HK1024428B - A human breast milking apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Human breast milking device

Technical Field

The invention relates to a human breast milking device for simulating a suckling infant.

Background

In recent years, the number of women breastfeeding their babies has steadily increased. This is considered to be the best for both mother and infant from a nutritional and psychological point of view.

The most common way of giving breast milk to an infant is to have the infant suck directly from the breast. However, there are many situations where it is not suitable or possible for an infant to suck milk directly from the udder. Examples of such a case may be:

when the infant is a premature infant yet not to have milk,

-when the mother's milk is insufficient,

when the mother is ill and needs a strong stimulation,

medically indicated mastitis, since the treating mother cannot feed the baby and must empty the breast.

For practical reasons only, it may be desirable to feed the infant by a person other than the mother.

There are many physiological and psychological factors that affect milk production and these factors may prevent milk production. One key factor is stimulation of the breasts to begin milk production. Stimulating the udder comprises a total of three parts which must be present if milk production is to begin:

the breast itself is stimulated, with the greatest stimulation being at the edge of the breast halo. There is a so-called "milk lake" which, when subjected to stress, releases oxytocin from the pituitary. This hormone has a direct effect on the milk ducts, causing them to expand and open for milk discharge. This occurs because the infant has an open mouth contained around the breasts. The jaws and lips then stimulate the areola, which is about 2.5 to 3 cm from the root of the nipple.

The actual nipple is stimulated by squeezing and massaging. This occurs because the infant's tongue and palate surround the nipple. Tactile stimulation results in intense stimulation and thus a hormonal response.

Actual pumping that occurs when an infant sucks on milk.

Many different breast cups and associated breast pumps have been developed which to some extent mimic some of the aforementioned factors.

In addition to having to be able to simulate these factors, breast pumps must be comfortable to use, they must be soft and able to accommodate breasts of different shapes and sizes. At the same time, they must be easy to use.

There are many different breast pumps known which comprise a cup or the like which is placed over the breast, a manual or mechanical vacuum pump attached to the cup which generates an intermittent vacuum in the cup, and a container for receiving expressed milk. The expressed milk typically flows from the person and into a receiving container for storage for later use.

US 5,049,126 discloses a liner for a breast cup or hood of a breast pump, the purpose of which is to more realistically simulate the pressing and massaging of a nipple by an infant. The liner comprises a funnel portion in the form of a truncated cone having a tubular portion where the diameter of the funnel portion is smallest. The tubular portion has at least one elongated opening which is located at a point above the nipple when the device is in use. This elongated opening of the tubular portion is provided with an elastic membrane. When a vacuum pump is used to create a negative pressure within the liner, the elastic membrane will be pulled into the liner and gently squeeze and massage the teat to enhance milk production. The liner does not irritate other parts of the breast or the surrounding parts of the nipple. According to the description, the actual funnel-shaped portion seems to be made of a rigid material, so it may be difficult to adapt the liner to different breast shapes and sizes. Since the liner is rigid, this may cause some discomfort to the user. In addition, the liner is intended to be placed into the breast cup of an existing breast pump.

Us 4,680,028 discloses a breast cup or receptacle for a breast pump, the breast cup being made of a transparent resilient material such as silicone rubber. The breast cup is in the form of a funnel-shaped portion having a tubular extension. In the transition between the funnel-shaped part and the tubular part, the wall thickness is reduced in order to massage the nipple and the surrounding area by the suction effect generated by the vacuum pump. The wall thickness is also reduced in the region of the funnel-shaped portion having the largest diameter to allow the mother's fingers to massage other breast portions underneath.

EP-198469 describes a breast pump which includes a vacuum pump. The breast cup of the device includes portions for simulating the mouth, throat and jaw of an infant. The breast cup is clasped on the breast by the pressure generated by the pump. An orifice valve controls the pressure. During use, a woman may massage her breasts and control tempo.

WO-92/07593 describes a liner or sleeve of resilient material for a breast cup of a breast pump, the sleeve having a recess or groove to enable it to better conform to the breast. The liner comprises a funnel-shaped portion in the form of a truncated cone and a tubular portion connected to the smallest diameter portion of the funnel-shaped portion. Arcuate elliptical notches are arranged on the outside of the funnel shaped portion to provide a thin membrane in the liner in the area around the nipple. According to the description, the aim is to extend the duration of the pumping action produced by the pump stroke, so as to increase milk production and to make the liner softer and more comfortable for the user. The liner does not impart the desired stimulation to the nipple or other portions of the breast. Further, the liner is described as being placed into an existing breast cup of a breast pump.

US 4,964,851 discloses an electric breast pump comprising a breast cup of partially resilient plastics material, a pump and a rotatable valve. The rotatable valve manipulates suction from the pump in an alternating manner between the breast cup and the receiving container to produce an alternating suction effect on the breast.

EP 727234 discloses a liner for a funnel-shaped breast cup. The liner has portions of reduced thickness to enable these portions to move towards the interior of the funnel-shaped breast cup, which can give the areola region some stimulation when a vacuum is created in the breast cup. However, the vacuum and frequency at which this stimulation is provided cannot be adjusted independently of each other, and therefore cannot generate "pulsating waves" from the breast to the nipple. It is therefore difficult to obtain the desired degree of stimulation and in the worst case a large vacuum may cause an obstructive squeezing of the milk transport ducts, thus preventing milking.

The main drawback of the above solution is the lack of stimulation of the breast areola and the breast area outside the breast areola. Most of the above solutions only stimulate the nipple and the breast immediately around it. This irritation is not sufficient to promote satisfactory milk production. The mammary area, i.e. the areola of the breast about 2.5 to 3 cm from the root of the nipple, contains a number of so-called "milk lakes" which, when stimulated, open the mammary glands, which area is stimulated by the lips of the baby during breastfeeding and produces a hormonal response in the form of oxytocin. A second disadvantage of several of the devices described above is that they are made of partially rigid materials which are not sufficiently compliant to the shape of the breast. This may cause some discomfort to the user.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a breast cup that highly simulates a suckling infant.

A second object of the invention is to provide a device which is capable of stimulating the udder to obtain a strong and stable milk production quickly, e.g. a rapid milk discharge from the udder.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which does not cause any discomfort or discomfort to the user.

These objects are achieved with a human breast milking apparatus comprising a breast cup, a collecting device connected to the breast cup, a vacuum source, at least one source of pressure fluid and a regulating device, the breast cup comprising an integral conical portion and an integral cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion being connected to the portion of the conical portion having the smallest diameter, characterized in that the breast cup generally comprises:

a) a first stimulation element for stimulating the teat, the first stimulation element comprising an integral cylindrical portion (3);

b) a second stimulation element for stimulating the breast area directly around or in close proximity to the nipple, the second stimulation element being located at or near the smallest diameter of the conical portion (2), the second stimulation element comprising an annular cavity (4) located on the wall of the conical portion (2) of the breast cup (1);

c) a third stimulation element for stimulating a breast area of 2.5 to 3 cm from the nipple base, the third stimulation element (6) comprising a part of the conical portion (2) of 2.5 to 3 cm from the junction of the cylindrical portion (3) and the conical portion (2), the third stimulation element comprising an annular cavity in the wall of the cone (2), preferably in the form of one or more rows of cells (6) interconnected by channels (7),

the first stimulation element, comprising an integral cylindrical part (3), is connected to a vacuum source with adjustable pressure and frequency, and the second stimulation element is connected to a pressure source with variable pressure and frequency, preferably compressed air, the frequencies of the vacuum source and the pressure source being adjustable independently of each other.

The second and third stimulation elements are preferably connected to one or more pressure sources, preferably compressed air, with adjustable pressure and frequency.

The breast cup is preferably made of a resilient, skin friendly material, preferably silicone.

The pressure of the first stimulation element is preferably adjustable in the range of 50 to 220 mm mercury and the frequency is preferably adjustable in the range of 60 to 120 per minute.

Drawings

The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a breast cup for a human breast milking device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a breast cup according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a breast cup having annular stimulating elements 13-16, rather than using two rows of cells 6 and 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

fig. 4 shows a breast cup according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 4 show different embodiments of a breast cup for use in a human breast milking device according to the invention.

The breast cup for use in a human breast milking device of the invention comprises an integral conical portion 2 and an integral cylindrical portion 3, the cylindrical portion 3 being located at the smallest diameter portion of the conical portion 2. The cylindrical portion 3 is tubular for receiving the nipple when the breast cup is placed on the breast. When the breast cup is placed on the breast, the integral conical portion rests against the breast.

The breast cup 1 has three stimulating elements for stimulating the nipple. The first stimulation element comprises an integral cylindrical part 3. The first stimulating element is approximately the same for all of the different breast cup embodiments shown in the figures. The first stimulation element may stimulate the teat as the element is connected to a vacuum source having either a pulsating adjustable pressure or a static pressure. This will be described in more detail below.

The purpose of the second stimulation element is to stimulate the teat root by squeezing and massaging the area next to the teat root. In fig. 1, the second stimulation member comprises an annular chamber 4, the chamber 4 having a supply tube 5 for a pressurized fluid. The tube 5 is preferably connected by means of a connection 8 to a pressure fluid supply source which generates either a constant or a pulsating pressure.

The purpose of the third stimulation element is to stimulate more of the breast area about 2.5 to 3 cm from the nipple base. As mentioned before, this area is called the mammary areola, where there is a so-called "milk lake" which, after stimulation, releases oxytocin. In fig. 1, the third stimulation element comprises cells or cavities 6 interconnected by channels 9. The third stimulation element is connected to a pressure fluid supply via a supply tube 7 and a connection 8.

The chamber or cavities 6, 4 and the channels 7 and 9 are made in the wall of the breast cup 1 such that these areas have a reduced wall thickness compared to other parts of the breast cup. This means that these areas are more elastic than other areas of the breast cup.

When using the breast cup according to the first embodiment of the invention, at least two stimulation areas of the breast are established, which correspond to the stimulation occurring when feeding the baby. These stimuli are generated by supplying pressure pulses to at least two stimulation areas. The intensity (pressure) and frequency of these pressure pulses is adjustable so that the user himself can find the frequency and intensity that is most suitable for her.

The first stimulation occurs directly on the teat itself, as the teat is squeezed and massaged by the applied vacuum. The stimulation corresponds to the milk elicitation of the infant. The second stimulation occurs in the area immediately adjacent to the nipple, i.e. in the areola area of the breast, due to the compression and massage of this area. This corresponds to stimulation from the infant's tongue and palate.

An optional third stimulation occurs in the area 2.5 to 3 cm from the base of the teat, due to squeezing and massaging of this area in a corresponding manner to the lips of the nursing baby.

The breast cup shown in fig. 1 is used as follows:

the cylindrical portion 3 of the breast cup is connected to the vacuum pump and milk receiving container by suitable connectors (not shown). This part of the device is used to stimulate the teat, the stimulation being generated by applying vacuum in pulses. The purpose of this pulsed vacuum is to suck milk out of the breast. The vacuum pump should be capable of providing an oscillating pressure and therefore the pump must be provided with adjustment means so that the pressure can be adjusted in the range of 50 to 200 mm mercury and the frequency can be adjusted in the range of 60 to 120 per minute.

The first chamber 4 of the breast cup is connected to the pressure pump by an outlet 5 and a suitable connector (not shown). The pressure pump must be capable of generating an oscillating pressure and the pressure and frequency should be adjustable. The second stimulation element stimulates the nipple root area and produces pulse compression on the area. Due to the supply of pressure fluid, preferably compressed air, to the chamber 4 in a pulsating manner, the chamber 4 will expand, i.e. it is inflated and presses against this area. When the pressure is released, the chamber 4 will contract and no longer press on this area.

The second chamber 6 of the breast cup is connected to the pressure pump by an outlet 8 and a suitable connector (not shown). The pressure pump may be the same pressure pump as the pressure pump connected to the first chamber 4 or may be a separate pump. In this case the pressure and frequency must also be adjustable by the user, preferably independently of the pressure and frequency adjustment in the first chamber 4.

The third stimulation element will stimulate a portion of the breast 2.5 to 3 cm from the nipple base. By supplying pressurized fluid, preferably compressed air, to the other chambers or cells 6, they will be inflated in the same manner as the chambers 4 and will press against that area of the breast. When the pressure is released again, the cavity will contract and no longer press on this area.

The supply of pressure fluid or vacuum to the three stimulation areas occurs such that a pulse "wave" is transmitted from the area furthest from the nipple to the nipple.

To obtain independent pressure and frequency adjustment for all three stimulation zones, strict requirements are placed on the vacuum pump and one or more pressure pumps and their regulating means. For example, a combined pressure and vacuum pump may be used. The pump may be provided with a suitable valve element (not shown) providing the desired pressure and frequency control. One conceivable alternative is to use one or two pressure pumps and one vacuum pump, which can be operated independently of one another.

Fig. 2 shows a second breast cup embodiment in accordance with the present invention, wherein like elements to those of the embodiment of fig. 1 are designated by like reference numerals. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in fig. 1 in that instead of using only one row of "cells" indicated at 6 in fig. 1, according to this embodiment at least two rows of "cells" 6 and 10 are provided, which decrease in volume in the direction of the overall cylindrical part 3. The purpose is to pass the wave motion from the largest cell to the smallest cell so that the breast experiences the wave motion. The cells 10 are connected to each other by channels 12 and to the first row of cells 6 by channels 11. Alternatively, the two rows of cells 6 and 10 may have separate pressure fluid supplies to allow the intensity and frequency of the pressure fluid supplied to the cells 6 and 10 to be adjusted independently of each other.

As a variant of the embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the two rows of cells 6 and 12 can be replaced by circumferential channels, the function of which is the same as that of the cells 6 and 12.

Instead of using two rows of cells 6 and 12 as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the breast cup embodiment of fig. 3 has annular stimulating elements 13-16. Every other ring 13-16 is connected by pipes 17, 18 to the ends of a cylinder 19, respectively, which cylinder 19 has alternating pistons 20. The piston 20 is operated by a motor 23, for example, via an eccentric pulley 21 and a drive rod 22. When the piston is moved to the left in fig. 3, a medium under pressure, for example compressed air, will be supplied via the pipe 17 to the rings 14 and 16, which will expand. When the piston 20 moves to the right in fig. 3, a medium under pressure, for example air, will be supplied to the rings 13 and 15 to expand them, while the pressure in the rings 14 and 16 is released. This generates a pulse wave directed towards the nipple. The frequency can be adjusted by changing the rotational speed of the motor 23. The portion of the breast cup at the actual nipple is connected to a vacuum source in the same manner as the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 shows a variation of the embodiment of figure 3. The breast cup here comprises a total of four rings 13-16 which are interconnected by a control valve 25 and a control valve 27, the control valve 25 being used for supplying a pressurizing medium via pipes 17-20 and the control valve 27 being used for releasing the pressure via pipes 21-24. The valves 25 and 27 have rotary valve elements 26 and 28 with one or more through-going passages to open or close the pressure supply or pressure release in the various rings 13-16. The supply valve 25 is supplied with a pressurized medium, for example compressed air, via an inlet 29. Rotary valve element 26 is rotatable to allow communication with one of tubes 17-19, for example, tube 17. A pressurized medium is supplied from the tube 17 to the ring 16 to inflate it. The valve element 26 is then rotated a further step so that pressurised medium is supplied via the tube 18 to the next ring 15 to expand it. This sequence continues to supply pressurized medium to the rings 16-13 continuously. At the same time, the valve element 28 of the release valve 27 is rotated so that the pressure in the rings 13-16 is released continuously. The pressurized medium may, for example, be supplied from a compressor or the like. The frequency may be adjusted by varying the rotational speed of the valve elements 26 and 28, while the pressure may be adjusted by varying the pressure of the supplied pressurized medium.

The human breast milking device according to the invention is intended to be portable, such that the energy supply of the pump, compressor, motor or the like comprises a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery. The milking device is a bottle of the type usually used for feeding babies, which is intended to be connected to a receiving container.

Furthermore, breast cups according to all embodiments of the present invention may be connected to suitable connectors for connecting receiving containers, vacuum sources, and the like. The invention also includes embodiments where the pressure fluid is a liquid or a gas other than air.

Claims (4)

1. A human breast milking apparatus comprising a breast cup (1), a collecting device (10) connected to the breast cup, a vacuum source, at least one source of pressurized fluid (14) and a regulating device, the breast cup (1) comprising an integral conical portion (2) and an integral cylindrical portion (3), the cylindrical portion (3) being connected to the portion of the conical portion (2) having the smallest diameter, characterized in that: the breast cup (1) generally comprises:

a) a first stimulation element for stimulating the teat, the first stimulation element comprising an integral cylindrical portion (3);

b) a second stimulation element for stimulating the breast area directly around or in close proximity to the nipple, the second stimulation element being located at or near the smallest diameter of the conical portion (2), the second stimulation element comprising an annular cavity (4) located on the wall of the conical portion (2) of the breast cup (1); and, alternatively

c) A third stimulation element for stimulating the breast area from the nipple base 2.5 to 3 cm, the third stimulation element (6) comprising a part of the conical portion (2) from the junction of the cylindrical portion (3) and the conical portion (2) of 2.5 to 3 cm, the third stimulation element comprising an annular cavity located on the wall of the cone (2),

the first stimulation element comprising an integral cylindrical part (3) is connected to a vacuum source with adjustable pressure and frequency, the second stimulation element is connected to a pressure source with adjustable pressure and frequency, the frequencies of the vacuum source and the pressure source are adjustable independently of each other,

the pressure and frequency of the second stimulation element can be adjusted independently of the pressure and frequency of the third stimulation element,

the second and third stimulation elements generate pulse waves that travel from the area of the breast furthest from the nipple to the area of the breast closest to the nipple.

2. The human breast milking device of claim 1, wherein the second stimulating element and the third stimulating element are connected to one or more pressure sources having adjustable pressure and frequency.

3. The human breast milking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the breast cup (1) is made of an elastic, skin friendly material.

4. The human breast milking device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure of the first stimulation element is adjustable in the range of 50 to 220 mm mercury and the frequency is adjustable in the range of 60 to 120 per minute.