Breast pump

Abstract

The present invention is directed to providing a breast pump shaped to fit at least partially inside a bra, the breast pump having a housing and a breast shield element comprising a teat channel adapted to receive a teat of a lactating mother, the breast pump provides sufficient space within the housing for disposing functional components of the breast pump within the housing while satisfying anatomical conditions presented by a user of the breast pump. The housing (4) of the breast pump projects a frontal orthogonal plane shaped like an ellipse defined by a convex boundary (10) surrounding three circles, namely a first top circle (12), a first bottom circle (14) and a second bottom circle (16), where the radius (RB) of the first bottom circle (14) is equal to the radius (RB) of the second bottom circle (16), and the radius (RB) of the first bottom circle (14) is equal to the radius (RB) of the second bottom circle (16). And the ratio of the radius (RT) of the first top circle (12) to the radius (RB) of the first bottom circle or the radius (RB) of the second bottom circle (4; 5) is between 0.3 and 0.8.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a breast pump shaped to fit at least partially inside a bra and comprising a housing which at least partially receives the breast shield, in particular a nipple passage of the breast shield, the nipple passage being adapted to receive a nipple of a breast. Such a breast pump is used to express milk from a nursing mother.

[0002] So-called built-in breast pumps, which are at least partially fitted into a bra and can therefore be operated without having to hold a breast pump, are well suited to the market. WO 2018 / 229508 A1 (Chiaro) discloses such a breast pump, which has a housing defining a housing and a closure cover attached to the housing, the closure cover having an opening for introducing a nipple channel into the housing. The housing of this prior art document is partially defined by a milk container arranged below the housing. When assembled, the breast shield is substantially enclosed by the housing. The flange portion of the breast shield rests against the housing, and to achieve this, the housing has a concave support surface for the breast shield. The housing of this prior art document also accommodates a battery for powering the pump, which is arranged in the housing. Therefore, the prior art breast pump contains all functional components for operating the breast pump and expressing milk. Control can be achieved, for example, by a handheld device connected to the breast pump via Bluetooth.

[0003] WO 02 / 102437A2 (Whisper Wear) discloses a breast pump shaped to fit partially inside a bra, the breast pump comprising a housing surrounding a nipple passage and at least one valve and a motor and a battery for energizing the motor. Expressed milk is released through a tube into a bag suspended below the housing and not enclosed by the bra.

[0004] Another example of a breast pump at least shaped to fit inside a brassiere is disclosed in EP 2 280 745 A1 (Garbez). In this prior art document, a pump providing negative pressure to express milk from the breast is suspended by the user's belt. The pump is therefore not received inside the brassiere. However, the nipple channel and means for directing flow from the breast into a milk container, which is at least partially defined by the outer shell, are received inside the brassiere. The corresponding disclosure is contained in US 8,702,646 (Garbez).

[0005] WO 2019 / 226504 A1 (Exploramed) discloses a pump comprising a housing that contains a battery and a motor for generating negative pressure within the housing of the pump. The housing also comprises a plastic bag for receiving expressed milk.

[0006] US2013 / 0023821 A1 (Khalil) discloses a breast pump having a housing enclosing a nipple passage and a valve for directing expressed milk. In one embodiment, a tube is connected to the breast pump, which directs the expressed milk to a container outside the bra. In another embodiment, the milk container is attached to a housing that houses the pump and a battery for powering the pump, and the container is at least partially defined by the housing of the breast pump.

[0007] All the pumps discussed above will fit into a brassiere. The dimensions of the outer shell are chosen so that appropriate space can be provided for those components supported by the brassiere, while leaving sufficient volume, for example, for receiving expressed milk if the amount of expressed milk is also supported by the brassiere, i.e. the milk container is surrounded by the outer shell which at least partially forms the housing. On the other hand, the space inside a brassiere is limited. Although some parts of the breast pump supported by the brassiere may protrude beyond the textile material defining the brassiere, the above design aims to shape the breast pump to mimic the anatomical shape of the breast as best as possible.

[0008] However, the anatomical reality of a woman's chest provides limited space for placing a breast pump in contact with one breast. Typically, two separate breast pumps are provided for the left and right breasts, which can be powered or operated by an external common pump. However, when two breast pumps are worn simultaneously, their spatial extension is limited to half of a woman's breast.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a breast pump shaped to fit at least partially inside a bra, the breast pump having a housing and a breast shield element, the breast shield element comprising a nipple passage adapted to receive a nipple of a nursing mother, the breast pump providing sufficient space within the housing for arranging functional components of the breast pump within the housing while meeting the anatomical conditions presented by a user of the breast pump. In particular, the present invention seeks to provide a solution for a specific shape of the housing to meet the above requirements.

[0010] As a solution to the above problems, the breast pump of the present invention has a housing that projects a front orthogonal plane with a specific elliptical shape. The corresponding elliptical shape of the housing in the front orthogonal plane is defined by a convex boundary that surrounds three circles. The breast pump can be comfortably worn inside a bra.

[0011] The three circles include a first top circle, a first bottom circle, and a second bottom circle. The radius of the first bottom circle is equal to the radius of the second bottom circle, and the radius R of the first top circle is T The radius R of the first bottom circle B and the radius R of the second bottom circle B The ratio of each of is between 0.3 and 0.8.

[0012] Corresponding circles are used to define the shape of the shell in the frontal orthogonal plane for the top and bottom of the shell in the frontal orthogonal plane. The overall shape of the shell in the frontal orthogonal plane is preferably not concave, i.e., only convex or straight and convex. Since the first bottom circle and the second bottom circle are larger than the first top circle, the shell projects the frontal orthogonal plane in a form that substantially corresponds to an avocado.

[0013] The first bottom circle and the second bottom circle may have the same center. In other words, the bottom of the housing may project the front orthogonal plane in the form of a single circle. Alternatively, the center of the first bottom circle and the center of the second bottom circle are located on the transverse symmetry line X at a distance equal to a value between 0% and 15% of the radius of the first bottom circle or the radius of the second bottom circle. As mentioned previously, the first bottom circle and the second bottom circle are usually identical. Due to this offset of the two centers for the first bottom circle and the second bottom circle, the bottom section of the housing provides more space for arranging components of the breast pump, such as a motor, a battery or a controller for the motor, or may provide, for example, an enlarged volume for defining a milk container or milk chamber at least partially defined by the housing. As in the prior art discussed previously, such a milk container may be provided by the bottom section of the housing or provided near the bottom section of the housing. Such a milk container may also be completely surrounded by the housing, wherein the nipple channel protrudes into the milk container, thereby reducing the total volume for storing expressed milk in the milk container.

[0014] On a conventional basis, the longitudinal line of symmetry defines two identical halves of the housing projecting a front orthogonal plane. Naturally, the longitudinal line of symmetry is located in the front orthogonal plane or at least extends parallel to the front orthogonal plane. The description of the present invention relates at least in part to a transverse line of symmetry. The transverse line of symmetry extends in the same plane as the longitudinal line of symmetry, wherein the longitudinal line of symmetry and the transverse line of symmetry are perpendicular to each other. These two lines intersect at a point that can preferably be associated with the two centers of the first base circle and the second base circle. The corresponding lines of symmetry can also intersect at an intermediate point between the center of the first base circle and the center of the second base circle, wherein the intermediate point is arranged to be equidistant from the corresponding centers of the first base circle and the second base circle.

[0015] Both alternatives provide for a shape of the housing projecting a front orthogonal plane which is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal line of symmetry.

[0016] Preferably, the center of the first top circle is positioned on the longitudinal symmetry line at a distance greater than the radius of the first bottom circle or the difference between the radius of the second bottom circle and the radius of the first top circle and less than the sum of the radius of the first top circle plus the radius of one of the first bottom circle and the second bottom circle.

[0017] Preferably, the convex boundary is not concave, i.e., it is only convex or convex and straight. In other words, the outer circumference defined by the first top circle and one or both of the bottom circles is connected by a line tangent to these two or three circles, which line is convex. Thus, the entire housing projects the front orthogonal plane in a purely convex manner.

[0018] Surprisingly, the geometry discussed above will provide a breast pump with a housing projecting a front orthogonal plane, which provides a usable match between the need for an appropriate space for arranging components of the breast pump or a volume such as a milk container located within the housing at least partially defining the housing, while meeting the anatomical situation and the need. The present invention in particular provides a relationship between different radii of the first bottom circle, the second bottom circle and / or the first top circle and the center distance, respectively. The absolute values ​​may vary with the average size of the user, which may vary with the observation of the area for which the breast pump is specified to meet the needs of a specific regional market. However, it has proven to be beneficial to select the radius for the first bottom circle and the second bottom circle to be 45mm to 75mm, preferably 50mm to 60mm and most preferably 55+ / -2mm. The radius of the first top circle may be selected between 30mm and 46mm, preferably in the range of 34mm to 42mm and most preferably 38.1+ / -2mm.

[0019] In order to achieve a strictly convex boundary defined by the housing in the front orthogonal plane, the convex connecting line connecting the outer circumference defined by at least one of the bottom circles and the top circle should have a radius between 58mm and 94mm, preferably between 66mm and 86mm and most preferably between 76+ / -5mm, even more preferably 76+ / -2mm.

[0020] As in the prior art, the housing generally defines the outermost contour of the housing of the breast pump. The housing of the breast pump may include components of a hands-free electric breast pump, which includes a motor and a source of electrical energy, such as a battery, in its housing, which may be rechargeable. The housing may also include at least one valve that guides the fluid of the expressed milk from the nipple channel to the milk container. The milk container of the breast pump is generally included in the housing or surrounded by the housing. As previously mentioned with respect to the prior art, the milk container may be a separate unit attached to the housing in a releasable manner, the housing accommodating electrical components and a controller for controlling the motor or pump. The milk container may at least partially form a part of the housing. The milk container may also be formed by joining and sealing the housing and the breast shield element. In such a breast pump, the suction source for generating a negative pressure in the breast pump may be an external suction source connected to the breast pump by, for example, a tube, which transmits the suction pressure of the breast pump to the internal volume surrounded by the housing, most specifically the housing.

[0021] The present invention preferably also defines the profile of the housing of the projected lateral orthogonal plane, which is perpendicular to the front orthogonal plane. Typically, the profile of the projected lateral orthogonal plane corresponds to the profile when the breast pump is viewed in a side view, while the projection of the housing of the front orthogonal plane corresponds to the profile of the front view. In such a front view, the breast pump rests on a plane surface with its rear side. When the breast pump is in use, the rear side points to the user's body, while the front side is opposite to the rear side. When the breast pump is in use, the longitudinal symmetry line may not be arranged parallel to the sagittal plane. Two breast pumps for simultaneously expressing milk from the left and right breasts typically intersect with their longitudinal symmetry lines at the level of the abdomen or below the level of the abdomen. In other words, the two breast pumps are typically slightly tilted so that the first top circles of the two pumps are spaced farther apart than the middle point or the points associated with the two centers of the bottom circle.

[0022] In a side orthogonal plane, the shell is preferably defined by a boundary comprising a generally convex section and a generally concave section that intersect at two points. The boundary at the generally convex section may be an idealized, strictly convex shape that approximates the contour of the shell. The generally concave section defines a rear side of the shell, while the generally convex section defines a front surface that protrudes from the rear surface in the side orthogonal plane. The contour or curvature of the generally concave section may be defined primarily or solely by a flange of the breastshield that rests against the user's breast.

[0023] The generally convex segment mainly follows the curvature defined by the logarithmic spiral. Mainly means that at least 50%, preferably 60% and most preferably 70% of the generally convex segment follows the curvature defined by the logarithmic spiral. The remaining part of the generally convex segment not defined by the logarithmic spiral can have a convex configuration, a concave configuration and / or a straight, i.e. linear configuration. In particular, the linear segment should present a portion of the generally convex segment that is less than 25%, more preferably less than 50%. In other words, if the length of the convex segment, i.e. the length between the two points where the concave segment intersects with the convex segment is 100%, then the linear segment preferably does not exceed 50% of the total length, most preferably does not exceed 30% of the total length.

[0024] The linear segment may, for example, be arranged substantially at the vertex of the housing. In other words, the linear segment will flatten the housing projecting a lateral orthogonal plane at the outermost distance from the substantially concave segment. The linear segment may be arranged above a midpoint or a point associated with the centres of both the first base circle and the second base circle. In other words, a line orthogonal to the plane defined by the longitudinal and transverse lines of symmetry and intersecting a point or a midpoint associated with the two centres will intersect the linear segment. Naturally and when the breast pump is viewed in a front orthogonal view, the housing defines a flat surface which may extend substantially in the same plane as the plane defined by the transverse and longitudinal lines of symmetry. Such a flat front surface may be used to support the breast pump in a stable position on a table or the like so that, for example, a spout or a vent opening of a milk container presents a highest point.

[0025] In a corresponding manner, a flat surface can be defined at the bottom of the breast pump and thus a linear section of the housing projecting a lateral orthogonal plane to provide such a flat support surface. In this case, the flat bottom surface can extend substantially perpendicularly to the plane defined by the transverse and longitudinal symmetry lines.

[0026] Preferably, the linear segment is surrounded by a logarithmic spiral. Thus, the straight, i.e. linear, profile of the housing projecting a lateral orthogonal plane is located within a purely convex profile, which contains the logarithmic spiral and surrounds at least one linear segment and possibly at least one concave segment. The concave segment may be formed by the housing and may therefore form part of a component of the housing that surrounds the breast pump and / or milk container. The concave segment may be suitable for receiving a plug or the like, which, when mounted with its outer surface, is located within or adjacent to a convex profile that primarily defines the housing projecting a lateral orthogonal plane. Typically, any concave profile within a generally convex segment is typically arranged to receive a functional element, such as for example a plug or another connector, which, when placed within the concave segment, will form part of the convex configuration of the generally convex segment.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the convex section length of the substantially convex section is between 1.5 and 2 times, preferably 1.6 and 1.8 times, the concave section length of the substantially concave section. The length is provided by the profile of the shell projecting the side orthogonal plane. Whether the profile of the shell is provided by a convex section, a concave section or a straight section of the respective substantially concave section and / or the substantially convex section, the respective length will follow the convex part of the border. The convex extension of the substantially convex section is significantly greater than the concave extension of the substantially concave section.

[0028] To further define the housing of the projected side orthogonal plane, a connecting line is defined that is straight and connects the two intersection points. The maximum point of the generally convex segment in a direction orthogonal to the connecting line is arranged to be away from the connecting line by a length between 0.4 and 0.6 times the length of the connecting line. The maximum point can be defined by a vertex within the convex geometry of the projected side orthogonal plane. The maximum point can also be defined by a flat front surface. In the case where the maximum point is defined by a flat front surface, the distance is typically between 0.4 and 0.45 times the length of the connecting line from the line.

[0029] Further details and advantages of the breast pump of the present invention may be apparent from the following description of embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 The outline of the housing of the first embodiment is shown, the housing projecting a front orthogonal plane;

[0031] Figure 2 shows the profile of the housing of the second embodiment, projecting a front orthogonal plane;

[0032] Figure 3 is the profile of the housing of the first embodiment, the housing projecting a side orthogonal plane;

[0033] Figure 4 It clarifies Figure 3 Another diagram of an embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 5 Relate the profile of the shell projecting the side orthogonal plane to the profile of the golden spiral;

[0035] Figure 6 is the profile of the housing of the second embodiment, the housing projecting a side orthogonal plane;

[0036] Figure 7 It clarifies Figure 6 Another diagram of an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Figure 8 Relate the profile of the shell projecting the side orthogonal plane to the profile of the golden spiral;

[0038] Fig. 9 is based on Figure 2 , which serves to explain the relationship of some dimensions of the outline of the shell projected on a front orthogonal plane;

[0039] Fig.10 It is basically used according to Figures 7 and 8 a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of; and

[0040] Fig.11is a side view of a breast pump comprising a housing according to the second embodiment.

[0041] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of a breast pump 2 is shown, which comprises a housing 4 and a breastshield element 6 comprising a nipple passage 8 which is received in the housing 4 .

[0042] The housing 4 may in fact be formed of multiple parts, such as an outer part of a milk container and / or an outer part of a housing which receives components of a breast pump, such as a motor and / or a pressure source and / or a rechargeable battery and / or a controller. The respective housing may have an interface for setting operating parameters of the internal pump or motor. The housing 4 may also enclose a chamber adapted to receive expressed milk and may enclose a valve or valve means which directs the flow of expressed milk from the nipple channel 8 into the chamber of the milk container.

[0043] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Fig. 9 The outline of the housing 4 projected onto a front orthogonal plane is shown in FIG. In these figures, reference numeral 10 identifies a convex boundary, Figure 1 In FIG. 4 , the convex boundary is convex over the entire contour of the housing 4 and surrounds three circles. Reference numeral 12 identifies a first top circle. Reference numeral 14 identifies a first bottom circle and reference numeral 16 identifies a second bottom circle. These first bottom circle 14 and second bottom circle 16 have the same radius R B The center of each of the circles is arranged on the longitudinal symmetry line Y. The transverse symmetry line X extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal symmetry line Y. The two symmetry lines X, Y extend in the frontal orthogonal plane or parallel to the frontal orthogonal plane. These symmetry lines X, Y have an intersection point, which is marked with the reference symbol P for the case in which the center C1B of the first base circle 14 is identical to the center C2B of the second base circle 16.

[0044] In the case where the center C1B and the center C2B are arranged on different sides relative to the longitudinal symmetry line Y (see Figure 2 ), the intersection point is marked with reference numeral M. Figure 2 , E identifies the distance of C1B or C2B from the longitudinal symmetry line Y. For both C1B and C2B, the distance E is the same.

[0045] D indicates the distance between the center C1T of the first top circle 12 and the intersection points P, M.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the bottom portion is defined by the radius RB, and the top portion of the housing 4 is defined by the top circle 12. The convex connecting line connects the radius R in a convex manner. T and radius R BThe convex connecting line provides a smooth transition between the two circles 14 and 16. Obviously, the profile of the housing 14 is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal line of symmetry Y.

[0047] against Figure 2 The example of gives the corresponding overall profile. C1B provides the center for the bottom profile on the left hand side of the longitudinal symmetry line Y, while C2B provides the center for the bottom profile on the right hand side. A line extending perpendicular to the longitudinal symmetry line Y can be extended as a tangent to connect the profiles provided by the first bottom circle 14 and the second bottom circle 16. Alternatively, a convex bottom connection line can be provided to make the profile of the housing 4 only convex.

[0048] like Fig. 9 As depicted in FIG. 1 , the bottom portion may be formed by a bottom connection radius having a radius R defined therein. C The convex line of the bottom connection radius R is provided, which bridges the small gap at the intersection of the first bottom circle 14 and the second bottom circle 16. C The center is located on the longitudinal symmetry line Y. The bottom connection radius R C It may be 1.2 to 1.8 times, preferably 1.4 to 1.6 times, most preferably 1.5+ / -10% times, of the first base circle or the second base circle.

[0049] exist Fig. 9 In this case, the first bottom circle 14 or the second bottom circle 16 can be 1 or 100%. B 60% or 0.6 of the bottom circle 14 or 16. The distance E is 8% of the bottom circle 14 or 16. This distance D between the intersection point P / M and the center C1T of the first top circle corresponds to the radius R B 70% or 0.7. The convex connecting wire C has a value corresponding to R B 160% of the convex connection radius R CC . Fig. 9 In the embodiment of B It can be in the range between 53mm and 57mm. T It can be in the range between 36 mm and 40 mm. The convex connecting line C can be determined by the radius R of the bottom circle. B A convex connection radius of 160% is defined.

[0050] Figures 3 to 8 Provides information about the preferred profile of the housing projecting the side orthogonal plane. Figures 3 to 8 A side view of an example of the invention is shown.

[0051] The profile generally defines a boundary with a generally convex section 20 and a generally concave section 22, which is arranged on the rear side of the shell 4 and is intended to rest against the breast of the user. These sections 20, 22 intersect at two points identified with reference numerals 24 and 26. The generally concave section 22 has a concave shape throughout its extension. The generally concave shape is stable and constant but smoothly curved. In order to avoid local pressure exerted on the user's body by the generally concave section, the generally concave section does not have any steps in the profile or in the inclination of the concave curvature. Two points 24, 26 intersect the profile of the generally convex section 20.

[0052] Reference numeral 24 identifies a point at the top of the housing 4, while reference numeral 26 identifies a point at the bottom of the housing. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As is apparent from the figure, the lower point 26 intersects the convex boundary 30 of the generally convex section 20. In other words, the overall convex curvature defined by the convex boundary 30 of the housing 4 in the side orthogonal plane will have a point of intersection with the generally concave section 22. This point of intersection 26 is arranged close to the corner between the two sections 20, 22 and may be rounded. When determining the curvature of the convex boundary 30 of the generally concave section 22, the contour of the corner is not taken into account. In other words, a radius of the housing or shell below 20 mm, preferably below 10 mm, will not have an impact on the determination of the curvature of the generally convex section 20 and / or the convex boundary 30 of the generally concave section 22.

[0053] The generally concave section 22 is typically determined by the contour of the peripheral area of ​​the flange 9 of the breastshield element 6 which is to rest against the breast of the user and which is to be positioned, for example, at the breastshield element 6. Figure 5 Shown in.

[0054] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the convex boundary 30 of the generally convex section 20 surrounds a linear section 28 having a linear length LL. The linear section 28 intersects the generally concave section 22 at a point 26. In addition, the convex boundary 30 intersects the generally concave section 22 at a point 26.

[0055] Within the overall convex boundary 30 of the housing 4 projected in a side orthogonal plane, the housing 4 has a concave section 32, the boundary of which forms part of the smoothly and stably curved convex boundary 30. The concave section 32 is intended to receive a plug for connecting the suction hose to the breast pump 2; see Fig.11 In other words, in the use condition when such a plug is connected, the outer surface (not shown) of the plug is substantially located within the convex border 30 and preferably forms a part of the convex border 30 .

[0056] The convex boundary 30 will intersect the generally concave section 22 at point 24. As previously discussed, this intersection is defined near the corners, which are rounded. When determining the shape of the generally convex section 20 and / or the generally concave section 22, smaller radii will not be taken into account. The curvature of each of the sections 20, 22 will in each case be determined by an overall view of the housing in a side orthogonal plane and / or a front orthogonal plane. The convex boundary 10 or 30

[0057] Reference numeral L identifies a connecting line, which is a straight line connecting the two points 24, 26. H identifies an orthogonal line. The orthogonal line H and the connecting line L extend parallel to the lateral orthogonal plane. The orthogonal line H extends perpendicular to the connecting line L. The orthogonal line H intersects the generally convex section 20 at a maximum point MP. This maximum point MP may have the convex curvature of the generally convex section 20. Alternatively, and as for Figure 3 and Figure 4 As depicted, the housing may provide a linear support section 34 and an intersection with the orthogonal line H, which linear support section provides a flat support surface for resting the breast pump in an upright position, for example on a table. With this arrangement, the spout of the milk container, identified with reference numeral 36, presents the highest point of the breast pump 2.

[0058] exist Figure 4 and Figure 7 , reference numeral CEL identifies the convex segment length. The convex segment length is the distance between two points 24, 26 along the outer, i.e., substantially convex, contour of the housing 4. CAL identifies the concave segment length, which is the distance between two points 24, 26 along the concave contour of the substantially concave segment 22. Obviously, the convex segment length CEL also includes the length contributed by the linear segment 28 to the substantially convex segment 20. However, any concave segment 32 is replaced by a line tangent to each of the edge points 38, where the concave segment 32 intersects the convex boundary 30.

[0059] DI identifies the distance between the intersection point of the orthogonal line H and the connecting line L and the intersection point between the orthogonal line H and the maximum point MP.

[0060] Figure 5 and Figure 8 The diagram shows how the housing 4 follows the curvature defined by a logarithmic spiral, in particular a golden spiral. In this respect, "following" means that the convex boundary 30 of the corresponding housing 4 lies on the contour of the logarithmic spiral and / or lies within the logarithmic spiral within the range determined by the logarithmic spiral and lines extending substantially parallel to the logarithmic spiral at a distance of up to 20 mm, preferably up to 10 mm and most preferably up to 5 mm on both sides thereof. The logarithmic spiral is identified with SP.

[0061] Obviously, Figure 8 The embodiment corresponds to a curvature of at least 50% of the convex boundary 30 defined by a logarithmic spiral. Figure 8 In an embodiment of the present invention, in particular, the bottom section corresponds to a curvature defined by a logarithmic spiral. Figure 5 In the embodiment of the invention, the curvature defined by the logarithmic spiral is largely corresponded to the top section of the linear support section 34. The deviation of each point from the point 24 to the linear support section 34, including the convex boundary of the linear support section 34, relative to the curvature defined by the logarithmic spiral SP is less than 4 mm.

[0062] Figures 6 to 8 A housing is shown which, in combination with a cover, will define a milk container. The corresponding cover is Fig.11 26. The cover 40 is shown in FIG. 2 and identified with reference numeral 40. The inner side of the cover 40 has a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the generally concave section 22. When the cover 40 is mounted on the outer circumference of the housing 4, an embodiment of the breast pump presents a slight step around the points 22, 26. This step, as well as the curved corner, will not be considered for the overall assessment of the convex / concave shape and convex boundary. Both the step and the curved corner are defined by a small radius, which does not meet the radius requirement and will therefore not be considered for the contour used to determine the convex boundary. Fig.11 Also shown is a plug element received in the male section 32 , which is identified with the reference numeral 42 .

[0063] Figures 3 to 5 The housing 4 is shown, which is defined by the flange 9 of the breastshield element 6, the milk container 44 and the housing 46, which houses and surrounds the motor, battery and controller. Fig.10 In the embodiment of the present invention, the shell 46 has an L-shaped recess which receives a milk container 44 which is attached to the shell 46. The upper portion of the housing 4 which is located above the hashed centerline of the nipple passage 8 is provided in part by the shell 46 (the uppermost portion), the milk container 44 and a portion of the bottom of the shell 46 (the front portion) which defines the L-shaped recess.

[0064] Reference numerals

[0065] 2Breast pump

[0066] 4 Shell

[0067] 6Breast shield elements

[0068] 8 Nipple Channel

[0069] 9. Flange of the breast shield element

[0070] 10 Convex Boundary

[0071] 12 The first top circle

[0072] 14First bottom circle

[0073] 16 Second bottom circle

[0074] 20 generally convex section

[0075] 22 generally concave section

[0076] 24 o'clock

[0077] 26 points

[0078] 28 linear segments

[0079] 30 Convex border

[0080] 32 concave section

[0081] 34 linear support segments

[0082] 36 nozzles

[0083] 38 edge points

[0084] 40 Coverings

[0085] 42 plug element

[0086] B bottom connection line

[0087] C male connection line

[0088] CEL convex section length

[0089] CAL concave section length

[0090] CLL cable length

[0091] C1B Center of the first bottom circle

[0092] C2B The center of the second bottom circle

[0093] C1T Center of the first vertex

[0094] D is used for the distance from MP to C1T

[0095] DI is used for the distance of MP

[0096] E The distance between C1B and C2B and the intersection point P;M

[0097] H orthogonal line

[0098] L cable

[0099] LL linear length

[0100] MP Max Point

[0101] P;M intersection point

[0102] R B The radius of the first or second base circle

[0103] R C Bottom connection radius

[0104] R CC Convex connection radius

[0105] R T The radius of the first vertex

[0106] SP Logarithmic Spiral

[0107] X horizontal symmetry line

[0108] Y longitudinal symmetry line

Claims

1. A breast pump shaped to fit at least partially inside a bra and comprising a housing (4) and a breastshield element (6), the breastshield element (6) comprising a nipple passage (8) adapted to receive a nipple, characterized in that The housing (4) projects a front orthogonal plane shaped like an ellipse, wherein the ellipse is defined by a convex boundary (10) surrounding three circles, namely a first top circle (12), a first bottom circle (14) and a second bottom circle (16), wherein the radius (R B ) and the radius (R B ) are equal, and the radius (R T ) and the radius of the first bottom circle (R B ) or the radius of the second bottom circle (R B ) ratio (4;5) is between 0.3 and 0.

8.

2. The breast pump according to claim 1, characterized in that The center (C1B) of the first bottom circle (14) and the center (C2B) of the second bottom circle (16) are equal to the radius (R B ) or the radius (R B ) is located on the lateral symmetry line (X), Wherein, the transverse symmetry line (X) intersects orthogonally with the longitudinal symmetry line (Y) having the center (C1T) of the first top circle (12), wherein the symmetry lines (X, Y) extend in the front orthogonal plane or are parallel to the front orthogonal plane.

3. The breast pump according to claim 2, characterized in that The longitudinal symmetry line (Y) intersects the transverse symmetry line (X) orthogonally at a point (P) associated with both the center (C1B) of the first bottom circle (14) and the center (C2B) of the second bottom circle (16) or at an intermediate point (M) between the center (C1B) of the first bottom circle (C1B) and the center (C2B) of the second bottom circle (C2B).

4. The breast pump according to claim 3, characterized in that The center (C1T) of the first top circle (12) is located on the longitudinal symmetry line (Y) at a distance greater than R from the intersection point (P; M) with the transverse symmetry line (X). B -R T and less than R B +R T The distance positioning, where R T is the radius of the first top circle (12), and wherein R B is the radius of the first bottom circle (14) or the second bottom circle (16).

5. A breast pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The convex border (10) is either simply convex or straight and convex.

6. A breast pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The housing (4) projects a lateral orthogonal plane defined by a boundary comprising a generally convex section (20) and a generally concave section (22) intersecting at two points (24; 26), wherein the lateral orthogonal plane is perpendicular to the front orthogonal plane.

7. The breast pump according to claim 6, characterized in that At least 50%, preferably 60% and most preferably 70% of the substantially convex section (20) follows a curvature defined by a logarithmic spiral (SP).

8. The breast pump according to claim 7, characterized in that The remaining portion of the generally convex section (20) not defined by the logarithmic spiral (SP) has a convex configuration, a concave configuration and / or a straight configuration.

9. The breast pump according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The logarithmic spiral (SP) is a golden spiral.

10. A breast pump according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that The generally convex section (20) includes a linear section (28; 34) which is less than 25%, preferably less than 15%, of the generally convex section (20).

11. Breast pump according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 10, characterized in that The substantially convex section (20) has a convex section length (CEL) and the substantially concave section (22) has a concave section length (CAL), wherein the convex section length (CEL) is between 1.5 and 2.0 times, preferably between 1.6 and 1.8 times, the concave section length (CAL).

12. A breast pump according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterised in that The two intersection points (24; 26) define a connection line (L) having a connection line length (CLL), wherein the maximum point (MP) of the generally convex section (20) is defined by a vertex within the generally convex section (20) projecting the lateral orthogonal plane and is located on an orthogonal line (H) intersecting the connection line (L) orthogonally and at a distance from the line (L) between 0.4 and 0.6 times the connection line length (CLL), or Wherein, when the breast pump is viewed in a front orthogonal view, the maximum point (MP) of the substantially convex section (20) is defined by a flat front surface defined by the housing (4), and the maximum point (MP) is located on an orthogonal line (H) intersecting the connecting line (L) orthogonally and at a distance from the line (L) between 0.4 and 0.6 times, or preferably between 0.4 and 0.45 times, the connecting line length (CLL).

13. A breast pump according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The convex boundary (10) surrounds the three circles (12, 14, 16) on an outer circumference defined by the three circles (12, 14, 16), in particular on a circumference of each of the three circles (12, 14, 16) partially forming the convex boundary (10).

14. A breast pump according to any preceding claim, wherein: The three circles (12, 14, 16) are used to define the shape of the shell (4) in the front orthogonal plane for the top and bottom of the outer shell (4) in the front orthogonal plane.

15. A breast pump according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein The longitudinal line of symmetry (Y) defines two at least substantially identical halves of the housing (4) projecting the front orthogonal plane.

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