WO2023119332A1

WO2023119332A1 - Device for collecting menstrual fluid

Info

Publication number: WO2023119332A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/051119
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pramod PRIYA RANJAN; Shreya Yengul
Original assignee: Priya Ranjan Pramod
Priority date: 2021-12-24
Filing date: 2022-12-23
Publication date: 2023-06-29

Abstract

Disclosed is a device (100) for collecting menstrual fluid, by securing the device (100) at a vagina fornix. The device (100) is a user friendly, spill-resistant, mess-free, ergonomic, modular, and intuitive menstrual disc type device that helps the users to comfortably adapt to a sustainable, economical, and healthy menstruation experience, as well as have mess-free sex and masturbation. The device (100) comprises a container (50) provided with a rim (40), a flap (7), an inwardly concave groove (20) and a pulling arrangement (30). A downward inclined narrow front rim portion (41) and upward inclined broader back rim portion (42) make the device easy to insert into the vagina; the flap (7) along with the upward curved rim helps to avoid spillage and leakage of the menstrual fluid during removal of the device (100); while the inwardly concave groove (20) makes the device (100) ergonomically sex-friendly and masturbation-friendly for menstruator.

Description

DEVICE FOR COLLECTING MENSTRUAL FLUID

Field of the invention:

The present invention generally relates to menstrual health products and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a menstrual disc (a type/variant of menstrual cup) device to be placed in the vagina fornix to collect the menstrual fluid in menstruation cycles and method of use thereof.

Background of the invention:

Currently, single-time use disposable generic sanitary napkins are the most commonly used as a menstrual health product for absorbtion/collection of menstrual fluid. The other common menstrual product is tampons. These disposable generic sanitary napkins and disposable generic tampons produce a lot of waste which ends up in landfills or polluting the environment in some or the other way. Due to plastics and/or gel and/or chemicals used in such products, it pollutes air when burned or when decomposed, pollutes water and impact marine life when thrown in water bodies or water systems, and pollutes soil when thrown/buried in it. They also choke the drainage system, as well as release harmful gas/chemicals. These are usually collected/sorted by cleaning workers who then get exposed to the unhygienic scenarios. These products may act as a breeding grounds for infectious microorganisms.

The disposable generic sanitary napkins and disposable tampons take hundreds of years (500-800 years) to decompose since they consist of components made of plastic, harmful chemicals and gel (non-ecofriendly/ non-biodegradable/ non- compostable) materials at a great extent. Hence, they are hazardous to the environment and health.

Further, all these products absorb blood and do have chemicals-based materials in them, which sometimes lead to various hygiene issues. These various hygiene issues can also lead to TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). The plastic and chemical components of the products, my lead to rashes and irritation on the skin, when used.

Additionally, since it is a single time use product, it is economically costly for a large section of potential users as it needs to be repeatedly purchased.

There are disposable biodegradable-compostable sanitary napkins and tampons, which basically means they are environment friendly, but they come at a higher price hence not economically viable for a lot of menstruators, since it is still a single time usage (disposable) menstrual product and need to be purchased regularly/repeatedly. Such biodegradable-compostable menstrual products are also bulky/thick, compared to generic disposable sanitary napkins.

There are reusable sanitary napkins, liners, and period panty (reusable external menstrual products) also available, which can be reused for a couple of months, but if not cleaned, dried, and handled properly then can lead to hygienic issues, including TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). Further, since this absorbs the blood, it may be difficult, uncomfortable, and irritating for users to clean it. A lot of time, in rural or semi-urban areas or low-income communities (like slum), it becomes difficult to get clean water. Maintenance of such reusable menstrual products is tough. These reusable external menstrual products are generally bulky/thick, compared to generic disposable sanitary napkins. Such reusable external menstrual products (reusable sanitary napkins, liners, and period panty) comes with heavy one-time price that a lot of menstruators may not be able to afford to pay as once. The reusable external menstrual products, particularly the used ones are difficult to cany and store, and also can be difficult to replace. The reusable sanitary napkins and liners can slip and/or crumble, due to them being bulky/thick.

All such external menstrual products like disposable sanitary napkins, reusable sanitary napkins, liner, and period panty, which absorbs blood might give odor which is not a pleasant experience. Since they are external, they also shift and rub the body with can cause rashes and chafing. If external menstrual products like disposable sanitary napkins, reusable sanitary napkins, liner, and period panty, are not properly placed or changed at the appropriate time, then they may cause seepage/leakage of blood, resulting in mental, social, and physical discomfort.

Internal absorbent menstrual products like tampons, absorb the liquid/fluid in the vagina with blood. The tampons are capable of absorbing the fluid, but when fallen apart they may leave fibers inside the vagina which can cause infection. For disposable menstrual products, the menstruators in rural areas find it socially uncomfortable to regularly purchase the products at shops. These generic disposable sanitary napkins and disposable tampons, absorb the blood usually for less hours (5-7 hours on an average) and hence make it difficult for a lot of menstruators, particularly in rural areas due to lack of washrooms, to travel around care-free.

Further, tampons may lead to making the vagina dry and also changing the PH value which is not healthy.

The sanitary napkin is also known as sanitary pads or pads, among other names. The period panty is also known as period underwear or menstrual panty or menstrual underwear, among other names. The reusable liner is also known in different names.

A replacement for the above-mentioned devices that can resolve most of the issues is a menstrual cup. The menstrual cup is sustainable, environment-friendly and economical since it can be reused for multiple years (3-10 years), and hygienic since it collects the blood (instead of absorbing) and is made up of medical -grade silicone. When the medical-grade silicone is incenerated, it get converted into ash; and it a biodegradable-compostable product.

However, in many cases, the menstrual cup is intimidating and uncomfortable to use. Mainly, the users, mentally as well as physically feel discomfort in inserting it in and removing it from the vagina. Other than this, there are concerns regarding proper positioning, sealing (air-tight), spillage, leakage, ergonomics, and others. The shape and size of the vagina vary within females depending on numerous factors and hence different sizes or shape of a menstrual cup is required. For a lot of menstruators, who generally have low to average height cervix, the one side of the cup does hit the cervix which may lead to pain and leakage. The generic design of menstrual cup doesn’t work for a lot of menstruators with tilted cervix.

An alternative to a menstrual cup, is a menstrual disc (can also be said to be a type/variant of menstrual cup). The menstrual disc is to be placed in the vagina fornix, just below the cervix, whereas the menstrual cups are placed in the vagina. The menstrual disc is also sustainable, environment-friendly, and economical since it can be reused for years (3-10 years) and hygienic as it collects the blood instead of absorbing and is made medical grade silicone.

The menstrual disc is better than the menstrual cup on a few points, as mentioned. The menstrual disc is suction-free and doesn’t form an air-tight seal with the vagina, hence appropriate for menstruators using Copper-T. The menstrual disc collects more blood than the menstrual cup and is suitable for people with the heavy menstrual flow. The menstrual disc can be removed from single finger whereas the cup needs minimum two fingers to be removed; and generally, one size menstrual disc fits-to/works-for maximum menstruators whereas the menstrual cup usually has to be available in multiple sizes to fit the anatomy of different menstruators. The main value of the menstrual disc is that it is sex- friendly, and one can have sex/masturbation while having a disc inside the body, for mess-free sex/masturbation. Since, the menstrual disc is placed in the vagina fornix, while penetrating, the menstrual disc doesn’t hit with the penis, or finger, or sex product. Sex/masturbation helps the menstruator to get relieve (to some extent) from the period cramps. Since menstrual disc helps people to have more comfortable or mess-free sex/masturbation, hence it also leads to reduction of period cramps. The menstrual disc can be placed in the vagina fornix for up to 12 hours and then one can empty the blood, then clean and reuse it. But in many cases, the menstrual disc is intimidating and uncomfortable to use. The menstrual disc is messy to remove as usually blood spills while removal. The menstrual disc is difficult to remove from the body (vaginal fornix) since it is quite inside the vagina (just below cervix). The generic menstrual disc is not suitable to the ergonomics of indigenous (particularly south-Asian) menstruators, or menstruators with low to average cervix height.

The menstrual cup and menstrual disc are also as cup and disc, respectively.

The difficulties associated with the normal/standard commonly available menstrual disc are listed below: The menstrual disc is difficult to remove from the vagina fornix, (as usually there is no area to hold/grab and pull the menstrual disc in a firm manner. Since the rim is quite high in the vagina / vagina fornix, it is difficult to hold/grab it while pulling. The menstrual disc is messy while removal, as the menstrual blood may fall down or/and over the fingers, while putting the menstrual disc out of the vagina,. The menstrual disc doesn’t form suction in vagina fornix, due to which the menstrual disc may rotate inside the body, which may lead to difficulty in removal. The menstrual disc doesn’t form suction in vagina fornix, hence do displaces a little while the menstruator is peeing or pooping/excreting, and at the same time due to displacement of the menstrual disc, the blood does leak (fall out)/spill, which may disturb and discomfort the user. The menstrual disc lacks intuitivity. It has a large rim diamter, and menstruators (particularly the first-time adopters) find it difficult to understand that where to hold the menstrual disc to fold it while placing it in the vagina, or in which direction to insert after folding, or how to remove it. The menstrual disc has a large rim, due to which the fold area (folded to pass through vagina and place in the vagina fornix) is quite big to intimidate the user and cause/lead-to difficulty for the user to place/put the menstrual disc in the vagina and then push to vagina fornix. The menstrual disc usually come in one size and are said to be one size fits all, but a lot of menstruators with low to average (or of different) cervix height find it intimidating and discomfort while placing and using the disc. There are ergonomic challenges in the menstrual disc with a single size, as different menstruators have different anatomical ergonomics. The menstrual disc lacks modularity and customization, for different body types, requirements, and concerns. The menstrual disc may hit the cervix of the menstruators if not placed properly and carefully in the vagina fornix, that may lead to pain and discomfort. The menstrual disc may cause discomfort while having sex/masturbation for menstruators with low to the average cervix.

Due to not being a user-centered design, insertion and removal of the device, as well as possibilities of spillage and ergonomical issues may cause a single or combination of physical, mental and social discomfort to the user.

Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a menstrual device that is environment friendly, hygienic, economical, comfortable, ergonomical, user-centered which can be comfortably switched to adopt and regularly being used, during menstrual cycles.

Objects of the invention:

An object of the present invention is to provide an innovative user-centered menstrual disc type device for menstruators, which is easy to adapt and use continuously without any discomfort or mental load.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a menstrual disc type device that is easy to insert in, easy to place in and easy to remove from the vagina and vagina fornix. Another object of the present invention is to design the menstrual disc type device to resist the spillage and leakage of the blood, and mess-free, while in the vagina fornix and while removal from the vagina and the vagina fornix.

Another object of the present invention is to design the menstrual disc type device ergonomical such that it is cervix-friendly and for the people with different physics, body, vaginal structure or people with different preferences and desires, can feel comfortable in usage.

Another object of the present invention is to design a sex-friendly, masturbation- friendly, and mess-free, menstrual disc type device, while it is already placed in the vagina fornix.

Another object of the present invention is also to design an intuitive menstrual disc type device, with better semantics.

Another object of the present invention is also to design a modular menstrual disc type device, with better semantics.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an economical, sustainable, environment-friendly, reusable, and hygienic menstrual device.

Summary of the invention

The present invention discloses a device that can be secured at vagina fornix for collecting menstrual fluid. The device comprises a container provided with a rim, a flap, an inwardly concave groove, a pulling arrangement and a grip area. The container is having an open top end, a closed bottom end and a wall extending from the open top end to the closed bottom end. Inner surface of the wall defines a cavity for collecting the menstrual fluid. The open top end is defined by a slanted edge having a narrower front side and a broader back side. The rim is provided on the open top end outer surface of the container for securing at the vagina fornix. A front rim portion is curved downward while the back rim portion is curved upward. The rim is provided with two grip areas for holding the device. The flap is provided on the rim partially covering the open top end of the container. The flap is having variable width with a narrower width portion at the front side and a broader width portion at the back side. The flap is provided with slits allowing easy folding of the container. The inwardly concave groove is provided at the back side outer surface of the container with a pulling arrangement secured thereon forming a cavity between the outer surface and the pulling arrangement. The cavity offers space for inserting finger for the user to remove the device from vagina. The pulling arrangement is any one selected from a single loop, a double loop, a cap, a button, and a combination thereof. The device is made of a resilient and flexible material, is folded and inserted into the vagina in such a way that the narrower front side goes in first, and pushed to place onto the vagina fornix.

Brief description of the drawings:

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein

Figure 1 shows an overview of a device for collecting menstrual fluid, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device for collecting menstrual fluid, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 shows another perspective view of the device for collecting menstrual fluid, in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D respectively show a front view, a back view, a yop vie and a bottom view of the device for collecting menstrual fluid, in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F respectively show a side view, a perspective view, a front view, a back view, a top view and a bottom view of the device for collecting menstrual fluid, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E and 6F respectively show a side view, a perspective view, a front view, a back view, a top view and a bottom view of the device for collecting menstrual fluid, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E and 7F respectively show a side view, a perspective view, a front view, a back view, a top view and a bottom view of the device for collecting menstrual fluid, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F respectively show a side view, a perspective view, a front view, a back view, a top view and a bottom view of the device for collecting menstrual fluid, in accordance with a forth embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 9A, 9B, 9C , 6D, 6E and 6F respectively show a side view, a perspective view, a front view, a back view, a top view and a bottom view of the device for collecting menstrual fluid, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, and 10G respectively show a side view, a perspective view, a front view, a back view, a top view, a bottom view and an overview of the device for collecting menstrual fluid, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments:

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques, and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.

The present invention provides a menstrual disc type device for collecting menstrual fluid and the method thereof. The menstrual disc type device in the present invention is user-centered (easier to adapt and use), spill-resistant, mess- free, ergonomic, modular, and intuitive. Further, the menstrual disc type device in the present invention helps the users to comfortably adapt to a sustainable, economical, and healthy menstruation experience, as well as have mess-free sex and masturbation. The menstrual disc type device in the present invention is easier to insert in the vagina, place into the vagina fornix, and remove from the vagina fornix and the vagina.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in the bracket in the following description. The table below enlists reference numerals and the corresponding components.

Table:

Referring to figures 1 to 4, a device for collecting menstrual fluid (hereinafter referred as ‘the device (100)’) in accordance with the present invention is shown.

The device (100) comprises a container (50) provided with a rim (40), a flap (7), an inwardly concave groove (20) and a pulling arrangement (30). The container (50) is a cup-like container for collecting the menstrual blood/fluid therein. The container (50) is having an open top end, a closed bottom end and a wall extending from the open top end to the closed bottom end. The wall is having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface with the inner surface defining a cavity for collecting the menstrual fluid. The open top end is defined by a slanted edge having a narrower front side and a broader back side. The inner surface of the container (50) is optionally provided with a plurality of ribs at the front side and/or the backside thereof. The plurality of ribs (10) reduces the chances of spillage of the menstrual blood while removing the device (100). In an embodiment, the container (50) is provided with a different forms/shapes of extrusion, patterns or textures to achieve the same functionality. In an embodiment, the container (50), the rim (40), the flap (7) and the pulling arrangement (30) are made up of a flexible and resilient material, preferably silicon rubber.

The rim (40) is provided on the open top end outer surface of the container (50) for securing at the vagina fornix. The rim (40) is having a front rim portion (41) and a back rim portion (42), wherein the front rim portion (41) is curved downward and the back rim portion (42) is curved upward. The rim (40) makes the device (100) more ergonomically easier to be placed into the vagina fornix. The front rim portion (41) is also narrower compared to the back rim portion (42). This helps in reducing the fold area when the device (100) is folded to insert it into the vagina, as the rim area upon folding gets distributed to different planes. The downward curved front rim portion (41) reduces the chance of the container (50) hitting the cervix while inserting and placing it at the vagina fornix. Further, the back rim portion (42) helps the user to push the container (50) properly toward the vagina fornix and to lock it with the pubic bone to keep it secured at the vagina fornix. The downward curved and narrow front rim portion (41) and the upward curved back rim portion (42) avoid slight displacement or rotation of the container (50) in the vagina fornix. The nm (40) is provided with at least two grip areas (9), one on the left side and another on the right side of the container (50). The grip area (9) allows the user to hold the device (100) intuitively at desired place/points and firmly, while it is folded to insert into the vagina, such that it is easier and firmer to hold during insertion.

The flap (7) is provided on the rim (40), partially covering the open top end of the container (50). The flap (7) is having variable width with a narrower width portion at the front side and a broader width portion at the back side with a plurality of slits (43, 44) provided thereon. In an embodiment, width of the flap (7) at the back side ranges from 2 to 4 times the width of the flap (7) at the front side. The flap (7) resists spillage of fluid while the plurality of slits allow easy folding of the container (50). The flap (7), along with the upward inclined back rim portion (42) helps to avoid the spillage of the blood/fluid in undesired manner, while removing/pulling of the container (50). Hence, the flap (7) makes the device (100) spill-resistant, leak-free, and mess-free.

An inwardly concave groove (20) is provided at the back side outer surface of the container (50). The inwardly concave groove (20) is directed towards the vagina allowing the user to have sex or masturbation comfortably while having the device (100) placed in the vagina fornix, without coming in the contact with the menstrual blood. Hence the users, particularly the menstruator (particularly with low to average height cervix) can experience mess-free and comfortable sex or masturbation while the menstruator during their menstrual cycle.

The pulling arrangement (30) is provided on the backside outer surface of the container (50) that helps in pulling the device (100) out from the vagina. In an embodiment, the pulling arrangement (30) is any one selected from a single loop (31), a double loop (32), a cap (33), a button (34), and a combination thereof. The pulling arrangement (30) is provided with a suitable thickness such that it can toggle to pop outward as well as inward, as per the desire/preference of the user. The pulling arrangement (30) is made to pop inward towards the inwardly concave groove (20) after being placed in the vagina fornix, such that the container (50) is more comfortably placed and sex/masturbation friendly. The pulling arrangement (30) is made to pop outwards for easy removal/pulling of the container (50). The container (50) and the pulling arrangement (30) make the complete device (100) with multiple diameters, which results in modular, customizable and ergonomic disc for menstruator ranging from low to high height cervix and varying anatomy of vagina fornix.

The single loop (31) is secured on the backside outer surface of the container (50) in horizontally, vertically, or diagonally across the inwardly concave groove (20). In another embodiment, the single loop (31) is secured horizontally across the inwardly concave groove (20), inclined towards the bottom end of the container (50) away from the rim (30) and capable of popping inward and outward. The single loop (31) helps to place the container (50) in the vagina fornix and pull out the container (50) easily from the vagina fornix with one finger in a mess free manner. The downward inclination of the single loop (31) helps to maintain the rim angle in such a manner that while removing the container (50), the fluid/ blood does not fall out. In an embodiment, the single loop (31) and the double loop (32) can be cut and removed if required, thereby making the device (100) customizable and modular (for menstruator ranging from low to high height cervix and varying anatomy of vagina fornix). The unique design of the device (100) helps to reduce the mental load and concerns of the users which helps them to adopt it easily and comfortably as well as allows continuous usage. The cap (33) is provided on the back side outer surface of the container (50) forming a cavity (21) between the outer surface of the container (50) and the inner surface of the cap (32) for inserting a finger therein. The button (34) is provided on the back side outer surface of the container (50).

Referring to figures 5 to 10, the device (100) is described in detail below by means of exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are provided in order to demonstrate and further illustrate certain preferred embodiments and aspects of the device (100) and are not to be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

Referring to figure 5 and 7, in an embodiment, the pulling arrangement (30) is the cap (33). The cap (33) is simply a different form of the single loop (32) having the top side thereof merged into the rim (40). The cavity (21) is formed between the inner surface of the cap (33) and the outer surface of the container (50), which provides spave for inserting a finger for pulling the container (100) out of the vagina. With the cap (33), the back side of the device (100) has less number of edges and hence can be comfortable for a menstruator to wear it (as the loop (31/32) may hit or rub the body inside).

Cleaning the blood below the rim (40) can be little difficult, and if not cleaned properly the blood can be left out below the rim (40) leading to health risk. Hence, referring to figure 6, in another embodiment, the flap (7) is provided only on the back rim portion (42). In this embodiment, the pulling arrangement (30) is a combination of the single loop (31) and the cap (33). The advantage of this is that, if one have to cut the single loop (31) for having more space for the penetration, then also, the menstruator can easily remove/pull the container (50) using the cap (33). In this embodiment, the loop (31) and the cap (33) are harder than the walls of the container (50).

Referring to figure 8, in yet another embodiment, the pulling arrangement (30) is the button (34). The container (50) can be pulled out of the vagina by simply holding the button (34).

Referring to figure 9, in yet another embodiment, the pulling arrangement (30) is the single loop (31) having longer length such that the menstruator having high cervix height can easily reach the single loop (31) and pull the container (50) out.

Referring to figure 10, in still another embodiment, the pulling arrangement (30) is a combination of the double loop (32) and the cap (33). The arrangement of the double loop (32) is advantageous for the user with high cervix height to easily reach the double loop (32) and pull the container (50) out. The same device (100) can also be used by a user having low-cervix height by cutting the outer loop or both the loops to make it comfortable and ergonomical. In case the user has to cut the both the loops from the double loop (32), to have more space for the penetration, then the user can easily remove/pull the container (50) using the cap (33).

A method for collecting the menstrual fluid (hereinafter referred to as ‘the method’) is described in accordance with the present invention. The method is described in conjunction with the device (100).

The first stage of collecting/using the menstrual fluid is cleaning the device (100). For cleaning, the device (100) is washed in running fresh water and sterilized by boiling in clean water or exposing into the vapor or the UV light for 3-5 minutes. While boiling, the device (100) is to be put into the water in a downward position such that some amount of air gets trapped in it, which helps the device (100) to float. This results in minimum contact between the device (100) and the container/sterilizer. Once the device (100) is boiled in water, it has to be properly wiped out with a soft cloth.

Further, the hands are washed before inserting the device (100) into the vagina. In an exemplary embodiment, the user can wash the device (100) with regular water and may avoid the soap/intimate-wash.

In the next stage the method consists of inserting and positioning the device (100) in the vagina. For inserting the device (100) in the vagina, the user needs to experiment with the different postures before figuring out what works best for the individual. The first step for inserting the device (100) is to relax and take a deep breath. The user needs to practice the folds and then insert the device (100) only when relaxed and mentally prepared for it. The user is supposed to insert the device (100) in the vagina after folding it in such a way that the narrow side of the device (100) goes in first and then the side with the pulling arrangement (30) and the container (50). Once the device (100) slightly goes inside the vagina, the user has to push the device (100) to place it into the vagina fornix. In an exemplary embodiment, some posture example for inserting the device (100) includes spreading legs apart and slightly bending over, or keeping one leg on a higher surface like a toilet seat, or squatting.

The device (100) collects the blood for at least 8-12 hours. The user can comfortably carry on with their day and do their usual work. The device (100) is removed after 8-12 hours of usage. For removing the device (100), the user should spread the legs or do squatting. The user has to pull the device (100) by holding it from the pulling arrangement (30) using fingers and dragging outward. The device (100) is then washed, cleaned and wiped with a clean cloth after proper disposal of the fluid collected in the container (50) and re-inserted into the vagina as required. The device is sterilized once the menstrual cycle ends. After sterilizing and drying, the device (100) is stored in a container or a pouch, in a dry place away from the (sun) light.

Advantages of the invention:

1. The device (100) is easy to insert into the vagina as the front side is narrow such that the fold area at the front is smaller when folded to insert and place it into the vagina fornix.

2. The device (100) is easy to insert and easy to place into the vagina as the front side has a downward curved rim.

3. The front side of the device (100) has a downward curved rim, which reduces the chances of the disc hitting the cervix while placing it at the vagina fornix and hence making it more ergonomical.

4. The device (100) is easy to place into the vagina fornix, as the backside of the device (100) has an upward curved rim, which helps the user to push the disc properly toward the vagina fornix. 5. The back side of the device (100) has an upward curved run, which helps the user to lock/secure the device with a pubic bone to place it at the vagina fornix making the device (100) ergonomic and easy to place.

6. The device (100) is easy to insert into the vagina and it has a downward inclined narrow front rim and upward inclined back rim, which helps in reducing the fold area when the device (100) is folded to insert it into the vagina, as the rim area upon folding gets distributed to different planes.

7. The back side of the device (100) has a flap (7) along with the upward curved rim, which helps to avoid spillage and leakage of the blood/fluid while disc removal of the device (100) from the vagina; or displacement or rotation of the device (100) in the vagina fornix making the device (100) leak-free and mess-free.

8. The flap (7) is running throughout the rim of the device (100), which helps the user to avoid spillage and leakage of the blood/fluid while disc removal of the device (100) from the vagina; or displacement or rotation of the device (100) in the vagina fornix making the device (100) leak-free and mess-free.

9. The flap (7) has slits in it such that the flap doesn’t resists the folding of the device (100) when inserted.

10. The device (100) is spill-resistant, as the device (100) has a plurality of ribs or extruded forms/pattems or texture inside of it at the front and at the back and perhaps across the chamber which reduces the chances of spillage of the blood during removal.

11. The device (100) allows mess-free disposal of blood/fluid, as the device (100) has a (plurality of) loop(s) at the back which are curved downward, such that while removing the disc with a finger, the rim angle is maintained in such manner that the blood/fhnd doesn t fall out on hand or in a manner that becomes messy. The (plurality of) loop(s) and the inwardly concave groove (20) make the device (100) easier to remove using the fingertip and pulling the disc out very easily with one finger. (Menstruator can choose whether to pull from any loop, as per their comfort and desire. If and when required, the user can remove any loop as per their preference.) The inwardly concave groove (20) makes the device (100) ergonomically sex-friendly and masturbation-friendly for menstruator (particularly with low to the average cervix), as the groove (20) is directed toward the vagina (inward) so that one can have sex or masturbation comfortably while having the disc being placed in vagina fornix, without coming in contact with the menstrual blood, and without the finger or penis hitting the making part of the device (100). Hence, the user(s) can experience mess- free and comfortable sex/masturbation during the menstruation cycle. The device (100) is modular and customisable for menstruator ranging from low to high height cervix and varying anatomy of vagina fornix, as the (plurality of) loop(s) at the backside can be removed/cut if the loop(s) is/are not required or preferred by the user, to make the product more sex- friendly and masturbation-friendly. Also, the possibility of the device (100) having a plurality of the loops makes the device (100) to have a multiple diameters. For example, the device (100) with the container and the long loop can be suitable for a menstruator with high height cervix and broad vagina fornix; and if the menstruator has a low or average height cervix then the menstruator can cut the long loop or all loops to make the disc of smaller diameter, as per their desire. The device (100) has a trimming area marked for the loop(s) such that it guides the user on where to cut/trim the loop(s), when the loop(s) is/are not required or preferred. The trimming area/marks have fillets such that when the loop(s) may get cut/trimmed, then there is hardly any sharp edge.

16. The grip area of the present device (100) makes the device easier and firmer to hold while inserting it into the vagina.

17. The device (100) is very intuitive (due to good semantics) to use, due to its novel form/structure/design, like a downward inclined-narrow front rim, upward inclined back rim, variable flap length, cavity, loops, grip area, etc. such that the user can easily assume and understand the how to proceed with using the device (100).

18. The loop(s) of the device (100) can have variable thickness, such that it can toggle to pop outward as well as inward, as per the desire/preference of the user. This makes the product modular/customisable, comfortable, convenient for different purchases. The loop(s) can be made pop inward, toward the cavity after being placed in the vagina fornix, such that the device (100) is more comfortable places, is sex/masturbation friendly; and the loop(s) can be made pop outward, when the device (100) need to be removed, for easy removal/pulling.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

: A device (100) for collecting menstrual fluid, by securing the device (100) at a vagina fornix, the device (100) comprising: a container (50) having an open top end, a closed bottom end and a wall extending from the open top end to the closed bottom end, the wall having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface, the inner surface defining a cavity for collecting the menstrual fluid, the open top end defined by a slanted edge having a narrower front side and a broader back side; a rim (40) provided on the open top end outer surface of the container (50) for securing at the vagina fornix, the rim (40) having a front rim portion (41) and a back rim portion (42), wherein the front rim portion (41) is curved downward and the back rim portion (42) is curved upward; a flap (7) provided on the rim (40) partially covering the open top end of the container (50), the flap (7) having variable width with a narrower width portion at the front side and a broader width portion at the back side, the flap (7) provided with slits (43, 44) allowing easy folding of the container (50); an inwardly concave groove (20) provided at the back side outer surface of the container (50); a pulling arrangement (30) provided on the backside outer surface of the container (50) for pulling the device (100) out of the vagina; at least two grip areas (9) provided on either sides of the rim (40) for holding, wherein the device (100) is folded and inserted into the vagina in such a way that the narrower ront rim portion (41) goes in first, and pushed to place onto the vagina fomix.

. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container (50), the nm (40), the flap (7) and the pulling arrangement (30) are made of a resilient and flexible material.

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the resilient and flexible material is a medical grade silicon rubber. . The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of ribs (10) are provided on the inner surface of the container (50).

5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the width of the flap (7) at the back side ranges from 2 to 4 times the width of the flap (7) at the front side.

6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pulling arrangement (30) is any one selected from a single loop (31), a double loop (32), a cap (33), a button (34), and a combination thereof;

7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pulling arrangement (30) is a single loop (31) secured on the backside outer surface of the container (50) in any one manner selected from horizontally, vertically, and diagonally across the inwardly concave groove (20).

8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, the pulling arrangement (30) is a single loop (31) secured horizontally across the inwardly concave groove (20), inclined towards the bottom end of the container (50) away from the rim (30) and capable of popping inward and outward.

9. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, the pulling arrangement (30) is a double loop (32) secured horizontally on the backside outer surface of the container (50) across the inwardly concave groove (20).

10. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, the pulling arrangement (30) is a cap (33) provided on the back side outer surface of the container (50) forming a cavity (21) between the outer surface of the container (50) and the inner surface of the cap (32) for inserting a finger therein. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, the holding arrangement is a button (34) provided on the back side outer surface of the container (50).