GB2238767A

GB2238767A - Medical sponge system

Info

Publication number: GB2238767A
Application number: GB8927578A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Henry Mcquilkin; Marcus Filshie
Original assignee: Femcare Ltd
Current assignee: Femcare Ltd
Priority date: 1989-12-06
Filing date: 1989-12-06
Publication date: 1991-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2009-12-06
Also published as: GB2238767B; GB8927578D0

Abstract

A sponge 20 is stored in a compressed form in a first compartment 34 of a container and fluid comprising a preservative/antiseptic with or without a spermicide for use with the sponge is stored in a second compartment 36 separated from the first by a gas impermeable barrier 32, the sponge being impregnated with a fluid only at the time of use and expanding by virtue of the impregnation to its uncompressed size. The lid 40 is removed and then the barrier 32, the liquid being poured onto the sponge. In another embodiment, the lid is provided with a penetrating spike 42 adapted to penetrate the membrane for release of the liquid onto the sponge (Fig. 5). <IMAGE>

Description

MEDICAL SPONGE SYSTEM The present invention relates to medical sponge systems and more particularly to sponges used for contraceptive/disease protection.

Sponges used for contraceptive/disease protection are known, these being impregnated with suitable substances comprising for example a suitable preservative/antiseptic with or without a spermicide. The sponges once impregnated are sealed in an airtight container for example a sealed plastic bag with suitable release cord.

A disadvantage with the above known system is that even though the sponges may be impregnated and sealed, if they are kept for long periods bacteria may grow, possibly unseen and this is obviously undesirable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical sponge system which obviates the above disadvantages.

The present invention therefore provides a medical sponge system comprising a two part container made from a gas impermeable material, the two parts of the container being divided by a gas impermeable barrier, a sponge in a compressed form being situated in a first part of the container and a fluid comprising a preservative/ antiseptic with or without a spermicide being situated in the second part of the container, the container being sealed with a lid also of gas impermeable material.

In a preferred embodiment the lid is provided with puncture means operative to puncture the gas impermeable barrier separating the first and second parts of the container. In a particular preferred embodiment the puncture means is operative to penetrate the gas impermeable barrier separating the first and second parts of the container without penetration of the whole container thereby allowing absorption of the fluid by the sponge under absolute hygienic conditions.

Preferable the container is sealed with a readily removable lid the lid being provided with a tab to release the lid.

Preferably the barrier between the first and second parts of the container is also provided with a tab to remove the barrier following removal of the lid.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a sponge, suitable for the medical sponge system according to the present invention in uncompressed form; Figure 2 shows the sponge of Figure 1 in compressed form; Figure 3 shows diagrammatically in exploded form a first medical sponge system according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows the first medical sponge system according to the present invention with the sponge in its non-compressed form; and Figure 5 shows a second medical sponge system according to the present invention.

With reference now to Figures 1 and 2 a sponge 10 preferably of the polyvinyl alcohol type is compressed 20 by suitable means to enable it to be contained within a small container. The sponge, when wetted will again substantially resume its former size. The compression can reduce the sponge by a factor of ten thereby considerably reducing the storage space required.

With reference now to Figure 3 the compressed sponge 20 is placed in the bottom of a two part container 30, the container 30 then being divided by a gas impermeable barrier 32. The first part 34 of the container is then isolated from the second part 36. The first part 34 may be evacuated or filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen or may be sealed in clean room (hygienic) conditions thereby eliminating the possibility of any bacteria being present. The barrier or separating layer 32 may be provided with a release tab 33 shown on the left hand side of the container and protruding from the top of the container 30. The container 30 may preferably be circular in plan view.

Once the barrier or separating layer 32 is in position the upper or second part 36 of the container is filled with a predetermined quantity of fluid 38. The fluid may comprise a suitable preservative/antiseptic and with or without a spermicide.

The container is then sealed with a lid 40 of gas impermeable material which is also provided with a tab 41 for ease of release of the lid 40.

The sponge 20 is thereby stored in a dry compressed state and when required for use the lid 40 is removed using tab 41. The barrier or separating layer 32 is then lifted using tab 33 and the fluid 38 is poured onto the compressed sponge 20.

With reference to Figure 4 the sponge 10 is is allowed to de-compress to resume its normal size by absorbing the fluid 38 poured into the container 30. Thus the sponge 10 will be standing in a hygienic dish formed by container 30 during its period of expansion. This process may take a minute or so and then the sponge may be used for its purpose. This may be inserted vaginally or anally for contraceptive/disease protection.

With reference now to Figure 5 in an alternative preferred embodiment the upper lid 40 of the container 30 is provided with a spike penetration means 42 which may be operated by depression of the top as shown by arrow 43 to puncture the barrier 32 between the first and second parts of the container. This allows the-fluid 38 to seepinto the lower part 34 thereby impregnating sponge 20 in absolutely hygienic conditions. To allow expansion of the sponge to its uncompressed state 10 the barrier or separating layer 32 is removed preferably after a specified time period for example sufficient to allow the fluid 38 to drain into the first part 34.

More than one spike 42 may be provided to allow more even or more rapid distribution of fluid 38 if required.

Claims

1. A medical sponge system comprising a two part container made from a gas impermeable material, the two parts of the container being divided by a gas impermeable barrier, a sponge in a compressed form being situated in a first part of the container and a fluid comprising a preservative/antiseptic with or without a spermicide being situated in the second part of the container, the container being sealed with a lid also of gas impermeable material.

2. A medical sponge system as claimed in Claim 1 in which the lid is provided with puncture means operative to puncture the gas impermeable barrier separating the first and second parts of the container.

3. A medical sponge system as claimed in Claim 2 in which the puncture means is operative to penetrate the gas impermeable barrier separating the first and second parts of the container without penetration of the whole container thereby allowing absorption of the fluid by the sponge under absolute hygienic conditions.

4. A medical sponge system as claimed in Claim 1 in which the container is sealed with a readily removable lid the lid being provided with a tab to release the lid.

5. A medical sponge system as claimed in Claim 1 in which the barrier between the first and second parts of the container is also provided with a tab to remove the barrier following removal of the lid.

6. A medical sponge system substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.