VISIBLE VALVE SYSTEM AND SPILL REDUCING SYSTEM

Abstract

A visible valve system for a breastmilk expression system is set forth. The visible valve system includes an outer member, graspable by a human hand. The outer member provides a visual indication that the system is properly assembled. The visible valve system can reduce spillage from a breastmilk container by providing at least a portion of a spill reducing tortuous path in the system, or the spill-reducing tortuous path may be provided in another component of a breastmilk expression system of which the visible valve system is a part.

Claims

1.-8. (canceled)

9. A visible valve system connectable to a breastmilk expression system comprising: an outer member and an inner valve member, the inner valve member connectable to the outer member, the valve system configured to detachably fit the outer member to a milk collecting container and to a conduit.

10. A visible valve system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the valve system includes at least one vent between the outer member and the inner valve member.

11. A visible valve system as claimed in claim 10, the vent one or more of: (1) allowing air to escape while the valve system limits leakage if the breastmilk reservoir is tipped over; or (2) being formed by a gap in each of at least two incomplete ribs projecting radially outward from a neck of the outer member, each gap being offset from a gap of an adjacent rib.

12. A visible valve system as claimed in claim 9, the inner valve member further defined by one or more of an interchangeable inner valve member, a duckbill inner valve member, a disc-shaped media inner valve member, or a flap inner valve member.

13. A visible valve system for a breastmilk expression system comprising: an outer member configured for selective connection to both a conduit and a container, the outer member being sufficiently sized to form a visible connection between the conduit and the container, the valve system further including an inner valve member connected to the outer member.

14. A visible valve system as claimed in claim 13, the inner valve member further defined by an integrally formed inner valve member.

15. A visible valve system according to claim 14, further defined by: the integrally formed inner valve member formed of the same material as the outer member.

16. A valve system for a breastmilk expression system comprising: an outer member disposed between an outer edge of a conduit and a breastmilk collection container; and an inner valve selectively connectable to an interior connection section of the outer member, the interior connection section disposed within a breastmilk flow path through the valve system.

17. A valve system as claimed in claim 16, the inner valve further defined by one of a duckbill inner valve, a disc-shaped media valve, or a flap inner valve.

18. The valve system of claim 17, the outer member being visible when assembled intermediate the conduit and the container.

19. The valve system of claim 18, the conduit being connectable to a breastshield.

20. The valve system of claim 11, the vent being formed by a gap in each of at least two incomplete ribs projecting radially outward from a neck of the outer member, each gap being offset from a gap of an adjacent rib, the offset being a center-to-center offset of the gaps.

21. The valve system of claim 16, the inner valve one or more of: (1) formed of the same material as the outer member; or (2) being connectable to the outer member by an integral configuration.

22. A method of reducing spillage for a breastmilk expression system, the method comprising: producing a breastmilk collection kit having a conduit, a container and a valve, the valve including an inner valve member through which media can flow into a container and an outer member connected to the inner valve member, the outer member including a spill-reducing tortuous path; and configuring the outer member to be connectable to the container so that the system is capable of reducing a flow rate in the container.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein producing the breastmilk collection kit includes at least one of the following steps: (1) providing a constriction from a first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area more distant from the container; and (2) providing a vent having a neck member that extends from the inner valve member to a position more remote from the container than the inner valve member, wherein either step results in a breastmilk collection kit that reduces the flow rate in the container during use.

24. A breastmilk expression system comprising: a visible valve system connectable, either directly or indirectly, to one or more of a conduit and a container; an inner valve member connected to the visible valve system; and a spill-reducing tortuous path one or more of integrally formed in or removably connected to one or more of: on or in the container, on or in the conduit, on or in the visible valve system, intermediate the conduit and the visible valve system, and intermediate the container and the visible valve system.

25. The system of claim 24, the visible valve system including an outer member.

26. The system of claim 24, further comprising a leakage limiting member, the leaking limiting member including the spill-reducing tortuous path.

27.-28. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a duckbill inner valve for use in a visible valve system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the duckbill inner valve providing selective media communication between a conduit and a container such as a milk collecting container;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a cantilevered flap inner valve for use in a visible valve system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an inner valve in the form of a disc-shaped media valve for use in a visible valve system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an inner valve which may be a suitably-styled inner valve for use in a visible valve system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a breastmilk expression system having a visible valve system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the visible valve system assembled between a conduit and a container;

[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a visible valve system intermediate a container and an engagement portion of a conduit, the visible valve system configured to detachably fit an outer member to form a substantially continuous connection between a milk collecting container and a conduit;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6, illustrating a valve seat of the conduit and an opening therein;

[0024] FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of a conduit, a visible valve system, and a container illustrating a location of a tortuous path to reduce spillage, the tortuous path being in a region where the conduit and visible valve system engage one another;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of a conduit, a visible valve system, and a container illustrating a location of a tortuous path to reduce spillage, the tortuous path being part of the conduit;

[0026] FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of a conduit, a visible valve system, and a container illustrating a location of a tortuous path to reduce spillage, the tortuous path being part of the visible valve system;

[0027] FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing of a conduit, a visible valve system, and a container illustrating a location of a tortuous path to reduce spillage, the tortuous path being part of the container;

[0028] FIG. 12 is a schematic drawing of a conduit, a visible valve system, and a container illustrating a location of a tortuous path to reduce spillage, the tortuous path being within the conduit;

[0029] FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing of a conduit, a visible valve system, and a container illustrating a location of a tortuous path to reduce spillage, the tortuous path being part of the container;

[0030] FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of FIG. 6, with the visible valve system including an exemplary embodiment of a spill reducing tortuous path;

[0031] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the breastmilk expression system having the visible valve system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the visible valve system assembled between the conduit and the container;

[0032] FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the breastmilk expression system of FIG. 15;

[0033] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the visible valve system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16;

[0034] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the visible valve system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, for example, with an alternate example of the visible valve system; and

[0035] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the breastmilk expression system of FIG. 16, taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 16, wherein a visible valve system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure includes a cantilevered flap inner valve of the type depicted in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a visible valve system, shown generally at 10, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure can include a suitable inner valve, or inner valve member, such as an exemplary duckbill inner valve 12. The duckbill inner valve 12 is connected to an outer member 17. The visible valve system 10 is connectable, either directly or indirectly, to an exemplary conduit 40 and an exemplary container 54 (both shown in FIG. 5) of a breastmilk expression system. In an embodiment, the visible valve system 10 can include an outer member 20 that can be disposed between an outer edge of a conduit 40 and a breastmilk collection container 54, and an inner valve selectively connectable to an interior connection section of the outer member 20. The interior connection section can further be disposed within a breastmilk flow path through the valve system. During operation of the breastmilk expression system the conduit can be exposed to varying pressure, such as negative or positive pressure from a pressure source. When negative pressure is applied to the conduit by the pressure source, the flaps 14, 16 of the duckbill inner valve 12 are closed. Upon relieving the negative pressure in the conduit, the flaps 14, 16 of the duckbill inner valve 12 open. This opening of the flaps 14, 16 of the duckbill inner valve 12 brings the conduit into media communication with the container, and breastmilk can flow from the conduit to the container.

[0037] Turning to FIG. 2, the inner valve may alternately take the form of a cantilevered flap inner valve 18, which may be secured to an outer member 20 by a single joint 22. The outer member 20, the joint 22, and the cantilevered flap inner valve 18 may all be integrally formed of one or more suitable materials, such as an elastomeric material. The joint 22 is sufficiently flexible to permit the cantilevered flap 18 to open due to gravitational forces upon relieving negative pressure in the conduit, yet can be sufficiently rigid to apply a pre-load to the cantilevered flap inner valve 18, such that the cantilevered flap inner valve 18 is biased toward a closed condition.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates an inner valve in the form of a disc-shaped media valve 24 that is secured to the outer member 20 by two joints, 26, 28, which are on opposing sides of the inner valve 24. The disc-shaped media valve 24 can be pre-loaded or biased toward a closed condition in sealing engagement with a visible valve seat (as described in more detail below).

[0039] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram depicting a generic inner valve 30 that represents an inner valve of any suitable type that can provide selective media communication between a conduit, such as a milk-receiving cavity of a connector, and a container, such as a milk collecting container. The inner valve can be formed of one or more suitable materials and the outer member can be formed of the same material composition, or a different composition than the inner valve member.

[0040] Turning to FIG. 5, the visible valve system of the present disclosure is suitable for use in a breastmilk expression system that can include a breastshield assembly. The breastshield assembly, when fully assembled, can include a breastshield 32 having a funnel-shaped first opening 34 and an elongate tubular portion 36 in media communication with the funnel-shaped first opening 34. The elongate tubular portion 36 is received in a complementary aperture 38 of a breastshield adapter or conduit 40, or alternately, the breastshield assembly may be integral with the breastshield adapter or conduit 40. The breastshield adapter or conduit 40 can selectively engage or be fitted to a visible valve system 42.

[0041] The visible valve system 42 can include the outer member 20. The breastshield adapter or conduit 40 can include a plurality of downwardly-depending plug elements 44, 46, as best seen in the exploded view of FIG. 6, or can be otherwise configured to secure to the visible valve system 42 via a suitable attachment method. Each of the downwardly-depending plug elements 44, 46 can be configured to be connected to the visible valve system to allow for preassembly of the conduit/valve system. For example, the plug elements 44 can be held, magnetically or otherwise, or received in respective slots of the visible valve system 42, as illustrated by the dotted lines in FIG. 6.

[0042] Each of the plug elements 44 of the system may be provided with thread segments 52 that can cooperate with thread segments on the other plug element(s) to threadedly engage a threaded region of the container 54, such as an outer thread 53 of a neck region 55 of a breastmilk collection bottle. Alternatively, the conduit/valve system can be connected to the container via any suitable attachment method, for example magnetic forces or chemical forces.

[0043] Further, in an embodiment the downwardly-depending plug elements 44, 46 may be of any suitable shape that facilitates engagement with the outer thread 53 of the neck region 55 of the container 54. For instance, the plug elements 44, 46 may be arcuate. Additionally, any suitable attachment method can be incorporated to secure the conduit to the valve system, such as one or more snap features 45, 47.

[0044] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a cap 56 can be secured to a top of the conduit 40. The cap 56 has a port 58 adapted to receive an end of a length of tubing 59 to deliver a pressure from a pressure source 62, such as a pump, to the conduit 40.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the conduit 40 includes a floor region 72. The floor region 72 can be a suitable shape, such as concave or funnel-shaped, to facilitate the flow of breastmilk temporarily received in the conduit toward a drainage aperture 74 in the floor region 72. It is important to avoid having breastmilk reaching the interior of tubing 59 of FIG. 5 in the system, so that breastmilk does not contaminate the pressure source 62. The fluid media can be separated from the tubing 59 by providing a media separator.

[0046] When the breastmilk expression system tips, breastmilk collected in the container 54 thereof tends to flow toward the visible valve system. Where there is a flow path to an exterior of the breastmilk expression system, such as a vent opening, the collected breastmilk could leak through the flow path and out of the breastmilk expression system. As illustrated schematically in FIGS. 8-12, to reduce spilling of milk from the container when the container 54 is tipped over, a leakage limiting member 80 may be either integrally formed in or removably connected to the breastmilk expression system in one or more of a variety of locations, such as on or in the conduit 40, on or in the visible valve system 42, on or in the container 54. Alternately or in addition, the leakage limiting member 80 may be provided intermediate adjacent components, such as intermediate the conduit 40 and the visible valve system 42. The leakage limiting member 80 may be provided on a region of the visible valve system 42 that surrounds the drainage aperture 74.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the leakage limiting member 80 may be provided in the visible valve member 42 and may include one or more incomplete ribs 82, if desired. Alternatively, any device for slowing media flow from the container 54 can be provided, and can include one or more devices of any shape or angle for passively providing a spill reducing tortuous path in the system. In addition, FIG. 14 further depicts that the visible valve member 42 may include the outer member 20 and an inner valve member 12, 18, 24, 30. Said another way, the inner valve member may include one or more of the duckbill inner valve 12, the cantilevered flap inner valve 18, the disc-shaped media valve 24, or any other generic inner valve 30.

[0048] Where ribs 82 are provided, a gap 84 in each of the incomplete arcuate ribs 82 may be provided at off-set intervals from the gap 84 of adjacent arcuate rib(s) 82. A center-to-center offset of the gaps 84 can be formed at any suitable distance or angle. The arcuate ribs 82 preferably engage an interior wall of the conduit 40 when the conduit 40 and the visible valve system 42 are assembled to one another. The gaps 84 can provide an air path 83 for venting while defining, together with the walls of the arcuate ribs 82, a tortuous path reducing spillage of breastmilk in the event the container topples over.

[0049] A tortuous path that reduces spillage of breastmilk may take many forms. A suitable tortuous path may be any structural element, geometric shape, or combination of structural elements or geometry that serves as a flow restrictor, reducing flow rate as media flows past, along, or through the tortuous path. The tortuous path may be disposed closer to the container 54 than the inner valve member when the components of the breastmilk collection system are assembled. Alternately, or additionally, the tortuous path may be disposed more remote from the container 54 than the inner valve member when the components of the breastmilk collection system are assembled.

[0050] By way of example only, the tortuous path may take the form of a region surrounding the inner valve member that constricts from a first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area more distant from the container 54. Alternately, the tortuous path may take the form of structure surrounding the inner valve member, such as an exemplary neck member 41 that extends from the inner valve member to a position more remote from the container than the inner valve member. The tortuous path may also be defined by a first interrupted elongate rib on the neck member 41 and a second interrupted rib on the neck member 41 spaced from the first interrupted rib by a channel, an interruption of the first interrupted elongate rib being offset from an interruption of the second interrupted elongate rib.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, and like FIGS. 5 and 6, the visible valve system of FIGS. 15 and 16 is suitable for use in a breastmilk expression system that can include the breast shield assembly. The breast shield assembly, when assembled, can include the breast shield 32 having the funnel-shaped first opening 34 and the elongate tubular portion 36, which is received in the complementary aperture 38 of the breast shield adapter or conduit 40. Alternatively, the breast shield assembly may be integral with the breast shield adapter or conduit 40, which may selectively engage or be fitted to the visible valve system 42. As noted, the visible valve system 42 can include the outer member 20 and may engage the container 54. In addition, the cap 56 may be secured to the top of the conduit 40. The cap 56 has a port 58 (FIG. 16), which is adapted to receive the end of a length of tubing 59 to deliver a pressure from the pressure source 62 (FIG. 5), such as a pump, to the conduit 40.

[0052] As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, each of the conduit 40, the visible valve system 42, the container 54, and the cap 56 may take the form of various different shapes and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, and as depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16, each of the conduit 40, the visible valve system 42, and the container 54 may be cube-like or square in shape. In addition, the cap 56 may be cylindrical in shape. In another example, and as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, the container 54 may be more hexagonal or orthogonal in shape, and the conduit 40 may be more cylindrical in shape.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the leakage limiting member 80 may be provided on a region of the visible valve system 42, such as the neck region. In one example, the leakage limiting member 80 may extend upwardly. In another example, the leakage limiting member 80 may be provided in the visible valve member 42 and may include one or more ribs 82. Alternatively, the leakage limiting member 80 may not include any ribs 82, as depicted in FIG. 18.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 19, a bottom view of the breastmilk expression system of FIG. 16, taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 16 is depicted. In this example, the visible valve system 42 includes the outer member 20 and the cantilevered flap inner valve 18, as also depicted in FIG. 2. The cantilevered flap inner valve 18 is secured to the outer member 20 by the joint 22. As described above relative to FIG. 2, for example, the outer member 20, the joint 22, and the cantilevered flap inner valve 18 may all be integrally formed of a suitable material, such as elastomeric material.

[0055] Referring again to FIGS. 6, 7, 15, 16 and 19, once conduit 40 and visible valve system 42 are assembled, the inner valve, such as the cantilevered flap inner valve 18, aligns with the drainage aperture 74, sealingly engaging the underside of the floor region 72 of the conduit 40, which serves as a valve seat to the visible valve system.

[0056] The visible valve system of the present disclosure can provide a convenient reminder to the user that the breastmilk collection system has been properly assembled. This is due to the fact that if the visible valve system is missing and the user attempts to connect the conduit 40 directly to the container 54, there can be a gap between the conduit 40 and the container 54. In other words, the visible valve system can serve as an outer member that is externally accessible. The outer member is configured to selectively connect to both the conduit 40, and to the container 54. It is visibly apparent to the user if the outer member 20 is missing or misassembled between the conduit 40 and the container 54 since the outer member 20 is sufficiently sized to form a visible, substantially continuous connection between the conduit 40 and the container 54.

[0057] In an embodiment, the breastmilk expression system may be constructed in such a manner that the container 54 cannot be assembled with the rest of the system if the visible valve system is not included. As such, the visible valve system serves as a necessary connecting portion, even if the mechanism for securing the container 54 to the breastmilk expression system, such as the thread segments 52 of the plug elements 44, 46, is provided as part of a different component than the visible valve system 42, like the breastshield adapter or conduit 40, for example.

[0058] The visible valve system of the present disclosure also provides a convenient location for grasping by a human hand during use of the breastmilk expression system, due to the substantially continuous connection between the conduit and the container formed when the breastmilk expression system is properly assembled. When so assembled, the user is assured that a visible valve system is properly provided between a conduit and a container so that upon application of a pressure to the conduit, the visible valve system will be retained in a sealed condition, and upon release or relaxation of the pressure, the visible valve system will open. Upon application of the pressure, with a breastshield of the breastmilk expression system applied to the breast, breastmilk will be temporarily collected in the conduit. Upon release or relaxation of the negative pressure, the visible valve system will open, resulting in the breastmilk flowing from the conduit to the container via the visible valve system.

[0059] In accordance with the principles herein, an exemplary method of reducing spillage for a breastmilk expression system can include the following steps: First, a breastmilk collection kit having a conduit, a container and a valve is produced. The valve can include an inner valve member through which media can flow into a container and an outer member connected to the inner valve member. The outer member can include a spill-reducing tortuous path. Next, the outer member can be configured to be connectable to the container so that the system is capable of reducing a flow rate in the container.

[0060] Producing the breastmilk collection kit can further include at least one of the following steps: (1) providing a constriction from a first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area more distant from the container; and (2) providing a vent having a neck member that extends from the inner valve member to a position more remote from the container than the inner valve member, wherein either step results in a breastmilk collection kit that reduces the flow rate in the container during use.

[0061] In accordance with the principles herein, a breastmilk expression system can include a visible valve system connectable, either directly or indirectly, to one or more of a conduit and a container; an inner valve member connected to the visible valve system; and a spill-reducing tortuous path one or more of integrally formed in or removably connected to one or more of: on or in the container, on or in the conduit, on or in the visible valve system, intermediate the conduit and the visible valve system, and intermediate the container and the visible valve system.

[0062] The visible valve system can further include an outer member of the valve.

[0063] In an embodiment, the breastmilk expression system can further include a leakage limiting member, the leaking limiting member including the spill-reducing tortuous path.

[0064] As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, any breastmilk referred to in the foregoing disclosure, such as in reference to the breastmilk expression system, is breastmilk from a human, e.g., a human mother, and not any other mammal or species. For example, the breastmilk expression system of the present disclosure is directed to expressing breastmilk from a human mother.

[0065] While the present disclosure has been described with respect to certain embodiments thereof, combinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented that are still within the scope of the appended claims.