CA1190112A - Temperature-responsive pacifier assembly and process for manufacturing same - Google Patents
Temperature-responsive pacifier assembly and process for manufacturing sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA1190112A CA1190112A CA000418520A CA418520A CA1190112A CA 1190112 A CA1190112 A CA 1190112A CA 000418520 A CA000418520 A CA 000418520A CA 418520 A CA418520 A CA 418520A CA 1190112 A CA1190112 A CA 1190112A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pacifier
- temperature
- responsive
- heat
- pacifier assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01K11/00—Measuring temperature based upon physical or chemical changes not covered by groups G01K3/00, G01K5/00, G01K7/00 or G01K9/00
- G01K11/12—Measuring temperature based upon physical or chemical changes not covered by groups G01K3/00, G01K5/00, G01K7/00 or G01K9/00 using changes in colour, translucency or reflectance
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01K11/00—Measuring temperature based upon physical or chemical changes not covered by groups G01K3/00, G01K5/00, G01K7/00 or G01K9/00
- G01K11/12—Measuring temperature based upon physical or chemical changes not covered by groups G01K3/00, G01K5/00, G01K7/00 or G01K9/00 using changes in colour, translucency or reflectance
- G01K11/16—Measuring temperature based upon physical or chemical changes not covered by groups G01K3/00, G01K5/00, G01K7/00 or G01K9/00 using changes in colour, translucency or reflectance of organic materials
- G01K11/165—Measuring temperature based upon physical or chemical changes not covered by groups G01K3/00, G01K5/00, G01K7/00 or G01K9/00 using changes in colour, translucency or reflectance of organic materials of organic liquid crystals
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J17/00—Baby-comforters; Teething rings
- A61J17/10—Details; Accessories therefor
- A61J17/103—Temperature sensing means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01K13/00—Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes
- G01K13/20—Clinical contact thermometers for use with humans or animals
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J17/00—Baby-comforters; Teething rings
- A61J17/001—Baby-comforters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J2205/00—General identification or selection means
- A61J2205/20—Colour codes
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
There is disclosed a novel temperature responsive pacifier assembly comprised of a liquid crystal material responsive to a temperature above about 100°F. whereby the liquid crystal material changes color to visuably indicate an abnormal temperature condition of an individual utilizing the pacifier assembly, as well as a process for manufacture same.
There is disclosed a novel temperature responsive pacifier assembly comprised of a liquid crystal material responsive to a temperature above about 100°F. whereby the liquid crystal material changes color to visuably indicate an abnormal temperature condition of an individual utilizing the pacifier assembly, as well as a process for manufacture same.
Description
7l~48-1 TEMPERATUR~-RESPONSIV~ PACIFIER ASSEMB~Y
AND PROCESS FOR MANU~ACTURIr1~ SAME
FI~LD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a pacifier, and more particularly to a temperature-responsive pac;fier.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENl'ION
~ ral and rectal thermometers having a temperature range of from about 92 to 106 F. have been in use for many years for sensing the temperature of the human body. The use of oral thermometers with infants is particularly troublesome due to the difficulty of keeping such a thermometer in the baby's mouth under conditions and for a time sufficient to permit the ins0rted portion of the thermometer to reach ambient conditions therein and thereby produce a reasonably accurate reading of the actual temperature of the subJect being temperature sensed. Con-sequently, for newborns, rectal thermometers are generally used which are believed to cause discomfort, and again are somewhat difficult to use, although not as difficult as the use of oral thermometers. Another form of temperature sensing devices is illustrated in United States Patent No.
4,296,631 to Fergason.
As infants age with concomitant cutting of teeth, the use of an oral ~hermometer becomes hazardous due to the posibility of breakage as well as greater awareness by the subjects to the foreign object. Generally, the use of a thermometer is to generate data as to the existence of abnormal temperature, i.e., a ternperature above 98.6F., and not necessarily the number of F. above normal temperature to permit the institution of a corrective protocol for the subject exhibitlng an above normal temperature.
The use of a thermometer for a subject is generally initiated based upon observable side effects of an abnormal temperature, e.g. skin color, P~ 3243.()4 -1-X
respiration, etc. as cl;stinguished from any constantly observable o-r recogni~ed phenomena.
OB.JECTS 0~ TIIE INVENTION
It ls an object of the present ;.nvention to provide a novel device :Eor sensing an above norma.]. temperature of a mammal, and i.n par-ticular, homo sapien.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel device for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal permitting of more frequent temperature sensing time intervals.
St;ll another object of the present invention is to provide a novel reuseable device for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal.
A further object of the present inven-tion is to provide a novel device for sensing an above normal tempera.ture of a mammal readily and conveniently useable by the suspect mammal.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a novel device for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal essentially requiring no external intervention.
Yet a.nother object of the present invention is to provide a novel device for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal which is formed by non-toxic materials.
Still another object Gf the present invention is to provide a novel device for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal exhibiting extended shelf life.
A further object oE the present invention is to provide a novel device for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal exhibiting extended use:Eul life.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a nove] dev;ce for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal capable of withstanding over extended periods of time external forcesJ such as ~ -2-~ ,f ,~ ?
shearillg :forces cleveloped hetwcen rows o:f -teeth itl upper and ]ower m.m-dihles.
SU~1ARY OF Tl-IE INVENTTON
These and other objects of the prese~t invention are achieved by a pacifier assemb~y including a I.iquid crystal material responsive to a temperature above 100F. whereby the liquid crystal material changes color to visually indicate abnormal temperature condition of a mamma.l, and in particular a homo sapien, utilizing such a pacifier assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the present invention as well as other objects and advantages thereof will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed disclosure thereof, especially when taken w~h the accom--panying drawing, wherein Figure 1 is an elevational view of the pacifier assembly of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines of
AND PROCESS FOR MANU~ACTURIr1~ SAME
FI~LD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a pacifier, and more particularly to a temperature-responsive pac;fier.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENl'ION
~ ral and rectal thermometers having a temperature range of from about 92 to 106 F. have been in use for many years for sensing the temperature of the human body. The use of oral thermometers with infants is particularly troublesome due to the difficulty of keeping such a thermometer in the baby's mouth under conditions and for a time sufficient to permit the ins0rted portion of the thermometer to reach ambient conditions therein and thereby produce a reasonably accurate reading of the actual temperature of the subJect being temperature sensed. Con-sequently, for newborns, rectal thermometers are generally used which are believed to cause discomfort, and again are somewhat difficult to use, although not as difficult as the use of oral thermometers. Another form of temperature sensing devices is illustrated in United States Patent No.
4,296,631 to Fergason.
As infants age with concomitant cutting of teeth, the use of an oral ~hermometer becomes hazardous due to the posibility of breakage as well as greater awareness by the subjects to the foreign object. Generally, the use of a thermometer is to generate data as to the existence of abnormal temperature, i.e., a ternperature above 98.6F., and not necessarily the number of F. above normal temperature to permit the institution of a corrective protocol for the subject exhibitlng an above normal temperature.
The use of a thermometer for a subject is generally initiated based upon observable side effects of an abnormal temperature, e.g. skin color, P~ 3243.()4 -1-X
respiration, etc. as cl;stinguished from any constantly observable o-r recogni~ed phenomena.
OB.JECTS 0~ TIIE INVENTION
It ls an object of the present ;.nvention to provide a novel device :Eor sensing an above norma.]. temperature of a mammal, and i.n par-ticular, homo sapien.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel device for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal permitting of more frequent temperature sensing time intervals.
St;ll another object of the present invention is to provide a novel reuseable device for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal.
A further object of the present inven-tion is to provide a novel device for sensing an above normal tempera.ture of a mammal readily and conveniently useable by the suspect mammal.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a novel device for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal essentially requiring no external intervention.
Yet a.nother object of the present invention is to provide a novel device for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal which is formed by non-toxic materials.
Still another object Gf the present invention is to provide a novel device for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal exhibiting extended shelf life.
A further object oE the present invention is to provide a novel device for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal exhibiting extended use:Eul life.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a nove] dev;ce for sensing an above normal temperature of a mammal capable of withstanding over extended periods of time external forcesJ such as ~ -2-~ ,f ,~ ?
shearillg :forces cleveloped hetwcen rows o:f -teeth itl upper and ]ower m.m-dihles.
SU~1ARY OF Tl-IE INVENTTON
These and other objects of the prese~t invention are achieved by a pacifier assemb~y including a I.iquid crystal material responsive to a temperature above 100F. whereby the liquid crystal material changes color to visually indicate abnormal temperature condition of a mamma.l, and in particular a homo sapien, utilizing such a pacifier assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the present invention as well as other objects and advantages thereof will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed disclosure thereof, especially when taken w~h the accom--panying drawing, wherein Figure 1 is an elevational view of the pacifier assembly of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines of
2-2 of Figure 1.
DETAILED ~ESC~I~TION OF T~IE IN~ENTION
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a temperature sensing pacifier assembly, generally indicated as 10, comprised of a bulb or nipple portion, a preventing guard portion and a handle portion, generally indicated as 12, 1~ and 16, respectively. The pacifier assembly of the present invention is formed of a non-toxic elastomeric material, such as a foodgrade plas~icized polyvinyl chloride or synthetic rubber, or the like.
The nipple porti.on 12 is defined by an outer bulbous surface 18 and is formed with an interior chamber 20 defined by an inner surface 22 with an orifice 24 in the guard portion 14 providing access to the chamber 20 thereof. In the chamber 20 of the nipple portion 12 opposite the orifice q`~ 3 ~ f rL ~J .~
24, there is provided a capsll:le 26 including a liqu;.d crysta:L material 28 rloating in an e:lastomeric compatib]e material, as herillafter more fully described. The liquid capsu:Le 26 in the elastomeric compatible liquid 30 is sea:led within the chamber 2n, of the pacifier assembly 10 by a food grade plasticized vi.nyl chloride p:lug 32 suitabJ.y sealed with:in the cham-ber 20 such as by an adhesive or by ultrasonics or the like. Use of such an elastomeric materi.al for the pa.cif;er assemb:Ly 10 as well as the plug 32 is dictated by the desirability of durability to substantially prevent breakage of the capsule 26 under extreme pressures and to eliminate direct shearing conditions under which the outer surface 18 of the nipple portion 12 of khe pacifier assembly 10 may be subjected against the capsule, particularly during teething of a using indi.vidual.
The capsule 26 is preferably formed of a gelatinous material, such as a glycerine/gelatin non-toxic vitamin based substance, and of a diameter of from about .20 to .23 i.nches. A gelatinous material is preferred over a more crystalline material, such as glass which could aid in destruction o:F the nipple portion 12 of the pacifier assembly 10 by a teething user. The elastomeric compatible liquids are thermally conductive and such as glyceri.ne, a fluid which does not de-plasticlze the plasticized polyvinyl chloride when compared to most vegetable and mineral oils. The use of such vegetables and mineral oils is not desired since said oils dissolve the plasticized materials thereby permitting the nipple assembly to become tough and ri.gid over short periods of time. Glycerine, not being an oil does not de-plasticize the polyvinyl chloride composition forming the nipple assembly 10 and is compatible with the material forming the capsule 26.
Liquid crystals are well knGwn to one skilled in the art.
Liquid crystals materials formulations displaying a color change above 98.6F., and preferably at a temperature above about 100F. include a ~ -4-tcmperature of about 100l'~ 4F. :is pre:Eerred as being representative of a temperature through which a positive identification may b~ made that a feverous condit;on exists above the normal body temperature of 98.6F.
Additionally, such a temperature :Level generally represents a lowest safe-zone reading. Cholesteric liguid crystals are preferred since such cholester;.c liquicl crystals are non-toxic and readily passed through the body if accidentally ingested by the pacifier user. Example of an cholesteric li.quid crystal exhibiting a color change display a-t 100F.
is a mixture of p-n-Pentylphenyl-p-methoxybenzoate (PPMEOB) and p-n-Pentylphenyl-p-n-pentylbenzoate (PPPEB). Other cholesteric liquid crystal materials exhibiting like display temperatures are disclosed in the aforementioned United States Letters Patent to Fergason.
The temperature sensitive pacifier assembly 10 of the present invention is facilely prepared from a pre-formed pacifier by placing the nipple position 12 of the pacifier in a vertically-disposed downward position. The capsule 26 including the liquid crystal 28 is Introduced into the chamber 20 via the orifice 24 with the chamber 20 being prefilled or thereafter filled with the elastomeric compatible liquid 30. A plug 32 of a like elastomeric material is disposed in the orifice 24 and is af-fixed to the inner wall 22 of the nipple assembly 10, such as by an adhesive, to seal the chamber 20, preferably in an air-tight manner. The liquid material 30 being compatible with the capsule 26 and the plasticized poly vinyl chloride compon0nt of the ni.pple assembly 10 thereby minimizes any long term chemical interact between the gelatinous material of the capsule 26 with the elastomeric material of the pacifier assembly 10.
EX~MPLE OF T~IE INVENTION
The following example is illustrative of conditions for the process of the invention and it ls to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.
EXAMPLE OF TIIE INVEN'IION
The Eollowing example is illustrative of conditions for the process of the invention and it is -to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.
~ pre~rmed pacifier formed of a polyviny] chloride polymer is positioned with the nipple portion 12 extending in a vertically downward position. A clear glycerine at a flowable temperature of 80F.
is introduced via the orifice 24 into the chamber 20. A capsule 26 formed of 40 weight percent glycerine, 50 weight percent gelatine and 10 weight percent sorbitol encapsulating a liquid crystal of the fol]owing composition is inserted via the orifice 24 into the chamber 20:
CompositioIl Wt. Percent Such liquid crystal displays a bright green iridescent color at ambient room temperature and undergoes a color change to clear at a temperature of above about 100F,, 1/4F. The pacifier assembly 10 is *hen sealed with a clear PVC cement which is allowed to form a permeating miniscus type geometry at the pre-filled pacifier orifice 24, such a PVC
cement being of a composition similar to the pacifier assembly 10. The thus formed temperature sensitive pacifier assembly 10 is maintained in the hereinabove described position for a period oE a least about 12 hours prior to bulk packaging.
Once the pacifier assembly 10 of the present invention changes color indicating an abnormal temperature level as a result of use by an individual, resort to a mercurial thermometer is generally contemplated as part of a use protocol of the instant invention. Once removed from the d;~" ~
mouth of a user, the ]-iquid crystaL material will resume its initial color after a predetermirled -time~period at ambient room temperature.
While the present invelltioll has been described with a liquid crystal displaying color change temperature level of 10()F.+L/4F., ;t will be understood by one skilled in the art that slight variations may be made ~o such color change tempe-rature level. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the composition of the liquid crystal may be formu-lated to eEfect different color changes, e.g. green to black, or some other color changing protocol.
I0 Generally, liquid crystal materials displaying the desired color changing protocol herein described generally are adversely affected by the elastomeric material of the pacifier and thus cannot be formulated, per se, in the elastomeric material of the pacifier assembly although some l;quid crystals may exist which may be included in such a formulation. Micro-encapsulation of the liquid crystal ma-terials, as distinguished from macroencapsulation as herein described, would permit formulation with the elastomeric material, particularly for molding the nipple portion of the pacifier assembly thereby providing a more efficacious process for forming such temperature responsive pacifier assemblies.
Numerous modifications and varlations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings and therefore the invention may be practiced otherwise than as particularly described.
X
DETAILED ~ESC~I~TION OF T~IE IN~ENTION
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a temperature sensing pacifier assembly, generally indicated as 10, comprised of a bulb or nipple portion, a preventing guard portion and a handle portion, generally indicated as 12, 1~ and 16, respectively. The pacifier assembly of the present invention is formed of a non-toxic elastomeric material, such as a foodgrade plas~icized polyvinyl chloride or synthetic rubber, or the like.
The nipple porti.on 12 is defined by an outer bulbous surface 18 and is formed with an interior chamber 20 defined by an inner surface 22 with an orifice 24 in the guard portion 14 providing access to the chamber 20 thereof. In the chamber 20 of the nipple portion 12 opposite the orifice q`~ 3 ~ f rL ~J .~
24, there is provided a capsll:le 26 including a liqu;.d crysta:L material 28 rloating in an e:lastomeric compatib]e material, as herillafter more fully described. The liquid capsu:Le 26 in the elastomeric compatible liquid 30 is sea:led within the chamber 2n, of the pacifier assembly 10 by a food grade plasticized vi.nyl chloride p:lug 32 suitabJ.y sealed with:in the cham-ber 20 such as by an adhesive or by ultrasonics or the like. Use of such an elastomeric materi.al for the pa.cif;er assemb:Ly 10 as well as the plug 32 is dictated by the desirability of durability to substantially prevent breakage of the capsule 26 under extreme pressures and to eliminate direct shearing conditions under which the outer surface 18 of the nipple portion 12 of khe pacifier assembly 10 may be subjected against the capsule, particularly during teething of a using indi.vidual.
The capsule 26 is preferably formed of a gelatinous material, such as a glycerine/gelatin non-toxic vitamin based substance, and of a diameter of from about .20 to .23 i.nches. A gelatinous material is preferred over a more crystalline material, such as glass which could aid in destruction o:F the nipple portion 12 of the pacifier assembly 10 by a teething user. The elastomeric compatible liquids are thermally conductive and such as glyceri.ne, a fluid which does not de-plasticlze the plasticized polyvinyl chloride when compared to most vegetable and mineral oils. The use of such vegetables and mineral oils is not desired since said oils dissolve the plasticized materials thereby permitting the nipple assembly to become tough and ri.gid over short periods of time. Glycerine, not being an oil does not de-plasticize the polyvinyl chloride composition forming the nipple assembly 10 and is compatible with the material forming the capsule 26.
Liquid crystals are well knGwn to one skilled in the art.
Liquid crystals materials formulations displaying a color change above 98.6F., and preferably at a temperature above about 100F. include a ~ -4-tcmperature of about 100l'~ 4F. :is pre:Eerred as being representative of a temperature through which a positive identification may b~ made that a feverous condit;on exists above the normal body temperature of 98.6F.
Additionally, such a temperature :Level generally represents a lowest safe-zone reading. Cholesteric liguid crystals are preferred since such cholester;.c liquicl crystals are non-toxic and readily passed through the body if accidentally ingested by the pacifier user. Example of an cholesteric li.quid crystal exhibiting a color change display a-t 100F.
is a mixture of p-n-Pentylphenyl-p-methoxybenzoate (PPMEOB) and p-n-Pentylphenyl-p-n-pentylbenzoate (PPPEB). Other cholesteric liquid crystal materials exhibiting like display temperatures are disclosed in the aforementioned United States Letters Patent to Fergason.
The temperature sensitive pacifier assembly 10 of the present invention is facilely prepared from a pre-formed pacifier by placing the nipple position 12 of the pacifier in a vertically-disposed downward position. The capsule 26 including the liquid crystal 28 is Introduced into the chamber 20 via the orifice 24 with the chamber 20 being prefilled or thereafter filled with the elastomeric compatible liquid 30. A plug 32 of a like elastomeric material is disposed in the orifice 24 and is af-fixed to the inner wall 22 of the nipple assembly 10, such as by an adhesive, to seal the chamber 20, preferably in an air-tight manner. The liquid material 30 being compatible with the capsule 26 and the plasticized poly vinyl chloride compon0nt of the ni.pple assembly 10 thereby minimizes any long term chemical interact between the gelatinous material of the capsule 26 with the elastomeric material of the pacifier assembly 10.
EX~MPLE OF T~IE INVENTION
The following example is illustrative of conditions for the process of the invention and it ls to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.
EXAMPLE OF TIIE INVEN'IION
The Eollowing example is illustrative of conditions for the process of the invention and it is -to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.
~ pre~rmed pacifier formed of a polyviny] chloride polymer is positioned with the nipple portion 12 extending in a vertically downward position. A clear glycerine at a flowable temperature of 80F.
is introduced via the orifice 24 into the chamber 20. A capsule 26 formed of 40 weight percent glycerine, 50 weight percent gelatine and 10 weight percent sorbitol encapsulating a liquid crystal of the fol]owing composition is inserted via the orifice 24 into the chamber 20:
CompositioIl Wt. Percent Such liquid crystal displays a bright green iridescent color at ambient room temperature and undergoes a color change to clear at a temperature of above about 100F,, 1/4F. The pacifier assembly 10 is *hen sealed with a clear PVC cement which is allowed to form a permeating miniscus type geometry at the pre-filled pacifier orifice 24, such a PVC
cement being of a composition similar to the pacifier assembly 10. The thus formed temperature sensitive pacifier assembly 10 is maintained in the hereinabove described position for a period oE a least about 12 hours prior to bulk packaging.
Once the pacifier assembly 10 of the present invention changes color indicating an abnormal temperature level as a result of use by an individual, resort to a mercurial thermometer is generally contemplated as part of a use protocol of the instant invention. Once removed from the d;~" ~
mouth of a user, the ]-iquid crystaL material will resume its initial color after a predetermirled -time~period at ambient room temperature.
While the present invelltioll has been described with a liquid crystal displaying color change temperature level of 10()F.+L/4F., ;t will be understood by one skilled in the art that slight variations may be made ~o such color change tempe-rature level. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the composition of the liquid crystal may be formu-lated to eEfect different color changes, e.g. green to black, or some other color changing protocol.
I0 Generally, liquid crystal materials displaying the desired color changing protocol herein described generally are adversely affected by the elastomeric material of the pacifier and thus cannot be formulated, per se, in the elastomeric material of the pacifier assembly although some l;quid crystals may exist which may be included in such a formulation. Micro-encapsulation of the liquid crystal ma-terials, as distinguished from macroencapsulation as herein described, would permit formulation with the elastomeric material, particularly for molding the nipple portion of the pacifier assembly thereby providing a more efficacious process for forming such temperature responsive pacifier assemblies.
Numerous modifications and varlations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings and therefore the invention may be practiced otherwise than as particularly described.
X
Claims (9)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A heat-responsive pacifier assembly comprised of a pacifier body including a nipple portion having a chamber, a liquid sealingly disposed in said chamber and a liquid crystal-line composition disposed in said liquid, said liquid crystal composition displaying a color change visually through said pacifier body at a temperature above 98.6°F.
2. The heat-responsive pacifier assembly as described in claim 1 wherein said liquid crystal composition displays a color change at a temperature of 100°F.
3. The heat-responsive pacifier assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein said liquid crystalline composition is encapsu-lated within a capsule.
4. The heat-responsive pacifier assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said capsule is formed of a gelatinous-based material.
5. The heat-responsive pacifier assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein said capsule is disposed within said chamber of said nipple portion of said pacifier, said chamber being sealed by an elastomeric material.
6. The heat-responsive pacifier assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said liquid is inert to said elastomeric material and said capsule.
7. The heat-responsive pacifier assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein said liquid is glycerine.
8. The heat-responsive pacifier assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said elastomeric material is a glycerine base elastomer.
9. The heat-responsive pacifier assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said elastomeric material is a glycerine base elastomer polyvinyl chloride.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/351,107 US4447164A (en) | 1982-02-22 | 1982-02-22 | Temperature-responsive pacifier assembly |
| US06/351,107 | 1982-02-22 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1190112A true CA1190112A (en) | 1985-07-09 |
Family
ID=23379602
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000418520A Expired CA1190112A (en) | 1982-02-22 | 1982-12-23 | Temperature-responsive pacifier assembly and process for manufacturing same |
Country Status (17)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4447164A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0087122B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS58159750A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR900001680B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE20283T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1082083A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8300847A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1190112A (en) |
| DE (2) | DE87122T1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK31883A (en) |
| ES (2) | ES8403022A1 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI830286L (en) |
| IE (1) | IE830179L (en) |
| IL (1) | IL67921A0 (en) |
| IN (1) | IN157959B (en) |
| NO (1) | NO830312L (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA83696B (en) |
Families Citing this family (41)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2687500A (en) * | 1949-12-06 | 1954-08-24 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Circuit interrupter |
| US4511265A (en) * | 1982-02-22 | 1985-04-16 | Trp Energy Sensors, Inc. | Temperature-responsive pacifier assembly |
| FR2540723A1 (en) * | 1983-02-10 | 1984-08-17 | Grasset Joseph | IMPROVEMENTS ON LOLLIPPS OR TEAS FOR INFANTS |
| EP0166069A1 (en) * | 1984-06-25 | 1986-01-02 | Werner J. Dipl.-Ing. Frantsits | Body temperature measuring device |
| US4738549A (en) * | 1986-04-03 | 1988-04-19 | Plimpton R Gregory | Pool thermometer |
| US4796628A (en) * | 1987-06-08 | 1989-01-10 | Anderson Sanford J | Infant pacifier |
| US4898171A (en) * | 1987-12-30 | 1990-02-06 | Ernest Moss | Stay-in-place pacifier |
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| US2091693A (en) * | 1936-04-22 | 1937-08-31 | Raytheon Mfg Co | Temperature-indicating device |
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| JPS51159178U (en) * | 1975-06-12 | 1976-12-17 | ||
| US4070912A (en) * | 1975-10-01 | 1978-01-31 | Mcnaughtan Thomas J | Temperature indicating compositions and devices |
| JPS5454390U (en) * | 1977-09-12 | 1979-04-14 | ||
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| US4296631A (en) * | 1979-09-21 | 1981-10-27 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Liquid crystal compositions and devices |
-
1982
- 1982-02-22 US US06/351,107 patent/US4447164A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1982-12-23 CA CA000418520A patent/CA1190112A/en not_active Expired
- 1982-12-27 IN IN1491/CAL/82A patent/IN157959B/en unknown
-
1983
- 1983-01-27 DK DK31883A patent/DK31883A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1983-01-27 AU AU10820/83A patent/AU1082083A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1983-01-27 FI FI830286A patent/FI830286L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1983-01-31 IE IE830179A patent/IE830179L/en unknown
- 1983-01-31 NO NO830312A patent/NO830312L/en unknown
- 1983-02-01 ES ES519442A patent/ES8403022A1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-02-02 ZA ZA83696A patent/ZA83696B/en unknown
- 1983-02-11 KR KR1019830000569A patent/KR900001680B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1983-02-15 IL IL67921A patent/IL67921A0/en unknown
- 1983-02-17 DE DE198383101490T patent/DE87122T1/en active Pending
- 1983-02-17 AT AT83101490T patent/ATE20283T1/en active
- 1983-02-17 EP EP19830101490 patent/EP0087122B1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-02-17 DE DE8383101490T patent/DE3363861D1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-02-18 JP JP58024949A patent/JPS58159750A/en active Granted
- 1983-02-22 BR BR8300847A patent/BR8300847A/en unknown
- 1983-09-08 ES ES525481A patent/ES8406186A1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FI830286L (en) | 1983-08-23 |
| ES519442A0 (en) | 1984-03-01 |
| NO830312L (en) | 1983-08-23 |
| FI830286A0 (en) | 1983-01-27 |
| JPS58159750A (en) | 1983-09-22 |
| ATE20283T1 (en) | 1986-06-15 |
| ZA83696B (en) | 1983-12-28 |
| DK31883A (en) | 1983-08-23 |
| DK31883D0 (en) | 1983-01-27 |
| JPS6233903B2 (en) | 1987-07-23 |
| US4447164A (en) | 1984-05-08 |
| ES525481A0 (en) | 1984-08-01 |
| DE87122T1 (en) | 1984-02-02 |
| ES8403022A1 (en) | 1984-03-01 |
| BR8300847A (en) | 1983-11-16 |
| ES8406186A1 (en) | 1984-08-01 |
| KR840003408A (en) | 1984-09-08 |
| AU1082083A (en) | 1983-09-01 |
| EP0087122A3 (en) | 1984-02-15 |
| KR900001680B1 (en) | 1990-03-19 |
| IE830179L (en) | 1983-08-22 |
| DE3363861D1 (en) | 1986-07-10 |
| EP0087122A2 (en) | 1983-08-31 |
| IN157959B (en) | 1986-08-02 |
| IL67921A0 (en) | 1983-06-15 |
| EP0087122B1 (en) | 1986-06-04 |
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