Method and product for a customized 3D printed nipple for breastfeeding mothers
A feeding device includes a fluid reservoir and a nipple configured to be attached to the fluid reservoir. The nipple includes a body portion defining a compartment configured to contain a liquid so as to mimic a feel of a mother's breast. The body portion comprises a nipple tip comprising a fluid outlet. The nipple includes a base member attached to the body portion, the base member including an attachment portion configured to attach the nipple to the fluid reservoir. The base member comprises a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The nipple includes a fluid passageway extending through the compartment from the fluid inlet to the nipple tip, where the fluid passageway allows fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir to the fluid outlet. A valve member positioned on the base member adjusts a flow rate of fluid from the fluid reservoir into the fluid passageway.
1. A feeding device comprising:
a fluid reservoir;
a nipple configured to be attached to the fluid reservoir;
wherein the nipple comprises:
a body portion comprising:
a nipple tip comprising a fluid outlet; and
an enclosed compartment;
wherein the enclosed compartment is configured to contain a liquid;
a base member configured to be attached to the body portion;
wherein the base member comprises an attachment portion configured to attach the nipple to the fluid reservoir;
wherein the base member comprises a fluid inlet that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir;
a fluid passageway extending through the enclosed compartment from the fluid inlet of the base member to the nipple tip;
wherein the fluid passageway is a cylindrical tube including a channel extending therethrough;
wherein the fluid passageway is configured to allow fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir to the fluid outlet; and
a valve member positioned on the base member;
wherein the valve member is a threaded valve member comprising:
a threaded portion;
a piston attached to the threaded portion; and
a valve opening;
wherein the threaded valve member is configured so that rotation of the threaded portion in a first direction moves the piston toward the valve opening to decrease a flow rate of fluid through the valve opening; and
wherein the threaded valve member is configured so that rotation of the threaded portion in a second, opposing, direction moves the piston away from the valve opening to increase a flow rate of fluid through the valve opening;
wherein the valve member is configured to adjust a flow rate of fluid from the fluid reservoir into the fluid passageway.
2. The feeding device of claim 1 , wherein the liquid comprises water, oil or a combination thereof.
3. The feeding device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid outlet comprises at least one hole open to the fluid passageway.
4. The feeding device of claim 1 , wherein the base member comprises a sealable port fluidly connected to the enclosed compartment;
wherein the sealable port is configured to allow fluid to be provided to the enclosed compartment.
5. The feeding device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir comprises a flexible venting valve,
wherein the flexible venting valve is configured to relieve vacuum pressure within the fluid reservoir.
6. The feeding device of claim 1 , wherein
the nipple comprises a first neck portion;
the fluid reservoir comprises a second neck portion; and
wherein the first neck portion is configured to engage with the second neck portion.
7. The feeding device of claim 6 ,
wherein the first neck portion comprises a first threading;
wherein the second neck portion comprises a second threading;
wherein the first threading is configured to engage with the second threading to fluidly seal the nipple and the fluid reservoir.
8. The feeding device of claim 7 , wherein the first threading comprises at least one break therein;
wherein the at least one break is configured to allow air into the fluid reservoir to relieve vacuum pressure therein.