CA2137769A1 - Catamenial appliance - Google Patents
Catamenial applianceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2137769A1 CA2137769A1 CA002137769A CA2137769A CA2137769A1 CA 2137769 A1 CA2137769 A1 CA 2137769A1 CA 002137769 A CA002137769 A CA 002137769A CA 2137769 A CA2137769 A CA 2137769A CA 2137769 A1 CA2137769 A1 CA 2137769A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- appliance
- menstrual flow
- plenum
- catamenial
- collection
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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
Abstract
The catamenial appliance defines a menstrual flow collection plenum and features a uni-directional menstrual flow valve structure which when the appliance is in engagement with the cervix, preferably overcovering the fornix, permits menstrual flow into the plenum defined by the appliance whereby the menstrual flow is collected, but when the appliance is removed from the vagina as by pulling the appliance downstream end, the valve structure seals off the menstrual flow entry port confining the collected flow within the plenum.
Description
` 2137769 CATAMENIAL APPLIANCE
This invention relates to an improved catamenial appliance.
An improved catamenial appliance is made of resilient elastomeric type of material which may be inserted into the vagina so as to be in circumscribing ~uxtaposed and sealing position about the fornix whereby it captively collects and encapsulates within the body of the appliance the menstrual flow while at the same time permitting the appliance removal after filling by simply pulling at the downstream vaginal end of the appliance so that it and contents are removed from the vagina.
KNOWLES discloses a CATAMENIAL APPLIANCE in U.S. Patent No. 4 799 929 issued 24 January 1989 which has a spring biasing flexible ring insertable into the vagina and is adapted to constrain about the cervix as separately attached collection sheath. KNOWLES in U.S. Patent No. 4 955 875 issued 11 September 1990 further discloses as a continuation-in-part and claims that the distal end of the sheath of the appliance rests substantially in the vulvar space of the female and acts as an interim collector that features a "tap means" which allows the drainage out of the collector so as to remove any menstrual flow from the appliance prior to the appliance removal from the vagina.
The present invention avoids the disadvantages of the bulk and uncomfortable tampon which is limited to absorption capacity and provides a leak-proof appliance that may be disposed within the vagina and preferably against the fornix for collection there of all the menstrual flow which normally is between l~oz and 2~oz of the menstrual fluid and permits the removal of both collected menstrual flow and the catamenial appliance in one single step after menstruation has been completed. Additionally the invention when used avoids the necessity that a tampon be fitted into the vagina.
Tampons absorb the menstrual flow flowing from the fornix becomes saturated by the menstrual flow and cause sustained contact of the menstrual flow against the vagina wall for hours or sometimes even days. In some women constant 213776~
menstrual flow contact with the vagina wall causes infection.
The invention avoids the risk of infection from the sustained contact of menstrual flow against the vagina walls.
It is a further ob~ect of the invention to provide a catamenial appliance totally consumed by the vagina when implanted therein but if desired may be used or positioned within the vagina as to be partially consumed thereby allowing the lower distal end of the catamenial appliance to be exterior of the body.
It is a further ob~ect of the invention to provide a catamenial appliance that requires only a sinale vaginal insertion per menstrual cycle and hence avoid at least the two vaginal insertions of the prior art of KNOWLES or the plurality vaginal insertions when tampons are used.
It is a further ob~ect of the invention to provide a single appliance which not only collects the menstrual flow but allows the appliance to be removed and with it the menstrual flow that it has collected hence voiding the vagina of both menstrual flow and of the catamenial appliance in a single removal sequence.
It is yet a further ob~ect of the invention to provide a catamenial device which inhibits the passage of menstrual flow out of the body. collects the menstrual flow within the appliance when positioned in the vagina so that menstrual flow can only flow into the appliance and that cannot flow by the appliance and out of the body.
In this respect the catamenial appliance defines a menstrual flow collection plenum and features a uni-directional menstrual flow valve structure which when the appliance is in engagement with the cervix preferably overcovering the fornix permits menstrual flow into the plenum defined by the appliance whereby the menstrual flow is collected but when the appliance is removed from the vagina as by pulling the appliance downstream end the valve structure seals off the menstrual flow entry port confinina the collected flow within the plenum. Once the appliance and collected menstrual flow therein is exterior of the body it may be disposed of by conventional means.
The invention therefore contemplates a catamenial appliance comprising a flexible ring insertable into the vagina of a female and adapted to surround the fornix of said female said flexible ring means being biased to expand slightly to surround the fornix and to be ~uxtaposed thereagainst, a collection member integrally attached to said flexible ring and a uniflow valve integral with the flexible ring means and collection sheath defining an aperture of smaller cross-sectional area than that defined by the flexible ring so as to form a collection plenum with the collection member and whereby menstrual flow passes through the uniflow valve into the collection member whereby menstrual flow collected within the reservoir may be removed integrally with the catamenial appliance without the menstrual flow flowing out of the uniflow valve.
Particularly the uniflow valve consists of a membrane defining a flat valve that depends into the plenum defined by the collection member. In the preferred embodiment the flat valve has a substantially elongated neck portion wherein the flat valve has a substantially elongated neck portion whose side walls mate to seal the aperture defined thereby when menstrual flow is not passing into the plenum but inhibits the flow of menstrual fluid in the opposite direction. The appliance is fabricated from a non-biologically active elastomeric material such as silicone.
The invention will now be described by way of example and reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the catamenial appliance according to the invention, Figure 2 is a side elevational view of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross section through the appliance;
Figure 5 is a demonstrative figure for descriptive purposes of how the appliance may be inserted into the vagina, Figure 5A through to and including 5D are illustrative of the insertion sequence steps (but incorrectly 213776~
showing non-deformation of the appliance) while that of Figure 5D is a perspective partially in section showing the latter sequences of the insertion steps with the appliance deformed (fingers causing the deformation not shown for clarity) and being essentially that of sequence 5C and 5D;
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the appliance annular deformation when seated circumscribing the neck of the cervix:
Figure 7 is an illustrative diagrammatical cross-sectional view of the removal step;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of step 7 showingthe deformation of the appliance and the uniflow valve of the appliance sealing the same closed constraining the menstrual flow therein during the removal sequence of figure 7;
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view, similar to that of Figure 6 but of an alternative embodiment; and Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view through the uniflow valve of Figure 9;
Referring to Figure 1 the catamenial appliance according to the invention is generally illustrated as~(10 ?
and consists generally of a conical sheath or member that at its apex has a pull tab shown as a loop (13 ? but could be in any other form like a protruding tag or the like. The base of the conical sheath (11) extends at its base end which is in fact the top end into an annular flexible protrusion (15~ the inner margin of which is integral with the conical sheath (11 ! . The annular protrusion and now referring to the cross-sectional Figure 4 in fact is an integral hollow annular piece but preferably has as its distal annular margin (16) folded over and able to float free; that is and comparing Figures 4 and 6 allows the float-free distal annular tip (16) to migrate to and fro depending upon as will become apparent hereafter the lateral pressure provided against the annular flexible protrusion (15) when positioned within the vagina at the neck of the female fornix (30). This structure also assists in sealing the catamenial appliance (10) closed on its removal as will described hereafter with reference to Figure 6.
The uppermost plane of the annular flexible protrusion (15) defines an opening (17) into the conical sheath. At a point generally referenced (D) which is the largest diametrical cross section referenced (D) in Figure 4 but on the inside surface of the conical sheath there is extends inwardly an annular flap valve generally referenced as (20) consisting of an integrally molded radially inwardly depending upper surface (22) defining an aperture (24) which is preferably is a longitudinal aperture as seen in Figure 3 the inner margin of which extends inwardly into the plenum (12) defined by the conical sheath so as to provide longitudinal flat valves whose distal margin (25) are in near ~uxtaposition as more clearly seen in the cross-sectional Figure 4 but provide a narrow longitudinal gap (24') at the respective distal ends.
The appliance (10) is an integrally molded unit structured from a biologically inert elastomeric material such as silicone so that the annular flexible protrusion (15) its distal end (16) the pull tab (13) and conical sheath as well as the valve (20) are totally integrally~
molded from an inner elastomeric material such as silicone.
Referring to Figure 5 this shows that the deformation arrow A can deform the outer surface of the annular protrusion (15) and in fact collapse the body of the conical sheath reducing the volume within the plenum as a preparatory step for installation or fitting of the appliance into the vagina.
Referring to Figures 5A through 5D these are cross-sectional seauences of the insertion step showing erroneously but for clarity the non-deformation of the appliance (10). With thumb and index fingers positioned to apply the force (A) as shown in Figure 5 on the flexible annular protrusion (15) it can be moved to be inserted into the vagina the arrow of Figure 5A and positioned so that the apex protrudes out of the vagina shown in Figure 5B in which case the flexible annular protrusion (15 ! extends outwardly as shown in arrows of Figure 5B however preferably the catamenial appliance should be inserted into the source of the vagina that is at near or ~uxtaposed to the fornix (30) it being shown in the almost seated position in Figure 5C and in the seated position in Figure 5D. Figure 5E attempts to illustrate the deformation in perspective of the catamenial appliance (10) during the whole sequence of the insertion step shown in Figure 5 5E and in Figures 5A
through 5D.
Once in place and in sealing engagement or ~uxtaposed about the fornix (30) and now referring to Figure 6 the flexible annular protrusion (15) yields from the phantom position shown into the solid position shown and this occurs because of the constraint of the vagina on the outer peripheral diameter of the flexible annular protrusion slightly deforming the same into the solid position shown.
This is why it is preferred that the distal annular margin (16) of the flexible annular protrusion is not mated to or sealed to the exterior wall of the conical sheath but in fact can migrate up and down so as to not provide to an airlock within that plenum ~18) defined by the flexible annular protrusion. During the menstruational period the menstrual flow (40) follows in the direction of Figure 6 out of the cervix into the uniflow valve (20) to rest on the orifice (24) thereof and to slowly pass through between the opposite lips (25) (25 25') into the plenum (12?. A volume of approximately l~oz. to 2~oz. is only required because this is the normal menstrual volume. The appliance (10) can therefore be maintained in the cervical seated position of Figure 6 until full voiding from the uterus of menstrual flow occurs whereby all of it is collected as menstrual sediment (42) within the plenum (12).
on the happening of the aforesaid events the catamenial appliance (10) is removed and now referring to Figure 7 by pulling on the loop or tag (13) with the thumb or index finger some prefer the thumb and second finger in the direction of Figure 7.
Now referring to Figure 8 during the removal step of Figure 7 which should be conducted in one single continuous motion the volume of the plenum (12 ? is partiallv collapsed because the constant vaginal pressure not only on the flexible annular protrusion (15?, but on the conical sheath reducing the volumetric space within the plenum (12). This is achieved by the folding out of the annular distal margin (16 ? see Figure 8 causing mechanical biasing of the radial valve surface (20) closing the distal margins (25) by urging them against each other arrows in Figure 8 sealing closed the flap valve aperture (24) during the physical withdrawal of the appliance, further during this sequence and caused by the menstrual residue (24) it pushes against the uniflow valve (20) and particularly against the radial wall (22) and the longitudinal flap fingers (25 25') with the longitudinal slot (24). The area of the longitudinal slot at its outward face at (24) is of greater area than at the interface (24') hence during outward pulling of the catamenial appliance (10) in the fashion shown in Figure 7 during the removal step there is significant more pressure at longitudinal orifice (24) which in fact collapses the same closed the extent of the flaps (25) and (25') are long enough so that the same does not reversibly flex and hence locks in the menstruational residue (42) during the whole removal sequence of the Figure 7 until the catamenial appliance (10) and the residual menstrual sediment (42) has been totally voided of the vagina.
Referring now to Figures 9 and 9A another embodiment of the invention generally shows a catamenial appliance (10') that has a uniflow valve (20') replacing the flat valve (25) in the membrane (22). The flat valve (20') is anchored in the membrane in a sealing fashion not clearly shown and consists of a disk (40) defining a plurality of apertures (41) in its forward face and on its obverse side an integral annulus (43) and a central stem (44) which is positioned on the axis of the disk (40) and annulus (43) and carries a flexible annular flap (45) which in Figure 9A is shown in the phantom position allowing menstrual flow (40) into the catamenial appliance (10') as aforesaid.
This invention relates to an improved catamenial appliance.
An improved catamenial appliance is made of resilient elastomeric type of material which may be inserted into the vagina so as to be in circumscribing ~uxtaposed and sealing position about the fornix whereby it captively collects and encapsulates within the body of the appliance the menstrual flow while at the same time permitting the appliance removal after filling by simply pulling at the downstream vaginal end of the appliance so that it and contents are removed from the vagina.
KNOWLES discloses a CATAMENIAL APPLIANCE in U.S. Patent No. 4 799 929 issued 24 January 1989 which has a spring biasing flexible ring insertable into the vagina and is adapted to constrain about the cervix as separately attached collection sheath. KNOWLES in U.S. Patent No. 4 955 875 issued 11 September 1990 further discloses as a continuation-in-part and claims that the distal end of the sheath of the appliance rests substantially in the vulvar space of the female and acts as an interim collector that features a "tap means" which allows the drainage out of the collector so as to remove any menstrual flow from the appliance prior to the appliance removal from the vagina.
The present invention avoids the disadvantages of the bulk and uncomfortable tampon which is limited to absorption capacity and provides a leak-proof appliance that may be disposed within the vagina and preferably against the fornix for collection there of all the menstrual flow which normally is between l~oz and 2~oz of the menstrual fluid and permits the removal of both collected menstrual flow and the catamenial appliance in one single step after menstruation has been completed. Additionally the invention when used avoids the necessity that a tampon be fitted into the vagina.
Tampons absorb the menstrual flow flowing from the fornix becomes saturated by the menstrual flow and cause sustained contact of the menstrual flow against the vagina wall for hours or sometimes even days. In some women constant 213776~
menstrual flow contact with the vagina wall causes infection.
The invention avoids the risk of infection from the sustained contact of menstrual flow against the vagina walls.
It is a further ob~ect of the invention to provide a catamenial appliance totally consumed by the vagina when implanted therein but if desired may be used or positioned within the vagina as to be partially consumed thereby allowing the lower distal end of the catamenial appliance to be exterior of the body.
It is a further ob~ect of the invention to provide a catamenial appliance that requires only a sinale vaginal insertion per menstrual cycle and hence avoid at least the two vaginal insertions of the prior art of KNOWLES or the plurality vaginal insertions when tampons are used.
It is a further ob~ect of the invention to provide a single appliance which not only collects the menstrual flow but allows the appliance to be removed and with it the menstrual flow that it has collected hence voiding the vagina of both menstrual flow and of the catamenial appliance in a single removal sequence.
It is yet a further ob~ect of the invention to provide a catamenial device which inhibits the passage of menstrual flow out of the body. collects the menstrual flow within the appliance when positioned in the vagina so that menstrual flow can only flow into the appliance and that cannot flow by the appliance and out of the body.
In this respect the catamenial appliance defines a menstrual flow collection plenum and features a uni-directional menstrual flow valve structure which when the appliance is in engagement with the cervix preferably overcovering the fornix permits menstrual flow into the plenum defined by the appliance whereby the menstrual flow is collected but when the appliance is removed from the vagina as by pulling the appliance downstream end the valve structure seals off the menstrual flow entry port confinina the collected flow within the plenum. Once the appliance and collected menstrual flow therein is exterior of the body it may be disposed of by conventional means.
The invention therefore contemplates a catamenial appliance comprising a flexible ring insertable into the vagina of a female and adapted to surround the fornix of said female said flexible ring means being biased to expand slightly to surround the fornix and to be ~uxtaposed thereagainst, a collection member integrally attached to said flexible ring and a uniflow valve integral with the flexible ring means and collection sheath defining an aperture of smaller cross-sectional area than that defined by the flexible ring so as to form a collection plenum with the collection member and whereby menstrual flow passes through the uniflow valve into the collection member whereby menstrual flow collected within the reservoir may be removed integrally with the catamenial appliance without the menstrual flow flowing out of the uniflow valve.
Particularly the uniflow valve consists of a membrane defining a flat valve that depends into the plenum defined by the collection member. In the preferred embodiment the flat valve has a substantially elongated neck portion wherein the flat valve has a substantially elongated neck portion whose side walls mate to seal the aperture defined thereby when menstrual flow is not passing into the plenum but inhibits the flow of menstrual fluid in the opposite direction. The appliance is fabricated from a non-biologically active elastomeric material such as silicone.
The invention will now be described by way of example and reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the catamenial appliance according to the invention, Figure 2 is a side elevational view of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross section through the appliance;
Figure 5 is a demonstrative figure for descriptive purposes of how the appliance may be inserted into the vagina, Figure 5A through to and including 5D are illustrative of the insertion sequence steps (but incorrectly 213776~
showing non-deformation of the appliance) while that of Figure 5D is a perspective partially in section showing the latter sequences of the insertion steps with the appliance deformed (fingers causing the deformation not shown for clarity) and being essentially that of sequence 5C and 5D;
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the appliance annular deformation when seated circumscribing the neck of the cervix:
Figure 7 is an illustrative diagrammatical cross-sectional view of the removal step;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of step 7 showingthe deformation of the appliance and the uniflow valve of the appliance sealing the same closed constraining the menstrual flow therein during the removal sequence of figure 7;
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view, similar to that of Figure 6 but of an alternative embodiment; and Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view through the uniflow valve of Figure 9;
Referring to Figure 1 the catamenial appliance according to the invention is generally illustrated as~(10 ?
and consists generally of a conical sheath or member that at its apex has a pull tab shown as a loop (13 ? but could be in any other form like a protruding tag or the like. The base of the conical sheath (11) extends at its base end which is in fact the top end into an annular flexible protrusion (15~ the inner margin of which is integral with the conical sheath (11 ! . The annular protrusion and now referring to the cross-sectional Figure 4 in fact is an integral hollow annular piece but preferably has as its distal annular margin (16) folded over and able to float free; that is and comparing Figures 4 and 6 allows the float-free distal annular tip (16) to migrate to and fro depending upon as will become apparent hereafter the lateral pressure provided against the annular flexible protrusion (15) when positioned within the vagina at the neck of the female fornix (30). This structure also assists in sealing the catamenial appliance (10) closed on its removal as will described hereafter with reference to Figure 6.
The uppermost plane of the annular flexible protrusion (15) defines an opening (17) into the conical sheath. At a point generally referenced (D) which is the largest diametrical cross section referenced (D) in Figure 4 but on the inside surface of the conical sheath there is extends inwardly an annular flap valve generally referenced as (20) consisting of an integrally molded radially inwardly depending upper surface (22) defining an aperture (24) which is preferably is a longitudinal aperture as seen in Figure 3 the inner margin of which extends inwardly into the plenum (12) defined by the conical sheath so as to provide longitudinal flat valves whose distal margin (25) are in near ~uxtaposition as more clearly seen in the cross-sectional Figure 4 but provide a narrow longitudinal gap (24') at the respective distal ends.
The appliance (10) is an integrally molded unit structured from a biologically inert elastomeric material such as silicone so that the annular flexible protrusion (15) its distal end (16) the pull tab (13) and conical sheath as well as the valve (20) are totally integrally~
molded from an inner elastomeric material such as silicone.
Referring to Figure 5 this shows that the deformation arrow A can deform the outer surface of the annular protrusion (15) and in fact collapse the body of the conical sheath reducing the volume within the plenum as a preparatory step for installation or fitting of the appliance into the vagina.
Referring to Figures 5A through 5D these are cross-sectional seauences of the insertion step showing erroneously but for clarity the non-deformation of the appliance (10). With thumb and index fingers positioned to apply the force (A) as shown in Figure 5 on the flexible annular protrusion (15) it can be moved to be inserted into the vagina the arrow of Figure 5A and positioned so that the apex protrudes out of the vagina shown in Figure 5B in which case the flexible annular protrusion (15 ! extends outwardly as shown in arrows of Figure 5B however preferably the catamenial appliance should be inserted into the source of the vagina that is at near or ~uxtaposed to the fornix (30) it being shown in the almost seated position in Figure 5C and in the seated position in Figure 5D. Figure 5E attempts to illustrate the deformation in perspective of the catamenial appliance (10) during the whole sequence of the insertion step shown in Figure 5 5E and in Figures 5A
through 5D.
Once in place and in sealing engagement or ~uxtaposed about the fornix (30) and now referring to Figure 6 the flexible annular protrusion (15) yields from the phantom position shown into the solid position shown and this occurs because of the constraint of the vagina on the outer peripheral diameter of the flexible annular protrusion slightly deforming the same into the solid position shown.
This is why it is preferred that the distal annular margin (16) of the flexible annular protrusion is not mated to or sealed to the exterior wall of the conical sheath but in fact can migrate up and down so as to not provide to an airlock within that plenum ~18) defined by the flexible annular protrusion. During the menstruational period the menstrual flow (40) follows in the direction of Figure 6 out of the cervix into the uniflow valve (20) to rest on the orifice (24) thereof and to slowly pass through between the opposite lips (25) (25 25') into the plenum (12?. A volume of approximately l~oz. to 2~oz. is only required because this is the normal menstrual volume. The appliance (10) can therefore be maintained in the cervical seated position of Figure 6 until full voiding from the uterus of menstrual flow occurs whereby all of it is collected as menstrual sediment (42) within the plenum (12).
on the happening of the aforesaid events the catamenial appliance (10) is removed and now referring to Figure 7 by pulling on the loop or tag (13) with the thumb or index finger some prefer the thumb and second finger in the direction of Figure 7.
Now referring to Figure 8 during the removal step of Figure 7 which should be conducted in one single continuous motion the volume of the plenum (12 ? is partiallv collapsed because the constant vaginal pressure not only on the flexible annular protrusion (15?, but on the conical sheath reducing the volumetric space within the plenum (12). This is achieved by the folding out of the annular distal margin (16 ? see Figure 8 causing mechanical biasing of the radial valve surface (20) closing the distal margins (25) by urging them against each other arrows in Figure 8 sealing closed the flap valve aperture (24) during the physical withdrawal of the appliance, further during this sequence and caused by the menstrual residue (24) it pushes against the uniflow valve (20) and particularly against the radial wall (22) and the longitudinal flap fingers (25 25') with the longitudinal slot (24). The area of the longitudinal slot at its outward face at (24) is of greater area than at the interface (24') hence during outward pulling of the catamenial appliance (10) in the fashion shown in Figure 7 during the removal step there is significant more pressure at longitudinal orifice (24) which in fact collapses the same closed the extent of the flaps (25) and (25') are long enough so that the same does not reversibly flex and hence locks in the menstruational residue (42) during the whole removal sequence of the Figure 7 until the catamenial appliance (10) and the residual menstrual sediment (42) has been totally voided of the vagina.
Referring now to Figures 9 and 9A another embodiment of the invention generally shows a catamenial appliance (10') that has a uniflow valve (20') replacing the flat valve (25) in the membrane (22). The flat valve (20') is anchored in the membrane in a sealing fashion not clearly shown and consists of a disk (40) defining a plurality of apertures (41) in its forward face and on its obverse side an integral annulus (43) and a central stem (44) which is positioned on the axis of the disk (40) and annulus (43) and carries a flexible annular flap (45) which in Figure 9A is shown in the phantom position allowing menstrual flow (40) into the catamenial appliance (10') as aforesaid.
Claims (6)
1. A catamenial appliance comprising:
(a) a flexible ring insertable into the vagina of a female and adapted to surround the fornix of said female, said flexible ring means being biased to expand slightly to surround the fornix and to be juxtaposed thereagainst;
(b) a collection member integrally attached to said flexible ring; and, (c) a uniflow valve integral with the flexible ring means and collection sheath defining an aperture of smaller cross-sectional area than that defined by the flexible ring so as to form a collection plenum with the collection member and whereby menstrual flow passes through the uniflow valve into the collection member;
(i) whereby menstrual flow collected within the reservoir may be removed integrally with the catamenial appliance without the menstrual flow flowing out of the uniflow valve.
(a) a flexible ring insertable into the vagina of a female and adapted to surround the fornix of said female, said flexible ring means being biased to expand slightly to surround the fornix and to be juxtaposed thereagainst;
(b) a collection member integrally attached to said flexible ring; and, (c) a uniflow valve integral with the flexible ring means and collection sheath defining an aperture of smaller cross-sectional area than that defined by the flexible ring so as to form a collection plenum with the collection member and whereby menstrual flow passes through the uniflow valve into the collection member;
(i) whereby menstrual flow collected within the reservoir may be removed integrally with the catamenial appliance without the menstrual flow flowing out of the uniflow valve.
2. The catamenial appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the uniflow valve consists of a membrane defining a flat valve that depends into the plenum defined by the collection member.
3. The catamenial appliance as claimed in claim 2, wherein the flat valve has a substantially elongated neck portion whose side walls mate to seal the aperture defined thereby when menstrual flow is not passing into the plenum but inhibits the flow of menstrual fluid in the opposite direction.
4. The catamenial appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the uniflow valve includes a flexible membrane on the inner surface of the aperture so as to permit menstrual flow through the aperture over the flexible membrane, for collection of the same in the collection plenum.
5. The catamenial appliance as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 consisting of silicone.
6. The catamenial appliance as claimed in claim 4 consisting of silicone.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002137769A CA2137769A1 (en) | 1994-11-30 | 1994-11-30 | Catamenial appliance |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002137769A CA2137769A1 (en) | 1994-11-30 | 1994-11-30 | Catamenial appliance |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2137769A1 true CA2137769A1 (en) | 1996-05-31 |
Family
ID=4154837
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002137769A Abandoned CA2137769A1 (en) | 1994-11-30 | 1994-11-30 | Catamenial appliance |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2137769A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007082341A1 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2007-07-26 | Baslar Pty Ltd | Vaginal cup |
| CN106388992A (en) * | 2016-05-13 | 2017-02-15 | 广州天沅硅胶机械科技有限公司 | Backflow preventing menstrual cup |
| CN109248017A (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2019-01-22 | 尹振图 | Fish shape menstrual collection device |
| IT201900013617A1 (en) * | 2019-08-01 | 2021-02-01 | Valerio Palmieri | Menstrual cup |
| US11389338B2 (en) | 2014-09-19 | 2022-07-19 | Outasite, Llc | Cervical pad |
| FR3120517A1 (en) * | 2021-03-11 | 2022-09-16 | Edison Arley ZAPATA TORRES | Anatomical, insulating and protective hygiene article |
| EP4094737A1 (en) * | 2016-05-25 | 2022-11-30 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC | Menstrual device and applicator system |
-
1994
- 1994-11-30 CA CA002137769A patent/CA2137769A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007082341A1 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2007-07-26 | Baslar Pty Ltd | Vaginal cup |
| US11389338B2 (en) | 2014-09-19 | 2022-07-19 | Outasite, Llc | Cervical pad |
| US11911243B2 (en) | 2014-09-19 | 2024-02-27 | Outasite, Llc | Cervical pad |
| CN106388992A (en) * | 2016-05-13 | 2017-02-15 | 广州天沅硅胶机械科技有限公司 | Backflow preventing menstrual cup |
| EP4094737A1 (en) * | 2016-05-25 | 2022-11-30 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC | Menstrual device and applicator system |
| CN109248017A (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2019-01-22 | 尹振图 | Fish shape menstrual collection device |
| IT201900013617A1 (en) * | 2019-08-01 | 2021-02-01 | Valerio Palmieri | Menstrual cup |
| FR3120517A1 (en) * | 2021-03-11 | 2022-09-16 | Edison Arley ZAPATA TORRES | Anatomical, insulating and protective hygiene article |
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