Abstract:
A breast pump assembly comprising: (a) a breast milk caddy including a frame having an arm repositionable with respect to a handle between a folded position and an extended position, and a milk extraction device repositionably mounted to the arm of the frame, the milk extraction device including complementary top and bottom components removably mounted to one another, the bottom component including a breast milk extraction vessel, and the top component including a breast cone having an inlet for receiving a woman&#39;s breast and an outlet in communication with the extraction vessel for storing extracted milk, the top component also including a conduit for delivering suction to the inlet of the breast cone; (b) a breast pump including a fluid pump including an inlet and an outlet, where the fluid pump generates suction at the inlet during operation of the fluid pump, and a control system in electrical communication with the fluid pump for controlling operation of the fluid pump, the control system including a soft start logic to gradually increase the suction generated by the fluid pump; and (c) tubing mounted in fluid communication with the fluid pump and the milk extraction device for delivering the generated suction from the fluid pump and to the conduit of the milk extraction device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention is directed to hardware utilized to effectuate the pumping of breast milk.  
       BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention includes numerous novelties relating to hardware utilized to effectuate the pumping of breast milk. One exemplary novelty of the present invention includes a breast pump having a visual display for providing indicia to a user regarding various operational conditions such as, without limitation, current usage time, daily usage time, aggregate usage time, speed of the pump, current time and date, and the distribution of suction applied to each connected tube. The exemplary breast pump also includes a soft start feature that gradually ramps up the suction applied to one or both breasts to provide greater comfort to the user.  
         [0003]     Portability of the exemplary breast pump is an important consideration. An on-board retractable power cord allows users of the instant pump to quickly withdraw the power cord prior to use and correspondingly retract the cord when pumping operations have ceased. The instant breast pump includes an adapter at the end of the retractable power cord that receives a universal male power projection. In this manner, AC/DC converters, cigarette lighter adapters, and battery packs may all be used to power the exemplary breast pump so long as these devices include the universal male power projection. An insulated carrier may be included with the exemplary breast pump that includes cargo area for storing the breast pump itself and one or more hardware items for use with the breast pump or breast feeding operations. Exemplary hardware includes, without limitation, AC/DC converters, cigarette lighter adapters, battery packs, tubing, refrigerated or frozen packs, extraction horns, breast milk cups or bottles, breast milk extraction assemblies, and holders for breast milk extraction assemblies. For example, the tubing may be wrapped around a spindle to facilitate quick deployment and storage subsequent to use.  
         [0004]     Exemplary holders for breast milk extraction assemblies include two repositionable arms that extend outward from a handle portion. Each repositionable arm includes a track along which an exemplary breast milk extraction assembly is repositionably mounted so that each breast milk extraction assembly can be laterally spaced to correspond to the space between the nipples of adjacent breasts. The arms of the holder are adapted to be repositioned for storage to decrease the area occupied by the holder. In one exemplary embodiment, each arm includes an actuator that allows the arm to move from an extended position to a retracted position. However, the invention contemplates that the actuator may be partially or wholly removed from each arm.  
         [0005]     The aforementioned samples of the exemplary novelties associated with the present invention is not a complete listing or summary of the instant invention. Reference is had to the remainder of the instant application for a more thorough discussion of the present invention. It is to be understood that this introduction to the invention is not intended to, and does not, restrict the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary breast pump assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  is a frontal view of an exemplary control panel, and a perspective view of two exemplary extraction assemblies and an exemplary extraction vessel holder, showing tubing being run between the panel and extraction assembly;  
         [0008]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of two exemplary extraction assemblies mounted to an exemplary extraction vessel holder;  
         [0009]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of two exemplary extraction assemblies dismounted from an exemplary extraction vessel holder;  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary extraction vessel holder having two exemplary retention rings mounted thereto;  
         [0011]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the exemplary extraction vessel holder and two exemplary retention rings of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0012]      FIG. 7  is a frontal view of an exemplary extraction vessel holder having extendable arms in the folded position;  
         [0013]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of an exemplary extraction assembly;  
         [0014]      FIG. 9  is an elevated perspective view of an exemplary breast pump;  
         [0015]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the exemplary breast pump of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of an exemplary diaphragm module of the exemplary breast pump of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 12  is a frontal view of an exemplary control panel of the exemplary breast pump of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 13  is a decision tree for a soft start routine of the exemplary breast pump of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 14  is an exploded view of an exemplary power module of the exemplary breast pump of  FIG. 10 ; and  
         [0020]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing exemplary hardware for use with the exemplary breast pump of  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0021]     The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated below to encompass equipment for use in extracting breast milk from one or both breasts of a human being. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments discussed below are exemplary in nature and may be reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. However, for clarity and precision, the exemplary embodiments as discussed below may include optional steps, methods, and features that one of ordinary skill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0022]     Referencing  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a breast pump system  10  includes a breast pump  12 , tubing  14 , extraction assemblies  16 , and an extraction vessel holder  18 . In operation, the tubing is connected to one or more extraction assemblies  16  and concurrently to the breast pump  12 . The extraction vessel holder  18  retains the extraction assemblies  16  in relative position to allow the extraction process to be carried out.  
         [0023]     Referring to  FIGS. 2-7 , an exemplary extraction vessel holder  18  includes a handle portion  20  having two repositionable arms  22 . Each repositionable arm  22  is adapted to receive a retention ring  24  of the extraction assembly  16 .  
         [0024]     Complementary parts  26 ,  28  mount to one another to define the handle portion  20 . The first part  26  includes a vertically extending handle  30  integral with a top housing  32 . The vertically extending handle  30  is fabricated to include a protruding hump  34  adjacent to a handle grip  36 . The vertically extending handle  30  is fabricated from a first polymer and the handle grip  36  is fabricated from a second, more resilient polymer. In this exemplary embodiment, the vertically extending handle  30  includes a trench into which the second, more resilient polymer is injection molded to form the grip  36  so that the edge of the grip is substantially flush with the adjacent edge of the vertically extending handle  30 . The top housing  32  of the first part  26  includes two orifices  38 ,  40  spaced apart from one another that will accommodate actuators  42  of the repositionable arms  22 . Corresponding grooves  44  are cut out of the top housing  32  to allow for a ninety degree range of movement for the repositionable arms  22 .  
         [0025]     The second part  28  of the handle portion  20  includes a vertically extending handle  48  integral with a top housing  50 . The vertically extending housing  50  is fabricated to include a protruding hump  52  that cooperates with the protruding hump  34  of the first part  26  when the handle portion  20  is assembled to form a circumferential stop  54 . The second part  28  includes five through holes  56  that are adapted to be aligned with five receivers of the first part  26 . Five screws are inserted through the holes  56  and received by the receivers of the first part  26  to mount the first and second parts  26 ,  28  to each other.  
         [0026]     An interior portion  60  of the top housing  50  is inset and includes a pair of raised circular walls  62  at generally the same height as the adjacent wall  64 . The adjacent wall  64  height is reduced or cut-out to accommodate pivotal motion of the repositionable arms  22 . Within each raised circular wall  62  is a diamond-shaped raised wall  66 . Two corners  68  of the diamond-shaped raised wall  66  opposite one another are substantially perpendicular, whereas the other opposite corners  70  are substantially rounded. As will be discussed in more detail hereafter, the interior of the diamond-shaped raised wall  66  receives a diamond-shaped projection  72  of each actuator  42 .  
         [0027]     Each repositionable arm  22  includes five components. The first two components are complementary halves  74 ,  76  that form the infrastructure of the arm  22 . The first half  76  comprises an elongated section  78  integrated into a circular end  80 . The elongated section  78  includes a longitudinal groove  82  having a circular opening  84  that accepts a portion of the retention ring  24 . The interior  86  of the first half  74  includes a plurality of teeth  88  in a spaced apart manner running along each side of the longitudinal groove  82 . The exterior of the circular end  80  adjacent to the longitudinal groove  82  includes a floor  90  with a raised circular ring  92  circumferentially spaced outward from an orifice  94 .  
         [0028]     The second half  74  of each repositionable arm  22  also includes an elongated section  96  integral with a circular end  98 . Approximate the end of the elongated section  96  is a through hole  100  adapted to receive a screw utilized to mount the halves  74 ,  76  to one another. Each circular end  98  includes a cylindrical inset cavity  106 . The base of the cavity  106  includes an orifice  108  outlined by an hourglass shaped planar floor. Two projections  112  extend upward from the floor, with each projection having a top surface that increases in slope moving in the clockwise direction. The interior of the circular end  98  includes a projection that mirrors the topography on the inset cavity  106  so that the hourglass portion  112  extends farther than the two adjacent areas. A pair of raised rails  126  extend longitudinally along the interior of the second half  74  and are aligned with the longitudinal groove  82  of the first half  76  upon mounting of the halves to one another.  
         [0029]     Each repositionable arm  22  includes an actuator  42  cooperating with the diamond-shaped raised wall  66  and circular end  98  to reposition each arm  22  between a folded and unfolded position (Compare  FIGS. 5 and 7 ). Each actuator  42  includes a button  130  having a post  132  circumscribed by a spring  134 . The spring  134  is retained in the circumscribed manner by a four angle braces. The post  132  is also partially circumscribed by a hollow cylinder  138  extending from a circular platform  140 . The cylinder  138  and platform are integrated into a cam member  142  having cam projections  144  partially circumscribing the cylinder  138 . A diamond-shaped projection  72  extends from the underside of the platform  140  and is adapted to be seated within the opening of the diamond-shaped raised wall  66 . The diamond-shaped projection  72  includes two corners that are rounded and two corners that are perpendicularly angled to correspondingly fit within the contours of the diamond-shaped raised wall  66 .  
         [0030]     Assembly of each repositionable arm  22  includes mounting the halves  74 ,  76  to one another. The interiors of each elongated section  78 ,  96  and the interiors of each circular end  80 ,  98  are oriented to face and abut one another as shown in  FIG. 5 . A flange on the interior of the circular end  80  interfaces with a series of teeth  152  on the interior of the other circular end  98  to mount the ends  80 ,  90  to one another. The elongated sections  78 ,  96  are mounted together using the hole  100  in the second half  96  through which the screw passes and engages a corresponding cavity within the interior of the first half  76  to mount the halves to one another. Thereafter, the post  132  of the actuator  42 , circumscribed by the spring  134 , is inserted through the orifice  94  of the first half  76  so that the spring  134  abuts the floor  90 , but the post  132  continues through the orifice  94  of the first half  76  and the corresponding orifice  108  of the second half  74 . The cylinder  138  of the cam member  142  is inserted through the orifice  108  in the second half  74  to circumscribe the post  132 . The diamond-shaped projection  72  includes a through hole extending into the hollow cylinder  138 . With the button  130  and the cam member  142  sandwiching the circular ends  80 ,  98 , a screw is inserted through the hole and manipulated to engage a cavity within the post  132 . Continued manipulation of the screw acts to draw the exposed end of the post  132  into contact with a circumferential flange at the base of the cylinder  138 , so that coaxial movement of the button  130  results in coaxial movement of the cam member  142 , and vice versa.  
         [0031]     Assembly of the extraction vessel holder  18  includes positioning the diamond-shaped projection  72  of the cam member  142  into the area defined by the diamond-shaped raised wall  66 . It should be noted that the diamond-shaped projection  72  of the first cam member  142  is a mirror image of the diamond-shaped projection  72  of the second cam member  142 . Also, the two diamond shaped raised walls  66  of the second part  28  of the handle portion  20  are mirror images of one another. The rounded corners of the diamond-shaped projection  72  are aligned with the rounded corners  70  of the diamond-shaped raised wall  66 , thereby aligning the perpendicular corners of the diamond-shaped projection  72  with the perpendicular corners  68  of the diamond-shaped raised wall  66 , so that each diamond shaped projection  72  is received within a corresponding cavity defined by the diamond-shaped raised wall  66 . This arrangement rotationally locks the projection  72  in place with respect to the raised wall  66 . The first part  26  is brought into contact with the second part  28  to sandwich the circular ends  80 ,  98  of each repositionable arm  22 , thereby allowing the buttons  130  to protrude through the two orifices  38 ,  40 . Five screws are inserted through corresponding holes  56  within the exterior of the second part  28 , which are received within corresponding channels of the receivers to mount the first and second parts  26 ,  28  to each other. In this assembled form, the corresponding grooves  44 ,  46  cooperate to allow for a ninety degree range of movement for each repositionable arms  22  to pivot between a parallel position and a perpendicular position.  
         [0032]     Referencing  FIG. 8 , an exemplary extraction assembly  16  includes an extraction vessel  170  mounted to a retention ring  24 . The extraction vessel  170  includes a cup  172  having a circumferential flange  174  extending outward around the cup  172  and below a pair of spiral threads  176 . The spiral threads  176  are received within corresponding grooves within a lid  180  of a horn  182 . It should also be noted that the spiral threads  176  of the cup are also adapted to engage a bottle cap having a nipple for use with dispending the extracted milk from within the cup to a baby.  
         [0033]     The retention ring  24  includes a circular portion  184  having an integrated projection  186 . The circular portion  184  includes a vertical wall  188  having an interior surface from which a circular ledge  190  extends. The integrated projection  186  includes a key  192  at the end thereof that is adapted to interface with the teeth  88  within a longitudinal groove  82  to mount the retention ring  24  to the handle portion  20 . The key  192  includes a rectangular block end  196  transitioning into a disc  198 . On the opposing side of the disc  198  is generally rectangular portion  200  having opposing sets of projections  202  adjacent to the disc  198 . The projections  202  are adapted to be seated within corresponding gaps between adjacent teeth  88 , thereby securing the retention ring  24  to the handle portion  20 . It should be noted that the top and bottom of the retention ring  24  are symmetrical.  
         [0034]     The horn  182  includes an internal hollow cylinder  206  having a chord divider  208  that provides two parallel channels  210 ,  212  within the cylinder. An elastomeric check valve  214  is mounted to the distal end of the cylinder  206 , but in a manner that allows communication between the channels  210 ,  212  at the distal end of the cylinder  206 . The first channel  210  extends upward into a dome  216  that caps one end of the cylinder  206 . A nipple  218  extends from the dome  216  and provides communication between an environment external to the nipple and the first channel  210 . The nipple  218  includes a first hollow conduit extending from the dome  216  that includes a through hole providing communication with the first channel  210 . The nipple  218  also includes a second hollow conduit that is concentric with the first conduit so that one end of the tubing  14  is adapted to be inserted into the circumferential space between the conduits, thereby allowing the interior of the tubing  14  to be in direct communication with the interior of the first hollow conduit of the nipple  218 .  
         [0035]     The second channel  212  of the horn  182  extends upward from the distal end of the cylinder  206  and into a funnel  220 . The larger diameter end of the funnel  220  is adapted to receive a funnel insert  222  comprising an elastomeric material that is adapted to abut a woman&#39;s breast so that the orifice of the breast is surrounded by the funnel insert. The base of the funnel insert  220  includes a hole  224  providing communication between the funnel insert  220  and the second channel  212 . Preferably, a circumferential seal is formed between the funnel insert  220  and the woman&#39;s breast, thereby drawing milk from the breast as suction is applied through the tubing  14  by way of the first channel  210 . Thus, as suction is applied to the breast, milk is drawn from the breast, through the hole  224  in the funnel insert  220 , through the second channel  212  and into contact with the check valve  214 . Gravitational forces allow the check valve  214  to open when milk comes in contact with the valve  214 , however, the elastomeric nature of the valve  214  closes the valve when no milk is flowing therethrough.  
         [0036]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , construction of the exemplary extraction assembly  16  includes positioning the retention ring  24  so that the circular portion  184  at least partially circumscribes the threads  176  of the cup. The circular ledge  190  of the retention ring  24  is brought into contact with the circumferential flange  174  of the cup  172 . The cup  172 , with the retention ring  24  in place, is brought into an engagement position so that the spiral threads  176  of the cup engage corresponding grooves within the lid  180  of the horn  182  to mount the cup to the horn, thereby sandwiching the retention ring  24 . Twisting of the cup and/or lid in a clockwise direction couples the horn  182  to the cup  172  by frictional engagement, thereby inhibiting the retention ring  24  from rotation about either the cup  172  or horn  182  when the cup is securely mounted to the horn. Therefore, the orientation of the retention ring  24  with respect to the horn  182  should be established prior to completely twisting the cup  172  and horn  182  into locking engagement. It is preferred that the funnel  220  be facing away from the key  192  so that the funnel  220  will be facing the woman&#39;s breast, while the key  192  will be facing the handle portion  20 . After the extraction assembly  16  is constructed, it may be mounted to the handle portion  20 .  
         [0037]     Two of the extraction assemblies  16  can be mounted to the handle portion  20  concurrently, or only one of the extraction assemblies  16  may be mounted to the handle portion  20 . As discussed previously, the handle portion  20  includes two repositionable arms  22  that pivot between a parallel position where the arms are free to pivot (unlocked) and a perpendicular position where the arms are inhibited from pivoting (locked) to the parallel position. It is presumed that one or both of the arms  22  is moved to the locked position, prior to mounting the extraction assemblies  16 , however, this is not a prerequisite as the extraction assemblies  16  can also be mounted to the repositionable arms  22  in the parallel position.  
         [0038]     To mount an extraction assembly  16  to a repositionable arm  22 , the key  192  of the retention ring  24  is inserted through the circular opening  84  of the repositionable arm  22  so that the rectangular block end  196  is received between the raised rails  126  that extend longitudinally along the interior of the arm  22 . After the key  192  has been fully inserted into the opening  84 , the extraction assembly  16  is repositioned along the length of the longitudinal groove  82  so that a pair of gaps on adjacent sides of one of the teeth  88  is occupied by the two projections  202  of the key. This likewise occurs on the opposing side of the key  192  so that two teeth  88  on opposing rows sandwich the key  192 , thereby retaining the extraction assembly  16  with respect to the repositionable arm  22 . To laterally reposition the extraction assembly  16  with respect to the arm  22 , the extraction assembly  16  is slid along the longitudinal groove  82  and seated within another pair of gaps on adjacent sides of another one of the teeth  88 . Removal of the extraction assembly  16  may be accomplished by laterally sliding the extraction assembly  16  until a portion of the key  192  of the retention ring  24  occupies the circular opening  84 , so that the key  192  can be withdrawn through the opening  84 .  
         [0039]     Repositioning of the arms  22  between a parallel position (See  FIG. 7 ) and a perpendicular position (See  FIG. 5 ) is accomplished in one of two ways. The first process for moving the arm  22  from the parallel position to the perpendicular position simply requires manipulation of the arm  22  in a pivoting manner until the actuator  42  locks the arm  22  in the perpendicular position. This locking action is accomplished by the cam projections  144  of the cam member  142  becoming seated within a cavity  226  between the hourglass portion  112 . The cam member  142  is biased by the spring  134 , thereby pulling the cam projections  144  into the cavity when no opposite force is applied to the button  130 . To reposition the arm  22  from the perpendicular position to the parallel position, the button  130  is pushed inward, thereby overcoming the bias of the spring  134  to force the cam projections  144  from the cavity  226 . Concurrent with the button  130  being pushed inward to displace the cam projections  144  from the cavity  226 , the arm  22  is pivoted so that the cam projections  144  ride upon the hourglass portion  112  thereby allowing the arm  22  to be completely pivoted to the parallel position.  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIGS. 9-12 , an exemplary breast pump  12  includes a number of interconnected modules  300 ,  302 ,  304 ,  306  mounted to a common frame  309 . The first module is a motor module  300 , and includes an electric motor  308  mounted to a gear housing  310 . The gear housing  310  contains a series of gears mounted to the housing that are interconnected to the rotating shaft of the electric motor and concurrently interconnected to a driveshaft  320  exiting the housing. The drive shaft  320  is connected to an oblong arm  322 , which is in turn connected to a linear extension arm  324  of the diaphragm module  302 . In this configuration, rotational movement of the electric motor  308  is converted into reciprocating motion of the linear extension arm  324 .  
         [0041]     Referencing  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the diaphragm module  302  includes a domed housing  330  having a semispherical concavity  332  with two ports  334 ,  336  that are in communication with the control module  304  discussed below. A supplemental housing  338  is mounted to the domed housing  330  and includes a circular orifice  340  that shadows the semispherical concavity  332 . An elastomeric semispherical diaphragm  342  is sandwiched circumferentially between the domed housing  330  and the supplemental housing  338 . An interior side of the semispherical diaphragm  342  includes a convex dome having a frustoconical cavity therein that does not extend completely through the semispherical diaphragm  342 . A frustoconical end  350  of the linear extension arm  324  is adapted to be seated within the frustoconical cavity of the semispherical diaphragm  342  and mounted thereto by way of a compression fit. This compression fit between the frustoconical cavity and frustoconical end  350  of the linear extension arm  324  may be replaced by a frictional fit using an adhesive or may be supplemented by using an adhesive. In this manner, reciprocating motion of the linear extension arm  324 , as controlled by the control module  304 , is operative to reposition the semispherical diaphragm  342  between a convex position (where the diaphragm  342  substantially abuts the semispherical concavity  332  as shown in FIG. X) and a concave position (where the diaphragm  342  is substantially withdrawn from the semispherical concavity  332 ).  
         [0042]     The diaphragm module  302  also includes vacuum adjustment assembly  352  and tubing interconnectors  354 . The vacuum adjustment assembly  352  allows a user of the breast pump to vary the suction applied to her breast. A vent hole  356  within domed housing  330  receives a plug  358  of vacuum adjustment assembly  352 . The plug  358  includes a hollow cylindrical portion  360  having a perpendicular flange  362 . The interior of the cylindrical portion  360  is occupied by a solid cylinder  363  having its own circumferential flange that substantially circumferentially contacts the interior walls of the cylindrical portion  360 . The circumferential flange of the solid cylinder  363  includes a circumferential opening that increases in area in a gradual, circumferential manner from zero to a maximum size opening. The circumferential flange of the solid cylinder  363  interfaces with a hollow cylinder  365  of a valve  364 . The hollow cylinder of the valve  364  includes a semicircular groove running axially along the exterior thereof. This groove extends to communicate with a hole  366  through a platform  368  that is in open communication with the external environment. The valve  364  is rotatably repositionable about the solid cylinder  363  of the plug  358  so that the groove within the hollow cylinder may be in communication with the circumferential flange of the solid cylinder  362 . The groove can be shut off from communication with the interior of the semispherical concavity  332  or can be in direct communication with the semispherical concavity  332  simply by rotating the valve  364  to change the orientation of the groove with respect to the circumferential opening of the plug  358 . For a user to decrease the suction applied, one simple needs to rotate the valve  364  so that the groove overlaps more of the circumferential opening of the plug  358 . To increase the suction applied, one simple needs to rotate the valve  364  so that the groove overlaps less of the circumferential opening of the plug  358 .  
         [0043]     The vacuum adjustment assembly  352  also includes a speed adjustment component  367  comprising a repositionable element  370  and a contact pad  372 . The repositionable element  370  includes two metal prongs that are interconnected to one another so that electrical contact with a first of the prongs will allow electrical contact with the second of the prongs. The repositionable element  370  is mounted to the valve  364  so that as the valve rotates, so too does the repositionable element. An underside of the contact pad  372  includes two semicircular, concentric conductive pads. The first pad is continuous, while the second pad is incrementally broken down into five separate pads, with each of the five separate pads corresponding to a predetermined speed of the electrical motor  308 , by way of a ribbon connection to the control module  304 . As the user rotates the valve  364  to adjust the amount of suction applied, the first prong of the repositionable element  370  stays in contact with the first pad of the contact pad  372 . The second prong of the repositionable element  370  contacts one of the five separate pads. In this manner, current applied to the first pad is conducted through the prongs and through one of the five separate contact pads, depending upon the rotational position of the valve  364 . Therefore, as the user opens or closes the vent to the semispherical concavity  332 , the rotational speed of the motor  308  may be likewise increased or decreased depending upon the predetermined speed associated with each of the five separate contact pads. A mounting plate  374  is adapted to sandwich and secure the components of the vacuum adjustment assembly  352  and tubing interconnectors  354  to the domed housing  330  using a plurality of screws.  
         [0044]     Referring to  FIGS. 9, 10 , and  12 , the control module  304  includes a liquid crystal display  380  surrounded by a control panel  382 . The liquid crystal display  380  shows the time and date (in minutes and seconds) during which the exemplary breast pump  12  is currently being operated, as well as the usage for the day and for each individual use. The control panel  382  includes an adjustment dial  384  for manipulating the suction applied to the left and right tubing interconnectors  354 . For example, the suction applied to the left breast, by way of tubing connected to the left interconnector, may be too great, whereas the suction applied to the right breast, by way of tubing connected to the right interconnector, may be too little. The control panel  382  includes written indicia of an “L” and an “R” beneath the dial  384  so that rotational adjustment of the dial  384  toward the “R” would increase the suction on the right interconnector  354  and would correspondingly decrease the suction applied to the left interconnector  354 . Conversely, rotation of the dial  384  toward the “L” would increase the suction on the left interconnector  354  and would correspondingly decrease the suction applied to the right interconnector  354 . Just beneath the adjustment dial  384  is the start/stop actuator  386 .  
         [0045]     The control panel  382  also includes a mode actuator  388  just below the start/stop actuator  386 . The mode actuator  388  allows a user to toggle between a number of options and settings associated with the breast pump  12 . By pressing and holding the mode actuator  388  for a predetermined period (i.e., at least 5 seconds), the user can enter the time and date setup mode that is visually displayed by the liquid crystal display  380 . Two arrows, one down arrow actuator  390  and up arrow actuator  392  are positioned across the control panel  382  from the mode and start/stop actuators  386 ,  388 . Once the user has pressed and held down the mode actuator  388 , the user can set the current time and date. First, the hour to be set will begin flashing, at which point the user can adjust the hour by using the up and down arrow actuators  390 ,  392 . After the hour has been set, the user would press the mode actuator  388  to set the minute reading, again using the up and down arrow actuators  390 ,  392 . This process would be repeated to set the am/pm, month, day, and year. When the user is finished setting these time and date options, the start/stop actuator  386  is depressed to exit the time and date setting mode.  
         [0046]     The control panel  382  can also be utilized to view the usage of the breast pump  12 . To view the usage on the liquid crystal display  380 , the user depresses the mode actuator  388  briefly to switch between viewing “TODAY&#39;S USAGE” and “CURRENT USAGE.” TODAY&#39;S USAGE refers to the total volume of milk pumped, while CURRENT USAGE refers to the volume of milk pumped at the current setting. Each of these measures is reset automatically every 24 hours, however, these measures may also be reset manually by depressing the reset actuator  394  located in the upper left-hand corner of the control panel  382 . The liquid crystal display  380  may therefore be utilized to view current usage time, daily usage time, aggregate usage time, as well as, speed of the pump, current time and date, and the distribution of suction applied to each connected tube.  
         [0047]     The control panel  382  further includes a vacuum adjust dial  396  mounted to the vacuum adjustment assembly  352  to rotationally reposition the valve  364 . In this manner, the suction applied to the right and left interconnectors  354  can be adjusted. In addition, the control panel includes an on/off actuator  398  as well as an LED  400  positioned above the on/off actuator  398  that is illuminated when the breast pump  12  is turned on. The control panel  382  may also include a connector cap  402  to close the suction port associated with either the right or left interconnector  354  when not in use.  
         [0048]     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the control module  304  is programmed to provide a soft start subroutine. A soft start subroutine ramps up the suction applied so that discomfort associated with an initial low pressure surge is reduced. An exemplary programming decision tree for the soft start routine begins with the step  500  of starting or powering on the breast pump  12 . Thereafter, a determination  502  is made as to whether the pump motor is in preexisting motion or whether it is stopped. If the pump motor is stopped, a determination  504  follows whether the speed of the motor should be decreased. Obviously, if the motor is stopped the determination  504  will result in a “NO” answer, thereby resulting in a determination  506  that the speed of the motor should be increased by one incremental unit. A delay  508  follows the incremental speed increase, which is followed by a determination  510  as to whether the speed is equal to the maximum set speed. If the speed is equal to the maximum set speed, the routine is temporarily finished  512  and the rotational speed of the motor is maintained. If the determination  510  results in a finding that the speed is above or below the maximum set speed, then the routine restarts with a determination  504  as to whether the speed of the motor should be decreased. If this determination  504  concludes that the speed of the motor is over the maximum set speed, a determination  514  follows where the speed of the motor is determined and increased or decreased based upon a comparison with the maximum set speed. Thereafter, a determination  516  is made if the speed of the motor equals the maximum set speed. If the speed varies from the predetermined speed, the routine restarts with a determination  514  of the speed of the motor and thereafter increased or decreased based upon a comparison with the maximum set speed. Thereafter, a determination  516  is made if the speed of the motor equals the maximum set speed. This loop is continued until the speed of the motor equals the maximum set speed, thereby temporarily finishing  512  the loop and maintaining the speed of the motor. This soft start subroutine is reinitialized each time the breast pump  12  is started on the power is turned on after being off.  
         [0049]     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 14 , the power module  306  includes an outer housing consisting of complementary parts  410 ,  412  that define an internal cavity in which a retractable power cord  414  is stored. The first complimentary part  410  includes a perpendicularly extending post  416  adapted to receive a wire coil mounted to a rotatable disc  418 . One end of the wire coil is mounted to the rotatable disc  418 , while the opposing end of the wire coil interfaces with a catch on the interior of the first complimentary part  410 . In this manner, as the disc  418  is rotated counterclockwise about the perpendicularly extending post  416 , the coil exerts a biased force against the complimentary part  410  and the disc  418  attempting to rotate the disc  418  in a clockwise direction.  
         [0050]     The backside of the disc  418  engages a drum  420  protruding from a wheel  422 . The drum  420  includes the wire power cord  414  circumferentially disposed therearound and engages a pair of leads  424 ,  426  extending through the wheel  422 . The wheel includes angled teeth  428  that are adapted to interface with a catch  430  on a pivoting arm  432  mounted to the second complimentary part  412 . The arm  432  is biased by a spring  434  so that the catch  430  engages the angled teeth  428 . A first conduction plate  436  is mounted to the backside of the wheel  422  using four screws so that the conduction plate  436  is in electrical communication with the first lead  424 . A second conduction plate  438  is also mounted to the backside of the wheel  422  using four screws so that the plate  438  is in electrical communication with the second lead  426 .  
         [0051]     Two electrical prongs  440 ,  442  are mounted to the second complimentary part  412  and concurrently track the circular area  444 ,  446  exposed by each of the conduction plates  436 ,  438 . A set of electrical lead lines extend from the second complimentary part  412  and are mounted to a power connection of the control module  304 , while the opposing ends of the electrical lead lines are correspondingly in electrical communication with the prongs  440 ,  442 .  
         [0052]     To withdraw the cord  414  from inside of the complementary parts  410 ,  412 , the end  448  of the cord, which is exposed outside of the internal cavity defined by the complementary parts  410 ,  412 , is pulled on sufficient to rotate the wheel  422  and drum  420  in the counterclockwise direction. When the wheel  422  is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the wire coil is twisted and exerts a biased force in the clockwise direction. The rotation of the wheel does not impede the electrical communication between the end of the cord and the wire leads extending from the second complementary part  412  because the prongs  440 ,  442  slide along a corresponding circular area  444 ,  446  exposed by each of the conduction plates  436 ,  438 . Counterclockwise rotation of the wheel  422  allows the angled teeth  428  to pass beyond the catch  430  without the catch substantially impeding rotation in this direction.  
         [0053]     To recoil the cord  414  inside of internal cavity defined by the complementary parts  410 ,  412 , a tab  450  on the end of the arm  432  is depressed. This depression of the tab  450  overcomes the bias of the spring  434  to remove the catch  430  from the line of travel of the angled teeth  428 . At this time, the bias exerted by the wire coil operates to rotate the wheel  422  and drum  420  in the clockwise direction, thereby winding the wire  414  around the drum until all but the end of the wire is drawn into the internal cavity. It should be noted that a preferred embodiment includes rotating the wire coil so that a clockwise rotational bias will be exerted by the coil even when the wire  414  is fully recoiled.  
         [0054]     The end  448  of the cord, which is exposed outside of the internal cavity defined by the complementary parts  410 ,  412 , includes a female receptacle adapted to accommodate a male projection connected to a power supply. Exemplary power supplies include, without limitation, any source of electricity such as those obtained using AC/DC plug-in converters, battery packs, and cigarette lighter connections  452  (See  FIG. 15 ).  
         [0055]     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the common frame  309  includes a base platform  500  to which the gear housing  310  is mounted. Four screws piercing four holes within the gear housing  310  are received within four corresponding integrated cavities  506  within the platform to removably mount the gear housing  310  to the platform  500 . A pair of slide rails  508  at the rear of the platform  500  extend upward and inward. These rails  508  are adapted to be received within a groove  510  of the power module  306  so that sliding the rails  508  into the groove  510  to mount the power module  306  to the platform  500 . The power module includes two protrusions that are adapted to be received within corresponding grooves  512  within the platform  500 . Each groove  512  and protrusion includes through holes adapted to receive screws thereby coupling the power module  306  to the platform  500 .  
         [0056]     The front of the platform  500  includes a series of grooves  516  and guide rails  518  that are adapted to interface with corresponding projections of the diaphragm module  302 . Each groove  516  includes a through hole adapted to be aligned and receive a screw to mount the diaphragm module  302  to the platform  500 . The guide rails  518  provide supplemental stability by sandwiching raised ribs of the diaphragm module  302  between the rails  518  and platform surface.  
         [0057]     The common frame  309  also includes two side platforms  520 ,  522  that are mounted to the platform  500  are adapted to be concurrently mounted to a common top platform  524 . Each side platform includes two side holes  526  through which screws are inserted to engage corresponding holes  528  within the base platform  500  to mount the side platforms  520 ,  522  to the base platform  500 . Each side platform includes an upstanding projection  530  that is adapted to at least partially be recessed under the control module  304  so that two holes  532  allow entry of screws that engage corresponding holes  534  within the control module  304  to mount side platforms  520 ,  522  to the control module  304 . An additional hole  536  within each side platform  520 ,  522  circumscribes a hollow channel projection  538  extending from the side of the diaphragm module  302  that is adapted to accept a screw to mount the side platforms  520 ,  522  to the diaphragm module  302 . Finally, the common top platform  524  is mounted to each side platform  520 ,  522  and the power module  306  using a plurality of screw holes  540 ,  542 . The top platform includes two openings  544 ,  546  that are adapted to allow throughput of the end  448  of the power cord  414  and the tab  450  on the end of the arm  432  so that the power cord  414  may be retracted after use of the pump  12  has been completed.  
         [0058]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the exemplary breast pump system  10  may also include a carrying case  600  for the breast pump  12 . The exemplary carrying case  600  includes a recessed bottom area that accommodates the breast pump  12  and is contoured to generally match the profile of the pump  12 . A folding lid  602  associated with the carrying case  600  may include an interior pocket  604  that is adapted to house items such as AC/DC plug-in converters, battery packs, and cigarette lighter connections (see  FIG. 15 ) to connect a power supply to the pump  12 .  
         [0059]     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the exemplary breast pump system  10  may further include a secondary carrying case  610  may be utilized to house and transport such items as the tubing  14 , extraction assemblies  16 , and the extraction vessel holder  18 . The secondary carrying case  610  may include a bottom cavity  612  that is divided into two or more smaller cavities by way of fixed or repositionable walls  614 . The case  610  may be fabricated to include insulating materials so that the bottom cavity  612  will be insulated upon the case being closed. Exemplary uses for an insulated cavity include, without limitation, insulating refrigerated breast milk. In addition, one may utilize refrigerated or frozen packs  620  to cool or maintain the temperature of the breast milk that may be stored within the case  610 .  
         [0060]     The secondary carrying case  610  includes a repositionable lid  616  having an interior pocket  617  that may house such items as the tubing  14 , extraction assemblies  16 , and the extraction vessel holder  18 . Along these lines, it is further within the scope of the invention to include a spindle  618  around which unused tubing  14  can be stored, where the spindle is housed within the secondary carrying case  610 .  
         [0061]     Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the invention contained herein is not limited to this precise embodiment and that changes may be made to such embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the interpretation of any claim element unless such limitation or element is explicitly stated. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.