Wearable system for breast pumping with massage

Abstract

A breast milk expression apparatus includes a bra having a first pad configured to enclose a left breast of a user and a second pad configured to enclose a right breast of the user. A first plurality of cable loops and a second plurality of cable loops have portions that extend circumferentially around outer surfaces of the first and second pads, respectively, and are displaceable relative to the first and second pads, respectively. A unit is configured to be operably coupled to one or both of the first and second pluralities of cable loops to apply a compression-dilation cycle to one or both of the first and second pads by adjusting an effective length of the cable loops operably coupled to the unit. The bra has at least one integral pocket having an opening configured to removably receive the unit such that the pocket encloses and secures at least a portion of the unit during use. In embodiments, the pocket is formed from fabric that is knit or sewn or otherwise joined to or integrated into the bra. Other features and aspects are described and claimed.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to (multiple) related applications

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 359056, filed July 7, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to breast milk extraction equipment and systems. Background Technology

[0004] A woman's breast is composed of specialized milk-producing tissue, including glandular and adipose tissue. The milk-producing portion of the breast is organized into 15 to 20 segments called lobes. Within each lobe are smaller structures called lobules, where milk is produced. Milk travels through a network of tubules called ducts. These ducts connect and converge into larger ducts, which eventually exit through the skin in the nipple. There is substantial evidence in the literature to support the benefits of breast massage during lactation. These benefits include, but are not limited to: i) increased volume of expressed milk due to more complete emptying; ii) increased nutritional and caloric value of expressed milk due to increased fat content; iii) reduced pumping time; and iv) reduced ductal blockage and congestion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] As will be apparent from the following description, according to at least one aspect, breast milk expression equipment and systems can replace manual (by hand) milk extraction.

[0006] According to one aspect, further details of which are provided below, a breast milk expression device includes a bra having a first pad configured to surround a user's left breast and a second pad configured to surround a user's right breast. A first plurality of cable loops are provided with portions extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the first pad and displaceable relative to the first pad. A second plurality of cable loops are provided with portions extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the second pad and displaceable relative to the second pad. A unit is configured to be operatively coupled to one or both of the first plurality of cable loops and the second plurality of cable loops, and to apply a compression-expansion cycle to one or both of the first and second pads by adjusting the effective length of the cable loops operatively coupled to the unit. The bra has at least one integrated pocket with an opening configured to removably receive the unit, such that the pocket encloses and secures at least a portion of the unit during use.

[0007] In one embodiment, the pocket is formed of fabric that is knitted, sewn, or otherwise attached to or integrated into the bra.

[0008] In one embodiment, the unit may include a housing, and the pocket may be sized to enclose and secure at least a portion of the housing.

[0009] In one embodiment, the housing may enclose at least one battery, an electric motor powered by the at least one battery, and at least one printed circuit board having a controller and supporting electronics. The electric motor may be configured to drive at least one massage actuator to apply a compression-expansion cycle. The housing may be configured to enclose at least a portion of at least one massage actuator.

[0010] In one embodiment, the housing may include a removable door for installing or replacing at least one battery.

[0011] In one embodiment, the supporting electronics may include circuitry configured to charge at least one battery using DC power supplied by an external DC power source.

[0012] In one embodiment, the housing may further enclose a wireless antenna and electronics configured to provide wireless communication between the unit and another device for operating the control unit.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing may further enclose a vacuum pump powered by electrical power supplied by at least one battery. The vacuum pump provides suction to an external suction head and bottle assembly for one or both of the user's left and right breasts during a compression-expansion cycle.

[0014] In one embodiment, the housing may further enclose a solenoid valve configured to selectively vent to the atmosphere to release the suction.

[0015] In an embodiment, at least one massage actuator may include a linear pulling mechanism or a rotary pulling mechanism.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one pocket may be implemented via a single pocket integral with the back panel of the bra. The housing of the unit may be further configured to enclose a first massage actuator and a second massage actuator driven by an electric motor, the first massage actuator being releasably coupled to a first plurality of cable loops to apply a compression-expansion cycle to a first pad, and the second massage actuator being releasably coupled to a second plurality of cable loops to apply a compression-expansion cycle to a second pad.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first and second massage actuators may include a rotary pulling mechanism driven by an electric motor. The rotary pulling mechanism may employ a multi-part winding spool with gears engaging a worm gear rotatably driven by the electric motor. At least portions of the first plurality of cable loops and at least portions of the second plurality of cable loops may terminate at elements (e.g., beads) captured by corresponding spoon-shaped features of the multi-part winding spool. Certain spoon-shaped features of the multi-part winding spool may be offset from each other at a predetermined rotational angle for sequential winding operations of the multi-part winding spool.

[0018] In one embodiment, a first conduit may be provided for a first plurality of cable loops. The first conduit may extend through or be supported by fabric disposed along or by the left wing panel of the bra. A second conduit may be provided for a second plurality of cable loops. The second conduit may extend through or be supported by fabric disposed along or by the right wing panel of the bra. The housing may further include a first cable connector disposed adjacent to a first massage actuator and a second cable connector disposed adjacent to a second massage actuator. The first conduit may terminate at a connector configured to selectively engage and lock into the first cable connector. The second conduit may terminate at a connector configured to selectively engage and lock into the second cable connector.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first pad may include a group of interlocking bead structures defining passageways for segments of a first plurality of cable loops, and the second pad may include a group of interlocking bead structures defining passageways for segments of a second plurality of cable loops. The first group of interlocking bead structures may include internal spring elements that facilitate the expansion of the first plurality of cable loops. The second group of interlocking bead structures may include internal spring elements that facilitate the expansion of the second plurality of cable loops.

[0020] In other embodiments, at least one pocket includes a first pocket integrated with the left wing panel of the bra and a second pocket integrated with the right wing panel of the bra. The device may include multiple units for simultaneously applying compression-expansion cycles to the left and right pads.

[0021] In another aspect, a breast milk expression device includes a bra having a first pad configured to surround a user's left breast and a second pad configured to surround a user's right breast. A first plurality of cable loops are provided with portions extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the first pad and displaceable relative to the first pad. A second plurality of cable loops are provided with portions extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the second pad and displaceable relative to the second pad. A unit is configured to be operatively coupled to one or both of the first plurality of cable loops and the second plurality of cable loops, and to apply a compression-expansion cycle to one or both of the first and second pads by adjusting the effective length of the cable loops operatively coupled to the unit. The first pad may include a group of interlocking bead structures defining passageways for segments of the first plurality of cable loops, and the second pad may include a group of interlocking bead structures defining passageways for segments of the second plurality of cable loops.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first set of interlocking bead structures may include internal spring elements that facilitate the expansion of the first plurality of cable loops. The second set of interlocking bead structures may include internal spring elements that facilitate the expansion of the second plurality of cable loops.

[0023] Describe and request protection for other aspects and features. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The foregoing will become apparent from the following more specific description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference characters are used throughout different views to refer to the same components. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the focus is on illustrating embodiments of the invention.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of a bra that supports the left and right massage units.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic rear view of a bra.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic left-side view of a bra.

[0028] Figure 4 The illustration shows the device worn by the user. Figure 1 A schematic front view of a bra.

[0029] Figure 5 The illustration shows the device worn by the user. Figure 1 A schematic rear view of a bra.

[0030] Figure 6 It is worn by the user. Figure 1 A schematic left-side view of a bra.

[0031] Figure 7 It is possible to be Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary left breast massage unit supported by a bra.

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the massage unit.

[0033] Figure 9A and Figure 9B It is a diagram. Figure 7 A schematic view of the internal components of the removable parts of the massage unit.

[0034] Figure 9C , Figure 9D , Figure 9E and Figure 9F It is a diagram. Figure 7 A schematic view of the internal components of the massage unit's pad.

[0035] Figure 10 It is possible to be Figure 1 A perspective view of another exemplary massage unit supported by a bra.

[0036] Figure 11A It is possible to be Figure 1 A schematic view of another exemplary massage unit supported by a bra.

[0037] Figure 11B , Figure 11C and Figure 11D It is a diagram. Figure 11A A schematic view of the internal components of the removable parts of the massage unit.

[0038] Figure 12 It is possible to be Figure 1 A perspective view of another exemplary massage unit supported by a bra.

[0039] Figure 13 It is possible to be Figure 1 A schematic view of another exemplary massage unit supported by a bra.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic front view of an exemplary bra that supports a single massage unit.

[0041] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A schematic left-side view of a bra.

[0042] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A schematic rear view of a bra.

[0043] Figure 17 The illustration shows the device worn by the user. Figure 14 A schematic front view of a bra.

[0044] Figure 18 The illustration shows the device worn by the user. Figure 14 A schematic rear view of a bra.

[0045] Figure 19 It is worn by the user. Figure 14 A schematic left-side view of a bra.

[0046] Figure 20 It is possible to be Figure 14 A perspective front view of an exemplary massage unit supported by a bra.

[0047] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A perspective rear view of the massage unit.

[0048] Figure 22A It is a diagram. Figure 20 A schematic view of the internal components of the massage unit.

[0049] Figure 22B yes Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the massage unit.

[0050] Figures 23 to 29 It is a diagram. Figure 20 A schematic view of the components of the massage unit.

[0051] Figure 30 This is a schematic front view of another exemplary bra that incorporates interlocking beaded elements for applying cyclical massage to the user's left and right breasts.

[0052] Figures 31 to 34 The diagram is in Figure 30 A schematic view of the components of the interlocking beaded element used in the bra.

[0053] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer system, which may embody components such as a breast massage unit and a corresponding control system or computing device as described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0054] It will be understood that this disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples of various features for implementing various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify this disclosure. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0055] Figures 1 to 8 An embodiment of the system is shown, which includes a left massage unit and a right massage unit removably supported by a bra 1.

[0056] The bra 1 includes a pad 3a, which is contoured and configured to surround and engage the user's left breast during use. For the purposes of this document, the term "pad" will be broadly understood to include one or more pads, cups, or shells that are contoured and configured to surround and engage the user's breast. The pad 3a may be made of fabric, polymer, or any flexible material. The pad 3a defines an opening or slit 5a corresponding to the nipple area of ​​the left breast. The opening or slit 5a may be configured to receive a portion of a breast shield (not shown) therethrough. The opening or slit 5a may be defined by overlapping fabric (e.g., using a half-inch overlapping fabric). The pad 3a is supported by a tapered left panel 7a of the bra 1, which extends downward from an upper left stripe 9a to a bottom stripe 11, which is positioned below the pad 3a and surrounds the user's torso. The upper left stripe 9a is configured to extend over the user's left shoulder and is connected to a back panel 13 via an adjustable elastic stripe 15a. The bottom stripe 11 may be formed of an elastic fabric material. The bottom strap 11 may include a first set of fasteners 16a (e.g., hook and eyelet fasteners or hook and loop or Velcro fasteners) located on or near the left side of the bra 1 to enable the bottom strap 11 to be opened and closed for putting on and removing the bra 1 during use.

[0057] The bra 1 also includes a pad 3b, which is contoured and configured to surround and engage the user's right breast during use. The pad 3b may be made of fabric, polymer, or any flexible material. The pad 3b defines an opening or slit 5b corresponding to the nipple area of ​​the right breast. The opening or slit 5b may be configured to receive a portion of a breast shield (not shown). The opening or slit 5b may be defined by overlapping fabric (e.g., using a half-inch overlap). The pad 3b is supported by a tapered right panel 7b of the bra 1, which extends downward from the upper right strap 9b to the bottom strap 11. The bottom strap 11 may include a second set of fasteners 16b (e.g., hook and eyelet fasteners) positioned on or near the right side of the bra 1 to allow opening and closing of the bottom strap 11 for putting on and removing the bra 1 during use. The upper right strap 9b is configured to extend over the user's right shoulder and is connected to the back panel 13 via an adjustable elastic strap 15a.

[0058] The left strip 15a may be connected to the upper left strip 9a and the back panel 13 using connectors 20a (such as loops and / or triangular sliders). The left strip 15a may also include one or more adjusters 19a (such as sliders) to allow the length of the left strip 15a to be adjusted by the user. The right strip 15b may be connected to the upper right strip 9b and the back panel 13 using connectors 20b (such as loops and / or triangular sliders). The right strip 15b may also include one or more adjusters 19b (such as sliders) to allow the length of the right strip 15b to be adjusted by the user. The back panel 13 extends upward from the bottom strip 11 to connect to the left strip 15a and the right strip 15b.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As best shown, the bra 1 also includes a left wing panel 21a extending rearward from the left side of panel 7a to back panel 11. The left wing panel 21a is configured to wrap around the left side of the user's torso and extend below the user's left arm during use. The bra 1 also includes a right wing panel 21b, similar to the left wing panel 21a, extending from the right side of panel 7b to back panel 13. The right wing panel 21b is configured to wrap around the right side of the user's torso and extend below the user's right arm during use.

[0060] Panels 7a, 7b, 13, 21a, 21b, as well as upper left and upper right stripes 15a and 15b and bottom stripe 11, may be formed of fabric, polymer, or any flexible material. In an embodiment, panels 7a, 7b, 13, 21a, 21b, as well as pads 3a, 3b and bottom stripe, may be formed by a three-dimensional knitting machine programmed via digital design of the bra and supplied with desired yarns and / or other suitable materials. In an embodiment, the entire bra may be made of the same base material (such as jacquard knit fabric), and the amount of latex or other materials used in certain areas or sections of the bra may vary for desired properties (such as elasticity or comfort).

[0061] Pad 3a supports multiple cables configured to slide, translate, or otherwise shift relative to pad 3a along a circumferential path guided by an arrangement of channels integrally formed with pad 3a. Figures 1 to 3 In the diagram, two channels are shown as solid lines and labeled 17a1 and 17a2, where cables 19a1 and 19a2 ( Figure 7The cables extending through the two channels are described above. In an embodiment, channels 17a1 and 17a2 may be formed of a woven material (such as a tubular jacquard knit) knitted, sewn, or otherwise connected to pad 3a. The cables extending through channels 17a1 and 17a2 are referred to herein as “cable loops”. For purposes herein, the term “cable” will be understood broadly to include wires, ropes, monofilaments, multifilaments, stranded yarns, etc., which may be made of any of several materials (such as metals, polymers that are substantially inelastic under tension, or other suitable materials or combinations thereof). The circumferential paths formed by channels 17a1 and 17a2 (and the corresponding cable loops extending through them) are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction A, as shown below. Figure 6 As best illustrated in the diagram. During use, the longitudinal direction A is intended to extend from the base of the left breast / torso to the nipple of the left breast, generally parallel to the user's sagittal plane. In this way, the circumferential paths formed by channels 17a1, 17a2 (and the corresponding cable loops extending through them) are spaced apart from each other at different locations relative to the user's torso or the base of the left breast.

[0062] Pad 3b supports multiple cables configured to slide, translate, or otherwise shift relative to pad 3b along a circumferential path guided by an arrangement of channels integrally formed with pad 3b. Figures 1 to 3 In the diagram, two channels are shown as solid lines and labeled 17b1 and 17b2, where the cables (similar to...) Figure 7 Cables 19a1 and 19a2 extend through the two channels. In an embodiment, channels 17b1 and 17b2 may be formed of a woven material (e.g., tubular jacquard knit) knitted, sewn, or otherwise connected to pad 3b. Cables extending through channels 17b1 and 17b2 are referred to herein as “cable loops”. The circumferential path formed by channels 17b1 and 17b2 (and the corresponding cable loops extending through them) is similar to... Figure 6 The directions A shown are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction. During use, the longitudinal direction is intended to extend from the base of the right breast / torso to the nipple of the right breast, generally parallel to the user's sagittal plane. In this way, the circumferential paths formed by channels 17b1, 17b2 (and the corresponding cable loops extending through them) are spaced apart from each other at different locations relative to the user's torso or the base of the right breast.

[0063] Left massage unit

[0064] The cable loops 19a1 and 19a2 extending through the channels 17a1 and 17a2 of the pad 3a are mechanically connected to the left massage unit 22a, as shown. Figure 7As best shown in the diagram. The left massage unit 22a is configurable to actuate the displacement of cable loops 19a1, 19a2 relative to the pad 3a to compress the left breast, and also to reverse the displacement of cable loops 19a1, 19a2 relative to the pad 3a to allow for expansion and decompression of the left breast. The left massage unit 22a employs an assembly including a pad component 23a1 and a removable component 23a2. Figure 8 As shown, the removable component 23a2 houses a PCB 113 with a controller and supporting electronics, an electric motor (e.g., a stepper motor) 121, at least one battery 127 (e.g., a lithium-ion battery), and a mechanical transmission 123 (e.g., a rotary drive shaft and possible additional components) driven by the electric motor 121. The removable component 23a2 may also house an electric suction pump 115 and a solenoid valve 117. The electric suction pump 115 supplies suction to an external suction head 1101, configured to surround the nipple of the left breast and facilitate the expression of milk from the left breast. The pad component 23a1 houses a massage actuator that engages with cable loops 19a1, 19a2. The massage actuator of the pad component 23a1 is operatively coupled to the mechanical transmission of the removable component 23a2. The user can selectively connect and disconnect the removable component 23a2 from the pad component 23a1 as desired. The operation of the massage actuator of the pad component 23a1 is mechanically driven by the transmission device 123 of the removable component 23a2.

[0065] In an embodiment, the electric motor 121 and transmission 123 of the removable component 23a2 can mechanically cooperate with the massage actuator of the pad component 23a1 to apply one or more compression-expansion cycles to the cable loops 19a1, 19a2. Each compression-expansion cycle selectively displaces the cable loops 19a1, 19a2 to reduce the effective length of the cable loops 19a1, 19a2 surrounding the left breast to compress the left breast, and then displaces the cable loops 19a1, 19a2 to increase the effective length of the cable loops 19a1, 19a2 surrounding the left breast to allow the breast to expand and decompress. In an embodiment, each compression-expansion cycle includes a compression operation that sequentially displaces the cable loops 19a1, 19a2 from the inner cable loop 19a1 (closer to the torso) to the outer cable loop 19a2 (farthest from the torso) to reduce the effective length of the cable loops 19a1, 19a2 surrounding the left breast without removing tension from the cable loops in order to apply sequential compression to the left breast. Each compression-expansion cycle further includes an expansion operation that displaces cable loops 19a1, 19a2 to increase the effective length of the cable loops 19a1, 19a2 surrounding the left breast to allow for expansion of the left breast. As part of the compression-expansion cycle, a sequential compression operation is followed by an expansion operation, which simulates a massage of the left breast and effectively directs milk toward the nipple of the breast for expression.

[0066] In an embodiment, the controller and supporting electronics of the PCB 113 of the removable component 23a2 may be configured to supply electrical signals to the electric motor 121 to provide power and control for mechanical massage actuation of the left breast, such as through the cooperation of the motor 121, transmission 123, and massage actuator of the left massage unit 22a. The controller and supporting electronics of the PCB 113 of the removable component 23a2 may also be configured to supply electrical signals to the electric suction pump 115 of the removable component 23a2 to control the operation of the electric suction pump 115 when supplying suction to the external suction head and bottle assembly 1101 via the suction port 1102 in the removable component 23a2. A suction line 1105 may be fluidly coupled to the suction port 1102 for connection to the external suction head and bottle assembly 1101. In this configuration, the suction line 1105 supplies negative pressure (suction) generated by the electric suction pump 115 of the removable component 23a2 to the external suction head and bottle assembly 1101. The solenoid valve 117 can be configured to vent the suction line 1105 to the ambient environment as needed, under the control of the controller on the PCB 113.

[0067] The removable component 23a2 of the left massage unit 22a can also support a wireless antenna 129, which is connected to the controller and supporting electronics of the PCB 113 of the removable component 23a2. The controller and supporting electronics of the PCB 113 can cooperate with the wireless antenna 129 to provide a wireless communication link to a computing device. The wireless communication link can support standardized wireless communication protocols, such as multiple... Protocol (e.g., Up to v1.08 and The computing device may be any one or more of the following protocols: Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11, or other wireless data communication protocols. The computing device may be a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet computer, or other computing device. For example, Figure 8 A smartphone labeled 1105 is depicted. Alternatively or additionally, the computing device may be a wireless remote-controlled device, which in Figure 8 The interface is labeled 1107. The computing device can execute software (e.g., an application, also referred to as an "app") that graphically displays an operating interface to the user. The operating interface can be used to configure and / or control operating parameters of the left massage unit 22a, including operating parameters of the electric motor 121 that drives the massage actuation of the left massage unit 22a and the electric suction pump 115 of the left massage unit 22a. The operating parameters can be stored locally on the computing device or remotely (e.g., in a cloud data store) during use for retrieval and / or analysis.

[0068] Furthermore, the removable component 23a2 of the left massage unit 22a may include a port 135 for receiving DC power to charge one or more batteries 127 of the removable component 23a2. When charged, the one or more batteries 127 of the removable component 23a2 can be used to supply electrical power to the electrical components of the removable component 23a2, including a controller and support electronics of the PCB 113, an electric motor 121, and an electric suction pump 115. Optionally, DC power can also be supplied to the electrical components of the removable component 23a2. The electrical power can be adjusted as needed for supplying power to the electrical components of the removable component 23a2.

[0069] In an embodiment, the left wing panel 21a of the bra 1 may include a pocket or sleeve 24a formed of fabric, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown in the illustration. In an embodiment, the fabric of the pocket or sleeve 24a may be a jacquard knit fabric that is knitted, sewn, or otherwise attached to the left wing panel 21a. The size and material of the pocket or sleeve 24a may be configured to enclose and secure at least a portion of the left massage unit 22a during use. For example, the size and material of the pocket or sleeve 24a may be configured to hold and retain the removable part 23a2 of the left massage unit 22a. In this configuration, the bra 1 can support the removable part 23a2 of the left massage unit 22a in a position below the user's left arm, a position that is hidden (or at least partially hidden) out of sight during normal interaction with others, allowing the left massage unit 22a to be worn and used separately. In an embodiment, an opening 26a leading to the pocket or sleeve 24a extends laterally across the top side of the pocket or sleeve 24a, while a smaller vertical opening 28a leading to the pocket or sleeve 24a extends along the front side of the pocket or sleeve 24a. The opening 26a can be sized to accommodate the longitudinal dimension of the removable part 23a2 of the left massage unit 22a, so that the removable part 23a2 can be placed into or removed from the pocket or sleeve 24a. The opening 28a can be sized to accommodate the height dimension of the padding part 23a1 of the left massage unit 22a, so that the padding part 23a1 extends through the opening 28a to a position at or near the pad 3a, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 6 The best example shown is in the text.

[0070] Right massage unit

[0071] The two cable loops extending through channels 17b1 and 17b2 of pad 3b are mechanically connected to the right massage unit, which is similar to... Figure 7The left massage unit 22a. The right massage unit can be configured to actuate the displacement of two cable loops relative to the pad 3b to compress the right breast, and also to reverse the displacement of the cable loops relative to the pad 3b to allow the right breast to expand and decompress. The right massage unit can employ a similar design to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The left massage unit 22a comprises an assembly including a pad component and a removable component. In this configuration, the removable component of the right massage unit houses a PCB with a controller and supporting electronics, an electric motor (e.g., a stepper motor), at least one battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery), and a mechanical transmission mechanism (e.g., a rotary drive shaft and possible additional components) driven by the electric motor. The removable component of the right massage unit may also house an electric suction pump and a solenoid valve for venting the suction pump. The suction pump supplies suction to an external suction head configured to surround the nipple of the right breast and facilitate the expression of milk from the right breast. The pad component of the right massage unit houses a massage actuator that engages with a cable loop. The massage actuator of the pad component is operatively coupled to the mechanical transmission mechanism of the removable component. The user can selectively connect and disconnect the removable component from the pad component as desired. The operation of the massage actuator of the pad component is mechanically driven by the mechanical transmission mechanism of the removable component of the right massage unit.

[0072] In an embodiment, the electric motor and mechanical transmission of the removable component mechanically cooperate with the massage actuator of the pad component of the right massage unit to apply one or more compression-expansion cycles to the cable loops. Each compression-expansion cycle selectively displaces the cable loops to reduce the effective length of the cable loops surrounding the right breast to compress the right breast, and then displaces the cable loops to increase the effective length of the cable surrounding the right breast to allow the breast to expand and decompress. In an embodiment, each compression-expansion cycle includes a compression operation that sequentially displaces the cable loops from the inner cable loop (closer to the torso) to the outer cable (farthest from the torso) to reduce the effective length of the cable loops surrounding the right breast without removing tension from the cable loops to apply sequential compression to the right breast. Each compression-expansion cycle further includes an expansion operation that displaces the cable loops to increase the effective length of the cable loops surrounding the right breast to allow the right breast to expand. As part of the compression-expansion cycle, the sequential compression operation is followed by the expansion operation, which simulates a massage of the right breast and can effectively move milk toward the nipple of the breast for expression.

[0073] In one embodiment, the controller and supporting electronics of the PCB of the removable component of the right massage unit are configured to supply electrical signals to the electric motor of the removable component to provide power and control for driving mechanical massage actuation of the right breast, such as through the cooperation of the motor, transmission, and massage actuator of the right massage unit. The controller and supporting electronics of the PCB of the removable component of the right massage unit are also configured to supply electrical signals to the electric suction pump of the removable component to control the operation of the electric suction pump when supplying suction to an external suction head and bottle assembly via a suction port in the removable component. A suction line is fluidly coupled to this suction port for connection to the external suction head and bottle assembly. In this configuration, negative pressure (suction) generated by the electric suction pump of the removable component is supplied to the external suction head and bottle assembly.

[0074] The removable component of the right massage unit can also support a wireless antenna, which is connected to the controller and supporting electronics of the PCB of the removable component. The controller and supporting electronics on the PCB can cooperate with the wireless antenna to provide a wireless communication link to a computing device. The wireless communication link can support standardized wireless communication protocols, such as multiple... Protocol (e.g., Up to v1.08 and The computing device may be any one or more of the following protocols: Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11, or other wireless data communication protocols. The computing device may be a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet computer, or another computing device. For example, Figure 8 A smartphone labeled 1105 is depicted. Alternatively or additionally, the computing device may be a wireless remote-controlled device, which in Figure 8 The device is labeled 1107. The computing device can execute software (e.g., an application, also referred to as an "app") that graphically displays an operating interface to the user. The operating interface can be used to configure and / or control operating parameters of the right massage unit, including operating parameters of the electric motor driving the massage actuation of the right massage unit and the operating parameters of the electric suction pump of the right massage unit. The operating parameters can be stored locally on the computing device or remotely (e.g., in a cloud data store) during use for retrieval and / or analysis.

[0075] Furthermore, the removable component of the right massage unit may include a port for receiving DC power to charge one or more batteries of the removable component. When charged, the one or more batteries of the removable component can be used to supply electrical power to the electrical components of the removable component of the right massage unit, including a controller and supporting electronics on a PCB, an electric motor, and an electric suction pump. Optionally, DC power can also be supplied to the electrical components of the removable component. The electrical power supplied to the electrical components of the removable component can be adjusted as needed.

[0076] In an embodiment, the right wing panel 21b of the bra 1 may comprise a fabric formed and similar to... Figure 3 and Figure 6 The pocket or sleeve 24a shown is a pocket or sleeve. In an embodiment, the fabric of the pocket or sleeve may be a jacquard knit fabric that is knitted, sewn, or otherwise attached to the right wing panel 21b. The size and material of the pocket or sleeve may be configured to enclose and secure at least a portion of the right massage unit 22b during use. For example, the size and material of the pocket or sleeve in the right wing panel 21b may be configured to hold and retain a removable component of the right massage unit. In this configuration, the bra 1 can support the removable component of the right massage unit in a position under the user's right arm, a position that is hidden (or at least partially hidden) from view during normal interaction with others, allowing the right massage unit to be worn and used separately. In one embodiment, an opening leading to a pocket or sleeve extends laterally across the top side of the pocket or sleeve, similar to opening 26a of pocket or sleeve 24a for the left massage unit, while a smaller vertical opening leading to a pocket or sleeve extends along the front side of the pocket or sleeve, similar to opening 28a of pocket or sleeve 24a for the left massage unit. The top opening may be sized to accommodate the longitudinal dimensions of a removable component of the right massage unit, allowing the removable component to be placed in or removed from the pocket or sleeve. The front opening may be sized to accommodate the height dimensions of the padding component of the right massage unit, allowing the padding component to extend through the front opening to a position at or near pad 3b.

[0077] Massage unit employing sequential linear pulling motion

[0078] exist Figures 9A to 9F In one embodiment illustrated in the figure, the corresponding massage unit (e.g., Figure 7 and Figure 8 The removable component of the left massage unit 22a (or a similar right massage unit) may include a slider 901 mechanically coupled to a guide screw 903, which is rotatably driven by an electric motor 905 of the removable component. Rotation of the guide screw 903 translates into linear movement of the slider 901 along a track 907 extending longitudinally within the internal space of the removable component, as shown. To achieve this movement, the slider 901 includes a base 901a with a female threaded interface that receives and surrounds the guide screw 902. The base 901a also includes a sliding interface that receives and surrounds a fixed shaft 909 parallel to and extending below the track 907, as shown. Figure 9AAs best illustrated in the diagram. The sliding interface allows the slider 901 to slide or move linearly along the fixed axis 909 and the track 907, while preventing rotational movement of the slider 901 about the guide screw 902. The slider 901 further supports a locking / unlocking mechanism 911, which includes a spring-biased arm whose distal end selectively engages the end wall of the sequential pull mechanism 913 of the pad component of the massage unit. The spring-biased arm of the locking / unlocking mechanism 911 is pivotable (e.g., automatically or manually by pressing a finger tab attached to the arm at a predetermined starting position of the slider 901) to mechanically disengage the slider 901 from the sequential pull mechanism 913 and allow the removable component to disconnect from the pad component. The removable component can be reattached to the pad component such that the distal end of the spring-biased arm engages the end wall of the sequential pull mechanism 913, which effectively mechanically engages the slider 901 to the sequential pull mechanism 913.

[0079] like Figures 9C to 9F As best shown, the sequential pull mechanism 913 is configured to slide linearly along a track 915 extending longitudinally within the interior space of the mat component. The track 915 is aligned with the track 907 of the removable component. In this configuration, when the removable component is attached to the mat component, the sequential pull mechanism 913 and the slider 901 can be linearly translated along the track components (915, 907) under actuation provided by the guide screw 903 of the removable component.

[0080] The padding component has opposing openings 916 that allow the elongated section of the inner cable loop to extend into and through the interior space of the padding component. The sequential pulling mechanism 913 has opposing walls forming a slot 917 that engages and captures such an elongated section of the inner cable loop. Mechanical fasteners (such as screws) and / or adhesives can be used to secure the inner cable loop in the slot 917.

[0081] The sequential pulling mechanism 913 includes a base 918 defining a recess 919 that extends parallel to the track 915 between opposing end wall structures 920a and 920b. A traveler 921 is positioned within the recess 919 and can move linearly within the recess 919 between the opposing end wall structures 920a and 920b under certain translational movement of the sequential pulling mechanism 913.

[0082] The padding component also has opposing openings 922 that allow the elongated section of the outer cable loop to extend into and through the interior space of the padding component. The traveler 921 has opposing walls forming a slot 923 that engages and captures such an elongated section of the outer cable loop. Mechanical fasteners (such as screws) and / or adhesives can be used to secure the outer cable loop in the slot 923.

[0083] Figure 9D The diagram illustrates the relative positions of the sequential pull mechanism 913 / slider 901 and traveler 921, along with the cable loops attached thereto, in a neutral position where no tension is applied to any of the cable loops, corresponding to a neutral position where the breast is not compressed. Whenever either the sequential pull mechanism 913 / slider 901 or the traveler 921 is actuated by a massage actuator (e.g., guide screw 903) away from its respective neutral position... Figure 9D During linear movement upwards and to the right, such movement selectively pulls the corresponding cable loop or otherwise displaces it to reduce the effective length of the corresponding cable loop surrounding the breast. This results in radial inward displacement of the corresponding pad (e.g., pad 3a or pad 3b) and compression of the user's breast. Due to the arrangement of the notch 919 and the opposing end wall structures 920a, 920b, the linear movement of the sequential pulling mechanism 913 / slider 901 and the traveler 921, and the resulting reduction in the effective length of the corresponding cable loop and the application of tension to the cable loop and breast compression, can be timed and sequentially by the sequential pulling mechanism 913 / slider 901 moving away from its corresponding neutral position under the actuation provided by the massage actuator (e.g., guide screw 903). Figure 9D The stroke is controlled during each upward and rightward stroke. This stroke corresponds to the compression phase of the compression-expansion cycle.

[0084] For reference Figure 9D , Figure 9E and Figure 9F To understand the operation of the massage unit, when the slider 901 and the sequential pulling mechanism 913 are initially moved away from their respective neutral positions by actuation provided by the massage actuator (e.g., guide screw 903), Figure 9D When the sequential pulling mechanism 913 moves along the track 915 without engaging and moving the traveler 921, the sequential pulling mechanism 913 will move along the track 915. Figure 9E In the configuration shown, the movement of the sequential pull mechanism 913 pulls the inner cable loop to reduce the effective length of the inner cable loop surrounding the breast, causing radial inward displacement of the corresponding pad and compression of the user's breast. The traveler 921 remains in or near a neutral position, and thus produces little or no displacement of the corresponding outer cable loop. The length of the inner cable loop pulled by the upward movement of the sequential pull mechanism 913 and the slider 901 is concentrated within the internal space of the bra massage unit. Then, under actuation provided by the massage actuator (e.g., the guide screw 903), the continued movement of the slider 901 and the sequential pull mechanism 913 away from their respective neutral positions will cause the traveler 921 to move to a position where the traveler 921 is positioned at or near the distal end wall structure 920b, as... Figure 9FAs shown in the diagram. In this position, the traveler 921 moves upward together with the sequential pulling mechanism 913 and the slider 901. Subsequently, under actuation provided by the massage actuator (e.g., the lead screw 903), the continued movement of the slider 901 and the sequential pulling mechanism 913 away from their respective neutral positions will cause the traveler 921 to move together with the slider 901 and the sequential pulling mechanism 913. In this configuration, the movement of the sequential pulling mechanism 913 pulls the inner cable loop to further reduce the effective length of the inner cable loop surrounding the breast, and the movement of the traveler 921 pulls the outer cable loop to reduce the effective length of the outer cable loop surrounding the breast, which causes radial inward displacement of the corresponding pad and further compression of the user's breast. The length of the inner cable loop pulled by the continued upward movement of the sequential pulling mechanism 913 and the slider 901 is concentrated within the internal space of the massage unit, and the length of the outer cable loop pulled by the upward movement of the traveler 921 is also concentrated within the internal space of the massage unit. This compression continues until the slider 901, the sequential pulling mechanism 913, and the traveler 921 stop moving, ending the compression stroke. Afterward, the massage unit can be configured to initiate the expansion stroke of the slider 901, the sequential pulling mechanism 913, and the traveler 921, as well as the expansion phase of the compression-expansion cycle, which increases the effective length of both the inner and outer cable loops surrounding the breast to remove tension in these loops, thereby allowing the slider 901, the sequential pulling mechanism 913, and the traveler 921, along with the cable loops attached to them, to move downward and return to their original position. Figure 9C The neutral position shown in the diagram completes the compression-expansion cycle. This compression-expansion cycle can be repeated multiple times to facilitate milk expression from the breast. Therefore, based on the compression sequence, the inner cable ring first compresses the breast, followed by compression from the outer cable ring, causing the breast to move outwards (e.g., ...). Figure 6 In the longitudinal direction A), the compression gradually occurs from the base of the breast towards the nipple area. Furthermore, it will be recognized that during each compression stroke, the inner cable ring will be under tension for a longer period than the outer cable ring.

[0085] In an embodiment, the removable component of each corresponding left and right massage unit may be an elongated rectangular encapsulation having characteristic length (L), height (H), and width (W) dimensions, such as... Figure 10As shown, the bra's pockets or sleeves (24a or 24b) can be configured to have length and height dimensions corresponding to the length (L) and height (H) dimensions of the enclosed portion of the removable component of the massage unit, which are greater than (or equal to) those of the massage unit. The elasticity of the fabric of the pockets or sleeves (24a or 24b) can be configured to accommodate the width (W) dimension of the enclosed portion of the removable component of the massage unit. Note that when the corresponding removable component of the massage unit is housed in the corresponding pocket or sleeve (24a or 24b) of the bra, the length dimension (L) of the enclosed portion and the corresponding length dimension of the pocket or sleeve (24a or 24b) extend substantially parallel to the front-back direction of the user's body, the height dimension (H) of the enclosed portion and the corresponding width dimension of the pocket or sleeve (24a or 24b) extend substantially parallel to the vertical direction of the user's body, and the width dimension (W) of the enclosed portion extends substantially parallel to the inward-outward direction of the user's body. In embodiments, the characteristic length (L) of the encapsulation can be in the range of 130-170 mm, the characteristic height (H) of the encapsulation can be in the range of 65-75 mm, and the characteristic width (W) of the encapsulation can be in the range of 25-40 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the characteristic length (L) can be at or near 158.75 mm, the characteristic height (H) can be at or near 70.5 mm, and the characteristic width (W) can be at or near 30 mm. These size ranges provide a low-profile design that can be comfortably worn under the user's arm during use.

[0086] Massage unit using sequential rotation and pulling motion

[0087] In other embodiments, the bra 1 may support a massage unit 21' for massaging the left or right breast, wherein the massage unit 21' includes a guide tube / connector 1103 operatively coupled between a removable member 1101 and a padding member 1105, such as Figures 11A to 11D As illustrated herein, the padding component 1105 and the guide tube 1103 are rigidly fixed to each other, and the guide tube 1103 is bent to guide the inner cable loop 1107a (or a portion thereof) and the outer cable loop 1107b (or a portion thereof) to the removable component 1101. As described herein, the cable loops 1107a, 1107b extend through channels 17a1, 17a2 of the pad 3a for the left breast massage unit, or through channels 17b1, 17b2 of the pad 3b for the right breast massage unit, respectively.

[0088] exist Figure 11B and Figure 11CIn the illustrated embodiment, the removable component 1101 includes a connector 1101a supporting opposing arms 1109a, 1109b, the distal ends of which selectively engage in a slot or recess at or near the end of the guide tube / connector 1103, as shown. Arms 1109a, 1109b can be pivoted by a user manually pressing a finger tab attached to the arm to mechanically disengage the removable component 1101 from the guide tube / connector 1103 and allow the removable component 1101 to disconnect from the guide tube / connector 1103 and the padding component 1105. The removable component 1101 can be reconnected to the guide tube / connector 1103 and the pad component 1105 such that the distal ends of the arms 1109a, 1109b are captured in a slot or recess at or near the end of the guide tube / connector 1103, which effectively mechanically engages the removable component 1101 to the guide tube / connector 1103 and the pad component 1105. In other embodiments, other mechanical elements may be used to connect and reconnect the removable component 1101 to the guide tube / connector 1103 and the pad component 1105.

[0089] Similar to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, the removable component 1101 of the massage unit 21' may accommodate a PCB with a controller and supporting electronics, an electric motor 121' (e.g., a stepper motor), at least one battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery), and a massage actuator 123' (e.g., a gear train and a rotary pulling mechanism for a cable loop). The operation of the massage actuator 123' is driven by the rotational output of the electric motor 121'.

[0090] In an embodiment, the electric motor 121' and the massage actuator 123' are cooperative to apply one or more compression-expansion cycles to cable loops 1107a, 1107b. Each compression-expansion cycle selectively displaces the cable loop to reduce the effective length of the cable loop surrounding the breast to compress the breast, and then displaces the cable loop to increase the effective length of the cable loop surrounding the breast to allow the breast to expand and decompress. In an embodiment, each compression-expansion cycle includes a compression operation that sequentially displaces the cable loop from the inner cable loop (closer to the torso) to the outer cable loop (farthest from the torso) to reduce the effective length of the cable loop surrounding the breast without removing tension from the cable loop, in order to apply sequential compression to the breast. Each compression-expansion cycle further includes an expansion operation that displaces the cable loop to increase the effective length of the cable loop surrounding the breast to allow the breast to expand. As part of the compression-expansion cycle, the sequential compression operation is followed by the expansion operation, which simulates a massage of the breast and can effectively move milk toward the nipple of the breast for expression.

[0091] In one embodiment, the controller and supporting electronics of the PCB of the removable component 1101 are configured to supply electrical signals to the electric motor 121' of the removable component 1101 to provide power and control for the electric motor 121' when driving mechanical massage actuation of the breast, such as through the cooperation of the motor 121' of the massage unit and the massage actuator 123'. The controller and supporting electronics of the PCB of the removable component 1101 are also configured to supply electrical signals to the electric suction pump of the removable component 1101 to control the operation of the electric suction pump when supplying suction to an external suction head and bottle assembly via a suction port in the removable component. A suction line is fluidly coupled to this suction port for connection to the external suction head and bottle assembly. In this configuration, negative pressure (suction) generated by the electric suction pump of the removable component is supplied to the external suction head and bottle assembly.

[0092] The removable component 1101 of the massage unit 21' can also support a wireless antenna, which is connected to the controller and supporting electronics of the PCB of the removable component. The controller and supporting electronics of the PCB can cooperate with the wireless antenna to provide a wireless communication link to a computing device. The wireless communication link can support standardized wireless communication protocols, such as multiple... Protocol (e.g., Up to v1.08 and The computing device may be any one or more of the following protocols: Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11, or other wireless data communication protocols. The computing device may be a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet computer, or another computing device. For example, Figure 8 A smartphone labeled 1105 is depicted. Alternatively or additionally, the computing device may be a wireless remote-controlled device, which in Figure 8 The interface is labeled 1107. The computing device can execute software (e.g., an application, also referred to as an "app") that graphically displays an operating interface to the user. The operating interface can be used to configure and / or control the operating parameters of the massage unit 21', including the operating parameters of the electric motor that drives the massage actuation of the massage unit 21' and the operating parameters of the electric suction pump of the massage unit 21'. The operating parameters can be stored locally on the computing device or remotely (e.g., in a cloud data store) during use for retrieval and / or analysis.

[0093] In addition, the removable component 1101 may include a port for receiving DC power to charge one or more batteries of the removable component 1101. When charged, the one or more batteries of the removable component 1101 can be used to supply electrical power to electrical components of the removable component 1101, including controllers and support electronics of a PCB, an electric motor 121', and an electric suction pump. Optionally, DC power can also be supplied to the electrical components of the removable component 1101. The electrical power can be adjusted as needed for supplying power to the electrical components of the removable component 1101.

[0094] In an embodiment, bra 1 ( Figures 1 to 6 The left wing panel 21a and right wing panel 21b may each comprise a fabric formed and similar to that shown. Figure 3 and Figure 6 The pocket or sleeve of the illustrated pocket or sleeve 24a. The size and material of the pockets or sleeves in the corresponding left wing panel 21a and right wing panel 21b can be configured to hold and retain the removable part 1101 of the massage unit 21'. In this configuration, the bra 1 can support the removable part 1101 of the massage unit in a position under the user's arm, which is hidden (or at least partially hidden) out of sight during normal interaction with others, allowing the massage unit to be worn and used separately. In an embodiment, an opening leading to the pocket or sleeve extends laterally across the top side of the pocket or sleeve, similar to the opening 26a for the pocket or sleeve 24a, while a smaller vertical opening leading to the pocket or sleeve extends along the front side of the pocket or sleeve, similar to the opening 28a for the pocket or sleeve 24a. The top side opening can be sized to adapt to the longitudinal dimensions of the removable part 1901 of the massage unit so that the removable part can be placed into or removed from the pocket or sleeve. The front opening can be sized to accommodate the size of the pad portion 1105 and / or the guide tube 1103, such that the guide tube 1103 extends through the front opening, wherein the pad portion 1105 is located at or near the corresponding pad (3a or 3b).

[0095] exist Figures 11B to 11DIn one embodiment, the massage actuator 123' of the removable component 1101 includes a gear train 1108 driven by the output shaft of an electric motor 121'. The rotational output of the gear train 1108 drives a rotary pulling mechanism comprising a two-part winding spool having one component 1111a for an inner cable loop 1107a and another component 1111b for an outer cable loop 1107b. The inner cable loop 1107a is terminated by a capture bead 1113a, and the outer cable loop 1107b is terminated by a capture bead 1113b. The winding spool component 1111a includes a spoon-shaped feature 1115a that captures and engages the capture bead 1113a of the inner cable loop 1107a during a certain rotation of the winding spool (counterclockwise away from the guide tube / connector 1103). The spoon-shaped feature 1115a has a slot that allows the inner cable loop 1107a to extend through when the capture bead 1113a is engaged by the spoon-shaped feature 1115a. With the capture bead 1113a engaged by the spoon-shaped feature 1115a, further rotation of the winding spool (counterclockwise away from the guide tube / connector 1103) causes the inner cable loop 1107a to wind around the winding spool assembly 1111a and reduces the effective length of the inner cable loop 1107a. Similarly, the winding spool assembly 1111b includes a spoon-shaped feature 1115b that captures and engages the capture bead 1113b of the outer cable loop 1107b during a certain rotation of the winding spool (counterclockwise away from the guide tube / connector 1103). The spoon-shaped feature 1115b has a slot that allows the outer cable loop 1107b to extend through when the capture bead 1113b is engaged by the spoon-shaped feature 1115b. With the capture bead 1113b engaged by the spoon-shaped feature 1115b, further rotation of the winding spool (counterclockwise away from the guide tube / connector 1103) causes the outer cable loop 1107b to wind around the winding spool assembly 1111b and reduces the effective length of the outer cable loop 1107b. To accommodate the sequential pulling of the outer cable loop 1107b after the inner cable loop 1107a as described herein, the spoon-shaped feature 1115a can be offset from the spoon-shaped feature 1115b by a predetermined rotational lead angle of the winder spool (in the counterclockwise rotation direction of the winding spool assembly), as shown.

[0096] When connector 1101a is connected (or reconnected) to the end of the guide tube / connector 1103, as Figure 11B and Figure 11CAs best shown, the capture beads 1113a, 1113b can be positioned in a neutral position within the respective winding spool components 1111a, 1111b, adjacent to the outlet of the guide tube / connector 1103. In this neutral position, no tension (or very little tension) is applied to any of the cable loops, and the breast is not compressed. When the winding spool components 1111a, 1111b rotate counterclockwise away from the guide tube / connector 1103 under the actuation provided by the electric motor 121' and the gear transmission 1108, such movement causes the spoon-shaped features 1115a, 1115b to selectively capture the corresponding cable loops 1107a, 1107b and wind the corresponding cable loops 1107a, 1107b around the winding spool components 1111a, 1111b to reduce the effective length of the corresponding cable loops surrounding the breast. This causes radial inward displacement of the corresponding pads (e.g., pad 3a or pad 3b) and compression of the user's breasts. Due to the angular offset arrangement between spoon-shaped features 1115a and 1115b, the rotational capture and winding of the corresponding cable loops 1107a and 1107b, as well as the resulting reduction in the effective length of the corresponding cable loops and the timing and sequence of the application of tension and compression of the cable loops, can be controlled during each rotational stroke of the winder spool away from the neutral position of the capture beads 1113a and 1113b under rotational actuation provided by the electric motor 121' and gear transmission 1108. This stroke corresponds to the compression phase of the compression-expansion cycle.

[0097] For operation of massage unit 21', please refer to... Figure 11DTo understand this, when the capture beads 1113a and 1113b are positioned in their neutral positions and the winding spools 1111a and 1111b are rotated counterclockwise away from the guide tube / connector 1103 by an actuation provided by the electric motor 121' and gear transmission 1108, such movement causes the spoon-shaped feature 1115a to capture the capture beads 1113a and wind the inner cable loop 1107a around the winding spool 1111a (while the spoon-shaped feature 1115b does not capture the capture beads 1113b and winds the outer cable loop 1107b), thereby reducing the effective length of the inner cable loop 1107a surrounding the breast. This causes radial inward displacement of the corresponding pad (e.g., pad 3a or pad 3b) and compression of the user's breast. The capture beads 1113b remain in or near their neutral positions, and thus result in little or no displacement of the corresponding outer cable loop 1107b. The length of the inner cable loop 1107a, pulled by the rotational movement of the winding spool components 1111a and 1111b, is gathered within the internal space of the massage unit 21'. Under rotational actuation provided by the electric motor 121' and gear transmission 1108, the continued counterclockwise rotational movement of the winding spool components 1111a and 1111b away from the guide tube / connector 1103 causes the spoon-shaped feature 1115b to capture the capture bead 1113b and wind the outer cable loop 1107b around the winding spool component 1111b (wherein the spoon-shaped feature 1115a further engages the capture bead 1113a and winds the inner cable loop 1107a), thereby reducing the effective length of both the inner and outer cable loops 1107a. This results in radial inward displacement of the corresponding pad (e.g., pad 3a or pad 3b) and compression of the user's breasts. The length of the outer cable loop 1107b, pulled by the rotational movement of the winding spool components 1111a and 1111b, is gathered within the internal space of the massage unit 21' by the winding spool component 1111b. Subsequently, under the rotational actuation provided by the electric motor 121' and the gear transmission device 1108, the continued counterclockwise rotational movement of the winding spool components 1111a and 1111b away from the guide tube / connector 1103 causes the spoon-shaped feature 1115a to further engage the capture bead 1113a and wind the inner cable loop 1107a around the winding spool component 1111a, and causes the spoon-shaped feature 1115b to further engage the capture bead 1113b and wind the outer cable loop 1107b around the winding spool component 1111b, which reduces the effective length of both the inner cable loop 1107a and the outer cable loop 1107b. This causes further radial inward displacement of the corresponding pad (e.g., pad 3a or pad 3b) and compression of the user's breasts. Such compression continues until the counterclockwise rotational movement of the winding spool components 1111a, 1111b stops, which ends the compression stroke.Subsequently, the massage unit 21' can be configured to initiate the expansion stroke and expansion phase of the compression-expansion cycle of the winding spool components 1111a, 1111b. This is achieved by increasing the effective length of both the inner cable ring 1107a and the outer cable ring 1107b surrounding the breast to remove tension in such cable rings by rotating the spoon-shaped features 1115a, 1115b clockwise and returning the capturing beads 1113a, 1113b to their neutral positions, thus completing the compression-expansion cycle. The compression-expansion cycle can be repeated multiple times to facilitate milk expression from the breast. Therefore, based on the compression sequence, the inner cable ring 1107a will first compress the breast, followed by compression of the breast by the outer cable ring 1107b, causing the breast to move outwards (e.g., ...). Figure 6 In the longitudinal direction A), the breast is gradually compressed from the base toward the nipple area. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that during each compression stroke, the inner cable ring 1107a will be under tension for a longer period than the outer cable ring 1107b.

[0098] In other embodiments, the configuration of the spoon-shaped feature of the winding spool of the massage actuator and / or the rotational speed of the electric motor 121' can be readily adapted to provide a variable delay in the peak of the compression cycle or a variable speed of the compression / decompression cycle.

[0099] In other embodiments, the massage actuator of the removable component 1101 may omit the gear train. In this embodiment, the rotational torque provided by the output shaft of the electric motor 121' can be directly coupled to the winding spool, eliminating the mechanical advantages of a gear train.

[0100] In some other embodiments, the capture beads and corresponding spoon-shaped features of the rotating winding spool of the massage actuator of the removable component 1101 can be replaced by other mechanical structures that detachably connect the cable loop to the winding spool, wherein the outer cable is wound in a delayed manner relative to the inner cable for sequential tensioning of the inner and outer cables as described herein.

[0101] In an embodiment, the removable component 1101 of the massage unit 21' may be an elongated rectangular encapsulator with characteristic length (L), height (H), and width (W) dimensions, such as... Figure 12As shown, the bra's pockets or sleeves (24a or 24b) can be configured to have length and width dimensions greater than (or equal to) the corresponding length (L) and width (W) dimensions of the enclosure of the removable part 1101 of the massage unit 21'. The elasticity of the fabric of the pockets or sleeves (24a or 24b) can be configured to adapt to the height (H) dimension of the enclosure of the removable part 1101 of the massage unit 21'. Note that when the removable part 1101 of the massage unit 21' is housed in the corresponding pocket or sleeve (24a or 24b) of the bra, the length dimension (L) of the enclosure and the corresponding length dimension of the pocket or sleeve (24a or 24b) extend substantially parallel to the front-back direction of the user's body, the height dimension (H) of the enclosure and the corresponding width dimension of the pocket or sleeve (24a or 24b) extend substantially parallel to the vertical direction of the user's body, and the width dimension (W) of the enclosure extends substantially parallel to the inward-outward direction of the user's body. In one embodiment, the characteristic length (L) of the encapsulation may be in the range of 4.0 inches to 5.0 inches, the characteristic height (H) of the encapsulation may be in the range of 3.0 inches to 4.0 inches, and the characteristic width (W) of the encapsulation may be in the range of 2.25 inches to 4.0 inches. In another exemplary embodiment, the characteristic length (L) of the encapsulation may be in the range of 3.75 inches to 4.25 inches, the characteristic height (H) of the encapsulation may be in the range of 2.5 inches to 3.0 inches, and the characteristic width (W) of the encapsulation may be in the range of 2.0 inches to 2.25 inches. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the characteristic length (L) of the encapsulation may be in the range of 3.0 inches to 3.75 inches, the characteristic height (H) of the encapsulation may be in the range of 2.25 inches to 2.5 inches, and the characteristic width (W) of the encapsulation may be in the range of 1.75 inches to 2.0 inches. These size ranges provide a low-profile design that can be comfortably worn under the user's arm during use.

[0102] exist Figure 13In another embodiment illustrated herein, the bra 1 may support a massage unit 21” for massaging the left or right breast, wherein the massage unit 21” includes a flexible drive shaft 1303 operatively coupled between a removable member 1131 and a padding member 1305. The flexible drive shaft 1303 is designed to transmit rotational motion via a curved or flexural path. The removable member 1301 and the flexible drive shaft 1303 are rigidly fixed to each other and are used to apply rotational axis motion that actuates the massage actuator 123” of the padding member 1305. The padding member 1305 is engaged with an inner cable loop 1307a and an outer cable loop 1307b. As described herein, the cable loops 1307a, 1307b extend through channels 17a1, 17a2 of the pad 3a for the left breast massage unit, or through channels 17b1, 17b2 of the pad 3b for the right breast massage unit, respectively.

[0103] The pad portion 1305 includes a connector 1305a that provides connection and disconnection between the pad portion 1305 and the flexible drive shaft 1303 (and the removable part 1301 coupled thereto). For example, the connector may include a capture arm similar to the capture arm for connector 1101a described above.

[0104] Similar to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, the removable component 1101 of the massage unit 21” may house a PCB with a controller and supporting electronics, an electric motor 121” (e.g., a stepper motor), and at least one battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). The pad component 1105 may employ a massage actuator 123” (e.g., a gear train and a rotary pulling mechanism for a cable loop). The operation of the massage actuator 123” is driven by the rotational output of the electric motor 121” transmitted to it via a flexible drive shaft 1303.

[0105] In one embodiment, the electric motor 121” and the flexible drive shaft 1303 may cooperate with the massage actuator 123” of the pad component 1305 to apply one or more compression-expansion cycles to the cable loops 1307a, 1307b. Each compression-expansion cycle selectively displaces the cable loops to reduce the effective length of the cable loops surrounding the breast to compress the breast, and then displaces the cable loops to increase the effective length of the cable loops surrounding the breast to allow the breast to expand and decompress. In one embodiment, each compression-expansion cycle includes a compression operation that sequentially displaces the cable loops from the inner cable loop (closer to the torso) to the outer cable (farthest from the torso) to reduce the effective length of the cable loops surrounding the breast without removing tension from the cable loops, in order to apply sequential compression to the breast. Each compression-expansion cycle further includes an expansion operation that displaces the cable loops to increase the effective length of the cable loops surrounding the breast to allow the breast to expand. As part of the compression-expansion cycle, the sequential compression operation is followed by the expansion operation, which simulates a massage of the breast and can effectively move milk toward the nipple of the breast for expression from it.

[0106] In one embodiment, the controller and supporting electronics of the PCB of the removable component 1301 are configured to supply electrical signals to the electric motor 121” of the removable component 1201 to provide power and control for mechanical massage actuation of the breast, such as through the cooperation of the motor 121”, the flexible drive shaft 1303, and the massage actuator 123” of the pad component 1305. The controller and supporting electronics of the PCB of the removable component 1301 are also configured to supply electrical signals to the electric suction pump of the removable component 1301 to control the operation of the electric suction pump when supplying suction to an external suction head and bottle assembly via a suction port in the removable component. A suction line is fluidly coupled to this suction port for connection to the external suction head and bottle assembly. In this configuration, negative pressure (suction) generated by the electric suction pump of the removable component is supplied to the external suction head and bottle assembly.

[0107] The removable component 1301 of the massage unit 21” can also support a wireless antenna, which is connected to the controller and supporting electronics of the PCB of the removable component. The controller and supporting electronics of the PCB can cooperate with the wireless antenna to provide a wireless communication link to a computing device. The wireless communication link can support standardized wireless communication protocols, such as multiple Protocol (e.g., Up to v1.08 and The computing device may be any one or more of the following protocols: Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11, or other wireless data communication protocols. The computing device may be a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet computer, or another computing device. For example, Figure 8A smartphone labeled 1105 is depicted. Alternatively or additionally, the computing device may be a wireless remote-controlled device, which in Figure 8 The interface is labeled 1107. The computing device can execute software (e.g., an application, also referred to as an "app") that graphically displays an operating interface to the user. The operating interface can be used to configure and / or control the operating parameters of the massage unit 21", including the operating parameters of the electric motor that drives the massage actuation of the massage unit 21" and the operating parameters of the electric suction pump of the massage unit 21". The operating parameters can be stored locally on the computing device or remotely (e.g., in a cloud data store) during use for retrieval and / or analysis.

[0108] Additionally, the removable component 1301 may include a port for receiving DC power to charge one or more batteries of the removable component 1301. When charged, the one or more batteries of the removable component 1301 can be used to supply electrical power to electrical components of the removable component 1301, including controllers and support electronics for a PCB, an electric motor 121", and an electric suction pump. Optionally, DC power can also be supplied to the electrical components of the removable component 1301. The electrical power can be adjusted as needed for supplying power to the electrical components of the removable component 1301.

[0109] In an embodiment, bra 1 ( Figures 1 to 6 The left wing panel 21a and right wing panel 21b may each comprise a fabric formed and similar to that shown. Figure 3 and Figure 6 The pocket or sleeve of the shown pocket or sleeve 24a. The size and material of the pockets or sleeves in the corresponding left wing panel 21a and right wing panel 21b can be configured to hold and retain the removable part 1301 of the massage unit 21". In this configuration, the bra 1 can support the removable part 1301 of the massage unit in a position under the user's arm, which is hidden (or at least partially hidden) out of sight during normal interaction with others, allowing the massage unit to be worn and used separately. In an embodiment, the opening to the pocket or sleeve extends laterally across the top side of the pocket or sleeve, similar to the opening for the pocket or sleeve 24a. A smaller vertical opening, 26a, leads to a pocket or sleeve, extending along the front side of the pocket or sleeve, similar to opening 28a for pocket or sleeve 24a. The top opening is sized to accommodate the longitudinal dimensions of the removable component 1301 of the massage unit, allowing the removable component to be placed in or removed from the pocket or sleeve. The front opening is sized to accommodate the dimensions of the padding component 1305 and / or the flexible drive shaft 1303, such that the flexible drive shaft 1305 extends through the front opening, wherein the padding component 1305 is positioned at or near the corresponding pad (3a or 3b).

[0110] In an embodiment, the massage actuator 123” of the pad component 1305 may include a gear-like transmission mechanism driven by a flexible drive shaft 1303 and similar to those described above. Figures 11B to 11D The described mechanism is a spool-based rotary pulling mechanism. This rotary pulling mechanism is adapted to sequential pulling of the outer cable loop 1307b following the inner cable loop 1307a, as described herein. In this embodiment, the winding spool of the pad member 1305 is configured to rotate about a common axis of rotation, wherein a gear-like drive is disposed between the winding spools. The gear-like drive engages both the “outer” winding spool (which is wound to the outer cable loop 1307b furthest from the torso) and the “inner” winding spool (which is wound to the inner cable loop 1307a closest to the torso) and is configured such that the outer winding spool is not engaged by the gear-like drive (and therefore not driven to rotate and wind the outer cable loop 1307b) until the inner winding spool has rotated more than a predetermined amount of rotation or angle to provide sequential pulling of the outer cable loop 1307b following the inner cable loop 1307a, as described herein. In this embodiment, a mechanical structure can be used to detachably connect the inner cable loop 1307a and the outer cable loop 1307b to the corresponding winding spool.

[0111] In one embodiment, the system may include separate and distinct massage units corresponding to the user's left and right breasts. Although two massage units are shown, they may operate independently or together (e.g., simultaneously). Furthermore, in other embodiments of the system, only one massage unit may be included, and the user may use it alternately from one breast to the other as desired. The massage units(s) may be configured to apply compression to the tissue of the corresponding breast, as described herein. The system may be used before, during, and / or after breast pumping or care to facilitate lactation and improve milk production and flow. The massage units employ a sequential rotating pulling motion for the left and right breast pads.

[0112] Figures 14 to 29 Another embodiment of a system is shown, comprising a single massage unit removably supported by a bra 2001.

[0113] Bra 2001 includes a pad 2003a, which is contoured and configured to surround and engage the user's left breast during use. For the purposes of this document, the term "pad" will be understood broadly to include one or more pads, cups, or shells that are contoured and configured to surround and engage the user's breast. Pad 2003a may be made of fabric, polymer, or any flexible material. Pad 2003a defines an opening or slit 2005a corresponding to the nipple area of ​​the left breast. The opening or slit 2005a may be configured to receive a portion of a breast shield (not shown) therethrough. The opening or slit 2005a may be defined by overlapping fabric (e.g., using a half-inch overlapping fabric). Pad 2003a is supported by a tapered left panel 2007a of bra 2001, which extends downward from a left strap 2009a to a bottom strap 2011, which is positioned below pad 2003a and surrounds the user's torso. The left strap 2009a is configured to extend over the user's left shoulder and connect to the back panel 2013. The left strap 2009a may optionally include an adjuster (not shown), such as a slider, to allow the length of the left strap 2009a to be adjusted by the user. The bottom strap 2011 may be formed of an elastic fabric material. The bottom strap 2011 may optionally include fasteners (not shown), such as hook and eyelet fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, or Velcro fasteners, to allow the bottom strap 2011 to be opened and closed for putting on and removing the bra 2001 during use.

[0114] The bra 2001 also includes a pad 2003b, which is contoured and configured to surround and engage the user's right breast during use. The pad 2003b may be made of fabric, polymer, or any flexible material. The pad 2003b defines an opening or slit 2005b corresponding to the nipple area of ​​the right breast. The opening or slit 2005b may be configured to receive a portion of a breast shield (not shown). The opening or slit 2005b may be defined by overlapping fabric (e.g., using a half-inch overlap). The pad 2003b is supported by a tapered right panel 2007b of the bra 2001, which extends downwards from the right strap 2009b to the bottom strap 2011. The right strap 2009b is configured to extend over the user's right shoulder and connect to the back panel 2013. The right strip 2009b may optionally include an adjuster (not shown), such as a slider, so that the length of the right strip 2009b can be adjusted by the user.

[0115] like Figure 15As best shown, the bra 2001 also includes a left wing panel 2021a extending rearward from the left side of panel 2007a to back panel 2013. The left wing panel 2021a is configured to wrap around the left side of the user's torso during use and extend below the user's left arm. The bra 2001 also includes a right wing panel 2021b, which, similar to the left wing panel 2021a, extends from the right side of panel 2007b to back panel 2013. The right wing panel 2021b is configured to wrap around the right side of the user's torso during use and extend below the user's right arm.

[0116] like Figure 16 As best shown, the back panel 2013 extends upward from the bottom strip 2011 to the left strip 2009a and the right strip 2009b. The back panel 2013 also extends laterally to the left wing panel 2021a and the right wing panel 2021b.

[0117] Panels 2007a, 2007b, 2021a, 2021b, 2013, as well as left and right stripes 2009a and 2009b and bottom strip 2011, may be formed from fabric, polymer, or any flexible material. In an embodiment, panels 2007a, 2007b, 2021a, 2021b, 2013, left and right stripes 2009a and 2009b and bottom strip 2011 may be formed by a three-dimensional knitting machine programmed via digital design of the bra and supplied with desired yarns and / or other suitable materials. In an embodiment, the entire bra may be made from the same base material (such as jacquard knit fabric), wherein the amount of latex or other materials used in certain areas or sections of the bra may vary for desired properties (such as elasticity or comfort).

[0118] like Figure 14 As best shown in the diagram, pad 2003a supports a plurality of cable loops configured to slide, translate, or otherwise displace relative to pad 2003a along a circumferential path guided by an arrangement of channels integrally formed with pad 2003a. Figure 14 In the diagram, two channels are shown as solid lines and labeled 2017a1 and 2017a2, with corresponding cable loops 2019a1 and 2019a2 extending through these two channels. In an embodiment, channels 2017a1 and 2017a2 may be formed from a woven material (such as tubular jacquard knit) knitted, sewn, or otherwise connected to pad 2003a. For purposes herein, the term "cable loop" will be understood broadly to include threads, ropes, monofilaments, multifilaments, stranded yarns, etc., which may be made of any of several materials (such as metals, polymers that are substantially inelastic under tension, or other suitable materials or combinations thereof). The circumferential paths formed by channels 2017a1 and 2017a2 (and their corresponding cable loops extending through them) are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction A (see [reference]). Figure 6 During use, the longitudinal direction A is intended to extend from the base of the left breast / torso to the nipple of the left breast, generally parallel to the user's sagittal plane. In this way, the circumferential paths formed by channels 2017a1, 2017a2 (and the corresponding cable loops extending through them) are spaced apart from each other at different locations relative to the user's torso or the base of the left breast.

[0119] Pad 2003b supports multiple cable loops configured to slide, translate, or otherwise displace relative to pad 2003b along a circumferential path guided by an arrangement of channels integrally formed with pad 2003b. Figure 14 In the diagram, two channels are shown as solid lines and labeled 2017b1 and 2017b2, through which cable loops 2019b1 and 2019b2 extend. In an embodiment, channels 2017b1 and 2017b2 may be formed from a knitted, sewn, or otherwise attached fabric material (e.g., tubular jacquard knit) to pad 2003b. The circumferential path formed by channels 2017b1 and 2017b2 (and their corresponding cable loops extending through them) is similar to... Figure 6 The directions shown are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction. During use, the longitudinal direction is intended to extend from the base of the right breast / torso to the nipple of the right breast, generally parallel to the user's sagittal plane. In this way, the circumferential paths formed by channels 2017b1, 2017b2 (and the corresponding cable loops extending through them) are spaced apart from each other at different locations relative to the user's torso or the base of the right breast.

[0120] Massage unit

[0121] Cable loops 2019a1 and 2019a2 extending through channels 2017a1 and 2017a2 of pad 2003a, and cable loops 2019b1 and 2019b2 extending through channels 2017b1 and 2017b2 of pad 1003b, are mechanically connected to massage unit 2022, as follows: Figures 20 to 29 As best shown in the diagram. The massage unit 1022 can be configured to actuate the displacement of cable loops 2019a1, 2019a2 relative to pad 2003a to compress the left breast, and simultaneously actuate the displacement of cable loops 2019b1, 2019b2 relative to pad 2003b to compress the right breast. The massage unit 2022 can also be configured to reverse the displacement of cable loops 2019a1, 2019a2 relative to pad 2003a to allow expansion and decompression of the left breast, and simultaneously reverse the displacement of cable loops 2019b1, 2019b2 relative to pad 2003b to allow expansion and decompression of the right breast.

[0122] like Figure 20 , Figure 21 , Figure 22A and Figure 22B As shown, the massage unit 2022 includes a housing 2023 encapsulating a PCB 2025 with a controller and supporting electronics, an electric motor 2027 (e.g., a stepper motor), at least one battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) 2029, a transmission 2031, a left-hand rotating pull mechanism 2033a (winding spool) for cable loops 2019a1 and 2019a2 of the left pad 2003a, and a right-hand rotating pull mechanism 2033b (winding spool) for cable loops 2019b1 and 2019b2 of the right pad 2003b. The operation of the left-hand rotating pull mechanism 2033a and the right-hand rotating pull mechanism 2033b is driven by the rotational output of the electric motor 2027 via the transmission 2031.

[0123] In an embodiment, the front side of the housing 2023 (which faces away from the user's body during use) may include a user-activated on / off switch 2024A for selectively energizing and de-energizing the unit 2022, and user-activated switches 2024B and 2024C for controlling the operating parameters of the suction pump and massage motor of the control unit, respectively. Figure 20 As shown in the diagram, the front side of the housing 2023 may also include LEDs for displaying operating parameters of the unit, such as... Figure 20 As shown in the figure.

[0124] In one embodiment, the rear side of the housing 2023 (facing the user's body during use) may include a user-removable panel or door 2028 that provides the user with access to a battery compartment for one or more batteries 2029. The user can remove the panel or door 2028 to replace one or more batteries 2029, and then close the panel or door 2028 to enclose one or more batteries 2020 in the battery compartment.

[0125] In one embodiment, the electric motor 2027, the transmission 2031, and the left rotary pulling mechanism 2033a cooperate to apply one or more compression-expansion cycles to the cable loops 2019a1, 2019a2 for the left pad 2003a. Simultaneously, the electric motor 2027, the transmission 2031, and the right rotary pulling mechanism 2033b cooperate to apply one or more compression-expansion cycles to the cable loops 2019b1, 2019b2 for the right pad 2003b. Each compression-expansion cycle selectively displaces the cable loops to reduce the effective length of the cable loops surrounding the breast to compress the breast, and then displaces the cable loops to increase the effective length of the cable loops surrounding the breast to allow for breast expansion and decompression. In one embodiment, each compression-expansion cycle includes a compression operation that sequentially displaces the cable loops from the inner cable loop (closer to the torso) to the outer cable (farthest from the torso) to reduce the effective length of the cable loops surrounding the breast without removing tension from the cable loops, thereby applying sequential compression to the breast. Each compression-expansion cycle further includes an expansion operation that displaces the cable loops to increase the effective length of the cable loops surrounding the breast to allow for breast expansion. As part of the compression-expansion cycle, a sequential compression operation is followed by an expansion operation, which simulates a massage of the breast and effectively moves milk toward the nipple of the breast for expression.

[0126] like Figure 22B As best illustrated, the controller and supporting electronics of PCB 2025 are configured to supply electrical signals to electric motor 2027 to provide power and control for mechanical massage actuation of the left and right breasts, such as through the cooperation of motor 2027, transmission 2031, and left and right rotary pulling mechanisms 2033a and 2033b. The controller and supporting electronics of PCB 2025 are also configured to supply electrical signals to electric suction pump 2035 enclosed by housing 2023 to control the operation of suction pump 2035 when supplying suction to external suction heads and bottle assemblies for the left and right breasts via suction port 2037 in housing 2023. A T-connector and suction tubing are fluidly coupled to suction port 2027 for connection to external suction heads and bottle assemblies for the left and right breasts. In this configuration, negative pressure (suction) generated by the suction pump 2035 of the massage unit 2022 can be supplied to the external suction heads and bottle assemblies for the left and right breasts. The controller and supporting electronics of the PCB 2025 can also be configured to supply electrical signals to the solenoid valve 2039 enclosed by the housing 2023. The controller and supporting electronics of the PCB 2025 can be configured to vent the suction port / line to the ambient environment during operation of the unit 2022.

[0127] In an embodiment, the controller and supporting electronics of PCB 2025 may be configured to receive electrical signals from user-activated switches 2024A, 2024B, 2024C as described above to control the operation of the unit. The controller and supporting electronics of PCB 2025 may also be configured to supply electrical signals to optional LEDs as described above to indicate the operating status of the unit.

[0128] In one embodiment, housing 1023 may further enclose wireless antenna 2041, which is connected to the controller and support electronics of PCB 2025. The controller and support electronics of PCB 2025 may cooperate with wireless antenna 2041 to provide a wireless communication link to a computing device. The wireless communication link may support standardized wireless communication protocols, such as multiple... Protocol (e.g., Up to v1.08 and The computing device may be any one or more of the following protocols: Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11, or other wireless data communication protocols. The computing device may be a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet computer, or another computing device. For example, Figure 22B A smartphone labeled 2105 is depicted. Alternatively or additionally, the computing device may be a wireless remote-controlled device, which in Figure 22B The interface is designated as 2107. The computing device can execute software (e.g., an application, also referred to as an "app") that graphically displays an operating interface to the user. The operating interface can be used to configure and / or control operating parameters of the massage unit 2022, including operating parameters of the electric motor 2027 that drives the massage actuation of the massage unit 2022 and the operating parameters of the suction pump 2035 of the massage unit 2022. The operating parameters can be stored locally on the computing device or remotely (e.g., in a cloud data store) during use for retrieval and / or analysis.

[0129] Additionally, housing 2023 may include a port 2043 for receiving DC power to charge one or more batteries 2029. When charged, the one or more batteries 2029 can be used to supply electrical power to the electrical components of unit 2022, including controllers and support electronics on PCB 2025, electric motor 2027, suction pump 2035, and solenoid valve 2039. The electrical power supplied to the electrical components of the unit can be adjusted as needed.

[0130] Return to reference Figures 14 to 16 The back panel 2013 may include a fabric formed and similar to Figure 3 and Figure 6The pocket or sleeve 2075 shown is a pocket or sleeve 24a. In an embodiment, the fabric of the pocket or sleeve 2075 may be a jacquard knit fabric that is knitted, sewn, or otherwise attached to the back panel 2013. The size and material of the pocket or sleeve 2075 may be configured to enclose and secure at least a portion of the massage unit 2022 during use. For example, the size and material of the pocket or sleeve 2075 may be configured to hold and retain the massage unit 2022 adjacent to or near the bottom strap 2011. In this configuration, the bra 2001 can support the massage unit 2022 in a position adjacent to the user's upper back, allowing the massage unit 2022 to be worn and used separately. In an embodiment, an opening leading to the pocket or sleeve 2075 extends laterally across the top side of the pocket or sleeve 2075. The top side opening can be sized to fit the lateral dimensions of the massage unit 2022 so that the massage unit (or a portion thereof) can be placed into or removed from the pocket or sleeve 2075.

[0131] In addition, the left wing panel 2021a is provided with a fabric channel 2077a, which extends generally parallel to the bottom band 2011 along the bottom portion of the left wing panel 2021a to the bottom of the pocket or sleeve 2075. The fabric channel 2077a may be formed of a fabric material (such as tubular jacquard knit) knitted, sewn, or otherwise attached to the left wing panel 2021a. Similarly, the right wing panel 2021b is provided with a fabric channel 2077b, which extends generally parallel to the bottom band 2011 along the bottom portion of the right wing panel 2021b to the bottom of the pocket or sleeve 2075. The fabric channel 2077b may be formed of a fabric material (such as tubular jacquard knit) knitted, sewn, or otherwise attached to the right wing panel 2021b. Channel 2077a supports conduits / tubes 2079a1 and 2079a2 (shown as dashed lines), which accommodate cable loops 2019a1 and 2019a2 for the left breast pad 2003a. Channel 2077b supports conduits / tubes 2079b1 and 2079b2 (shown as dashed lines), which accommodate cable loops 2019b1 and 2019b2 for the right breast pad 2003b. Conduits / tubes 2079a1, 2079a2, 2079b1, and 2079b2 may be formed of a flexible material that generally conforms to the curvature of the user's torso during use. In embodiments, conduits / channels 2079a1, 2079a2, 2079b1, and 2079b2 may have multiple internal passages / cavities that receive and accommodate corresponding cable loops and allow relative movement of one or more cable loops therein during massage actuation, as described herein. Conduits / channels 2079a1 and 2079a2 may terminate at a male connector 2081a, which is adapted to mate / lock with a corresponding female connector 2034a of the massage unit 2022, as described herein. Figure 25-29 As best shown in the diagram, conduits / channels 2079b1 and 2079b2 may terminate at male connector 2081b, which is adapted to mate / lock with the corresponding female connector 2034b of massage unit 2022, as shown in the diagram. Figure 25-29 As best shown in the illustration. The pocket or sleeve 2075 may be configured with optional cutouts 2083a, 2083b that provide the user with access to terminal connectors 2081a, 2081b. When the massage unit 2022 is placed inside the pocket or sleeve 2075, cutout 2083a allows the user to engage connector 2081a with connector 2034a of the massage unit 2022. When the massage unit 2022 is placed inside the pocket or sleeve 2075, cutout 2083b allows the user to engage connector 2081b with connector 2034b of the massage unit 2022.

[0132] Figures 17 to 19 The illustration shows a user wearing bra 2001. Figure 18 The illustration shows the massage unit 2022 being inserted into (or removed from) a pocket or sleeve 2075. This insertion / removal can be performed by the user when the user is wearing a bra 2001. Alternatively, this insertion / removal can be performed by the user when the user is not wearing a bra 2001.

[0133] exist Figures 14 to 29 In one embodiment, the massage unit 2022 includes a transmission device 2031 driven by the output shaft of an electric motor 2027. In another embodiment, the transmission device may be embodied by a worm gear 2091 mounted to the output shaft of the motor 2027. The worm gear 2091 engages with drive gears 2093a and 2093b, which are coaxially mounted to a left-hand rotary pulling mechanism (winding spool) 2033a and a right-hand rotary pulling mechanism (winding spool) 2033b. Figure 22A and Figure 23 As shown, the worm gear 2091 is disposed between the left rotary pulling mechanism (winding spool) 2033a and the right rotary pulling mechanism (winding spool) 2033b, wherein the rotation axis of the worm gear is orthogonal to the rotation axes of the left rotary pulling mechanism (winding spool) 2033a and the right rotary pulling mechanism (winding spool) 2033b. The rotation of the worm gear 2091 drives the drive gears 2093a and 2093b to rotate together with the corresponding left rotary pulling mechanism (winding spool) 2033a and right rotary pulling mechanism (winding spool) 2033b.

[0134] The left-hand rotary pulling mechanism 2033a is a two-part winding spool, having one part for the inner cable ring 2019a1 and another part for the outer cable ring 2019a2, wherein the winding spool part is located on the opposite side of the drive gear 2093a. The cable rings 2019a1 and 2019a2 are located on the male connector 2081a (…). Figure 24 The corresponding capturing bead on the outside of the main body terminates. Similar to what is described above. Figures 11A to 11DIn an embodiment of the rotary pulling mechanism, the winding spool component includes a spoon-shaped feature that captures and engages capture beads of the inner cable loop 2019a1 and the outer cable loop 2019a2 during a certain rotation of the winding spool. When the capture beads are engaged by the corresponding spoon-shaped features, further rotation of the winding spool causes the corresponding cable to wind around the winding spool component and reduces the effective length of the cable loop. To accommodate the sequential pulling of the outer cable loop 2019a2 after the inner cable loop 2019a1, the spoon-shaped feature for the inner cable loop 2019a1 can be offset from the spoon-shaped feature for the outer cable loop 2019a2 by a predetermined rotational lead angle of the winder spool. This feature... Figure 24 This is shown in detail in the text.

[0135] Similarly, the right-hand rotating pull mechanism 2033b is a two-part winding spool having one part for the inner cable loop 2019b1 and another part for the outer cable loop 2019b2, wherein the winding spool part is located on the opposite side of the drive gear 2093b. The cable loops 2019b1 and 2019b2 are terminated by corresponding catch beads located outside the body of the male connector 2081b. The winding spool part includes a spoon-shaped feature that catches and engages the catch beads of the inner cable loop 2019b1 and the outer cable loop 2019b2 during a certain rotation of the winding spool. When the catch beads are engaged by the corresponding spoon-shaped feature, further rotation of the winding spool causes the corresponding cables to wind around the winding spool part and reduces the effective length of the cable loops. In order to accommodate the sequential pulling of the outer cable ring 2019b2 after the inner cable ring 2019b1, the spoon-shaped feature for the inner cable ring 2019b1 can be offset from the spoon-shaped feature for the outer cable ring 2109b2 by a predetermined rotational lead angle of the winder spool.

[0136] Connect (or reconnect) the Yang connector 2018a to the massage unit 2022 ( Figure 27When the female connector 2034a of the left breast pad 2003a is used, the capture beads of the inner cable loop 2019a1 and outer cable loop 2019a2 can be positioned in a neutral position adjacent to the corresponding winding spool component of the left rotary pull mechanism 2033a. In this neutral position, no tension (or very little tension) is applied to any of the cable loops, and the left breast is not compressed. When the winding spool component of the left rotary pull mechanism 2033a rotates under the actuation provided by the electric motor 2027 and the gear transmission 2031, such movement causes the spoon-shaped feature of the winding spool component to selectively capture the corresponding cable loops 2019a1, 2019a2 and wind the corresponding cable loops 2019a1, 2019a2 around the winding spool component to reduce the effective length of the corresponding cable loop surrounding the left breast, which causes radial inward displacement of the pad 2003a and compression of the user's left breast. Due to the angular offset arrangement between the spoon-shaped features, the rotational capture and winding of the corresponding cable loops 2019a1 and 2019a2, as well as the resulting reduction in the effective length of the corresponding cable loops and the application of tension to the cable loops and the timing and sequence of breast compression, can be controlled during each rotational stroke of the left rotary pulling mechanism 2033a. This stroke corresponds to the compression phase of the compression-expansion cycle for the left breast. Subsequently, the massage unit 2022 can be configured to initiate the expansion stroke of the winding spool component of the left rotary pulling mechanism 2033a and the expansion phase of the compression-expansion cycle, which increases the effective length of both the inner cable loop 2019a1 and the outer cable loop 2019a2 surrounding the left breast by rotating the spoon-shaped features of the winding spool component in the opposite rotational direction that returns the capture beads of the cable loops 2019a1 and 2019a2 to their neutral positions, thereby removing tension in such cable loops and completing the compression-expansion cycle for the left breast.

[0137] Similarly, the male connector 2018b connects (or reconnects) to the massage unit 2022. Figure 27When the female connector 2034b of the right breast pad 2003b is in place, the capture beads of the inner cable loop 2019b1 and outer cable loop 2019b2 can be positioned in a neutral position adjacent to the corresponding winding spool component of the left-hand rotating pull mechanism 2033b. In this neutral position, no tension (or very little tension) is applied to any of the cable loops, and the right breast is not compressed. When the winding spool component of the right-hand rotating pull mechanism 2033b is rotated by an actuation provided by an electric motor 2027 and a gear transmission 2031, such movement causes the spoon-shaped feature of the winding spool component to selectively capture and wind the corresponding cable loops 2019b1, 2019b2 around the winding spool component, thereby reducing the effective length of the corresponding cable loop surrounding the right breast. This results in radial inward displacement of the pad 2003b and compression of the user's right breast. Due to the angular offset arrangement between the spoon-shaped features, the rotational capture and winding of the corresponding cable loops 2019b1 and 2019b2, as well as the resulting reduction in the effective length of the corresponding cable loops and the application of tension to the cable loops and the timing and sequence of breast compression, can be controlled during each rotational stroke of the right-hand rotary pulling mechanism 2033b. This stroke corresponds to the compression phase of the compression-expansion cycle for the right breast. Subsequently, the massage unit 2022 can be configured to initiate the expansion stroke of the winding spool component of the right-hand rotary pulling mechanism 2033b and the expansion phase of the compression-expansion cycle, which increases the effective length of both the inner cable loop 2019b1 and the outer cable loop 2019b2 surrounding the right breast by rotating the spoon-shaped features of the winding spool component in the opposite rotational direction that returns the capture beads of the cable loops 2019b1 and 2019b2 to their neutral positions, thereby removing tension in such cable loops and completing the compression-expansion cycle for the right breast.

[0138] The gear transmission device 2031 drives the left rotary pulling mechanism 2033a and the right rotary pulling mechanism 2033b in a synchronous manner, so that the compression-expansion cycle for the left breast occurs simultaneously with the compression-expansion cycle for the left breast.

[0139] This compression-expansion cycle can be repeated multiple times to facilitate milk expression from the breast. Therefore, based on the compression sequence, the inner cable ring will first compress the breast, followed by compression from the outer cable ring, causing the breast to expand outwards (e.g., Figure 6 In the longitudinal direction A), the compression gradually occurs from the base of the breast towards the nipple area. Furthermore, it will be recognized that during each compression stroke, the inner cable ring will be under tension for a longer period than the outer cable ring.

[0140] In other embodiments, the configuration of the spoon-shaped features of the winding spool component and / or the rotational speed of the electric motor 2027 can be readily adapted to provide a variable delay in the peak of the compression cycle or a variable speed for the compression / decompression cycle.

[0141] In an alternative embodiment, the capture bead and corresponding spoon-shaped feature of the rotating winding spool component can be replaced by other mechanical structures that detachably connect the cable loop to the winding spool, wherein the outer cable loop is wound with a delay relative to the inner cable loop for sequential tensioning of the inner and outer cable loops as described herein.

[0142] like Figure 25-29 As best shown, conduits / channels 2079a1, 2079a2 may terminate at male connector 2081a, which is adapted to mate / lock with a corresponding female connector 2034a of massage unit 2022. In an embodiment, male connector 2081a may include opposing recesses 2082a in its top and bottom surfaces. Figure 25 and Figure 28 As shown in the figure, the opposite recess 2082a receives and engages with the corresponding spring clip 2034a1 of the female connector 2034a, as shown in the figure. Figures 27 to 29 As best shown in the diagram. The spring clip 2034a1 has an exposed knob-like element 2034a2, which can be pressed by a user to disengage the spring clip 2034a1 from the recess 2082a of the male connector 2081a, thereby disconnecting and / or removing the male connector 2081a from the female connector 2034a. Similarly, the male connector 2081b may include opposing recesses 2082b in its top and bottom portions, which receive and engage with a corresponding spring clip 2034b1 of the female connector 2034b, as shown in the diagram. Figures 27 to 29 As best shown in the diagram. The spring clip 2034b1 has an exposed knob-like element 2034b2, which can be pressed by the user to disengage the spring clip 2034b1 from the recess 2082b of the male connector 2081b, so as to disconnect and / or remove the male connector 2081v from the female connector 2034b. Figure 25 The diagram shows a male connector 2081a disconnected from female connector 2034a and a male connector 2081b disconnected from female connector 2034b. Figure 27 and Figure 29 A male connector 2081a that mates with and locks to a female connector 2034a and a male connector 2081b that mates with and locks to a female connector 2034b are shown.

[0143] In other embodiments, as described herein, Figures 14 to 29 The massage unit and one or more mechanical structures, components and features of the bra can be incorporated into Figures 1 to 14In the embodiments described above.

[0144] In the embodiments described herein, cable loops may be guided through beads, tubular structures, or other structural elements that serve as portions of channels in a corresponding pad of a bra. Each cable loop is configured to slide freely through an opening defined in a corresponding bead or through a tubular structure or other structural element. Beads may have a flat outer surface, or they may have other external shapes, such as cylindrical and circular (e.g., spherical). Beads may be secured to the pad using adhesives (e.g., glue) or by sewing. Furthermore, the aforementioned tubular channels may be a single continuous channel or broken tubular channels spaced circumferentially around the pad.

[0145] In the embodiments described herein, the bra padding may employ a continuous channel for guiding cable loops, wherein the continuous channel is formed by an interlocking beaded structure. Figures 30 to 33 In one embodiment illustrated, the channels 2017a1, 2017a2 of the cable loops 2019a1, 2019a2 for the left breast pad 2003a are formed by interlocking bead structures 3000, and the channels 2017b1, 2017b2 of the cable loops 2019b1, 2019b2 for the right breast pad 2003b are formed by the same interlocking bead structures 3000. Each bead structure 3000 is formed as a generally tubular body having a shallowly arcuate profile along its length. The tubular body includes a larger diameter tail section (with opposing longitudinal slits) extending to a smaller diameter neck portion terminating at a disc-shaped head portion, such as... Figure 32 As best shown in the image. Figure 33 As shown, the disc-shaped head portion can be inserted into and secured together with the larger-diameter tail section of an adjacent beaded structure to create a continuous channel by interlocking beaded structures. The disc-shaped head portion is slightly spherical in shape, and this allows one beaded structure to shift omnidirectionally relative to the next beaded structure, so that the beaded structures can pivot about each other to accommodate the change in diameter when the diameter of the ring changes. Additionally, this same aspect of the interlocking beaded structures allows them to conform out-of-plane to the geometry of the user's breast for better overall comfort. The longitudinal slit of the larger-diameter tail section can be configured to allow the larger-diameter tail section to elastically deform, allowing the disc-shaped head portion of the adjacent beaded structure to be inserted into (e.g., snapped into place) the larger-diameter section. The larger-diameter section can then return to its original shape (through elastic deformation), such that the larger-diameter tail section secures and holds the head portion of the adjacent beaded structure within the larger-diameter tail section, as... Figure 33 The best example shown is in the text.

[0146] In an embodiment, the larger diameter tail section of each interlocking bead structure 3000 may enclose a spring element (such as a helical coil spring), such as... Figure 34 As shown, the disc-shaped head portion is held within the tail section against the expansion force of the spring element by a smaller diameter opening (smaller than most of the hole in the tail section) leading to the tail section. This smaller diameter opening surrounds the disc-shaped head portion when the bead chain is fully extended (neutral position). In this embodiment, the spring element provides a rebound bias that pushes against the disc-shaped head portion of the adjacent bead structure. The rebound bias helps increase the effective length of the cable loop guided by the interlocking bead structure during the expansion phase of the cyclic compression-expansion cycle of the massage, and removes tension in the cable loop, allowing the breast to expand / decompress. The rebound bias also helps return the capture bead terminating the corresponding cable loop to its neutral position to complete the compression-expansion cycle as described herein.

[0147] In the embodiments described herein, the system’s massage units may employ more than two cable loops surrounding the breast, such as three or more cable loops, and apply a compression-expansion cycle to the three or more cable loops in a manner similar to that described above.

[0148] In the embodiments described herein, the number of cable loops and the longitudinal spacing may be determined based on the size of the breast and the timing of the compression-expansion cycle as described herein. Furthermore, the number of cable loops and the circumferential spacing may be determined based on the size of the breast.

[0149] Figure 35 The illustration shows an example device 2500 having a processor 2502 and a memory 2504, which can be configured to implement various embodiments of the controller or computing device as described herein. The memory 2504 may include one or more forms of volatile data storage media (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or one or more forms of non-volatile storage media (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.).

[0150] Device 2500 is an example of a computing device or programmable device and is not intended to indicate any limitation on the functionality or scope of use of device 2500 and / or its possible architecture. For example, device 2500 may include one or more computing devices, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), etc.

[0151] Furthermore, device 2500 should not be construed as having any dependency on one or a combination of the components illustrated in device 2500. For example, device 2500 may be a mobile device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, notebook, laptop, desktop computer, etc., or any combination or accumulation thereof.

[0152] The device 2500 may also include a bus 2508, which is configured to allow various components and devices (such as processor 2502, memory 2504 and local data storage device 2510) to communicate with each other.

[0153] Bus 2508 may include any one or more of several types of bus architectures, including memory bus or memory controller, peripheral bus, accelerated graphics port, and processor or local bus using any of the various bus architectures. Bus 2508 may also include wired and / or wireless buses.

[0154] The local data storage device 2510 may include fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, fixed hard disk drive, etc.) and removable media (e.g., flash memory drive, removable hard disk drive, optical disk, magnetic disk, etc.).

[0155] One or more input / output (I / O) devices 2512 may also communicate via a user interface (UI) controller 2514, which may be connected directly or via a bus 2508 to the I / O devices 2512.

[0156] In one possible implementation, network interface 2516 can communicate externally to device 2500 via a connected network.

[0157] Media drive / interface 2518 can accept removable physical media 2520, such as flash drives, optical discs, removable hard disk drives, software products, etc. In one possible implementation, the logic, computational instructions, and / or software programs of the elements including module 2506 may reside on the removable media 2520 that can be read by media drive / interface 2518.

[0158] The various processes of this disclosure, or parts thereof, may be implemented by instructions and / or software programs as elements of module 2506. Such instructions and / or software programs may reside on removable medium 2520 that can be read by media driver / interface 2518, as is known in the field of computing.

[0159] In one possible embodiment, the input / output devices 2512 may allow a user (such as a human annotator) to input commands and information into device 2500, and also allow information to be presented to the user and / or other components or devices. Examples of the input devices 2512 include, for example, a touchscreen, a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a microphone, a scanner, and any other input device known in the art. Examples of output devices include display devices (e.g., LCDs or other displays), speakers, etc. The touchscreen and display device may be part of an integrated touchscreen display device, as is known.

[0160] Various processes or portions of the workflow of this disclosure may be described herein in the general context of software or program modules, or the techniques and modules may be implemented in pure computing hardware. Software generally includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Implementations of these modules and techniques may be stored on or transmitted across some form of tangible computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium may be any available data storage medium or a tangible medium accessible by a computing device. Thus, a computer-readable medium may include a computer storage medium. “Computer storage medium” means tangible medium and includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable tangible media implemented for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage devices, magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible by a computer.

[0161] In the embodiments, any or any part or all of the steps or operations of the workflow described above may be performed by a processor. The term "processor" should not be construed as limiting the embodiments disclosed herein to any particular device type or system. For example, a processor may include any microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, or general-purpose computer used to perform the methods and processes described above.

[0162] The controller or control device may further include a memory, such as a semiconductor memory device (e.g., RAM, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, or flash programmable RAM), a magnetic memory device (e.g., a floppy disk or a fixed disk), an optical memory device (e.g., a CD-ROM), a PC card (e.g., a PCMCIA card), or other memory devices.

[0163] Some of the methods and processes described above can be implemented as computer program logic for use with a computer processor. The computer program logic can be embodied in various forms, including source code or computer-executable form. Source code may include a series of computer program instructions in various programming languages ​​(e.g., object code, assembly language, or high-level languages ​​such as C, C++, or JAVA). Such computer instructions may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory) and executed by a computer processor. The computer instructions may be distributed in any form as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink-wrapping software), preloaded into a computer system (e.g., on a system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board via a communication system (e.g., the Internet or the World Wide Web).

[0164] Alternatively or additionally, the processor may include discrete electronic components, integrated circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), and / or programmable logic devices (e.g., field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)) coupled to a printed circuit board. Any of the methods and processes described above may be implemented using such logic devices.

[0165] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure will recognize that other embodiments can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein can be practiced without any elements not specifically disclosed herein.

[0166] In the claims, the device plus function clause is intended to cover structures described herein as performing the stated function, and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, while nails and screws may not be structural equivalents—because nails have a cylindrical surface for securing wooden parts together and screws have a helical surface—they can be equivalent structures in the context of fastening wooden parts. The applicant’s explicit intent is not to invoke 35 U.S.C., 112, paragraph 6, for any limitation in the claims herein, except where the claims expressly use the phrase “device for…” and the limitations related to the associated function.

[0167] Several embodiments of breast milk expression systems and apparatus have been described and illustrated herein. While specific embodiments of the invention have been described, the invention is not intended to be limited to those specific embodiments, as the scope of the invention is intended to be as broad as permitted in the art, and the specification is intended to be read as such. Therefore, while specific materials have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other suitable materials may also be used. Furthermore, while specific types of drives and actuators have been disclosed, it will be understood that other arrangements of drives and actuators may be used. Additionally, while specific embodiments using two or three cables or cable loops have been shown, it will be appreciated that four or more cables or cable loops may also be utilized. The number of cables or cable loops may be related to the size of the cup-shaped component. Furthermore, while a system with two extrusion devices is preferred, it will be appreciated that a single extrusion device may also be used. Therefore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several other modifications may be made to the provided invention without departing from the spirit of the invention as described herein.

Claims

1. A breast milk expression device, comprising: A bra comprising a first pad configured to surround the left breast of a user and a second pad configured to surround the right breast of the user; The first plurality of cable loops have portions extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the first pad and displaceable relative to the first pad; The second plurality of cable loops have portions that extend circumferentially around the outer surface of the second pad and are displaceable relative to the second pad; and A unit configured to be operatively coupled to one or both of the first plurality of cable loops and the second plurality of cable loops, and to apply a compression-expansion cycle to one or both of the first pads and the second pads by adjusting the effective length of the cable loops operatively coupled to the unit. The bra has at least one integrated pocket with an opening configured to removably receive the unit, such that the pocket encloses and secures at least a portion of the unit during use. The unit includes a housing, wherein the pocket is sized to enclose and secure at least a portion of the housing; The housing encapsulates at least one battery, an electric motor powered by the at least one battery, a vacuum pump powered by the at least one battery, at least one printed circuit board having a controller and supporting electronics, and at least one massage actuator. The electric motor is configured to drive the at least one massage actuator to apply the compression-expansion cycle; The vacuum pump is configured to provide suction to an external suction head and bottle assembly for one or both of the left and right breasts of the user during the compression-expansion cycle. Wherein, the at least one pocket includes a single pocket integral with the back panel of the bra; and The housing of the unit is further configured to enclose a first massage actuator and a second massage actuator driven by the electric motor, the first massage actuator being releasably coupled to the first plurality of cable loops to apply a compression-expansion cycle to the first pad, and the second massage actuator being releasably coupled to the second plurality of cable loops to apply a compression-expansion cycle to the second pad.

2. The breast milk extraction device according to claim 1, wherein: The pocket is formed of fabric that is knitted, sewn, or otherwise attached to or integrated into the bra.

3. The breast milk extraction device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing further encloses a solenoid valve configured to selectively vent to the atmosphere to release the suction.

4. The breast milk extraction device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one massage actuator includes a linear pulling mechanism or a rotary pulling mechanism.

5. The breast milk extraction device according to claim 1, wherein: The first massage actuator and the second massage actuator include a rotary pulling mechanism driven by the electric motor; and / or The rotary pulling mechanism employs a multi-part winding spool, which has gears engaging with a worm gear rotatably driven by the electric motor; and / or At least a portion of the first plurality of cable loops and at least a portion of the second plurality of cable loops terminate at an element captured by a corresponding spoon-shaped feature of the multi-part winding spool; and / or Certain spoon-shaped features of the multi-part winding spool are offset from each other by a predetermined rotation angle for sequential winding operations of the multi-part winding spool.

6. The breast milk expression device according to claim 1, further comprising: A first conduit for the first plurality of cable loops, the first conduit extending through or supported by fabric disposed along or by the left wing panel of the bra; and A second conduit for the second plurality of cable loops, the second conduit extending through or supported by fabric disposed along or by the right wing panel of the bra.

7. The breast milk extraction device according to claim 6, wherein: The housing further includes a first cable connector disposed adjacent to the first massage actuator and a second cable connector disposed adjacent to the second massage actuator; The first conduit terminates at a first male connector, which is configured to engage and lock into the first cable connector. and The second conduit terminates at a second male connector, which is configured to engage and lock into the second cable connector.

8. The breast milk extraction device according to claim 5, wherein: The element captured by the corresponding spoon-shaped feature of the multi-part winding spool is a bead.

9. A breast milk expression device, comprising: A bra comprising a first pad configured to surround the left breast of a user and a second pad configured to surround the right breast of the user; The first plurality of cable loops have portions extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the first pad and displaceable relative to the first pad; The second plurality of cable loops have portions that extend circumferentially around the outer surface of the second pad and are displaceable relative to the second pad; and A unit configured to be operatively coupled to one or both of the first plurality of cable loops and the second plurality of cable loops, and to apply a compression-expansion cycle to one or both of the first pads and the second pads by adjusting the effective length of the cable loops operatively coupled to the unit. The bra has at least one integrated pocket with an opening configured to removably receive the unit, such that the pocket encloses and secures at least a portion of the unit during use. The first pad includes a first set of interlocking bead structures, which define a pathway for a section of the first plurality of cable loops; and The second pad includes a second set of interlocking bead structures that define pathways for sections of the second plurality of cable loops. The first set of interlocking bead structures includes an internal spring element that facilitates the expansion of the first plurality of cable loops; and The second set of interlocking bead structures includes an internal spring element that facilitates the expansion of the second plurality of cable loops.

10. The breast milk extraction device according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the first set of interlocking bead structures comprises a generally tubular body having a shallowly arcuate profile along its length, wherein the tubular body includes a larger-diameter tail section extending to a smaller-diameter neck portion terminating at a disc-shaped head portion; and Each of the second set of interlocking bead structures includes a generally tubular body having a shallow arcuate profile along its length, wherein the tubular body includes a larger diameter tail section extending to a smaller diameter neck portion terminating at a disc-shaped head portion.

11. The breast milk extraction device according to claim 10, wherein: The disc-shaped head portion is inserted into and fixed together with the larger diameter tail section of the adjacent beaded structure, thereby constructing a continuous channel by the interlocking beaded structure of the first set of interlocking beaded structures; and The disc-shaped head portion is inserted into the larger diameter tail section of the adjacent beaded structure and fixed together with the larger diameter tail section to form a continuous channel by the interlocking beaded structure of the second set of interlocking beaded structures.

12. A breast milk expression device, comprising: A bra comprising a first pad configured to surround the left breast of a user and a second pad configured to surround the right breast of the user; The first plurality of cable loops have portions extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the first pad and displaceable relative to the first pad; The second plurality of cable loops have portions that extend circumferentially around the outer surface of the second pad and are displaceable relative to the second pad; and A unit configured to be operatively coupled to one or both of the first plurality of cable loops and the second plurality of cable loops to apply a compression-expansion cycle to one or both of the first pads and the second pads by adjusting the effective length of the cable loops operatively coupled to the unit; wherein the first pad includes a first set of interlocking bead structures defining passages for segments of the first plurality of cable loops, and the second pad includes a second set of interlocking bead structures defining passages for segments of the second plurality of cable loops. The first set of interlocking bead structures includes an internal spring element that facilitates the expansion of the first plurality of cable loops; and The second set of interlocking bead structures includes an internal spring element that facilitates the expansion of the second plurality of cable loops.

13. The breast milk extraction device according to claim 12, wherein: Each of the first set of interlocking bead structures comprises a generally tubular body having a shallowly arcuate profile along its length, wherein the tubular body includes a larger-diameter tail section extending to a smaller-diameter neck portion terminating at a disc-shaped head portion; and Each of the second set of interlocking bead structures includes a generally tubular body having a shallow arcuate profile along its length, wherein the tubular body includes a larger diameter tail section extending to a smaller diameter neck portion terminating at a disc-shaped head portion.

14. The breast milk extraction device according to claim 13, wherein: The disc-shaped head portion is inserted into and fixed together with the larger diameter tail section of the adjacent beaded structure, thereby constructing a continuous channel by the interlocking beaded structure of the first set of interlocking beaded structures; and The disc-shaped head portion is inserted into the larger diameter tail section of the adjacent beaded structure and fixed together with the larger diameter tail section to form a continuous channel by the interlocking beaded structure of the second set of interlocking beaded structures.

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