Custom-made artificial nipple

Abstract

An artificial nipple is formed of an elastomeric polymer by use of 3D printing after imaging of a mother's breast in an active state of lactation. The artificial nipple used as an attachment to a baby bottle or as the nipple component of a pacifier. Use of an artificial nipple formed in this manner mitigates a problem with nipple confusion, as may otherwise manifest in newborn offspring.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application s claims benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent Application Nos. 62 / 330,367 and 62 / 330,634 filed May 2, 2016, each of which are incorporated by reference as though fully replicated herein.BACKGROUNDField of the Invention[0002]The present disclosure pertains to the field of three dimensional printing (3D printing) of anatomy. More particularly, 3D printing is used to replicate a nursing mother's nipple.Description of the Related Art[0003]Breastfeeding is associated with many advantages for both mother and baby. Some studies suggest an association between breastfeeding and; (1) lower risk of asthma or allergies; (2) fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses and bouts of diarrhea; (3) higher IQ scores for the baby later in childhood; and (4) improved weight for both mother and baby. Many breastfed infants are also fed using conventional baby bottles. Nipple confusion sometimes arises where a bottle-fed baby “forgets” how to nurse on ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about an elastomeric artificial nipple structure that is made to look like a natural nipple when breastfeeding a baby. The structure is made to closely resemble the nipple of a breast in its lactating state. The nipple is made using a 3D printing process that accurately reproduces its shape, size, and texture. The structure can also be made with surface texturing or artificial texturing to mimic the texture of a natural breast. This provides a safe and comfortable alternative for breastfeeding babies.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, a newborn who is exposed to conventional bottle nipples or even conventional pacifiers can cease to nurse properly.

This is problematic in the sense that, practically speaking, the time required for the impression-forming process precludes making a mold of the breast in an active state of lactation, as described below.

Moreover, the resins utilized in casting custom nipples from this impression are of questionable safety when used in combination with baby products.

Lastly, the impression-forming process physically distorts the nipple area of the breast, which defeats the purpose of forming a custom nipple that closely resembles that of a mother's breast.

Some attempts have been made to make artificial nipples by use of 3D printing, but without good success.

Here the vacuum problematically distorts the mother's nipple to a non-natural state other than that which would be presented to an infant.

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