Patents by Inventor Kathleen A. Lockridge

Kathleen A. Lockridge has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5720722
    Abstract: A connector for use in single and double breast pumping modes of operation of a breast pump has a tubular housing with an internal wall extending across the housing interior and dividing it into two chambers. One chamber has a first nipple extending from the internal wall and into air communication with the second chamber, the first nipple being adapted for attachment of an air tube leading to a breast shield in a single-pumping mode. The other chamber has two nipples extending from the internal wall each of which are in air communication the first chamber. Preferably, the three nipples are joined through a common air/vacuum junction. The second and third nipples are likewise adapted for attachment of an air tube thereto in a double-pumping mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Medela, Incorporated
    Inventor: Kathleen A. Lockridge
  • Patent number: 5575768
    Abstract: A device is provided for supporting a breast shield of a breast pump upon a woman's breast in a "hands-free" manner. This breast shield support includes a garment that is adapted to a woman's torso, and a mounting element formed with or attachable to the back of the breast shield. Elastic bands tied to loops on the garment are releasably affixed to the mounting element to support the breast shield on the exposed breast. A list for retrofitting the device to a breast pump assembly is advantageously provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Medela, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Lockridge, Brian H. Silver, Gotthilf Weniger, Richard S. Weston
  • Patent number: 5514166
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for supporting a breast shield of a breast pump upon a woman's breast in a "hands-free" manner. Such a breast shield support includes, for example, a base member, such as a garment, that is adapted to be carried on a woman's torso. Part of the breast pump, such as the breast shield, is releasably attached to the base member and supports the breast shield on the exposed breast. Embodiments include corresponding fasteners on the breast shield and a brassiere, a harness-type strap arrangement for holding the shield against the breast and a breast shield which slips through a flap formed in a brassiere cup and is supported by the cup material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Medela, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian H. Silver, Gotthilf Weniger, Kathleen A. Lockridge, Richard S. Weston