Milk expression system

Abstract

A milk expression system (102) comprising at least one breast-receiving member (106, 108) arranged to receive a user's breast. The breast-receiving member (106, 108) has a deformable portion configured to deform about at least a portion of a breast received in the breast- receiving member and a compression arrangement (116, 118). The compression arrangement (116, 118) is configured to constrict at least the deformable portion of the breast-receiving member (106, 108) about at least a portion of a breast received by the breast-receiving member in order to compress the breast and thereby stimulate milk expression from the breast.

Description

[0001] MILK EXPRESSION SYSTEM

[0002] The present invention relates to a milk expression system, and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to a milk expression system configured to express milk from a breast by compressing a portion of a user's breast.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Breast pumps are often used by nursing mothers to express milk from a breast. Typically, a breast pump comprises a breast shield (also commonly referred to as a breast horn or flange) for receiving a nipple and a portion of the breast surrounding the nipple, and a pump configured to generate a vacuum within the region of the breast shield in which the nipple is received. Breast shields are often made of rigid plastic so that they are able to withstand a partial vacuum created during pumping.

[0005] In order to express milk, a mother places the breast shield against her breast so as to create an air-tight seal between the breast shield and her breast. The pump is then activated to generate a partial vacuum within the breast shield around the nipple in order to draw milk from the breast.

[0006] Known breast pumps are generally large because they require a pump which is able to generate a sufficiently powerful vacuum to stimulate milk expression and corresponding power source. In addition, the sustained partial vacuum that must be applied during expression can make them uncomfortable for a user.

[0007] There is a need for an improved system for expressing milk.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the aspect of the invention, there is provided a milk expression system comprising: at least one breast-receiving member arranged to receive a user's breast, the breast-receiving member having a deformable portion configured to deform about at least a portion of a breast received in the breast-receiving member; and a compression arrangement configured to constrict at least the deformable portion of the breast-receiving member about at least a portion of a breast received by the breast-receiving member in order to compress the breast and thereby stimulate milk expression from the breast. A system in accordance with the invention may draw a deformable portion of a breastreceiving member about a portion of a breast in order to gently squeeze the breast in order to express milk. Gentle compression of the breast generates an elevated pressure within a breast that is above ambient pressure and is distributed through the breast. This distributed pressure causes milk to be expressed from the breast in a manner that is comfortable for a user. Applying a pressure to a region of the breast remote from the nipple may also result in a greater proportion of hindmilk compared with conventional breast pumps that use a partial vacuum as the primary means of expression. This can be beneficial.

[0010] Optionally, the milk expression system further comprises an actuator configured to actuate the compression arrangement.

[0011] Optionally, the compression arrangement has a first configuration, such as a relaxed configuration, in which the compression arrangement constricts at least the deformable portion of the breast-receiving member about at least a portion of a breast by a first predetermined amount and a second configuration, such as a constricted configuration, in which the compression arrangement constricts at least the deformable portion of the breastreceiving member about at least a portion of a breast by a second predetermined amount, where in the second predetermined amount is greater than the first predetermined amount.

[0012] Optionally, wherein the compression arrangement is configured to constrict the deformable portion about a portion of the breast surrounding the nipple in order to stimulate milk expression. For example, the compression arrangement may be configured to constrict the deformable portion about the circumference of a portion of the breast so as to urge milk within the breast towards the nipple.

[0013] Optionally, the compression arrangement is configured to progressively constrict the deformable portion so as to compress a breast from a region adjacent the user's chest (i.e. adjacent a ribcage) towards the nipple.

[0014] Optionally, the compression arrangement comprises a mechanical arrangement configured to constrict at least the deformable portion of the breast-receiving member about at least a portion of a breast received by the breast-receiving member in order to compress the breast and thereby stimulate milk expression from the breast. In the context of the claimed invention, the term "mechanical arrangement" means an arrangement which does not comprise hydraulic or pneumatic components for constricting the deformable portion. A mechanical arrangement may provide the benefit of being more compact than a hydraulic / pneumatic arrangement and also not being susceptible to failure as a consequence of leaks from hydraulic / pneumatic components.

[0015] Optionally, the mechanical arrangement comprises at least one elongate flexible element that is configured to constrict the deformable portion of the breast-receiving member about at least a portion of the breast.

[0016] Optionally, the elongate flexible element is secured to the deformable portion such that at least a portion of the elongate flexible element can move, for example slide, relative to the deformable portion. The elongate flexible element may, for example, form a lacing arrangement that can be tightened about a breast in order to compress the breast.

[0017] Optionally, at least a portion of the elongate flexible element is secured to the deformable portion such that it can be tensioned against the deformable portion.

[0018] Optionally, the mechanical arrangement comprises a lacing arrangement.

[0019] Optionally, the actuator is configured vary the tension of the elongate flexible element.

[0020] Optionally, the actuator is configured vary the length of a portion of the elongate flexible element, for example a portion of the elongate flexible element that constricts the deformable portion of the breast-receiving member, such as a portion of the elongate flexible element which extends from an actuator.

[0021] Optionally, the actuator is configured to selectively shorten and lengthen a portion of the elongate flexible element which is arranged to constrict the deformable portion of the breastreceiving member.

[0022] Optionally, the one elongate flexible element is arranged in a spiral having a portion secured to a region of the deformable portion which, during use, is proximate a nipple.

[0023] Optionally, the deformable portion comprises a flexible material. For example, the deformable portion may comprise a flexible fabric such as a fabric comprising cotton and / or a flexible plastic material including polyester and / or polyurethane. Optionally, the milk expression system further comprises a milk receiver arranged to receive milk expressed from a breast received in the breast-receiving portion.

[0024] Optionally, the milk expression system further comprises a milk collector arranged to receive milk from the milk receiver. Optionally, the milk collector is detachable from the milk receiver.

[0025] Optionally, the milk expression system further comprises a pump arranged to pump milk from the milk receiver to the milk collector.

[0026] Optionally, the pump is configured to generate a partial vacuum which is at least 50mbar below ambient pressure and not more than 200mbar below ambient pressure. Optionally, the milk expression system further comprises a power source arranged to supply power to the actuator.

[0027] Optionally, the milk expression system further comprises a garment and the garment comprises the at least one breast-receiving member.

[0028] Optionally, the garment comprises a support member configured to support the breast- receiving member with respect to the person wearing the garment such that the breastreceiving portion is held in contact with a breast of the wearer.

[0029] Optionally, the garment is a brassiere.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a milk expression system;

[0032] Figure 2 shows a bag for collecting milk;

[0033] Figures 3a to 3d illustrate arrangements of a cord with respect to a breast receiving element, and

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a further embodiment of a milk expressing system.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 shows a milk expression system 102 comprising a garment in the form of a brassiere (bra) 104, such as a sports bra, having a first breast-receiving member in the form of a first breast cup 106, a second breast-receiving member in the form of a second breast cup 108, and support members in the form of a first shoulder strap 110, a second shoulder strap 112 and a back strap 114, first and second compression arrangements 116, 118 and first and second actuators 120, 122. The first and second compression arrangements 116, 118 may be secured to the first and second breast cups 106, 108 such that they are form an integral part of the bra 104.

[0037] The entirety of the bra 104 is made of a flexible fabric so that, when worn, it conforms to the shape of a wearer. In particular, the first and second breast cups 106, 108 each have a deformable portion that covers and surrounds a nipple of a breast and which may be actively deformed around the breast as described herein. The breast cups 106, 108 and the remainder of the bra 104 may be made of a flexible fabric such as a fabric comprising cotton and / or a flexible plastic material including polyester and / or polyurethane, for example elastane.

[0038] The first compression arrangement 116 comprises a mechanical arrangement in the form of a lacing arrangement 124 which includes an elongate flexible element in the form of a cord 126 that is secured to the first breast cup 106. The cord 126 is secured at a first end 128 to a central region of the first breast cup 106 proximate to where a nipple would be located during use of the milk expression system 102. The cord 126 extends from the first end 128 in the spiral formation away from the central region of the first breast cup 106 to a second end 130 which is connected to the first actuator 120. The cord 126 is secured to the fabric of the first breast cup 106 so that it is able to slide relative to the first breast cup 106 in a lengthwise direction of the cord 126. In the embodiment shown, the first breast cup 106 has piping 132 (indicated generally with the cord 126) which extends in a spiral and through which the cord 126 is threaded. The cord 126 is free to slide lengthwise along the piping 132 but is constrained laterally.

[0039] The first actuator 120 is a mechanical actuator that comprises a motor 120a connected to a spool 120b. The cord 126 is attached to the spool 120b such that rotation of the spool causes the cord 126 to wind or unwind about the spool 120b. Activation of the motor 120a in a first direction of rotation (winding direction) causes the spool 120b to rotate and wind the cord 126 onto the spool 120b thereby reducing the length of the portion of cord (i.e. effective length) extending from the first actuator 120. Activation of the motor 120a in a second direction of rotation (unwinding direction), which is the reverse to the first direction of rotation, causes the cord 126 to unwind from the spool 120b thereby increasing the length of the portion of cord extending from the first actuator 120. The first compression arrangement 116 may be actuated between a relaxed first configuration in which the cord 126 is unwound from the spool 120b by a first predetermined amount and a constricted second configuration in which the cord 126 is wound onto the spool 120b by a second predetermined amount.

[0040] Although it will be appreciated that a non-mechanical compression arrangement and / or actuator may be used, for example a hydraulic or pneumatic compression and / or actuator, mechanical actuation is preferred since it is more compact than a hydraulic / pneumatic arrangement and not susceptible to failure as a consequence of leaks of hydraulic / pneumatic fluid from hydraulic / pneumatic components.

[0041] A first milk receiver 134 is provided at the central region of the first breast cup 106. The milk receiver 134 is funnel-shaped and arranged to cover a nipple and a small region of the breast surrounding the nipple when a breast is received in the first breast cup 106. The milk receiver 134 is relatively rigid compared with the flexible fabric of the bra 104. In particular, the milk receiver 134 must be sufficiently rigid to withstand any partial vacuum generated within it during pumping without collapsing. The milk receiver 134 may, for example, be made of a plastic. The milk receiver 134 is provided with a vent 135 to allow pressure equalisation of the pressure in the region between the milk receiver 134 and the breast with atmospheric pressure during expression. The milk receiver 124 is fluidly connected to a milk collector 136, for example by a conduit such as a tube 138. In the embodiment show, the milk collector 136 comprises a bag 140 connected to the tube 138. The milk collector 136 also comprises a pump 142, such as a vacuum pump, which is arranged to pump milk that has been expressed into the milk receiver 134 along the tube 138 to the milk collector 136.

[0042] The second compression arrangement 118 is configured in the same manner as the first compression arrangement 11

[0043] The bra 104 is provided with a controller 144 configured to control the first and second actuators 120, 122 and the pump 142, and a power source 146 arranged to supply electrical power to the first and second actuators 120, 122 and the pump 142. The controller 144 and the power source 146 are secured to the bra 104 at a portion that is likely to be most comfortable for a wearer, such as a connecting portion, typically referred to as the center gore, between the first and second breast cups 106, 108. The connecting portion may also be provided with a fastener which can be undone to facilitate removal of the bra 104.

[0044] In use, the milk expression system 102 is supported on a user / wearer by the first and second shoulder straps 110, 112. A wearer's breasts are received in the first and second breast cups 106, 108 respectively such that each nipple is disposed within a respective milk receiver 134. The back strap 114 holds the breast cups 106, 108 in contact with the breasts such that a fluid tight seal is formed between each milk receiver 134 and the respective breast.

[0045] The milk expression system 102 is then activated by a user using switch provided on the controller 144 or using a remote device, such as a smart phone equipped with a software application. The controller 144 is configured to actuate each of the first and second compression arrangements 116, 118 between the relaxed configuration and the constricted configuration.

[0046] With reference to the first compression arrangement 116 starting in the relaxed configuration, the controller 144 actuates the motor 120a to drive the spool 120b in the winding direction. As the spool 120b rotates in the winding direction the cord 126 is drawn through the piping 132 and wound onto the spool 120b. The first end 130 of the cord 126 secured to the first breast cup 106 anchors the cord 126 to the first breast cup 106. The cord 126 is therefore tensioned against the first breast cup 106. Consequently, as the length of the cord 126 which extends from the spool 120b reduces, the cord 126 pulls against the anchor point on the first breast cup 106 and laterally against the piping 132. This draws the fabric of the first breast cup 106 around the breast thereby constricting the first breast cup 106 around the circumference of the breast, thereby compressing the breast.

[0047] In particular, constriction of the first breast cup 106 about the base of the breast adjacent the chest is initiated first since it is the portion of the cord 126 on the outer periphery of the first breast cup 106 that is tensioned first by the first actuator 120. As the periphery of the first breast cup 106 tightens around the breast, the cord 126 progressively draws in first breast cup 106 from the periphery towards its center thereby gently squeezing the breast. Progressive compression of the breast from the base of the breast adjacent the rib cage in this manner increases pressure inside the breast above ambient pressure which causes milk to move from milk glands along milk ducts towards the nipple. This compression action is unlike convention breast pumps which rely on reducing pressure outside a breast in the vicinity of a nipple opening thereby drawing milk out from a nipple by suction in order to then stimulate flow from milk glands towards the nipple.

[0048] A benefit of expression by compression from the base of a breast is that a greater proportion of the more viscous hindmilk is expressed during expression. An explanation for this is that compression applied at the base of the breast generates a distributed pressure through the breast that causes both foremilk and hindmilk to flow towards the nipple. The distributed pressure may also lead to the hindmilk and foremilk mixing, creating a mixture having a lower viscosity than hindmilk and a higher viscosity than foremilk. This contrasts with conventional suction methods applied at the nipple which draw a greater proportion of the less viscous foremilk from a breast during expression since this is both lower viscosity and closer to the nipple opening than the hindmilk.

[0049] Milk expressed by compression of the breast by the compression arrangement 116 flows from the nipple into the milk receiver 134. The pump 142 is activated during compression in order to generate a partial vacuum within the tube 138. The partial vacuum causes the milk to flow from the milk receiver 134 to the bag 140 of the milk collector 136. It will be appreciated that the pump 142 is configured only to convey milk from the milk receiver 134 to the bag 140 of the milk collector 136 and not to stimulate milk expression. Although the pump 142 will generate a partial vacuum within the milk receiver 134, the partial vacuum generated is low and so will not contribute significantly to expression of milk. A partial vacuum which is at least 50mbar below ambient pressure and not more than 200mbar, for example lOOmbar, is considered suitable for conveying milk from the milk received 134 without risk of causing discomfort to a user. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the system 102 could be configured to drain from the milk receiver 134 under gravity. The primary means of milk expression is the compression arrangement 116. The milk receiver 134 therefore need not be configured to withstand a high pressure and so it can be made relatively flexible to improve comfort for a wearer.

[0050] Once the cord 126 has been wound partially onto the spool 120b into the constricted configuration, the controller 144 actuates the motor 120a to drive the spool 120b in the unwinding direction in order to let out the cord 126 from the spool 120b into the relaxed configuration. The fabric of the first breast cup 106 therefore returns to its original shape as the breast returns to its former shape.

[0051] As controller 144 may repeatedly actuate the first compression arrangement 116 from the relaxed position into the constricted position in order to express milk in pulses. However, repeated actuation may not be required. Instead, progressive progression from the base of the breast is controlled over a set period of time in order to express sufficient milk over a single sustained actuation from the relaxed position into the constricted position.

[0052] The system 102 may provide regular expression of milk over a predetermined time. Since the system 102 is configured to be worn and is made of generally soft and flexible parts, it can be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. This is in contrast to traditional breast pumps having breast shields that must be sufficiently rigid to withstand the partial vacuum generated for stimulating milk expression.

[0053] Milk is collected and stored in the bag 140 until expression is complete. The bag 140 containing milk can then be detached from the remainder of the milk receiver 134 for subsequent use.

[0054] An example of a suitable bag 140 is shown in Figure 2. The bag 140 is made of a flexible material, such as a thermoplastic polymer (TPE) or silicone, having an inlet port 140a at one end and a dispensing opening 140b at the other. The inlet port 140a is configured to be detachably connectable to the tube 138. The inlet port 140a may be provided with a one-way valve (not shown) which allows flow of milk into the bag 140. The dispensing opening 140b is sealable such that the bag 140 can be opened for dispensing of the milk, for example into a feeding bottle.

[0055] Figure 3 shows different configurations of a cord which allow for a targeted compression of a breast. Figure 3a shows a spiral arrangement. Figure 3b shows a peripheral arrangement configured to provide targeted compression of specific regions of a breast. Figure 3c shows an arrangement in which compression is in a generally vertical direction. Figure 3d shows a peripheral arrangement configured to provide compression target at an outer region of a breast.

[0056] Figure 4 provides an illustration of a how a bra may be provided with access flaps which enable the bra to be worn as a normal bra and then accessed for milk expression. For example, the bra may be provided with three layers: an inner layer which comprises the lacing arrangement 124 and has a central hole through which a nipple can extend, a mid-layer which holds the milk receiver 134 and an outer layer which comprises an absorbent material which is configured to absorb milk from a breast when the milk expression system is not in use.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A milk expression system comprising: at least one breast-receiving member arranged to receive a user's breast, the breastreceiving member having a deformable portion configured to deform about at least a portion of a breast received in the breast-receiving member; and a compression arrangement configured to constrict at least the deformable portion of the breast-receiving member about at least a portion of a breast received by the breastreceiving member in order to compress the breast and thereby stimulate milk expression from the breast.

2. The milk expression system of claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to actuate the compression arrangement.

3. The milk expression system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the compression arrangement has a first configuration in which the compression arrangement constricts at least the deformable portion of the breast-receiving member about at least a portion of a breast by a first predetermined amount and a second configuration in which the compression arrangement constricts at least the deformable portion of the breast-receiving member about at least a portion of a breast by a second predetermined amount, where in the second predetermined amount is greater than the first predetermined amount.

4. The milk expression system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression arrangement is configured to constrict the deformable portion about a portion of the breast surrounding the nipple in order to stimulate milk expression.

5. The milk expression system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression arrangement is configured to progressively constrict the deformable portion so as to compress a breast from a region adjacent the user's chest towards the nipple.

6. The milk expression system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression arrangement comprises a mechanical arrangement configured to constrict at least thedeformable portion of the breast-receiving member about at least a portion of a breast received by the breast-receiving member in order to compress the breast and thereby stimulate milk expression from the breast.

7. The milk expression system of claim 6, wherein the mechanical arrangement comprises a at least one elongate flexible element that is configured to constrict the deformable portion of the breast-receiving member about at least a portion of the breast.

8. The milk expression system of claim 7, wherein the elongate flexible element is secured to the deformable portion such that at least a portion of the elongate flexible element can move relative to the deformable portion.

9. The milk expression system of claim 6 or 7, wherein at least a portion of the elongate flexible element is secured to the deformable portion such that it can be tensioned against the deformable portion.

10. The milk expression system of claims 8 or 9, wherein the mechanical arrangement comprises a lacing arrangement.

11. The milk expression system of any one of claims 7 to 10 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the actuator is configured vary the tension of the elongate flexible element.

12. The milk expression system of any one of claims 7 to 11 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the actuator is configured vary the length of a portion of the elongate flexible element.

13. The milk expression system of claim 12, wherein the actuator is configured to selectively shorten and lengthen a portion of the elongate flexible element which is arranged to constrict the deformable portion of the breast-receiving member.

14. The milk expression system of any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the one elongate flexible element is arranged in a spiral having a portion secured to a region of the deformable portion which, during use, is proximate a nipple.

15. The milk expression system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable portion comprises a flexible material.

16. The milk expression system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a milk receiver arranged to receive milk expressed from a breast received in the breast-receiving portion.

17. The milk expression system of claim 16, further comprising a milk collector arranged to receive milk from the milk receiver.

18. The milk expression system of claim 17, wherein the milk collector is detachable from the milk receiver.

19. The milk expression system of claim 17 or 18, further comprising a pump arranged to pump milk from the milk receiver to the milk collector.

20. The milk expression system of claim 19, wherein the pump is configured to generate a partial vacuum which is at least 50mbar below ambient pressure and not more than 200mbar below ambient pressure.

21. The milk expression system of any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 2, further comprising a power source arranged to supply power to the actuator.

22. The milk expression system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the milk expression system comprises a garment and the garment comprises the at least one breast-receiving member.

23. The milk expression system of claim 22, wherein the garment comprises a support member configured to support the breast-receiving member with respect to the person wearing the garment such that the breast-receiving portion is held in contact with a breast of a wearer.

24. The milk expression system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the garment is a brassiere.

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