Patent ID: 7166087

Claim:
A breastshield for a breastpump comprising: a rigid outer shield part, said outer shield part having an internal funnel-shape with a widened upstream end extending into a tubular portion which terminates in a downstream end; a flexible shield part, said flexible shield part having a shape generally conforming to and extending along the length of said internal funnel-shape and being received within said outer shield part, said flexible shield part having a longitudinal axis and an internal sidewall extending around said longitudinal axis and defining an interior to the breastshield and which is adapted to receive a nipple and at least some surrounding breast therein in a generally sealing engagement with said flexible shield part; two or more projections positioned in said flexible shield part, at least one of said two or more projections being positioned at said tubular portion, each said two or more projections being in communication with a source of pressure and associated with an area of relatively weakened material of said flexible shield part, said two or more projections moving inwardly relative to said longitudinal axis upon application of a positive pressure between said projections and said rigid outer shield part; and a fluid passageway communicating with said interior, whereby application of a source of negative pressure to said interior causes the breast to be pulled further into said interior and promotes the expression of breastmilk.