GB1601777A - Vaginal diaphragm and a method for the production thereof - Google Patents
Vaginal diaphragm and a method for the production thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB1601777A GB1601777A GB15531/78A GB1553178A GB1601777A GB 1601777 A GB1601777 A GB 1601777A GB 15531/78 A GB15531/78 A GB 15531/78A GB 1553178 A GB1553178 A GB 1553178A GB 1601777 A GB1601777 A GB 1601777A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- diaphragm
- rim
- mold
- dome
- thermoplastic
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F6/00—Contraceptive devices; Pessaries; Applicators therefor
- A61F6/06—Contraceptive devices; Pessaries; Applicators therefor for use by females
- A61F6/08—Pessaries, i.e. devices worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition or prevent conception, e.g. combined with devices protecting against contagion
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Reproductive Health (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
- Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
- Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
- Pens And Brushes (AREA)
- Investigation Of Foundation Soil And Reinforcement Of Foundation Soil By Compacting Or Drainage (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
- Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
The vaginal diaphragm comprises a cap (3) and an annular, fairly rigid and yet elastic edge (4) for sealing against the vaginal walls. At the same time, the diaphragm (2) is made so flexible that mutually opposite sides of the edge (4) thereof can be folded together. For this purpose, the diaphragm is made of at least one thermoplastic elastomer. Such a vaginal diaphragm has no toxic effects. <IMAGE>
Description
(54) VAGINAL DIAPHRAGM AND A METHOD FOR THE
PRODUCTION THEREOF
(71) We, ORTHO PHARMACEUTICAL COR- PORATION, a Corporation organised and existing under the laws of the State of New
Jersey, United States of America, of Raritan,
State of New Jersey, United States of
America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- The present invention relates to an improved vaginal diaphragm and to a method for the production thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to diaphragms prepared from thermoplastic elastomers.
A vaginal diaphragm commonly comprises an imperforate cup-shaped member made of a thin rubber-like material having a round, somewhat stiff but resilient rim. A spring is generally incorporated into the rim to maintain the shape of the diaphragm.
Opposite sides of the rim can be folded together to form a compact diaphragm unit to facilitate insertion of the diaphragm into the vagina. The presence of the spring causes the diaphragm to assume a "bow" shape when folded. Without the spring the diaphragm would not be rigid enough to form the "bow" shape and would, therefore, be difficult to insert. When the folded diaphragm is fully inserted within the vagina, release of the diaphragm establishes the round shape of the diaphragm rim which then makes sealing engagement with the inner walls of the vagina around the cervix, which fits within the diaphragm. The seal formed by the rim prevents ingress of sperm cells into the cervical region.
Present day diaphragms generally consist of a latex membrane and a metal spring encapsulated in latex. They are generally prepared by compression molding. Generally, the latex membrane comprises a molded rim and dome both of which are molded separately from the spring.
Latex has certain properties which make it less than ideal as a material from which to make diaphragms. It has been shown that because of its polyisoprenic structure latex will undergo some decomposition by autooxidation. Latex materials by their very nature have a tendency to form pinholes in a free film such as that commonly used in the preparation of diaphragms. It has also been shown that some of the stabilizers, emulsifiers and decomposition by-products associated with the use of latex are potential cytotoxicological agents. Rubber or rubberlike materials and certain thermoplastic materials such as plasticized polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene, for example, have also been employed in the production of diaphragms but these too have certain disadvantages connected with their use. There is a need, therefore, for a material which can be made into films for use in the fabrication of diaphragms which has the resiliency and flexibility of the prior art materials but does not have the disadvantages inherent in the prior art materials.
We have now produced a vaginal diaphragm formed from a thermoplastic elastomer which has sufficient resiliency and flexibility to allow easy insertion of the diaphragm by the user without the aid of an instrument.
According to the present invention there is provided a vaginal diaphragm comprising a thin cup-like member which is domeshaped having an annular somewhat stiff but resilient rim for making sealing engagement with the walls of the vagina, the diaphragm being sufficiently flexible to enable opposite sides of the rim to be folded to facilitate insertion thereof into the vagina, wherein the dome-shaped member and the rim are formed from the same or different thermoplastic elastomers.
By the term 'elastomer' as used herein is meant a material which at room temperature can be stretched under low stress to at least twice its original length and, upon immediate release of the stress, will return with force to its approximate original length.
The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the diaphragm of Figure I wherein the opposite peripheral portions are squeezed together in preparation for insertion and use;
Figure 3 is a top-plan view of the diaphragm of Figure l with a spring ring embedded within the rim;
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken at line 4 of the diaphragm of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a top-plan view of the spring ring which is embedded within the rim of the diaphragm of Figure 3.
Referring now specifically to the drawings, there is shown in Figure I a diaphragm 2 having a cup portion 3 and a rim 4. Figure 4 shows a rim and film formed by injection molding. As shown in Figure 2, when the rim is thus squeezed together, the cup takes on something of a draped condition between the two ends of the bow formed by the rim.
This facilitates insertion and proper placement of the diaphragm.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a vaginal diaphragm comprising a film and rim made from a thermoplastic elastomer. Both the film and the rim may be made from the same or different elastomers. The film and rim can be formed individually or they can be made and formed in one piece employing the appropriate molding techniques. In the former method, the rim is formed individually by means of injection molding and sealed to a film of the thermoplastic material. The two parts can be joined together by various means such as radio frequency techniques, heat sealing or solvent or adhesive bonding, for example. Alternatively, the film and rim can be formed simultaneously by injection molding. The properties of thermoplastic elastomers are such that the rim once formed has the required rigidity but remains freely flexible. When the diaphragm 2 is in position, the rim 4 lies flat against adjacent organ surfaces and its flexibility permits it to accommodate itself to the contour of the surfaces. However, the rim 4 is rigid enough to hold the cup portion 3 of the diaphragm 2 in its extended position and is completely flexible throughout. This not only adds to the comfort, but ensures the proper fitting of the diaphragm.
The squeezing of the rim causes the diaphragm to assume a "bow" shape, which is also arcuate. When the rim is thus squeezed together, the cup takes on something of a draped condition between the two ends of the bow formed by the rim. This facilitates insertion and proper placement of the diaphragm.
Thermoplastic elastomers are known in the art to be biocompatible and their longterm tissue compatibility is well known.
Prior to the present invention, however, thermoplastic elastomers have not been employed in the preparation of diaphragms.
Any thermonlastic elastomer may be employed to form the films used to prepare the diaphragm of the present invention.
However, in order to achieve a certain degree of softness for the dome and flexibility for the rim, it is preferred to use thermoplastic elastomers having an average Shore A hardness of about 50 to about 90. The most preferred range is from about 75 to 90.
However, softer or harder thermoplastic elastomers can be employed; they can be compounded with compatible polymers such as ethylene propylene elastomers, plasticized polyvinyl chloride, or acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene terpolymer, for example, to introduce the desired modulus. Suitable thermoplastic elastomers which may be employed in preparing the diaphragms include styrenebutadiene block copolymer, styrene-isoprene block copolymer, ethylene vinylacetate, ethylene propylene copolymer and ethylene propylene terpolymer. The preferred thermoplastic elastomers are the thermoplastic polyurethanes having a polyester or polyether linkage. Suitable thermoplastic polyurethanes which can be employed include Pellethane (Registered Trade Mark-an Upjohn polyether based urethane elastoplastic polymer),
Cyanoprene (an American Cyanamid Company fully-reacted polyester or polyether type urethane thermoplastic elastomer
Estane (Registered Trade Mark-a B. F.
Goodrich Company thermoplastic polyurethane made from polyester or polyether based urethanes), Roylar (Registered Trade Mark-a Uniroyal Company thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer), Rucothane (a
Hooker Chemical Company polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer), Q-Thane (a Quinn
Company polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer) and Texin (Registered Trade Mark- a Mobay Chemical Company polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer).
Thermoplastic elastomers and the thermoplastic polyurethanes in particular have been found to be superior to the prior art materials in physical strength. Films made fromplastic elastomers exhibit superior abrasion resistance and tear resistance properties and have greater tensile strength than the prior art materials. In addition, the thermoplastic elastomers generally do not show a significant amount of absorption of materials like body enzymes or other proteins; these are properties which make them more desirable materials for the preparation of vaginal diaphragms.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the diaphragm consists of a dome-shaped thermoplastic polymeric film and a thermoplastic polymeric rim. The dome-shaped film and the rim can be made from the same or from different types of thermoplastic elastomers. In another embodiment of the invention, a spring comprising a flexible polymeric ring or metal coil may be embedded in the rim to give it added rigidity. One suitable form of metal coil comprises a helical spring which is bent into an annulus.
The ends of the spring can be joined by any suitable means. They may be intermeshed, welded, or otherwise secured together so that the spring is annular. The spring itself may be made from any material from which a spring of suitable characteristics may be formed. The spring, however, is an optional feature of this invention since the physisal properties of the thermoplastic elastomers are sufficient to give the rim and diaphragm the rigidity required to assure proper fitting of the diaphragm after insertion.
When using a diaphragm of this type, it is common practice to place within the cup a quantity of spermicidal cream or jelly or other spermicide and the diaphragm is then inserted into the vagina. One end of the bow formed when the rims are squeezed together is then easily inserted rearwardly into the vagina, and the diaphragm is readily moved into position. Once the diaphragm has been moved into its proper position, the rim is released and the diaphragm is allowed to return to its original shape. As previously indicated, the flexible rim readily accom- modates itself to the contour of the adjacent organ surfaces.
As indicated above, the vaginal contraceptive diaphragms in use today are made of rubber or rubber-like materials and are generally manufactured by compression molding. Flexible springs, where employed, are placed in the mold so that during compression in combination with heat, the molten rubber encases the spring and the dome and rim become fused.
The diaphragm according to one embodiment of the present invention can be produced by injection molding. The method consists of melting the thermoplastic elastomer and injecting it into a split diaphragm mold containing one or more cavities each consisting of a ring and a thin dome-shaped area. The softened polymeric material is injected into the ring portion of the cavity and then forced into the dome area. The amount of each shot injected is proportional to cavity size. The cycle time from injection to separation of the diaphragm from the mold can vary according to the sped of injection, temperatures used and efficiency of cooling the mold. In a typical process, the thermoplastic polyurethane is heated prior to injection to a temperature high enough to soften the polymer but low enough to prevent chemical breakdown. This is generally accomplished at a temnerature between about 400450 F.
The mold temperature is generally maintained at about 70-1200F during the operation.
For a single cavity mold, a cycle time of about 5-10 seconds for filling, 5-10 seconds for holding and about 30 seconds for setup time prior to ejection of the diaphragm from the mold may generally be employed. The temperature and time employed in the molding step are not critical.
The particular temperature range and cycle time employed in the molding step, however, will depend upon the particular thermoplastic elastomer employed and the time allowed for the elastomer to set.
In the fabrication of a diaphragm, according to another method of this invention, the first step involves the formation of the rim portion. The rim is prepared by injection molding the thermoplastic elastomer. As indicated above, it is preferred that the diaphragm be capable of assuming a "bow" shape when the rim is squeezed on the sides to facilitate easy insertion. Conventional injection molding comprises side injection of softened polymeric material into the ring mold. This results in only two stress points in the ring thus making it difficult to form the bow on all sides when squeezing the rim of the diaphragm. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the rim is prepared by center injection molding, i.e. softened thermoplastic elastomer is injected from the center of the mold through a number of outlets simultaneously. It is preferred to use four or more outlets in this step. This procedure results in the formation of a multitude of stress points in the finished rim. Thus when the rim of the finished diaphragm is squeezed, the "bow" shape is obtained in eacn instance because of the more even distribution of the stress points around the rim. The temperature at which the molding step is carried out is not critical; however, it is preferred to heat the polymer to a temperature high enough to soften the material, but low enough to prevent chemical breakdown of the elastomer. The specific temperature employed in the molding step will depend upon the particular polymer employed and the time allowed for the mold to set. After formation of the rim, the flash is removed from the side and centre portions of the rim prior to attaching the rim to the do me. The rim may be heated for a short period before placing it into the annular groove of the diaphragm mold used to form the dome. This can be accomplished by placing the rim in an ovan at a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic elastomer; however, any suitable means can be employed to heat the ring. The preheating step is only a preferred step, however, and is not critical to the process.
A film of the thermoplastic elastomer is then preheated on some suitable support to a temperature below its melting point prior to being placed on the dome portion of the mold. The film itself may be prepared by blow molding, by extrusion or casting or by
other techniques known in that art. It is
preferred to maintain the rim and mold
at a temperature at which the elastomer
is softened but below its melting temperature
prior to bringing the mold in contact with
with the film. This step can be performed
by heating the rim and the mold in a single
heating unit or in separate units or in any
other suitable fashion. To form the dome
shaped portion of the diaphragm, the mold
and film are brought into contact with each
other; the heated mold thus causes the film to conform to its dome-like shape and acts
as a heat sealing element to seal the film
to the preformed diaphragm ring. In an
alternate step, either vacuum or pressure
may be applied to the entire mold at the same
time that the film comes into contact with
the mold and the rim. In this way the dome forms a tight seal with the ring, and the resulting diaphragm is free of pinholes. A
vacuum between 2 psi and 20 psi is suitable,
although it is preferred to apply a vacuum
of between 4 psi and 5 psi. Where pressure
is applied, a pressure between 1 mm. and
32 mm. is suitable, although it is preferred to apply a pressure between 20-25 mm.
Alternatively, the rim and dome may be joined together by means of other techniques
such as, for example, by radio frequency techniques or by solvent or adhesive bonding.
The mold and the diaphragm are held in
place only momentarily after the sealing
has been accomplished, generally in the order
of 25-60 seconds. The fusing or sealing of the membrane to the rim portion of the diaphragm is accomplished almost instantaneously on contact, and the mold is
separated from the diaphragm. The formed
diaphragm is then quenched by techniques known in the art which cause the domeshaped portion of the diaphragm to set in the shape of the mold.
The following example illustrates the process for making a diaphragm from a thermoplastic elastomer:
a) The thermoplastic resin (Pellethane #2363-90A) is heated at 115"F for 3 hours and is vacuum dried for an additional 2 hours. The resin is then heated at 410"F and the softened resin is center injection molded in a ring mold at a temperature of 155 F.
The injection time is approximately 5 seconds.
The ring is allowed to cure for 20 seconds after which the flash is removed from the centre and the side.
b) A sheet of thermoplastic resin (Pellethan #2363-80A) is cut into a 6-inch square, clamped on a clamping frame and heated at 460"F for 11 seconds. The ring formed in a) above is first heated at 410"F for 90 seconds after which it is placed on the diaphragm mold. The ring and mold are preheated at 180"F for 11 seconds. The mold is then moved up into the film, and when the
mold meets the film, vacuum is applied (25
mm./Hg.). The parts are held in place for
30 seconds after which the formed diaphragm is removed and placed in water for 30 seconds.
WHAT WE CLAIM IS:
1. A vaginal diaphragm comprising a thin cup-like member which is dome-shaped having an annular somewhat stiff but resilient rim for making sealing engagement with the walls of the vagina, the diaphragm being sufficiently flexible to enable opposite sides of the rim to be folded to facilitate insertion thereof into the vagina, wherein the domeshaped member and the rim are formed from the same or different thermoplastic elastomers.
2. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rim and dome are formed from the same thermoplastic elastomer.
3. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rim and dome are formed from different thermoplastic elastomers.
4. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermoplastic elastomer or one of the thermoplastic elastomers is a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A hardness in the range of from 50 to 90.
5. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in claim 4 wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness in the range of from 75 to 90.
6. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermoplastic elastomer or one of the thermoplastic elastomers is a polyurethane.
7. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a spring is molded integrally within the rim.
8. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
9. A method for making a vaginal diaphragm which comprises molding a rim for the diaphragm and integrally molding a dome with the rim, the rim and the dome being formed from the same or different thermoplastic elastomers.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the thermoplastic elastomer or one of the thermoplastic elastomers is a thermoplastic polyurethane having a Shore A hardness in the range of from 50 to 90.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a
Shore A hardness in the range of from 75 to 90.
12. A method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the thermoplastic elastomer or one of the thermoplastic elastomers is a polyurethane.
13. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the dome and
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.
Claims (21)
- **WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.other techniques known in that art. It is preferred to maintain the rim and mold at a temperature at which the elastomer is softened but below its melting temperature prior to bringing the mold in contact with with the film. This step can be performed by heating the rim and the mold in a single heating unit or in separate units or in any other suitable fashion. To form the dome shaped portion of the diaphragm, the mold and film are brought into contact with each other; the heated mold thus causes the film to conform to its dome-like shape and acts as a heat sealing element to seal the film to the preformed diaphragm ring. In an alternate step, either vacuum or pressure may be applied to the entire mold at the same time that the film comes into contact with the mold and the rim. In this way the dome forms a tight seal with the ring, and the resulting diaphragm is free of pinholes. A vacuum between 2 psi and 20 psi is suitable, although it is preferred to apply a vacuum of between 4 psi and 5 psi. Where pressure is applied, a pressure between 1 mm. and32 mm. is suitable, although it is preferred to apply a pressure between 20-25 mm.Alternatively, the rim and dome may be joined together by means of other techniques such as, for example, by radio frequency techniques or by solvent or adhesive bonding.The mold and the diaphragm are held in place only momentarily after the sealing has been accomplished, generally in the order of 25-60 seconds. The fusing or sealing of the membrane to the rim portion of the diaphragm is accomplished almost instantaneously on contact, and the mold is separated from the diaphragm. The formed diaphragm is then quenched by techniques known in the art which cause the domeshaped portion of the diaphragm to set in the shape of the mold.The following example illustrates the process for making a diaphragm from a thermoplastic elastomer: a) The thermoplastic resin (Pellethane #2363-90A) is heated at 115"F for 3 hours and is vacuum dried for an additional 2 hours. The resin is then heated at 410"F and the softened resin is center injection molded in a ring mold at a temperature of 155 F.The injection time is approximately 5 seconds.The ring is allowed to cure for 20 seconds after which the flash is removed from the centre and the side.b) A sheet of thermoplastic resin (Pellethan #2363-80A) is cut into a 6-inch square, clamped on a clamping frame and heated at 460"F for 11 seconds. The ring formed in a) above is first heated at 410"F for 90 seconds after which it is placed on the diaphragm mold. The ring and mold are preheated at 180"F for 11 seconds. The mold is then moved up into the film, and when the mold meets the film, vacuum is applied (25 mm./Hg.). The parts are held in place for30 seconds after which the formed diaphragm is removed and placed in water for 30 seconds.WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A vaginal diaphragm comprising a thin cup-like member which is dome-shaped having an annular somewhat stiff but resilient rim for making sealing engagement with the walls of the vagina, the diaphragm being sufficiently flexible to enable opposite sides of the rim to be folded to facilitate insertion thereof into the vagina, wherein the domeshaped member and the rim are formed from the same or different thermoplastic elastomers.
- 2. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rim and dome are formed from the same thermoplastic elastomer.
- 3. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rim and dome are formed from different thermoplastic elastomers.
- 4. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermoplastic elastomer or one of the thermoplastic elastomers is a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A hardness in the range of from 50 to 90.
- 5. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in claim 4 wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness in the range of from 75 to 90.
- 6. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermoplastic elastomer or one of the thermoplastic elastomers is a polyurethane.
- 7. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a spring is molded integrally within the rim.
- 8. A vaginal diaphragm as claimed in claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
- 9. A method for making a vaginal diaphragm which comprises molding a rim for the diaphragm and integrally molding a dome with the rim, the rim and the dome being formed from the same or different thermoplastic elastomers.
- 10. A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the thermoplastic elastomer or one of the thermoplastic elastomers is a thermoplastic polyurethane having a Shore A hardness in the range of from 50 to 90.
- 11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness in the range of from 75 to 90.
- 12. A method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the thermoplastic elastomer or one of the thermoplastic elastomers is a polyurethane.
- 13. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the dome andthe ring are formed from the same thermoplastic elastomer.
- 14. A method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the dome and the ring are formed from different thermoplastic elastomers.
- 15. A method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14 which comprises center injection molding a rim from a thermoplastic elastomer, deforming a sheet of a thermoplastic elastomer into a dome at an elevated temperature, the sheet having a diameter greater than the ring, and sealing the dome to the ring, whereby a diaphragm is formed having a continuous rim integral with a flexible dome-shaped membrane.
- 16. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the rim is heat sealed to the dome.
- 17. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein vacuum is applied to the mold during the sealing step.
- 18. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein pressure is applied to the mold during the sealing step.
- 19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the rim and dome are formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane having a Shore A hardness in the range of from 50 to 90.
- 20. A method as claimed in claim 9 substantially as hereinbefore described.
- 21. A method as claimed in claim 9 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the Example.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US79238277A | 1977-04-29 | 1977-04-29 | |
US05/792,383 US4093490A (en) | 1977-04-29 | 1977-04-29 | Method of making vaginal diaphragm |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB1601777A true GB1601777A (en) | 1981-11-04 |
Family
ID=27121272
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB15531/78A Expired GB1601777A (en) | 1977-04-29 | 1978-04-19 | Vaginal diaphragm and a method for the production thereof |
Country Status (12)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU520370B2 (en) |
CH (1) | CH632664A5 (en) |
DE (1) | DE2818934A1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK151179C (en) |
FI (1) | FI781328A (en) |
FR (1) | FR2388545B1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB1601777A (en) |
IE (1) | IE46628B1 (en) |
NL (1) | NL7804542A (en) |
NO (1) | NO147057C (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ187106A (en) |
SE (1) | SE7804779L (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0247251A1 (en) * | 1986-02-01 | 1987-12-02 | The Victoria University Of Manchester | Vaginal contraceptive |
EP0921826A1 (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 1999-06-16 | Ultrafem, Inc. | Method and system for manufacturing elastomeric articles |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL8302103A (en) * | 1983-06-13 | 1985-01-02 | Fundatech Sa | INTRAVAGINAL CONTRACEPTIC AGENT. |
FR2549365A1 (en) * | 1983-07-20 | 1985-01-25 | Masselin Anik | Feminine period protection allowing sexual relations |
WO1987001581A1 (en) * | 1985-09-13 | 1987-03-26 | Chattan Nominees Pty. Ltd. | Collection of human body discharge |
DE3718557A1 (en) * | 1987-06-03 | 1988-12-22 | Axel Dr Med Lengerke | METHOD FOR REVERSIBLE INFERTILIZATION OF WOMAN BY QUASI STERILIZATION AND MEANS FOR PREVENTION OF PRECISION BY THIS METHOD |
DE8708879U1 (en) * | 1987-06-26 | 1987-10-22 | Büttner-Frank GmbH, 8520 Erlangen | Cup-shaped support pessary with flexible folding zone |
US6264638B1 (en) | 1989-12-07 | 2001-07-24 | Ultrafem, Inc. | Intravaginal drug delivery system and discharge collection device |
US5295984A (en) * | 1989-12-07 | 1994-03-22 | Ultrafem, Inc. | Vaginal discharge collection device and intravaginal drug delivery system |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE352865C (en) * | 1922-05-06 | Medizinisches Waarenhaus Act G | Ring-shaped pessary | |
DE475768C (en) * | 1929-08-26 | Carl Erwin Martin | Process for the production of seamless rubber occlusive pessaries | |
US2697057A (en) * | 1948-12-23 | 1954-12-14 | Ortho Pharma Corp | Method of making a diaphragm |
DE805663C (en) * | 1949-07-01 | 1951-05-25 | Friedrich Schmidt | pessary |
DE845832C (en) * | 1950-02-02 | 1952-08-07 | Franz Aichinger Dr Med | pessary |
US3128762A (en) * | 1961-08-23 | 1964-04-14 | John C Young | Mechanical contraceptives |
US3486968A (en) * | 1967-10-12 | 1969-12-30 | Reeves Bros Inc | Microporous polyurethane coatings and films |
US3545439A (en) * | 1968-01-04 | 1970-12-08 | Upjohn Co | Medicated devices and methods |
FR2205816A5 (en) * | 1972-11-09 | 1974-05-31 | Janfranval Laborato Re | Contraceptive diaphragm mfr. - from thermoplastics material by injection moulding |
US3899564A (en) * | 1973-11-15 | 1975-08-12 | Milton Kessler | Method of making plastic-coated wire objects such as intrauterine contraceptive devices |
IL48277A (en) * | 1974-10-18 | 1978-03-10 | Schering Ag | Vaginal ring |
-
1978
- 1978-04-19 GB GB15531/78A patent/GB1601777A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-04-26 CH CH454078A patent/CH632664A5/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1978-04-26 SE SE7804779A patent/SE7804779L/en unknown
- 1978-04-27 AU AU35520/78A patent/AU520370B2/en not_active Expired
- 1978-04-27 NZ NZ187106A patent/NZ187106A/en unknown
- 1978-04-27 NL NL7804542A patent/NL7804542A/en active Search and Examination
- 1978-04-28 IE IE845/78A patent/IE46628B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1978-04-28 FR FR7812718A patent/FR2388545B1/en not_active Expired
- 1978-04-28 FI FI781328A patent/FI781328A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1978-04-28 DK DK186178A patent/DK151179C/en active
- 1978-04-28 NO NO781521A patent/NO147057C/en unknown
- 1978-04-28 DE DE19782818934 patent/DE2818934A1/en active Granted
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0247251A1 (en) * | 1986-02-01 | 1987-12-02 | The Victoria University Of Manchester | Vaginal contraceptive |
EP0921826A1 (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 1999-06-16 | Ultrafem, Inc. | Method and system for manufacturing elastomeric articles |
EP0921826A4 (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 2002-07-24 | Ultrafem Inc | Method and system for manufacturing elastomeric articles |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NO781521L (en) | 1978-10-31 |
CH632664A5 (en) | 1982-10-29 |
AU3552078A (en) | 1979-11-01 |
NL7804542A (en) | 1978-10-31 |
IE46628B1 (en) | 1983-08-10 |
FR2388545B1 (en) | 1985-11-15 |
DK186178A (en) | 1978-10-30 |
DE2818934C2 (en) | 1989-06-08 |
DK151179B (en) | 1987-11-09 |
FR2388545A1 (en) | 1978-11-24 |
NO147057C (en) | 1983-01-26 |
DE2818934A1 (en) | 1978-11-09 |
NO147057B (en) | 1982-10-18 |
IE780845L (en) | 1978-10-29 |
NZ187106A (en) | 1981-05-29 |
SE7804779L (en) | 1978-10-30 |
FI781328A (en) | 1978-10-30 |
DK151179C (en) | 1988-07-18 |
AU520370B2 (en) | 1982-01-28 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PS | Patent sealed [section 19, patents act 1949] | ||
PE20 | Patent expired after termination of 20 years |
Effective date: 19980418 |