Nipple Cleansing Kit
A conical cleaning adapter for breastfeeding devices ensures effective cleaning of narrow channels by maintaining fluid flow and pressure, addressing the challenge of residue removal in breastfeeding devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- カイゼン バイオ-テック (2011) リミテッド
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing breastfeeding devices with narrow channels for breast milk flow are difficult to thoroughly clean due to their small, capillary-like tubes, making them unsafe for reuse without efficient cleaning methods.
A conical cleaning adapter is designed to fit inside or outside the breastfeeding device, with a central hole for fluid communication, ensuring cleaning fluid flows through the narrow channels without blocking apertures and maintaining pressure to remove residue effectively.
The adapter enables efficient cleaning of breastfeeding devices by forcing cleaning fluid through all channels, ensuring thorough sanitation without damaging the device, thus making them safe for reuse.
Smart Images
Figure 2026523095000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure describes techniques related to the field of cleaning the internal bore of a narrow fluid transfer channel, particularly the internal bore of a nipple for feeding an infant.
Background Art
[0002] As is well known, when feeding a baby, it is important to keep all parts of the feeding apparatus, such as feeding bottles and nipples, in a sterile state in order to reduce the risk of infection. The feeding apparatus needs to be thoroughly cleaned to remove residues from the previous feeding before it can be sterilized. Many mothers breastfeed their babies, and there are various devices that can help with the problems and difficulties that can arise from breastfeeding.
[0003] Among such feeding devices, there are those that provide real-time information to the mother regarding the flow rate of breast milk being ingested by the infant. Such a feeding device guides the flow of breast milk from the mother's breast through a narrow channel or passageway and directs the breast milk to an area away from the nipple region itself. There, the flow of breast milk is visualized and confirmed by the mother. One such device is shown in Patent Document 1 named "Device for Flow Detection of Mother’s Milk" which belongs to the same owner as the present applicant. Patent Document 1 shows both channels that completely pass through the device. These channels go from the inside of the nipple tip through the display channel to the outer surface of the nipple tip for the purpose of consumption by the infant. In other implementations, channels are shown that direct breast milk to or return breast milk from an external flow meter located at the periphery of the device to an end port that measures the flow rate. Further embodiments of such long breast milk channels are shown in Patent Document 2 named "System for Electronic Measurement of Milk Imbibed by an Infant" which also belongs to the same owner as the present applicant.
[0004] However, unless it is a disposable breastfeeding device, which is now considered undesirable due to the need to conserve global resources, including manufacturing resources, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the entire breastfeeding device between feeding sessions and ensure it is clean before sterilization so that it can be used safely by the child. It is difficult to thoroughly remove breast milk residue from the passages of such devices by normal cleaning procedures, because these passages are small, capillary-like tubes (also known as breast milk channels) of considerable length that cannot be opened for cleaning.
[0005] Therefore, in order to make breastfeeding devices reusable and safe for infants, it is necessary to create cleaning devices that can efficiently clean those narrow channels.
[0006] The disclosures of each publication referenced in this section and other sections of this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 175833 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2023 / 194997 [Overview of the Initiative]
[0008] This disclosure attempts to provide novel systems and methods that overcome at least some of the shortcomings of prior art systems and methods. This disclosure provides novel devices and methods that enable cleaning of narrow channels, such as those typically found in breastfeeding devices that provide indication of breast milk flow, as described in the aforementioned Patent Documents 1 or 2.
[0009] The cleaning kits described herein are designed to provide a strong flow of cleaning fluid into the breastfeeding aperture or hole on the inside of the breastfeeding device and out of the aperture or hole on the outside surface of the breastfeeding device, or vice versa. The fluid should be a cleaning solution such as soapy water or a disinfectant, but may be any other fluid suitable for such use.
[0010] According to one embodiment, the cleaning adapter has a conical structure adapted to match the inner surface of the protruding nipple portion of the breastfeeding device. The shape and length of the outer surface of the adapter are configured to fit inside the protrusion of the breastfeeding device. As a result, when the cone is inserted, the tip does not reach the breastfeeding aperture inside the tip, so that the aperture is not blocked by the tip of the intruding cleaning adapter. The adapter also has a base enclosure that limits the splashing of the cleaning fluid back to the user when the fluid is forced into the breastfeeding device. The conical structure has a hollow central tube extending from the base of the conical structure to the tip of the adapter, and the conical structure has openings at both ends. One opening is located on the base surface, and the other opening is located at the tip.
[0011] According to an alternative embodiment, the cleaning adapter has a structure adapted to fit onto the outer surface of the breastfeeding device. Such a cleaning adapter would in this case have an internally conical hollow section adapted to match the shape of the outer surface of the breastfeeding device. Such a cleaning adapter also has a hollow central tube extending from the outer upper end of the adapter to the apex of the internally conical hollow section of the adapter. The terms “tapered structure,” “conical structure,” etc., are intended to have equivalent meanings in this disclosure and may be used interchangeably.
[0012] Another embodiment includes a cleaning adapter that can be used either internally or externally, having two molded contact surfaces for the protrusion of the breastfeeding device at each end of the device, one of which interfaces has an external conical shape for insertion into the inner surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, and the other has an internal hollow portion having a conical structure for fitting into the outer surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, matching the outer surface shape of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device.
[0013] It should be emphasized that throughout this disclosure and in the claims, the use of the term “match” or any derivative thereof is not intended to be understood as meaning that the geometric profiles of the two matching parts are identical, when relating to an aspect in which the surface of the cleaning adapter matches the surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, but rather as meaning that these geometric profiles are sufficiently similar to such an extent that the match is sufficiently good to prevent or at least suppress fluid leakage between the two matching surfaces when the harder surface of the cleaning adapter is inserted into or mounted on the softer surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device.
[0014] During use, a syringe or piston device containing cleaning fluid, or a fluid discharge device such as an electric pump, is inserted into the central or axial hole of the conical structure. The conical structure with the attached fluid discharger is then inserted into the internal space of the nipple structure such that the tip of the conical structure is close to but not obstructing the aperture of the breastfeeding device, or positioned on a protrusion depending on the configuration of the cleaning adapter used. Once the conical structure is in place, a stream of cleaning fluid is forced through the narrow milk channel to wash away any milk residue from the previous breastfeeding session. This allows for an efficient cleaning procedure without the need for brushes, probes, or needles that could damage the delicate breastfeeding device, especially its milk channels. The hole is referred to as an axial hole or central hole, but this is because it is most advantageous to manufacture a component with an axial or central hole, and its position is not intended to be limiting; if necessary, the adapter of this application may also have a hole off-axis.
[0015] Alternatively, the cone-shaped structure may first be inserted into the internal space of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, or placed on the outer surface of the breastfeeding device, and then a fluid dispenser containing the cleaning solution may be attached to the central hole of the cleaning device to release the cleaning solution under pressure.
[0016] The specific structures of the fluid dispensers in any embodiment shown throughout this disclosure are not limited to syringes, which are perhaps the most common devices used with these cleaning adapters, but may include manual pumping mechanisms, electric pumping mechanisms, or connections to water supply systems where ordinary water is used as the cleaning fluid, or any similar devices. The term “fluid dispenser” is intended to represent, and is claimed to represent, any device for distributing cleaning fluid at low pressure.
[0017] The effects produced by using the adapter of this application with a fluid dispenser cannot be achieved by using the fluid dispenser alone without the adapter of this disclosure. This is because breastfeeding devices generally have multiple holes on each of their surfaces, namely the inner surface facing the mother for collecting breast milk and the outer surface facing the baby for feeding. The use of the adapter ensures that, in addition to providing a flow of cleaning fluid around the area of multiple holes, a flow of cleaning fluid is generated through the multiple holes, and consequently, through the breast milk channels associated with these holes. Syringes or other fluid dispensers with a thin needle fluid outlet can only be connected to one hole at a time, leaving the other holes open. This does not generate the pressure necessary to force the cleaning fluid through the breast milk channels. The uncovered holes release the fluid pressure, allowing the cleaning fluid to escape through these holes and not be driven through the breast milk passages. Furthermore, the sharp tip of the needle can damage the nipple device in the area of the holes. In addition, the tip of a fluid dispenser inserted into only a single hole cannot clean the area around the tip of the breastfeeding device's protrusions surrounding the hole.
[0018] Accordingly, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the device described herein, an adapter is provided for cleaning at least one breast milk passage of an infant feeding device. The adapter is, An outer surface fitted to match the inner surface of a protrusion of a breastfeeding device, and configured to suppress fluid leakage between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device when the adapter is located within the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, An axial hole that provides fluid communication between the base region and the tip of the adapter Includes, The outer surface and length of the adapter are such that when the adapter is fully inserted into the breastfeeding device, a space is left between the tip of the adapter and at least one milk outflow aperture located on the inner surface of a protrusion of the breastfeeding device, and the at least one milk outflow aperture is connected to the at least one milk passage.
[0019] Such an adapter may further include a surrounding rim positioned in the base region to limit splashes of cleaning fluid leaking between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the breastfeeding device.
[0020] In any of these adapters, the axial bore may be sized to accommodate the output opening of a fluid injector. This ensures that when the adapter is positioned within the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, the cleaning fluid from the fluid discharger flushes at least one of the breast milk passages of the breastfeeding device. Such adapters may further include a Luer connector at the base end of the axial bore so that the fluid discharger is connected to the adapter. Furthermore, in such adapters, the fluid discharger 35 may be connected as an integral part of the adapter.
[0021] In addition, in any of the adapters described above, the suppression of fluid leakage between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the breastfeeding device is configured to ensure that pressure is maintained within the axial bore of the adapter so that the cleaning fluid is forced to pass through at least one breast milk passage. In any of these adapters described above, the fluid discharger may be a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump, or a water outlet.
[0022] Finally, any of the adapters described above may further include a tapered hollow portion 41 formed within the adapter. The tapered hollow portion has an inner surface that is fitted to match the outer surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, configured to suppress fluid leakage between the inner surface of the adapter and the outer surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device when the adapter is positioned over the protrusion of the breastfeeding device. Here, the axial hole provides fluid communication between the tip of the adapter and the narrow end region of the tapered hollow portion of the adapter, The inner surface and length of the tapered hollow portion formed within the adapter are such that when the adapter is fully mounted over the protrusion of the feeding device, there is a space left between the inner end of the tapered hollow portion of the adapter and at least one breast milk outflow aperture disposed on the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, and the at least one breast milk outflow aperture is connected to at least one breast milk passage.
[0023] According to a second exemplary embodiment of the adapter of the present disclosure, an adapter for cleaning at least one breast milk passage of an infant feeding device is further provided. The adapter, is a tapered hollow portion formed in the adapter, the tapered hollow portion having an inner surface adapted to conform to the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, the adapter being configured to suppress fluid leakage between the inner surface of the adapter and the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device when the adapter is positioned over the protrusion of the feeding device, a tapered hollow portion, an axial hole providing fluid communication between the tip of the adapter and the narrow end region of the tapered hollow portion of the adapter [[ID= (13)]]and The inner surface of the tapered hollow portion and the length of the adapter are such that when fully mounted over the protrusion of the feeding device, there is a space left between the inner end of the tapered hollow portion of the adapter and at least one breast milk outflow aperture disposed on the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, and the at least one breast milk outflow aperture is connected to the at least one breast milk passage.
[0024] In such an adapter, the axial hole may be sized to receive the output opening of a fluid dispenser such that when the adapter is disposed over the protrusion of the feeding device, the cleaning liquid from the fluid dispenser can be flushed through at least one breast milk passage of the feeding device. Further, the fluid dispenser may be connected as an integral part of the adapter.
[0025] In addition, in any of the adapters described above, suppression of fluid leakage between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the feeding device is configured to ensure that the pressure within the axial hole of the adapter is maintained such that the cleaning liquid is forced through at least one breast milk passage.
[0026] In any of the above-described adapters, the fluid dispenser may be any of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump, and a faucet outlet.
[0027] Finally, any of the second exemplary embodiments of the adapter described immediately above further has an outer surface adapted to conform to the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, the outer surface being configured to suppress fluid leakage between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device when the adapter is positioned within the protrusion of the feeding device, where the axial hole provides fluid communication between the tip of the adapter and the narrow end region of the tapered hollow portion of the adapter, the outer surface and length of the adapter are such that when fully inserted within the protrusion of the feeding device, a space is left between the tip of the adapter and at least one breast milk outflow aperture disposed on the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, the at least one breast milk outflow aperture being connected to at least one breast milk passage.
[0028] According to another embodiment of the adapter of the present disclosure, a first method of cleaning at least one breast milk passage of an infant feeding device is provided. The at least one breast milk passage is connected to at least one breast milk outflow aperture disposed on the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, and the method comprises inserting a cleaning adapter into the internal space within the protrusion of the feeding device, the cleaning adapter A molded outer surface that is fitted to fit snugly into the internal space of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, the outer surface being fitted such that a predetermined space remains between the outer end of the cleaning adapter and at least one breast milk inlet outlet aperture on the inner surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, An axial hole extending from the inner end of the cleaning adapter to the outer end located adjacent to the internal space of the protruding part of the breastfeeding device, Including insertion, Activating a fluid discharger containing cleaning fluid connected to the inner end of the axial hole of the cleaning adapter, the stream of cleaning fluid is injected under pressure into at least one breast milk passage. Includes.
[0029] In this first method, the tip of the cleaning adapter may have an advantageously flat shape. Any of the methods described above may further include the additional step of connecting a fluid bridging connecting piece to the far end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk outflow aperture located on the inner surface of a projection of the breastfeeding device, and to the far end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk outflow aperture located on the outer surface of a projection of the breastfeeding device. As a result, a fluid flow is generated through both milk passages by injecting a stream of cleaning fluid under pressure. The fluid discharger may be a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump, or a water outlet.
[0030] According to yet another embodiment of the adapter of the present disclosure, a second method is provided for cleaning at least one breast milk passage of an infant feeding device. The at least one breast milk passage is connected to at least one breast milk outlet aperture located on the outer surface of a projection of the feeding device, and the method is: (i) Attaching a cleaning adapter to the outer surface of the protruding part of the breastfeeding device, the cleaning adapter is A tapered hollow portion having an inner surface fitted to fit snugly onto the outer surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, wherein a predetermined space remains between the narrow end of the tapered hollow portion and at least one breast milk outlet aperture on the outer surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, An axial hole extending from the outer end of the cleaning adapter to the inner end of the tapered hollow portion of the cleaning adapter and This includes, and, Activating a fluid discharger containing cleaning fluid, connected to the outer end of the axial hole of the cleaning adapter, to inject the stream of cleaning fluid under pressure into at least one breast milk passage. Includes.
[0031] In the adapter used in this second method, the narrow end of the tapered hollow portion of the cleaning adapter may have a flat shape.
[0032] Furthermore, this second method may include the additional step of connecting the fluid bridging connecting piece to the far end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk outflow aperture located on the inner surface of the breastfeeding device, and to the far end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk outflow aperture located on the outer surface of the breastfeeding device. As a result, fluid flow is generated through both milk passages by injecting a stream of cleaning fluid under pressure.
[0033] Finally, in this second method, the fluid discharger may be a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump, or a water outlet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0034] The present invention will be better understood and recognized by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.
[0035] [Figure 1] A schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a conventional breastfeeding device is shown. [Figure 2]An isometric skeleton diagram of a second embodiment of the breastfeeding device is shown. [Figure 3A] These are schematic diagrams of a cleaning adapter designed for use with breastfeeding devices, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Figure 3B] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal features of the cleaning adapter. [Figure 3C] Figures 3A and 3B show the cleaning adapter in use, with a syringe attached to it. [Figure 4A] This shows an alternative cleaning adapter designed to fit onto the external surface of the protrusion of a breastfeeding device. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A shows an isometric cross-sectional view of the cleaning adapter. [Figure 4C] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a combined cleaning adapter, which combines the internal cleaning adapters shown in Figures 3A and 3B with the external cleaning adapters shown in Figures 4A and 4B. It shows the combined cleaning adapter attached externally to the protruding part of the breastfeeding device. [Figure 5A] This is a schematic diagram of a syringe attached to the cleaning adapter shown in Figure 4C, for attachment to the outside of a breastfeeding device. [Figure 5B] This is a schematic diagram of a fluid discharger attached to the cleaning adapter shown in Figure 4C, for installation inside a breastfeeding device. [Figure 6] These are partial cross-sectional views of an alternative cleaning adapter designed for use with breastfeeding devices, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Figure 7] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a cleaning adapter as shown in Figure 6, used in different configurations. [Figure 8] Figure 2 shows a partial isometric skeleton of another alternative cleaning adapter used with a breastfeeding device. [Figure 9] This invention demonstrates how the syringe and cleaning adapter of this invention can clean the internal openings of the narrow, winding breast milk pathways within a breastfeeding device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0036] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a prior art breastfeeding device 10, as shown in the aforementioned Patent Document 1. It should be understood that the breastfeeding device may be referred to as a nipple shield device, nipple shield breast milk measuring device, breast milk flow rate display device, and / or other appropriate names describing the breastfeeding device. Breast milk 11 flows from the mother's nipple 12 into the internal volume 14 of the breastfeeding device 10. The boundary of the nipple projection of the breastfeeding device 10 is defined, which is covered by the lips 19 of the infant's mouth during breastfeeding. Breast milk flows through a long, narrow display passage 15 from the inlet aperture 16 to the outlet aperture 17 at the tip 13 of the breastfeeding device 10, from where the infant can ingest the breast milk 11 through their lips 19. As can be seen from Figure 1, efficiently cleaning the long, narrow display passage 15, which shows the flow of breast milk 11 and may be a narrow tube, is a difficult task.
[0037] Figure 2 shows an isometric X-ray view of a second embodiment of the breastfeeding device 70, as described in the aforementioned Patent Document 2. This breastfeeding device 70 differs from the one shown in Figure 1 in that breast milk measurement is performed by an external, replaceable measuring unit, which is connected to the breastfeeding device 70 in a fluid double connector 78. As it proceeds from the tip of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device, breast milk flows from the internal volume of the projection through one or more outlet apertures 74 and through a passage 72 to an output fluid connection port 76, where it is input to the external measuring unit. From there, the breast milk returns through an input fluid connection port 77, travels up a passage 73, and is discharged to the infant suckling the breastfeeding device 70 through a breastfeeding aperture 75 at the tip of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. The external measuring unit may be a set of modules for measuring flow rate, total supply, analysis of breast milk, or any other functions as described in the aforementioned Patent Documents 1 and 2. Similar to the embodiment in Figure 1, the breastfeeding device 70 in Figure 2 also has a long, narrow breast milk channel, but differs in that the ends of the breast milk output channel 72 and the breast milk input channel 73 are open at the fluid connection port 78, so that both channels 72 and 73 cannot be flushed using a single flow.
[0038] Figure 3A shows a schematic diagram of a cleaning adapter 30 designed for use with a breastfeeding device 10 as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. As shown, the cleaning adapter 30 is generally conical in shape so as to fit inside the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70, and a flow of cleaning fluid under positive pressure is directed through the cleaning adapter 30 into the passage 15 of the breastfeeding device 10, allowing any remaining breast milk residue after breastfeeding to be cleaned and removed from the passage 15. However, the tip 13 of the cleaning adapter 30 may also adopt any other arbitrary shape that provides a sealed internal volume between the tip 13 of the cleaning adapter 30 and the inner surface of the nipple shield projection 71, which fits tightly or snugly inside the breastfeeding device 10 and prevents significant leakage of cleaning fluid, or at least suppresses leakage of cleaning fluid under internal pressure.
[0039] The cleaning adapter 30 has a surrounding rim or base rim 31 which can be used to define the axial position of the cleaning adapter 30 when inserted into the flow-measuring breastfeeding device 70. The opposite end of the cleaning adapter has a tip 32a or tip region, which may advantageously have a flat plateau-like profile 32. Alternatively, the flat plateau-like profile 32 may be referred to as a tip region, a flat upper tip surface, or a flat tip surface. However, the tip 32 must not have a sufficiently large bulge profile so that when the cleaning adapter is inserted into the projection of the breastfeeding device 10, 70, the tip of the bulge contacts the inner tip of the projection, obstructing the flow of cleaning fluid from the hole as seen in the following paragraph.
[0040] Figure 3B shows an axial hole 33 that runs axially through the length of the cleaning adapter 30. The axial hole 33 is fitted to carry the cleaning fluid 79 from the base region 31a to the tip region 32, where the cleaning fluid 79 is forced into the breast milk passage 72 through an inlet aperture 74 located on the inner surface 71b of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. These apertures are shown in Figure 1 (inlet aperture 16) and Figure 2 (inlet aperture 74). When in use, the cleaning fluid 79 is injected into the axial hole 33 by an outlet from a fluid dispenser 35, such as a syringe shown in Figure 3C of this specification. This applies a small positive pressure to the cleaning fluid 79, which can then be forced to pass through the breast milk passage 72. In the following description, a syringe is used as an example of the fluid dispenser 35, but it should be understood that the use of a syringe is not intended to be limiting.
[0041] This method of use describes the optional but advantageous flat upper tip surface 32 of the cleaning adapter 30. It is important that the tip 36 of the cleaning adapter 30 does not come into contact with the inlet aperture 16 or aperture 74 itself, in order to ensure a clear path for the cleaning fluid 79 to pass from the axial hole 33 to the entrance or inlet aperture 16 or aperture 74 of the breast milk passage 72, as contact would create impedance or blockage in the flow of cleaning fluid 79 from the axial hole 33 to the breast milk passage 72. To avoid this, the outer surface shape and length of the conical portion of the cleaning adapter are selected such that, when the conical portion 30 of the cleaning adapter is fully fitted into the internal space of the breastfeeding device projection, the axial position of the upper surface of the cleaning adapter relative to the inner surface of the nipple device projection is such that the upper surface of the cleaning adapter is at a small distance from the breast milk outlet aperture. The flat tip plays a role in maintaining a clear space at the tip of the cleaning adapter, allowing for a clear flow of cleaning fluid. This is achieved by maintaining a clear space between the flat tip surface 32 and the rounded inner surface of the protrusion of the nipple device. In addition, even if the flat plateau-shaped upper part is not used, it is clear why the upper part of the washing adapter should not be rounded in a convex direction to the extent that the convex-shaped upper part abuts against and blocks the breast milk input apertures 16, 72. There are no particular restrictions on the size of the space, and it may be, for example, 1 mm to 3 mm.
[0042] The base rim 31 is intended to prevent cleaning fluid from escaping from around the conical insert if the conical insert does not form a good seal with the internal volume of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device.
[0043] Figure 3B is a scaled cross-sectional view of the cleaning adapter, showing its feature components. The numbered feature components are the same as those shown in Figure 3A, except that an optional Luer connector flange 34 has been added to the lower end of the axial hole 33, allowing a fluid discharger containing cleaning fluid to be locked to the cleaning adapter. The Luer connector may be a non-locking version as an alternative.
[0044] Figure 3C is a diagram of the complete nipple cleaning kit in use, showing how a syringe 35 type fluid dispenser can be attached to the cleaning adapter 30. The syringe must have an injection end that matches the internal profile of the axial hole 33 of the cleaning adapter 30. A soft rubber or polymer end may be used to ensure a leak-free connection. Alternatively, the syringe 35 may be integrated with the cleaning adapter 30 as a single unit.
[0045] The cleaning adapter 30 is inserted into a breastfeeding device, such as the type shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, or another type of breastfeeding device, and a syringe or other fluid dispenser 35 filled with cleaning fluid is attached to the cleaning adapter 30 by inserting the tip of the syringe into the lower end of the axial hole 33 of the cleaning adapter. When the syringe plunger 37 is activated, the cleaning fluid is forced under pressure through the axial hole 33 of the cleaning adapter 30 and, in the prior art embodiment of Figure 1, through the aperture 16 on the inner surface of the breastfeeding device, then through the entire length of the breast milk channel 15 and exiting through the aperture 17 on the outer surface of the breastfeeding device to clean the breast milk channel. In the case of the breastfeeding device of Figure 2, the cleaning fluid is forced through the aperture 74 on the inner surface of the projection of the breastfeeding device 70, then through the entire length of the breast milk channel 72 to the measuring port 78, and returns through the breast milk channel 73 and exiting through the aperture 75 on the outer surface of the projection of the breastfeeding device to clean both breast milk channels.
[0046] Figure 4A shows an alternative cleaning adapter 49 designed for use with the breastfeeding devices shown in Figures 1 and 2. This cleaning adapter 49 differs from those in Figures 3A and 3B in that it is designed to fit onto the outer surface of the breastfeeding device, more specifically onto the protrusion of the breast milk flow device of the breastfeeding device. To ensure a seal as leak-free as possible, the cleaning adapter 49 has a hollow internal base section, clearly indicated as item 41 in Figure 4B. This hollow internal base section is molded to fit snugly onto the outer surface of the nipple structure. An axial hole 43 runs axially through the length of the portion of the cleaning adapter 49 away from the hollow internal base section. A fluid dispenser, as shown in Figure 3C, can be attached to the end of the axial hole 43 away from the hollow internal base section to inject cleaning fluid from the tip region of the cleaning adapter into the base region, where it can be forced into the breast milk passage through the apertures 17, 75 on the outer surface of the breastfeeding device, respectively, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
[0047] Figure 4B shows an isometric section of the external cleaning adapter 49 of Figure 4A, showing an internal hollow section 41 molded to fit snugly onto the outer surface profile of the breastfeeding device used. The cleaning adapter 49 is configured not to block the aperture of the breastfeeding device by designing the length and shape of the conical internal hollow section 41 so that when it is mounted on the breastfeeding device, for example, when the length and shape of the conical internal hollow section 41 are firmly positioned on the breastfeeding device's projection, a space remains between the tip of the breastfeeding device's projection and the upper surface 44 of the hollow internal space 41. There are no restrictions on the shape of the space as long as the milk passage terminating at the aperture on the outer surface of the breastfeeding device's projection can fluidly communicate with the axial hole through the space. In some embodiments where multiple milk holes are used, the space ensures that the cleaning fluid released into the space reaches all the holes from a common space and from there reaches the milk channels supplied by the holes. The space needs to have a volume sufficient to achieve this purpose, and the volume is typically in the range of 0.1 ml to 2 ml.
[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the hollow internal space 41, as measured from the base surface 42 to the upper surface 44 of the hollow internal space 41, may be made longer than the length of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device to which the cleaning adapter 40 is intended to be attached.
[0049] Figure 4C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the cleaning adapter of the present application. It shows a composite cleaning adapter 40 combining the internal cleaning adapter of Figures 3A and 3B and the external cleaning adapter of Figures 4A and 4B. The composite cleaning adapter, shown in Figure 4C, is externally mounted to a breastfeeding device 46 and is ready for a cleaning operation on the breast milk aperture 45 and its associated breast milk flow channel by fluid injected into a central or axial hole 43 by a syringe or other fluid dispenser. The central hole 43 may be advantageously parallel so that the outlet of a fluid dispenser can be inserted from either end. This dual-purpose composite adapter can be understood by noting that the ends of the adapter away from the hollow internal space 41 are formed by a conical outer surface 48 that can function as a mating surface for an internally mounted cleaning adapter. Thus, this single adapter 40 can be used for cleaning from the internal space of a protrusion of a breastfeeding device, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, or from the outside of a protrusion of a breastfeeding device, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C. Although the aperture 45 is not shown to penetrate into the internal space of the breastfeeding device in the drawing of Figure 4C, it is connected to a long, narrow milk channel as shown in the breastfeeding devices of Figures 1 and 2, and the cleaning adapter described herein is advantageously intended for cleaning it. Figure 4C clearly shows how a seal between the breastfeeding device and the internal hollow is achieved by manufacturing the inclination of the internal conical surface 47 to match the shape of the outer surface of the breastfeeding device, thereby obtaining a tight fit.
[0050] Such a dual-purpose combined cleaning adapter is useful for cleaning the milk channels of a breastfeeding device as shown in Figure 2. In such a breastfeeding device, there are separate milk channels leading to and from the periphery of the device. One is a channel 72 through an aperture 74 that opens from the mother to the inner surface of the breastfeeding device projection, and the other is a channel 73 that opens to an aperture 75 on the outer surface of the breastfeeding device projection leading to the infant. Unless the peripheral ends of the milk channels are connected, they must be cleaned from both the inside and outside of the breastfeeding device projection. Therefore, the cleaning adapter 40 must be used twice: once in a position on the inner surface of the breastfeeding device projection that allows cleaning of the milk channel 72, and again in a second position on the outer surface of the breastfeeding device projection that allows cleaning of the milk channel 73.
[0051] Figures 5A and 5B show how a syringe or other fluid dispenser 35 is connected to the multi-directional and dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40 of Figure 4C. In Figure 5A, the fluid dispenser 35 is shown attached to the outer end 43a of the dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40. This allows the cleaning adapter 40 to be fitted onto the outer surface 71a of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70 in order to clean the breast milk passage 73 leading to the breastfeeding aperture 75 for the baby. In Figure 5B, the fluid dispenser 35 is shown attached to the other end of the dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40. This allows the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70 to be inserted into the inner surface 41a of the tapered hollow section 41 in order to clean the breast milk passage 72 used to transport breast milk 11 from the mother. As shown, the tapered hollow section 41 has a conical shape.
[0052] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate how the multi-directional, dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40 of Figure 4C can be used to clean a breastfeeding device 70 having two separate breast milk passages 72, 73 as shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 shows the cleaning adapter 40 mounted on the outside of the breastfeeding device 70 for cleaning the breast milk passage 73 to the infant. The passage 73 terminates at an outlet aperture 75 located on the outer surface 71a of the breastfeeding device 70. In particular, the multi-directional, dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40 is adapted to clean at least one of the breast milk passages 72, 73 of the breastfeeding device 70. As shown in Figure 6, the cleaning adapter 40 includes a tapered hollow section 41 formed within the adapter and has an inner surface 41a adapted to match the outer surface 71a of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. When the cleaning adapter 40 is positioned on or placed on the projection 18 of the breastfeeding device 70, the combination is configured to suppress fluid leakage between the inner surface 41a of the cleaning adapter 40 and the outer surface 71a of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. The axial hole 43 provides fluid communication between the tip 43a of the cleaning adapter 40 and the narrow end region of the tapered hollow portion 41 of the cleaning adapter 40. The length of the inner surface 41a of the tapered hollow portion 41 and the cleaning adapter 40 are such that when the cleaning adapter 40 is fully mounted on the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70, a cavity or space 49 is left or created at the narrow inner end of the tapered hollow portion 41 of the cleaning adapter 40. At least one breast milk outflow aperture 75 positioned on the outer surface 71a of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70 is exposed to fluid communication with the space 49 and is adapted to receive cleaning fluid 79 injected from the fluid injector 35. At least one breast milk outlet aperture 75 is connected to a breast milk passage 73.
[0053] An exemplary method for cleaning the breast milk passages 72, 73 of the breastfeeding device 70 in a first direction using a multi-directional and dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40 during use may be performed in the following manner. Referring to Figures 6 and 5A, the cleaning adapter 40 is attached to a fluid discharger 35 and positioned on a projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. The breast milk passage 73 is connected to one or more breast milk outlet apertures 75 positioned on the outer surface 71a of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. This method involves mounting the cleaning adapter 40 on the outer surface 71a of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. The cleaning adapter 40 includes a tapered hollow portion 41 having an inner surface 41a that is fitted to fit snugly on the outer surface 71a of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. As a result, a predetermined space 49 remains between the narrow end of the tapered hollow portion 41 and at least one breast milk outlet aperture 75 on the outer surface 71a of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. The axial hole 43 extends from the outer end 43a of the cleaning adapter 40 to the narrow end 43b of the tapered hollow portion 41 of the cleaning adapter 40. The fluid discharger 35 is actuated by applying pressure to the fluid discharger 35, which contains cleaning fluid 79 connected to the outer end 43a of the axial hole 33 of the cleaning adapter 40. The generated pressure causes a stream of cleaning fluid 79 to be injected under pressure directly into at least one breast milk passage 73.
[0054] Figure 7 shows a cleaning adapter 40 mounted inside the projection of the breastfeeding device 70 to clean the breast milk passage 72 from the mother, starting from an inlet aperture 74 on the inner surface 71b of the breastfeeding device 70. In particular, the multi-directional and dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40 is adapted to clean the breast milk passage 72 of the breastfeeding device 70. As shown in Figure 7, the cleaning adapter 40 is conical and includes an outer surface 41c adapted to match the inner surface 71b of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device. When the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70 is positioned over the outer end 43b or tip of the cleaning adapter 40, the combination is configured to suppress fluid leakage between the outer surface 41c of the cleaning adapter 40 and the inner surface 71b of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. An axial hole 43 is provided between the base region 43b and the end tip 43a of the cleaning adapter 40, having a channel for carrying fluid. The length of the outer surface 41c and the cleaning adapter 40 is such that when the tip 43a of the cleaning adapter 40 is fully inserted into the breastfeeding device 70, a space 50b is created or left between the tip 43a of the cleaning adapter 40 and at least one milk outflow aperture 74 located on the inner surface 71b of the protrusion 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. The at least one milk outflow aperture 74 is in fluid communication with the milk passage 72.
[0055] Another exemplary method for cleaning at least one breast milk passage 72 of the breastfeeding device 70 in a second direction using a multi-directional and dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40 may be performed in the following manner. Referring to Figures 7 and 5B, the cleaning adapter 40 is attached to a fluid discharger 35 and positioned within a projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. At least one breast milk passage 72 is connected to at least one breast milk outlet aperture 74 located on the inner surface 71b of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. This method involves inserting the cleaning adapter 40 into the internal space 50a within the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70 in a fluid-tight manner. The cleaning adapter 40 includes a molded outer surface 41c that is fitted to fit snugly into the internal space 71b of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. At a given position, a predetermined space 50b remains between the outer end 43b of the cleaning adapter 40 and at least one breast milk inlet outlet aperture 74 on the inner surface 71b of the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. The axial hole 43 extends from the inner end 43b of the cleaning adapter 40 to the outer end 43a adjacent to the internal space 50b within the projection 71 of the breastfeeding device 70. The fluid dispenser 35 is actuated by applying pressure to the fluid dispenser 35, which contains cleaning fluid 79 connected to the inner end 43a of the axial hole 43 of the cleaning adapter 40. The generated pressure causes a stream of cleaning fluid 79 to be injected under pressure directly into at least one breast milk passage 72.
[0056] Figure 8 shows an alternative method for cleaning the milk channels of the breastfeeding device in Figure 2. This differs from the method described above in that both milk channels are cleaned simultaneously. Figure 8 is a skeleton diagram of an adapter attachment 80 that can be used for this purpose. The adapter attachment 80 is designed to connect to the output fluid connection port 76 and the input fluid connection port 77 of the breastfeeding device in Figure 2. The adapter attachment 80 has a bifurcated channel structure, and the bifurcated single input 81 is adapted to allow the attachment of another fluid dispenser containing a syringe or cleaning fluid. The two output lines of the joints 82, 83 are lines that connect to the fluid connection ports 76, 77 of the breastfeeding device. When the adapter attachment 80 and the fluid discharger are positioned, the discharge of cleaning fluid from the fluid discharger causes the cleaning fluid to flow simultaneously through both breast milk passages 72 and 73 of the breastfeeding device in Figure 2. The cleaning fluid passing through breast milk passage 72 exits the channel at aperture 74 located on the inner surface of the breastfeeding device, and the cleaning fluid passing through breast milk passage 73 exits the channel at aperture 75 located on the outer surface of the breastfeeding device.
[0057] Another method for cleaning both breast milk channels 72 and 73 in a single procedure is to use either the internal cleaning adapter shown in Figures 3A to 3C, or the external or dual-purpose cleaning adapter shown in Figures 4A to 4C, to flush the cleaning fluid into one of the breast milk channels 72 and 73, and to attach a cross-linking connector (not shown) to the output ports 76 and 77, so that the cleaning fluid exits from one port, passes through the cross-linking connector tube, and re-enters the second port to flush the second breast milk channel. The cross-linking connector looks exactly the same as the adapter attachment 80 in Figure 8, except that lines 82 and 83 are simply coupled as fluid connection paths and there is no joint attached there.
[0058] Alternatively, it is possible to perform the cleaning procedure with the pressure measurement module still attached to the breastfeeding device, but this may not be recommended as the cleaning solution may affect the sensors in the flow path inside the measurement module.
[0059] As already shown with respect to the cleaning adapter 30, with respect to the cleaning adapter 40 and the adapter attachment 80, the syringe or any other type of fluid dispenser 35 may be a separate component of the cleaning kit, or it may be incorporated as an integral part with either the cleaning adapter or the attachment (30, 40, or 80).
[0060] Figure 9, using the embodiment of Figure 1 as an example, pictorially illustrates how a cleaning fluid is forced through the long, narrow, loop-shaped breast milk passage 15 of the breastfeeding device 10 using a fluid discharger 35 and a cleaning adapter 40. Such passages have been difficult to clean using conventional methods.
[0061] The exemplary embodiments provided make this disclosure complete and its scope fully understandable to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of particular components, devices, and methods, are provided to give a complete understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the use of specific details is unnecessary, and that the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and neither should be interpreted as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited by what is illustrated and described. Rather, the scope of the invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described above, as well as variations and modifications that those skilled in the art might conceive of upon reading the above description and that are not in the prior art.
Claims
1. An adapter 40 for cleaning at least one breast milk passage 72 of an infant feeding device 70, An outer surface 41c fitted to match the inner surface 71b of the protrusion 71 of the breastfeeding device, wherein the adapter, when positioned within the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, suppresses fluid leakage between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device. The axial hole 43 provides fluid communication between the base region 43b and the tip 43a of the adapter. Includes, The length of the outer surface and the adapter is such that when the adapter is fully inserted into the breastfeeding device, a space 50b is left between the tip 43b of the adapter and at least one milk outflow aperture 74 located on the inner surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, the at least one milk outflow aperture being connected to the at least one milk passage 72 of the adapter.
2. The adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a surrounding rim 31 positioned in the base region at a location that limits splashing of cleaning fluid leaking between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the breastfeeding device.
3. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial hole 43 is sized to receive the output opening of the fluid injector 35, and when the adapter is positioned within the protrusion 71 of the breastfeeding device, the cleaning fluid 79 from the fluid discharger flushes through the at least one breast milk passage 72 of the breastfeeding device.
4. The adapter according to claim 3, further comprising a luer connector 34 at the base end of the axial hole so as to be connected to the fluid discharger in the adapter.
5. The adapter according to claim 3, wherein the fluid discharger 35 is connected as an integral part of the adapter 40.
6. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the suppression of fluid leakage between the outer surface 41c of the adapter and the inner surface 71b of the breastfeeding device is configured to ensure that the pressure in the axial hole of the adapter is maintained so that the cleaning fluid 79 is forced to pass through the at least one breast milk passage.
7. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fluid discharger 35 is one of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump, and a water outlet.
8. An adapter 40 for cleaning at least one breast milk passage 73 of an infant feeding device 70, A tapered hollow portion 41 formed within the adapter, having an inner surface 41a fitted to match the outer surface 71a of the protrusion 71 of the breastfeeding device, and configured to suppress fluid leakage between the inner surface of the adapter and the outer surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device when the adapter is positioned above the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, The axial hole 43 provides fluid communication between the tip 43a of the adapter and the narrow end region 43b of the tapered hollow portion 41 of the adapter. Includes, The length of the inner surface of the tapered hollow portion and the length of the adapter are such that when fully mounted on the projection of the breastfeeding device, a space 49 is left between the inner end 43b of the tapered hollow portion of the adapter and at least one milk outflow aperture 75 located on the outer surface of the projection of the breastfeeding device, the at least one milk outflow aperture 75 being connected to the at least one milk passage 73 of the adapter.
9. The adapter according to claim 8, wherein the axial hole 43 is sized to receive the output opening of the fluid discharger 35, and when the adapter is positioned on the protrusion 71 of the breastfeeding device, cleaning fluid from the fluid discharger can be flushed through the at least one breast milk passage 73 of the breastfeeding device.
10. The adapter according to claim 9, wherein the fluid discharger 35 is connected as an integral part of the adapter 40.
11. The adapter according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the suppression of leakage between the inner surface 41a of the adapter and the outer surface 71a of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device is adapted to ensure that the pressure in the axial hole 43 of the adapter is maintained so that the cleaning fluid is forced to pass through the at least one breast milk passage 73.
12. The adapter according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the fluid discharger 35 is one of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump, or a water outlet.
13. The adapter further includes a tapered hollow portion 41 formed within the adapter, having an inner surface 41a fitted to match the outer surface 71a of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device 70, and configured to suppress fluid leakage between the inner surface of the adapter and the outer surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device when the adapter is positioned over the protrusion 71 of the breastfeeding device, The axial hole 43 provides fluid communication between the tip 43a of the adapter and the narrow end region 41b of the tapered hollow portion of the adapter. The inner surface and length of the tapered hollow portion formed within the adapter are such that when the adapter is fully mounted on the projection of the breastfeeding device, a space 49 is left between the inner end 43b of the tapered hollow portion of the adapter and at least one milk outflow aperture 75 located on the outer surface 71a of the projection of the breastfeeding device, the at least one milk outflow aperture being connected to at least one milk passage 73, according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
14. An outer surface 41c fitted to match the inner surface 71b of the protrusion 71 of the breastfeeding device, further comprising an outer surface 41c configured to suppress fluid leakage between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device when the adapter is located within the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, The axial hole 43 provides fluid communication between the tip 43a of the adapter and the narrow end region 43b of the tapered hollow portion of the adapter. The adapter according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the outer surface and length of the adapter are such that when fully inserted into the projection of the breastfeeding device, a space 50b is left between the tip 43b of the adapter and at least one milk outflow aperture 74 located on the inner surface of the projection of the breastfeeding device, the at least one milk outflow aperture being connected to at least one milk passage 72.
15. A method for cleaning at least one breast milk passage 72 of an infant feeding device 70, The at least one breast milk passage is connected to at least one breast milk outlet aperture 74 located on the inner surface of the protrusion 71 of the breastfeeding device, The aforementioned method, The cleaning adapter 40 is inserted into the internal space 50a within the protruding portion of the breastfeeding device, and the cleaning adapter is A molded outer surface 41c that is fitted to fit snugly into the internal space of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, wherein a predetermined space 50b remains between the outer end 43a of the cleaning adapter and at least one breast milk inlet outlet aperture 72 on the inner surface 71b of the protrusion 71 of the breastfeeding device, An axial hole 43 extends from the inner end 43b of the cleaning adapter to the outer end 43a which is located adjacent to the internal space of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device. Including insertion, The fluid discharger 35 containing the cleaning fluid 79, connected to the inner end 43b of the axial hole of the cleaning adapter, is activated to inject the stream of the cleaning fluid into the at least one breast milk passage under pressure. Methods that include...
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the tip of the cleaning adapter has a flat shape.
17. The additional steps include connecting a fluid bridging connecting piece to the far end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk outflow aperture located on the inner surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, and to the far end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk outflow aperture located on the outer surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein fluid flow is generated through both breast milk passages by injecting a stream of cleaning fluid under pressure.
18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the fluid discharger is one of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump, or a water outlet.
19. A method for cleaning at least one breast milk passage 73 of an infant feeding device 70, The at least one breast milk passage 73 is connected to at least one breast milk outlet aperture 75 located on the outer surface 71a of the protruding portion 71 of the breastfeeding device. The aforementioned method, The cleaning adapter 40 is attached to the outer surface of the protruding portion of the breastfeeding device, wherein the cleaning adapter is A tapered hollow portion 41 having an inner surface 41a that is fitted to fit snugly onto the outer surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, wherein a predetermined space 49 remains between the narrow end 41b of the tapered hollow portion 41 and the at least one breast milk outlet aperture on the outer surface of the protrusion of the breastfeeding device, An axial hole 43 extending from the outer end 43a of the cleaning adapter to the inner end 43b of the tapered hollow portion of the cleaning adapter This includes, and, The fluid discharger 35 containing the cleaning fluid 79, connected to the outer end of the axial hole of the cleaning adapter, is activated to inject the stream of the cleaning fluid into the at least one breast milk passage under pressure. Methods that include...
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the narrow end of the tapered hollow portion of the cleaning adapter has a flat shape.
21. The additional steps include connecting a fluid bridging connecting piece to the far end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk outflow aperture located on the inner surface of the breastfeeding device, and to the far end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk outflow aperture located on the outer surface of the breastfeeding device, The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein fluid flow is generated through both breast milk passages by injecting a stream of cleaning fluid under pressure.
22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the fluid discharger is one of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump, or a water outlet.