FR3057764A1 - MATERNAL MILK RETENTION DEVICE FOR PROMOTING WOMEN'S MAMELON HEALING - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates mainly to a molded device (10) for retaining mother's milk promoting the healing of a woman's nipple, characterized in that it comprises: an inner face (12) delimiting a hollow bowl intended to contain milk maternal and to receive said nipple, and - an outer face (14) intended to come into contact with a brassiere, - said outer face (14) and said inner face (12) being interconnected by an edge (16). .

Description

DEVICE FOR RETAINING MATERNAL MILK TO PROMOTE THE HEALING OF A WOMAN'S BREAST

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

When breastfeeding the baby, cracks and crevices in the mother's nipple can sometimes lead to bleeding. The lesion consists of a break in of the epidermis, dermis, sometimes going to the subdermal tissue, and even to the venous lacis, which explains the bleeding. The lesion is due to excessive stretching of the fragile skin which tears. These cracks can cause severe pain which easily becomes a source of anxiety. The mother is therefore reluctant to breastfeed and the milk is less easily ejected. There is a risk of engorgement and worsening of the condition of the nipple.

Among the possible healing treatments, the use of breast milk in a wet dressing can be suggested by its simple, direct and economical use. Such healing is a natural and spontaneous process provided that the wound is in a favorable micro-environment. Scarring in a moisturizing environment preserves the natural hydration of the areola tissues which allows the crevice to fill up without crusting, and the skin to return to its normal, supple and soft state.

Human milk contains epidermal growth factors which act on cell multiplication, and anti-infectious factors. Oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates are complex carbohydrate molecules which inhibit the binding of very many pathogenic germs. A dressing made of milk therefore provides many 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-infectious process.

The principle is to make a dressing by adding a few drops of milk on a compress and then maintain this dressing on the breast. However, these dressings are impractical, since it is necessary to cut the compress with each change of dressing to adapt it to the breast.

The invention aims to effectively remedy this drawback by providing a molded breast milk retaining device promoting the healing of a female nipple, characterized in that it comprises: - an internal face delimiting a hollow bowl intended for contain breast milk and to receive the nipple, and - an external face intended to come into contact with a bra, - the external face and the internal face being connected to each other by an edge.

In 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, loaded or not, mother-of-pearl powder, silicone, wax, alabaster or marble, natural or reconstituted from powder, a polymeric material, or an elastomeric material.

In one embodiment, the edge is rounded to avoid injury.

According to one embodiment, the internal and external faces are smooth for improving comfort.

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

In one embodiment, a top of the device is centered along a width of the base and eccentric 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 internal face and, where appropriate of the external face, has a pointed shape to adapt to the shape of a stud.

In one embodiment, an insert, made of an adherent or semi-adherent material, in particular based on elastomer, silicone, rubber, or gum, is implanted on the external face at the level of a vertex.

In one embodiment, an insert, made of an adherent or semi-adherent material, in particular based on elastomer, silicone, rubber, or gum, is integrated into the edge of the device.

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

In one embodiment, the device has a shape, such as a hole or a gutter, formed on the internal face of the device and ensuring guiding of the milk towards the outside of the device.

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

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

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

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

Figures 1a to 1c respectively show views from above and in section along the axes B-B and C-C of a first embodiment of a molded device for retaining breast milk promoting healing according to the invention; Figures 2a to 2c respectively show views from above and in section along the axes B-B and C-C of a second embodiment of the molded device for retaining breast milk promoting healing according to the invention; Figures 3a to 3c respectively show views from above and in section along the axes B-B and C-C of a third embodiment of the molded device for retaining breast milk promoting healing according to the invention; Figures 4a to 4c respectively show views from above and in section along the axes B-B and C-C of a fourth embodiment of the molded device for retaining breast milk promoting healing according to the invention; Figures 5a to 5c show a variation in shape of the molded breast milk retaining device promoting healing according to the invention; Figures 6a to 12c show different embodiments of the device according to the invention allowing management of milk flows between feedings; Figures 13a to 15c show different embodiments of the device according to the invention comprising a system for attaching said device to the carrier.

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

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

Figures 1a to 1c show a first embodiment of a molded device 10 for retaining breast milk promoting healing of a female nipple. This device 10 comprises an internal face 12 delimiting a hollow bowl 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 brassiere. 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 internal 12 and external 14 faces are advantageously smooth for improving comfort.

A base 18 in which extends the edge 16 has a substantially oval shape in projection in the plane of the sheet as shown in Figure 1a. 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 distance between the apex 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 may for example be between 1.0 and 1.1 for good ergonomics of the device 10.

As shown in Figures 1b and 1c, the top 20 belonging to the outer face 14 corresponds to the highest point relative to the base 18 when the device 10 rests on a flat surface via its base 18. The top 20 is centered along a width L1 of the base 18 and offset 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 1mm and 5mm. As a variant, the thickness E1 may be variable depending on 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 can 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 loaded or not, mother-of-pearl powder, silicone, or wax, or alabaster or marble, natural or reconstituted from powder. Alternatively, the device 10 may be made of a flexible material, for example of the polymer, elastomer or beeswax type.

Figures 2a to 2c show a second embodiment of the molded device 10 for retaining breast milk promoting healing of a female nipple. This device 10 comprises an internal face 12 delimiting a hollow bowl 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 internal 12 and external 14 faces are advantageously smooth for improving comfort.

A base 18 in which extends the edge 16 has a circular shape in projection in the plane of the sheet, as shown in Figure 2a. The top 20 of the device 10 is substantially centered relative to the base 18. In addition, the base 18 extends substantially in a plane.

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

As shown in Figures 2b and 2c, the top 20 is centered relative 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 the 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 depending on 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 can 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 loaded or not, mother-of-pearl powder, silicone, or wax, or alabaster or marble, natural or reconstituted from powder. Alternatively, the device 10 may be made of a flexible material, for example of the polymer, elastomer or beeswax type.

Figures 3a to 3c show a third embodiment of the molded device 10 for retaining breast milk promoting healing of a female nipple. This device 10 comprises an internal face 12 delimiting a hollow bowl 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 internal 12 and external 14 faces are advantageously smooth for improving comfort.

A base 18 in which extends the edge 16 has a circular shape in projection in the plane of the sheet, as shown in Figure 3a. The top 20 of the device 10 is substantially centered relative to the base 18. In addition, the base 18 extends substantially in a plane.

According to a preferred embodiment, a ratio between a height H4 of the device 10 and a diameter L5 of the 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 could be variable depending on 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 located on the external face 14 at the level of the vertex 20. This keeps the device 10 inside the brassiere. The insert 26 used at the top can be ballasted to play the role of counterweight to ensure that if the device 10 falls, it falls on the top 20 which will then play the role of shock absorber. Another insert 26 ′ is also integrated in the edge 16 of the device 10. This makes it possible to avoid breakage of the device 10 during possible falls. Alternatively, the device 10 may include only one of the inserts from among the inserts 26 and 26 '. Of course, the inserts 26, 26 'can also be used with the embodiments of Figures 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 can 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 loaded or not, mother-of-pearl powder, silicone, wax, or alabaster or marble, natural or reconstituted from powder. Alternatively, the device 10 may be made of a flexible material, for example of the polymer, elastomer or beeswax type.

Figures 4a to 4c show a fourth embodiment of the molded device 10 for retaining breast milk promoting healing of a female nipple. This device 10 comprises an internal face 12 delimiting a hollow bowl 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. In addition, the internal 12 and external 14 faces are advantageously smooth for improving comfort.

A base 18 in which extends the edge 16 has a substantially oval shape in projection in the plane of the sheet, as shown in Figure 4a. 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 distance between the apex 20 and the lowest point of the base 18 and a height H6 between the vertex 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. As a variant, the base 18 may have a substantially circular shape.

The top 20 is preferably centered along a width L6 of the base 18 and eccentric 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 metal sheet 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 outward to avoid the creation of a projecting edge capable of injuring the chest.

The device 10 may generally include a registration area 27 of a logo on the external face 14, such as a trademark logo, or a registration area of a decoration pattern, such as shown in Figure 1 a.

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 stud, while the outer face 14 has a shape regularly curved.

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 FIGS. 6a to 6c, the device 10 comprises a single hole 28 passing right through the device 10 according to its thickness E. The hole 28 is produced in the lower part, that is to say below 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 Figures 7a to 7c, the device 10 has three holes 28 placed side by side in the lower part. The holes 28 are positioned near the top 20.

In the embodiment of Figures 8a to 8c, the device 10 has two holes 28 positioned along an axis X1 substantially vertical. 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 relative to an axis X2 passing through the vertex 20.

The base 18 extends in a plane P2 perpendicular to the axis X2, with variations in profile. Alternatively, the base 18 may have an inclined plane relative 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 case of 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, such that this is shown in Figures 10a to 10c and 12a to 12c. As a variant, the nursing pad 32 can be integrated on the external face 14. When the nursing pad 32 can no longer absorb liquid, the carrier 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 in FIGS. 13a to 15c. To this end, the attachment system 34 comprises at least one attachment cord 35 and a means 36 for attaching the attachment 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 pad 40, for example glued or encrusted, in the upper part of the device. As is shown more precisely in FIG. 13d, the magnetized pads 40 of two devices 10 are connected to the fastening cord 35, such as for example a bead of glasses, intended to pass behind the neck of the user. Alternatively, the attachment cord 35 associated with each device 10 may have one end equipped with a clip intended to be pinched on 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 the attachment of the device 10. The ring 41 may be formed by a protruding ear pierced from the external face 14 of the device 10.

In the embodiment of Figures 15a to 15c, the attachment means 36 has 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 can receive an element in elastic flexible material wedging in hole 42. The elastic element is connected to a fastening 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 carrier.

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

As part of post-operative breast surgery care, the device 10 can be used in combination with a cream to promote healing, which creates a micro-climate favorable to healing in a moisturizing environment as with breast milk.

The invention may also be used in preventive treatment to avoid the appearance of crevices, by preparing the nipple beforehand using the hydrating 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 prone to crevices.

The invention also allows protection vis-à-vis friction on the stud, especially if the stud 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 from which one would not depart by replacing the various elements with any other equivalent.

In addition, the different features, variants, and / or embodiments of the present invention can be combined with one another in various combinations, insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive of each other.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS GAME 1. Molded device (10) for retaining breast milk promoting healing of a female nipple, characterized in that it comprises: - an internal face (12) delimiting a hollow bowl intended to contain breast milk and to receive said nipple, and - an external face (14) intended to come into contact with a bra, - said external face (14) and said internal face (12) being interconnected by an edge (16). 2. 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, resin, charged or not, mother-of-pearl powder, silicone, wax, alabaster or marble, natural or reconstituted from powder, a polymeric material, or an elastomeric material. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said edge (16) is rounded to avoid injury. 4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said internal (12) and external (14) faces are smooth for improving comfort. 5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a base (18) in which extends said edge (16) has a curved shape along a height (H1) of said device (10). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that a top (20) of said device (10) is centered along a width (L1) of said base (18) and eccentric along a length (L2) of said base (18 ). 7. 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. 8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a portion (24) of said internal face (12) and, where appropriate of the external face (14), has a pointed shape for adapt to the shape of a nipple. 9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an insert (26), made of an adherent or semi-adherent material, in particular based on elastomer, silicone, rubber, or rubber, is implanted on said external face (14) at a vertex (20). 10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an insert (26 '), made of an adherent or semi-adherent material, in particular based on elastomer, silicone, rubber, or of rubber, is integrated into said edge (16) of said device (10). 11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises an inscription zone (27) of a logo and / or of a decoration motif. 12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a shape, such as a hole (28) or a gutter (30), formed on the internal face (12) of said device ( 10) and guiding the milk towards the outside of said device (10). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to ^ f2, characterized in that it includes a system for attaching (34) said device (10) to the woman carrying said device (10), said system for attaching ( 34) comprising at least one attachment cord (35) and means for hooking (36) said attachment cord (35) to a body (39) of said device (10). 14. Assembly characterized in that it comprises a pair of molded devices (10) for retaining breast milk promoting healing of a female nipple as defined in any one of the preceding claims, said two devices (10) being substantially identical to each other.