GB2579538A - A female fertilisation device - Google Patents

Abstract

A female fertilisation device comprising an elongate member 1 and a stopper portion 2, wherein the stopper portion is for insertion into a vagina by elongate member. This can be used to enhance natural conception in both human and animals by holding semen near the cervix after intercourse. The stopper may be expandable or compressible, and be biased to expand. The device may comprise medical grade silicone. The elongate member can have a circular cross-section and taper towards the stopper portion, this means the end distal to the stopper is easier to grasp and the proximal end allows flexibility. The device may be formed as a single unitary piece.

Description

A FEMALE FERTILISATION DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a female fertilisation device, in particular a device for insertion into a vagina; more particularly but not exclusively the device provides a vaginal insert which is used after intercourse or artificial insemination to keep sperm within the receptive area for as long as possible.

Background

Studies have shown that lying down on the back after intercourse can increase the chances of conceiving simply by the gravitational effect this has on sperm.

Semen can sustain its reproductive viability for several days after ejaculation if it is able to reach the cervix. However, if it remains in the vaginal canal it will die after only a few hours due to acidic vaginal secretions.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: United States patent application US 2012 029 270 (STUART) relates to a cervical condom for aiding in conception comprising: a dome shape flexible device, where said device is made of a flexible material; and a rim surrounding the outer perimeter of the device. The device is capable of containing a sperm sample for application upon a user's cervix. In one exemplary embodiment, the flexible material is silicone and the condom measures in a range of about two to five centimeters in length.

United Kingdom patent application GB 0 400 404 (OWEN) discloses a fertility aid including one outer hollow tube which contains the non-absorbent non-toxic expanding plug that has to be inserted into the vagina by pushing the inner hollow 35 tube upwards until all of the non-absorbent non-toxic plug has been removed from the outer hollow tube. The aid may be used after used after intercourse to prevent leakage of semen.

United States patent application US 2004 089 312 (JORDAN) relates to a fertility plug, for use by both humans and animals, constructed from an impermeable polymeric film membrane covering an elastically deformable, compressible interior, which, because of pressure from the vaginal walls on the unit (forming a seal), prevents escape of semen from a vagina immediately after ejaculation or injection of semen into the vagina, but instead remain for a limited time in the vicinity of the cervix and, thus available for fertilization. A string may be attached to the unit to assist the removal of the plug after the unit has been in the vagina for a sufficient time for sperm to have entered the uterus. A nonspermicidal lubricant can be used with the fertility plug to facilitate insertion into and removal from the vagina; the nonspermicidal lubricant also enhances the seal formed between the units surface and the vaginal wall, further restricting the loss of semen from the vagina. The fertility plug, not intended for overly prolonged use in the vagina, can, upon be removal, be discarded.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a female fertilisation device comprising an elongate member and a stopper portion, wherein the stopper portion is for insertion into a vagina by the elongate member.

Advantageously the member is elongate and thin and extends from the portion substantially from the portion's centrepoint, to comprise a member base. Typically the portion extends outwards from the base and member substantially to a uniform distance.

In preferred embodiments the stopper portion is expandable or compressible wherein the portion is arranged with a bias to expand.

Advantageously the portion is configured to expand outwards, typically wherein the portion is configured to be expanded at rest. In this way the portion may be 35 compressed or squashed into a different shape but biased to open and fill the vagina, or close the vaginal opening.

In preferred embodiments the stopper portion is provided with a sectional profile narrowing towards the member, wherein the member is substantially narrower in diameter than the portion, and the portion flares outwards from the member's axis.

In preferred embodiments the stopper portion is formed in a resiliently deformable material, for example rubber or silicone compound.

In preferred embodiments the device is formed as a single unitary piece.

In preferred embodiments the portion has different sectional depths, with respect to distance from the member. For example close around the member the portion may have a thinner depth so as to enable easier folding, collapsing or compressing Advantageously in such an embodiment other areas of the portion have a necessarily deeper sectional profile. Typically the portion's edge in preferred embodiments includes a deeper sectional profile, wherein the edge is thicker so as to maintain a substantially well-formed edge profile in use, capable of pressing against the vaginal wall efficiently.

Typically the portion has a circular edge, wherein at rest the portion is circular in plan view at rest.

In some embodiments an intermediate point or area between the member base and portion edge is provided with a thick sectional profile, wherein the edge is forced outwards in use in order to regain its shape as at rest, and wherein the remainder of the portion is consequently pulled with it. Thinner areas however allow the portion to accommodate local variation.

In use the device is inserted into a woman's vagina using the elongate member as a guide and movement control and the portion is compressed during insertion, until a depth is reached where the portion is unable to move deeper or where the member is no longer long enough to continue with controlled insertion.

At all times the portion will tend towards expansion to return to its original shape at rest. This shape will touch walls of the vagina and consequently block the vaginal opening for exit of spermatozoa.

Advantageously the member is of circular cross-section and tapers towards the portion, wherein the distal end of the member is easier to grasp and the proximal end of the member allows some flexibility in angle between the member, member base and portion.

Advantageously the device is provided to all sides and edges with a rounded profile, in order that no snag hazards are provided at any time.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the device; Figures 2 show three side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in various stages of compression; Figures 3 show two isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in different stages of compression; Figures 4 show reverse isometric views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in differing stage of compression.

Figures 5 show stages of use of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and Figures 6 show sectional views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in differing stages of compression.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown a device with an elongate member 1 and stopper portion 2.

The member has a rounded end 8 distal from the portion, and a tapered stem 6 intermediate.

The portion has a thinner body 4 intermediate a peripheral ringed edge 5, which is thicker, and a flared intersection 7 with the member, at a portion centrepoint 3.

The aim of the device is to Increase the chances of conception by blocking the vaginal passage, preventing sperm from seeping away before it has a chance to 10 reach the egg.

The device is manually folded down before being inserted into the vagina, in a similar way to a tampon. Once inside the vaginal canal it will expand to fill the area. The vaginal canal is typically opened by elevating a leg.

The device is produced from medical grade silicone and manufactured using a single liquid silicone injection moulding wherein tooling will require pneumatic ejector pins.

The device is designed as a single-use disposable product which can be worn for up 20 to 8 hours. It must be inserted straight after intercourse for maximum effectiveness. Other embodiments may be reusable.

The device has a rounded elongate member with an end distal from the stopper portion of increased diameter so as to aid in manipulation. The end proximate the stopper portion flares outwards to the stopper portion so as to provide a relatively more rigid portion even in a compressed state, and a larger head for insertion and directional purposes.

In this way flexure is contained within an intermediate area of the member so as to 30 allow comfort in use, with the distal end allowing direction of the compressed stopper portion, and the rigidity of the compressed stopper portion ensuring that the direction is maintained and the portion is predisposed to ensure expansion.

The edge is of enlarged sectional girth, and a rounded profile, which acts to both 35 push the edge against the vagina walls and accommodate local variation.

In use: Fold the end of the device into a C shape While still lying down, insert the device into the vaginal canal.

This can be done by a partner if preferred.

Once in position, the device will unfold and should stay in place securely without any 10 discomfort To remove the device, lift one leg and carefully pull it down and out by the member.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.