Breast shield for expressing human breast milk
Abstract
This record has no abstract on file.
Term
4 yearsto projected expiry
Projected expiry 17 September 2030, counted from filing; an application has no term until it is granted.
- Priority
- Filed
- Published
- Today
- Projected expiry
16 claims: 5 independent, 11 dependent
- 1Patent claims Zastrzeżenia patentowe 1. The lactation cap (4) for use in a breast milk device, the lactation cap (4) having a tube-shaped stub pipe (40) and a funnel formed on it (42) to be applied to the mother's breast (B), the funnel being (42) expands towards its open side away from the spigot (40) and there is a channel (43) that extends continuously from the end of the funnel (42) on the breast side up to the opposite end, on the pump end of the connector (40) and which is used to apply a vacuum to the mother's breast and to drain the pumped breast milk, characterized in that the funnel (42) is shaped as more flexible than the connector (40), that funnel (42) has a main area (420) extending over a significant part of its length with the first opening angle (α1) of the channel (43) and on the breast side the end area (421) with the second opening angle (α2) of the channel (43), wherein, when not in use, the first opening angle (α1) is smaller than the second opening angle (α2) and that in use the at least first opening angle (α1) can be increased by axial pressure on the lactation cap (4). 1. Kapturek laktacyjny (4) do stosowania w urządzeniu do odciągania mleka kobiecego, przy czym kapturek laktacyjny (4) posiada króciec (40) w kształcie rurki i uformowany na nim jednoczęciowo lejek (42) do nakładania na pierś (B) matki, przy czym lejek (42) rozszerza się w kierunku swojej otwartej strony odwróconej od króćca (40) i przy czym istnieje kanał (43), który rozpościera się w sposób ciągły od znajdującego się od strony piersi końca lejka (42) aż do przeciwległego do tego końca, znajdującego się od strony pompki końca króćca (40) i który służy do przykładania próżni do piersi matki i do odpływu odpompowanego mleka matki, znamienny tym, że lejek (42) jest ukształtowany jako bardziej elastyczny niż króciec (40), że lejek (42) posiada rozpościerający się na znacznej części swojej długości obszar główny (420) z pierwszym kątem otwarcia (α1) kanału (43) oraz od strony piersi obszar końcowy (421) z drugim kątem otwarcia (α2) kanału (43), przy czym podczas nieużytkowania pierwszy kąt otwarcia (α1) jest mniejszy niż drugi kąt otwarcia (α2) oraz że w stanie użytkowania przynajmniej pierwszy kąt otwarcia (α1) poprzez osiowy nacisk na kapturek laktacyjny (4) może się powiększać.
- 6The lactation cap according to one of the claims from 1 to 5, in which the connector (40) has a much larger wall thickness than the funnel (42). 6. Kapturek laktacyjny według jednego z zastrz. od 1 do 5, w którym króciec (40) posiada wielkrotnie większą grubość ścianki niż lejek (42). PZ/3206/RW VP / 3206 / RW B1 B1 EP 2 480 265 EP 2 480 265
- 9The lactation cap according to one of the claims from 1 to 8, which is made of silicone. 9. Kapturek laktacyjny według jednego z zastrz. od 1 do 8, który jest wykonany z silikonu.
- 10The lactation cap according to one of the claims from 1 to 9, in which the funnel (42) has a Shore A hardness of about 50, and the stub pipe (40) has a Shore A hardness of about 70. 10. Kapturek laktacyjny według jednego z zastrz. od 1 do 9, w którym lejek (42) posiada twardość w skali A według Shore'a około 50, a króciec (40) twardość w skali A według Shore'a około 70.
- 11A lactation cap set with a lactation cap (4) according to one of the claims from 1 to 10 and with a connection part (10) for tightly gripping the connector (40) of the lactation cap (4), characterized in that the connection part (10) is cylindrical and on one side is closed with a bottom, and thus a blind hole is formed to grasp the connector (40) and that there is at least one connection opening (31), which is in fluid communication with the channel (43) of the lactation cap (4). 11. Zestaw kapturka laktacyjnego z kapturkiem laktacyjnym (4) według jednego z zastrz. od 1 do 10 oraz z częścią połączeniową (10) do szczelnego uchwycenia króćca (40) kapturka laktacyjnego (4), znamienny tym, że część połączeniowa (10) jest ukształtowana cylindrycznie i po jednej stronie jest zamknięta denkiem, a zatem jest utworzony ślepy otwór do uchwycenia króćca (40) oraz że znajduje się co najmniej jeden otwór przyłączeniowy (31), który znajduje się w połączeniu płynowym z kanałem (43) kapturka laktacyjnego (4).
Independent claims5
110 paragraphs in 28 sections, as filed
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a lactation cap for expressing breast milk according to the preamble of claim 1. 1 and a lactation cap set according to the preamble of claim 1. 11.
BACKGROUND ART [0002] Breast-feeding devices are widely known. There are basically two different types: the first are manually operated, i.e. the vacuum needed for expressing milk is generated by a manually operated vacuum pump. In the second type, the vacuum pumps are electrically driven, the vacuum pump can be connected to the electrical network and / or it can be driven by a battery or other device with stored electricity. Examples are WO 96/22116, US 2009/0099511, US 2008/0287037, US 7 094 217 and US 2008/0039781.
[0003] These vacuum pumps are connected either directly to the lactation cap or via vacuum hoses. The lactation cap usually has a funnel-shaped part to grip a part of the female breast along with the breast papilla. The funnel-shaped part usually changes into a cylindrical part, to which a vacuum pump or suction line is directly connected on one side and which, on the other hand, is also connected directly or via a milk line to a milk collecting container. It is known that lactation hoods are selected according to the size of the breast. In particular, sets of caps are known, in which the size of the funnel-shaped parts can be appropriately selected for a given mother.
[0004] Relatively small caps are also known in the art. For example, US 6,379,327 discloses a portable pumping device, so-called "hands-free". In this case, "Hands-free" means that the entire device functions without using the hands after switching on, i.e. neither the pump nor the lactation cap need to be supported by hand. In US 6,379,327 a small lactation cap in the form of a funnel is attached to the breast with straps for this purpose. The first hose leads from the lactation cap to the vacuum pump, which is kept on the belt. A second tube leads from the lactation cap to the milk collecting container, which can be kept on the same belt.
[0005] Also WO 02/102437 and WO 2008/137678 show hands-free devices for expressing food. Here, the lactation cap is always integrated into the pump housing and also serves as a membrane for creating a vacuum.
[0006] US 949 414 describes a lactation cap in the form of a funnel that can be placed under a bra. No vacuum is applied here, but leads the baby hose from the lactation cap and the baby can receive the desired milk by sucking from the hose.
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EP 2 480 265 [0007] US 6 440 100 shows a breastfeeding device with a small lactation cap that can be worn under a bra. The milk hose leads from the lactation cap to the milk collecting container, which is connected by a vacuum line to the vacuum source. The milk collecting container is emptied by means of a vacuum source, the vacuum being applied to the lactation cap through the milk hose. Due to the negative pressure prevailing in the milk container, the pumped milk can enter the milk container via the milk hose. The milk collecting container itself can alternatively be used as a vacuum pump. This device is disadvantageous in that the relatively large volume of the milk collecting container must also be emptied. This so-called dead volume significantly limits the device's performance.
[0008] US 2005/222536 discloses a lactation cap in the shape of a hollow cylinder with a straight covering. The lactation cap is made of very soft material. [0009] US 2004/087898 shows a lactation cap with a funnel and a flexible insert. This insert can change its shape to massage the breast.
[0010] WO 2008/090386 relates to a device with a hard shell and a soft inner part which, when applied to the breast, deforms. The hard part can be part of the breast pump, and therefore the lactation cap, or be taken directly into the mouth by the child.
PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION [0011] The object of the invention is to provide an improved lactation cap that is comfortable for the mother to wear and which minimizes air-filled dead volume.
[0012] This object is achieved by means of a lactation cap with the features indicated in claim 1. 1 and a lactation cap set having the features indicated in claim 1. 11.
[0013] The lactation cap according to the invention has a tube-shaped nozzle and an integrated funnel formed thereon for applying to the mother's breast, the funnel widening in the direction of its open side facing away from the nozzle and with a channel that extends into continuously from the end of the funnel on the breast side to the end of the pump on the pump side opposite the end and which is used to apply a vacuum to the mother's breast and to drain the expressed breast milk. The funnel is shaped according to the invention as being more flexible than the nozzle. The funnel has a main area extending over a significant part of its length with the first channel opening angle and the end area from the breast side with the second channel opening angle. The first opening angle of the channel during non-use is smaller than the second opening angle, wherein in use the at least the first opening angle can be increased by axial pressure on the lactation cap.
[0014] The present lactation cap adapts optimally to the shape of the breast of the nursing woman and, depending on the need or pressure, creates a tight or less tight connection with the breast.
[0015] It is comfortable to wear and due to its adaptability it limits the dead volume filled with air or milk.
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[0016] The lactation cap is preferably shaped so small that it covers only the nipple and the maximum - the nipple envelope. This allows it to be used not only in the ordinary "hand-free" system, but due to its small size, it has virtually no air-filled areas. This has a positive effect on the operation of the vacuum pump, because it needs less power and thus can work quieter.
[0017] Such small lactation caps additionally have the advantage that less movement of the breast tissue occurs within the cap. The lactation caps can therefore adhere more tightly to the tissue, which in turn requires less pumping capacity. The pump can therefore also be made smaller and quieter.
[0018] Unlike the known lactation cap and for natural suckling by a baby, the breast nipple in the lactation cap according to the invention usually does not extend to 2 and a half times its length. This is beneficial for the mother, especially for sore nipples.
[0019] When not in use, typical values for the first opening angle of the lactation cap are <5 ° (less than or equal to 5 °), and for the second opening angle 90 ° to 160 °. During use and depending on the axial pressure applied, at least the second opening angle may increase to 120 ° or preferably up to 160 °.
[0020] The funnel preferably has a diameter of 5 mm to 40 mm from the breast side and a length of 10 mm to 40 mm, and thus, in use, the lactation cap covers the breast papilla and the maximal coating of the breast papilla. It is advantageous that the milk ducts in the breast tissue are not surrounded.
[0021] Between the stub pipe and the funnel there is preferably a transition area with a third opening angle of the channel, the third opening angle when unused being greater than the first opening angle. [0022] Typical values for the third opening angle are from 60 ° to 150 °.
[0023] The main area is preferably attached directly to the transition area. The end area is also preferably attached directly to the main area.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the stub has a much greater wall thickness than the funnel. Additionally or alternatively the connector can be made of a material with higher Shore hardness.
[0025] In the transition area between the stub pipe and the funnel there is preferably an external stop that extends beyond the outer circumference of the stub pipe.
[0026] If the outer periphery of the connector extends conically towards the funnel, it can easily be inserted into the keyway.
[0027] The lactation cap according to the invention is preferably made of silicone and has a Shore A hardness of 30 to 70. The funnel preferably has a Shore A hardness of about 50, and the connector a Shore 'A hardness and about 70.
[0028] For this relatively small and compact lactation cap to be easily held in the hand, it is preferably offered in a set with a connection part. The connection part is used to tightly fasten the connector of the lactation cap, it is cylindrical and closed on one side with a bottom, which creates a blind hole to grip the connector.
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There is at least one, preferably - exactly one connection opening that is in fluid communication with the lactation cap channel.
[0029] In the assembled state, the end of the nozzle located away from the end cap, preferably ends at a distance from the bottom of the connecting part. Preferably, at least one connection opening is arranged centrally in the connecting part.
[0030] If the at least one connection opening is located in the upper area of the connection part and the connection part has a marking which defines the "top" in the chamber, the presence of air bubbles is prevented during the withdrawal of food and eliminates dead spaces filled with air.
[0031] In order to facilitate the insertion of the conical connector, the diameter of the blind hole of the connection part also narrows towards the bottom.
[0032] The connecting part is preferably shaped as rigid, which facilitates the insertion of the pipe stub and increases stability. This makes it easier to hold or attach.
[0033] The lactation cap preferably does not have any inserts and is made only of the above-mentioned elements.
[0034] The lactation cap according to the invention can be combined with all types of breast pumps. However, it is beneficial to use it with a breast pump that changes the pneumatic system into a hydraulic one when expressing milk. This means that the same tube that applied vacuum to the lactation cap at the beginning also serves to transport the expressed milk and thus milk is the medium that produces the next flow of milk from the mother's breast.
[0035] This type of breast milk device has a lactation cap according to the invention for application to a mother's breast, a vacuum pump for generating a vacuum, a conduit connecting the lactation cap to the pump chamber for transferring the generated vacuum to the lactation cap and the chamber. The cable ends from the pump side in the first connection of this chamber. According to the invention, the chamber has a second connection for connecting to the milk collecting container. These two connections are in fluid communication with each other in the chamber. When expressing milk, the duct creates a milk duct for transporting the breast milk drawn into the lactation cap to the chamber. The milk is then drained from the chamber into the milk collection container.
[0036] Advantageous in this system is not only that the expressed milk warms the lactation cap, which is pleasant for the mother. In addition, only one cable is needed, which can be hidden discreetly in clothes, especially in "hands-free" constructions.
[0037] Since the whole system is filled with milk and thus no longer has a vacuum tube in the usual sense, a smaller pump capacity is needed to draw off breast milk. Typical values for air flow rates are up to 50 ml / min, and for milk flow rates up to 100 ml / min. The vacuum pump can therefore be shaped as smaller and lighter, which in turn makes it less visible to a bystander. Mother can use this vacuum pump more discreetly. Due to the lower demand for pump power, the vacuum pump is also quieter during use, which in turn increases comfort and discretion.
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EP 2 480 265 [0038] Because the entire system, i.e. the entire system up to the area of the vacuum pump from the pump aggregate side or drive side is filled with milk and there are no or very little dead spaces filled with air, the applied vacuum can be more easily controlled . The vacuum adjacent to the lactation cap also corresponds more to the vacuum created in the vacuum pump.
[0039] The present milk hose can be made in various ways. In a preferred embodiment, a separation wall is present which separates the vacuum pump drive and the conduit from each other. The chamber is thus divided by a dividing wall into an area from the side of the lactating cap and an area from the drive side. These two areas are completely separated from each other and connect with each other only through the membrane. This prevents milk from entering the vacuum pump area from the drive side and from contaminants or air from the drive side from entering the milk line, and thus into the lactation cap and the milk collecting container. This separation wall is preferably a membrane.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is driven and serves to transport the expressed milk. In this way, you can express milk regardless of the relative position of the lactation cap, milk container and vacuum pump. The mother can also express the milk, e.g. in a lying position. This is particularly optimal in the "handsfree" version, because the mother can also bend down and generally can move freely.
[0041] Various types of vacuum pumps can be used with the duct according to the invention, providing vacuum and milk. Preferably, but not necessarily, only one membrane is used at a time for both transporting the milk and for separating the media.
[0042] The vacuum pump is preferably a diaphragm pump, the chamber being a chamber of the vacuum pump creating the vacuum and the membrane being a diaphragm of the pump chamber used to generate the vacuum.
[0043] The lactation cap can also be attached to the vacuum pump housing indirectly and without the above described hose. Nevertheless, it can be switched to a hydraulic pumping system. A preferred vacuum pump for expressing breast milk with this lactation cap has a drive and a cyclically driven membrane, the membrane is located in the chamber, the membrane divides the chamber into a part on the drive side and a part from the side of the lactation cap and part from the side the lactation cap has a connection for a vacuum to form a connection with the lactation cap. Furthermore, according to the invention, a part of the chamber on the side of the lactation cap has a milk connection to form a connection with the milk collecting container, and the connection for the vacuum and the milk connection are in fluid communication with each other through the part of the chamber on the side of the lactation cap. Preferably the vacuum pump is a diaphragm pump and the chamber is a vacuum generating pump chamber. The vacuum pump is preferably a diaphragm pump and the chamber is a vacuum generating pump chamber.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum pump is an electric vacuum pump. The diaphragm pump diaphragm preferably forms the above-mentioned diaphragm serving as the milk drive and the separation wall. The diaphragm drive is preferably used simultaneously for
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EP 2 480 265 creating a vacuum in the pump chamber and for transporting the milk stream. Thanks to the triple membrane function, vacuum can be better controlled.
[0045] The membrane preferably has a substantially circular profile. The membrane is preferably driven in its central area, preferably in the middle.
[0046] Other types of diaphragm pumps and alternative diaphragm pumps may also be used. In addition, manually operated pumps can be used.
[0047] A combination of these three elements:
a vacuum and milk transport tube for the pump chamber membrane with its triple function of the small size lactation cap that prevents dead volume creates the possibility of forming an extremely small and quiet device, and is also suitable for any type of application, in particular for hands-free use ". [0048] Further preferred embodiments and method variants are given in the dependent claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0049] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below based on the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. The drawings show:
Fig. 1 a longitudinal section through a lactation cap according to the invention, applied with greater pressure to a woman's breast;
Fig. 2 a longitudinal section through the lactation cap of the invention of Fig. 1, applied with less pressure to the breast of a woman;
Fig. 3 a longitudinal section through the lactation cap according to Fig. 1 with the coupling part according to the first embodiment;
Fig. 4 a longitudinal section through a coupling part according to a second embodiment;
Fig. 5 a longitudinal section through a coupling part according to a third embodiment;
Fig. 6 a longitudinal section through the connection part according to Fig. 3;
Fig. 7 an exploded view of an apparatus according to the invention for drawing off breast milk according to the first embodiment, the sidewall of the vacuum pump is not shown;
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Fig. 8 the device according to Fig. 7 in assembled condition for use, the sidewall of the vacuum pump not shown; and
Fig. 9 the device according to the invention according to a second embodiment, wherein the side wall of the vacuum pump is not shown.
[0050] The same elements are designated with the same reference numbers.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0051] A preferred example of a lactation cap 4 according to the invention is shown in figures 1 to 3. In Fig. 3 it is visible in a set with the connecting part 3.
[0052] Fig. 1 shows the lactation cap 4 according to the invention in a view applied to the female breast B. The lactation cap 4 has a stub 40, a funnel 42 and a transition area 44 connecting these two elements. Preferably, between the nozzle 40 and the funnel 42, there is a radially outwardly extending flange 41. The continuous channel 43 extends through the entire lactation cap 4 and is therefore shaped as open at both opposite ends. The lactation cap 4 is shaped as symmetrically rotatable. Preferably, it has no other elements, in particular inserts.
[0053] The lactation cap 4 is preferably shaped as one piece. It is made of plastic, preferably silicone.
[0054] The stub 40 is massive, i.e. shaped as relatively rigid and serves to join the connecting part 3. It has a wall thickness many times greater than the funnel 42. In this example the stub 40 is conically shaped on its outer periphery, it being preferably made as symmetrically rotatable. The conicity facilitates insertion into the connection part 3, and also increases the tightness of the anastomosis with the connection part 3. The tightness is also achieved by a light material-dependent clamping in the connection part 3. To this end, the outer diameter of the connector 40 is slightly larger than the internal diameter of the connection part 3. Typical external diameters of the connector 40 are 8 mm to 40 mm. Typical lengths are 5 mm to 40 mm.
[0055] The funnel 42 serves to capture the mother's breast. It is preferably made to be very flexible. In fact, it is made more flexible and softer than connector 40. Thanks to its flexibility, it adapts its shape to the shape of the mother's breast. Here it has much smaller wall thickness than connector 40. Alternatively, pipe stub 40 and funnel 42 may also have the same wall thickness, in which case stub 40 is made of a material with greater Shore hardness or has reinforcement. The funnel 42 preferably has a Shore A hardness of about 50, and a stub 40 has a Shore A hardness of about 70.
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[0056] In Fig. 3 the lactation cap 4 is shown when not in use. The funnel 42 has at least two areas: the main area 420 and the front end area 421 on the side of the lactation cap 4. The end area 421 forms on the side of the cap 4 the end of the lactation cap 4 and therefore its end is open.
[0057] The main area 420 has a first opening angle α1 when unused, and the end area a second opening angle α2. The first opening angle α1 is smaller than the second opening angle α2. Furthermore, in the end region 421, the wall is preferably bent outwardly. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the first opening angle α1 can be increased during axial pressure on the breast and thus the end area 421 can be optimally adapted to the shape of the breast.
[0058] As can be seen in the figures, the main area 420 adjoins directly to the end area 421. The main area 420 adjoins the other end directly to the transition area 44.
[0059] In transition region 44 there is another, third opening angle α3, which is also larger than the first opening angle of the main area 420. It serves as a guide for the main area as the angle increases.
[0060] When not in use, the angles are preferably: for the first opening angle α<sub>1</sub> <.5 °, for the second opening angle α2 from 90 ° to 160 ° and for the third opening angle α3 from 60 ° to 150 °. At least the first opening angle α1 can be increased during use, preferably to an angle of 10 °.
[0061] The funnel 42 has a length L of 10 mm to 40 mm. The diameter D in the front end area is preferably 5 mm to 40 mm, in particular 20 mm to 40 mm. Because of this, it is so small that it covers only the nipple and at most some or all of the nipple coat, but does not cover the rest of the breast. This corresponds approximately to the part of the breast that the baby takes in his mouth. The funnel 42 in the area of the stub 40 is shaped in the form of a truncated cone, which opens towards the breast. Its front edge on the breast side is more strongly inclined outwards than the part on the side of the stub pipe.
[0062] Since the lactation cap 4 or at least the funnel 42 is shaped as elastic, the mother can decide by herself the pressure to what extent the breast will actually be covered by the lactation cap 4. The pressure force results from the axial pressure on the funnel 42 and the resistance of the breast of the mother. In Fig. 1 the clamping force is relatively large and the funnel is spread out, in Fig. 2 the pressure is smaller and the funnel 42 surrounds only the nipple. By selecting the clamping force, you can also adjust the tightness of the device on the breast and in this way set the breast milk as comfortable as possible.
[0063] The lactation cap 4, as seen in Fig. 3, is inserted into the connection part 3.
[0064] The connecting part 3 is preferably also small, but made as rigid as possible. Its outer circumference is preferably cylindrical and its inner circumference is truncated or conically shaped. It has a U-shaped cross section, so it is shaped as open at one end and closed at the opposite end. Thus, a blind hole is created in which the connector 40 of the lactation cap 4 can be inserted up to the stop 41. In fig. 3 the lactation cap 4 is not fully inserted yet. However, as can be seen, it is fully inserted between the end of the stub pipe from the front side and the rear wall of the part
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The connection 3 has a gap that forms a passage for the fluid from the channel 43 from the connection opening 31 in the connection part 3.
[0065] Connection opening 31 is for connecting a vacuum line and / or a milk line. If the vacuum tube and milk tube are separated from each other, there are two connection holes in the connecting part 3. These connection openings can be equipped with check valves. The vacuum line leads to the vacuum pump, the milk line to the milk collection container.
[0066] The wires can be inserted into the holes simply. However, they can also be permanently connected to the connection part 3 or for connecting with the conductors there may be plug-in or insertion elements, for example stub pipes.
[0067] At least one connection opening 31 can be located in different places. In Fig. 3 it is located in the upper region on the rear wall of the connecting part 3. In Fig. 4 it is located in the middle of the rear wall. In Fig. 5, it is placed in the housing in the rear area, but near the rear wall. Preferably also in the upper area. Fig. 6 shows again the situation according to Fig. 3, but without the lactation cap 4 inserted.
[0068] If the connection opening 31, especially for the milk conduit, is located at the top, the residual air in the connecting part 3 is sucked together with the milk and the dead volume is again reduced. The lactation cap 4 and the connection part 3 no longer have air chambers in use. Their free spaces, if they still exist, are filled with milk. Therefore, in order for the connection opening to be directed upwards during use, it is possible, for example, to affix appropriate markings on the connecting part 3.
[0069] The subject lactation cap can be used with all types of breast pumps. However, it is advantageous when used with breastfeeding devices shown in figures 7 to 9.
[0070] Figures 7 and 8 show a first embodiment of this type of device. It has a vacuum pump 1, first conduit 2, connection part 3, lactation cap 4, check valve 5, second conduit 6 and milk collection container 7.
[0071] The lactation cap 4 is connected by means of the connecting part 3 and the first flexible conduit 2 to the vacuum pump 1. A second flexible conduit 6 leads to the milk collecting container 7 from the vacuum pump 1, this connection being equipped with a check valve 5. The two flexible wires 2, 6 are preferably hoses, in particular made of silicone.
[0072] As shown in Fig. 9, the milk collecting container can also be attached alternatively to the vacuum pump indirectly. A suitably shaped connecting port 70 located on the milk collecting container 7 can be used for this purpose, which can be detachably connected to the vacuum pump housing 10.
[0073] The vacuum pump 1 has said housing 10, the drawings not showing the side wall of the housing 10. In this way, the interior of the housing 10 can be seen visibly.
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EP 2 480 265 [0074] The housing 10 houses an electric motor 11. It can be driven by electricity and / or a battery. The power transmission unit 12, here the connecting rod connected to the engine, transmits the rotary movement of the engine to linear movement. The connecting rod 12 at its other end is connected to the diaphragm 14. The diaphragm 14 is located in the recess of the housing 10, which forms part of the pump chamber. The cover 13 detachably connected to the housing 10 holds the diaphragm 14 firmly in its position.
[0075] Instead of the drive, other types of drives may be used, in particular manual drives.
[0076] The cover 13 is preferably bolted to the housing 10. Other types of joining are also possible. The cover 13 also has a recess and thus forms a second element of the pump chamber. The two elements of the pump chamber are separated from each other by a membrane 14. The cover 13 can be formed as one-piece or multi-part.
[0077] The method of operation of a furniture pump is not described in detail here, as it is sufficiently known. By means of a drive, here with the help of a motor 11 and a connecting rod 12, the diaphragm moves cyclically back and forth, thereby creating a negative pressure in the part of the pump chamber from the side of the lactating cap or from the cover side. Instead of the drive shown here, it is also possible to use other types of drives suitable for cyclic propelling the diaphragm 14. The electronics needed for the pump to operate are not shown here. Known means can be used. The pump can be driven at a time-constant rhythm or, as is known in the art, the suction curve can be adapted in form, frequency and intensity to the method of sucking by the infant and / or to the needs of the mother.
[0078] In the lid 13, i.e. in the valve plate, there is an outlet opening 130 that connects the environment with a portion of the pump chamber from the lid. This outlet 130 serves as the first connection for the first conduit 2. The second outlet 131, which also connects to the surroundings a portion of the pump chamber on the cover side or on the breast side, is shaped as a second connection. This second connection is equipped with a check valve 5. Here, a duckbill valve is used, which is mounted on the connector. Other types of valves can also be used.
[0079] The use of the device is based on the fact that the lactation cap 4 is applied to the mother's breast, and thus covers at least the breast papilla. Preferably, the maximal envelope of the nipple is additionally covered. The vacuum pump 1 is switched on and driven in a known manner. The vacuum generated in the pump chamber leaves the first conduit 2, and therefore a vacuum exists in the lactation cap 4. In this way, the milk is withdrawn from the mother's breast and reaches through the lactation cap 4 and the connection part 3 to the first conduit 2. The milk flows through the first connection 130 to the pump chamber part from the cover side. The pumped milk leaves the pump chamber through the second connection 131 and check valve 5 and reaches through the second conduit 6 (see Fig. 8) or, depending on the design, also indirectly to the milk collecting container 7 (see Fig. 9) . Thus, there is no separate milk transport line. The first line 2 simultaneously serves as a suction line and as a milk transport line. Thus the device switches from initially pneumatic
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EP 2 480 265 pumping into hydraulic pumping. This is another similarity to natural suckling by babies.
[0080] The diaphragm 14 in the pump chamber has three functions. First, it creates a diaphragm of a vacuum diaphragm pump and thus creates a vacuum in the pump chamber. Secondly, it serves as a partition wall between the air in the pump chamber part on the pump side and milk in the pump chamber part on the cover side. It therefore serves to separate the media. This prevents milk from entering the pump unit. But it also prevents dirt from the pump assembly from entering the first and second lines 2, 6. Third, its cyclical movement inside the pump chamber causes it to pump milk and transport it. Thanks to this third function of the diaphragm 14, the milk collecting container 7, the lactation cap 4 and the vacuum pump 1 can be placed during pumping in independent positions. For example, the milk collecting container 7 may be located above the vacuum pump 1 and / or the lactation cap 4. Also, the vacuum pump 1 may be located above the milk collecting container 7 and / or the lactation cap 4. This allows the mother to express milk also in the supine position or, if sitting, placing the milk collection container 7 and vacuum pump 1 out of the reach of small children - on a shelf or in another raised place.
[0081] In the examples of figures 7 to 9, a vacuum of preferably 0 to 300 mmHg is generated. The pumping frequency is preferably between 5 and 120 cycles per minute.
[0082] The check valve 5 preferably opens only at a suitable pressure, i.e. if the pump chamber is sufficiently filled with milk. In this way, the dead capacity required for discharge can be kept to a minimum.
[0083] The lactation cap according to the invention is comfortable for the mother to wear and minimizes the dead capacity of air and milk when expressing breast milk.
LIST OF REFERENCES
<td> 1</td><td>vacuum pump</td><td> 421</td><td>end area</td>
<td> 10</td><td>housing</td><td> 43</td><td>channel</td>
<td> 11</td><td>engine</td><td> 44</td><td>transition area</td>
<td> 12</td><td>power transmission unit</td><td></td><td></td>
<td> 13</td><td>cover</td><td> 5</td><td>check valve</td>
<td> 130</td><td>first connection</td><td></td><td></td>
<td> 131</td><td>second connection</td><td> 6</td><td>second wire</td>
<td> 133, 133'</td><td>pocket</td><td> 60</td><td>valve cap</td>
<td> 14</td><td>membrane</td><td></td><td></td>
<td></td><td></td><td> 7</td><td>milk container</td>
<td> 2</td><td>first wire</td><td> 70</td><td>connecting stub</td>
<td> 3</td><td>connecting part</td><td>B</td><td>breast</td>
EP 2 480 265
VP / 3206 / RW
B1 basic body connection opening lactation cap stub pipe stop funnel
420 main area
D diameter of the end area of the funnel
L funnel length α1 first opening angle α2 second opening angle α3 third opening angle
VP / 3206 / RW
B1
EP 2 480 265
Contents28
87 members in 17 offices
Priority claims8
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24463609 | United States of America | P | |
| 24463609 | United States of America | P | |
| 10760581 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A | |
| 2010000226 | Switzerland | W | |
| 2010000226 | Switzerland | W | |
| EP20100760581 | – | – | – |
| US20090244636P | – | – | – |
| WO2010CH00226 | – | – | – |
Members87
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US2011071466A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2011035447A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| WO2011035448A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| WO2011037841A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| TW201121592A | Taiwan Province of China | A | |
| TW201121593A | Taiwan Province of China | A | |
| WO2011037841A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| TW201127426A | Taiwan Province of China | A | |
| AU2010300011A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| US2012070323A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2012034238A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| CH703813A1 | Switzerland | A1 | |
| SG179094A1 | Singapore | A1 | |
| SG179162A1 | Singapore | A1 | |
| TW201217648A | Taiwan Province of China | A | |
| AU2010300058A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| IL218570D0 | Israel | D0 | |
| AU2010300058A2 | Australia | A2 | |
| KR20120074279A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| KR20120074296A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| CN102596280A | China | A | |
| IL218183D0 | Israel | D0 | |
| EP2480264A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| EP2480265A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| CN102665783A | China | A | |
| US2012277728A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2012316493A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| HK1168566A1 | Hong Kong, China | A1 | |
| JP2013505086A | Japan | A | |
| JP2013505087A | Japan | A | |
| AU2011301698A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| SG188249A1 | Singapore | A1 | |
| CN103118718A | China | A | |
| US2013131588A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2616116A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| RU2012114726A | Russian Federation | A | |
| RU2012114727A | Russian Federation | A | |
| US8568350B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| AU2010300011B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| AU2010300058B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| JP2013545002A | Japan | A | |
| KR20130140633A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| HK1184399A1 | Hong Kong, China | A1 | |
| AU2010300058C1 | Australia | C1 | |
| AU2010300011C1 | Australia | C1 | |
| AU2011301698B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| US8790094B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| JP5581388B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| RU2013115346A | Russian Federation | A | |
| AU2011301698C1 | Australia | C1 | |
| EP2616116B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| IL218183A | Israel | A | |
| RU2548792C2 | Russian Federation | C2 | |
| EP2480265B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| PL2616116T3 | Poland | T3 | |
| IL218570A | Israel | A | |
| ES2543612T3 | Spain | T3 | |
| RU2563434C2 | Russian Federation | C2 | |
| TWI508757B | Taiwan Province of China | B | |
| PL2480265T3This record | Poland | T3 | |
| CN102596280B | China | B | |
| CN103118718B | China | B | |
| RU2572746C2 | Russian Federation | C2 | |
| JP5860467B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| CN102665783B | China | B | |
| IL224636A | Israel | A | |
| BR112012006124A2 | Brazil | A2 | |
| TWI549707B | Taiwan Province of China | B | |
| JP6047402B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| KR101714555B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| US9603982B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| KR101729635B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| TWI580866B | Taiwan Province of China | B | |
| US2017151380A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| MY163631A | Malaysia | A | |
| US2018064859A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US9956331B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| KR101864806B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| MY166812A | Malaysia | A | |
| MY167042A | Malaysia | A | |
| US2018236147A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2480264B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| BR112013005644A2 | Brazil | A2 | |
| US10493187B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US10493188B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US10639407B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| BR112012006122A2 | Brazil | A2 |
Numbers
- Publication, DOCDB
- 2480265
- Publication, EPODOC
- PL2480265T
- Application
- 760581
- Application, DOCDB
- 10760581
- Application, EPODOC
- PL20100760581T
Titles2
- English
- BREAST SHIELD FOR EXPRESSING HUMAN BREAST MILK
- Polish
- Kapturek laktacyjny do odciągania pokarmu kobiecego
Classification
- CPC, 12
- A61M1/066
- A61M1/06
- A61M1/064
- A61M1/82
- A61M1/067
- A61M1/0697
- A61M1/06935
- A61J13/00
- A41C3/065
- F02M61/08
- A61F13/01038
- A61M2202/0014
- IPC, 1
- A61M1 06