WO2021165580A1

WO2021165580A1 - Nursing aid device and nursing aid arrangement for feeding a baby

Info

Publication number: WO2021165580A1
Application number: PCT/FI2021/050120
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juhani ALA-HANNULA
Original assignee: Mediamor Oy
Priority date: 2020-02-21
Filing date: 2021-02-19
Publication date: 2021-08-26
Also published as: FI20205172A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a nursing aid device and a nursing aid arrangement for feeding a baby. The nursing aid arrangement (2) comprises a nursing aid device (1) and a container part (3). The nursing aid device (1) further comprises a breast adaptor part (10) comprising an adaptor sheet; and a mouthpiece part (20) comprising a mouthpiece side wall such that the mouthpiece part (20) is arranged to form a space for liquid food. The mouthpiece part (20) further comprises a suction opening (25) in the second end, and a second opening providing a route to add liquid food into the space. The container part (3) is connected to the second opening.

Description

NURSING AID DEVICE AND NURSING AID ARRANGEMENT FOR FEEDING A BABY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a nursing aid device for feeding a baby and more particularly to a nursing aid device for feeding a baby as described in the preamble of the independent claim 1.

The present invention further relates to a nursing aid arrangement for feeding a baby and more particularly to an arrangement for feeding a baby as described in the preamble of the independent claim 9.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many cases when an amount of milk which a suckling baby is receiving from a breast needs to be augmented. For instance, mother’s milk supply may be inadequate or the milk supply has not been started.

In the prior art the milk supply can be supplemented by bottle feeding or by a tube which is fitted into the baby’s mouth along with a breast nipple.

One of the problems associated with the prior art is that bottle feeding does not simulate mother’s breast to start or increase milk supply Other of the problems associated with the prior art is that a new born baby does not learn to suck the mother’s breast enough hard if the new born baby is fed with a bottle. Other of the problems associated with the prior art is that fitting the tube and the breast nipple together into the baby’s mouth is complicate and feeding causes a mess. Other of the problems associated with the prior art is that the tube and especially an end of the tube hurts mother’s breast and thus mother’s breast is vulnerable to infections. The infections cause a health hazard to the mother and to the baby.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a nursing aid device and a nursing aid arrangement for feeding a baby so as to overcome or at least alleviate the prior art disadvantages.

The objects of the invention are achieved by a which are characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

In the context of the present invention, nursing means feeding liquid food to a baby. The invention is based on the idea of providing a nursing aid device for feeding a baby which comprises a breast adaptor part comprising an adaptor sheet having an outer edge and an inner edge, an upper surface and lower surface, and a mouthpiece part having a first end and a second end, such that the mouthpiece part protrudes from the upper surface of the adaptor sheet and the first end of mouthpiece part is connected with the adaptor sheet. The mouthpiece part comprises a mouthpiece side wall between the first end and the second end, such that the mouthpiece part is arranged to form a space for liquid food, and the mouthpiece part further comprises one or more suction opening in the second end, and a second opening in the mouthpiece side wall between the first end and the second end providing a route to add liquid food into the space. The mouthpiece part further comprises one or more suction opening in the second end, and the mouthpiece part further comprises a second opening in the mouthpiece side wall between the first end and the second end providing a route to add liquid food into the space. This provides the nursing aid device on a mother’s breast and thus feeding simulates mother’s milk supply.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the nursing aid device for feeding a baby which comprises a breast adaptor part comprising an adaptor sheet having an outer edge and an inner edge, an upper surface and lower surface, and a mouthpiece part having a first end and a second end, such that the mouthpiece part protrudes from the upper surface of the adaptor sheet and the first end of mouthpiece part is connected with the adaptor sheet. The mouthpiece part comprises a mouthpiece side wall between the first end and the second end, such that the mouthpiece part is arranged to form a space for liquid food, and the mouthpiece part further comprises one or more suction opening in the second end, and a second opening in the mouthpiece side wall between the first end and the second end providing a route to add liquid food into the space. The mouthpiece part further comprises one or more suction opening in the second end, and the mouthpiece part further comprises a second opening in the mouthpiece side wall between the first end and the second end providing a route to add liquid food into the space. The breast adaptor part comprises a gripping part between the outer edge and the inner edge such that the gripping part surrounds the first end of the mouthpiece part.

This provides the nursing aid device on a mother’s breast and thus feeding simulates mother’s milk supply. The gripping part improves the nursing aid device remaining on a mother’s breast during feeding. In one embodiment, the breast adaptor part comprises a first opening such that the adaptor sheet surrounds the first opening, and the mouthpiece part covers the first opening. This increases the simulation of mother’s milk supply.

In other embodiment, the second opening comprises a tube connector fitting. This eases connecting the nursing aid device with liquid food container.

In another embodiment the adaptor sheet comprises a conical portion between the outer edge and the first opening. This improves fitting the adaptor sheet with the mother’s breast.

In a further embodiment, the adaptor sheet comprises a cutting and an uncut portion of the adaptor sheet such that a distance between a centre of mouthpiece part and the outer edge of the cutting is smaller than a distance between a centre of mouthpiece part and the outer edge of the uncut portion of the adaptor sheet. The cutting provides a direct contact between a baby face and the mother breast during feeding a baby.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the mouthpiece part further comprises a mouthpiece end wall which comprises the one or more suction opening. This eases feeding the baby.

In another embodiment, the adaptor part and the mouthpiece part are flexible. This increases comfortability and decreases a mess.

In one embodiment the adaptor part comprises a gripping part between the outer edge and the inner edge such that the gripping part surrounds the first end of the mouthpiece part. This increases sticking the nursing aid device on the mother’s breast.

In another embodiment, the second opening is provided in a portion of the mouthpiece side wall which faces away from the cutting. This increases comfortability.

The invention is further based on the idea of providing a nursing aid arrangement for feeding a baby. The nursing aid arrangement comprises a nursing aid device and a container part. The nursing aid device further comprises a breast adaptor part comprising an adaptor sheet having an outer edge, an inner edge , an upper surface and lower surface, and a mouthpiece part having a first end and a second end, such that the mouthpiece part protrudes from the upper surface of the adaptor sheet and the first end of mouthpiece part is connected with the adaptor sheet. The mouthpiece part comprises a mouthpiece side wall between the first end and the second end, such that the mouthpiece part is arranged to form a space for liquid food, and the mouthpiece part further comprises one or more suction opening in the second end, and the mouthpiece part further comprises a second opening in the mouthpiece side wall between the first end and the second end providing a route to add liquid food into the space, such that the container part is connected to the second opening.

This provides a nursing aid device on a breast connected with a liquid died container and thus feeding simulates mother’s milk supply during suckling.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the nursing aid arrangement comprises a nursing aid device, a container part and a pressure device for increasing liquid food flow from the container part to the mouthpiece part. The nursing aid device further comprises a breast adaptor part comprising an adaptor sheet having an outer edge, an inner edge, an upper surface and lower surface, and a mouthpiece part having a first end and a second end, such that the mouthpiece part protrudes from the upper surface of the adaptor sheet and the first end of mouthpiece part is connected with the adaptor sheet. The mouthpiece part comprises a mouthpiece side wall between the first end and the second end, such that the mouthpiece part is arranged to form a space for liquid food, and the mouthpiece part further comprises one or more suction opening in the second end, and the mouthpiece part further comprises a second opening in the mouthpiece side wall between the first end and the second end providing a route to add liquid food into the space, such that the container part is connected to the second opening.

This provides a nursing aid device on a breast connected with a liquid died container and thus feeding simulates mother’s milk supply during suckling such that the pressure device enables feeding also babies which have a poor capability to suck.

In one embodiment the nursing aid arrangement comprises a fixedly connected tube between the container part and the nursing aid device. Thus, the container part does not hinder feeding.

Alternatively, the nursing aid arrangement comprises a releasable connected tube between the container part and the nursing aid device. Thus, the container part does not hinder the feeding and the tube is easier to clean and replace.

In another embodiment, the nursing aid arrangement comprises a pressure device for increasing liquid food flow from the container part to the mouthpiece part. This improves the feeding.

In another embodiment the nursing aid arrangement comprises a flow adjusting device for adjusting or stopping liquid food flow from the container part to the mouthpiece part. This decreases an overflow of liquid food.

In a further embodiment the container part comprises a measure rule marking. This helps to ensure adequate feeding.

In another further embodiment the nursing aid arrangement comprises two nursing aid devices connected with the same container part. This improves using two breasts for feeding.

In another further embodiment the nursing aid arrangement comprises any of previous mentioned nursing aid device. This improves feeding.

The present invention provides a device and an arrangement which enables feeding supplement liquid food to a baby such that the device and the arrangement simulates a mother’s breast to increase or start the mother’s milk supply. The nursing aid device and the nursing aid arrangement also protect the mother’s breast during feeding and thus a risk of infections in the mother’s breast is reduced. The nursing aid device and the nursing aid arrangement also enable dosing liquid food to the baby such that the baby gets enough liquid food to be interested in eating and at the same time the baby needs to suck so hard that it promotes learning to a breast feeding. The nursing aid device and the nursing aid arrangement reduce an amount of air in liquid food and thus air in a baby’s stomach. The baby learns to eat in a normal sucking position by the nursing aid device and the nursing aid arrangement according to the present invention. The nursing aid device and the nursing aid arrangement also reduce a mess during feeding. The nursing aid device and the nursing aid arrangement reduce needed supplement milk when the mother has a breast milk supply. This improves health of the baby.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a nursing aid device according to the invention from one side;

Figure 2 shows a cross section of the nursing aid device according to the invention shown in Fig. 1;

Figure 3 shows one embodiment of a nursing aid device according to the invention from one side;

Figure 4 shows a cross section of one embodiment of a nursing aid device according to the invention; Figure 5 shows one embodiment of a nursing aid arrangement according to the invention from one side;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 and 2 show one embodiment of a nursing aid device according to the invention. Figures 1 shows a nursing aid device from one side and Figure 2 shows a cross section of the nursing aid device in Figure 1. The nursing aid device 1 comprises a breast adaptor part 10 comprising an adaptor sheet 11 having an outer edge 14, an upper surface 15 and lower surface 16, and a mouthpiece part 20 having a first end 21 and a second end 22, such that the mouthpiece part 20 protrudes from the upper surface 15 of the adaptor sheet 11 and the first end 21 of mouthpiece part 20 is connected with the adaptor sheet 11. The mouthpiece part 20 comprises a mouthpiece side wall 23 between the first end 21 and the second end 22, such that the mouthpiece part 20 is arranged to form a space 24 for liquid food, and the mouthpiece part 20 further comprises one or more suction opening 25 in the second end 22, and a second opening 26 in the mouthpiece side wall 23 between the first end 21 and the second end 22 providing a route to add liquid food into the space 24.

The lower surface 16 of the adaptor sheet 11 is arranged to be in contact with a mother’s breast.

The mouthpiece side wall 23 forms a hollow structure which protrudes from the adaptor sheet 11. In other words, the mouthpiece part 20 and the adaptor sheet 11 form a chamber for liquid food such that the mouthpiece part 20 and the upper surface 15 of adaptor sheet 11 form boundaries of the space 24. In one embodiment the mouthpiece part 20 further comprises a mouthpiece end wall 27. The mouthpiece end wall 27 is arranged to cover the second end 22 of the mouthpiece part 20 such that the mouthpiece end wall 27 is connected with the mouthpiece side wall 23. In other words, the mouthpiece side wall 23, the mouthpiece end wall 27 and the mother's breast form a chamber for liquid food when the nursing aid device 1 is placed on the mother's breast. The mouthpiece end wall 27 comprises the one or more suction opening 25. In one preferred embodiment the mouthpiece end wall 27 comprises a convex portion which protrudes from the second end 22.

Preferably the mouthpiece side wall 23 tapers towards the second end 22 of the mouthpiece part 20. Preferably a cross section of the mouthpiece side wall 23 is circular or elliptical. This eases inserting the mouthpiece part 20 into a baby’s mouth.

The second opening 26 enables adding the liquid food into the space 24 such that the second opening 26 is in a distance from the second end 22. Preferably a distance between the second opening 26 and the first end 21 of the mouthpiece part 20 is less than a distance between the second opening 26 and the second end 22. This further eases inserting the mouthpiece part 20 into the baby’s mouth. In other words, the second opening 26 is between the upper surface of adaptor sheetll and the second end 22 of the mouthpiece part 20.

Preferably the breast adaptor part 10 comprises a first opening 12 such that the adaptor sheet 11 surrounds the first opening 12, and the mouthpiece part 20 covers the first opening 12. In other words at least a part of a nipple of the mother’s breast is possible to insert through the first opening 12 into the mouthpiece part 20. The breast adaptor part 10 surrounds the first opening and thus forms a seal such that at least most of breast milk and supplement milk remains inside the mouthpiece part 20 during feeding a baby. In other words the mouthpiece part 20 and the mother’s breast form a chamber for liquid food such that the mouthpiece part 20 and the mother’s breast form boundaries of the space 24.

Preferably the adaptor sheet 11 comprises a conical portion between the outer edge 14 and the first opening 12. The conical portion is arranged to form a seal with the breast during feeding a baby.

In one embodiment the first opening 12 comprises a membrane such that the membrane provides an additional protection for the nipple of mother’s breast.

Preferably the adaptor part 10 and the mouthpiece part 20 are flexible material. Preferably a material of the adaptor part 10 and the mouthpiece part 20 is rubber or polymer and more preferably the material is silicone rubber. Preferably a thickness of the material is 0,05 mm - 1 mm.

In one embodiment the second opening 26 comprises a tube connector fitting. In other words, the tube connector fitting provides releasable connection between the nursing aid device 1 and a supplement milk reservoir. The tube connector fitting typically comprises a hollow protrusion in the mouthpiece side wall 23 in a direction away from the space 24 such that the tube connector fitting surrounds the second opening 26. and the tube connector fitting comprises a connector wall. In one embodiment the connector wall comprises one or more thickening.

Figure 3 shows one embodiment of a nursing aid device 1 according to the invention from same side than Figure 1. In this embodiment the adaptor sheet 11 comprises a cutting 13 and an uncut portion 17 of the adaptor sheet 11 such that a distance D1 between a centre of mouthpiece part 20 and the outer edge 14 of the cutting 13 is smaller than a distance D2 between a centre of mouthpiece part 20 and the outer edge 14 of the uncut portion 17 of the adaptor sheet 11. The cutting 13 provides a direct contact between a baby face and the mother's breast during feeding a baby.

Preferably, the second opening 26 is provided in a portion of the mouthpiece side wall 23 which faces away from the cutting 13. In other words, the second opening 26 is provided in a portion of the mouthpiece side wall 23 which protrudes from the uncut segment X of the adaptor sheet 11. This improves a utilization of the cutting 13.

Figure 4 shows a cross section of one embodiment of a nursing aid device according to the invention. The adaptor part 10 comprises a gripping part 28 between an outer edge 14 and an inner edge 29 such that the gripping part 28 surrounds the first end 21 of the mouthpiece part 20.

In one embodiment the gripping part 28 comprises an adhesive layer on the lower surface 16 of the adaptor part 10. Example of adhesive layer is a silicone skin adhesive.

In one embodiment the gripping part 28 is arranged in contact with the inner edge 29.

In one embodiment the gripping part 28 comprises a reusable self- adhesive layer.

In one embodiment the adhesive layer is a biocompatible material preventing harmful effects on skin of the user.

In an alternative embodiment the gripping part 28 comprises a stretchable material. In this embodiment the gripping part 28 squeezes the adaptor part 10 tightly on the breast.

In an alternative embodiment the gripping part 28 comprises an adhesive layer and a stretchable material.

Figure 5 shows one embodiment of a nursing aid arrangement according to the invention from one side. The nursing aid arrangement 2 comprises a nursing aid device 1 and a container part 3. The nursing aid device 1 further comprises a breast adaptor part 10 comprising an adaptor sheet 11 having an outer edge 14, an upper surface 15 and lower surface 16, and a mouthpiece part 20 having a first end 21 and a second end 22, such that the mouthpiece part 20 protrudes from the upper surface 15 of the adaptor sheet 11 and the first end 21 of mouthpiece part 20 is connected with the adaptor sheet 11. The mouthpiece part 20 comprises a mouthpiece side wall 23 between the first end 21 and the second end 22, such that the mouthpiece part 20 is arranged to form a space 24 for liquid food, and the mouthpiece part 20 further comprises one or more suction opening 25 in the second end 22, and a second opening 26 in the mouthpiece side wall 23 between the first end 21 and the second end 22 providing a route to add liquid food into the space 24, and such that the container part 3 is connected to the second opening 26. The container part 3 provides a reservoir of liquid food. One example of liquid food is supplement milk. In one embodiment the container part 3 is connected directly with the nursing aid device 1. The container part is connected to the second opening 26. In a preferred embodiment the nursing aid arrangement

2 comprises a connecting tube between the container part 3 and the nursing aid device.

In one embodiment the nursing aid arrangement 2 comprises a fixedly connected tube 4 between the container part 3 and the nursing aid device 1. Preferably the nursing aid arrangement 2 comprises a releasable connected tube 4 between the container part 3 and the nursing aid device 1.

In one embodiment the nursing aid arrangement 2 comprises a pressure device 5 for increasing liquid food flow from the container part 3 to the mouthpiece part 20. In one embodiment the pressure device 5 comprises an electric pump. In other embodiment the pressure device 5 comprises a volume decreasing device which decreases a volume of the container part 3 and thus increases a pressure inside the container part 3. Examples of such devises are flexible container part 3 which volume decreases by squeezing the container part

3 or by a piston which fits inside the container part 3 and is movable inside the container part 3. In one embodiment the pressure device 5 comprises a raising part such that the container part 3 is in a raised position. The nursing aid arrangement 2 may comprise the pressure device connected with the container part 3, with the tube 4 or with the nursing aid device 1.

In one embodiment the nursing aid arrangement 2 comprises a flow adjusting device 6 for adjusting or stopping liquid food flow from the container part 3 to the mouthpiece part 20. Examples of the flow adjusting device 6 are a valve and a flow limiter. The nursing aid arrangement 2 may comprise the flow adjusting device in the container part 3, in the tube 4 or in the nursing aid device 1.

In one embodiment the container part 3 comprises a measure rule marking. This helps following a success of the feeding.

In one embodiment the nursing aid arrangement 2 comprises two nursing aid devices 1 connected with the same container part 3. In other words at the same time two mother’s breasts may be provided with the nursing aid device 1 and thus utilization of two breasts during feeding is improved. The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A nursing aid device (1) for feeding a baby, characterized in that the nursing aid device (1) comprises: a breast adaptor part (10) comprising an adaptor sheet (11) having an outer edge (14) and an inner edge (29), an upper surface (15) and a lower surface (16), and a mouthpiece part (20) having a first end (21) and a second end (22), such that the mouthpiece part (20) protrudes from the upper surface (15) of the adaptor sheet (11) and the first end (21) of mouthpiece part (20) is connected with the adaptor sheet (11);

- the breast adaptor part (10) comprises a gripping part (28) between the outer edge (14) and the inner edge (29) such that the gripping part (28) surrounds the first end (21) of the mouthpiece part (20). the mouthpiece part (20) comprises a mouthpiece side wall (23) between the first end (21) and the second end (22), such that the mouthpiece part (20) is arranged to form a space (24) for liquid food, and the mouthpiece part (20) further comprises one or more suction opening (25) in the second end (22), and the mouthpiece part (20) further comprises a second opening (26) in the mouthpiece side wall (23) between the first end (21) and the second end (22) providing a route to add liquid food into the space (24).

2. A nursing aid device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the breast adaptor part (10) comprises a first opening (12) such that the adaptor sheet (11) surrounds the first opening (12), and the mouthpiece part (20) covers the first opening (12).

3. A nursing aid device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second opening (26) comprises a tube connector fitting.

4. A nursing aid device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the adaptor sheet (11) comprises a conical portion between the outer edge (14) and the first opening (12).

5. A nursing aid device (1) according to any of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the adaptor sheet (11) comprises a cutting (13) and an uncut portion (17) of the adaptor sheet (11) such that a distance (Dl) between a centre of mouthpiece part (20) and the outer edge (14) of the cutting (13) is smaller than a distance (D2) between a centre of mouthpiece part (20) and the outer edge (14) of the uncut portion (17) of the adaptor sheet (11).

6. A nursing aid device (1) according to any of claims 1-5 characterized in that the mouthpiece part (20) further comprises mouthpiece end wall (27) which comprises the one or more suction opening (25).

7. A nursing aid device (1) according to any of claims 1 - 6 characterized in that the adaptor part (10) and the mouthpiece part (20) are flexible material.

8. A nursing aid device (1) according to any of claims 5 - 7 characterized in that the second opening (26) is provided in a portion of the mouthpiece side wall (23) which faces away from the cutting (13).

9. A nursing aid arrangement (2) for feeding a baby, characterized in that the nursing aid arrangement (2) comprises a nursing aid device (1), a container part (3), and a pressure device (5) for increasing liquid food flow from the container part (3) to the mouthpiece part (20); the nursing aid device (1) further comprises: a breast adaptor part (10) comprising an adaptor sheet (11) having an outer edge (14), an inner edge (29), an upper surface (15) and lower surface (16), and a mouthpiece part (20) having a first end (21) and a second end (22), such that the mouthpiece part (20) protrudes from the upper surface (15) of the adaptor sheet (11) and the first end (21) of mouthpiece part (20) is connected with the adaptor sheet (11) the mouthpiece part (20) comprises a mouthpiece side wall (23) between the first end (21) and the second end (22), such that the mouthpiece part (20) is arranged to form a space (24) for liquid food, and the mouthpiece part (20) further comprises a suction opening (25) in the second end (22), and the mouthpiece part (20) further comprises a second opening (26) in the mouthpiece side wall (23) between the first end (21) and the second end (22) providing a route to add liquid food into the space (24), such that the container part (3) is connected to the second opening (26).

10. A nursing aid arrangement (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the nursing aid arrangement (2) comprises: a fixedly connected tube (4) between the container part (3) and the nursing aid device (1); or - a releasable connected tube (4) between the container part (3) and the nursing aid device (1).

11.A nursing aid arrangement (2) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the nursing aid arrangement (2) comprises a flow adjusting device (6) for adjusting or stopping liquid food flow from the container part (3) to the mouthpiece part (20).

12. A nursing aid arrangement (2) according to any of claims 9-11, characterized in that the container part (3) comprises a measure rule marking.

13. A nursing aid arrangement (2) according to any of claims 9-12, characterized in that the nursing aid arrangement (2) comprises two nursing aid devices (1) connected with the same container part (3).

14. A nursing aid arrangement (2) according to any of claims 9-13, characterized in that the nursing aid arrangement (2) comprises the nursing aid device (1) for feeding a baby according to any of claims 1- 8.