Patent ID: 6663587
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A breastshield for breastmilk pumping, comprising:a rigid outer shield part, said outer shield part having an internal funnel-shape with a widened upstream end extending into a tubular portion which terminates in a downstream end, said widened upstream end having a circumferential rim; a base having a mount within which said downstream end of said outer shield part is removably received, said base further having a conduit structure formed therein including a milk passageway for milk to flow through said base, a first fluid passageway and a second fluid passageway; a flexible shield part, said flexible shield part having a shape generally conforming to that of said internal funnel-shape and being received within said outer shield part and removably attached to said rigid outer shield part at said widened upstream end and said downstream end, said flexible shield part having a longitudinal axis and including an enclosed bladder which presents an internal sidewall around said longitudinal axis defining an interior to the breastshield and which is adapted to receive a nipple and at least some surrounding breast therein in a generally sealing engagement with said flexible shield part; an expansible area between said bladder and said outer shield part, said expansible area moving inwardly relative to said longitudinal axis upon application of a positive pressure thereto and outwardly relative to said longitudinal axis upon application of a negative pressure thereto; a fluid aperture formed in said outer shield part which communicates with said expansible area; said first fluid passageway communicating with said interior; and said second fluid passageway communicating with said fluid aperture when said outer shield part is mounted on said base.