Mary F Dieringer

US Patent:

61617105, Dec 19, 2000

Filed:

Oct 28, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/181950

Inventors:

Mary F. Dieringer - Milwaukie OR
Fernando Suarez - Tustin CA

International Classification:

A61J 900

US Classification:

215 114

Abstract:

An improved natural nipple baby feeding apparatus includes detachable inner and outer membranes which both extend substantially across a distance larger than the diameter of a standard baby bottle to which the nipple apparatus may be attached. The membranes have a width approximately double that of the height of the nipple apparatus. The apparatus functions as a training device for an infant by requiring the infant to correctly "latch-on" to the apparatus by grasping the apparatus outwardly of the central nipple area and stretching the outer membrane upwardly so that it contacts the inner membrane which facilitates the flow of fluid from the bottle through both the membranes and out of the nipple. The nipple apparatus may be used in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, breast-feeding of an infant.