Keepsake jewelry and pacifier retainer clip combination

Patent Abstract
A device, called a KEEPSAKE JEWELRY AND PACIFIER RETAINER CLIP COMBINATION (KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER), is disclosed that relates to the field of pacifier retaining devices. More particularly the new combination of a special jewelry-grade item with removable connecting methods has been adapted for retaining a baby's pacifier and later providing a commemorative piece of jewelry for a special use or display. Here the commemorative device may be retained as a keepsake in memory of the baby years of a child and special relationships with a mother, grandmother or other special friends.

1. A combination device that can be used as a retainer for an item, the combination comprising: (a) a connection means for attaching the combination to an object; (b) a piece of jewelry for extending the length of the device; and (c) a means to attach the jewelry to the item whereby the jewelry portion may selectively be used as a retainer, as a standard piece of jewelry, and later as a commemorative heirloom.

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the connection means for attaching is a spring clip.

3. The clip according to claim 2 wherein the clip has an ornamental design integral to the surface of the clip.

4. The clip according to claim 2 wherein the clip has an ornamental design attached to the surface of the clip.

5. The device according to claim 1 wherein the jewelry is selected from a group consisting of ankle bracelet, wrist bracelet, necklace, pacifier chain, book mark, zipper pull, charm Bracelet, tie tack chain, and watch fob.

6. The jewelry according to claim 5 wherein the jewelry is comprised of specific materials.

7. The jewelry according to claim 6 wherein the special materials are selected from a group consisting of sterling silver, gold, diamonds, precious gems, all types of beads, semi precious gems, quartz, platinum, glass, stone, ceramic, bone, plastic, clay acrylic, crystal, wood, composite materials and bali.

8. A combination device that can be used as a retainer device for an item, the combination comprising: (a) a connection means for attaching the combination to an object; (b) a piece of jewelry for extending the length of the device; and (c) a means to attach the jewelry to the item whereby the item is selected from a group consisting of a pacifier clip, a toy Holder, a watch, a name badge, writing instrument, a marking instrument, a light, a teething ring, an heirloom and a keepsake.

9. A combination device that can be used as an heirloom, the combination comprising: (a) a connection means for attaching the combination to an object; (b) a piece of jewelry for extending the length of the device; and (c) a means to attach the jewelry to the item.

10. The device according to claim 9 wherein the jewelry is selected from a group consisting of ankle bracelet, wrist bracelet, necklace, pacifier chain, book mark, zipper pull, charm Bracelet, tie tack chain, and watch fob.

11. The jewelry according to claim 10 wherein the jewelry is comprised of specific materials.

12. The jewelry according to claim 11 wherein the special materials are selected from a group consisting of sterling silver, gold, diamonds, precious gems, all types of beads, semi precious gems, quartz, platinum, glass, stone, ceramic, bone, plastic, clay acrylic, crystal, wood, composite materials and bali.

Patent Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. PPA 60/581,037 filed Jun. 19, 2004 by Heather D. Bowman and titled "Keepsake Jewelry and Pacifier Retainer Clip".

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present new concept, KEEPSAKE JEWELRY AND PACIFIER RETAINER CLIP COMBINATION (KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER) relates to the field of retaining devices. More particularly the invention relates to a new combination of devices that can be used as retainers for pacifiers of a baby and also newly used as jewelry or later as a keepsake in memory of the child's baby years. The combination of a special jewelry-grade item with removable connecting methods have been adapted for retaining a baby's pacifier and later providing a commemorative piece of jewelry for a special use or display.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0003] Not required for a Provisional Application.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

[0004] Not required for a Provisional Application.

BACKGROUND-FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] A. Introduction of the Problems Addressed

[0006] A versatile and re-useable article, here a piece of jewelry, is the foundation upon which this new use concept and invention is based. Toys, apparatus and other functioning "help-tools" are often indispensable in the process of raising a child--especially in the early months and first years. However, once the child is advanced in years, many times those "help-tools" are discarded. The new use for jewelry and other connecting means in combination with pacifier devices enable one to have two things. First, one has a useful device--a pacifier with a retention system when the child is being raised. Second, one benefits from a meaningful jewelry article in which to treasure and associate with the child rearing ages of one's child, grandchild, or special little friend.

[0007] Because of the fast changing society with new technology and "next-generation" entertainment, it is refreshing to have a quiet, useful device to enhance child raising as well as a commemorative article to associate with the special era of raising a child or grandchild.

[0008] B. Prior Art

[0009] Historically, the prior art infant "help-tools" have failed to incorporate a useful tool at child raising with a commemorative jewelry item as seen with this present invention. Importantly, never has any prior art provided a solution in one system or method to virtually address all the above stated problems.

[0010] There are some examples of prior art from Design Patents addressing "help-tools" for raising infants with pacifier retention devices. Configurations as the Pacifier Retainer Clip begin essentially with a U.S. Design Patent Des. 225,039 issued to Sauritis (Oct. 31, 1972). This teaches an apparatus with a retractable cord and no functional description. It has no jewelry or keepsake items displayed. A few years later, another plain cord and clasp pacifier retainer was shown in a design patent issued to Pascoe under U.S. Design Patent Des. 276,939 (Dec. 25, 1984). This patent displayed simple and un-commemorative cord with an integral pacifier.

[0011] A similar pacifier with a removable, snap-on tether was divulged with U.S. Design Patent Des. 310,716 by Trask (Sep. 18, 1990). This simple device was of an un-ornate strap device and showed no commemorative or jewelry-like features. Other examples of design patents surfaced with U.S. Design Patent Des. 415,837 by Williams (Oct. 26, 1999). This taught a removable strap that was connected by a hook and loop device such a Velcro.RTM.. No jewelry or keepsake configurations were shown.

[0012] Functional utility patents for pacifier retention devices begin in an earlier era. Ware teaches a simple cord and clip, without mention of future use, in an early U.S. Pat. No. 954,066 (Apr. 5, 1910). A baby pacifier cord is taught by Guenther in U.S. Pat. No. 1,287,295 (Dec. 18, 1918). Guenther taught and described only a cord or string-like device to retain the pacifier and had no commemorative or long-term use described. Another simple "ball and socket" retainer cord is taught by Johnson in U.S. Pat. No. 2,595,462. This is a wrist-worn device by a baby and mentions no long term use by the baby or others.

[0013] Another pacifier retainer is shown by Lenoir in U.S. Pat. No. 3,392,729 (Jan. 3, 1965). Here the use of a clip on the clothes of a baby is taught as part of the device. The multi-piece button is demonstrated to hold a retainer to clothes or bedding materials. No use after the initial early "infant-rearing" time is mentioned as a use for the device. Another pacifier strap device is displayed in a U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,698 (Feb. 27, 1990) by Huber et al. which teaches a flat strap with a slotted means to retain the pacifier. This simple device has no long term use mentioned or anticipated in its teachings. The device demonstrates no ornamentation or function other than as a retainer strap for a pacifier. A pacifier holder is taught by Parsons in U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,980 (Nov. 27, 1990). This holder shows a hook and loop Velcro.RTM.-like fastener at one end. It shows an animal or other emblem on that fastening end but teaches no long term use of the device beyond the early years as of an infant.

[0014] A fastening means to hold pacifiers, badges and other toys is taught by Hooper in U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,968 (Jan. 22, 1992). This shows a rubber like tether for early use and describes no commemorative or other long term use by any other than the infant. A clip-on soother retainer device for pacifiers is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,157 (Feb. 5, 1991). Here the inventors Roberts et al. teach a cord means with a clip at one end and a loop-like means at the other to retain the pacifier. No other uses beyond that with a pacifier is mentioned or claimed.

[0015] A complex ribbon retraction device is taught by Moultric in U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,750 (Jun. 5, 2001). This device shows now ornamentation or jewelry use at all. No long term use beyond the infant stage is described. Also in 2001, Chang in U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,921 (Jun. 12, 2001), teaches another wind-up retraction device. This is a complex configuration of a retraction and holding means. It teaches no long term uses for the complex device.

[0016] In another pacifier retainer device, a multi-piece set of straps and clips is shown by Chang et al in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,449(Nov. 6, 2001). This shows a wrist mounted retainer for a pacifier and is comprised mainly of a simple, flat strap material. A useful pacifier cover and clip system is shown in a recent U.S. Pat. No. 6,638,298 (Oct. 28, 2003). Here, Shefflin teaches a clip device that features a combination attachment clip and pacifier cover for holding the pacifier when not in use by the infant. No long term uses for the infant or others are taught in this concept.

[0017] The present invention crosses several fields of inventions. Primarily, the new use as a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER relates to retainer systems or devices to be used for a baby's pacifier as a "help-tool". In addition, one of the main components, here a jewelry item, relates to the field of jewelry and other commemorative devices. However, none of the prior art discovered to date teaches all the features and capabilities of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER in respect to the retention system and the special jewelry use. They actually have no long term uses mentioned nor do these prior arts demonstrate second and third uses by other people beyond that of the baby/infant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER is the combination described in this application. It is a combination of jewelry devices and a connecting means to attach to the pacifier. As described in this specification, it is designed to provide a simple, practical, yet special pacifier retaining system. This combination provides a manner to assist parents and others to keep a pacifier near the baby and to not allow the pacifier to become lost or soiled. The present invention permits use at the baby's early age as a special, decorative retainer for the pacifier. During these early years or at a later stage in life, the connecting means can be transformed or removed for other uses such as jewelry or as a keep sake commemorating the baby's early life.

[0019] The KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER presented here is comprised of several key components. In a simple combination, first there is a means to fasten the invention to something such as the baby's clothes. This means may be such as a clip or the like. Next, there is a special piece of jewelry that serves as the strap or flexible "cord" between the pacifier and the clip. Finally, there is a connection means to attach the end of the said jewelry to the pacifier. The KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER is described in detail below with the means to connect such as a clip and variations thereof being expanded into many example variations. The jewelry likewise is described to exemplify the many examples that are contemplated in the scope and spirit of this KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER. Finally, the connection means to attach the jewelry to the pacifier is expanded and described with examples of techniques and embodiments of the present invention.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0020] Accordingly, there are several objects and advantages of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER. There currently exists simple and plain straps, cords and ribbons shown as retainer devices. These serve with some of the same function to the pacifier retention, but these offer no jewelry or commemorative value to the baby or the special person in the baby's life. This KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER provides an improvement because it is designed to be a combination pacifier retainer and jewelry/keepsake. The advantages that are provided here will be fully evident to one skilled in the art of retainers, in the art of jewelry, and in the art of keepsakes once the full detailed description of the embodiment, the operation and the drawings are presented below.

[0021] One advantage of this combination device, the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER, over others in the field is its versatility. The jewelry types that may be used provide a variety of sizes and shape. For example, the jewelry utilized for the retainer strap may be as long as a necklace or as short as a bracelet. In addition, the jewelry may be custom designed from a very expensive set of gems or "beads", from a precious metal, or from a lower cost jewelry set. Therefore this versatility permits the concept to provide a device to an audience or user group that varies widely in its financial base. Likewise, the connecting device permits the new combination device to be attached to a variety of clothing, strollers, furniture pieces and the like. In addition, the type of jewelry used as the retainer cord may be easily converted to the jewelry or to the keepsake commemorative item. This versatility permits an all-in-one device that serves as a pacifier retainer, a piece of jewelry, or as a commemorative keepsake.

[0022] Another advantage is the high quality of the design and its components. The design is durable to withstand a baby's rugged use. It is made of durable materials which result in a reliable restrainer. The materials are strong enough to be washable and may be sterilized if desired. The design, while durable, provides a resilient device that offers a safe device to retain the baby's pacifier.

[0023] A further advantage is the inexpensive design. The jewelry may offer a wide variation in types of materials and ultimate worth and cost of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER. However, the same manner of manufacturing of the jewelry and of the combination of the jewelry with the attachment and connecting means is a simple, low cost method. The same manufacturing method may be utilized with the different priced beads and clips, thus offering an essentially equal cost to manufacture and assemble. This permits a lower tool and equipment investment and a flexible means of assembly that accepts a wide variation of the jewelry components. Likewise, the connection means and several of the components may be standard across the types of beads, gems, and such which offers an economy of scale purchase for these common components.

[0024] Additional advantages of this new KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER are that the design offers a combination which may be Repairable and Reusable. Since the jewelry is made of components that are common to jewelry manufacturing, the overall device may be easily repaired, if needed. Likewise, a piece of jewelry may be converted to a longer or shorter version if desired. Finally, the connection means may be removed entirely if the piece is desired to be fully converted to jewelry without any remnants of the pacifier retaining components.

[0025] Another design feature is the aesthetic appeal. The device may be custom made to a user's specification. The jewelry piece may be as elaborate and/or expensive or may be as simple and/or inexpensive as the user directs and desires. This permits the jewelry to be uniquely appealing to the user. This uniqueness permits a very decorative or ornamental combination in the jewelry or a simple, plain design.

[0026] Another advantage of this device over others in the field is that the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER may be used much later as a Keepsake device. In combination with other mementos or special objects or alone by itself, the invention may hold a special meaning to the child or the special person in the child's life such as a parent or grandparent. The ornamental configuration of the jewelry permits a special significance to remain with the pacifier retention system. It provides a commemorative object or heirloom that may be passed down through generations.

[0027] Finally, other advantages and additional features of the present device will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the full description of the b For one skilled in the art of pacifier retainers, jewelry, and keepsakes it is readily understood that the features shown in the examples with this new device are readily adapted to other types of inventions which are associated with retainers, jewelry and keepsakes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the present KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the invention. It is understood, however, that the new device is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0029] FIG. 1 is PHOTOGRAPH of the actual invention--a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER--on a sales display card.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a PHOTOGRAPH of a baby using the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a PHOTOGRAPH of the actual invention--a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER with the major components identified.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a SKETCH of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER with the components identified and briefly described.

[0033] FIGS. 5--A through C are PHOTOGRAPHS of actual KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINERS in various configurations.

[0034] FIGS. 6--A through D are "close-up" PHOTOGRAPHS of sections of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER with the various components identified.

[0035] FIGS. 7--A through H are PHOTOGRAPHS of the attachment means such as a clip with variations and specific components identified.

[0036] FIGS. 8--A through I are PHOTOGRAPHS of various example configurations of a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER.

[0037] FIGS. 9--A through D are PHOTOGRAPHS of a baby using the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER.

[0038] FIGS. 10--A through D are PHOTOGRAPHS of a later use of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER, where a special person and the baby, now a boy, enjoy the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER.

[0039] FIGS. 11--A through C are PHOTOGRAPHS demonstrating a special person and a baby, now an infant, reminiscing and wearing the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a PHOTOGRAPH showing a special toy or object in combination with the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER shown as an heirloom or commemorative display.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a PHOTOGRAPH of an actual KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER shown with a special picture of a baby that allows a commemorative display to be presented.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS--REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0042] The following list refers to the drawings:

[0043] 31 general pacifier and jewelry keepsake combination

[0044] 32 jewelry

[0045] 33 pacifier

[0046] 34 loop

[0047] 35 means to attach such as a clip

[0048] 36 baby

[0049] 37 beads or the like

[0050] 38 clasp

[0051] 39 jump ring

[0052] 40 crimp tube

[0053] 41 filament or wire, etc.

[0054] 42 hand of mother or special person

[0055] 43 hand of infant

[0056] 44 mother or special person

[0057] 45 infant

[0058] 46 special toy, animal or the like

[0059] 47 picture

[0060] 48 spacer

[0061] 49 bead caps

[0062] 50 bead tips

[0063] 51 decorative covers

[0064] 52 means to attach the jewelry to the pacifier

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0065] The present invention is a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 that has various features to enhance its use. These features are built-in to or integrally attached to the combination device described in this application. It is a combination of a clip 35, a jewelry devices 32 and a connecting means 52 to attach the jewelry 32 to the pacifier 33. As described in this specification, it is designed to provide a simple, practical, yet special pacifier retaining system 31. The KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 presented here is comprised of several key components as now described.

[0066] In a simple combination, first there is a means 35 to fasten the invention to something such as the baby's clothes.

[0067] Next, there is a special piece of jewelry 32 that serves as the strap or flexible "cord" between the pacifier and the clip.

[0068] Finally, there is a connection means 52 to attach the end of the said jewelry 32 to the pacifier 33.

[0069] The KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 is demonstrated in the Drawings and further described in detail below. The means to connect such as a clip 35 and variations thereof is described below in more detail. The jewelry 32 likewise is described to exemplify the many examples that are contemplated in the scope and spirit of this KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31. Finally, the connection means 52 to attach the jewelry to the pacifier 33 is further described with examples of techniques and embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] A person having ordinary skill in the field of this invention appreciates the various materials and component parts that may be used to physically permit KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 to be produced and utilized. The improvements over the existing art are providing a device that: (1) is versatile, (2) provides high quality and durability, (3) is an inexpensive design to manufacture, (4) is repairable and re-useable, (5) is aesthetically appealing, and (6) provides a keepsake or heirloom item.

[0071] There are shown in FIGS. 1-13 complete operative embodiments of the invention. The invention generally relates to a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31. The device is essentially comprised of:

[0072] A. a connection clip 35 or the like,

[0073] B. a piece of jewelry 32, and

[0074] C. a means 52 to attach the jewelry 32 to the pacifier 33.

[0075] Attachment and adjustment features are built in to the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 and are described in detail, below.

[0076] The preferred embodiment of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 is comprised of the parts as shown in FIGS. 1-13 of the drawings. These parts include, but are not limited to, the parts mentioned previously--a clip 35 or the like; a piece of jewelry 32, and a means 52 to attach the jewelry 32 to the pacifier 33.

[0077] FIG. 1 is PHOTOGRAPH of the actual invention--a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER--on a sales display card. This view depicts the general view of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31.

[0078] FIG. 2 is a PHOTOGRAPH of a baby using the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31. This view shows the baby 36 lying in a prone position with his face upward and "sucking on" or using a pacifier 33. The pacifier 33 is retained by the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 and attached to a stroller specifically by means of a clip 35.

[0079] This means may be by a clip 35 or the like. Other examples, and not limitations, of means 35 are a Suspender clips, Safety pin, Button, Snap, hook and loop device (like Velcro.RTM.), or the like. One skilled in the art of clips appreciates well that these means 35 may be made of a variety of materials, and of many different types, sizes, shapes and designs.

[0080] The FIG. 2 shows the clip means 35 attached to the stroller at its pad. However, the following Table A shows other examples of where the means 35 may attach.

1TABLE A Examples of Attachment Locations for Clip 35 Baby Accompanying person (Mom Car Seat Stroller (Dad, grandparent, sibling, special friend) Baby Swing Carrier High Crib/ Chair Bassinet

[0081] FIG. 3 is a PHOTOGRAPH of the actual invention with the major components identified of a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31. This view shows the clip 35 attached to the jewelry 32 by means of a clasp 38. At the opposite end, the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 is connected and attached to the pacifier 33 by a means 52. Here the exemplary means to attach 52 is comprised of a filament or wire 41 (not visibly shown) juxtaposed around a jump ring 39 and attached by means of a crimp tube 40. The crimp tube 40 is compressed to effectively press the loose end of the filament 41 to the body of the filament 41 to securely attach and form a containing "loop" around the jump ring 39. Similarly, a filament 41 is juxtaposed around the jump ring 39 and the pacifier loop 34 to securely attach and connect the said ring 39 and loop 34. The ends of the filament 40 are contained and connected by means of compressing the crimp tube 40 around the said ends of the filament 41. An enlarged view of this end is shown in FIG. 6B. This exemplary connection means provides a loop 34 that can easily be attached to the pacifier 33 and form a continuously connected combination device--a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 to retain the pacifier 33. The KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER is a combination device comprised of the clip 35, the jewelry 32, and finally attached to the pacifier 33.

[0082] FIG. 4 is a SKETCH of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER with the components identified and briefly described. The KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 is shown from the clasp 38 to the loop 34.

[0083] The clasp 38 may be made from or made of Sterling Silver, Gold, Platinum or other similar materials. These clasps 38 will be of various shapes, sizes, colors etc. Some typical examples of a clasp 38 may be called a Lobster clasp, trigger clasp, spring ring, Toggle clasp, magnetic clasp, or the like.

[0084] Next the jewelry 32 is described. The jewelry may be configured as many different types, for example, a necklace or a bracelet. See the following Table B for further examples. These are exemplary and not limiting in scope.

2TABLE B Examples of Alternate Types of Jewelry device 32 Ankle bracelet Jewelry Bracelet Necklace Pacifier Clip Belt Article of Book mark Bracelet jewelry zipper pull Keepsake Heirloom Jewelry apparatus item Charm Bracelet tie Jeweled Watch fob tack/chain members

[0085] The KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 anticipates that the preferred embodiment of the jewelry 32 is custom made to the specifications of the maker or to special requests of the purchaser. An alternative to this custom made jewelry 32 is to utilize any type of commercially available jewelry 32 and then combine it with the connection means 52 and attachment means 35.

[0086] The custom made jewelry 32 may be made in many ways and the preferred method should not limit the scope of the combination of components that comprise the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31. The jewelry is comprised in the FIG. 4 as a series of beads 37 or the like and spacers 48 that are held by a filament or wire 40. The wire 40 extends through a plurality of beads 37, spacers 48, bead caps 49, etc. The wire 40 then encircles the jump ring 39 at one end and the clasp 38 at the opposite end. The wire 40 is secured by means of a crimp tube 40, bead cap 50, or a like means of securing used in the jewelry industry.

[0087] The beads 37 may be beads, stones, ceramics, gems or other decorative items. Theses may be in all variations, types, sizes, materials, colors and shapes which would appeal to the customers. Additional types and materials are shown here in Table C:

3TABLE C Examples of Materials for Jewelry Device 32 Sterling Silver Gold Diamonds Jewels Gems Beads (all Precious and Quartz types) semi precious gems Platinum Glass Stones Semi-precious gems Ceramic Bone Plastic Clay Acrylic Crystal Wood and Bali Charms

[0088] The spacers 48 are used interposed between beads in many ways as is well appreciated in the field of jewelry and may be made of similar material as the beads 37. The filament or wire 41 may be, for example, coated metal strands of flexible wire made of various sizes, types of materials and coatings. Other descriptors and types for wire 41 are elastic, string, floss, silk cord, Beading wax, thread, chain. These are not limiting to the scope of this invention or to the design of the jewelry 32.

[0089] The clasp 38, which is at the clip 35 end of the jewelry 32, has been described above. At the opposite end, there is the jump ring 39. There are all variations, types, sizes, materials, colors, shapes etc. of a jump ring 39. In addition, these may be a split ring, screw clasp, hook & eye or any connector common to jewelry manufacturing. Both the jump ring 39 and the clasp 38 are attached to the wire 40. The attachment means is described above in the description for FIG. 3. This attachment means uses crimp tubes 40 or bead tips 50. These are standard in jewelry manufacturing and are of many variations, types, sizes, materials, colors, shapes etc.

[0090] FIGS. 5--A through C are PHOTOGRAPHS of actual KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINERS in various configurations. The Photographs are of actual KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINERS 31. One notes well in FIG. 5C, particularly how the jump ring 39 may engage the clasp 38 to complete a piece of jewelry 32 while still being useful as a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31.

[0091] FIGS. 6--A through D are "close-up" PHOTOGRAPHS of sections of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER with the various components identified. One notes well the close-ups of the connection means 52 that is shown in FIG. 6B. This is described in detail in the description above in FIG. 3. The Photographs all show additional detail of components comprising a typical KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 and show details of the included jewelry.

[0092] FIGS. 7--A through H are PHOTOGRAPHS of the attachment means 35 such as a clip with variations and specific components identified. The manner of connecting the clip 35 to the jewelry 32 is by means of the clasp 38. This connection is shown well in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7E. FIG. 7D demonstrates a clip 35 that is "open" and ready to attach to an object (see Table A, above). FIGS. 7F, 7G, and 7H show how a clip 35 may have various decorative covers 51 attached. These covers 51 may be fastened and secured permanently with a means such as an adhesive, soldering, welding, or the like. If desired, these could be removably fastened with a tape, light adhesive, hook and loop system (like Velcro.RTM.) or other means. The decorative covers 51 may be in a wide variety of themes. The sport, holiday and symbols shown here are exemplary and not limiting. Further, if no decorative cover is desired, the main body of the clip 35 may be engraved or manufactured with a design or word. This is shown clearly in FIG. 7A.

[0093] FIGS. 8--A through I are PHOTOGRAPHS of various example configurations of a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31. These nine examples further demonstrate the scope and spirit of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31.

[0094] In total all the points and details mentioned here throughout this detailed description of the drawings are exemplary and not limiting. Other components specific to describing a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of this invention well appreciates. The drawing and components have been focused on the parts shown in respect to the present invention.

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0095] The new KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 as the present invention has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 operates is described below. One notes well that the description above, the included detailed drawings, and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31. The manner in which the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 is used can be demonstrated in many Drawings.

[0096] The preferred operation is as a retainer device for a pacifier 33. FIGS. 9--A through D are PHOTOGRAPHS of a baby 36 using the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31. These four photographs show a baby 36, the pacifier 33 and the invention, the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31.

[0097] FIGS. 10--A through D are PHOTOGRAPHS of a later use of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31, where a special person's hand 42 is with an infant's hand 43. On the arm of the special person is a piece of jewelry 32 that is a component of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31. The infant and the special person now have the enjoyment and use of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 as a standard piece of jewelry 32. However, this jewelry 32 now has keepsake and commemorative value.

[0098] Similarly, FIGS. 11--A through C are PHOTOGRAPHS demonstrating a special person and a baby, now an infant, reminiscing and wearing the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 as a piece of jewelry 32.

[0099] Having discussed above the use of the PREFERRED and ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 and its various combinations and embodiments, one skilled in the art of pacifier retainers, jewelry and keepsakes in general can readily understand that there are several alternative uses for this device. For example, Table D shows other uses for a KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31:

4TABLE D Examples of Alternate Uses for Combination Device 31 Pacifier clip - Toy Holder Watch fob (Name) badge Preferred holder zipper pull Penholder Glasses strap Teething Ring Holder Rattle Holder Keepsake Heirloom item

[0100] Examples of these alternative uses may be demonstrated in a few examples. In FIG. 12 is a PHOTOGRAPH showing a special toy or object 46 in combination with the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 shown as an heirloom or commemorative display. In FIG. 13, a PHOTOGRAPH of an actual KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 shown with a special picture 47 of a baby that allows a commemorative display to be presented. These are simple examples of a few of the many ways the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 may be used in addition to the Pacifier retention device. The Table D above and these two examples described are not limitations to the scope as one skilled in the art of these devices well appreciates.

[0101] In the PREFERRED use of the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31, the main jewelry 32 was used as a necklace or a bracelet. However, there are a plethora of ways a jewelry device 32 may be used. Examples are shown in Table E as:

5TABLE E Examples of Alternate Uses for Jewelry device 32 Ankle bracelet Jewelry Bracelet Necklace Pacifier Clip Belt Article of Book mark Bracelet jewelry zipper pull Keepsake Heirloom Jewelry apparatus item Charm Bracelet tie Jeweled Watch fob tack/chain members

[0102] Finally, the KEEPSAKE PACIFIER RETAINER 31 invention has been described above in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and embodiments. With this description it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.