A SHIELD FOR SHIELDING A NIPPLE AND A PORTION OF A BREAST THAT SURROUNDS THE NIPPLE OF A NURSING MOTHER

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a shield for shielding a nipple and a portion of a breast (not shown) that surrounds the nipple of a nursing mother. The shield comprises a base adapted for contact with the mother's breast; and a protrusion connected to the base, and shaped to shield the mother's areola and nipple. The protrusion comprises an upper wall portion adapted for shielding the upper part of the mother's areola and nipple; and a lower wall portion adapted for shielding the lower part of the mother's areola and nipple. One or more perforations of a first type extend through the lower wall portion from the inner surface side to the outer surface side. The perforations of a first type are positioned below the part of the lower wall portion that is adapted to shield the lower part of the mother's nipple.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to shields for shielding, in-between breast feedings, a nipple and a portion of a breast that surrounds the nipple of a nursing mother.

Background of the invention

[0002] Women who are lactating often experience irritation of the breast and nipple areas. The nipples can become highly sensitized from nursing, and may crack or otherwise suffer any number of nursing-related topical problems. Chafing of the breast or nipple area from clothing then becomes a concern.

[0003] Another problem associated with breast-feeding is that breast milk may leak between nursing periods, staining overlying clothing.

[0004] It is thus quite desirable to protect the breasts and nipples of lactating women from the irritation or discomfort experienced from contact with clothing during the period they are nursing.

Summary of the invention

[0005] A first aspect relates to a shield for shielding a nipple and a portion of a breast that surrounds the nipple of a nursing mother, and for use in-between breast-feedings of a baby, said shield comprising:

• a base adapted for contact with the mother's breast; and
• a protrusion connected to the base, and shaped to shield the mother's areola and nipple;

wherein the protrusion comprises an upper wall portion adapted for shielding the upper part of the mother's areola and nipple; and a lower wall portion adapted for shielding the lower part of the mother's areola and nipple;
wherein one or more perforations extend through the lower wall portion from the inner surface side to the outer surface side, said perforations being positioned below the part of the lower wall portion adapted to shield the lower part of the mother's nipple.

[0006] A second aspect relates to a shield for shielding a nipple and a portion of a breast that surrounds the nipple of a nursing mother, and for use in-between breast-feedings of a baby, said shield comprising:

• a base adapted for contact with the mother's breast; and
• a protrusion connected to the base, and shaped to shield the mother's areola and nipple;

wherein the protrusion comprises an upper wall portion adapted for shielding the upper part of the mother's areola and nipple; and a lower wall portion adapted for shielding the lower part of the mother's areola and nipple;
wherein one or more perforations of a first type extend through the lower wall portion from the inner surface side to the outer surface side, said perforations being positioned below the part of the lower wall portion adapted to shield the lower part of the mother's nipple.

[0007] A third aspect relates to a shield for shielding a nipple and a portion of a breast that surrounds the nipple of a nursing mother, and for use in-between breast-feedings of a baby, said shield comprising:

• a base adapted for contact with the mother's breast; and
• a protrusion connected to the base, and shaped to shield the mother's areola and nipple;

wherein the protrusion comprises an upper wall portion adapted for shielding the upper part of the mother's areola and nipple; and a lower wall portion adapted for shielding the lower part of the mother's areola and nipple;
wherein one or more perforations extend through the lower wall portion from the inner surface side to the outer surface side, said perforations being positioned below the part of the lower wall portion adapted to shield the lower part of the mother's nipple;
wherein the cross-sectional area of the smallest section of each of said one or more of perforations of a first type is at least 7.0 mm²; wherein a plurality of perforations extend through the upper wall portion from the inner surface side to the outer surface side; and wherein the cross-sectional area of the smallest section of each of said one or more of perforations are within the range of 3.0-6.9 mm², and preferably within the range of 3.1-6.2 mm².

[0008] A fourth aspect relates to a shield for shielding a nipple and a portion of a breast that surrounds the nipple of a nursing mother, and for use in-between breast-feedings of a baby, said shield comprising:

• a base adapted for contact with the mother's breast; and
• a protrusion connected to the base, and shaped to shield the mother's areola and nipple;

wherein the protrusion comprises an upper wall portion adapted for shielding the upper part of the mother's areola and nipple; and a lower wall portion adapted for shielding the lower part of the mother's areola and nipple;
wherein one or more perforations of a first type extend through the lower wall portion from the inner surface side to the outer surface side, said perforations being positioned below the part of the lower wall portion adapted to shield the lower part of the mother's nipple;
wherein the cross-sectional area of the smallest section of each of said one or more of perforations of a first type is at least 7.0 mm²; wherein a plurality of perforations extend through the upper wall portion from the inner surface side to the outer surface side; and wherein the cross-sectional area of the smallest section of each of said one or more of perforations are within the range of 3.0-6.9 mm², and preferably within the range of 3.1-6.2 mm².

[0009] The inventor of the present invention has created a shield, where the leaking milk is directed towards the lower wall portion, and preferably in close proximity to the base. Thereby, as little leaking milk as possible will stay within the shield. To secure that the milk will run out of the perforations, the cross-sectional area of the smallest section of each of the one or more of perforations of a first type must be at least 7.0 mm². One or more perforations extend through the upper wall portion from the inner surface side to the outer surface side. These perforations (or channels or holes) are present to ventilate the areola and nipple. To avoid that the milk will leave through these perforations; the cross-sectional area of the smallest section of each of said one or more of perforations of a second type should be within the range of 3.0-6.9 mm², and preferably within the range of 3.1-6.2 mm². A cross-sectional area below 3.0 mm² will result in poor ventilation.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the smallest section of each of said the one or more perforations of a second type is within the range of 3.0-6.9 mm², such as within the range of 3.1-6.8 mm², e.g. within the range of 3.2-6.7 mm², such as within the range of 3.3-6.6 mm², e.g. within the range of 3.4-6.5 mm², such as within the range of 3.5-6.4 mm², e.g. within the range of 3.6-6.3 mm², such as within the range of 3.7-6.2 mm², e.g. within the range of 3.8-6.1 mm², such as within the range of 3.9-6.0 mm², e.g. within the range of 4.0-5.9 mm², such as within the range of 4.1-5.8 mm², e.g. within the range of 4.2-5.7 mm², such as within the range of 4.3-5.6 mm², e.g. within the range of 4.4-5.5 mm², such as within the range of 4.5-5.4 mm², e.g. within the range of 4.6-5.3 mm², such as within the range of 4.7-5.2 mm², e.g. within the range of 4.8-5.1 mm², such as within the range of 4.9-5.0 mm².

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional area of each of said the one or more perforations of a second type is within the range of 3.0-6.9 mm², such as within the range of 3.1-6.8 mm², e.g. within the range of 3.2-6.7 mm², such as within the range of 3.3-6.6 mm², e.g. within the range of 3.4-6.5 mm², such as within the range of 3.5-6.4 mm², e.g. within the range of 3.6-6.3 mm², such as within the range of 3.7-6.2 mm², e.g. within the range of 3.8-6.1 mm², such as within the range of 3.9-6.0 mm², e.g. within the range of 4.0-5.9 mm², such as within the range of 4.1-5.8 mm², e.g. within the range of 4.2-5.7 mm², such as within the range of 4.3-5.6 mm², e.g. within the range of 4.4-5.5 mm², such as within the range of 4.5-5.4 mm², e.g. within the range of 4.6-5.3 mm², such as within the range of 4.7-5.2 mm², e.g. within the range of 4.8-5.1 mm², such as within the range of 4.9-5.0 mm².

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the perforations (or channels or holes) of a second type has a cross-sectional diameter of at least 2 mm, such as within the range of 2.0-2.8 mm, e.g. within the range of 2.1-2.7 mm, such as within the range of 2.2-2.6 mm, e.g. within the range of 2.3-2.5 mm.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, one or more perforations of a first type are positioned in close proximity to the base, such that as little leaking milk as possible will stay within the shield.

[0014] The base is ring-shaped, preferably circular; and the protrusion comprises a cavity, such that the areola and nipple can be positioned within the shield.

[0015] The perforations (or channels or holes) extending through the lower wall portion are present to allow the leaking milk between nursing periods to escape from the shield to protect the areola and nipple from being damp.

[0016] The cross-section of the perforations (or channels or holes) extending through the lower wall portion may be of any shape, such as rectangular, semi-circular, oval, star-shaped, or triangular.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the perforations (or channels or holes) extending through the lower wall portion has a cross-sectional area of at least 7 mm², such as within the range of 7-490 mm², e.g. at least 8 mm², such as within the range of 8-485 mm², e.g. at least 9 mm², such as within the range of 9-480 mm².

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the smallest section of each of the one or more of perforations of a first type is at least 7.0 mm², such as within the range of 7-500 mm², e.g. at least 8 mm², such as within the range of 8-495 mm², e.g. at least 9 mm², such as within the range of 9-490 mm², e.g. at least 10 mm², such as within the range of 10-485 mm², e.g. at least 11 mm², such as within the range of 11-480 mm².

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the perforations (or channels or holes) of a first type extending through the lower wall portion has a cross-sectional area of at least 7 mm², such as within the range of 7-490 mm², e.g. at least 8 mm², such as within the range of 8-485 mm², e.g. at least 9 mm², such as within the range of 9-480 mm².

[0020] The inventor has found that the perforations, when having a circular cross-section, must have a diameter of at least 3 mm for the milk to escape unhindered.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the perforations (or channels or holes) extending through the lower wall portion has a cross-sectional diameter of at least 3 mm, such as within the range of 3-20 mm, such as at least 4 mm, such as within the range of 4-25 mm, such as at least 5 mm, such as within the range of 5-15 mm.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the perforations (or channels or holes) of a first type extending through the lower wall portion has a cross-sectional diameter of at least 3 mm, such as within the range of 3-20 mm, such as at least 4 mm, such as within the range of 4-25 mm, such as at least 5 mm, such as within the range of 5-15 mm.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, one or more perforations in the lower wall portion extend downward and away from the upper wall portion. This position allows for better drainage of the leaking milk between nursing periods.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, one or more perforations of a first type in the lower wall portion extend downward and away from the upper wall portion. This position allows for better drainage of the leaking milk between nursing periods.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, one or more perforations extend through the upper wall portion from the inner surface side to the outer surface side. These perforations (or channels or holes) are present to ventilate the areola and nipple.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, one or more perforations of a second type extend through the lower wall portion from the inner surface side to the outer surface side.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the perforations of a second type in conjunction with the perforations extending through the upper wall portion form a figure (e.g. a butterfly) serving as a ventilation unit.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, one or more perforations in the upper wall portion extend upward and away from the lower wall portion. This position allows for better ventilation, especially in combination with one or more perforations in the lower wall portion extending downward and away from the upper wall portion.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the protrusion is cup- or dome-shaped. This shape provides an optimal cavity within the protrusion for the areola and nipple to be positioned in.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the base and/or protrusion comprises means for holding an absorbing pad in close contact to the outer surface side of the lower wall portion. The drained leaking milk is then collected in a very efficient manner. In one or more embodiments, the protrusion is shaped to shield the mother's areola and nipple without contact therewith. This will allow for minimal stress of the areola and nipple skin.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the base is formed of an elastic or cushioning material.

[0032] The shield can be made of a variety of flexible materials to allow maximum comfort for the nursing mother and for ease of use. Specifically, the shield can be made of a soft, flexible, and transparent material such as silicone or rubber.

[0033] In the present context, the term "flexible material" is understood to include one or more of any of the following: elastomers, foamed polymeric materials, foils, fabrics (including wovens and nonwovens), biosourced materials, and papers, in any configuration, as separate material(s), or as layer(s) of a laminate, or as part(s) of a composite material, in a microlayered or nanolayered structure, and in any combination, as described herein or as known in the art. In various embodiments, part, parts, or all of a flexible material can be coated or uncoated, treated or untreated, processed or unprocessed, in any manner known in the art.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the protrusion is formed of an elastic resilient material.

[0035] Another aspect relates to a shield system for shielding a nipple and a portion of a breast that surrounds the nipple of a nursing mother, and for use in-between breast-feedings of a baby, said shield system comprising:

• a shield according to the first aspect of the present invention; and
• an absorption pad.

[0036] It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

Brief description of the figures

[0037] 

Figure 1 shows a backside view of a shield for shielding a nipple and a portion of a breast that surrounds the nipple of a nursing mother in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; and

Figure 2 shows a perspective front view of a shield for shielding a nipple and a portion of a breast that surrounds the nipple of a nursing mother in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

[0038] Figure 1 shows a backside view of a shield 100 for shielding a nipple and a portion of a breast (not shown) that surrounds the nipple of a nursing mother in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The shield is dome-shaped to evenly distribute the pressure (applied to the shield to keep it in place as by a brassiere or other clothing) around the breast. The shield 100 comprises a base 200 adapted for contact with the mother's breast; and a protrusion 300 connected to the base 200, and shaped to shield the mother's areola and nipple. The protrusion 300 comprises an upper wall portion 310 adapted for shielding the upper part of the mother's areola and nipple; and a lower wall portion 320 adapted for shielding the lower part of the mother's areola and nipple.

[0039] A plurality of perforations 312 extend through the upper wall portion 310 from the inner surface side 314 to the outer surface side (316, Figure 2). Furthermore, a plurality of perforations of a second type 323 extend through the lower wall portion 320 from the inner surface side 324 to the outer surface side (326, Figure 2). The perforations of a second type 323 in conjunction with the perforations 312 form a figure (a butterfly) serving as a ventilation unit.

[0040] In Figure 2, three perforations of a first type 322 extend through the lower wall portion 320 from the inner surface side (324, Figure 1) to the outer surface side 326. The perforations of a first type 322 are positioned below the part of the lower wall portion 320 that is adapted to shield the lower part of the mother's nipple. More specifically, the three perforations of a first type 322 are positioned in close proximity to the base 200, such that as little leaking milk as possible will stay within the shield as possible.

[0041] An example of the dimensions of the shield could be as follows:

External diameter of the base 200: 60-80 mm.

Depth of the cavity within the protrusion 300: 20-40 mm.

Shell thickness: 2-5 mm.

Diameter of the perforations 312: 2-2.8 mm.

Diameter of the perforations of a first type 322: 3-5 mm.

Diameter of the perforations of a second type 323: 2-2.8 mm.

References

[0042] 

100

Shield

200

Base

300

Protrusion

310

Upper wall portion

312

Perforation

314

Inner surface side, upper wall portion

316

Outer surface side, upper wall portion

320

Lower wall portion

322

Perforation of a first type

323

Perforation of a second type

324

Inner surface side, lower wall portion

326

Outer surface side, lower wall portion

Claims

1. A shield (100) for shielding a nipple and a portion of a breast that surrounds the nipple of a nursing mother, and for use in-between breast-feedings of a baby, said shield comprising:

- a base (200) adapted for contact with the mother's breast; and

- a protrusion (300) connected to the base (200), and shaped to shield the mother's areola and nipple;

wherein the protrusion (300) comprises an upper wall portion (310) adapted for shielding the upper part of the mother's areola and nipple; and a lower wall portion (320) adapted for shielding the lower part of the mother's areola and nipple;
wherein one or more perforations of a first type (322) extend through the lower wall portion (320) from the inner surface side (324) to the outer surface side (326), said perforations (322) being positioned below the part of the lower wall portion (320) adapted to shield the lower part of the mother's nipple;
wherein the cross-sectional area of the smallest section of each of said one or more of perforations of a first type (322) is at least 7.0 mm²; wherein a plurality of perforations (312) extend through the upper wall portion (310) from the inner surface side (314) to the outer surface side (316); and wherein the cross-sectional area of the smallest section of each of said one or more of perforations (312) are within the range of 3.0-6.9 mm², and preferably within the range of 3.1-6.2 mm².

2. A shield (100) according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of perforations of a second type (323) extend through the lower wall portion (320) from the inner surface side (324) to the outer surface side (326); and wherein the cross-sectional area of the smallest section of each of said one or more of perforations of a second type (323) are within the range of 3.0-6.9 mm², and preferably within the range of 3.1-6.2 mm².

3. A shield (100) according to claim 2, wherein the perforations of a second type (323) in conjunction with the perforations (312) extending through the upper wall portion (310) form a figure serving as a ventilation unit

4. A shield (100) according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein one or more perforations (322) in the lower wall portion (320) extend downward and away from the upper wall portion (310).

5. A shield (100) according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein one or more perforations (312) in the upper wall portion (310) extend upward and away from the lower wall portion (310).

6. A shield (100) according to any one of the claims 1-5, wherein the base (200) and/or protrusion (300) comprises means for holding an absorbing pad in close contact to the outer surface side (326) of the lower wall portion (320).

7. A shield (100) according to any one of the claims 1-6, wherein the protrusion (300) is shaped to shield the mother's areola and nipple without contact therewith;

8. A shield (100) according to any one of the claims 1-7, wherein the protrusion (300) is formed of an elastic resilient material.

9. A shield system for shielding a nipple and a portion of a breast that surrounds the nipple of a nursing mother, and for use in-between breast-feedings of a baby, said shield system comprising:

- a shield (100) according to any one of the claims 1-8; and

- an absorption pad.

Drawing