Patent ID: 7883530
Filing Date: 2011-02-08
Classification: A61J

Abstract:
1. A nipple appliance, comprising: a base; a closed bulb defining an at least partially hollow interior; a mechanical device in the bulb interior that expands the bulb as the child sucks on the bulb, the mechanical device comprising a first structure that is adapted to be moved by the tongue in a generally anterior direction during a sucking action, and a pair of lateral expansion arms integral with or responsive to the first structure, with one expansion arm on each side of the longitudinal axis of the bulb, wherein the arms push outward on the bulb due to the generally anterior motion of the first structure,; and a neck connecting the base and bulb; wherein a sucking action by a child moves the first structure via compression of a front portion of the bulb, to redirect force outward and upward by expansion of an upper portion of lateral walls of the bulb, thereby conveying pressure against the palate, alveolar ridge, and/or the teeth.