WO2003105616A1 - Reusable breast shield - Google Patents
Reusable breast shield Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2003105616A1 WO2003105616A1 PCT/US2002/018976 US0218976W WO03105616A1 WO 2003105616 A1 WO2003105616 A1 WO 2003105616A1 US 0218976 W US0218976 W US 0218976W WO 03105616 A1 WO03105616 A1 WO 03105616A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- shield
- recited
- silicone rubber
- breast
- membrane
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/14—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads specially adapted for the breast or abdomen
- A61F13/141—Milk breast pads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
- A61F13/15268—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency reusable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F2013/15008—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterized by the use
- A61F2013/15016—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterized by the use for breast; pads for bras
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/84—Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads
- A61F2013/8497—Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads having decorations or indicia means
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling leakage of lactating fluid in human females.
- this invention is a thin, multi-layered silicone compound based membrane that conforms to the shape of the breast.
- Breast shields using absorbent pads are by their nature opaque and are noticeable through light or semi-sheer garments.
- a breast shield with an absorbent pad used beneath such garments tends to make a woman self-conscious with a detrimental effect upon self-esteem.
- Breast shields that use absorbent pads are generally constructed with an absorbent layer near the skin of the wearer, with a liquid impervious layer between the absorbent pad and the outer clothing of the wearer. This arrangement traps the liquid against the body of the wearer causing discomfort or skin irritation.
- a frequent complaint of users of absorbent nursing pads is the discomfort experienced in having a cold liquid trapped against the skin. It is therefore advantageous to prevent or severely restrict the amount of breast milk leakage (BML) rather than collect it in a pad.
- BML breast milk leakage
- the present invention relates to a device for controlling human lactation.
- the device comprises a thin, flexible and breathable, liquid impervious multi-layered shield that readily conforms to the shape of a human breast.
- the device can be used in conjunction with a bra to assist in shaping the shield and providing additional pressure against the nipple of the user to prevent spontaneous BML.
- the shield is a thin membrane having in inner surface and an outer surface.
- the shield is constructed of a material that is sufficiently stretchy in any direction so that a moderate pressure forces it to conform to the shape of a human breast.
- the shield has a tacky inner surface that allows it to remain in position without the use of adhesives or having to be attached to an outer garment such as a bra.
- the shield is pre-formed to present an elliptical surface in cross section, enabling it to more closely conform to the shape of a human breast.
- the shield material is also sufficiently translucent as to be almost invisible underneath clothing. The thickness of the shield is such that virtually no additional bulk is added to the breast profile of the wearer.
- the construction of the shield allows it to be used without a brasserie.
- the shield is used by first placing the shield against the nipple and depressing the nipple; then pressing the shield against the surrounding skin.
- the inherent tackiness of silicone rubber compounds of low durometer keeps the shield in contact with the skin without the use of adhesives. This gives nursing women freedom from having to wear a brasserie twenty-four hours a day.
- the shield also provides insulative properties, keeping the covered area warm; a distinct advantage in comfort over an absorptive nursing pad.
- a design comprising an outer frame laminated to an inner membrane wherein the inner membrane is sufficiently low in durometer to allow adherence to the skin; the outer frame providing support and shape for the shield, and a design comprising a single membrane of a relatively higher durometer that is held in place by a brasserie or other article of clothing.
- the present invention is also directed toward a method of controlling BML that utilizes the shield with a brasserie.
- the method includes the steps of placing the shield into the cup of a brasserie, securing the shield in place using an appropriate adhesive, and placing the brasserie on the wearer.
- the device and method of the present invention provide a convenient, economical, sanitary and attractive way to prevent leakage of lactating fluid on to the exterior clothing of the wearer. It is anticipated that the device of the present invention can be incorporated into a manufactured brassiere, by providing the instant invention with a fabric incorporated into or laminated onto the outer frame.
- the present invention is designed to accommodate the needs of lactating women, it may be used by non-lactating women to help shape and support the breast and to prevent conspicuous noticeabiiity of nipple erectile tissue in cold weather.
- Figure 1 is a top view of the shield according to the present invention, showing the exterior or non-body contacting surface.
- Figure 2 is a side view of the shield according to the present invention, showing the shield in cross-section.
- Figure 3 is a view of the shield according to the present invention showing the method for securing the shield into a brasserie.
- Figure 4 is a view of the shield in use.
- Figure 5 is a view of the silicone device with laminated cloth for integration into a manufactured bra.
- Figure 6 is a view of the laminated cloth as an integrated part of a nursing bra.
- a shield of the present invention can be seen generally at 10.
- the shield 10 is a duel durometer laminated structure; the individual layers are manufactured from silicon rubber compounds.
- the shield may be constructed of other materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU), but design testing has shown that silicon rubber compounds provide an inherent flexibility, stretch and surface tension that enhances the functionality of the device.
- the shield 10 is essentially oval or circular including decorative edges, however other geometrical shapes may be used without affecting the functionality of the device.
- the device would be constructed so that it could be trimmed to fit under specialty clothing such as a strapless evening gown.
- Other embodiments anticipate the use of decorative geometrical shapes such as flowers.
- the shield 10 may be manufactured from a range of silicon rubber compounds as are well known in the art. Silicone rubbers exhibit a resistance to deformity that is expressed in durometers. The lower the durometer, the softer the material is and the less resistance the material exhibits to deformation. A low durometer number is also an indication of the material's relative tackiness. A silicone rubber's durometer and the device thickness control the relative stretchiness of the device; the durometer and smoothness of the part also reflect in the surface tension and tackiness of the material.
- the shield is constructed of two layers, an outer layer of a higher durometer silicone compound and an inner layer of a lower durometer silicone compound .
- Other embodiments anticipate the use of a single layer membrane.
- Silicone rubbers also exhibit a resistance to lateral stresses and tearing that increase with thickness. The thicker the shield, the more resistant to tearing it is. The minimal thickness of the shield 10 is such that it will not tear when in use. Testing has shown that the shield 10, is functional at thickness less than 100 mils. However, when the shield 10 is manufactured at small thicknesses, it becomes difficult to handle and tends to fold over and stick to its self. Testing has shown that a thickness range of 20 to 90 mils works well for a consumer product.
- testing has indicated that the device, when constructed of laminated layers of silicone compounds where the inner membrane is very tacky and the outer membrane or shell is less tacky, is particularly suitable for use without supporting clothing, and may be used as such when the wearer is sleeping.
- Feedback has also indicated that a single layered device of a higher durometer is functional for use under formal wear, where the outer clothing supports the device.
- a further advantage of the single layered device, shown in testing is its tendency to shape the breast and to prevent the erectile tissue of the nipple from protruding if the wearer becomes chilled.
- the present invention can be provided to the user in a kit form allowing the user to incorporate the shield 10 into an existing article of clothing. It is anticipated that a clothing manufacturer can incorporate the present invention into an article of clothing. In such a case, the shield 10 could be made thinner, as machine handling would probably be able to overcome the difficulties encountered by an "at- home” installer.
- the shield 10 has no inherent color other than being slightly translucent.
- Other embodiments of the invention anticipate the use of color additives to the shield 10, as are well known in the art. Such color additives may be present to more closely match the skin tone of the wearer or to provide a decorative effect.
- the invention will be practiced by supplying the consumer with a range of diameters or sizes for the shield as well as colors. Large breasted women may require a large shield, and vice versa.
- the shield 10 has a diameter of approximately 3.7 inches.
- the exterior frame 11 comprises a silicone rubber compound of a comparatively high durometer vice the interior coating 12.
- the exterior frame 11 comprises injection molding grade silicone rubber compounds with a durometer between 0 and 100 using the Shore A scale. Testing has indicated that the exterior frame 11 is sufficiently stiff at 100 durometer Shore A, although in cases where more stiffness is desired, the exterior frame 11 may exceed 100 durometer shore A.
- the exterior frame 11 will generally be between 10 mil and 70 mils thick, although for specific applications where greater stability or stiffness is required, the exterior frame may be thicker than 70 mils. Similarly, designs where maximum flexibility and deformability is desired, the exterior frame may be thinner than 10 mils.
- inner membrane 12 of the shield 10 may be seen.
- inner membrane 12 has no appreciable surface roughness.
- the smoothness of inner membrane 12 facilitates adherence of the shield 10 to the breasts.
- the lack of any appreciable surface roughness ensures a high coefficient of surface friction and eliminates pathways for leakage to the edge of the shield 10.
- the inner membrane 12 comprises silicone rubber compounds of a relatively low durometer as compared to the exterior frame 11.
- the inner membrane 12 comprises silicone rubber compounds that are 10 durometer or less.
- the inner membrane 12 comprises silicone rubber compounds that range from a gel (0 durometer or below, Shore A), to 10 durometer.
- the curvature of the shield 10 may be seen.
- the shield 10 has an elliptical curvature, approximately 3.7 inches in diameter, and approximately 0.5 inches deep. It is anticipated that because of the flexibility of the silicone compounds that this design will suit most wearers however, other sizes and curvatures are anticipated. In particular, it is anticipated that the shield 10 may be sized so that it covers only the center portion of a breast, the nipple and areola area. In such an embodiment, the shield 10 may be as small as one inch in diameter or smaller.
- the shield 10 is shown being secured by a user into a brasserie 20.
- the shield 10 is supplied in a kit to the end- user.
- the kit will contain an appropriate adhesive 30 as is well known in the art, allowing the shield 10 to be secured within the brasserie 20. This allows the user to "custom fit" the shield 10, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
- the shield 10 is shown as used in place on a breast 40.
- the present invention is shown as a single layered membrane 13 incorporated into or onto a layer of cloth 14.
- Fig. 6 manufactured bra 50 is shown as it would be used by a wearer.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Corsets Or Brassieres (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2002322106A AU2002322106A1 (en) | 2002-06-14 | 2002-06-14 | Reusable breast shield |
US10/524,130 US8038660B2 (en) | 2002-06-14 | 2002-06-14 | Reusable breast shield |
PCT/US2002/018976 WO2003105616A1 (en) | 2002-06-14 | 2002-06-14 | Reusable breast shield |
US13/233,951 US8679083B2 (en) | 2002-06-14 | 2011-09-15 | Reusable breast shield |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2002/018976 WO2003105616A1 (en) | 2002-06-14 | 2002-06-14 | Reusable breast shield |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10524130 A-371-Of-International | 2002-06-14 | ||
US13/233,951 Continuation US8679083B2 (en) | 2002-06-14 | 2011-09-15 | Reusable breast shield |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2003105616A1 true WO2003105616A1 (en) | 2003-12-24 |
Family
ID=29731335
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2002/018976 WO2003105616A1 (en) | 2002-06-14 | 2002-06-14 | Reusable breast shield |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2002322106A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003105616A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1802207A2 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2007-07-04 | Charles J. Pawloski | Reusable breast shield |
US7727048B2 (en) | 2006-11-27 | 2010-06-01 | Hbi Branded Apparel Enterprises, Llc | Modesty foam pad and brassiere made |
US7815488B2 (en) | 2006-11-27 | 2010-10-19 | Hbi Branded Apparel Enterprises, Llc | Brassiere cup and brassiere made therefrom |
CN1960772B (en) * | 2004-04-01 | 2010-10-20 | 梅德拉控股公司 | Soft breastshield |
DE202012001829U1 (en) | 2012-02-24 | 2013-05-27 | Mapa Gmbh | nursing pad |
US8945046B2 (en) | 2008-04-03 | 2015-02-03 | Lyndon Brittner | Hands-free breast pump system |
US9585952B2 (en) | 2012-05-16 | 2017-03-07 | Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd | Cellular vaccine and method of inducing an immune response in a subject |
CN110612077A (en) * | 2017-05-16 | 2019-12-24 | 凯希特许有限公司 | Absorbent negative pressure dressing system for post-operative breast wounds |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5690536A (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1997-11-25 | Madden; Kathleen A. D. | Brassiere Liner |
US5798062A (en) * | 1994-06-23 | 1998-08-25 | Thielbar; Janice Marie | Method of making a custom formed natural fit artificial breast appliance |
US6419548B1 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2002-07-16 | Ome Llc | Bra shield, brassiere and method |
-
2002
- 2002-06-14 AU AU2002322106A patent/AU2002322106A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-06-14 WO PCT/US2002/018976 patent/WO2003105616A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5798062A (en) * | 1994-06-23 | 1998-08-25 | Thielbar; Janice Marie | Method of making a custom formed natural fit artificial breast appliance |
US5690536A (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1997-11-25 | Madden; Kathleen A. D. | Brassiere Liner |
US6419548B1 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2002-07-16 | Ome Llc | Bra shield, brassiere and method |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8747349B2 (en) | 2004-04-01 | 2014-06-10 | Medela Holding Ag | Soft breastshield |
USRE47111E1 (en) | 2004-04-01 | 2018-11-06 | Medela Holding Ag | Soft breastshield |
CN1960772B (en) * | 2004-04-01 | 2010-10-20 | 梅德拉控股公司 | Soft breastshield |
US8152754B2 (en) | 2004-04-01 | 2012-04-10 | Medela Holding Ag | Soft breastshield |
EP1802207A4 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2015-01-14 | Charles J Pawloski | Reusable breast shield |
EP1802207A2 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2007-07-04 | Charles J. Pawloski | Reusable breast shield |
US7988526B2 (en) | 2006-11-27 | 2011-08-02 | Hbi Branded Apparel Enterprises, Llc | Modesty foam pad and brassiere made |
US7815488B2 (en) | 2006-11-27 | 2010-10-19 | Hbi Branded Apparel Enterprises, Llc | Brassiere cup and brassiere made therefrom |
US7727048B2 (en) | 2006-11-27 | 2010-06-01 | Hbi Branded Apparel Enterprises, Llc | Modesty foam pad and brassiere made |
US8945046B2 (en) | 2008-04-03 | 2015-02-03 | Lyndon Brittner | Hands-free breast pump system |
US9636282B2 (en) | 2008-04-03 | 2017-05-02 | Oak Tree Ip, Llc | Hands free breast pump |
US10307521B2 (en) | 2008-04-03 | 2019-06-04 | Lyndon Brittner | Hands-free breast pump adapter system |
WO2013123952A1 (en) | 2012-02-24 | 2013-08-29 | Mapa Gmbh | Nursing pad |
DE202012001829U1 (en) | 2012-02-24 | 2013-05-27 | Mapa Gmbh | nursing pad |
US9585952B2 (en) | 2012-05-16 | 2017-03-07 | Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd | Cellular vaccine and method of inducing an immune response in a subject |
CN110612077A (en) * | 2017-05-16 | 2019-12-24 | 凯希特许有限公司 | Absorbent negative pressure dressing system for post-operative breast wounds |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2002322106A1 (en) | 2003-12-31 |
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