Stephen R Branam

US Patent:

20030050669, Mar 13, 2003

Filed:

Jun 14, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/172602

Inventors:

Stephen Branam - Sylvania OH, US

International Classification:

A61J017/00

US Classification:

606/234000

Abstract:

A new and improved nipple structure for a pacifier and an improved pacifier including the nipple structure are disclosed. The nipple element is short, approximately one half inch or one to one and one half centimeters long, and allows the tongue, during swallowing, to be naturally positioned adjacent to the palate. The nipple structure includes a web which extends beyond the tip of the nipple and, in use, is received between the tongue and the palate. Preferably, the web terminates near the mid-point, front to back, of the hard palate of a user. In any case, a portion of the web is received between the tongue and the hard palate. The web is thin, substantially thinner than the nipple element. A pacifier that includes this novel nipple structure will reduce distortion caused by tongue thrusting against a conventional long pacifier nipple. The web, which is received between the tongue and the hard palate, will promote the acceptance and retention of the pacifier by youngsters, especially newborns. Preferably, the improved nipple structure is incorporated in a pacifier.

US Patent:

20070112386, May 17, 2007

Filed:

Dec 29, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/647853

Inventors:

Stephen Branam - Sylvania OH, US

International Classification:

A61J 17/00

US Classification:

606234000

Abstract:

A new and improved pacifier including a novel nipple structure is disclosed. The nipple structure includes a short nipple that allows the tongue, during sucking and swallowing, to be naturally positioned adjacent to the hard palate. The nipple structure includes a thin and pliable web which extends beyond the tip of the nipple and, in use, is received between the tongue and the palate. Preferably, the web terminates near the mid-point, front to back, of the hard palate of a user. The web is so thin and pliable that it will deform to conform to the shape of a hard palate when pressed by a tongue thereagainst. Preferably, the web has a featheredge. The web, when received between the tongue and the hard palate, will facilitate the retention of the pacifier in the mouth.

US Patent:

58140743, Sep 29, 1998

Filed:

Jul 23, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/685305

Inventors:

Stephen Branam - Sylvania OH

International Classification:

A61J 1700

US Classification:

606234

Abstract:

A new and improved oral appliance for infants and toddlers is disclosed. The appliance comprises an outer shield, an inner shield, a connector element and a nipple element. The outer shield is supported on the connector element and, in use, rests against the outside of the cheeks. The inner shield is also supported on the connector element so that it is spaced from the outer shield a distance such that an infants cheeks and lips are easily received therebetween. The inner shield is adapted to be positioned between an infant's gums and cheeks and is configured to prevent the cheeks, during sucking, from collapsing and exerting undesirable pressure on the maxilla. The nipple element is shorter than nipple elements in conventional pacifiers and is substantially flattened to provide better tongue positioning and to resist undesirable tongue thrusting. The connector element which, in use, is received between a child's upper and lower lips, is flattened to allow for a more normal lip closure than nipple elements in conventional pacifiers. In a toddler embodiment of the appliance of the instant invention, there is provided a tapered bite ridge which extends inwardly from the inner shield and is thicker adjacent to the nipple than it is at its ends.