WO2007082341A1

WO2007082341A1 - Vaginal cup

Info

Publication number: WO2007082341A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/000043
Authority: WO
Inventors: Saim Deborah Backman
Original assignee: Baslar Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-01-17
Filing date: 2007-01-17
Publication date: 2007-07-26
Also published as: AU2006100036A4

Abstract

A vaginal cup including a cup-shaped container having a principal longitudinal axis, an outer surface and an upwardly facing mouth with an associated thickened portion, said cup-shaped container including a generally frustoconical portion defining a continuous inner surface; and gripping means extending from said quasi-spherical portion, for the purpose of manually removing said cup from operative position; said cup-shaped container tending to resiliently resist bending of said container about an axis substantially perpendicular to said principal axis, while the thickened portion allows limited bending of said container about an axis substantially parallel to said principal axis.

Description

VAGINAL CUP Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to devices for the collection of menstrual fluids and particularly to devices intended for internal use in the vaginal canal. Background Art.

An excellent description of the prior art in this field is given in United States Patent Number 3845766 and is reproduced below verbatim:

"Such menstrual devices have long been known to the art, and to facilitate their insertion into the vaginal canal are constructed in a manner which enables them to be folded transversally of their longitudinal direction. When being inserted, the device is held compressed in its folded state by means of the fingers of the user or by a tool especially suited for the purpose. Subsequent to placing the device in position in the vaginal canal, the pressure on said device is released and the device expands as a result of the inherent springiness of the elastic material from which it is made and as a result of the annular ribs arranged around the periphery of the wall of the device, said ribs because of their shape and their dimensions expanding the device so that it firmly abuts the walls of the vaginal canal.

The first such menstrual devices manufactured had two parallel, annular ribs of which one comprised an outwardly folded edge or flange member extending around the open end of the device, said end in practice facing inwardly and upwardly in the vaginal canal so that menstrual fluid could be collected, while the second rib was located immediately beneath the first rib to define therebetween a concave groove which acted as a form of suction cup for holding the device tightly against the walls of the vaginal canal. This design, however, was found to be uncomfortable and could not be reliably held in the correct position in the vaginal canal, but was found to tilt and thereby allow fluid to escape, to soil the clothes of the wearer. To overcome this disadvantage, there was suggested a modified design of the annular ribs and of the cup-shaped device as a whole. It was also proposed that additional ribs should be made integral with said two annular ribs and the wall of the menstrual cup and that said additional ribs should cross the groove in a manner such that, together with the two annular ribs, said additional ribs divided the suction cup acting groove into alternate triangular and square recesses, each of which was intended to function as a separate suction cup for the purpose of holding the device in position in a manner such that no fluid could escape around the edges of the device. With regard to the total design of the menstrual cup it was proposed that there should be arranged on the outside of the cup and integral therewith a longitudinally extending, bulged or keel- like appendage which, through its abutment with the wall of the vaginal canal, would prevent tilting of the cup as a result of the body movements executed by the wearer. In addition, it was also suggested that the plurality of longitudinally extending ribs on the inner surface of the cup wall of the first known type of device were replaced by the arrangement of a single spiral rib extending along the inner surface of the cup wall from the bottom to the open end thereof, said spiral rib being assumed to effectively lock the cup in position both longitudinally and laterally.

Because of its rigidity, this modified design of the type of menstrual device described in the introduction above was found to be difficult to fold and insert, and since it was also found to be extremely uncomfortable as a result of said rigidity and of the large number of comparatively hard components from which it was constructed, said modified design has not been used to any appreciable extent.

Instead, further changes in the actual shape of the cup and to the shape and positioning of the annular ribs have been suggested. The cup has been made more cylindrical in shape than with previously known designs, and in connection herewith the number of annular ribs has been increased to embrace a first and a second set of annular ribs designed to act as sealing lips and arranged in the vicinity of the open end of the cup, the two sets of ribs comprising two radially outwardly projecting parallel lips of which the lips belonging to the first or the upper set are directed obliquely downwardly, while the lips belonging to the second or lower set are directed upwardly, there being provided between the two lips in each set of lips an annular groove of wedge-shaped cross section.

Even though an internal menstrual device constructed in this manner is seated somewhat more reliably in the vaginal canal and is somewhat more comfortable to wear than devices according to the previously suggested designs, the construction does not ensure such complete securement of the device subsequent to its being inserted in a folded state into the vaginal canal that a fully reliable seal is obtained against the canal walls. With narrow vaginal canals the device, which is essentially only folded double, cannot fully expand, whereby incomplete abutment is obtained against the wall of the canal. To prevent this, the annular ribs or sealing lips provided with present menstrual devices must in practice always be made so rigid that, under all circumstances, they exert a strong pressure against the walls of the vaginal canal. In other words, the further modified design of the menstrual device does not greatly differ from its predecessors since similar thereto instead of being soft and readily adaptable to vaginal canals of different sizes it is, to the contrary, hard and conforms firmly to different vaginal canals according to the outer diameter of the annular ribs on the device, as a result of their relatively considerable stiffness."

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to a vaginal cup, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a vaginal cup including a cup- shaped container having a principal longitudinal axis, an outer surface and an upwardly facing mouth with an associated thickened portion, said cup-shaped container including a generally frustoconical portion defining a continuous inner surface; and gripping means extending from said frustoconical portion for the purpose of manually removing said cup from operative position; said cup-shaped container tending to resiliently resist bending of said container about an axis substantially perpendicular to said principal axis, while the thickened portion allows limited bending of said container about an axis substantially parallel to said principal axis. Providing a cup according to the present invention allows the folding of the cup-shaped container but once in place, the thickened portion of the container associated with the mouth limits deformation of the cup and particularly the mouth during use and especially removal to prevent or mitigate spillage. The cup of the present invention is provided with increased radial rigidity instead of enhanced longitudinal rigidity which seems to be the focus of efforts in the prior art devices.

The present invention is a vaginal cup device adapted for the collection of menstrual fluids and intended for internal use. As such, it is important that the device be manufactured from materials that are suitable for internal use, most importantly from hygiene and comfort considerations. As such, the preferred material of construction will typically be plastic of suitable type. Normally, a soft, elastomeric plastic or substitute will be used. The material is preferably resilient and with a shape- memory. The material used will suitably resist degradation in what can be hostile environment, particularly with the immune and expulsion responses that foreign objects elicit from the human body.

The device of the present invention includes a cup-shaped container having a principal longitudinal axis, an outer surface and an upwardly facing mouth with an associated thickened portion. The cup-shaped container includes a generally frustoconical portion defining a continuous inner surface. The side wall(s) of the cup-shaped container will typically be approximately lmm in thickness. The cup-shaped container will preferably be sized to contain approximately 15ml of fluid. Most preferably, the container will hold this fluid below the level of the thickened portion. The prior art devices discussed above disclose the use of substantially sized (height), multiple annular ribs extending radially about the outer surface of the cup-shaped container, mainly for strength purposes and to provide a better seal with the canal in which the device is properly placed in use. In contrast, the device of the present invention will generally include a bulbous lip portion at the mouth of the device and an associated thickened portion. Preferably, the thickened portion will provide the desired rigidity and will also generally assist with the proper positioning and retention of the device in that position.

The bulbous lip portion will preferably extend radially outward from the inner surface of the device approximately 5mm. The bulbous portion will typically have a rounded shape as the term suggests as this may decrease the discomfort experienced whilst inserting the device, during use, and during removal. The bulbous lip portion will preferably exert a firm pressure against the walls of the vaginal canal to resist movement of the device.

The thickened portion provided according to the invention is preferably provided immediately adjacent the bulbous lip portion. The thickened portion may be a part of the generally frustoconical portion or it may be an additional portion provided between the bulbous lip portion and the generally frustoconical portion. If provided in this manner, it is preferred that the thickened portion also define a continuous inner surface. The thickened portion will preferably be approximately 3mm in thickness.

The thickened portion will typically be approximately 10mm in height. This portion will generally be substantially cylindrical in shape. This shape may assist with the location of the device and the formation of a seal between the device and the walls of the vaginal canal.

The device of the present invention also includes gripping means extending from the frustoconical portion for the purpose of manually removing said cup from operative position. Preferably the gripping means includes an elongate extension. The elongate extension will be located towards the outer end of the vaginal canal when the device is properly located in the operative or use condition. A portion of the gripping means may be removable, for example by cutting or other means, to allow a user to shorten the length of the gripping means.

The extension will typically be formed of the same material as the cup- shaped portion, making the extension resilient and with a shape-memory. The extension may be between approximately 30 to 40mm in length.

The extension will preferably be cylindrical and tubular. This will allow a user to grip the extension more properly by deforming the extension when gripping it. To assist the user with the gripping of the extension, an outer surface of the extension may be provided with a plurality of generally planar ribs extending radially outwardly from the extension. Preferably, there may be at least two spaced apart ribs such that a user's fingers can grip the extension between the ribs and abut at least one of the ribs to provide added leverage. Overall, the device of the present invention will preferably be between approximately 80 to 100mm in length and will typically be manufactured in different sizes.

As with prior art devices of a similar nature, the device of the present invention is constructed in a manner which enables it to be folded transversally of its longitudinal direction to facilitate insertion into the vaginal canal. When being inserted, the device is held compressed in its folded state by means of the fingers of the user or by a tool especially suited for the purpose. Subsequent to placing the device in position in the vaginal canal, the pressure on said device is released and the device expands as a result of the inherent springiness of the elastic material from which it is made and as a result of the bulbous lip portion and the thickened portion arranged around the mouth of the device, expanding the device so that it firmly abuts the walls of the vaginal canal. Brief Description of the Drawings.

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a vaginal cup according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, with representative dimensions. Figure 2 is a sectional side elevation of a vaginal cup according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top view of a vaginal cup according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of a vaginal cup according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, with representative dimensions.

Figure 5 is a sectional side elevation of a vaginal cup according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a top view of a vaginal cup according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a side elevation of a vaginal cup according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention, with representative dimensions.

Figure 8 is a sectional side elevation of a vaginal cup according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a top view of a vaginal cup according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 10 is an angled view of the vaginal cup according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 11 is a second angled view of vaginal cup according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a vaginal cup for the collection of menstrual fluids is provided. The vaginal cup 10 of the preferred embodiment includes a cup-shaped container 11 having a principal longitudinal axis, an outer surface and an upwardly facing mouth 12 with an associated thickened portion 13, said cup-shaped container

11 including a generally frustoconical portion defining a continuous inner surface; and gripping means extending from said frustoconical portion, for the purpose of manually removing said cup from operative position; said cup-shaped container 11 tending to resiliently resist bending of said container 11 about an axis substantially perpendicular to said principal axis, while the thickened portion 13 allows limited bending of said container about an axis substantially parallel to said principal axis. The preferred embodiment of the vaginal cup device is adapted for the collection of menstrual fluids and intended for internal use. As such, it is important that the device be manufactured from materials that are suitable for internal use, most importantly from hygiene and comfort considerations. As such, the preferred material of construction will typically be plastic of suitable type. Normally, a soft, elastomeric plastic or substitute will be used. The material is preferably resilient and with a shape- memory.

The device of the present invention includes a cup-shaped container 11 having a principal longitudinal axis, an outer surface and an upwardly facing mouth

12 with an associated thickened portion 13. The cup-shaped container 11 includes a generally frustoconical portion

14 defining a continuous inner surface. The side wall(s) 16 of the cup-shaped container 11 are approximately lmm in thickness. The cup-shaped container 11 is sized to contain approximately 15ml of fluid below the level of the thickened portion 13. The cup 10 of the preferred embodiment includes a bulbous Hp portion

17 at the mouth 12 of the cup 10 and an associated thickened portion 13 to provide the desired rigidity and will also generally assist with the proper positioning and retention of the cup in position.

The bulbous lip portion 17 extends radially outward from the inner surface of the cup 10 approximately 5mm. The bulbous lip portion 17 has a rounded shape, as the term suggests, as this may decrease the discomfort experienced whilst inserting the cup 10, during use, and during removal. The bulbous lip portion 17 preferably exerts a firm pressure against the walls of the vaginal canal to resist movement of the cup 10.

The thickened portion 13 provided according to the invention is provided immediately adjacent the bulbous lip portion 17. The thickened portion 13 is located between the bulbous lip portion 17 and the generally frustoconical portion 14. The thickened portion 13 is approximately 3mm in thickness.

The thickened portion 13 is approximately 10mm in height and is substantially cylindrical in shape. This shape may assist with the location of the device and the formation of a seal between the cup 10 and the walls of the vaginal canal. The cup 10 of the preferred embodiment also includes gripping means extending from the frustoconical portion 14 for the purpose of manually removing said cup 10 from operative position. The gripping means includes an elongate extension 18. The elongate extension 18 is located towards the outer end of the vaginal canal when the cup 10 is properly located in the operative or use condition. The extension 18 is formed of the same material as the cup-shaped portion 11, making the extension 18 resilient and with a shape-memory. The extension is between approximately 30 to 40mm in length.

The extension 18 is cylindrical and tubular allowing a user to grip the extension 18 more properly by deforming the extension 18 when gripping it. To assist the user with the gripping of the extension 18, an outer surface of the extension 18 is provided with a plurality of generally planar ribs 19 extending radially outwardly from the extension 18. Preferably, there are at least two spaced apart ribs 19 such that a user's fingers can grip the extension 18 between the ribs 19 and abut at least one of the ribs 19 to provide added leverage. Overall, the device of the present invention is between approximately

80 to 100mm in length and will typically be manufactured in different sizes.

As with prior art devices of a similar nature, the device of the present invention is constructed in a manner which enables it to be folded transversely of its principal longitudinal direction to facilitate insertion into the vaginal canal. When being inserted, the device is held compressed in its folded state by means of the fingers of the user or by a tool especially suited for the purpose. Subsequent to placing the device in position in the vaginal canal, the pressure on said device is released and the device expands as a result of the inherent springiness of the elastic material from which it is made and as a result of the bulbous lip portion and the thickened portion arranged around the mouth of the device, expanding the device so that it firmly abuts the walls of the vaginal canal.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. hi compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A vaginal cup including a cup-shaped container having a principal longitudinal axis, an outer surface and an upwardly facing mouth with an associated thickened portion, said cup-shaped container including a generally frustoconical portion defining a continuous inner surface; and gripping means extending from said quasi-spherical portion, for the purpose of manually removing said cup from operative position; said cup-shaped container tending to resiliently resist bending of said container about an axis substantially perpendicular to said principal axis, while the thickened portion allows limited bending of said container about an axis substantially parallel to said principal axis.

2. A vaginal cup according to claim 1 including a bulbous lip portion at the mouth of the device extending radially outward from the inner surface.

3. A vaginal cup according to either claim 1 or 2 wherein the thickened portion is provided immediately adjacent the bulbous Hp portion.

4. A vaginal cup including a cup-shaped container having an upwardly facing mouth with an associated thickened portion, said cup-shaped container tending to resiliently resist bending of said container about an axis substantially perpendicular to said principal axis, while the thickened portion allows limited bending of said container about an axis substantially parallel to said principal axis.

5. A vaginal cup according to claim 1 formed from a soft, elastomeric plastic material.

6. A vaginal cup according to claim 6 wherein the material is resilient with a shape- memory.

7. A vaginal cup according to claim 1 wherein the container collects and holds material below the level of the thickened portion.

8. A vaginal cup according to claim 1 including a bulbous lip portion at the mouth and an associated thickened portion, the bulbous lip portion exerting a firm pressure against the walls of the vaginal canal to resist movement of the device, when inserted.

9. A vaginal cup according to claim 9 wherein the bulbous lip portion extends radially outward from the inner surface of the device.

10. A vaginal cup according to claim 9 wherein the thickened portion is provided immediately adjacent the bulbous Hp portion and between the bulbous lip portion and the frustoconical portion.

11. A vaginal cup according to claim 1 further including gripping means extending from the frustoconical portion for the purpose of manually removing said cup from operative position.

12. A vaginal cup according to claim 11 wherein the gripping means includes an elongate extension located towards the outer end of the vaginal canal when the device is properly located in the operative or use condition.

13. A vaginal cup according to claim 12 wherein the gripping means includes a plurality of generally planar ribs extending radially outwardly from the extension.