Patent ID: 6440100
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A breast milk pumping and storage system for expressing and collecting human milk, the improvements comprising concealed components wherein at least one nipple cap presents a low external profile to permit hidden use beneath loose outer garments, said breast milk pumping and storage system including support means to press said nipple cap sealingly against said breast so as to be substantially concealed beneath said loose outer garments, said nipple cap comprising a hollow cavity having outside and inside surfaces to surround and enclose a nipple drawn out by vacuum without blocking flow from milk ducts at the tip of said nipple, said hollow cavity further including: a.) an annular opening through which said nipple is received, b.) a substantially conical flange portion coaxial with said annular opening, said flange portion serving to cushion said breast while stimulating the lactiferous ampulae beneath the areola of said breast and providing a vacuum seal between said breast and said annular opening, and c.) a milk delivery conduit communicating between said hollow cavity and a milk storage reservoir, said conduit being so disposed as to be substantially concealed when covered by said loose outer garments, said breast milk pumping and storage system further including means to develop a negative pressure of at least minus 50 mm Hg/in2 within said milk storage reservoir, said milk delivery conduit and said hollow cavity.