BREAST PUMP CONTAINER ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS
Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container assembly.
1 . A system, comprising:
a breast contacting structure configured and dimensioned to form a seal with the breast;
a container assembly for storing milk pumped from the breast; and
a conduit in fluid communication with the container assembly;
wherein the container assembly and system define a sealed or sealable arrangement.
2 . The system of claim 1 , the container assembly further comprising a valve, wherein the valve is integral with the container assembly.
3 . The system claim 1 , wherein the container assembly defines a sealed structure.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the container assembly is airtight.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the breast contacting structure includes a nipple receiving portion, and further comprising a plug sized and shaped for sealing the nipple receiving portion closed.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the plug includes a handle for grasping.
7 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a storage container for receiving and carrying a plurality of container assemblies.
8 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the storage container stores container assemblies in a flat orientation.
9 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the storage container stores container assemblies so that the neck portions are staggered.
10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the storage container can be pre-formed to optimize or maximize space within a pump system.
11 . The system of claim 1 , wherein storage container can be placed into a flattened configuration by applying a vacuum to facilitate effective packaging.