CN108430424B

CN108430424B - Apparatus for treatment of a user's breast

Info

Publication number: CN108430424B
Application number: CN201680075822.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 田聪; 张伟
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2015-12-23
Filing date: 2016-12-22
Publication date: 2021-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-22
Also published as: CN108430424A; WO2017109081A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for breast treatment of a user, the device comprising: a support structure (2, 5, 14) for securing the device on the body of the user; a plurality of massage elements (15) arranged on and/or within the support structure (2, 5, 14); and a control unit (6) for individual or combined activation of the plurality of massage elements (15), wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of belts (3, 3a, 3b), the plurality of massage elements (15) being arranged within and/or on the belts (3, 3a, 3 b).

Description

Apparatus for treatment of a user's breast

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for treatment of a user's breasts, in particular for supporting lactation in lactating women, breast pain relief before and after parturition and cosmetic applications.

Background

Chinese patent publication CN103284874 discloses a hot air-powered breast enlarging and beautifying massage apparatus. The equipment comprises a control device, a vibration device, an air bag and a temperature adjusting layer provided with a refrigerating element and a heating element. The air bag is connected to an air pump and an exhaust valve which are connected through a three-way pipe. The different members are arranged in a bra-like structure which can be secured around the torso of the user. One major drawback of this device is the limited number of functions and the limited comfort for the patient.

KR 2013/0002774U describes a breast massage device comprising a resilient cushion. A control unit is provided to control the air pump and the valve based on input signals from a user. The cushion is scaled according to the incoming and outgoing air flow through the air supply and exhaust pipes, thereby supporting the lactation of the user's breast by cushion massage.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a user breast treatment apparatus which provides a greater range of functionality and improves user comfort, particularly with respect to different health and cosmetic aspects.

In a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for treatment of a user's breast is presented, the apparatus comprising: a support structure for securing the device on the body of the user; a plurality of massage elements disposed on and/or within the support structure; and a control unit for individual or combined activation of one or more of the massage elements, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of straps, the plurality of massage elements being provided within and/or on the straps, wherein the plurality of straps comprises a first strap and a second strap, the first strap being configured to extend at least partially around the torso of the user and the second strap being configured to interconnect with the first strap so as to be fastened in a flexible manner around the breast of the user.

By combined activation of one or more of a plurality of individual massage elements distributed on and/or within the support structure, the functionality of the device may be improved for more applications, in particular for health and medical assistance. Known breast massage devices are designed for cosmetic massage to enhance the blood supply to the breast and thus improve the skin texture. However, for medical purposes, the effect of the massage must follow different rules. For example, lactating women are not suitable for full breast massage. In this case, it is more suitable for the zoned massage, which can be achieved by the present invention. The support structure, which comprises a plurality of straps to be secured around the body and breasts, is in a form similar to a brassiere and thus can be conveniently and comfortably used by women.

According to an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the massage element comprises a water cushion and/or an air cushion. These pads are easy to manufacture, easy to integrate within the support structure and easy to handle.

According to another embodiment of the device according to the invention, the massage element comprises an electro-active element, in particular a piezoelectric element and/or an electro-active polymer. Such a pad can be operated very accurately and does not require a large pump to fill.

Preferably, the massage elements are arranged in at least two groups comprising two or more massage elements. This facilitates the precise application of the massage at the desired location and is effective for practical medical or cosmetic application purposes.

A first strap extends at least partially around the user's body, thereby securing the device to the user's chest.

A second strap may be permanently or removably connected to the first strap and extend around the user's breast. Such a strap is easy to secure and can be individually set and tightened according to the user's needs or comfort and according to the user's breast size.

According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the support structure comprises a cup, the plurality of massage elements being arranged in and/or on the cup. This embodiment is particularly bra-shaped and is therefore easy to wear even when going out.

Preferably, the cup at least partially covers the breast to be received therein. Openings for the nipples may be included therein; alternatively, the cup may be closed to enhance support and comfort of the device.

According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, a temperature treatment pad, in particular a heating pad or a cooling pad, is arranged in and/or on the support structure. Under certain circumstances, many women prefer hot or cold treatment of the breast. For example, premenstrual syndrome often results in breast heating, pain, and swelling, at which time the temperature therapy pad can be cooled to a comfortable temperature, supporting pain relief.

Vibration means may additionally be provided within and/or on the support structure. The vibration may support the massage or, alternatively, may replace the massage if only an improvement in the blood supply to the skin is desired.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device further comprises: a pressure level sensor for measuring a pressure level signal representative of a user's pressure level; a breath sensor for detecting exhalation of the user; a pressure level detector for determining an actual pressure level of the user; and a processing unit for determining a breathing rhythm corresponding to the actual pressure level. Lactating women often experience stress and are unable to effectively pump milk. For this reason, the pressure relief function can greatly support this process and make the suction more efficient. Alternatively, the pressure relief function may be used without a massage to simply calm the person by extending exhalation with a calming effect, thereby reducing the breathing rate.

The control unit is preferably configured to control the plurality of massage elements to expand during exhalation by the user to compress the user's chest. By activating all massage elements simultaneously, in a prolonged deeper breath the chest is compressed and the lungs are emptied.

Further, the control unit is advantageously configured to control the individual or simultaneous activation of one or more of the massage elements, and/or the temperature therapy pad, and/or the vibration device. Any of the functions of the device, such as massage, heating and cooling at different parts of the chest, are independent for each breast and can be combined with vibration therapy.

Drawings

These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the drawings:

figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of an example of a device for understanding the invention,

figure 1B shows an exploded view of a cup for use in the example shown in figure 1A,

FIG. 1C shows a schematic view of an exemplary arrangement of massage elements for use in the example shown in FIG. 1A, an

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A schematically shows a first example of a device 1 for understanding the invention. The device 1 comprises a support structure 2 designed to be fastened around the body of a user of the device 1. The support structure 2 may be formed as a brassiere and may comprise one or more straps 3, which may be interconnected to allow a convenient and secure fit of the device 1. The support structure 2 is preferably made of a non-elastic material to achieve an optimal massage function. In this embodiment, the first strap 3a has at least the length of a human thorax. To allow use by different users having different chest sizes, the first strap 3a may be elongated and include suitable fasteners 4 to allow fitting around torsos of different sizes. For example, the fastener 4 may be a Velcro bandage, a button, a snap fastener, or the like.

In the example shown in fig. 1A, the device 1 is a bilateral device 1, which allows for treating two breasts of a user simultaneously. This is an easy to adapt and easy to use example for understanding the invention, but it is also possible to design the device 1 similarly for a single-sided version of only one breast. In this case, the user first treats one breast and then switches to another. The support structure is therefore designed accordingly. An advantage of the single-sided embodiment is that the cost of the device is lower, for example, due to fewer components and less storage space required.

The support structure 2 further comprises at least one second strap 3b, which is removably or permanently attached to the first strap 3a and holds at least one cup 5. For example, the cup 5 may be arranged in a ring enclosed by the second band 3 b. In case of a double-sided support structure 2 there are two cups 5, whereas in case of a single-sided apparatus 1 there is only one cup 5. The cup 5 is fastened to the support structure 2 by means of, for example, Velcro, buttons or the like, or alternatively, the cup 5 may be permanently integrated within the support structure 2. When the cup 5 is removably fastened to the support structure 2, the cup can be easily removed to be cleaned. On the other hand, the permanent integration of the cup 5 within the support structure 2 allows a better fit to the user's body.

In the example shown in fig. 1A, the apparatus 1 further comprises a control unit 6, which is arranged on the support structure 2. The components and functions of the control unit 6 will be described in further detail below. The control unit 6 may be arranged on the support structure 2 or integrated in the support structure 2, but in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the control unit 6 may also be a separate member, e.g. as a portable device. The control unit 6 may also be integrated within an existing device, such as a smartphone, for example in the form of a software application ("app") for remote control. After which a portable device can be connected to the device 1. This is advantageous for improving convenience of use, since functional features like buttons and the like are more easily seen and operated by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, an exemplary cup 5 according to the example shown in FIG. 1A is shown in further detail. The cup 5 comprises a lid 10, a temperature therapy pad 11, a sponge 12, a massage element assembly 13 and a base 14.

The base 14 and the cover 10 together form a housing for receiving the functional components therein. In the example shown in fig. 1B, these components include a temperature therapy pad 11, which may be used to heat or cool a user's breast, and a massage element assembly 13, which is used to apply pressure to the user's breast, for example, to improve the flow of milk from a nursing woman. The sponge 12 serves as a cushioning layer between the temperature therapy pad 11 and the massage element assembly 13 and serves to improve user comfort. Of course, the device 1 may also be used for other purposes, such as relieving pressure, relieving breast pain before and after parturition, breast pain due to premenstrual syndrome, or simply for cosmetic reasons.

The massage element assembly 13 comprises a plurality of massage elements 15, which are preferably arranged in groups 16. Fig. 1C schematically illustrates an exemplary group 16. In the example according to fig. 1C, there are four groups 16 of massage elements 15 in total, the groups 16 being arranged in a cross-like manner on the massage element assembly 13.

The massage elements 15 may generally be activated individually, or in any combination, in accordance with the present invention. This may allow for a specific pattern of massage to be applied to the breast, for example, to improve milk flow.

In the example shown in fig. 1C, eight massage elements 15 are comprised, divided into four groups 16, wherein each group 16 comprises two massage elements 15. This arrangement can implement a variety of modes. For example, the massage elements 15 of the radially outer ring may be activated first, which is indicated with an odd number E1, E3 … … in fig. 1C. After the first activation of the outer massage element 15, the radially inner massage element 15 may be activated, which is indicated by the even numbers E2, E4 … … in fig. 1C. In this way, an outwardly focused massaging action of the breast towards the nipple can be achieved. Another possibility is to activate the massage elements 15 in a predetermined sequence, for example, first E1 and then E3, E5, E7. After activation of the massage elements 15 radially inside the first ring, E2 is activated first, then E4, E6 to E8, again in a sequential activation. Other arbitrary patterns are also possible.

According to one embodiment, the massage element 15 may be a water or air cushion, which is connected to a filling device (not shown) which fills the cushion with water or (preferably compressed) air (or other gas). The filling means may be provided in the control unit 6. Alternatively, the filling means may be housed in a separate body and connected to the massage element assembly 13. Instead of air or water, it is generally also possible to fill the massage elements 15 with other fluids.

According to a variant of this embodiment, the massage element assembly is an air or water mattress, said mattress comprising a plurality of air or water units connected to each other via one or more air or water paths, each path being connected to an air or water inlet for communication with an air or water filling device. The mat may be a multi-layer mat. In this case, the mat may have a first layer formed of air paths or water paths, each path including a plurality of air cells or water cells. The multi-layer cushion then includes one or more additional layers having a plurality of air cells coupled to the air cells of the first layer. The air cells of two or more layers expand and push against the breast to effect a massaging action.

According to another embodiment, the massage element 15 may be electrically active, wherein, for example, the massage element 15 is a polymer pad, which at least partially comprises one or more electrically active polymers, such as silicone gel or the like. It is also possible to use a piezoelectric element as the massage element 15. The two sets of massage elements 15 capable of electrical contact can also be activated individually or in any combination as previously described. The activation means and the connecting lines are also not shown. Similar to the filling means for pads described above, the activation means for the massage elements 15 capable of electrical contact may be housed within the control unit 6 or within a separate entity.

The temperature therapy pad 11 may be any suitable device, such as a pad capable of being electrically heated or cooled, or alternatively, may be some kind of pouch filled with hot or cold water to heat or cool the breast. The control of the temperature therapy pad 11 is also performed by the control unit 6. The temperature therapy pad 11 can be activated alone or in combination with the massage element 15.

Furthermore, additional components may be integrated in the device 1, for example a vibration means which may support the massage effect of the massage element 15 or a relaxation means which may detect the pressure level of the user and react accordingly by activating the massage element 15 to control the breathing of the user. The latter function may for example be integrated in the control unit 6 and activated by the control unit 6. When the control unit 6 is provided in or as a remote entity, the vibration means may be provided in the cup 5 or in the support structure 2.

The relaxation function is designed to control the user's breathing, in particular exhalation. This function can be easily combined with the massage function of the device 1. Typically, lactating women are particularly stressed when attempting to express milk from the breast, requiring relaxation support to improve success. Relaxation helps to calm the user and thus makes the process of pumping milk from the breast more efficient. The relaxation function is based on measurements representing the stress level of the user, e.g. heart rate or skin conductivity due to perspiration, which are measured by at least one stress level sensor 20, which may be part of the control unit 6, for example. In case the control unit 6 is remotely located, the pressure level sensor 20 may be provided within or on the support structure 2. The pressure level sensor 20 corresponds to the control unit 6 and delivers the measured values to a processing unit 21, which processing unit 21 may be part of the control unit 6. Also included in the control unit 6 is a stress level detector 22 for determining the actual stress level of the user.

In the processing unit 21, a suitable breathing rhythm for the actual user may be determined based on the measurement values. This breathing rhythm corresponds to the detected pressure level of the user and should be determined accordingly to calm the user. This is achieved by extending the exhalation by means of the massage element 15. A breathing sensor 23 is provided in the support structure for detecting the exhalation of the user. When the breathing sensor 23 detects the expiration of the user, the massage element 15 is activated, thereby compressing the chest cavity of the user and in this way also compressing the lungs, thereby prolonging the expiration. After a few breathing cycles this will slow down the breathing.

Fig. 2 schematically shows an embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. This embodiment also comprises massage elements 15, but which are arranged directly in the support structure 2 and/or on the support structure 2, in the

belts

3a and 3b and/or on the

belts

3a and 3b, respectively. Likewise, the first strap 3a is designed to be fastened around the user's body, while the second strap 3b is fastened around the user's breast. Preferably, each side has its own respective second strip 3b, as shown in figure 2. The strap 3b may be interconnected with the first strap 3a, for example by means of Velcro straps, buttons or other suitable fasteners. The control unit 6 may be arranged between the breasts, as described above in the description of fig. 1A, or in a separate entity.

As shown in fig. 2, the massage elements 15 are also arranged in groups 16. The groups 16 may be formed in the first and

second belts

3a, 3b or on the first and

second belts

3a, 3 b. Due to the different breast sizes of different users, the band 3b may be fastened around the breast in a flexible manner, taking into account the actual circumference of the chest. For example, a breast feeding woman has a larger than normal size. By flexibly fixing the second strap 3b, the user can use the device 1 to support breast suction and later for cosmetic applications. The immobilization of the second belt 3b around the breast can most easily be achieved by means of Velcro straps.

The

belts

3a, 3b are inelastic belts that do not elongate under tension. This may apply a massaging action to the breast and support exhalation, as described in the above embodiments.

Likewise, the massage elements 15 may be activated individually or in any combination. This mode can also be achieved when the belt 3b is in place, since there are also radially inner and radially outer massage elements 15.

The massage element 15 may also be combined with a vibration device and a temperature therapy pad 11. The vibration means may also be arranged in the control unit 6, or in or on the belt 3. For example, when the belt 3, in particular the second belt 3b, is hollow, the temperature therapy pad 11 may be formed within the entire support structure. The massage element 15 may be similar to the massage element 15 of the first embodiment shown in fig. 1A-1C, but an electroactive polymer, a piezoelectric member, an air or water filled cushion may also be used. Alternatively, these forms may be combined.

The contacting and activation of the massage element 15 with the possible vibration means and/or the temperature therapy pad 11 may be achieved via the control unit 6, which control unit 6 may be arranged on the support structure 2, between the breasts, or in a separate entity that may be connected to the device 1.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments 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 the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for breast treatment of a user, the apparatus comprising:

a support structure (2, 5, 14) for fastening the device on the body of the user,

-a plurality of massage elements (15) arranged on and/or within the support structure (2, 5, 14), and

a control unit (6) for individual or combined activation of one or more of the massage elements (15),

wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of belts (3, 3a, 3b), the plurality of massage elements (15) being arranged within and/or on the belts (3, 3a, 3b),

wherein the plurality of straps (3, 3a, 3b) comprises a first strap (3a) configured to extend at least partially around the torso of the user and a second strap (3b) configured to interconnect with the first strap (3a) to be fastened in a flexible manner around the user's breast;

wherein the second band is looped.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the massaging elements (15) comprise water and/or air cushions.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the massage element (15) comprises an electro-active element.

4. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the massaging element (15) comprises a piezoelectric element and/or an electroactive polymer.

5. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the massage elements (15) are arranged in at least two groups (16), each of the at least two groups comprising two or more massage elements (15).

6. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support structure comprises a cup (5), the plurality of massaging elements (15) being arranged within and/or on the cup (5).

7. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support structure comprises a cup (5), the plurality of massage elements (15) being arranged at a base (14) of the cup (5).

8. Device (1) according to claim 6, wherein said cup (5) at least partially covers said breast housed therein.

9. Device (1) according to claim 7, wherein said cup (5) at least partially covers said breast housed therein.

10. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a temperature therapy pad (11) arranged within and/or on the support structure (2, 5, 14).

11. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a heating or cooling mat arranged within and/or on the support structure (2, 5, 14).

12. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a vibration means arranged within and/or on the support structure (2, 5, 14).

13. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a pressure level sensor (20) for measuring a pressure level signal representative of a pressure level of the user; a breath sensor (23) for detecting exhalation of the user; a stress level detector (22) for determining an actual stress level of the user; and a processing unit (21) for determining a breathing rhythm corresponding to the actual pressure level.

14. The device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the control unit (6) is configured to: controlling the plurality of massage elements (15) to expand during exhalation by the user to compress the user's chest.

15. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (6) is configured to: controlling the individual or simultaneous activation of one or more of the massage elements (15), and/or the temperature therapy pad (11), and/or the vibration device.