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.

Breast shields are known which have a funnel made of a flexible material such that it collapses when a vacuum is applied to the breast shield arrangement. The flexible funnel can typically be inserted into a rigid frame in order to hold the flexible funnel. However, problems can arise when the flexible funnel and the rigid frame are mounted. In particular, if the flexible funnel is not mounted correctly into the frame, tensions and stresses may occur in the funnel which can have a negative influence on the performance of the breast pump.

<CIT> discloses a breast interface for a breast pump. The breast interface comprises a liner as well as a liner support frame. The liner is collapsible. The liner and the support frame can be manufactured as a single structural component by co-molding.

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

<CIT> is about a breast pump, but the document is mute to a breast receiving portion having a flexible collapsible funnel and a rigid frame which are made as a single unit by a two component <NUM> manufacturing.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved breast shield arrangement which allows a more comfortable use of a breast shield arrangement.

According to an aspect of the invention, a breast shield arrangement for a breast pump is provided. The breast shield arrangement comprises a breast receiving portion having a flexible collapsible funnel and a rigid frame which are both made by <NUM> (two component) manufacturing. The flexible funnel has a circumferentially extending wall. The breast receiving portion has a first and second end. The flexible funnel and the rigid frame are connected at the first and second end of the breast receiving portion during the <NUM> (two component) manufacturing. The flexible funnel is configured to collapse if a vacuum is applied via the second end of the breast receiving portion. The flexible funnel comprises an at least partially circumferentially extending concave portion as seen from the first end of the breast receiving portion. The concave portion is coupled to the first end of the breast receiving portion. The vacuum applied at the second end of the breast receiving portion is the only vacuum in the breast shield arrangement.

The producing of the flexible collapsible funnel and the rigid frame by means of a <NUM> (two component) manufacturing is advantageous as the result is only one unit which does not need to be assembled anymore. Furthermore, as the funnel and the frame are now a single unit, there are no stresses between the funnel and the rigid frame. In addition, there is no need anymore to touch an inside surface of a funnel during assembly of the funnel and the frame which greatly improves the comfort, the ease of use and hygiene when cleaning the breast shield arrangement. Moreover, as the funnel and the rigid frame are now one piece, they cannot be disconnected during the application of vacuum to the breast shield arrangement. Moreover, because of the flexible funnel, the breast shield arrangement is adaptable to a great number of nipple and areola sizes.

According to an aspect of the invention, the flexible funnel comprises a convex portion which forms in the collapsed state of the funnel a sealing portion configured to seal a part of the nipple and/or areola against a vacuum in the breast receiving portion.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the flexible funnel has in a collapsed state at least two lobes, preferably three lobes.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the rigid frame comprises a first and second end as well as at least one leg between the first and second end. The flexible funnel and the at least two legs are at least partially connected during the <NUM> (two component) manufacturing at at least a first and second position. Hence, the flexible funnel is coupled to the legs of the rigid frame thus holding the flexible funnel at the at least first and second position at the two legs and thus away from the nipple of a user. Accordingly, the collapse of the flexible collapsible funnel is not incidentally but in a predetermined manner as that part of the flexible collapsible funnel which is coupled to the legs of the rigid frame will correspond to the lopes of the flexible funnel in the collapsed state. Accordingly, those areas of the nipple which are in direct contact with the collapsed funnel are not subject to the vacuum applied to the breast shield arrangement. Hence, those parts of the nipple are not undergoing the same amount of stress which is in particular helpful in case of sore nipples (cracked nipples, inflammation). In addition, as the collapsible funnels are not rotational symmetric and because of the lopes which are present when the flexible funnel is in a collapsed state, the nipple will be centrally positioned within the flexible funnel when the funnel is in the collapsed state.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the flexible funnel comprises a convex portion and the at least first and second positions are arranged at the convex portion. As the flexible funnel is connected to the legs at the convex portion of the funnel, the convex portion will not come into contact with the areola and the nipple of the user in the area of the first and second position such that a first point of contact between the flexible funnel and the nipple of the user will be in a portion of the funnel between the second end and the convex portion. This is advantageous as the first point of contact between the funnel and the breast of the user is the nipple of the user which allows a more natural expression of milk as this is similar to the sucking motion of a baby.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the first end of the flexible funnel and/or the first end of the rigid frame form a first sealing portion which serves to seal the breast shield arrangement against a breast of a user.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the flexible funnel comprises a concave portion between the convex portion and the second end. The concave portion forms in the collapsed state of the funnel a second sealing portion configured to seal a part of the nipple against a vacuum in the breast receiving portion.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the breast shield arrangement comprises an expression kit having a first and second port. The first port is configured to receive the second end of the breast receiving portion. The flexible funnel comprises a third circumferentially sealing portion at the second end. The third sealing portion is configured to seal the breast receiving portion against the expression kit.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the breast shield arrangement comprises an expression kit having a first and second port wherein the first port is configured to receive the second end of the breast receiving portion. The flexible funnel comprises a third circumferentially sealing portion between the concave portion and the second end. This third sealing portion serves to seal the breast receiving portion against the expression kit.

According to an aspect of the invention, an inner diameter of the intermediate portion is continuously reduced between the first and second end of the intermediate portion.

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

A breast shield arrangement is provided for a breast pump. The breast shield arrangement comprises a breast receiving portion with a flexible collapsible funnel as well as a rigid frame. The funnel and the frame are made as a single unit by <NUM> manufacturing. The flexible funnel has a circumferentially extending wall and the breast receiving portion has a first and second end. The flexible funnel and the rigid frame are connected at the first and second end of the breast receiving portion at at least a first and second position during the <NUM> manufacturing. The flexible funnel is configured to collapse if a vacuum is applied to the breast receiving portion. The rigid frame comprises a first and second end as well as at least one leg between the first and second end. The flexible funnel and the at least one leg are at least partly connected during the <NUM> manufacturing at at least a third position.

According to an aspect of the invention, a breast pump is provided with a breast shield arrangement as described above.

The <NUM> (two component) manufacturing according to an aspect of the invention can correspond to a <NUM> injection moulding, a <NUM> (three component) injection moulding, 3D printing as well as rapid prototyping. Furthermore, during the <NUM> manufacturing, it is also possible that parts of the funnel and the rigid frame are glued together. Accordingly, <NUM> manufacturing relates to a manufacturing with at least two components (<NUM>) which typically have different material characteristics. During the <NUM> manufacturing, a piece is manufactured which can be made of two different components. In other words, during the <NUM> manufacturing, at least two components with different material characteristics are combined into a single piece.

The breast shield arrangement according to the aspects of the invention are more comfortable to use as the area of the nipple which is exposed to the vacuum is reduced which leads to also a reduced tissue stretching. Moreover, as the actual area which is exposed to vacuum of the nipple can be reduced, the vacuum level can be increased without compromising the comfort for the user. Moreover, sore and cracked nipples can be supported by the collapsed funnel and are thus not exposed to vacuum.

Furthermore, due to the non-rotational collapse of the flexible funnel, an increased tissue support at cracked or sore nipples is possible by rotating the breast shield. Furthermore, the breast shield according to the aspects of the invention enable a more specific emptying of buts which may be clogged or which may be inflamed.

According to an embodiment of the invention, when no vacuum is applied to the breast shield arrangement via its second end, the flexible funnel is configured such that a nipple of the user can be inserted without coming into contact with the concave portion. Only when vacuum is applied, then the flexible funnel can collapse and can come into contact with at least a nipple of the user.

<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> with a funnel shaped breast shield <NUM>, optionally a bottle <NUM> as well as a vacuum pump <NUM> and a vacuum conduit <NUM>. When a breast of the user is placed into the breast shield <NUM> and the pump <NUM> is switched on, the 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>. The expression kit <NUM> comprises a first port <NUM> to which one end of the breast shield <NUM> can be coupled such that a vacuum can be applied in the breast shield.

The vacuum applied via one end of the breast shield <NUM> is the only vacuum that is applied to the breast shield arrangement. Accordingly, the breast shield can collapse due to the vacuum at one end of the breast shield.

<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 breast receiving portion or volume 300a having a support frame or structure <NUM> made from a hard material as well as an insert (like a funnel) <NUM>. The insert or funnel <NUM> is preferably made from soft material like soft silicon (with shore <NUM> - <NUM>, preferably <NUM> shore). The support structure <NUM> and the insert/funnel are made by a <NUM> injection molding process. Thus, the support structure <NUM> and the insert/funnel are manufactured as one single unit. The insert or funnel <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> which acts as a (first) sealing portion <NUM>. The insert <NUM> also comprises a second end <NUM>. The second end <NUM> can be coupled to the first port <NUM> of the expression kit <NUM> so that vacuum can be applied to the breast shield, i.e. the funnel via the first port and the second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the breast shield <NUM> is designed to receive a breast <NUM> of a breast feeding woman. Through the second end <NUM> of the breast shield <NUM>, the extracted milk can flow into for example a bottle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The insert <NUM> 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>. 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>. The outside of the insert <NUM> is subject to the atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, the flexible insert <NUM> will collapse because of the vacuum as applied at one end of the flexible insert <NUM>.

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 (first) sealing portion <NUM> will be placed against the areola <NUM> of the user. Then when vacuum is applied, the collapsible intermediate portion <NUM> will collapse and come into contact with the nipple <NUM> of the user before the intermediate portion <NUM> is in contact with the areola <NUM> 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 bringing the nipple <NUM> into contact with the intermediate portion <NUM> before the areola <NUM> 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 is compressed and supported while forming a teat avoiding overstretching or rubbing. The breast shield according to the invention is advantageous as it fits substantially every nipple size.

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 <NUM>. The insert <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> are made by a <NUM> (two component) injection molding. The sealing portion <NUM> of the insert <NUM> 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 <NUM> of the user such that the nipple <NUM> 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> is 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.

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> 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. A breast <NUM> is placed into a first volume V1 defined by the breast shield <NUM> (in particular the funnel <NUM>). The funnel <NUM> comprises a first sealing portion <NUM> which serves to seal the breast receiving portion against a breast <NUM> of a user. Adjacent to the sealing portion <NUM>, a concave portion 332a is provided which is preferably circumferentially extending. Between the concave portion 332a and the second end <NUM> of the funnel <NUM>, a convex portion 332c is provided. Here, a curved portion <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> and in particular a second curved section (a convex portion) 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 (in form of a lobe) 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. The intermediate portion <NUM> forms substantially a triangle as shown in <FIG>. By means of these portions 332e, a vacuum connection is still present towards the areola <NUM> of the 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>. 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. 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 a schematic cross section of a funnel according to an aspect of the invention. In <FIG>, the funnel <NUM>, <NUM> is shown when no vacuum is applied. The nipple <NUM> is placed into the funnel <NUM>, <NUM>. In <FIG>, the situation with an applied vacuum is depicted. In particular, the funnel <NUM>, <NUM> has collapsed and comprises three lopes 330a. <FIG> shows a situation where the funnel <NUM>, <NUM> has collapsed and comprises five lopes.

<FIG> shows a schematic representation of a breast receiving portion according to an aspect of the invention. In <FIG>, in particular a breast receiving portion in form of a breast shield is depicted. The breast shield is made of a support structure <NUM> as well as an insert in form of a flexible collapsible funnel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> which are both manufactured as a single unit by <NUM> (two component) injection molding. The funnel <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> which serves as a first sealing portion and a second end <NUM> which can be placed into a port of the expression kit. Between the first and second end <NUM>, <NUM>, an intermediate portion <NUM> is provided. The insert or funnel <NUM> as well as the support frame <NUM> are manufactured by a <NUM> injection molding process. The support frame <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM> as well as at least one leg <NUM> which are connected between the first and second end <NUM>, <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the support frame <NUM> is connected during the <NUM> injection molding process with a first end <NUM> of the insert. The second end <NUM> of the support frame <NUM> is coupled during the <NUM> injection molding process to a second end <NUM> of the flexible funnel. Furthermore, the intermediate portion <NUM> can comprise a curved portion <NUM>. This curved portion <NUM> can be curved outwardly (and forms a concave portion). The curved portion <NUM> (and in particular the concave portion) is coupled to one of the legs <NUM> during the <NUM> injection molding. In other words, the insert <NUM> is coupled to the support frame at three points, namely at a first point <NUM> (connecting the first end <NUM> of the support frame and the first end <NUM> of the insert). A second point of contact <NUM> is provided at the second end <NUM> of the insert as well as the second end <NUM> of the support frame. A third point of contact <NUM> is provided between the leg <NUM> and the curved portion <NUM> (in particular the concave portion). The third point of contact <NUM> can be arranged at the middle halfway between the first and second end. This third point of contact <NUM> is advantageous as it enables to control the number of lobes and also to predict at which position the lobes will collapse. It should be noted that the positions of the third point of contact <NUM> and the knowledge of the position of the third point of contact <NUM> can be used may users of the funnel to avoid extra stress on cracked or sore nipple tissue. Furthermore, this can also be used to empty milk ducts which can be clogged. In particular, with the knowledge of the third point of contact, the user can position the lobes on those areas with cracked and sore tissues or to enable the emptying clogged milk ducts. In particular, with the breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the invention, sore nipples and breast inflammation can be significantly prevented or reduced.

<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 breast receiving portion 300a having a support frame or structure <NUM> made from a hard material as well as a flexible insert <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The insert <NUM> is preferably made from soft material like soft silicon. The support structure <NUM> and the insert/funnel are made by a <NUM> injection molding process. Thus, the support structure <NUM> and the insert/funnel are manufactured as one single unit. The insert <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> which acts as a sealing portion <NUM>. The insert also comprises a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the breast shield <NUM> is designed to receive a breast <NUM> of a breast feeding woman. Through the second end <NUM> or port of the breast shield <NUM>, the extracted milk can flow into for example a bottle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The milk flow and vacuum flow can be separated. Multiple openings may be present in the breast shield.

The insert <NUM> also comprises a flexible and collapsible intermediate portion <NUM> between the sealing portion or the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the breast shield <NUM>.

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 a breast <NUM> of a user. 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> can be in contact with the first end <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM>. Each of them can serve as a seal. The second end <NUM> is in contact with the second end <NUM> of the breast shield <NUM>. Moreover, the intermediate portion <NUM> may be in contact with the support frame or structure <NUM> at other points. 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 breast or the areola 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> is implemented such that when it is collapsing due to an applied vacuum, the collapsing intermediate portion will first touch the nipple or areola before it touches the rest of the breast. 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.

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 332a, 332c between the first and second end 332a, 332d. The first curved section corresponds to the concave portion and the second curved section corresponds to the convex portion. 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>. In particular, the position of the lobes will also be determined by the position of the contact points <NUM>.

<FIG> each show different schematic representations of a breast receiving unit according to an aspect of the invention. The structure of the breast receiving unit according to <FIG> substantially corresponds to the structure of the breast receiving unit according to <FIG> with the exception that the legs <NUM> are not necessarily coupled to the curved portion <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> during the <NUM> injection molding.

<FIG> each show a schematic representation during the manufacturing of the breast receiving portion. In <FIG>, the manufacturing of the support frame is depicted. A bottom mold <NUM> and a top mold <NUM> are provided for the <NUM> injection molding. In <FIG>, the top mold <NUM> is removed together with the support frame <NUM>. In order to manufacture the flexible funnel, three molds <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are required. In particular, a bottom mold <NUM>, a top mold <NUM> as well as an intermediate mold <NUM> are needed. Preferably, the intermediate mold <NUM> can be split into different parts in order to move along the legs <NUM> of the support frame <NUM>.

<FIG> each show a schematic representation of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the invention. In <FIG>, the flexible funnel <NUM> comprises a sealing <NUM> at its second end <NUM> such that the funnel <NUM> can be sealed against a port <NUM> of the expression kit <NUM> by means of the seal <NUM>. The breast shield <NUM> having a flexible funnel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and a support structure <NUM> can comprise a sealing section <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the flexible funnel. The sealing section <NUM> extends over a second end <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> and allows a sealing of the breast shield <NUM> when it is placed into the port <NUM> of the expression kit <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses an alternative aspect of the sealing of the funnel against a port of the expression kit. In the aspect according to <FIG>, a sealing section <NUM> is not provided at the end of the second end <NUM> but the sealing section <NUM> may extend through holes 342a in the second end <NUM> of the support structure. When the breast shield is then introduced into the port <NUM> of the expression kit <NUM>, the sealing section <NUM> can seal the breast shield arrangement against the port <NUM>.

<FIG> each show a schematic cross section of a breast shield arrangement according to an aspect of the invention. 3A and 3B, a cross section of a breast shield arrangement is depicted with the intermediate portion <NUM> and two or three legs <NUM>.

According to an aspect of the invention, a breast shield arrangement <NUM> for a breast pump is provided, comprising a first end as a first sealing portion <NUM> adapted to seal the breast shield arrangement <NUM> against a breast <NUM> of a user, a second end <NUM> adapted to be coupled to an expression kit <NUM>, and a flexible collapsible intermediate portion <NUM> between the first and second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the breast shield arrangement <NUM>, said intermediate portion <NUM> having a circumferentially extending wall defining a first volume V1 which is adapted to receive a nipple <NUM> and at least part of an areola <NUM> of the breast <NUM> of a user, said intermediate portion <NUM> having a first end <NUM>, a curved portion <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, wherein the curved portion <NUM> comprises a second sealing portion 332c, said second sealing portion 332c being adapted to seal the curved portion <NUM> against the nipple <NUM> and at least part of the areola <NUM> of the breast <NUM> of a user when a vacuum is applied at the second end <NUM> of the breast shield arrangement <NUM>, wherein an inner diameter of the intermediate portion <NUM> is continuously reduced between a first to the second end of the curved portion <NUM>, wherein a support structure <NUM> is provided to support the intermediate portion <NUM>, wherein the support structure <NUM> and the intermediate portion <NUM> are made by <NUM> injection molding.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a breast shield arrangement <NUM> for a breast pump is provided which furthermore comprises a first end as sealing portion <NUM> adapted to seal the breast shield arrangement <NUM> against a breast <NUM> of a user, a second end <NUM>, and an intermediate portion <NUM> between the first and second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the breast shield arrangement <NUM> being adapted to receive a nipple <NUM> and at least part of an areola <NUM> of the breast <NUM> of a user, said intermediate portion <NUM> having a first end <NUM>, a curved portion <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, wherein a length of the curved portion <NUM> is greater than a distance between the first and second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM>, wherein the curved portion <NUM> has at least a concave shape near the first end <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM>, wherein an inner diameter of the intermediate portion <NUM> is continuously reduced between a first to the second end of the curved portion <NUM>.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the curved portion <NUM> has at least a concave shape near the first end <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> and a convex shape near the second end <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM>.

According to an aspect of the invention, the curved portion <NUM> comprises a first and second end 332a, 332d and a first and second curved section 332b, 332c, wherein the first curved section 332b is of a concave shape; wherein the second curved section 332c is of a convex shape; wherein the first and second end 332a, 332d of the curved portion <NUM> corresponds to the first and second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM>, respectively, wherein the first and/or second curved section 332b, 332c correspond to a first contact point being a first point of contact with a nipple <NUM> of a user when a vacuum is applied to the breast shield arrangement <NUM> and the intermediate portion collapses.

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 measures 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 breast receiving portion (300a) having a flexible collapsible funnel (<NUM>) and a rigid frame (<NUM>) which are made as a single unit by a two component <NUM> manufacturing,
said flexible funnel (<NUM>) having a circumferentially extending wall (301a),
said breast receiving portion (300a) having a first and second end (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the flexible funnel (<NUM>) and the rigid frame (<NUM>) are connected at the first and second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the breast receiving portion (300a) at least at first and second positions (<NUM>, <NUM>) during the two component <NUM> manufacturing;
wherein the flexible funnel (<NUM>) is configured to collapse if a vacuum is applied to the breast receiving portion (300a) via the second end (<NUM>) of the breast receiving portion (300a),
wherein the vacuum applied at the second end (<NUM>) of the breast receiving portion (300a) is the only vacuum in the breast shield arrangement (<NUM>)
wherein (i)
the flexible funnel (<NUM>) comprises an at least partially circumferentially extending concave portion (332a) as seen from the first end (<NUM>) of the breast receiving portion (300a),
wherein the concave portion (332a) is coupled to the first end (<NUM>) of the breast receiving portion (300a),
or wherein (ii)
the rigid frame (<NUM>) comprises a first and second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) as well as at least one leg (<NUM>) between the first and second end (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the flexible funnel (<NUM>) and at least one leg (<NUM>) are at least partly connected during the <NUM> manufacturing at at least a third position (<NUM>).