CN211096472U - breast pump - Google Patents

Abstract

A breast pump comprising: a container including a deformable body and a lid, the container further comprising an inlet and a vent, wherein the vent is provided with a vent valve configured to allow air to pass through the vent A vent exits the container but does not allow air to flow into the container through the vent; a nipple engaging device for receiving milk expressed from a user's breast; and a flexible conduit connecting the nipple engaging device with the inlet of the deformable container. In use, the milk expressed from the breast flows from the teat engaging device to the container through the flexible conduit.

Description

breast pump

technical field

The utility model relates to a breast pump, in particular, but not exclusively, to a breast pump with a container away from a nipple engaging device.

Background technique

Many mothers prefer to breastfeed their babies instead of using formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and the introduction of foods to breastfeed for at least the first year of life to ensure short- and long-term health. However, there are situations in which breastfeeding may not be possible or practical, for example if the mother is unwell, at work, travelling or on a business trip. Breastfeeding can also be difficult if the baby is not held properly, or if the mother has had breast surgery and cannot be stimulated by the lactation reflex. In these cases, it is still possible to provide breast milk to the baby by using a breast pump. A breast pump can also be used to catch milk that drips from one breast during feeding, express milk if there is an oversupply, and relieve breast fullness and engorgement.

A breast pump is a device that allows a mother to express breast milk which can then be stored for later use. There are various different types of breast pumps, including hand pumps and electric pumps.

Most breast pumps of the prior art include a breast engaging portion, an electric pump for generating suction on the nipple of the breast, and a reservoir for storing expressed milk.

Using an electric pump can be problematic. Electric pumps are often noisy, which may mean that the pump cannot be used in certain situations. Additionally, the pump requires a power source. The power source is usually a battery, which may weigh between 500g and 1.8kg. Electric pumps can also contain many parts, which can be a lot of work for the user, as every part that comes in contact with breast milk may need to be cleaned after each use. Since most breast pumps require the user to hold the entire device while expressing milk, this can be tiring. Battery usage also limits the amount of time the pump can be used between charges, and battery performance degrades with repeated charge cycles. During operation, it may also be necessary to press the electric pump firmly against the breast to prevent leakage. This may put extra pressure and weight on the breasts during use.

Even a breast pump that does not use electricity can have many limitations. Typically, the breast engaging portion, pump and reservoir are all tightly coupled and must all be in close proximity to the user's breast when in use. The combined bulk of these parts means that the pump cannot be used under most types of clothing, which means that the pump is usually only used when the user has a high degree of privacy. Because of this, many existing breast pumps cannot be used alone in public.

Another problem with some breast pump designs is the backflow of milk that occurs when the pump is turned off. This can be cumbersome and can lead to wasted milk.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a breast pump that will overcome or ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art breast pumps.

Alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to provide a breast pump that allows a mother to express her milk during normal daily activities, thereby giving her freedom.

Alternatively, the purpose of the present invention is to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the appended claims. Specific embodiments are described below in non-limiting terms.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a breast pump is provided, comprising:

A container comprising a deformable body and a lid, the container further comprising an inlet and a vent, wherein the vent is provided with a vent valve configured to allow air to pass through the vent flow out of the container without allowing air to flow into the container through the vent;

a nipple engaging device for receiving milk expressed from a user's breast; and

a flexible conduit communicating the nipple engaging device with the inlet of the deformable container,

Wherein, in use, milk expressed from the breast flows from the teat engaging device to the container through the conduit.

The length of the flexible conduit is preferably at least 500mm, more preferably at least 800mm.

The flexible conduit preferably comprises a silicone tube.

The outer diameter of the flexible conduit preferably does not exceed 10 mm, preferably does not exceed 8 mm, more preferably does not exceed 6 mm.

Preferably, a catheter connection portion is further included, the catheter connection portion being configured to direct the catheter away from the nipple engaging device in a direction such that in use at least one end of the flexible catheter connected to the catheter connection portion is located at the user's next to the body.

Preferably, the nipple engaging means includes an annular flange adapted to engage a user's breast.

Preferably, the nipple engaging means includes a channel communicating the interior of the flange with the conduit connection portion to allow milk expressed from the user's breast to flow into the flexible conduit.

Preferably, the channel includes a bend between the annular flange and the conduit connection portion.

Preferably, the conduit connection portion includes a central axis that is perpendicular to the central axis around which the flange is provided.

Preferably, in use, the nipple engaging means protrudes a distance of 35mm or less from the surface of the user's breast.

Preferably, the nipple engaging means is elastically deformable.

Preferably, the breast pump further comprises an inlet valve between the teat engaging device and the interior of the container, wherein the inlet valve allows fluid to flow from the teat engaging device to the interior of the container but does not allow fluid to flow from the interior of the container to the teat engagement device.

Preferably, the inlet valve is connected to or integral with the container.

Preferably, one or both of the inlet valve and the exhaust valve comprise a duckbill valve.

Preferably, the container includes a conduit connection to which the flexible conduit is connected.

Preferably, the breast pump includes adhesive means for holding the nipple engaging portion in place on the user's breast.

Preferably, the nipple engaging device includes a groove configured to receive an adhesive member therein.

Preferably, the adhesive member comprises a central opening correspondingly dimensioned to fit into the groove.

Preferably, the adhesive member is shaped and sized to adhere to the flange and the user's breast in use.

Preferably, the adhesive member is reusable.

Preferably, the adhesive member is replaceable.

Preferably, the breast pump further comprises a second teat engaging device, wherein the second teat engaging device is connected to the inlet by a flexible conduit.

Preferably, the breast pump includes a ring configured to connect the lid to the body of the container.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a parts box for a breast pump, the box comprising:

Deformable container body;

a container lid comprising an inlet and a vent, wherein the vent is provided with a one-way vent valve;

a nipple engaging device for receiving milk expressed from a user's breast; and

A flexible conduit configured to communicate the teat engaging device and the inlet of the deformable receptacle such that when the breast pump is in use, milk expressed from the breast flows through the conduit from the teat engaging device to the receptacle.

Preferably, the cartridge includes a ring configured to connect the container lid to the deformable container body.

Preferably, the cassette includes adhesive means for holding the nipple engaging portion in place on the user's breast.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a nipple cover for a breast pump, comprising:

an annular flange adapted to engage the user's breast;

a conduit connection portion configured to be detachably connected to the flexible conduit;

a channel that communicates the interior of the flange with the conduit connection portion to allow milk expressed from the user's breast to flow into the flexible conduit,

Wherein the conduit connecting portion is configured to direct the conduit away from the nipple in a direction such that in use at least one end of the conduit connected to the conduit connecting portion is located substantially next to the user's body.

Preferably, the nipple includes adhesive means for holding the nipple in place on the user's breast.

Preferably, the nipple includes a groove configured to receive the adhesive member therein.

Preferably, the adhesive member comprises a central opening correspondingly dimensioned to fit into the groove.

Preferably, the adhesive member is shaped and sized to adhere to the flange and the user's breast in use.

Preferably, the nipple is elastically deformable.

Preferably, the nipple protrudes 35mm or less from the surface of the user's breast.

Other aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description, which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

Description of drawings

One or more embodiments of the present invention will be described below, by way of example only and not limitation, with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the perspective view of the breast pump of the present utility model in use;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the breast pump of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top view of the lid of the breast pump of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a bottom view of the lid of the breast pump of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the lid of the breast pump of Figure 1;

6 is a perspective view of the breast pump of FIG. 1 configured for simultaneous use with both breasts;

FIG. 7 is a top view showing the container of the breast pump of FIG. 1 with section A-A;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the container of the breast pump of Figure 1 along section A-A;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the nipple engaging device of the breast pump shown in Figure 1;

10 is a cross-sectional view through the center of the nipple engaging device of the breast pump shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an adhesive member of the breast pump of FIG. 1 .

Detailed ways

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the breast pump of the present invention is generally indicated by arrow 100 .

The breast pump 100 comprises a container 1 , at least one teat engaging device 2 and a flexible conduit 3 .

The container 1 includes a deformable body 4 and a lid 5 . The container body 4 is preferably formed from silicone, but could also be formed from another soft, flexible material such as rubber, thermoplastic elastomer or flexible plastic. In other embodiments (not shown), the container body 4 may comprise an inelastic material that is biased to its original shape and size by a spring element. The cover 5 is preferably formed of silicone, but in alternative embodiments other suitable materials such as rubber, thermoplastic elastomer or flexible plastic may be used.

The container 1 is also provided with a vent 6 . In the embodiment shown, the vent 6 is provided through the lid 5 of the container 1 to reduce the possibility of accidental ejection of milk from the vent 6, but in other embodiments (not shown) the vent is 6 may be provided at a location on the wall of the body of the container 1 that is above the expected maximum level of milk contained in the container 1 .

The exhaust port 6 is provided with a one-way valve 7 which allows air to flow out of the container 1 when the container 1 is deformed. In this way, a partial vacuum is created inside the container 1 when the container 1 elastically returns to its original shape.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 10, the nipple engaging device 2 includes an annular flange 8 adapted to engage the nipple and breast B of a user. In the embodiment shown, the flange 8 is nearly flat, but is slightly angled so that it forms a conical frustum. In one embodiment, the diameter of the flange is about 50 mm and the height of the nipple engaging device (ie the distance the body of the nipple engaging device extends from the surface of the user's breast) is about 35 mm or less.

The channel 9 extends from the interior of the annular flange 8 to a conduit connection portion 10 which is configured to be detachably connected to the conduit 3 . The conduit connecting part 10 has a central axis 11 which is substantially parallel to the plane of the annular flange 8 so that the conduit 3 connected to the conduit connecting part 10 extends parallel to the body of the user. The flange 8 is arranged circumferentially about the central axis 32 . More generally, the central axis 11 of the conduit connection portion 10 may be perpendicular to the central axis around which the flange 8 is provided.

The catheter connection portion 10 may be configured to guide the catheter 3 away from the nipple engaging device 2 in a direction such that in use at least one end of the catheter 3 connected to the catheter connection portion 10 is located substantially next to the body of the user in use. There may be space between the user's body and the conduits that lie next to the user's body, but a portion of the conduit that aligns roughly parallel to the surface along the user's body is considered "next to" the user's body (rather than along the surface that is roughly perpendicular to the user's body). extending away from the user's body). The central axis 11 of the conduit connection portion 10 can be aligned to extend away from the annular flange 8 in the radial direction relative to the central axis 32 of the flange 8 . Structurally, the catheter connection portion 10 may be configured to guide the catheter 3 away from the nipple engaging device in a superior-superior, lateral or medial direction. If the catheter 3 is forced to protrude directly outward from the user's body (eg, along the front), it may be more difficult for the user to dress (at least individually) on the nipple engaging device 2 .

In embodiments where the annular flange 8 is frustoconical, flared, breast, spherical, etc. rather than completely planar, the central axis 11 may be substantially parallel to a plane aligned with the interior opening defined by the annular flange 8 . The central axis 11 may be substantially parallel to the surface of the user's breast with which the annular flange 8 engages. The central axis 11 of the conduit connection portion 10 may be vertically aligned with the direction in which the user's nipple points in use and/or the general direction of flow of milk as it is expressed from the user's breast. The annular flange 8 may be disposed about a first central axis (eg, central axis 32 in the case of annular flange 8), and the conduit connection portion 10 may include a second central axis (eg, conduit connection portion 10) that is perpendicular to the first central axis 10 of the central axis 11). More generally, the channel 9 includes a bend 33 between the annular flange 8 and the conduit connection portion 10 . In the embodiment shown, the bend 33 is substantially 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the bend 33 may be greater or less than 90 degrees, eg, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, or 100 degrees.

The catheter connection portion 10 connected to the catheter 3 so that the catheter 3 can be moved along the user's body allows the nipple engaging device 2 to have a lower profile, the catheter 3 can be detached, and the catheter connection portion 10 protrudes directly from the user's body By contrast, the system can be made less visible when in use.

A flexible conduit 3 extends between the teat engaging device 2 and the container 1 so that the channel 9 in the teat engaging device 2 is in fluid communication with the interior of the container 1 . The conduit 3 is connected to the conduit connecting portion 12 of the container 1 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , in the preferred embodiment, the conduit connection portion 12 is provided on the lid 5 of the container 1 , but in other embodiments (not shown), it may be provided on the main body 4 of the container 1 . on the wall.

4 and 5, in the embodiment shown, a one-way inlet valve 13 is attached to the lid 5 to enable milk to flow from the teat engagement device 2 to the interior of the container 1 while preventing backflow from the container 1 to the teat engagement device 2. In other embodiments (not shown), the inlet valve 13 may be provided at another location between the nipple engaging device 2 and the container 1 (ie, in line with the catheter 3), or may be connected to the nipple engaging device 2 or with The nipple engaging device 2 is integrated. In this embodiment, the container 1 includes a plurality of windows 34 . The window 34 advantageously enables the user to view the interior of the container. This enables the user to see how much milk has been collected. There are six windows 34 in this embodiment. In other embodiments, there may be more or less than six windows 34, and in some embodiments, the container 1 may not include any windows. The window 34 may be formed by the transparent silicone part of the container 1 . In this embodiment, the window 34 is oval, but in other embodiments, it may be rectangular, circular, or any other shape. In some embodiments, the container 1 may include one or more windows extending the entire height of the container.

The one-way inlet valve 13 is preferably removable from the cover 5 for cleaning. As shown in FIG. 5 , the cover 5 is preferably provided with a screw plug 14 screwed onto its outer surface 15 . The passageway 16 extends through the plug 14 to the conduit connection portion 12 on the opposite side of the cover 5 to the side visible in FIG. 5 . The one-way inlet valve 13 is provided with internal threads 17 for threaded engagement with the plug 14 . In one embodiment, the base 18 of the plug 14 is provided with a plurality of angled teeth 19 that engage with complementary angled teeth 20 provided on the base of the one-way valve 13 to form a ratcheting mechanism that Resist the unintentional detachment of the one-way valve 13 from the cover 5 . The teeth 19, 20 are shaped to overcome the interlock between the teeth 19, 20 if sufficient force is applied, so that the user can deliberately remove the one-way inlet valve 13 from the cover 5 if desired.

In this embodiment, the one-way inlet valve 13 is of the "duckbill" type having holes 21 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ) formed in the ridged structure 22 such that the inlet 23 of the one-way inlet valve 13 The positive pressure differential between outlet 24 and outlet 24 (shown in FIG. 5 ) causes orifice 21 to open, but the positive pressure differential between outlet 24 and inlet 23 causes orifice 21 to close. In use, the aperture 21 may open when the pressure in the vessel 1 is lower relative to the pressure in the conduit 3 and close when the pressure in the vessel 1 is higher relative to the pressure in the conduit 3 . The one-way inlet valve 13 may be formed in a closed position (eg, the ridges 22 may be formed with substantially no holes therebetween) such that the one-way inlet valve 13 only opens when the pressure in the vessel is lower relative to the conduit 3 .

The one-way inlet valve 13 is preferably made of silicone. Other types of valves can be used, but the design of the valve is preferably to allow thorough cleaning of all internal surfaces and volumes. The vent valve 7 is also preferably of the duckbill type, but may be of any other suitable type.

The flexible conduit 3 connects the conduit connecting portion 10 of the nipple engaging device 2 and the conduit connecting portion 12 of the container 1 . The length of the flexible conduit 3 is preferably at least 500 mm, more preferably at least 800 mm. In this embodiment, the flexible conduit 3 is a silicone tube. In other embodiments, the flexible conduit 3 may be from another suitable food grade material, such as vinyl or polyethylene.

Referring again to Figure 1, in use, the nipple engaging device 2 is placed on the user's nipple and breast B, optionally held in place by adhesive members 25 (as shown in Figure 1), but (described below) The adhesive member may not be necessary. In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive member 25 is substantially annular in shape and is configured to overlap the annular flange 8 . The adhesive member 25 is preferably made of a nylon outer layer, a cotton inner layer, and a hot melt adhesive on one side to provide a bonding surface. The adhesive member 25 is preferably reusable. The adhesive applied to the adhesive member 25 may have sufficient adhesiveness to enable the adhesive member 25 to be used multiple times. The adhesive member 25 is also replaceable and can be detached from the nipple engaging device 2 for replacement if necessary.

Figures 9 and 10 show the nipple engaging device 2 alone. In this embodiment, the nipple engaging device 2 comprises a nipple shield. As shown, the nipple engaging device 2 comprises the flange 8 and conduit connection device 10 already described. Additionally, the nipple engaging device 2 includes grooves 30 . A groove 30 is formed in the body of the nipple engaging device near the flange 8 . The groove 30 is an annular groove configured to receive an adhesive member for holding (eg, temporarily adhering) the nipple engaging device 2 in place on the user's breast. FIG. 11 shows the adhesive member 25 alone. The adhesive member 25 includes a central opening 31 . The groove 30 and the central opening 31 have corresponding shapes and dimensions to enable the edge of the central opening 31 to fit into the groove 30 to facilitate assembly of the adhesive member 25 with the nipple engaging device 2 . In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive member 25 is shaped and sized to adhere to the flange 8 and the user's breast in use.

With the nipple engaging device 2 in place, the deformable body 4 of the container 1 is squeezed by the user so that air is expelled from the interior of the container 1 through the vent valve 7 . When the deformable body 4 returns to its original shape, a partial vacuum is created in the interior volume of the container 1 . Partial vacuum is delivered to the teat engaging device 2 through the conduit 3 and the milk expressed from the teat is drawn into the container 1 through the conduit 3 . The orientation of the one-way inlet valve 13 allows milk to flow into the container 1 through this valve 13 due to the partial vacuum.

The nipple engaging device 2 is preferably formed from an elastically deformable material (eg, silicone) or other suitable biocompatible material (eg, thermoplastic elastomer, latex or other rubber). In this way, the nipple engaging device is able to deform under the action of a partial vacuum and engage firmly with the nipple and/or breast. Additionally, the nipple engaging device 2 can be squeezed prior to placement on the user's breasts and nipples to create its own partial vacuum, thereby enhancing its engagement with the user's nipples and nipples.

The one-way inlet valve 13 ensures that squeezing the container 1 does not cause milk to flow through the conduit 3 to the teat engaging device 2 even when the container 1 contains milk.

Since the length of the flexible conduit 3 is at least 500 mm, the user is not required to hold the container 1 close to the breast during use. The flexible conduit 3 is preferably of sufficient length to protrude from under the user's shirt, more preferably extending further, eg to enable the container 1 to be placed on a convenient surface or in a bag or purse.

Since the nipple engaging device 2 is relatively small (eg, about 50 mm x 50 mm x 35 mm), it can be hidden under the user's clothing. Combined with the fact that the container 1 can be positioned away from the nipple engaging device 2, the fact that the device produces relatively little noise means that the device can be used in situations where prior art breast pumps cannot be used separately.

As shown in Figure 6, in some embodiments, the breast pump may be provided with two nipple engaging devices 2 so that the user can pump milk from both breasts B at the same time. In a preferred embodiment, the breast pump system is provided with a T or Y connection 26 so that milk from both breasts enters the container 1 through a single inlet valve 13, preferably through a single conduit connection 12 (but in some embodiments it may be Set up two conduit connections for injection into a single inlet valve).

Referring to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 6-8 , in a preferred embodiment, the container 1 includes a ring 27 . The ring 27 provides connecting means by which the body 4 of the container 1 and the lid 5 can be removably connected. The ring 27 may be a rigid part configured to be removably connected to the body 4 of the container 1 and the lid 5 of the container. The rings are preferably formed from polypropylene, but in other embodiments may be formed from, for example, PET, HDPE, polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminum, or glass. Ring 27 and vessel 1 have the same or similar form as the vessel and ring described in International (PCT) application PCT/NZ2018/050171, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The container 1 and the ring 27 can be connected to each other in the same way as described in this application.

The ring 27 and the upper portion of the body 4 of the container 1 may have complementary threaded portions, enabling the ring 27 to be screwed onto the body 4 of the container 1 . The body 4 of the container 1 may have one or more rigid portions to reinforce the threads and/or the portion of the container 1 that includes the threads. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the body 4 of the container 1 may be overmolded with a substantially rigid plastic portion including threads. In alternative embodiments, the breast pump may comprise a ring member which is connected to the body 4 of the container 1 in another way, eg by a friction fit, a flange-groove connection, a removable snap fit, a bayonet fit Wait.

In the preferred embodiment, the cover 5 and the ring 27 are separate from each other. The cover 5 is accommodated in the ring 27 . The flexible silicone material forming the cover 5 in this embodiment can be fitted around the inwardly projecting flange 28 of the ring 27 to be removably attached to the ring 27 . The lid 5 may include a groove 29 around its edge configured to receive the flange 28 . In alternative embodiments, the cover 5 may include a flange that may fit into place from below the ring 27, and in some embodiments may be flexible enough to fit into place from above the ring 27 so that when The ring 27 when attached to the body 4 of the container 1 enables the lid 5 to be attached to the ring 27 . When the ring 27 is secured to the body 4 of the container 1 , the ring 27 can press the lid 5 on top of the body 4 of the container 1 , thereby forming a seal between the body 4 and the lid 5 of the container 1 .

In alternative embodiments, the ring 27 may be integrally formed with the body 4 or lid 5 of the container 1 . For example, the ring 27 may be overmolded to the upper portion of the body 4 or the edge of the lid 5 .

In further alternative embodiments, the container 1 may not include the ring 27 . The upper part of the main body 4 of the container 1 may have sufficient rigidity so that the lid 5 can be screwed directly onto the main body 4 of the container 1 . The lid 5 may alternatively be connected directly to the sufficiently rigid upper portion of the body 4 of the container 1 by a friction fit, a bayonet connection, a flange-groove connection, a snap fit or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the body 4 and ring 27 of the container are configured to enable the user to replace the lid 5 with other components. For example, the ring 27 may be configured to receive one or more of the items disclosed in International Application PCT/NZ2018/050171, such as a breast pump cup member, a nipple, a straw, a spoon or a storage cap (identified in this application as the container lid 32 ).

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "including", "comprising" and the like should be construed in an inclusive sense, rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is, with " Including but not limited to" meaning interpretation.

The entire disclosures, if any, of all applications, patents, and publications cited above and below are incorporated herein by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of implication that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in any country in the world.

It can also be broadly expressed that the invention resides in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features, individually or collectively, in the parts, elements and features mentioned or indicated in the specification of this application .

Where reference has been made in the preceding description to integers or components having known equivalents, these integers are incorporated herein as if individually described.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Therefore, these changes and modifications will also be included in the present invention.

Claims (17)

1. a breast pump, is characterized in that, comprises: A container comprising a deformable body and a lid, the container further comprising an inlet and a vent, wherein the vent is provided with a vent valve configured to allow air to pass through the vent flow out of the container without allowing air to flow into the container through the vent; a nipple engaging device for receiving milk expressed from a user's breast; and a flexible conduit communicating the nipple engaging device with the inlet of the deformable container, Wherein, in use, milk expressed from the breast flows from the teat engaging device to the container through the flexible conduit. 2. The breast pump of claim 1, further comprising a conduit connection portion configured to guide the flexible conduit away from the nipple engaging device in a direction such that in use At least one end of the flexible conduit connected to the conduit connecting portion is positioned next to the body of the user in use. 3. The breast pump of claim 2, wherein the nipple engaging means comprises: an annular flange adapted to engage a user's breast; and communicating the interior of the flange with the conduit connection portion a channel to allow milk expressed from the user's breast to flow into the flexible conduit, the channel including a bend between the flange and the conduit connection portion. 4. The breast pump of claim 3, wherein the conduit connection portion includes a central axis that is perpendicular to the central axis around which the flange is provided. 5. The breast pump of claim 1 or 2, further comprising adhesive means for holding the nipple engaging portion in place on the user's breast. 6. The breast pump of claim 5, wherein the nipple engaging means includes a groove configured to receive the adhesive member therein. 7. The breast pump of claim 5, wherein the adhesive member is reusable and/or replaceable. 8. A breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in use, the nipple engaging means protrudes from the surface of the user's breast a distance of 35 mm or less. 9. A breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nipple engaging means is elastically deformable. 10. The breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the flexible conduit is at least 500mm. 11. The breast pump of claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible conduit comprises a silicone tube. 12. The breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer diameter of the flexible conduit does not exceed 6 mm. 13. A breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the breast pump comprises an inlet valve between the teat engaging means and the interior of the container, wherein the inlet valve allows fluid Flow from the teat engaging device to the interior of the container, but not allowing fluid to flow from the interior of the container to the teat engaging device. 14. The breast pump of claim 13, wherein the inlet valve is connected to or integral with the container. 15. The breast pump of claim 13, wherein one or both of the inlet valve and the exhaust valve comprise a duckbill valve. 16. A breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container comprises a conduit connection to which the flexible conduit is connected in use. 17. The breast pump of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second nipple engaging device, wherein the second nipple engaging device is connected to the inlet by the flexible conduit.

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