Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-8579874-B1
Publication Date
2013-11-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
A breast interface assembly for connecting a breast pump to a nipple of a breast, includes a connector and a reversible element which has two terminal portions of differing internal diameters. The breast interface assembly is configured to be assembled in a first state, in which a first terminal portion of the reversible element connects with the connector, and the breast interface assembly presents a breast contact surface defining a nipple aperture of a first diameter. The breast interface assembly is further configured to be assembled in a second state in which a second terminal portion of the reversible element connects with the connector and the breast interface assembly presents a breast contact surface defining a nipple aperture of a second diameter. In at least one of the first and second states, the reversible element provides at least part of the breast contact surface.
Core Innovation
A breast interface assembly for connecting a breast pump to a nipple of a breast includes a milk inlet port and a reversible element having two terminal portions of differing internal diameters at opposing ends of the reversible element. The reversible element is configured so the breast interface assembly is assembled in a first state in which a first terminal portion connects with the milk inlet port and presents a breast contact surface defining a nipple aperture of a first diameter, and in a second state in which a second terminal portion connects with the milk inlet port and presents a breast contact surface defining a nipple aperture of a second diameter.
In at least one of the first and second states, the reversible element provides at least part of the breast contact surface. This allows the nipple aperture diameter to be changed by assembling the reversible element in the first or second state while maintaining the reversible element as part of the breast contact surface. The assembly is an interface between a milk inlet port and a nipple, where the configuration controls the nipple aperture diameter.
Preferred embodiments include a breast shield with a flange portion and, optionally, a tubular portion to define nipple aperture diameters via different internal versus external connections, with the reversible element providing the breast contact surface in at least one state. Additional embodiments include a second reversible element to provide additional nipple aperture sizes and modular kits. Other refinements include optional abutment features to limit insertion depth, rounded edges for comfort, and an optional flexible section to adjust connector angle, as well as an alternative embodiment without a breast shield using press-fit plus threaded or bayonet connections.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides one independent claim. That independent claim covers a breast interface assembly that provides different nipple aperture diameters by using a reversible element with two terminal portions of differing internal diameters and by configuring the assembly in first and second states so different terminal portions connect to the milk inlet port.
Reversible element with opposing terminal portions of differing internal diameters
A breast interface assembly includes a milk inlet port and a reversible element having two terminal portions of differing internal diameters at opposing ends of the reversible element.
First state and second state nipple aperture diameter selection
The breast interface assembly is configured to be assembled in a first state in which a first terminal portion connects with the milk inlet port and presents a breast contact surface defining a nipple aperture of a first diameter, and to be assembled in a second state in which a second terminal portion connects with the milk inlet port and presents a breast contact surface defining a nipple aperture of a second diameter.
Reversible element provides at least part of breast contact surface
In at least one of the first and second states, the reversible element provides at least part of the breast contact surface.
Overall, the independent claim scope is centered on changing the nipple aperture diameter by assembling a reversible element with two opposing terminal portions of differing internal diameters, where the connected terminal defines the nipple aperture on a breast contact surface that is provided at least in part by the reversible element.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
Interested in licensing this patent?