Patent Description:
Breast feeding is the natural way for feeding a baby. The WHO recommends exclusively breast feeding an infant for six months and then continuing breast feeding for at least up to the age of two years. If a mother is, however, not able to feed her infant directly, e.g. because of medical problems or because of absence, the use of a breast pump allows to extract milk and to feed the breast milk to the infant through other means like a bottle.

During breast feeding, an infant or baby performs a peristaltic tongue movement. At the same time, the infant will suck on the breast of the mother. By sucking on the breast of the mother, a negative pressure is created enabling the baby to form a teat from the breast nipple, the areola and the underlying breast tissue. The baby is able to hold a base vacuum in maintaining the teat in the mouth of the baby. In addition to the base vacuum, an alternating pressure is applied with the jaw and the tongue.

<FIG> show schematically and exemplary a general anatomy of the sucking of an infant. In the <FIG>, an infant or baby <NUM> with a tongue <NUM> having an anterior portion <NUM> and a posterior portion <NUM> is depicted. Furthermore, a breast <NUM> of the breast feeding woman including milk ducts <NUM>, an areola <NUM> and a nipple <NUM> are depicted. The infant or baby <NUM> is able to maintain a base vacuum in the mouth such that the nipple <NUM> stays in the mouth. Furthermore, the baby <NUM> performs peristaltic tongue movements in order to extract milk from the breast of the breast feeding woman. The baby is also able to generate a wave with its tongue. As can be seen in <FIG>, the tongue <NUM> creates a hill or bump <NUM> (at its anterior portion) as well as a further hill or bump <NUM> (at its posterior portion <NUM>). In between these two bumps <NUM>, <NUM>, a valley <NUM> is present. As can be seen in <FIG>, the bump or hill <NUM>, <NUM> move along the tongue of the infant. The same applies to the valley <NUM>, <NUM>. The milk from the milk ducts <NUM> are thus transported in the valleys <NUM>, <NUM> through the nipples <NUM> into the mouth of the infant. The presence of the hills <NUM>, <NUM> enables the pushing of the milk towards the mouth of the infant. At the tip of the nipple, the presence of a valley <NUM>, <NUM> increases in volume which is responsible for the vacuum creation at the tip of the nipple. At the same moment, the hills <NUM>, <NUM> are pushing the milk towards the exit such that the infant <NUM> can drink the exited milk M. The movement of the tongue creating the hills and valleys is important to stimulate a hormone production responsible for the milk ejection reflex and keeping the milk flowing.

<CIT> discloses an insert for a breast pump which collapses if a vacuum is applied by the breast pump.

<CIT> discloses a breast shield arrangement having a deformable funnel which is in contact with a breast when no vacuum is applied and which is not in contact if a vacuum is applied.

<CIT> discloses a breast shield arrangement with two ports through which separate vacuums can be applied. The breast shield arrangement comprises a funnel into which the breast of a user is placed. A first vacuum is applied via an open end of the funnel and a second vacuum is applied at the outside of the funnel.

<CIT> discloses a breast shield arrangement having a funnel for receiving a breast of a user and a cylindrical body portion which has a port for applying a vacuum to the outside of the funnel. At the open end of the funnel, a one-way valve is provided.

<CIT> discloses a breast shield arrangement having a funnel into which the breast is placed. The breast shield arrangement comprises two ports for applying separate vacuums to the breast shield arrangement. One port is arranged at the open end of the funnel and a second port is arranged outside of the funnel.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved breast shield arrangement for a breast pump which enables an improved extraction of milk from the breast of the user.

According to an aspect of the invention, a breast shield arrangement for a breast pump is provided. The breast shield arrangement comprises a first sealing portion to seal the breast shield arrangement against a breast of a user. The breast shield arrangement comprises a port which can be coupled to an expression kit or is part of the expression kit such that a vacuum can be applied via the port. The vacuum applied via the port or in the port is the only vacuum in the breast shield arrangement. The breast shield arrangement also comprises an intermediate portion between the first sealing portion and the port. The intermediate portion comprises a circumferentially extending wall which is defining a first volume. The first volume can receive a breast including a nipple and at least part of an areola of a breast of a user. The intermediate portion comprises a first end, a curved portion and a second end. The curved portion comprises a second sealing portion which can seal the curved portion against the breast, e.g. the nipple and at least part of the areola of the user when a vacuum is applied at the port. Thus, a second volume is created between the first sealing portion, the second sealing portion and the breast placed into the intermediate portion. The curved portion in the area of the second volume is curved outwardly from the first portion.

The breast of a user is placed into the intermediate portion which is defining a first volume when no vacuum is applied. When vacuum is applied, the second sealing portion comes into contact with the nipple and/or areola of the user. Hence, the first volume is reduced and a part of the intermediate portion which is not in contact with the nipple or the areola of a user defines a second volume. This volume is limited by the first sealing portion, the second sealing portion and the breast inside the intermediate portion. The second volume is created as the curved portion of the intermediate portion may be at a certain point not fully in contact with the breast of a user. The volume that is enclosed by the curved portion, the first and second sealing portion and the breast of a user corresponds to the second volume. Accordingly, the second volume is a part of the first volume (when no vacuum is applied).

When vacuum is applied, the second sealing portion comes into contact with the breast of the user, e.g. the nipple and maybe part of the areola. Depending on the texture of the breast of the user, the second volume may be filled with part of the breast.

By applying the vacuum in or at the port as the only vacuum in the breast shield arrangement and by the arrangement of the intermediate portion, the milk expression is improved.

According to an aspect of the invention, a cross-sectional area of the intermediate portion is continuously reduced from the first end to the second end of the intermediate portion. Preferably, if the intermediate portion is implemented as a funnel, an inner diameter of the funnel is reduced from the first end to the second end of the intermediate portion. In other words, the inner height and width of the intermediate portion is discontinuously reduced. Thus, the intermediate portion can be manufactured easily for example during injection moulding.

The invention also relates to a breast shield arrangement for a breast pump having a sealing portion to seal the breast shield arrangement against a breast of a user, a port and an intermediate portion between the sealing portion and the port. The intermediate portion can receive a part of the breast including a nipple and at least part of an areola of the breast of the user. The intermediate portion has a first end, a curved portion and a second end. The length of the curved portion is greater than a distance between the first and second end of the intermediate portion. The curved portion has a concave shape near the first end of the intermediate portion. A cross-sectional area of the intermediate portion is continuously reduced from the first to the second end of the curved portion.

According to an aspect of the invention, a breast shield arrangement for a breast pump is provided. The breast shield arrangement has a first end as sealing portion for sealing the breast shield arrangement against a breast of a user. The sealing portion is funnel shaped. The breast shield arrangement comprises a second end and a collapsible intermediate portion between the first and second end of the breast shield arrangement. The collapsible intermediate portion has a first end, a curved portion and a second end and is optionally funnel shaped. The first end of the intermediate portion is attached to the sealing portion. The second end of the intermediate portion is attached to the second end of the breast shield arrangement. The length of the curved portion is greater than a distance between the first and second end of the intermediate portion. The curved portion has a concave shape near the first end and a convex shape near the second end of the intermediate portion.

According to an aspect of the invention, a ratio between a diameter of the sealing portion and a total length of the breast shield arrangement is > <NUM> and preferably > <NUM>. The ratio can also be > <NUM> and < <NUM>. Accordingly, a breast shield arrangement is achieved which has a reduced length.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a ratio between a diameter of the sealing portion and a length of the curved portion of the breast shield arrangement is > <NUM> and preferably > <NUM>.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the intermediate portion has in a collapsed state a cross section with at least two lopes, preferably three lopes.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a wall thickness of the curved portion is substantially constant.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the curved portion comprises a first and second end as well as a first and second curved section. The first and second end of the curved portion correspond to the first and second end of the intermediate portion, respectively. The first and/or second curved section corresponds to a first contact point being a first point of contact with a nipple of a user when a vacuum is applied to the breast shield arrangement and the intermediate portion collapses.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the breast shield arrangement comprises a support structure which is at least partly surrounding the sealing portion and the intermediate portion. The support structure is made of a rigid material. The sealing portion and the intermediate portion form an insert and are made of a soft and flexible material.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a breast pump is provided which comprises a vacuum pump, a vacuum conduit coupled to the vacuum pump as well as at least one breast shield. The breast shield is coupled to the vacuum pump via the vacuum conduit.

According to an aspect of the invention, the breast shield arrangement for the breast pump comprises a funnel configured to receive a breast of a user. The funnel comprises a sealing portion configured to fit around a breast or a tissue of an areola of a user. The funnel also comprises a collapsible portion configured for nipple and/or areola stimulation and a contact point of a first contact of the collapsible portion on a nipple of a user.

According to an aspect of the invention, the sealing portion is independent from the collapsible portion in such a way that the sealing portion can be pressed against the areola or the breast of the user before the collapsible portion of the funnel is pressed against the nipple of the user. In particular, the collapsible portion of the funnel is brought in contact at a contact point at the nipple of the user. In other words, the first point of contact is at the nipple of the user and not at the areola or the breast of a user at least regarding the collapsible portion of the funnel.

A method of operating a breast shield arrangement for a breast pump is provided. The breast shield arrangement comprises a first end as a first sealing portion, a port and an intermediate portion between the sealing portion and the port. The intermediate portion comprises a circumferentially extending wall defining a first volume into which a breast of a user is placeable. The intermediate portion has a curved portion. The intermediate portion is placed over a nipple and at least part of an areola of a breast of a user. The breast shield arrangement is sealed against a breast of a user by the first sealing portion at the first end of the breast shield arrangement. The port of the breast shield arrangement is coupled to an expression kit or is part of the expression kit and a vacuum is applied at the port of the breast shield arrangement by a vacuum pump such that a second sealing portion of the curved portion is brought into contact against a nipple and/or at least part of the areola of a breast. The vacuum in or at the port is the only vacuum in the breast shield arrangement. A second volume is created between the first and second sealing portion as well as the areola or the breast of a user. The curved portion at the second volume is curved outwardly.

According to an aspect of the invention, the breast shield arrangement for the breast pump can be operated at least in a stimulation mode (resulting in a Milk Ejection Reflex MER) and an expression mode (resulting in a milk expression).

According to an aspect of the invention, when no vacuum is applied, the intermediate portion is configured such that a nipple of a user can be inserted without coming into contact with the curved portion.

According to an aspect of the invention, a computer program for operating a breast pump is provided. The computer program comprises program code means for causing a breast pump to carry out the steps of the method of operating a breast pump when the computer program is run on a computer controlling the breast pump.

<FIG> shows a schematic set up of a breast pump according to an aspect of the invention. The breast pump comprises an expression kit <NUM> to which a funnel shaped breast shield <NUM> is coupled, optionally a bottle <NUM> as well as a vacuum generating unit like a vacuum pump <NUM> and a vacuum conduit <NUM>. When the breast of the user is placed into the breast shield <NUM> and the pump <NUM> is switched on, the vacuum pump <NUM> will create a vacuum in the breast shield <NUM> and part of the expression kit <NUM> via the conduit <NUM>. Thus, the extraction of milk can be performed. The milk extracted from the breast will flow into the bottle <NUM>.

Alternatively, a vacuum unit <NUM> generating a vacuum can be coupled directly to the expression kit.

Optionally, the vacuum pump can be operated between <NUM> and - <NUM> mbar. The vacuum pump can be operated in a first operating mode at -<NUM> mbar, in a second operating mode at - <NUM> mbar, in a third operating mode at -<NUM> mbar and in a fourth operating mode at - <NUM> mbar. The vacuum rates can be at - <NUM> up to - <NUM> mbar/s.

The breast shield <NUM> comprises according to an aspect of the invention a hard support frame and a flexible insert. The insert can be of a flexible material such that it collapses if a vacuum is applied to the breast shield. The insert can be optionally funnel-shaped. A cross-sectional area of the insert is reduced between its first end to its second end, wherein a breast of a user is received at a first end of the insert. The insert comprises a first sealing portion which is used to seal against a breast of a user when the breast is inserted into the insert and a vacuum is applied. If a vacuum is applied, the insert can collapse if it is made from a flexible material.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the invention. In <FIG>, a breast <NUM> having an areola <NUM> and a nipple <NUM> are depicted which is placed inside a volume V1 defined by a breast shield <NUM>. The breast shield <NUM> may comprise a support frame or structure <NUM> made from a hard material as well as an insert <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The insert is preferably made from soft material like soft silicon. The insert comprises a first end which acts as a sealing portion <NUM>. The insert also comprises a second end. The first end of the breast shield <NUM> is designed to receive a breast <NUM> of a breast feeding woman. Through the second end or port <NUM> of the breast shield <NUM>, the extracted milk can flow into for example a bottle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The insert also comprises an intermediate portion <NUM> between the sealing portion or the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the breast shield <NUM> which can serve as a port to couple the breast shield to an expression kit.

The sealing portion <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM> is placed against the areola <NUM> or the breast <NUM> of a user as shown in <FIG> depending on the size of the areola. Thus, the breast <NUM> is shielded against the outside atmosphere so that a vacuum can be created in the volume defined by the breast <NUM> of a user and the surrounding intermediate portion <NUM>.

According to the invention, the support frame <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> is in contact with the first end <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM>. The second end <NUM> is in contact with the second end <NUM> of the breast shield <NUM>. In other words, the rest of the insert, in particular the intermediate portion <NUM>, is typically not in contact with the support frame or structure <NUM>.

The intermediate portion <NUM> is designed to collapse when a vacuum is applied. In this case, the intermediate portion <NUM> will adhere to or surround the nipple <NUM> of the user.

Preferably, the support frame or structure <NUM> is implemented as a hard plastic body part which should be stiff and can provide support for the insert. The sealing portion <NUM> of the insert together with the first end <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> can implement a sealing function to enable a vacuum in the volume defined by the nipple of the user and the intermediate portion <NUM>. Preferably, the sealing portion <NUM> of the insert is placed at least partly against the areola or the breast of the user such that the nipple is typically not in contact with the sealing portion <NUM> when the breast shield <NUM> is placed over the breast <NUM> of a user. In particular, the intermediate portion <NUM> can be implemented such that when it is collapsing due to an applied vacuum, the collapsing intermediate portion will first touch the nipple before it touches the areola. Furthermore, preferably the intermediate portion <NUM> is implemented such that the surface of the nipple is supported during a vacuum cycle. Preferably, the insert is made of soft silicon and is flexible such that it allows a collapsing behavior.

According to the invention, the function of the sealing portion <NUM> is decoupled from the function of the collapsible intermediate portion <NUM>. In other words, when the breast <NUM> of a user is placed into the breast shield <NUM> (this means when no vacuum is applied yet), the sealing portion <NUM> will come to rest against the breast, e.g. the areola or the breast while the collapsible intermediate portion <NUM> is not fully in contact (i.e. not fully circumferentially in contact) with the areola <NUM> or the nipple <NUM> as can be seen in <FIG>. The collapsible intermediate portion <NUM> will only then come into contact first with the nipple <NUM> and then possibly with the areola <NUM> when a vacuum is applied to the breast shield <NUM>. In that case, the intermediate portion <NUM> will collapse and will first come in contact with the nipple <NUM> and only thereafter with the areola <NUM> of the user.

According to the invention, the sealing function implemented by the sealing portion <NUM> is decoupled from the collapsible intermediate portion <NUM> by providing the intermediate portion <NUM> with a curved design which can be a trapped design, a S-shaped design, a C-shaped design or any other design which enables an increase of the length of the intermediate portion in the axial direction and therefore a greater displacement in radial direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the intermediate portion <NUM> has a first end <NUM> which is coupled with the sealing portion <NUM>. The intermediate portion <NUM> furthermore comprises a second end <NUM> which is arranged at the second end <NUM> of the breast shield <NUM>. In between the first and second end <NUM>, <NUM>, the curved portion <NUM> is present. The intermediate portion <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM> and a curved portion <NUM> in between the first and second end <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the length of the curved portion <NUM> is greater than a distance between the first and second ends of the intermediate portion. The curved portion <NUM> comprises a first end 332a, a second end 332d and optionally a first and second curved section 332b, 332c between the first and second end 332a, 332d. In the left hand picture in <FIG>, the first end <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> is coupled to the second end <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM>. In the second picture, the first end <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> is coupled to the sealing portion <NUM> at a predetermined distance from the second end <NUM>. In the third picture, the first end <NUM> is coupled to the sealing portion <NUM> at a predetermined distance from the second end <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM>. In the fourth picture, the second end <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM> is coupled to a first end <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM>.

Depending on the length of the intermediate portion <NUM> and in particular the curved portion <NUM>, at least a first and second curved section 332b, 332c is present.

When a vacuum is applied to the breast shield by means of the vacuum pump <NUM> and when the pressure inside a volume defined by the breast and the breast shield (namely the intermediate portion <NUM>) is sufficiently smaller than the atmosphere outside the intermediate portion <NUM> (e.g. the atmosphere pressure) the intermediate portion <NUM> will collapse and come into contact with the areola <NUM> and the nipple <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses a schematic cross section of a conventional collapsible breast shield arrangement and <FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the invention. When the breast <NUM> of a user is placed into the conventional breast shield <NUM>, the areola <NUM> is pressed against a flexible insert <NUM>. A position 301a at which the breast and/or areola is sealed by the breast shield corresponds to the first point of contact 301b after the collapse of the funnel as shown in the right hand picture of <FIG>. Only thereafter, the rest of the flexible insert <NUM> comes into contact with the nipple <NUM> of the user.

In <FIG>, however, the sealing of the breast <NUM> or areola <NUM> will take place at a position corresponding to the second end <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM> when the breast <NUM> is placed into a volume V1 defined by the breast shield <NUM>. Due to the curved portion <NUM>, the first point of contact after the collapse of the intermediate portion <NUM> will correspond to a first or second curved section 332b, 332c. This is in particular shown in the right hand picture of <FIG>. Here, first the intermediate portion <NUM>, namely in particular the curved portion <NUM>, comes into contact with the nipple <NUM> before the rest of the intermediate portion <NUM> and in particular the first end 332a of the curved portion <NUM> comes into contact with the areola <NUM> or the nipple <NUM>.

This is in particular advantageous as it enables an improved extraction of milk M as it simulates the sucking motion of a baby.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to a further aspect of the invention. The breast shield <NUM> defines a volume V1 and comprises a sealing portion <NUM> having a first and second end <NUM>, <NUM> as well as an intermediate portion <NUM>. Furthermore, a curved portion <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> is provided between the second end <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the breast shield <NUM>. The curved portion <NUM> comprises a length which is greater than the distance between the second end <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the breast shield. Thus, the intermediate portion <NUM> has a curved design. Depending on the length of the curved portion <NUM>, a first and second curved section 332b, 332c is more or less prominent. Because of the curved portion <NUM> which first end 332a is coupled to the second end <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM> or which is coupled at a predetermined distance from the second end <NUM>, the first point of contact of the intermediate portion <NUM> with the nipple <NUM> or the areola <NUM> when vacuum is applied can correspond to the second curved section 332c. Thus, the first point of contact of the intermediate portion <NUM> with the nipple <NUM> or the areola <NUM> will not be close to or in the proximity of the sealing portion <NUM>.

The design of the intermediate portion <NUM> with the curved portion <NUM> according to an aspect of the invention is advantageous as it enables a tactile stimulation of the erectile portion of the nipple or the areola is touched by the intermediate portion <NUM>. Such a nipple stimulation is advantageous to initiate a Milk Ejection Reflex MER. According to an aspect of the invention, by the particular arrangement of the intermediate portion <NUM> and the curved portion <NUM> and by applying a vacuum, the collapsible intermediate portion <NUM> will collapse on the nipple before the intermediate portion <NUM> reaches the areola. This is advantageous as vacuum remains to be applied on the areola which allows a proper expansion of the milk ducts so that they can fill with produced milk from the milk glands.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to a further aspect of the invention. In <FIG>, an intermediate step during the creation of the vacuum is depicted in order to extract milk M from the breast <NUM> of a user. A breast <NUM> is placed into a first volume V1 defined by the breast shield <NUM>. Here, the curved portion <NUM> and in particular the second curved section 332c is in contact with the nipple <NUM> of the user. While the second curved section 332c is in contact with the nipple <NUM>, the section 332e is not in contact such that a second volume V2 is created between the first sealing portion <NUM> and a second sealing portion 332c defined by the point of contact between the nipple <NUM> and the curved section 332c.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to a further aspect of the invention. In <FIG>, the different steps are depicted when the breast shield <NUM> is placed against a breast of a user such that the breast <NUM> is placed into a volume V1 and the vacuum is applied. First of all, the sealing portion <NUM> will be placed against the areola <NUM> or the breast of the user. Then when vacuum is applied, the collapsible intermediate portion <NUM> will collapse and come into contact with the nipple <NUM> or areola of the user before the intermediate portion <NUM> is in contact with the rest of the breast of the user. With the breast shield arrangement according to the invention, it is possible to simulate a natural pumping which corresponds to the sucking of a baby. This is achieved by stimulating the milk let-down by firstly the nipple <NUM> comes into contact with the intermediate portion <NUM> before the areola is touched by the intermediate portion <NUM>. It should be noted that of course the sealing portion <NUM> must first come in contact with the areola and the breast of the user such that a vacuum can be generated. However, the collapsible intermediate portion <NUM> comes first into contact with the nipple <NUM> and only thereafter with the areola <NUM>. This is advantageous as the nipple <NUM> is compressed and supported while forming a teat avoiding overstretching or rubbing. The breast shield <NUM> according to the invention is advantageous as it fits to substantially every nipple size.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to the prior art illustrating typical problems. In prior art breast shield arrangement as shown in <FIG>, problems may occur when the breast is firm or the nipple is small leading to a tissue stretching as shown in the two figures at the top of <FIG>. On the other hand, if the nipples <NUM> are too large to fit the funnel, this can lead to a rubbing of the nipple against the funnel as shown in the two bottom Figures of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a cross section of a breast shield arrangement <NUM> according to a further aspect of the invention. The breast <NUM> of the user is placed into the breast shield. In particular the areola <NUM> and the nipple <NUM> are placed into the insert <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In <FIG>, the different parameters of these measurements include the total length ltot, a first, second and third length l1 - l3, a thickness t and a first and second diameter d<NUM>, d<NUM> as well as an inner diameter di.

The ranges of these parameters are shown in the following table:.

The first diameter d<NUM> should be as small as possible to create the most efficient collapse of the collapsible intermediate portion. However, the diameter d<NUM> should as small as possible not be below <NUM> to fit every nipple size tip. The second diameter d<NUM> should be in between <NUM> and <NUM> and in particular as small as possible not to create an unnecessary dead volume as well as too much forces on the breast. However, the diameter d<NUM> must be large enough to accommodate for substantially every nipple size. Furthermore, the diameter d<NUM> should be large enough to accommodate the curved portion <NUM> of the collapsible intermediate portion <NUM>. The diameter d<NUM> may also be dependent on how fast the point c touches the nipple-areola complex. The total length ltot should be in between <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM>. The total length ltot should be a short as possible, in particular it may correspond to the nipple with respect to the breast in a stretched state, namely about <NUM>. The total length is fixed and is based on no lean forward requirement. The first length l<NUM> should be as large as possible to create a good collapse and to drive in low amounts of lobes. The third length l<NUM> should be long enough to allow a first contact point of collapse at point c but not too long to prevent the complete breast of sucking into the funnel. The second length l<NUM> is a free parameter (e.g. between <NUM> to <NUM>) and can be used to adapt for the position of point c. The thickness t can be in between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferable <NUM>. The thickness can be used to change the collapse in amount of lobes and amount of deflection due to the influence on the stiffness of the intermediate portion.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement <NUM> according to a further aspect of the invention. A breast <NUM> of a user is placed into the first volume V1 defined by the breast shield <NUM>. When a vacuum is applied, part of the curved portion <NUM> comes into contact with the nipple <NUM> and thus a second volume V2 is created between the first sealing portion <NUM> and the second sealing portion 332c which is part of the curved portion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement and an adapter unit according to a further aspect of the invention. Because of the structure of the breast shield <NUM> and in particular of the insert <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the breast shield can accommodate a great number of different nipple sizes and nipple shapes. In <FIG> a small nipple and an average nipple are shown at the start (small nipple 201a, average nipple 201b), i.e. without any vacuum applied to the breast shield and when vacuum is applied to the breast shield (stretched small nipple 210c, stretched average nipple 210d). The breast shields <NUM> according to the aspects of the invention fits for substantially all nipple sizes and shape at the start of the operation (no vacuum applied). The breast shield allows that the nipples of virtually all shapes and sizes are touched when the intermediate portion collapses. Thus, the breast shield according to the aspects of the invention is of a one size fits all set-up.

A ratio of the diameter d<NUM> of the sealing portion or the first end <NUM> of the breast shield and a length of the breast shield is > <NUM> or > <NUM> and < <NUM>.

The intermediate portion <NUM> and in particular the curved portion <NUM> of the breast shield arrangement <NUM> comprises an inner diameter di. This inner diameter di can be continuously reduced between the first and second end of the curved portion <NUM>. A continuously reduced inner diameter of the intermediate portion is advantageous as it allows that the nipple of a user is first touched by the second sealing portion 332c when a vacuum is applied. Accordingly, an intermediate portion will not overlap.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to the prior art and <FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the invention. Thus, by implementing a short funnel length, the extracted milk can flow into a container without the need of the breast feeding woman to lean forward. Thus, the breast feeding woman can sit comfortably in a chair or on a sofa in a backward manner while pumping the milk. With the short funnel or breast shield length, it is possible that the milk drops directly above the vertical outlet of the bottle <NUM> preventing the mother to lean forward during the pumping. This is achieved by the specific ratio of the diameter and the length of the intermediate portion <NUM> of > <NUM>, preferably > <NUM> or > <NUM> and < <NUM>, or the curved portion <NUM>. This can furthermore also be achieved by the shape of the curved portion <NUM> (with its concave and convex section).

The breast shield according to the invention with the short funnel length will still have a good tactile stimulation of the nipple due to the arrangement of the collapsible intermediate portion. The shape of the flexible intermediate portion steps away from the teat contour in order to create a length without increasing the overall length of the membrane.

According to the invention, extra length can be added to increase the collapse. This is advantageous as it is supporting the nipple tissue when high volume is applied thus preventing overstretching. Moreover, it allows more tactile stimulation of the nipples. Moreover, this is also advantageous for small or rigid nipples as the collapsible intermediate portion <NUM> will also reach these nipples.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to a further aspect of the invention. In <FIG>, three different arrangements of the collapsible intermediate section are depicted. According to the invention, the curved portion <NUM> can have a first and second curved section 332a, 332c which can correspond to a first and second lobe. Preferably, the deflection towards the nipple <NUM> is the largest. Although two curved sections or two lobes are mentioned, the amount of lobes can also be greater than two.

A breast of a user <NUM> is placed into a first volume V1 defined by the breast shield <NUM>. When a vacuum is applied, a part of the curved portion comes into contact with the nipple <NUM> such that a second volume V2 is defined between the first sealing portion <NUM> and a second sealing portion 332c.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement and an adapter unit according to a further aspect of the invention. A breast shield <NUM> can be placed into an adapter unit <NUM>. The breast shield <NUM> comprises an insert <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and a support structure or frame <NUM>. The insert <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has a function of a suction hood and can be made from soft silicon like liquid silicone rubber. The frame <NUM> can be made from a hard material like Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The frame <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> is coupled to the first end <NUM>. The frame <NUM> (in particular a second end <NUM> of the frame <NUM>) can be fixed or coupled to a first end or port <NUM> of the adapter unit <NUM>. The insert <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the frame <NUM> can be manufactured as a <NUM> piece.

<FIG> show schematic cross sections of a breast shield arrangement and a breast during the extraction of milk according to an aspect of the invention. <FIG> shows the situation when no vacuum is applied to the breast shield <NUM> and <FIG> shows the situation when vacuum is applied to the breast shield <NUM>. Outside the breast shield the atmosphere pressure Patm is present and inside a volume defined by the breast <NUM> and the breast shield <NUM> a pressure P<NUM> is present. When a vacuum is applied to the volume defined by the breast <NUM> and the breast shield <NUM>, the pressure P<NUM> inside the volume will be negative with respect to the atmosphere pressure Patm and thus the intermediate portion <NUM> and in particular the curved portion <NUM> made from a soft silicone will collapse or buckle in such that the curved portion <NUM> touches the nipple <NUM> and/or the areola <NUM> and creates a compressive force onto the nipple-areola complex.

The curved portion <NUM> comprises a first curved section 332a which has a convex shape and a second curved section 332c which has a concave shape. When vacuum is applied and the pressure P<NUM> is below the atmosphere pressure Patm, then the curved portion <NUM> will collapse. In particular, the concave shaped curved section 332c will first come into contact with the nipple <NUM> before the convex shaped first curved section 332a comes into contact with the areola <NUM>. Thus, the first point of contact of the suction hood with the nipple <NUM> does therefore not correspond to the sealing portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the sealing portion <NUM> and the first point of contact 332c between the suction hood and the nipple <NUM> of the user are decoupled.

Due to the collapse and buckling motion of the curved portion <NUM>, the milk inside the breast will be pushed towards the second end <NUM> of the breast shield arrangement. Thus, the milk can flow via a second port <NUM> which can be coupled to a bottle or container. Furthermore, because of the reduced total length Ltot of the breast shield arrangement, a distance d between the tip <NUM> of the nipple <NUM> and the second port <NUM> is reduced. This is advantageous as (also described with reference to <FIG>) due to the reduced distance d, a user can sit more upright than before. With the design of the breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the invention, it can be avoided that milk ducts at the tip <NUM> of the nipples are closed.

As shown in <FIG>, the breast shield arrangement <NUM> can be introduced or coupled to the first end or port <NUM>. The breast shield arrangement <NUM> comprises the support structure or frame <NUM> and the flexible insert <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> show schematic cross sections of a breast shield arrangement and a breast during the extraction of milk according to an aspect of the invention. The breast shield arrangement and the adapter unit according to <FIG> have a slightly different design than the breast shield arrangement and the adapter unit of <FIG>. In particular, the support structure or frame <NUM> can be part of the expression kit <NUM> such that the support structure or frame <NUM> can have a funnel shape and can be coupled to the expression kit. In other words, the support structure or frame <NUM> can be manufactured with the rest of the expression kit <NUM> in one piece. The flexible insert <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be placed into the support structure and frame <NUM> such that the sealing portion <NUM> is arranged at the outer end of the support structure or frame <NUM>. In <FIG>, the expression kit and breast shield arrangement are disclosed before the operation. In <FIG>, the situation is disclosed where no vacuum is applied to the breast shield arrangement. A breast <NUM> of a user is placed into a first volume V1 which is defined or enclosed by the breast shield arrangement. In <FIG>, a vacuum is applied to the breast shield arrangement <NUM> and the nipple <NUM> of the breast <NUM> of the user is stretched towards the second end <NUM> of the breast shield arrangement <NUM>. The intermediate portion <NUM> comprises a first concave shaped curved section 332a and a second convex shaped curved section 332c (as seen from the first end <NUM> or as seen from a breast inside the breast shield). When a vacuum is applied to the breast shield arrangement, the collapsible intermediate portion and in particular the collapsible curved portion <NUM> will collapse such that the concave curved section <NUM> comes into contact with the nipple (and possibly the areola) of the user before the first concave shaped curved section 332a comes into contact with the nipple or the areola. Accordingly, between the first sealing portion <NUM> and a second sealing portion 332c, the wall 330b of the intermediate portion <NUM> is at least partly not in contact with the areola <NUM> of the user thus creating a second volume V2.

<FIG> show schematic cross sections of a curved portion of the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion <NUM> of the breast shield arrangement <NUM> according to an aspect of the invention comprises a first end <NUM> followed by a concave portion or section 332a which is again followed by a convex portion or section 332c and a second end <NUM> of the collapsible intermediate portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the intermediate portion <NUM> has a shape with a double curvature. In the <FIG>, an intermediate portion <NUM> with different curvatures is depicted. The first end <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> is implemented as a sealing portion <NUM> which is pressed against the breast of a user. The sealing portion <NUM> comprises a first and second end <NUM>, <NUM>. Between the sealing portion <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, the intermediate portion <NUM> is provided. A first end <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> is coupled to the second end <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM>. Between the first and second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the intermediate portion, a curved portion <NUM> is provided. Adjacent to the first end <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM>, a first concave shaped curvature section 332a is provided. A second convex shaped curvature section 332c is coupled to the first curvature section 332a. Between the first sealing portion <NUM> and the first concave shaped curvature section 332c, the wall of the intermediate portion is curved outwardly, thus creating the second volume V2. Accordingly, the sealing portion <NUM> will be pressed against the breast of a user and is therefore in direct contact with the breast of a user. The first concave shaped curvature section <NUM> will extend away from the breast of a user in a concave shape. The second curvature section 332c will, however, because of its convex shape, extend again towards the breast of a user. In between the second curvature section 332c and the second end <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM>, the intermediate portion is designed to substantially follow a curvature of the areola and the nipple of the breast of a user.

The angle at which the first curvature section 332a extends away from a breast <NUM> of the user when the intermediate portion is in contact with the breast is smaller than <NUM>°. The presence of the concave shaped first curved section 332a forms part of the intermediate portion <NUM> which does not come into contact with the nipple of a user when the intermediate portion is pressed against a breast of a user.

<FIG> show schematic views of a collapsible intermediate portion according to an aspect of the invention. The <FIG> are used to illustrate a side view of the intermediate portion <NUM> with its circumferentially extending wall 330b. In <FIG>, a front view of an insert for a breast shield arrangement is disclosed. When the collapsible portion has collapsed, the intermediate portion <NUM> will have two lopes 330a. In the <FIG>, the intermediate portion <NUM> is shown in an uncollapsed state (broken lines) and in a collapsed state (solid lines). <FIG> shows an intermediate portion <NUM> which comprises, when collapsed, a plurality of lopes 330a. In <FIG>, an intermediate portion <NUM> is depicted which when collapsed comprises three lopes 330a. The intermediate portion <NUM> according to <FIG> constitutes a preferred aspect of the invention. Due to the dimensions of the intermediate portion <NUM> (in particular due to the reduced length of the intermediate portion <NUM>), the intermediate portion <NUM> comprises several lopes when the intermediate portion is in a collapsed state. In order to increase the surface of the nipple <NUM> of the user which is in direct contact with the intermediate portion <NUM> when it has collapsed, it is advantageous if the number of lopes is reduced (as compared between <FIG>).

<FIG> show schematic cross sections of a collapsible intermediate portion according to an aspect of the invention. In the <FIG>, several possible structures of the sealing portion <NUM> are depicted. In <FIG>, the sealing portion <NUM> has a funnel shape. In <FIG>, the sealing portion is only partly in contact with the breast of a user. In <FIG>, the sealing portion has a convex or semi-circular shape. In <FIG>, the sealing portion may be circular.

Although all these different structures for the sealing unit are possible, the sealing unit of <FIG>, namely in form of a funnel, can be a preferred solution.

<FIG> show schematic cross sections of a breast shield arrangement during the operation of the breast shield arrangement. <FIG> shows the situation at the starting of the milk extraction. A breast of a user <NUM> is placed into a first volume V1 defined by the breast shield arrangement and in particular the intermediate portion <NUM>. In <FIG>, a stimulation mode is depicted and a vacuum is applied and the intermediate portion <NUM> collapses. In particular, the concave portion <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> comes into contact with the nipple <NUM> (and possibly the areola <NUM>). Hence, a second volume V2 is created between the first sealing portion <NUM> and the curved portion <NUM>. <FIG> shows a next step of the vacuum cycle, namely where the vacuum is released and the intermediate portion <NUM> is released from its collapsed shape. <FIG> shows a further step in the vacuum cycle where the concave portion 332a of the intermediate portion <NUM> is in contact with the nipple <NUM> of the user creating a second volume V2 and due to the applied to the vacuum, the nipple <NUM> is stretched towards the second end <NUM> of the breast shield arrangement <NUM>. In other words, a convex section 332c is in contact with the nipple <NUM> (and possibly the areola <NUM>) of a user while the concave section 332a is not in contact with the nipple <NUM> or areola <NUM> of the user. However, with increased vacuum and depending on the flexibility of the breast / areola tissue, the concave section 332a may be filled with breast tissue. Thus, a second volume V2 is created which is (at least partly) sealed off from the vacuum in the expression kit <NUM> and in the area of the second end <NUM> of the breast shield arrangement <NUM>. When the vacuum is further applied as disclosed in <FIG>, a part of the collapsible intermediate portion <NUM> between the concave section 332c and the second end <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> comes into contact with the nipple <NUM>. Thus, the volume in front of the nipple and the second end <NUM> is under a greater vacuum. As a greater surface of the nipple is in contact with the collapsed intermediate portion <NUM>, the nipple will not be stretched as in prior art breast pumps.

The touching of the nipple by the collapsed intermediate portion as shown in <FIG> is advantageous as it improves the milk let down. Furthermore, as the volume which is under vacuum is reduced (as compared between the <FIG>), the vacuum is applied to the tip of the nipple <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the invention. In <FIG>, the first and second sealing portion of the breast shield arrangement is shown in more detail. The first sealing portion <NUM> is that portion where the breast shield arrangement is pressed against the breast or areola of a user when the breast is placed into the first volume V1 defined by the breast shield arrangement. When a vacuum is applied to the first volume V1 and the second sealing portion 332c comes into contact with the nipple <NUM> or the areola <NUM> of a user thus creating a second volume V2 which may not be in contact with the first volume V1.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the invention. In <FIG>, three different shapes of the intermediate portion <NUM> are depicted. In the left hand side picture, the intermediate portion <NUM> comprises a concave section and a convex section. In the middle picture of <FIG>, the intermediate portion <NUM> has a step shape and in the right hand figure of <FIG>, the intermediate portion <NUM> has a T-shaped cross section towards a second end.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the invention. In <FIG>, the breast shield arrangement can be defined by the diameter d1 and d2 as well as length l<NUM>.

According to the invention, the only vacuum that is applied to the breast shield arrangement for expressing milk is applied via the port <NUM>. There is no need for any other vacuum. The milk expression is achieved by the vacuum at the port and the structure of the intermediate portion.

Other variations of the disclosed embodiment 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 in the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

A single unit or device may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutual different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measurements cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium such as an optical storage medium or a solid state medium, supplied together with or as a part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms such as via the internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

Claim 1:
Breast shield arrangement (<NUM>) for a breast pump, comprising
a first sealing portion (<NUM>) adapted to seal the breast shield arrangement (<NUM>) against a breast (<NUM>) of a user,
a port (<NUM>) adapted to be coupled to an expression kit (<NUM>) or to be a part of the expression kit (<NUM>), and
an intermediate portion (<NUM>) coupled to the first sealing portion (<NUM>) and the port (<NUM>),
said intermediate portion (<NUM>) having a circumferentially extending wall defining a first volume (V1) which is adapted to receive a part of a breast including a nipple (<NUM>) and at least part of an areola (<NUM>),
said intermediate portion (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>), a curved portion (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the curved portion (<NUM>) comprises a second sealing portion (332c),
said second sealing portion (332c) being adapted to come into contact with the nipple (<NUM>) and/or the areola (<NUM>) of a user when a vacuum is applied at the port (<NUM>) of the breast shield arrangement (<NUM>) creating a second volume (V2) between the first and second sealing portion (<NUM>, 332c) and the breast (<NUM>) of a user,
wherein the curved portion (<NUM>) at the second volume (V2) is curved outwardly as seen from the first sealing portion (<NUM>),
wherein the vacuum applied at or in the port (<NUM>) is the only vacuum that is applied to the the breast shield arrangement (<NUM>) for expressing milk.