FR3106971A1 - BREAST MILK RETAINING DEVICE TO PROMOTE THE HEALING OF A WOMAN'S NIPPLE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates mainly to a device (10) for retaining breast milk promoting healing of a woman's nipple, characterized in that it comprises: - an internal face (12) defining a hollow bowl intended to contain breast milk and to receive said nipple, - an outer face (14) intended to come into contact with a bra, - said outer face (14) and said inner face (12) being interconnected by an edge (16), and - an insert (26, 26 '), made in particular based on elastomer, silicone, rubber or gum, and implanted on said outer face (14) at a top (20) and / or in said edge (16) of said device (10). Figure 3c

Description

BREAST MILK RETAINING DEVICE PROMOTING HEALING OF A WOMAN'S NIPPLE

The present invention relates to a breast milk retaining device which promotes the healing of a female nipple.

When breastfeeding the baby, cracking and cracking of the mother's nipple may occur, sometimes resulting in bleeding. The lesion consists of a breach of the epidermis, the dermis, sometimes going as far as the subdermal tissue, and even the venous networks, which explains the bleeding. The lesion is due to excessive stretching of the weakened skin which tears. These cracks can cause intense pain that easily becomes a source of anxiety. The mother then hesitates to give the breast and the ejection of milk is less easy. There is a risk of engorgement, and worsening of the condition of the nipple.

Among the possible healing treatments, the use of breast milk as a wet dressing can be suggested because of its simple, direct and economical use. Such healing is a natural and spontaneous process provided the wound is in a favorable micro-environment. Healing in a moisturizing medium preserves the natural hydration of the tissues of the areola, which allows the crack to fill without the formation of a crust, and the skin to regain its normal, supple, and soft state.

Human milk contains epidermal growth factors which act on cell multiplication, and anti-infective factors. Oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates are complex carbohydrate molecules that inhibit the attachment of a large number of pathogenic germs. A dressing made up of milk therefore provides numerous anti-inflammatory and immune factors, as well as white blood cells and epidermal growth factors, all of which are directly operational in a possible anti-infective process.

The principle consists of making a dressing by adding a few drops of milk to a compress and then keeping this dressing on the breast. However, these dressings are impractical, insofar as it is necessary to cut the compress at each dressing change to adapt it to the breast.

The invention aims to effectively remedy this drawback by proposing a breast milk retaining device promoting the healing of a woman's nipple, characterized in that it comprises:
- an internal face delimiting a hollow basin intended to contain breast milk and to receive the nipple,
- an outer face intended to come into contact with a bra,
- the outer face and the inner face being interconnected by an edge, and
- an insert, made in particular based on elastomer, silicone, rubber, or rubber, and implanted on the external face at the level of a vertex and/or in the edge of the device.

According to one embodiment, the device is made of at least one material chosen from the following materials: porcelain, glass, ceramic, biscuit, metal, in particular gold, silver, and brass, plastic , resin filled or not, mother-of-pearl powder, silicone, wax, alabaster or marble, natural or reconstituted from powder, a polymer material, or an elastomeric material.

According to one embodiment, the edge is rounded to avoid injuries.

According to one embodiment, the inner and outer faces are smooth to improve comfort.

According to one embodiment, a base in which the edge extends has a curved shape along a height of the device.

According to one embodiment, a top of the device is centered along a width of the base and off-centered along a length of the base.

According to one embodiment, a ratio between a height of the device and a length of the base is between 0.22 and 0.33.

According to one embodiment, a portion of the inner face and, where appropriate of the outer face, has a pointed shape to adapt to the shape of a nipple.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises an area for writing a logo and/or a decorative pattern.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises a shape, such as a hole or a gutter, provided on the internal face of the device and ensuring a guiding of the milk towards the outside of the device.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises a system for attaching the device to the woman wearing the device, the attachment system comprising at least one attachment cord and a means for attaching the attachment cord to a body of the device .

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a pair of molded devices for retaining breast milk promoting the healing of a woman's nipple as previously defined, the two devices being substantially identical with respect to each other.

The invention also relates to a use of a device as defined above in the context of post-operative care for breast surgery, the device being used in combination with a cream promoting healing to create a micro-climate favorable to healing in moisturizing medium.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description and on examining the accompanying figures. These figures are given only by way of illustration but in no way limit the invention.

Figures 1a to 1c show respectively top and cross-sectional views along lines BB and CC of a first embodiment of a molded breast milk retainer promoting healing according to the invention;

Figures 2a to 2c show respectively top and cross-sectional views along lines BB and CC of a second embodiment of the molded breast milk retainer promoting healing according to the invention;

Figures 3a to 3c show respectively top and cross-sectional views along lines BB and CC of a third embodiment of the molded breast milk retainer promoting healing according to the invention;

Figures 4a to 4c show respectively top and cross-sectional views along lines BB and CC of a fourth embodiment of the molded breastmilk retainer promoting healing according to the invention;

Figures 5a-5c show a variation in shape of the molded breast milk retainer promoting healing according to the invention;

FIGS. 6a to 12c show different embodiment variants of the device according to the invention allowing management of milk flows between feedings;

FIGS. 13a to 15c show different variant embodiments of the device according to the invention comprising a system for attaching said device to the wearer.

Identical, similar or analogous elements retain the same reference from one figure to another.

In the following description, the relative terms of the "horizontal", "vertical", "upper" or "lower" type are understood to refer to a breast milk retaining device according to the invention in the position of use on the nipple of a woman.

Figures 1a-1c show a first embodiment of a molded breast milk retainer 10 to promote healing of a female nipple. This device 10 comprises an internal face 12 delimiting a hollow basin intended to contain breast milk and to receive the nipple, and an external face 14 of corresponding shape intended to come into contact with a bra. The internal 12 and external 14 faces are interconnected by an edge 16. Preferably, the edge 16 is rounded to avoid injuries. In addition, the inner 12 and outer 14 faces are advantageously smooth to improve comfort.

A base 18 in which the edge 16 extends has a substantially oval shape in projection in the plane of the sheet as is apparent from the . In addition, the base 18 has a curved shape along a height of the device 10. Thus, it is possible to distinguish a height H1 corresponding to the gap between the top 20 and the lowest point of the base 18, and a height H2 between the top 20 and the highest point of the base 18. A ratio between the heights H1 and H2 could for example be between 1.0 and 1.1 for good ergonomics of the device 10.

As emerges from FIGS. 1b and 1c, vertex 20 belonging to outer face 14 corresponds to the highest point relative to base 18 when device 10 rests on a flat surface via its base 18. Vertex 20 is centered along a width L1 of the base 18 and eccentric along a length L2 of the base 18.

According to a preferred embodiment, a ratio between the height H1 of the device 10 and the length L2 of the base 18 is between 0.22 and 0.33. Advantageously, the height H1 is between 1.4 and 2.7 and the length L2 is between 5.5 and 8.5. This allows the device 10 to adapt to different types of nipple morphologies. In order to obtain good robustness of the device 10, the thickness E1 of the wall of the device 10, which is preferably substantially constant, is between 1 mm and 5 mm. As a variant, the thickness E1 may vary according to the height H1 of the device 10 in particular.

The device 10 can be obtained by molding, stamping, rotational molding, three-dimensional printing, extrusion, but also milling and thermoforming. The device 10 may be made of at least one material chosen from the following materials: porcelain, glass, ceramic, biscuit, metal, in particular gold, silver, and brass, plastic, resin charged or not, mother-of-pearl powder, silicone, or wax, or alabaster or marble, natural or reconstituted from powder. As a variant, the device 10 could be made of a flexible material, for example of the polymer, elastomer or beeswax type.

Figures 2a-2c show a second embodiment of the molded breast milk retainer 10 for promoting healing of a female nipple. This device 10 comprises an internal face 12 delimiting a hollow basin intended to contain breast milk and to receive the nipple, and an external face 14 intended to come into contact with a bra. The internal 12 and external 14 faces are interconnected by an edge 16. Preferably, the edge 16 is rounded to avoid injuries. In addition, the inner 12 and outer 14 faces are advantageously smooth to improve comfort.

A base 18 in which extends the edge 16 has a circular shape in projection in the plane of the sheet, as is apparent from the . Top 20 of device 10 is substantially centered with respect to base 18. Further, base 18 extends substantially in one plane.

A portion 24 of the inner 12 and outer 14 faces at the apex 20 has a pointed shape to adapt to the shape of the nipple. There is thus a change in curvature linked to the presence, in sectional view, of lines of inflection 22 between the beginning of the pointed portion 24 and the rest of the curvature of the inner 12 and outer 14 faces.

As shown in Figures 2b and 2c, the top 20 is centered with respect to the base 18 in the form of a circle, that is to say that, in a projection along a height H3 of the device 10, the top 20 merges substantially with the center of base 18.

According to a preferred embodiment, a ratio between the height H3 of the device 10 and a diameter L3 of the base 18 is between 0.34 and 0.42. Advantageously, the height H3 is between 1.9 and 3.5. This allows the device 10 to adapt to different types of nipple morphologies. In order to obtain good robustness of the device 10, the thickness E2, which is substantially constant, is between 1 mm and 5 mm. As a variant, the thickness E2 could be variable according to the height H3 of the device 10 in particular.

The device 10 can be obtained by molding, stamping, rotational molding, three-dimensional printing, extrusion, but also milling and thermoforming. The device 10 may be made of at least one material chosen from the following materials: porcelain, glass, ceramic, biscuit, metal, in particular gold, silver, and brass, plastic, resin charged or not, mother-of-pearl powder, silicone, or wax, or alabaster or marble, natural or reconstituted from powder. As a variant, the device 10 could be made of a flexible material, for example of the polymer, elastomer or beeswax type.

Figures 3a-3c show a third embodiment of the molded breast milk retainer 10 to promote healing of a female nipple. This device 10 comprises an internal face 12 delimiting a hollow basin intended to contain breast milk and to receive the nipple, and an external face 14 intended to come into contact with a bra. The internal 12 and external 14 faces are interconnected by an edge 16. Preferably, the edge 16 is rounded to avoid injuries. In addition, the inner 12 and outer 14 faces are advantageously smooth to improve comfort.

A base 18 in which extends the edge 16 has a circular shape in projection in the plane of the sheet, as is apparent from the . Top 20 of device 10 is substantially centered with respect to base 18. Further, base 18 extends substantially in one plane.

According to a preferred embodiment, a ratio between a height H4 of device 10 and a diameter L5 of base 18 is between 5.5 and 8.5. Advantageously, the height H4 is between 1.4 and 1.7. This allows the device 10 to adapt to different types of nipple morphologies. In order to obtain good robustness of the device 10, the thickness E3 which is substantially constant, is between 1 mm and 5 mm. As a variant, the thickness E3 may vary according to the height H4 of the device 10 in particular.

In addition, the device 10 comprises an insert 26 made of an adherent or semi-adherent material, for example based on elastomer, silicone, rubber, or gum. The insert 26 is implanted on the outer face 14 at the level of the top 20. This makes it possible to maintain the device 10 inside the bra. The insert 26 used at the top can be weighted to act as a counterweight to ensure that if the device 10 falls, it falls on the top 20 which will then act as a shock absorber. Another insert 26' is also integrated into the edge 16 of the device 10. This prevents the breakage of the device 10 during possible falls. Alternatively, the device 10 may include only one of the inserts among the inserts 26 and 26'. Of course, the inserts 26, 26' can also be used with the embodiments of FIGS. 1a to 1c, 2a to 2c, and 4a to 4c.

The device 10 can be obtained by molding, stamping, rotational molding, three-dimensional printing, extrusion, but also milling and thermoforming. The device 10 may be made of at least one material chosen from the following materials: porcelain, glass, ceramic, biscuit, metal, in particular gold, silver, and brass, plastic, resin charged or not, mother-of-pearl powder, silicone, wax, or alabaster or marble, natural or reconstituted from powder. As a variant, the device 10 could be made of a flexible material, for example of the polymer, elastomer or beeswax type.

Figures 4a-4c show a fourth embodiment of the molded breastmilk retainer 10 for promoting healing of a female nipple. This device 10 comprises an internal face 12 delimiting a hollow basin intended to contain breast milk and to receive the nipple, and an external face 14 intended to come into contact with a bra. The inner 12 and outer 14 faces are interconnected by an edge 16. In addition, the inner 12 and outer 14 faces are advantageously smooth to improve comfort.

A base 18 in which extends the edge 16 has a substantially oval shape in projection in the plane of the sheet, as is apparent from the . In addition, the base 18 has a curved shape along a height of the device 10. Thus, it is possible to distinguish a height H5 corresponding to the gap between the top 20 and the lowest point of the base 18 and a height H6 between the top 20 and the highest point of the base 18. A ratio between the heights H5 and H6 could for example be between 1.18 and 1.39 for good ergonomics of the device 10. Alternatively, the base 18 may have a substantially circular shape.

The top 20 is preferably centered along a width L6 of the base 18 and off-centered along a length L7 of the base 18.

According to a preferred embodiment, a ratio between the height H5 of the device 10 and the length L7 of the base 18 is between 0.18 and 0.28. Advantageously, the height H5 is between 1.1 and 2.4 and the length L7 is between 5.5 and 8.5. This allows the device 10 to adapt to different types of nipple morphologies.

According to this embodiment, the device 10 may be made from a sheet of metal which will be stamped, in particular a sheet made from silver. The internal face 12 and the external face 14 then define a thin wall E4 corresponding to that of the sheet. The edge 16 of the sheet is curved outwards to avoid the creation of a protruding edge liable to injure the chest.

The device 10 may generally comprise an area 27 for writing a logo on the external face 14, such as a factory brand logo, or an area for writing a decorative pattern, as shown on there .

According to an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 5a to 5c, the device 10 may have a pointed shape on the inner face 12 to adapt to the shape of a nipple, while the outer face 14 has a regularly curved shape.

The device 10 may also include at least one hole 28 to allow the flow of milk losses between feedings, as shown in Figures 6a to 8c. In the embodiment of Figures 6a to 6c, the device 10 comprises a single hole 28 passing right through the device 10 along its thickness E. The hole 28 is made in the lower part, that is to say below of a plane P1 substantially perpendicular to the base 18 and passing through the top 20 when the device 10 is positioned on the user's nipple.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 7a to 7c, the device 10 comprises three holes 28 placed side by side in the lower part. Holes 28 are positioned close to top 20.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 8a to 8c, device 10 comprises two holes 28 positioned along a substantially vertical axis X1. One of the holes 28 is positioned near the top 20 while the other hole 28 is positioned near the bottom of the edge 16.

Of course, the number of holes 28 as well as their positioning can be adapted according to the application and in particular the shape of the device 10.

Alternatively, the shape of the hole 28 may be elongated as shown in Figures 9a to 9c. The hole 28 preferably extends in a circumferential direction with respect to an axis X2 passing through the top 20.

Base 18 extends in a plane P2 perpendicular to axis X2, except for profile variations. As a variant, the base 18 may have an inclined plane with respect to the axis X2.

It should be noted that the holes 28 may be left open or else be plugged as required.

Alternatively, the device 10 includes a gutter 30 to better collect the milk, as shown in Figures 11a to 11c. This gutter 30 is constituted by a non-through groove formed in the internal face 12 of the device 10. This gutter 30 extends in a substantially vertical direction between the top 20 and the lower part of the edge 16.

In the event of a strong flow of breast milk, the device 10 may be equipped with a nursing pad 32, for example an absorbent cotton disc or a sponge, positioned between the device 10 and the bra, as is represented by Figures 10a to 10c and 12a to 12c. As a variant, the nursing pad 32 could be integrated on the outer face 14. When the nursing pad 32 can no longer absorb liquid, the wearer can empty it from time to time, for example by wringing.

The device 10 may also include a system 34 for attaching the device 10 to the woman carrying the device 10, as illustrated by FIGS. 13a to 15c. To this end, the fastening system 34 comprises at least one fastening cord 35 and a means 36 for attaching the fastening cord 35 to the body 39 of the device 10.

In the embodiment of Figures 13a to 13d, the attachment means 36 comprises a magnetized ferrous metal patch 40, for example glued or embedded, in the upper part of the device. As shown more precisely in the , the magnetic pads 40 of two devices 10 are connected to the attachment cord 35, such as for example a cord for eyeglasses, intended to pass behind the user's neck. As a variant, the tie cord 35 associated with each device 10 may include one end equipped with a clamp intended to be clamped onto a garment or a bra.

In the embodiment of Figures 14a to 14c, the attachment means 36 comprises a ring 41 in the upper part. The ring 41 thus allows the passage of the cord 35 for attaching the device 10. The ring 41 may be formed by a protruding lug with a hole coming from the outer face 14 of the device 10.

In the embodiment of Figures 15a to 15c, the hooking means 36 comprises a hole 42 passing through the thickness of the body 39 of the device 10. The hole 42 made in the upper part of the device 10 makes it possible to receive an element made of flexible material elastic coming to get stuck in the hole 42. The elastic element is connected to a tie cord 35.

The device 10 may be adapted in particular in terms of shape, thickness, and surface appearance depending on the use or the needs of the application. Thus, the device 10 can be made to measure and adapted in particular according to the morphology of each wearer.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a pair of molded breast milk retainers 10 promoting the healing of female nipples. Thanks to their production, in particular by molding or stamping, the two devices 10 may be substantially identical with respect to each other so as to adapt optimally to the morphology of the woman's breast. Advantageously, the pair of device 10 may be presented in packaging for sale.

In the context of post-operative care for breast surgery, the device 10 can be used in combination with a cream to promote healing, which makes it possible to create a micro-climate favorable to healing in a moisturizing medium such as with breast milk. .

The invention can also be used as a preventive treatment to avoid the appearance of cracks, by preparing the nipple beforehand using the moisturizing medium. This moisturizing medium may consist of breast milk, a cream, or any other suitable moisturizing product, for example lanolin or colostrum. Thus, the hydrated nipple is less likely to be subject to cracks.

The invention also provides protection against friction on the nipple, especially if the nipple already has crevices.

Of course, the foregoing description has been given by way of example only and does not limit the scope of the invention, which would not be departed from by replacing the various elements with any other equivalents.

Further, the various features, variations, and/or embodiments of the present invention may be associated with each other in various combinations, so long as they are not mutually exclusive or mutually exclusive.

Claims (12)

Device (10) for retaining breast milk promoting the healing of a female nipple obtained by molding, stamping, rotational molding, three-dimensional printing, extrusion, milling, thermoforming or even from a stamped metal sheet, characterized in that it comprises:
- an internal face (12) delimiting a hollow basin intended to contain breast milk and to receive said nipple,
- an outer face (14) intended to come into contact with a bra,
- said outer face (14) and said inner face (12) being interconnected by an edge (16), and
- an insert (26, 26'), made in particular based on elastomer, silicone, rubber, or rubber, and implanted on said outer face (14) at the level of a vertex (20) and/or in said edge (16) of said device (10). Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it is made of at least one material chosen from the following materials: porcelain, glass, ceramic, biscuit, metal, in particular gold, silver, and brass, plastic material, resin filled or not, mother-of-pearl powder, silicone, wax, alabaster or marble, natural or reconstituted from powder, a polymer material, or an elastomeric material. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said edge (16) is rounded to avoid injuries. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the said internal (12) and external (14) faces are smooth to improve comfort. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a base (18) in which said edge (16) extends has a curved shape along a height (H1) of said device (10). Device according to claim 5, characterized in that a vertex (20) of said device (10) is centered along a width (L1) of said base (18) and off-center along a length (L2) of said base (18). Device according to claim 5, characterized in that a ratio between a height (H1) of said device (10) and a length (L2) of said base (18) is between 0.22 and 0.33. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a portion (24) of the said internal face (12) and, where appropriate of the external face (14), has a pointed shape to adapt to the shape of a nipple. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it includes an area (27) for writing a logo and/or a decorative pattern. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a shape, such as a hole (28) or a gutter (30), formed on the internal face (12) of the said device (10) and ensuring a guiding of the milk towards the outside of said device (10). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a system for attaching (34) said device (10) to the woman wearing said device (10), said attachment system (34) comprising at least one tie cord (35) and a hooking means (36) of said tie cord (35) to a body (39) of said device (10). An assembly characterized in that it comprises a pair of molded breast milk retainers (10) promoting the healing of a female nipple as defined in any one of the preceding claims, said two devices (10) being substantially identical to each other.