Breast shield device for breast pump

Abstract

A breast shield arrangement (300) for a breast pump is provided. The breast shield arrangement comprises a breast receiving portion (300a) having a flexible collapsible funnel (301) and a rigid frame (340) manufactured as a single unit by 2K manufacturing. The flexible funnel (330) has a circumferentially extending wall (301a). The breast receiving portion (300a) has a first end (310) and a second end (320). During 2K manufacturing, the flexible funnel (330) and the rigid frame (340) are connected at the first end (310) and the second end (320) of the breast receiving portion (300a). The flexible funnel (330) is configured to collapse if a vacuum is applied to the breast receiving portion (300a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a breast shield device for a breast pump and a breast pump. Background Art

[0002] Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed an infant. WHO exclusively recommends breastfeeding a young child for six months and then continuing breastfeeding until at least two years of age. However, if a mother is unable to feed her young child directly, for example due to medical problems or due to absence, using a breast pump allows breast milk to be extracted and given to the young child by other means, such as a bottle.

[0003] During breastfeeding, a toddler or infant performs peristaltic tongue movements. At the same time, the toddler will suck on the mother's breast. By sucking on the mother's breast, negative pressure is created, allowing the infant to form a nipple through the nipple, areola, and underlying breast tissue. The infant is able to maintain a background vacuum to maintain the nipple in the infant's mouth. In addition to the background vacuum, alternating pressure is applied using the jaw and tongue.

[0004] Figure 1A and 1B The general anatomy of a baby's sucking is shown schematically and exemplarily. Figure 1A and 1B , a toddler or infant 100 is depicted having a tongue 110 having a front portion 111 and a rear portion 112. In addition, a breast 200 of a breastfeeding woman is depicted including milk ducts 210, areola 220, and nipple 230. The toddler or infant 100 is able to maintain a background vacuum in the mouth so that the nipple 230 stays in the mouth. In addition, the infant 100 performs peristaltic tongue movements to extract breast milk from the breast of the breastfeeding woman. The infant is also able to generate waves with its tongue. As shown in Figure 1A As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the tongue 110 creates a bulge or protuberance 113 (at its front) and another bulge or protuberance 114 (at its rear 112). Between these two protuberances 113, 114, there is a valley 116. As shown in FIG. Figure 1B As can be seen in the figure, the ridges or protrusions 113, 114 move along the tongue of the infant. The same applies to the valleys 116, 117. The breast milk from the milk duct 110 is thus transported in the valleys 116, 117 through the nipple 230 to the mouth of the infant. The presence of the protrusions 113, 114 makes it possible to push the breast milk towards the mouth of the infant. At the tip of the nipple, the presence of the valleys 116, 117 increases the volume, which is responsible for creating a vacuum at the tip of the nipple. At the same time, the protrusions 113, 114 are pushing the breast milk towards the outlet so that the infant 110 can drink the discharged breast milk M. The tongue activity that creates the protrusions and valleys is important for stimulating the production of hormones, which are responsible for the let-down reflex and keep the breast milk flowing.

[0005] Breast shields are known that have a funnel made of a flexible material so that it collapses when a vacuum is applied to the breast shield device. Typically, the flexible funnel can be inserted into a rigid frame in order to secure the flexible funnel. However, problems may arise when mounting the flexible funnel and the rigid frame. Specifically, if the flexible funnel is not properly mounted into the frame, tension and stress may occur in the funnel, which may negatively affect the performance of the breast pump.

[0006] US 2016 / 0015876 A1 discloses a breast interface for a breast pump. The breast interface includes a pad and a pad support frame. The pad is collapsible. The pad and the support frame can be manufactured as a single structural component by co-molding.

[0007] WO 2018 / 041365 discloses a breast shield device with a funnel in which a breast is placed. The funnel includes two ports to apply a separate vacuum to the breast shield device. One vacuum port is arranged at the open end of the funnel, and the second port is arranged outside the funnel. Summary of the invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved breast shield arrangement which allows for a more comfortable use of the breast shield arrangement.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, a breast shield arrangement for a breast pump is provided. The breast shield arrangement comprises a breast receiving portion having a flexible collapsible funnel and a rigid frame, the flexible collapsible funnel and the rigid frame being manufactured by 2K (two component) manufacturing. The flexible funnel has a circumferentially extending wall. The breast receiving portion has a first end and a second end. During 2K (two component) manufacturing, the flexible funnel and the rigid frame are connected at the first end and the second end of the breast receiving portion. The flexible funnel is configured to collapse if a vacuum is applied via the second end of the breast receiving portion. The flexible funnel comprises a recess extending at least partially circumferentially as viewed from the first end of the breast receiving portion. The recess is coupled to the first end of the breast receiving portion. The vacuum applied at the second end of the breast receiving portion is the only vacuum in the breast shield arrangement.

[0010] Producing the flexible collapsible funnel and the rigid frame by means of 2K (two component) manufacturing is advantageous because the result is only one unit that no longer needs to be assembled. Furthermore, since the funnel and the frame are now a single unit, there is no stress between the funnel and the rigid frame. Additionally, it is no longer necessary to touch the inner surface of the funnel during assembly of the funnel and the frame, which greatly improves comfort, ease of use and hygiene when cleaning the breast shield device. Furthermore, since the funnel and the rigid frame are now one piece, they cannot be separated during the application of vacuum to the breast shield device. Furthermore, due to the flexible funnel, the breast shield device can accommodate a variety of nipple and areola sizes.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the flexible funnel comprises a protrusion forming a sealing portion in a collapsed state of the funnel, the sealing portion being configured to seal a portion of the nipple and / or areola against a vacuum in the breast receiving portion.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the flexible funnel has at least two protrusions, preferably three protrusions, in the collapsed state.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the rigid frame comprises a first end and a second end and at least one leg between the first end and the second end. During 2K (two components) manufacturing, the flexible funnel and the at least two legs are at least partially connected at least at the first position and the second position. Thus, the flexible funnel is coupled to the legs of the rigid frame, thereby maintaining the flexible funnel at the two legs, at least at the first position and the second position, and thus away from the nipple of the user. Thus, the collapse of the flexible collapsible funnel does not occur accidentally but in a predetermined manner, because the portion of the flexible collapsible funnel coupled to the legs of the rigid frame will correspond to the slope of the flexible funnel in the collapsed state. Thus, those areas of the nipple that are in direct contact with the collapsed funnel are not subjected to the vacuum applied to the breast shield device. Thus, those parts of the nipple are not subjected to the same amount of stress, which is particularly useful in the case of nipple pain (nipple cracking, inflammation). Additionally, because the collapsible funnel is not rotationally symmetric, and because of the presence of the slope when the flexible funnel is in the collapsed state, the nipple will be centered within the flexible funnel when the funnel is in the collapsed state.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the flexible funnel comprises a convex portion, and at least the first position and the second position are arranged at the convex portion. Since the flexible funnel is connected to the legs at the convex portion of the funnel, the convex portion does not contact the user's areola and nipple in the area of ​​the first position and the second position, so that the first contact point between the flexible funnel and the user's nipple will be located in a portion between the second end of the funnel and the convex portion. This is advantageous because the first contact point between the funnel and the user's breast is the user's nipple, which allows breast milk to be expressed more naturally because it is similar to the sucking action of a baby.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the first end of the flexible funnel and / or the first end of the rigid frame forms a first sealing portion for sealing the breast shield arrangement against a breast of a user.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the flexible funnel comprises a recessed portion between the protruding portion and the second end, wherein the recessed portion forms a second sealing portion in a collapsed state of the funnel, the second sealing portion being configured to seal a portion of the nipple against a vacuum in the breast receiving portion.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a breast shield device comprises an extrusion kit having a first port and a second port. The first port is configured to receive a second end of a breast receiving portion. The flexible funnel comprises a third circumferential sealing portion at the second end. The third sealing portion is configured to seal the breast receiving portion against the extrusion kit.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a breast shield arrangement comprises an extrusion kit having a first port and a second port, wherein the first port is configured to receive a second end of a breast receiving portion. The flexible funnel comprises a third circumferential sealing portion between the recess and the second end. The third sealing portion is used to seal the breast receiving portion against the extrusion kit.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the inner diameter of the middle portion decreases continuously between the first end and the second end of the middle portion.

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the wall thickness of the curved portion is substantially constant.

[0021] A breast shield arrangement for a breast pump is provided. The breast shield arrangement includes a breast receiving portion having a flexible collapsible funnel and a rigid frame. The funnel and the frame are manufactured as a single unit by 2K manufacturing. The flexible funnel has a circumferentially extending wall, and the breast receiving portion has a first end and a second end. During 2K manufacturing, the flexible funnel and the rigid frame are connected at least at a first position and a second position, at the first end and the second end of the breast receiving portion. The flexible funnel is configured to collapse if a vacuum is applied to the breast receiving portion. The rigid frame includes a first end and a second end and at least one leg between the first end and the second end. During 2K manufacturing, the flexible funnel and the at least one leg are at least partially connected at at least a third position.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, a breast pump having the above-mentioned breast shield device is provided.

[0023] 2K (two-component) manufacturing according to one aspect of the present invention can correspond to 2K injection molding, 3K (three-component) injection molding, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping. In addition, during 2K manufacturing, parts of the funnel and the rigid frame can also be glued together. Therefore, 2K manufacturing involves manufacturing with at least two components (2K), which usually have different material properties. During 2K manufacturing, a piece that can be made of two different components is manufactured. In other words, during 2K manufacturing, at least two components with different material properties are combined into a single piece.

[0024] The breast shield device according to one aspect of the present invention is more comfortable to use because the area of ​​the nipple exposed to the vacuum is reduced, which also results in less stretched tissue. Moreover, since the actual area of ​​the nipple exposed to the vacuum can be reduced, the vacuum can be increased without compromising user comfort. Moreover, the collapsed funnel can support sore and cracked nipples so that the sore and cracked nipples are not exposed to the vacuum.

[0025] Furthermore, due to the non-rotational collapse of the flexible funnel, tissue support can be increased at a cracked or painful nipple by rotating the breast shield. Furthermore, a breast shield according to an aspect of the invention can more specifically drain a breast that may be blocked or may be inflamed.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when no vacuum is applied to the breast shield device via its second end, the flexible funnel is configured so that a nipple of a user can be inserted without contacting the recess. Only when vacuum is applied, the flexible funnel can collapse and can contact at least one nipple of the user. It should be understood that a preferred embodiment of the present invention may also be any combination of a dependent claim or an above embodiment with the corresponding independent claim.

[0027] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In the following figures:

[0029] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The general anatomy of a baby's sucking is shown schematically and exemplarily,

[0030] Figure 2 shows a schematic arrangement of a breast pump according to an aspect of the present invention,

[0031] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the present invention,

[0032] Figure 4shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the present invention,

[0033] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C A schematic diagram of a collapsible middle section according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic arrangement of a breast pump according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. The breast pump comprises an expression kit 501 having a funnel-shaped breast shield 300, optionally a feeding bottle 400, and a vacuum pump 500 and a vacuum conduit 510. When a user's breast is placed into the breast shield 300 and the pump 500 is turned on, the pump 500 will create a vacuum in the breast shield 300 and in parts of the expression kit 501 via the conduit 510. Thus, extraction of breast milk can be performed. The breast milk extracted from the breast will flow into the feeding bottle 400. The expression kit 501 comprises a first port 530 to which one end of the breast shield 300 can be coupled so that a vacuum can be applied in the breast shield.

[0035] The vacuum applied via one end of the breast shield 300 is the only vacuum applied to the breast shield arrangement. Therefore, the breast shield may collapse due to the vacuum at one end of the breast shield.

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 , a breast 200 with an areola 220 and a nipple 210 is depicted, which is placed in a volume V1 defined by a breast shield 300. The breast shield 300 may include a breast receiving portion or volume 300a having a support frame or structure 340 made of a hard material and an insert (such as a funnel) 301. The insert or funnel 301 is preferably made of a soft material (Shore hardness of 30 to 50, preferably Shore hardness 40) such as soft silicone. The support structure 340 and the insert / funnel are made by a 2K injection molding process. Therefore, the support structure 340 and the insert / funnel are manufactured as a single unit. The insert or funnel 301 includes a first end 310 that serves as a (first) sealing portion 310. The insert 301 also includes a second end 320. The second end 320 can be coupled to a first port 530 of the extrusion kit 501, so that a vacuum can be applied to the breast shield, i.e., the funnel, via the first port and the second end 320. The first end 310 of the breast shield 300 is designed to receive the breast 200 of a breastfeeding woman. Through the second end 320 of the breast shield 300, the extracted breast milk can flow into, for example, Figure 2 A feeding bottle 400 is shown.

[0037] The insert 301 also includes a middle portion 330 between the sealing portion or first end 310 and the second end 320 of the breast shield 300. Thus, the breast 200 is shielded from the outside atmosphere so that a vacuum can be created in the volume defined by the user's breast 200 and the surrounding middle portion 330. The outside of the insert 301 is subject to atmospheric pressure. Thus, due to the vacuum applied to one end of the flexible insert 301, the flexible insert 301 will collapse.

[0038] exist Figure 3 , depicts the different steps when a breast shield 300 is placed against a user's breast so that the breast 200 is placed in volume V1 and a vacuum is applied. First, the (first) sealing portion 310 will be placed against the user's areola 220. Then, when a vacuum is applied, the collapsible middle portion 330 will collapse and come into contact with the user's nipple 210 before the middle portion 330 comes into contact with the user's areola 220. With the breast shield device according to the invention, it is possible to simulate natural suction corresponding to the sucking of a baby. This is achieved by first bringing the nipple 210 into contact with the middle portion 330 before the areola 220 is contacted by the middle portion 330 to stimulate breast milk letdown. It should be noted that first, of course, the sealing portion 310 must come into contact with the areola and the user's breast so that a vacuum can be generated. However, the collapsible middle portion 330 first comes into contact with the nipple 210 and only thereafter with the areola 220. This is advantageous because the nipple is compressed and supported while forming the nipple, avoiding excessive stretching or friction. A breast shield according to the invention is advantageous because it is adaptable to substantially every nipple size.

[0039] The middle portion 330 is designed to collapse when a vacuum is applied. In this case, the middle portion 330 will adhere to or surround the nipple 210 of the user.

[0040] Preferably, the support frame or structure 340 is implemented as a hard plastic body part, which should be hard and can provide support for the insert 301. The insert 301 and the support structure 340 are made by 2K (two-component) injection molding. The sealing portion 310 of the insert 301 together with the first end 341 of the support structure 340 can implement a sealing function to enable a vacuum to be achieved in the volume defined by the user's nipple and the middle portion 330. Preferably, the sealing portion 310 of the insert is at least partially placed against the user's areola 220 so that when the breast shield 300 is placed over the user's breast 200, the nipple 210 is generally not in contact with the sealing portion 310. Specifically, the middle portion 330 is implemented so that when it collapses due to the applied vacuum, the collapsed middle portion will first contact the nipple before it contacts the areola. In addition, preferably, the middle portion 330 is implemented so that the surface of the nipple is supported during the vacuum cycle. Preferably, the insert is made of soft silicone and is flexible so that it allows for a collapsing action.

[0041] When a vacuum is applied to the breast shield with the aid of the vacuum pump 500 and when the pressure within the volume defined by the breast and the breast shield (i.e., the middle portion 330) is sufficiently less than the atmosphere outside the middle portion 330 (e.g., atmospheric pressure), the middle portion 330 will collapse and come into contact with the areola 220 and nipple 210.

[0042] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a breast shield arrangement according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 , intermediate steps during the creation of a vacuum are depicted. The breast 200 is placed into a first volume V1 defined by the breast shield 300, in particular the funnel 301. The funnel 301 comprises a first sealing portion 310 for sealing against a breast receiving portion of the user's breast 200. A recess 332a is provided in the vicinity of the sealing portion 310, which preferably extends circumferentially. Between the recess 332a and the second end 320 of the funnel 301, a protrusion 332c is provided. Here, the curved portion 332 of the intermediate portion 330, in particular the second curved section (protrusion) 332c, is in contact with the nipple 310 of the user. When the second curved section 332c is in contact with the nipple 310, the section 332e (in the form of a protrusion) is not in contact, so that a second volume V2 is created between the first sealing portion 310 and the second sealing portion 332c, defined by the contact point between the nipple 210 and the curved section 332c. The middle portion 330 is substantially formed Figure 4 By means of these portions 332e, there is still a vacuum connection towards the areola 220 of the user.

[0043] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5CA schematic diagram of a collapsible middle section according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C A side view of the middle portion 330 is used to illustrate the middle portion 330. When the collapsible portion has collapsed, the middle portion 330 will have two slopes 330a. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C , the intermediate portion 330 is shown in an uncollapsed state (dashed line) and in a collapsed state (solid line). Figure 5B A middle portion 330 is shown which, when collapsed, includes a plurality of sloped surfaces 330a. Figure 5C , the middle portion 330 is depicted as including three inclined surfaces 330a when collapsed. Due to the size of the middle portion 330 (particularly due to the reduced length of the middle portion 330), when the middle portion is in the collapsed state, the middle portion 330 includes multiple inclined surfaces. In order to increase the surface of the user's nipple 210 that is in direct contact with the middle portion 330 when the middle portion 330 has collapsed, if the number of inclined surfaces is reduced (e.g. Figure 5B and Figure 5C Compared with the above), it is favorable.

[0044] Figures 6A to 6C A schematic cross section of a funnel according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. Fig. 6A In FIG. 3 , the funnel 301 , 330 is shown when no vacuum is applied. The nipple 210 is placed in the funnel 301 , 330. Figure 6B , the situation of applying vacuum is depicted. Specifically, the funnel 301, 330 has collapsed and includes three slopes 330a. Figure 6C The funnel 301 , 330 is shown as having collapsed and comprising five sloped surfaces.

[0045] Figure 7 A schematic representation of a breast receiving portion according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. Figure 7, a breast receiving portion in the form of a breast shield is specifically depicted. The breast shield is made of a support structure 340 and an insert in the form of a flexible collapsible funnel 301, 310, 320, 330, all of which are manufactured as a single unit by 2K (two component) injection molding. The funnel 301 includes a first end 310 serving as a first sealing portion and a second end 320 that can be placed in a port of an extrusion kit. Between the first end 310 and the second end 320, an intermediate portion 330 is provided. The insert or funnel 301 and the support frame 340 are manufactured by a 2K injection molding process. The support frame 340 includes a first end 341, a second end 342, and at least one leg 343 connected between the first end 310 and the second end 320. During the 2K injection molding process, the first end 341 of the support frame 340 is connected to the first end 310 of the insert. The second end 342 of the support frame 340 is coupled to the second end 320 of the flexible funnel during the 2K injection molding process. Furthermore, the middle portion 330 may include a curved portion 332. The curved portion 332 may be curved outward (and form a recess). During 2K injection molding, the curved portion 332 (particularly the recess) is coupled to one of the legs 343. In other words, the insert 301 is coupled to the support frame at three points, namely, at a first point 361 (connecting the first end 341 of the support frame and the first end 310 of the insert). A second contact point 362 is provided at the second end 320 of the insert and the second end 342 of the support frame. A third contact point 363 is provided between the legs 343 and the curved portion 332 (particularly the recess). The third contact point 363 may be provided in the middle between the first end and the second end. This third contact point 363 is advantageous because it enables the number of protrusions to be controlled and also predicts at which position the protrusion will collapse. It should be noted that the user of the funnel can use the location of the third contact point 363 and the knowledge of the location of the third contact point 363 to avoid applying additional stress to cracked or painful nipple tissue. Furthermore, it can also be used to drain milk ducts that may be blocked. Specifically, knowing the third contact point, the user can place the protrusions on those areas with ruptured and painful tissue, or drain blocked milk ducts. Specifically, using a breast shield device according to one aspect of the present invention, nipple pain and breast inflammation can be significantly prevented or alleviated.

[0046] Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. Figure 8, a breast 200 having an areola 220 and a nipple 210 is depicted, which is placed within a volume V1 defined by a breast shield 300. The breast shield 300 may include a breast receiving portion 300a having a support frame or structure 340 made of a hard material and flexible inserts 301, 310, 320, 330. The insert 301 is preferably made of a soft material such as soft silicone. The support structure 340 and the insert / funnel are made by a 2K injection molding process. Therefore, the support structure 340 and the insert / funnel are manufactured as a single unit. The insert 301 includes a first end 310 that serves as a sealing portion 310. The insert also includes a second end 320. The first end 310 of the breast shield 300 is designed to receive the breast 200 of a breastfeeding woman. Through the second end 320 or port of the breast shield 300, the extracted breast milk can flow into, for example Figure 2 The milk bottle 400 is shown. The milk flow and vacuum flow can be separated. There may be multiple openings in the breast shield.

[0047] The insert 301 also includes a flexible and collapsible middle portion 330 between the sealing portion or first end 310 and the second end 320 of the breast shield 300 .

[0048] The sealing portion 310 includes a first end 311 and a second end 312. The second end 312 of the sealing portion 310 is placed against the areola 220 or the user's breast 200. Thus, the breast 200 is shielded from the outside atmosphere so that a vacuum can be created in the volume defined by the user's breast 200 and the surrounding middle portion 330.

[0049] According to the present invention, the support frame 340 includes a first end 341 and a second end 342. The first end 341 can be in contact with the first end 311 of the sealing portion 310. Each of them can be used as a seal. The second end 342 is in contact with the second end 320 of the breast shield 300. In addition, the middle portion 330 can be in contact with the support frame or structure 340 at other points. The middle portion 330 is designed to collapse when a vacuum is applied. In this case, the middle portion 330 will adhere to or surround the nipple 210 of the user.

[0050] Preferably, the support frame or structure 340 is implemented as a hard plastic body portion, which should be hard and can provide support for the insert. The sealing portion 310 of the insert, together with the first end 341 of the support structure 340, can implement a sealing function to enable a vacuum to be achieved in the volume defined by the nipple and the middle portion 330 of the user. Preferably, the sealing portion 310 of the insert is placed at least partially against the breast or areola of the user, so that when the breast shield 300 is placed over the breast 200 of the user, the nipple is generally not in contact with the sealing portion 310. Specifically, the middle portion 330 is implemented so that when it collapses due to the applied vacuum, the collapsed middle portion will first contact the nipple or areola before it contacts the rest of the breast. In addition, preferably, the middle portion 330 is implemented so that the surface of the nipple is supported during the vacuum cycle. Preferably, the insert is made of soft silicone and is flexible so that it allows the collapse behavior.

[0051] like Figure 8 As shown, the middle portion 330 has a first end 331 coupled to the sealing portion 310. The middle portion 330 further includes a second end 333, which is arranged on the second end 320 of the breast shield 300. Between the first end 331 and the second end 333, there is a curved portion 332. The middle portion 330 includes a first end 331, a second end 333, and a curved portion 332 between the first end 331 and the second end 333. In other words, the length of the curved portion 332 is greater than the distance between the first end and the second end of the middle portion. The curved portion 332 includes a first end 332a, a second end 332d, and optionally a first curved segment 332a and a second curved segment 332c between the first end 332a and the second end 332d. The first curved segment corresponds to a concave portion, and the second curved segment corresponds to a convex portion. In Figure 8 In the left figure, the first end 331 of the middle part 330 is coupled to the second end 332 of the sealing part 310. In the second figure, the first end 331 of the middle part 330 is coupled to the sealing part 310 at a predetermined distance from the second end 312. In the third figure, the first end 331 is coupled to the sealing part 310 at a predetermined distance from the second end 312 of the sealing part 310. In the fourth figure, the second end 312 of the sealing part 310 is coupled to the first end 331 of the middle part 330.

[0052] Depending on the length of the middle portion 330 , in particular the length of the curved portion 332 , there are at least a first curved section 332 b and a second curved section 332 c .

[0053] When a vacuum is applied to the breast shield by means of the vacuum pump 500 and when the pressure within the volume defined by the breast and the breast shield (i.e., the middle portion 330) is sufficiently less than the atmosphere outside the middle portion 330 (e.g., atmospheric pressure), the middle portion 330 will collapse and come into contact with the areola 220 and the nipple 210. Specifically, the location of the lobes will also be determined by the location of the contact point 363.

[0054] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B 1 and 2 show different schematic representations of a breast receiving unit according to an aspect of the present invention. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The structure of the breast receiving unit corresponds essentially to Figure 7 The structure of the breast receiving unit.

[0055] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D Schematic representations during the manufacture of a breast receiving part are shown respectively. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B In FIG. 6 , the fabrication of the support frame is depicted. A bottom mold 610 and a top mold 620 are provided for 2K injection molding. Fig. 10B In the embodiment of the present invention, the top mold 620 is removed together with the support frame 340. In order to manufacture the flexible funnel, three molds 630, 640, 650 are required. Specifically, a bottom mold 630, a top mold 650 and a middle mold 640 are required. Preferably, the middle mold 640 can be divided into different parts so as to move along the legs 343 of the support frame 340.

[0056] Fig.11 and Fig.12 Schematic representations of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the present invention are shown respectively. Fig.11 In the embodiment of the present invention, the flexible funnel 301 comprises a seal 321 at its second end 320, so that the funnel 301 can be sealed against the port 530 of the extrusion kit 501 by means of the seal 321. The breast shield 300 has flexible funnels 310, 320, 330, and the support structure 340 can include a sealing section 321 at the second end 320 of the flexible funnel. The sealing section 321 extends over the second end 342 of the support structure 340 and allows the breast shield 300 to be sealed when the breast shield 300 is placed into the port 530 of the extrusion kit 501.

[0057] Fig.12 Alternative aspects of sealing the funnel against the end of the extrusion kit are disclosed. Fig.12In the aspect of the present invention, no sealing section 321 is provided at the end of the second end 320, but the sealing section 321 can extend through the hole 342a in the second end 342 of the support structure. Then when the breast shield is introduced into the port 530 of the extrusion kit 501, the sealing section 321 can seal the breast shield device against the port 530.

[0058] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Schematic cross-sections of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the present invention are shown respectively. Figure 3 A and Figure 3 In B, a cross section of a breast shield arrangement having a middle portion 330 and two or three legs 343 is depicted.

[0059] According to one aspect of the present invention, a breast shield device 300 for a breast pump is provided, comprising: a first end as a first sealing portion 310, the first end being adapted to seal the breast shield device 300 against a user's breast 200; a second end 320, the second end 320 being adapted to be coupled to an extrusion kit 500; and a flexible collapsible middle portion 330 between the first end 310 and the second end 320 of the breast shield device 300, the middle portion 330 having a circumferentially extending wall defining a first volume V1 adapted to receive at least a portion of a nipple 210 and an areola 220 of the user's breast 200, the middle portion 330 comprising a first sealing portion 310 adapted to seal the breast shield device 300 against a user's breast 200; a second end 320, the second end 320 being adapted to be coupled to an extrusion kit 500; and a flexible collapsible middle portion 330 between the first end 310 and the second end 320 of the breast shield device 300. The middle portion 330 has a first end 331, a curved portion 332, and a second end 333, wherein the curved portion 332 includes a second sealing portion 332c adapted to seal the curved portion 332 against at least a portion of the nipple 210 and the areola 220 of the user's breast 200 when a vacuum is applied at the second end 320 of the breast shield apparatus 300, wherein an inner diameter of the middle portion 330 continuously decreases from the first end to the second end of the curved portion 332, wherein a support structure 240 is provided to support the middle portion 330, wherein the support structure 340 and the middle portion 330 are manufactured by 2K injection molding.

[0060] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a breast shield device 300 for a breast pump is provided, further comprising: a first end as a sealing portion 310, the first end being adapted to seal the breast shield device 300 against a breast 200 of a user; a second end 320; and a middle portion 330 between the first end 310 and the second end 320 of the breast shield device 300, adapted to receive at least a portion of a nipple 210 and an areola 220 of the breast 200 of the user, the middle portion 330 having a first end 331, a curved portion 332, and a second end 333, wherein a length of the curved portion 332 is greater than a distance between the first end 331 and the second end 333 of the middle portion 330, wherein the curved portion 332 has a concave shape at least near the first end 331 of the middle portion 330, wherein an inner diameter of the middle portion 330 continuously decreases between the first end to the second end of the curved portion 332.

[0061] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the curved portion 332 has at least a concave shape near the first end 331 of the middle portion 330 , and has at least a convex shape near the second end 333 of the middle portion 330 .

[0062] According to one aspect of the present invention, the curved portion 332 includes a first end 332a, a second end 332d and first and second curved sections 332b, 332c, wherein the first curved section 332b is concave; wherein the second curved section 332c is convex; wherein the first and second ends 332a, 332d of the curved portion 332 correspond to the first end and the second end 331, 333 of the middle portion 330, respectively, wherein the first and / or second curved sections 332b, 332c correspond to the first contact point, which is the first point of contact with the nipple 210 of the user when vacuum is applied to the breast shield device 300 and the middle portion collapses.

[0063] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0064] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and in the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0065] A single unit or device may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium provided together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0066] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A breast shield device (300) for a breast pump, the breast shield device (300) comprising A breast receiving portion (300a) having a flexible collapsible funnel (301) and a rigid frame (340) manufactured as a single unit by two-component 2K manufacturing, The flexible collapsible funnel (301) has a circumferentially extending wall (301a), The breast receiving portion (300a) has a first end (310) and a second end (320), wherein during the manufacture of the two components 2K, the flexible collapsible funnel (301) and the rigid frame (340) are connected at least at a first position (361) and a second position (362), at a first end (310) and a second end (320) of the breast receiving portion (300a); wherein the flexible collapsible funnel (301) is configured to collapse if a vacuum is applied to the breast receiving portion (300a) via the second end (320) of the breast receiving portion (300a), wherein the flexible collapsible funnel (301) comprises, viewed from the first end (310) of the breast receiving portion (300a), an at least partially circumferentially extending recess (332a), wherein the recess (332a) is coupled to the first end (310) of the breast receiving portion (300a), The vacuum applied at the second end (320) of the breast receiving portion (300a) is the only vacuum in the breast shield apparatus (300).

2. A breast shield arrangement (300) for a breast pump according to claim 1, wherein the flexible collapsible funnel (301) further comprises a convex portion (332c), the convex portion (332c) forming a sealing portion in the collapsed state of the flexible collapsible funnel (301), the sealing portion being configured to seal a portion of the nipple (210) and / or the areola (220) against a vacuum in the breast receiving portion (300a).

3. A breast shield arrangement (300) for a breast pump according to claim 1, wherein the flexible collapsible funnel (301) has at least two protrusions (330a, 332e) in a collapsed state.

4. A breast shield arrangement (300) for a breast pump according to claim 1, wherein the rigid frame (340) comprises a first end (341) and a second end (342), and at least one leg (343) between the first end (341) and the second end (342) of the rigid frame, and wherein during manufacture of the two components 2K, the flexible collapsible funnel (301) and the at least one leg (343) are at least partially connected at at least one third location (363).

5. A breast shield arrangement (300) for a breast pump according to claim 4, wherein the recess (332a) of the flexible collapsible funnel (301) is coupled to the at least one leg (343) at the third position (363).

6. A breast shield device for a breast pump according to claim 1, wherein When no vacuum is applied to the breast shield apparatus (300) via the second end (320) of the breast receiving portion, the flexible collapsible funnel (301) is configured to enable a user's nipple (210) to be inserted without contacting the recess (332a).

7. A breast shield device (300) for a breast pump, the breast shield device (300) comprising A breast receiving portion (300a) having a flexible collapsible funnel (301) and a rigid frame (340) manufactured as a single unit by two-component 2K manufacturing, The flexible collapsible funnel (301) has a circumferentially extending wall (301a), The breast receiving portion (300a) has a first end (310) and a second end (320), wherein during the manufacture of the two components 2K, the flexible collapsible funnel (301) and the rigid frame (340) are connected at least at a first position (361) and a second position (362), at a first end (310) and a second end (320) of the breast receiving portion (300a); wherein the flexible collapsible funnel (301) is configured to collapse if a vacuum is applied to the breast receiving portion (300a) via the second end (320) of the breast receiving portion (300a), wherein the rigid frame (340) comprises a first end (341) and a second end (342), and at least one leg (343) between the first end (341) and the second end (342) of the rigid frame, wherein during the manufacture of the two components 2K, the flexible collapsible funnel (301) and at least one leg (343) are at least partially connected at at least one third location (363), Wherein the vacuum applied at the second end (320) of the breast receiving portion (300a) is the only vacuum in the breast shield apparatus (300).

8. A breast shield arrangement (300) for a breast pump according to claim 7, wherein the first end (310) of the flexible collapsible funnel (301) and the first end (341) of the rigid frame (340) form a first sealing portion configured to receive and seal the breast shield arrangement against a breast of a user.

9. A breast shield arrangement for a breast pump according to claim 7, wherein the flexible collapsible funnel (301) comprises a recess (332a) extending at least partially circumferentially, as viewed from the first end (310) of the breast receiving portion (300a), and wherein the recess (332a) is coupled to the first end (310) of the breast receiving portion (300a); The flexible collapsible funnel (301) comprises a convex portion (332c) between the second end (332) of the breast receiving portion and the concave portion (332a).

10. A breast shield arrangement for a breast pump according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the two-component 2K manufacturing comprises two-component 2K injection molding, three-component 3K injection molding, 3D printing or rapid prototyping.

11. A breast pump, comprising The breast shield device according to claim 1, and an extrusion kit (501) having a first port (530), wherein the first port (530) is configured to receive the second end (320) of the breast receiving portion, The flexible collapsible funnel (301) comprises a circumferential third sealing portion (321) at the second end (320) of the breast receiving portion, the third sealing portion (321) being configured to seal the breast receiving portion (300a) against the extrusion kit (501).

12. A breast pump, comprising A breast shield device according to claim 7, and an extrusion kit (501) having a first port (530), wherein the first port (530) is configured to receive the second end (320) of the breast receiving portion (300a), wherein the flexible collapsible funnel (301) comprises a circumferential third sealing portion (321) between the recess (332a) and the second end (320) of the breast receiving portion, The third sealing portion (321) is configured to seal the breast receiving portion (300a) against the extrusion kit (501).

13. A method of operating a breast pump, the breast pump comprising a breast shield arrangement (300) and an expression kit (501), wherein the breast shield arrangement (300) comprises a breast receiving portion (300a), the breast receiving portion (300a) having a flexible collapsible funnel (301) and a rigid frame (340), the flexible collapsible funnel (301) and the rigid frame (340) being manufactured as a single unit by two component 2K manufacturing, wherein the flexible collapsible funnel (301) has a circumferentially extending wall and the breast receiving portion (300a) has a first end (310) and a second end (320), wherein during the manufacture of the two components 2K, the flexible collapsible funnel (301) and the rigid frame (340) are connected at least at a first position (361) and a second position (362), at a first end (310) and a second end (320) of the breast receiving portion (300a), wherein the flexible collapsible funnel (301) comprises, viewed from the first end (310) of the breast receiving portion (300a), a recess (332a) extending at least partially circumferentially, wherein the recess (332a) is coupled to the first end (310) of the breast receiving portion (300a), the method comprising the following steps: placing the flexible collapsible funnel (301) over a portion of the breast including the nipple (210), and applying a vacuum at the second end of the breast receiving portion, The vacuum applied via the second end of the breast receiving portion (300a) is the only vacuum in the breast shield apparatus (300).

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