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Home | Alpha Telephone | Domain Names | Web Hosting | Get Traffic | xrEvidence | xrSoccer United States Patent
Combined feeding and teething device for infants A spoon of stainless steel has a handle and bowl or head at one end of the handle. The other end of the handle is secured via a metal to plastic seal to a plastic teething ring.
Having thus described my invention what is asserted as new is: 1. A device for use both in feeding an infant and assisting teething thereof, said device comprising: An elongated handle formed of stainless steel with one thereof formed into a head of a spoon; A teething ring formed of a firm yet yieldable non-metallic material which cannot cause injury to mouth, gum or teeth during teething, said ring being oriented in a plane essentially parallel to the plane containing the face of the spoon; and A plastic to metal seal disposed between the other end of the handle and the ring to secure the ring to the other end of the handle, the seal being flush with the surfaces of handle and ring. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION My invention is directed toward a simple durable device which can be used both in feeding infants and in assisting teething of infants, thus eliminating the need for two individual items, one used for feeding, the other for teething. In accordance with my invention, I provide a spoon for feeding infants which includes a handle with a bowl or head at one end. A teething ring is secured to the other end. Characteristically, the spoon is formed from stainless steel while the ring is formed from a firm yet yieldable non-metallic material which will not cause injury or bruise mouth, gum or teeth in use. To secure the ring to the handle, a metal to plastic seal can be used. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a plan view of my invention; FIG. 2 is a side view thereof; FIG. 3 is a cross section taken along line 3--3 in FIG. 1; and FIG. 4 is a view showing my invention in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a stainless steel spoon has an elongated handle 10 with a head or bowl 12 at one end. The structure has the same slant as a conventional spoon. Stainless steel is used because of lack of tarnishing and ease of cleaning. The spoon and handle are smooth without any recesses or bulges which could trap food particles or could create any hazard when in use in feeding the infant or in teething as described below. All edges of handle and bowl are carefully rounded and smoothed to avoid any risk of cutting. A teething ring 14 is secured to the other end of the handle. This ring is formed of a firm yet yieldable material which is non-metallic and can be used for teething without any risk of injury or bruising. Since the ring is to be permanently secured to the handle, and since the non-metallic material is not easily secured directly to the handle, a metal to plastic seal 16 is disposed between handle and ring to provide a proper bond. While I have described my invention with particular reference to the drawings, such is not to be considered as limiting its actual scope. For U.S. patent law, rules, and procedures see MPEP. Disclaimer. Information presented on this page while believed to be reliable, is provided "as is" with no warranties of its accuracy or timeliness. For legal advice seek help of a licensed professional. |