BREAST PUMP MILK CAPTURE AND COLLECTION SYSTEM
This disclosure generally relates to a breast pump valve system. The breast pump valve system includes a valve and a milk collection apparatus. The valve includes one or more retaining ribs which are disposed around the circumference of the valve. The one or more retaining ribs are interrupted only by a vent channel. The valve further includes a vent, connected to the vent channel. The vent channel allows air in the milk collection apparatus to escape through the vent in the valve. The milk collection apparatus includes a chamfered collar to receive the valve. The milk collection apparatus further includes a connector disposed on an external surface of the chamfered collar.
1 . A breast pump valve, comprising:
one or more retaining ribs which are disposed around the circumference of the valve wherein the one or more ribs are interrupted only by a vent channel; and
a vent, connected to the vent channel.
2 . The breast pump valve of claim 1 , further comprising:
a valve stop.
3 . The breast pump valve of claim 2 , wherein the valve stop is configured to mate with a collar of a milk collection apparatus.
4 . The breast pump valve of claim 1 , wherein the one or more ribs are implemented as two ribs.
5 . The breast pump valve of claim 1 , wherein the valve includes a funnel.
6 . The breast pump valve of claim 1 , further comprising two or more valve leaflets.
7 . The breast pump valve of claim 6 , wherein the two or more valve leaflets are die cut.
8 . The breast pump valve of claim 6 , wherein the leaflets open and close in response to vacuum pressure.
9 . The breast pump valve of claim 8 , wherein the vacuum pressure is between 1 inHg and 25 inHg.
10 . The breast pump valve of claim 1 , wherein the valve is formed using liquid injection molded silicone.
11 . The breast pump valve of claim 1 , further comprising a gasket implemented as one or more O-rings.
12 . A breast pump valve system, comprising:
a valve including:
one or more retaining ribs which are disposed around the circumference of the valve wherein the one or more ribs are interrupted only by a vent channel disposed in the lower portion of the valve; and
a vent, connected to the vent channel, and disposed in the upper portion of the valve;
a milk collection apparatus including:
a collar to receive the valve; and
a connector disposed on an external surface of the collar
wherein the vent channel allows air in the milk collection apparatus to escape through the vent in the valve.
13 . The breast pump valve system of claim 12 , wherein the valve is inserted into the collar of the milk collection apparatus.
14 . The breast pump valve system of claim 12 , wherein the valve further includes a valve stop that mates with the collar of the milk collection apparatus.
15 . The breast pump valve system of claim 12 , wherein the connector uses a quarter turn thread engagement mechanism.
16 . The breast pump valve system of claim 12 , wherein the one or more retaining ribs are inserted in the collar of the milk collection apparatus.
17 . The breast pump valve system of claim 12 , wherein the valve is a standard feeding nipple.
18 . The breast pump valve system of claim 12 , wherein the valve is reversible.
19 . The breast pump valve system of claim 12 , wherein the valve includes one or more affordance feature.
20 . The breast pump valve system of claim 11 , further comprising a second valve channel and a second vent.