Breast pump

Abstract

The present invention relates to a breast pump comprising a housing (100), a breast shield element (200) including a nipple tunnel (204) and a milk container (300), wherein the housing (100) has an upper end (106), which in use is directed to the face of the user, and a lower end, wherein the housing (100) has a first light source (110) which is arranged on a side of the nipple tunnel (204) opposite to the upper end (106) and adapted to radiate light through the nipple tunnel (204) and towards the upper end (106) such, that the light will not be transmitted to the upper end (106) if the nipple N is correctly positioned in the nipple tunnel (204) and that light will be transmitted to the upper end (106) if the nipple (N) is not correctly positioned in the nipple tunnel (204).

Description

[0001] MAG 08 / 24 1

[0002] Breast pump

[0003] The present invention relates to a breast pump comprising a housing, a breast shield element and a milk container. The breast shield element and the milk container are regularly re- leasably connected to or against the housing. On a general basis, the housing can contain an aggregate for providing a negative pressure and a control for controlling the aggregate. Moreover, an interface may be provided which interface will allow the user to alter operational parameters of the aggregate.

[0004] The breast shield element has a nipple tunnel, which is adapted to receive a nipple of the user. The milk container is adapted to contain a predetermined amount of expressed milk which milk is received in the milk container as the breast shield is connected to the housing and thus the milk container thereby providing a fluid communication between the nipple tunnel of the breast shield element and the milk container for transferring expressed milk from the nipple tunnel into the milk container.

[0005] Such breast pump is e.g. known from the Applicant's earlier application EP 4 112 092 A1. Respective prior art also discloses a light source contained in the housing for illuminating the nipple tunnel. Such feature is advantageous, as the breast pump may need to be used at night. In such instance, the illumination of the nipple tunnel will help the user to properly position the nipple within the nipple tunnel.

[0006] Depending on the size of the breast, a specific breast shield element among different sized breast shield elements is selected. Each of those breast shield elements are connectable to the housing and / or the milk container. Proper selection of the nipple tunnel requires adjustment of the size of the nipple tunnel and the size of the nipple such that the nipple is positioned essentially concentrically to the longitudinal extension of the nipple tunnel. It is held that a perfect match between the nipple and the nipple tunnel may result in the nipple circumferentially contacting the inner circumferential surface provided by the nipple tunnel during operation of the pump. Before the pumping session starts, a perfect match is when there is an even gap all around the nipple in circumferential direction. Later during the session, the nipple usually grows, and the even gap may change to an even contact, depending on nipple properties.

[0007] It can, however, happen that the nipple is not correctly positioned within the nipple tunnel. Such inappropriate positioning may be a cause of inappropriately positioning the breast pump on the breast. An inappropriately selected breast shield size may be another cause for an incorrect positioning of the nipple within the nipple tunnel.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a breast pump, which is able to assist the user to properly arrange the nipple within the nipple tunnel and / or to select the appropriately sized breast shield element. MAG 08 / 24 2

[0009] As a solution to this problem, the breast pump provides a light source, which is arranged within the housing. The light source is arranged on a side of the nipple tunnel opposite to an upper end of the housing. This upper end is usually the end, which is directed to the face or the eyes of the user in a use position. The use position is usually the position in which the breast shield rests against the breast of the user with the nipple received within the nipple tunnel. In the use position, the nipple tunnel is usually sealed by the breast, thereby allowing a suction pressure to build up within the nipple tunnel, which suction pressure is the driving force for expressing milk from the breast. Accordingly and during use, the light source will be recognized by the user to be arranged under the nipple.

[0010] The light source may be considered to be the first light source of the breast pump as the same can have a second and further light sources. The first light source will radiate light through the nipple tunnel and towards the upper end such that the light will not be transmitted to the upper end and thus the eyes of the user if the nipple is correctly positioned in the nipple tunnel, while the light will be transmitted to the upper end and thus the eyes of the user if the nipple is not correctly positioned within the nipple tunnel. During use, the second light source is arranged above the nipple in particular as a container illumination, which is mainly meant to illuminate the container and the milk in it, but can also improve nipple visibility and help nipple centering.

[0011] The present invention is based on the concept that an appropriately positioned nipple will shade the light radiated from the first light source and thus will prevent the light from being transmitted through the nipple tunnel and towards the face of the user. In other words, with a correctly positioned nipple within the nipple tunnel, the user will not notify the light emitted by the first light source, as this light will not be directly radiated into the eyes of the user. On the other hand, if the nipple is not correctly positioned within the nipple tunnel, light will be able to pass through the nipple tunnel, as the nipple within the nipple tunnel will not fully shade the path of the light from the first light source towards the upper end and thus the face of the user. Light emitted from the first light source and notified by the user will thus be indicative of an incorrect positioning of the nipple within the nipple tunnel.

[0012] Thus and assisted by the first light source, the user of the breast pump can either change the position of the breast pump relative to the breast and / or select another sized nipple tunnel to eventually arrive at no light being transmitted from the first light source through the nipple tunnel and towards the face of the user. Such situation will signal the user that a correct positioning of the nipple tunnel within the nipple and a correct sized breast shield has been selected.

[0013] Preferably, the housing is positioned between the breast shield element and the milk container, and the housing has a central opening. The nipple tunnel can be housed in the central opening and the first light source is provided at the housing, e.g. the first light source is arranged to direct light outside of the opening. MAG 08 / 24 3

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nipple tunnel is provided with light absorbing or guiding means assigned to the first light source. Such light absorbing or guiding means may be provided by blackened coating of the nipple tunnel and / or a reflecting coating on the inner circumferential surface or the outer circumferential surface of the nipple tunnel. Respective light absorbing or guiding means are provided e.g. to prevent light emitted from the first light source from scattering. Such light absorbing or guiding means may be partially provided on the inner and / or outer circumference of the nipple tunnel. In particular with a smaller sized nipple tunnel, such light absorbing or guiding means may assist to focus the light on the position of the nipple within the nipple tunnel and thus prevent scattered light from reaching the face of the user in case the nipple is correctly positioned within the nipple tunnel or an inappropriate breast shield element was selected.

[0015] Preferably, the breast shield may be provided with at least two guiding lines arranged on the top of the breast shield, which guiding lines preferably extend parallel to the longitudinal extension of the nipple tunnel, in use of the breast pump, the guiding lines are directed towards the face of the user and will facilitate proper nipple positioning in the center of the breast shield i.e. the nipple tunnel. The guiding lines may be provided by frosted lines which appear as rough finish on the glossy usually a clear transparent material of the breast shield. The guiding lines are usually thin, preferably not wider than 1mm and preferably have a length of between 8mm and 12mm.

[0016] For visual inspection of the position of the nipple within the nipple tunnel at night and according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second light source is provided, which second light source is arranged to illuminate the nipple tunnel. The second light source as the first light source is usually connected to the housing and arranged to radiate light into the nipple tunnel.

[0017] The nipple tunnel of the breast pump is usually made of a transparent or at least translucent plastic material. This material may allow the user to check proper nipple positioning within the nipple tunnel visually from outside. Preferably, the entire breast shield is made of such transparent or translucent material, which material may partially be covered by the light absorbing or light guiding means in form of a coating on the nipple tunnel. Further, and as in general described in EP 4 112 092 A1, the nipple tunnel may project into a nipple tunnel receptacle of the milk container, which milk container will likewise be formed of a transparent or at least translucent material. Thus, the user will have the ability to control proper nipple positioning and alignment after assembly of the breast pump in total and after having positioned the breast pump in the use position in which the upper end is directed towards the face of the user. The nipple tunnel receptacle may partially be covered by the light absorbing or light guiding means in form of a coating on the inner or outer circumference of the nipple tunnel receptacle. MAG 08 / 24 4

[0018] Such milk container may comprise a container shell element and a lid element, which is adapted to cover the container shell element to thereby enclose a milk chamber provided by the milk container. As generally described in EP 4 112 092 A1 , the lid element and the container shell element are connected with each other by a hinge, thereby allowing the container shell element to be pivoted relative to the lid element as the two elements are still connected.

[0019] Cleaning of the components forming the milk container, such hinge has first and second hinge elements provided by the lid element on one hand and the container shell element on the other, requires the hinge elements to be releasably connected and disconnected with each other. In particular, unexperienced users may encounter problems with properly forming the hinge by connecting the first and second hinge elements. As the hinge elements are formed from plastic material and by nature of the constitution of the pump as usually being a pump, which is wearable inside a bra and thus is rather small and light, the hinge elements can break easily, in particular in case of inappropriately assembling the hinge. Moreover, incorrect positioning of the hinge elements may not fully enclose the milk chamber with the consequence that milk is spilled as the pump is operated for expressing milk.

[0020] To cope with this problem, the present invention proposes first and second hinge elements with a poka yoke design, i.e. a one way connection configuration. By nature of the poka yoke design, the hinge elements cannot be connected with each other in an incorrect way. The hinge elements have a specific design, which will allow the hinge elements to be only connected with each other correctly. In a poka yoke design, hinge elements on different sides of the hinge may have a different inner or outer diameter and / or a different length, so that hinge elements which are designed to be connected are in fact connected with each other correctly. Specifically, the hinge elements on one end of the hinge may have a different design than the hinge elements on the other end of the hinge. The ends of the hinge are provided usually at opposite ends along a swiveling axis, which swiveling axis is formed by the hinge to allow the container shell element to pivot relative to the lid element.

[0021] Further details, advantages or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a specific embodiment in combination with the drawings.

[0022] In the drawings,

[0023] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the individual components and elements of the em- bodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the embodiment of figure 1 in an assembled state;

[0025] Figure 3 a, b exemplify correct nipple positioning;

[0026] Figure 4 a, b exemplify incorrect nipple positioning; and

[0027] Figure 5 is an embodiment of a poka yoke hinge. MAG 08 / 24 5

[0028] According to figure 1, a breast pump comprising a housing 100, a breast shield element 200 and a milk container 300. The housing 100 has a central opening 102 providing a receptacle 104. The breast shield element 200 has a flange section 202, which is unitarily formed with a nipple tunnel 204. The breast shield element 200 is formed of a transparent material. The forward end of the nipple tunnel 204 is provided with threads 206 for coupling the breast shield element 200 with the milk container 300, as described hereinafter after the nipple tunnel 204 has been advanced through the receptacle 104, such that the housing 100 is sandwiched between the breast shield element 200 and the milk container 300.

[0029] The forward free end of the nipple tunnel 204 is provided with a two-way valve 208.

[0030] The milk container 300 comprises a container shell element 302 and a lid element 304, which can be connected with each other to thereby enclose a milk chamber 306. At a lower end the lid element 304 is hinged to the container element 302 via a hinge 308. The opposite upper end is provided with a spout closure element 310 which not only secures the lid element 304 against the container shell element 302 to properly enclose the milk chamber 306, but which also provides a spout 312 to pour out milk from the milk chamber 306 while the container shell element 302 is still connected with the lid element 304.

[0031] In figure 1 reference numeral 106 identifies an upper end of the housing 100, which upper end is provided with a user interface 108, which is directed toward the face of the user if the breast pump 2 is assembled and laid with the flange section 202 of the breast shield element 200 against the breast of the user in a use position.

[0032] Between the housing 100 and the lid element 304 figure 1 shows a membrane element 400, which is releasably connectable to the lid element 304 to enclose a pumping chamber 402 within the milk container 300 as further detailed in EP 4 112 092 A1.

[0033] This prior art also contains further information on a nipple tunnel receptacle 314 projecting into the milk chamber 306 and from a flat section of the lid element 304. This nipple tunnel receptacle 314 is provided with further threats 316 adapted to cooperate with the threats 206 of the nipple tunnel 204 to secure the breast shield element 200 against the milk container 300.

[0034] Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along longitudinal axis L identified in figure 1, exemplifying in particular an embodiment of the optical means provided for checking proper nipple positioning within the nipple tunnel 204. In figure 2, reference number 110 identifies a first light source, which is arranged below the nipple tunnel 204 and the nipple tunnel receptacle 314 and is adapted to radiate light into the nipple tunnel 204. Reference number 114 identifies a second light source, which is to illuminate the nipple tunnel 204. The second light source 114 is arranged between the upper end 106 and the nipple tunnel 204 and emits a second light beam 116 along a certain length of the longitudinal extension of the nipple tunnel 204. MAG 08 / 24 6

[0035] A correctly positioned nipple is exemplified in figures 3 a and b. The first light source 110 is shown to radiate light in an upward direction towards the upper end 106 of the housing 100. Evidently, the light of the first light source 110 is limited in radiation in longitudinal extension of the axis L by angle a to not exceed the proper position of a nipple N, shown in the figures in hashed lines. Further and as evident from figure 3 b, a radiation angle p of the first light source 110 is limited in a plane essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension L, such that the light will not pass around a circumference of a nipple N within the nipple tunnel 204 selected properly for this nipple N.

[0036] In figure 3a and 4a, reference numeral 318 exemplifies light guiding and absorbing means provided on the outer circumference of the nipple tunnel 204 and / or the nipple tunnel receptacle 314, which are to prevent any light being emitted or scattered from the first light source 110 beyond a predetermined light beam 112 having a light beam angle p.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, the light source itself can have a reflector, which is provided to restrict the first light source 110 to emit the desired light beam 112 with light beam angle a and p. The light absorbing or guiding means 318 may be formed on an inner and / or outer circumferential surface section of the portion of the breast shield element 200 forming the nipple tunnel 204 and / or the nipple tunnel receptacle 314. The light absorbing or guiding means 318 may be provided in form of a light reflecting or light absorbing material, preferably an absorbing material. They assist formation of the first light beam 112 within the limits set by the light beam angle p.

[0038] As a consequence of proper positioning of the nipple N in the nipple tunnel 204, all light emitted from the first light source 110 is prevented from reaching the upper end 106 as the light beam 112 will only be radiated against the underside of the nipple tunnel N - see figures 3a and 3b.

[0039] In figure 4a, 4b, the nipple N is not properly positioned within the nipple tunnel 204. Thus, light of the light beam 112 can pass the nipple N and through the nipple tunnel 204 and thus reach the upper end 106 and the eyes of the user indicating incorrect positioning of the nipple N.

[0040] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the hinge 308 between the container shell element 302 and the lid element 304, which are each only shown in part and with the components forming the hinge 308. The container shell element 302 has a first female hinge element 502 and a second hinge element 504, which are each formed as unitary parts of the container shell element 302 by injection molding of a plastic material. The first and the second female hinge elements 502, 504 have an essentially round cross section formed by a ring segment, which is open to the side opposite to the container shell element 302. Each of the female hinge elements 502, 504 are closed at their free end. The lid element 304 has a first male hinge element 506 and a MAG 08 / 24 7 second male hinge element 508, which each are formed by stems with circular cross section. The male hinge elements 506, 508 can be snap fitted into the female hinge elements 502, 504 by pushing the male hinge elements 506, 508 radially into the female hinge elements 502, 504.

[0041] The first female hinge element 506 has a first diameter D1, whereas the second male hinge element 508 has a second diameter D2, which diameter D2 is smaller than diameter D1. In accordance, the first and the second female hinge elements 502, 504 have varying inner diameters, suitable to receive and elastically grasp around the first and the second male hinge elements 506, 508, respectively. Thus, and by having the different diameters D1 and D2, the hinge elements 502, 504, 506, 508 exhibit a poka yoke design, which will not allow to introduce the first male hinge element 506 into the smaller receptacle formed by the second female hinge element 504.

[0042] Moreover, and as derivable from figure 5, the first female and male hinge elements 502, 506 have a length L1. This length is the extension extend along a swiveling axis S of the hinge 304, which length L1 is larger than the corresponding length L2 of the second female and male hinge elements 504, 508, respectively. As the female hinge elements 502, 504 are closed at their free ends, this detail as well provides an alternate realization of the poka yoke design.

[0043] As derivable from the above description, the hinge elements 502, 504, 506, 508 are usually formed as unitary portions on the container shell element 302 and the lid element 304, respectively. The term “element” shall not be understood as specifying a separate item of the container shell element 302 and lid element 304, respectively. In fact, any portion of those elements 302, 304 forming a hinge for swiveling the container shell element 302 relative to the lid element 304 may be considered to be hinge elements 502, 504, 506, 508 in the meaning of the present invention.

[0044] MAG 08 / 24 8

[0045] List of references

[0046] 100 housing

[0047] 102 opening

[0048] 104 receptacle

[0049] 106 upper end

[0050] 108 user interface

[0051] 110 first light source

[0052] 112 first light beam

[0053] 114 second light source

[0054] 116 second light beam

[0055] 200 breast shield element

[0056] 202 flange section

[0057] 204 nipple tunnel

[0058] 206 threads

[0059] 208 two-way valve element

[0060] 300 milk container

[0061] 302 container shell element

[0062] 304 lid element

[0063] 306 milk chamber

[0064] 308 hinge

[0065] 310 spout closure element

[0066] 312 spout

[0067] 314 nipple tunnel receptacle

[0068] 316 threads

[0069] 318 light absorbing or guiding means

[0070] 400 membrane

[0071] 402 membrane working chamber

[0072] 502 first female hinge element

[0073] 504 second female hinge element

[0074] 506 first male hinge element

[0075] 508 second male hinge element

[0076] L longitudinal axis a light beam angle

[0077] P light beam angle

Claims

MAG 08 / 24 9Claims1. A breast pump comprising a housing (100) and a breast shield element (200) including a nipple tunnel (204), which nipple tunnel (204) is adapted to receive a nipple of the user, and a milk container (300) adapted to contain a predetermined amount of milk expressed from the breast of the user, wherein the breast shield element (200) is detachably connectable with the housing (100) and wherein when being connected to the housing (100) the nipple tunnel (204) of the breast shield element (200) is in fluid communication with the milk container (300) for transferring expressed milk from the nipple tunnel (204) into the milk container (300), wherein the housing (100) has an upper end (106), which in a use position, in which the breast shield element (200) rests against the breast of the user, is directed to the face of the user, and a lower end opposite to said upper end (106), characterized in that the housing (100) has a first light source (110) which is arranged on a side of the nipple tunnel (204) opposite to the upper end (106) and adapted to radiate light through the nipple tunnel (204) and towards the upper end (106) such, that the light will not be transmitted to the upper end (106) if the nipple (N) is correctly positioned in the nipple tunnel (204) and that light will be transmitted to the upper end (106) if the nipple (N) is not correctly positioned in the nipple tunnel (204).

2. The breast pump according to claim 1 , wherein the housing (100) is positioned between the breast shield element (200) and the milk container (300), and the housing has a central opening (102), where the nipple tunnel (204) is housed in the central opening (102) and the first light source (110) is provided at the housing.

3. The breast pump according to claim 2, wherein first light source (110) is arranged to direct light outside of the opening.

4. A breast pump according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nipple tunnel (204) is provided with light absorbing or guiding means (318) assigned to the first light source (110) such that light emitted from the first light source (110) is prevented from scattering.

5. A breast pump according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (100) has a second light source (114) adapted to illuminate the nipple tunnel (204).MAG 08 / 24 106. A breast pump according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second light source (114) is positioned between the nipple tunnel (204) and the upper end (106).

7. The breast pump according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the milk container (300) comprises a container shell element (302) and a lid element (304) adapted to cover the container shell element (302) to thereby enclose a milk chamber (306) and wherein the lid element (304) has first hinge elements (502; 504) and wherein the container shell element (302) has second hinge elements (506; 508), which first and the second hinge elements (502, 504; 506, 508) are adapted to form a hinge (304) between the container shell element (302) and the lid element, (304) which hinge (304) is releasable to disconnect the container shell element (302) and a lid element (304), where said first hinge elements (502; 504) and said second hinge elements (506; 508) have a one way connection configuration.

8. The breast pump according to claim 7, wherein the one way connection configuration comprises pins and / or corresponding seats of the first and the second hinge elements (502, 504; 506, 508) that have different size.

9. The breast pump according to claim 8, wherein the different size is different length and / or diameter.

10. A breast pump comprising a housing (100) and a breast shield element (200) including a nipple tunnel (204), which nipple tunnel (204) is adapted to receive a nipple of the user, and a milk container (300) adapted to contain a predetermined amount of milk expressed from the breast of the user, wherein the breast shield element (200) is detachably connectable with the housing (100) and wherein when being connected to the housing (100) the nipple tunnel (204) of the breast shield element (200) is in fluid communication with the milk container (300) for transferring expressed milk from the nipple tunnel (204) into the milk container (300), wherein the milk container (300) comprises a container shell element (302) and a lid element (304) adapted to cover the container shell element (302) to thereby enclose a milk chamber (306) and wherein the lid element (304) has first hinge elements (502; 504) and wherein the container shell element (302) has second hinge elements (506; 508), which first and the second hinge elements (502, 504; 506, 508) are adapted to form a hinge (304) between the container shell element (302) and the lid element, (304) which hinge (304) is releasable to disconnect the container shell elementMAG 08 / 24 11(302) and a lid element (304), in particular according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first hinge elements (502; 504) and said second hinge elements (506; 508) have a poka yoke design.

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