Apparatus and methods for universal breast pump kit

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for efficient expression of breast milk is provided. The device comprises a horn having a funnel for receiving a breast and a tube extending downwards from the funnel and removably connected to a first end of a main body. The main body has a stem extending downwards from a second end. The horn portion of the device can vary in size depending on the user need to accommodate varying sizes. A flexible cylindrical diaphragm and a valve is provided and are configured to engage and create a sealing between the lower portion of the main body and a container for receiving the breast milk. The use of the cylindrical diaphragm creates minor stress points along the surface of the diaphragm, thereby making it difficult to tear or damage during repeated operation and cleaning. The device further comprises a cap having a port in communication with a pressure source and configured to engage with a container for receiving breast milk, the container further configured to removably connect with the lower second end of the main body. During the milking operation, a negative pressure from the pressure source is communicated through the port to the device in order to create a suction on the funnel for extracting the milk from the breast. In response to the negative pressure, the diaphragm moves from a first state to a second distended state and the valve circumferentially engages and seals around the stem of the main body to provide an airtight seal during the milking operation. Once the negative pressure is released the diaphragm returns back to the first state allowing the milk to freely flow from the horn, through the main body and into the container.