Patent ID: 7824362
Filing Date: 2010-11-02
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A male coupling component for use in connecting a breast shield with tubing to a vacuum source comprising: a first end, wherein said first end is sized and shaped to be attachable to said tubing; a second end, wherein said second end has an end diameter and is sized and shaped to be received in a female coupling component, wherein said female coupling component is defined by an interior sidewall surface of a well that is in communication with the vacuum source, wherein said interior sidewall surface has an upper well with a first sidewall diameter, and a lower well with a second sidewall diameter, said second sidewall diameter being less than said first sidewall diameter, and a rim portion between said upper well and said lower well connecting said upper well and said lower well, said lower well including one or more ports formed therein allowing communication of said lower well with the vacuum source, and one or more channels formed therein communicating between said one or more ports and an opening in said rim portion; a passageway extending between said first end and said second end; and a sealing portion between said first end and said second end, said sealing portion having a sealing surface formed about a periphery thereof, said sealing portion having a sealing diameter, said sealing diameter being greater than said second end diameter, and a sealing ring, said sealing portion being sized and shaped to be received in said upper well of said female coupling component such that said sealing ring engages said upper well with said second end extending into said lower well, such that said sealing ring is in a substantially airtight engagement with said upper well interior sidewall surface, and thereby sealing said one or more channels from ambient air.