WO2002080827A1 - Dispositif de recueil du flux menstruel - Google Patents

Dispositif de recueil du flux menstruel Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002080827A1
WO2002080827A1 PCT/GB2002/001511 GB0201511W WO02080827A1 WO 2002080827 A1 WO2002080827 A1 WO 2002080827A1 GB 0201511 W GB0201511 W GB 0201511W WO 02080827 A1 WO02080827 A1 WO 02080827A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
spring member
cup
mouth
ring
string
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2002/001511
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alex Williams
Qian Sun
Original Assignee
The University Of Salford
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by The University Of Salford filed Critical The University Of Salford
Publication of WO2002080827A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002080827A1/fr

Links

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
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/44—Devices worn by the patient for reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge; Portable urination aids; Colostomy devices
    • A61F5/451—Genital or anal receptacles
    • A61F5/455—Genital or anal receptacles for collecting urine or discharge from female member
    • A61F5/4553—Genital or anal receptacles for collecting urine or discharge from female member placed in the vagina, e.g. for catamenial use

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for the collection of menstrual (catamenial) fluids, and more particularly to such a device of the menstrual cup type.
  • Tampons and sanitary pads are today the most commonly used devices for the "collection” (in these cases by absorption) of menstrual fluids. Each of these devices are however characterised by certain drawbacks.
  • Tampons are widely used intravaginal catamenial devices which are made of absorbing material and which are inserted into the vagina at the onset of menstruation. Their purpose is to absorb menstrual blood and they function as reservoirs until saturated with blood.
  • tampons are known to allow unpredictable leakage of menstrual blood, e.g. because the tampon is too quickly saturated with blood, the blood flow is disproportionately heavy for the absorbency capabilities of the inserted tampon or the tampon does not provide an adequate sealing with the vaginal orifice (or for a combination of these reasons).
  • TSS Toxic Shock Syndrome
  • Pads Whilst in 1997, 70% of menstruating women in the US used tampons, each using up to 11,400 within her lifetime [Tampon Safety & Research Act 105 th Congress, 1997], 85% of women now use pads.
  • Pads have improved substantially to become ultra-thin multi-layered liners, typically characterised by a fluid permeable top-layer for contact with the skin, an intermediate absorbent core and a fluid impermeable bottom layer and apt to be adhered to a panty.
  • sanitary pads bridge the entire perineal area and can be breeding grounds for bacteria therefrom.
  • Pads can also be characterised by chafing - exacerbated by localised pressure caused by the presence of seams in trousers, tights and underwear - leading to inflammation of the vaginal canal and by odour problems.
  • the cost is far less than the use of tampons or pads. Convenience and availability constitute additional factors. Since the menstrual cup is re-usable, only one is required per person and its therefore has ecological and cost advantages. The use of a menstrual cup is odourless and non- polluting. Finally, the menstrual cup can be used to hold medication for the treatment of vaginal infections.
  • market research has indicated that a majority of women dislike the notion of reusability and that cups lack wide acceptance due to the need for finger insertion and messy extraction.
  • a menstrual fluid collection device intended for intra-vaginal use, said device comprising
  • the device of the invention may be located intra-vaginally by means of an applicator device comprised of a handle and an elongate applicator body formed at each of its ends with grooves.
  • the mouth of the cup may be readily deformed so that it may be mounted on the applicator body and be held in position by virtue of the grooves of the body.
  • the applicator body itself may be inserted intra-vaginally until the top of the applicator body contacts the cervix. This causes the device to be released from the applicator body and be located in the position for the collection of menstrual fluids.
  • the device of the invention is such that when the cup has been filled or partly filled with menstrual blood pulling on the string causes the spring member to adopt its second convex configuration in which the spring member seals the mouth of the bag. Further pulling on the string allows the device to be removed from the vagina for disposal or washing and re-use as required.
  • the mouth of the cup is provided with a flexible ring to which is attached the other half of the mouth of the cup (to that which is attached to the flexing spring member).
  • the spring member With the spring member in its first concave configuration, it is nested in said ring.
  • the flexible spring member may be mounted on the ring by means of living hinges.
  • the string passes through an aperture in the wall of the ring.
  • Fig 1 illustrates one embodiment of menstrual fluid collection device in accordance with the invention
  • Fig 2 is an exploded view of the device shown in Fig 1 ;
  • Fig 3 is a plan view of the device shown in Fig 1 but illustrating a step in the closure of the cup;
  • Fig 4 is similar to Fig 3 but with the cup closed;
  • Fig 5 illustrates (to a smaller scale) an applicator for the device.
  • the menstrual fluid collection device 1 illustrated in Fig 1 comprises a cup 2 of a soft, resilient, fluid-proof material, a flexible ring 3 which is sufficiently elastic to adapt to the walls of the vagina, a generally semi-circular flexing spring member 4 and a string 5 attached to the mid point of the flexing member 4.
  • one half of the mouth of the cup 2 is attached by its upper, outer peripheral margin to the inside of ring 3 whereas the other half of the cup is attached by its upper, outer peripheral margin to the concave surface of spring 4.
  • This spring 4 has, at its ends with integrally moulded living hinges 6 and 7 by means of which it is mounted on the plane of the ring 3.
  • the flexing spring member is in its first, concave configuration and nests within the
  • the string 5 is attached to the mid point of the spring member 4 and extends through an aperture 8 provided in the ring 3 diametrically opposite to the point at which the string 5 is attached to the spring member 4.
  • the cup 2 may be of a material similar to that used for condoms and may for example be a polyurethane.
  • the ring 3 may also be of polyurethane but, whilst being sufficiently elastic to conform to the walls of the vagina, may be more "rigid" than the cup 2. If desired, the ring 3 may be comprised of a soft outer material suitable for contact with the wall of the vagina and an inner core providing the required degree of rigidity.
  • the spring member 4 may be of polyethylene.
  • the device is such that the cup 2 may be closed in the manner illustrated in Figs 3 and 4.
  • Light tension on the string 5 causes the spring member 4 to be "deformed” form its first, concave configuration so that closure of the cup 2 is initiated (see Fig 3).
  • the spring member With continued pulling on the string 5, the spring member effectively inverts and adopts a second, convex configuration (see Fig 4) in which the spring member now nests against the opposite surface of ring 3 to that which it nested in the configuration shown in Fig 1.
  • the spring member is moved from the configuration illustrated in Fig 1, passed an "over-centre" position to the configuration shown in Fig 4.
  • the cup 2 is now sealed closed.
  • Fig 5 illustrates an applicator 10 by means of which the device 1 may be inserted into the vagina.
  • the applicator 10 comprises a handle 11 and an elongate applicator body 12 formed at each of its ends with grooves 13.
  • the device 1 Prior to insertion into the vagina, the device 1 is mounted on the applicator body 12. for this purpose, the ring 3 is pinched at diametrically opposed locations so that the ring 3 effectively adopts an elongate oval configuration in which it may now be positioned onto the applicator body 12, being retained in position by location of the grooves 13.
  • the applicator body 12 (with the device 1 mounted thereon) is inserted (by means of the handle 11) into the vagina until the top of the applicator body contacts the cervix.
  • This causes the device 1 to be released from the applicator body so as to be positioned under the cervix, in a manner similar to contraceptive diaphragm, allowing the applicator to be cleanly removed and leaving the string 5 hanging out of the vagina in a manner similar to a tampon string.
  • the device 1 collects menstrual blood in its cup 2.
  • the ring 3 softens with body temperature to confirm to that walls of the canal to prevent leakage and odour.
  • the string 2 is initially pulled with light tension to cause the cup 2 to close and seal in the manner described above with reference to Figs 3 and 4. This action causes the cup to close, forming a sac or reservoir or menstrual fluid and prevents the formation of vacuum within the vagina as the device is removed.
  • the device has a number of advantages. In particular, insertion and removal of the device without finger contact is easy. There is no risk of toxic shock a little dryness even on light flow days. There is minimal leakage and odour and, in this respect, menstrual fluid is fully contained and creates minimal mess on removal of the device. Additionally the device requires only relatively infrequent change.
  • the device Although the primarily intended use for the device is for the collection of menstrual fluids, it may be used to administer medication for the treatment of vaginal infection.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (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)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un dispositif (1) de recueil du flux menstruel à usage intravaginal comportant: (i) un corps (2) de recueil sensiblement en forme de coupelle fait d'un élastomère tendre; (ii) un élément élastique souple (4) auquel est fixée la moitié de l'ouverture de la coupelle et présentant une première configuration concave servant à maintenir ouverte l'ouverture de la coupelle; et (v) un cordon (5) fixé audit élément élastique (4). Le dispositif (1) tel que lorsqu'on tire sur le cordon (5) quand l'élément élastique (4) est dans sa première configuration concave, ce dernier (4) passe dans une deuxième configuration convexe où il ferme l'ouverture du corps.
PCT/GB2002/001511 2001-04-07 2002-04-08 Dispositif de recueil du flux menstruel WO2002080827A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0108801.2 2001-04-07
GBGB0108801.2A GB0108801D0 (en) 2001-04-07 2001-04-07 An intravaginal sac device for the collection of menstrual fluid

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002080827A1 true WO2002080827A1 (fr) 2002-10-17

Family

ID=9912476

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2002/001511 WO2002080827A1 (fr) 2001-04-07 2002-04-08 Dispositif de recueil du flux menstruel

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB0108801D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002080827A1 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019018755A1 (fr) 2017-07-20 2019-01-24 Lifestory Health Inc. Analyse du protéome sanguin menstruel
WO2019055855A1 (fr) * 2017-09-15 2019-03-21 The Flex Company Coupelle menstruelle
WO2021006424A1 (fr) * 2019-07-10 2021-01-14 임지원 Coupe menstruelle scellable pouvant être insérée/retirée facilement et kit de coupe menstruelle
KR20210007164A (ko) * 2019-07-10 2021-01-20 임지원 삽입 및 제거가 용이한 밀봉형 생리컵
WO2021069619A1 (fr) * 2019-10-08 2021-04-15 Gruenspecht Naturprodukte Gmbh Coupe menstruelle
US11154416B2 (en) 2019-11-05 2021-10-26 The Flex Company Menstrual cup
US20220257406A1 (en) * 2021-02-12 2022-08-18 Shari Goldman Snow Bodily fluid collection device and methods

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2391343A (en) * 1942-01-29 1945-12-18 Popper Otto Vaginal obturator
US3658057A (en) * 1969-11-04 1972-04-25 Hugo S Cimber Diaphragm
EP0006609A1 (fr) * 1978-07-04 1980-01-09 Enrica Boschetti Diaphragme vaginal
US4411658A (en) * 1980-02-18 1983-10-25 Roussel Uclaf Device for administering
US5228456A (en) * 1991-09-19 1993-07-20 Karg Jeffrey A Contraceptive diaphragm with molded plastic rim

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2391343A (en) * 1942-01-29 1945-12-18 Popper Otto Vaginal obturator
US3658057A (en) * 1969-11-04 1972-04-25 Hugo S Cimber Diaphragm
EP0006609A1 (fr) * 1978-07-04 1980-01-09 Enrica Boschetti Diaphragme vaginal
US4411658A (en) * 1980-02-18 1983-10-25 Roussel Uclaf Device for administering
US5228456A (en) * 1991-09-19 1993-07-20 Karg Jeffrey A Contraceptive diaphragm with molded plastic rim

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019018755A1 (fr) 2017-07-20 2019-01-24 Lifestory Health Inc. Analyse du protéome sanguin menstruel
KR102412005B1 (ko) 2017-09-15 2022-06-22 더 플렉스 컴퍼니 생리 컵
WO2019055855A1 (fr) * 2017-09-15 2019-03-21 The Flex Company Coupelle menstruelle
US10357395B2 (en) * 2017-09-15 2019-07-23 The Flex Company Menstrual cup
KR20200083452A (ko) * 2017-09-15 2020-07-08 더 플렉스 컴퍼니 생리 컵
EP3681446A4 (fr) * 2017-09-15 2021-06-02 The Flex Company Coupelle menstruelle
WO2021006424A1 (fr) * 2019-07-10 2021-01-14 임지원 Coupe menstruelle scellable pouvant être insérée/retirée facilement et kit de coupe menstruelle
KR20210007164A (ko) * 2019-07-10 2021-01-20 임지원 삽입 및 제거가 용이한 밀봉형 생리컵
KR102268427B1 (ko) * 2019-07-10 2021-06-22 임지원 삽입 및 제거가 용이한 밀봉형 생리컵
WO2021069619A1 (fr) * 2019-10-08 2021-04-15 Gruenspecht Naturprodukte Gmbh Coupe menstruelle
US11154416B2 (en) 2019-11-05 2021-10-26 The Flex Company Menstrual cup
US11883318B2 (en) 2019-11-05 2024-01-30 The Flex Company Menstrual cup
US20220257406A1 (en) * 2021-02-12 2022-08-18 Shari Goldman Snow Bodily fluid collection device and methods

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0108801D0 (en) 2001-05-30

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