Breast cup for breast pump system

Abstract

A breast cup includes a housing, a breast shield, at least one diaphragm, and a non-return valve. The breast shield is coupled to the housing. The breast shield has a central opening. The at least one diaphragm includes a central diaphragm section and an outer diaphragm section. The central diaphragm section defines an upper surface of a nipple tunnel. The outer diaphragm section forms at least one pressure chamber with an upper part of the housing and a milk chamber with a lower part of the housing. The non-return valve is configured to allow milk to travel from the nipple tunnel into the milk chamber and to prevent the milk from traveling from the milk chamber into the nipple tunnel when positive pressure is applied to the at least one pressure chamber.

Description

BREAST CUP FOR BREAST PUMP SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 609,714, filed December 13, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates generally to a breast cup for a breast pump system. More particularly, the present technology relates to a breast cup that allows for breast pumping regardless of body position.BACKGROUND

[0003] Many new mothers use breast pumps post-birth in order to achieve their personal milk feeding and expression goals. Breast pumps systems draw breast milk from a breast of a user and may be used to pump breast milk for later consumption by an infant, to stimulate lactation in users with low milk supply, or to relieve engorgement. Breast pumps may be manually operated, for example by squeezing a handle or operation of a foot pedal. Breast pumps may also be electrically driven by a drive unit.

[0004] On average, new mothers feed their infants more than twelve times per day, with newborn infants needing to be fed every two to three hours. Mothers may spend more than four hours each day breastfeeding, on average spending 20 minutes out of every two hours breastfeeding, interrupting work, social, and sleep schedules. Traditional breast pumps require mothers to be stationary and near an outlet to draw power to express milk. Consequently, portable breast pumps are often less powerful and are unable to fully express milk. Not fully emptying breasts during pumping sessions can contribute to reduced milk supply and clogged milk ducts, which can lead to mastitis.

[0005] Commercially available portable breast pumps may also include on-body milk collection, which requires a user to remove the breast cups in order to access the milk, andmany of these pumps also have a large breast cup and / or milk collection profile. Breast cup removal and large breast cup profiles do not allow for discrete public pumping.SUMMARY

[0006] For the reasons discussed above, there is a need for discrete, wearable, portable breast pump systems that provide all the power and benefits of traditional breast pumps, and permit access to pumped milk without necessitating breast cup removal, while allowing the user the mobility to pump while navigating daily activities or traveling. The present technology is directed to satisfying this need and overcoming various deficiencies of traditional breast pumps.

[0007] One embodiment relates to a breast cup. The breast cup includes a housing, a breast shield, at least one diaphragm, and a non-return valve. The breast shield is coupled to the housing. The breast shield has a central opening. The at least one diaphragm includes a central diaphragm section and an outer diaphragm section. The central diaphragm section defines an upper surface of a nipple tunnel. The outer diaphragm section forms at least one pressure chamber with an upper part of the housing and a milk chamber with a lower part of the housing. The non-return valve is configured to allow milk to travel from the nipple tunnel into the milk chamber and to prevent the milk from traveling from the milk chamber into the nipple tunnel when positive pressure is applied to the at least one pressure chamber.

[0008] Another embodiment relates to a breast cup. The breast cup includes an upper housing component, a lower housing component, a breast shield, at least one diaphragm, and a non-return valve. The breast shield is coupled to the lower housing component. The breast shield has a central opening forming at least a portion of a nipple tunnel. The at least one diaphragm includes at least one diaphragm portion forming at least one pressure chamber with the upper housing component and a milk chamber with the lower housing component. The non-retum valve is disposed between the milk chamber and the nipple tunnel. The nonreturn valve is configured to allow milk to travel from the nipple tunnel into the milk chamber and to prevent the milk from traveling from the milk chamber into the nipple tunnel when positive pressure is applied to the at least one pressure chamber.

[0009] Still another embodiment relates to a method of breast pumping. The method includes providing a breast cup having at least one diaphragm and a non-return valve, the at least one diaphragm forming at least one pressure chamber and a milk chamber. The nonreturn valve disposed between the milk chamber and a nipple tunnel. The method further includes applying negative pressure to the at least one pressure chamber to induce expression of milk from a nipple of a user within the nipple tunnel, past the non-return valve, and into the milk chamber. The method further includes applying positive pressure to the at least one pressure chamber to force milk out of the milk chamber and into an external reservoir.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Further features, characteristics, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, made with reference to the drawings annexed, in which like reference characters refer to like elements.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a breast pump system, according to an example embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a breast cup for use with the breast pump system of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a front view of the breast cup of FIG. 2, according to an example embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the breast cup of FIG. 3, taken along line 4-4, according to an example embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a breast cup for use with the breast pump system of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a front view of the breast cup of FIG. 5, according to an example embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the breast cup of FIG. 6, taken along line 7-7, according to an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Various embodiments are described hereinafter. It should be noted that the specific embodiments are not intended as an exhaustive description or as a limitation to the broader aspects discussed herein. One aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced with any other embodiment(s).

[0019] The following terms are used throughout and are as defined below.

[0020] As used herein and in the appended claims, singular articles such as “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the elements (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of refereeing individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the claims unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential.

[0021] As used herein and in the appended claims, the terms “upper,” “upward,” “lower,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” and other orientation-dependent terms are used in reference to the figures. That is, an “upper” component of a device shown in the figures and discussed herein may be arranged in an “upper” position due to the orientation of the device shown in the figures. However, if the device is rotated, flipped, or otherwise has its orientation shifted, the “upper” component may no longer be arranged in an “upper” position. Accordingly, itshould be appreciated that these orientation-dependent terms are provided to provide relative context with reference to the figures and are not meant to be limiting.

[0022] Additionally, as used herein and in the appended claims, the term “positive pressure” is used to indicate pressure that, when applied to a given volume, increases the pressure in the given volume. Similarly, the term “negative pressure” is used to indicate pressure that, when applied to a given volume, decreases the pressure in the given volume. That is, the terms “positive pressure” and “negative pressure” are intended to signify the relative pressure change induced by the “positive pressure” (e.g., increasing the pressure) and the “negative pressure” (e.g., decreasing the pressure) when applied to a given volume. “Negative pressure” is associated with suction or vacuum and corresponds to a reduction of pressure. “Positive pressure” is associated with an application of pressure and corresponds to an increase of pressure.

[0023] The embodiments illustratively described herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” etc. shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed technology. For example, the expression “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” Thus, other non-mentioned components or steps may be present.

[0024] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of properties, parameters, conditions, and so forth, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations. Any numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0025] As will be understood by one of skill in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.System Overview

[0026] Turning now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a breast pump system 100 according to an embodiment is shown. As will be described herein, the breast pump system 100 includes one or more breast cups 102 configured to allow for a user to pump in any position (e.g., lying down, reclined, on their side) by applying alternating positive and negative pressures to a pressure chamber within the breast cups 102, as will be described in detail herein.

[0027] The breast pump system 100 includes one or more breast cups 102 in fluid communication (e.g., via various tubing, piping, valves) with a pressure source 104 and a reservoir 106 to enable the breast pumping functionality described herein. In some instances, the one or more breast cups 102 can be in fluid communication with a plurality of pressure sources and / or reservoirs, as desired for a given application.

[0028] As will be described in detail below, the pressure source 104 is configured to selectively provide positive and negative pressure to a pressure chamber within each breast cup 102 to induce milk expression from a nipple of a breast of the user and to push the expressed milk from within a milk chamber into the reservoir 106. In some instances, the pressure source 104 is in communication with a controller 108 that is configured to control operation of the pressure source 104. For example, in some instances, the controller 108 isconfigured to selectively apply positive and negative pressure to the pressure chamber in accordance with a preset breast pumping pressure scheme.

[0029] The pressure source 104 is additionally powered by a power source 110. In some instances, the power source 110 can be an external power source (e.g., a wall outlet) or an internal power source (e.g., a battery). In some instances, the controller 108 and the power source 110 can each be provided internally within the pressure source 104, such that the pressure source, the controller 108 and the power source 110 are provided as a single unit.Breast Cup Structure

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, a breast cup 200 for use with the breast pump system 100 discussed above is shown. For example, in some instances, the breast cup 102 may be substantially similar to or replaced by the breast cup 200 within the breast pump system 100. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the following description of the breast cup 200 is similarly applicable to the breast cup 102 discussed above.

[0031] As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the breast cup 200 includes a housing including an upper housing component 202 and a lower housing component 204. The breast cup 200 further includes a breast shield 206 coupled to the lower housing component 204 and a diaphragm 208 disposed between the upper housing component 202 and the lower housing component 204.

[0032] The upper housing component 202 includes a pressure channel 210 and a diaphragm engaging protrusion 212. The pressure channel 210 is configured to be fluidly coupled to a pressure source (e.g., the pressure source 104) to allow for positive and negative pressure to be selectively applied through the pressure channel 210 to a pressure chamber 214 formed between the upper housing component 202 and the diaphragm 208. While a single pressure chamber 214 is illustrated, in some instances, the breast cup 200 may include more than one pressure chamber, as desired for a given application. The diaphragm engaging protrusion 212 defines a generally annular wall extending downward from an upper internal surface of the upper housing component 202. In some instances, the diaphragm engaging protrusion212 is configured to prevent a central portion 216 of the diaphragm 208 from collapsing during use of the breast cup 200.

[0033] The lower housing component 204 includes an outlet 218. The outlet 218 is configured to be fluidly coupled to a reservoir (e.g., the reservoir 106) to allow for milk to travel from a milk chamber 220 formed between the lower housing component 204 and the diaphragm 208, out of the breast cup 200, and into the reservoir during use, as will be described below. As shown, the lower housing component 204 further includes a recessed surface 222 configured to provide additional space through which milk can flow within the milk chamber 220 to allow for the milk to more easily pass out of the milk chamber 220 and through the outlet 218.

[0034] In some instances, the lower housing component 204 further includes a pressure equalization valve 223. The pressure equalization valve 223 is configured to allow for the pressure within the milk chamber 220 to equalize after application of positive pressure to the pressure chamber 214 is ceased or discontinued, as will be described below. It should be understood that the term “equalize” would encompass achieving a substantial equilibrium between two pressure values within a tolerance or deviation. In some instances, the pressure within the milk chamber may substantially reach ambient pressure within a tolerance that may be between ± 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10%, for example.

[0035] In some instances, the pressure equalization valve 223 may be a one-way valve configured to selectively allow ambient air into the milk chamber 220 while preventing milk from flowing out of the milk chamber 220 (e.g., through the pressure equalization valve 223). Further, in some instances, the pressure equalization valve 223 may be configured to prevent air from entering the milk chamber 220 when negative pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 214.

[0036] The breast shield 206 is generally funnel shaped and is configured to contact the breast of the user during use. The breast shield 206 is configured to provide an airtight seal during breast pumping, such that milk does not leak from the breast cup 200, and to conform to the breast comfortably for frequent and / or long periods of wear, such that the breast of theuser is not irritated. The breast shield 206 includes a central opening 224 surrounded by an upper lip 226. In some instances, the breast shield 206 is configured such that, during use, a nipple of the user’s breast may sit slightly above, level with, or slightly below the upper lip 226, which may aid in allowing for expressed milk to pass into the milk chamber 220, as will be described below.

[0037] In some instances, as depicted in FIG. 4, the breast shield 206 is configured to couple with the lower housing component 204 via one or more interlocking features of the breast shield 206 and the lower housing component 204. In other instances, the breast shield 206 may be coupled to the lower housing component 204 in a variety of other manners, such as, for example, using fasteners, adhesives, or any other suitable coupling mechanism, as desired for a given application.

[0038] The diaphragm 208 includes the central portion 216, an outer portion 228, and a sealing lip 230. While the diaphragm 208 is illustrated as a single diaphragm, in some instances, the various portions of the diaphragm 208 provided separately, such that the breast cup 200 includes multiple diaphragms, diaphragm sections, or diaphragm portions. When assembled, a top of the central portion 216 is arranged within the diaphragm engaging protrusion 212 of the upper housing component 202 and the central portion 216 engages the diaphragm engaging protrusion 212 at an engagement recess 232. The central portion 216 further includes an inner surface 234 that defines an upper volume of a nipple tunnel 236. In some instances, the inner surface 234 is generally rounded and extends downward toward the sealing lip 230. In some instances, the smooth nature of the generally rounded inner surface 234 allows for milk to adhere to the inner surface 234 of the central portion 216, which aids in the milk traveling radially outward and downward toward the sealing lip 230 and ultimately into the milk chamber 220, as will be described below.

[0039] The outer portion 228 is disposed between the pressure chamber 214 and the milk chamber 220 and provides a flexible barrier therebetween. For example, the pressure chamber 214 is formed between the outer portion 228 of the diaphragm 208 and the upper housing component 202. As such, the pressure chamber 214 defines an annular-shaped chamber extending circumferentially around a central axis 238 of the breast cup 200. Specifically, the pressure chamber 214 extends circumferentially around the central portion216 of the diaphragm 208, and thus around the nipple tunnel 236. The milk chamber 220 is formed between the outer portion 228 of the diaphragm 208 and the lower housing component 204. The milk chamber 220 similarly defines an annular-shaped passage extending circumferentially around the central axis 238.

[0040] As will be described further below, when negative pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 214, the outer portion 228 is configured to flex from an initial position (e.g., the configuration of the outer portion 228 shown in FIG. 4) to a negative pressure position (shown as dashed line 228’ in FIG. 4). Once the negative pressure is released and / or positive pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 214, the outer portion 228 is configured to return to the initial position.

[0041] As depicted in FIG. 4, the outer portion 228 is connected to a radially outward facing surface of the central portion 216 at a location above and radially outward of a lower end of the diaphragm engaging protrusion 212. Accordingly, when the positive and negative pressures are applied to the pressure chamber 214, the diaphragm engaging protrusion 212 provides a rigid pressure barrier between the pressure chamber 214 and the nipple tunnel 236.

[0042] The sealing lip 230 is disposed at a bottom end of the central portion 216 of the diaphragm 208. The sealing lip 230 defines a generally annular shape and is configured to contact an upper surface of the lower housing component 204. Specifically, the sealing lip 230 is configured to contact and create a seal with the upper surface of the lower housing component 204 at a location that is lower than and radially outward of the upper lip 226 of the breast shield 206.

[0043] The sealing lip 230 forms a non-retum valve that allows milk to travel from the nipple tunnel 236 into the milk chamber 220 when negative pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 214 and the outer portion 228 flexes from the initial position to the negative pressure position and prevents the milk from traveling from the milk chamber 220 back into the nipple tunnel 236 when the outer portion 228 returns from the negative pressure position to the initial position.

[0044] In some instances, the breast cup 200, including the upper housing component 202, the lower housing component 204, the breast shield 206, and the diaphragm 208 (with theexception of the pressure channel 210 and the outlet 218), defines a generally rotationally symmetric shape about the central axis 238 of the breast cup 200. Additionally, in some instances, the pressure channel 210 and the outlet 218 each extend radially outward from the breast cup 200 (e.g., with respect to the central axis 238), such that the breast cup 200 is able to be used with either breast of the user.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, another breast cup 500 for use with the breast pump system 100 discussed above is shown. For example, in some instances, the breast cup 102 may be substantially similar to or replaced by the breast cup 500 within the breast pump system 100. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the following description of the breast cup 500 is similarly applicable to the breast cup 102 discussed above.

[0046] Additionally, the breast cup 500 is similar to the breast cup 200 described above. As such, features of the breast cup 500 that correspond to similar features of the breast cup 200 will be labeled similarly (e.g., upper housing component 502 and upper housing component 202), and the following description will focus on the differences between the breast cup 500 and the breast cup 200.

[0047] For example, as best illustrated in FIG. 7, the breast cup 500 similarly includes a housing including an upper housing component 502 and a lower housing component 504, a breast shield 506 coupled to the lower housing component 504, and a diaphragm 508 disposed generally between the upper housing component 502 and the lower housing component 504.

[0048] The upper housing component 502 similarly includes a pressure channel 510 that is similar to the pressure channel 210. However, the pressure channel 510 is arranged at an upward angle, such that the pressure channel 510 slants upward as the pressure channel 510 extends radially outward away from a central axis 538 of the breast cup 500. Additionally, instead of a diaphragm engaging protrusion similar to the diaphragm engaging protrusion 212, the upper housing component 502 includes a diaphragm engaging wall 512 defining a central opening in the upper housing component 502 within which the diaphragm 508 is arranged. In some instances, the diaphragm engaging wall 512 is similarly configured toprevent a central portion 516 of the diaphragm 508 from collapsing during use of the breast cup 500.

[0049] The lower housing component 504 includes an outlet 518 that is similar to the outlet 218 and is similarly configured to allow milk to pass from a milk chamber 520 out of the breast cup 500. However, as shown in FIG. 7, the outlet 518 is inset with respect to a radially outer surface of the breast shield 506. Additionally, the lower housing component 504 does not include a recessed surface similar to the recessed surface 222.

[0050] In some instances, the lower housing component 504 further similarly includes a pressure equalization valve 523. The pressure equalization valve 523 is similarly configured to allow for the pressure within the milk chamber 520 to equalize after application of positive pressure to the pressure chamber 514 is ceased or discontinued. In some instances, the pressure equalization valve 523 may be a one-way valve configured to selectively allow ambient air into the milk chamber 520 while preventing milk from flowing out of the milk chamber 520 (e.g., through the pressure equalization valve 523). Further, in some instances, the pressure equalization valve 523 may similarly be configured to prevent air from entering the milk chamber 520 when negative pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 514.

[0051] The breast shield 506 similarly includes a central opening 524 surrounded by an upper lip 526. In some instances, the breast shield 506 is similarly configured such that, during use, a nipple of the user’s breast may sit slightly above, level with, or slightly below the upper lip 526, which may aid in allowing for expressed milk to pass into a milk chamber 520, as will be described below. Additionally, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the breast shield 506 additionally includes an outlet opening 525 configured to allow for the outlet 518 to be connected with one or more fluid lines to allow for milk to be transported from the outlet 518 to a reservoir (e.g., the reservoir 106).

[0052] The diaphragm 508 similarly includes the central portion 516, an outer portion 528, and a sealing lip 530. While the diaphragm 508 is illustrated as a single diaphragm, in some instances, the various portions of the diaphragm 508 provided separately, such that the breast cup 500 includes multiple diaphragms, diaphragm sections, or diaphragm portions. However, as shown in FIG. 7, the central portion 516 extends entirely through the central opening of theupper housing component 502. As such, a top surface of the central portion 516 forms a top surface of the breast cup 500. When assembled, the central portion 516 similarly engages the diaphragm engaging wall 512 at an engagement recess 532 and an upper lip 533 of the diaphragm 508 engages an upper surface of the upper housing component 502. The central portion 516 also similarly includes an inner surface 534 that is substantially similar to the inner surface 234 and similarly defines an upper volume of a nipple tunnel 536.

[0053] The outer portion 528 is similarly disposed between a pressure chamber 514 and the milk chamber 520 and provides a flexible barrier therebetween. For example, the pressure chamber 514 is similarly formed between the outer portion 528 of the diaphragm 508 and the upper housing component 502, and the milk chamber 520 is similarly formed between the outer portion 528 of the diaphragm 508 and the lower housing component 504. Additionally, the outer portion 528 is similarly configured to flex between an initial position (e.g., the configuration of the outer portion 528 shown in FIG. 7) and a negative pressure position (shown as dashed line 528’ in FIG. 7) when negative and positive pressures are applied to the pressure chamber 514.

[0054] The sealing lip 530 is substantially similar to the sealing lip 230. For example, the sealing lip 530 is similarly disposed at a bottom end of the central portion 516 of the diaphragm 508 and configured to contact and create a seal with an upper surface of the lower housing component 504 at a location that is lower than and radially outward of the upper lip 526 of the breast shield 506.

[0055] In some instances, the breast cup 500, including the upper housing component 502, the lower housing component 504, the breast shield 506, and the diaphragm 508 (with the exception of the pressure channel 510, the outlet 518, and the outlet opening 525), similarly defines a generally rotationally symmetric shape about the central axis 538 of the breast cup 500.Operation

[0056] Now that the general structure of the breast pump system 100, the breast cup 200, and the breast cup 500 have been described above, the functionality of the breast pumpsystem 100 will be described below. It should be understood that the following description is provided as an example and is not meant to be limiting. Further, while the following description will be largely provided in reference to the breast pump system 100 and the breast cup 200, the functionality of the breast cup 500 is substantially similar to the functionality of the breast cup 200. As such, it should be understood that references to the functionality of the breast cup 200 and the components thereof in the following description may be similarly applied to the breast cup 500 and corresponding components thereof.

[0057] During operation, the breast cup 200 is attached to a breast of a user. With the breast cup 200 attached to a breast of the user, the breast shield 206 is sized such that a nipple of the breast of the user should typically sit slightly below, level with, or slightly above the upper lip 226 of the central opening 224 of the breast shield 206. In any case, once the breast cup 200 is attached to the breast of the user, the user can begin the pumping process. For example, the user can interact with the controller 108 (e.g., press a “start” button) to initiate a breast pump pressure scheme to express milk from the nipple and transfer the expressed milk to the reservoir 106.

[0058] Upon initiation of the breast pump pressure scheme, negative pressure from the pressure source 104 can be applied (e.g., via various tubing, piping, valves) to the pressure chamber 214 via the pressure channel 210. Upon applying the negative pressure to the pressure chamber 214, the outer portion 228 of the diaphragm 208 is pulled up from the initial position (e.g., the configuration of the outer portion 228 shown in FIG. 4) to the negative pressure position (e.g., shown as dashed line 228’ in FIG. 4). As the outer portion 228 is pulled up from the initial position to the negative pressure position, the pressure drops within the milk chamber 220, which pulls the sealing lip 230 radially outward and out of engagement with the upper surface of the lower housing component 204. When the sealing lip 230 comes out of engagement with the lower housing component 204, a path is opened between the nipple tunnel 236 and the milk chamber 220, such that the negative pressure from the milk chamber 220 is applied to the nipple, thereby expressing milk from the nipple. In some instances, if the breast cup 200 includes the pressure equalization valve 223, the pressure equalization valve 223 may be configured to automatically close (e.g., via a pressure-based closing mechanism triggered by the negative pressure within the pressurechamber 214) to prevent ambient air from entering the milk chamber 220 while the negative pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 214, thereby allowing for negative pressure to build within the milk chamber 220.

[0059] By repetitively applying negative pressure to the pressure chamber 214, which is then transferred to the milk chamber 220, the nipple tunnel 236, and the nipple due to the outer portion 228 flexing between the initial position and the negative pressure position, milk is gradually expressed from the nipple and is allowed to pass into and build up within the milk chamber 220.

[0060] In some instances, as the milk builds up within the milk chamber 220, the outer portion 228 may not fully return to the initial position when the negative pressure is released between successive negative pressure applications. That is, the built-up milk may prevent the outer portion 228 from returning completely to the initial position until positive pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 214, as discussed below.

[0061] Between successive applications of the negative pressure to the pressure chamber 214, when the pressure is released, the sealing lip 230 re-engages the upper surface of the lower housing component 204, thereby preventing milk that has traveled into the milk chamber 220 from flowing back into the nipple tunnel 236. Additionally, the outer portion 228 of the diaphragm 208 beneficially limits the amount of negative pressure that can be applied to the nipple by the pressure source 104. That is, because the outer portion 228 is physically constrained (e.g., due to its own flexing capability and / or the inner dimensions of the upper housing component 202), it can only flex a certain amount into the pressure chamber 214. As such, the amount of negative pressure that can be pulled within the milk chamber 220, and thereby applied to the nipple, is limited. This negative pressure limitation ensures that the user’s nipple is not subjected to overly high negative pressures during operation.

[0062] Once the expressed milk has built up within the milk chamber 220, positive pressure from the pressure source 104 can be applied to the pressure chamber 214 via the pressure channel 210. Upon applying the positive pressure, to the pressure chamber 214, the outer portion 228 of the diaphragm 208 is forced to return the initial position and, in someinstances, flexes even further into the milk chamber 220, thereby forcing the milk from the milk chamber 220, through the outlet 218, and into the reservoir 106 (e.g., via various tubing, piping, valves).

[0063] Similar to when the negative pressure is released from the pressure chamber 214, when the positive pressure is applied from the pressure source 104, the sealing lip 230 reengages the upper surface of the lower housing component 204. However, the positive pressure applied to the pressure chamber 214 provides additional force onto the sealing lip 230, which pushes the sealing lip 230 against the upper surface of the lower housing component 204. This additional force on the sealing lip 230 helps to maintain the seal created between the sealing lip 230 and the lower housing component 204 and to prevent milk from traveling from the milk chamber 220 back into the nipple tunnel 236 when the milk is being pushed out of the milk chamber 230 through the outlet 218.

[0064] In some instances, when the breast cup 200 includes the pressure equalization valve 223, the pressure equalization valve 223 can be configured to allow for pressure within the milk chamber 220 to substantially equalize with ambient air pressure outside of the breast cup 200 by allowing ambient air to flow into the milk chamber 220. That is, as discussed above, in some instances, upon the application of the positive pressure, the diaphragm 208 can extend (flex, be deformed) further into the milk chamber 220 that its initial position. Accordingly, when the positive pressure is released and the diaphragm returns to its initial position, a slight negative pressure can be generated within the milk chamber 220. As such, the pressure equalization valve 223 can allow for the ambient air to flow into the milk chamber 220 to allow for the pressure to return to an ambient pressure, thereby preventing negative pressure from being maintained within the milk chamber 220. Accordingly, the pressure equalization valve 223 can also prevent negative pressure on the nipple tunnel 236 and the user’s nipple.

[0065] In accordance with the description above, the breast cup 200 and / or the breast cup 500 can be utilized in the following method of breast pumping. It should be appreciated that the following method is provided as an example and is in no way meant to be limiting. In other examples, the method of breast pumping can include additional or alternative steps without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0066] For example, in some embodiments, the method of breast pumping includes providing a breast cup (e.g., the breast cup 200, the breast cup 500) that has at least one diaphragm (e.g., the diaphragm 208, the diaphragm 508) and a non-return valve (e.g., the sealing lip 230, the sealing lip 530). The at least one diaphragm can form at least one pressure chamber (e.g., the pressure chamber 214, the pressure chamber 514) and a milk chamber (e.g., the milk chamber 220, the milk chamber 520). The non-return valve can be disposed between the milk chamber and a nipple tunnel (e.g., the nipple tunnel 236, the nipple tunnel 536). The method can further include applying negative pressure to the at least one pressure chamber to induce expression of milk from a nipple of a user within the nipple tunnel, past the non-return valve, and into the milk chamber. The method can further include applying positive pressure to the at least one pressure chamber to force milk out of the milk chamber and into an external reservoir (e.g., the reservoir 106).

[0067] In some embodiments, when the positive pressure is applied to the at least one pressure chamber, the non-return valve prevents the milk from passing from the milk chamber and into the nipple tunnel. In some embodiments, the at least one diaphragm is a single diaphragm. In some embodiments, after ceasing application of the positive pressure, a pressure equalization valve (e.g., the pressure equalization valve 223, the pressure equalization valve 523) of the breast cup allows for pressure within the milk chamber to equalize to ambient pressure.

[0068] As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean ± 5% or 10% of the disclosed values, unless specified otherwise. As utilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that can result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0069] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A breast cup comprising: a housing; a breast shield coupled to the housing, the breast shield having a central opening; at least one diaphragm including: a central diaphragm section defining an upper surface of a nipple tunnel; and an outer diaphragm section forming at least one pressure chamber with an upper part of the housing and a milk chamber with a lower part of the housing; and a non-return valve configured to allow milk to travel from the nipple tunnel into the milk chamber and to prevent the milk from traveling from the milk chamber into the nipple tunnel when positive pressure is applied to the at least one pressure chamber.

2. The breast cup of claim 1, wherein the upper part of the housing includes at least one opening in fluid communication with at least one pressure source configured to selectively apply negative pressure and positive pressure to the at least one pressure chamber.

3. The breast cup of claim 2, wherein the lower part of the housing includes an outlet configured to allow the milk to travel from the milk chamber into an external reservoir.

4. The breast cup of claim 3, wherein, when the negative pressure is applied to the at least one pressure chamber, the non-return valve allows the milk to travel from the nipple tunnel into the milk chamber.

5. The breast cup of claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure chamber defines at least an annular-shaped volume extending circumferentially around the nipple tunnel.

6. The breast cup of claim 1, wherein the non-return valve includes a sealing lip that extends lower than an upper lip of the breast shield.

7. The breast cup of claim 1, wherein the at least one diaphragm is a single diaphragm.

8. The breast cup of claim 1, further comprising a pressure equalization valve configured to allow for pressure within the milk chamber to equalize to ambient pressure when the at least one pressure chamber is depressurized.

9. A breast cup comprising: an upper housing component; a lower housing component; a breast shield coupled to the lower housing component, the breast shield having a central opening forming at least a portion of a nipple tunnel; at least one diaphragm portion forming at least one pressure chamber with the upper housing component and a milk chamber with the lower housing component; and a non-return valve disposed between the milk chamber and the nipple tunnel, the nonreturn valve configured to allow milk to travel from the nipple tunnel into the milk chamber and to prevent the milk from traveling from the milk chamber into the nipple tunnel when positive pressure is applied to the at least one pressure chamber.

10. The breast cup of claim 9, wherein the upper housing component includes at least one opening in fluid communication with at least one pressure source configured to selectively apply negative pressure and positive pressure to the at least one pressure chamber.11 . The breast cup of claim 10, wherein the lower housing component includes an outlet configured to allow the milk to travel from the milk chamber into an external reservoir.

12. The breast cup of claim 11, wherein, when the negative pressure is applied to the pressure chamber, the non-return valve allows the milk to travel from the nipple tunnel into the milk chamber.

13. The breast cup of claim 9, wherein the at least one pressure chamber defines at least an annular-shaped volume extending circumferentially around the nipple tunnel.

14. The breast cup of claim 9, wherein the non-return valve includes a sealing lip that extends lower than an upper lip of the breast shield.

15. The breast cup of claim 9, wherein the at least one diaphragm is a single diaphragm.

16. The breast cup of claim 9, further comprising a pressure equalization valve configured to allow for pressure within the milk chamber to equalize to ambient pressure.

17. A method of breast pumping comprising:providing a breast cup having at least one diaphragm and a non-return valve, the at least one diaphragm forming at least one pressure chamber and a milk chamber, the nonreturn valve disposed between the milk chamber and a nipple tunnel; applying negative pressure to the at least one pressure chamber to induce expression of milk from a nipple of a user within the nipple tunnel, past the non-retum valve, and into the milk chamber; and applying positive pressure to the at least one pressure chamber to force milk out of the milk chamber and into an external reservoir.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, when the positive pressure is applied to the at least one pressure chamber, the non-return valve prevents the milk from passing from the milk chamber and into the nipple tunnel.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one diaphragm is a single diaphragm.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein, after ceasing application of the positive pressure, a pressure equalization valve of the breast cup allows for pressure within the milk chamber to equalize to ambient pressure.

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