Breast pump

#The present invention relates to breastmilk pumping and collection systems and components thereof, more specifically to those systems which may be used hands-free in public with elements of the systems concealed beneath clothing.

#This is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/583511 bearing the title, “Concealed Apparatus for Hands Free Breast Milk Pumping and Storage”. The object of the present application is to claim embodiments not specifically covered by the previous application and to disclose in further detail the novel breast pumping system components.

#Natural breastfeeding is widely accepted as the best way to nurture an infant. However, breastfeeding is not always possible for working mothers and other women who are not able to be present for their babies at every feeding. Because breastmilk is best for babies and breastfeeding requires ongoing practice to sustain optimum lactation, expression of breastmilk with a pump has been a widely accepted practice for many years. Breast pumps range from simple hand operated models that pump one breast at a time to a wide selection of electric models now in use, most of which simultaneously pump both breasts. Currently available breast pumps require exposing the breasts to view, much more than is typical with breastfeeding. Consequently, mothers who pump usually need a private place in which to express milk. This often presents a serious impediment to breastfeeding and may be a deciding point in a mother choosing not to breastfeed.

#FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a section of the low-profile nipple cap of FIG. 1

#FIG. 3 is a frontal view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

#The FIG. 1 depicts the subject invention employing membranous collection bags 10 suspended beneath the breasts which are supported by a custom brassiere 12 shown cutaway over the left breast to reveal nipple cap 15. Collection bags 10 are suspended via milk conduits 17 which are securely, but removably attached to nipple caps 15. Line valves 18 are provided in each milk conduit 17 to prevent reflux of the milk. Milk conduits 17 pass through holes 19 in brassiere 12 to convey milk from the nipple caps 15 to collection bags 10, which may be suspended thereby as shown. The system is light weight and will typically be used sitting down, requiring nominal support for collection bags 10. Further support for collection bags 10 may optionally be provided by exterior pockets (not shown) in brassiere 12, by straps, or by other suitable means. Milk conduits 17 in this embodiment are of neoprene or other FDA approved material, approximately 1 mm or greater inside diameter. Nipple caps 15 are held firmly against breasts by brassiere 12 which is low cut for easy insertion and adjustment of nipple caps 15 without removal.

#The external prime mover 20 shown in the figured embodiment is a simple elastomeric squeeze bulb but may schematically represent any other suitable prime mover, depending on the design requirements of nipple cap 15. When squeezed, prime mover 20 produces pressure and vacuum communicated through actuator conduits 22 which are tubular fluid conduits adequate to withstand positive or negative pressure generated by prime mover 20. Prime mover 20 may be an electric pump, manual pump or other means capable of developing a pulsating force to initiate the milk expression action of nipple cap 15, the related criteria being well know to those versed in the art.

#FIG. 2 is a section of the low profile nipple cap shown in FIG. 1. Nipple cap assembly 15 is held securely against the breast by brassiere 12. Conical flange 215 is sized and shaped to receive nipple 216 while compressing the breast in the area above lactiferous glands 217. Conical flange 215 is integral with annular piston member 220 which is capped with annular seal 224. Piston member 220 and annular seal 224 are sized to sealingly slide in and out of piston cavity 226. When pressure is applied to annular piston cavity 226 via port 227 and conduit 22, piston 220 is forced against lactiferous glands 217 while vacuum cavity 221 is elongated, thereby increasing the volume of vacuum cavity 221 and developing a negative pressure therein to express milk from nipple 216. Milk is drawn past valvular flange 232 through vacuum chamber 221 and out via milk port 234 and milk conduit 17. While valvular flange 232 provides some protection against reflux, a second reflux line valve 18 is recommended between milk port 234 and the milk collection bag 10 of FIG. 1. Detents 238 are provided at the inner extremity of vacuum cavity 221 to prevent blockage of milk ducts the tip of nipple 216. Biasing means such as a coil spring (not shown) may be installed in annular piston cavity 226 to cause piston 220 to be normally distended so that optionally vacuum may then be used instead of pressure to pull piston 220 and conical flange 215 into the position shown in the figured embodiment. When the vacuum is released, piston 220 is driven by the spring against lactiferous glands 217 and negative pressure is again created in vacuum chamber 221 by volumetric expansion.