Passive milk collector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a passive milk collector (10) that is easier to use as introduction into and extraction from the bra. The passive milk collector of the present invention comprises a shell element (40) and a cover element (30), wherein the shell element (40) and the cover element (30) are adapted to be sealingly connected with each other to define a milk compartment (15), wherein the cover element (30) has an opening (31) adapted to receive the nipple of the user and provides am abutment surface (32) adapted to abut the milk collector (10) against the breast of the user while the nipple is received within the opening (31), wherein the passive milk collector (10) has an upper end (11).

Description

[0001] MAG 10 / 24 1

[0002] Passive Milk Collector

[0003] The present invention relates to a passive milk collector.

[0004] Such collector is generally known from WO 2021 / 084283 A1 or WO2024 / 121439.

[0005] The passive milk collector has a body comprising a shell element and a cover element, wherein the shell element and the cover element are adapted to be sealingly connected with each other to define a milk compartment The cover element has an opening adapted to receive the nipple of the user and provides am abutment surface adapted to abut and usually seal the milk collector against the breast of the user while the nipple is received within the opening.

[0006] The known milk collectors usually imitate the shape of the female bust. In a use position, in which the cover element abuts the breast of the user with the nipple inserted, an upper end of the milk collector is directed to the face of the user and a lower end, arranged opposite to the upper end in a longitudinal direction of the milk collector, defines the bottom of the milk compartment.

[0007] The known milk collectors usually have a slight longish form when seen in a top view. In such top view, the outer circumferential surface is around, preferably elliptical. In a side view, the shell element has a continuous convex shape, which is in particular optimized for providing a milk compartment with a maximized volume at limited spatial extension of the passive milk collector such that the same fits into the bra maximum volume.

[0008] These known milk collectors are usually difficult and uncomfortable to remove from the bra. In addition the risk exists that if the woman wearing it bent over, milk contained in the milk collector spills out.

[0009] The present invention wishes to provide a passive milk collector that is easier to use, because introduction into and extraction from the bra are easier and the risk of milk spillage is counteracted.

[0010] As a solution to this objective, the present invention proposes a passive milk container, which is usually composed of two separate elements which are adapted to be sealingly connected with each other to define the milk compartment there between. The passive milk collector is specified as having an upper end which upper end in a use position is directed to the face of the user. The use position is a position in which the cover element abuts the breast of the user with the nipple inserted in the opening. Opposite to the upper end, the passive milk collector defines a lower end which lower end provides the bottom of the milk collector and hence the bottom of the milk compartment. The backside is opposite to a front side, which front side is the side which in the use position projects the body of the user, i.e. the front side of the passive milk collector defines the height of the milk collector. In the use position the front side is usually furthest remote from the body of the user in the sagittal plane. MAG 10 / 24 2

[0011] According to the invention and in a side view of the passive milk collector, there is provided a recessed portion which recessed portion is assigned to the upper end. The recessed portion may be provided between the opening and the upper end. The recessed portion defines a grip section which is adapted to grasp the passive milk collector when inserting the same into or removing the same from the bra. Thus, the recessed portion has an outer profile which is to provide a grip for the hand of the user such that the passive milk collector can be grasped between the fingers of the hand with at least one finger between the body and the cover element and at least one other finger contacting the recessed portion.

[0012] Contrary to the prior art, in which the outer shell is strictly of convex shape, the recessed portion of the inventive passive milk collector will facilitate handling, maneuvering and positioning the milk collector on the body and in particular relative to the bra.

[0013] Moreover and as the recessed portion reduces the volume of the milk compartment at an upper section thereof, the likeliness of a higher milk volume reaching the upper end is greatly reduced in comparison to prior art passive milk collectors. The upper end usually is provided with a pouring opening. The pouring opening is arranged such that in the use position the pouring opening assumes the highest point of the passive milk collector. The pouring opening regularly is arranged on a longitudinal axis, which longitudinal axis extends in longitudinal direction of the milk container and extends between the upper end and lower end.

[0014] Along this longitudinal direction, the passive milk container may have a longish extension. Accordingly, in a front view the shell element may have an avocado shape with a larger width of the avocado shape being assigned to the lower end of the milk collector. The front view is perpendicular to the side view and can be assumed to extend perpendicular to a plane containing the cover element. The side view extends perpendicular to the front view and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction connecting the upper end and the lower end. In the use position the side view of the passive milk collector essentially corresponds to a view parallel to the frontal plane of the user.

[0015] In the following description, a top view is a further view extending perpendicular to the side view and the front view, which top view extends along the longitudinal direction and is directed to the upper end of the passive milk collector. The bottom view extends in the same direction as the top view, but is directed towards the bottom of the passive milk collector.

[0016] Finally, a rear view extends in the same direction as the front view and thus perpendicular to the cover element and is directed towards the cover element.

[0017] Preferably and when seen in a side view, the recessed portion defines a step between a recess front surface defining a portion of the front side and a recess top surface projecting the recess front surface towards the front side. The recess front surface can be seen in a top view. In a side view, the recess front surface may be straight or curved either convex toward the front MAG 10 / 24 3 or concave or may be convex toward the front or near the upper end and concave towards the lower end. The recessed portion may have an extension of between 20mm and 30mm in longitudinal direction.

[0018] In a side view, the recess top surface may be straight or curved either convex toward the upper end or concave or may be convex and concave. In such side view, the recess top surface may be inclined towards the lower end. Preferably, this inclination extends in an angle of between 25° and 70°, preferably 35° to 55° relative to a rim plane, which rim plane is defined by a circumferential rim of the shell element. This circumferential rim usually cooperates with the cover element to sealing ly connect the cover element and the shell element.

[0019] With the above-described configuration, the recessed portion is considerably distant in height direction from an imaginary convex curve, which is a tangent on the forward front surface of the shell element and on the end surface provided by the shell element on the upper end.

[0020] The front side of the recessed portion may fully or at least in part extend parallel to the rim plane.

[0021] Preferably, the recess front surface has a maximum extension of between 15 and 40% of the maximum distance between the front side of the shell element and the cover element. In other words, the maximum height of the recess front surface is between 15 and 40% of the maximum height of the shell element, i.e. the distance between the maximum distance of the front surface of the shell element from the surface of the cover element, which maximum height is the inner distance of the milk compartment in a side view and thus the distance between the inner surface of the cover element and respective opposite inner surface of the shell element. The height direction usually is perpendicular to the rim plane.

[0022] The center of the opening at level of the cover element and any inner surface of the shell element shall be at least 24 mm to provide room for the nipple within the milk collector.

[0023] The recessed portion may not necessarily have a flat recess front surface. In fact, the recessed portion may in a side view assume a nose shaped configuration with a recess hump and a recess valley, wherein in longitudinal direction the recess hump is proximate to the upper end and the recess valley is arranged between the recess hump and the lower end, preferably between the upper end and the opening. In a side view of this preferred embodiment, the recessed portion may have a continuously curved configuration with a convex end part which rises from the upper end and may fully or partially comprise the end surface and will smoothly merge into the recess valley, which provides the lowest height and usually merges into the recess top surface in a concave fashion. The convex and the concave geometry being seen from the outside of the milk collector.

[0024] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the milk collector is provided with a plug adapted to releasably close the pouring opening which plug is connected to MAG 10 / 24 4 the shell element or the cover element via a hinge. This plug may fully avoid spill of milk from the user’s breast out of the milk compartment.

[0025] For allowing air circulation through the passive milk collector, it is proposed to provide at least one venting hole. Respective venting hole preferably is arranged between the opening and the upper end.

[0026] For preventing the cover element from adhering to the skin of the user, it has one protrusion protruding towards the outside of the milk compartment. Preferably, a plurality of protrusions are equally distributed at least around the opening and in particular, the portion of the cover element provided below the opening and the bottom. Alternatively or additionally and for preventing the cover element from adhering to the skin of the user, the outside of the milk compartment may be modified e.g. frosted or roughened.

[0027] The cover element as well as the shell element are preferably made of a plastic material. Specifically, the cover element is made of an elastic material most preferably of a soft elastomeric material in order to be flexible and assume a configuration in the use position corresponding to the contour of the bust of the user. Even with such a flexible cover element, the protrusions prevent the cover element from adhering to the skin of the user wearing the passive milk collector in the use position.

[0028] To allow the passive milk collector to rest on a flat surface of a table or the kitchen a flat support surface is arranged on the front of the shell element and thus opposite to the cover element. This flat support surface usually extends in at least one plane parallel to the rim plane. This direction usually extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the longitudinal direction, the flat support surface is usually inclined relative to the rim plane such that as the milk collector is supported on a flat horizontal surface the upper end and thus a pouring opening provided on the upper end assumes the highest point of the milk compartment.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover element is provided with a circumferential groove which is usually open to the front side and adapted to sealingly receive the circumferential rim of the shell element. The rim of the shell element and the cover element are preferably provided with form-fit segments at an upper end of the milk collector to position the shell element relative to the cover element in circumferential direction when sealingly connecting the shell element with the cover element. The form-fit segments may be provided by a recess in the outer circumferential portion of the circumferential rim. The recess is preferably provided close to the pouring opening in height direction of the milk collector. In other words, the recess preferably is positioned below the pouring opening. Corresponding to this recess the cover element provides an indentation. This indentation is usually provided within a seat defined by the cover element and adapted to receive the rim of the cover element. Cooperation of the recess MAG 10 / 24 5 and the indentation will help the user to find the appropriate position when sealingly connecting the cover element and the shell element.

[0030] The present invention will now be described by referring to the drawing. In the drawings:

[0031] Fig. 1 is a perspective side view of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 2 is a perspective rear view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 ;

[0033] Fig. 3 is a top view of the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 2;

[0034] Fig. 4 is a side view of the embodiment;

[0035] Fig. 5 is a detailed enlarged view of the top end of the embodiment with a cap closing the pouring opening;

[0036] Fig. 6 is a view in accordance with Fig. 5 with the plug being unplugged from the pouring opening and

[0037] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the upper portion of the cover element and the shell element being disassembled and arranged next to each other.

[0038] In figures 1 - 4 reference number 10 identifies a passive milk collector which has an upper end 1 1 and a lower end 12 at opposite sides of the milk collector in longitudinal direction 13 identified with a hashed line. This hashed line intersects the upper end 11 and the lower end 12. Reference number 14 identifies a body of the passive milk collector 10 which body 14 is defined between a cover element 30 and a shell element 40 and which body defines a milk compartment 15 between the cover element 30 and the shell element 40. A bottom 16 of said milk compartment 15 is provided at the lower end 12.

[0039] The cover element 30 has an opening 31 recessed within an abutment surface 32 which is adapted to cooperate with the bust of the user to sealingly connect the passive milk collector 10 with the skin of the user. For allowing air to circulate through the milk compartment 15 the cover element 30 has a plurality of venting holes 33 which are arranged purely in an upper portion of the cover element 30 and thus between the opening 31 and the upper end 1 1. Those venting holes 33 are circumferentially arranged around a portion of the circumference of the opening 31 . The cover element 30 furthermore is provided with a plurality of protrusions 34 protruding in an outward direction and thus away from the milk compartment 15. Those protrusions 34 are predominantly arranged between the opening 31 and the lower end 12 of the milk collector 10. Further and in particular in figure 2 some of the protrusions 34 can be identified to be equally spaced in circumferential direction to fully surround the opening 31 in this direction. Those protrusions 34 will prevent the cover element 30 from fully adhering to the skin of the user and thus facilitates sliding the passive milk collector 10 relative to the body and thus properly position the milk collector 10 such that the nipple of the user will be correctly received within the opening 31 . MAG 10 / 24 6

[0040] As in particular evident from figure 7, the cover element 30 at the outer circumference thereof defines a groove 35. At the upper end 11 an indentation 36 extends into the groove 35 in a direction parallel to the main extension of the cover element i.e. parallel to a rim plane RP.

[0041] The groove 35 provides a seat for a shell element 40, which together with the cover element provides the milk compartment 15 and seals the same at least below the opening 31. The shell element has a rim 41 , which extends in a single plane identified as the rim plane RP.

[0042] Figure 1 shows that the shell element 40 of the embodiment is provided with convex (in outward direction) curved surfaces except for a support surface 42 which is flat and extends in a direction of a width W (see figure 3) in parallel relation to the cover element 30, but perpendicular thereto and along the longitudinal direction 13 slightly inclined upwardly such that the end of the flat support surface 42 is lower at the lower end 12 than the opposite end of the flat support surface 42 directed to the upper end 1 1 .

[0043] In the shown embodiment, the rim 41 provides a flat circumferential rim 44, which extends within the rim plane RP and projects the outer surface of the shell element 40 in radial i.e. circumferential direction. This flat circumferential rim 44 is provided with a recess 45 at the upper end 11 , cf. figure 7.

[0044] As evident from figure 3, which is a front view of the passive milk collector 10 with the shell element 40 in front and the cover element 30 behind the shell element 40, the shell element 40 has an avocado shape. Thus, the largest width Wmax of the avocado shape being provided between the opening 31 and the lower end 12 of the milk collector 10.

[0045] In figures 1 - 3 reference numeral 50 identifies a recessed portion which defines a step identified with reference number 51 in figure 4. In the figures, reference numeral 52 identifies a recess front surface directed to the front of the passive milk collector 10 and a recess top surface 53, which is directed to the upper end 1 1 of the passive milk collector 10. As evident from figure 4, the recess top surface 53 is inclined towards the rear direction such that the inner end 531 of the recess top surface is arranged closer to the upper end 1 1 than an outer end 532 which outer end smoothly merges into a forward front surface 46 of the shell element 40 extending in a side view in a convex fashion between the support surface 42 and the recess top surface 53.

[0046] In figure 4, reference number 54 identifies an imaginary hashed convex curve which is provided as a tangent to the forward front surface 46 and an end surface 47 of the shell element, which end surface 47 projects essentially perpendicular to the rim plane RP. As evident from figure 4, the step 51 provides a considerable recess under this hashed convex curve 54.

[0047] In the shown embodiment the recessed portion 50 has a recess hump of convex geometry, wherein convex is seen from the front and outer side of the passive milk collector 10. This recess hump 55 is followed towards the lower end 12 by a recess valley 56 of concave geometry which smoothly merges into the recess top surface 53. In figure 4, a identifies the angle of inclination of MAG 10 / 24 7 the recess top surface 53 relative to the rim plane RP. In figure 4, the recessed portion is shaped like a nose.

[0048] Due to this specific configuration, the user may grasp behind the recess hump 55 and into the recess valley 56 to capture and maneuver the passive milk collector 10 within the bra to either withdraw the passive milk collector 10 from the bra or properly position the passive milk collector 10 within the bra with the nipple correctly received in the opening 31 .

[0049] Evidently all outer circumferential surface portions of the cover element 30 are smoothly curved in an organic fashion and merge into the flat rather technical support surface 42 in such fashion. In fact, this flat support surface 42 and the circumferential rim 44 provide the only flat surfaces of the shell element 40 of the present embodiment.

[0050] In the following, some of the elements of the inventive passive milk collector are discussed in particular with respect to figure 4. In figure 4, B identifies the backside of the passive milk collector 10 whereas F identifies the front side. HR identifies the height of the recessed portion 50. HM identifies the height of the milk compartment 15 both being measured from the inner surface provided by the cover element 30 and the inner opposite surface on the front side F provided by the shell element 40 and perpendicular to the rim plane RP. In the embodiment, the maximum height HRmax of the recessed portion 50 is about 25% of the maximum height HMmax of the milk compartment 15. The minimum height HRmin of the recessed portion is selected to correspond to 15% of the maximum height HMmax of the milk compartment 15. This minimum height HRmin provides a barrier for the milk to advance toward the upper end 11 of the passive milk collector 10. Thus, milk contained in the milk compartment 15 is less likely to reach the pouring opening 43. HRmin may be selected to essentially reach the level of the pouring opening 43 with just a small channel left or gap to connect the pouring opening 43 with the milk compartment 15.

[0051] In addition and as evident from figures 5 and 6, the shell element 40 is provided with a plug 48 adapted to be releasably attached to the pouring opening 43 for sealing ly closing the sink. This plug 48 is connected with the remaining shell element via a hinge 49 allowing the plug 48 to be removed from the pouring opening 43 while still forming part of the shell element 40 and thus not being likely to be lost when milk contained in the milk compartment 15 is poured out through the pouring opening 43. Reference 491 identifies a fixing hole adapted to receive the plug 48 to avoid the milk flow touching the plug 48 when pouring milk out through the pouring opening 43.

[0052] The passive milk collector 10 is in particular suitable to receive milk dripping from the nipple received the opening 31. The milk collector 10 has a cover element 30 which is flexible to have the abutment surface 32 conform with the outer shape of the female bust as the passive milk collector 10 is received within the bra and thereby pressed against the bust of the user. However, the passive milk collector is not intended for actively pumping milk by reducing and expanding the volume of the milk compartment 15. MAG 10 / 24 8

[0053] For assembling the passive milk collector 10 by sealingly joining the cover element 30 with the shell element 40 the recess 45 receives the protrusion 34 in a form fit manner usually with the shell element 40 slightly inclined relative to the cover element 30. With the indentation 36 to projecting into the recess 45 the element 40 is lowered towards the cover element 30. After the element 40 is lowered towards the cover element 30 to insert the entire rim 41 into the groove 35 the cover element 30 and the shell element 40 sealingly enclose the mil compartment 15.

[0054] MAG 10 / 24 9

[0055] List of reference signs

[0056] 10 passive milk collector

[0057] 11 upper end

[0058] 12 lower end

[0059] 13 longitudinal direction

[0060] 14 body 15 milk compartment

[0061] 16 bottom

[0062] 30 cover element

[0063] 31 opening

[0064] 32 abutment surface

[0065] 33 venting hole

[0066] 34 protrusion

[0067] 35 groove

[0068] 36 indentation

[0069] 40 shell element

[0070] 41 rim

[0071] 42 support surface

[0072] 43 pouring opening 44 circumferential rim 45 recess

[0073] 46 forward front surface

[0074] 47 end surface 48 Plug 49 hinge

[0075] 491 fixing hole

[0076] 50 recessed portion 51 step 52 recess front surface

[0077] 53 recess top surface 531 inner end 532 outer end

[0078] 54 convex curve 55 recess hump 56 recess valley a angle

[0079] B back side

[0080] F front side HR height of the recessed portion HM height of the milk compartment

[0081] RP rim plane W width

Claims

MAG 10 / 24 10Claims1 . A passive milk collector (10) having a body (14) to define a milk compartment (15), wherein the body (14) has a back side (B) with an opening (31 ) adapted to receive the nipple of the user and an abutment surface (32) adapted to abut the milk collector (10) against the breast of the user while the nipple is received within the opening (31 ), wherein the body (14) defines a front side (F) of the milk collector (10), which front side (F) is opposite to the back side (B) of the milk collector (10), wherein in a side view of the passive milk collector (10) the body (14) is provided with a recessed portion (50) at the front side (F) of the milk collector (10).

2. The passive milk collector (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the passive milk collector (10) has an upper end (11 ) which upper end in a use position in which the passive milk collector abuts the breast of the user with the nipple inserted in the opening (31 ) is intended to be directed to the face of the user, and a lower end (12), which in the use position is arranged opposite to the upper end (11 ) in a longitudinal direction (13) of the milk collector (10) and defines the bottom (16) of the milk compartment (15), and wherein the recessed portion (50) is provided between the opening (31 ) and the upper end (1 1 ).

3. The passive milk collector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body (14) comprises a shell element (40) and a cover element (30).

4. The passive milk collector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body (14) consists of a shell element (40) and a cover element (30).

5. The passive milk collector (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the opening (31 ) and the abutment surface (32) are provided at the cover element (30) and wherein the cover element (30) defines the back side (B) of the milk collector (10).

6. The passive milk collector (10) according to any of the claims 3 to 5, wherein when seen in a side view, the recessed portion (50) defines a step (51 ) between a recess front surface (52) defining a portion of the front side (F) and a recess top surface (53) projecting the recess front surface (52) towards the front side (F) which recess top surface (53) in a side view is inclined towards the bottom (16) and extends in an angle (a) of between 50°MAG 10 / 24 1 1 and 70° relative to a rim plane (RP) defined by a circumferential rim (44) of the shell element (40).

7. The passive milk collector (10) according to any of the claims 3 to 6, wherein when seen in a side view, the recessed portion (50) defines a step (51 ) between a recess front surface (52) defining a portion of the front side (F) and a recess top surface (53) projecting the recess front surface (52) towards the front side (F) and wherein the recess front surface (52) has a maximum height (HR) of between 15% and 40% of a maximum height (HM) of the milk compartment (15) between the cover element (30) and the front side (F) of the shell element (40).

8. The passive milk collector (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein when seen in a side view, the recessed portion (50) has a recess hump (55) and a recess valley (56), wherein in the longitudinal direction (13) the recess hump (55) is proximate to an upper end (1 1 ), the passive milk collector (10), which upper end in a use position in which the passive milk collector abuts the breast of the user with the nipple inserted in the opening (31 ) is intended to be directed to the face of the user, and wherein the recess valley (56) is arranged between the recess hump (55) and the lower end (12).

9. The passive milk collector (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the passive milk collector (10) has an upper end (11 ), which upper end in a use position in which the passive milk collector abuts the breast of the user with the nipple inserted in the opening (31 ) is intended to be directed to the face of the user and which upper end (11 ) is provided with a pouring opening (43) which pouring opening (43) is open to the upper end (1 1 ).

10. The passive milk collector (10) according to claim 9, further comprising a plug (48) adopted to releasable close the pouring opening (43), which plug (48) is connected to the shell element (40) or the cover element (30) via a hinge (49).11 . The passive milk collector (10) according to any of the preceding claims being dependent on claims 2 and 3 or being dependent on claims 2 and 4, wherein the cover element (30) has at least one venting hole (33), which venting hole (33) is arranged between the opening (31 ) and the upper end (1 1 ).MAG 10 / 24 1212. The passive milk collector (10) according to any of the preceding claims being dependent on claim 3 or 4, wherein the cover element (30) has at least one protrusion (34) protruding towards the outside of the milk compartment (15).

13. The passive milk collector (10) according to claim 12, wherein the cover element (30) has a plurality of protrusions (34) assigned to the opening (31).

14. The passive milk collector (10) according to any of the preceding claims being dependent on claims 3 or 4, wherein a front side (F) of the shell element (40) arranged opposite to the cover element (30) has flat support surface (42).

15. The passive milk collector (10) according to claim 14, wherein a circumferential rim (44) of the shell element (40) defines a rim plane (RP), which rim plane (RP) is inclined relative to said flat support surface (42) such that the pouring opening (43) assumes the highest point of the milk compartment (15) relative to a flat horizontal surface on which said support surface (42) is supported.

16. The passive milk collector (10) according to any of the preceding claims being dependent on claim 3 or 4, wherein in a front view the shell element (40) has an avocado shape, wherein the largest width (WMAX) of the avocado shape is arranged between the opening (31 ) and the lower end (12) of the milk collector (10).

17. The passive milk collector (10) according to any of the preceding claims being dependent on claim 3 or 4, wherein the cover element (30) provides a circumferential groove (35) adopted to sealingly receive a circumferential rim (44) of the shell element (40).

18. The passive milk collector (10) according to claim 17, wherein the rim (41 ) and the circumferential groove (35) are provided with form fit segments at the upper end (11 ) of the milk collector (10) to position the shell element (40) relative the cover element (30) in circumferential direction of the rim (44) when sealingly connecting the shell element (40) with the cover element (30).

19. The passive milk collector (10) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the rim (44) has an indentation (36) and wherein the circumferential groove (35) has a recess (45) adopted to receive the indentation (36).

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