A breast pump

Abstract

A breast pump (10) having a funnel (20) comprising a deformable body (50) having a proximal lip end (60) and a distal milk discharge end (70), a funnel wall (80) extending between the lip end (60) and the milk discharge end (70) configured to define a nipple receiving chamber (120), the nipple receiving chamber (120) having a lip (130) at the lip end (60) defining a breast receiving opening (90) and being configured to sealably receive a breast (230), a milk exit (100) at the milk discharge end (70) configured to discharge milk from the funnel (20), a lower proximal tongue (150) towards the lip end (60) configured to stimulate a nipple / areola (240,250), and a funnel sweet spot (140) between the tongue (150) and the milk exit (100) for optimal expression of milk under vacuum, and a movement controller (160) configured to move the funnel under compression to locate the funnel sweet spot at a nipple, and a pump (30) comprising a deformable pump housing (290) having a proximal funnel mounting (300) and a distal milk discharge opening (310), the pump housing (290) defining a vacuum generation pump chamber (320,330) having a deformable pump wall (350) extending between the proximal funnel mounting (300) and the milk discharge opening (310) and an opposing force structure (340) opposite the deformable pump wall ((350).

Description

[0001] Title

[0002] A Breast Pump

[0003] Introduction

[0004] This invention relates to a breast pump funnel and to a breast pump comprising the funnel forexpressing breastmilk.

[0005] Background of the Invention

[0006] The benefits of incorporating an infant’s suckling action into breast pump technologies is well documented and the use of breast pumps by nursing mothers to express breastmilk is widespread. As a result, various breast pumps and systems have been developed, made up of a funnel for placing over the breast and a pump attached to the funnel, in which a negative / sub-atmospheric pressure is applied to the breast by the pump via the funnel to express the breastmilk which is then collected in a container attached to the breast pump.

[0007] However, a common problem with known breast pumps is that users can suffer from discomfort at the nipple and areola area such as pinching by the funnel resulting from the sub-atmospheric pressures employed when using the pumps. For example, known funnel structures and associated tubes are rigid thus giving rise to dead air volumes resulting in maximum negative pressures of between about -200 and -300 mm Hg which results in increased pressures being required to express liquid together with increased discomfort for the user caused by tugging on the nipple by the funnel. This pulling action can also restrict flow in lactiferous ducts while the relatively large rigid funnels of the prior art can also exert excessive pressure on adjacent sensitive breast tissue.

[0008] Accordingly, various attempts have been made to devise funnels that minimise discomfort. Some breast pumps aim to alleviate discomfort by introducing soft inserts and / or soft shields into the funnel. In this way, the delicate breast tissue is not in direct contact with the rigid plastic funnel, alleviating some of the discomfort caused by pressure from rigid pieces. For example, WO 2010 / 109398 A1 describes an insert for a funnel in which the insert is increasingly compressed onto the nipple as vacuum levels increase. However, the increased compression can itself cause discomfort for the user. Similarly, EP 4221774 A1 describes a funnel provided with a liner that prevents a nipple from contacting a hard surface in use. Other solutions go further and shape the soft shields / inserts in a way that the pliability of these soft shields causes the shield to collapse under peak sub-atmospheric pressure onto the breast / areola / nipple which create compression stimulation on the breast / nipple / areola to replicate the physical stimulation exerted by the tongue of the suckling infant (US 6383163B1, US 2019 / 209750A1 , US 2020 / 0405925). In this way, the shields not only improve comfort but fulfil a second function of the tongue, which is to trigger milk ejection response (MER). However, collapse of the shield is uncontrolled which can result in painful compression on the breast / areola / nipple. Most known breast pumps are also inefficient compared to an infant’s suckling action and, despite improvements in design, cause discomfort.

[0009] The above solutions remain limited in the level of controllability necessary to accurately replicate the physical stimulation function of the tongue in comfort. In the case of these designs the compression can only happen when vacuum level is peaking, which is not the case in the infant’s suckling profile, e.g., compression and peak vacuum does not always happen at the same time.

[0010] Accordingly, a need still exists for a breast pump funnel that optimises user comfort in use whilst also optimising milk expression.

[0011] Breast pumps can be either manually operated or, more recently, operated by electronic or mechanical means. However, recent modern devices are increasingly cumbersome and are only operable in combination with electric breast pumps, external vacuum sources, other units and by adding additional parts to the already complex build of breast pumps as described in US 10434231 B2.

[0012] Furthermore, while creating electric breast pumps that fit inside the user’s bra has become an industry standard over recent years, no such breast pumps which are manually operable are known. WO 2021 / 084283 A1 and USD 969,305 describe wearable designs that provide enhanced excess milk collection but the collectors can only remove a limited amount of excess milk from the breast, and are not suitable for full breastmilk expression in the same way as traditional manual breast pumps. Furthermore, known wearable breast pumps require the use of a battery or must be charged and are therefore inoperable in the absence of a power supply.

[0013] The physical effect the tongue has on the areola and the base of the nipple are crucial factors in fluid expression. However, traditional breast pumps are far from biomimetic / biomechanical and are low in efficacy at evoking the MER in nursing women. WO 2018 / 229782A1 uses a roller under the areola / nipple to create a circular arc motion and a rythmical compression on the areola / nipple base. A similar effect is achieved by US 2005 / 234400A1 and EP 2111882A1 that use a set of plates that are pushed into the soft membrane at the lower part of the soft breast shield, coordinated into a wave-like sequence. However, these devices suffer from the same disadvantages outlined above.

[0014] An object of the invention is to overcome at least some of the problems of the prior art.

[0015] Summary of the Invention

[0016] The invention broadly relates to a breast pump that mimics the functions of a suckling tongue made up of a funnel, a pump and a milk container component. The funnel is configured to seal against the user’s breast and to physically stimulate the nipple and areola and to generate s vacuum via the pump. The breast pump draws milk from a user’s breast by creating negative air pressure in the pump by compressing and releasing a deformable wall that is configured to return to its original shape once compression is released. The device can be actuated either manually, mechanically or electrically either directly on the pump or through the container that can be mounted over the pump. The device can also be shaped to fit inside the user’s bra.

[0017] According to the invention there is provided a breast pump funnel for expressing breastmilk comprising:

[0018] a deformable body having a proximal lip end and a distal milk discharge end; a funnel wall extending between the lip end and the milk discharge end configured to define a nipple receiving chamber; the nipple receiving chamber having a lip at the lip end defining a breast receiving opening and being configured to sealably receive a breast, a milk exit at the milk discharge end configured to discharge milk from the funnel, a lower proximal tongue towards the lip end configured to stimulate a nipple / areola, and a funnel sweet spot in the nipple chamber configured for optimal expression of milk from a breast under vacuum,

[0019] wherein the funnel comprises a movement controller configured to move the funnel under compression to locate the funnel sweet spot at a nipple.

[0020] In any embodiment, the movement controller is configured to move the funnel under compression by a user’s breast.

[0021] In any embodiment, the movement controller comprises a fold in the funnel wall.

[0022] In any embodiment, the fold comprises a corrugation in the funnel wall.

[0023] In any embodiment, the fold is positioned at an upper wall portion of the funnel wall above the tongue.

[0024] In any embodiment, the fold extends partially around the funnel wall.

[0025] In any embodiment, the lip at the breast receiving opening is inclined at an angle of between about 10° and about 90° to the vertical and / or the lower proximal tongue is inclined at an angle to the horizontal of between about 10° and about 70°.

[0026] In any embodiment, the fold extends completely around the funnel wall.

[0027] In any embodiment, the tongue is responsive to vacuum pressure to deform in response to applied vacuums in the funnel.

[0028] In any embodiment, the tongue comprises a vacuum responsive tongue actuation controller to control deformation of the tongue. In any embodiment, the vacuum responsive tongue actuation controller comprises a tongue recess.

[0029] In any embodiment, the vacuum responsive tongue actuation controller comprises a tongue protrusion.

[0030] In any embodiment, the funnel wall comprises a dead space eliminator to reduce the amount of dead air within the funnel in use.

[0031] In any embodiment, the dead space eliminator comprises a protuberance in the funnel wall.

[0032] In any embodiment, the funnel wall comprises a suckling replicator in the nipple chamber configured to replicate an infant’s intraoral cavity.

[0033] In any embodiment, the suckling replicator is selected from an extrusion, a wall projection, a change in sweet spot geometry, a change in funnel wall thickness or an insert in the funnel wall to locally alter the funnel wall .

[0034] In any embodiment, the funnel sweet spot comprises an empty space defined by the funnel wall free of obstructions to milk flow.

[0035] In any embodiment, the funnel is frusto-conical in shape.

[0036] The invention also relates to a breast pump comprising a funnel as hereinbefore defined and a pump fluidly connected to the funnel at a pump mounting towards the milk exit end of the funnel.

[0037] In any embodiment, the pump comprises a deformable pump housing having a proximal funnel mounting and a distal milk discharge opening, the pump housing defining a vacuum generation pump chamber having a deformable pump wall extending between the proximal funnel mounting and the milk discharge opening deformable towards and away from an opposing force structure opposite the deformable pump wall to generate a vacuum in the pump and the funnel.

[0038] In any embodiment, the opposing force structure comprises a stationary wall attached to the deformable wall.

[0039] In any embodiment, the stationary wall comprises a reinforced stationary wall.

[0040] In any embodiment, the reinforced stationary wall comprises a reinforcing septum towards the end of the stationary wall to anchor the stationary wall.

[0041] In any embodiment, the deformable pump wall comprises a pumping action controller to control and vary vacuum generation by the pump.

[0042] In any embodiment, the pumping action controller comprises an indent or channel in the deformable wall to aid and guide deformation of the deformable wall.

[0043] In any embodiment, the pumping action controller comprises a thickening or a ridge on the deformable wall to affect a gradual increase in vacuum pressure following deformation.

[0044] In any embodiment, the thickening or ridge extends on the deformable wall between the proximal funnel mounting and a distal milk discharge opening and increasingly thickens towards the milk discharge opening.

[0045] In any embodiment, the deformable pump wall comprises two or more pumping action controllers.

[0046] In any embodiment, the deformable pump wall comprises two divergent or two parallel elongate indents in the deformable wall.

[0047] In any embodiment, the deformable housing comprises a one-way valve at the milk discharge opening. In any embodiment, the pump comprises a first vacuum generation pump chamber and a second vacuum generation pump chamber fluidly communicable with the first chamber.

[0048] In any embodiment, the first vacuum generation pump chamber and the second vacuum generation pump chamber are conjoined at a party opposing force structure.

[0049] In any embodiment, the first vacuum generation pump chamber is parallel with the second vacuum generation pump chamber.

[0050] In any embodiment, the first vacuum generation pump chamber is volumetrically larger than the second vacuum generation pump chamber.

[0051] In any embodiment, the first vacuum generation pump chamber and the second vacuum generation pump chamber are arranged in sequence in the breast pump.

[0052] In any embodiment, the shapes of the first vacuum generation pump chamber and the second vacuum generation pump chamber differ.

[0053] In any embodiment, the pump is a manually operated pump.

[0054] In any embodiment, the pump is a mechanical, electromechanical, electric, pneumatic or hydraulic pump.

[0055] In any embodiment, the breast pump further comprises a container for expressed milk removably attached to the breast pump.

[0056] In any embodiment, the container is mounted over the pump.

[0057] In any embodiment, the container is mounted on a complementary sealing plate on the funnel to form a fluid-tight seal sealed with the sealing plate. In any embodiment, the container comprises a deformable section correlating with a deformable wall of the funnel pump.

[0058] In any embodiment, the container is deformable.

[0059] In any embodiment, the container is a rigid container comprising an access for applying a force transmitter to a deformable wall of the pump.

[0060] In any embodiment, the container comprises a one-way air valve to release excess air from the container.

[0061] In any embodiment, the breast pump is a wearable breast pump

[0062] The invention also extends to a pump for a breast pump, the pump comprising a deformable pump housing having a proximal funnel mounting and a distal milk discharge opening, the pump housing defining a vacuum generation pump chamber having a deformable pump wall extending between the proximal funnel mounting and the milk discharge opening deformable towards and away from an opposing force structure opposite the deformable pump wall to generate a vacuum in the pump and the funnel.

[0063] In any embodiment, the opposing force structure comprises a stationary wall attached to the deformable wall.

[0064] In any embodiment, the stationary wall comprises a reinforced stationary wall.

[0065] In any embodiment, the reinforced stationary wall comprises a reinforcing septum towards the end of the stationary wall to anchor the stationary wall.

[0066] In any embodiment, the deformable pump wall comprises a pumping action controller to control and vary vacuum generation by the pump. In any embodiment, the pumping action controller comprises an indent or channel in the deformable wall to aid and guide deformation of the deformable wall.

[0067] In any embodiment, the pumping action controller comprises a thickening or a ridge on the deformable wall to affect a gradual increase in vacuum pressure following deformation.

[0068] In any embodiment, the thickening or ridge extends on the deformable wall between the proximal funnel mounting and a distal milk discharge opening and increasingly thickens towards the milk discharge opening.

[0069] In any embodiment, the deformable pump wall comprises two or more pumping action controllers.

[0070] In any embodiment, the deformable pump wall comprises two divergent or two parallel elongate indents in the deformable wall.

[0071] In any embodiment, the deformable housing comprises a one-way valve at the milk discharge opening.

[0072] In any embodiment, the pump comprises a first vacuum generation pump chamber and a second vacuum generation pump chamber fluidly communicable with the first chamber.

[0073] In any embodiment, the first vacuum generation pump chamber and the second vacuum generation pump chamber are conjoined at a party opposing force structure.

[0074] In any embodiment, the first vacuum generation pump chamber is parallel with the second vacuum generation pump chamber.

[0075] In any embodiment, the first vacuum generation pump chamber is volumetrically larger than the second vacuum generation pump chamber. In any embodiment, the first vacuum generation pump chamber and the second vacuum generation pump chamber are arranged in sequence in the breast pump.

[0076] In any embodiment, the shapes of the first vacuum generation pump chamber and the second vacuum generation pump chamber differ.

[0077] In any embodiment, the pump is a manually operated pump.

[0078] In any embodiment, the pump is a mechanical, electromechanical, electric, pneumatic or hydraulic pump.

[0079] The invention also extends to a method of expressing breastmilk comprising operating a breast pump having:

[0080] a funnel comprising

[0081] a deformable body having a proximal lip end and a distal milk discharge end;

[0082] a funnel wall extending between the lip end and the milk discharge end configured to define a nipple receiving chamber, the nipple receiving chamber having a lip at the lip end defining a breast receiving opening and being configured to sealably receive a breast, a milk exit at the milk discharge end configured to discharge milk from the funnel, a lower proximal tongue towards the lip end configured to stimulate a nipple / areola, and a funnel sweet spot in the nipple chamber for optimal expression of milk under vacuum, and a movement controller configured to move the funnel under compression to locate the funnel sweet spot at a nipple, and

[0083] a pump comprising a deformable pump housing having a proximal funnel mounting and a distal milk discharge opening, the pump housing defining a vacuum generation pump chamber having a deformable pump wall extending between the proximal funnel mounting and the milk discharge opening and an opposing force structure opposite the deformable pump wall,

[0084] the method comprising deforming the deformable pump wall towards and away from the opposing force structure to generate a vacuum in the breast pump. In one embodiment, the breast pump is operated for the purpose of expressing milk to feed a child.

[0085] This present invention translates the desired suckling functions in the geometry, shape, material characteristics and variations of wall thicknesses of a flexible funnel to create a breast pump that mimics the functions of an infant’s suckling action without the need to use complex components.

[0086] The funnel of the breast pump of the invention has a deformable funnel defining lips, a nipple chamber and a milk discharge end configured to replicate the infant’s tongue and intra-oral cavity. More particularly, the funnel is biomimetic i.e. is shaped and configured to replicate the structure and function of an infant’s mouth, intraoral cavity and tongue through controlled manipulation, replicating the motion and functions of the suckling tongue. A funnel sweet spot in which the nipple is correctly located by the funnel in use optimises both milk expression and user comfort in use.

[0087] The pump employed in the breast pump of the invention only requires positive deformation / actuation in order to generate a vacuum in the breast pump i.e. negative actuation is not required as the pump is formed from a deformably resilient material that creates a vacuum following compression / deformation of the pump.

[0088] Due to the controlled movement of the funnel, the funnel is automatically positioned on a breast in use to position a user’s nipple / areola at a sweet spot in the funnel for optimal milk expression and comfort.

[0089] The breast pump can also be manually operated thus obviating the need for complex mechanical or electrical components to improve the portability of the breast pump.

[0090] The portable nature of the breast pump together with the geometry of the funnel and pump can also be exploited so that the breast pump can be shaped and sized to be a wearable breast pump (e.g. can be worn inside a user’s bra) due to, for example, the ability to locate the milk container over the pump of the breast pump. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0091] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0092] Figure 1 is a perspective view from above and one side of a breast pump of the invention (not to scale) generally made up of an anterior area in the form of a proximal angularly adjustable (i.e. articulated) funnel portion, hereinafter referred to as the funnel, a posterior area in the form of a distal pump portion, hereinafter referred to as the pump and a milk collection container mounted over the pump on a container base to receive milk from the pump via a milk outlet in the pump;

[0093] Figure 2 is a perspective view from above and one side of the breast pump of Figure 1 with the container base mounted on the funnel and the container body omitted for clarity;

[0094] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view from above and one side of the articulated funnel of Figure 1 showing the range of angular adjustment of the breast receiving opening and the tongue of the funnel resulting from an articulation element in the form of a funnel movement controller defined in the funnel;

[0095] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the interior of the funnel;

[0096] Figure 5 is a perspective view from above and one side of a second embodiment of a funnel of the invention in which the articulation element / movement controller is in the form of corrugations extending completely around the funnel;

[0097] Figure 6 is a plan view from below of the breast pump of Figure 1 in which the pump is a multi-chamber pump, in this case a dual or double chamber pump made up of two deformable walls sharing an opposing force structure, which in the present embodiment is a fixed / stationary wall, positioned between the deformable walls; Figure 7 is a perspective view from above and one side of a deformable pump wall in which the wall is provided with pumping action controllers in the form of external parallel elongate indents in the deformable wall;

[0098] Figure 8 is a perspective view from above and one side of a deformable pump wall in which the wall is provided with pumping action controllers in the form of external divergent elongate indents and a central thickening or ridge on the deformable wall;

[0099] Figure 9 is a schematic side view of the funnel of Figures 1 to 4 and 6 being presented to the nipple and areola region of a breast in use;

[0100] Figure 10 is a schematic side view of the funnel and breast of Figure 9 with the breast inserted in the funnel to compress the funnel and articulate the funnel inwards and downwards about the movement controller / articulation element;

[0101] Figure 11 is an enlarged schematic side view of the funnel of Figures 9 and 10;

[0102] Figure 12 is an enlarged side image of the funnel of Figure 9 with the breast omitted and the container base on the funnel and with the movement controller in the non-operating position;

[0103] Figure 13 is an enlarged side image of the funnel of Figure 10 with the breast omitted and the container base on the funnel and with the articulation element in the compressed operating position ;

[0104] Figure 14 is an enlarged image of the breast pump of Figure 2 with the deformable walls of the dual chamber pump at rest i.e. not being compressed;

[0105] Figure 15 is an enlarged image of the breast pump of Figure 14 with the deformable walls being manually compressed towards the shared stationary opposing wall; Figure 16 is an enlarged image of the funnel of the breast pump of Figure 14 with the tongue at rest i.e. not subjected to vacuum pressure;

[0106] Figure 17 is an enlarged image of the funnel of the breast pump of Figure 15 in use with the tongue responding to vacuum pressure to urge the tongue upwards towards an areola / nipple;

[0107] Figure 18 is a plan view from below of the breast pump of Figure 1 with an alternative pump in which the pump is a double chamber pump made up of two deformable walls sharing an opposing force structure, which in the present embodiment is formed by buttressed septums, positioned between the deformable walls;

[0108] Figure 19 is a plan view from below of the breast pump of Figure 1 with an alternative pump in which the pump is a double chamber pump made up of two deformable walls sharing an opposing force structure which in the present embodiment is formed by two oppositely disposed septums which are structurally embedded and reinforced through appropriate material selection to provide a stationary opposing force structure;

[0109] Figure 20 is a perspective view from above and one side of another embodiment of the breast pump of the invention in which the funnel is as previously described and the pump is a single chamber pump;

[0110] Figure 21 is a perspective view from above and one side of the breast pump of Figure 20 in which the deformable wall of the pump is compressed towards the opposing force structure in the form of a stationary wall to generate a vacuum;

[0111] Figure 22 is a perspective view from above and one side of a further embodiment of the invention in which the pump is a double chamber pump having a larger primary vacuum generation and control chamber and a smaller secondary vacuum generation and control chamber arranged in sequence; Figure 23 is a schematic perspective view from above and one side of the deformable walls of the pump of the breast pump of Figure 22;

[0112] Figure 24 is a perspective view from above and one side of a further embodiment of a breast pump in which the pump is a double chamber pump with the chambers being parallel and disposed at an angle towards each other, and

[0113] Figure 25 is a perspective view from above and one side of the breast pump of Figure 24 with the double chamber pump being manually operated i.e. with the two chambers being manually compressed towards each other to generate a vacuum.

[0114] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0115] Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a breast pump of the invention for expressing breastmilk generally indicated by the reference numeral 10. As shown in the drawings, the breast pump 10 is generally made up of a deformable proximal / anterior funnel 20, a fluidly connected distal / posterior pump 30 for generating a vacuum in the breast pump 10 in use and a milk collection container 40 connected to the pump 30 for collecting expressed milk. In the present embodiment, the pump 30 is manually operable so that the breast pump 10 mimics the complex suckling functions of the infant’s tongue during suckling to express breastmilk into the funnel 20. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the pump 10 can be operated electronically, mechanically (e.g. through a lever or arm) or any other traditional ways used for breast pumps. Furthermore, the funnel 20 of the invention, which is described in more detail below, can be fitted, e.g. retrofitted, to other pumps known in the art. Similarly, the pump 30, which is also described in more detail below, may also be employed with known or conventional funnels.

[0116] The funnel 20 of the invention has a deformable body 50 shaped and configured to generally define a funnel 20 having a proximal open lip end 60 and a distal open milk discharge end 70 through which expressed milk can exit into the container 40 via the pump 30. The deformable body 50 is made up of a funnel wall 80 extending between the open lip end 60 and the discharge end 70. In the present embodiment, the funnel wall 80 can be shaped to generally have a frusto-conical shape having its wider end at the open lip end 60 and its narrower end towards the milk discharge end 70. Optionally, the inner cross section of the funnel 20 can be circular, oval or other suitable shape as required. In other embodiments of the invention, the funnel 20 can have a non-frustoconical shape such as a conical shape or similar.

[0117] The funnel wall 80 defines a breast receiving opening 90 surrounded at the open lip end 60 by a peripheral lip 130 and a milk exit 100 at the milk discharge end 70 which is defined by an annular pump mounting 110 such as a cylindrical flange for mounting the funnel 20 on the pump 30.. A nipple receiving chamber 120, which mimics an infant’s oral cavity, is defined by the funnel wall 80 between the breast opening 90 and the milk exit 100 and a sealing lip 130 extends laterally outwards from the funnel wall 80 at the breast opening 90 to replicate an infant’s lips. The lip 130 can be a circular, oval, or similar shaped rim contactable with a breast and areola. The lip 130 can be flat or disposed at an angle towards or away from a breast to allow for a better seal.

[0118] Internally, the funnel wall 80 defines a lower proximal tongue portion 150 which functionally mimics an infant’s tongue in the nipple receiving chamber 120 for stimulating the lower areola / nipple area and an interior funnel sweet spot 140 distally disposed towards the milk exit 100 beyond the lower tongue 150 at the generally cylindrical / tubular portion 85 of the frusto-conical funnel wall 80 which exhibits an increased hardness / strength compared with the remainder of the funnel wall 80 due to its reduced diameter thus reducing the compressibility of the funnel wall 80 under vacuum at the funnel sweet spot 140. As shall be explained more fully below, the funnel sweet spot 140 is so configured for optimal expression of milk under vacuum without discomfort to the user.

[0119] In general, a funnel 20 in which the lip 130 at the breast receiving opening 90 is inclined at an angle of between about 10° and about 90° to the vertical and / or the lower proximal tongue portion 150 of the funnel wall 80 is inclined at an angle to the horizontal of between about 10° and about 70° has been found to be particularly efficacious The funnel wall 80 is shaped and configured to define the lower tongue portion 150 and is responsive to vacuum pressure to deform towards a breast when vacuum pressure is applied by the pump 30. The manner of deformation i.e. the degree and direction of deformation of the tongue 150 portion of the funnel wall 80 is controlled by vacuum responsive tongue actuation controllers 200 which in the present embodiment can be in the form of tongue recesses 210 and tongue protrusions 220 formed in the funnel wall 80 at the tongue 150. The tongue actuation controllers 200 serve to control the timing of deformation, degree of deformation and deformation sequence of portions of the tongue 150 in response to applied vacuums for optimal stimulation of the areola and nipple in use i.e. the tongue 150 can deform towards a user’s breast in a predetermined manner when negative pressure is increased in the pump and regain its position when negative pressure is decreased in the pump. More particularly, the tongue recesses 210 exhibit a rapid vacuum response to quickly draw or pull the tongue 150 upwards towards the areola and nipple while the tongue protrusions 220 exhibit a delayed vacuum response but increased compression of the breast below the areola for enhanced milk expression. The delayed response also prevents sharp edges from forming at the tongue 150 during deformation so that pinching of the breast is prevented for increased comfort.

[0120] The funnel 20 is configured to move in a controlled manner under compression to optimally locate the funnel sweet spot 140 at a nipple. Examples of the type of controlled movement are movement by flexing / folding or partial collapse of the funnel 20 between an non-folded / collapsed position as shown for example in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 9 and a flexed / folded / partially collapsed position as shown in Figures 10, 11 and 13 in use to optimally locate the tongue 150 below the nipple and areola area of a user’s breast and to simultaneously locate the funnel sweet spot 140 at the user’s nipple. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the funnel wall 80 is provided with a calibrated movement controller 160 in the funnel upper wall 80 above the tongue 150 which is shaped and configured to facilitate a controlled movement of the funnel 20 towards a user’s breast in use i.e. a controlled flexing / folding or articulation of the funnel 20 in a desired direction. More particularly, as shown in Figure 3, the movement controller 160 is configured to affect a flexing movement of the funnel 20. . The movement controller 160 can be configured and calibrated to affect the desired controlled movement resulting in the locating of a nipple at the funnel sweet spot 140 and positioning of the tongue 150 below the nipple / areola area. ..

[0121] The movement controller 160 is an articulating / flexing element 160 which in one embodiment can be formed by a fold 160. In the present embodiment, the fold 160 can be a multiple-fold which can be formed by an upper corrugated section 170 in the funnel wall 80 disposed generally opposite the lower tongue 150. The corrugated section 170 is formed from peaked / troughed accordion-like folds 180 circumferentially formed in the funnel upper wall 80 so that the peaked / troughed accordion-like folds 180 are substantially radially oriented around a portion of the funnel wall 80. The remainder of the funnel wall 80 extending either side of the movement controller 160 towards the tongue 150 is an unarticulated portion 190 of the funnel wall 80 - although, as indicated above, the tongue 150 is vacuum responsive - i.e. moves in response to vacuum oscillations.

[0122] In other embodiments of the invention, the movement controller 160 can be formed by alternative structural features or weaknesses in the funnel wall 80 such as scorings, grooves and the like or material differences in the shore hardness of funnel wall 80 at the movement controller 160.

[0123] Figures 9 and 10 show a breast 230 placed in the funnel 20 with the upper corrugation 170 compressed by the breast 230 to locate the nipple 240 and areola 250 at the funnel sweet spot 140 as a result of the controlled inward movement of the funnel 20 at the movement controller 160 to automatically correctly position the nipple 240 and lower areola 250 area at the funnel sweet spot 140. As indicated above, the funnel sweet spot 140 is an area within the funnel 20 between the tongue 150 and the milk exit 100, defined by the funnel wall 80, within which a user’s nipple can be received in comfort whilst being shaped and / or configured for optimal milk expression. In one form, the funnel sweet spot 140 can be an empty space defined by the funnel wall 80 which is free of obstructions to milk flow. The funnel wall 80 at the nipple receiving chamber can be provided with dead space eliminators 260 which have been found to reduce the amount of dead air within the funnel 20 in use for increased comfort under vacuum pressures. The dead space eliminators 260 can take any volumetric form such as wall protuberances 270 or the like (see also Figure 4). The surface, texture or contouring of the funnel wall 80 can also be configured to replicate an infant’s physiological interaction with the breast 230 through the use of physical anatomical and / or suckling replicators 280. The suckling replicators can be configured as required and can also serve as structural reinforcers at the in the funnel wall 80. As shown in Figure 4, the suckling replicators 280 can take the form of extrusions, wall projections, changes in geometry, changes in material thickness or inserts of other materials which can be used to locally alter the funnel wall 80 to accurately replicate the anatomy of an infant’s intraoral cavity and to aid and enhance the complex functions of the suckling mechanism.

[0124] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a funnel 80 of the invention broadly similar to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4 but in which the movement controller 160 is in the form of corrugations 170 which extend completely around the funnel wall 80 at the cylindrical portion 85 and the tongue 150 is located distally of the movement controller 160. Accordingly, controlled movement does not take place only at the tongue 150. Like numerals indicate like parts. Also, in the present embodiment, the pump mounting 110 is in the form of a tapered wall 115 configured to form a friction fit with a pump 30.

[0125] As indicated above, other embodiments of the invention can have alternative articulating / flexing elements 160 to achieve controlled folding of the funnel towards the distal pump 30 as outlined above.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the funnel 20 can be made from a pliable and resilient material such as silicone or similar. The material of the funnel can have a durometer hardness between about Shore A 20 and about Shore A-60. Optionally, the funnel comprises a material of single-shore hardness or a combination of materials of different durometer hardness. A material having an approximate shore hardness of about A40 is particularly suitable. However, in general, a range of materials having different shore hardness values can be employed provided the wall thicknesses of the funnel 20 or the vacuum responsive tongue actuation controllers 200, suckling replicators 280 and dead space eliminators 260 are configured to achieve the desired flexibility and controllability.

[0127] The funnel 20 can also be formed as an insert for use with conventional funnels.

[0128] A manually operated distal pump 30 suitable for use with the proximal funnel 20 in a breast pump 10 will now be described having regard to Figures 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 14 to 17. The funnel 20 and pump 30 are in fluid communication with each other so that the pump 30 an receive expressed milk from the funnel 20. The distal pump 30 is in fluid communication with the proximal funnel 20 via the milk discharge end 70 of the funnel 20. The funnel 20 and the pump 30 can connect along a straight axis or at an angle at the pump mounting 110 depending on the overall configuration of the breastpump 10. In the present embodiment, the pump mounting 110 curves downward from the funnel 20.

[0129] As shown in the drawings, the pump 30 is formed by a deformable housing 290 attachable to the funnel 20 at the pump mounting 110 via a proximal complementary tubular funnel mounting 300 on the pump 30. Towards its distal end, the housing 290 is provided with a milk discharge opening 310 to discharge expressed milk from the pump 30 into the container 40. In the present embodiment, the milk discharge opening 310 is defined in a downwardly disposed annular pipe 390 positioned on a bottom or lower portion of the deformable housing so that expressed milk can exit the pump 30 under gravity.

[0130] The pump 30 is a multi-chamber pump 30 which in the present embodiment is a dual chamber pump 30. However, as discussed further below, in other embodiments of the invention, the pump 30 can be a single chamber pump 30 or have more than two chambers.

[0131] Accordingly, the pump deformable housing 290 is made up of a first vacuum generation and control pump chamber 320 and a second vacuum generation and control pump chamber 330 fluidly communicable with the first chamber 320. The first and second pump chambers 320,330 can be generally semi-cylindrical in shape and are conjoined at a central party / shared opposing force structure 340 which in the present embodiment is an opposing stationary wall 340 disposed opposite to respective outwardly curved deformable semi-circular elongate walls 350,360 which terminate at end walls 370.

[0132] The stationary opposing wall 340 can be formed from a higher shore material and, if desired, can also be reinforced with increased wall thickness to achieve sufficient rigidity. The stationary opposing wall 340 can also be made from a rigid material such as a polymer.

[0133] The deformable semi-circular walls 350,360 can be collapsed or compressed towards the party opposing wall 340 to generate a vacuum when external compression is applied and regains its original shape when compression is released. In the present embodiment, the opposing wall 340 is a stationary wall which can be reinforced to prevent its deformation and enhance vacuum generation. As shown in Figure 6, the stationary opposing wall 340 can also be reinforced by reinforcing septums 355,365 at each end of the opposing wall 340 i.e. where the opposing wall 340 meets the deformable semi-circular walls 350,360.

[0134] The opposing stationary wall 340 is relatively rigid, and is formed and dimensioned in a way to anchor the edges of the deformable walls 350,360 where the deformable walls 350,360 and the stationary wall 340 meet at the septums 355,365. This anchoring prevents the edges of the deformable walls 350,360 from moving together when the deformable walls 355,365 are compressed.

[0135] The multi-chamber pump 30 provides a more gradual increase in vacuum pressure when compared with a single chamber pump. When the deformable housing 290, i.e. the deformable walls 350,360 in the present embodiment, is released, the pump 40 is under its highest internal pressure, which forces it to return to its original shape and position. As a result, an initial high vacuum level (between about 150 mmHg and about 250 mmHg) is generated, which is then maintained due to the vacuum chamber created by the breast pump 10 in use, and further increased as the deformable walls 350,360 move outward from the stationary wall 340.

[0136] It should be noted that the deformable walls 350,360 can be spherical, oval, elliptical, dome-like or other convenient geometry, that by the nature of its shape would enable the wall to buckle towards the opposing force structure when compressed and force itself back to its original shape when released.

[0137] The pump 30 can be provided with pumping action controllers 400 to control and vary vacuum generation by the pump in use. The pumping action controllers 400 can be provided on the deformable housing 290 in the form of indents which make it easier for the deformable walls 350,360 to buckle under compression and help guide the direction of the collapse while pumping action controllers 400 in the form of thickenings, ridges, ribs, spines and the like can be configured to control the gradual increase in vacuum pressure as the deformable walls 350,360 return to their original shape. For example, a spine or ridge running along the top of the deformable wall 350,360 that gradually thickens towards the discharge opening 310 ensures the deformable wall 350,360 fully returns to its original shape, even when the vacuum pressure decreases due to milk filling a pump chamber 320,330.

[0138] For example, in the present embodiment, the deformable semi-circular walls 350 of the first and second chambers 320 are each externally provided with compression increasing indents or channels 410,420. The two elongate indents 410,420 are disposed lengthwise and parallel to each other along the deformable walls 350,360 and ensure easy compression and even regaining of the original shape of the chambers 320,330.

[0139] Accordingly, the pumping action controllers 400 enable a more controlled collapse and more controlled regaining of shape of the pump 30 and can take different shapes and sizes as required and can be applied lengthwise, crosswise and at an angle controlling the motion of the deformable walls 350,360 under compression and release as required. Figure 8 is a perspective view from above and one side of an alternative deformable pump wall 350 in which the wall 350 is provided with pumping action controllers 400 in the form of external compression increasing indents 410,420 as outlined above but arranged in a divergent manner and a generally triangular central thickening or ridge / spine 430 between the divergent indents 410,420. In this arrangement, compression is easiest where the indents 410,420 are closest.

[0140] The pump 30 is also provided with a one-way valve 440 at the pump discharge opening 310. The one-way valve 440, evacuates excess air and the expressed milk from the funnel 20, while ensuring that a closed funnel vacuum chamber is maintained within the funnel 20. The dimensions and material characteristics of the one-way valve 440 can be varied as required in accordance with the dimensions of the milk container 40.

[0141] The milk container 40 serves to collect expressed milk discharged through the oneway valve 440. The milk container 40 can be attached to the funnel 20 in a conventional manner so that the funnel 20 and the container 40 form an enclosed fluid tight unit in use. In the present embodiment, the container 40 is an open dome-like shape and is placed over the pump 30 and removably attached to the breast pump 10 at a complementary sealing plate 460 mounted on the funnel 20 to form a fluid-tight seal sealed with the sealing plate 460.

[0142] The dome-like or similar (elliptical, oval, etc.) shape of the container 40 allows for the breast pump 10 to fit inside a user’s bra. In the present embodiment, and in any embodiment where the funnel 20 is enclosed in such way, the container 40 has partially deformable / soft sections 450 correlating with the position of the deformable walls 350,360 of the funnel 20. Accordingly, when a user compresses the soft section 450 of the container 40, the user simultaneously compresses the deformable walls 350,360 of the pump 30, and when the user releases the compression, both the deformable walls 350,360 of the pump 30 as well as the soft sections 450 of the container 40 regain their shapes. In another embodiment of the invention, the entire container 40 can be fully formed from a suitable flexible material (e.g. a silicone, poly elastomer or rubber material) having a suitable durometer hardness.

[0143] In another embodiment, the milk container 40 can also be provided with a one-way air valve to release excess air build-up as the container 40 fills with fluid.

[0144] In use, the breast pump 10 as shown in Figure 1 is placed on the breast 230 of the user in a manner such that the sealing lip 130 of the funnel 20 is compressed onto the areola 250, allowing the nipple 240 to enter the frusto-conical funnel 20. Due to the compression from the breast 230 on the funnel 20, the corrugation 170 folds in a controlled manner allowing the nipple 240 to travel deeper into the funnel to locate the funnel sweet spot 140 at the areola / nipple 240,250 area and the tongue 150 under the areola / nipple 240,250 area. At the same time, due to the same compression, the lip 130 creates a seal on the breast 230.

[0145] The breast pump 10 is operated by applying a rhythmic compression force followed by release on the deformable walls 350,360 of the pump 30 from the outside. Depending on the configuration of the pump 30 this can be applied directly onto the deformable walls 350,360 or applied through the container 40 if the container 40 is configured to cover pump 30. In this case, as indicated above, compression can be achieved by the making the container 40 partially or fully compressible so that the applied compression force transfers onto the deformable walls 350,360 when compressing the container itself.

[0146] In another embodiment, where the container 40 is a rigid container 40 that also covers the deformable walls 350,360, the compression force can be applied via an access (e.g. a hole) in the container 40 through which a manually operable mechanical force transmitter such as a lever or arm can contact the deformable walls 350,360.

[0147] The deformable walls 350,360 therefore deform in a predetermined manner towards the stationary opposing wall 340 lead by the indents 410 and thickenings 430 and the air and any breastmilk is forced out of the funnel 20 through the one-way valve 440. When the deformable walls 350,360 are most compressed, volumes of air and fluid inside the funnel 20 are minimised. When the compression is then released, a vacuum seal is generated at the lip 130 in contact with the breast 230 and at the one-way valve 440 at the milk discharge opening 310. Asa result, the inside of the funnel 20 becomes a vacuum chamber 470.

[0148] When compression is released, the deformable walls 350.360 force themselves to expand outwardly away from the stationary opposing wall 340 due to their resilience and geometry to regain their original shape and position. Due to the deformable walls 350,360 forcing themselves outwards, away from the stationary opposing wall 340, the negative pressure inside the funnel 20 starts to increase. This negative pressure inside the funnel 20 therefore forces the tongue 150 to fold towards the breast 230 (see Figure 17). Applying rhythmical compression and release on the deformable walls 350,360 therefore creates a cycle of vacuum pressure oscillation in the pump 30 which is transferred to the connected funnel 20 to also affect a rhythmical movement of the tongue 150 to physically stimulate the areola 250 and nipple 240 area in a biomimetic fashion.

[0149] As indicated above, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the funnel 20 is employed with a manually operated pump 30 as outlined above to form a breast pump 10. However, in other embodiments, the funnel 20 can be employed with other manual or non-manual pumps such as mechanical pumps, electromechanical pumps, electrical pumps, pneumatic pumps, hydraulic pumps and the like.

[0150] The elements of the breast pump 10 can also be removably detachable from each other (e.g. the breast pump can be provided in kit form) such as the funnel 20, pump 30, milk container 40 and the one-way valve 440 in separate components to be assembled by a user.

[0151] Figure 18 shows the breast pump 10 of Figure 1 with an alternative pump 40 in which the pump 40 is a double chamber pump 40 as previously described and like numerals indicate like parts. However, in the present embodiment, the opposing force structure 340 of the pump 40 is not a continuous party wall 340 but is formed by opposing buttresses 480, 490 at the reinforcing septums 355,365 to provide a stationary opposing force structure.

[0152] Figure 19 shows the breast pump 10 of Figure 1 with another alternative pump 40 in which the pump 40 is a double chamber pump as previously described and like numerals indicate like parts. In the present embodiment, the opposing force structure 340 of the pump 40 is not a continuous party wall 340 but is made up of the two oppositely disposed septums 355,365 which are structurally embedded and reinforced through appropriate material selection to provide a stationary opposing force structure.

[0153] More generally, the rigidity required to achieve a stationary opposing force structure 340, whether a continuous wall or otherwise, can be achieved by configuring the opposing force structure 340 and / or appropriate selection of materials for the opposing force structure 340. For example, the required rigidity can be achieved by increased opposing force structure 340 thickness, use of different shore hardness materials (about A60 or above), by using other rigid materials like polymers or as a combination of structural features and materials, for example a polymer insert embedded in a silicone opposing force structure 340 having an increased thickness.

[0154] The pump 40 of Figures 1 to 19 is a multi-chamber pump 40 and in the specific embodiment shown can be a dual-chamber pump.

[0155] Figure 20 shows another embodiment of the breast pump 10 of the invention in which the funnel 20 can be as previously described but the pump 30 is a single chamber pump 30 shown at rest i.e. not under compression while Figure 21 shows the pump 30 in use i.e. under compression. Like numerals indicate like parts. As shown in the drawings, the single chamber pump 30 is made up of a deformable housing 290 which is generally cylindrical in shape and is attached to the funnel 20 via a shoulder-like or arcuate tubular connector mounting 300 in place of the cylindrical tubular mounting 300 described above.. The cylindrical deformable housing 290 also serves as an easy grip handle 500 which extends downwards from the funnel 20. The deformable housing 290 has a single tubular sidewall 510 having a deformable elongate distal section 520 which can be manually compressed towards an opposing elongate stationary wall section 530 equivalent to the opposing force structures 340 previously described. Compression of the deformable elongate distal section 520 results in the formation of a vacuum as previously described.

[0156] Figures 22 and 23 show a further embodiment of the invention broadly similar to the embodiment of Figures 20 and 21 but in which the pump 30 is a double chamber pump made up of a larger primary vacuum generation and control chamber 540 and a fluidly connected smaller secondary vacuum generation and control chamber 550 arranged in sequence with the smaller secondary vacuum generation and control chamber 550 fluidly connected to the shoulder-like or arcuate tubular connector mounting 300. The deformable distal portion 520 of each chamber 540, 550 is domed or convex in shape to further increase the volume of the chambers 540,550 and to increase the deformability of the deformable distal portion 520 in use. The funnel 20 is broadly similar to the funnel 20 previously described and like numerals indicate like parts. Due to its relatively smaller size, the smaller secondary vacuum generation and control chamber 550 is configured to regain its shape more quickly than the larger primary vacuum generation and control chamber 540. Accordingly, by providing the breast pump with two or more vacuum generation and control chambers 540,550 where one chamber 550 is designed to regain its shape more quickly due to its size and the other 540 is designed to regain its shape more slowly due to its size, the vacuums generated in use can build up more slowly as movement of the smaller secondary vacuum generation and control chamber 550 is first required before movement of the larger primary vacuum generation and control chamber 540 can be initiated.

[0157] In other embodiments of the invention, a gradual build-up of pressure can also be achieved with multi-chamber pumps in which a disparity in chamber movement can be achieved by varying the chamber shapes(s).

[0158] Figures 24 and 25 show a further embodiment of a breast pump 10 of the invention in which the pump 30 is a double chamber pump 30 broadly similar to the breast pumps 10 previously described and like numerals indicate like parts. In the present embodiment, pump 30 of the breast pump 10 also has first and second vacuum generation and control chambers 320,330. However, the first and second vacuum generation and control chambers 320,330 are of the same size and each is formed from a deformable housing 290 defining a generally semi-circular elongate deformable wall 350,360 and an oppositely disposed opposing force structure 340 in which the longitudinal axes of the deformable housings 290 are arranged in parallel i.e. the first and second vacuum generation and control chambers 320,330 are disposed side by side to meet at a fold 560 about which the first and second vacuum generation and control chambers 320,330 can flex towards (and away from) each other as shown in Figure 25 during compression.

Claims

Claims1. A breast pump funnel for expressing breastmilk comprising:a deformable body having a proximal lip end and a distal milk discharge end; a funnel wall extending between the lip end and the milk discharge end configured to define a nipple receiving chamber, the nipple receiving chamber having a lip at the lip end defining a breast receiving opening and being configured to sealably receive a breast, a milk exit at the milk discharge end configured to discharge milk from the funnel, a lower proximal tongue towards the lip end configured to stimulate a nipple / areola, and a funnel sweet spot in the nipple chamber configured for optimal expression of milk from a breast under vacuum,wherein the funnel comprises a movement controller configured to move the funnel under compression to locate the funnel sweet spot at a nipple.

2. A breast pump funnel as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the movement controller comprises a fold in the funnel wall.

3. A breast pump funnel as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the fold comprises a corrugation in the funnel wall.

4. A breast pump funnel as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the lip at the breast receiving opening is inclined at an angle of between about 10° and about 90° to the vertical and / or the lower proximal tongue is inclined at an angle to the horizontal of between about 10° and about 70°.

5. A breast pump funnel as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the tongue is responsive to vacuum pressure to deform in response to applied vacuums in the funnel.

6. A breast pump funnel as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the tongue comprises a vacuum responsive tongue actuation controller to control deformation of the tongue.

7. A breast pump funnel as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the vacuum responsive tongue actuation controller comprises a tongue recess and / or a tongue protrusion.

8. A breast pump funnel as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the funnel wall comprises a dead space eliminator to reduce the amount of dead air within the funnel in use.

9. A breast pump funnel as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the funnel wall comprises a suckling replicator in nipple receiving chamber configured to replicate an infant’s intraoral cavity.

10. A breast pump funnel as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the funnel sweet spot comprises an empty space defined by the funnel wall free of obstructions to milk flow.

11. A breast pump funnel as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the funnel is frusto-conical in shape.

12. A breast pump comprising a breast pump funnel as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 11 and a pump fluidly connected to the funnel at a pump mounting towards the milk exit of the funnel.

13. A breast pump as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the pump comprisesa deformable pump housing having a proximal funnel mounting and a distal milk discharge opening, the pump housing defining a vacuum generation pump chamber having a deformable pump wall extending between the proximal funnel mounting and the milk discharge opening deformable towards and away from an opposing force structure opposite the deformable pump wall to generate a vacuum in the pump and the funnel.

14. A breast pump as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the opposing force structure comprises a stationary wall attached to the deformable wall.

15. A breast pump as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 14, wherein the deformable pump wall comprises a pumping action controller to control and vary vacuum generation by the pump.

16. A breast pump as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the pumping action controller comprises an indent or channel in the deformable wall to aid and guide deformation of the deformable wall and / or a thickening or a ridge on the deformable wall to affect a gradual increase in vacuum pressure following deformation.

17. A breast pump as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 16, wherein the pump comprises a first vacuum generation pump chamber and a second vacuum generation pump chamber fluidly communicable with the first chamber.

18. A breast pump as claimed in Claim 17 wherein, the first vacuum generation pump chamber and the second vacuum generation pump chamber are conjoined at a party opposing force structure.

19. A breast pump as claimed in Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the first vacuum generation pump chamber is parallel or arranged in sequence with the second vacuum generation pump chamber.

20. A breast pump as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the first vacuum generation pump chamber is volumetrically larger than the second vacuum generation pump chamber.

21. A breast pump as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 20, wherein the pump is a manually operated pump or a mechanical, electromechanical, electric, pneumatic or hydraulic pump.

22. A breast pump as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 21 further comprising a container for expressed milk removably mounted over the pump.

23. A breast pump as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the container comprises a deformable section correlating with a deformable wall of the funnel pump.

24. A breast pump as claimed in Claim 22 or Claim 23, wherein the container is a rigid container comprising an access for applying a force transmitter to a deformable wall of the pump.

25. A breast pump as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 24, wherein the breast pump is a wearable breast pump.

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