Breast pump container assemblies and methods

Abstract

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.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         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.