Hands-free breast pump system.

(54) Title: HAND-FREE BREAST PUMP SYSTEM.

(54) Title: HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP SYSTEM.

(57) Summary

A hands-free breast pump system is described. A breast protector is described as having an internal adhesive surface to adhere to a woman's breast. The breast protector can be connected to an adapter for the transfer of a vacuum generated by a pump to the breast. The adapter also allows milk expressed from the breast to drain from the adapter into a container. Alternatively, the breast protector may be part of a protective adapter breast system connected to a conventional breast protector by a drain line so that a conventional breast milk pump system is used to supply a vacuum and to collect milk.

(57) Abstract

A hands-free breast pump system is disclosed. A breast shield having an adhesive inner surface for adhering to a woman's breast is disclosed. The breast shield may be connected to an adapter for transferring a vacuum generated by a pump to the breast. The adapter also allows milk expressed from the breast to drain from the adapter to a container. In the alternative, the breast shield may form part of a breast shield adapter system which is connected to a conventional breast shield by a drain line so that a conventional breast pump system is used to supply a vacuum and to collect the milk.

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Mexican Institute of Industrial Property □ i

PATENT TITLE NO. 340313

Owner (s): LYNDON BRITTNER

Address: PO Box 234, Provo, Utah, 84603, USA

Name: HAND-FREE BREAST PUMP SYSTEM. Classification: lnt.CI.8: A61J9 / 00; A61M1 / 06; A61M39 / 10

Inventor (s): LYNDON BRITTNER

Number:

MX / a / 2013/003753

Country:

REQUEST

International filing date:

October 2011

PRIORITY

Date: Numbers;

US October 2010

12/898,60(1

Validity: Twenty years

Expiration Date: October 3, 2031

The reference patent is granted based on articles 1, 2 fraction V, 6 fraction III, and 59 of the Industrial Property Law.

In accordance with Article 23 of the Industrial Property Law, this patent has a validity of twenty non-renewable years, counted from the date of filing of the international application and will be subject to the payment of the fee to maintain the rights in force. γ^;

Whoever subscribes to this title does so based on the provisions of articles 6 fractions ID and 7 bis 2 pe the Industrial Property Law (Official Office of the Federation (DOF, 06/27/1991, amended on 02 / 08/1994, 10/28/1996, 12/26/1997, 05/17/1999, 01/26/2004, 06/16/2005, 01/25/2006, 05/06/2009 / 06/01 / 2010, 06/18/2010, 06/28/2010, 01/27/2012 and C9 / 04/2012) articles 1, 3rd section V, subsection a), subsection h¡) 4th and 12th fractions I and nor of the Regulations of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (D (&gt;. F. 12/14/1999, amended on 07/01/2002, 07/15/2604, 07/28/2004 and 09/07/2007); articles 1, 3, 4, 5 fraCBión V indsoa), * ub maso i¡¡), 16 frictions I and II and 90 of the Organic Statute of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (C OF 27/12/1999 , amended on 10/10/2092, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/207); 1 °, 3 ° and 5 ° paragraph a) and antepenülürno paragraph of the Accused person who gives faculties in the Deputy Directors General, Coordinator, Divisional Directors. Holders of reads Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Taproperty t «dUSWet (DOF 15/12/1999, reformed on 02/04/2000, ¿9/07/2004, 04/08/2004 and 09/13/2007).

Issue Date: July 6, 2016

DIVISIONAL DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EXAMINATION OF PATENT FUND, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND REGISTRY AREAS ^neither= INDUSTRIAL AND

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Arenal No. 550. Floor 1 Coi. Santa María Tepepari village. Xochirmlco. CP 1S020 Mexico City

Such. (55i 53 3-4 07 00 www.inipi gob.mx

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MX / 2016/52707

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SINE PUMP SYSTEM TO MA .. ~

The present invention relates to breast milk collection systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to hands-free breast pump systems and hands-free breast protector adapters.

BACKGROUND

Studies show that breast milk is healthier for children than formula or other types of milk. While mothers strive to provide the best environment for their children, this sometimes requires that the mother is unable to be with a nursing baby at all times.

For example, some women work outside the home a certain amount of time during the day. A nursing mother who works outside the home should collect milk during the day to provide breast milk for her child when she is away from her child. If a nursing mother does not use a breast pump, milk production may decrease, so that she is not able to produce enough milk for her baby. Therefore, many working mothers collect breast milk in order to work and provide the best food for their children. To accommodate mothers

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IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO Dt LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL infants, for some time there have been breast pumps to extract breast milk for later use by their children.

Typically, these pumps to express breast milk include a funnel, or parabolic cup-shaped, similar to a suction cup (sometimes called a breast protector), which is placed over the nipple and a portion of the breast. The cup is generally connected to a container to hold the expressed milk and a vacuum pump of some kind. Some pumps may be manual, while others are electrically powered. Some are even battery powered.

A pump vacuum is generally generated intermittently within the shield to generate negative pressure on the nipple, causing milk to be drawn from the breast into the breast shield. The intermittent nature of vacuum can be done to simulate a baby's suckling at the breast. The expressed milk then generally flows from the protection to a storage container for later use. Most breast milk pumps require a woman to use her hands to operate the pump and / or maintain connection to the cup and breast. Such breast milk pumps have been time consuming and somewhat complicated to use because the woman using the pump must occupy one or both hands, making it difficult to perform other activities.

IMPI

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INSTrn-rruMUiCANO DE LA fWFlíBA · industrial

A variety of breast milk pumps have been developed for the purpose of allowing a woman's hands to be free while using breast milk pumps. Often these breast milk pumps use straps or support type structures to hold the guard in your luqar during breast pumping. However, these belts and other structures generally provide additional volume in the breast pump and are difficult and time consuming to connect, which is not conducive to pumping in locations other than home where the pump can be stored. Some women want to be out of the house at times when they would need to pump breast milk to maintain milk production. Other pumps require special bras or other clothing, which requires often uncomfortable clothing decisions. Similarly, many breast pumps on the market are cumbersome and difficult to use. Therefore, there is a need for a simple, convenient, hands-free breast pump system that allows a woman to do other things while pumping breast milk.

Brief Summary

i.

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VTT ^ TCí MEXICANO ^r&gt; *. * · -ΨΟΝΕΟΛΟ • 01 &lt;STRIAL

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It describes the modalities of the ... hands-free systems of the breast pump, methods, adapters and components. Some embodiments of breast milk pump systems may include a formed limb, or shield, made of a material that provides an internal adhesive surface to adhere to a woman's breast. The adhesiveness of the surface may be due to the materials used during manufacturing (i.e., a breast protector that is made of an adhesive material or has an adhesive added or applied during manufacturing processes) and not due to aerosols, lotions, adhesives or other items placed on the breast or protection by the end user. In the alternative, the adhesive could be added to the breast protection, either to make it adhesive or to renew the adhesive qualities of breast protection lost during use and washing by the end user. Such could be provided, for example, in a kit that allows the user to renew adhesive qualities when lost.

In some embodiments, breast pump systems may include a breast shield or coupling adapter connected to the breast shield to transfer a vacuum generated by a pump to the breast to express milk. The breast protection adapter also allows milk expressed from the breast to drain from the

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IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY adapter to a container, without having to move inside the pump. In some embodiments, the breast protector adheres to the breast, since the adhesive supports the weight of the adapter, breast protection, and the tube that extends from the adapter without the need for separate adhesives, gels, straps, or bras specially designed support. In other embodiments, the adhesive qualities of the breast protection can be enhanced by the user by applying the adhesive to the breast protection. Therefore, adhesive breast protector and breast milk pump system can allow milk extraction at hands free.

In some embodiments, a breast milk pump system comprises a breast guard for adhesive bonding to the breast, one or more tubes to carry the vacuum pressure and milk, and a connector to connect to the breast protector or breast adapter. a conventional breast milk pump system. In such an embodiment, a conventional pump system can be used when desired, and the hands-free components are added quickly without altering the conventional pump system when hands-free pumping is desired.

Brief Description of Drawings

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MMICAN INSTITUTE OF INOUSTRIAL ΜΟηΐοϊρ

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Figure 1 illustrates a generalized perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a breast milk pump system;

Figure 2 illustrates a generalized perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a breast milk pump system;

Figure 3 illustrates a partial assembly of an illustrative breast milk pump system;

Figure 4 illustrates the components of a partial assembly of an illustrative breast milk pump system;

Figure 5 illustrates a partial assembly of an illustrative breast milk pump system;

Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cap assembly of an illustrative breast milk pump system;

Figs. 7-9 illustrate views of illustrative breast protectors for illustrative embodiments of a breast milk pump system;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a hands-free breast protection adapter system that can be used with a conventional breast milk pump system to obtain hands-free breast milk collection without having to modify the pump system. conventional breast milk;

IMPI ^ Mexican Institute,,. , Dt OWNERSHIP &lt;% ΣΖ5Κ &lt;ί ... -.

Figure 11 illustrates the iNpi) and tR system_lAiAH&gt; y3 ^ ~ aS-r of sinus protection of figure 10 □ a ^{cic! l}~^piiirl conventional protection breast milk pump and / or breast adapter;

Figure 12 shows a cross sectional view of the breast protector and related structures of Figure 10;

Figure 13 shows a close-up view of a connector used to connect the breast protector adapter system of Figure 10 to a conventional breast protector of a conventional breast milk pump system;

Figure 14 shows a close-up view of an alternative embodiment of a connector; and

Figure 15 shows a pair of breast protectors connected to a conventional single breast protector and the container according to the principles of the present invention.

Along with the following description, the figures demonstrate and explain the principles of a hands-free breast milk pump system and associated components and methods. In the figures, the thickness and configuration of the components can be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numbers in the different figures represent the same component.

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ΜΡΙ; α · 1 ΙΤι ΊΟ MEXICAN

ΊΙ .Λ PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

Detailed Description -------------- The modalities of a hands-free breast milk pump system are described below and shown in the figures. The breast milk pump system 100, as shown in Figure 1, includes a breast protector 10, an adapter 20, the pump 30, the vacuum line 35, the vacuum line connector 29, container connector 24 and container 40.

The breast protector 10 will typically have an outer surface 16 and an inner surface 14. The breast protector 10 may be made of a relatively soft flexible material capable of conforming to a woman's breast. Not only is it the soft, flexible, most comfortable material, but it can also help adhere the breast protection to the breast as the breast protector can be rolled out, placed against the breast and then released so that the surface internal adjusts to the breast of the woman.

Inner surface 14 is preferably adhesive in nature so that breast protection 10 adheres to a woman's breast without the need for external support structures (although such structures could be used, if desired). This may be because the inner surface is made of a naturally adhesive material, or

IMPI

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

<img file="MX340313B_D0015.tif" />

by adhesive applied to the inner surface of the breast protector. It will be appreciated that the adhesive can also be provided to renew the adhesive nature of the interior surface which may be lost due to the use and washing of the breast protector. Therefore, the breast protector 10 can be sold as part of a kit that includes adhesive to allow the user to apply additional adhesive to the breast protector to ensure that the adhesive is strong enough to support the weight of the pump pump system. 100 breast milk and milk contained in container 40.

Due to the adhesive nature of the inner surface 14 of the breast protector 10, the inner surface 14 can attract dirt, lint, skin cells, oil and other materials that can reduce the adhesiveness of the inner surface 14. In that situation , the inner surface 14 can be washed with soap and water, boiled or otherwise cleaned to restore the adhesiveness of the inner surface 14. Over time, the sinus guard 10 may wear out, lose some adhesion properties, or otherwise require replacement. In such cases, the breast shield 10 can be removed from adapter 20 and replaced as necessary. Also, a cleaning product can be provided as part of a

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX340313B_D0016.tif" />

kit to allow cleaning of the adhesive interior surface 14 with minimal impact on the adhesive.

The adhesive nature of the inner surface 14 of the breast protector 10 preferably allows the breast protector 10 to remain attached to a woman's breast for the duration necessary to express a required or desired amount of milk or until dry. Preferably, although not required, the adhesive portion may cover most, if not all, of the inner surface 14 to maximize the area of ​​the breast protection that is available to support the weight of the breast milk pump system 100 and milk in container 40. This allows breast protector 10 to be used in a hands-free manner. This can be done without the need for the consumer to apply separate adhesives, gels, straps, or special fasteners designed to hold a breast milk pump system in place, (although additional adhesive may be added as needed). Similarly, it allows the use of the breast milk pump system 100 without requiring the woman to hold the breast protector 10 in place with her hands. Therefore, a woman using the breast protector 10 with pump system 100 may be able to express milk and still have her hands free for other activities. So, for example, a woman at work could close the door

IMPI

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

<img file="MX340313B_D0017.tif" />

From your office, plug in your breast milk pump system, and then pump your milk while still writing, talking on the phone, or doing a number of other activities that require the use of your hands. Furthermore, the breast protector 10 may be more comfortable than previously known breast protectors because it fits snugly.

It will be appreciated that pump 30 can be a hand pump, in which case the woman can use one hand to drive the pump, leaving the other hand free for other tasks. As an alternative, pump 30 can be a current supply pump running on A / C current or batteries leaving both hands free of the woman during the pumping process. Either way, the adhesive nature of the breast protector allows women to perform tasks that would not be feasible if they had to use one hand to hold the breast protector during use. Furthermore, the present invention makes obvious the requirement for special bras and the like configured to contain a conventional breast protector.

The breast protector 10 can be made of any suitable material that imparts the desired characteristics of flexibility and adhesiveness to the skin. In certain embodiments, the sinus guard 10 may be made of an elastomeric material that has been sufficiently plasticized along the inner surface 14 to

IMPI

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO nc LA PXOPIEDAC

INDUSTRIAL _ provide the characteristics of the desired materials.

For example, the breast protector 10 may be made of silicone rubber with suitable plasticizers. In other examples, the breast protector 10 may be made of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylenepropylene-styrene (SEPS), and styrene-ethylene-styrene ethylene-propylene-ethylene (SEEPS). Other materials may also be appropriate. For example, suitable plasticizers for elastomers can include oils such as mineral oils, resins, rosins, and others. Other components can be used with the elastomers, such as antioxidants, dyes, bleeding reducing additives, etc. In addition, fragrances, such as baby powder or other calming scent, may also be included.

In some embodiments, a coating can be applied during manufacturing to provide the necessary adhesive properties. Depending on the desired structure, stiffness, smoothness, etc., any suitable process or materials can be used to construct the sinus guard 10, as desired. For example, in some cases, it may be desirable to have greater or less rigidity than others.

The material used for the formation of the breast protector 10 can be manufactured by solvent mixing, melt mixing, or combination of

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL heat and pressure such as by using a single screw or double screw composition machine or otherwise. Sine bell 10 can be constructed by injection molding, casting, or other desired process. The breast protector 10 can be configured in any shape and dimension compatible with a woman's breast, as desired. For example, some modalities of breast protection 10 may be funnel-shaped or cup-shaped. It should be understood that the sinus guard 10 can be produced and marketed in a number of sizes and shapes in order to be compatible with a wide range of sinus dimensions, profiles and shapes. The breast protector 10 may include the opening 12 for connection of the breast protector 10 for the connection sleeve 22 of the adapter 20. The breast protector 10 can also be manufactured to work with the known systems of the breast milk pump instead of the conventional breast protector.

In some embodiments, the breast protector 10 may be capable of reversing, such that the inner surface 14 is temporarily on the outer surface and the outer 16 is temporarily on the inside. By reversing the protection of a woman's breast 10 using the breast milk pump system 100 you may be able to achieve a more secure, tighter fit. A woman can first place an opening of the adapter 20 over the nipple in a

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desired position and then extend or roll the breast protector 10 over the breast as the breast protector returns to its normal state, ensuring maximum contact, fit, and adhesive contact between the breast plate 10 and the breast. With the breast protector attached to the breast, the internal adhesive surface 14 is coupled to the breast and is capable of supporting the weight of the breast milk pump system 100 and the collected milk.

Turning now to adapter 20, modalities of adapter 20 can be provided for introducing a vacuum into the woman's breast and directing the flow of milk to a container 40. Adapter 20 may include a connector for connecting to breast protector 10. For example, adapter 20 may include a connector sleeve 22 that forms an interference connection with opening 12 and inner surface 14 of breast protector 10. Aperture 12 can be stretched around sleeve 22 to form an interference fit. The end of the sleeve 22 may be configured to seal against or around the areola of one breast. The sleeve 22 may also be configured such that the breast nipple extends inside the sleeve 22. Therefore, the adapter can come in different sizes to accommodate different breast sizes with the nipples. Inner surface 14 may be configured to adhere to the sinus skin surrounding w *

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PRORKTY

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areola. It will be appreciated, that it may be desirable for the inner surface not to seal above the areola so that the breast protector does not interfere with the pumping action of the breast milk pump system.

In some embodiments, sleeve 22 may generally be flush with opening 12 in breast protector 10. For example, sleeve 22 may include a slot or lip at or near the edge extending into breast protector 10 to hold the interior of the opening 12. Similarly, the opening 12 of the breast protector 10 may include a complementary structure to allow the coupling of the sleeve 22 and the breast protector 10. In other embodiments, the adapter 20 and the breast protector 10 may be a unitary structure.

The adapter 20 can include a connector 24 to connect the adapter 20 to the container 40. For example, the connector 24 can be threaded to couple threads in the container 40. The adapter 20 can be configured in such a way that the milk expressed in adapter 20 empties into container 40, without entering pump 30. Container 40 can be any container used to receive the expressed milk or a modification thereof. For example, container 40 can be a standard baby bottle, or another container used to store and / or supply milk to a baby. Adapter 20 can be

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^Ύ^ I ^ STI Γυτο MEXICANO üt INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY connected through a vacuum line connector 29 to pump 30 through a vacuum line 35. The negative pressure generated by pump 30 can be transmitted to adapter 20 through from the vacuum line 35 and thereby into the sinus guard 10 and the sleeve 22. The pump 30 may be any pump or other suitable device to supply sufficient vacuum pressure to express milk. The vacuum line 35 can be made of any material capable of transferring the negative pressure of the pump 30 with the adapter 20, and can be of any desired configuration. For example, vacuum line 35 may be made of plastic tubes, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube.

Vacuum line 35 can be connected to pump 30 and vacuum line connector 29 of adapter 20 through any desired type of connector. For example, the vacuum line connector 29 may include an opening of approximately the same diameter or slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the vacuum line 35, providing a press fit or interference fit of the outside of the vacuum line at adapter 20. Similarly, the vacuum line connector 29 can include an inner flange for a proper fit with the inner surface of the vacuum line 35. Similarly, the vacuum line of the connector 29 can be oriented in any desired direction of the adapter 20, depending

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

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the desired location of the pump 30. For example, the connecting vacuum line 29 may be oriented such that the vacuum line 35 extends collinear with a drain line 45 to minimize the profile of the adapter 20 when rides on a breast. Thus, for example, a woman can position the system from under her shirt with minimal disruption to her normal appearance.

In some embodiments, adapter 20 may be specially designed to meet the functional requirements described in the present description. In either embodiment, it may be desirable to make the adapter 20 as small as possible to reduce the weight of the adapter 20. Similarly, the adapter 20 may be made of lightweight materials to reduce the birth weight of the breast. of protection 10, and the womb of women. Adapter 20 can also be manufactured to be compatible with any commercially available pump.

FIG. 2 illustrates other modalities of the breast milk pump system 100 similar to the modalities shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, container 40 is coupled to adapter 20 via drain line 45. Drain 45 may be coupled with adapter 20 and container connector 24. Container connector 24 may contain a valve that closes when negative pressure is generated by pump 30, creating a

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IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO Dt la non EDAD INDUSTRIAL empty. This valve opens when the pump cycles against negative pressure, causing milk to flow into container 40. Similarly, a valve can be located on adapter 20, or as an inline valve on drain line 45. .

Drain line 45 can be long enough that container 40 can be supported by something other than adapter 20 and sine guard 10. Depending on the intended use, drain line 45 can be 6 inches, 10 to 12 or even longer. For example, container 40 can rest on a table or chair while the woman is expressing milk, or it can be kept on a belt or other support structure. A drainage line no longer allows a woman to move without having to drag the bottle. Thus, for example, a 60.96 cm drain line can allow a woman to move comfortably around her desk while expressing milk and without moving container 40.

Drain line 45 may be any device capable of transferring milk from adapter 20 into container 40. For example, drain line 45 may be a plastic tube, such as a PVC, silicone, or other Food quality. Drain line 45 can be connected to adapter 20 and container 40 through any type of

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IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE DA ΠΕΙ EDA »

INDUSTRIAL _ desired connection. In some forms of embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, adapter 20 may be able to connect directly to container 40, or to drain line 45, as desired. Thus, a woman is able to adjust system 100 to her specific needs at the time.

The reduction of the weight that must be supported by the adapter 20 reduces the weight that must be supported by the adhesive connection of the breast protector 10 to a woman's breast, and, consequently, to the woman's breast. Therefore, the embodiment of FIG. 2 reduces the adhesive required in the embodiments of FIG. 1 to protect breast 10 to remain connected with adhesive to a woman's breast in a hands-free manner.

Figure 3 illustrates the interior of one embodiment of the adapter 20. The adapter 20 may include an interior passageway 28 divided into a liquid passage 26 and a vacuum line 27 by a diverter 23. The diverter 23 can be positioned to avoid that the expressed milk is sucked by the pump 30. When it is in use, the milk is extracted in the conduit 28. The diverter channels 23 of the milk through liquid passage 26 and also drop by gravity in the container 40. The vacuum line connector 29 is connected to the pump 30, which supplies the negative pressure to extract the milk.

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IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL ___

Figure 4 illustrates the components of the unassembled breast milk pump system 100 as may be provided to an end user. System 100 may include breast protector 10, adapter 20, connecting line 46, vacuum line 35, and drain line 45. Connector line 46 can be placed in the opening of a fluid storage container , for example container 40. Connecting line 46 may be coupled to vacuum line 35 and both drain line 45, with vacuum line 35 going to a pump, such as pump 30 and drain line 45 going to adapter 20. In some modalities, the vacuum connector line 29 may be covered, such as vacuum through container 40 and drain line 45, rather than directly through adapter 20. Similarly, in some forms of embodiment, the two lines 35 and 45 can function as the drain lines 45 running from the double adapters 10 to the same container 40 through the line 46 connector.

Figure 5 illustrates the dual drain lines 45 connected to the individual adapters 20 and the breast protectors that can be used to express milk from both breasts at the same time. A single pump or multiple pumps may be coupled to adapters 20 as required. Similarly, each of the drain lines 45 can be connected to it or in a container

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IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY different 40, and can be connected to each other with a connector

<td>And to</td><td>to drain</td><td>in</td><td>a</td><td>single bottle a</td><td>through</td><td>a</td><td>alone</td>

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connect to the two 20 adapters. It will be understood that lines 35 and 45 may be connected in any way to their respective devices and locations, similar to that discussed with respect to the vacuum line connector 29 above.

Figure 6 illustrates a portion of an illustrative breast milk pump system with container connector 124. Connector container 124 may include valve

137 connected to vacuum line 35 through vacuum line 129 connector. Connector container 124 may be coupled to a fluid container 40 and the drain line similar to connector modalities 24 described above. However, the connecting container 124 can allow the drain line 4 5 to both carry the expressed milk to a fluid container 40, and to carry the vacuum pressure of the vacuum line 35, making it possible to have more of a connection to adapter 20, as previously described.

Valve 137 may include collapsible bladders 139, which may collapse as vacuum from vacuum line 35 does, resulting in a decrease in pressure in the

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Sufficient adapter fluid container 20 from a woman's breast will then be discarded fluid container 40. air passages 138 into fluid container 40.

40, drain line 45 and the

.............. 'to cause breast milk to be expressed. The expressed milk can from the drain line 45 in the Valve 137 can also include communication with the interior of the

Connector container 124 can be connected to fluid container 40 with a threaded connection, similar to the connection of fluid container connector 24 40 described above. Burp valve 150 can provide for the expulsion of excess pressure from fluid container 40 as milk accumulates in container 40 to allow valve 137 to continue to provide negative pressure for fluid container 40 and drain line 45 .

In some embodiments, valve 137 may be an inline valve positioned on vacuum line 35, and may be constructed in any manner that allows a vacuum to draw drain line 45 while eliminating the possibility of fluid traveling from fluid container 40 through vacuum line 35 and into pump 30. In some embodiments, valve 137 may not be required, depending on the configuration of the various parts and components of the breast milk pump system.

IMPI

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GO-'TITITTO MEXICANA '

LM INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

Figs. 7 to 9 illustrate illustrative modalities of sinus protection 10 of Figs / 'T-IT? Each of the sinus guards 310, 410, 510 includes surface features 318, 418, 518, respectively. Sinus shield 310 includes surface features 318 that resemble flower petals extending outward from adapter 20. Similarly, sinus shield 410 includes surface features 418 that resemble bubbles, and sinus shield 510 includes surface features 518 that resemble leaves or other images carved in nature. Surface features 318, 418, 518 can provide structure, and can provide additional adhesion for interior surface 14. Similarly, as shown in the Figures, the adapter 20 can be provided in a number of different profiles and designs.

While the modalities described above provide advantages over conventional breast pump marking systems, modifications need to be made to conventional systems in order to provide the hands free pump sump of the invention. In some cases, modifications can potentially void warranties for systems. In other cases, the user may already own and use a conventional breast milk pump system, but

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IMPI would like the hands-free benefits of the present invention at certain times therefore, Figure 10 shows a hands-free sinus protection system adapter, generally indicated as 600. The sinus protection adapter system 600 includes preferably a 610 protection breast that is designed to adhere to a woman's breast in a hands-free manner during both negative and neutral pressure pumping cycles. Typically, this is accomplished by providing the breast protector 610 with an adhesive on an inner surface 614 thereof. The adhesive can cover the entire interior surface 614 or can only form a strip that is suitable for maintaining a woman's breast protector 610 and maintaining a substantially air-tight seal during the pumping process.

It is preferred that the inner surface 614 of the sinus shield 610 be formed with either an adhesive or adhesive material that is applied during the manufacturing process. However, it will be appreciated that the adhesive can be applied to the breast protection by the user either to initially provide adhesive qualities or to renew adhesive qualities lost through use and / or washing.

Sine guard 610 is connected to a coupling 620 which can be similar to adapter 20 as discussed above (and coupling as used here

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IMPI

Mexican INSTITUTE PE LA PROREDAD INDUSTRIAL includes this type of adapter unless otherwise indicated). Specifically, the coupling can be configured to be adjacent to and / or receive the nipple and extend around the areola of the female breast. For reasons that will be discussed later, however, the general coupling 620 will not have to be directly connected to a vacuum line and a separate vacuum pressure and milk flow are not required. Rather, coupling 620 connects breast protector 610 to a drain line 645 that is intended to carry milk out of breast protector 610 and coupling 620. Drain line 645 can be used both to transport expressed milk to container 674, and signal negative pressure at coupling 620 / sinus guard 610 to encourage milk withdrawal.

Although shown as two separate parts, it will be appreciated that the breast and coupling guard 610 620 may be formed as an integral part. Also, coupling 620 and drain line 645 can be formed as an integral part. The mating 610 and 620 breast protector can come in a variety of sizes to accommodate breasts that have different nipple sizes.

Drain line 645 can be of any desired length. However, a length of 15.24-60.96 cm is desirable, and preferably 25.4-25.72 cm, since

<img file="MX340313B_D0031.tif" />

IMPI allows milk to be distributed to an Í^Nplay^L alleged from the bosom of the woman. This means that — et — ptíüo 'of the extracted Teche and any collected container, such as a bottle, will not be suspended from the breast making the system more comfortable to use and less intrusive for women. For example, the breast protector and adapter can be placed under the shirt and the drain line extended out from the bottom of the woman's shirt. If a person gets close to the woman during use, the system would be much less noticeable than having a complete pumping system, such as the pump system 100 hanging from the woman's breast. It has been found that a conventional pump system will work even when the container 674 that receives the expressed milk is arranged on top of the first one the breast protection 610. Thus, a woman can reside on a sofa or reclining chair if desired and the system will continue to collect milk in the container.

Arranged at or adjacent to an opposite end of drain line 645 is a 650 connector. While connector 650 could be mounted on a bottle with an opening comparable in size to the outside diameter of the connector, it is typically mounted on the opening of a 670 breast protector / 684 adapter from a conventional breast milk pump system as shown in Figure 11. Milk passes through drain line 645 is made

<img file="MX340313B_D0032.tif" />

IMPI

Mexican INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY pass through connector 650 and a conventional 670 sine shield (and / or its associated adapter 684) and into a 674 bottle or collection mechanism. From the conventional 670 breast protector, a conventional 678 breast pump system can be used. The conventional 678 breast milk pump system includes the 680 pump and the 682 vacuum line, along with the adapter 684 that keeps the vacuum pressure and milk separate from each other during pumping. In this configuration, drain line 645 provides a drain for milk delivery and negative pressure communication that passes through conventional adapter 684 and / or breast shield 670 back to breast shield 610 and 620 coupling.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that some breast milk pump systems have a breast protector that can be detached from the adapter that fits different sized breast protectors. In accordance with the present invention, connector 650 can be sized to fit a plurality of sine guard sizes, and can also be configured to nest in adapter 684 in the event that sine guard 670 is removed.

With the 600 breast protection adapter system, a woman who already has a conventional breast milk pump system does not need to make any changes to the

<img file="MX340313B_D0033.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY Conventional breast milk pump system, which could affect the warranty. Ι ·· Β— «T—— · ΜΙ» ΙΙ · «| ΙΙ *» Ι Similarly, you don't need to buy a whole new breast pump system. When hands-free breast pumping is desired, she simply performs the sene protector adapter system 600, connects the breast protector 610 to the breast, and insert connector 650 into the conventional breast protector 670 or adapter 684. . She is able to express milk hands-free or manually as if using a manual pump, until finished. You are also able to use the conventional breast milk pump system by simply removing connector 650 from the conventional 670 breast protection if you so choose.

In addition to avoiding any modifications to the current 15 breastfeeding pump systems that may affect warranties, the 600 Breast Protection Adapter System reduces cost as it may depend on the characteristics of the vacuum isolation / milk pumping system conventional maternal. In addition, the same protective 20 breast adapter system 600 can be used with several different existing breast pump systems. Connector 650 can be shaped to fit different sizes of breast protectors, and, if necessary, can simply be replaced with a different sized connector to fit

IMPI

<img file="MX340313B_D0034.tif" />

to a pump system

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY breast milk with substantially different dimensions.

Turning now to Figure 12, a cross-sectional view of the sinus protector and related structures of Figure 10 is shown. Sinus protector 610 can be attached and held on for attachment 620 by having an annular groove location 700. at coupling 620 to receive an annular rib 704 in sinus shield 610. While an annular rib / groove arrangement provides a consistent and reliable bond, it will be appreciated that neither the rib nor the groove need be annular and that other fastening structures or methods could be used to support the sine guard 610 to the coupling 620. Also, as mentioned above, the two could be formed as a single structure.

It is also preferred that any interface 620A between the proximal end of the coupling and the sinus shield 610 be relatively level in order to minimize potential irritation of the areola. Therefore, the sinus protector 610 can include a slot 712 so that the interface is substantially level.

Drain line 645 can be connected to coupling 620 in a variety of ways, including snap fit, glued or welded in place.

IMPI

<img file="MX340313B_D0035.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROMSDAD

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the coupling 6'2'δ 'and the' drain line 645 (and even the 'Sine guard') could be formed as an integral unit.

Returning to Figure 13, connector 650 receives drain line 645. Drain line 645 may partially extend into connector 650, or may extend fully through the connector. Also, drain line 645 and connector 650 can be connected in a variety of ways (adhesives, snap fit, solder) or it could be formed as an integral unit ·. It is preferred that connector 650 is formed of an elastic or semi-elastic material that will mate with the opening of the breast shield 670 or adapter 684 of the conventional breast milk pump system and form a fluid tight seal therewith. .

Figure 13 shows a close-up view of a connector 650 for connecting the breast protector adapter system of Figure 10 to a conventional breast protector 670 of a conventional breast milk pump system. Connector 650 may have a single lumen 652 extending through the drain line to extend into (or through) and for milk to pass through into the collection mechanism of the conventional breast milk pump system. The 650 connector is typically tapered

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX340313B_D0036.tif" />

in order to be able to connect to breast protection (or its adapters) that have different sized openings.

Figure 14 shows a close-up view of the opposite ends of an alternative embodiment of a 650A connector. Instead of having a single channel, connector 650A has two openings 652a, 652b, one of which can be closed with a plug 654. Having two channels allows two sine protectors 610 to be used and emptied into a single container of a system of conventional breast milk pump. Thus, it can be used for a single conventional breast protection pumping system to simultaneously express milk from both breasts in a hands-free manner rather than forcing the woman to express milk from each breast in sequence and requiring the use at least one hand to hold the conventional breast protector in place.

As shown in Figure 14, connector 650A may have gaps 658 formed therein to reduce weight and material costs. The recesses can also be used to help the 650A connector be more flexible and adaptable to sinus protectors that have different sized openings. However, it will be appreciated that a generally solid connector (other than 652A and 652b lumens) can also be used.

<img file="MX340313B_D0037.tif" />

ΙΜΡΙ

INSTITUTO MiXlCANO D € LA PROHIJAD INDUSTRIAL

Figure 15 shows a pair of sine protection adapter systems 600 for use with the present invention. A pair of breast protectors 610 (a first breast protector and a third breast protector) are provided with an internal adhesive surface 614. Each breast protector 610 is connected to a coupling 620 and drain line 645 as discussed above. . The two drain lines 645 can be attached to a single 650A adapter for mounting on a conventional 670 breast protector (a second breast protector) or an adapter 684 so that the second breast protector is normally attached to a conventional pump 678. If the conventional system lacks sufficient energy to express milk, one of the drain lines 645 can be removed from connector 650A and pin 654 (Figure 14) can be used to close one of the channels or cavities 652a or 652b. The removed drain line 645 can be attached to another 650 / 650A connector and connected to another 678 pump system so that milk can be drawn from both breasts at the same time. This allows women to work with both hands and to minimize disruption to their day caused by the need to pump breast milk.

Some commercially available pumps provide two lines of the pump so that a woman

<img file="MX340313B_D0038.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PRONSCAD INDUSTRIAL can use two breast milk protectors in associated containers at the same time. If only use with the breast protector is desired, a pump line can be removed and plugged into the vacuum line opening. An advantage of the configuration shown in Figure 15 is that a woman using the system needs to deal with only one container 674 to collect milk. For example, when used in an office environment, container 674 can be considered to be placed between a woman's legs while she works. A single 674 container is easier to use and the container is less likely to slip off the chair during use. However, if aspiration is inadequate, connector 650A can be quickly reconfigured, and one of the sine protectors 610, couplings 620, and drain lines 645 can be connected to another connector (such as 650 in Figure 13) and it is then attached to a conventional 670 breast protector or 684 adapter so that the milk from both breasts is expressed in separate containers. Thus, a user can quickly adapt the system to a configuration that is more convenient.

It should be understood that the described embodiments of the breast pump systems and adapter systems are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of the description. Similarly, it must be understood that the form, the

IMPI

Mexican INSTITUTE Dt LA PROPIMMD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX340313B_D0039.tif" />

Material, edge design, and surface of the illustrated embodiments are only examples of breast protector modality forms and are not limiting, since breast protectors within the scope of the appended claims may have different shapes, edge profiles, etc., while performing the same function.

For example, a breast protection adapter system according to the present invention may include: a breast protection configured for adhesive bonding to a woman's breast; a drain line arranged in communication with the breast protector to bring the breast milk to a remote location; and a connector configured for attachment to a second breast protector and / or an adapter system that is part of a breast milk pump. The adapter system may also include or be formed such that: the drain line is connected to the breast protection by a coupling, the connector comprises a single lumen, the connector comprises two lumens, the connector further comprises a plug to selectively close one of the lumens, a breast milk pump system that it has a second breast protector or an adapter having the connector arranged therein, a container arranged in communication with the breast protector or the adapter for receiving milk therein; and a pump to apply

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DC LA INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX340313B_D0040.tif" />

selectively negative pressure through the second breast protector or adapter, and / or a coupling provided between the breast protector and the drain line, or combinations thereof.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a hands-free breast milk pump device may include: a first breast protection having an interior surface with adhesive arranged to retain the breast protector to a woman's breast and an opening to through which breast milk can pass and a drain line connected to the breast shield in communication with the opening to bring the milk to a remote location. In addition, the device may include or be formed in such a way that: the drain line is a flexible tube between 15.24 and 60.96 cm long, a coupling connects the first sinus protector to the drain line, the coupling extends through the opening in the first breast protector; a connector connected to the drain line and configured for connection of the drain line to a mounting structure comprising at least one of a breast milk pump protector system and an adapter that is in fluid communication with a pump; placing the mounting frame connector places the first sinus protector in fluid communication with the pump, the connector has two channels extending through it and a

<img file="MX340313B_D0041.tif" />

IMPI Mexican Institute

Dt THE PROPERTY V^r- ~ = cy 'plug to selectively close one of ldS^DUS1or%^LnaTés -; - 'a breast protector and third line of drerrayc-cune u b'a'd'a' ^ grí- * connector, and / or the breast protector comprises a fragrance, or combinations thereof.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the hands-free breast protector for expressing milk from a breast may include: an inner surface having on the same adhesive arranged to retain the breast protector on the breast and an opening in general alignment with a halo from the breast to allow milk to flow out of the breast.

According to one aspect of the method of the invention, for the removal of milk from a breast they may include adhesive bonding a breast protector having an opening to a female breast; applying suction through the opening to remove milk from the breast and collecting the milk in a container for later use.

The method may further include: conveying milk from the breast protector to the container through an elongated tube such that the container is not suspended from the breast; using an elongated tube that is at least 25.4 cm long, the container is connected to and in fluid communication with a sinus protector that has a second opening therein and wherein the method comprises connecting the elongated tube to the second protector breast for a

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX340313B_D0042.tif" />

connector, the second breast protector is connected to a pump to create negative pressure at the breast opening and protection where the method comprises applying negative pressure through the breast protector and the second elongated tube attached to it in order to extract the breast milk to which the breast protector is adhesively attached, the breast protector being attached to a coupling and wherein the method comprises adhesively affixing the breast protector to the breast so that the coupling is arranged and remains adjacent to the breast areola; select a conventional breast milk pump system having a pump, container and breast protector attached to the container and connect the breast protector adhesive to the breast to the breast protector of the conventional breast milk pump system so that the breast milk is passed through both breast protectors and into the container, and / or the breast protector adhesive to the breast is connected to the breast protector attached to the container by an elongated tube attached to the breast protector adhesively attached at one end and connected to the breast protector of the breast milk pump system conventional at an opposite end by a connector and where the method comprises a vacuum through the elongated tube to express milk through the single breast protection adhesive, through the elongated tube, to

<img file="MX340313B_D0043.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO Ot THE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY through the breast protector of the sist-prna Hp homba of conventional breast milk and in the container.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention is directed, the present invention may be carried out in ways other than those specifically described above without departing from the spirit or potential features of the invention. The particular embodiments of the present invention described above are therefore considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is as set out in the appended and equivalent claims thereof rather than being limited to the example contained in the foregoing description.

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE INDUSTRIAL PROR1SDAO

<img file="MX340313B_D0044.tif" />