U.S. patent application number 11/199957 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-06 for breast cup.
This patent application is currently assigned to Playtex Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Charles J. Renz, John Rousso.
Application Number | 20060148380 11/199957 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36641179 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060148380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rousso; John ; et
al. |
July 6, 2006 |
Breast cup
Abstract
A breast cup for obtaining breast milk is provided that has
flexible regions integrally molded with the rest of the inner part
of the breast cup which provide massaging or stimulating action to
selected areas of the breast and nipple.
Inventors: |
Rousso; John; (Trumbull,
CT) ; Renz; Charles J.; (Briarcliff Manor,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Charles N.J. Ruggiero, Esq.;Ohlandt, Greeley, Ruggiero & Perle, L.L.P.
10th Floor
One Landmark Square
Stamford
CT
06901-2682
US
|
Assignee: |
Playtex Products, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36641179 |
Appl. No.: |
11/199957 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60600226 |
Aug 10, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
450/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/04 20130101; A61M
1/064 20140204 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/036 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/04 20060101
A41C003/04 |
Claims
1. A breast cup comprising: an outer part substantially shaped as a
truncated cone with a conical portion and a substantially
cylindrical portion downstream of the conical portion; an inner
part having a first flexible region, a rigid remainder and a shape
that substantially corresponds to said outer part; and a pressure
conduit in communication with a pressure source, wherein a first
cavity is formed between said first flexible region and said outer
part when said outer part is connected to said inner part, wherein
said first cavity is in communication with said pressure conduit to
provide a massaging pressure through flexure of said first flexible
region, wherein said first flexible region overlies said conical
portion of said outer part, and wherein said first flexible region
and said rigid remainder are integrally formed during a molding
process of the breast cup.
2. The breast cup of claim 1, wherein said first flexible region
and said rigid remainder are made from a single material having
different grades of hardness.
3. The breast cup of claim 2, wherein said single material is
injection molded to form said inner part via a single shot
process.
4. The breast cup of claim 2, wherein said single material is
injection molded to form said inner part via a double shot
process.
5. The breast cup of claim 2, wherein said single material is taken
from the group consisting essentially of silicone, thermoplastic
elastomers, or elastomeric rubbers.
6. The breast cup of claim 1, wherein said inner part further
comprises a second flexible region that is integrally formed with
said first flexible region and said rigid remainder during said
molding process of the breast cup, wherein a second cavity is
formed between said second flexible region and said outer part when
said outer part is connected to said inner part, wherein said
second cavity is in communication with said pressure conduit to
provide a massaging pressure through flexure of said second
flexible region, and wherein said second flexible region overlies
said cylindrical portion of said outer part.
7. The breast cup of claim 6, wherein said second flexible region
has a wave-like shape.
8. The breast cup of claim 6, further comprising sealing rings that
provide for a sealing engagement of the outer part with the inner
part and fluid isolation of said first and second cavities.
9. The breast cup of claim 6, wherein said second flexible region
is divided into a plurality of second regions by a portion of the
rigid remainder.
10. The breast cup of claim 1, wherein said first flexible region
is divided into a plurality of first regions by a portion of the
rigid remainder.
11. The breast cup of claim 1, wherein said first flexible region
has a wave-like shape.
12. The breast cup of claim 1, wherein said outer and inner parts
are selectively removable.
13. A method of making a breast cup comprising: molding an outer
part substantially shaped as a truncated cone with a conical
portion, a substantially cylindrical portion downstream of the
conical portion and a pressure conduit; and molding an inner part
having a first flexible region, a rigid remainder and a shape that
substantially corresponds to said outer part by integrally forming
said first flexible region and said rigid remainder during said
molding, wherein said first flexible region overlies said conical
portion of said outer part when said outer part is connected with
said inner part, and wherein a first cavity is formed between said
outer and inner parts when connected that is in communication with
said pressure conduit.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said first flexible region and
said rigid remainder are made from a single material having
different grades of hardness.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said single material is
injection molded to form said inner part via a single shot
process.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein said single material is
injection molded to form said inner part via a double shot
process.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein said single material is taken
from the group consisting essentially of silicone, thermoplastic
elastomers, or elastomeric rubbers.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising integrally forming a
second flexible region with said first flexible region and said
rigid remainder during said molding, wherein said second flexible
region overlies said cylindrical portion of said outer part when
said outer part is connected with said inner part, and wherein said
first cavity is formed between said outer and inner parts when
connected that is in communication with said pressure conduit.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein said first flexible region has
a wave-like shape.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein said second flexible region has
a wave-like shape.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority in co-pending U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/600,226, filed on Aug. 10, 2004, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for
obtaining breast milk. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a breast cup that applies a massaging or stimulating
action a breast and nipple to express breast milk.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Breast pump systems for obtaining breast milk, both manually
and automatically, are known in the art. In U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/220,034 to Ytteborg (publication no. 2003/0153869 A1), a
breast cup is disclosed having inner and outer parts joined
together. The inner part has a number of openings formed therein
and has flexible membranes covering the openings. The flexible
membranes are in communication with a pressure source through tubes
formed in the outer part. The flexible membranes provide a
stimulating, massaging action upon selected areas of the breast. A
first set of the flexible membranes is positioned over the nipple
of the woman and a second set of the flexible membranes is
positioned about the base of the nipple.
[0006] The Ytteborg breast cup suffers from the drawback of
requiring separate manufacturing of the inner part and the flexible
membranes, and then a secondary process of attaching the flexible
membranes over the openings. This is a more costly and
time-consuming process. Additionally, the accuracy of the position
of the flexible membrane over the opening, as well as the seal
between the flexible membrane and the inner part must be ensured in
order for the Ytteborg breast cup to properly function. Over time
and usage, this configuration may also become susceptible to
separation and leakage.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a breast cup, which
provides massaging and stimulating action to selected areas of the
breast and nipple without the above-described drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a breast
cup with massaging and stimulating action to selected areas of the
breast and nipple.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide
such a breast cup with material having varying properties.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to
facilitate the manufacture of such a breast cup.
[0011] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention are provided by a breast cup having flexible regions that
are integrally formed with the rest of the inner part of the breast
cup. The flexible regions can be made from the same material but a
different grade of the material, as the rest of the inner part of
the breast cup. The grade of material used for the flexible regions
has more flexibility than the grade of material used for the rest
of the inner part. The flexible regions can also have less of a
thickness to facilitate flexure of the region. The breast cup can
also use a combination of varying thickness and varying grades to
facilitate flexure of the flexible regions while maintaining the
rigidity of the rest of the inner part.
[0012] In one aspect, a breast cup is provided comprising an outer
part, an inner part and a pressure conduit. The outer part is
substantially shaped as a truncated cone with a conical portion and
a substantially cylindrical portion downstream of the conical
portion. The inner part has a first flexible region, a rigid
remainder and a shape that substantially corresponds to the outer
part. The pressure conduit is in communication with a pressure
source. A first cavity is formed between the first flexible region
and the outer part when the outer part is connected to the inner
part. The first cavity is in communication with the pressure
conduit to provide a massaging pressure through flexure of the
first flexible region. The first flexible region overlies the
conical portion of the outer part, and the first flexible region
and the rigid remainder are integrally formed during a molding
process of the breast cup.
[0013] In another aspect, a method of making a breast cup is
provided comprising molding an outer part substantially shaped as a
truncated cone with a conical portion, a substantially cylindrical
portion downstream of the conical portion and a pressure conduit;
and molding an inner part having a first flexible region, a rigid
remainder and a shape that substantially corresponds to the outer
part by integrally forming the first flexible region and the rigid
remainder during the molding. The first flexible region overlies
the conical portion of the outer part when the outer part is
connected with the inner part. A first cavity is formed between the
outer and inner parts when connected that is in communication with
the pressure conduit.
[0014] The first flexible region and the rigid remainder can be
made from a single material having different grades of hardness.
The single material may be injection molded to form the inner part
via a single shot process. The single material can be injection
molded to form the inner part via a double shot process. The single
material can be taken from the group consisting essentially of
silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, or elastomeric rubbers.
[0015] The inner part may further comprise a second flexible region
that is integrally formed with the first flexible region and the
rigid remainder during the molding process of the breast cup. A
second cavity can be formed between the second flexible region and
the outer part when the outer part is connected to the inner part.
The second cavity is in communication with the pressure conduit to
provide a massaging pressure through flexure of the second flexible
region. The second flexible region overlies the cylindrical portion
of the outer part. The second flexible region may have a wave-like
shape.
[0016] The breast cup can further comprise sealing rings that
provide for a sealing engagement of the outer part with the inner
part and fluid isolation of the first and second cavities. The
second flexible region may be divided into a plurality of second
regions by a portion of the rigid remainder. The first flexible
region can be divided into a plurality of first regions by a
portion of the rigid remainder. The first flexible region may have
a wave-like shape. The outer and inner parts can be selectively
removable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Other and further objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will be understood by reference to the
following:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an exploded plan view of a prior art breast
cup;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inner part of the prior
art breast cup of FIG. 1 without the flexible membranes covering
the openings;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inner part of the prior
art breast cup of FIG. 1 with the flexible membranes covering the
openings;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art breast cup
of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5 is an exploded plan view of a breast cup of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the inner part of the breast
cup of FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the breast cup of FIG.
5
[0025] FIG. 8 is an exploded plan view of a second embodiment of a
breast cup of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner part of the breast
cup of FIG. 8;
[0027] FIG. 10 is an exploded plan view of a third embodiment of a
breast cup of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the inner part of the
breast cup of FIG. 10;
[0029] FIG. 12 is an exploded plan view of a fourth embodiment of a
breast cup of the present invention; and
[0030] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the inner part of the
breast cup of FIG. 12.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] FIGS. 1 through 4 show the prior art breast cup of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/220,034 to Ytteborg with flexible membranes
covering the openings of the inner part of the breast cup. The
flexible membranes of the prior art breast cup are made from a
thermoplastic elastomer. The inner and outer parts of the prior art
breast cup are made from plastic such as polypropylene. The inner
and outer parts and the flexible membranes of the prior art breast
cup must be compatible materials that allow for welding or gluing
them together. As described above, this prior art breast cup
suffers from drawbacks that are remedied by the breast cup of the
present invention.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, there is shown a preferred
embodiment of the breast cup of the present invention generally
represented by reference numeral 100. Breast cup 100 has an outer
part 110 and an inner part 120. In the embodiment shown, outer part
110 is the prior art outer part shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, which
has pressure conduits 115, and is substantially shaped as a
truncated cone with a conical portion and a substantially
cylindrical portion downstream of the conical portion. However, the
present invention contemplates the use of other structures for
outer part 110, and alternative pressure supplying structures and
methods, such as, for example, pressure conduits formed in the
walls of the outer part.
[0033] Inner part 120 has a first flexible region 130 and a second
flexible region 140. The first and second flexible regions 130 and
140 are integrally formed with inner part 120 during the molding
process. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second flexible
regions 130 and 140 are made from a flexible material, while the
remainder of the inner part 120 is made from the same material but
a different grade, i.e., having different properties, which is more
rigid.
[0034] Use of the same material but different grades having
flexibility or rigidity, allows the inner part 120 to provide for
massaging or stimulating action on selected areas of the breast and
nipple (at the flexible regions 130 and 140) while maintaining the
strength and integrity of the inner part, as well as facilitating
the manufacturing process. The different grades of the same
material can be injection molded using single shot or double shot
processes. Alternative molding techniques and methods can also be
used to integrally mold flexible regions 130 and 140 with inner
part 120.
[0035] The material used can be capable of flexure depending upon
the type and grade used. Such materials include, but are not
limited to, silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, or other
elastomeric rubber materials, whose durometers (hardness) can be
varied.
[0036] Alternatively, different materials can be used for first and
second flexible regions 130 and 140, in contrast to the rest of the
inner part 120. The different materials should be compatible so
that the first and second flexible regions 130 and 140 can be
integrally formed or molded with the inner part 120, such as, for
example, single shot or double shot molding, in order to avoid the
need for gluing or welding.
[0037] The flexible regions 130 and 140 have a wave-like shape or
ridges 135 and 145, respectively. However, the present invention
contemplates the use of other shapes for the surface of flexible
regions 130 and 140.
[0038] When the outer part 110 is connected, removably connected
and/or attached to the inner part 120, as indicated by arrow 150,
cavities 160 are formed between the flexible regions 130 and 140
and the outer part 110. The cavities 160 are in communication with
the pressure conduits 115 to provide a positive massaging pressure
through flexure of the flexible regions 130 and 140, similar to the
prior art breast cup of FIGS. 1 through 4. However, due to the use
of the same material but with different properties and/or the
simpler manufacturing process, the breast cup 100 of the present
invention has distinct advantages of the breast cup of FIGS. 1
through 4.
[0039] The inner part 120 also has sealing rings 180 about the
circumference of various areas of the inner part. The sealing rings
180 correspond in size and shape to inner areas of the outer part
110 to provide for a sealing engagement of the outer part with the
inner part 120, and to assist in sealing off the cavities 160. In
the preferred embodiment, first and second flexible regions 130 and
140 are each separated into two areas or regions of the inner part
120 to form a non-flexible or less flexible region 190
therebetween. However, the present invention contemplates the use
of any number of areas for each of the first and second flexible
regions 130 and 140. The present invention further contemplates the
use of other numbers of flexible regions circumferentially disposed
along the inner part 120, as well as disposed in different
positions and/or configurations.
[0040] The breast cup 100 has a vacuum tube 118 that provides for
application of a vacuum or negative pressure to the nipple through
the inner chamber 195 of the breast cup, as shown in FIG. 7. The
vacuum is transmitted to the central portion of the nipple via the
inner chamber 195. However, alternative structures and methods can
also be used to apply a vacuum or negative pressure to the
nipple.
[0041] The inner part 120 can be permanently connected or attached
to the outer part 110 via adhesive, welding or other attachment
methods. Alternatively, the inner part 120 can be selectively
removable from the outer part 110 to facilitate cleaning. Various
attachment structures and methods can be utilized to provide for
the selective engagement of the outer and inner parts 110 and
120.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is shown a second
embodiment of the breast cup of the present invention generally
represented by reference numeral 200. Breast cup 200 has an outer
part 210 and an inner part 220. In the embodiment shown, outer part
210 is the prior art outer part shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, which
has pressure conduits 215. However, the present invention
contemplates the use of other structures for outer part 210, and
alternative pressure supplying structures and methods, such as, for
example, pressure conduits formed in the walls of the outer
part.
[0043] Similar to inner part 120 of the preferred embodiment of
FIGS. 5 through 7, inner part 220 has a first flexible region 230
and a second flexible region 240. However, flexible regions 230 and
240 are formed entirely about the circumference of the inner part.
The first and second flexible regions 230 and 240 are integrally
formed with inner part 220 during the molding process. First and
second flexible regions 230 and 240 are made from a flexible
material, while the remainder of the inner part 220 is made from
the same material but a different grade, i.e., having different
properties, which is more rigid.
[0044] Use of the same material but different grades having
flexibility or rigidity, allows the inner part 220 to provide for
massaging or stimulating action on selected areas of the breast and
nipple (at the flexible regions 230 and 240) while maintaining the
strength and integrity of the inner part, as well as facilitating
the manufacturing process. The different grades of the same
material can be injection molded using single shot or double shot
processes. Alternative molding techniques and methods can also be
used to integrally mold flexible regions 230 and 240 with inner
part 220.
[0045] The material used can be capable of flexure depending upon
the type and grade used. Such materials include, but are not
limited to, silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, or other
elastomeric rubber materials, whose durometers (hardness) can be
varied.
[0046] Alternatively, different materials can be used for first and
second flexible regions 230 and 240, in contrast to the rest of the
inner part 220. The different materials should be compatible so
that the first and second flexible regions 230 and 240 can be
integrally formed or molded with the inner part 220, such as, for
example, single shot or double shot molding, in order to avoid the
need for gluing or welding.
[0047] The flexible regions 230 and 240 have a wave-like shape or
ridges 235 and 245, respectively. However, the present invention
contemplates the use of other shapes for the surface of flexible
regions 230 and 240.
[0048] When the outer part 210 is connected, removably connected
and/or attached to the inner part 220, as indicated by arrow 250,
cavities are formed between the flexible regions 230 and 240 and
the outer part 210. The cavities are in communication with the
pressure conduits 215 to provide a positive massaging pressure
through flexure of the flexible regions 230 and 240, similar to the
prior art breast cup of FIGS. 1 through 4. However, due to the use
of the same material but with different properties and/or the
simpler manufacturing process, the breast cup 200 of the present
invention has distinct advantages of the breast cup of FIGS. 1
through 4.
[0049] The inner part 220 also has sealing rings 280 about the
circumference of various areas of the inner part. The sealing rings
280 correspond in size and shape to inner areas of the outer part
210 to provide for a sealing engagement of the outer part with the
inner part 220, and to assist in sealing off the cavities. The
sealing rings 280 are especially significant in this embodiment due
to the flexible regions 230 and 240 circumnavigating the entire
inner part 210.
[0050] The breast cup 200 has a vacuum tube 218 that provides for
application of a vacuum or negative pressure to the nipple through
the inner chamber of the breast cup. The vacuum is transmitted to
the central portion of the nipple via the inner chamber. However,
alternative structures and methods can also be used to apply a
vacuum or negative pressure to the nipple.
[0051] The inner part 220 can be permanently connected or attached
to the outer part 210 via adhesive, welding or other attachment
methods. Alternatively, the inner part 220 can be selectively
removable from the outer part 210 to facilitate cleaning. Various
attachment structures and methods can be utilized to provide for
the selective engagement of the outer and inner parts 210 and
220.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, there is shown a third
embodiment of the breast cup of the present invention generally
represented by reference numeral 300. Breast cup 300 has an outer
part 310 and an inner part 320. In the embodiment shown, outer part
310 is the prior art outer part shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, which
has pressure conduits 315. However, the present invention
contemplates the use of other structures for outer part 310, and
alternative pressure supplying structures and methods, such as, for
example, pressure conduits formed in the walls of the outer
part.
[0053] Inner part 320 has a first flexible region 330 and a second
flexible region 340. The boundaries of the first and second regions
330 and 340 are represented by reference numerals 331 and 341,
respectively. The first and second flexible regions 330 and 340 are
integrally formed with inner part 320, preferably during the
molding process. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second
flexible regions 330 and 340 are made from a flexible material,
while the remainder of the inner part 320 is made from the same
material but a different grade, i.e., having different properties,
which is more rigid.
[0054] Use of the same material but different grades having
flexibility or rigidity, allows the inner part 320 to provide for
massaging or stimulating action on selected areas of the breast and
nipple (at the flexible regions 330 and 340) while maintaining the
strength and integrity of the inner part, as well as facilitating
the manufacturing process. The different grades of the same
material can be injection molded using single shot or double shot
processes. Alternative molding techniques and methods can also be
used to integrally mold flexible regions 330 and 340 with inner
part 320.
[0055] The material used can be capable of flexure depending upon
the type and grade used. Such materials include, but are not
limited to, silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, or other
elastomeric rubber materials, whose durometers (hardness) can be
varied.
[0056] Alternatively, different materials can be used for first and
second flexible regions 330 and 340, in contrast to the rest of the
inner part 320. The different materials should be compatible so
that the first and second flexible regions 330 and 340 can be
integrally formed or molded with the inner part 320, such as, for
example, single shot or double shot molding, in order to avoid the
need for gluing or welding.
[0057] Unlike the flexible regions 130 and 140 of the first
embodiment which have a wave-like shape, the flexible regions 330
and 340 of breast cup have a flat or substantially flat surface.
However, the present invention contemplates the use of other shapes
for the surface of flexible regions 330 and 340.
[0058] When the outer part 310 is connected, removably connected
and/or attached to the inner part 320, as indicated by arrow 350,
cavities are formed between the flexible regions 330 and 340 and
the outer part 310. The cavities are in communication with the
pressure conduits 315 to provide a positive massaging pressure
through flexure of the flexible regions 330 and 340, similar to the
prior art breast cup of FIGS. 1 through 4. However, due to the use
of the same material but with different properties and/or the
simpler manufacturing process, the breast cup 300 of the present
invention has distinct advantages of the breast cup of FIGS. 1
through 4.
[0059] The inner part 320 also has sealing rings 380 about the
circumference of various areas of the inner part. The sealing rings
380 correspond in size and shape to inner areas of the outer part
310 to provide for a sealing engagement of the outer part with the
inner part 320, and to assist in sealing off the cavities. First
and second flexible regions 330 and 340 are each separated into two
areas or regions of the inner part 320 to form a non-flexible or
less flexible region 390 therebetween. However, the present
invention contemplates the use of any number of areas for each of
the first and second flexible regions 330 and 340. The present
invention further contemplates the use of other numbers of flexible
regions circumferentially disposed along the inner part 320, as
well as disposed in different positions and/or configurations.
[0060] The breast cup 300 has a vacuum tube 318 that provides for
application of a vacuum or negative pressure to the nipple through
the inner chamber of the breast cup. The vacuum is transmitted to
the central portion of the nipple via the inner chamber. However,
alternative structures and methods can also be used to apply a
vacuum or negative pressure to the nipple.
[0061] The inner part 320 can be permanently connected or attached
to the outer part 310 via adhesive, welding or other attachment
methods. Alternatively, the inner part 320 can be selectively
removable from the outer part 310 to facilitate cleaning. Various
attachment structures and methods can be utilized to provide for
the selective engagement of the outer and inner parts 310 and
320.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, there is shown a fourth
embodiment of the breast cup of the present invention generally
represented by reference numeral 400. Breast cup 400 has an outer
part 410 and an inner part 420. In the embodiment shown, outer part
410 is the prior art outer part shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, which
has pressure conduits 415. However, the present invention
contemplates the use of other structures for outer part 410, and
alternative pressure supplying structures and methods, such as, for
example, pressure conduits formed in the walls of the outer
part.
[0063] Inner part 420 has a first flexible region 430 and a second
flexible region 440. The first and second flexible regions 430 and
440 are integrally formed with inner part 420 during the molding
process. First and second flexible regions 430 and 440 are thinner
than the rest of the inner part 420 so that the flexible regions
can provide the massaging or stimulating action to the selected
areas of the breast and nipple, while maintaining the rigidity or
reduced flexibility of the rest of the inner part of the breast cup
400.
[0064] The breast cup 400 can use the same grade of material or can
use different grades of material having the desired flexibility or
rigidity, to facilitate the massaging or stimulating action on the
selected areas of the breast and nipple (at the flexible regions
430 and 440) while maintaining the strength and integrity of the
inner part, as well as facilitating the manufacturing process.
Where different grades of the same material are used, they can be
injection molded using single shot or double shot processes.
Alternative molding techniques and methods can also be used to
integrally mold flexible regions 430 and 440 with inner part
420.
[0065] Alternatively, different materials can be used for first and
second flexible regions 430 and 440, in contrast to the rest of the
inner part 420. The different materials should be compatible so
that the first and second flexible regions 430 and 440 can be
integrally formed or molded with the inner part 420, such as, for
example, single shot or double shot molding, in order to avoid the
need for gluing or welding. The material used can be capable of
flexure depending upon the type and grade used. Such materials
include, but are not limited to, silicone, thermoplastic
elastomers, or other elastomeric rubber materials, whose durometers
(hardness) can be varied. The inner part 420 can be polypropylene,
polyethylene, ABS, polycarbonate or another appropriate hard
plastic material. The flexible regions 430 and 440 could be a
thermoplastic elastomers or other elastomeric rubber materials that
would chemically bond with the material(s) chosen for inner part
420.
[0066] The flexible regions 430 and 440 have a wave-like shape or
ridges 435 and 445, respectively. However, the present invention
contemplates the use of other shapes for the surface of flexible
regions 430 and 440, as well as a flat or substantially flat
surface.
[0067] When the outer part 410 is connected, removably connected
and/or attached to the inner part 420, as indicated by arrow 450,
cavities are formed between the flexible regions 430 and 440 and
the outer part 410. The cavities are in communication with the
pressure conduits 415 to provide a positive massaging pressure
through flexure of the flexible regions 430 and 440, similar to the
prior art breast cup of FIGS. 1 through 4. However, due to the use
of the reduced thickness and/or the same material but with
different properties and/or the simpler manufacturing process, the
breast cup 100 of the present invention has distinct advantages of
the breast cup of FIGS. 1 through 4.
[0068] The inner part 420 also has sealing rings 480 about the
circumference of various areas of the inner part. The sealing rings
480 correspond in size and shape to inner areas of the outer part
410 to provide for a sealing engagement of the outer part with the
inner part 420, and to assist in sealing off the cavities. In the
preferred embodiment, first and second flexible regions 430 and 440
are each separated into two areas or regions of the inner part 420
to form a non-flexible or less flexible region 490 therebetween.
However, the present invention contemplates the use of any number
of areas for each of the first and second flexible regions 430 and
440. The present invention further contemplates the use of other
numbers of flexible regions circumferentially disposed along the
inner part 420, as well as disposed in different positions and/or
configurations.
[0069] The difference in thickness of the thinner first and second
flexible regions 430 and 440, as compared to the thicker and less
flexible remaining portions of the inner part 420, are shown more
clearly in FIG. 13. The inner part 420 has rigid walls 431 in the
area of flexible region 430 and rigid walls 441 in the area of
flexible region 440, which partially define the hood-like or funnel
shape of the inner part. The sealing rings have annular sealing
walls 481. The flexible regions 430 and 440 have flexible walls 432
and 442, respectively, which in this embodiment have a wave-like
shape. The flexible walls 432 and 442 have a reduced thickness as
compared to rigid walls 431 and 441 and sealing walls 481.
[0070] The breast cup 400 has a vacuum tube 418 that provides for
application of a vacuum or negative pressure to the nipple through
the inner chamber of the breast cup. The vacuum is transmitted to
the central portion of the nipple via the inner chamber. However,
alternative structures and methods can also be used to apply a
vacuum or negative pressure to the nipple.
[0071] The inner part 420 can be permanently connected or attached
to the outer part 410 via adhesive, welding or other attachment
methods. Alternatively, the inner part 420 can be selectively
removable from the outer part 410 to facilitate cleaning. Various
attachment structures and methods can be utilized to provide for
the selective engagement of the outer and inner parts 410 and
420.
[0072] The above-described embodiments of the breast cup of the
present invention can be used with both automatic and manual
pressure sources. The flexible regions described above, and their
unique design and manufacturing process can be adapted for use with
other types and shapes of breast cups.
[0073] The present invention having been thus described with
particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be
obvious that various changes and modifications may be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined in the appended claims.
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