FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a teething device for an infant, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a teething device configured to provide an infant with an enhanced experience during the relief of teething related symptoms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infants experiencing teething may suffer from symptoms such as painful and irritable gums. Teething devices configured to help relieve such symptoms are known in the art. Such teething devices are usually intended to be bitten, chewed upon and explored by mouth, and are produced in a variety of shapes, sizes and manifestations known to be appealing to an infant.

However, known teething devices do not actively encourage the engagement of an infant from a distance, for example, from the opposite side of a room to the location of said infant. As such, known teething devices are less likely to be utilised effectively unless they are in the immediate vicinity of the infant, or are given directly to them by an adult.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate / alleviate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first aspect of the invention provides a teething device for an infant, the teething device comprising a body defining a handle, wherein the body has a footing and wherein the footing is configured to allow the teething device to stand unsupported with the body in an upright position. The teething device may stand unsupported in an upright position, thus ensuring that the device is more visible to an infant. Advantageously as a result, the location of the teething device can be ascertained by said infant more easily, leading to more rapid relief of teething related symptoms. In addition, the device is more visually engaging and may assist in said infant's visual and cognitive development. Further, the handle defined by the body of the teething device provides for the teething device being grasped and picked up easily, and held securely.

In exemplary embodiments, the body is ring-shaped, wherein the ring defined by the body defines an aperture. The body of the teething device defining a ring advantageously provides for the device being easily and securely grasped by an infant. In addition, the continuous ring of the teething device provides for the secure attachment of the device to, for example; a pram, pushchair, crib or toy. Advantageously, the aperture defined by the ring allows for the insertion of an infant's fingers, thus allowing the teething device to be securely grasped. In preferred embodiments, the ring has a maximum external diameter of 88 mm. In preferred embodiments, the ring has a maximum internal diameter of 68 mm. Such dimensions provide a teething device that advantageously demonstrates a maximum level of stability when standing in an upright position that can also be easily picked up and utilised by an infant.

In exemplary embodiments, the ring defines a plurality of handles. The body of the teething device defining a ring, means that the teething device defines more than one handle and, as such, can be grasped at many points around its circumference. Advantageously, therefore, the teething device does not require grasping in a specific way, and as such, is much easier for an infant to engage with.

In exemplary embodiments, the ring defines a plurality of handles, one on either side of the aperture, extending up from and outwardly of the footing.

In exemplary embodiments, the body has a front face and a rear face; further wherein the body has a rearward-leaning configuration when stood via the footing, such that the front face of the body has an upwardly-facing aspect. In exemplary embodiments, the handle defined by the body is configured to be flexible. Advantageously, this allows the handle to deform easily under the biting action of an infant. In exemplary embodiments, the footing is configured to be less flexible than the handle. Advantageously, a footing that is less easily deformed provides the teething device with a high level of stability. At the same time, the remainder of the body of the teething device may be afforded a higher level of flexibility than the footing, and as such, demonstrate mechanical properties ideal for the relief of teething related symptoms.

In exemplary embodiments, the footing comprises a less flexible material than the handle. In exemplary embodiments, the footing comprises a material having a lower shore hardness than the remainder of the body. Producing the footing and the remainder of the body from two different materials having differing levels of flexibility, advantageously allows their mechanical properties to be accurately tailored separately.

In exemplary embodiments, the footing comprises a plurality of feet, wherein each foot has a lower surface. The provision of a plurality of feet allows the footing to confer stability to the teething device, when the device is standing in an upright position. In preferred embodiments, a spacing is defined between each foot. The spacing between said feet means that less material is used during manufacture of the teething device. Advantageously, this provides for a lighter teething device that can be picked up and carried around more easily. As a result, an infant may be more inclined to engage with the teething device. Further, the costs associated with manufacturing, transporting and storing the teething ring can be advantageously reduced.

In exemplary embodiments, the lower surface of each foot is planar. Further, the lower surfaces of said feet are coplanar. As a result, the footing has a larger surface area in contact with a surface such as a floor, table top or work top, when the teething device is standing in an upright position. This advantageously improves the stability of the teething device. In exemplary embodiments, the footing defines a substantially rectangular area, wherein the feet are arranged to project from opposing ends of said rectangle. Such an arrangement allows the feet to be spaced as widely apart from one another as possible. When the teething device is in a standing position, this ensures that the weight of the teething device is as evenly distributed as possible around the footing, and as such, a maximum level of stability is conferred to the teething device. Advantageously, the teething device is therefore less likely to be inadvertently knocked over. In exemplary embodiments, each foot is configured to project a maximum distance of 30 mm from the footing. This provides an optimally sized feature with which an infant may engage for the relief of teething related symptoms that advantageously, will not reach the back of said infant's throat and thus elicit a gag reflex. Further, this also ensures that the teething device meets the requirements of European toy safety directive 2009/48/ec.

In preferred embodiments, the teething device has a maximum height of 120 mm when standing in an upright position. A teething device is therefore provided that advantageously demonstrates a maximum level of stability when standing in an upright position that can also be easily picked up and utilised by an infant.

In exemplary embodiments, the body is substantially curved. In exemplary embodiments, the body comprises an arcuate rear surface. This configuration confers a superior level of stability to the teething device when in a standing position. Advantageously, this ensures that the teething device demonstrates an increased resistance to being inadvertently knocked over from a position in which the device is standing upright.

In exemplary embodiments, the cross sectional area of the ring varies around its circumference, and increases towards a position substantially opposite the footing. Such a configuration further enhances the stability of the teething device, meaning advantageously, the teething device is therefore less likely to be inadvertently knocked over. In exemplary embodiments, the body comprises a grooved section, wherein said grooved section comprises a plurality of parallel grooves and further wherein said grooved section projects from the body towards the centre of the ring. The provision of said grooved section provides an infant with additional sensory stimulation whilst utilising the device for the relief of teething related symptoms. Advantageously, this may assist in said infant's visual and cognitive development.

In exemplary embodiments, the grooved section comprises a portion of the body located immediately adjacent the footing. Advantageously, the arrangement of the grooved section with respect to the handle defined by the body, allows for an infant to easily engage with the grooved section whilst securely grasping the teething device.

In preferred embodiments, said grooves are a maximum of 0.75 mm in depth. Such a configuration advantageously allows for the provision of said grooved section, without compromising the mechanical integrity of the teething device.

In exemplary embodiments, the ring has an inner surface, wherein said inner surface comprises an undulating section located substantially opposite the footing. The undulating section provides the handle defined by the body of the teething device with a profile that ergonomically complements that of an infant's grasping hand. Advantageously, the teething device can be more securely and more comfortably held and as such, is more likely to be effectively utilised. In exemplary embodiments, the undulating section comprises the ring having alternating regions of increasing and decreasing cross sectional area. Further, said regions of increasing cross sectional area project from the body towards the centre of the ring. Advantageously, this allows for the straightforward provision of the undulating section without the requirement for any further modification of the body of the teething device. In exemplary embodiments, the rear surface of the body further comprises a plurality of rounded protrusions. Advantageously, the provision of rounded protrusions provides an infant with the most effective relief from teething related symptoms. In exemplary embodiments, the rounded protrusions are located substantially opposite the footing. Advantageously, such positioning allows an infant to engage orally with the protrusions whilst grasping an alternative portion of the handle. At the same time, the footing remains unobstructed should the infant desire to reinstate the teething device into an upright position upon a surface.

In exemplary embodiments, the rounded protrusions project radially outward from the rear surface of the body a maximum distance of 1.5 mm. In preferred embodiments, the rounded protrusions project radially outward from the rear surface of the body a minimum distance of 0.5 mm. Advantageously, such dimensions provide an optimum level of relief for an infant from the symptoms of teething.

In exemplary embodiments, the body further comprises an outer surface having a series of substantially parallel notches. Further, said notches extend between the rear surface and a front surface of the body. Advantageously, the provision of such notches provides an infant with the most effective relief from teething related symptoms.

In exemplary embodiments, the notches are regularly spaced and extend away from the footing around the outer surface of the body. Advantageously, this allows an infant to orally engage with said notches whilst securely grasping the teething device by the ergonomically profiled undulating section. In preferred embodiments, the notches have a maximum width of 5 mm. In preferred embodiments, the notches have a maximum depth of 1.25 mm.

In exemplary embodiments, the outer surface further comprises a first projection and a second projection, wherein said projections are mirror images of one another and are located towards the top of the body when the teething device is standing in an upright position. Advantageously, said projections provide a further optimally sized feature with which an infant may engage for the relief of teething related symptoms. Further, said projections provide an infant with additional sensory stimulation, which may advantageously assist in said infant's visual and cognitive development.

In exemplary embodiments, the first projection and the second projection define ears, and the body defines a face. The teething device may therefore be configured to demonstrate the face of an animal, person or character. As such, the teething device may be more visually appealing to an infant, and advantageously as a result, said infant may be more likely to engage with the teething device. In exemplary embodiments, the body and the footing comprise a single integrally formed unit. Advantageously, this configuration simplifies the manufacturing process, allowing the body to be formed in a single manufacturing process. In addition, the body comprising a single integral unit reduces the risk that a part or feature may become detached and present a choking risk to an infant.

In exemplary embodiments, the body is manufactured from a silicon material. The use of a silicon material may impart the teething device with a desirable combination of mechanical and toxicological properties. For example, a teething device comprising such a material may be advantageously resilient and tough, whilst being non-toxic to an infant if inadvertently ingested. In addition, such materials can be advantageously obtained and manufactured economically.

In exemplary embodiments, the body is manufactured from a natural rubber material. In exemplary embodiments, the natural rubber material is a Hevea material. The use of a natural rubber material such as Hevea may impart the teething device with a desirable combination of mechanical and toxicological properties. For example, a teething device comprising such a material may be advantageously resilient and tough, whilst being non-toxic to an infant if inadvertently ingested. In addition, such materials can be advantageously obtained and manufactured economically. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a teething device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a rear view of the teething device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the teething device of Figure 1; and. Figure 4 is a side view of the teething device of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a teething device for an infant is indicated generally at 10. The teething device 10 takes the form of a ring-shaped body 12 having a footing 16 configured to allow the teething device 10 to stand unsupported in a generally upright manner/orientation on a surface such as a floor, table or work surface.

When the teething device 10 is positioned to stand in such a way, the ring-shaped body 12 projects upwardly away from said surface. Advantageously, this means that the teething device 10 is more visible than if the teething device were simply lying flat. The teething device 10 is therefore not only more easily located by an infant (thereby potentially providing for the more rapid relief of an infant's teething related symptoms), but is also more visually engaging, which may also prolong the life of the teething device 10 past that of the teething period. For example, if the device can be more easily seen and picked up by and infant or a child, it is more likely to be relied upon for entertainment for a longer period of time. This may consequently provide a consumer with better value for money. Moreover, the 'standing upright' configuration of teething device 10 may assist in said infant's visual and cognitive development.

The ring defined by the body 12 defines an aperture 24. The ring defined by the body 12 also defines a plurality of handle portions 14, which extend up from - and generally outwardly of - the footing 16. This allows the teething device 10 to be easily and securely grasped by an infant or child, and securely held whilst the teething device 10 is being played with, or utilised by an infant for the relief of teething related symptoms etc. As can be seen clearly, the ring defined by the body 12 defines two opposing handle portions 14, which are of generally arcuate form, each curving upwardly away from the footing 16, in symmetrical manner.

As can be seen clearly, the ring-shaped body 12 defines a continuous loop, which advantageously allows for the teething device 10 to be readily hooked onto another object such as a projection on a pram, pushchair, crib or toy.

In exemplary embodiments, the ring defined by the body 12 has an overall configuration dimensioned so as to allow the body to be grasped by an infant's hand at any point around the circumference of said ring. Advantageously, this means that the teething device 10 does not need to be grasped in any one specific way, and as such, is easy for an infant to engage with.

In particularly advantageous embodiments, the ring defined by the body 12 is more flexible than the footing 16. Advantageously, a more-rigid footing 16 provides a more stable support for the teething device 10. Also, having a less rigid remainder of the ring defined by the body 12 results in differing tactility between these different parts of the device 10. Advantageously, this may assist in an infant's cognitive development, and the development of said infant's fine motor skills. In exemplary embodiments, this is achieved by virtue of the cross sectional area of the ring being smaller than the cross sectional area of the footing 16. As can be seen clearly from Figure 3, the footing 16 defines a substantially rectangular area, i.e. longer than it is wide (in the region of 2-3 times longer than wide, in the illustrated embodiment). The rectangular footing 16 defines a longitudinal axis extending from left to right (or vice versa) as viewed in Figures 1 to 3, which is orthogonal to a through axis of the aperture 24. A foot 18 projects from each end of said rectangular footing 16. Such an arrangement allows the feet 18 to be spaced as widely apart from one another as possible.

The centre of the footing 16 is generally aligned with the centre of the ring defined by the body 12, with the opposing handle portions 16 of the ring defined by the body 12 extending up and away from the footing 16 in a generally symmetrical manner. When the teething device 10 is in a standing position, this ensures that the weight of the teething device 10 is as evenly distributed as possible around the footing 16, and as such, confers a maximum level of stability to the teething device 10. In addition, the spacing provided between the feet 18 can be maximised, requiring less material to be used for the feet during manufacture of the teething device 10. Advantageously, this provides for a lighter teething device 10 that is easier for an infant to pick up and carry around. This may mean an infant is more inclined to engage with the teething device 10, and may also assist in the development of fine motor skills. Further, the costs associated with manufacturing, transporting and storing the teething ring 10 can be reduced. In alternative embodiments, the footing may define an area of differing shape. As such, the number and position of the feet may vary.

In the illustrated embodiment, each foot 18 has a planar lower surface 20. The lower surface 20 of one foot is co-planar with the lower surface of each of the other feet 18. This allows the teething device 10 to be placed on a planar surface such as a floor, table top or work top such that the contact area between the footing 16 and said surface is maximised. As such, the maximum level of stability is conferred to the teething device 10 when the teething device 10 is standing upright.

In the illustrated embodiment, each foot 18 is configured to project a maximum distance of 30 mm from the footing 16 (e.g. in the range 10 mm to 30 mm). Such dimensions have been optimised to ensure each foot 18 may provide a feature with which an infant may engage for the relief of teething related symptoms. Below 30 mm, each foot will fit into an infant's mouth, whilst at the same time, will not reach the back of said infant's throat and thus elicit a gag reflex. Further, this also ensures that the teething device 10 meets the requirements of European toy safety directive 2009/48/ec.

In the illustrated embodiment, the teething device 10 has a maximum height of 120 mm when standing in an upright position. Further, in preferred embodiments, the ring defined by the body has a maximum external diameter of 88 mm. In yet further preferred embodiments, the ring defined by the body 12 has a maximum internal diameter of 68 mm. These dimensions provide a teething device 10 demonstrating a maximum level of stability when standing in an upright position, which can also be easily picked up and utilised by an infant.

Referring to Figure 4, the body 12 defines a front face (on the left as viewed in Figure 4) and a rear face (on the right as viewed in Figure 4). It can be seen that the body 12 appears to lean rearwardly (to the right, as viewed in Figure 4) when stood using the footing 16, since a major plane of the front face extends in a direction generally away from vertical, in the direction of the rear face. As such, the front face of the body 12 provides a generally upward-facing aspect (as opposed to an aspect facing in a direction which is generally parallel with the underside of the footing 16/feet 18, or parallel with a planar surface on which the device 10 is standing, in use. This has particular advantage for exemplary embodiments, in which the front face may be decorated or coloured to indicate a character, animation, motif or other aesthetic feature, whereby the rearward-leaning configuration of the device 10 presents the front face in a more visually appealing manner, e.g. for an infant sat in a feeding chair having a table or other surface on which the device 10 is stood.

In conjunction with the rearward-leaning nature of the body 12, the body 12 has an arcuate rear surface 22 (clearly visible as a defining a concavity at the rear face of the body 12, when viewed from the side, as shown in Figure 4). The curve defined by the arcuate rear surface 22 extends from the footing 16 along the handle portions 14 defined by the body 12. Providing such a configuration of body 12 has been found to confer a superior stability when the teething device 10 is in a standing position.

Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, the ring defined by the body 12 of the teething device 10 has an inner surface 26, which defines the aperture 24. Said inner surface 26 includes a grooved section 28, to provide an infant with additional touch and visual sensory stimulation, whilst utilising the device 10 for the relief of teething related symptoms. In the illustrated embodiment, the grooved section 28 is located proximate the footing 16, and defines a substantially curved portion of the inner surface 26, projecting in convex manner outwardly into the aperture 24. Referring briefly to Figure 4, the grooved section 28 also projects in a substantially vertical direction (i.e. the grooved section 28 does not lean rearwardly, in the way the handle portions 14 do), which further enhances the stability of the teething device 10, meaning the device is advantageously less likely to fall over when the teething device 10 is standing upright on a horizontal surface, in use.

The grooved section 28 has a plurality of parallel grooves 30. In the illustrated embodiment, said grooves 30 are substantially vertical when the teething device 10 is standing upright. The depth of the grooves is in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm (e.g. preferably 0.75 mm). This configuration advantageously allows for the provision of said grooved section without compromising the mechanical integrity of the teething device 10.

The inner surface 26 of the ring defined by the body 12 also has an undulating section 32, located opposite the footing 16. The undulation is defined by alternating regions of increasing and decreasing cross sectional area of the ring at a location diametrically opposite the footing 16, which interconnects connects the two opposing arcuate handle portions 14 as part of the continuous loop defined by the body 12. The undulating section 32 is ergonomically profiled, such that it advantageously complements an infant's fingers, and as such, is easier and more comfortable to hold.

As can be seen clearly from Figures 1 and 2, the body 12 has a plurality of rounded protrusions 34. Referring firstly to Figure 1, said protrusions 34 are located on a front surface 36 of the body 12, proximate the grooved section 28. Said rounded protrusions 34 are integrally formed extensions of the body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the rounded protrusions 34 on the front surface 36 of the body 12 project outward a maximum distance of 1 mm. The rounded protrusions 34 provide an infant with additional sensory stimulation, particularly when explored by touch, which may advantageously assist in said infant's cognitive development. Referring now to Figure 2, such protrusions 34 are located on the rear surface 22 of the body 12, at a position on the ring substantially opposite the footing 16. Again, said rounded protrusions 34 are integrally formed extensions of the body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the rounded protrusions 34 on the rear surface 22 of the body 12 project outward a maximum distance in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm (e.g. preferably 1.5 mm). Advantageously, such features may bestow a massaging effect upon an infant's gums when bitten and chewed upon, and thus provide an optimum level of relief from the symptoms of teething. It can be said that the body 12 of the teething device 10 defines an outer surface 38, extending between a front surface 36 and a rear surface 22 of the body 12. The outer surface 38 defines an outer circumference of the ring defined by the body 12.

The outer surface 38 includes a series of notches 40, provided on the handle portions 14 of the ring defined by the body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the notches 40 are substantially parallel, and extend the full thickness of the body 12, between the front surface 36 and the rear surface 22. The notches 40 are spatially arranged relative to one another, and are dimensioned so as to provide optimum relief for an infant from the symptoms of teething, if the handle portions 14 are bitten by an infant. In the illustrated embodiment, the notches 40 have a maximum width of 5 mm, and a maximum depth of 1.25 mm.

Extending from the body at a location above the notches 40, the body 12 includes first and second identical projections 42, provided in symmetrical form and location above the ends of the opposing arcuate handle portions 14 of the ring defined by the body 10. Each projection 42 is integrally formed with the body 12, and extends a maximum distance of 30 mm from the outer surface 38 (e.g. in the range 10 mm to 30 mm). Such dimensions have been optimised to ensure each projection 42 may provide a feature with which an infant may engage for the relief of teething related symptoms. Below 30 mm, each projection 42 will fit into an infant's mouth, whilst at the same time, will not reach the back of said infant's throat and thus elicit a gag reflex. Further, this also ensures that the teething device 10 meets the requirements of European toy safety directive 2009/48/ec.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 42 define ears, and the body 12 defines a face (on the front face of the device 10), which is accentuated by the section 32 interconnecting the handle portions 14. As the ring defined by the body 12 has a upper section 32 interconnecting the handle portions 14 (at a position substantially opposite the footing 16), which has a larger cross sectional area than the handle portions 14, the upper part of the ring (diametrically opposite the footing 16), can be used to define a forehead or upper part of the face, including a pair of eyes attached, formed or otherwise marked on said section 32 (e.g. as indicated by the two circles arranged directly above the grooved section 28 in Figure 1), with the rounded protrusions 34 located on the front surface 34 of the body 12, proximate the grooved section 28, defining freckles or whisker follicles. The teething device 10 may define the face of an animal or a human, e.g. of a television, film or storybook character. An infant may relate more easily to a teething device 10 defining a recognisable face, and as such, may be more likely to engage with the teething device 10. In turn, the teething device 10 may be or may become more familiar and thus comforting to the infant, particularly during the distressing teething period. The visually-appealing nature of the face is accentuated by the upward-looking aspect of the front face.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body 12 and the footing 16 are produced as a single integrally formed unit. The mechanical integrity of the teething device 10 can be maximised by forming the body 12 and footing 16 as a single component. This minimises the risk that the device 10 will break apart into smaller component pieces during use, and as such, present a choking risk to an infant or child. In addition, the teething device 10 being integrally formed means that a simplified manufacturing process is required to produce it. This can advantageously result in associated costs being reduced.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body 12 of the teething device 10 is produced from a silicon based material, or a natural rubber material such as Hevea. Such materials offer a combination of mechanical properties desirable in a teething device 10. For example, the resilience to allow the ring-shaped body 12 of the teething device 10 to recover its shape following deformation, brought about through play or use by an infant in the relief of teething related symptoms, and also the toughness required to resist permanent breakage. At the same time such materials are non-toxic, and meet the requirements of European toy safety directive 2009/48/ec. In the illustrated embodiment, the teething device 10 is manufactured from a single type of material, and is integrally formed by a process such as compression moulding. In alternative embodiments, the teething device 10 may be manufactured from more than one type of material. This may be achieved via a manufacturing process such as 3D printing. The footing 16 may therefore be produced from a less flexible material, or a material having a lower shore hardness, than the remainder of the body 12.