Patent Application
20130270140
The present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for a providing a liquid to a human while that human is feeding from another human's breast (or substantially equivalent), and by way of example, and not limitation, for providing nutrients, milk, or other liquids to an infant, while the infant is sucking on a breast, as for example when being breast-fed.
All, publications, patents and published patent applications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Often, it is desired that a human provide (“provider”) a liquid (“external liquid”) to anther human (“recipient). In an embodiment, the external liquid may be the only liquid that is being provided to the recipient-human during a feeding period. In an embodiment, the external liquid may act as a supplement or complement to a native liquid (“native liquid”) such as breast-milk of a nursing mother, as it is being fed substantially simultaneously with the external liquid.
For ease of description, but without intending any limitation, the term “mother” and “infant” may be used, respectively, in referring to the “provider human” and the “recipient”. The present invention, is applicable, however, to any scenario where one human feeds another human. By way of example, and not limitation, the provider may be a biological mother or father, or an adoptive parent (whether mother or father) or care-giver. In an embodiment, the provider may be able to nurse the infant with her own native liquid (i.e., breast-milk) while using an external liquid (e.g., a non-native milk such as a formulated milk, or a stored native-milk as for example expressed previously and stored for later use, water, or other nourishments). The mother may be able to provide the external liquid or milk to the infant during a feeding period which is substantially at the same time as she is also breast-feeds the infant or as the only source of liquid or milk while the infant is sucking at the mother's breast.
In addition, and not by limitation, the devices and methods of the present invention, may also be usable in situations when a biological mother is not able to produce any or enough native milk for her infant, adoptive parents, the male-parent, or alike. It should be noted, however, that the present invention is not limited to parents and infants and is applicable in any situation when one human provides an external liquid to another human, while the latter is suckling at the former's breasts (or equivalent thereof). It is also within the scope of the present invention that equivalents of the provider's breast include a prosthetic breast on the provider or external to the provider (e.g., an external synthetic prosthesis).
In an embodiment, the present invention provides for a reservoir which stores, for a pre-determined length of time, and disposes of an external fluid. The liquid-filled (does not have to be totally filled to capacity) reservoir may be for a one-time use or replenishable. The reservoir may be filled once or may be continuously filled (partially or in total) during the feeding period. In an embodiment, the reservoir is “on-board.”
Embodiments of the on-board reservoir may take many configurations, some of which are shown in the following figures. It may comprise one reservoir or multiple reservoirs configured for fluid communication with one another. As used herein, the term “on-board” refers to a reservoir that is configured for disposing on a body of the provider (e.g., the mother). For example, the reservoir may form part of a brassier alone or in combination with other features of brassier. For purposes of clarity the term brassier as used herein refers to any article wearable on the body which may form part of a brassier (including strapless and what is typically referred to invisible bras such as those formed of conformable material that conform to person's natural contours or are wearable thereon).
The reservoir may be pre-filled prior to being disposed on the human body (or breast) or it may be filled, by way of a feed port, from an external reservoir such as a pre-filled container.
In an exemplary embodiment, the pre-filled reservoir may be sterilized and sold as a matter of convenience for future use as similar to pre-packaged milks available on the market.
Exemplary uses for the devices and methods of the present invention include, but are not limited to:
For purposes of clarity and ease of description, and not limitation, a female human body, human infant, and milk may be used in describing the exemplary embodiments and figures.
The present invention may be useful in multiple application, including but not limited to:
Referring to
The most distal zone/ring, with the smallest circumference, as shown (C), is in fluid communication with a feeding zone (F) which corresponds to the nipple. In an embodiment, the most distal ring is sized and/or conformable to the areola. As used herein, the terms proximal and distal refer to that ring or zone which once worn, is nearest to the base of the breast (proximal or A) and farthest away from the base of the breast and nearest to the nipple (distal or C), respectively.
The areola is the roughly circular patch of pigmented skin surrounding the nipple. Areola actually does serve some useful purposes and are not just decoration. Average circumference of mature female areola is about 1.35″, but the range can go from 0.5″ to over 5″ depending on breast size and other factors.
The feeding zone (F), in an embodiment, is sized and/or conformable to the nipple. The nipple contains tiny ducts used to breast feed and is ultra sensitive to cold and manual stimulation. Nipples are small outward projections of skin, connective tissue, vascular tissue and nerve fibers. They are surrounded by the areola and are located roughly in the center of the breast mound. Mammary papilla profile can project slightly upward, outward or even downward, depending on the size and shape of the breasts and the elasticity of the skin. Mammary papillae are rich in blood supply and neurological tissue which makes them sensitive.
Average female nipples are sized between ¼″ to ⅝″ long, although smaller and longer sizes are not uncommon. Nipples become “erect” or “stiff” due to an increase of blood flow and the use of tiny muscle fibers around the structural cone. As such, it is preferable that the material for the feeding zone, is sized and/or conformable to the nipple. In an embodiment, the feeding zone is designed to conform to the nipple as it changes in size and length. Due to the sensitivity of the breast and specially the nipple, the material(s) used for making the various sections (may be same or different material for each and/or all of the sections of the OBFB) is comfortable to the touch and feel of the skin. The material, at least in the functional areas/sections, is preferably impermeable to the fluid which will flow through it to minimize unwanted leakage or seepage. This of course would not apply in situations where it is desirable to have the liquid exit the OBFD (as for example from apertures discussed below upon for example, the infant suckles on the OBFD). The feeding zone (F) terminates in a tip (T) as will be further shown and described in relation to
The OBDF, in an embodiment as shown in
The embodiment of OBFD illustrated in
In any one or more of the embodiments shown, the OBFD may be configured for continuous filling (e.g., as the baby feeds more milk is drawn into the reservoirs) or may be pre-filled and thereafter disconnected (it may have re-connectivity features if re-fill is desired) from the EFS. The pre-filled configuration enables, pre-filled reservoirs which may be disposable after each use. For example, pre-filled reservoirs may be sold and used for ease of use during travel or other occasions. They can also be sterilized and processed such that no refrigeration is needed for effective shelf-life.
It should be noted that although multiple rings are shown, the OBFD may be constructed of a single ring of any size and inner volume as shown in
In an embodiment, the OBFD includes at least one zone which acts as a reservoir for housing (for whatever required length of time) the liquid therein. The zone may be of any size and disposable on any part of the breast area. In an embodiment, the OBFD, including the port, may be substantially the same size as the feeding zone.
As can be noted in
In embodiments, as shown, where the apertures are present on the tip (T), they may be present on a portion of the tip as for example Surface (S) (See FIGS. 5A/5B and 5C/5D) or on all of the surface of the tip (see FIGS. 6A/6B). In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5A/5B only a portion of the tip (P) has the material surface (S) while the rest (W) of the tip is does not include any material and as such the nipple would be exposed. In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 5C/5D, all of the tip is covered in material (with a portion of it (S) including the apertures and other portion (W′) not having any apertures. In this latter embodiment, the apertures allow for delivery of milk while covering the rest of the nipple which may be advantageous when due to sensitivity such coverage is preferred.
In the embodiment features of which are shown in
Although in the embodiments shown, the apertures are located at the tip (T) of the feed zone (F), it should be appreciated that they can also be located in other zones, such as the one corresponding to the areola. The apertures may be located in the entire zone or only partially. In the embodiments having only one zone or ring, the apertures can be included in less than the entire surface of the zone. In embodiments, where there may be unwanted seepage from the apertures, the apertures may be designed such that the liquid leaves the OBFD on application of suction (e.g., as for example when the baby is nursing).
Now referring to
In some embodiments, features may be included that aid in measuring the amount of fluid taken in by the baby, alone or in combination with the mother's milk.
Now we turn to additional features which may individually or collectively be embodied in the devices and methods of the present invention. The devices and methods embodying features of the present invention enhance and/or enable the Parent Child Bonding Experience through the use of an innovative, substantially discreet, lactation aid for all families.
Insufficient or inadequate bonding may occur as a result of any one or more of the following. It should be appreciated, that this is not an exhaustive list, rather an exemplary one:
Adoptive Parents may be able to induce lactation but need additional supplements to feed the baby. Insufficient or Decreasing Milk Supply in biological parent may lead to gaps in natural breastfeeding may lead to decrease in milk supply. Insufficient supply may also be a result of social constraints such as return to work commitments. Cleft Palate Babies have difficulty obtaining proper suction and often are under fed through natural means. Reluctant Nurser who have difficulty learning how to naturally breast feed may lead to the cause of the insufficiency of natural milk supply. Premature Infants who are weaned from gavage feeding in NICU may need additional supply of nutrients beyond the natural mother's milk.
Today, for the most part, no product has Ease of use, is sufficiently Discreet, is adequately Sanitary, is Feminine or at least aesthetically pleasing; provides for holistic and/or Organic bonding between parent and child. For the growing number of adoptive parents and same sex parents, there are no real solutions.
The devices and methods of the present invention, embodying features of the present invention provide for any one or more of the following. It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list and merely exemplary:
Flexible, USDA/FDA approved, BPA free, Sterilized package,
Ergonomic, Organic Design, Adaptive to diverse life styles, Feminine, Holistic, intuitive, human contact experience,
In some embodiments, the devices and methods may be Single use pre-filled (e.g., about 3-4 ounces of milk—without intending any limitations), Ready to use & servable at natural temperature with the aid of body heat, and may require no refrigeration or heating and are Conformable to different breast sizes and shapes.
In an embodiment, devices and methods embodying features of the present invention provide may be used to provide supplemental milk or other nutrients to nursing infants under a number of circumstances. In some embodiments, the device/product may look much like a bra and fits naturally over the mother's breasts and has a specialized nipple that fits over the mother's nipple.
In some embodiments, the product embodying features of the present invention, which looks much like a bra, fits naturally over the mother's breasts and has a specialized nipple that fits over the mother's nipple. Milk or other nourishment is housed in reservoirs built into the product. The milk in these reservoirs is warmed by the mother's own body heat. The nourishment is then delivered naturally from the soft silicon (or the like) nipple of the product as the infant nurses. Additionally while nursing, the infant is stimulating the mother's natural milk production with both suction and the natural squeezing that accompanies suckling.
In an embodiment, in practice of the methods of the present invention, Baby should be latched onto the breast after the product embodying features of the present invention can be slipped over the mother's breast. This can be done on one or both breasts. Proper latching on will enable baby to use the lactation aid easier. The product can be slipped on the mom's breasts using a nursing bra if it makes things easier for her. Or the product which may be shaped in the form of a bra may be worn by attaching bra straps to the optional tabs on the individual reservoirs/units. The mom might need to hold the product in place while breastfeeding. The product should be comfortably rested in the baby's mouth without being forced. In an embodiment, a baby normally takes about 20 minutes to finish a 3 fluid ounce of nourishment in one cycle.
Now we turn to exemplary and non-limiting examples of potential materials and manufacturing. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any suitable material which is approve by FDA/USDA for similar purposes or more stringent purposes may be of use. By way of example, silicon and other conformable, or semi-conformable material used in angioplasty balloons may very well be useful as suitable material. Similarly, methods of manufacture, sealing, layering, adhering, one or more layers of polymeric material may be achieved by suitable means, including but not limited to, adhesives, sonic welding, heat welding, using intermediary layers to enable bonding of other layers to one another, and the like.
By way of example, the table below provides exemplary (and non-limiting) properties for injection molded specimens.
Now referring to two different configurations, additional figures are provided to further disclose various features for different embodiments and configurations.
By way of example, the two configurations discussed below, for ease of reference, will be referred to the helical and the petal designs. It should be appreciated that no limitation is intended by the use of these nouns.
In one of the petal configurations embodying features of the present invention, first and second surfaces of these PETAL DESIGNS are attached, by suitable means such as ultra-sonic welding, together at the raised edges with the edges facing each other to create the sealed vessel (reservoir). When they are welded, the feeder port is molded into the assembly at the bottom protrusion. The center of the assembled product will be fitted with a nipple almost the same as a nipple guard.
Multiple figures are provided herein which fully illustrate the features of the present invention and the various embodiments.
This application is claims benefit to provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/543,921 filed Oct. 6, 2011, and assigned to the present assignee; and which is herein incorporated in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61543921 | Oct 2011 | US |
