Patent Publication Number: US-2023158215-A1

Title: Wearable breast pump system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/907,347, filed Sep. 26, 2022, which is the national stage of International Application No. PCT/GB2021/050764, filed Mar. 26, 2021, which claims priority to GB Application No. 2004395.6, filed Mar. 26, 2020, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The field of the invention relates to a wearable breast pump system. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     A breast pump system is a mechanical or electro-mechanical device that extracts milk from the breasts of a lactating woman. 
     Most portable breast pump solutions that include a discreet design are not readily affordable for most parents. There is a need for a design of a wearable breast pump system with a sleek and discreet design as well as a lower price point. 
     A fully integrated wearable breast pump system is described in WO2018229504A1. The wearable breast pump system includes a housing shaped to fit inside a bra. The housing includes an air-pump that drives a diaphragm to generate negative air pressure. The diaphragm is seated on a diaphragm holder that is positioned away from a side of a breast shield flange. 
     A compact and hands-free human breast milk collection device that fits into a mother&#39;s existing nursing or standard brassiere is shown in the system of US20080262420A1. The hands-free collection device connects to an external regular pump via a vacuum hose that is also configured to apply a vacuum pressure to the internal volume of the collection device. The vacuum hose attaches to a stem located at a fixed position on the top exterior surface of the collection device. The position of the stem is chosen so that the pump will not suction breast milk into the external pump. Because it would be inconvenient and difficult to connect the vacuum hose to the stem located at the top of the device after the device has been placed on the breast, the vacuum hose has to be properly connected to the stem before the milk collection device is being placed on the breast. 
     A breast milk collection device is also shown in the system of US20180008758A1. The collection device attaches to a vacuum tube via an opening also located at a fixed position on the rim of the exterior surface of the collection device. The opening communicates with an interior chamber including an inflatable/deflatable flexible barrier that allows vacuum pressure to be applied to a breast. The flexible barrier housing that encloses the flexible barrier has an oval cone like shape and is located at the top of the collection device. Disadvantageously, the position of the flexible barrier obstructs the line of sight to the interior of the collection device and to the nipple. 
     Wearable hands free breast pumps have entered the market, such as the Freemie cups system. The Freemie cup includes a flexible barrier that sits on top of the cup, thereby obstructing the view of the interior of the cup and of the nipple. Further, the cup is also made of a fairly opaque material, making it difficult to have a clear view of the interior of the device and of the nipple and to achieve a correct nipple alignment. 
     In view of the above, there is a need for an improved way to provide an easy and flexible connection between a suction tube and a wearable milk collection device. There is also a need to provide an unobstructed view of the interior chamber of the wearable milk collection device, in order to achieve a correct nipple alignment and to ensure the system is properly operating, such that milk is entering the interior of the device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a breast pump system comprising at least one wearable milk collection hub connected via an air line to a combined external air pump and control unit. The milk collection hub(s) each comprise: a breast shield made up of a breast flange and a nipple tunnel; a flexible diaphragm that is configured to prevent milk from reaching the external air pump; an outer shell that is removably attachable to the breast shield, such that the breast shield and outer shell, when attached, form a vessel for collecting milk, and the front face of the outer shell includes a curved portion; a diaphragm cap that is configured to be secured over the diaphragm, and forms part of the front face or forward facing part of the outer shell, and includes a port connected to the air line. 
     This arrangement enables the air line to be connected to the front face of the outer shell of the milk collection hub; prior art devices position the diaphragm and air line on the top of the milk collection hub, which obscures the users view down into device, which in turn makes correct nipple positioning difficult. By having a diaphragm cap that forms part of the front face of the outer shell, the user&#39;s view down into the device is not obscured by a diaphragm that sits over the nipple; correct nipple positioning is easier to achieve. 
     In one implementation, the diaphragm cap can be rotated against the outer shell to adjust the position of the air port and hence the position and direction of the port and the air line connected to the port; this enables the user to readily adjust the position of the air line so that it lies comfortably under a bra or other clothing. The diaphragm cap may also be removable from the outer shell; then, the user can place the hub on the breast without the diaphragm cap, and without the inconvenience of an air line connected to the air port. Once a proper nipple alignment is achieved, the diaphragm cap and connected air line can then easily be attached back onto the outer shell of the milk collection hub. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example(s), with reference to the following Figures, which each show features of a wearable breast pump system that implements the invention: 
         FIG.  1 A  shows a wearable breast pump system, made up of a pair of milk collection hubs, an air line and a separate combined control and air pump unit that is external to the milk collection hubs. 
         FIG.  1 B  shows the wearable breast pump system with the milk collection hubs connected via the air line to the combined control and air pump unit. 
         FIG.  2    shows a perspective front view of a milk collection hub. 
         FIG.  3    shows a perspective rear view of a milk collection hub. 
         FIG.  4    shows a back view of the milk collection hub. 
         FIG.  5    shows a perspective view of the milk collection hub without the outer shell and without the diaphragm. 
         FIG.  6    shows an exploded view of the milk collection hub. 
         FIG.  7    shows the diaphragm. 
         FIG.  8    shows a cross section of a milk collection hub in a relaxed state. 
         FIG.  9    shows a cross section of a milk collection hub showing the diaphragm under maximum negative pressure. 
         FIG.  10    shows a perspective view of the removable diaphragm cap without the air tube. 
         FIG.  11    shows a front view of the removable diaphragm cap connected to the air tube. 
         FIG.  12    shows a perspective view of the removable diaphragm cap including the rigid pressure part. 
         FIG.  13 A  shows other cross section views of a milk collection hub in a relaxed state, at mid point and under maximum negative pressure. 
         FIG.  13 B  shows other cross section views of a milk collection hub including the milk port in a relaxed state, at mid point and under maximum negative pressure. 
         FIG.  14    shows a perspective view of the outer shell, without the removable diaphragm cap. 
         FIG.  15    shows a side view of a milk collection hub. 
         FIG.  16    shows a top down view of the control and air pump unit for the breast pump system. 
         FIG.  17    shows a top down view of the control and air pump unit, with the upper case of the unit removed. 
         FIG.  18    shows an exploded view of the control and air pump unit. 
         FIG.  19    shows the components of the pump unit subsystem. 
         FIG.  20    shows a cross section of the airflow block inside the control unit. 
         FIG.  21    shows a cross section of the airflow block inside the control unit. 
         FIG.  22    shows a cross section of the airflow block inside the control unit. 
         FIG.  23    shows the sound valve. 
         FIG.  24    shows a plot of the pumping cycle. 
         FIG.  25    shows schematics of the pump unit subsystem illustrating the pumping cycle. 
         FIG.  26    shows cross-sections of the control unit including the pump unit subsystem illustrating the pumping cycle. 
         FIG.  27    shows a cross section of the control unit including pump unit subsystem. 
         FIG.  28    shows a table listing different examples of vacuum levels. 
         FIG.  29    shows diagrams of a control unit including a multifunction mount. 
         FIG.  30    shows pictures of a control unit including accessories. 
         FIG.  31    shows diagrams of a control unit including a multifunction mount. 
         FIG.  32    shows the tube connection. 
     
    
    
     INDEX 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Air line leading to milk collection hub 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 Air line leading to milk collection hub 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                 Air line leading from combined control and air  
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 pump unit 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Milk collection hub 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 Combined control and air pump unit 
                 11 
               
               
                   
                 Air tube connection component 
                 12 
               
               
                   
                 User interface on the control and air pump unit 
                 13 
               
               
                   
                 Air port or hole in the control and air pump unit 
                 14 
               
               
                   
                 Air port or hole in the diaphragm cap 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 Outer shell of a milk collection hub 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 Breast shield 
                 21 
               
               
                   
                 Diaphragm cap 
                 22 
               
               
                   
                 Cover to milk opening 
                 23 
               
               
                   
                 Milk quantity scale on the shell 
                 24 
               
               
                   
                 Finger grip features 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 Nipple tunnel part of the breast shield 
                 31 
               
               
                   
                 Flange of the breast shield 
                 32 
               
               
                   
                 Guide lines on the breast shield 
                 33 
               
               
                   
                 Milk hole in the nipple tunnel 
                 41 
               
               
                   
                 Milk non-return valve 
                 51 
               
               
                   
                 Second milk hole 
                 52 
               
               
                   
                 Diaphragm housing 
                 53 
               
               
                   
                 Diaphragm housing, annular rear wall 
                 54 
               
               
                   
                 Diaphragm housing, cylindrical outer wall 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                 Diaphragm housing, cylindrical inner wall 
                 56 
               
               
                   
                 Diaphragm housing, front wall 
                 57 
               
               
                   
                 Diaphragm 
                 61 
               
               
                   
                 Seal between breast shield and outer shell 
                 62 
               
               
                   
                 Diaphragm, annular rear wall 
                 63 
               
               
                   
                 Diaphragm, cylindrical outer wall 
                 64 
               
               
                   
                 Diaphragm, cylindrical inner wall 
                 65 
               
               
                   
                 Diaphragm, front wall 
                 66 
               
               
                   
                 Central axis through the nipple tunnel 
                 81 
               
               
                   
                 Pressure chamber in a relaxed state 
                 82 
               
               
                   
                 Pressure chamber under maximum negative  
                 83 
               
               
                   
                 pressure 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Pair of chambers in the diaphragm cap 
                 84 
               
               
                   
                 Illustration of end-user breast area 
                 85 
               
               
                   
                 Rigid pressure chamber part 
                 91 
               
               
                   
                 Ball bearings 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                 Cross section in relaxed state 
                 101 
               
               
                   
                 Cross section at mid point 
                 102 
               
               
                   
                 Cross section at maximum pressure 
                 103 
               
               
                   
                 Milk pouring opening 
                 111 
               
               
                   
                 Flat portion of the diaphragm cap 
                 120 
               
               
                   
                 Dual function pump/pause button 
                 130 
               
               
                   
                 Power on/off button 
                 131 
               
               
                   
                 Button to switch the pumping profile 
                 132 
               
               
                   
                 Pressure decrease button 
                 133 
               
               
                   
                 Pressure increase button 
                 134 
               
               
                   
                 Pressure level visual indicator LEDs 
                 135 
               
               
                   
                 Pumping profile visual indicator LEDs 
                 136 
               
               
                   
                 Battery status LED 
                 137 
               
               
                   
                 USB-C charging socket 
                 138 
               
               
                   
                 Chassis 
                 140 
               
               
                   
                 Upper case 
                 151 
               
               
                   
                 Lower case 
                 152 
               
               
                   
                 PCB 
                 153 
               
               
                   
                 Air pump unit subsystem 
                 154 
               
               
                   
                 Rechargeable battery 
                 155 
               
               
                   
                 Pump unit 
                 161 
               
               
                   
                 Solenoid air bleed valve 
                 162 
               
               
                   
                 Sound attenuating motor mount 
                 163 
               
               
                   
                 Airflow block 
                 164 
               
               
                   
                 Solenoid foam cap 
                 165 
               
               
                   
                 Sound valve 
                 166 
               
               
                   
                 Sound valve cap 
                 167 
               
               
                   
                 Solenoid valve inlet 
                 171 
               
               
                   
                 Solenoid valve outlet 
                 172 
               
               
                   
                 Seal member 
                 173 
               
               
                   
                 Motor exhaust 
                 181 
               
               
                   
                 Tube wrap accessory 
                 241 
               
               
                   
                 Battery accessory 
                 242 
               
               
                   
                 Milk drawn from nipple into chamber 
                 251 
               
               
                   
                 Removable waistband clip 
                 261 
               
               
                   
                 Tube splitter 
                 261 
               
               
                   
                 Bung or stopper in the tube splitter 
                 262 
               
               
                   
                 O-ring 
                 290 
               
               
                   
                 Control unit and o-ring in portrait mode 
                 291 
               
               
                   
                 Control unit and o-ring in landscape mode 
                 292 
               
               
                   
                 First phase of pumping cycle (pumping time) 
                 P 
               
               
                   
                 Second phase of pumping cycle (bleed time) 
                 B 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An implementation of the invention is a breast pump system for extracting and collecting breast milk. The system comprises a pair of milk collection hubs  10 , a combined control and air pump unit  11 , and an air tube connection component  12 , as shown in  FIG.  1 A . In normal use, as shown in  FIG.  1 B , air tubes  1 ,  2  connect each milk collection hub  10  to the air tube connection component  12 ; the air tube connection component  12  connects air tubes  1 ,  2  to a single air tube  3 , that in turn leads to the control and air pump unit  11 . 
     The milk collection hubs may also be connected to any external control and air pump unit, including any external regular electric or manual control and air pump unit. 
     An intended use case involves the user placing either one or two milk collection hubs  10  onto their breast(s), connecting one or both collection hubs to the combined control and air pump unit  11  via the air tubes  1 ,  2  and  3  and the tube connection component  12 . 
     The user controls the device using a user interface  13  located on the control unit  11 . Starting the breast pump system, via the user interface  13 , activates an air suction pump within the control and air pump unit  11  (also referred as control unit). An air port or hole  14  on the control and air pump unit  11  connects to a tube  3  which splits via a tube splitter in the air tube connection component  12  into two tubes  1 ,  2 , which then deliver suction to the milk collection hubs  10  via air ports or holes  15  in each milk collection hub  10 . When the pump in unit  11  is activated, negative air pressure is created between the control unit  11  and the milk collection hub(s)  10 , thereby applying negative pressure to the nipple, drawing milk from the breast, and collecting it inside the milk collection hubs  10 . 
     The breast pump system can be operated using either one (single pumping) or two (double pumping) milk collection hubs  10 . The breast pump system can generate pressures in the range of 150 to 350 mmHg depending on the level of stimulation selected by the user. 
       FIGS.  2  and  3    show perspective views of a milk collection hub. The milk collection hubs  10  are both identical and are configured to be discreet and to be comfortably held inside a bra, with the outer shell  20  having a curved shape that is configured to contact the inner surface of the bra. The outer shell  20  fits or latches onto a breast shield  21  that forms the rear surface of the hub  10 . The breast shield  21  is made up of a breast flange  32  and a nipple tunnel  31 ; the interior volume between the outer shell  20  and the breast shield  21  defines a chamber in which milk is collected. The breast flange  32  contacts the user&#39;s breasts. The outer shell  20  is directly removable from the breast shield in normal use or normal dis-assembly to enable cleaning of the interior volume in which milk is collected. 
     The outer shell  20  also includes a removable diaphragm cap  22  that covers and seals a diaphragm located inside the milk collection hub. The diaphragm cap  22  is located at the front of the outer shell  20 , and forms a central region on the front surface of the outer shell  20 . The diaphragm cap  22  includes the air port or hole  15  which provides the air connection to the control unit  11  via a tube. Because the diaphragm cap  22  is positioned at the front of the outer shell  20 , it does not block the user&#39;s view down through the transparent outer shell  20  into the interior of the milk collection hub; it hence enables the user to see whether the collection hub  10  is correctly positioned on a breast and whether milk is being successfully expressed into the collection hub  10 . 
     The diaphragm cap  22  is easily removable with one hand from the outer shell  20  of the hub in normal use or normal disassembly. Because the air line  1 ,  2  is connected to the air hole  15  in the diaphragm cap  22 , removing the diaphragm cap  22  from the outer shell  20  provides a robust, easy, quick release of the suction connection between the hub  10  and the control unit  11 , and, similarly, a robust, easy, quick installation of the suction connection between the hub  10  and the control unit  11 . Generally, air lines  1 ,  2  remain fixed to their respective diaphragm cap  22 , so the user does not have to worry about the potentially difficult process of attaching the air lines to the air port  15  in each collection hub  10 . 
     The removable diaphragm cap  22  can be rotated against outer shell  20  to adjust the position of the air port on the outer shell and hence the position and direction of the air lines  1 ,  2 ; this enables the user to readily adjust the position of the air lines  1 ,  2  so that they lie comfortably under a bra or other clothing. The user can place the hub  10  on the breast without the diaphragm cap and without the inconvenience of an air tube  1 ,  2  connected to the air port  15 . Once a proper nipple alignment is achieved, the diaphragm cap  22  and connected tube can easily be attached on the hub  10 . 
     In  FIG.  3   , the breast shield  21  includes a nipple tunnel  31  shaped to receive a nipple and a flange  32 . Preferably, the breast shield  21  including the flange  32  and the nipple tunnel  31  is a single piece item made of a single moulding with a single smooth internal surface. There are no joins along the nipple tunnel; joins may aggravate the delicate nipple tissue as the nipple extends and contracts during pumping. 
     The breast shield  21  may be configured to slide onto the outer shell using a single push action. The breast shield  21  and outer shell  20  may also attach using magnets. 
     Preferably, the breast shield  21 , and the outer shell  20  and the diaphragm cap  22  are all substantially rigid and optically clear or substantially transparent, e.g. in order to provide an unobstructed view of the nipple and the inside of the hub  10 . The breast shield  21 , the diaphragm cap  22  and the outer shell  20  may for example all be made substantially of clear, rigid, dishwasher-safe material such as polypropylene, or a polycarbonate, or a co-polyester like Tritan™, or include sections of those materials sufficient to enable the user to clearly see inside the milk collection hub  10 . Being dishwasher-safe is important as it enables these components to all be easily cleaned in a normal dish-washing cycle. This also allows different components of the wearable breast pump system to be easily washed and/or sterilised. This rigidity and transparency helps achieve correct nipple alignment when placing the entire milk collection hub  10  onto the breast, as well as to enable the user to readily check whether the alignment is maintained while pumping. Milk collection hubs made of very flexible silicone can be harder to correctly position on breast. The nipple tunnel is also clearly visible to the user through the substantially transparent walls of the hub  10 , further ensuring that the spacing between the nipple and the side walls of the nipple tunnel  31  is correctly maintained while pumping. 
     During a pumping session, the user is also able to view the inside of the milk collection hub  10  and is able to ensure milk is being expressed inside the hub  10  and have an indication of the level of collected milk inside the hub. A scale  24  located on the outer shell  20  indicates the volume of milk inside the hub  10 . 
     The breast shield  21  may also include guide lines  33  running parallel to the sides of the breast shield in order to help with nipple alignment; these guide lines  33  are designed to be positioned generally horizontally in use, and to be easily seen by the user when looking down at the breast shield  21  when positioned on breast; the lines enable the user to correctly position the breast shield  21  so that the nipple is positioned generally along the centre-line leading through the nipple tunnel (e.g. central axis  81  shown in  FIG.  8   ). 
     The outer shell also includes a milk pouring opening which can be closed using a removable part  23  to cover the milk pouring opening during pumping and general handling. 
     The breast shield  21  and/or outer shell  20  may be made of a substantially rigid polypropylene material, or a polycarbonate or a co-polyester material such as the Tritan material that is optically clear and dishwasher safe. The material may be particularly chosen as a balance of cost and acceptable achievable transparency. 
       FIG.  4    shows a back view of the milk collection hub. As shown, the nipple tunnel  31  includes a milk hole  41  through which expressed milk flows onto the milk collection hub. Guide lines  33  are positioned above the central axis of the nipple tunnel  31  and are not aligned with that central axis; this compensates for the slight parallax arising when viewing the guide lines  33  and nipple from above. 
       FIG.  5    shows a perspective view of the one-piece, rigid breast shield  21  but without the outer shell and without the diaphragm. Breast shield  21  includes an annular diaphragm housing  53 ; diaphragm housing  53  has an outer, approximately cylindrical side wall  55  that is generally parallel to the nipple tunnel  31 , and a generally concentric, approximately cylindrical inner side wall  56  that forms the outer wall of the nipple tunnel  31 . Diaphragm housing  53  has a front wall  57  that forms the end of the nipple tunnel; it also has an annular rear wall  54  that joins the concentric inner wall  56  and the outer wall  55 . 
       FIG.  8    provides a cross-section showing these features. A flexible membrane  61  (see  FIGS.  6 - 9    and  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B ) sits flush against these walls of the annular diaphragm housing  53  in the relaxed state (i.e. when no negative air pressure is applied) and hence has a similar shape, with a generally cylindrical outer membrane wall  64  that sits flush against housing cylindrical outer wall  55 ; a concentric inner membrane wall  65  that sits flush against housing cylindrical inner wall  56 ; a front wall  66  that sits over the end of the housing front wall  57  that forms the end of the nipple tunnel; and an annular rear wall  63  that sits flush against the diaphragm housing rear wall  54 . 
     Diaphragm cap  22  sits over the flexible diaphragm or membrane  61  and a negative pressure chamber is hence formed between diaphragm cap  22  and one side of the flexible diaphragm  61 . The diaphragm  61  hence moves within an air-pump chamber formed on one side by the diaphragm housing  53  and on the other side by the diaphragm cap  22 ; flexible diaphragm  61  is pulled forwards, along the direction of central axis  81 , moving through this negative pressure chamber when suction is applied. As the flexible diaphragm  61  is pulled forwards, it creates a low air pressure region on the other side of the flexible diaphragm  61 , i.e. the side between the flexible diaphragm  61  and the diaphragm housing  53 . This in turn reduces the air pressure inside the nipple tunnel  31 , since milk hole  41  in the nipple tunnel  31  ensures air pressure equivalence between the inside of the nipple tunnel  31  and the inside of the diaphragm housing  53 ; the pressure reduction draws the nipple forward and causes milk to be expressed from the nipple. Milk passes through the milk hole  41  of the nipple tunnel  31 , and then passes through a second milk hole or opening  52  located on the diaphragm housing  53 , and then flows inside the collection hub via a non-return valve  51  that is mounted on the second milk hole or opening  52 . The non-return valve enables milk to pass into the milk container in one direction. Note that the diaphragm housing  53 , and hence the diaphragm  61 , is placed towards the end of the nipple tunnel  31 , away from the breast shield  21 . Diaphragm  61  in fact extends over the end of nipple tunnel  31 . This structure has the benefit of giving the user a clearer view down through the nipple tunnel  31  when positioning the nipple inside the nipple tunnel  31 : if the diaphragm housing  53  were closer to the breast shield  21 , then that view would be blocked. The downside however is that the milk collection hub  10  is not compact in the direction of the nipple tunnel and is shaped to fit inside an inner portion of a bra. 
     Preferably, the non-return valve is removable for easy cleaning. 
     When the outer shell  20  is fitted on the breast shield  21 , the collection hub forms a vessel in which milk is collected after it passes through the non-return valve with a capacity to collect approximately 5 fluid ounces (148 ml). 
     The hub also includes a vent hole located for example at the top of the outer shell such that atmospheric pressure is maintained inside the vessel, even during negative pressure cycles. 
       FIG.  6    shows an exploded view of the milk collection hub  10 . In this example, the wearable milk collection hub  10  comprises the following user-removable parts: the breast shield  21 , the outer shell  20 , the diaphragm  61  and the diaphragm cap  22 . The diaphragm cap  22  fits over with an air-tight seal to the flexible diaphragm  61 . An air tight seal between the breast shield  21  and outer shell  20  is provided by a removable seal member  62 . 
     The flexible diaphragm  61  may either be fully removable from the hub  10  or may form an integral part of the outer shell  20 . When it is removable, it push-fits into the outer shell  20 , forming an air and liquid tight seal. When it is an integral part of the outer shell, the flexible diaphragm  61  is typically laser welded at its single outer, circular edge, to a single, circular edge in the outer shell  20 . 
     As noted above, the breast shield  21  includes a diaphragm housing portion  53 , in which the flexible diaphragm  61 , can move in and out, when assembled. The diaphragm housing portion  53  includes an air hole that transfers negative air pressure to the nipple tunnel  31 ; this may be the milk hole  41  in the nipple tunnel  31  or another hole (not shown). The diaphragm  61  flexes when negative air pressure is applied to it by the external air pump unit subsystem located in the control unit and transfers negative air-pressure to pull the breast and/or nipple against the breast shield and apply suction to the nipple, to cause milk to be expressed. 
       FIG.  7    shows the diaphragm  61  in side view and also perspective view. The diaphragm  61  is configured to prevent milk from reaching the pump unit housed inside the control unit  11 . 
     The overall dimensions of the diaphragm are about 77.3 mm in diameter and 24 mm in height (ie depth along the long axis  81  of the nipple tunnel). The volume of air displaced by the diaphragm when under maximum suction is approximately 17550 mm 3 . Typical variants may have dimensions that are ±25% of these dimensions. 
     The shape of the diaphragm  61  is not a substantially flat or ridged, convex membrane, as for example found in the Elvie Pump. Instead, it has an outer, approximately cylindrical side wall  64  that is generally parallel to the nipple tunnel  31 , and an inner, approximately cylindrical side wall  65  that is also is generally parallel to the nipple tunnel  31 . Diaphragm  61  has a front wall  66  that caps the inner side wall  65  and lies over the end of the nipple tunnel  31 . It also has an annular rear wall  63  that joins the outer and the inner sides walls  64 ,  65 . 
       FIG.  8    is a cross section of a breast  85  inserted inside a milk collection hub in a relaxed state, showing the diaphragm  61  in relation to the axis of the nipple tunnel  81 , milk port  41  and the pressure chamber  82 . The flexible diaphragm  61  includes outer side wall  64  and inner side wall  65 , which each substantially run parallel to the center axis of the nipple tunnel  81 , and some portions, which substantially run perpendicular to the center axis of the nipple tunnel  81 . As illustrated, the diaphragm  61  includes inner annular wall  63  and end cap wall  66  which are perpendicular to the centre axis  81 . Much of the flexible diaphragm  61  lies over milk port  41  and also to the right (i.e. away from the breast) of the milk port  41 . Milk collection hub  10  is therefore not designed to be compact in the direction of the axis of the nipple tunnel  81 . Further, inside the nipple tunnel, the entire volume or space to the right of the nipple and breast is subject to negative pressure; the negative pressure zone hence starts at the skin/air boundary and so flexible diaphragm  61  is entirely to the right (i.e. away from the breast) of the negative pressure zone that is adjacent to the breast. Again, this leads to milk collection hub  10  not being compact in the direction of the axis of the nipple tunnel  81 . But that compromise is necessary in order to give the user a clear view down through the clear material of the breast shield  21  nipple and outer shell  20  so that the nipple can be correctly positioned within nipple tunnel  31 : correct positioning is very important for comfort and also effective milk expression. 
       FIG.  9    is a cross section of the breast  85  inserted inside a milk collection hub showing the diaphragm  61  under maximum negative pressure. During a negative air pressure phase the flexible diaphragm  61  flexes and moves towards the right; even the rear wall  63  moves past the milk port  41 . The central section  66  of the diaphragm  61  is at all times located substantially to the right of (i.e. extending beyond) the end of the nipple tunnel  31 . During suction, the central section  66  also moves forward into a pair of chambers  84  in the diaphragm cap  22 ; this additional movement of the diaphragm  61  contributes significantly to the suction achieved inside the nipple tunnel, and hence the milk pumping efficacy. 
     The diaphragm  61  and associated diaphragm cap  22  are also positioned at the front of the hub  10  so as not to obstruct the mother&#39;s view of the nipple when placing the collection hub  10  onto her breast. 
       FIG.  10    shows perspective views of the removable diaphragm cap  22 . The diaphragm cap  22  includes a pair of hollow or recessed finger grip features  30 , making it easily handled using only two fingers. The diaphragm cap  22  is easily rotated so as to adjust the position of the air port  15  and hence the position of air tube  1 ,  2  (not shown) that would be connected to the air port  15 . 
       FIG.  11    shows a front view of the removable diaphragm cap  22  connected to an air tube  1 . The air tube  1  may pass through a passage way located at the center of the diaphragm cap  22 , providing an additional protection for the air tube  1  so that it is not, in use, easily pulled out, and so that the direction of the tube  1  conforms with the surface of the inner bra. The diaphragm cap  22  may also be configured to attach to the outer shell  20  by means of a latch system. The diaphragm cap  22  may latch into the outside shell when spring plungers, such as ball bearings  100  in the diaphragm cap, locate into small indents in the outer shell  20 . An audible and/or haptic feedback may confirm that the removable diaphragm cap  22  and air tube  1  are properly assembled. 
       FIG.  12    shows a side view of the removable diaphragm cap  22  including an additional rigid part  91 . The additional part  91  is removable from the diaphragm cap  22  and is also shown in isolation. Alternatively, the additional part  91  may be an integral part of the diaphragm cap  22 . Additional part  91  reduces the volume of the pump chamber and hence leads to an improved pumping efficiency. 
       FIG.  13 A  shows cross sections of a breast  85  inserted in the milk collection hub  10  including the additional rigid part  91  located in the pressure chamber.  FIG.  13 B  shows similar cross sections of the milk collection hub, but without the nipple. Note that the nipple sizing is approximate and that there are considerable variations in nipple size and in how nipples extend when under suction. Note also that these device cross sections are just one example and commercially available devices may differ. Diaphragm  61  is positioned over the end of nipple tunnel  31  and extends beyond the milk port  41  in the direction of axis  81  for the reasons given earlier, namely to provide a clear view of the nipple in the clear nipple tunnel  31 . Cross sections illustrate the diaphragm  61  movements from a relaxed state  101 , to a mid-point  102  and finally under maximum suction  103 . The diaphragm  61  is shown in a relaxed state, in relation to the axis of the nipple tunnel  81 , milk port  41  and the pressure chamber. The rigid pressure chamber part  91  reduces the volume of air inside the pressure chamber by limiting the movement of the diaphragm  61  under negative pressure, for example by blocking the pair of chambers  84  in the diaphragm cap  22 . The central section  66  of the diaphragm  61  is at all times located substantially to the right of (i.e. extending beyond) the end of the nipple tunnel  31 . When suction is applied, the member  61  moves forward along the direction of the central axis  81  of the wearable hub through the negative pressure chamber, as shown in the mid-point illustration  102 . The diaphragm  61  becomes flush with the rear surface of the rigid pressure chamber part  91  when it is fully displaced under maximum negative pressure. 
     In this configuration, by minimizing the volume of air in the pressure chamber, a faster response time and faster cycle time is achieved for single and double pumping, as well as greater peak negative pressure. In one implementation, using single pumping, the minimum pressure is 50 mmHg at cycle time of 75 cycles/min, and the maximum pressure is 350 mmHg at cycle time 30 cycles/min. Using double pumping, the minimum pressure is 30 mmHg at cycle time of 75 cycles/min and the maximum pressure is 280 mmHg at cycle time 30 cycles/min. 
       FIG.  14    shows a perspective view of the outer shell  20  including the milk pouring opening  111 . 
       FIG.  15    shows a side view of a milk collection hub. The overall width dimension of the milk collection hub  10  along the central axis of the nipple tunnel is about 5.7 cm; it is not designed to be particularly thin or compact in the direction of the axial arrow and has a width dimension that is similar or greater than earlier breast collection hubs, such as the Playtex Embrace™. The milk collection hub  10  includes a flat portion  120  located on the diaphragm cap  22 , so that the entire milk collection hub  10  can rest on a flat surface with the breast shield  21  uppermost. 
     Alternatively, the milk collection hub  10  may also include a flat portion on the base of the outer shell  20  such that the entire milk collection hub  10  can rest on a flat surface with the milk opening  111  uppermost. 
     Control Unit 
     The control unit  11  is configured to generate negative air pressure for the breast pump system. The control unit  11  has a discreet form and is shaped to comfortably fit in the palm of the hand and be readily gripped by a single hand. 
     The control unit  11  is shaped to fit inside a pocket (or even a bra). Preferably, the control unit is less than 120 mm in length, less than 70 mm in width and less than 45 mm in height. Preferably, the control unit is less than 0.2 kg. 
     A user interface  13 , provided on the control unit  11 , may include buttons, haptic feedback, sliders, any form of display, lights, or any other componentry necessary to control and indicate the use of the breast pump system. The user interface is configured to be intuitive and easy to use. 
     A particular example of the user interface  13  is provided in  FIG.  16    showing the top view of the control unit  11 . A power on/off button  131  powers on or off the breast pump system. One button  132  switches the pumping profile, such as between stimulation or expression modes. The buttons  133  and  134  adjust the pressure generated by the pump and hence the vacuum pressure applied to the user&#39;s breast(s). A dual function pump/pause button  130  is also provided for the user to interrupt the pumping process without turning the device off. 
     A visual indicator includes a series of LEDs  135  that change appearance, with more LEDs being illuminated, as the pressure generated by the pump increases. Another visual indicator includes an LED  136  that changes appearance when the pumping profile changes. For example, one color indicates stimulation and another color indicates expression. As another example, the LED is turned off to indicate stimulation and is on to indicate expression. Another visual indicator includes an LED  137  that indicates the battery status. For example, the color red indicates low battery; orange indicates that the battery is charging; while green indicates when the battery is fully charged. 
     The battery is a rechargeable battery which can be charged via USB. Hence the control unit includes a USB charging socket  138  for transferring power to a power charging circuit housed inside the control unit. 
     The information provided through the user interface may also be supplemented by or alternatively conveyed solely through haptic feedback. The user interface may also take the form of a touchscreen. 
       FIG.  17    shows the control unit with the upper case removed. The visual indicators  135   136  and  137  including LEDs are mounted or attached on the chassis  140 . 
       FIG.  18    shows an exploded view of the control unit U with some of the key internal elements. The outside surface of the control unit is made of an upper case  151  and a lower case  152 , which when assembled together are adapted to house, hold and protect the internal components of the control unit  11 . 
     The control unit  11  houses an air pump unit subsystem  154  for generating a negative pressure in the milk collection hub(s), as well as a battery  155  and control electronics on PCB  153 . The chassis  140  holds in place the main components such as the air pump unit  154 , the battery  155  and the PCB  153 . The chassis also includes the actuators between the user interface and the PCB switches. 
     The breast pump system has been configured to deliver quiet operation in normal use. In particular, the control unit has been configured to both reduce motor vibration and attenuate sound from the pump unit subsystem  154 . 
     The components of the pump unit subsystem  154  are shown in  FIG.  19   . A pump unit  161 , including a pump driven from a motor, is configured to generate negative air pressure. The pump unit  161  is connected to a bleed valve, such as a solenoid valve  162  that is configured to reset the system to ambient pressure when the motor stops. 
     Reduction of Motor Vibration and Attenuation of Sound 
     The breast pump system is designed to be more discreet compared to available solutions with respect to volume and sharpness of noise. This is enabled by one or more of the following: reducing the sound generated by the pump unit  161 ; soundproofing the control unit  11 ; reducing the power of the pump unit  161 , reducing the bleed sound by slowing down the airflow speed during rapid return to ambient air pressure after each pumping cycle, and absorbing the vibration of the pump motor in the pump unit subsystem  154 . 
     The motor vibrations are reduced by holding the pump unit  161  in place between two silicone parts: a sound attenuating motor mount  163  and an airflow block  164 . The sound attenuating motor mount  163  holds the back of the pump motor and absorbs part of the vibration of the pump motor. The airflow block  164  includes an air port or hole for routing the airflow from the pump unit  161  to the tube connector  14  and also absorbs part of the vibration of the pump unit. By using the two silicone parts, the vibration transmitted to the hard plastic case  151 ,  152  is greatly reduced and hence the unit is significantly quieter than other pumping units; a major advantage when discretion is sought, and to reduce disturbance to baby. 
     Both the sound attenuating motor mount  163  and the airflow block  164  are one-piece items made of either compression-moulded or ISR moulded silicone. 
       FIGS.  20  to  22    provide cross sections of the airflow block that illustrates the air paths inside the airflow block. The airflow block  164  is a multifunctional block that:
         routes or directs the airflow from the tube connector  14  or inlet to the pump unit  161  (see  FIG.  20   ).   directs the air from the motor exhaust  181  to the atmosphere through a simple straight hollow tube with an exit path at one end (see  FIG.  21   ).   provides the mounting for the solenoid valve inlet  171  and outlet  172  (see  FIGS.  20  and  22   ).   provides an isolation barrier for motor vibrations.       

     The airflow block  164  therefore is configured to both attenuate sound and to reduce motor vibration. 
     A number of components may be used to further reduce the sound generated by the pump unit subsystem including, but not limited to:
         A solenoid foam cap  165  to reduce bleed flow as well as bleed sound.   A sound valve  166  (as shown also in  FIG.  23   ) located in the lower portion of the case  152 . The sound valve  166  allows the internal pressure of the control unit  11  to remain at ambient pressure without high levels of sound escaping from the control unit  11 . A sound valve cap  167  is also used to protect the sound valve  166  from the external environment.   Sealing the control unit  11  so as to further attenuate sound. For example, a seal member  173  (see  FIG.  23   ) is included in between the upper part  151  and lower part  152  of the case, around the periphery of the control unit  11 , hence allowing no air to escape from the control unit  11 , to reduce the pump unit  161  sounds from travelling outside the control unit  11 . Optionally, the airflow block  164  may also be integrated with a portion of the seal member  173 .   Mufflers or silencers can also be used reduce the airborne noise emitted from air inlets and/or exhausts. One silencer can be connected to the solenoid  162  and another silencer can be connected to the pump motor.       

     The sound valve  166  located on the lower part  152  of the case is shown in  FIGS.  19  and  23   . The sound valve  166  is a silicone part configured to deform under pressure. Hence it allows the air to pass in and out of the control unit  11 , whilst significantly attenuating the motor and pump noise from travelling out of the control unit  11 . The sound valve  166  also ensures that the inside of the control unit  11  remains at ambient pressure and that the pump unit  161  is working in the right conditions. 
     The sound valve may include a small cross section cut. 
     The pumping cycle is now described in  FIGS.  24  to  26   . 
     Once the system is activated, a pumping cycle begins: the air-pressure pump turns on and creates negative air pressure during a first phase of the pumping cycle, referred to as the pumping time (P). When negative air pressure is applied to the milk collection hubs  10 , the flexible diaphragm  61  flexes and negative air pressure is conveyed to the inside of the nipple tunnel  31 , to pull the breast and/or nipple, thus drawing milk  251  from the nipple. During this first phase of the pumping cycle (P), the air-pressure pump  161  is configured to be on for a pre-defined amount of time in order to provide a target negative air pressure. During this first phase, the solenoid valve  162  is configured to be turned off. 
     After the target negative air pressure has been reached, the air-pressure pump  161  turns off, and air is bled into the system via the solenoid valve  162  during the second phase of the pumping cycle referred to as bleed time (B). At the end of the bleed time, the system is therefore reset to ambient pressure. 
     During this second phase of the pumping cycle, the solenoid valve  162  opens to reset the pressure in the milk collection hubs  10  to ambient, which causes a rush of air into the solenoid valve  162  and generates a sound, such as a sharp, high frequency sound. As discussed above, using a solenoid foam cap  165 , as shown in  FIG.  27   , reduces the rush of air entering the solenoid valve  162  and therefore reduces the overall sound generated by the solenoid valve  162 . The solenoid foam cap  165  includes one or more small openings or holes that are configured to reduce and control air speed when entering the solenoid valve  162 . The solenoid foam cap  165  may be a one-piece item made of plastic. 
     The pumping cycle may be programmed to follow different modes, such as a stimulation mode and an expression mode, by controlling the pumping time and the bleed time. The pumping cycle and/or modes may also be programmed to reach different vacuum levels. 
     Stimulation mode is configured to encourage milk flow and expression mode is configured to maximize pumping efficiency. Each mode contains a number of different vacuum levels, such as 10 different vacuum levels, which can be selected via the user interface on the control unit. 
       FIG.  28    lists an example of 10 different vacuum levels for stimulation and expression modes and for single and double pumping. This is one example and commercially available devices may differ. Adjusting the power delivered to the pump motor also reduces the sound generated by the system. 
     Hence a desired vacuum level and sound for a particular mode may be achieved by controlling the time of both phases of the pumping cycle and the power delivered to the pump motor. 
     The perimeter of the control unit has a complete seal  173  (see  FIG.  23   ), dramatically reducing the airborne noise leaving the unit. This seal creates a significantly quieter product for the user. 
     Overall, in operation, the noise level is less than 50 dB and preferably less than 45 dB. 
     A number of removable accessories may be used that attach to the control unit  11  to improve the user experience. These may include for example:
         a removable, auxiliary battery pack for increasing the length of time a user can pump for between charges.   a tube wrap device that clips to the back of the control unit, allowing the user to neatly store the tubes by wrapping them. This may also allow the user to customise the length of their tubes during use.   a belt clip that allows the user to attach the control unit to their clothing, wearing it on their waistline or elsewhere.   a lanyard that clips to the control unit, allowing the user to wear the control unit by hanging it around their neck.       

     The attachment method for accessories may involve an O-ring style loop that stretches over the control unit in multiple positions, allowing a control unit to be mounted in either portrait or landscape orientation. 
     Accessories for the Control Unit 
     The control unit may also include a number of easily removable accessories. 
       FIG.  29    shows diagrams of a control unit  11  including a multifunction mount such as an O-ring  290 . The multifunction mount enables the control unit  11  to be easily held by the user&#39;s fingers in different modes, such as portrait  291  or landscape mode  292 . 
       FIG.  30    shows pictures of the control unit  11  including a tube wrap accessory  241  located under the bottom case of the control unit  11 , and of the control unit including a battery accessory  242  located under the bottom case of the control unit  11 , such as a battery pack. 
       FIG.  31    shows a picture of a control unit  11  including an o-ring  290  mount extending around a periphery of the control unit  11 . The mount including a removable waistband clip  261  enabling the control unit to be, for example, clipped to a belt or trousers. 
     Tube Connection 
       FIG.  32    shows the tube connection  12  including the tube splitter  261 . The tube splitter  12  in effect splits the air line  3  that comes from the combined control and air pump unit  11  into two separate air lines  1 ,  2  that attach to the two milk collection hubs  10 . Tube splitter  12  attaches to one end of the air lines  1 ,  2  that are connected at their other end to the air port  14  in each milk collection hub  10 . The tube splitter attaches to one end of the air line  3  that is connected at its other end to the combined control and air pump unit  11 . Tube splitter  12  includes a bung or stopper  262  that can be rotated in order to configure the breast pump system for single pumping or double pumping, by creating an air path that leads from air line  3  into either the left airline  1  or the right air line  2  to activate respectively just the left hub or the right hub; or it can create an air path that leads from air line  3  into both left airline  1  and also right air line  2 , for double pumping. 
     Application Running on a Connected Device 
     Pump system related data may be sent by the system to a connected smartphone or other computer device. The data may be further analysed by a data analysis subsystem. The data may also be displayed on an application running on the computing device. 
     The application may provide one or more of the following features:
         Discreet/Remote control of device, such as: play/pause, mode change, intensity setting change.   Battery life indication.   Session time and date tracking.   Milk volume tracking.   Integration with other devices, such as other breast pump system.       

     APPENDIX 1 
     Key features of the breast pump system are now generalized into the following categories: 
     A. User experience: Nipple Visibility 
     B. Cost Engineering: Simplicity 
     C. User Experience: Low Noise 
     D. User experience: Product Handling 
     Note that any feature can be combined with any one or more other features. The invention is however defined in the appended claims. Note further that, whilst the implementation described above is a breast pump system with one or two in-bra wearable milk collection hubs, each connected to an external air pump, it is possible to integrate an air pumping mechanism, rechargeable battery and control electronics inside each milk collection hub, in much the same way as the Elvie Pump (see WO 2018/229504) integrates an air pump, rechargeable battery and control electronics into an in-bra wearable unit that includes a user-attachable milk collection container. The following features do not, unless otherwise explicitly stated, require an external air pump, but should be expansively construed to cover breast pump systems that can utilise an external or internal air pump. Similarly, whilst the implementation described above is a breast pump system with a closed-loop air pump (i.e. the pump is protected from any possibility of milk contamination through the flexible membrane), the following features do not, unless otherwise explicitly stated, require a closed-loop air pump, but should be expansively construed to cover breast pump systems that are both closed loop and also open loop. 
     A. User Experience Innovations: Nipple Visibility 
     Feature 1: Visibility of the Nipple 
     One implementation of this invention envisages a wearable milk collection hub for a breast pump system that provides a clear and unobstructed view of the nipple for easy nipple alignment. This ensures that a correct alignment is maintained while pumping. The breast shield and outer shells are both substantially clear providing a clear and unobstructed view of the nipple when the assembled system is placed on the breast. This further enables the user to ensure proper nipple suction when the breast pump system is placed on the breast and while pumping. 
     We can generalize to: 
     A wearable milk collection hub for a breast pump system comprising:
         (a) a breast shield made up of a breast flange and a nipple tunnel;   (b) a flexible diaphragm that is configured to prevent milk from reaching an external air pump subsystem;   (c) an outer shell that is configured to removably attach to the breast shield, such that the breast shield and outer shell form a vessel for collecting milk;       

     in which the breast shield and the outer shell are substantially transparent, providing, to the mother placing the collection hub onto her breast, a clear and unobstructed view of the nipple to facilitate correct nipple alignment. 
     Feature 2: Visibility of the Nipple and of the Flexible Diaphragm 
     In addition to the clear and unobstructed view of the nipple, the system also provides a clear and unobstructed view of the diaphragm inside the hub. A user is able to see any movement of the diaphragm while pumping and ensure the system is correctly operating. The diaphragm is placed so as not to obstruct the line of sight to the nipple, hence providing both a view of the nipple and of the flexible diaphragm. 
     We can generalize to: 
     A wearable milk collection hub for a breast pump system comprising:
         (a) a breast shield made up of a breast flange and a nipple tunnel;   (b) a flexible diaphragm that is configured to prevent milk from reaching an external air pump subsystem;   (c) an outer shell that is configured to removably attach to the breast shield, such that the breast shield and outer shell form a vessel for collecting milk;       

     in which the breast shield and the outer shell are substantially transparent, providing simultaneously to the mother placing the collection hub onto her breast (i) a clear and unobstructed view of the nipple to facilitate correct nipple alignment and (ii) a view of the diaphragm to ensure the breast pump system is operating correctly. 
     Feature 3: Visibility of the Nipple and of a Substantial Part of Nipple Tunnel 
     The system is also able to provide an unobstructed view of the nipple tunnel for easy nipple alignment when the system is placed on the breast and while pumping. This further ensures that the spacing between the nipple and the side walls of the nipple tunnel is correctly positioned and maintained while pumping. 
     We can generalize to: 
     A wearable milk collection hub for a breast pump system comprising:
         (a) a breast shield made up of a breast flange and a nipple tunnel;   (b) a flexible diaphragm that is configured to prevent milk from reaching an external air pump subsystem;   (c) an outer shell that is configured to removably attach to the breast shield, such that the breast shield and outer shell form a vessel for collecting milk;       

     in which the breast shield and the outer shell are substantially transparent, providing to the mother placing the collection hub onto her breast (i) a clear and unobstructed view of the nipple to facilitate correct nipple alignment and (ii) a clear and unobstructed view of a substantial part of the nipple tunnel. 
     Feature 4: Diaphragm is Removably Mounted. 
     The wearable milk collection hub also includes a removable diaphragm that is configured to separate the air pump side from the milk side located in the hub, and thus prevents any contamination of the air pump unit by any milk. The diaphragm is shaped so that it includes portions which are either substantially parallel to the center axis of the nipple tunnel or substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the nipple tunnel. 
     We can generalize to: 
     A wearable milk collection hub for a breast pump system comprising:
         (a) a substantially transparent breast shield made up of a breast flange and a nipple tunnel;   (b) a flexible diaphragm that is configured to prevent milk from reaching an external air pump subsystem;   (c) a substantially transparent outer shell that is configured to removably attach to the breast shield, such that the breast shield and outer shell form a vessel for collecting milk;       

     in which the diaphragm is removably mounted onto the breast shield and/or the outer shell, and in which the diaphragm includes a portion that is arranged over the end or tip of the nipple tunnel. 
     Feature 5: Specific Shape and Location of the Diaphragm 
     The diaphragm is also positioned so that it does not obstruct a mother&#39;s view of the nipple when placing the collection hub onto her breast. Hence a mother is able to see any movement of the diaphragm when the air pump is activated, thereby further ensuring the proper function of the breast pump system. 
     We can generalize to: 
     A wearable milk collection hub for a breast pump system comprising:
         (a) a breast shield made up of a breast flange and a nipple tunnel;   (b) a flexible diaphragm that is configured to prevent milk from reaching an external air pump subsystem;   (c) an outer shell that is configured to removably attach to the breast shield, such that the breast shield and outer shell form a vessel for collecting milk;       

     in which the diaphragm is removably mounted onto the breast shield and/or the outer shell and is positioned behind a diaphragm cap that forms part of the front or forward facing part of the outer shell, so as not to obstruct a mother&#39;s view of the nipple when placing the collection hub onto her breast. 
     B. Cost Engineering Innovations: Simplicity 
     Feature 6: Removable Diaphragm Cap 
     The wearable milk collection hub includes a removable diaphragm cap that is configured to cover and seal the diaphragm. The diaphragm cap is easily removable or attachable with a single push action when the collection hub has been placed onto the breast. The diaphragm cap includes an air port or hole to connect a tube between the milk collection hub and an external control unit housing a pump unit subsystem. 
     Hence a mother can place the collection hub on her breast first without the diaphragm cap and without the inconvenience of a tube connected to the air port. Once the milk collection hub is correctly placed on the breast, the mother can easily attach the diaphragm cap together with the tube with a single push action. 
     We can generalize to: 
     A wearable milk collection hub for a breast pump system comprising:
         (a) a breast shield made up of a breast flange and a nipple tunnel;   (b) a flexible diaphragm that is configured to prevent milk from reaching an external air pump subsystem;   (c) an outer shell that is configured to removably attach to the breast shield, such that the breast shield and outer shell form a vessel for collecting milk;       

     in which the outer shell includes a removable diaphragm cap that covers and seals the diaphragm; and in which the diaphragm cap forms part of the front or forward facing part of the outer shell and includes an air port configured to transfer negative air pressure from the external air pump subsystem to the diaphragm. 
     Feature 7: Removable Diaphragm Cap is Omnidirectional 
     A further advantage of the diaphragm cap is that it is omnidirectional and can be easily rotated on the rear surface of the outer shell, therefore providing the user with the ability to change or rotate the position of the air port on the diaphragm cap. This also helps the user modify the placement of a tube connected to the diaphragm cap. This feature also provides added versatility and/or flexibility to be used by different users and body shape with different clothing to achieve comfort and/or discretion. 
     We can generalize to: 
     A wearable milk collection hub for a breast pump system comprising:
         (a) a breast shield made up of a breast flange and a nipple tunnel;   (b) a flexible diaphragm that is configured to prevent milk from reaching an external air pump subsystem;   (c) an outer shell that is configured to removably attach to the breast shield, such that the breast shield and outer shell form a vessel for collecting milk;       

     in which the outer shell includes a removable diaphragm cap that covers and seals the diaphragm; and in which the diaphragm cap forms part of the front or forward facing part of the outer shell and includes an air port configured to transfer negative air pressure from the external air pump subsystem to the diaphragm; and in which the removable diaphragm cap is configured to rotate to enable the position of the air port on the outer shell to be adjusted by a user. 
     Feature 8: 3 User-Removable Parts from the Breast Shield 
     We can generalize to: 
     A wearable milk collection hub for a breast pump system comprising:
         (a) a breast shield made up of a breast flange and a nipple tunnel;   (b) a flexible diaphragm that is configured to prevent milk from reaching an external air pump subsystem;   (c) an outer shell that is configured to removably attach to the breast shield, such that the breast shield and outer shell form a vessel for collecting milk;   (d) a diaphragm cap that forms part of the front or forward facing part of the outer shell;       

     and in which the only user removable items from the breast shield are: the outer shell, the diaphragm, and the diaphragm cap, in normal use or normal disassembly. 
     C. User Experience Innovations: Low Noise 
     Feature 9: Airflow Block 
     We can generalize to: 
     A control unit for generating negative air pressure for a breast pump system, the control unit including:
         (a) a rechargeable battery;   (b) a power charging circuit for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery;   (c) control electronics powered by the rechargeable battery;   (d) a pump powered by the rechargeable battery and generating negative air pressure; and   (e) a motor for driving the pump;   (f) a casing;   in which the control unit further includes an airflow block that is configured to transfer suction from the pump to a suction or air port on the control unit and is further configured to attenuate sound from the pump and/or the motor reaching from reaching the casing.       

     Feature 10: Sound Valve 
     We can generalize to: 
     A control unit for generating negative air pressure for a breast pump system, the control unit including:
         (a) a rechargeable battery;   (b) a power charging circuit for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery;   (c) control electronics powered by the rechargeable battery;   (d) a pump powered by the rechargeable battery and generating negative air pressure; and   (e) a motor for driving the pump;   and in which the control unit further includes a sound valve that is configured to air to pass in and out of the control unit sufficient for pressure equalisation between the inside and outside of the control unit, while minimizing sound from the pump and/or motor escaping from the control unit.       

     Feature 11: Solenoid Foam Cap 
     We can generalize to: 
     A control unit for generating negative air pressure for a breast pump system, the control unit including:
         (a) a rechargeable battery;   (b) a power charging circuit for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery;   (c) control electronics powered by the rechargeable battery;   (d) a pump powered by the rechargeable battery and generating negative air pressure and;   (e) a motor for driving the pump;   (f) a solenoid valve for controlling the generated negative air pressure;   and in which the control unit further includes a cap or other structure that is configured to reduce the speed of air that enters the solenoid valve when the solenoid valve opens to ambient air pressure.       

     D. User Experience Innovations: Product Handling 
     Feature 12: Multifunction Mount 
     We can generalize to: 
     A control unit for generating negative air pressure for a breast pump system, the control unit including:
         (a) a rechargeable battery;   (b) a power charging circuit for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery;   (c) control electronics powered by the rechargeable battery;   (d) a pump powered by the rechargeable battery and generating negative air pressure and;   (e) a motor for driving the pump;   and in which the control unit further includes a removable multifunction mount configured to attach to the control unit in at least two different positions, such that the control unit can be held in either upright/portrait or longwise/landscape mode.       

     Feature 13: Tube Management Feature 
     We can generalize to: 
     A control unit for generating negative air pressure for a breast pump system, the control unit including:
         (a) a rechargeable battery;   (b) a power charging circuit for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery;   (c) control electronics powered by the rechargeable battery;   (d) a pump powered by the rechargeable battery and generating negative air pressure and;   (e) a motor for driving the pump;   and in which the control unit further includes or, is removably attached to a tube management structure configured to enable an air tube attachable to the control unit to be wound around that tube management structure.       

     Generally applicable optional features that can be combined with any one or more of the above features and can themselves be combined with one another: 
     Breast Shield
         breast shield is rigid or semi-rigid.   breast shield is made up of a breast flange and a nipple tunnel; in which the nipple tunnel is configured to receive a nipple.   breast shield comes in different sizes, each of which are configured to attach to the same outer shell.   different sizes of the breast shield each provide a different spacing of the nipple from side walls of the nipple tunnel, when the breast shield is positioned onto a breast.   breast shield integrates the breast flange and nipple tunnel as a single one-piece item with no joins.   nipple tunnel includes a milk hole through which express milk flows into the milk collection hub via a non return valve.   breast shield includes a diaphragm housing that has sides that are parallel to the nipple tunnel.   diaphragm housing includes an air hole that transfers negative air pressure to the nipple tunnel.   air-pump chamber is a substantially annular chamber with walls that are parallel to the long or central axis of the nipple tunnel and those parallel walls lie over a region of the nipple tunnel that is subject in use to negative air pressure.   diaphragm housing has an outer, approximately cylindrical side wall that is generally parallel to the nipple tunnel, and an inner, approximately cylindrical side wall that is also is generally parallel to the nipple tunnel.   diaphragm housing has a front wall that forms the end of the nipple tunnel.   diaphragm housing has an annular rear wall that joins the outer and the inner sides walls and that annular rear wall lies over a region of the nipple tunnel that is subject in use to negative air pressure.   diaphragm moves within an air-pump chamber formed on one side by the diaphragm housing with walls that are parallel to the long or central axis of the nipple tunnel and on another side by the diaphragm cap.   breast shield is integrated with the diaphragm housing portion as a single, one piece moulded item.   breast shield includes a removable perimeter seal that provides an air-tight seal between an outer edge of the breast shield and the outer shell.   breast shield is a transparent or optically clear, dishwasher safe polypropylene, polycarbonate or copolyester, such as Tritan™, breast shield.       

     Outer Shell
         outer shell is rigid.   the outer shell removably attaches, fits or latches onto the breast shield and so the breast shield provides a rear surface that is in contact with milk.   outer shell is attachable to the breast shield with a single push action.   outer shell attaches to the breast shield using magnets.   outer shell includes an air opening or vent hole such that atmospheric pressure is maintained inside the milk collection hub.   outer shell is directly removable from the breast shield in normal use or normal dis-assembly   outer shell is removable from the breast shield together with a flexible diaphragm that is attached, permanently or removably, to the outer shell.   outer shell is an integral part of the breast shield.   outer shell includes a diaphragm cap that sits over a diaphragm.   outer shell and diaphragm are together a single item.   outer shell includes a pouring opening which can be closed for transportation of the milk collection hub.   outer shell has a front surface that is curved to fit inside a bra and to contact the inner surface of the bra.   outer shell is a transparent or optically clear, dishwasher safe polypropylene, polycarbonate or copolyester, such as Tritan™, outer shell.   outer shell is a self-contained milk collection hub and so the breast shield does not provide a surface in contact with milk.       

     Diaphragm
         diaphragm is flexible, and deforms to create negative pressure.   diaphragm is not sufficiently flexible to deform to create negative pressure but serves instead solely to prevent milk from passing through it and filling the air lines or reaching the motor.   diaphragm is substantially rigid and serves instead solely to prevent milk from passing through it and filling the air lines or reaching the motor.   diaphragm includes inner and outer side walls that are substantially parallel to the center axis of the nipple tunnel.   diaphragm includes substantially cylindrical inner and outer side walls that are substantially parallel to the center axis of the nipple tunnel.   diaphragm, when under negative pressure, moves past a milk opening in the nipple tunnel towards the over the end or tip of the nipple tunnel.   diaphragm includes portions which are substantially parallel to the center axis of the nipple tunnel and includes portions which are substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the nipple tunnel.   diaphragm is shaped to be flush to a diaphragm housing that has an outer, approximately cylindrical side wall that is generally parallel to the nipple tunnel, and an inner, approximately cylindrical concentric side wall that is also is generally parallel to the nipple tunnel.   diaphragm flexes when negative air pressure is applied to it by an air pump subsystem, and transfers that negative air-pressure to pull the breast and/or nipple against the breast shield to cause milk to be expressed.   diaphragm is positioned such as not to obstruct a mother&#39;s view of a substantial part of the nipple tunnel when placing the collection hub onto her breast;   diaphragm is moulded as part of, or otherwise attached to, the outer shell.   the outer shell and diaphragm are formed or joined together to form a single item.   diaphragm includes portions that run substantially parallel to the center axis of the nipple tunnel.   diaphragm is a single flexible membrane shaped to include inner and outer substantially cylindrical walls that are generally parallel to the center axis of the nipple tunnel.   diaphragm includes a portion that sits over the end of the nipple tunnel, facing away from the breast.   diaphragm is removably attached to the outer shell.   diaphragm is removable from the outer shell for cleaning   diaphragm is configured to self-seal under the negative air pressure to a   diaphragm holder that is part of the breast shield.   diaphragm is a one-piece item devoid of any holes or openings.   diaphragm is permanently fixed to the outer shell.   diaphragm is a single flexible membrane shaped to include inner and outer substantially cylindrical walls that are generally parallel to the center axis of the nipple tunnel, an annular wall that joins the inner and outer substantially cylindrical walls, and an end wall that sits over the end of the nipple tunnel.       

     Diaphragm Cap
         diaphragm cap is removable.   diaphragm cap forms the front of the outer shell.   diaphragm cap includes an air port that is configured to deliver air pressure to the milk collection hub.   diaphragm cap is configured to fit or latch onto the outer shell with a single push action.   diaphragm cap includes recesses or features configured to be gripped with the fingers of one hand.   diaphragm cap includes a pair of recesses configured to enable the cap to be gripped and removed from the outer shell, and installed into the outer shell, with a single hand.   diaphragm cap is rotatable in the outer shell to adjust the position of the air port on the diaphragm cap.   diaphragm cap includes a passage way for the air tube.   diaphragm cap includes a flat portion such that the milk collection hub can rest on a flat surface positioned on this flat portion.   diaphragm cap is is shaped to fit inside an inner portion of a bra.   diaphragm cap is a transparent or optically clear, dishwasher safe polypropylene, polycarbonate or copolyester, such as Tritan™, diaphragm cap.       

     Entire System
         the system is a closed system.   the system has a capacity of approximately 5 fluid ounces (148 ml).   width of the milk collection hub is of about 5.7 cm in the direction of the central axis of the nipple tunnel.   each milk collection hub is, in-use, bra-worn, for example is shaped to be worn inside a maternity bra.   the system makes less than 50 dB noise at maximum power when the motor is running, and preferably less than 45 dB.       

     Control Unit
         control unit is configured to control suction delivered to one or two wearable milk collection hubs.   control unit houses an air pump subsystem that is configured to generate negative air pressure and transfer negative air pressure to a wearable milk collection hub.   control unit does not house an air pump subsystem but controls an air pump that is external to the control unit   air pump subsystem is held in place between a sound attenuating motor mount and an airflow block, each configured to absorb vibration from the pump unit.   control unit includes a wireless data communications system powered by a rechargeable battery;   control unit includes one or more buttons which are configured to control at least one wearable collection hub.   control unit includes a visual and/or haptic indicator that indicates whether milk is flowing or not flowing into the hub.   control unit includes a visual and/or haptic indicator that indicates the activated pumping profile or pattern.   control unit includes a visual and/or haptic indicator that indicates the rechargeable battery status.   control unit includes a USB charging socket connected to the power charging circuit;   multifunction mount is an o-ring.       

     Airflow Block
         airflow block is configured transfer air or suction from the pump unit and also to absorb vibrations from the pump unit.   airflow block is made of a compression moulded silicone.   airflow block is directly connected to the air pump subsystem outlet.   airflow block is located near a solenoid valve.   airflow block is a one-piece item.   control unit is sealed such as to further attenuate sound.   control unit includes an housing with a top portion and a bottom portion.   the bottom and top portions are sealed together using a seal perimeter.   airflow block is integrated with a portion of the seal perimeter.   airflow block connects to an air port or hole for a tube that delivers air to a wearable milk collection hub.       

     Sound Valve
         sound valve is configured to regulate the pressure inside the control unit so that the inside of the control unit remains at ambient pressure and also to attenuate noise from the pump unit escaping from inside the control unit.   sound valve is located on the bottom portion of the control unit.   sound valve includes a small cut that is configured to deform under pressure.   sound valve is made of silicone.       

     Foam Cap
         solenoid foam cap is configured to reduce the speed of air that enters the solenoid valve when the solenoid valve opens to ambient air pressure and hence to reduce the sound of that air entering the solenoid valve.   solenoid foam cap is a one piece item made of plastic.   foam cap includes one or more small opening or holes.   control unit also includes two silencers (or muffler) in which one silencer is connected to the solenoid valve and the other silencer is connected to the motor.       

     Note 
     It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred example(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth herein. 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.