Breast milk expression kit including breast pump and pumping device

Abstract

1. A breast pump comprising: a milking assembly including a funnel-shaped object configured to engage a user's breast, the funnel-shaped object including a flexible portion having an inner flexible portion surface facing the breast and an opposing outer flexible portion surface; a stimulation mechanism facing the outer flexible portion surface and configured to operate the flexible portion; and a position adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism relative to the funnel-shaped object, the position adjustment mechanism including at least one lever member articulated to the stimulation mechanism, the lever member being pivotable about a lever pivot axis to move the stimulation mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

[0001] Technical Field The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to a breast milk pumping kit including a breast pump and a pumping device.

Background Art

[0002] Background Providing breast milk is the best source of nutrition for an infant and has health effects on the mother during the lactation period. Sometimes, a mother during the lactation period needs to use a breast pump to collect breast milk. Various breast pumps such as manual breast pumps and electric breast pumps are available. The electric breast pump may be battery-powered and / or AC-powered. Although many breast pumps are available, there is still a need for an improved breast pump that is user-friendly.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] Summary Generally, the subject matter of the present disclosure relates to a breast milk pumping kit including a breast pump, a pumping device, and a cable configured to establish a connection therebetween. The aspects detailed below relate to various operating methods of the kit and the breast pump. The breast pump is configured to be operated to engage with a breast and pump milk therefrom. The following description of the aspects includes references to directions, which are defined and understood for the purposes of this description with respect to the user's body when the user is standing in an upright position and using the breast pump in its upright orientation (with the breast milk collection container also positioned upright). For example, the direction along the user's height is to be understood as the direction along the user's height when the user is standing upright. Any reference to an upward, downward, or lateral direction is to be understood with respect to the height of the standing user.

[0004] The various embodiments described herein below are understood to be implementable in any combination, that is, any or all features of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with any one of the other embodiments.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure: A milking assembly comprising a funnel-shaped object configured to engage with the user's breast, wherein the funnel-shaped object comprises a flexible portion having an inner flexible surface facing the breast and an outer flexible surface facing the breast; A stimulating mechanism configured to face the outer surface of a flexible portion and to manipulate the flexible portion; and A position adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of a stimulating mechanism relative to a funnel-shaped object, wherein the position adjustment mechanism includes at least one lever member articulated to the stimulating mechanism, the lever member being pivotable around a lever pivot axis for moving the stimulating mechanism. A breast pump is provided, including one mentioned above.

[0006] The position of the stimulation mechanism can at least partially determine the size of the opening of the funnel-shaped object configured to receive the breast, and therefore, by adjusting the position of the stimulation mechanism, the dimensions of the opening of the funnel-shaped object are controlled, thereby controlling the fit of the breast pump to the breast while it is in use. For example, for breasts of different sizes and shapes, the position of the stimulation mechanism can be adjusted to adjust the size of the opening to fit the breast accordingly. Furthermore, the fit of the breast pump to the breast can be adjusted to adapt to the breast's sensitivity to any type of stimulation, which may vary from user to user. For example, a user with very sensitive breasts may prefer a relatively low level of stimulation for milking, while a user with less sensitive breasts may prefer a higher level of stimulation. The position of the stimulation mechanism also determines the degree of stimulation the breast experiences when the stimulation mechanism is activated. Furthermore, a user may want to adjust the fit of the funnel-shaped object to the breast based on the health of the breast, such as pain, swelling, throbbing, or burning.

[0007] The stimulation mechanism may have any structure described herein in some respects of its embodiments, or it may be a structure known in the art, such as one configured to manipulate a flexible portion of a funnel-shaped object to serve the general purpose of mimicking the movement of an infant's tongue in order to stimulate the breast for milking.

[0008] The position adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the stimulation mechanism between an initial position, which causes the stimulation mechanism to have at least a first shape in the flexible portion before the stimulation mechanism is operated, and a final position, which causes the stimulation mechanism to have a second shape in the flexible portion that is at least different from the first shape in the flexible portion before the stimulation mechanism is operated. In some examples, at the initial position, the stimulation mechanism causes a first tension in the flexible portion, and at the final position, the stimulation mechanism causes a second tension in the flexible portion that is greater than the first tension. The first tension may be zero, at least when the stimulation mechanism is not operated. The initial position may be the lowest position of the stimulation mechanism when the breast pump is held upright with the breast milk collection container also in the upright position, and the final position may be the highest position of the stimulation mechanism.

[0009] The position adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the stimulation mechanism from its initial position to its final position in a direction that extends along the user's height, at least in part.

[0010] In some examples, the positioning mechanism may be configured to move the stimulation mechanism along an arched pathway.

[0011] In some cases, the positioning mechanism may be configured to move the stimulation mechanism primarily along a vertical path taken relative to the breast pump, which is held upright, with the milk collection container also in an upright position. The vertical movement of the stimulation mechanism results in a more effective and rapid adjustment of the breast pump's grip on the breast.

[0012] The lever member may include a first lever portion articulated to the stimulating mechanism and a second lever portion, and the lever member is configured to pivot in response to the operation of the second lever portion. In some examples, the second lever portion may be actuated by a user directly holding the second lever portion.

[0013] The position adjustment mechanism may include an actuator articulated to the second lever portion, and the lever member is pivotally movable by the actuator.

[0014] A breast pump may include a proximal portion configured to be positioned toward the breast, a distal portion configured to be positioned away from the breast, and a principal axis extending between them, with the actuator positioned at least along the principal axis, at a distance from the stimulation mechanism. An actuator positioned at a distance from the stimulation mechanism, most commonly on the underside of the breast, makes the use of the actuator easier and more effective. Therefore, the actuator may be positioned on the breast pump in a location that is most convenient for the user to use while the breast pump is in use, and that is visible to the user, providing the user with a visible indication of the actuator's state and therefore the position of the stimulation mechanism. For example, the user may hold the breast pump with a first hand and conveniently use the actuator with a second hand without interfering with the area of ​​the funnel-shaped object. In some examples, the positioning mechanism may include two lever members, one on each side of the breast pump, and each of the two lever members having its own actuator. The user may use either of the actuators for convenience. The two lever members can be connected to each other such that the operation of one of them causes the other to follow the same path. The actuator is configured to move the second lever portion. The movement of the second lever portion can cause the first lever portion to pivot around the lever pivot axis.

[0015] In some examples, the lever member may include a first lever arm extending between the first lever portion and the lever pivot axis, and a second lever arm extending between the lever pivot axis and the second lever portion, and the first lever arm may be longer than the second lever arm. The relative lengths of the lever arms determine the degree of movement of the first lever portion relative to the degree of movement of the second lever portion. A first lever arm longer than the second lever arm moves the first lever portion relatively more than the second lever portion which is moved by the actuator. This reduces the effort required of the user when adjusting the position of the stimulation mechanism.

[0016] The position adjustment mechanism may be configured to coarsely adjust and finely adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism. The position adjustment mechanism may allow the user to make large movements of the stimulation mechanism by a specific degree of actuator operation at the beginning of the adjustment, and relatively small movements of the stimulation mechanism by the same degree of actuator operation as the adjustment progresses. This allows the user to adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism more precisely. For example, if the stimulation mechanism is far from the desired position, a coarse adjustment may be made, and as the stimulation mechanism approaches the desired position and gets closer to the breast, fine adjustment by the user would be preferable.

[0017] The actuator may include a rotatable wheel. The position adjustment mechanism is configured to convert the rotation of the wheel into the movement of a stimulating mechanism articulated to the first lever portion. In other examples, the actuator may include a linearly movable element configured to move a second lever portion.

[0018] The actuator and the second lever portion may constitute at least part of the cam-driver configuration. The actuator may include a cam, and the second lever portion is articulated to the cam via a drive. The drive may be a separate component or part of the second lever portion. The cam may include a spiral path extending between its radially outermost and radially innermost ends. As the cam rotates, the drive may be biased to maintain the spiral path, thereby following variations in the radius of the spiral path. When the drive is at either the radially innermost or radially outermost end, the stimulation mechanism is in its initial position, and when the drive is at the other of the radially innermost or radially outermost end, the stimulation mechanism is in its final position.

[0019] A spiral path may include an initial portion containing the innermost radial end and an end portion containing the outermost radial end, and the curvature of the path is greater in one of the initial and end portions than in the other. When the drive is in one of the initial and end portions, the position adjustment mechanism may be configured to coarsely adjust the position of the stimulating mechanism, and when the drive is in the other of the initial and end portions, the position adjustment mechanism may be configured to finely adjust the position of the stimulating mechanism. In some examples, when the drive is in the initial portion, the position adjustment mechanism may be configured to coarsely adjust the position of the stimulating mechanism, and when the drive is in the end portion, the position adjustment mechanism may be configured to finely adjust the position of the stimulating mechanism.

[0020] The cam may be configured to lock the drive in one or more locations between the radially outermost and radially innermost ends. The cam may be configured to prevent the drive from moving by a lever member. The inclination of the spiral path is configured such that the drive can only be moved by the rotation of the cam. When the cam is not rotating, the drive holds its location and will not move due to the force applied via the lever member by the stimulating mechanism. The cam arrangement configuration may include any other drive locking means to lock the drive in any location along the spiral path.

[0021] A breast pump may further include a body and a stabilization mechanism configured to control the stabilization of a lever member relative to the body. The stabilization mechanism may include a stabilizing biasing member configured to control the degree of stabilization of the lever member relative to the body. The stabilizing biasing member may be a spring. The tension of the spring determines the degree of stabilization of the lever member; that is, the more tensioned the spring, the more stable the lever member is relative to the body. The stabilization mechanism may include a control member configured to change the tension of the stabilizing biasing member. The control member may include a stabilization cam configured to rotate around the axle of the lever member in order to change the tension of the spring. The stabilization cam may include a toothed member configured to lock the stabilization cam in a plurality of positions, each position defining a corresponding tension of the spring. To increase or decrease the tension of the spring, the stabilization cam may be rotated by the user, which then controls the degree of stabilization of the lever member.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure: A milking assembly configured to engage with the user's breast, comprising a pressure interface passage configured to allow air passage; and A vacuum chamber, which includes an orifice and is configured to be removablely attached to a breast pump, in order to establish fluid communication between the orifice and the pressure interface passage. A breast pump is provided, including one mentioned above.

[0023] The detachable vacuum chamber from the breast pump enhances the modularity of the breast pump and allows the user to wash the vacuum chamber. However, generally, at some point, the milk flow path can be separated from the air flow path within the breast pump, preventing milk from entering the vacuum chamber. However, some milk particles, especially in the form of mist or vapor, or small particles mixed with air, enter the vacuum chamber and accumulate inside over time. Therefore, it is necessary to wash the vacuum chamber. However, when the vacuum chamber is not detachable, especially in a breast pump that includes electrically operable components (such as motors, sensors, display devices, controllers, connectors, etc.), its cleaning is difficult. Therefore, a detachable vacuum chamber allows the user to wash the vacuum chamber without exposing the electrically operable components to danger.

[0024] The vacuum chamber can be configured to generate a negative pressure within the milking assembly through an orifice and a pressure interface passage. The pressure interface passage constitutes at least a part of the air flow path extending between the vacuum chamber (when the vacuum chamber is connected to the breast pump) and the milking assembly. The air flow path and the milk flow path can have at least an initial common part and then can be separated from each other. The breast pump can further include a sealing member configured to seal the fluid communication between the pressure interface passage and the orifice. The sealing member can be configured to prevent air leakage at the connection between the orifice and the pressure interface passage.

[0025] The breast pump can further include a main body, and the milking assembly can be removably connectable to the main body. The main body can include a chamber support wall configured to support the vacuum chamber at least when the vacuum chamber is attached to the breast pump. The vacuum chamber can be connectable to the chamber support wall. The orifice and the pressure interface passage are configured to be in fluid communication through a chamber support wall opening formed in the chamber support wall.

[0026] The chamber support wall may include at least one guiding element configured to guide the vacuum chamber to its designated position during the attachment of the vacuum chamber to the breast pump. The vacuum chamber may include a guidable element configured to be guided by the guiding element during the attachment of the vacuum chamber to the breast pump. The guiding element may be a recess formed in the chamber support wall, and the guidable element may be a protrusion formed in the vacuum chamber configured to be received within the recess. In some examples, the guiding element may be a protrusion formed in the chamber support wall, and the guidable element may be a recess formed in the vacuum chamber configured to be received within the protrusion. The orifice and the pressure interface passage may be configured to communicate through the guiding element.

[0027] The chamber support wall may further include at least one chamber locking means configured to removably lock the vacuum chamber when connected to the breast pump, thereby connecting the vacuum chamber to the body. The vacuum chamber may be configured to be connected to the breast pump and simultaneously locked by the chamber locking means in a single act.

[0028] The milk extraction assembly may be connectable to and / or removable from the body regardless of whether the vacuum chamber is connected to or removed from the body. The vacuum chamber may be connectable to and / or removable from the body regardless of whether the milk extraction assembly is connected to or removed from the body. The milk extraction assembly may be configured to be at least partially received within the body and configured to be withdrawn in a first withdrawal direction. The vacuum chamber may be configured to be at least partially received within the body and configured to be withdrawn in a second withdrawal direction. The vacuum chamber and the milk extraction assembly may be configured to be attached to each other at a specific angle based on the angle between the first withdrawal direction and the second withdrawal direction, allowing the milk extraction assembly and the vacuum chamber to be removed from the body independently of each other.

[0029] A breast pump may further include a vacuum assembly comprising a vacuum chamber, a membrane configured to be removably articulated to the vacuum chamber, and a cap configured to close the vacuum chamber by the membrane, which is at least articulated to the vacuum chamber. The membrane may be a diaphragm configured to deform when a pressure difference occurs on both sides of the diaphragm. The vacuum chamber may include a chamber rim, and the membrane may include a membrane rim configured to correspond to and be positioned on the chamber rim. The cap may include a lip, which is configured to seal the vacuum chamber while sealing the membrane rim between the lip and the chamber rim. The connections between the chamber rim, membrane rim, and lip may be leak-proof, i.e., no air may leak from there.

[0030] The cap may be configured to be removablely locked to the chamber support wall. The cap may be configured to be removablely locked to the chamber support wall by at least one chamber locking means. In some examples, the vacuum assembly may be configured to connect to the body in a single act while simultaneously locking the vacuum chamber and the cap to the chamber locking means. The vacuum chamber may include a chamber locking portion, and the cap may include a cap locking portion, and at least one locking means includes a snap connector configured to accept the chamber locking portion and the cap locking portion. The snap connector may include a first snap portion configured to engage with and lock the chamber locking portion, and a second snap portion configured to engage with and lock the cap locking portion. The cap may be configured to be removed from the chamber support wall together with the vacuum chamber. The cap may be configured to connect to the chamber support wall independently of the vacuum chamber. When the cap is removed from the body, the removal of the cap from the chamber support wall causes the cap locking portion to be removed from the second snap portion, which in turn displaces the snap connector and causes the chamber locking portion to be disengaged from the first snap portion.

[0031] The cap may further include a flange configured to engage with the membrane, and the cap is configured to tightly receive at least a portion of the membrane between the flange and the vacuum chamber when closed in the vacuum assembly. The joint friction between the flange, the membrane, and the vacuum chamber allows the vacuum chamber, membrane, and cap to be removed together from the body in a single action. The ability to remove the vacuum assembly together from the body in a single action results in easy and quick disassembly of the washable parts from the breast pump.

[0032] The vacuum chamber may have an outer side configured to face the breast pump and an opposing inner side, and the membrane may have a first membrane surface configured to face the inner side and an opposing second membrane surface configured to face the cap. The vacuum chamber may include a first chamber region defined by the inner side and the first membrane surface, and a second chamber region defined by the second membrane surface and the cap, the first chamber region being configured to fluidly communicate with the milking assembly through an orifice and a pressure interface passage when the vacuum chamber is connected to the breast pump. The second chamber region may be configured to fluidly connect via the cap to a pumping device configured to generate a vacuum in the second chamber region. In response to the vacuum, the membrane may be deformed toward the second chamber region and configured to generate negative pressure in the first chamber region, and therefore in the milking assembly through the orifice and the pressure interface passage.

[0033] According to a third aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, a body for a breast pump, including a milking assembly configured to be directly connected to a breast milk collection container to establish a milk flow path, is provided: A component part configured to house one or more working components to be used with a breast pump; Interface portion configured to engage with the milking assembly, surrounding the connection between the milking assembly and the breast milk collection container. The main unit, including the main unit, is provided.

[0034] The main body can accommodate at least some of the components of the breast pump. The main body is structured to compactly house multiple parts and components of the breast pump, separating the fluid-free parts from the fluid-filled parts. Furthermore, the main body is structured to facilitate electrical connections, with the electrical connections located away from the user's breast and connected to components located near the breast through the main body. Therefore, the main body provides greater safety to the user while operating a breast pump with electrically operable components. In addition, the main body is configured to enhance the modularity of the breast pump, that is, to allow multiple parts of the breast pump to be detachably attached and removed, enabling the breast pump to be assembled and disassembled.

[0035] The component portion may be configured to at least partially engage with the milking assembly, enabling it to operate one or more operating components together with the milking assembly. The operating components may include sensors, motors, vacuum assemblies, displays, controllers, etc. The component portion may include a front component portion and a rear component portion configured to at least partially engage with the milking assembly, and the interface portion is positioned between the front and rear component portions. The front component portion may be configured to be positioned near the user's breast, while the rear component portion may be configured to be positioned away from the user's breast.

[0036] The operating components may include at least one electrically operable component, the front component portion being configured to house the electrically operable component, the rear component portion including an electrical connection port configured to facilitate connection of the breast pump to a power source, and the interface portion being configured to at least partially house an electrical connection portion extending from the electrical connection port to the electrically operable component.

[0037] The milking assembly may include a funnel-shaped object, and the operating components may include a stimulation mechanism configured to operate at least a flexible portion of the funnel-shaped object, with the front component portion configured to house the stimulation mechanism. The stimulation mechanism may be an electrically operable component.

[0038] The milking assembly may include a frustoconical member configured to engage with and / or connect to the main body. The funnel-shaped body and the frustoconical member may be integrally formed or manufactured separately and configured to be detachably attached to one another. The funnel-shaped body may be connected to the vacuum assembly and the milk collection container via the frustoconical member. The frustoconical member further includes a one-way valve configured to be positioned within the milk flow path at a point downstream of the separation point between the milk flow path and the air flow path. The one-way valve may be configured to prevent air and / or milk from flowing from the milk collection container into the milking assembly when at least negative pressure is created within the milking assembly. The frustoconical member may include the separation point between the milk flow path and the air flow path. The interface portion of the main body may be configured to surround at least a portion of the frustoconical member.

[0039] The operating component may further include a position adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism relative to a funnel-shaped object, the front component portion configured to accommodate at least a first adjustment component of the position adjustment mechanism, the rear component portion configured to accommodate at least a second adjustment component of the position adjustment mechanism, and the interface portion configured to at least partially accommodate a connecting component of the position adjustment mechanism that connects the first and second adjustment components. The connecting component may be a lever member, the first adjustment component may be a first lever portion, and the second adjustment component may include an actuator articulated with the second lever portion. The body may include an access opening configured to allow access to the actuator.

[0040] The breast pump may further include a vacuum assembly, the rear component portion being configured to house the vacuum assembly, and the interface portion being configured to at least partially house an air passage extending between the vacuum assembly and the breast pump assembly.

[0041] The main body may further include a chamber support wall separating the interface portion from the rear component portion, the chamber support wall including a chamber support wall opening configured to establish communication between the interface portion and the rear component portion. An air passage may extend through the chamber support wall opening.

[0042] The rear component may include an airflow connection port configured to facilitate airflow connection between the vacuum assembly and the pumping device. The pumping device may be configured to pump air into and out of the vacuum assembly. The electrical connection port and the airflow connection port may constitute a hybrid connection port.

[0043] The main body may further include a separation layer configured to isolate one or more working components from the milking assembly. The separation layer may be configured to isolate the front component portion from the milking assembly. The separation layer may be flexible. The separation layer may be removablely attached to the main body.

[0044] The main body may be configured to allow the milking assembly to be detachably connected to the milk collection container through an interface portion. The main body may be configured to be detachably connected to a breast pump via the connection portion between the milking assembly and the milk collection container. The main body may be configured to be received between at least a portion of the milking assembly and at least a portion of the milk collection container, thereby stabilizing the main body together with the milking assembly and the milk collection container when they are connected by the main body.

[0045] The interface portion may include a through-passage configured to allow the milking assembly to be connected to the milk collection container in order to establish a milk flow path. The through-passage may include a first through-opening configured to receive the milking assembly and a second through-opening configured to receive the milk collection container. Thus, the milking assembly and the milk collection container may be connected to each other within the through-passage. The first through-opening has a rim configured to engage with the milking assembly, and the second through-opening has a rim configured to engage with the milk collection container. The through-passage may be configured such that the rims of the first and second through-openings are received between the milking assembly and the milk collection container, thereby stabilizing the body together with the milking assembly and the milk collection container when they are connected by the body. The body may be configured to constitute the housing of the breast pump. The body may constitute at least a portion of the outermost surface of the breast pump.

[0046] According to a fourth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, a funnel-shaped object configured for use with a breast pump: A rigid portion having an internal surface facing the interior of a funnel-shaped object and an opposing external surface, wherein at least one opening is formed; and A flexible layer overmolded over at least a portion of the upper side of the inner surface of a rigid part, comprising a maneuverable portion that extends at least partially over the upper side of at least one opening and is configured to be operated by a stimulating mechanism. A funnel-shaped object is provided, including the flexible layer. In some examples, the flexible layer can be overmolded to cover at least a large portion of the upper side of the inner surface of the rigid portion.

[0047] The flexible layer is configured to be manipulated by a stimulating mechanism and therefore needs to be firmly connected to the rigid portion. Overmolding the flexible layer provides greater strength to the connection between the flexible layer and the rigid portion than a connection at the edge alone. The surface area of ​​the connection between the flexible layer and the rigid portion is substantially increased, thereby providing greater strength to the funnel-shaped object, and especially to the flexible layer.

[0048] The operable part may be configured to be operated by at least one opening. The opening may be positioned on a rigid part so as to face the lower part of the user's breast when the breast pump is in use. The operable part may be configured to engage with at least a portion of the breast, at least during operation. The portion of the breast may be the nipple or areola.

[0049] The flexible layer may further include a remaining flexible portion that at least partially surrounds the maneuverable portion. The maneuverable portion may be more flexible than at least a portion of the remaining flexible portion. The thickness of at least a portion of the maneuverable portion may be thinner than at least a portion of the remaining flexible portion. The maneuverable portion may include a thinnest portion and a remaining maneuverable portion that at least partially surrounds the thinnest portion, and the thickness of the maneuverable portion increases from the thinnest portion toward at least a portion of the remaining maneuverable portion. The flexible layer provides smoothness to the surface of the funnel-shaped object that engages with the breast. Furthermore, negative pressure is created within the funnel-shaped object for the suction effect for milking. Variations in the thickness and / or flexibility of the flexible layer prevent the flexible layer from deforming in the area that engages with the breast, thereby preventing the funnel-shaped object from damaging / biting / pinching the breast when negative pressure is generated within the funnel-shaped object.

[0050] The rigid portion is formed of a first material having a first level of hardness, and the flexible layer is formed of a second material having a second level of hardness that is lower than the first level of hardness. In some examples, the rigid portion may be made of a material containing plastic, and the flexible layer may be made of a material containing silicon.

[0051] According to a fifth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, a funnel-shaped object configured for use with a breast pump: A first funnel-shaped open end configured to engage with the user's breast; A second funnel-shaped open end opposite the first funnel-shaped open end; and A funnel-shaped intermediate portion extending between the open end of a first funnel-shaped object and the open end of a second funnel-shaped object, the funnel-shaped intermediate portion including an operable portion configured to deform when operated by a stimulation mechanism of a breast pump, and a remaining portion that at least partially surrounds the operable portion and is configured to maintain its shape during operation of the stimulation mechanism, the operable portion having a thinnest portion and a remaining operable portion, and the thickness of the operable portion increasing from the thinnest portion toward at least a portion of the remaining operable portion, the funnel-shaped intermediate portion A funnel-shaped object containing the following is provided.

[0052] In some cases, the funnel-shaped object may be constructed from a single material, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Variations in thickness allow one portion of the funnel-shaped object to be flexible enough to be manipulated by the stimulation mechanism, while the other portion is configured to maintain its shape to prevent the funnel-shaped object from damaging / biting / pinching the breast when negative pressure is generated within the funnel-shaped object for milking from the breast.

[0053] The thickness of the operable portion may increase from the thinnest portion toward at least one of the following directions: (i) a first direction extending between the open end of the first funnel-shaped object and the open end of the second funnel-shaped object, (ii) a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and (iii) a third direction which is a combination of the first and second directions.

[0054] The operable portion may be flexible. The thinnest portion may be more flexible than the remaining operable portion. The first open end may be configured to maintain its shape during the operation of the stimulation mechanism. The second open end may be configured to maintain its shape during the operation of the stimulation mechanism. The funnel-shaped object may be made of a material containing silicon.

[0055] A sixth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a funnel-shaped object configured for use with a breast pump: To provide a rigid portion having an internal surface facing the interior of a funnel-shaped object and an opposing external surface, wherein the rigid portion has at least one opening; Overmolding a flexible layer over at least a portion of the upper side of the internal surface of the rigid part, thereby covering at least one opening. A method is provided that includes this.

[0056] In some examples, overmolding a flexible layer involves overmolding the flexible portion over at least a large portion of the rigid portion.

[0057] According to a seventh aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, a breast pump connectable to a pumping device via a cable, the cable comprising a first cable end connectable to the breast pump, an opposing second cable end at least partially connectable to a pumping device, and electrical wiring and an airflow conduit extending between the first cable end and the second cable end, the breast pump: At least one electrically operable component; Vacuum assembly; A milking assembly configured to have negative pressure generated internally by a pumping device via a vacuum assembly; and A breast pump hybrid connection port configured to connect to a first cable end, comprising a breast pump electrical connection subport configured to provide an electrical interface between electrical wiring and at least one electrically operable component, and a breast pump airflow connection subport configured to establish an airflow interface between an airflow conduit and a vacuum assembly. A breast pump is provided, including one mentioned above.

[0058] A breast pump hybrid connection port can be a compact connection port configured to facilitate the connection of both the electrical and air necessary for the operation of a breast pump in a single action.

[0059] The breast pump hybrid connection port may be configured to connect to the hybrid connector that constitutes the first cable end. The breast pump electrical connection subport and the breast pump airflow connection subport may be configured to face in opposite directions. In some examples, the breast pump electrical connection subport and the breast pump airflow connection subport may be configured to face in the same direction.

[0060] A breast pump may include a proximal portion configured to be positioned toward the breast and a distal portion configured to be positioned away from the breast, and the breast pump hybrid connection port may be located in the distal portion. The breast pump hybrid connection port located in the distal portion facilitates the placement of the electrical connection away from the breast, thereby increasing the safety of the breast pump. The breast pump hybrid connection port may be located adjacent to the vacuum assembly.

[0061] The vacuum assembly may include a cap configured to close the vacuum assembly, the cap configured to be in fluid communication with the breast pump hybrid connection port. In some examples, the cap may include a breast pump airflow connection subport. In some examples, fluid communication between the breast pump hybrid connection port and the cap may be established by closing the vacuum chamber with the cap. The breast pump hybrid connection port may include coupling means configured to connect the first end of a cable to the breast pump. The coupling means may be a screw, a snap coupling, a friction engagement mechanism, etc.

[0062] According to an eighth aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, a pumping device configured for use with a breast pump comprising at least one electrically operable component and a vacuum assembly, wherein the pumping device is connectable to the breast pump via a cable, the cable comprising a first cable end connectable to the breast pump, an opposing second cable end connectable to the pumping device, and electrical wiring and an airflow conduit extending between the first cable end and the second cable end, the pumping device: An air pump configured to create a vacuum in a vacuum assembly via an air conduit; and A pressure feeder hybrid connection port configured to connect to a second cable end, the pressure feeder hybrid connection port includes a pressure feeder electrical connection subport configured to provide an electrical interface between electrical wiring and the pressure feeder, and a pressure feeder airflow connection subport configured to establish an airflow interface between an airflow conduit and an air pump, wherein the pressure feeder is configured to provide power to at least one electrically operable component via electrical wiring. A pumping device is provided, including one that includes this.

[0063] The pumping device may include a power source. In some examples, the pumping device may be connectable to an external power source and configured to control power to the electrical wiring via relays.

[0064] The pumping device may include a controller configured to control the flow of power to the electrical wiring and / or the air pump. The pumping device may include an input interface configured to receive commands regarding the operation of the pumping device. The pumping device may include a display interface configured to display data regarding the operation of the pumping device.

[0065] A pumping device, configured to provide power and create a vacuum within the breast pump, makes the breast pump easy to use and convenient for storage due to having fewer components to house. A pumping device hybrid connection port can be a compact connection port configured to facilitate both electrical and air connections within a single port body.

[0066] According to the ninth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure: Breast pump; Pressure feeding device; A cable comprising a first cable end connectable to a breast pump, an opposing second cable end connectable to a pumping device, and electrical wiring and an air conduit extending between the first and second cable ends. A breast milk expression kit is provided, which includes this item.

[0067] The cable may include a first hybrid connector forming a first cable end, the first hybrid connector including a first subconnector forming a first end of electrical wiring and a second subconnector forming a first end of air conduit. The cable may include a second hybrid connector forming a second cable end, the second hybrid connector including a first subconnector forming a second end of electrical wiring and a second subconnector forming a second end of air conduit.

[0068] The first hybrid connector may be configured to connect to the breast pump hybrid connection port of a breast pump. The second hybrid connector may be configured to connect to the pump hybrid connection port of a pumping device.

[0069] According to the tenth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure: A milking assembly comprising a funnel-shaped object configured to engage with the user's breast, wherein the funnel-shaped object includes a flexible portion; A stimulation mechanism configured to manipulate a flexible portion, wherein the stimulation mechanism includes one or more selectively expandable and contractible elements configured to manipulate the flexible portion when expanding or contracting. A breast pump is provided, including one mentioned above.

[0070] The inflatable and deflated elements of the stimulation mechanism create a softer feel in the breast pump and more precisely and accurately mimic the activity of an infant's tongue, thereby allowing for more efficient milk expression from the breast. Compared to mechanical parts, the stimulation mechanism, configured to manipulate flexible parts with inflatable and deflated elements, is gentler on the breast and may therefore be more preferable for users with sensitive breasts.

[0071] The flexible portion may include an inner surface of the flexible portion facing the breast and an opposing outer surface of the flexible portion facing the stimulation mechanism, and the stimulation mechanism is configured to manipulate the outer surface of the flexible portion.

[0072] The expandable and contractible elements may be configured such that the flexible portion has a first shape when contracted and a second shape when expanded. In some examples, in the first shape, the flexible portion may have a first tension, and in the second shape, the flexible portion may have a second tension exceeding the first tension. In some examples, the first shape may be the original shape of the flexible portion, i.e., the stimulating mechanism may not deform the flexible portion at all during contraction.

[0073] The stimulation mechanism may include at least one fluid port configured to be connected to a fluid pump, the fluid port being configured to establish a fluid interface between the fluid pump and each of the inflatable and deflatable elements. The inflatable and deflatable elements are configured to be expanded and contracted by fluid supplied by the fluid pump through the fluid port.

[0074] Inflatable and deflated elements may be configured to inflate and deflate according to a predetermined pattern. This predetermined pattern may be determined to most precisely mimic the movement of an infant's tongue while breastfeeding. The predetermined pattern may be implemented by a controller of either a breast pump or a fluid pump.

[0075] According to the 11th aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure: A milking assembly comprising a funnel-shaped object configured to engage with the user's breast, wherein the funnel-shaped object includes a flexible portion; A stimulation mechanism configured to manipulate a flexible portion; A vacuum assembly configured to generate negative air pressure inside a funnel-shaped object; and A manually operated trigger mechanism articulated to the stimulating mechanism and vacuum assembly, and configured to operate the stimulating mechanism and vacuum assembly simultaneously. A breast pump is provided, including one mentioned above.

[0076] The simultaneously operating stimulation mechanism and vacuum assembly make the breast pump more efficient and easier to use compared to other manually operated breast pumps. For example, the user can easily use breast milk without the need for electricity and with a single manual action to operate the stimulation mechanism and vacuum assembly. A single action on the trigger mechanism simultaneously stimulates the breast and generates negative pressure to express milk from the breast, and the user can repeat such actions for continuous milk expression. The stimulation mechanism may have any structure described herein in some respects of its embodiments, or it may be a structure known in the art, configured to operate a flexible portion of a funnel-shaped object to serve the general purpose of mimicking the movement of an infant's tongue in order to stimulate the breast for milk expression. In some examples, the stimulation mechanism may include a rotatable assembly including at least one roller configured to rotate around a roller axis to stimulate the flexible portion. The trigger mechanism may be configured to cause the roller to rotate via a ratchet mechanism. In other examples, the stimulation mechanism may include a fixed member configured to move up and down by the trigger mechanism.

[0077] The stimulating mechanism may have an operating state in which the stimulating mechanism operates a flexible part and an inoperable state; the vacuum assembly may have a negative pressure state in which the vacuum assembly generates negative air pressure inside a funnel-shaped object and a standard pressure state; and the trigger mechanism may have a trigger state associated with the final position and the negative pressure state and a resting state associated with the initial position and the standard pressure state.

[0078] The trigger mechanism may be configured such that when the trigger mechanism is displaced to its trigger state, it displaces the stimulating mechanism to its operating state and the vacuum assembly to its negative pressure state.

[0079] The trigger mechanism may be configured to displace from a resting state to a triggered state when force is applied by the user. The trigger mechanism may be configured to return to its resting state when the force is removed. The trigger mechanism may include a biasing member configured to displace the trigger mechanism back to its resting state when the force is removed. The biasing member may be a spring.

[0080] The trigger mechanism may include a handle, a stimulation trigger member connecting the handle to the stimulation mechanism, and a vacuum trigger connector connecting the handle to the vacuum assembly. The handle may be a pushable handle, a pullable handle, or a rotatable handle, and may have a shape, size, and orientation that is optimal for facilitating operation by the user during use of the breast pump.

[0081] A breast pump may include a proximal section configured to be positioned toward the breast and a distal section configured to be positioned away from the breast, with the stimulation mechanism located in the proximal section and the handle and vacuum assembly located in the distal section. Positioning the handle away from the breast makes it easier for the user to operate the handle while using the breast pump.

[0082] The stimulation trigger member may include a first member end articulated to a stimulation mechanism and a second member end articulated to a handle, and the stimulation trigger member is pivotable by the handle around a member pivot axis located between the first member end and the second member end in order to operate the stimulation mechanism articulated to the first member end. The handle is configured to pivot the stimulation trigger member in order to displace the stimulation mechanism from its non-operational state to its operating state.

[0083] A breast pump may further include a positioning mechanism configured to adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism relative to a funnel-shaped object.

[0084] The stimulation trigger member may include a first member arm extending between the member pivot axis and a first member end, and a second member arm extending between the member pivot axis and a second member end, the second member arm including a first arm portion extending from the member pivot axis and a second arm portion extending from the second member end.

[0085] At least one of the first arm portion and the second arm portion may include a plurality of connection points positioned along its length, and the first arm portion and the second arm portion can be connected to each other at any one of the plurality of connection points. The connection points may constitute at least part of a position adjustment mechanism.

[0086] The position adjustment mechanism may include an actuator and at least one lever member having a first lever portion articulated to a stimulating mechanism and a second lever portion articulated to the actuator, the lever member being pivotable by the actuator around a lever pivot axis, thereby moving the stimulating mechanism articulated to the first lever portion. The position adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the stimulating mechanism between an initial position in which the flexible portion of the stimulating mechanism has at least a first shape prior to the operation of the stimulating mechanism, and a final position in which the flexible portion of the stimulating mechanism has a second shape different from at least the first shape prior to the operation of the stimulating mechanism.

[0087] The vacuum assembly may include a vacuum chamber having an interior side and a membrane configured to be articulated and sealed to the vacuum chamber, the membrane including a first membrane surface configured to face the interior side and a second membrane surface facing it. The vacuum chamber may include a first chamber region defined by the interior side and the first membrane surface, the membrane configured to be deformed away from the interior side by a trigger mechanism, thereby generating negative pressure in the first chamber region and therefore in the milking assembly.

[0088] The handle may be connected to a second membrane surface and configured to pull the second membrane surface in order to deform the membrane away from the chamber side. In some examples, the handle may be configured to be connected to a first membrane surface. The membrane may be configured to remain sealed and articulated to the vacuum chamber when pulled by the handle.

[0089] When the force is removed, the trigger mechanism may be configured to return to its resting state, thanks to the membrane returning to its original shape. The membrane may be configured to be elastically deformable, and the elasticity of the membrane tends to displace the handle back to its initial state.

[0090] The handle may include a first handle portion articulated to a vacuum assembly via a vacuum trigger connector and a second handle portion articulated to a stimulation mechanism via a stimulation trigger member, wherein the handle is pivotable around a handle pivot axis located between the first and second handle portions. The handle is pivotable around the handle pivot axis to displace the trigger mechanism between a resting state and a triggered state.

[0091] The stimulation mechanism may include a rotatable portion configured to operate a flexible portion, and a ratchet mechanism having a first ratchet end connected to the rotatable portion and a second ratchet end connected to a stimulation trigger member.

[0092] According to the twelfth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure: A milking assembly comprising a funnel-shaped object configured to engage with the user's breast, wherein the funnel-shaped object includes a flexible portion; A stimulating mechanism configured to manipulate a flexible portion; and An isolation layer configured to isolate the stimulation mechanism from at least the flexible portion. A breast pump is provided, including one mentioned above.

[0093] The presence of an additional separation layer between the flexible part and the stimulation mechanism prevents the stimulation mechanism from directly engaging with the flexible part. The flexible part, prevented from directly engaging with the mechanical moving parts, experiences significantly less wear and tear, thereby extending its lifespan. Furthermore, when the milking assembly is removed from the breast pump, the additional separation layer covering the stimulation mechanism prevents the user from intentionally or accidentally coming into contact with the stimulation mechanism. The additional separation layer also prevents dust from entering the stimulation mechanism, thereby extending its lifespan.

[0094] In some cases, the separation layer can be flexible. The separation layer can be detachably attached to the breast pump.

[0095] The separation layer may include a first separation surface facing the stimulating mechanism and a second opposing separation surface facing the flexible portion, the stimulating mechanism is configured to operate the flexible portion via the separation layer, and at least during the operation of the stimulating mechanism, the stimulating mechanism engages with the first separation surface and the second separation surface engages with the flexible portion.

[0096] The breast pump may further include a body having component parts, the component parts including a front component part and a rear component part, the front component part being configured to house a stimulation mechanism. The separation layer is configured to cover at least a portion of the front component part.

[0097] The body may include an outer shell, and the separation layer may be connected to the outer shell. In some examples, the outer shell may be formed of two parts configured to form both sides of the body and connect to each other. In some examples, the separation layer may be configured to be connected to the body while being at least partially received within the connection between the two parts of the outer shell.

[0098] Embodiment More specific details are provided in the Detailed Description, but the following are non-limiting examples of different embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. Embodiments 1-24 correspond to the first aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure; Embodiments 25-51 correspond to the second aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure; Embodiments 52-73 correspond to the third aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure; Embodiments 74-82 correspond to the fourth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure; Embodiments 83-89 correspond to the fifth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure; Embodiment 90 corresponds to the sixth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure; Embodiments 91-99 correspond to the seventh aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure; Embodiments 100-105 correspond to the eighth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure; Embodiments 106-108 correspond to the ninth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure; Embodiments 109-114 correspond to the tenth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure; Embodiments 115-138 correspond to the eleventh aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure; and Embodiments 139-144 correspond to the twelfth aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure. 1. A milking assembly comprising a funnel-shaped object configured to engage with the user's breast, wherein the funnel-shaped object comprises a flexible portion having an inner flexible surface facing the breast and an outer flexible surface facing the breast; A stimulating mechanism configured to face the outer surface of a flexible portion and to manipulate the flexible portion; and A position adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of a stimulating mechanism relative to a funnel-shaped object, wherein the position adjustment mechanism includes at least one lever member articulated to the stimulating mechanism, the lever member being pivotable around a lever pivot axis for moving the stimulating mechanism. Includes a breast pump.

[0099] 2. The breast pump according to Embodiment 1, wherein the position adjustment mechanism is configured to move the stimulation mechanism between an initial position in which the stimulation mechanism has at least a first shape in the flexible portion before the stimulation mechanism is operated, and a final position in which the stimulation mechanism has at least a second shape in the flexible portion that is different from the first shape in the flexible portion before the stimulation mechanism is operated.

[0100] 3. The breast pump according to Embodiment 2, wherein the position adjustment mechanism is configured to move the stimulation mechanism from its initial position to its final position in a direction that extends at least partially along the user's height.

[0101] 4. The breast pump according to Embodiment 3, wherein the position adjustment mechanism is configured to move the stimulation mechanism from its initial position to its final position, mainly in a direction extending along the user's height.

[0102] 5. The breast pump according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the position adjustment mechanism is configured to move the stimulation mechanism in an arched path.

[0103] 6. The breast pump according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the lever member includes a first lever portion articulated to a stimulation mechanism and a second lever portion, and the lever member is configured to pivot in response to the operation of the second lever portion.

[0104] 7. The breast pump according to Embodiment 6, wherein the position adjustment mechanism includes an actuator articulated to a second lever portion, and the lever member is pivotable by the actuator.

[0105] 8. The breast pump according to Embodiment 7, comprising a proximal portion configured to be positioned toward the breast, a distal portion configured to be positioned away from the breast, and a principal axis extending between them, wherein the actuator is positioned at least in a direction along the principal axis, at a distance from the stimulation mechanism.

[0106] 9. The breast pump according to Embodiment 8, wherein the actuator is configured to move the second lever portion.

[0107] 10. The breast pump according to Embodiment 9, wherein the movement of the second lever portion causes the first lever portion to pivot around the lever pivot axis.

[0108] 11. The breast pump according to any one of Embodiments 7 to 10, wherein the position adjustment mechanism is configured to coarsely adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism and to finely adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism.

[0109] 12. A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 7 to 11, wherein the actuator includes a rotatable wheel.

[0110] 13. The breast pump according to Embodiment 12, wherein the position adjustment mechanism is configured to convert the rotation of the wheel into the movement of a stimulation mechanism articulated to the first lever portion.

[0111] 14. The breast pump according to any one of embodiments 7 to 13, wherein the actuator and the second lever portion constitute at least a part of the cam follower arrangement configuration.

[0112] 15. The breast pump according to embodiment 14, wherein the actuator includes a cam, and the second lever portion is articulated to the cam via a drive.

[0113] 16. The breast pump according to Embodiment 15, wherein the cam includes a spiral path extending between its radially outermost end and radially innermost end.

[0114] 17. The breast pump according to Embodiment 16, when dependent on Embodiment 2, wherein the stimulation mechanism is in the initial position when the driver is at one of the radially innermost end and radially outermost end, and the stimulation mechanism is in the final position when the driver is at the other of the radially innermost end and radially outermost end.

[0115] 18. The breast pump according to Embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the spiral path includes an initial portion including the radially innermost end and an end portion including the radially outermost end, and the curvature of the path is greater in one of the initial and end portions than in the other of the initial and end portions.

[0116] 19. The breast pump according to Embodiment 18, when dependent on Embodiment 11, wherein the position adjustment mechanism is configured to coarsely adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism when the driver is in one of the initial and final parts, and the position adjustment mechanism is configured to finely adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism when the driver is in the other of the initial and final parts.

[0117] 20. The breast pump according to any one of embodiments 15 to 19, wherein the cam is configured to lock the drive at one or more locations between the radially outermost end and the radially innermost end.

[0118] 21. The breast pump according to any one of embodiments 15 to 20, wherein the cam is configured to prevent the movement of the drive by the lever member.

[0119] 22. The breast pump according to Embodiment 5, further comprising a main body and a stabilization mechanism configured to control the stabilization of a lever member relative to the main body.

[0120] 23. The breast pump according to Embodiment 22, wherein the stabilization mechanism includes a stabilizing biasing member configured to control the degree of stabilization of the lever member relative to the main body.

[0121] 24. The breast pump according to Embodiment 23, wherein the stabilization mechanism includes a control member configured to change the tension of a stabilizing biasing member.

[0122] 25. A milking assembly configured to engage with the user's breast, including a pressure interface passage configured to allow air to pass through; and A vacuum chamber, which includes an orifice and is configured to be removablely attached to a breast pump, in order to establish fluid communication between the orifice and the pressure interface passage. Includes a breast pump.

[0123] 26. The breast pump according to Embodiment 25, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to generate negative pressure within the milking assembly through an orifice and a pressure interface passage.

[0124] 27. The breast pump according to embodiment 26 or 27, further comprising a sealing member configured to seal the fluid communication between the pressure interface passage and the orifice.

[0125] 28. A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 25 to 27, further comprising a main body, wherein the milking assembly is detachably connected to the main body.

[0126] 29. The breast pump according to Embodiment 28, wherein the main body includes a chamber support wall configured to support the vacuum chamber when at least the vacuum chamber is attached to the breast pump.

[0127] 30. The breast pump according to Embodiment 29, wherein the orifice and pressure interface passage are configured to communicate with fluids through a chamber support wall opening formed in the chamber support wall.

[0128] 31. The breast pump according to Embodiment 29 or 30, wherein the chamber support wall includes at least one guide element configured to guide the vacuum chamber to its designated position during the attachment of the vacuum chamber to the breast pump.

[0129] 32. The breast pump according to Embodiment 31, wherein the vacuum chamber includes a guideable element configured to be guided by a guide element during the attachment of the vacuum chamber to the breast pump.

[0130] 33. The breast pump according to embodiment 32, wherein the orifice and pressure interface passage are configured to communicate through an induction element.

[0131] 34. The breast pump according to any one of embodiments 29 to 33, wherein the chamber support wall further includes at least one chamber locking means configured to removably lock the vacuum chamber when connected to the breast pump, thereby connecting the vacuum chamber to the main body.

[0132] 35. The breast pump according to embodiment 34, wherein the milking assembly is connectable to and / or detachable from the main body, regardless of whether the vacuum chamber is connected to or detached from the main body.

[0133] 36. The breast pump according to embodiment 34 or 35, wherein the vacuum chamber is connectable to and / or detachable from the main body, regardless of whether the milking assembly is connected to or detached from the main body.

[0134] 37. A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 25 to 36, further comprising a vacuum assembly including a vacuum chamber, a membrane configured to be articulated to be removable to the vacuum chamber, and a cap configured to close the vacuum chamber by at least the articulated membrane.

[0135] 38. The breast pump according to Embodiment 37, wherein the vacuum chamber includes a chamber rim, and the membrane includes a membrane rim that corresponds to and is configured to be positioned on the chamber rim.

[0136] 39. The breast pump according to Embodiment 38, wherein the cap includes a lip, and the cap is configured to seal the vacuum chamber while sealing the membrane rim between the lip and the chamber rim.

[0137] 40. The breast pump according to Embodiment 39, when dependent on Embodiment 29, wherein the cap is configured to be removablely locked to the chamber support wall.

[0138] 41. The breast pump according to Embodiment 40, when dependent on Embodiment 34, wherein the cap is configured to be removably locked to the chamber support wall via at least one locking means.

[0139] 42. The breast pump according to Embodiment 41, wherein the vacuum chamber includes a chamber locking portion and the cap includes a cap locking portion, and at least one locking means includes a snap connector configured to receive the chamber locking portion and the cap locking portion.

[0140] 43. The breast pump according to Embodiment 42, wherein the snap connector includes a first snap portion configured to engage with and lock a chamber lock portion, and a second snap portion configured to engage with and lock a cap lock portion.

[0141] 44. The breast pump according to embodiment 43, wherein the cap is configured to be removed from the chamber support wall together with the vacuum chamber.

[0142] 45. The breast pump according to embodiment 43, wherein removal of the cap from the chamber support wall causes the cap lock portion to be removed from the second snap portion, which in turn causes the snap connector to be disengaged and the chamber lock portion to be disengaged from the first snap portion.

[0143] 46. ​​A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 43 to 45, wherein the cap is configured to be connected to the chamber support wall independently of the vacuum chamber.

[0144] 47. The breast pump according to any one of embodiments 37 to 46, wherein the vacuum chamber has an outer surface configured to face the breast pump and an opposing inner surface, and the membrane has a first membrane surface configured to face the inner surface and an opposing second membrane surface configured to face the cap.

[0145] 48. The breast pump according to Embodiment 47, wherein the vacuum chamber includes a first chamber region defined by the interior side surface and a first membrane surface, and a second chamber region defined by a second membrane surface and a cap, the first chamber region being configured to fluidly communicate with the milking assembly through an orifice and a pressure interface passage when the vacuum chamber is connected to the breast pump.

[0146] 49. The breast pump according to Embodiment 48, wherein the second chamber region is configured to be fluidly connected via a cap to a pumping device configured to generate a vacuum in the second chamber region.

[0147] 50. The breast pump according to Embodiment 49, wherein, in response to a vacuum, the membrane is deformed toward the second chamber region and configured to generate negative pressure in the first chamber region, and therefore in the milking assembly via the orifice and pressure interface passage.

[0148] 51. The breast pump according to any one of embodiments 37 to 50, wherein the cap further includes a flange configured to engage with a membrane, and the cap is configured to receive at least a portion of the membrane in a tight fit between the flange and the vacuum chamber when closed.

[0149] 52. A breast pump body including a milking assembly configured to be directly connected to a breast milk collection container in order to establish a milk flow path, the body of which includes: A component part configured to house one or more working components to be used with a breast pump; Interface portion configured to engage with the milking assembly, surrounding the connection between the milking assembly and the breast milk collection container. The main unit, including the main body.

[0150] 53. The body according to Embodiment 52, wherein the component portion is configured to engage at least partially with the milking assembly, thereby enabling one or more operating components to operate together with the milking assembly.

[0151] 54. The body according to embodiment 52 or 53, wherein the component portion includes a front component portion configured to at least partially engage with the milking assembly and a rear component portion, and the interface portion is positioned between the front component portion and the rear component portion.

[0152] 55. The body according to Embodiment 54, wherein the operating components include at least one electrically operable component, the front component portion is configured to house the electrically operable component, the rear component portion includes an electrical connection port configured to facilitate connection of the breast pump to a power source, and the interface portion is configured to at least partially house an electrical connection portion extending from the electrical connection port to the electrically operable component.

[0153] 56. The body according to embodiment 54 or 55, wherein the milking assembly includes a funnel-shaped object, and the operating component includes a stimulation mechanism configured to operate at least the flexible portion of the funnel-shaped object, and the front component portion is configured to house the stimulation mechanism.

[0154] 57. The body according to Embodiment 56, when the stimulation mechanism is an electrically operable component, is dependent on Embodiment 55.

[0155] 58. The body according to embodiment 56 or 57, wherein the operating components further include a position adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of a stimulation mechanism relative to a funnel-shaped object, the front component portion configured to accommodate at least a first adjustment component of the position adjustment mechanism, the rear component portion configured to accommodate at least a second adjustment component of the position adjustment mechanism, and the interface portion configured to at least partially accommodate a connecting component of the position adjustment mechanism that connects the first adjustment component and the second adjustment component.

[0156] 59. The body according to embodiment 58, wherein the connecting component is a lever member, the first adjustment component is a first lever portion, and the second adjustment component includes an actuator articulated to the second lever portion.

[0157] 60. The body according to embodiment 59, wherein the body includes an access opening configured to allow access to the actuator.

[0158] 61. The body according to any one of embodiments 54 to 60, wherein the breast pump further includes a vacuum assembly, the rear component portion is configured to house the vacuum assembly, and the interface portion is configured to at least partially house an air passage extending between the vacuum assembly and the breast pump assembly.

[0159] 62. The body according to embodiment 61, further comprising a chamber support wall separating an interface portion from a rear component portion, wherein the chamber support wall includes a chamber support wall opening configured to establish communication between the interface portion and the rear component portion.

[0160] 63. The body according to embodiment 62, wherein the air passage extends through the opening in the chamber support wall.

[0161] 64. The body according to any one of embodiments 61 to 63, wherein the rear component portion includes an airflow connection port configured to facilitate airflow connection between the vacuum assembly and the pressure feeder.

[0162] 65. The main body according to Embodiment 64, when dependent on Embodiment 55, wherein the electrical connection port and the airflow connection port constitute a hybrid connection port.

[0163] 66. The body according to any one of embodiments 52 to 65, further comprising a separation layer configured to isolate one or more operating components from the milking assembly.

[0164] 67. The body according to Embodiment 66, when dependent on Embodiment 54, wherein the separation layer is configured to isolate the front component portion from the milking assembly.

[0165] 68. The body according to embodiment 66 or 67, wherein the separation layer is flexible.

[0166] 69. The main body according to any one of embodiments 66 to 68, wherein the separation layer is detachably attached to the main body.

[0167] 70. The body according to any one of embodiments 52 to 69, wherein the body is configured to allow a milking assembly to be detachably connected to a milk collection container through an interface portion.

[0168] 71. The main body according to embodiment 70, wherein the main body is configured to be detachably connected to a breast pump via the connection portion of the milking assembly and the breast milk collection container.

[0169] 72. The body according to embodiment 70 or 71, wherein the interface portion includes a through-passage configured to allow the milking assembly to be removably connected to a breast milk collection container.

[0170] 73. The main body is configured to constitute the housing of a breast pump, as described in any one of embodiments 52 to 72.

[0171] 74. A funnel-shaped object configured for use with a breast pump: A rigid portion having an internal surface facing the interior of a funnel-shaped object and an opposing external surface, wherein at least one opening is formed; and A flexible layer overmolded over at least a portion of the upper side of the inner surface of a rigid part, the flexible layer including a maneuverable portion that extends at least partially over the upper side of at least one opening and is configured to be operated by a stimulating mechanism. A funnel-shaped object containing a funnel.

[0172] 75. The funnel-shaped object according to Embodiment 74, wherein the flexible layer is overmolded to cover at least a large portion of the upper side of the internal surface of the rigid portion.

[0173] 76. The funnel-shaped object according to embodiment 74 or 75, wherein the operable portion is configured to be operated through at least one opening.

[0174] 77. The funnel-shaped object according to any one of embodiments 74 to 76, wherein the operable portion is configured to engage with at least a portion of the breast, at least during operation.

[0175] 78. The funnel-shaped object according to any one of embodiments 74 to 77, wherein the flexible layer further comprises the remaining flexible portion that at least partially encloses the operable portion.

[0176] 79. The funnel-shaped object according to Embodiment 78, wherein the operable portion is more flexible than at least a portion of the remaining flexible portion.

[0177] 80. The funnel-shaped object according to embodiment 78 or 79, wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the operable portion is thinner than the thickness of at least a portion of the remaining flexible portion.

[0178] 81. The funnel-shaped object according to any one of embodiments 78 to 80, wherein the operable portion includes a thinnest portion and a remaining operable portion that at least partially encloses the thinnest portion, and the thickness of the operable portion increases from the thinnest portion toward at least a portion of the remaining operable portion.

[0179] 82. A funnel-shaped object according to any one of embodiments 74 to 81, wherein the rigid portion is formed of a first material having a first level of hardness, and the flexible layer is formed of a second material having a second level of hardness lower than the first level of hardness.

[0180] 83. A funnel-shaped object configured for use with a breast pump: A first funnel-shaped open end configured to engage with the user's breast; A second funnel-shaped open end opposite the first funnel-shaped open end; and A funnel-shaped intermediate portion extending between the open end of a first funnel-shaped object and the open end of a second funnel-shaped object, the funnel-shaped intermediate portion including an operable portion configured to deform when operated by a stimulation mechanism of a breast pump, and a remaining portion that at least partially surrounds the operable portion and is configured to maintain its shape during operation of the stimulation mechanism, the operable portion having a thinnest portion and a remaining operable portion, and the thickness of the operable portion increasing from the thinnest portion toward at least a portion of the remaining operable portion, the funnel-shaped intermediate portion A funnel-shaped object containing a funnel.

[0181] 84. The thickness of the operable portion, starting from the thinnest part: (i) A first direction extending between the open end of the first funnel-shaped object and the open end of the second funnel-shaped object, (ii) A second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and (iii) A third direction which is a combination of the first and second directions. A funnel-shaped object according to embodiment 83, which thickens toward at least one of the two sides.

[0182] 85. A funnel-shaped object according to embodiment 83 or 84, wherein the operable portion is flexible.

[0183] 86. A funnel-shaped object according to any one of embodiments 83 to 85, wherein the thinnest portion is more flexible than the remaining operable portion.

[0184] 87. A funnel-shaped object according to any one of embodiments 83 to 86, wherein the first open end is configured to maintain its shape during the operation of the stimulation mechanism.

[0185] 88. A funnel-shaped object according to any one of embodiments 83 to 87, wherein the second open end is configured to maintain its shape during the operation of the stimulation mechanism.

[0186] 89. A funnel-shaped object according to any one of embodiments 83 to 88, comprising a material containing silicon.

[0187] 90. A method for manufacturing a funnel-shaped object configured for use with a breast pump: To provide a rigid portion having an internal surface facing the interior of a funnel-shaped object and an external surface facing the interior, wherein the rigid portion has at least one opening; and Overmolding a flexible layer over at least a portion of the upper side of the internal surface of the rigid part, thereby covering at least one opening. Methods that include...

[0188] 91. A breast pump connectable to a pumping device via a cable, the cable comprising a first cable end connectable to the breast pump, an opposing second cable end at least partially connectable to a pumping device, and electrical wiring and an airflow conduit extending between the first cable end and the second cable end, wherein the breast pump is: At least one electrically operable component; Vacuum assembly; A milking assembly configured to have negative pressure generated internally by a pumping device via a vacuum assembly; and A breast pump hybrid connection port configured to connect to a first cable end, comprising a breast pump electrical connection subport configured to provide an electrical interface between electrical wiring and at least one electrically operable component, and a breast pump airflow connection subport configured to establish an airflow interface between an airflow conduit and a vacuum assembly. Includes a breast pump.

[0189] 92. The breast pump according to embodiment 91, wherein the breast pump hybrid connection port is configured to connect to a hybrid connector that constitutes a first cable end.

[0190] 93. The breast pump according to embodiment 91 or 92, wherein the breast pump electrical connection subport and the breast pump airflow connection subport are configured to face in opposite directions.

[0191] 94. The breast pump according to any one of embodiments 91 to 93, comprising a proximal portion configured to be positioned toward the breast and a distal portion configured to be positioned away from the breast, wherein the breast pump hybrid connection port is located in the distal portion.

[0192] 95. A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 91 to 94, wherein the breast pump hybrid connection port is positioned adjacent to the vacuum assembly.

[0193] 96. The breast pump according to Embodiment 95, wherein the vacuum assembly includes a cap configured to close the vacuum assembly, the cap configured to communicate fluidly with a breast pump hybrid connection port.

[0194] 97. The breast pump according to embodiment 96, wherein the cap includes a breast pump airflow connection subport.

[0195] 98. A breast pump according to embodiment 95 or 96, wherein fluid communication between the breast pump hybrid connection port and the cap is established by closing the vacuum chamber with the cap.

[0196] 99. A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 91 to 98, wherein the breast pump hybrid connection port includes a coupling means configured to connect the first end of a cable to a breast pump.

[0197] 100. A pumping device configured for use with a breast pump comprising at least one electrically operable component and a vacuum assembly, wherein the pumping device is connectable to the breast pump via a cable, the cable comprising a first cable end connectable to the breast pump, an opposing second cable end connectable to the pumping device, and electrical wiring and an airflow conduit extending between the first cable end and the second cable end, the pumping device: An air pump configured to create a vacuum in a vacuum assembly via an air conduit; and A pressure feeder hybrid connection port configured to connect to a second cable end, the pressure feeder hybrid connection port includes a pressure feeder electrical connection subport configured to provide an electrical interface between electrical wiring and the pressure feeder, and a pressure feeder airflow connection subport configured to establish an airflow interface between an airflow conduit and an air pump, wherein the pressure feeder is configured to provide power to at least one electrically operable component via electrical wiring. A pumping device, including a pressure feeder.

[0198] 101. The pumping apparatus according to Embodiment 100, wherein the pumping apparatus includes a power source.

[0199] 102. The pressure feeding device according to Embodiment 100, wherein the pressure feeding device is connectable to an external power source and configured to control power to the electrical wiring with a relay.

[0200] 103. A pumping device according to any one of embodiments 100 to 102, wherein the pumping device includes a controller configured to control the flow of power to electrical wiring and / or an air pump.

[0201] 104. A pumping device according to any one of embodiments 100 to 103, comprising an input interface configured to receive commands relating to the operation of the pumping device.

[0202] 105. A pumping device according to any one of embodiments 100 to 104, comprising a display interface configured to display data relating to the operation of the pumping device.

[0203] 106. Breast pump according to any one of embodiments 91 to 99; A pumping device according to any one of Embodiments 100 to 105; and A cable comprising a first cable end connectable to a breast pump, an opposing second cable end connectable to a pumping device, and electrical wiring and an air conduit extending between the first and second cable ends. A breast milk expression kit, including...

[0204] 107. The breast milk pump kit according to Embodiment 106, wherein the cable includes a first hybrid connector forming a first cable end, the first hybrid connector including a first subconnector forming a first end of electrical wiring and a second subconnector forming a first end of air conduit.

[0205] 108. The breast milk expression kit according to embodiment 106 or 107, wherein the cable includes a second hybrid connector forming a second cable end, the second hybrid connector including a first subconnector forming a second end of electrical wiring and a second subconnector forming a second end of air conduit.

[0206] 109. A milking assembly comprising a funnel-shaped object configured to engage with the user's breast, wherein the funnel-shaped object includes a flexible portion; A stimulation mechanism configured to manipulate a flexible portion, comprising one or more selectively inflatable and deflatable elements configured to manipulate the flexible portion when inflated or deflated. Includes a breast pump.

[0207] 110. The breast pump according to Embodiment 109, wherein the flexible portion includes an inner surface of the flexible portion facing the breast and an opposing outer surface of the flexible portion facing the stimulation mechanism, and the stimulation mechanism is configured to operate the outer surface of the flexible portion.

[0208] 111. The breast pump according to embodiment 109 or 110, wherein the expandable and contractible elements are configured such that the flexible portion has a first shape when contracted and a second shape when expanded.

[0209] 112. A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 109 to 111, wherein the stimulation mechanism includes at least one fluid port configured to be connected to a fluid pump, the fluid port being configured to establish a fluid interface between the fluid pump and each of the inflatable and deflatable elements.

[0210] 113. The breast pump according to Embodiment 112, wherein the inflatable and deflatable elements are configured to be inflated and deflated by a fluid supplied by a fluid pump through a fluid port.

[0211] 114. A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 109 to 113, wherein the inflatable and deflated elements are configured to inflate and deflate according to a predetermined pattern.

[0212] 115. A milking assembly comprising a funnel-shaped object configured to engage with the user's breast, wherein the funnel-shaped object includes a flexible portion; A stimulation mechanism configured to manipulate a flexible portion; A vacuum assembly configured to generate negative air pressure inside a funnel-shaped object; and A manually operated trigger mechanism articulated to the stimulating mechanism and vacuum assembly, and configured to operate the stimulating mechanism and vacuum assembly simultaneously. Includes a breast pump.

[0213] 116. The breast pump according to Embodiment 115, wherein the stimulation mechanism has an operating state in which the stimulation mechanism operates a flexible part and an inoperable state, the vacuum assembly has a negative pressure state in which the vacuum assembly generates negative air pressure in a funnel-shaped object and a standard pressure state, and the trigger mechanism has a trigger state associated with the final position and the negative pressure state and a rest state associated with the initial position and the standard pressure state.

[0214] 117. The breast pump according to Embodiment 116, wherein the trigger mechanism is configured to displace the stimulation mechanism to its operating state and the vacuum assembly to its negative pressure state when the trigger mechanism is displaced to its trigger state.

[0215] 118. The breast pump according to embodiment 116 or 117, wherein the trigger mechanism is configured to displace from a resting state to a triggered state when force is applied by the user.

[0216] 119. The breast pump according to embodiment 118, wherein the trigger mechanism is configured to return to its resting state when the force is removed.

[0217] 120. The breast pump according to Embodiment 119, wherein the trigger mechanism includes a biasing member configured to displace the trigger mechanism to its resting state when the force is removed.

[0218] 121. A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 115 to 120, wherein the trigger mechanism includes a handle, a stimulation trigger member connecting the handle to the stimulation mechanism, and a vacuum trigger connector connecting the handle to the vacuum assembly.

[0219] 122. The breast pump according to Embodiment 121, comprising a proximal portion configured to be positioned toward the breast and a distal portion configured to be positioned away from the breast, wherein the stimulation mechanism is located in the proximal portion and the handle and vacuum assembly are located in the distal portion.

[0220] 123. The breast pump according to embodiment 121 or 122, wherein the stimulation trigger member includes a first member end articulated to a stimulation mechanism and a second member end articulated to a handle, and the stimulation trigger member is pivotable by the handle around a member pivot axis located between the first member end and the second member end in order to operate the stimulation mechanism articulated to the first member end.

[0221] 124. The breast pump according to Embodiment 123, as dependent on Embodiment 116, wherein the handle is configured to pivot a stimulation trigger member in order to displace the stimulation mechanism from its non-operational state to its operational state.

[0222] 125. A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 115 to 124, further comprising a positioning mechanism configured to adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism relative to a funnel-shaped object.

[0223] 126. The breast pump according to Embodiment 125, when dependent on Embodiment 123, wherein the stimulation trigger member includes a first member arm extending between a member pivot axis and a first member end, and a second member arm extending between a member pivot axis and a second member end, the second member arm including a first arm portion extending from the member pivot axis and a second arm portion extending from the second member end.

[0224] 127. The breast pump according to Embodiment 126, wherein at least one of the first arm portion and the second arm portion includes a plurality of connection points positioned along its length portion, and the first arm portion and the second arm portion are connectable to each other at any one of the plurality of connection points.

[0225] 128. The breast pump according to embodiment 127, wherein the connection point constitutes at least a part of the position adjustment mechanism.

[0226] 129. The breast pump according to Embodiment 125, wherein the position adjustment mechanism includes an actuator and at least one lever member having a first lever portion articulated to a stimulation mechanism and a second lever portion articulated to the actuator, the lever member being pivotable by the actuator around a lever pivot axis, thereby moving the stimulation mechanism articulated to the first lever portion.

[0227] 130. The breast pump according to Embodiment 129, wherein the position adjustment mechanism is configured to move the stimulation mechanism between an initial position in which the stimulation mechanism has at least a first shape in the flexible portion before the stimulation mechanism is operated, and a final position in which the stimulation mechanism has at least a second shape in the flexible portion that is different from the first shape in the flexible portion before the stimulation mechanism is operated.

[0228] 131. A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 115 to 130, wherein the vacuum assembly includes a vacuum chamber having an interior side and a membrane configured to be articulated to the vacuum chamber in a sealed manner, the membrane including a first membrane surface configured to face the interior side and a second membrane surface facing it.

[0229] 132. The breast pump according to Embodiment 131, wherein the vacuum chamber includes a first chamber region defined by the interior side and a first membrane surface, the membrane being configured to deform away from the interior side by a trigger mechanism, thereby generating negative pressure in the first chamber region and therefore in the milking assembly.

[0230] 133. The breast pump according to Embodiment 132, when dependent on Embodiment 121, wherein the handle is connected to a second membrane surface and configured to pull the second membrane surface in order to deform the membrane away from the interior side surface.

[0231] 134. The breast pump according to Embodiment 133, wherein the membrane is configured to remain articulated in a sealed manner within the vacuum chamber when pulled by the handle.

[0232] 135. The breast pump according to Embodiment 134, when dependent on Embodiment 119, wherein the trigger mechanism is configured to return to its resting state thanks to the membrane returning to its original shape when the force is removed.

[0233] 136. A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 122 to 135, as described in Embodiment 121, or as dependent on Embodiment 121, wherein the handle comprises a first handle portion articulated to a vacuum assembly via a vacuum trigger connector and a second handle portion articulated to a stimulation mechanism via a stimulation trigger member, the handle being pivotable about a handle pivot axis located between the first handle portion and the second handle portion.

[0234] 137. The breast pump according to Embodiment 136, when dependent on Embodiment 116, wherein the handle is pivotable around the handle pivot axis to displace the trigger mechanism between a resting state and a triggered state.

[0235] 138. The breast pump according to Embodiment 121, wherein the stimulation mechanism includes a rotatable portion configured to operate a flexible portion, and a ratchet mechanism having a first ratchet end connected to the rotatable portion and a second ratchet end connected to a stimulation trigger member.

[0236] 139. A milking assembly comprising a funnel-shaped object configured to engage with the user's breast, wherein the funnel-shaped object includes a flexible portion; A stimulating mechanism configured to manipulate a flexible portion; and An isolation layer configured to isolate the stimulation mechanism from at least the flexible portion. Includes a breast pump.

[0237] 140. The breast pump according to embodiment 139, wherein the separation layer is flexible.

[0238] 141. The breast pump according to embodiment 139 or 140, wherein the separation layer is detachably attached to the breast pump.

[0239] 142. The breast pump according to any one of embodiments 139 to 141, wherein the separation layer includes a first separation surface facing the stimulation mechanism and an opposing second separation surface facing the flexible portion, the stimulation mechanism is configured to operate the flexible portion through the separation layer, and at least when the stimulation mechanism is in operation, the stimulation mechanism engages with the first separation surface and the second separation surface engages with the flexible portion.

[0240] 143. A breast pump according to any one of embodiments 139 to 142, further comprising a body having component parts, wherein the component parts include a front component part and a rear component part, and the front component part is configured to house a stimulation mechanism.

[0241] 144. The breast pump according to embodiment 143, wherein the separation layer is configured to cover at least a portion of the front component portion.

[0242] Brief explanation of the drawing For the purpose of better understanding the subject matter described herein and demonstrating how it can be actually implemented, embodiments are described here with reference to the accompanying drawings only as non-limiting examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0243] [Figure 1A] In a detached state, a breast milk expression kit according to several aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A shows a breast milk pump kit with the breast pump and pumping device connected via a cable. [Figure 1C] The bottom view of a breast pump according to several embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure is shown with the main body removed for illustrative purposes. [Figure 1D] Figure 1B shows an enlarged, oblique view of the bottom of the breast pump with the cables connected. [Figure 1E] Figure 1C shows a cross-section. [Figure 1F]Figure 1B shows an enlarged, oblique view of the bottom of the breast pump with the cable disconnected. [Figure 1G] Figure 1E shows a cross-section. [Figure 2A] The following are partial exploded views of breast pumps in several aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A shows a cross-section of an assembled breast pump. [Figure 2C] Figure 2A shows a perspective top view of the main unit, configured for use with the breast pump shown. [Figure 3A] Oblique side views of breast pumps in several embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure are shown, with the outer shell removed for illustrative purposes. [Figure 3B] The following are internal diagrams of actuators of position adjustment mechanisms according to several aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 3C] Figure 3A shows a cross-section illustrating the stimulation mechanism at its initial position. [Figure 3D] Figure 3A shows a cross-section illustrating the stimulation mechanism at its final position. [Figure 3E] A cross-sectional view of a breast pump, including a position adjustment mechanism according to a particular embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure, is shown. [Figure 4A] The image shows a cross-section of a breast pump according to several embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure, with the vacuum assembly removed. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A shows a partial, oblique view of the rear of the breast pump. [Figure 4C] Figure 4A shows a perspective top view of the breast pump. [Figure 4D] Figure 4C shows a cross-section. [Figure 4E] An enlarged view of Figure 4D is shown. [Figure 5A] The following are perspective rear views of breast pumps according to several aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 5B] A cross-sectional view of a breast pump according to a particular embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 5C]A perspective side view of a breast pump according to another particular embodiment of the subject matter of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 5D] A cross-section of FIG. 5C is shown. [Figure 5E] An enlarged view of FIG. 5D is shown. [Figure 6A] A side view of a breast pump according to some aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 6B] A cross-sectional view of the breast pump shown in FIG. 6A is shown. [Figure 6C] The stimulation mechanism of the breast pump shown in FIG. 6A is shown. [Figure 7A] A perspective side view of a funnel-shaped object according to some aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 7B] A cross-section of FIG. 7A is shown. [Figure 7C] A perspective rear view of the funnel-shaped object shown in FIG. 7A is shown. [Figure 8A] A perspective side view of a funnel-shaped object according to some aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 8B] [[ID=​​​​​​​​​First, direct your attention to FIGS. 1A - 1F of the drawings showing a breast milk pumping kit 1 including a breast milk pump 10, a pumping device 20, and a cable 30. The breast milk pump 10 can be a breast milk pump of any of several aspects detailed above in this specification, or can include some or all of the features of any of these aspects of a breast milk pump. The cable 30 has a first cable end 31 connectable to the breast milk pump 10, an opposing second cable end 32 connectable to the pumping device 20, and electrical wiring 33 and an air flow conduit 34 extending between the first cable end 31 and the second cable end 32. The first cable end 31 is constituted by a first hybrid connector 35 having a first sub - connector 35A constituting the first end 33A of the electrical wiring 33 and a second sub - connector 35B constituting the first end 34A of the air conduit. The cable 30 includes a second hybrid connector 36 constituting the second cable end 32 and including a first sub - connector 36A constituting the second end 33B of the electrical wiring 33 and a second sub - connector 36B constituting the second end 34B of the air conduit 34.

[0245] The first hybrid connector 35 is configured to be connectable to the breast milk pump hybrid connection port 11 of the breast milk pump 10. The second hybrid connector 36 is configured to be connectable to the pumping device hybrid connection port 21 of the pumping device 20. The cable 30 includes a cable shell 37 that includes the electrical wiring 33 and the air flow conduit 34 therein. Further, the first hybrid connector 35 has coupling means 38 configured to be coupled to corresponding coupling means 14 (best shown in FIG. 1D) of the breast milk pump. [[ID=?]] [[ID=?]]

[0246] [[ID=?]] It should be noted that the tags ,

[0246] , and in the original text seem to be some kind of reference numbers or identifiers without specific content for translation. They are kept as they are in the translation. Also, the reference numbers in the original text like ,

[0245] , are maintained exactly as - as they are part of the original text's structure and likely have significance within the context of the overall patent - related content. If there is more context available about these tags, a more comprehensive translation might be possible.The pumping device 20 includes an air pump (located inside the pumping device 20) configured to draw air from the breast pump 10 via the airflow conduit 34 to create a vacuum inside it. The pumping device 20 has a pumping device hybrid connection port 21 configured to connect to a second cable end 32. The pumping device hybrid connection port 21 includes a pumping device electrical connection subport 21A configured to provide an electrical interface between the electrical wiring 33 and the pumping device 20, and a pumping device airflow connection subport 21B configured to establish an airflow interface between the airflow conduit 34 and the air pump. The pumping device 20 is configured to supply power to the breast pump 10 via the electrical wiring 33.

[0247] In some examples, the pumping device 20 may include a power source. In other examples, the pumping device 20 may be connectable to an external power source and configured to control power to the electrical wiring 33 via relays.

[0248] The pumping device has a controller (located inside the pumping device) configured to control the flow of power to the electrical wiring 33 and / or the air pump. The pumping device 20 includes an input interface 22 configured to receive commands related to the operation of the pumping device 20. The pumping device 20 also includes a display interface 23 configured to display data related to the operation of the pumping device 20. The data may include air pressure, a value indicating power, the operating status of the pumping device, etc.

[0249] The breast pump 10 includes an electrically operable component 100 (best shown in Figures 3C and 3D), a vacuum assembly 110, a milking assembly 130 configured to have negative pressure generated internally by a pumping device 20 via the vacuum assembly 110, and a breast pump hybrid connection port 11 configured to connect to a first cable end 31. In the example described, the electrically operable component is the stimulation mechanism 100. In other examples, the electrically operable component 100 may be any other electrically operated component, such as a sensor, controller, actuator, or rechargeable power supply. The breast pump hybrid connection port 11 includes a breast pump electrical connection subport 11A (best shown in Figure 1E) configured to provide an electrical interface between electrical wiring 33 and at least one electrically operable component 100, and a breast pump airflow connection subport 11B configured to establish an airflow interface between airflow conduit 34 and the vacuum assembly 110.

[0250] The breast pump hybrid connection port 11 is configured to connect to the first hybrid connector 35. In the example described, the breast pump electrical connection subport 11A and the breast pump airflow connection subport 11B are configured to face in opposite directions. In some examples, the breast pump electrical connection subport 11A and the breast pump airflow connection subport 11B may be configured to face in the same direction.

[0251] The breast pump 10 includes a proximal portion 12 configured to be positioned toward the breast and a distal portion 13 configured to be positioned away from the breast. As shown in Figure 1B, the breast pump hybrid connection port 11 is located on the distal portion 13. In some examples, the breast pump hybrid connection port 11 is located on the proximal portion or at any other location between the proximal and distal portions.

[0252] The vacuum assembly 110 may include a cap 111 configured to close the vacuum assembly 110. The cap is configured to be in fluid communication with the breast pump hybrid connection port 11. In the example described, the cap includes a breast pump airflow connection subport 11B. Fluid communication is established between the breast pump hybrid connection port 11 and the cap 111 by closing the vacuum chamber 112 with the cap 111, as shown in 1D. The breast pump hybrid connection port 11 includes coupling means 14 configured to connect coupling means 38 of cable 30 to breast pump 10. The coupling means may be a screw, a snap coupling, a friction engagement mechanism, etc.

[0253] Figures 2A–2C show breast pumps 10 according to several embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. The breast pump 10 includes a milking assembly 130 which includes a funnel-shaped object 131 configured to engage with the user's breast. The funnel-shaped object has a flexible portion 131A. The breast pump has a stimulation mechanism 100 configured to operate the flexible portion 131A. A separator 15 is configured to isolate the stimulation mechanism 100 from the flexible portion 131A. In some examples, the separator 15 may be flexible. The separator 15 is removablely attached to the breast pump 10.

[0254] The separation layer 15 has a first separation surface 15A facing the stimulation mechanism 100 and an opposing second separation surface 15B facing the flexible portion 131A. The stimulation mechanism 100 is configured to operate the flexible portion 131A via the separation layer 15. At least when the stimulation mechanism 100 is operating, the stimulation mechanism 100 engages with the first separation surface 15A and the second separation surface 15B engages with the flexible portion 131A.

[0255] In the example described, the stimulation mechanism includes a rotatable assembly 101 that includes a roller 102 which is rotatable by a motor 103. When at least rotated, the roller 102 operates a flexible portion 131A. In other examples, the stimulation mechanism 100 may have any structure described herein in some respects of its embodiments, or it may be a structure known in the art, such as one configured to operate a flexible portion of a funnel-shaped object to serve the general purpose of mimicking the movement of an infant's tongue in order to stimulate a breast for milking.

[0256] The breast pump 10 further includes a body 50 having a component portion 51 which includes a front component portion 52 and a rear component portion 53. The front component portion is configured to house the stimulation mechanism 100. The separation layer 15 is configured to cover the front component portion 52 in order to isolate the stimulation mechanism 100 from the flexible portion 131A.

[0257] The main body 50 includes an outer shell 54, and the separation layer 15 is configured to be connected to the outer shell 54. In the example described, the outer shell 54 is formed of two parts 54A and 54B, each part forming a side of the main body 50 and configured to be connected to one another, with the base portion 50A of the main body 50 being received between them. The separation layer 15 is configured to be connected to the main body 50 by being clamped between the two parts of the outer shell 54 and the base portion 50A.

[0258] The component portion 51 is configured to house, for example, one or more operating components, such as a stimulation mechanism 100, a breast pump hybrid connection port 11, a vacuum assembly 110, etc., for use with the breast pump 10. The main body 50 further includes an interface portion 55 configured to engage with the breast pump assembly 130, while surrounding the connection portion 41 of the breast pump assembly 130 and the breast milk collection container 40.

[0259] The component portion 51 is configured to engage at least partially with the milking assembly 130. The interface portion 55 is positioned between the front component portion 52 and the rear component portion 53. The front component portion 52 is configured to be positioned close to the user's breast, while the rear component portion 53 is configured to be positioned away from the user's breast.

[0260] The front component portion 52 is configured to house an electrically operable component 100, and the rear component portion includes an electrical connection port, which in the described example is a breast pump electrical connection subport 11A configured to facilitate connection between the breast pump 10 and a power source, such as a pumping device 20. The interface portion is configured to at least partially house an electrical connection portion extending from the electrical connection port 11A to the electrically operable component 100.

[0261] The milking assembly further includes a frustoconical member 132 configured to engage with and / or connect to the main body 50. The funnel-shaped object 131 and the frustoconical member 132 may be formed integrally or manufactured separately and configured to be detachably attached to each other. The funnel-shaped object 131 is connected to the vacuum assembly 110 and the breast milk collection container 40 via the frustoconical member 132. The frustoconical member 132 includes, at least in part, a breast milk channel 134 extending between the milking assembly 130 and the breast milk collection container 40, and an air channel 135 extending between the milking assembly 130 and the vacuum assembly 110. The breast milk channel 134 and the air channel 135 include a common portion 136 and separate at a channel separation point 136A. The frustoconical member 132 further includes a one-way valve 137 configured to be positioned at a point downstream of the channel separation point 136A in the breast milk channel 134. The one-way valve 137 is positioned at the opening of a frustoconical member 132 configured to connect to the breast milk collection container 40. The one-way valve 137 prevents air and / or breast milk from flowing from the breast milk collection container 40 into the breast milk assembly 130 when negative pressure is created within the breast milk assembly 130. The interface portion 55 of the main body 50 surrounds at least a portion of the frustoconical member 132 and the connection portion 41 between the breast milk assembly 130 and the breast milk collection container 40.

[0262] The operating components may further include a position adjustment mechanism 200 (described in more detail below herein with reference to Figures 3A-3E) configured to adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism 100 relative to the funnel-shaped object 131. The front component portion 52 is configured to house at least a first adjustment component of the position adjustment mechanism 200, and the rear component portion 53 is configured to house at least a second adjustment component of the position adjustment mechanism 200. The interface portion 55 is configured to at least partially house a connecting component of the position adjustment mechanism 200 that connects the first and second adjustment components. The connecting component is a lever member 201, the first adjustment component is a first lever portion 202, and the second adjustment component includes an actuator 204 articulated to the second lever portion 203. The body 50 includes an access opening 56 configured to allow access to the actuator 204.

[0263] The rear component portion 53 is configured to house the vacuum assembly 110, and the interface portion 55 is configured to at least partially house the air passage 135 extending between the vacuum assembly 110 and the milking assembly 130.

[0264] The main body 50 further includes a chamber support wall 57 that separates the interface portion 55 from the rear component portion 53. The chamber support wall 57 includes a chamber support wall opening 58 configured to establish communication between the interface portion 55 and the rear component portion 53. The air passage 135 extends through the chamber support wall opening 58.

[0265] The rear component portion 53 includes an airflow connection port, which in the described example is a breast pump airflow connection subport 11B configured to facilitate airflow connection between the vacuum assembly 110 and the pumping device 20.

[0266] The main body 50 is configured to enable the milk extraction assembly 130 to be removably connected to the breast milk collection container 40 by means of the interface portion 55. The main body 50 is configured to be removably connected to the breast milk extractor 10 via the connection portion 41 of the milk extraction assembly 130 and the breast milk collection container 40. The main body 50 is configured to be received between at least a part 138 of the milk extraction assembly 130 and at least a part 42 of the breast milk collection container 40, thereby stabilizing the main body 40 together with them when the milk extraction assembly 130 and the breast milk collection container 40 are connected by the main body 40.

[0267] The interface portion 55 includes a through passage 59 configured to enable the milk extraction assembly 130 to be connected to the breast milk collection container 40 in order to establish a breast milk flow path 134. The through passage 59 includes a first through opening 59A configured to receive the milk extraction assembly 130 and a second through opening 59B configured to receive the breast milk collection container 40. Therefore, the milk extraction assembly 130 and the breast milk collection container 40 are connected to each other within the through passage 59. The first through opening 59A has a rim 59A' configured to engage with the milk extraction assembly 130 at the part 138, and the second through opening 59B has a rim 59B' configured to engage with the breast milk collection container 40 at the part 42. The through passage 59 is configured such that the rims 59A' and 59B' of the first through opening 59A and the second through opening 59B are received between the milk extraction assembly 130 and the breast milk collection container 40, thereby being configured to stabilize the main body 50 together with them when the milk extraction assembly 130 and the breast milk collection container 40 are connected by the main body 50. The main body 50 is configured to constitute a housing 16 for the breast milk extractor 10. The main body 50 constitutes at least a part of the outermost surface of the breast milk extractor 10.

[0268] Figures 3A–3E show breast pumps 10 in several aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure. The breast pump 10 includes a milking assembly 130 which includes a funnel-shaped object 131 configured to engage with the user's breast. The funnel-shaped object 131 includes a flexible portion 131A having a flexible inner surface 131A' facing the breast and an opposing flexible outer surface 131A'' facing the stimulation mechanism 100.

[0269] The position adjustment mechanism 200 is configured to adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism relative to the funnel-shaped object 131. The position adjustment mechanism includes a lever member 201 articulated to the stimulation mechanism 100, the lever member being pivotable around the lever pivot axis LPA, and moving the stimulation mechanism 100.

[0270] The position of the stimulation mechanism 100 at least partially determines the size of the opening 131B of the funnel-shaped object configured to receive the breast; therefore, the dimensions of the opening of the funnel-shaped object 131 are controlled by adjusting the position of the stimulation mechanism.

[0271] The stimulation mechanism 100 includes a rotatable assembly 101 which includes a roller 102 that is rotatable by a motor 103. The roller 102 operates a flexible portion 131A, at least when rotating. In other examples, the stimulation mechanism 100 may have any structure described herein in some aspects, or it may be a structure known in the art as being configured to operate a flexible portion of a funnel-shaped object to serve the general purpose of mimicking the movement of an infant's tongue in order to stimulate the breast for milking.

[0272] The position adjustment mechanism 200 is configured to move the stimulation mechanism 100 between an initial position, as shown in Figure 3C, in which the stimulation mechanism 100 causes the flexible portion 131A to have at least a first shape before the stimulation mechanism 100 is operated, and a final position, as shown in Figure 3D, in which the stimulation mechanism 100 causes the flexible portion 131A to have a second shape that is at least different from the first shape before the stimulation mechanism 100 is operated. In some examples, at the initial position, the stimulation mechanism 100 causes a first tension in the flexible portion 131A, and at the final position, the stimulation mechanism 100 causes a second tension in the flexible portion 131A that is greater than the first tension. In some examples, the first tension may be zero when the stimulation mechanism 100 is not operated.

[0273] The position adjustment mechanism 200 is configured to move the stimulation mechanism from its initial position to its final position in a direction D1 that extends at least partially along the user's height.

[0274] In some examples, the positioning mechanism may be configured to move the stimulation mechanism along an arched pathway.

[0275] As shown in Figures 3A to 3D, the lever member includes a first lever portion 202 articulated to the stimulating mechanism 100 and a second lever portion 203. The lever member 201 is configured to pivot in response to the operation of the second lever portion 203. In some examples, as described below with reference to Figure 3E, the second lever portion may be actuated directly or indirectly by a user holding the second lever portion 203.

[0276] In the example described, the position adjustment mechanism 200 includes an actuator 204 that is articulated to the second lever portion 203 and configured to pivot the lever member 201.

[0277] The breast pump 10 includes a proximal portion 12 configured to be positioned toward the breast, a distal portion 13 configured to be positioned away from the breast, and a principal axis MA extending between them. As can be seen from Figures 3A, 3C, and 3D, the actuator 204 is positioned at a distance from the stimulation mechanism 100 in a direction D2 at least along the principal axis MA. In some of the examples described, the position adjustment mechanism 200 includes two lever members, one on each side of the breast pump 10, and each of the two lever members includes its own actuator 204 and 204'. The user may use either actuator for convenience. The two lever members may be connected to each other, and by acting one of them, the other will follow the same path. Actuator 204 is configured to move a second lever portion 203. The movement of the second lever portion 203 pivots the first lever portion 202 around the lever pivot axis LPA.

[0278] The lever member 201 includes a first lever arm 205 extending between the first lever portion 202 and the lever pivot axis LPA, and a second lever arm 206 extending between the lever pivot axis LPA and the second lever portion 203. In the example described, the first lever arm 205 is longer than the second lever arm 206.

[0279] The position adjustment mechanism 200 is configured to roughly adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism 100 and to finely adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism 100.

[0280] The actuator 204 includes a rotatable wheel 207. The position adjustment mechanism 200 is configured to convert the rotation of the wheel 207 into the movement of a stimulating mechanism 100 articulated to the first lever portion 202. In other examples, the actuator may include a linearly movable element configured to move a second lever portion.

[0281] The actuator 204 and the second lever portion 203 constitute part of the cam-follower arrangement configuration. The actuator 204 may include a cam 208, and the second lever portion 203 is articulated to the cam 208 via a follower 209. The follower 209 may be a separate component or may be part of the second lever portion 203. The cam 208 includes a spiral path 210 extending between its radially outermost end 211 and radially innermost end 212. The follower 209 is biased to hold the spiral path 210 as the cam 208 rotates, thereby following the variation in the radius of the spiral path 210. When the follower 209 is at the radially innermost end 212, the stimulation mechanism 100 is in its initial position as shown in Figure 3C, and when the follower 209 is at the radially outermost end 211, the stimulation mechanism 100 is in its final position as shown in Figure 3D.

[0282] The spiral path 210 includes an initial portion 213 including the radially innermost end 212 and an end portion 214 including the radially outermost end 211, and the curvature of the spiral path 210 in the initial portion 213 is greater than the curvature of the spiral path 210 in the end portion 214. When the drive 209 is in the initial portion 213, the position adjustment mechanism 200 is configured to coarsely adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism 100, and when the drive 209 is in the end portion 214, the position adjustment mechanism 200 is configured to finely adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism 100.

[0283] The cam 208 is configured to lock the drive 209 in one or more locations between the radially outermost end 211 and the radially innermost end 212. The cam 208 is configured to prevent the drive 209 from moving due to forces applied by the lever member 201, for example, by the stimulation mechanism 100. The inclination of the spiral path 210 is configured such that the drive 209 can only be moved by the rotation of the cam 208. When the cam 208 is not rotating, the drive 209 holds its position and cannot be moved by forces applied by the stimulation mechanism 100 via the lever member 201.

[0284] Figure 3E shows a breast pump 10 equipped with a position adjustment mechanism 200' including a lever member 201', the lever member having a first lever portion 202' and a second lever portion 203' articulated to a stimulation mechanism 100, and being pivotable around a lever pivot axis LPA'. The second lever portion 203' can be directly actuated by the user to adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism 100 relative to the funnel-shaped object 131. As shown in Figure 3E, the breast pump 10 further includes a body 50 and a stabilization mechanism 180 configured to stabilize the lever member 201' relative to the body 50. The stabilization mechanism 180 includes a stabilization biasing member 181 configured to control the degree of stabilization of the lever member 201' relative to the body 50. The stabilization biasing member 181 is a spring having a first end 182 connected to a stabilization cam 185 and a second end 183 connected to an axle 184 of the lever member 201'. Accordingly, the lever member 201' and the stimulation mechanism 100 are suspended from the lever pivot axis LPA' and the stabilization mechanism 180, thereby causing the stimulation mechanism 100 to be pushed upward. The tension of the spring 181 determines the degree to which the lever member 201' is stabilized; that is, the more taut the spring 181 is, the more stable the lever member 201' is relative to the body 50, and as a result, the stabilization mechanism 180 holds the stimulation mechanism 100 more firmly in its position. The stabilization mechanism 180 includes a control member configured to change the tension of the stabilizing biasing member 181. In the example described, the control member is a stabilizing cam 185 configured to rotate around the axle 184 of the lever member 201' in order to change the tension of the spring 181. The stabilization cam 185 includes a toothed member 186 configured to lock the stabilization cam 185 in a plurality of positions corresponding to teeth 186A, 186B, 186C, and 186D, each position defining the corresponding tension of the spring 181. To increase or decrease the tension of the spring 181, the stabilization cam 185 can be rotated by the user, which in turn controls the degree of stabilization of the lever member 201'. The stabilization mechanism 180 further includes a cam lock member 187 articulated to the main body 50 (not shown in Figure 3E) and configured to lock the stabilization cam 185 in one of a plurality of positions.The cam lock member is articulated to the main body at one end and engages with the tooth member 186 at the other end. The teeth with which the cam lock member 187 engages define the position of the stabilizing cam 185.

[0285] Figures 4A–4E show a breast pump 10 in several aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure. The pumping assembly 130 includes a pressure interface passage 139 configured to allow the passage of air. The breast pump 10 further includes a vacuum chamber 112 containing an orifice 113. The vacuum chamber 112 is configured to be removablely attached to the breast pump 10 in order to establish fluid communication between the orifice 113 and the pressure interface passage 139.

[0286] The pressure interface passage 139 constitutes part of an air passage 135 extending between the milking assembly 130 and the vacuum assembly 110. The vacuum chamber 112 is configured to generate negative pressure within the milking assembly 130 through the orifice 113 and the pressure interface passage 139. The breast pump 10 further includes a sealing member 17 (best shown in Figures 2B, 4A, and 4B) configured to seal the fluid communication between the pressure interface passage 139 and the orifice 113. The sealing member 17 is configured to prevent air leakage at the connection between the orifice 113 and the pressure interface passage 139.

[0287] The milking assembly 130 and the vacuum chamber 112 are configured to be detachably connected to the main body 50. The main body 50 includes a chamber support wall 57 configured to support the vacuum chamber 112 when the vacuum chamber 112 is attached to the breast pump 10. The orifice 113 and the pressure interface passage 139 are in fluid communication with each other through a chamber support wall opening 58 formed in the chamber support wall 57.

[0288] The chamber support wall 57 includes a guide element 60 configured to guide the vacuum chamber 112 to its designated position during attachment to the breast pump 10. The vacuum chamber 112 includes a guideable element 114 configured to be guided by the guide element 60 during attachment of the vacuum chamber 112 to the breast pump 10. The guide element 60 is a recess formed in the chamber support wall 57, and the guideable element 114 is a protruding portion formed in the vacuum chamber 112 configured to be received within the recess 60. In some examples, the guide element may be a protruding portion formed in the chamber support wall, and the guideable element may be a recess formed in the vacuum chamber configured to receive the protruding portion internally. The orifice 113 and the pressure interface passage 139 are configured to communicate through the guide element 60.

[0289] The chamber support wall 57 further includes a chamber locking means (best shown in Figure 4B) configured to removably lock the vacuum chamber 112 when connected to the breast pump 10, thereby connecting the vacuum chamber 112 to the body 50. The vacuum chamber 112 is configured to connect to the breast pump 10 and lock to the chamber locking means 61 simultaneously in a single action. The chamber locking means 61 also functions as an additional guide element for the vacuum chamber 112 while it is connected to the body 50. The chamber locking means includes a recess 62 configured to guide and receive a corresponding protrusion 115 formed in the vacuum chamber 112.

[0290] The milking assembly 130 is connectable to and / or detachable from the main body 50, regardless of whether the vacuum chamber 112 is connected to or detached from the main body 50. The milking assembly 130 is configured to be at least partially received within the main body 50 and, in the example described, may be configured to be withdrawn in a first withdrawal direction D3 that is aligned with the user's height. The vacuum chamber 112 is configured to be at least partially received within the main body 50 and, in the example described, may be configured to be withdrawn in a second withdrawal direction D4 that is perpendicular to the first withdrawal direction D3. The vacuum chamber 112 and the milking assembly 130 are configured to be mounted to each other at a specific angle, and the interface connecting the two forms a specific angle (45 degrees in the example described) with the first and second extraction directions, so that the milking assembly and the vacuum chamber can be removed from the body independently of each other. In other examples, the angle between the first and second extraction directions may differ by 90 degrees, and the connecting interface may be based on the same one.

[0291] The vacuum chamber 112 constitutes part of the vacuum assembly 110, which, in addition to the vacuum chamber 112, includes a membrane 116 configured to be removably articulated to the vacuum chamber 112, and a cap 111 configured to close the vacuum chamber 112 by at least the membrane 116 articulated to the vacuum chamber. The membrane 116 may be a diaphragm and is configured to deform when a pressure difference is created between two sides of the diaphragm. The vacuum chamber 112 includes a chamber rim 117, and the membrane 116 may include a membrane rim 118 corresponding to the chamber rim 117 and configured to be positioned on the chamber rim 117. The cap 111 includes a lip 119 and is configured to seal the vacuum chamber 112, while the membrane rim 118 seals the space between the lip 119 and the chamber rim 117. The connections of the chamber rim 117, membrane rim 118, and lip 119 are leak-proof, i.e., they do not allow any air to leak out from there.

[0292] The cap 111 is configured to be removablely locked to the chamber support wall 57. The cap 111 may be configured to be removablely locked to the chamber support wall 57 via at least one chamber locking means 61. The vacuum assembly 110 is configured to connect to the body 50 while the vacuum chamber 112 and the cap 111 are locked to the chamber locking means 61 simultaneously in a single action. The vacuum chamber 112 includes a chamber locking portion 120, and the cap 111 includes a cap locking portion 121, and at least one chamber locking means 61 includes a snap connector 63 configured to accept the chamber locking portion 120 and the cap locking portion 121. The snap connector 63 may include a first snap portion 64 configured to engage with and lock the chamber locking portion 120, and a second snap portion 65 configured to engage with and lock the cap locking portion 121. The cap 111 may be configured to be removed from the chamber support wall 57 together with the vacuum chamber 112. The cap 111 may be configured to connect to the chamber support wall 57 independently of the vacuum chamber 112. When the cap 111 is removed from the chamber support wall 57, the removal of the cap 111 from the chamber support wall 57 causes the cap lock portion 121 to detach from the second snap portion 65, which in turn displaces the snap connector 63, causing the chamber lock portion 120 to disengage from the first snap portion 64.

[0293] The cap 111 may further include a flange 122 configured to engage with the membrane 116, and the cap 111 is configured to tightly receive a portion 123 of the membrane 116 between the flange 122 and the vacuum chamber 112 when closed. The joint friction between the flange 122, the membrane 116, and the vacuum chamber 112 causes the vacuum chamber 112, the membrane 116, and the cap 111 to be removed together from the body in a single action.

[0294] The vacuum chamber 112 has an outer side surface 112A configured to face the breast pump 10 and an opposing inner side surface 112B, and the membrane 116 may have a first membrane surface 116A configured to face the inner side surface 112B and an opposing second membrane surface 116B configured to face the cap 111. The vacuum chamber 112 may include a first chamber region 124 defined by the inner side surface 112B and the first membrane surface 116A, and a second chamber region 125 defined by the second membrane surface 116B and the cap 111. The first chamber region 124 is configured to fluidly communicate with the milking assembly 130 through an orifice 113 and a pressure interface passage 139 when the vacuum chamber 112 is connected to the breast pump 10. The second chamber region 125 is configured to be fluidly connected via the cap 111 to a pumping device 20 configured to generate a vacuum in the second chamber region 125. In response to the vacuum, the membrane 116 deforms toward the second chamber region 125 and generates negative pressure in the first chamber region 124, and therefore in the milking assembly 130 via the orifice 113 and the pressure interface passage 132.

[0295] Now, let us draw our attention to Figures 5A–5E, which show breast pumps 10' according to several embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. Breast pumps 10' may include one or more features similar to those of breast pumps 10 described herein, according to several embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0296] Breast pump 10' is a manually operated breast pump, which may include a stimulation mechanism, vacuum assembly, body, pumping assembly, etc., similar to breast pump 10, but instead is manually operated rather than electrically as in breast pump 10. Breast pump 10' includes a pumping assembly 130' which includes a funnel-shaped object 131' configured to engage with the user's breast. The funnel-shaped object 131' includes a flexible portion 131'A. Breast pump 10' includes a stimulation mechanism 100' and a vacuum assembly 110'. The stimulation mechanism 100' is configured to operate the flexible portion 131'A. The vacuum assembly 110' is configured to generate negative air pressure within the funnel-shaped object 131'.

[0297] In some examples, the stimulation mechanism 100', the vacuum assembly 110', and the milking assembly 130' include one or more features similar to those described herein in accordance with some aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. For example, the flexible portion 131'A of the funnel-shaped body 131' may be substantially similar in form to the flexible portion 131A of the funnel-shaped body 131 as shown in Figures 2A-2C.

[0298] As shown in Figure 5A, the breast pump 10' includes a manually operated trigger mechanism 160' that articulates with the stimulation mechanism 100' and the vacuum assembly 110'. The manually operated trigger mechanism 160' is configured to operate the stimulation mechanism 100' and the vacuum assembly 110' simultaneously.

[0299] Figure 5B shows a breast pump 10' that includes a stimulation mechanism 100', which includes a rotatable assembly 101' containing at least one roller 102' configured to rotate around a roller axis RA perpendicular to the plane of the paper in order to stimulate a flexible portion 131'A, according to a particular embodiment. In the example described in Figure 5B, a trigger mechanism 160' is configured to cause the roller 102' to rotate via a ratchet mechanism 161'. The ratchet mechanism has a first ratchet end 161A' connected to the rotatable assembly 101' and a second ratchet end 161B' connected to the trigger mechanism 160'. In other examples, for example, in the examples described in Figures 5A and 5C-5E, the stimulation mechanism 100' may include a fixed member configured to move up and down by the trigger mechanism 160'.

[0300] The stimulator 100' has an operating state in which the stimulator 100' operates the flexible portion 131'A and an inoperable state; the vacuum assembly 110' may have a negative pressure state in which the vacuum assembly 110' generates negative air pressure inside the funnel-shaped object and a standard pressure state; and the trigger mechanism 160' has a trigger state associated with the final position and negative pressure state and a rest state associated with the initial position and standard pressure state.

[0301] The trigger mechanism 160' is configured such that when the trigger mechanism 160' is displaced to its trigger state, it displaces the stimulation mechanism 100' to its operating state and the vacuum assembly 110' to its negative pressure state.

[0302] The trigger mechanism 160' is configured to displace from a resting state to a triggered state when force is applied by the user. The trigger mechanism 160' may be configured to return to its resting state when the force is removed. The trigger mechanism 160' includes a biasing member 162' configured to displace the trigger mechanism 160' back to its resting state when the force is removed. In the example described, the biasing member is a spring.

[0303] The trigger mechanism 160' includes a handle 163', a stimulation trigger member 164' connecting the handle 163' and the stimulation mechanism 100', and a vacuum trigger connector 165' connecting the handle 163' and the vacuum assembly 110'.

[0304] The breast pump 10' may include a proximal portion 12' configured to be positioned toward the breast and a distal portion 13' configured to be positioned away from the breast. The stimulation mechanism 100' is positioned in the proximal portion 12', and the handle 163' and vacuum assembly 110' are positioned in the distal portion 13'.

[0305] The stimulation trigger member 164' includes a first member end 166' articulated with the stimulation mechanism 100' and a second member end 167' articulated with the handle 163'. The stimulation trigger member 164' is pivotable by the handle 163' around a member pivot axis MPA' located between the first member end 166' and the second member end 167', so as to operate the stimulation mechanism 100' articulated with the first member end 166'. The handle 163' is configured to pivot the stimulation trigger member 164' in order to displace the stimulation mechanism 100' from its non-operational state to its operating state.

[0306] The breast pump 10' further includes a position adjustment mechanism 200'' configured to adjust the position of the stimulation mechanism 100'' relative to the funnel-shaped object 131''. The position adjustment mechanism 200'' includes one or more features similar to those of the position adjustment mechanism 200'' described above with respect to Figures 3A to 3D.

[0307] The stimulation trigger member 164' includes a first member arm 168' and a second member arm 169'. The first member arm 168' extends between the member pivot axis MPA' and the first member end 166'. The second member arm 169' extends between the member pivot axis MPA' and the second member end 167'. The second member arm 169' includes a first arm portion 169A' extending from the member pivot axis MPA' and a second arm portion 169B' extending from the second member end 167'.

[0308] In some examples, at least one of the first arm portion 169A' and the second arm portion 169B' includes a plurality of connection points 170' positioned along its length, and the first arm portion 169A' and the second arm portion 169B' are connectable to each other at any one of the plurality of connection points 170'. In some examples, the connection points 170' constitute at least a portion of the position adjustment mechanism 200” according to a specific example of the subject matter of this disclosure, while the connection points to which the first arm portion 169A' and the second arm portion 169B' are connected determine the position of the stimulation mechanism 100' relative to the funnel-shaped object 131'.

[0309] In the example shown in Figures 5C to 5E, the position adjustment mechanism 200" includes an actuator 204" and at least one lever member 201". The lever member 201" includes a first lever portion 202" articulated to the stimulation mechanism 100' and a second lever portion 203" articulated to the actuator 204". The lever member 201" is pivotable by the actuator 204" around the lever pivot axis LPA", thereby moving the stimulation mechanism 100' articulated to the first lever portion 202". The position adjustment mechanism 200" is configured to move the stimulation mechanism 100' between an initial position in which the flexible portion 131'A has at least a first shape prior to the operation of the stimulation mechanism 100' and a final position in which the flexible portion 131'A has at least a second shape different from the first shape prior to the operation of the stimulation mechanism 100'. The position adjustment mechanism 200”, the lever member 201”, the actuator 204”, and their parts may correspond to and be configured to operate in a corresponding manner.

[0310] The vacuum assembly 110' includes a vacuum chamber 112' having an indoor side surface 112B' and a membrane 116' configured to be articulated and sealed to the vacuum chamber 112'. The membrane 116' includes a first membrane surface 116A' configured to face the indoor side surface 112B' and a second membrane surface 116B' that is opposite. The vacuum chamber 112' includes a first chamber region 124' defined by the indoor side surface 112B' and the first membrane surface 116A', and the membrane is configured to be deformed away from the indoor side surface 112B' by a trigger mechanism 160', thereby generating negative pressure in the first chamber region 124' and therefore in the milking assembly 130'.

[0311] The handle 163' is connected to the second membrane surface 116B' and is configured to pull the second membrane surface 116B' to deform the membrane 116' away from the chamber side surface 112B'. The membrane 116' is configured to remain sealed and articulated to the vacuum chamber 112' when pulled by the handle 163'.

[0312] The trigger mechanism 160' may be configured to return to its resting state when the force is removed, by the membrane 116' returning to its original shape. The membrane 116' is configured to be elastically deformable, and the elasticity of the membrane 116' tends to displace the handle 163' back to its initial state.

[0313] The handle 163' may include a first handle portion 171' articulated to the vacuum assembly 110' via a vacuum trigger connector 165', and a second handle portion 172' articulated to the stimulation mechanism 100' via a stimulation trigger member 164'. The handle 163' is pivotable around a handle pivot axis HPA located between the first handle portion 171' and the second handle portion 172'. The handle 163' is pivotable around the handle pivot axis HPA to displace the trigger mechanism 160' between a resting state and a triggered state.

[0314] Now, let us draw our attention to Figures 6A-6C, which show a breast pump 10 including a stimulation mechanism 100'' as a specific example of the subject matter of this disclosure. The breast pump 10 may be a breast pump as described herein in various aspects, or may include one or more of its features, but may include the stimulation mechanism 100'' as detailed below.

[0315] The breast pump 10 includes a milking assembly 130 which includes a funnel-shaped object 131 configured to engage with the user's breast. The funnel-shaped object 131 includes a flexible portion 131A. The breast pump 10 includes a stimulation mechanism 100" configured to operate the flexible portion 131A. The stimulation mechanism 100" includes selectively inflatable and deflated elements 101" which are configured to operate the flexible portion when inflated or deflated.

[0316] The flexible portion 131A includes an inner flexible portion surface 131A' facing the breast and an opposing outer flexible portion surface 131A" facing the stimulation mechanism 100". The stimulation mechanism 100" is configured to manipulate the outer flexible portion surface 131A".

[0317] The expandable and contractible elements 101" are configured to cause the flexible portion 131A to have a first shape when contracted and a second shape when expanded. In some examples, in the first shape, the flexible portion 131A has a first tension, and in the second shape, the flexible portion 131A has a second tension that is greater than the first tension. In some examples, the first shape is the original shape of the flexible portion 131A, i.e., when contracted, the stimulating mechanism 100" does not need to deform the flexible portion 131A at all.

[0318] The stimulation mechanism 100" includes a fluid port 102" configured to be connected to a fluid pump (not shown). In some examples, the fluid pump may be the same as or constitute part of the pumping device 20. The fluid port 102" is configured to establish a fluid interface between the fluid pump and each of the inflatable and deflatable elements 101". The inflatable and deflatable elements 101" are configured to be expanded and contracted by the fluid supplied by the fluid pump through the fluid port 102".

[0319] The inflatable and deflatable elements 101" are configured to be inflated and deflated according to a predetermined pattern, which can be done by a fluid pump or a controller of the breast pump 10.

[0320] Now, let us draw our attention to Figures 7A–7C, which show funnel-shaped objects 300 in some aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure. The funnel-shaped objects 300 may be used in any of the milking assemblies described herein in relation to various aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure. For example, the funnel-shaped objects 300 may replace the funnel-shaped objects 131 of the breast pump 10 described herein in various aspects.

[0321] The funnel-shaped object 300 is configured to be used with the breast pump 10, or any other breast pump that is generally known to be usable for expressing milk from the user's breast. The funnel-shaped object 300 includes a rigid portion 301 having an internal surface 302 facing the inside of the funnel-shaped object 300 and an opposing external surface 303. At least one opening 304 is formed in the rigid portion 301.

[0322] The funnel-shaped object 300 includes a flexible layer 305 that is overmolded over the upper part of the inner surface 302 of the rigid portion 301. In some examples, the flexible layer 305 may be overmolded over the upper part of the outer surface 303 of the rigid member 301. The flexible layer 305 includes an operable portion 306 that extends over the upper part of at least one opening 304 and is configured to be operated by a stimulating mechanism (e.g., stimulating mechanism 100). The flexible layer 305 is overmolded over most of the upper part of the inner surface 302 of the rigid portion 301.

[0323] The flexible layer 305 is configured to be operated by a stimulating mechanism and therefore needs to be firmly connected to the rigid portion 301. Overmolding the flexible layer 305 strengthens the connection between the flexible layer 305 and the rigid portion 301 compared to connecting only at the edges. The surface area of ​​the connection between the flexible layer 305 and the rigid portion 301 is substantially increased, thereby increasing the strength of the funnel-shaped object, particularly the flexible layer 305.

[0324] The operable portion 306 is configured to be operated via at least one opening 304. The opening 304 is positioned on the rigid portion 301 so as to face the lower part of the user's breast when the breast pump is in use. The operable portion 306 is configured to engage with at least a portion of the breast, at least during operation. The portion of the breast may be the nipple or areola.

[0325] The flexible layer 305 further includes the remaining flexible portion 307 that at least partially surrounds the operable portion 306. The operable portion 306 is more flexible than at least a portion of the remaining flexible portion 307. The thickness of at least a portion of the operable portion 306 is thinner than the thickness of at least a portion of the remaining flexible portion 307. The operable portion 306 includes a thinnest portion 306A and the remaining operable portion 306B surrounding the thinnest portion 306A, and the thickness of the operable portion 306 increases from the thinnest portion 306A toward the remaining operable portion 306B.

[0326] The rigid portion 301 is formed of a first material having a first level of hardness, and the flexible layer 305 is formed of a second material having a second level of hardness lower than the first level of hardness. In some examples, the rigid portion 301 may be made of a material containing plastic, and the flexible layer 305 may be made of a material containing silicon.

[0327] Now, let us draw our attention to Figures 8A-8B, which show funnel-shaped objects 400 according to several embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. The funnel-shaped object 400 may be used in any of the milking assemblies described herein in relation to various embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. For example, the funnel-shaped object 400 may replace the funnel-shaped object 131 in the milking assembly 10 described herein according to various embodiments. The funnel-shaped object 400 may consist of a single material which may be silicon.

[0328] The funnel-shaped object 400 is configured to be used with the breast pump 10, or any other breast pump that is generally known to be usable for expressing milk from the user's breast. The funnel-shaped object 400 includes a first funnel-shaped open end 401 configured to engage with the user's breast, and a second funnel-shaped open end 402 opposite the first funnel-shaped open end 401. The funnel-shaped object 400 includes a funnel-shaped intermediate portion 403 extending between the first funnel-shaped open end 401 and the second funnel-shaped open end 402.

[0329] The funnel-shaped intermediate portion 403 includes an operable portion 404 configured to deform when operated by a stimulation mechanism of a breast pump (e.g., stimulation mechanism 100). The funnel-shaped intermediate portion 403 includes a remaining portion 405 that at least partially surrounds the operable portion 404 and is configured to maintain its shape when the stimulation mechanism is operated, the operable portion 404 having a thinnest portion 404A and the remaining operable portion 404B, and the thickness of the operable portion 404 increases from the thinnest portion 404A toward at least a portion of the remaining operable portion 404B.

[0330] The thickness of the operable portion 404 increases from the thinnest portion 404A in the direction of (i) a first direction FD1 extending between the open end 401 of the first funnel-shaped body and the open end 402 of the second funnel-shaped body, (ii) a second direction FD2 perpendicular to the first direction, and (iii) a third direction which is a combination of the first direction FD1 and the second direction FD2.

[0331] The operable portion 404 is flexible. The thinnest portion 404A is more flexible than the remaining operable portion 404B. The first open end 401 is configured to retain its shape when the stimulating mechanism is operated. The second open end 402 is configured to retain its shape when the stimulating mechanism is operated. The funnel-shaped object 400 may be made of a material containing silicon.

Claims

1. A funnel-shaped object (400) configured for use with a breast pump, wherein: A first funnel-shaped open end (401) configured to engage with the user's breast; and A second funnel-shaped open end (402) facing the first funnel-shaped open end. Equipped with, The funnel-shaped object is characterized by further comprising a funnel-shaped intermediate portion (403) extending between the open end of the first funnel-shaped object and the open end of the second funnel-shaped object, the funnel-shaped intermediate portion including an operable portion (404) configured to deform when operated by the stimulation mechanism of the breast pump, and a remaining portion (405) at least partially surrounding the operable portion and configured to maintain its shape during operation of the stimulation mechanism, the operable portion having a thinnest portion (404A) and a remaining operable portion (404B) at least partially surrounding the thinnest portion, and the thickness of the operable portion increasing at least in a first direction (FD1) extending between the open end of the first funnel-shaped object and the open end of the second funnel-shaped object from the thinnest portion toward at least a portion of the remaining operable portion.

2. The thickness of the operable portion is measured from the thinnest portion: (i) a second direction (FD2) perpendicular to the first direction, and (ii) A third direction which is a combination of the first direction and the second direction. The funnel-shaped object according to claim 1, which becomes thicker toward at least one of the two sides.

3. The funnel-shaped object according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operable portion is flexible.

4. The funnel-shaped object according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thinnest portion is more flexible than the remaining operable portion.

5. The funnel-shaped object according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first open end is configured to maintain its shape during the operation of the stimulation mechanism.

6. The funnel-shaped object according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second open end is configured to maintain its shape during the operation of the stimulation mechanism.

7. The funnel-shaped object according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the funnel-shaped object is made of a material containing silicon.

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