JP7535579B2 - Breast Pump System - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 16/525,022, filed July 29, 2019. It is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 15/149,525, filed May 9, 2016, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 62/158,303, filed May 7, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to tubing and connectors for use in a breast pump system in which the breast milk reservoir and pump are located away from the breast.

Prior art pump systems are limited to either a knob or an up/down button as controls on the unit. Some systems have two controls, one for suction and one for speed, but many only have one control. They usually lack a memory device or are limited to a single pre-set setting. Prior art pump systems do not correlate pump settings (suction, cycle time) with the amount of milk produced, comfort level, or any other quantifiable value. Prior art systems on the market store expressed milk in a container that is directly connected to the bottom of the breast shield. This means that the user effectively has a bottle and multiple tubes hanging from the breast, which makes it impossible to pump discreetly. This is very awkward for the user. Additionally, prior art breast shields are made of hard plastic and are uncomfortable. A further complaint about prior art pumps is that they are loud, making a pulsating mechanical sound. The larger the pump, the louder the sound produced. A further complaint about prior art pumps is that closed system breast shields require many separate components.

The present invention relates to an improved breast pump system including a suction tube and a milk tube, the suction tube and the milk tube having first and second ends, respectively, and the suction tube and the milk tube bonded together side-by-side to form a single tube structure. Some embodiments include a first connector having a first portion for fluidly coupling to both the breast pump and the first end of the suction tube, and a second portion for fluidly coupling to both the milk bottle and the first end of the milk tube. Some embodiments also include a second connector having a first portion for fluidly coupling to both the suction port of the breast shield and the second end of the suction tube, and a second portion for fluidly coupling to both the breast milk collection port of the breast shield and the second end of the milk tube. In some embodiments, the first connector is configured to fluidly couple to the breast pump through a suction filter. In some embodiments, the second connector includes one or more vents in the first portion for controlling suction, and a diaphragm.

Also provided are embodiments of a breast shield system that includes a flexible soft diaphragm with a milk collection port and an outer lip, a rim, a suction port, and a cover portion having an interface, where the rim of the cover sealingly couples to the lip of the soft diaphragm. This arrangement of components provides a compact breast shield with a minimal number of parts to clean. The soft diaphragm provides a comfortable seal against the user's body while providing closed system protection in a single piece, or in some embodiments, two pieces. In some embodiments, the breast shield system includes a bra pad that conforms to the breast shield system and can be inserted into the bra to secure and conceal the breast shield system. In some embodiments, the suction port is configured to fluidly couple to the suction portion of the connector, and the milk collection port is also configured to fluidly couple to the milk collection portion of the connector, and the suction and milk collection portions of the connector are separate.

In some embodiments, the breast pump system further includes a filter cartridge system. The filter cartridge system includes a first internal suction passage, a second internal suction passage, a first set of vents coupled to the first internal suction passage, a second set of vents coupled to the second internal suction passage, a first filter element for minimizing passage of bacteria through the first internal suction passage, and a second filter element for minimizing ingress of liquid into the second internal suction passage.

In some embodiments, the filter cartridge system further comprises a first open alignment position in which the first set of vents is aligned with the first internal suction passage and the second set of vents is aligned with the second internal suction passage. In other embodiments, the filter cartridge system further comprises a second semi-closed alignment position in which the first set of vents is aligned with the first internal suction passage and the second set of vents is out of alignment with the second internal suction passage. In some embodiments, the filter cartridge system further comprises a third closed alignment position in which the first set of vents is out of alignment with the first internal suction passage and the second set of vents is out of alignment with the second internal suction passage.

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

2 is a flow diagram of the present breast pump system in use. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a breast pump system of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present breast pump system. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an enclosure for a breast pump system. 1A-1C are diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a dual bottle/pump connector. 1A-1C are diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a dual bottle/pump connector. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a filter portion of the enclosure. 1A-1D are diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a filter cartridge. 1A-1D are diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a filter cartridge. 1A-1D are diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a filter cartridge for use in a breast pump system. 1A-1C are diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a dual breast shield/suction connector. 1 is a first schematic diagram of an embodiment of a diaphragm portion of a breastshield. FIG. 13 is a second schematic diagram of an embodiment of a breastshield cover. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a breastshield with both a diaphragm and a cover. 1 is a diagram of a level sensor with a milk bottle of the present invention. 1A-1C are diagrams of exemplary embodiments of breast pads. 1A-1C are diagrams of exemplary embodiments of breast pads.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings of the depictions show general aspects of the structures and may omit descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawings of the depictions are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numbers in different drawings refer to the same elements.

Terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like in the description and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements, if any, and not necessarily to describe a particular sequential or chronological order. It should be understood that terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such that the embodiments described herein may, for example, operate in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "include," "have," and any variations thereof are intended to include non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus constituting a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

Terms such as "couple, coupled, couples, coupling" should be understood broadly and refer to connecting two or more elements mechanically and/or otherwise. The absence of a word such as "removably" or "removable" adjacent to "coupled" or the like does not imply that the coupling or the like is or is not removable.

As defined herein, in some embodiments, "approximately" can mean within plus or minus 10 percent of the stated value. In other embodiments, "approximately" can mean within plus or minus 5 percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments, "approximately" can mean within plus or minus 3 percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments, "approximately" can mean within plus or minus 1 percent of the stated value.

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The flow diagram of FIG. 1 shows step 12 as controlling the breast pump system by using a mobile device such as an iPad or smartphone, or by controlling the device itself. At step 14, the pump begins pumping, and at step 16 pump parameters such as the amount of suction produced and the rate of pumping are recorded. At step 18, the pumping is contested and stopped. At step 20, the pump system records the total amount of milk pumped and stored. At step 22, the mobile device downloads data from the pump. At step 24, the mobile device uploads the data to an online service that stores and analyzes the data. At step 26, the breast pump user can review the stored data, or at step 28, the uploaded data is analyzed.

The block diagram of FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the breast pump system. Within the pump housing is an on-board user interface 126 connected to a microprocessor 128 and a Bluetooth LE radio. Also connected to the microprocessor are a battery 130 power source, a sensor 132, and a pump and solenoid valve control 134.

In the diagram of FIG. 3, an embodiment of the breast pump system 100 has a reduced pressure pump 150 attached to a power source and microprocessor (not shown). Fluidly coupled to the suction of the pump 150 is a reduced pressure receiver 160. Fluidly coupled to the reduced pressure receiver is a relief valve 170. In a preferred embodiment, the relief valve is an electrically operated solenoid valve controlled by a microcontroller (not shown). The relief valve 170 can be a three-way relief valve or a two-way relief valve with a check valve. The relief valve 170 is also attached to a vent 180 with an optional silencer.

The relief valve 170 is configured to fluidly connect to a suction tube 200 having a first end 201 and a second end 202. The first end 201 is coupled to one or more main suction connectors 270 which are further coupled to the relief valve 170. In some embodiments, the one or more main suction connectors 270 further include a self-sealing filter 205.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second end 202 is fluidly coupled to a suction port (as more fully described herein) which is further coupled to a breast shield 220. In some embodiments, the suction port is further coupled to an equalizing check valve 214. For example, the valve 214 can alternately open and close to prevent fluid flow in one direction (downward from the suction port) while allowing full fluid flow of air in the opposite direction (upward from the pump 150).

In some embodiments, the breastshield 220 includes a suction port and a breastmilk port. The two ports are present to forcefully separate the milk entering the breast tube from the air flowing from the suction tube. The suction tube 200 is attached to the suction port and the milk tube 230 is attached to the breastmilk port. The suction draws the milk down and collects it at the bottom of the breastshield where it flows through the milk tube 230 into the milk bottle 250. A diaphragm 211 can be placed within the breastshield to ensure that milk does not reach the suction port of the breastshield.

The breastshield 220 is further configured to couple to a milk tube 230. The milk tube has a first end 231 and a second end 232. The second end 232 is fluidly coupled to a breast milk port of the breastshield 220. In some embodiments, the breastshield 220 has a milk check valve 216 to block the flow of suction to the milk tube 230 and prevent milk from flowing back from the milk tube into the breastshield. In one embodiment, the milk check valve is a combination duckbill and umbrella valve that includes the milk check valve 216 and the equalization check valve 214.

A first end of the milk tube 230 is configured to couple to a milk bottle 250 with an optional lid 240. Disposed between the milk bottle and the vacuum pump 150 is an isolation/bottle valve 260 that maintains the reduced pressure in the milk bottle. In one embodiment, the bottle valve is a motorized solenoid valve under the control of a microcontroller (not shown).

Optionally, the suction tube 200 and the milk tube 230 may have removable connectors 270 and 280, respectively, allowing the breast shield 220 and milk bottle 250 to be detached from the remainder of the device for cleaning. In some embodiments, the detached remainder of the device 100 is enclosed in a pump housing (not shown) for convenience. In some embodiments, the suction tube 200 and the milk tube 230 may be attached together, such as by heat bonding, to function as a single assembly for the convenience of the user.

Further optionally, a second breast shield (not shown) can be fluidly coupled to the system with additional connectors 270 and 280, allowing both breasts to be aspirated simultaneously.

In another embodiment, and with exemplary reference to FIG. 4, a breast pump enclosure 400 is provided that includes a main compartment 403 and a lid 401. In some embodiments, the main compartment 403 includes one or more openings 405 for holding a bottle 250, as well as a general opening for storing ice packs or the like. The enclosure 400 may also include a suction connection portion 411 that includes the connection ports 270 and 280.

The enclosure 400 may also include a pump housing (not shown) for housing one or more aspects of the system 100. For example, the enclosure 400 may house the vacuum pump 150, the microprocessor 290, and the vacuum cylinder 160 in an internal compartment within the enclosure 400. In some embodiments, the enclosure 400 and/or the internal compartment are constructed from a water-resistant material to minimize damage to the microprocessor 290 if a liquid (such as milk or water) comes into contact with any portion of the enclosure 400. In other embodiments, the enclosure 400 is constructed from insulation to maintain the temperature of the milk bottles and the internal temperature of the enclosure.

In some embodiments, the enclosure 400 has one or more compartments (not shown) for removably containing various features of the system 100. For example, in some embodiments, the enclosure 400 has one or more compartments for removably housing the tubes 200 and 230, as well as the connectors 270 and 280 that may be attached thereto, and one or more breast shields 220.

In one embodiment, the enclosure 400 is configured such that at least one bottle opening 405 is adjacent to the three-way vent solenoid 170, such that the duplex connector 500 can fluidly connect to both the three-way vent solenoid 170 and the bottle 250. For example, with reference to FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B, in some embodiments, the duplex connector 500 includes both the suction connector 270 and the milk connector 280 in one integrated portion. That is, the duplex connector 500 includes a milk bottle connector portion 409 and a suction connector portion 407. The milk bottle connector portion 409 is configured to fluidly couple to the top of the bottle 250. The suction connector portion 407 is configured to sealingly couple to the filter cartridge 700 and filter insert 605 portions of the suction connection portion 411 of the enclosure (which are described in more detail herein).

In one embodiment, the dual connector 500 is fluidly connected to both the suction tube 200 and the milk tube 230. In other embodiments, the suction tube 200 and the milk tube 230 are glued together or sealed together so that the two sets of tubes resemble a single tube. In those embodiments, the dual connector 500 has a single port for fluidly connecting to the adjacent suction tube 200 and milk tube 230.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the dual connector 500 fits to the suction tube 200 at suction port 433 and to the milk tube at milk port 434. The dual connector 500 seals to the bottle 250 on connector portion 409, optionally via lid 240. The dual connector 500 seals to the filter (not shown) via connector portion 407. Milk flows from the milk tube 230 through the milk port 434 to the bottle via milk transfer port 423. A bottle suction to facilitate movement of milk down the milk tube is coupled from the filter to the bottle via bottle suction inlet 428 via internal passage 443. The main suction is coupled from the filter through internal passage 419 to the main suction inlet 429 and further to the suction tube 200 via suction port 433.

6A and 7, an embodiment of the suction connection portion 411 of the enclosure 400 is shown. The suction connection portion 411 includes a filter insert 605 configured to receive a filter cartridge 700. The filter cartridge 700 is contained within a plastic or polypropylene housing. The filter cartridge allows air to flow from the vacuum pump side to the outlet side, collecting any milk, bacteria, or particles that may otherwise migrate to the vacuum pump. The filter cartridge 700 is disposable and can be replaced periodically as needed. The filter insert 605 can have one or more vents 625 for directing air from the pump to the suction tube 200 and/or milk tube 230. Similarly, the filter cartridge 700 can have one or more corresponding vents 770 so that when the filter cartridge 700 is inserted into the filter insert 605, air can freely exit from the pump through the filter cartridge 700 and through the top end 760 of the filter. The upper end 760 of the filter may also include one or more vent holes sized to correspond to the suction connector portion 407 of the dual connector 500.

In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 700 has one or more legs 780 that are used to align the filter cartridge 700 with the filter insert 605 and secure the filter cartridge 700 to the filter insert 605. For example, in some embodiments, the legs 780 can be used to align with the open portion 635 of the filter insert 605. Once the filter cartridge 700 is inserted into the insert 605, the filter can be twisted into a locked position and the legs 780 move to a position that is not aligned with the open portion 635 of the filter insert.

6B, in some embodiments, the filter cartridge 700 is configured such that there is an internal bottle suction passage 610 and an internal main suction passage 620. That is, the vent 680 corresponds to the bottle suction passage 610, and the vent 690 corresponds to the main suction passage 620. The dual suction passage allows a single filter housing to protect both the main suction and bottle suction portions of the internal pneumatic system. In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 700 includes one or more O-rings 630 to facilitate sealing of the filter to the connector 407. Additionally, in some embodiments, the filter cartridge 700 includes a filter element 640 to filter bacteria and minimize liquid from entering the pump housing. In some embodiments, the filter 640 helps minimize bacterial contamination of the main pump unit, either from aerosolized bacteria in the air coming out of the milk bottle, or from accidental overflow of liquid milk into the filter. In one embodiment, the filter 640 is a 0.45 micron polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. The pore size minimizes penetration of aerosolized bacteria, and the hydrophobic nature prevents liquid ingress. The membrane may optionally include an oleophobic coating to improve performance with milk, which has a low surface tension.

The filter cartridge 700 may further comprise a filter element 650 to provide additional protection from liquid ingress into the main suction line. In some embodiments, the sealed filter 650 may be a self-sealing filter. If liquid ingresses into the suction tube, the filter 650 will seal when exposed to excess moisture, thus preventing the liquid from entering the pump 150 within the enclosure. One embodiment of the self-sealing filter 650 is a breathable polymer bead matrix, in which some of the beads are made of carboxymethyl cellulose or other material that swells when exposed to liquid. As the material swells, it seals the matrix from further air or liquid penetration. In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 700 comprises an elastomeric member 670 to facilitate sealing the filter 700 within the insert 605.

With reference to FIG. 6C, the filter cartridge 700 may further have two positions for the filter insert 605: "open" 665, where the vent holes 770 are aligned with the respective suction ports 625; and "closed" 675, where a portion of the bottom of the filter cartridge is aligned with and blocks the enclosure ports 625, intended to allow the user to single pump only one side while maintaining the pneumatic integrity of the system.

As should be appreciated, the filter cartridge 700 can be used in a myriad of applications in addition to or instead of use with a breast pump. Due to the dual suction path and filter system, the filter cartridge 700 facilitates separation of the suction flow, resulting in minimization of contaminants (including bacteria, liquids, etc.). Although embodiments of the filter cartridge 700 are described herein with respect to a breast pump, the filter cartridge 700 should not be limited to this type of application.

In some embodiments, with reference to Figures 8 and 9A-C, the suction and milk separator device can be configured as a cover portion 920 of a breastshield 900. With reference to Figures 9A-C, an embodiment of an integrated breastshield 900 is shown. The breastshield 900 comprises a soft inner portion or diaphragm 910 and a cover 920. The diaphragm 910 is made of a soft silicone rubber or plastic polymer and is designed to stimulate the nipple in the same way as a baby's mouth and tongue.

The diaphragm 910 is constructed of a flexible material and is molded to closely conform to the user's nipple. The diaphragm 910 sealingly connects to the cover 920. In some embodiments, the diaphragm 910 includes an outer lip 930 that connects to an inner lip 960 of the cover. Milk from the user's breast travels through a milk collection port 940 that is fluidly connected to the milk tube 230 via the milk tube connector port 810, and through a milk collection outlet 950 in the diaphragm 910.

In some embodiments, the breast shield 900 creates suction at the user's nipple by applying suction from the suction tube 200 to the underside of the diaphragm 910. That suction then causes the diaphragm 910 to extend into the cover 920. This movement then creates suction at the user's breast, with the advantage that the suction on that "wet side" of the diaphragm 910 (i.e., the side adjacent to the user's nipple where milk exits) is isolated from the "dry side" where the tube connects. Thus, the suction portion of the system 100 is closed to reduce any contamination of the pump 150 from milk or bacteria.

An exemplary integrated connector 800 is shown in FIG. 8 that includes a milk tube connector 810 that fluidly couples to both the milk tube 230 and the milk collection port 940 of the breast shield 900. The connector 800 can further include a suction tube connector 820 that fluidly couples to both the suction tube 200 and the suction port 970 of the breast shield.

The milk tube connector 810 is configured to hold a milk separator diaphragm or check valve 824.

The shape of the milk collection port 940 matches the shape of the milk tube connector 810 so that there is a fluid connection between the two that prevents milk from leaking.

The cover 920 is shaped to fit the diaphragm portion 910. The edge 960 of the cover 920 is configured to sealingly connect with the lip 930 of the diaphragm 910 such that outside air does not enter the area between the diaphragm portion 910 and the cover 920, except for the suction tube 200. The cover 920 has a port 970 configured to fluidly couple to the suction tube connector 820.

For example, in some embodiments, the suction tube connector 820 is fluidly coupled to the suction tube 200 and provides suction to the breastshield 900. The cover 920 further comprises an interface port 980 that is used to attach the cover 920 to the diaphragm portion 910. For example, with reference to FIG. 9C, the interface port 980 is aligned with the top of the outlet 940 and is attached to the outlet 940. The edge 960 of the cover 920 slides under and is removably sealed under the lip 930 of the diaphragm 910. In some embodiments, when the cover 920 and the diaphragm 910 are aligned, the connector 800 is fluidly connected to the breastshield 900. That is, the milk tube connector 810 is fluidly coupled to the breast milk collection port 940 of the breastshield 900, and the suction tube connector 820 is fluidly coupled to the suction port 970 of the breastshield.

In operation, the diaphragm 910 is pressed against the user's nipple to sealingly connect with the user's nipple and create a wet side space 915 between the user's nipple and the diaphragm 910. The breast cover 920 sealingly connects with the diaphragm 910 to create a dry side space 925 between the diaphragm and cover to transfer suction to the user's nipple and direct the flow of expressed milk from the breast to the suction and milk collection outlet 950. When excessive milk suction is applied to the breast shield via the milk tube 230, suction can increase on the wet side 915 such that the air pressure is lower than the pressure applied to the dry side 925 via the suction tube 200. If the air pressure on the wet side 915 is lower than the pressure on the dry side 925, the diaphragm 910 can collapse against the user's nipple causing additional beneficial stimulation. This excessive reduced pressure may need to be relieved by venting to the area of higher pressure. In some embodiments, an equalization check valve can be used to relieve excess pressure on the wet side 915 by allowing exhaust to the ambient air outside the breast shield or by exhausting to the dry side 925. In one embodiment, the check valve 824 can comprise an equalization check valve such that when the main suction tube 200 is at a pressure higher than the nipple pressure, the equalization check valve allows air from the dry side 925 to pass to the wet side 915.

In some embodiments, the breast cover 920 is sized and shaped to resemble a human breast. That is, in some embodiments, the breast cover has a rounded shape, and when the breast shield system (breast cover 920 in connection with diaphragm 910) is placed on the breast, the contour resembles the rounded natural shape of the breast. In use, the breast shield system can fit unobtrusively inside the bra. In other embodiments, the breast shield system can fit unobtrusively within a removable bra pad during use.

The use of a reduced pressure cylinder allows the use of a smaller, quieter pump than would otherwise be required. The pressure vessel acts as a reduced pressure reservoir. As the pump continues to run through the entire cycle, the vent solenoid opens to the manifold and pump, closing the vent, providing reduced pressure to the system. When the vent solenoid closes to the pump and opens to the vent and manifold, the system is vented, except the pressure vessel, which is further reduced pressure by the continuously running pump. When the vent solenoid is closed to the vent and open to the manifold and pump, the lower pressure in the pressure vessel provides a boost in vacuum to the system with a smaller, quieter pump, which runs continuously rather than switching on and off.

The breast pump system can be controlled wirelessly by an app on the user's smartphone or other digital device, or by a front-panel display and controls. The remote app gives the user the option of very detailed control of settings (e.g., suction curves, detailed cycle timings) or allows for easy-to-set single slider-based control. In addition, the pump system captures details of the amount of milk produced in a particular pumping session. This data is uploaded from the app to an internet cloud service for storage, analysis, retrieval, and display. The app can also track pumping times, feeding frequency, and diaper changes, eliminating the need for multiple apps or devices.

As shown in FIG. 10, a milk level sensor 320 can be used to determine the amount of milk being pumped. As shown in FIG. 10, the sensor 320 is placed inside the pump housing 310 extending at the height of the milk bottle. The bottle is fixed so that the air gap between the bottle and the sensor is minimal. The electrodes of the sensor are parallel to and point towards the bottle. In a preferred embodiment, there is one sensor per bottle and one bottle per breast so that independent milkings can be tracked for each breast.

Examples of suitable sensors are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0,003,663 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The microprocessor 290 can calculate the amount of milk expressed. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor 320 can be combined with a load cell to measure the weight of the expressed milk in order to calculate the density of the milk, and to obtain information about the solids content of the milk.

The pump system 100 can have custom settings entered by the user. Optional presets are provided that may be helpful for new users. This provides a new mother with a good starting point rather than simply being given a pump and told to start pumping with no other guidance. The pump is much quieter than those currently in use because a much smaller pump can be used. In a preferred embodiment, rather than using a traditional diaphragm pump, a brushless motor is used. In another preferred embodiment, a linear pump motor is used that is inherently quieter. In another preferred embodiment, a vacuum cylinder for increasing suction is used with the pump, allowing the pump to run continuously, thereby allowing a smaller (and therefore quieter) motor to be used with the pump, rather than the pump being turned on and off. The breast pump system includes a collection bottle and pump, which is remotely fluidly connected to a breast shield by a length of tubing. In a preferred embodiment, clothing and underwear cover and engage the shield and tubing. This provides a discreet system that can be worn under a woman's shirt.

As shown in Figures 11A and B, this improved product takes care in that a woman does not need to remove her shirt to pump. In a preferred embodiment, removable bra pads 1100 can be used to hold the breast shield in place and prevent leaking milk from being visible. These breast pads also function as the lining of the bra. The removable cups allow the bra to seamlessly transition from a suction bra to a nursing bra. As shown in the exemplary embodiment in Figure 11B, the side contours of the breast pads conform to the shape of the breast.

11A, in an exemplary embodiment, the interior 1120 of the bra pad 1100 includes a central cavity 1130 for receiving the breast shield 900. The interior 1120 of the bra pad 1100 further includes a breast connector cavity 1110 and an adjacent tube path 1105. When the connector 800 is coupled to the breast shield 900, the breast shield 900 is configured to fit within the bra pad 1100 such that the attached connector 800 fits within the breast connector cavity 1110 and the attached breast collection and suction tubes fit within the tube path 1105.

The breast tubes 230 and/or suction tubes 200 are removable for easy cleaning. During use, the tubes (or the combined tubes) hang down from the torso of the user. In some embodiments, one set of tubes is connected to a milk collection bottle and the other set is connected to a vacuum pump. In other embodiments where the tubes are attached together, the tubes are dually connected to both the milk connection bottle and the vacuum pump, as shown and described with respect to FIG. 4. Similarly, in some embodiments where the tubes are attached together, the tubes are dually connected to the breast cover and nipples, as shown and described in FIGS. 8 and 9A-C. From a side view, the bra consists of multiple pieces that are hidden in the cups of the bra. These pieces include the bra pads 1100, the connectors 800, the tubes 230 and 200, and the chest shield 900.

The embodiments have been selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to those skilled in the art. Since various modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments as described above with reference to the corresponding figures without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined only in accordance with the following appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (5)

1. A breast pump system comprising:
Breast pump and
a suction tube and a milk tube, each having a first and second end, the suction tube and the milk tube being side-by-side and bonded together;
a first connector having a first portion for fluidly coupling to both the breast pump and the first end of the suction tube, and a second portion for fluidly coupling to both a milk bottle and the first end of the milk tube ;
a second connector having a first portion for fluidly connecting to both a suction port of the breastshield and the second end of the suction tube, and a second portion for fluidly connecting to both a breast milk collection port of the breastshield and the second end of the milk tube . The breast pump system of claim 1 , wherein the first connector is configured to fluidly couple to the breast pump through a suction filter that includes two suction paths to minimize contamination. The breast pump system of claim 1 , wherein the second connector comprises one or more vents and a diaphragm in the first portion for controlling suction. 10. The breast pump system of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the first connector is removably coupled to the breast pump and the second portion of the first connector is removably coupled to the milk bottle . 2. The breast pump system of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the second connector is removably coupled to the suction port of the breast shield and the second portion of the second connector is removably coupled to the breast milk collection port .

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