Wearable system for applying vacuum to breast and wearable manual breast pump

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for applying a vacuum to a breast and a breast pump using the same. A wearable system for applying a vacuum to a breast of a user includes elastically deformable first and second membranes for positioning over each other and over the breast, wherein the first (inner) membrane defines a milk collection volume over the breast. The first membrane is manually deformable by actuation of the second (outer) membrane, and the valve releases air from the milk collection volume. When the first membrane attempts to return to its default shape, thereby creating a pressure reduction. The space between the first membrane and the second membrane is vented toward the ambient atmosphere to allow the second membrane to return to its default shape without creating a reduction in pressure. The second film serves as a protective outer layer for the first film. The system enables the pressure applied to the breast to be reduced by manually actuating the membrane, in particular in order to reduce the volume of the space above the breast.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to applying vacuum to a breast, in particular as a part of a breast pump. Background Art

[0002] Breastfeeding women use a breast pump to extract milk from their breasts so that the extracted milk can be fed to their baby later.

[0003] It is well known that the best nutrition for babies is breast milk. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding babies for at least one year, preferably longer. However, mothers often return to work after a few weeks or months. To provide the best nutrition for their babies, mothers can use a breast pump to express breast milk. The expressed milk can be stored and given to the baby later and / or by someone else.

[0004] To use a breast pump, the breast is typically placed in a funnel-shaped cup and a vacuum is applied to extract the milk. Electric breast pumps typically have two modes of operation, a stimulation mode and an extraction mode. During the stimulation mode, the milk ejection reflex is stimulated. When the breast pump is activated, a pressure source such as a vacuum pump inside the breast pump generates a vacuum and the stimulation mode can be activated. The vacuum pump is typically driven by an electric motor. For portable breast pumps, these motors are powered by batteries.

[0005] There are also simpler breast pumps that can generate the vacuum mechanically and manually rather than using an electric motor. This provides a lower cost device.

[0006] Wearable breast pumps are characterized by the fact that they can be worn completely on the user's body to allow the user to move freely. Some of these wearable breast pumps are small enough to fit inside the user's bra.

[0007] The utility model relates in particular to a wearable breast pump with manual (mechanical) pressure reduction. The simplest way to generate and maintain a vacuum in a device of this type is to use an elastically deformable element which can be operated directly by hand by deforming the element and then releasing it. The deflection caused by the elasticity of the deformable element then causes it to return to its original shape, which results in the generation of a vacuum.

[0008] However, deformed elements result in undesired shapes. Disturbances in the recovery to the original shape (due to external forces) are also a problem that needs to be addressed, as it affects the vacuum performance. For example, such disturbances can be caused by wearing a bra over the breast pump.

[0009] What is needed is a simple mechanical wearable device that generates and maintains a vacuum while preventing the device from being exposed to disturbing forces when in use (eg, when worn as a bra).

[0010] US 4,263,912 is about a milking device and a method for improving lactation, the device comprising a component for applying suction to at least the nipple portion of the mammary gland and simultaneously and / or selectively applying a contraction manipulation force to the nipple and / or a mammary gland adjacent to the nipple. An inflatable annular member is suitable for being placed around the nipple portion of the mammary gland. The manipulation force is provided by selectively inflating the inflatable annular member. The expansion of the annular surface causes the inner wall surface to expand inwardly, thereby applying a contraction force to the nipple and / or the adjacent lower mammary gland. The annular member can also be provided with an inner wall thickness that is selectively predetermined so as to preferentially expand during inflation of the annular member. In addition, the separation of the annular member provides a certain degree of imitation of the normal breastfeeding behavior of the baby to improve lactation. The peristaltic pumping action is also selectively transmitted to the mammary gland and / or the nipple by selectively predetermining the inner wall thickness along the annular surface juxtaposed with the mammary gland.

[0011] WO 2022 / 129291A1 relates to a breast pump having a breast shield for at least being mounted on the nipple of a breast to form a cavity above the breast. A stimulation unit is used to apply physical stimulation to the nipple and / or a part of the breast to stimulate the milk ejection reflex. A negative pressure source is used to apply static negative pressure to the cavity for holding the breast shield on the breast during milking and facilitating milking, while collecting milk in a milk collection container. Utility Model Content

[0012] The utility model is defined by the claims.

[0013] What is needed is a simple mechanical wearable device that generates and maintains a vacuum while preventing the device from being exposed to disturbing forces when in use (eg, when worn as a bra).

[0014] According to a first aspect of the utility model, there is provided a wearable system for applying a vacuum to a breast of a user, comprising: an elastically deformable first membrane for positioning above the breast, the first membrane for defining a milk collection volume above the breast, wherein the first membrane can be manually deformed to reduce the size of the milk collection volume so that the elastic restoring force generates a reduction in pressure; and a one-way valve for allowing air to be released from the milk collection volume, wherein the wearable system further comprises: an elastically deformable second membrane for positioning above the first membrane, wherein the second membrane can be manually deformed to cause manual deformation of the first membrane; and the space between the first membrane and the second membrane is vented toward the surrounding atmosphere to allow the second membrane to return to a default shape of the second membrane without generating a reduction in pressure.

[0015] In some embodiments, the one-way valve is integrated into the flexible first membrane.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second film is harder than the first film.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second membrane is sufficiently rigid to resist deformation when interacting with clothing worn by a user of the system when the system is in use.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first film is formed of silicone.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second film is formed of silicone.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a wearable manual breast pump is provided, comprising: a system according to any possible implementation of the first aspect; and a milk collection container for receiving milk from the milk collection volume.

[0021] The system according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the pressure (ie the partial vacuum) applied to the breast by manually actuating (eg pressing) the membrane, in particular in order to reduce the volume of the space above the breast.

[0022] 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

[0023] In order to better understand the present invention and to more clearly show how the present invention may be implemented, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 A known breast pump system is shown;

[0025] Figure 2 A wearable breast pump is shown;

[0026] Figure 3 A breast pump using the pressure generating system of the present invention is shown in schematic form; and

[0027] Figures 4A to 4D Shown is how a milk collection system creates a vacuum on the breast. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] It should be understood that while indicating exemplary embodiments of the device, system and method, the detailed description and specific examples are intended to be used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the device, system and method of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these figures are only schematic diagrams and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to indicate the same or similar components.

[0030] Some embodiments provide a wearable system for applying a vacuum to a breast of a user, the system comprising:

[0031] a first elastically deformable membrane for positioning over a breast for defining a milk collection volume over the breast;

[0032] a resiliently deformable second membrane positioned over the first membrane; and

[0033] One-way valve to allow release of air from the milk collection volume,

[0034] in:

[0035] The first membrane can be manually deformed to reduce the size of the milk collection volume so that the elastic restoring force generates a reduced pressure,

[0036] The second membrane is capable of being manually deformed to cause manual deformation of the first membrane; and

[0037] The space between the first membrane and the second membrane is vented toward the surrounding atmosphere to allow the second membrane to return to its default shape without generating a pressure reduction.

[0038] The system enables the pressure applied to the breast (i.e. partial vacuum) to be reduced by manually actuating (e.g. pressing) the membrane, in particular in order to reduce the volume of the space above the breast. During the volume reduction, air is allowed to escape. When the actuation (e.g. pressing) force is removed, the elastic restoring force causes a partial vacuum (i.e. underpressure relative to the ambient pressure) in the milk collection volume, which serves to assist in milk expression.

[0039] The first membrane is actuated by the second membrane. However, since the space between the two membranes is ventilated, the second membrane is allowed to elastically return to its original shape. Thus, the second (outer) membrane provides a protective cover for the first (inner) membrane, thereby preventing accidental release of the generated vacuum, for example by the user's clothing. The second membrane also returns to the desired outer shape so that the outer shape produces the desired appearance (i.e., the shape formed by the user's clothing).

[0040] The non-return valve is integrated, for example, into the flexible first membrane. This reduces the number of components required.

[0041] The second membrane is preferably harder than the first membrane. In this way, it is more resistant to external forces than the first membrane, but it is still soft enough so that the user can deform (e.g., press) the second membrane to change its shape and actuate the first membrane accordingly.

[0042] However, the second membrane is preferably sufficiently rigid to resist deformation when interacting with clothing worn by a user of the system when the system is in use.

[0043] The first film is formed of, for example, silicone resin.

[0044] The second film is formed of, for example, silicone resin.

[0045] The two membranes may be the same material, for example with different thicknesses or other shape features to result in different stiffnesses, or they may be different materials (eg, different silicones or an entirely different material).

[0046] Some embodiments further provide a wearable manual breast pump, the breast pump comprising:

[0047] The pressure applying system as described above; and

[0048] A milk collection container for receiving milk from the milk collection volume.

[0049] The utility model provides a wearable system for applying vacuum to a user's breast, the system comprising a first and a second elastically deformable membrane for positioning on each other and on the breast, wherein the first (inner) membrane defines a milk collection volume on the breast. The first membrane can be manually deformed by actuating the second (outer) membrane, and a valve releases air from the milk collection volume. When the first membrane attempts to return to its default shape, a pressure reduction is generated thereby. The space between the first membrane and the second membrane is vented toward the surrounding atmosphere to allow the second membrane to return to its default shape without generating a pressure reduction. The second membrane serves as a protective outer layer of the first membrane. The milk collection system is, for example, part of a breast pump.

[0050] Figure 1 A known breast pump system 1 is shown, comprising an expression unit 2 and drive means for controlling the expression function of the breast pump.

[0051] In the example shown, the drive device comprises a pump device 3 which is connected to the pressing unit 2 via a pipe 4. In addition to the pump impeller and the pump motor, the pump device comprises various components, so that the pump device can be regarded as a universal operating unit.

[0052] The squeezing unit 2 is formed with a body 7, a funnel 5 (called a breast shield) for receiving a user's breast, and a container 6 for collecting expressed milk. The funnel 5 and the container 6 are connected to the body 7. The body 7 includes a vacuum chamber. A flexible membrane called a diaphragm is located in the vacuum chamber. The diaphragm prevents the expressed milk from flowing into the tube 4 leading to the pump device unit 3.

[0053] Alternatively, the operating unit comprising the pump device 3 may be mounted and connected directly to the main body 7. In this case, the membrane prevents the expressed milk from flowing directly into the pump device 3.

[0054] The pump device 3 includes a controller 10, a power source 12, a motor 14, and a vacuum pump 16 (ie, an impeller driven by the motor 14). The controller 10 controls the operation of the power source 12, the motor 14, and the vacuum pump 16. The pump device 3 also includes a solenoid valve 18.

[0055] In use, the vacuum pump 16 applies a vacuum to a membrane located in the body 7, causing the membrane to deform. The membrane deforms to create a vacuum in the funnel 5, which in turn applies a vacuum to the breast, thereby enabling milk to be expressed.

[0056] The vacuum is applied to the breast at intervals. That is, the pressure difference is applied on a cyclic basis. After the vacuum is established, the pressure in the vacuum is released by using a temporarily opened solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is an electromechanically operated valve that is configured to open and close an air passage connected to the vacuum side of the vacuum pump to the ambient air, so that when the solenoid valve is closed, the vacuum pump generates a vacuum in the expression unit, which enables milk to be expressed from the user's breast. When the solenoid valve is opened, the vacuum generated by the vacuum pump is released as the ambient air flows to the vacuum or the negative pressure formed by the vacuum pump, so that the pressure applied to the user's breast is partially or completely reduced.

[0057] This is a basic description of the known operation of a standard breast pump system.

[0058] There are also wearable breast pumps that fit inside a nursing bra, for example. In some examples, all the drive train components described above can then be formed in a housing that fits over the chest. The top portion includes the drive train (pump, motor, controller) and the bottom portion forms the collection container. This enables milk expression to be performed more discretely.

[0059] There are also simpler mechanical breast pumps in which the pressure is applied manually. Instead of cyclic pressure, manually generated static pressure is applied to the breast. The pressure may be reset periodically (e.g. filling a milk container with expressed milk may result in a loss of applied pressure).

[0060] The utility model particularly relates to a wearable breast pump using manual pressure generation.

[0061] Figure 2 A wearable breast pump is shown comprising an expression kit 30 attached to a respective milk collection container 31. There are also other types of wearable breast pumps in which the expression unit is fixed to the breast and the pump unit and / or the milk container are located elsewhere on the user's body.

[0062] The present invention relates in particular to a manner of manually generating a reduction in pressure, and therefore more generally to a wearable system for applying a vacuum to a user's breast.

[0063] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a breast pump using the pressure reduction system of the present invention.

[0064] The breast pump 50 comprises a first elastically deformable membrane 52 for positioning over a breast, the first membrane 52 being used to define a milk collecting volume 53 over the breast.

[0065] The elastically deformable second film 54 is positioned above the first film 52 with a space 55 defined therebetween.

[0066] One-way valve 56 allows air to be released from milk collection volume 53 to the surrounding environment (eg, directly or via the space 55 between the membranes). Figure 3 ). The one-way valve 56 prevents the milk collection volume 53 from filling with air. Therefore, if the volume decreases, for example by squeezing the membrane 52, the decrease in volume is maintained by the valve 56 (assuming that the first membrane is sealed over the breast). The elasticity of the first membrane then transmits a restoring force and this creates a partial vacuum in the milk collection volume, i.e. a vacuum applied to the breast.

[0067] The space 55 between the membranes is vented toward the atmosphere, as indicated by the vents 58. The vents 58 may simply be a series of holes or slits, for example positioned over the entire area rather than in one place, thereby avoiding the risk of the vents being blocked by clothing. The vents allow bidirectional air flow, so that the pressure on the opposite sides of the second membrane is equal. After any deformation of the second membrane 54, the second membrane 54 can return to its default shape without generating a pressure reduction.

[0068] In use, the first membrane 52 is manually deformed to reduce the size of the milk collection volume 53, and the elastic restoring force then generates a reduction in pressure, as described above. However, the user does not engage the first membrane 52. Instead, the second membrane 54 is manually deformable and is manually actuated by the user to cause the desired manual deformation of the first membrane 52.

[0069] Thus, a reduction in pressure is applied to the breast by manually actuating (eg, compressing) the outer second membrane 54, and this in turn compresses the first membrane 52 to reduce the size (ie, volume) of the milk collection volume 53. When the compressive force is removed, vacuum is used to assist in expressing milk.

[0070] The second film elastically returns to its original shape, and the second film provides a protective cover for the first film. The second film prevents accidental release of the generated vacuum, for example by the user's clothing.

[0071] The one-way valve 56 may be integrated into the first membrane 52, for example formed as a flap valve using the material of the membrane. Alternatively, the one-way valve may be a separate component around or on which the membrane is mounted.

[0072] The second membrane is preferably harder than the first membrane, so that the second membrane is more resistant to external forces than the first membrane. The second membrane needs to be soft enough so that the user can deform (e.g., press) the second membrane to cause it to change shape and actuate the first membrane accordingly. However, the second membrane also needs to be hard enough to resist deformation when interacting with clothing worn by a user of the system (e.g., a bra in which a wearable breast pump is mounted) when the system is in use.

[0073] The first membrane and / or the second membrane may be formed of silicone. The materials may be the same, but have different mechanical properties due to geometry (e.g., use of reinforcing ribs or different material thicknesses). Alternatively, the two membranes may be formed of different materials (e.g., different silicones or completely different elastic materials).

[0074] The milk collection container 60 may be an integral part of the first membrane 52 or may be a separate part connected to the milk collection volume 53 (e.g. Figure 3 ). The milk collection container may be flexible or rigid.

[0075] Figures 4A to 4D Shows how the vacuum is created. The milk collection container and valve / vent are removed to make the image simpler.

[0076] Figure 4A The first membrane 52 and the second membrane 54 are shown in their default shapes. When deformed, the first membrane and the second membrane generate elastic restoring forces to return to their default shapes.

[0077] Figure 4B The force, e.g. a pressing force, applied by the user to the second membrane 52 is shown. Depending on the design, the pressing may be pressing up and down or pressing left and right. The force may even be applied to a milk collection container, e.g. when the first membrane and the milk collection container are formed as a single component. Both membranes are deformed, and the second (outer) membrane transfers its deformation to the first (inner) membrane.

[0078] Figure 4C It is shown that after the pressing force is removed, the second membrane returns to its default shape. This is because there is no remaining external force or pressure difference across the membrane.

[0079] Figure 4D It is shown that the shape that the first membrane will adopt will not remain in the exact shape it was pressed in, because the internal stresses and strains in the membrane will become balanced. However, the size (ie volume) of the milk collection volume is reduced.

[0080] In the above example, the milk container is attached directly to the rest of the breast pump to form a wearable unit. However, the present invention can be applied to designs where the milk container is mounted elsewhere on the body and connected by a milk tube.

[0081] By studying the drawings, the present disclosure and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations to the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed utility model. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0082] The mere 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.

[0083] If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or the description, it should be noted that the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

[0084] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A wearable system for applying vacuum to a breast, characterized in that include: an elastically deformable first membrane for positioning over the breast, the first membrane for defining a milk collection volume over the breast, wherein the first membrane can be manually deformed to reduce the size of the milk collection volume such that the elastic restoring force generates a reduction in pressure; as well as a one-way valve for allowing the release of air from the milk collection volume, The wearable system further comprises: an elastically deformable second membrane positioned above said first membrane, wherein the second membrane is capable of being manually deformed to cause manual deformation of the first membrane; and The space between the first membrane and the second membrane is vented toward the surrounding atmosphere to allow the second membrane to return to a default shape of the second membrane without generating a reduction in pressure.

2. The wearable system for applying vacuum to a breast according to claim 1, wherein: The one-way valve is integrated into the flexible first membrane.

3. The wearable system for applying vacuum to a breast according to claim 1, wherein: The second film is harder than the first film.

4. The wearable system for applying vacuum to a breast according to claim 3, wherein: The second membrane is sufficiently rigid to resist deformation when interacting with a garment worn by a user of the system when the system is in use.

5. The wearable system for applying vacuum to a breast according to claim 1, wherein: The first film is formed of silicone.

6. The wearable system for applying vacuum to a breast according to claim 1, wherein: The second film is formed of silicone.

7. A wearable manual breast pump, characterized in that: include: A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6; as well as A milk collection container is provided for receiving milk from the milk collection volume.

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