CN111434359A

CN111434359A - Breast pump

Info

Publication number: CN111434359A
Application number: CN201910415302.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 张舒婷
Original assignee: Think Green Ltd
Current assignee: Think Green Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-11
Filing date: 2019-05-17
Publication date: 2020-07-21
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-17
Also published as: CN111434359B; CA3113546A1; SG11202102879RA; CN211096472U

Abstract

A breast pump comprising: a container comprising a deformable body and a lid, the container further comprising an inlet and a vent, wherein the vent is provided with a vent valve configured to allow air to flow out of the container through the vent but not to allow air to flow into the container through the vent; a nipple-engaging means for receiving milk expressed from a user's breast; and a flexible conduit fluidly connecting the nipple engaging means with the inlet of the deformable container. In use, milk expressed from the breast flows from the teat engaging means to the container through the flexible conduit.

Description

Breast pump

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a breast pump and in particular, but not exclusively, to a breast pump having a container remote from a teat engaging means.

Background

Many mothers prefer breast feeding to infants rather than using a milk powder formula. The american academy of pediatrics recommends that pure breast feeding be performed during the first six months after birth and that food be introduced for breast feeding during at least the first year after birth to ensure the infant's short and long term health. However, there are situations where breastfeeding may not be possible or practical, for example, if the mother is physically uncomfortable, working, traveling, or on a business trip. Breastfeeding may also be difficult if the infant is not held well or if the mother has undergone breast surgery and is not stimulated by the lactation reflex. In these cases it is still possible to provide the baby with breast milk by using a breast pump. Breast pumps can also be used to catch milk dripping from one breast during lactation, to express milk in the event of an oversupply, and to relieve breast fullness and swelling.

A breast pump is a device that allows a mother to express breast milk which can then be stored for later use. There are various different types of breast pumps, including manual pumps and electric pumps.

Most breast pumps of the prior art comprise a breast engaging portion, a motor-driven pump for generating a suction force on the nipple of the breast, and a reservoir for storing the expressed milk.

The use of electric pumps can be problematic. Electric pumps are often noisy, which may mean that the pump cannot be used in certain situations. Furthermore, the pump requires a power source. The power source is typically a battery, which may weigh between 500g and 1.8 kg. The electric pump may also contain many parts, which may be a significant amount of effort on the part of the user, as each part in contact with breast milk may need to be cleaned after each use. This can be tiring as most breast pumps require the user to hold the entire device while expressing milk. The use of batteries also limits the amount of time the pump can be used between charges and the performance of the battery may degrade with repeated charge cycles. During operation, it may also be necessary to press the electric pump firmly against the breast to prevent leakage. This may cause additional stress and weight to the breast during use.

There may be many limitations even if the breast pump is not powered. Typically, the breast engaging portion, the pump and the reservoir are all tightly connected and must all be in close proximity to the user's breast when in use. The combined bulk of these components means that the pump cannot be used under most types of clothing, which means that the pump is typically only used in situations where the user has a high degree of privacy. Because of this, many existing breast pumps cannot be used alone in public places.

Another problem with some breast pump designs is that milk flows back when the pump is turned off. This can be cumbersome and can result in wasted milk.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a breast pump which will overcome or ameliorate one or more of the problems with breast pumps of the prior art.

Alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to provide a breast pump that allows the mother to express milk while performing normal daily activities, thereby giving him freedom.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Disclosure of Invention

Preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the appended claims. Certain embodiments are described below in non-limiting terms.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a breast pump comprising:

a container comprising a deformable body and a lid, the container further comprising an inlet and a vent, wherein the vent is provided with a vent valve configured to allow air to flow out of the container through the vent but not to allow air to flow into the container through the vent;

a nipple engaging means for receiving milk expressed from a user's breast; and

a flexible conduit fluidly connecting the nipple engaging means with an inlet of a deformable container,

wherein, in use, milk expressed from a breast flows from the teat engaging means to the receptacle through the conduit.

The length of the flexible conduit is preferably at least 500mm, more preferably at least 800 mm.

The flexible conduit preferably comprises silicone tubing.

The outer diameter of the flexible conduit is preferably no more than 10mm, preferably no more than 8mm, more preferably no more than 6 mm.

Preferably, the conduit connection part is arranged to guide the conduit away from the teat engaging means in a direction such that at least one end of the conduit connected to the conduit connection part is located substantially beside the body of the user in use.

Preferably, the nipple engaging means comprises an annular flange adapted to engage with a user's breast.

Preferably, the teat engaging means comprises a channel fluidly connecting an interior of the flange and the conduit connection portion to allow milk expressed from the user's breast to flow into the flexible conduit.

Preferably, the channel comprises a bend between the annular flange and the conduit connection portion.

Preferably, the pipe connection portion includes a central axis perpendicular to a central axis around which the flange is provided.

Preferably, in use, the nipple engaging means protrudes from the surface of the user's breast by a distance of 35mm or less.

Preferably, the teat engaging means is resiliently deformable.

Preferably, the breast pump further comprises an inlet valve located between the teat engaging means and the interior of the container, wherein the inlet valve allows fluid to flow from the teat engaging means to the interior of the container but does not allow fluid to flow from the interior of the container to the teat engaging means.

Preferably, the inlet valve is connected to or integral with the container.

Preferably, one or both of the inlet valve and the vent valve comprises a duck bill valve.

Preferably, the container comprises a conduit connection structure to which the flexible conduit is connected.

Preferably, the breast pump comprises an adhesive member for holding the nipple engaging portion in position on the user's breast.

Preferably, the teat engaging means comprises a recess configured to receive an adhesive member therein.

Preferably, the adhesive member comprises a central opening which is dimensioned accordingly to fit into the recess.

Preferably, the adhesive member is shaped and dimensioned to adhere to the flange and the user's breast in use.

Preferably, the adhesive member is reusable.

Preferably, the adhesive member is replaceable.

Preferably, the breast pump further comprises a second teat engaging means, wherein the second teat engaging means is connected to the inlet by a flexible conduit.

Preferably, the breast pump comprises a ring configured to connect the lid to the body of the container.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a parts cassette for a breast pump, the cassette comprising:

a deformable container body;

a container lid comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the outlet is provided with a one-way vent valve;

a nipple engaging means for receiving milk expressed from a user's breast; and

a flexible conduit configured to fluidly connect the teat engaging apparatus and the inlet of the deformable container such that milk expressed from the breast flows from the teat engaging apparatus to the container through the conduit when the breast pump is in use.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises a ring configured to connect the container lid to the deformable container body.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises an adhesive member for holding the nipple engaging portion in position on the user's breast.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a nipple shield for a breast pump, comprising:

an annular flange adapted to engage a user's breast;

a conduit connection portion configured to be detachably connected to a flexible conduit;

a channel fluidly connecting an interior of the flange with the conduit connection to allow milk expressed from the user's breast to flow into the flexible conduit,

wherein the catheter connection portion is configured to guide the catheter away from the nipple in a direction such that, in use, at least one end of the catheter connected to the catheter connection portion is located substantially beside the body of the user.

Preferably, the nipple comprises an adhesive member for holding the nipple in position on the user's breast.

Preferably, the nipple shield includes a groove configured to receive an adhesive member therein.

Preferably, the nipple is resiliently deformable.

Preferably, the nipple shield projects from the surface of the user's breast by a distance of 35mm or less.

Other aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description, which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

Drawings

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only and not by way of limitation, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a breast pump of the present invention in use;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the breast pump of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a lid of the breast pump of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the lid of the breast pump of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the lid of the breast pump of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the breast pump of FIG. 1 configured for use with two breasts;

FIG. 7 is a top view showing the container of the breast pump of FIG. 1 with section A-A;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the container of the breast pump of FIG. 1 taken along section A-A;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a nipple engaging means of the breast pump shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through the center of the nipple engaging means of the breast pump shown in FIG. 1; and

fig. 11 is a perspective view of an adhesive member of the breast pump of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Referring initially to fig. 1 and 2, a breast pump of the present invention is generally indicated by arrow 100.

The breast pump 100 comprises a container 1, at least one nipple engaging means 2 and a flexible conduit 3.

The container 1 comprises a deformable body 4 and a lid 5. The container body 4 is preferably formed of silicone, but may be formed of another soft, flexible material, such as rubber, thermoplastic elastomer or flexible plastic. In other embodiments (not shown), the container body 4 may comprise a non-elastic material that is biased into its original shape and size by a spring element. The lid 5 is preferably formed of silicone, but in alternative embodiments other suitable materials may be used, such as rubber, thermoplastic elastomers or flexible plastics.

The container 1 is also provided with an air outlet 6. In the embodiment shown, the vent 6 is provided through the lid 5 of the receptacle 1 to reduce the likelihood of accidental ejection of milk from the vent 6, but in other embodiments (not shown) the vent 6 may be provided at a location on a wall of the body of the receptacle 1 that is above the expected maximum level of milk contained in the receptacle 1.

The vent 6 is provided with a one-way valve 7, the one-way valve 7 allowing air to flow out of the container 1 when the container 1 is deformed. In this way, a partial vacuum is created inside the container 1 when the container 1 elastically returns to its original shape.

With reference to fig. 1, 2 and 10, the nipple engaging means 2 comprises an annular flange 8 adapted to engage with a nipple and a breast B of a user. In the embodiment shown, the flange 8 is approximately planar, but is slightly angled so that it forms a conical frustum. In one embodiment, the diameter of the flange is about 50mm, and the height of the nipple engaging means (i.e. the distance the main body of the nipple engaging means extends from the surface of the user's breast) is about 35mm or less.

The channel 9 extends from the interior of the annular flange 8 to a conduit connection portion 10, which conduit connection portion 10 is configured to be detachably connected to the conduit 3. The catheter connection portion 10 has a central axis 11, which central axis 11 is substantially parallel to the plane of the annular flange 8, such that the catheter 3 connected to the catheter connection portion 10 extends parallel to the body of the user. The flange 8 is circumferentially arranged around the centre axis 32. More generally, the central axis 11 of the pipe connection part 10 may be perpendicular to the central axis around which the flange 8 is arranged.

The conduit connecting part 10 may be configured to guide the conduit 3 away from the teat engaging means 2 in a direction such that at least one end of the conduit 3 connected to the conduit connecting part 10 is located substantially beside the body of the user in use. There may be a space between the user's body and the catheter located beside the user's body, but a portion of the catheter aligned substantially parallel to a surface along the user's body is considered to be "beside" the user's body (rather than extending away from the user's body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the user's body). The central axis 11 of the conduit connection part 10 may be aligned to extend away from the annular flange 8 in a radial direction with respect to the central axis 32 of the flange 8. In terms of structure, the catheter connecting portion 10 may be configured to guide the catheter 3 away from the nipple engaging means in a lower-upper direction, a lateral direction, or an inner-side direction. If the conduit 3 is forced to extend directly out from the user's body (e.g. in front), it may be more difficult for the user to dress (at least separately) the nipple engaging means 2.

In embodiments where the annular flange 8 is frustoconical, flared, breast-shaped, spherical, etc., rather than perfectly planar, the central axis 11 may be substantially parallel to a plane aligned with the interior opening defined by the annular flange 8. The central axis 11 may be substantially parallel to the surface of the user's breast engaged with the annular flange 8. The central axis 11 of the conduit connection portion 10 may be vertically aligned with the direction in which the user's nipple is pointed in use and/or the general direction of flow when milk is expressed from the user's breast. The annular flange 8 may be disposed about a first central axis (e.g., central axis 32 in the case of the annular flange 8), and the conduit connection portion 10 may include a second central axis (e.g., central axis 11 of the conduit connection portion 10) that is perpendicular to the first central axis. More generally, the channel 9 comprises a bend 33 between the annular flange 8 and the duct connection portion 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the bend 33 is substantially 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the bend 33 may be greater or less than 90 degrees, for example, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, or 100 degrees.

The conduit connection part 10, which is connected to the conduit 3 to enable the conduit 3 to move alongside the user's body, may enable the teat engaging apparatus 2 to be lower profile, may enable the conduit 3 to be detached, and may make the system less visible in use than if the conduit connection part 10 were to protrude directly from the user's body.

The flexible conduit 3 extends between the teat engaging means 2 and the container 1 such that the channel 9 in the teat engaging means 2 is in fluid communication with the interior of the container 1. The conduit 3 is connected to the conduit connecting portion 12 of the container 1. As shown in fig. 2 and 3, in a preferred embodiment the conduit connection portion 12 is provided on the lid 5 of the container 1, but in other embodiments (not shown) it may be provided on a wall of the body 4 of the container 1.

Referring now to fig. 4 and 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a one-way inlet valve 13 is connected to the lid 5 to enable milk to flow from the teat engaging apparatus 2 to the interior of the container 1, whilst preventing backflow from the container 1 to the teat engaging apparatus 2. In other embodiments (not shown), the inlet valve 13 may be provided at another location between the teat engaging apparatus 2 and the container 1 (i.e. in line with the conduit 3), or may be connected to the teat engaging apparatus 2 or integral with the teat engaging apparatus 2. In this embodiment, the container 1 comprises a plurality of windows 34. The window 34 advantageously enables a user to view the interior of the container. This enables the user to see how much milk has been collected. In this embodiment there are six windows 34. In other embodiments, there may be more or less than six windows 34, and in some embodiments, the container 1 may not include any windows. The window 34 may be formed by a transparent silicone part of the container 1. In this embodiment, the window 34 is oval, but in other embodiments may be rectangular, circular, or any other shape. In some embodiments, the container 1 may include one or more windows extending the entire height of the container.

The one-way inlet valve 13 is preferably detachable from the lid 5 for cleaning. As shown in fig. 5, the cap 5 is preferably provided with a screw plug 14 screwed on its outer surface 15. A passageway 16 extends through the plug screw 14 to the conduit connection portion 12 on the opposite side of the cap 5 to the side visible in figure 5. The one-way inlet valve 13 is provided with an internal thread 17 to threadedly engage the plug screw 14. In one embodiment, the base 18 of the screw plug 14 is provided with a plurality of angled teeth 19 that engage with complementary angled teeth 20 provided on the base of the one-way valve 13 to form a ratchet mechanism that resists accidental disengagement of the one-way valve 13 from the cap 5. The

teeth

19, 20 are shaped so that if sufficient force is applied, the interlock between the

teeth

19, 20 can be overcome, so that the user can deliberately remove the one-way inlet valve 13 from the cap 5 when required.

In this embodiment, the one-way inlet valve 13 is of the "duck-bill" type having an aperture 21 (shown in figures 4 and 5) formed in a ridge structure 22 such that a positive pressure differential between the inlet 23 and the outlet 24 (shown in figure 5) of the one-way inlet valve 13 causes the aperture 21 to open, but a positive pressure differential between the outlet 24 and the inlet 23 causes the aperture 21 to close. In use, the aperture 21 may open when the pressure in the container 1 is lower relative to the pressure in the conduit 3 and close when the pressure in the container 1 is higher relative to the pressure in the conduit 3. The one-way inlet valve 13 may be formed in a closed position (e.g. the ridge structure 22 may be formed with substantially no holes therebetween) such that the one-way inlet valve 13 is only open when the pressure in the container is lower relative to the conduit 3.

The one-way inlet valve 13 is preferably made of silica gel. Other types of valves may be used, but the design of the valve preferably allows for thorough cleaning of all internal surfaces and volumes. The vent valve 7 is also preferably of duckbill type, but may be of any other suitable type.

The flexible conduit 3 connects the conduit connection part 10 of the teat engaging apparatus 2 and the conduit connection part 12 of the container 1. The length of the flexible conduit 3 is preferably at least 500mm, more preferably at least 800 mm. In this embodiment, the flexible conduit 3 is a silicone tube. In other embodiments, the flexible conduit 3 may be from another suitable food grade material, for example, vinyl or polyethylene.

Referring again to fig. 1, in use, the nipple engaging means 2 is placed on the nipple and breast B of the user, optionally held in place by an adhesive member 25 (as shown in fig. 1), but (as described below) the adhesive member may not be necessary. In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive member 25 is substantially annular in shape and is configured to overlap the annular flange 8. The adhesive member 25 is preferably made of a nylon outer layer, a cotton inner layer and a hot melt adhesive on one side to provide an adhesive surface. The adhesive member 25 is preferably reusable. The adhesive applied to the adhesive member 25 may have sufficient adhesion to enable the adhesive member 25 to be used multiple times. The adhesive member 25 is also replaceable and may be separated from the teat engaging means 2 for replacement if necessary.

Figures 9 and 10 show the teat engaging means 2 alone. In this embodiment, the teat engagement device 2 comprises a nipple shield. As shown, the teat engaging means 2 comprises the already described flange 8 and conduit attachment means 10. In addition, the teat engaging means 2 comprises a groove 30. A groove 30 is formed in the body of the teat engaging means adjacent the flange 8. The groove 30 is an annular groove configured to receive an adhesive member for holding (e.g., temporarily adhering) the nipple engaging means 2 in place on the user's breast. Fig. 11 shows the adhesive member 25 alone. The adhesive member 25 includes a central opening 31. The groove 30 and the central opening 31 have corresponding shapes and dimensions to enable the edge of the central opening 31 to fit into the groove 30 to facilitate assembly of the adhesive member 25 with the teat engaging apparatus 2. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive member 25 is shaped and dimensioned to adhere to the flange 8 and the user's breast in use.

With the teat engaging means 2 in place, the deformable body 4 of the container 1 is squeezed by the user, expelling air from the interior of the container 1 through the vent valve 7. When the deformable body 4 returns to its original shape, a partial vacuum is created in the internal volume of the container 1. The partial vacuum is transferred to the teat engaging means 2 via the conduit 3 and milk expressed from the teat is sucked into the container 1 via the conduit 3. The orientation of the one-way inlet valve 13 causes milk to flow into the vessel 1 through the valve 13 due to the partial vacuum.

The teat engaging means 2 is preferably formed from an elastically deformable material (e.g. silicone) or other suitable biocompatible material (e.g. thermoplastic elastomer, latex or other rubber). In this way, the teat engaging means can deform under the action of the partial vacuum and firmly engage with the teat and/or breast. In addition, the nipple engaging means 2 can be squeezed prior to placement on the user's breast and nipple to create its own partial vacuum to enhance its engagement with the user's nipple and breast.

The one-way inlet valve 13 ensures that even when the container 1 contains milk, squeezing the container 1 does not cause milk to flow through the conduit 3 to the teat engaging means 2.

Since the flexible conduit 3 is at least 500mm in length, there is no need for the user to hold the container 1 close to the breast during use. The flexible conduit 3 is preferably of sufficient length to extend from under the user's shirt, more preferably further, for example to enable the container 1 to be placed on a convenient surface or in a bag or purse.

The fact that, in addition to being able to locate the container 1 away from the teat engaging means 2, the device produces relatively little noise means that the device can be used without the separate use of prior art breast pumps, since the teat engaging means 2 is relatively small (e.g. about 50mm × 50mm × 35mm) and can be hidden under the clothing of the user.

As shown in fig. 6, in some embodiments, the breast pump may be provided with two teat engaging means 2, such that a user may pump milk from two breasts B simultaneously. In a preferred embodiment, the breast pump system is provided with a T or Y fitting 26 so that milk from both breasts enters the receptacle 1 through a single inlet valve 13, preferably through a single conduit connection portion 12 (although in some embodiments two conduit connection portions injecting into a single inlet valve may be provided).

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 6-8, in a preferred embodiment, the container 1 includes a ring 27. The ring 27 provides a connecting means by which the body 4 and the lid 5 of the container 1 can be removably connected. The ring 27 may be a rigid member configured to be removably attached to the body 4 of the container 1 and the lid 5 of the container. The ring is preferably formed of polypropylene, but in other embodiments may be formed of, for example, PET, HDPE, polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminum, or glass. The ring 27 and container 1 have the same or similar form as the container and ring described in international (PCT) application PCT/NZ2018/050171, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The container 1 and the ring 27 can be connected to each other in the same way as described in this application.

The ring 27 and the upper part of the body 4 of the container 1 may have complementary threaded portions to enable the ring 27 to be screwed onto the body 4 of the container 1. The body 4 of the container 1 may have one or more rigid portions to reinforce the threads and/or the portion of the container 1 comprising the threads. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the body 4 of the container 1 may be overmolded with a substantially rigid plastic portion that includes threads. In an alternative embodiment, the breast pump may comprise a ring member which is connected to the body 4 of the container 1 in another way, for example by friction fit, flange-groove connection, removable snap fit, bayonet fit, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the lid 5 and the ring 27 are separate from each other. The lid 5 is accommodated in the ring 27. The flexible silicone material forming the lid 5 in this embodiment can fit around an inwardly projecting flange 28 of the ring 27 to be removably connected to the ring 27. The lid 5 may include a groove 29 around its edge configured to receive the flange 28. In an alternative embodiment, the lid 5 may include a flange, and the lid 5 may be fitted in place from below the ring 27, and in some embodiments may be sufficiently flexible to be fitted in place from above the ring 27 to enable the lid 5 to be connected to the ring 27 when the ring 27 is connected to the body 4 of the container 1. When the ring 27 is secured to the body 4 of the container 1, the ring 27 may press the lid 5 on top of the body 4 of the container 1, thereby forming a seal between the body 4 and the lid 5 of the container 1.

In alternative embodiments, the ring 27 may be integrally formed with the body 4 or the lid 5 of the container 1. For example, the ring 27 may be overmolded onto the upper portion of the body 4 or onto the edge of the lid 5.

In a further alternative embodiment, the container 1 may not comprise the ring 27. The upper portion of the body 4 of the container 1 may be sufficiently rigid to enable the cap 5 to be screwed directly onto the body 4 of the container 1. The lid 5 may alternatively be connected directly to a sufficiently rigid upper portion of the body 4 of the container 1 by friction fit, bayonet connection, flange-groove connection, snap fit or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the body 4 and ring 27 of the container are configured to enable a user to replace the lid 5 with another component. For example, the ring 27 may be configured to receive one or more items disclosed in international application PCT/NZ2018/050171, such as a breast pump cup member, a nipple, a straw, a scoop, or a storage cap (labeled as container lid 32 in this application).

Throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to", unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents, and publications cited above and below, if any, are incorporated herein by reference.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, such integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Accordingly, such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. A breast pump comprising:

a nipple engaging means for receiving milk expressed from a user's breast; and

wherein, in use, milk expressed from a breast flows from the teat engaging means to the container through the flexible conduit.

2. Breast pump according to claim 1, wherein the conduit connection part is arranged to guide the flexible conduit away from the teat engaging means in a direction such that at least one end of the conduit connected to the conduit connection part is located substantially beside the body of the user in use.

3. Breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nipple engaging means comprises: an annular flange adapted to engage a user's breast; and a channel fluidly connecting an interior of the flange with the conduit-connecting portion to allow milk expressed from the user's breast to flow into the flexible conduit, the channel including a bend between the flange and the conduit-connecting portion.

4. Breast pump according to claim 3, characterized in that the conduit connection part comprises a central axis which is perpendicular to a central axis around which the flange is provided.

5. Breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an adhesive member for holding the nipple engaging portion in position on the user's breast.

6. Breast pump according to claim 5, characterized in that the nipple engaging means comprises a groove configured to receive the adhesive member therein.

7. Breast pump according to claim 5, characterized in that the adhesive member is reusable and/or replaceable.

8. Breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in use, the nipple engaging means protrudes a distance of 35mm or less from the surface of the user's breast.

9. Breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the nipple engaging means is elastically deformable.

10. Breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flexible conduit has a length of at least 500 mm.

11. Breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flexible conduit comprises a silicone tube.

12. Breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer diameter of the flexible conduit does not exceed 6 mm.

13. Breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an inlet valve between the nipple engaging means and the interior of the container, wherein the inlet valve allows fluid to flow from the nipple engaging means to the interior of the container but does not allow fluid to flow from the interior of the container to the nipple engaging means.

14. Breast pump according to claim 13, wherein the inlet valve is connected to or integrated with the container.

15. The breast pump of claim 13, wherein one or both of said inlet valve and said exhaust valve comprises a duckbill valve.

16. Breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receptacle comprises a conduit connection structure, wherein the flexible conduit is connected to the conduit connection structure in use.

17. Breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second teat engaging means, wherein the second teat engaging means is connected to the inlet by the flexible conduit.