Abstract: A varied response teether with an outer surface created at least in part by a first elastomeric material and an inner portion including an elastomeric material that has at least one different property than the first elastomeric material.

Abstract: A system and method for fitting pacifiers and other implements to a particular child. One or more images of the child are used to determine anthropometric data that can be used to properly size a pacifier bulb and properly fit other implements.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a lid that defines an opening and that includes a first sealing element. The fluid dispenser further includes a flexible fluid delivery component that defines an interior fluid channel. The flexible fluid delivery component includes a second sealing element configured to cooperate with the first sealing element of the lid to form a fluid-tight seal between the flexible fluid delivery component and the lid and a valve element configured to cooperate with the opening in the lid to regulate an airflow through the opening in the lid.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a lid that defines an opening and that includes a first sealing element. The fluid dispenser further includes a flexible fluid delivery component that defines an interior fluid channel. The flexible fluid delivery component includes a second sealing element configured to cooperate with the first sealing element of the lid to form a fluid-tight seal between the flexible fluid delivery component and the lid and a valve element configured to cooperate with the opening in the lid to regulate an airflow through the opening in the lid.

Abstract: A biologic-response teether (150). The teether (150) has a shield (160) and one or two generally “T”-shaped bite portions (170, 180) projecting from the shield (160). The bite portions (170, 180) each define an elongated stem (171, 181) closest to the shield (160) and two arms (169, 168) that are coupled to and transverse to the stem (171, 181).

Abstract: A system and method for fitting pacifiers and other implements to a particular child. One or more images of the child are used to determine anthropometric data that can be used to properly size a pacifier bulb and properly fit other implements.

Abstract: A feeding teat for use with a bottle that contains a fluid includes a nipple defining an orifice at a terminal end and an interior profile shaped by multiple intersecting reverse curves that generally decreases an interior diameter of the nipple toward the orifice for directing a flow of the fluid into the orifice, a flange configured to be releasably coupled to the bottle such that the fluid can flow from the bottle into the feeding teat, an intermediate portion integrally connecting the nipple to the flange, and a pressure relief valve extending laterally from the intermediate portion and configured to admit air into an interior region formed by the feeding teat and the bottle.

Abstract: A feeding teat (40) constructed and arranged to be used on a bottle (52) that holds and dispenses a liquid to be fed to an infant or child. The teat (40) has a nipple portion (70) with an orifice (71) at a terminal end, and defines an interior profile shaped by intersecting reverse curves (75, 76) that generally decrease the interior diameter of the nipple portion (70) toward the orifice (71), so as to channel fluid flow into the orifice (112). There is a flange portion (66) constructed and arranged to be releasably coupled to the bottle (52) such that the liquid can flow from the bottle (52) into the teat (40), and a convexly shaped intermediate portion (80) integrally connecting the nipple portion (70) to the flange portion (66). A pressure relief valve (60) built into the teat (40) is constructed and arranged to admit air into the interior of at least one of the teat (40) and the bottle (52).

Abstract: A varied response teether with an outer surface created at least in part by a first elastomeric material and an inner portion including an elastomeric material that has at least one different property than the first elastomeric material.

Abstract: A shield for a pacifier, teether, feeding device, sippy cup or the like. The shield carries a structure that is adapted to be inserted into the mouth of a young child. There is a body defining an opening at which the structure is carried and an inner surface surrounding this opening and encompassing the perioral areas surrounding the lips. The body defines a superior portion superior to the opening and an inferior portion inferior to the opening, and defines a lateral axis passing laterally through the opening. The superior portion is generally concave laterally on both sides of the vertical midline, to define an inner surface that closely conforms to the upper lip and perioral areas. At least the part of the inferior portion close to and on either side of the vertical midline is offset outward away from the face compared to the inner surface of the superior portion that is close to and on either side of the vertical midline, to allow the mandible to move anteriorly without being inhibited by the shield.

Abstract: A pacifier for use with premature newborns and infants. The pacifier has a shield and a hollow bulb projecting from one side of the shield, the bulb defining a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile or internal shape along at least a portion of its length from the shield to its distal free end.

Abstract: A shield for a pacifier, teether, feeding device, sippy cup or the like. The shield carries a structure that is adapted to be inserted into the mouth of a young child. There is, a body defining an opening at which the structure is carried and an inner surface surrounding this opening and encompassing the perioral areas surrounding the lips. The body demes a superior portion superior to the opening and an inferior portion inferior to the opening, and defines a lateral axis passing laterally through the opening. The superior portion is generally concave laterally on both sides of the vertical midline, to define an inner surface that closely conforms to the upper lip and perioral areas. At least the part of the inferior portion close to and on either side of the vertical midline is offset outward away from the face compared to the inner surface of the superior portion that is close to and on either side of the vertical midline, to allow the mandible to move anteriorly without being inhibited by the shield.

Abstract: There is disclosed a nipple (10) suitable for a soother, feeding bottle or drinking vessel. The nipple (10) has a teat portion (12), an areola portion (14) and a base portion (16). The nipple (10) has an interior wall (15) and a plurality of paths (20), prefereably at least partly recessed, in the interior wall (15). Each path (20) has a first end (25) located in the teat portion (12) and a second end (26) located in the areola portion (14).

Abstract: A feeding teat (40) constructed and arranged to be used on a bottle (52) that holds and dispenses a liquid to be fed to an infant or child. The teat (40) has a nipple portion (70) with an orifice (71) at a terminal end, and defines an interior profile shaped by intersecting reverse curves (75, 76) that generally decrease the interior diameter of the nipple portion (70) toward the orifice (71), so as to channel fluid flow into the orifice (112). There is a flange portion (66) constructed and arranged to be releasably coupled to the bottle (52) such that the liquid can flow from the bottle (52) into the teat (40), and a convexly shaped intermediate portion (80) integrally connecting the nipple portion (70) to the flange portion (66). A pressure relief valve (60) built into the teat (40) is constructed and arranged to admit air into the interior of at least one of the teat (40) and the bottle (52).

Abstract: There is disclosed a nipple (10) suitable for a soother, feeding bottle or drinking vessel. The nipple (10) has a teat portion (12), an areola portion (14) and a base portion (16). The nipple (10) has an interior wall (15) and a plurality of paths (20), prefereably at least partly recessed, in the interior wall (15). Each path (20) has a first end (25) located in the teat portion (12) and a second end (26) located in the areola portion (14).

Abstract: A pacifier for use with premature newborns and infants. The pacifier has a shield and a hollow bulb projecting from one side of the shield, the bulb defining a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile or internal shape along at least a portion of its length from the shield to its distal free end.

Abstract: A biometric identification device (100) for two-person (for example parent and child such as a newborn infant) identification and matching. The device is adapted to provide a system for obtaining unique biometric identifiers from a parent and a child, which will remain linked through the life of the device. For example, the device (700) may be an integral device that includes a first portion (104) adapted for collection of an oral swab comprising epithelial cells and saliva (typically collected from a newborn infant), a second portion (102) adapted for collection of a biometric sample from another person (typically the new mother, either just before or just after birth), and a portion (103) connecting the first portion (104) and second portion (102). Also provided are methods for use of the provided biometric device for obtaining identification samples as well as methods of use of the provided device for identification of a person and/or identification of a parent/child match.

Abstract: A varied response teether (10) with an outer surface (12) created at least in part by a first elastomeric material and an inner portion (22) including an elastomeric material that has at least one different property than the first elastomeric material.

Abstract: A biologic-response teether (150). The teether (150) has a shield (160) and one or two generally “T”-shaped bite portions (170, 180) projecting from the shield (160). The bite portions (170, 180) each define an elongated stem (171, 181) closest to the shield (160) and two arms (169, 168) that are coupled to and transverse to the stem (171, 181).

Abstract: Intraoral orthodontic pacifier/nipple appliances having integrated orthodontic functionality. The appliance has an integrated orthodontic mechanism. The bulb expands or moves upward and expands outward as a child sucks on it, to counteract inward pressure of the cheeks and the lateral portion of the lips caused by suction or sucking action. The invention also provides products including the orthodontic appliance, as well as methods of using the appliance and products including the appliance in the inhibition and treatment of certain malocclusions in the primary dentition of young children.