cuddling device for infants and toddlers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sucking or teething and cuddling device (100) for infants and comprises a sucking or teething element (10), in particular a pacifier (11), a cuddling element, e.g., a plush toy (21), and a connecting element (30) for reversibly connecting the sucking or teething element (10) to the cuddling element (20), in particular the pacifier to the plush toy. The connecting element (30) preferably comprises a snap fastener on a tab that is firmly attached to the plush toy and can engage in a ring of the pacifier. Thus, the plush toy (21) can be separated from the pacifier (11) and washed in a washing machine, and the pacifier (11) can be boiled or replaced independently of the plush toy. Afterwards, the pacifier (11) can be reattached to the plush toy (21) by means of the connecting element (30).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a sucking or teething and cuddling device for infants according to the preamble of the independent claim. Further aspects of the invention relate to a sucking or teething element and a cuddling element for use in such a sucking or teething and cuddling device, as well as a set of such elements for manufacturing said sucking or teething and cuddling device.

background

[0002] A pacifier (also colloquially called a pacifier, soother, or sucker) essentially comprises a mouthpiece, which is usually made of a soft material such as latex or silicone, and a shield that prevents the mouthpiece from being swallowed. The pacifier serves to satisfy the sucking need of infants and toddlers and therefore functions as a sucking element.

[0003] The child's sucking reflex should not be prolonged beyond the time nature intended. Therefore, when the child transitions to solid foods, the pacifier should be weaned off gradually. Afterwards, the pacifier can be replaced, for example, by a teething ring or another teething element made of a harder material, which massages the infant's jaw and can facilitate teething. Both devices, i.e., the teat and the teething element, should be cleaned regularly for hygienic reasons, e.g., by boiling or by cleaning with dish soap and a brush.

[0004] 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. Also known as a stuffed animal or plush toy, it is often given to a child as an infant or toddler for cuddling, i.e., it functions as a cuddly companion. 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. One possible psychological function of the cuddly toy has been described as that of a transitional object, which helps the child cope with leaving the symbiotic mother-child relationship of infancy.

[0005] A comfort blanket (also called a cuddly blanket or security blanket) can also be used as a common and widespread cuddly item. It is usually a large handkerchief or a small blanket, which may be partially decorated with sewn-on items or combined with a soft toy, and helps infants or toddlers to accept the absence of their caregiver, to become more independent, to calm themselves down and to fall asleep.

[0006] The aforementioned cuddly elements should also be cleaned regularly for hygienic reasons, e.g. in a washing machine.

[0007] In the prior art, a plush toy is known which is permanently attached to a pacifier. This has the disadvantage of being difficult to clean, since the pacifier can easily be damaged when the plush toy is washed in a washing machine. Conversely, the plush toy cannot withstand boiling the pacifier. In addition, the entire device must be disposed of if the pacifier cannot or should not be reused, e.g., because it is damaged from prolonged use or because it is to be replaced by a teething ring due to the child growing older.

Description of the invention

[0008] Thus, it is an object of the invention to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] This problem is solved by the devices having the features of the independent claims.

[0010] Accordingly, as a first aspect of the invention, a sucking or biting and cuddling device for small children comprises a sucking or biting element and a cuddling element.

[0011] The sucking or teething 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 sucking need or to massage the toddler's jaw. The sucking or teething element is preferably a pacifier or a teething ring.

[0012] The cuddly element 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 with the cuddly element.

[0013] Furthermore, the sucking or teething and cuddling device includes a connecting element for the reversible connection of the sucking or teething element to the cuddling element. Reversible in this context means that the connection of the sucking or teething element to the cuddling element can be made and detached by an adult by hand, i.e., without the use of tools or sewing material, without damaging or structurally altering the individual elements. This allows the cuddling element to be cleaned separately from the sucking or teething element, which offers hygienic advantages. In addition, the sucking or teething element can be exchanged or replaced, and the cuddling element can continue to be used. This offers both economic and ecological advantages and, moreover, eliminates or at least facilitates the need for the child to adjust emotionally.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the suction or 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 standard washing machine. In other words, the cuddling element does not contain any materials that would prevent washing (preferably in a washing machine). Cleaning is preferably carried out with the suction/biting element detached. This facilitates cleaning, which offers hygienic advantages.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the sucking or biting and cuddling device, the connecting element comprises at least one element from the group consisting of

–

a Velcro fastener,

–

a loop,

–

a push button and

–

a magnetic closure.

[0016] This makes it easier to ensure a reversible connection between the cuddly element and the suction/biting element.

[0017] Preferably, the connecting element of the sucking or biting and cuddling device comprises a tab or a cord. In particular, the reversible connection of the sucking or biting element to the cuddling element is made exclusively along the tab or cord. In other words, no connecting element is located at any other position on the first element (e.g., the sucking or biting element) except at the tab or cord. This facilitates the reversible connection of the cuddling element to the sucking or biting element.

[0018] Preferably, the connecting element is fixedly arranged on the cuddly element of the sucking or biting and cuddly device, e.g., sewn on. The sucking or biting element then comprises a fastening element into which the connecting element can engage to create the reversible connection, in particular a ring. This enables the realization of a reversible connection of the cuddly element to the sucking or biting element in a relatively simple technical manner.

[0019] A second aspect of the invention relates to a suction or biting element designed for use in a suction or biting and cuddling device as described above. In particular, the suction or biting element comprises a fastening element designed such that a connecting element of the suction or biting and cuddling device can engage with it. This enables the cuddling element to be reversibly connected to the suction or biting element in a relatively simple technical manner.

[0020] A third aspect of the invention relates to a cuddly element designed for use in a sucking or biting and cuddly device as described above. In particular, the cuddly element comprises a connecting element, e.g., with a push button, for reversibly connecting the cuddly element to a sucking or biting element of the sucking or biting and cuddly device. This enables the reversible connection of the cuddly element to the sucking or biting element in a relatively simple technical manner.

[0021] As a fourth aspect of the invention, a set for manufacturing a sucking or biting and cuddling device according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a sucking or 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 or biting elements or cuddling elements to be combined with one another, which facilitates the adaptability of the invention, e.g., for different age groups.

[0022] The described embodiments 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, even if these are not described in detail.

Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments illustrated below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

Figures 1 and 2 show a sucking or biting and cuddling device 100 with a sucking or biting element 10 and a cuddling element 20 according to a first embodiment of the invention with an open (Figure 1) and closed (Figure 2) connecting element 30 with magnetic closure 35, 36 on a tab 37.

Figures 3 and 4 show a sucking or biting and cuddling device 100 with a sucking or biting element 10 and a cuddling element 20 according to a second embodiment of the invention with an open (Figure 3) and closed (Figure 4) connecting element 30 with a Velcro fastener 31, 32.

Figures 5 and 6 show a sucking or biting and cuddling device 100 with a sucking or biting element 10 and a cuddling element 20 according to a third embodiment of the invention with an open (Figure 5) and closed (Figure 6) connecting element 30 with a push button 33, 34 on a tab 37.

Figures 7 and 8 show a sucking or biting and cuddling device 100 with a sucking or biting element 10 and a cuddling element 20 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention with an open (Figure 7) and closed (Figure 8) connecting element 30 with a loop 39 on a cord 38.

Way(s) to implement the invention

[0024] Figures 1 and 2 show a sucking or teething and cuddling device 100 with a sucking or teething 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 would prevent such washability. Furthermore, the seams and other design features are such that such washability is ensured. This facilitates cleaning and improves hygiene. In Figure 1, the sucking or teething and cuddling device 100 is shown with the connecting element 30 open (no connection made), and in Figure 2, with the connecting element 30 closed (connection made). The connecting element 30 comprises a tab 37 with a magnetic closure 35, 36 on the tab 37. The tab 37 is firmly sewn to the cuddly element 20 and is designed such that the connection with the cuddly element 10 is made only along the tab 37 and not at other locations on the plush toy 21. For this purpose, the tab 37 with the distal part 36 of the magnetic closure is threaded through a ring 13 of the pacifier 11, and then the magnetic closure is closed so that the tab 37 engages in the ring 13 of the pacifier 11, creating a reversible connection between the sucking or teething element 10 and the cuddly element 20. This facilitates the reversible connection of the cuddly element 20 to the sucking or teething 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 clasp is opened again and the tab 37 is unthreaded from the ring 13.

[0025] 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 hook-and-loop fastener 31, 32 is used instead of a magnetic closure. The hook part 31 of the hook-and-loop fastener is arranged on a tongue, and the loop part 32 of the hook-and-loop fastener is located in the beak of the plush duck 21. The tongue can then be threaded through the ring 13, the hook-and-loop fastener then closed, and the connection thus established. The loop part can also be omitted if the plush toy material used, at least in the beak of the plush duck, is a material into which the hooks of the hook-and-loop fastener can directly engage. This simplifies the production of the sucking/biting and cuddling device 100 and reduces costs.

[0026] Figures 5 and 6 show a sucking or biting and cuddling device 100 according to a third embodiment of the invention with the connecting element 30 open (Figure 5) and closed (Figure 6). The sucking or biting and cuddling device 100 is very similar to the first embodiment shown in 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 within the scope of the present invention, many different plush toys in animal or other shapes can be used without deviating from the inventive concept.

[0027] Figures 7 and 8 show a sucking or biting and cuddling device 100 with a sucking or 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 it closed. The connecting element 30 comprises a loop 39 on a flexible cord 38, which is fixedly attached to the comfort blanket 22. To create the connection, the loop 39 can be threaded through the ring 13 of the teething ring 12, and the comfort blanket 22, including the cord 38, is then pulled through the loop, creating a so-called anchor stitch. This results in a simple but stable reversible connection between the sucking or biting element 10 and the cuddling element 20.

Representation of a preferred embodiment

[0028] A sucking or teething and cuddling device 100 for infants 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 includes a snap fastener 33, 34 on a tab 37, which is firmly attached to the plush toy and can engage in a ring 13 of the pacifier. Thus, the plush toy 21 can 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. Afterward, the pacifier 11 can be reconnected to the plush toy 21 using the connecting element 30.

[0029] 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 implemented in other ways within the scope of the following 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 arbitrarily without departing from the inventive idea.

Claims (10)

1. Sucking or biting and cuddling device (100) for infants comprising – a sucking or biting element (10) designed in such a way that it can be at least partially placed in the mouth by an infant or toddler, – a cuddling element (20) and – a connecting element (30) for reversibly connecting the sucking or biting element (10) with the cuddling element (20). 2. Sucking or biting and cuddling device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sucking or biting element (10) comprises at least one element from the group consisting of a pacifier (11) and a teething ring (12). 3. Sucking or 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 cuddly cloth (22). 4. Suction or biting and cuddling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cuddling element (20) is designed in such a way that it can be washed for cleaning, in particular in a washing machine. 5. Sucking or 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 hook and loop fastener (31, 32), – a loop (39), – a snap fastener (33, 34) and – a magnetic closure (35, 36). 6. Sucking or 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 or biting element (10) with the cuddling element (20) is made exclusively along the tab (37) or cord (38). 7. Sucking or 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 or biting element (10) comprises a fastening element (13) for engaging the connecting element (30), in particular a ring. 8. Suction or biting element (10) configured for use in a suction or biting and cuddling device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular comprising a fastening element (13) configured for engaging a connecting element (30) of the suction or biting and cuddling device (100) to create a reversible connection. 9. Cuddling element (20) designed for use in a sucking or biting and cuddling device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7. 10. Set comprising at least one suction or biting element (10) according to claim 8 and at least one snuggling element (20) according to claim 9, and a connecting element (30) for reversibly connecting the suction or biting element (10) with the snuggling element (20), for producing a suction or biting and snuggling device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.