Breast pump and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

Provided is a breast pump (100) that includes a nipple tunnel (102) for receiving, at least in part, a nipple of a breast. A centerline (CA) of the nipple tunnel centrally extends along the nipple tunnel. The breast pump also includes an in-bra wearable variable pressure generator (104) whose electrical motor assembly (106) is actuatable to cause a variable pressure to be generated by the in-bra wearable pressure generator for inducing expression of milk from the nipple that is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel. At least part of the electrical motor assembly is configured to be arranged, along with a center of gravity of the breast pump (at least) in the absence of the milk, beneath a level or plane in which the centerline is disposed when the breast pump is in an in-use orientation. Further provided is a method for manufacturing such a breast pump.

Description

[0001] 2024PF00611

[0002] 1

[0003] BREAST PUMP AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention relates to a breast pump, and a method of manufacturing such a breast pump.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Breast pumps are used by breast feeding women to extract milk from their breast such that the extracted milk can be fed to their babies at a later time.

[0008] It is well known that the best nutrition for babies is breast milk. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends to breast feed babies for at least one year, preferably longer. However, mothers tend to return to work after only several weeks or months. To provide the best nutrition to their babies, mothers may then express milk using a breast pump. The expressed milk can be stored and given to the baby at a later stage and / or by somebody else.

[0009] In-bra wearable breast pumps can assist the user to express milk in a relatively convenient and discrete manner.

[0010] Technical challenges nonetheless remain in respect of in-bra wearable breast pumps, in particular relating to spatial arrangement of components of such devices in the limited space available, due to the requirement for such breast pumps to fit inside the user’s bra.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0013] According to examples in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a breast pump comprising: a nipple tunnel for receiving, at least in part, a nipple of a breast, a centerline of the nipple tunnel centrally extending along the nipple tunnel; and an in-bra wearable variable pressure generator that includes an electrical motor assembly actuatable to cause a variable pressure to be generated by the in-bra wearable pressure generator for inducing expression of milk from the nipple that is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel, wherein at least part of the electrical motor assembly is 2024PF00611

[0014] 2

[0015] configured to be arranged, along with a center of gravity of the breast pump in the absence of the milk, beneath a level of the centerline when the breast pump is in an in-use orientation.

[0016] By at least part of the electrical motor assembly of the breast pump being arranged, along with the center of gravity of the breast pump (at least) in the absence of the milk, beneath the level of the centerline of the nipple tunnel when the breast pump is in the in-use orientation, the weight of the electrical motor assembly can be beneficially used to provide the breast pump with a relatively low center of gravity.

[0017] This relatively low center of gravity can help to make the breast pump more stable during use, for example when being worn inside the bra and / or when resting on a horizontal external surface, such as on a table-top.

[0018] The majority of the electrical motor assembly, e.g. the majority of the electrical motor assembly’s mass, is preferably arranged beneath the level of the centerline.

[0019] For example, the entirety of the electrical motor assembly is arranged beneath the level of the centerline.

[0020] The in-use orientation may generally refer to the orientation of the breast pump when being worn in the bra and / or when resting on a horizontal external surface, such as on a table-top.

[0021] The level of the centerline may be a horizontal plane that includes the centerline. Thus, the term “beneath a level of the centerline” means at a position beneath the horizontal plane that includes the centerline.

[0022] Expressed using a coordinate system defined by mutually orthogonal x-, y-, and z-axes, where the z-axis extends vertically when the breast pump is oriented for use, the centerline of the nipple tunnel lies in the horizontal xy-plane at z = 0. The center of gravity has a z-coordinate less than 0, without limitation in x and y coordinates. At least part of the electrical motor assembly also has z-coordinates less than 0, without limitation in x and y coordinates.

[0023] For example, the majority or the entirety of the electrical motor assembly’s mass may have z coordinates less than 0.

[0024] The breast pump may comprise an in-bra wearable milk collection container for receiving the milk expressed from the nipple.

[0025] The milk collection container being in-bra wearable can help to make milk expression more discreet, since the in-bra wearable milk collection container may be much less visible compared to a milk collection container that cannot be worn inside the user’s bra. The in-bra wearable milk collection container can also remove the need for tubing extending 2024PF00611

[0026] 3

[0027] out of the bra in order to carry milk to a milk collection container positioned outside the user’s bra.

[0028] In some embodiments, part of the breast shield at least partly delimits the in-bra wearable milk collection container. This can provide a relatively spatially efficient way of defining (at least partly) the milk collection container.

[0029] For example, part of the breast shield that at least partly delimits the milk collection container may, for example, be a surface of the breast shield, e.g. a surface of the breast shield that faces away from a breast-contacting surface of the breast shield.

[0030] In some embodiments, a base surface of the in-bra wearable milk collection container defines at least part of a base surface of the breast pump in which the milk collection container is included.

[0031] In such embodiments, the base surface of the in-bra wearable milk collection container may be configured, e.g. via its flatness, to enable the in-bra wearable milk collection container, and also the breast pump as a whole, to stably rest on a horizontal external surface, such as a table-top.

[0032] Moreover, by positioning the in-bra wearable milk collection container so that its base surface is at least partly included in the base of the breast pump, the arrangement of the in-bra wearable milk collection container, as well as the milk received therein during milk expression, can assist to lower the center of gravity of the breast pump, thereby assisting to make the breast pump more stable.

[0033] In this respect, at least part of the in-bra wearable milk collection container may be configured to be arranged beneath the level of the centerline when the breast pump is in said in-use orientation.

[0034] Using the coordinate system, the at least part of the in-bra wearable milk collection container may have z coordinates less than 0, without limitation in terms of x and y coordinates.

[0035] For example, the majority or the entirety of the in-bra wearable milk collection container’s mass may have z coordinates less than 0.

[0036] The breast pump’s center of gravity may move downwardly, away from the centerline of the nipple tunnel, as the in-bra wearable milk collection container is being filled with the milk. Thus, the breast pump may become more stable as the milk collection container is being filled with milk.

[0037] The milk collection container can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the in-bra wearable milk collection container comprises a laterally wider upper 2024PF00611

[0038] 4

[0039] portion and a laterally narrower stem portion extending beneath part of the laterally wider upper portion when the breast pump is in said in-use orientation. This design may facilitate arrangement of components of the breast pump, such as at least part of the electrical motor assembly and optionally at least part of the breast pump’s battery (when the breast pump is battery powered), beneath the level of the centerline of the nipple tunnel.

[0040] For example, the breast pump may comprise at least one componentaccommodating region that is laterally adjacent to the laterally narrower stem portion and beneath one or more portions of the laterally wider upper portion. Components of the breast pump, such as at least part of the electrical motor assembly and optionally at least part of the breast pump’s battery (when the breast pump is battery powered), can accordingly be accommodated in the component-accommodating region(s).

[0041] In some embodiments, the breast pump includes a first componentaccommodating region at a first side of the laterally narrower stem portion, and a second component-accommodating region at a second side of the laterally narrower stem portion that is opposite to the first side.

[0042] It is noted that at least part, such as the majority or even the entirety, of the laterally narrower stem portion may be disposed beneath the level of the centerline of the nipple tunnel when the breast pump is assembled and orientated for use.

[0043] Using the coordinate system, the at least part of the laterally narrower stem portion may have z coordinates less than 0, without limitation in terms of x and y coordinates.

[0044] For example, the majority or the entirety of the laterally narrower stem portion’s mass may have z coordinates less than 0.

[0045] In some embodiments, the breast pump comprises a pump unit that includes at least part of the variable pressure generator, and a further unit that is attachable to and detachable from the pump unit. The pump unit and the further unit may be attached to each other prior to the thus assembled breast pump being received in the user’s bra.

[0046] In such embodiments, the milk collection container can be provided, at least in part, by the further unit.

[0047] In some embodiments, the pump unit comprises a recess or opening in which the laterally narrower stem portion of the milk collection container is receivable when the further unit (that provides, at least in part, the milk collection container) is attached to the pump unit. 2024PF00611

[0048] 5

[0049] The pump unit can include at least one motor assembly housing part for housing at least part of the electrical motor assembly.

[0050] The motor assembly housing part(s) may be adjacent to the recess or opening. For example, the recess or opening can be at least partly delimited by the adjacent motor assembly housing part(s), for instance by a first motor assembly housing part and a second motor assembly housing part.

[0051] In some embodiments, the at least one motor assembly housing part is receivable in the at least one component-accommodating region when the further unit is attached to the pump unit, with the laterally narrower stem portion being received in the recess or opening.

[0052] This interlocking design can mean that the breast pump has a relatively sturdy construction, as well as having stability due to the positioning of the electrical motor assembly and (partly as a consequence) the positioning of the center of gravity.

[0053] For example, the first motor assembly housing part may be received in the first component-accommodating region, with the second motor assembly housing part being received in the second component-accommodating region, when the laterally narrower stem portion is received in the opening or recess.

[0054] This can assist with laterally balancing the breast pump.

[0055] It is reiterated that the breast pump may be a battery powered breast pump in which one or more operations of the breast pump is or are powered by a battery.

[0056] In such embodiments, the breast pump may comprise at least one in-bra wearable battery compartment for accommodating a battery for powering the breast pump.

[0057] Due to the in-bra variable battery compartment being wearable, along with other in-bra wearable components of the breast pump, inside the bra, e.g. inside a cup of the user’s bra, milk expression can be implemented in a relatively discreet manner. This is due to the in-bra wearable battery compartment being much less visible compared to a battery compartment that cannot be worn inside the user’s bra. The in-bra wearable battery compartment can also remove the need for wiring extending out of the bra in order to couple the breast pump to a battery or other power source positioned outside the user’s bra.

[0058] Whilst the battery can be a relatively heavy component, the weight of the battery can beneficially contribute to the breast pump’s relatively low center of gravity, thereby assisting to stabilize the breast pump during use.

[0059] Hence the at least one in-bra wearable battery compartment may be arranged so that at least part of the battery accommodated therein is beneath the level of the centerline 2024PF00611

[0060] 6

[0061] when the breast pump is in the in-use orientation. For example, the at least one in-bra wearable battery compartment may be arranged so that at least part of the battery accommodated therein is between a lowermost part of the breast pump and the horizontal plane of the breast pump that includes the centerline.

[0062] Using the coordinate system, the at least part of the battery may have z coordinates less than 0, without limitation in terms of x and y coordinates.

[0063] For example, the majority or the entirety of the battery’s mass may have z coordinates less than 0.

[0064] In some embodiments, the at least one battery compartment is for arranging, at least in part, in the at least one component-accommodating region that is adjacent to the stem portion of the in-bra wearable milk collection container. This arrangement of the battery compartment(s) can, for example, cause positioning of at least part of the battery beneath the level of the centerline of the nipple tunnel.

[0065] In some embodiments, the breast pump is configured such that, when the breast pump is in the in-use orientation and the nipple is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel, no part of the breast pump blocks a wearer of the breast pump from viewing a top side of the nipple. This may mean that the user wearing the breast pump is provided with an unobstructed view of the top side of her nipple, thereby helping her to ensure that the breast is appropriately interfacing with the breast pump.

[0066] In some embodiments, the breast pump comprises a membrane moveable to communicate the variable pressure to at least part of the breast. In such embodiments, the membrane may be positioned so as not to interfere with said viewing of the top of the nipple.

[0067] The breast pump may comprise a breast shield, e.g. a funnel-shaped breast shield, for receiving and contacting the breast.

[0068] The breast shield can be formed from any suitable material(s). In at least some embodiments, the breast shield comprises an elastomeric material. For example, the breast shield can include silicone, e.g. a soft silicone having a hardness that is less than 30 Shore A.

[0069] Silicone’s mechanical properties, e.g. pliability, may render it particularly suitable for inclusion in the breast shield. Moreover, silicone may be skin-friendly.

[0070] For example, at least a breast-contacting part of the breast shield may be formed from silicone.

[0071] According to examples in accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a breast pump, the breast pump comprising a nipple tunnel for receiving, at least in part, a nipple of a breast, a centerline of 2024PF00611

[0072] 7

[0073] the nipple tunnel centrally extending along the nipple tunnel, and an in-bra wearable variable pressure generator that includes an electrical motor assembly actuatable to cause a variable pressure to be generated by the in-bra wearable pressure generator for inducing expression of milk from the nipple that is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel, the method comprising configuring at least part of the electrical motor assembly and the nipple tunnel to enable the at least part of the electrical motor assembly to be, along with a center of gravity of the breast pump (at least) in the absence of milk, beneath a level of the centerline when the breast pump is in an in-use orientation.

[0074] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0075] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0077] FIG. 1 A schematically depicts a breast pump according to a first example; FIG. IB schematically illustrates a user’s view of her nipple when wearing the breast pump shown in FIG. 1 A;

[0078] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a breast pump according to a second example; FIG. 3 schematically depicts a breast pump according to a third example; FIG. 4 provides a schematic perspective view of a detachable unit of a breast pump according to an example; and

[0079] FIG. 5 provides a schematic perspective view of a pump unit of a breast pump according to an example.

[0080] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0081] The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.

[0082] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the 2024PF00611

[0083] 8

[0084] same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0085] Provided is a breast pump that includes a nipple tunnel for receiving, at least in part, a nipple of a breast. A centerline of the nipple tunnel centrally extends along the nipple tunnel. The breast pump also includes an in-bra wearable variable pressure generator whose electrical motor assembly is actuatable to cause a variable pressure to be generated by the in-bra wearable pressure generator for inducing expression of milk from the nipple that is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel. At least part of the electrical motor assembly is configured to be arranged, along with a center of gravity of the breast pump (at least) in the absence of the milk, beneath a level or plane in which the centerline is disposed when the breast pump is in an in-use orientation.

[0086] Further provided is a method for manufacturing such a breast pump.

[0087] FIGs. 1 A and IB schematically depict a breast pump 100 according to an example. The breast pump 100 can be regarded as an in-bra wearable breast pump 100.

[0088] The breast pump 100 may comprise a breast shield 101, e.g. a funnel-shaped breast shield 101, for receiving and contacting the breast.

[0089] The breast shield 101 may be dimensioned to enable breasts of different sizes to be received therein. In some embodiments, the breast shield 101 is dimensioned so as to fit at least 90% of users, for example at least 99% of users.

[0090] The breast shield 101 may taper towards a narrower portion. In some embodiments, the breast pump 100 includes a nipple insert for inserting into the narrower portion. Once inserted, the nipple insert may receive at least part of the user’s nipple NP (see FIG. IB) when their breast is received in the breast shield 101.

[0091] The nipple insert may be available in several different sizes. Hence in some embodiments, the breast shield 101 is dimensioned to enable breasts of different sizes to be received therein, e.g. so that the breast shield 101 fits at least 99% of users, but the size of the nipple insert can be selected from the different sizes in order to fit the user of the breast pump 100.

[0092] More generally, the breast pump 100 includes a nipple tunnel 102 for receiving, at least in part, the nipple NP of the user’ s breast, with a centerline CA of the nipple tunnel 102 centrally extending along the nipple tunnel 102.

[0093] Relative movement of the breast and the breast pump 100, e.g. the breast pump 100 including the breast shield 101, along the centerline CA may cause the nipple NP to be at least partly received in the nipple tunnel 102. 2024PF00611

[0094] 9

[0095] The nipple tunnel 102 can be defined, at least in part, by the narrower portion of the breast shield 101 and / or the nipple insert.

[0096] It is noted that a retaining member, such as an annular dust cap, can be used to secure the breast shield 101 to a housing member of the breast pump 100. In such embodiments, a periphery of the breast shield 101, e.g. the funnel-shaped breast shield 101, may, for instance, be sandwiched between the retaining member and a part of the housing member.

[0097] The breast shield 101 can be formed from any suitable material(s). In at least some embodiments, the breast shield 101 comprises an elastomeric material. For example, the breast shield 101 can include silicone, e.g. a soft silicone having a hardness that is less than 30 Shore A.

[0098] Silicone’s mechanical properties, e.g. pliability, may render it particularly suitable for inclusion in the breast shield 101. Moreover, silicone may be skin-friendly.

[0099] For example, at least a breast-contacting part of the breast shield 101 may be formed from silicone.

[0100] The breast shield 101 can be fabricated in any suitable manner. In at least some embodiments, the breast shield 101, e.g. the silicone-comprising breast shield 101, is fabricated using a molding process, such as an injection-molding process.

[0101] The breast shield 101, e.g. the silicone-comprising breast shield 101, may provide a soft, skin-friendly interface that conforms comfortably around the user’s breast.

[0102] In some embodiments, the breast shield 101 comprises a visually transmissive material, e.g. visually transmissive silicone, that enables the user wearing the breast shield 101 to view at least part of her breast, such as at least part of the nipple NP of her breast, therethrough.

[0103] The nipple insert (when included in the breast pump 100) can be formed of a visually transmissive material that enables the user wearing the breast shield 101 with the nipple insert inserted thereinto to view at least part of the nipple NP of her breast through the breast shield 101 and the nipple insert.

[0104] It is reiterated that the breast shield 101, e.g. the breast shield 101 comprising the visually transmissive material, can be mounted to the breast pump’s 100 housing member. Such a housing member can, for example, itself be formed of a visually transmissive material. 2024PF00611

[0105] 10

[0106] The combination of the visually transmissive material of the housing member and the visually transmissive material of the breast shield 101 and / or the nipple insert may permit at least part of the breast, such as the nipple NP, to be viewed therethrough.

[0107] This may assist the user to verify that the breast is appropriately interfacing with the breast pump 100.

[0108] In more general terms, the breast pump 100 can include visually transmssive part(s) 103 for allowing the user wearing the breast pump 100 to view at least part of her breast therethrough.

[0109] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGs. 1 A and IB, the breast pump 100 is configured such that, when the breast pump 100 is in an in-use orientation and the nipple NP is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel 102, no part of the breast pump 100 blocks the user wearing the breast pump 100 from viewing a top side of the nipple NP.

[0110] This may mean that the user wearing the breast pump 100 is provided with an unobstructed view of the top side of her nipple NP, thereby helping her to ensure that the breast is appropriately interfacing with the breast pump 100.

[0111] The term “no part of the breast pump 100 blocks the user wearing the breast pump 100 from viewing a top side of the nipple NP” means that optically opaque parts of the breast pump 100 that might interfere with this view (see VI in FIG. 1A) are positioned such that they do not interfere with the view V 1.

[0112] Such parts can be positioned, for instance, inside the breast pump 100 but below a level of the nipple tunnel 102, e.g. below the level of the centerline CA or below a lowermost surface LS of the nipple tunnel 102. Alternatively or additionally, such parts can be arranged laterally adjacent to the nipple tunnel 102.

[0113] The visually transmissive part 103 may, for example, be the only element in the user’s view VI of her nipple NP that is located at least partly inside the breast pump 100.

[0114] The visually transmissive part 103 may be included in the breast shield 101 and / or in the nipple insert.

[0115] In such embodiments, and still referring to FIGs. 1 A and IB, an empty space ES is arranged to enable the user wearing the breast pump 100 to view the at least part of her breast, e.g. the top side of her nipple NP, through the empty space ES and the visually transmissive part 103.

[0116] It is noted that the view provided in FIG. IB shows a sidewall SW that laterally delimits the empty space ES. 2024PF00611

[0117] 11

[0118] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGs. 1 A and IB, the empty space ES is arranged above the visually transmissive part 103, such that the empty space ES is not included, together with the nipple tunnel 102, in a volume in which a variable pressure causes milk to be expressed from the nipple NP.

[0119] Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 2, the empty space ES is arranged beneath the visually transmissive part 103. In such embodiments, the empty space ES may be included, together with the nipple tunnel 102, in the volume in which the variable pressure is generated.

[0120] Whilst this inclusion of the empty space ES in the volume in which the variable pressure is generated can make generation of the variable pressure less efficient, in other words more consumptive of energy, arranging the visually transmissive part 103 above the empty space can assist to make the exterior shape of the breast pump 100 more sleek, by avoiding that a recess or cavity (that otherwise provides the empty space ES above the visually transmissive part 103) disrupts smooth extension of an exterior surface of the breast pump 100, e.g. the housing thereof.

[0121] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 3, the breast pump 100 includes a first visually transmissive part 103 A and a second visually transmissive part 103B arranged to enable the user wearing the breast pump 100 to view the at least part of her breast, e.g. the top side of her nipple NP, through the first visually transmissive part 103 A and the second visually transmissive part 103B.

[0122] In such embodiments, one of the first and second visually transmissive parts 103 A, 103B may be continuous with an outer contour of the breast pump 100, resulting in a continuous outer shape of the breast pump at the position of said one of the first and second visually transmissive parts 103 A, 103B and a neighboring region of the breast pump’s 100 housing.

[0123] The other of the visually transmissive parts 103B, 103 A (that is not continuous with the outer contour of the breast pump 100) may, for example, at least partly delimit the nipple tunnel 102.

[0124] More generally, the breast pump 100 comprises an in-bra wearable variable pressure generator 104 that includes an electrical motor assembly 106 actuatable to cause the variable pressure to be generated by the in-bra wearable pressure generator 104 for inducing expression of milk from the nipple NP that is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel 102.

[0125] Due to the in-bra variable pressure generator 104 being wearable, along with other in-bra wearable components of the breast pump 100, inside the bra, e.g. inside a cup of 2024PF00611

[0126] 12

[0127] the user’s bra, milk expression can be implemented in a relatively discreet manner. This is due to the in-bra wearable variable pressure generator 104 being much less visible compared to a variable pressure generator that cannot be worn inside the user’s bra. The in-bra wearable variable pressure generator 104 can also remove the need for tubing extending out of the bra in order to couple the breast to a variable pressure generator positioned outside the user’s bra.

[0128] It is noted that the term “electrical motor assembly” as used herein is intended to mean an electrical motor assembly 106 that includes one or more electrical motors.

[0129] The inclusion of such electrical motor(s) in the electrical motor assembly 106 necessarily excludes certain pumps, such as piezoelectric pumps, that do not work by actuating electrical motor(s) to generate a variable pressure.

[0130] The breast pump 100 may be powered in any suitable manner, such as using one or more batteries and / or a mains supply of electricity. In some embodiments, the breast pump 100 is a battery-powered breast pump 100, with the in-bra wearable variable pressure generator 104 being battery-powered.

[0131] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGs. 1 A, IB, 2 and 3, the breast pump 100, e.g. the in-bra wearable variable pressure generator 104 thereof, comprises a membrane 108 moveable to communicate the variable pressure to at least part of the breast.

[0132] The electrical motor assembly 106 may be configured to provide the variable pressure by moving the membrane 108 in a reciprocating manner. For example, by the electrical motor assembly 106 causing the membrane 108 to move in a first direction to cause a volume at a breast side of the membrane 108 to increase, a pressure to which the breast is exposed may decrease. When the electrical motor assembly 106 causes the membrane 108 to move in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the volume at the breast side of the membrane can decrease, resulting in an increase of the pressure.

[0133] The membrane 108 can separate a pump chamber 109 from the volume in which the variable pressure causes milk to be expressed from the nipple NP.

[0134] It is noted that a volume of the pump chamber 109 can be defined as needed using one or more wall portions WP.

[0135] In embodiments in which no part of the breast pump 100 blocks the user wearing the breast pump 100 from viewing the top side of the nipple NP, the membrane 108 may be positioned so as not to interfere with said viewing of the top side of the nipple NP.

[0136] In at least some embodiments, the variable pressure generated by the in-bra wearable variable pressure generator 104 is a variable under-pressure. 2024PF00611

[0137] 13

[0138] Such a variable under-pressure may cause milk to be expressed by mimicking a suckling action of an infant.

[0139] In some embodiments, part of the nipple tunnel 102 is arranged to be filled with milk during pumping, and the under-pressure is then transferred via a (partial) hydraulic system (rather than a purely pneumatic system).

[0140] The electrical motor assembly 106 of the in-bra wearable pressure generator 104 can be a relatively heavy component of the breast pump 100. The present disclosure is based, at least in part, on the insight that the weight of the electrical motor assembly 106 can be beneficially used to provide the breast pump 100 with a relatively low center of gravity.

[0141] This relatively low center of gravity can help to make the breast pump 100 more stable during use.

[0142] Hence at least part of the electrical motor assembly 106 of the breast pump 100 according to the present disclosure is configured to be arranged, along with the center of gravity of the breast pump 100 (at least) in the absence of the milk, beneath a level of the centerline CA of the nipple tunnel 102 when the breast pump 100 is in the in-use orientation.

[0143] This positioning of the electrical motor assembly 106, along with the breast pump’s 100 center of gravity, can help to stabilize the breast pump 100 during use, for example when being worn inside the bra and / or when resting on a horizontal external surface, such as on a table-top.

[0144] It is noted, for the avoidance of any doubt, that the center of gravity of the breast pump 100 can be measured using the so-called suspension method. The suspension method involves suspending the breast pump 100 from several different suspension points of the breast pump 100 using a plumb line. For each suspension point, a vertical line is defined through the breast pump 100, the vertical line being colinear with the plumb line. The center of gravity of the breast pump 100 is identified as the point of intersection of the vertical lines.

[0145] The level of the centerline CA may be a horizontal plane that includes the centerline CA. Thus, the term “beneath a level of the centerline CA” means at a position beneath the horizontal plane that includes the centerline CA.

[0146] Expressed using a coordinate system defined by mutually orthogonal x-, y-, and z-axes, where the z-axis extends vertically when the breast pump 100 is oriented for use, the centerline CA of the nipple tunnel 102 lies in the horizontal xy -plane at z = 0. The center of gravity has a z-coordinate less than 0, without limitation in x and y coordinates. At least part of the electrical motor assembly 106 also has z-coordinates less than 0, without limitation in x and y coordinates. 2024PF00611

[0147] 14

[0148] For example, the majority or the entirety of the electrical motor assembly’s 106 mass may have z coordinates less than 0.

[0149] A vertical axis, which would be the z-axis in the above-defined coordinate system, may extend vertically through the breast pump 100 from a lowermost part of the breast pump 100, with this vertical axis extending orthogonally to the horizontal plane of the breast pump 100 that includes the centerline CA (which would be the horizontal xy plane in the above-defined coordinate system).

[0150] The at least part of the electrical motor assembly 106 may be disposed between the lowermost part of the breast pump 100 and the horizontal plane of the breast pump 100 that includes the centerline CA.

[0151] In embodiments in which the breast pump 100 is battery-powered, the breast pump 100 can include at least one in-bra wearable battery compartment 110 for accommodating a battery for powering the breast pump 100. The battery can, for example, be removable from the in-bra wearable battery compartment 110. In other embodiments, the battery is a rechargeable battery that is permanently installed in the in-bra wearable battery compartment 110.

[0152] Due to the in-bra variable battery compartment 110 being wearable, along with other in-bra wearable components of the breast pump 100, inside the bra, e.g. inside a cup of the user’s bra, milk expression can be implemented in a relatively discreet manner. This is due to the in-bra wearable battery compartment 110 being much less visible compared to a battery compartment that cannot be worn inside the user’s bra. The in-bra wearable battery compartment 110 can also remove the need for wiring extending out of the bra in order to couple the breast pump 100 to a battery or other power source positioned outside the user’s bra.

[0153] Whilst the battery can be a relatively heavy component, the weight of the battery can beneficially contribute to the breast pump’s 100 relatively low center of gravity, thereby assisting to stabilize the breast pump 100 during use.

[0154] Hence the at least one in-bra wearable battery compartment 110 may be arranged so that at least part of the battery accommodated therein is beneath the level of the centerline CA when the breast pump 100 is in the in-use orientation. For example, the at least one in-bra wearable battery compartment 110 may be arranged so that at least part of the battery accommodated therein is between the lowermost part of the breast pump 100 and the horizontal plane of the breast pump 100 that includes the centerline CA. 2024PF00611

[0155] 15

[0156] Using the coordinate system, the at least part of the battery may have z coordinates less than 0, without limitation in terms of x and y coordinates.

[0157] For example, the majority or the entirety of the battery’s mass may have z coordinates less than 0.

[0158] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGs. 1 A, 2, 3 and 4, the breast pump 100 comprises an in-bra wearable milk collection container 112 for receiving the milk expressed from the nipple NP that is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel 102.

[0159] The milk collection container 112 being in-bra wearable can help to make milk expression more discreet, since the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112 may be much less visible compared to a milk collection container that cannot be worn inside the user’s bra. The in-bra wearable milk collection container 112 can also remove the need for tubing extending out of the bra in order to carry milk to a milk collection container positioned outside the user’s bra.

[0160] In some embodiments, and as best shown in FIGs.1 A, 2 and 3, part 101 A of the breast shield 101 at least partly delimits the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112. This can provide a relatively spatially efficient way of defining (at least partly) the milk collection container 112.

[0161] For example, the part 101 A of the breast shield 101 that at least partly delimits the milk collection container 112 may, for example, be a surface of the breast shield 101, e.g. a surface of the breast shield 101 that faces away from a breast-contacting surface of the breast shield 101.

[0162] In some embodiments, a base surface of the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112 defines at least part of a base surface of the breast pump 100 in which the milk collection container 112 is included.

[0163] In such embodiments, the base surface of the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112 may be configured, e.g. via its flatness, to enable the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112, and also the breast pump 100 as a whole, to stably rest on a horizontal external surface, such as a table-top.

[0164] Moreover, by positioning the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112 so that its base surface is at least partly included in the base surface of the breast pump 100, the arrangement of the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112, as well as the milk received therein during milk expression, can assist to lower the center of gravity of the breast pump 100, thereby assisting to make the breast pump 100 more stable. 2024PF00611

[0165] 16

[0166] In this respect, at least part of the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112 may be configured to be arranged beneath the level of the centerline CA of the nipple tunnel 102 when the breast pump 100 is in said in-use orientation.

[0167] Using the coordinate system, the at least part of the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112 may have z coordinates less than 0, without limitation in terms of x and y coordinates.

[0168] For example, the majority or the entirety of the in-bra wearable milk collection container’s 112 mass may have z coordinates less than 0.

[0169] The breast pump’s 100 center of gravity may move downwardly, away from the centerline CA of the nipple tunnel 102, as the in-bra wearable milk collection container 100 is being filled with the milk. Thus, the breast pump 100 may become more stable as the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112 is being filled with milk.

[0170] It is noted that the breast pump’s 100 vertical axis, which would be the z-axis in the above-defined coordinate system, may extend orthogonally to a horizontal base surface of the breast pump 100, e.g. orthogonally to the horizontal base surface of the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112, and orthogonally to the horizontal plane that includes the centerline CA of the nipple tunnel 102.

[0171] The electrical motor assembly 106, along with the breast pump’s 100 center of gravity, may be arranged between the horizontal plane including the centerline CA of the nipple tunnel 102 and the horizontal base surface of the breast pump 100 (and / or the horizontal base surface of the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112).

[0172] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one in-bra wearable battery compartment 110 may be arranged so that at least part of the battery accommodated therein is between the horizontal base surface of the breast pump 100 (and / or the horizontal base surface of the milk collection container 112) and the horizontal plane of the breast pump 100 that includes the centerline CA of the nipple tunnel 102.

[0173] In at least some embodiments, such as those schematically shown in FIGs. 1 A, 2, 3 and 4, the breast pump 100 includes a one-way valve 113 arranged to allow the milk to flow therethrough towards the milk collection container 112, but restrict passage of the milk in an opposite direction away from the milk collection container 112. The one-way valve 113 can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, the one-way valve 113 is in the form of a duckbill valve.

[0174] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 4, the in-bra wearable milk collection container 112 comprises a laterally wider upper portion 114 and a laterally 2024PF00611

[0175] 17

[0176] narrower stem portion 116 extending beneath part of the laterally wider upper portion 114 when the breast pump 100 is in said in-use orientation. This design may facilitate arrangement of components of the breast pump 100, such as at least part of the electrical motor assembly 106 and optionally at least part of the breast pump’s battery (when the breast pump 100 is battery powered), beneath the level of the centerline CA of the nipple tunnel 102.

[0177] For example, and still referring to FIG. 4, the breast pump 100 may comprise at least one component-accommodating region 118A, 118B that is laterally adjacent to the laterally narrower stem portion 116 and beneath one or more portions of the laterally wider upper portion 114. Components of the breast pump 100, such as at least part of the electrical motor assembly 106 and optionally at least part of the breast pump’s battery (when the breast pump 100 is battery powered), can accordingly be accommodated in the componentaccommodating region(s) 118A, 118B.

[0178] In some embodiments, the at least one battery compartment 110 is arranged or arrangeable, at least in part, in the at least one component-accommodating region 118A, 118B. This arrangement of the battery compartment(s) 110 can help with positioning of at least part of the battery beneath the level of the centerline CA of the nipple tunnel 102.

[0179] It is noted that the breast pump 100 can include a first componentaccommodating region 118A at a first side of the laterally narrower stem portion 116, and a second component-accommodating region 118B at a second side of the laterally narrower stem portion 116 that is opposite to the first side.

[0180] It is noted that at least part, such as the majority or even the entirety, of the laterally narrower stem portion 116 may be disposed beneath the level of the centerline CA of the nipple tunnel 102 when the breast pump 100 is assembled and orientated for use.

[0181] Using the coordinate system, the at least part of the laterally narrower stem portion 116 may have z coordinates less than 0, without limitation in terms of x and y coordinates.

[0182] For example, the majority or the entirety of the laterally narrower stem portion’s 116 mass may have z coordinates less than 0.

[0183] In some embodiments, and referring to FIGs. 4 and 5, the breast pump 100 comprises a pump unit 120 that includes at least part of the variable pressure generator 104, and a further unit 122 that is attachable to and detachable from the pump unit 120. The pump unit 120 and the further unit 122 may be attached to each other prior to the thus assembled breast pump 100 being received in the user’s bra. 2024PF00611

[0184] 18

[0185] In such embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 4, the milk collection container 112 can be provided, at least in part, by the further unit 122.

[0186] In some embodiments, the pump unit 120 comprises a recess or opening 124 in which the laterally narrower stem portion 116 of the milk collection container 112 is receivable when the further unit 122 (that provides, at least in part, the milk collection container 112) is attached to the pump unit 120.

[0187] The pump unit 120 can include at least one motor assembly housing part 126A, 126B for housing at least part of the electrical motor assembly 106.

[0188] The motor assembly housing part(s) 126 A, 126B may be adjacent to the recess or opening 124. For example, the recess or opening 124 can be at least partly delimited by the adjacent motor assembly housing part(s) 126 A, 126B, for instance by a first motor assembly housing part 126 A and a second motor assembly housing part 126B.

[0189] In some embodiments, the at least one motor assembly housing part 126 A, 126B is receivable in the at least one component-accommodating region 118A, 118B when the further unit 122 is attached to the pump unit 120.

[0190] This interlocking design can mean that the breast pump 100 has a relatively sturdy construction, as well as having stability due to the positioning of the electrical motor assembly 106 and (partly as a consequence) the positioning of the center of gravity.

[0191] For example, and still referring to FIGs. 4 and 5, the first motor assembly housing part 126A may be received in the first component-accommodating region 118A, with the second motor assembly housing part 126B being received in the second componentaccommodating region 118B, when the narrower stem portion 116 is received in the opening or recess 124.

[0192] This can assist with laterally balancing the breast pump 100.

[0193] Further provided is a method for manufacturing a breast pump 100, such as the breast pump 100 according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0194] The breast pump 100 manufactured by the method comprises a nipple tunnel 102 for receiving, at least in part, a nipple NP of a breast, with a centerline CA of the nipple tunnel 102 centrally extending along the nipple tunnel 102, and an in-bra wearable variable pressure generator 104 that includes an electrical motor assembly 106 actuatable to cause a variable pressure to be generated by the in-bra wearable pressure generator 104 for inducing expression of milk from the nipple NP that is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel 102.

[0195] The method comprises configuring, e.g. arranging, at least part of the electrical motor assembly 106 and the nipple tunnel 102 to enable the at least part of the electrical 2024PF00611

[0196] 19

[0197] motor assembly 106 to be, along with a center of gravity of the breast pump 100 (at least) in the absence of milk, beneath a level of the centerline CA when the breast pump 100 is in an in-use orientation.

[0198] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0199] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0200] If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

[0201] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

2024PF0061120CLAIMS:

1. A breast pump (100) compri sing :a nipple tunnel (102) for receiving, at least in part, a nipple (NP) of a breast, a centerline (CA) of the nipple tunnel centrally extending along the nipple tunnel; andan in-bra wearable variable pressure generator (104) that includes an electrical motor assembly (106) actuatable to cause a variable pressure to be generated by the in-bra wearable pressure generator for inducing expression of milk from the nipple that is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel, wherein at least part of the electrical motor assembly is configured to be arranged, along with a center of gravity of the breast pump in the absence of the milk, beneath a level of the centerline when the breast pump is in an in-use orientation.

2. The breast pump (100) according to claim 1, comprising an in-bra wearable milk collection container (112) for receiving the milk expressed from the nipple (NP), at least part of the in-bra wearable milk collection container being configured to be arranged beneath the level of the centerline (CA) when the breast pump is in said in-use orientation.

3. The breast pump (100) according to claim 2, configured so that the breast pump’s center of gravity moves downwardly, away from the centerline (CA), as the in-bra wearable milk collection container is being filled with the milk.

4. The breast pump (100) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the in-bra wearable milk collection container (112) comprises a laterally wider upper portion (114) and a laterally narrower stem portion (116) extending beneath part of the laterally wider upper portion when the breast pump is in said in-use orientation.

5. The breast pump (100) according to claim 4, comprising at least one component-accommodating region (118A, 118B) that is laterally adjacent to the laterally narrower stem portion (116) and beneath one or more portions of the laterally wider upper portion (114).2024PF00611216. The breast pump (100) according to claim 5, wherein the motor assembly (106) is for arranging, at least in part, in the at least one component-accommodating region (118A, 118B).

7. The breast pump (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, comprising a pump unit (120) that includes at least part of the variable pressure generator (104), and a further unit (122) that is attachable to and detachable from the pump unit, the in-bra wearable milk collection container (112) being provided at least partly by the further unit.

8. The breast pump (100) according to claim 7 as according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the pump unit (120) comprises: a recess or opening (124) in which the narrower stem portion (116) is receivable when the further unit (122) is attached to the pump unit, and at least one motor assembly housing part (126A, 126B) that is receivable in the at least one component-accommodating region (118A, 118B) when the further unit is attached to the pump unit.

9. The breast pump (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one in-bra wearable battery compartment (110) for accommodating a battery for powering the breast pump, the at least one in-bra wearable battery compartment being arranged so that at least part of the battery accommodated therein is beneath the level of the centerline (CA) when the breast pump is in said in-use orientation.

10. The breast pump (100) according to claim 9 as according to any one of claims 5, 6 and 8, wherein the at least one battery compartment (110) is for arranging, at least in part, in the at least one component-accommodating region (118A, 118B).

11. The breast pump (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, configured such that, when the breast pump is in the in-use orientation and the nipple (NP) is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel (102), no part of the breast pump blocks a wearer of the breast pump from viewing a top side of the nipple.

12. The breast pump (100) according to claim 11, comprising a membrane (108) moveable to communicate the variable pressure to at least part of the breast, the membrane being positioned so as not to interfere with said viewing of the top of the nipple (NP).2024PF006112213. The breast pump (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a breast shield (101) for receiving and contacting the breast while the nipple (NP) of the breast is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel (102).

14. The breast pump (100) according to claim 13 as according to any one of claims 2 to 8 and 10, wherein part of the breast shield (101) at least partly delimits the in-bra wearable milk collection container (112).

15. A method for manufacturing a breast pump (100), the breast pump comprising a nipple tunnel for receiving, at least in part, a nipple (NP) of a breast, a centerline (CA) of the nipple tunnel centrally extending along the nipple tunnel, and an in-bra wearable variable pressure generator (104) that includes an electrical motor assembly (106) actuatable to cause a variable pressure to be generated by the in-bra wearable pressure generator for inducing expression of milk from the nipple that is at least partly received in the nipple tunnel, the method comprising configuring at least part of the electrical motor assembly and the nipple tunnel to enable the at least part of the electrical motor assembly to be, along with a center of gravity of the breast pump in the absence of milk, beneath a level of the centerline when the breast pump is in an in-use orientation.

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