Patent Description:
Women's breasts are made of specialized tissues that produce milk. This includes glandular as well as fatty tissues. The milk-producing part of the breast is organized into <NUM> to <NUM> sections, called lobes. Within each lobe are smaller structures, called lobules, where milk is produced. The milk travels through a network of tiny tubes called ducts. The ducts connect and come together into larger ducts, which eventually exit the skin in the nipple. There is a considerable body of evidence in the literature on the proven and potential benefits of breast milk expression during lactation. These benefits include, but are not limited to: clearing clogged milk ducts, assisting milk to flow more freely through the ducts resulting in a decrease in time required and increase in quantity of milk expressed during any given single pumping event, creation of subjective physical pleasure and decrease in generalized breast pain, increase in the positive caloric nutritional value of the breast milk resulting from more complete emptying of all lactation tissue. Hand expression is often used as a viable method for milk extraction, and is more commonly recommended by leading lactation experts as a simultaneous adjunct to breast pumping.

An example of a breast milk expression system and method is described in <CIT>, wherein the system comprises various mechanisms for stimulating the breast to aid in lactation. An example of a massaging lactation assistive device is described in <CIT>, which includes electrical or mechanical components to stimulate a breast An example of a device and method for supporting a breast shield of a breast pump in a "hands-free" manner is described in <CIT>.

As will be appreciated from the following description, in accordance with at least one aspect, a breast milk expression apparatus and system can replace manual (by hand) milk extraction.

The present invention provides a breast milk expression apparatus as defined in the appended claims. According to one embodiment, the breast milk expression apparatus includes an outer shell, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced inner pads coupled to the outer shell. The pads are configured to engage a breast of the user and configured for radial displacement. The breast milk expression apparatus further includes a compression unit coupled to the plurality of pads. The compression unit is configured to cyclically displace the pads radially inwardly against the breast to cause compression of the breast and, following compression of the breast, to permit displacement of the pads radially outwardly from the breast to allow for decompression of the breast.

The outer shell, which may be manufactured in multiple sizes, may have an inner surface that is generally concave. The inner surface may be convex near an axillary part of the breast The sizes of the outer shell may correspond to bra cup sizes. The inner surface may be configured to engage a maximum possible volume of a user's breast tissue. The outer shell may define a central opening about which the plurality of inner pads are circumferentially spaced. The central opening may be dimensioned to receive a breastshield therethrough for engagement with the user's breast Milk expressed during use of the breast milk expression apparatus may be directed by the breastshield away from the breast, such as to a collection bottle.

The pads that are coupled to the outer shell may be variously shaped and configured to engage the outer surface of a user's breast for breast manipulation to facilitate milk expression. Also, at least one of the pads may be heated.

The breast milk expression apparatus may include an outer cover that may cover the outer shell. The outer cover may function to protect the outer shell and/or the compression unit and may also provide a desired aesthetic look. The breast milk expression apparatus may also include an inner liner to cover the pads coupled to the outer shell. The inner liner may provide a comfort barrier between the skin of a user's breast and the pads. In one embodiment, the outer cover and the inner liner are coupled together to form an encasement for the breast milk expression apparatus. The outer cover, inner liner, and the encasement may be removable from the breast milk expression apparatus.

In one embodiment of the breast milk expression apparatus, the compression unit includes a cable banded about and through the plurality of pads, and a drive unit coupled to the cable and the outer shell. The drive unit is configured to tighten the cable about the pads to cause the pads to compress the breast and is configured to subsequently loosen the cable about the pads, permitting the breast to expand and decompress.

Each pad may define a circumferential channel through which the cable extends. The circumferential channel may permit relative movement between the cable and the pad. The drive unit may include an electric motor configured to drive a transmission system to alternate tension in the cable. In one embodiment, the drive unit is configured to receive at least one of power and control setting signals from a controller. The drive unit may vary one or more of a pressure applied by the pads to the breast, a duration of compression and decompression, and a heating level of the pads.

At least one of the pads and the outer shell may be made of one or more polymeric materials, such as ABS, nylon, polyurethane, and silicone, and may have a Shore hardness of 10A to 90D.

According to another aspect, further details of which are provided below, a breast milk expression system includes at least one breast milk expression apparatus configured to cyclically compress and allow decompression of a breast of a user, at least one strap coupled to the breast milk expression apparatus and configured to position the breast milk expression apparatus on a user's breast, and a controller configured to control the operation of breast milk expression apparatus. The breast milk expression apparatus of the breast milk expression system may be any of the previously described breast milk expression apparatuses. The breast milk expression system may be used for milk expression of one or both breasts of a user, individually or simultaneously.

The controller may be configured to control one or more of breast manipulation pressure, temperature, and manipulation speed. The controller may be wired or wireless. The breast milk expression apparatus of the system may include a power supply to power at least one of the breast milk expression apparatuses and the controller. The controller may include a power supply to power at least one of the controller and one or both of the breast milk expression apparatuses. The controller and/or the breast milk expression apparatus(es) may be operated through a computing device, such as a smart phone, tablet computer, smart watch, or other computing device communicatively coupled to the controller and/or the breast milk expression apparatus(es).

In one embodiment of the system, two breast milk expression apparatuses and a set of straps are arranged so that they may be worn like a bra, such as any type of bra known in the art The straps may be integrated or otherwise attached to the aforementioned cover and/or liner. The straps are adjustable for personalized fit to the wearer. The straps may permit separation of the two breast milk expression apparatuses from one another so that, for example, the straps can be rearranged to wear one breast milk expression apparatus independently of the other breast milk expression apparatus. The breast milk expression apparatuses may be removable from the straps.

In one embodiment, a breast milk expression system includes a separate bra for supporting breasts of a user and at least one breast milk expression apparatus coupled to the bra and positioned between the bra and the breast of the user. The breast milk expression apparatus may be removably coupled to the bra so that the breast milk expression apparatus can be decoupled from the bra so that that bra can be used without the breast milk expression apparatus. The bra may be any type of bra known in the art. The bra may be integrated with or otherwise attached to the aforementioned cover and/or liner.

According one another aspect, a breast milk expression apparatus includes a compression pad configured to substantially surround a breast of a user, and a string coupled to the compression pad and extending circumferentially around an outer surface of the compression pad. The string is configured to slide relative to the outer compression pad. The apparatus also includes a string tensioning unit coupled to at least one end of the string, the string tensioning unit configured to apply tension to the string to cyclically displace the compression pad radially inwardly against the breast to cause compression of the breast and, following compression of the breast, permitting the breast to expand and decompress. According to one embodiment, the breast milk expression apparatus may also include a plurality of beads fixed to the compression pad and through which the string extends. The beads are circumferentially spaced from one another around the outer surface of the compression pad, and the string is configured to slide through the beads.

According to one embodiment, the string tensioning unit includes a motor and a transmission element driven by the motor, the transmission element coupled to the string. The transmission element may include a rack and pinion gear.

According to one embodiment, the breast milk expression apparatus includes a string routing unit for routing at least one end of the strings from the compression pad to the string tensioning unit.

According to one embodiment, the compression pad is configured to connect to a bra that is configured to support the compression pad in engagement with the breast of the user. Also, in one embodiment, the string is configured to automatically radially expand in response to the expansion of the breast following compression of the breast.

According to the claimed invention, the compression pad has a tapered outer surface and extends longitudinally from a larger diameter first end to a smaller diameter second end, and the breast milk expression apparatus may include a plurality of strings including a first string located at a first longitudinal position and a second string located at a second longitudinal position that is longitudinally spaced from the first longitudinal position and closer to the second end. If desired, three, four, or even more strings may be utilized. Each of the strings is coupled to the compression pad and extends circumferentially around an outer surface of the compression pad, and each string is configured to slide relative to the outer compression pad. The string tensioning unit may include a motor and a transmission element driven by the motor, the transmission element coupled to the plurality of strings and configured to sequentially tension the strings. In one embodiment, the transmission element includes a rack connected to the first string and a pinion gear engaged with the rack and driven by the motor. In one embodiment, the second string is connected to a pull member and the rack includes an engagement member configured to engage the pull member after a predetermined amount of relative translation between the rack and the pull member. In one embodiment, the transmission element is configured to translate the strings linearly relative to one another. According to the claimed invention, the transmission element is configured to apply tension to the first string for a longer duration than the second string.

According to another aspect, a breast milk expression system includes at least one breast milk expression apparatus configured to cyclically compress a breast of a user and, following compression, permit expansion and decompression of the breast, and at least one bra coupled to the breast milk expression apparatus and configured to position the breast milk expression apparatus on a user's breast.

In one embodiment, the bra has an inner layer and an outer layer and at least a portion of the breast milk expression apparatus is configured to be connected to the bra between the inner and outer layer. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the breast milk expression apparatus is configured to be connected to the bra under the inner layer. In one embodiment, the breast milk expression apparatus includes a compression pad configured to substantially surround a breast of a user, and the compression pad is connected to the inner layer of the bra. Also, the breast milk expression apparatus includes a string coupled to the compression pad and extends circumferentially around an outer surface of the compression pad, and the string is configured to slide relative to the outer compression pad. Further, the breast milk expression apparatus includes a string tensioning unit coupled to at least one end of the string. The string tensioning unit is configured to apply tension to the string to cyclically displace the compression pad radially inwardly against the breast to cause compression of the breast and, following compression of the breast, permitting the breast to expand and decompress.

In one embodiment, the compression pad includes a removable connector configured to removably connect to a connector secured to an inner layer of the bra located about a base of a cup of the bra. In one embodiment, the connector of the compression pad and the connector of the inner layer of the bra slide together. In one embodiment, the connector of the compression pad and the connector of the inner layer of the bra are portions of a zipper closure. In one embodiment, the connector of the inner layer of the bra extends about at least portion of a lower half of the base of the cup.

<FIG> shows one embodiment of a breast milk expression system <NUM> that includes two breast milk expression apparatuses <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "expression apparatuses"), a controller <NUM> coupled to the expression apparatuses <NUM> via a power and control cords 2c, and a plurality of straps <NUM> for arranging the expression apparatuses <NUM> on the breasts <NUM> of a user and for connecting the expression apparatuses <NUM> together. Preferably, the straps <NUM> and expression apparatuses <NUM> are arranged and used like a bra to facilitate hands-free operation of one or both of the expression apparatuses <NUM>. For example, the straps <NUM> may support the expression apparatuses <NUM> over the breasts <NUM> without a user holding the expression apparatuses <NUM> in place, either when the expression apparatuses are on or off. Two expression apparatuses <NUM> are shown included with the system <NUM> in <FIG>, where one expression apparatus <NUM> corresponds to each breast While two expression apparatuses <NUM> are shown, they may operate independently or together (e.g., simultaneously). Also, in other embodiments of the system, only one expression apparatus <NUM> may be included and a user may alternate its use from one breast to another as desired. Each expression apparatus <NUM> is configured to manipulate the tissue of the corresponding breast <NUM> based on a control input from the controller <NUM>, as described in greater detail below. The milk expression system <NUM> can be used before, during, and/or after breast pumping or nursing to facilitate lactation and improve milk production and flow.

The plurality of straps <NUM> includes adjustable top straps 3a, each of which is attached at a top location 1a of the expression apparatuses <NUM>. Each top strap 3a is configured to extend upward from a corresponding expression apparatus <NUM> and go over the shoulders and down the back of the user to connect to a corresponding adjustable side or back strap 3b (hereinafter referred to as a "side strap"), as shown in further detail in <FIG>. The top straps 3a may be padded for user comfort. Each side strap 3b has a first end 3b' coupled to an outer, side location 1b (<FIG>) of a corresponding expression apparatus <NUM>, and has a second end 3b" opposite the first end 3b'. The side strap 3b extends from the expression apparatus <NUM> around the side of the user's torso towards the center of the user's back, where the second ends 3b" of each side strap 3b may be fastened together. The second ends 3b" of the side straps 3b may include hooks and loops (not shown) for fastening the second ends 3b" together. Also, the length of the side straps 3b may be adjustable at either end 3b', 3b" thereof. For example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, each expression apparatus <NUM> may have a loop or slot on its side 1b through which a first end 3b' of the side strap 3b can be wrapped. The first end 3b' may have hooks or loops and an overlapping portion 3c of the strap 3b may have mating hooks or loops to adjust the length of the side strap 3b.

In the shown embodiment, a center strap 3d (<FIG>) between the user's breasts <NUM>, couples the expression apparatuses <NUM> together. The expression apparatuses <NUM> may have loops or slots on inner side locations 1d of the expression apparatuses <NUM> for coupling ends of the center strap 3d thereto, similar to the loops or slots on the outer side locations 1b of the expression apparatuses <NUM> for coupling side straps 3b. The length of the center strap 3d may also be adjustable to adjust the spacing between the expression apparatuses <NUM>. The center strap 3d may permit decoupling or separation of the two expression apparatuses <NUM> from one another and from the center strap 3d. For example, the ends of the strap 3d may be detachably connected to the side locations 1d of respective expression apparatuses <NUM>. Also, the center strap 3d may be formed as two parts that are connectable at respective ends between the side locations 1d, in the same manner that side straps 3b connect at ends 3b" between side locations 1b of expression apparatuses <NUM>.

While the system <NUM> shows straps <NUM> and expression apparatuses <NUM> worn like a bra, in one embodiment shown in <FIG>, a system <NUM>' includes a separate bra <NUM> and atleastone breast expression apparatus <NUM> (partially covered by the bra <NUM> in <FIG>) coupled to the bra <NUM> and positioned between the bra <NUM> and the breast <NUM>. The bra <NUM> may have breast cups <NUM> attached to one or more straps <NUM>, and one breast expression apparatus <NUM> may be removably coupled to an inside of a corresponding breast cup <NUM> so that the expression apparatus <NUM> can be positioned between the user's breast <NUM> and the cup <NUM> of the bra <NUM>. The expression apparatus <NUM> may be coupled to the breast cup <NUM> using one or more fasteners or simply held in position by a friction or interference fit between the breast cup <NUM> and the expression apparatus <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the expression apparatus <NUM> can be decoupled from the <NUM> bra (e.g., the cup <NUM> of the bra <NUM>) so that that bra <NUM> can be used without the expression apparatus <NUM>.

One or both of the cups <NUM> of the bra <NUM> may be solid (e.g., left cup in <FIG>) or may have at least one opening <NUM> (e.g. right cup in <FIG>). In the example shown in <FIG>, the opening <NUM> is aligned with opening 1c of the expression apparatus <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be sized to be at least as large as the opening 1c.

Although <FIG> shows one example bra, the aforementioned bras may be any type of bra known in the art, including, without limitation, a halter bra, a bandeau bra, a balconette bra, a contour or molded cup bra, a convertible bra, a demi cup bra, a full cup bra, a mastectomy bra, a maternity and nursing bra, a minimizer bra, a padded bra, a plunge bra, a push-up bra, a racerback bra, a shelf bra, a sports bra, a strapless bra, a T-shirt bra, and a U-plunge bra.

In use, the expression apparatuses <NUM> of the breast milk expression system <NUM> are positioned over and about the breasts <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the expression apparatuses <NUM> define a central opening 1c in which a nipple 4a of the breast <NUM> can be positioned. The central opening 1c provides access for a user to position a breastshield <NUM> (<FIG>) within the opening 1c over the nipple 4a to facilitate milk collection (e.g., into a bottle or by breast pumping) while using the system <NUM>. Preferably, the diameter of the central opening 1c is large enough to accommodate a range of sizes of breastshields <NUM> being marketed. For example, the diameter of the central opening 1c may be large enough to accommodate a breastshield having a diameter of <NUM>.

In the breast milk expression system <NUM>, each expression apparatus <NUM> is functionally identical. <FIG> shows a view of one of the expression apparatuses <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The expression apparatus <NUM> has an outer shell <NUM>, which may be made of ABS, nylon, polyurethane, or silicone having a Shore hardness of about 10A to 90D. The outer shell <NUM> has an inner form that is generally concave to conform to the contour of a plurality of pads <NUM>, further details of which are provided below. Also, in one embodiment of an expression apparatus <NUM> (<FIG>), an outer shell <NUM> has a portion 208c (<FIG>, <FIG>) that is configured to extend over or near an axillary part 4b (<FIG>) of the breast <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. An inner surface 208d (<FIG>) of the outer shell <NUM> is generally concave, and may be convex on portion 208c to conform to the contour of the axillary part 4b (<FIG>) of the breast <NUM>.

The expression apparatus <NUM> may include an outer cover <NUM> that may cover the outer shell <NUM> and/or the compression unit The outer cover <NUM> may function to protect the outer shell and/or the compression unit and may also provide a desired visual appearance. The expression apparatus <NUM> may also include an inner liner 7a to cover the pads <NUM> coupled to the outer shell <NUM>. The inner liner 7a may provide a comfort barrier between the breast <NUM> and the pads <NUM>. The outer cover <NUM> and/or inner liner 7a may be removable from the expression apparatus <NUM>. The outer cover <NUM> and/or the inner liner 7a may be made from one or more of polyester, cotton, spandex, silk, or other preferably comfortable-to-the-touch material. In one embodiment, the outer cover <NUM> and the inner liner 7a are coupled together to form an encasement for the expression apparatus <NUM>. While the outer shell <NUM> is shown as being a generally solid structure, in at least one embodiment, the outer shell <NUM> may be have openings and may take the form of a frame or cage-like structure, which may make the shell <NUM> lighter and more comfortable for the user to wear.

In at least one embodiment, the breastshield <NUM> may be incorporated into the expression apparatus <NUM>. For example, a flange 6a (<FIG>) of the breastshield <NUM> may be removably attachable to and detachable from the outer shell <NUM>, outer cover <NUM>, or inner liner 7a. For example, the flange 6a of the breastshield <NUM> may removably engage (e.g., adhesively, friction fit, interference fit, etc.) the outer shell <NUM>, outer cover <NUM>, or inner liner 7a to retain the breastshield <NUM> connected thereto when in use and permits the breastshield <NUM> to be detached from the outer shell <NUM>, outer cover <NUM>, or inner liner 7a, without damage to any of the breastshield <NUM>, the outer shell <NUM>, outer cover <NUM>, and inner liner 7a.

The outer shell <NUM> and pads <NUM> may be made from one or more fabric materials. The fabric used for the outer shell <NUM> may be stiffer than the fabric used for the pads <NUM>. Portions of the fabric(s) used may be reinforced or stiffened, such as with a wire, similar to an underwire of a bra. Such a reinforcement or stiffener may be made of at least one of metal, plastic, or resin, for example. Further, the outer shell <NUM> may be formed as a fabric covered cage or mesh, which may improve comfort for the user, as mentioned above.

The outer shell <NUM> has a deck 8a extending generally horizontally from a side of the outer shell <NUM>. In a case where the outer shell <NUM> is made of fabric, as discussed above, the deck 8a may be formed from stiff fabric and may be reinforced with a reinforcement member or stiffener (e.g., wire), as noted above. The deck 8a is configured for mounting and supporting a drive unit <NUM>, further details of which are provided below. For example, the drive unit <NUM> may be adhesively or mechanically attached to the deck 8a. The outer shell <NUM> also defines a circumferential through-slot 8b proximate the deck 8a which is configured to route a cable <NUM>, which is driven by the drive unit <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the drive unit <NUM> and the cable <NUM> operate to cyclically compress and allow decompression of the pads <NUM> against the breast <NUM> to manipulate the tissue of the breast <NUM>. The drive unit <NUM> and the cable <NUM> may thus be considered an embodiment of what is hereinafter termed a "compression unit" Other embodiments of a compression unit are possible. For example, in one embodiment a geared belt or notched strap may be used in place of the cable <NUM> and such a geared belt or notched strap may be moved by a releasable ratcheting arrangement to tighten the belt or strap and allow the belt or strap to be loosened.

As shown in <FIG>, the outer shell <NUM> partially covers a plurality of the pads <NUM>. <FIG> shows the pads <NUM> with the outer shell <NUM> omitted for clarity. The pads <NUM> are spaced circumferentially from one another around the central opening 1c. The pads <NUM> may be made of flexible material, such as polyurethane or silicone. The pads <NUM> may have a Shore hardness of 10A to <NUM> D. The pads <NUM> are configured to be radially displaced inwardly for a certain period of time by action of the drive unit <NUM>, which moves the pads <NUM> toward and against the breast <NUM>, compressing the tissue of the breast <NUM>. When the action of the drive unit <NUM> reverses, the compression ends and the pads <NUM> can radially expand due to radially outward pressure on the pads <NUM> applied by the breast <NUM>. This compression/decompression cycle can repeat by operation of the drive unit <NUM>. The parameters of that cycle may be adjusted, start, or stopped by the controller <NUM>, which is communicatively coupled to the drive unit <NUM>, either via a wired connection 2c or a wireless connection (e.g. infra-red, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).

In one embodiment at least one or more of the pads <NUM> may have a heating element (not shown) to warm the breast <NUM> during operation of the expression apparatus <NUM>. Also, optionally, on an inner side of the pads <NUM> (e.g., side facing the breast <NUM>), the pads <NUM> may have one or more padding layers (not shown), such as to improve user comfort and fit In one embodiment, the pads <NUM> may contain a gel-like material to facilitate heat dispersion. The gel-like material may include silicone.

As shown in <FIG>, each pad <NUM> defines an enclosed cable channel <NUM> and a groove <NUM> that extend circumferentially on an outer side of the pad <NUM>. The cable channels <NUM> and grooves <NUM> are configured to route the cable <NUM> around the plurality of pads <NUM>, thereby coupling the pads <NUM> together. The cable <NUM> crosses over itself (preferably without touching) between two of the pads <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. While only one cable channel and groove are shown for each pad <NUM>, each pad <NUM> may have more than one cable channel and groove to accommodate more than one cable, as will be described in greater detail below.

As shown in <FIG>, the cable <NUM> extends through the circumferential slot 8b in the outer shell <NUM> and crosses over itself with a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> extending to the drive unit <NUM>. In the embodiment of the drive unit <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the drive unit <NUM> includes an electric motor <NUM>, a gearbox <NUM> driven by the motor <NUM>, and a transmission system <NUM> driven by the motor <NUM> and connected to the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the cable <NUM>. The motor <NUM> may be an AC or DC electric motor powered by a power supply included with the expression apparatus <NUM>, such as a battery, or by an external power supply, such as a power supply (e.g., battery) located in the controller <NUM> and supplied via cord 2c (<FIG>). Also, the expression apparatus <NUM> or the controller <NUM> may have a power connector for receiving power from an electrical outlet, such as an AC outlet.

The motor <NUM> may be coupled to the gearbox <NUM> by one or more gears as is known in the art to drive a driving bevel gear <NUM> on an output shaft 32a of the gearbox <NUM>. The transmission system <NUM> includes a first vertical shaft <NUM> and a second vertical shaft <NUM> that are driven by the driving bevel gear <NUM>. The first shaft <NUM> rotates about a first vertical axis along a longitudinal length of the first shaft <NUM>. A driven bevel gear <NUM> is secured to an upper end of the first shaft <NUM>. The driven bevel gear <NUM> meshes with and is configured to be driven by the driving bevel gear <NUM> to rotate the first shaft <NUM> about the first axis. The first shaft <NUM> passes through a center of a first pulley <NUM>, which is secured to the first shaft <NUM> to rotate with the first shaft <NUM> about the first axis. The first pulley <NUM> is secured to the first end <NUM> of the cable <NUM>. A driving gear <NUM> is secured to a lower end of the first shaft <NUM> for rotation therewith.

The second shaft <NUM> extends parallel to the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> is configured to rotate about a second vertical axis along a longitudinal length of the second shaft <NUM>. A driven gear <NUM> is secured to a lower end of the second shaft <NUM> and is configured to rotate about the second axis with the second shaft <NUM>. The driven gear <NUM> is enmeshed with the driving gear <NUM>, which drives the driven gear <NUM> and rotates the second shaft <NUM> when the first shaft <NUM> rotates. However, the direction of rotation of the first and second shafts <NUM> and <NUM> is opposite (i.e., clockwise and counterclockwise or vice versa depending on the direction of movement of the motor). The second shaft <NUM> extends through a center of a second pulley <NUM>, which is secured to the second shaft <NUM> for rotation with the second shaft <NUM> about the second axis. The second end <NUM> of the cable <NUM> is secured to the second pulley <NUM>. An upper end of the second shaft <NUM> is preferably supported by a housing of the motor <NUM>. As a result of the gearing of the transmission system <NUM>, when the motor <NUM> operates so as to rotate the driving bevel gear <NUM> in a clockwise direction, the first shaft <NUM> and first pulley <NUM> are rotated clockwise, and the second shaft <NUM> and the second pulley <NUM> are rotated counter-clockwise so that a certain length of the cable <NUM> from its respective ends <NUM> and <NUM> will be taken up by the respective pulleys, which will draw the pads <NUM> radially inward relative to opening 1c to cause compression of the breast <NUM>. When the motor <NUM> reverses direction, the cable <NUM> slackens (relaxes) allowing the compressed breast <NUM> to relax and decompress. As the breast <NUM> decompresses, the tissue of the breast <NUM> pushes the pads <NUM> radially outwardly, while at least some of the length of the cable <NUM> taken up during compression is withdrawn from the pulleys <NUM> and <NUM>.

Each tensioning and relaxation of the cable <NUM> which results in compression and permits decompression of the breast may be considered a cycle, which is preferably repeated to effect a breast tissue manipulation, which may cause breast milk expression. Parameters of the cycle(s) can be controlled by the controller <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured to control the duration of compression and the duration of decompression, which may be the same or different Also, the controller <NUM> may be configured to control the tension of the cable <NUM> during compression (which can control the pressure applied to the breast). The controller <NUM> has switches and buttons 2a and 2b, which may control the operating parameters as well as to turn the expression apparatuses on and off.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to operate based on set operating parameters or a real-time operating state of a breast pump apparatus that may be used simultaneously with the system <NUM> by the user, as discussed above. For example, the user of the system <NUM> may use the controller <NUM> to a select a manipulation speed or pressure, such as with the buttons 2a, 2b, based on the operating state of the breast pump to achieve a desired breast pumping result Specifically, the user may select a certain compression and decompression duration and/or compression pressure based on a breast pumping speed and/or breast pumping pressure setting of the breast pump apparatus to achieve, for example, optimal milk flow rate or a desired level of comfort.

Alternatively or additionally, the controller <NUM> may be communicatively coupled (via wired or wireless connection) to a computing device <NUM> (<FIG>), such as personal computer, smart phone, smart watch, or tablet computer, which can set and control the operation of the expression apparatus(s) <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> may be coupled to a graphical display device (e.g., a screen). The computing device <NUM> may execute software (e.g. an application, a. , an "app") that causes the display device to graphically display an operational interface to a user. The operational interface may be used to configure and/or control the expression apparatuses <NUM>. For example, the operational interface may include virtual controls (e.g., on-screen buttons) that may replicate the physical buttons 2a, 2b of controller <NUM>, and may provide information to the user about an operating status of the system <NUM>. By way of example, and not limitation, such information may include current operating setting(s), elapsed time of use, heater temperature level, and breast skin temperature. The provided information may be saved locally or remotely for retrieval and/or analysis.

In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be communicatively coupled (via a wired or wireless connection interface) to a breast pump apparatus to automatically control the operation of the system <NUM> based upon the operation of the breast pump apparatus. For example, the controller <NUM> may automatically synchronize the operation of one or both expression apparatuses <NUM> of the system <NUM> with the breast pump apparatus based on feedback received directly from the breast pump apparatus or from a user of the breast pump apparatus. In one embodiment, a closed-loop feedback system may include a sensor that monitors a rate of milk production of the breastfeeding apparatus. The rate of milk production can be used as an input to the controller <NUM> as a basis to adjust operating parameters and settings of the system <NUM> so as to regulate the rate of milk production.

An example of an embodiment of an expression apparatus <NUM> having multiple cable channels, grooves, and cables is shown in <FIG>. The expression apparatus <NUM> has the same function as the expression apparatus <NUM>, but differs in structure in that the expression apparatus <NUM> includes a plurality of cable channels, grooves, and cables, further details of which are provided below. In the embodiment of the expression apparatus <NUM>, elements corresponding to expression apparatus <NUM> are incremented by "<NUM>". Thus, as shown in <FIG>, the expression apparatus <NUM> has an outer shell <NUM> with a deck 208a that supports a drive unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the expression apparatus <NUM> has a plurality of pads <NUM> on an inner side of the outer shell <NUM>. The pads <NUM> have a plurality of channels 216a and 216b through which corresponding cables 212a and 212b extend. For each pad <NUM>, channel 216a is spaced from channel 216b, and channel 216a is located closer to opening 201c in the expression apparatus <NUM> than channel 216b.

The outer shell 208a defines openings 208b' and 208b" through which corresponding cables 212a and 212b extend, as shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>. As shown in greatest detail in <FIG>, cable 212a has ends 222a and 224a that are routed to a transmission system <NUM> of the drive unit <NUM>. The drive unit <NUM> includes an electric motor <NUM>, a gearbox <NUM> driven by the motor <NUM>, and the transmission system <NUM> driven by the motor <NUM>. End 222a is routed to a pulley 242a on shaft <NUM> of the transmission system <NUM> and end 224a is routed to a pulley 248a on shaft <NUM> of the transmission system <NUM>. The other cable 212b has ends 222b and 224b that are routed to the transmission system <NUM> of the drive unit <NUM>. Specifically, end 222b is routed to a pulley 242b on shaft <NUM> and end 224b is routed to a pulley 248b on shaft <NUM>. The shafts <NUM> and <NUM> correspond to shafts <NUM> and <NUM> of drive unit <NUM> and shafts <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled together and driven by a geared arrangement in the same manner as shafts <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, a detailed description of the drive unit <NUM> and its operation in driving shafts <NUM> and <NUM> with the motor <NUM> and gearbox <NUM> is omitted for brevity. As noted above, the operation of the expression apparatus <NUM> is the same as for expression apparatus <NUM>. When the drive unit <NUM> is operating in one direction, it tensions both of the cables 212a and 212b around the pads <NUM> to compress the breast When the drive unit <NUM> reverses direction, cables 212a and 212b loosen (relax) and permit the breast to decompress.

<FIG> show another embodiment of a breast milk expression system <NUM>. The system <NUM> includes a breast milk expression apparatus <NUM> and a nursing-style bra <NUM> which is removably connected to the breast milk expression apparatus <NUM>. The breast milk expression apparatus <NUM> includes a compression pad <NUM> that is configured to squeeze a breast of a user <NUM> to perform breast milk expression. The bra <NUM> is configured to hold the breast milk expression apparatus <NUM>, and specifically the compression pad <NUM>, in fixed relation with respect to the user's breast <NUM>. As will be appreciated, a breastshield <NUM> can be used with the system <NUM> and may be located between an inner cup 320a (e.g., inner surface of inner cup 320a) of the bra <NUM> and compressive pad <NUM>. Preferably, the bra <NUM> is connected to the breast milk expression apparatus <NUM> and the system <NUM> is used like a bra, but also facilitates hands-free operation of one or two (if present) of the expression apparatuses <NUM>. Each expression apparatus <NUM> (only one expression apparatus <NUM> is shown in <FIG>) is configured to manipulate the tissue of the corresponding breast <NUM> based on a control input from a controller <NUM> (<FIG>), as described in greater detail below. The milk expression system <NUM> can be used before, during, and/or after breast pumping or nursing to facilitate lactation and improve milk production and flow. Further details of the breast milk expression system <NUM> and its operation will now be described.

<FIG> show details of an embodiment of the bra <NUM> of the system. In the embodiment, the bra <NUM> is formed as a nursing-style bra with an outer layer <NUM> having folding cups 314a, an inner layer <NUM> (<FIG>) configured to be in contact with the breast <NUM>, and adjustable shoulder straps <NUM>. The bra <NUM> may come in various sizes based on the breast size of the user <NUM>. The straps <NUM> are adjustable in length and are configured to support one or two expression apparatuses <NUM> over respective breasts <NUM> without the user <NUM> holding the expression apparatuses <NUM> in place, regardless of whether the expression apparatuses <NUM> are turned on or off.

As shown in <FIG>, at the back of the bra <NUM>, the straps <NUM> connect to a corresponding back strap <NUM>, which may be adjustable in length. The back strap <NUM> may be continuous or may be formed of segments. For example, in one embodiment, the back strap <NUM> is formed of a left segment 318a and a right segment 318b that are selectively connected in the middle of the strap with a suitable connector (not shown), which may permit adjustment of the length of the back strap <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the cups 314a are configured as portions of the outer layer <NUM> of the bra <NUM> and can fold down independently of one another to expose respective inner cups 320a formed in the inner layer <NUM> of the bra <NUM>. Each inner cup 320a, which may also be independently foldable, defines a hole <NUM> (<FIG>) located around a nipple area 306a (<FIG>) of the breast <NUM>. Each inner cup 320a may have a removable connector 320b (<FIG>) (e.g., a snap connector, hook, or loop) at its upper end and a connector (e.g., stitching) at its bottom. The upper connector 320b may be removably connected to a connector 316b (<FIG>) (e.g., a snap connector, hook, or loop) on the strap <NUM>. Such an arrangement may permit a user to disconnect the inner cup 320a at the upper connector and fold the inner cup 320a about the lower connector to permit the user to access the breast tissue, and specifically the nipple area 306a, for positioning the breastshield <NUM> thereon. The hole <NUM> is configured and sized so that a tubular part of the breastshield <NUM> (<FIG>) can extend through the hole <NUM> while a conical flange part of the breastshield <NUM> can be retained in engagement with the nipple area 306a between the inner cup 320a of the inner layer <NUM> and the nipple area 306a (i.e., in contact with the nipple area 306a).

Also, as shown in <FIG>, each outer cup 314a may have a tab 314b that removably connects to a portion 316a of the strap <NUM>. The connection between the tab 314b and the portion 316a may be a hook and loop connection, snap fit, and the like which allow the outer cup 314a to remain in place covering the inner cup 320a and the breast <NUM> or allow the cup 314a to fold away when so desired.

The expression apparatus <NUM> is configured to removably connect to the bra <NUM>. One embodiment of a connection is shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, an attachment channel <NUM> is connected to (e.g., sewn to) the inner layer <NUM> and extends about the bottom at the base of the inner cup 320a of the inner layer <NUM>, as shown with momentary reference to <FIG>. The attachment channel <NUM> is configured to mate with a corresponding channel <NUM> (<FIG>) affixed to the expression apparatus <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the channel <NUM> has a female circular profile with a slot 324a and the channel <NUM> has a male, solid circular profile with a "T" shaped portion 326a extending through the slot 324a. The "T" shaped portion 326a is fixed to the pad <NUM>, e.g., sewn connection or adhesive.

<FIG> show a sequence for attaching the expression apparatus <NUM> to the bra <NUM> using the attachment channel <NUM> and the channel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the attachment channel <NUM> and the channel <NUM> are substantially semicircular and a user can position the expression apparatus <NUM> such that the channel <NUM> is aligned above the attachment channel <NUM> so that the attachment channel <NUM> and the channel <NUM> form a substantially circular pattern. Specifically, in <FIG>, ends 324b of slot 324a are aligned with respective ends 326b of the T-shaped portion 326a on both left and right sides of the expression apparatus <NUM>, though only the right side is shown in <FIG>. Also, in <FIG>, a routing module <NUM> (described in greater detail below), extends downwardly from the expression apparatus <NUM>. With the ends 324b and 326b aligned, the expression apparatus <NUM> can be rotated in the direction of the arrow (e.g. counter-clockwise) of <FIG> to further engage the attachment channel <NUM> and the channel <NUM>. The expression apparatus <NUM> is rotated until the channel <NUM> is received and extends fully within the attachment channel <NUM> and the routing module <NUM> extends substantially in alignment with shoulder strap <NUM> (as seen in <FIG>), whereupon the routing module <NUM> may be removably attached to the strap <NUM> with suitable connectors, which may attach to connection 316a (<FIG>), for example.

A second embodiment of a connection between the expression apparatus <NUM> and the bra <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, which shows a zipper <NUM> used as the connection. Specifically, one half 328a of the zipper <NUM> extends along a lower half of the inner cup 320a of the inner layer <NUM> and another half 328b is connected around (e.g. sewn to) a lower portion of the expression apparatus <NUM>. The halves 328a and 328b are configured to mesh or zip together to connect the expression apparatus <NUM> to the bra <NUM> and the halves 328a and 328b are configured to unmesh or unzip to disconnect the expression apparatus <NUM> from the bra <NUM>. In one aspect, other means of attachment such as clips, or hooks and loops (e.g., Velcro) may be utilized.

A third embodiment of a connection between the expression apparatus <NUM> and the bra <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, which shows a first hook <NUM> having a female channel <NUM> and a second hook <NUM> having a male channel <NUM>. The first hook <NUM> has a flange 330a which can be securely fastened to the inner layer <NUM> under the inner cup 320a. The second hook <NUM> extends around the lower half of the compression pad <NUM>. The first hook <NUM> and the second hook <NUM> extend circumferentially about respective axes B and C, as shown in <FIG>. The female channel <NUM> and the male channel <NUM> are configured to slide into engagement as shown in <FIG> in the direction of the arrow so that the axes B and C come into alignment when the first hook <NUM> and the second hook <NUM> are fully connected, as shown in <FIG>. A diameter of the second hook <NUM> is slightly smaller than a diameter of the first hook <NUM> to permit the second hook <NUM> to expand slightly and snap onto the first hook <NUM> when the second hook <NUM> is slid upwardly in the direction of the arrow shown in <FIG>. Although the routing module <NUM> in <FIG> is not shown in <FIG> for clarity of illustration, the module <NUM> may be present and connected to pad <NUM> in <FIG> and the module <NUM> may be connected to strap <NUM> of bra <NUM>. Such connection of the module <NUM> to the strap <NUM> may be useful for providing additional support to the pad <NUM> to prevent disconnection of the second hook <NUM> from the first hook <NUM> due to the weight of the pad <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the bra <NUM> may be connected to structures other than the expression apparatus <NUM>. For example, heating pads and cooling pads can be configured to have connections like those shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> to connect to the bra <NUM> to apply, respectively, heating or cooling to the breast <NUM>. Also, the other structures may include medicated pads, which when connected to the bra, may be configured to deliver medication to the breast <NUM>.

<FIG> shows additional details of the expression apparatus <NUM>. The expression apparatus <NUM> includes a compression pad <NUM> having a plurality of strings <NUM> arranged concentrically with axis A-A. For purposes herein, the term "string" is to be understood broadly to include monofilaments, multifilaments, twisted filaments, etc., which may be comprised of any of several materials such as metal, polymers which are substantially inelastic in tension, or other suitable materials, or combinations thereof. The expression apparatus <NUM> also includes a routing module <NUM> and a gearbox <NUM> (shown schematically) coupled to the strings <NUM>. In one embodiment, each respective string <NUM> has one end that terminates in the module <NUM> and an opposite end that terminates in the gearbox <NUM>. In another embodiment, each respective string <NUM> has two ends that terminate in the gearbox <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the strings <NUM> are routed between the module <NUM> and the gearbox <NUM> by a tether <NUM>. In another embodiment, instead of a single tether <NUM> routing all of the strings <NUM>, a plurality of tethers may be used to individually route each string between the module <NUM> and the gearbox <NUM>. It will be appreciated that in one embodiment, the gearbox <NUM> is integrated with the module <NUM> eliminating the tether <NUM>. The tether <NUM> is preferably sufficiently long so as to permit the user <NUM> to dispose the gearbox <NUM> below the user's breast <NUM>, and, preferably, proximate to a waist of the user <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, the gearbox <NUM> is configured to pull on the strings <NUM> to radially compress the compression pad <NUM> and the breast <NUM> (e.g., via the inner cup 320a of the inner layer <NUM>).

Each string <NUM> is routed through a corresponding plurality of circumferentially spaced beads <NUM>, which are secured to the compression pad <NUM>. Each string <NUM> is configured to slide freely through an opening defined in each bead <NUM>. The beads <NUM> may have a flat outer surface, as illustrated in <FIG>, or they may have other outer shapes, such as cylindrical and round (e.g., spherical). The beads <NUM> may be secured to the compression pad <NUM> with adhesive (e.g., glue) or with mechanical fasteners (e.g., by sewing) and may be secured either on the outer surface of the pad <NUM> or within channels (not shown) recessed into the outer surface of the pad <NUM>. As an alternative to the beads <NUM>, the strings <NUM> may be routed through tubular channels secured to the pad <NUM>. Such tubular channels may be secured to the outer surface of the pad <NUM>, or may be secured in recessed channels formed in the outer surface of the pad <NUM>. Such tubular channels may be formed by sewing material (e.g., fabric) into a tube and connecting the tube to the pad <NUM>. Also, the aforementioned tubular channels may be a single continuous channel or may be a plurality of tubular channels circumferentially spaced about axis A-A approximating the arrangements (e.g., number and spacing) of the beads <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The strings <NUM> are axially spaced from one another along axis A-A.

The number and longitudinal spacing of the strings <NUM> may be determined based on at least one of the size of the breast <NUM> and the timing of a compression sequence, further details of which are described below. Also, the number and circumferential spacing of the beads <NUM> along each string <NUM> may be determined based on atleastthe size of the breast <NUM>, with the either more beads being used at the same spacing for an expression apparatus accommodating a relatively larger breast, or the same number of beads being spaced further apart, or both.

The compression pad <NUM> may be made from fabric, polymer, or any flexible material. The compression pad <NUM> defines a hole <NUM> at a distal end corresponding to the nipple area 306a (<FIG>) and aligned with the hole <NUM> (<FIG>) in inner cup 320a (<FIG>). The hole <NUM> is configured to receive therethrough a portion of the breast shield <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The compression pad <NUM> has an outer surface that is substantially tapered (e.g., frustoconical or convex) along axis A-A and which is substantially (at least <NUM>%) continuous about axis A-A. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the pad <NUM> is discontinuous about axis A-A and extends from one end 350a to an opposite end 350b. The module <NUM> is disposed in spaced relation to and between the ends 350a and 350b of the compression pad <NUM> so that the module <NUM> directly contacts the inner cup 320a (<FIG>) of the inner layer <NUM> (<FIG>). It will be appreciated, however, that the pad <NUM>, in at least one other embodiment, may be circumferentially continuous and extend <NUM> degrees around axis A-A.

<FIG> show another embodiment of the expression apparatus <NUM>' which is the same as expression apparatus <NUM> with the exception of routing module <NUM>', which is shorter than module <NUM> and has curved sides instead of straight sides of slimmer module <NUM>. In <FIG>, elements of the expression apparatus <NUM>' that correspond to elements of the expression apparatus <NUM> are appended with an apostrophe (').

<FIG> illustrate further details of the expression apparatus <NUM>'. In <FIG>, the plurality of strings <NUM>' includes inner string 352a' (in relation to the torso of the user), middle string 352b', and outer string 352c' (being closest to the nipple area 306a along axis A-A). The gearbox <NUM>' is configured to pull on respective ends of the strings 352a', 352b', and 352c' to concentrically tighten the respective strings around the pad <NUM>', and, therefore, around the breast <NUM> to radially compress the breast <NUM>. Specifically, with respect to the embodiment of the expression apparatus <NUM>' shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, when one or more of the strings 352a', 352b', and 352c' are tightened by the gearbox <NUM>' they compress the sides and underside of the breast <NUM> through the compression pad <NUM>' and inner cup 320a (<FIG>) of the inner layer <NUM> (<FIG>), while the module <NUM>' compresses the top of the breast <NUM> through the inner cup 320a (<FIG>). The module <NUM>' may be shaped in various ways to cover more or less of the inner cup 320a (<FIG>).

In one embodiment, the gearbox <NUM>' is configured to tighten the strings 352a', 352b', and 352c' in a compression sequence, one of which is described below with reference to <FIG>. The gearbox <NUM>' includes a motor <NUM> and a pinion gear <NUM> driven by the motor <NUM>. The motor <NUM> may be powered by an electrical power source, such as an AC or DC power source, which may be internal or external from the gearbox <NUM>'. In the gearbox <NUM>' the end of inner string 352a' is connected to a rack <NUM> that is enmeshed with the pinion gear <NUM>. The rack <NUM> and the inner string 352a' translate parallel to the length of the inner string 352a' (upwardly in <FIG>) in the gearbox <NUM>' when the pinion gear <NUM> rotates counter-clockwise. The end of the middle string 352b' is connected to a middle pull member <NUM> and the end of the outer string 352c' is connected to a pull member <NUM>. The middle pull member <NUM> and the outer pull member <NUM> have respective elongated notches 376a and 378a defined along the length of the respective pull member. An engagement tab 374a extends to the right from the rack <NUM> into the elongated notch 376a of the middle pull member <NUM>, and another engagement tab 376b extends from middle pull member <NUM> into the elongated notch 378a of the outer pull member <NUM>.

The relative positions of the strings 352a', 352b', and 352c' shown in <FIG> is a neutral position in which all of the strings 352a', 352b', and 352c' are not in tension, corresponding to a position in which the breast <NUM> is not being compressed by the expression apparatus <NUM>'. Whenever any of the rack <NUM>, middle pull member <NUM>, or pull member <NUM> is displaced (upward in <FIG>) away from its respective neutral position, such displacement causes radial displacement of the compression pad <NUM> and compression of the breast <NUM> of the user <NUM>. Owing to the arrangement of the notches 376a and 378a and the engagement members 374a and 376b, the timing of and sequence of moving each string 352a', 352b', and 352c' can be controlled during each upward stroke of the rack <NUM>, corresponding to a compression phase of a compression-expansion cycle.

The operation of the gearbox <NUM>' may be understood with reference to <FIG>. As the pinion gear <NUM> rotates counterclockwise in <FIG>, the rack <NUM> and engagement tab 374a translate upward until the engagement tab 374a engages the middle pull member <NUM> at the top of the elongated notch 376a, as shown in the position in <FIG>. Thereafter, continued counterclockwise rotation of the pinion gear <NUM> will cause both the rack <NUM> and the middle pull member <NUM> to move upwardly together until the engagement member 376b engages the outer pull member <NUM> at the top of the elongated notch 378a. Thereafter, continued counterclockwise rotation of the pinion gear <NUM> will cause the rack <NUM>, middle pull member <NUM>, and outer pull member <NUM> to move upward together until the rack <NUM> stops moving, thereby ending the upward compression stroke of the rack <NUM>. Thereafter, the motor <NUM> can be temporarily turned off to begin an expansion stroke of the rack <NUM> and an expansion phase of the compression-expansion cycle upon which tension in the wires 352a', 352b' and 352c' is removed, allowing outward expansion forces exerted from the breast <NUM> to urge the strings 352a', 352b', and 352c' back to their neutral positions shown in <FIG>, completing the compression-expansion cycle. The compression-expansion cycle can be repeated multiple times to facilitate breast milk expression. Thus, based on the compression sequence, the inner string 352a' will compress the breast <NUM> first, followed by the middle string 352b', and lastly the outer string 352c', such that the breast <NUM> will be compressed progressively in an outward direction (longitudinal along axis A-A) from the base of the breast <NUM> toward the nipple area 306a (<FIG> and <FIG>). Also, it will be appreciated that during each compression stroke of the rack <NUM>, the string 352a' will be in tension for the longest period of time, followed by the middle string 352b', followed by the outer string 352c'.

While the gearbox <NUM>' shown in <FIG> is linear, the gearbox design may be circular or elliptical. Also, although not shown in <FIG>, the gearbox <NUM>' may be contained in a control box along with other electrical components for controlling the operation of the motor <NUM>.

<FIG> show an alternative embodiment of the system <NUM>, and denoted <NUM>". In <FIG> elements of system <NUM>" corresponding to those of system <NUM> are appended with two apostrophes ("). One notable difference between system <NUM>" and system <NUM> is that the compression pad <NUM>" is integrally formed with an inner layer <NUM>" of a bra <NUM>" and is not readily removable therefrom. Although not shown in <FIG>, an outer layer may optionally be used to cover or enclose the compression pad(s) <NUM>" and inner layer <NUM>".

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a module <NUM>" with an outer cover thereof (shown in <FIG>) removed to show a routing of three strings: string 352a", string 352b", and string 352c". The module <NUM>" has three connection blocks 392a, 392b, and 392c, which are respectively connected to strings 352a", 352b", and 352c". Specifically, inside each connection block 392a, 392b, and 392c is a pin (not shown), around which respective strings 352a", 352b", and 352c" are looped. From connection block 392a, ends of string 352a" are routed around an upper pin 380a so that the string 352a" extends circumferentially around the compression pad <NUM>". Ends of the string 352a" are formed into knots 392a adjacentto beads <NUM>" through which the string 352a" extends. Preferably, the knots 394a are located diametrically opposite (or close to that location) the block 392a about the pad <NUM>". From connection block 392b, ends of string 352b" are routed around an upper pin 380b so that the string 352b" extends circumferentially around the compression pad <NUM>". Ends of the string 352b" are formed into knots 392b adjacent to beads <NUM>" through which the string 352b" extends. Preferably, the knots 394b are located diametrically opposite (or close to that location) the block 392b about the pad <NUM>". From connection block 392c, ends of string 352c" are routed around an upper pin 380c so that the string 352c" extends circumferentially around the compression pad <NUM>". Ends of the string 352c" are formed into knots 392c adjacentto beads <NUM>" through which the string 352c" extends. Preferably, the knots 394c are located diametrically opposite (or close to that location) the block 392c about the pad <NUM>".

Also, the connection blocks 392a, 392b, and 392c are respectively connected to wires 356a", 356b", and 356c", which are also operably connected to gearbox <NUM>". The blocks 392a, 392b, and 392c are operably moved up and down in the module <NUM>" by movement of the cables 356a", 356b", and 356c", which is caused by operation of the gearbox <NUM>". The blocks 392a, 392b, and 392c are operably moved by the cables 356a", 356b", and 356c" and gearbox <NUM>" to move the respective strings 352a", 352b", and 352c" relative to the pad <NUM> to cause compression of the breast <NUM>, as described in greater detail below.

Each string 352a", 352b", and 352c" passes from the compression pad <NUM>" through the sides of the module <NUM>" and extends to their respective pins 380a, 380b, and 380c, and each respective string is routed upward from each respective pin to their respective blocks 392a, 392b, and 392c. The pins 380a, 380b, and 380c are located within module <NUM>" so that the strings 352a", 352b", and 352c" are turned through respective angles θa, θb, and θc so that the strings 352a", 352b", and 352c" are routed upwardly to the respective blocks 392a, 392b, and 392c. Thus, the pins 380a, 380b, and 380c can provide mechanical advantage for the gearbox <NUM>" to pull the strings 352a", 352b", and 352c" so that when the strings are pulled, the tension in the strings will cause compression of the breast <NUM> to be radially directed substantially all the way around the breast <NUM>. In one embodiment, the angles θa, θb, and θc may be in a range of 100º and 160º.

Claim 1:
A breast milk expression apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>') comprising:
a single compression pad (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") disposable about a breast of a user and configured for radial displacement relative to said breast, wherein the compression pad has a tapered outer surface and extends longitudinally from a larger diameter first end to a smaller diameter second end; and
a compression unit coupled to the compression pad (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>"), wherein the compression unit comprises a plurality of cables (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") banded about and through the compression pad, and a drive unit (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") coupled to the plurality of cables, the drive unit configured to apply tension to the plurality of cables to cyclically displace the compression pad (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") radially inwardly to cause compression of the breast and, following compression of the breast, permitting the breast to expand and decompress;
wherein the plurality of cables include a first cable (352a', 352a") located at a first longitudinal position and a second cable (352b', 352b"; 352c', 352c") located at a second longitudinal position that is longitudinally spaced from the first longitudinal position and closer to the second end;
wherein each cable of the plurality of cables is coupled to and extends circumferentially around an outer surface of the compression pad (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>"), and wherein each cable is configured to slide relative to the compression pad; and
wherein the drive unit (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") includes a motor (<NUM>) and a transmission element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) driven by the motor, the transmission element coupled to the plurality of cables and configured to sequentially tension the cables and characterized in that the transmission element is configured to sequentially tension the cables
such that tension to the first cable (352a') 352a") is applied for a longer duration than to the second cable (352b', 352b"; 352c', 352c").