Title of Invention	"TEAT"
Abstract	The invention relates to a pacifier, consisting of a body (1) and a shank (2). The body of the pacifier (1) is provided with a recess extending in a longitudinal direction of the pacifier. Said pacifier is configured in such a way that the recess (4), when seen from a longitudinal point of view, tapers off in an essentially flat manner towards the free front end (1a) of the body (1) of the pacifier. Preferably, the recess (4) extends along the entire length of the pacifier (1). Preferably, the shank (2), when seen from a cross-sectional point of view, has a bent shape. The pacifier is particularly advantageous when seen from a jaw orthopedic point of view since it simultaneously pacifies and causes the infant or young child to suck in an uniform manner.

Title of Invention

"TEAT"

Abstract

The invention relates to a pacifier, consisting of a body (1) and a shank (2). The body of the pacifier (1) is provided with a recess extending in a longitudinal direction of the pacifier. Said pacifier is configured in such a way that the recess (4), when seen from a longitudinal point of view, tapers off in an essentially flat manner towards the free front end (1a) of the body (1) of the pacifier. Preferably, the recess (4) extends along the entire length of the pacifier (1). Preferably, the shank (2), when seen from a cross-sectional point of view, has a bent shape. The pacifier is particularly advantageous when seen from a jaw orthopedic point of view since it simultaneously pacifies and causes the infant or young child to suck in an uniform manner.

Full Text	TEAT The invention relates to a teat, in particular a pacifier for infants and young children. Pacifiers for infants or young children are commercially available in many different models and sizes. Such pacifiers generally have a body, a connector or shaft as well as a lip guard or mouth plate that is directly or indirectly connected with the shaft. Generally, the body and the shaft are manufactured from elastomers or rubber. The body as well as the shaft usually have a hollow air- filled cavity, which generally make these parts very bulky. It has been shown, that the use of pacifiers of this technological standard may lead to a malpositioning of the teeth as well as malformations in the jaw. However, if the infant / young child is not offered a pacifier, the infant / young child will often suck on a finger or other objects, which may generally lead to even worse malpositioning of the teeth, especially frontal or lateral malocclusion. DE 200 22 126 U1 describes a pacifier, which consists of a body, which may be inserted into the mouth, and a guard, which are manufactured in one piece. The body has the shape of a spoon, whereby the side of the body facing the mouth has a bulge. WO 98/02132 reveals a pacifier with a body and a shaft, whereby the shaft is used to fasten the body to the guard. The bubble-shaped body has a concave rounded recess, adapted to the shape of the tip of the tongue of a young child and aids to accommodate of the tip of the tongue. The disadvantage of this pacifier, lies in the fact, that the tongue is forced dorsally backwards into the mouth cavity due to the recess in the pacifier. It is therefore forced into a position, which contradicts the physiological position of the tongue during sucking or suckling, whereby the tongue is placed forward and upwards. This pacifier is hardly calming, because the child is neither able to suck nor able to suckle. FR-A-1 436 140 reveals a teat consisting of a shaft and a body. The body, which is inserted into the mouth, has a bulge directly following the shaft, which is continuous with the recess, which extends over the remaining length of the body, whereby the transition of the bulge to the recess functions as a tongue stop. From DE 201 00 392 U1 a teat is known, which also consists of a body and a shaft. In this known teat the hollow body is shaped approximately spherical and has a recess on the lower side for the acceptance of the tongue. It is an object of this invention to provide a teat, particularly a pacifier or a teat for the dispensation of food or liquid, which is beneficial from an orthodontic aspect, whereby it simultaneously encourages the infant / young child to even sucking as well as having a calming effect. Accordingly, the present invention provides a teat, consisting of a body as well as a shaft, whereby the body is provided with a recess, which extends longitudinally along the length of the teat, wherein the recess, when viewed in a longitudinal section, ends essentially flat towards the front free end of the body and wherein the body is conically tapered towards the free front end, when seen from above. The pacifier of this invention has in particular a body and a shaft or connector respectively, whereby the body is provided with a recess in the extending longitudinally along the pacifier, and whereby the recess, when viewed in a longitudinal section, tapers off towards the free front end of the body. If the teat is shaped as a pacifier, it furthermore has a lip-guard or mouth-plate directly or indirectly connected with the shaft. The free front end of the pacifier is the end, which is positioned furthest from the shaft, when viewed in a longitudinal section. In other words, it is the end, which first reaches the mouth cavity, when the pacifier is inserted into the mouth. The difference in the technological standard to the invention described in DE 200 22 126 U1 is the fact, that the body therefore does not have the shape of a spoon with the in figure 2 of that publication shown strong curvature of the recess in the front area. Rather the longitudinal recess in the body of the pacifier according to this invention is formed in the shape of a shovel, i.e. with a stronger recess or a convex curvature in the rearward section, which tapers off shallowly or with an only slight curvature towards the front end. Therefore, there is no bulge in the front area of the body. The tongue of the infant or young child therefore does not experience a resistance during sucking or suckling and is not slowed. Rather the tongue is able to position itself in the direction of its physiologically normal position - up behind the upper front teeth. Due to the recess, a body with a reduced volume is achieved. Particular achievements are the reduced thickness in comparison to conventional pacifiers, both those with a hollow cavity as well as the solid version. Furthermore, the pacifier in accordance with the invention, which may be shaped as a pacifier as well as a teat for the dispensation of food and drink bottles, also consists of a body as well as a shaft, whereby the body has an lower side, which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the teat. The body of the teat in accordance with the invention is therefore at least on its lower side flat, so that in this case also the tongue does not encounter a resistance. Because the body extends essentially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pacifier, the entire length of the body is in continuous contact with the upper surface of the tongue. In accordance with the preferred application form the maximum ratio between height h of the body and its length 1 is 0.7, preferably should be a maximum of 0.6 and particularly preferred is a maximum ration of 0.5. In the context of this invention, height is defined as the sum of the distances between the highest point of the body and the lowest point of the body in relation to the longitudinal axis of the pacifier. In this context the terms "up" and "down / low" are seen in relation to the position the pacifier takes on, when inserted into the mouth of an infant or young child. The pacifier shaped in accordance with the preferred shape therefore has a relatively flat body in relation with its longitudinal dimension. Therefore there is no excessively bulbous element in the mouth of the infant. Due to the shaping of the pacifier in accordance with the invention, the young child automatically inserts the pacifier in the correct position into the mouth cavity, which is a further advantage. If the pacifier were inserted upside down, i.e. with the recess pointing upwards into the mouth cavity, the body would press downwards onto the tongue, due to the curvature of the shaft or the connector, which would feel uncomfortable to the young child, who in turn would correct the position of the pacifier accordingly. The body and the shaft of the pacifier in accordance with the invention, both in the model with a hollow cavity as well as a solid model, are preferably formed as one piece. In other words they are seamlessly manufactured from the same material. The construction of the pacifier in accordance with the invention enables the forming of the body as well as the shaft with or without a hollow cavity. During the insertion of the pacifier into the mouth cavity of the infant or young child, the tongue automatically adapts to the recess and presses the body against the palate. The body, irrespective of the construction as a solid body or hollow cavity, adapts perfectly to the palate due to the recess in the body. Because it is possible to abstain from the hollow interior if need be, it is possible to manufacture a body and shaft of the pacifier in accordance with the invention with reduced volume, particularly with a reduced thickness, than most of the currently commercial available pacifiers. In accordance with a further application forms, the body and the shaft may be manufactured as two components, i.e. from different materials and connected with each other. The construction of these parts in accordance with the invention is especially recommended, because malpositioning of the teeth and / or jaw anomalies, such as the so-called "frontal malocclusion" may be prevented or reduced. This is the case, because the pacifier acts as if the thumb inserted into the mouth : as a foreign object between the rows of teeth of the upper and lower jaws. When such foreign objects exert pressure onto the teeth over prolonged periods of time, the position of the teeth may be altered. A prolonged pressure of about 0.25 newton per cm2 onto the surface of the root is sufficient to move the front teeth. As a rule these are protrusive (moved forward), whereby the pivot point is located in the upper third of the root. In addition, especially the upper front teeth may also be intruded (moved up into the jaw). Depending on the amount of movement, the jawbone may also be deformed. This causes the already mentioned malocclusion. Due to the smaller root surface in milk teeth, less permanent pressure is necessary to alter the position of the teeth. Due to the smaller root surface in milk teeth, less permanent pressure is necessary to alter the position of the teeth. Any amount of pressure inside the mouth cavity, i.e. between the rows of teeth, should therefore be minimised or altogether prevented. Because the recess extends essentially along the entire length of the body, it is made possible, that the tongue can move along the body towards the front into its natural position without encountering resistances, such as hollows or bulges. Due to the ability of free movement for the tongue the pressure on teeth and jaws is further minimised. Preferably, the shaft has an angled shape when viewed in a longitudinal section. The angled shape may either be executed as a sharp kink or as a curvature or bend. If the item is used as a pacifier, the shaft generally represents the connection between the lip guard and the body. If used as a teat the shaft is used as a teat the shaft generally forms the connection between the body and the body of the bottle or the hollow cavity of the body, which is preposed to the body of the bottle. In this design, starting from the lip guard the shaft runs first horizontally between the lips and the rows of front teeth of the upper and lower jaws, and then rises with a kink or a bend behind the upper incisors transverse upwards towards the palate. The body is therefore higher (i.e. cranial) than the theoretical horizontal axis between the exit point of the shaft from the lip guard and the body. The tern 'higher" is here defined as the position of the body if inserted correctly into the mouth cavity of the infant or young child. In this case the side with the recess is directed towards the tongue. Due to the angled shape of the shaft, the body is guided into the arch of the palate of the upper jaw and lies against the palate. The angled and considerably thinner shaft permits the maximum closure between the upper and lower incisors, which causes less interference in comparison to a horizontal shaft. The shape of the angled shaft follows the so-called sagittal anterior tooth step. This maximises the prevention or at least the reduction of the formation of the malocclusion caused by excessive sucking on pacifiers with a conventional shaft. Furthermore, the body automatically lies against the palate. As mentioned above, it is beneficial, if the body and particularly the shaft are shaped with the smallest possible dimensions. In this context, it has been shown to be beneficial, if the body is shaped so that its frontal end is conically tapered when seen from above or below. This enables a more comfortable insertion of the body into the mouth cavity of the infant or the young child. In accordance with a preferred design, the body and the shaft have a total length of about 15mm to 32mm, especially preferred is a length of about 24mm to 28mm. Investigations have shown, that the increase in length and width of the part of the jaw relevant for sucking in infants or young children is virtually insignificant until the appearance of the milk teeth. The width increases in the later months of life by only a few millimetres, so that the mentioned range of lengths for the part of the pacifier used for sucking, i.e. the body plus shaft, are sufficient for all ages from infancy and early childhood during which a pacifier is used. The relatively short length of the body is rather similar to the mamilla of breast feeding women, which is generally between 5 mm and 15 mm long, with an average length of 11 mm. As mentioned above, the shape and size or strength of the shaft is of particular importance in the prevention of the formation of malpositions of teeth. In a cross-section, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pacifier, the shaft generally has the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners or an elliptical shape. If the pacifier is inserted into the mouth cavity, the shaft extends from the lip guard, outside the mouth, towards the inside of the mouth cavity of the body, which is in contact with the palate. The shaft therefore extends between the upper and lower rows of front teeth. When the jaws are in a closed position, the teeth exert some pressure onto the shaft. It only requires a little movement to close the mouth before the front teeth react as a permanent pressure body onto the shaft. It is therefore beneficial to minimise the width and height of the shaft of the pacifier. On the other hand, the shaft may not be shaped randomly small and thin. Strict standards must be observed in the manufacture of pacifiers, which are published by the European Committee for Standardisation in Brussels. The standards contain in particular also the requirements for the strength of such pacifiers. Therefore, the nominal values for width and thickness of the shaft have been determined on the basis of mechanical strength. If possible the shaft has a width of about 3mm to 15mm, however a width between 3mm and 13mm is preferable, particularly a width between about 7mm and 12 mm. Shafts of this width may be expected to achieve generally a sufficient mechanical stability or strength in commonly available pacifiers. The shaft should be as thin as technically possible considering technology of the materials and manufacturing technology. In any case however, all available standards for pacifiers and teats for infants and young children must be observed. The thickness of the shaft should not exceed 4mm, if at all possible. Here also the requirements for mechanical stability dictate the minimum limit. Depending on the material used, the thickness should be at least 0.5mm. Particularly preferred in practice is the range between about 1mm and 3mm for the thickness of the shaft. If the shaft has a hollow cavity, the thickness for the shaft is preferably between about 4mm to 6mm. Suitable materials for the manufacture of the body and / or shaft of the pacifier in accordance with the invention are vulcanisation products based on natural caoutchouc-latex, natural caoutchouc, or synthetic polyisoprene or blends thereof or even thermoplastic elastomers. These materials fulfill in particular the requirements imposed by the above-mentioned standard in regards to mechanical stability as well as in regards to tolerability. Of course as an alternative, silicone may also be used for the manufacture of the mentioned parts. It is furthermore possible, to manufacture the shaft from plastics, such as polypropylene. If the situation requires, a so-called high-performance plastic may also be used, to satisfy the requirements regarding the low dimensions combined with high resistance to mechanical stress. In order to impose a minimum resistance to the closing motions of the mouth, it has been proven to be beneficial, if the degree of hardness of the material for the body and the shaft is below 50 Shore A, particularly between 30 and 45 Shore A, whereby the range between 35 and 45 Shore A is the most preferred. This level of hardness may be achieved by the use of rubber or elastomers as materials for the body and the shaft. The invention is described below with several designs with references to the accompanying drawings. The figures show the following details : Figure 1 : a top view of the pacifier in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 : the view of the lower side below the pacifier shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 : a three-dimensional drawing of the pacifier shown in Figure 1; Figure 4: a second design of the teat in accordance with the invention, to be used as a teat for food bottles or drink bottles. Figure 5 : a top view of the body and shaft of a third design of a pacifier in accordance with the invention; Figure 6 : a longitudinal section through the body shown in Figure 5 with a shaft along the axis VI-VI shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 : a cross-section through the body along the axis VII-VII shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 : a longitudinal section through an adapted design of the body shown in Figure 5; and Figure 9 : a cross-section through the body shown in Figure 8 along the axis IX-IX shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pacifier in accordance with the invention consists of a body (1), a shaft (2), which is connected to the backward facing end of the body (1), and of a lip guard (3), which is directly or indirectly connected with the shaft (2). The perspective shown in Figures 1 and 2 show, that the body (1) is conically tapered starting from the backward end towards its free front end. This results in a certain streamlined shape of the body (1) in the direction of the sucking motion inside the mouth cavity. On the side of the body (1), which faces downwards during the use of the pacifier (compare the view from below in Figure 2), is a longitudinal recess (4), which extends along the entire length of the body (1). the shape of the recess (4) may best be seen in the three-dimensional view of Figure 3. To insert the pacifier correctly into the mouth cavity it must be inserted in such a way that the recess (4) faces downwards, i.e. is directed against the tongue (caudal), and therefore in the position shown in Figure 3. Figures 2 and 3 show clearly, that the body (1), has no bulge or similar structure at its free front end. Rather, the recess (4) tapers off flatly towards the front end of the pacifier, so that the recess (4) is shaped similar to a shovel. The tongue of the infant or young child is therefore able to move along the body (1) without encountering resistance. The shaft (2) is here provided with an angled form, which is shaped as a bend (2a), which causes the body (1) to be positioned above the exit point of the shaft (2) from the lip guard (3). The shaft (2) is therefore suitably pre-shaped, so that the body (1) is already positioned towards the palate without the need for any additional pressure from the tongue or the teeth. In accordance with an alternative design, however, the shaft (1) may also be straight. Figure (4) shows a longitudinal section of a further design of the teat, which is shaped as a teat for the dissipation of food or drink. The teat also is provided with a body (1), which is connected to a shaft (2). In contrast to the previously described design with reference to Figures 1 to 3, the teat does not have a lip guard. Rather the shaft (2) continues into a hollow cavity (5) in its rearward section, as is usual for teats. In this case the shaft (2) and body (1) may be shaped as a single unit. The length L shown in Figure 4 comprises the length of the body (1) as well as the shaft (2). The transition from the shaft (2) to the hollow cavity (5) is located at the point, where the lips of the child attach to the teat, when it is inserted into the mouth of the child. At the end, which is located opposite to the shaft (2), the hollow cavity (5) may be connected with a screw-ring or a pressure cap (not shown), with which the teat is attached to a container, such as a drinking bottle. Alternatively, the teat may be attached directly to the drink container. In the teat, the shaft (2) and the body (1) have a hollow interior cavity (not shown), which is continuous with the hollow cavity (5) and therefore also with the interior of the drink bottle. The body (1) of the feeding teat is also provided with a longitudinal recess (4), which tapers off towards the front end of the body (1) or as shown in the design example - tapers of with an only slight curvature. In accordance with a further design of this invention, the recess (4) may also be omitted, so that the lower surface of the body extends flat in the longitudinal direction of the teat. In this case, the ratio between height h of the body (1) and its length 1 is preferably maximal 0.6. As shown in Figure 4, the height h is made up of the height h1 of the highest point above the longitudinal axis and the height h2 of the lowest point of the body below the longitudinal axis. Figures 5 to 7 show the body (1) and shaft (2) of a third design of a pacifier, which is similar to the one described in Figures 1 to 3. This third design also has a recess (4) on the lower side of the body (1), which extends from the front end near the lip guard (not shown) towards the free end (1a) of the body (1) and tapers off, as shown particularly in Figure 6 in the longitudinal section along the line VI-VI shown in Figure 5 through the body (1). Furthermore in this third design, the lateral edges (1b) of the body (1), which limit the recess (4) in the longitudinal direction, are pulled down, as is shown particularly shown in Figure 7, which shows the cross-section through the body (1) along the line VII-VII shown in Figure 6. The edges (lb), which are pulled downwards, are shaped in such a way, that they taper towards the margin (compare Figure 7). This tapering of the marginal edges (lb) achieves, that the teat is aligned inside the mouth cavity by the tongue during insertion into the mouth. On the other hand, the tapering margins of the body (1) offer a comfortable transition between the lower surface of the teat and the palate. Because the body (1) tapers towards the free end (la), on the one hand and the comfortable transition between the margines (lb) and the palate in the inserted teat on the other hand, the tongue is able to slide along the recess (4) without noticeable resistance, without inhibiting the natural sucking or suckling motion of the tongue. As shown furthermore in the section in Figure 6, the adapted design has a shaft (2) with a straight shaft-section (2b), which extends in the longitudinal direction A of the teat. The straight section (2b) of the shaft continues into an angled support-section (2c), which extends at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis of the straight shaft-section (2b). The angle, with which the support section (2c) is extended in relation to the straight shaft-section (2b), is chosen to align the upper and lower jaw or the upper and lower front teeth in their physiologically correct position towards each other and so, that they are supported by the support-section (2c), when the teat is held in the mouth. The angled support section (2c) continues into a shaft-transition (2d), which is also angled, however at a reduced angle in comparison to the angled support-section (2c). The length and inclination angle of this transitional section 2(d) are chosen to position the body (1) evenly along the palate when the teat is held in the mouth, without the need for any additional force from the tongue of the child onto the body (1). Figures 8 and 9 show a design adaptation of the third design shown in Figures 5 to 7, whereby Figure 8 shows a longitudinal section through its design adaptation which is equivalent to the longitudinal section shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 8, the shaft (2) in this design adaptation is equivalent to the shaft (2) in the third design and is also provided with a straight shaft section (2b), an angled support-section (2c) as well as a transitional section (2d), with which the shaft (2) continues into the body (1). Compared to the transition of the shaft (2) into the body (1) in the third design however, the body (1) is thicker in this design adaptation. Due to the increased material strength, a thickening in the shape of a saddle (1c) is formed at the lower side of the body (1). This saddle (1c) continues into the recess (4) on the lower surface of the body (1), which extends towards the free end (1a) of the body (1), whereby the recess (4) is less pronounced due to the saddle (lc) and has less depth, as shown in Figure 9, which shows a cross- section through the body (I) along the line XI-XT. The saddle (lc) achieves, that the tongue of the child presses the teat against the palate with only little force, and therefore retains its optimal position inside the mouth cavity for the suck and suckling motion of the tongue. WE CLAIM : 1. A teat, comprising a body (1) as well as a shaft (2), whereby the body (1) is provided with a recess (4), which extends longitudinally along the length of the teat, wherein the recess, when viewed in a longitudinal section, ends essentially flat towards the front free end (1a) of the body (1) and wherein the body is conically tapered towards the free front end, when seen from above. 2. A teat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the maximum ratio between the maximum height of the body and its length is 0.7. 3. A teat as claimed in claim 2, wherein said maximum ratio is 0.6. 4. A teat as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein the maximum ratio is 0.5. 5. A teat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said teat is shaped as a pacifier, which is provided with a lip guard (3), which is connected directly or indirectly with the shaft. 6. A teat as claimed in claim 5, wherein the shaft, when seen in a longitudinal section, has an angled shape. 7. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (2) has a width of 3 to 15 mm. 8. A teat as claimed in claim 7, wherein the shaft (2) has a width between 3 to 13mm. 9. A teat as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the shaft (2) has a width of 7 to 12mm. 10. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (2) has a thickness of 0.5 to 6mm. 11. A teat as claimed in claim 10, wherein said shaft has a width of 0.5 to 4 mm. 12. A teat as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the shaft (2) has a thickness of 1 to 3 mm. 13. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (1) and the shaft (2) have a total length of 15 to 32 mm. 14. A teat as claimed in claim 13, wherein the body (1) and the shaft (2) have a total length of 15 to 30 mm. 15. A teat as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the body (1) and the shaft (2) have a total length of 24 to 28 mm. 16. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (1) is manufactured from a vulcanisation product based on natural caoutchouc, natural caoutchouc-latex or synthetic polyisoprene or blends thereof or from silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer. 17. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (2) is manufactured from a vulcanisation product based on natural caoutchouc, natural caoutchouc-latex or synthetic polyisoprene or blends thereof or from silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer. 18. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft is manufactured from plastic. 19. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is formed as a hollow body. 20. A teat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the teat is formed as a solid body. 21. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (1) is provided with edges (1b), which have been laterally pulled down, which laterally delineate the recess (4). 22. A teat as claimed in claim 21, whereby the edges taper off towards the end of the edge, when seen in the transverse section to the longitudinal direction of the body. 23. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a saddle-shaped rise (lc) is formed at the transition from the shaft (2) to the body (1) on the lower side of the body (1) and that this saddle is continuous with the recess (4). 24. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (2) is angled several times and has a straight shaft section (2b) and a subsequent angled support-section (2c), which is tilted at an angle towards to the longitudinal direction of the straight shaft section (2b) as well as a transitional section 2(d), which is also at an angle to the support section (2c), with which the shaft (2) is connected to the body (1). 25. A teat as claimed in claim 24, wherein the angle, with which the angled support section (2c) tilts relatively to the longitudinal direction of the straight shaft section (2b), is chosen in such a way, that the support section holds and supports the upper and lower jaw or upper and lower front teeth in a physiologically correct position relatively to each other. 26. A teat as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the angle, with which the transitional section (2d) tilts relatively to the longitudinal direction of the straight shaft section (2b), is chosen in such a way, that the body (1) lies evenly against the palate, when the teat is inserted into the mouth. 27. A teat substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and / or examples. The invention relates to a pacifier, consisting of a body (1) and a shank (2). The body of the pacifier (1) is provided with a recess extending in a longitudinal direction of the pacifier. Said pacifier is configured in such a way that the recess (4), when seen from a longitudinal point of view, tapers off in an essentially flat manner towards the free front end (1a) of the body (1) of the pacifier. Preferably, the recess (4) extends along the entire length of the pacifier (1). Preferably, the shank (2), when seen from a cross-sectional point of view, has a bent shape. The pacifier is particularly advantageous when seen from a jaw orthopedic point of view since it simultaneously pacifies and causes the infant or young child to suck in an uniform manner.

Full Text

TEAT
The invention relates to a teat, in particular a pacifier for infants and young children.
Pacifiers for infants or young children are commercially available in many different models
and sizes. Such pacifiers generally have a body, a connector or shaft as well as a lip guard or mouth
plate that is directly or indirectly connected with the shaft. Generally, the body and the shaft are
manufactured from elastomers or rubber. The body as well as the shaft usually have a hollow air-
filled cavity, which generally make these parts very bulky.
It has been shown, that the use of pacifiers of this technological standard may lead to a
malpositioning of the teeth as well as malformations in the jaw. However, if the infant / young child
is not offered a pacifier, the infant / young child will often suck on a finger or other objects, which
may generally lead to even worse malpositioning of the teeth, especially frontal or lateral
malocclusion.
DE 200 22 126 U1 describes a pacifier, which consists of a body, which may be inserted into
the mouth, and a guard, which are manufactured in one piece. The body has the shape of a spoon,
whereby the side of the body facing the mouth has a bulge.
WO 98/02132 reveals a pacifier with a body and a shaft, whereby the shaft is used to fasten
the body to the guard. The bubble-shaped body has a concave rounded recess, adapted to the shape of
the tip of the tongue of a young child and aids to accommodate of the tip of the tongue. The
disadvantage of this pacifier, lies in the fact, that the tongue is forced dorsally backwards into the
mouth cavity due to the recess in the pacifier. It is therefore forced into a position, which contradicts
the physiological position of the tongue during sucking or suckling, whereby the tongue is placed
forward and upwards. This pacifier is hardly calming, because the child is neither able to suck nor
able to suckle.
FR-A-1 436 140 reveals a teat consisting of a shaft and a body. The body, which is inserted
into the mouth, has a bulge directly following the shaft, which is continuous with the recess, which
extends over the remaining length of the body, whereby the transition of the bulge to the recess
functions as a tongue stop.
From DE 201 00 392 U1 a teat is known, which also consists of a body and a shaft. In this
known teat the hollow body is shaped approximately spherical and has a recess on the lower side for
the acceptance of the tongue.
It is an object of this invention to provide a teat, particularly a pacifier or a teat for the
dispensation of food or liquid, which is beneficial from an orthodontic aspect, whereby it
simultaneously encourages the infant / young child to even sucking as well as having a calming
effect.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a teat, consisting of a body as well as a shaft,
whereby the body is provided with a recess, which extends longitudinally along the length of the teat,
wherein the recess, when viewed in a longitudinal section, ends essentially flat towards the front free
end of the body and wherein the body is conically tapered towards the free front end, when seen from
above. The pacifier of this invention has in particular a body and a shaft or connector respectively,
whereby the body is provided with a recess in the extending longitudinally along the pacifier, and
whereby the recess, when viewed in a longitudinal section, tapers off towards the free front end of the
body.
If the teat is shaped as a pacifier, it furthermore has a lip-guard or mouth-plate directly or
indirectly connected with the shaft.
The free front end of the pacifier is the end, which is positioned furthest from the shaft, when
viewed in a longitudinal section. In other words, it is the end, which first reaches the mouth cavity,
when the pacifier is inserted into the mouth. The difference in the technological standard to the
invention described in DE 200 22 126 U1 is the fact, that the body therefore does not have the shape
of a spoon with the in figure 2 of that publication shown strong curvature of the recess in the front
area. Rather the longitudinal recess in the body of the pacifier according to this invention is formed in
the shape of a shovel, i.e. with a stronger recess or a convex curvature in the rearward section, which
tapers off shallowly or with an only slight curvature towards the front end. Therefore, there is no
bulge in the front area of the body.
The tongue of the infant or young child therefore does not experience a resistance during
sucking or suckling and is not slowed. Rather the tongue is able to position itself in the direction of
its physiologically normal position - up behind the upper front teeth.
Due to the recess, a body with a reduced volume is achieved. Particular achievements are the
reduced thickness in comparison to conventional pacifiers, both those with a hollow cavity as well as
the solid version.
Furthermore, the pacifier in accordance with the invention, which may be shaped as a pacifier
as well as a teat for the dispensation of food and drink bottles, also consists of a body as well as a
shaft, whereby the body has an lower side, which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of
the teat. The body of the teat in accordance with the invention is therefore at least on its lower side
flat, so that in this case also the tongue does not encounter a resistance. Because the body extends
essentially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pacifier, the entire length of the body is in
continuous contact with the upper surface of the tongue.
In accordance with the preferred application form the maximum ratio between height h of the
body and its length 1 is 0.7, preferably should be a maximum of 0.6 and particularly preferred is a
maximum ration of 0.5. In the context of this invention, height is defined as the sum of the distances
between the highest point of the body and the lowest point of the body in relation to the longitudinal
axis of the pacifier. In this context the terms "up" and "down / low" are seen in relation to the
position the pacifier takes on, when inserted into the mouth of an infant or young child.
The pacifier shaped in accordance with the preferred shape therefore has a relatively flat body
in relation with its longitudinal dimension. Therefore there is no excessively bulbous element in the
mouth of the infant.
Due to the shaping of the pacifier in accordance with the invention, the young child
automatically inserts the pacifier in the correct position into the mouth cavity, which is a further
advantage. If the pacifier were inserted upside down, i.e. with the recess pointing upwards into the
mouth cavity, the body would press downwards onto the tongue, due to the curvature of the shaft or
the connector, which would feel uncomfortable to the young child, who in turn would correct the
position of the pacifier accordingly.
The body and the shaft of the pacifier in accordance with the invention, both in the model
with a hollow cavity as well as a solid model, are preferably formed as one piece. In other words they
are seamlessly manufactured from the same material. The construction of the pacifier in accordance
with the invention enables the forming of the body as well as the shaft with or without a hollow
cavity.
During the insertion of the pacifier into the mouth cavity of the infant or young child, the
tongue automatically adapts to the recess and presses the body against the palate. The body,
irrespective of the construction as a solid body or hollow cavity, adapts perfectly to the palate due to
the recess in the body.
Because it is possible to abstain from the hollow interior if need be, it is possible to
manufacture a body and shaft of the pacifier in accordance with the invention with reduced volume,
particularly with a reduced thickness, than most of the currently commercial available pacifiers. In
accordance with a further application forms, the body and the shaft may be manufactured as two
components, i.e. from different materials and connected with each other.
The construction of these parts in accordance with the invention is especially recommended,
because malpositioning of the teeth and / or jaw anomalies, such as the so-called "frontal
malocclusion" may be prevented or reduced. This is the case, because the pacifier acts as if the thumb
inserted into the mouth : as a foreign object between the rows of teeth of the upper and lower jaws.
When such foreign objects exert pressure onto the teeth over prolonged periods of time, the position
of the teeth may be altered. A prolonged pressure of about 0.25 newton per cm2 onto the surface of
the root is sufficient to move the front teeth. As a rule these are protrusive (moved forward), whereby
the pivot point is located in the upper third of the root. In addition, especially the upper front teeth
may also be intruded (moved up into the jaw).
Depending on the amount of movement, the jawbone may also be deformed. This causes the
already mentioned malocclusion. Due to the smaller root surface in milk teeth, less permanent
pressure is necessary to alter the position of the teeth. Due to the smaller root surface in milk teeth,
less permanent pressure is necessary to alter the position of the teeth. Any amount of pressure inside
the mouth cavity, i.e. between the rows of teeth, should therefore be minimised or altogether
prevented.
Because the recess extends essentially along the entire length of the body, it is made possible,
that the tongue can move along the body towards the front into its natural position without
encountering resistances, such as hollows or bulges. Due to the ability of free movement for the
tongue the pressure on teeth and jaws is further minimised.
Preferably, the shaft has an angled shape when viewed in a longitudinal section. The angled
shape may either be executed as a sharp kink or as a curvature or bend. If the item is used as a
pacifier, the shaft generally represents the connection between the lip guard and the body. If used as a
teat the shaft is used as a teat the shaft generally forms the connection between the body and the body
of the bottle or the hollow cavity of the body, which is preposed to the body of the bottle.
In this design, starting from the lip guard the shaft runs first horizontally between the lips and
the rows of front teeth of the upper and lower jaws, and then rises with a kink or a bend behind the
upper incisors transverse upwards towards the palate. The body is therefore higher (i.e. cranial) than
the theoretical horizontal axis between the exit point of the shaft from the lip guard and the body. The
tern 'higher" is here defined as the position of the body if inserted correctly into the mouth cavity of
the infant or young child. In this case the side with the recess is directed towards the tongue.
Due to the angled shape of the shaft, the body is guided into the arch of the palate of the upper
jaw and lies against the palate.
The angled and considerably thinner shaft permits the maximum closure between the upper
and lower incisors, which causes less interference in comparison to a horizontal shaft.
The shape of the angled shaft follows the so-called sagittal anterior tooth step. This
maximises the prevention or at least the reduction of the formation of the malocclusion caused by
excessive sucking on pacifiers with a conventional shaft.
Furthermore, the body automatically lies against the palate.
As mentioned above, it is beneficial, if the body and particularly the shaft are shaped with the
smallest possible dimensions. In this context, it has been shown to be beneficial, if the body is shaped
so that its frontal end is conically tapered when seen from above or below. This enables a more
comfortable insertion of the body into the mouth cavity of the infant or the young child.
In accordance with a preferred design, the body and the shaft have a total length of about
15mm to 32mm, especially preferred is a length of about 24mm to 28mm. Investigations have shown,
that the increase in length and width of the part of the jaw relevant for sucking in infants or young
children is virtually insignificant until the appearance of the milk teeth. The width increases in the
later months of life by only a few millimetres, so that the mentioned range of lengths for the part of
the pacifier used for sucking, i.e. the body plus shaft, are sufficient for all ages from infancy and early
childhood during which a pacifier is used. The relatively short length of the body is rather similar to
the mamilla of breast feeding women, which is generally between 5 mm and 15 mm long, with an
average length of 11 mm.
As mentioned above, the shape and size or strength of the shaft is of particular importance in
the prevention of the formation of malpositions of teeth. In a cross-section, perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the pacifier, the shaft generally has the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners
or an elliptical shape. If the pacifier is inserted into the mouth cavity, the shaft extends from the lip
guard, outside the mouth, towards the inside of the mouth cavity of the body, which is in contact with
the palate. The shaft therefore extends between the upper and lower rows of front teeth. When the
jaws are in a closed position, the teeth exert some pressure onto the shaft. It only requires a little
movement to close the mouth before the front teeth react as a permanent pressure body onto the shaft.
It is therefore beneficial to minimise the width and height of the shaft of the pacifier.
On the other hand, the shaft may not be shaped randomly small and thin. Strict standards must
be observed in the manufacture of pacifiers, which are published by the European Committee for
Standardisation in Brussels. The standards contain in particular also the requirements for the strength
of such pacifiers. Therefore, the nominal values for width and thickness of the shaft have been
determined on the basis of mechanical strength.
If possible the shaft has a width of about 3mm to 15mm, however a width between 3mm and
13mm is preferable, particularly a width between about 7mm and 12 mm. Shafts of this width may be
expected to achieve generally a sufficient mechanical stability or strength in commonly available
pacifiers.
The shaft should be as thin as technically possible considering technology of the materials and
manufacturing technology. In any case however, all available standards for pacifiers and teats for
infants and young children must be observed. The thickness of the shaft should not exceed 4mm, if at
all possible. Here also the requirements for mechanical stability dictate the minimum limit.
Depending on the material used, the thickness should be at least 0.5mm. Particularly preferred in
practice is the range between about 1mm and 3mm for the thickness of the shaft. If the shaft has a
hollow cavity, the thickness for the shaft is preferably between about 4mm to 6mm.
Suitable materials for the manufacture of the body and / or shaft of the pacifier in accordance
with the invention are vulcanisation products based on natural caoutchouc-latex, natural caoutchouc,
or synthetic polyisoprene or blends thereof or even thermoplastic elastomers. These materials fulfill
in particular the requirements imposed by the above-mentioned standard in regards to mechanical
stability as well as in regards to tolerability. Of course as an alternative, silicone may also be used for
the manufacture of the mentioned parts.
It is furthermore possible, to manufacture the shaft from plastics, such as polypropylene. If the
situation requires, a so-called high-performance plastic may also be used, to satisfy the requirements
regarding the low dimensions combined with high resistance to mechanical stress.
In order to impose a minimum resistance to the closing motions of the mouth, it has been
proven to be beneficial, if the degree of hardness of the material for the body and the shaft is below
50 Shore A, particularly between 30 and 45 Shore A, whereby the range between 35 and 45 Shore A
is the most preferred. This level of hardness may be achieved by the use of rubber or elastomers as
materials for the body and the shaft.
The invention is described below with several designs with references to the accompanying
drawings. The figures show the following details :
Figure 1 : a top view of the pacifier in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 : the view of the lower side below the pacifier shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 : a three-dimensional drawing of the pacifier shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4: a second design of the teat in accordance with the invention, to be used as a
teat for food bottles or drink bottles.
Figure 5 : a top view of the body and shaft of a third design of a pacifier in accordance
with the invention;
Figure 6 : a longitudinal section through the body shown in Figure 5 with a shaft along
the axis VI-VI shown in Figure 5;
Figure 7 : a cross-section through the body along the axis VII-VII shown in Figure 6;
Figure 8 : a longitudinal section through an adapted design of the body shown in Figure
5; and
Figure 9 : a cross-section through the body shown in Figure 8 along the axis IX-IX shown
in Figure 8.
As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pacifier in accordance with the invention consists of a body
(1), a shaft (2), which is connected to the backward facing end of the body (1), and of a lip guard (3),
which is directly or indirectly connected with the shaft (2). The perspective shown in Figures 1 and 2
show, that the body (1) is conically tapered starting from the backward end towards its free front end.
This results in a certain streamlined shape of the body (1) in the direction of the sucking motion
inside the mouth cavity.
On the side of the body (1), which faces downwards during the use of the pacifier (compare
the view from below in Figure 2), is a longitudinal recess (4), which extends along the entire length
of the body (1). the shape of the recess (4) may best be seen in the three-dimensional view of Figure
3. To insert the pacifier correctly into the mouth cavity it must be inserted in such a way that the
recess (4) faces downwards, i.e. is directed against the tongue (caudal), and therefore in the position
shown in Figure 3.
Figures 2 and 3 show clearly, that the body (1), has no bulge or similar structure at its free
front end. Rather, the recess (4) tapers off flatly towards the front end of the pacifier, so that the
recess (4) is shaped similar to a shovel. The tongue of the infant or young child is therefore able to
move along the body (1) without encountering resistance.
The shaft (2) is here provided with an angled form, which is shaped as a bend (2a), which
causes the body (1) to be positioned above the exit point of the shaft (2) from the lip guard (3). The
shaft (2) is therefore suitably pre-shaped, so that the body (1) is already positioned towards the palate
without the need for any additional pressure from the tongue or the teeth. In accordance with an
alternative design, however, the shaft (1) may also be straight.
Figure (4) shows a longitudinal section of a further design of the teat, which is shaped as a
teat for the dissipation of food or drink. The teat also is provided with a body (1), which is connected
to a shaft (2). In contrast to the previously described design with reference to Figures 1 to 3, the teat
does not have a lip guard. Rather the shaft (2) continues into a hollow cavity (5) in its rearward
section, as is usual for teats. In this case the shaft (2) and body (1) may be shaped as a single unit.
The length L shown in Figure 4 comprises the length of the body (1) as well as the shaft (2).
The transition from the shaft (2) to the hollow cavity (5) is located at the point, where the lips of the
child attach to the teat, when it is inserted into the mouth of the child. At the end, which is located
opposite to the shaft (2), the hollow cavity (5) may be connected with a screw-ring or a pressure cap
(not shown), with which the teat is attached to a container, such as a drinking bottle. Alternatively,
the teat may be attached directly to the drink container.
In the teat, the shaft (2) and the body (1) have a hollow interior cavity (not shown), which is
continuous with the hollow cavity (5) and therefore also with the interior of the drink bottle.
The body (1) of the feeding teat is also provided with a longitudinal recess (4), which tapers
off towards the front end of the body (1) or as shown in the design example - tapers of with an only
slight curvature.
In accordance with a further design of this invention, the recess (4) may also be omitted, so
that the lower surface of the body extends flat in the longitudinal direction of the teat. In this case, the
ratio between height h of the body (1) and its length 1 is preferably maximal 0.6. As shown in Figure
4, the height h is made up of the height h1 of the highest point above the longitudinal axis and the
height h2 of the lowest point of the body below the longitudinal axis.
Figures 5 to 7 show the body (1) and shaft (2) of a third design of a pacifier, which is similar
to the one described in Figures 1 to 3. This third design also has a recess (4) on the lower side of the
body (1), which extends from the front end near the lip guard (not shown) towards the free end (1a)
of the body (1) and tapers off, as shown particularly in Figure 6 in the longitudinal section along the
line VI-VI shown in Figure 5 through the body (1).
Furthermore in this third design, the lateral edges (1b) of the body (1), which limit the recess
(4) in the longitudinal direction, are pulled down, as is shown particularly shown in Figure 7, which
shows the cross-section through the body (1) along the line VII-VII shown in Figure 6. The edges
(lb), which are pulled downwards, are shaped in such a way, that they taper towards the margin
(compare Figure 7). This tapering of the marginal edges (lb) achieves, that the teat is aligned inside
the mouth cavity by the tongue during insertion into the mouth. On the other hand, the tapering
margins of the body (1) offer a comfortable transition between the lower surface of the teat and the
palate.
Because the body (1) tapers towards the free end (la), on the one hand and the comfortable
transition between the margines (lb) and the palate in the inserted teat on the other hand, the tongue
is able to slide along the recess (4) without noticeable resistance, without inhibiting the natural
sucking or suckling motion of the tongue.
As shown furthermore in the section in Figure 6, the adapted design has a shaft (2) with a
straight shaft-section (2b), which extends in the longitudinal direction A of the teat. The straight
section (2b) of the shaft continues into an angled support-section (2c), which extends at a
predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis of the straight shaft-section (2b). The angle, with which
the support section (2c) is extended in relation to the straight shaft-section (2b), is chosen to align the
upper and lower jaw or the upper and lower front teeth in their physiologically correct position
towards each other and so, that they are supported by the support-section (2c), when the teat is held
in the mouth.
The angled support section (2c) continues into a shaft-transition (2d), which is also angled,
however at a reduced angle in comparison to the angled support-section (2c). The length and
inclination angle of this transitional section 2(d) are chosen to position the body (1) evenly along the
palate when the teat is held in the mouth, without the need for any additional force from the tongue of
the child onto the body (1).
Figures 8 and 9 show a design adaptation of the third design shown in Figures 5 to 7, whereby
Figure 8 shows a longitudinal section through its design adaptation which is equivalent to the
longitudinal section shown in Figure 6.
As shown in Figure 8, the shaft (2) in this design adaptation is equivalent to the shaft (2) in
the third design and is also provided with a straight shaft section (2b), an angled support-section (2c)
as well as a transitional section (2d), with which the shaft (2) continues into the body (1). Compared
to the transition of the shaft (2) into the body (1) in the third design however, the body (1) is thicker
in this design adaptation.
Due to the increased material strength, a thickening in the shape of a saddle (1c) is formed at
the lower side of the body (1). This saddle (1c) continues into the recess (4) on the lower surface of
the body (1), which extends towards the free end (1a) of the body (1), whereby the recess (4) is less
pronounced due to the saddle (lc) and has less depth, as shown in Figure 9, which shows a cross-
section through the body (I) along the line XI-XT.
The saddle (lc) achieves, that the tongue of the child presses the teat against the palate with
only little force, and therefore retains its optimal position inside the mouth cavity for the suck and
suckling motion of the tongue.
WE CLAIM :
1. A teat, comprising a body (1) as well as a shaft (2), whereby the body (1) is provided with a
recess (4), which extends longitudinally along the length of the teat, wherein the recess, when viewed
in a longitudinal section, ends essentially flat towards the front free end (1a) of the body (1) and
wherein the body is conically tapered towards the free front end, when seen from above.
2. A teat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the maximum ratio between the maximum height of the
body and its length is 0.7.
3. A teat as claimed in claim 2, wherein said maximum ratio is 0.6.
4. A teat as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein the maximum ratio is 0.5.
5. A teat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said teat is shaped as a pacifier, which
is provided with a lip guard (3), which is connected directly or indirectly with the shaft.
6. A teat as claimed in claim 5, wherein the shaft, when seen in a longitudinal section, has an
angled shape.
7. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (2) has a width of 3 to
15 mm.
8. A teat as claimed in claim 7, wherein the shaft (2) has a width between 3 to 13mm.
9. A teat as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the shaft (2) has a width of 7 to 12mm.
10. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (2) has a thickness of
0.5 to 6mm.
11. A teat as claimed in claim 10, wherein said shaft has a width of 0.5 to 4 mm.
12. A teat as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the shaft (2) has a thickness of 1 to 3 mm.
13. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (1) and the shaft (2)
have a total length of 15 to 32 mm.
14. A teat as claimed in claim 13, wherein the body (1) and the shaft (2) have a total length of 15
to 30 mm.
15. A teat as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the body (1) and the shaft (2) have a total length
of 24 to 28 mm.
16. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (1) is manufactured
from a vulcanisation product based on natural caoutchouc, natural caoutchouc-latex or synthetic
polyisoprene or blends thereof or from silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer.
17. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (2) is manufactured
from a vulcanisation product based on natural caoutchouc, natural caoutchouc-latex or synthetic
polyisoprene or blends thereof or from silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer.
18. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft is manufactured from
plastic.
19. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is formed as a hollow
body.
20. A teat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the teat is formed as a solid body.
21. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (1) is provided with
edges (1b), which have been laterally pulled down, which laterally delineate the recess (4).
22. A teat as claimed in claim 21, whereby the edges taper off towards the end of the edge, when
seen in the transverse section to the longitudinal direction of the body.
23. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a saddle-shaped rise (lc) is
formed at the transition from the shaft (2) to the body (1) on the lower side of the body (1) and that
this saddle is continuous with the recess (4).
24. A teat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (2) is angled several
times and has a straight shaft section (2b) and a subsequent angled support-section (2c), which is
tilted at an angle towards to the longitudinal direction of the straight shaft section (2b) as well as a
transitional section 2(d), which is also at an angle to the support section (2c), with which the shaft (2)
is connected to the body (1).
25. A teat as claimed in claim 24, wherein the angle, with which the angled support section (2c)
tilts relatively to the longitudinal direction of the straight shaft section (2b), is chosen in such a way,
that the support section holds and supports the upper and lower jaw or upper and lower front teeth in
a physiologically correct position relatively to each other.
26. A teat as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the angle, with which the transitional section
(2d) tilts relatively to the longitudinal direction of the straight shaft section (2b), is chosen in such a
way, that the body (1) lies evenly against the palate, when the teat is inserted into the mouth.
27. A teat substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the
invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and / or examples.
The invention relates to a pacifier, consisting of a body (1) and a shank (2). The body of the
pacifier (1) is provided with a recess extending in a longitudinal direction of the pacifier. Said
pacifier is configured in such a way that the recess (4), when seen from a longitudinal point of view,
tapers off in an essentially flat manner towards the free front end (1a) of the body (1) of the pacifier.
Preferably, the recess (4) extends along the entire length of the pacifier (1). Preferably, the shank (2),
when seen from a cross-sectional point of view, has a bent shape. The pacifier is particularly
advantageous when seen from a jaw orthopedic point of view since it simultaneously pacifies and
causes the infant or young child to suck in an uniform manner.

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Patent Number

223029

Indian Patent Application Number

01411/KOLNP/2004

PG Journal Number

36/2008

Publication Date

05-Sep-2008

Grant Date

03-Sep-2008

Date of Filing

23-Sep-2004

Name of Patentee

NOVATEX GMBH

Applicant Address

JOHANN-EGE-STROFF-STRASSE 8A, 30982 PATTENSE

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	STRUCKMEIER HANS	IM MUHLENFELDE 24, 30982 PATTENSEN
2	STRUCKMEIER ARMIN	AM MORITZBERG 19, 30982 PATTENSEN
3	HINZ ROLF	KORNERSTR. 6, 44623 HERNE
4	BROCKHAUS ROLF	TOPPSTRASSE 1, 44229 DORTMUND

PCT International Classification Number

A61J 17/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP03/03061

PCT International Filing date

2003-03-24

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	102 27 787.7	2002-06-21	Germany
2	102 12 847.2	2002-03-22	Germany