Device for attaching a nursing pad to a human breast

Abstract

Device (100) for attaching a nursing pad (400) to a human breast, wherein the device (100) comprises an adhesive region which is designed to adhere to human skin, and wherein the device (100) has a through-opening (103) which is designed to have a human nipple protruding through it, and wherein the device (100) has a fastening region (102) which is designed to allow the nursing pad (400) to be fastened to it in a form-fitting manner, characterized in that the fastening region is designed as a plastic hook band.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for attaching a nursing pad to a human breast according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Nursing pads are used by breastfeeding mothers to absorb leaking breast milk between feedings and reduce the risk of soiling clothing and / or the environment. A nursing pad can be made of highly absorbent materials such as cotton, cellulose, fleece, and / or silk.

[0003] US Pat. No. 5,919,180 A discloses an assembly for a nursing pad suitable for absorbing milk fluid. The assembly comprises a housing with a front, a back, a central portion, and a plurality of outwardly extending fingers. The central portion has a pocket with an absorbent padding material disposed therein, which can be removed through the front opening. When the absorbent padding material is removed from the pocket, the nipple is exposed through the front opening, allowing breastfeeding. DE 198 53 252 C1 discloses a self-adhesive nursing patch. This nursing patch is coated with a self-adhesive compound that allows it to be applied to human skin.

[0004] In contrast, the present invention is based on the object of creating a more environmentally friendly device. Furthermore, a system comprising such a device is to be created.

[0005] This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and by a system according to claim 12. Embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] The device comprises an adhesive region designed to adhere to human skin. In the context of this description, this is understood in particular to mean that a coefficient of friction between the adhesive region and the human skin is greater than 1, in particular greater than 2. The device has a through-opening. The through-opening can, for example, be arranged centrally, so that a center point and / or the center of gravity of the device lies in the through-opening. The through-opening can, for example, be circular. The through-opening is designed such that a human nipple protrudes through it. This is advantageous so that the device does not have to be removed from the breast in order to breastfeed a child.

[0007] The device further comprises a fastening region designed to allow the nursing pad to be positively fastened thereto, wherein the fastening region is designed as a plastic hook band. This type of fastening is particularly advantageous for a multiply detachable fastening of the nursing pad to the fastening region. The plastic hook band can, for example, have a plurality of plastic hooks per square centimeter. The plastic hooks can, in particular, be designed as barbs. The plastic hook band can, for example, be a component of a hook-and-loop fastener. The other component is then the nursing pad when it is attached to the plastic hook band.

[0008] For example, the nursing pad can be sewn onto the attachment area. This is particularly advantageous if the nursing pad is reusable. In this case, the nursing pad sewn onto the attachment area can be washed together with the device and reused. When in use, the device is removed from the breast together with the nursing pad when breastfeeding a child. After breastfeeding, the device can then be reattached to the breast using the adhesive area, allowing the nursing pad to absorb any leaking milk.

[0009] In addition, the woman does not need a bra to use a nursing pad because the nursing pad can be attached to the device.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the nursing pad can be releasably attached to the fastening area multiple times. In the context of this description, a releasable attachment is understood in particular to mean that both the nursing pad and the device remain functional even after multiple attachments. The multiple releasable attachment is advantageous so that the nursing pad can be removed before breastfeeding and reattached after breastfeeding. Under certain circumstances, nursing pads designed for single use may fray if the attachment is removed multiple times. However, this only has a minor impact on the absorbency of the nursing pad. Reusable nursing pads, on the other hand, are not damaged even if the attachment is removed multiple times. The same applies to the device. The device can be washable, so that it can be used particularly frequently and hygienically.

[0011] The multiple, removable attachment option has the advantage that the device does not have to be disposed of together with a disposable nursing pad. This protects the environment. When a reusable nursing pad is used, neither the nursing pad nor the device needs to be disposed of after use.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening area can surround the through-hole. In the context of this description, this is understood in particular to mean that the fastening area surrounds the through-hole all the way around. This arrangement of the fastening area allows the nursing pad to be particularly well secured in such a way that, when attached, it covers the through-hole and thus fulfills its function as a nursing pad. It is possible, but not mandatory, for the fastening area to be directly adjacent to the through-hole.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device can comprise a base body. The base body can be made of silicone, in particular medical-grade adhesive silicone. Suitable silicones include, for example, addition-curing RTV-2 or HTV silicones. The adhesive region can form a first surface of the base body. The fastening region can be arranged on a second surface of the base body. For example, the fastening region can be positively attached to the base body, for example, sewn on. If the fastening region is designed so that the nursing pad can be sewn onto it, the fastening region can also be a partial region of the base body.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first surface can have a geometric normal vector pointing in a first direction. The second surface can have a geometric normal vector pointing in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A geometric normal vector is not understood to be a component, but rather a merely virtual vector that serves only to define the orientation of the surfaces.

[0015] With this design, it is possible to attach the adhesive area to one breast and to attach the nursing pad to the attachment area facing away from the breast.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base body can define the through-opening. In the context of this description, this is understood in particular to mean that the base body surrounds the through-opening.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the adhesive area can be made of silicone, in particular medical-grade adhesive silicone. This ensures particularly good adhesion to human skin. This is especially true if the adhesive area is made of RTV-2 or HTV silicone.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the nursing pad can cover the opening when attached to the fastening area.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base body can have several wings, each of which extends outward from the fastening area, separated from one another. This can be, for example, three to eight wings. It is particularly possible for the wings to extend outward from the fastening area, i.e., away from the through-hole. This allows the device to adhere particularly well to human skin. Furthermore, the adhesive area can be adapted particularly well to the shape of the breast.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening area can comprise several circular ring arcs.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the circular arches can be separated from one another by notches in the fastening area. In the area of ​​the notches, the fastening area can include connecting webs that connect the circular arches to one another. Both the circular arches and the notches can be designed so that the nursing pad can be releasably attached to them multiple times.

[0022] The system according to claim 12 comprises a device according to an embodiment of the invention and the nursing pad. The nursing pad is designed to absorb breast milk. The pad is positively attached to the fastening area and covers the opening. The nursing pad can, for example, be sewn to the fastening area. The fastening area is designed as a plastic hook and loop fastener, so that the nursing pad is attached to the fastening area by means of a hook-and-loop connection.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components and for components with identical or similar functions. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic side view of the device from Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a schematic plan view of a system with a nursing pad and the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 a schematic plan view of a system with a nursing pad and the device of Fig. 2; and Fig. 6 a schematic side view of the system Fig. 4.

[0024] The device 100 comprises a base body 101 on which a fastening region 102 is arranged. For example, the fastening region 102 can be fastened to the base body 101. The fastening region 102 is designed for a multiply detachable fastening of a nursing pad 400 thereto. For example, the fastening region 102 can be designed as a plastic hook band with a plurality of plastic barbs per square centimeter. In this case, the nursing pad can be fastened to the fastening region 102 according to the principle of a hook-and-loop fastener. The plastic barbs then each form a positive connection with the nursing pad.

[0025] It is also possible for the nursing pad 400 to be sewn to the attachment area 102. In this case, the nursing pad 400 can preferably be a reusable nursing pad. During use, the device 100 can then be detached from the breast together with the nursing pad 400 in order to breastfeed a child. After breastfeeding, the device 100 can then be reattached to the breast such that the nursing pad 400 covers the nipple and absorbs any leaking milk. To increase hygiene, the device 100 can be washable together with the sewn-on nursing pad 400.

[0026] The base body 101 is made of silicone. The fastening area 102 can, for example, be glued to the base body 101. The surface of the base body 101 that is free of the fastening area 102 adheres particularly well to human skin. During intended use, this is the entire surface facing the breast. Thus, the device can be attached to a human breast, for example. In this state, the fastening area 102 then faces away from the breast.

[0027] The device 100 also includes a centrally located circular through-opening 103 defined by the base body 101. The attachment region 102 surrounds the through-opening 103. When the device 100 is attached to the human breast, a nipple can protrude through the through-opening 103. When the nursing pad 400 is attached to the attachment region 102, it covers the through-opening 103. In this state, the nursing pad 400 can absorb milk leaking from the nipple, thereby reducing the risk of contamination of clothing and / or the surrounding area.

[0028] If the fastening area 102 is designed as a plastic hook band, the nursing pad 400 can be easily detached from the fastening area 102 by pulling it off. The nipple protruding through the opening 103 can then be used for breastfeeding. The nursing pad 400 can then be reattached to the fastening area 102 if it is a reusable nursing pad 400. If it is a disposable nursing pad, another nursing pad can be attached to the fastening area 102.

[0029] The device 100 is particularly environmentally friendly, as only the 400 nursing pad needs to be disposed of—if at all—if it is a disposable nursing pad. The device 100 is reusable and washable. Even if it has been removed from the skin once, it can be reattached to the skin afterwards, possibly even after washing.

[0030] The device 100 also includes wings 104 that extend outward from the attachment area 103. These wings 104 serve to ensure particularly good attachment of the device 100 to human skin. Furthermore, the wings 104 allow the base body 101 to adapt particularly well to the curvature of a female breast.

[0031] The notches 105 also separate circular ring sections of the fastening area 102 from each other. However, the circular ring sections are connected to each other by connecting webs of the fastening area 102.

[0032] The Fig. 2 and Fig. The device shown in Figure 5 differs from the device shown in Figures Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 by the shape of the wings 104. Depending on the shape of the female breast, differently shaped wings 104 can be advantageous for a particularly good adhesion of the device 100 to the breast.

Claims

[1] Device (100) for attaching a nursing pad (400) to a human breast, wherein the device (100) comprises an adhesive region which is designed to adhere to human skin, and wherein the device (100) has a through-opening (103) which is designed to allow a human nipple to protrude therethrough, and wherein the device (100) has a fastening region (102) which is designed to allow the nursing pad (400) to be fastened thereto in a form-fitting manner, characterized by that the fastening area is designed as a plastic hook band. [2] Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the nursing pad (400) can be releasably attached to the fastening area (102) in several ways. [3] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening area (102) surrounds the feed-through opening (103). [4] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (100) comprises a base body (101), wherein the adhesive region forms a first surface of the base body (101), and wherein the fastening region (102) is arranged on a second surface of the base body (101). [5] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the first surface has a geometric normal vector pointing in a first direction, wherein the second surface has a geometric normal vector pointing in a second direction opposite to the first direction. [6] Device (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized by that the base body (101) defines the feedthrough opening (103). [7] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adhesive area is made of silicone. [8] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the nursing pad (400) covers the through-opening (103) when attached to the fastening area (102). [9] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base body (101) has a plurality of wings (104), wherein the wings (104) each extend outwards from the fastening region (102) separately from one another. [10] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the fastening area (102) comprises several circular ring arches. [11] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the circular ring arches are separated from each other by notches (105) of the fastening area (102). [12] System for absorbing human breast milk, comprising a device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims and the nursing pad (400), wherein the nursing pad (400) is designed to absorb breast milk, wherein the nursing pad (400) is positively attached to the attachment area (102) and covers the through-opening (103).

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