US20230016976A1 - Expandable and retractable menstrual cup - Google Patents
Expandable and retractable menstrual cup Download PDFInfo
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- US20230016976A1 US20230016976A1 US17/947,836 US202217947836A US2023016976A1 US 20230016976 A1 US20230016976 A1 US 20230016976A1 US 202217947836 A US202217947836 A US 202217947836A US 2023016976 A1 US2023016976 A1 US 2023016976A1
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- menstrual cup
- menstrual
- flexible body
- hook
- cup
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- 230000002175 menstrual effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 278
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 43
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 210000001124 body fluid Anatomy 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 abstract description 9
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 abstract description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 16
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004433 Thermoplastic polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010813 municipal solid waste Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000027758 ovulation cycle Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000011012 sanitization Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920002803 thermoplastic polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009795 derivation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
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- 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
- A61F5/4404—Details or parts
-
- 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
A menstrual cup is provided whose body can expand to reveal an interior cavity in an open position configured to receive menstrual fluids and that can retract to a closed position such that the interior cavity of the menstrual cup is contained by the sides and body of the menstrual cup and any contained fluids are prevented from leaking out. A hook is coupled to a bottom surface of the body of the menstrual cup and can be pulled upon to close the menstrual cup and pushed upwards to open the menstrual cup. The retractability of the menstrual cup facilitates insertion into the vaginal cavity and removal without spillage of menstrual fluids. The menstrual cup includes a body with retractable sides that can close inwardly. A user can grasp the hook to manipulate the body of the menstrual cup from either a closed position or an open position.
Description
- This application is a non-provisional application which claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/721,493 filed Apr. 15, 2022, which claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63/176,412 filed on Apr. 19, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to a new method and system for a menstrual cup having a contracting and expandable body that is configured to contain menstrual fluid within the menstrual cup in an improved manner to avoid leakage or spilling upon removal and to facilitate insertion and removal of the menstrual cup through the inclusion of both a hook and the expandable/retractable body of the menstrual cup.
- Menstrual cups currently available on the market rely upon the wearer manually folding the menstrual cup in order to insert into a vaginal cavity to properly position the menstrual cup within the vaginal cavity and when taking out the menstrual cup from the vaginal cavity after the menstrual cup is full. There are many challenges with such menstrual cups. One challenge is that it is very difficult to insert and remove the menstrual cup and users often experience great discomfort when the menstrual cup is located in place. Further, to remove the menstrual cup, there is often a great deal of leaking and spilling of any menstrual fluid contained within the menstrual cup when removing the cup, which can cause an undesirable and unhygienic mess on the user's hands and/or surrounding environment.
- There are some menstrual cups that have made some attempts to improve upon traditionally available products. For example, the FLEX CUP enables the user to pull a cord at the bottom of the menstrual cup to pull the rim of the menstrual cup inwardly upon removal. The FLEX CUP is advertised as being similar to a tampon with its inclusion of the pull cord and is intended to facilitate easier grasping of the menstrual cup and removing the menstrual cup by grasping the pull cord. However, users still experience challenges in removing this menstrual cup and have noted that the insertion of the FLEX CUP remains as difficult, if not more challenging, due to the pull cord's connection to the rim of the menstrual cup. Also, pulling one side of the rim of the menstrual cup inward and downward during the removal process from the vaginal cavity increases the likelihood that the menstrual fluid will leak out of the menstrual cup if full.
- The FORMOOSA CUP is another type of menstrual cup that has a rounder, ball-shaped cup body with a rim that extends downward into the menstrual cup, creating a double layer. This double layer is meant to prevent leaks of menstrual fluid by catching the fluid between the inner and outer layers of the menstrual cup. However, users have noted that the menstrual cup's less flexible and rounded shape still makes the menstrual cup exceedingly difficult to insert and remove, and still poses challenges and difficulties in use.
- Accordingly, there is a need for an improved menstrual cup that may overcome some of the deficiencies described above and offer an improved solution for users who prefer to use menstrual cups to contain menstrual fluids during their periods.
- One or more non-limiting embodiments are provided for in the present description relating to a menstrual cup configured to collect menstrual fluid or other fluids from a vaginal cavity of a human body. In a non-limiting embodiment, the menstrual cup may comprise a flexible body having an interior cavity, whereby the flexible body is configured to open to an open position and to close and retract to a closed position. In a non-limiting embodiment, the menstrual cup may include a hook attached to a bottom surface located on an underside of the flexible body, whereby a downward force exerted by the hook on the flexible body causes the flexible body to contract and close inwardly such that a set of sides or a set of outer members of the flexible body are brought towards each other covering the interior cavity of the menstrual cup. In a non-limiting embodiment, an upward force exerted by the hook on the flexible body causes the flexible body to gradually expand outward such that the set of sides or the set of outer members of the flexible body expand outwards to a fully open position and exposing the interior cavity of the menstrual cup. In a non-limiting embodiment, the set of outer members are connected to each other by a set of connecting walls or pieces of the flexible body, whereby the set of outer members and the set of connecting walls or pieces define the interior cavity. In a non-limiting embodiment, each outer member of the set of outer members is connected to each connecting wall adjacent on each side of each outer member. In a non-limiting embodiment, the set of connecting walls are bendable and are configured to bend inwardly towards the interior cavity. Further, in a non-limiting embodiment, the set of sides or the set of outer members are visible from an exterior of the menstrual cup. Further, a bottom edge of each outer member of the set of outer members is connected to the bottom surface of the menstrual cup. In a non-limiting embodiment, when the flexible body of the menstrual cup is in the closed position, one or more sides of the set of outer members are in contact or touching each other. When the flexible body of the menstrual cup is in the closed position, one or more top surfaces of each outer member are contacting each other and the interior cavity of the flexible body of the menstrual cup is not accessible through the one or more top surfaces of each outer member. In a non-limiting embodiment, one or more interior pieces within the interior cavity are joined together and push upwards into the interior cavity of the flexible body of the menstrual cup when the flexible body of the menstrual cup is in the open position. Further, in a non-limiting embodiment, the hook includes a hook interior opening and a hook body encircling or surrounding the hook interior opening.
- In a non-limiting embodiment, the present description further includes a method of using a menstrual cup. The method may further comprise providing the menstrual cup. The method may further comprise pulling or otherwise manipulating the hook of the menstrual cup to a close the set of sides or the set of outer members of the menstrual cup in order for the menstrual cup to be in the closed position and inserting the menstrual cup in the closed position into a vaginal cavity in a human body. Further, the method may include, upon positioning the menstrual cup at a desired spot within the vaginal cavity, pushing upwards on the hook in order for the set of sides or the set of outer members of the menstrual cup to fully expand while positioned inside of the vaginal cavity Further, the method may include, upon removal of the menstrual cup, grasping the hook to pull the menstrual cup out of the vaginal cavity causing the set of sides or the set of outer members to close or retract during removal of the menstrual cup, containing or enclosing by the set of sides or the set of outer members any collected menstrual fluids or other fluids within the menstrual cup, and disposing any of the collected menstrual fluids or other fluids collected in the internal cavity of the menstrual cup. Further, the method may include reusing the menstrual cup if needed or storing the menstrual cup for future use. The method may include upon insertion through the vaginal cavity, causing the set of sides or set of outer members to close inwardly prior to insertion of the menstrual cup in the vaginal cavity or opening. Upon removal of the menstrual cup from the vaginal cavity, the method may include causing the set of sides or set of outer members to close inwardly and then removing the menstrual cup from the vaginal cavity. The method may include washing or sanitizing the menstrual cup prior to reuse.
- Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
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FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of exemplary components of an exemplary menstrual cup. -
FIG. 2 depicts a pictorial illustration of a menstrual cup that includes a hook and a retractable body and is shown with the body of the menstrual cup in an open position. -
FIG. 3 depicts a pictorial illustration of the menstrual cup shown inFIG. 2 from a bottom perspective view and the body of the menstrual cup is shown in the open position. -
FIG. 4 depicts a pictorial illustration of the menstrual cup shown inFIG. 2 with the body of the menstrual cup shown in a closed position. -
FIG. 5 depicts a pictorial illustration showing a top perspective view of the menstrual cup shown inFIG. 2 with a view of the interior cavity of the menstrual cup. -
FIG. 6 depicts a pictorial illustration of a bottom of the menstrual cup shown inFIG. 2 without an attached hook. -
FIG. 7 depicts an interior view of the menstrual cup shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for using an expandable and retractable menstrual cup. - The present description is drawn to an innovative menstrual cup that overcomes many deficiencies in the design and method of use of existing menstrual cups. The menstrual cup, as described in one or more non-limiting embodiments herein, may prevent leakage upon removal when the menstrual cup is full of menstrual fluid. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the menstrual cup body is flexible and is designed to contract and be in a closed position where the sides are retracted and closed around an interior cavity of the menstrual cup for easier insertion within the body and for easier removal. In a closed position, the menstrual cup can also safely contain any menstrual fluids deposited in the interior cavity of the menstrual cup and helps to prevent spilling and leaking of the menstrual fluid during removal of the menstrual cup from a person's body and while trying to dispose of the menstrual fluid in a trash can, toilet, or other location for disposal of the menstrual fluid contained or captured in the menstrual cup.
- In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the menstrual cup may be configured to expand and be in an open position when inserted into the vaginal cavity and in use. When the menstrual cup is removed, the menstrual cup may be configured to close and to contract upon removal and to close around any contained menstrual fluid as the menstrual cup is pulled down and out of the vaginal cavity, which prevents leakage and spillage of any contained menstrual fluid. Further, an advantage of the menstrual cup, as described herein in one or more non-limiting embodiments, is that the menstrual cup may further include a small hook on an underside of the menstrual cup which a user can grasp and take hold of when inserting the menstrual cup and positioning in place in a woman's vaginal cavity and grasp and take a hold of when removing from the vaginal cavity. The addition of this hook makes it much easier to manipulate and use the menstrual cup. Further details are provided with respect to the Figures.
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FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of one or more exemplary components ofmenstrual cup 102. In a non-limiting embodiment,menstrual cup 102 is a device that can be utilized to capture bodily fluids. In particular, themenstrual cup 102 is a device useful for capturingmenstrual fluids 114 during a woman's period or menstrual cycle. Themenstrual cup 102 is designed to be reusable. After each use, themenstrual cup 102 may be washed and sanitized for reuse and reinsertion in a woman's body to capturemenstrual fluids 114 or if no further use is required, themenstrual cup 102 may be stored for later use. - Non-limiting examples of
menstrual cup 102 are shown inFIGS. 2-7 . In a non-limiting embodiment, any sides of themenstrual cup 102 may be configured to retract inwardly to close over and around aninterior cavity 109 of themenstrual cup 102. Further, any sides of themenstrual cup 102 are configured to expand outwardly in particular after themenstrual cup 102 has been inserted within the vaginal cavity or opening 112 of a woman's body and positioned in place to capture anymenstrual fluids 114. The same sides of themenstrual cup 102 may be configured to retract and contract and close around theinterior cavity 109 of themenstrual cup 102 so that theinterior cavity 109 is no longer accessible to receive any furthermenstrual fluids 114 in this closed position. - The
menstrual cup 102 is configured to be in a fully open position and in a fully closed position.FIGS. 2-3 andFIGS. 5-7 depict themenstrual cup 102 in a fully open (expanded) position andFIG. 4 depicts the exemplarymenstrual cup 102 in a fully closed (retracted) position. As shown inFIG. 4 , theinterior cavity 109 is not visible from the exterior or accessible to receive anyfluids 114 as theinterior cavity 109 would normally be in the fully open position. It may be useful for themenstrual cup 102 to be in the closed (retracted) position during insertion and removal of themenstrual cup 102 from the vaginal cavity or opening 112 of a woman's body so that the user experiences less pain or discomfort and to make it easier for the user to insert and remove themenstrual cup 102. Advantageously, themenstrual fluids 114 contained within theinterior cavity 109 of themenstrual cup 102 will not leak out of the top or sides or bottom of themenstrual cup 102 when themenstrual cup 102 is in the closed position, which is a significant advantage over existing types ofmenstrual cups 102. It is very unhygienic, uncomfortable, and burdensome for the user when the user has to extract a fullmenstrual cup 102 if themenstrual fluid 114 contained within themenstrual cup 102 begins to leak and spill and has to be cleaned up by the user. - In a non-limiting embodiment, the
body 104 of the menstrual cup is rather flexible, but still strong and durable. In a non-limiting embodiment, the menstrual cup 102 (including thebody 104 and/or the hook 110) may be made of or include silicone in any of the parts of themenstrual cup 102. Other types of materials may also be used. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) may also be used, which describes any class of polyurethane plastics. The materials utilized for themenstrual cup 102 are washable and designed to be reused and may have a good amount of elasticity. Silicone may be desirable because silicone can be washed and reused and is bendable and elastic while still being firm and strong. - In a non-limiting embodiment, the
body 104 of themenstrual cup 102 may include one or moreouter members 106 with one or more connectingwalls 108 connecting eachouter member 106 to form thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102. Further, themenstrual cup 102 may include ahook 110 on an underside or bottom surface of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102. Thehook 110 is designed to cause thebody 104 and in particular theouter members 106 and connectingwalls 108 to either expand or contract. This may be because if a user pushes upwardly on thehook 110, an upward force is transferred or applied to an underside of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102, thereby causing the sides orouter members 106 of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 to open to an open, expanded position revealing theinterior cavity 109 of themenstrual cup 102 andbody 104. Conversely, if a user pulls downwardly on thehook 110, a downward force is transferred or applied to an underside of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102, thereby causing the sides orouter members 106 of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 to close around theinterior cavity 109 whereby theinterior cavity 109 is not accessible and visible. In a non-limiting embodiment, the user may also need to push on one or more sides of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 with the user's fingers, such as pushing on one of the connectingwalls 108 or theouter members 106 in order for thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 to close inwardly. It is expected that theouter members 106 or sides of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 have some thickness and weight in order to stay in an open position or closed position. Further, it a non-limiting embodiment, the thickness of theouter members 106 may increase from the lower portion (e.g.,lower section 406 to theupper section 402 as shown inFIG. 4 of thebody 104 of the menstrual cup 102). - It is noted that in alternative embodiments, the user may apply a downward force or pulling action on the
hook 110, which may cause thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 to expand outwardly into a fully opened position. Conversely, in this alternative embodiment, when the user applies an upward force or pushing action thehook 110 thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 may be triggered to contract inwardly and retract to a closed position. - As noted above,
FIGS. 2-3 andFIGS. 5-7 show an exemplarymenstrual cup 102 in an expanded and open position, whileFIG. 4 shows the exemplarymenstrual cup 102 in a closed contracted position. As shown inFIG. 2 , themenstrual cup 102 has one or moreouter members walls 108. In a non-limiting embodiment, there may be fourouter members 106 includingouter member FIG. 2 . - Further, in a non-limiting embodiment, a connecting
wall 108 is adjacent to eachouter member 106. Theleft side 202 andright side 204 of eachouter member 106 may contact a side edge of an adjacent connectingwall 108. - The top surfaces 206 a, 206 b, 206 c, and 206 d, as shown in
FIG. 2 , of eachouter member - The connecting
walls 108 are configured to contract or bend inwardly. Each connectingwall 108 may include a seam (or joint) 205 that runs longitudinally down a front and back surface of the connectingwalls 108. Each connectingwall 108 may include a generally centrally locatedseam 205 as well as one or more longitudinally oriented lines orribs 210 that are generally parallel to the centrally locatedseam 205 on each connectingwall 108. The top of theseam 205 may join with a bottom of a triangular shapedpiece 208 for each connectingwall 108 that facilitates the bending inwardly of the connectingwall 108 and the contracting or pulling inwardly of theouter members - The
outer members outer member b wall 108. The edges of the connectingwalls 108 touch or contact any adjacentouter members 106. As shown inFIG. 3 , abottom surface 302 of eachouter member bottom surface 304 of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102. - As shown in the
FIGS. 2-7 , in a non-limiting embodiment, theouter member 106 may have a petal like shape, with a generally straightbottom edge 217 and generally curved side edges 202 and 204. The connectingwalls 108 may facilitate the retraction and expansion of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 in coordination with the upward or downward forces transferred from the corresponding movement on thehook 110. In a non-limiting embodiment, the connectingwalls 108 have afirst side piece 216 andsecond side piece 218 on each side of theseam 205. Further, the top of theseam 205 joins with atriangular piece 208, whereby thetriangular piece 208 is configured to be extended and visible when thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 is in the expanded, open position. When thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 is in the retracted, closed position, thetriangular piece 208,first side piece 216, andsecond side piece 218 are not visible (e.g., as shown inFIG. 4 ). The connectingwalls 108 are configured to enable the flexible bending inwards upon closing and then flexible bending outwards or expanding outwards upon opening of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 as caused by the pushing or pulling of thehook 110 that is attached to theunderside 304 of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102. - In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the
body 104 of themenstrual cup 102 may be made separately from thehook body 214 andhook 110. In other non-limiting embodiments, thehook body 214 of the hook 110 (or thehook 110 of the menstrual cup 102) may be integrally formed with thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102. - As shown in
FIG. 2 andFIG. 3 , thehook 110 may include hook interior opening orcavity 212. The hook interior opening orcavity 212 may be particularly useful for one or more fingers or hands to grasp onto during insertion or removal or other manipulation of themenstrual cup 102. Thehook 110 may include ahook body 214 that encircles or surrounds thehook opening 212. The user may insert their fingers into the hook opening 212 to grab onto thehook 110 and themenstrual cup 102 in general. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thehook 110 may be generally attached to a central 306 location on theunderside 304 of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 and beneath theouter members 106 and connectingwalls 108. Theunderside 304 of thebody 104 is closed and does not include any openings or holes so as to prevent any leakage of any containedmenstrual fluids 114. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 is configured to contract so that theouter members interior cavity 109 of themenstrual cup 102 is no longer accessible or visible. If there is anymenstrual fluid 114 collected inside thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 or in theinterior cavity 109 of themenstrual cup 102, when theouter members 106 a-106 d are contracted and in a closed position, themenstrual fluids 114 would be enclosed and contained inside of the interior walls of theouter members 106 and the connectingwalls 108 and could not leak or spill out through the top or sides or bottom. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , when closed, thetop surfaces outer member outer members upper section 402 and a widerlower section 406 or base. Accordingly, awidth 408 of the lower section may be wider than awidth 410 of theupper section 402. Further, in a non-limiting embodiment, thelength 412 of eachouter member 106 may be the same for eachouter member 106. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , when in the closed position, the connectingwalls 108 are fully contracted and bent inwards and theouter members seams 205 of each connectingwall 108 may be visible from an exterior of themenstrual cup 102 in the contracted position in one or more non-limiting embodiments, but the majority of the surface of the connectingwalls 108 may be bent inwardly towards aninterior cavity 109 of themenstrual cup 102 so as to cause thebody 104 andouter members 106 of themenstrual cup 102 to retract inwardly. -
FIG. 5 may show a top perspective view of abody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 with a view of theinterior cavity 109 of themenstrual cup 102. As shown inFIG. 5 , there may be one or more interior protrudingsections 502 that are behind each upper section of eachouter member 106. The top surfaces 206 a, 206 b, 206 c, and 206 d may extend above or be taller than the height of the top of each protrudingsection 502. There may be a protrudingsection 502 for eachouter member 106 and the protrudingsections 502 may facilitate the bending inwardly and collapsing of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 in one or more non-limiting embodiments. It is noted in a non-limiting embodiment, theinterior walls 504 of themenstrual cup 102 may be further lined or include additional protective covering or additional layer(s) of silicone so as to cover any interior cracks or openings shown inFIGS. 5-7 . -
FIG. 6 may show a bottom perspective view of amenstrual cup 102. Thehook 110 is not pictured inFIG. 6 in order to provide a better view of theunderside 304 of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102. As shown inFIG. 6 , theouter members 106 and the connectingwalls 108 make up thesemi-cylindrical body 104 shape of themenstrual cup 102. On theunderside 304, there may be arib piece 602 that extends across theunderside 304 of themenstrual cup 104. Theexemplary rib piece 602 shown inFIG. 6 may help increase the strength of the lower section of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 and further enable the collapsibility and retractability of theouter members 106 and the connectingwalls 108. As shown inFIG. 6 , therib piece 602 may cause one or moreidentifiable sections underside 304 of thebody 104 of the menstrual cup. Therib piece 602 may protrude downwardly to a slight degree. As shown inFIG. 3 , the top of thehook 110 may connect to a central 306 part of theunderside 304 of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102. -
FIG. 7 shows an exemplary interior view of themenstrual cup 102. As shown in a non-limiting embodiment, themenstrual cup 102 may include one or more projecting pieces corresponding to theidentifiable sections underside 304 of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102. On the interior of themenstrual cup 102, theidentifiable sections rib piece 602. Theidentifiable sections hook 110 and pushes upwardly, thesections outer members 106 and connectingwalls 108 to expand outwardly to expose theinterior cavity 109. In a non-limiting embodiment, when the user grasps thehook 110 and pulls downwardly, thesections outer members 106 and connectingwalls 108 to retract inwardly and close around theinterior cavity 109. - It is noted that as women may have different heaviness and rates of flow depending on the day of the menstrual cycle, the
menstrual cup 102 may be made having different sizes to accommodate greater or lesser amounts ofmenstrual fluids 114 that may need to be contained within theinterior cavity 109 of themenstrual cup 102. Themenstrual cup 102 may be configured to fit within thevaginal opening 112 of a person (female) body. -
FIG. 8 provides an exemplary flowchart for using amenstrual cup 102 according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. In a non-limiting embodiment, atstep 802, the user may pull on ahook 110 of amenstrual cup 102 to close the sides orouter members 106 and connectingwalls 108 of themenstrual cup 102, such that themenstrual cup 102 is in a closed position. In a non-limiting embodiment, atstep 804, the user may insert themenstrual cup 102 as a whole (including the hook 110) inside of the vaginal opening orcavity 112. It is recommended that prior to insertion into thevaginal cavity 112, that thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 be in the retracted, closed position. Accordingly, while themenstrual cup 102 is outside of the user's body and outside of thevaginal cavity 112 of the user's body, the user would pull on thehook 110 of themenstrual cup 102 to cause thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 to close and contract. - At
step 806, the user may push up on theunderside 304 of thebody 104 and release thehook 110 of themenstrual cup 102 to cause theouter members 106 and connectingwalls 106 and/orbody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 to expand to the open position. When themenstrual cup 102 is in the open position within thevaginal cavity 112 of the user's body, themenstrual cup 102 is made ready to receive and contain anymenstrual fluids 114 that flow into theinterior cavity 109 of themenstrual cup 102. Accordingly, as shown atstep 808, the user may leave themenstrual cup 102 in its open position within thevaginal cavity 112 to collect anymenstrual fluids 114. - At
step 810, the user may want to remove themenstrual cup 102. Typically, this may be because themenstrual cup 102 feels full to the user. To remove themenstrual cup 102, the user may grasp thehook 110 to pull themenstrual cup 102 out of thevaginal cavity 112 which should also cause thehook 110 to apply a downward force on thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102, thereby causing the body 104 (e.g., theouter members 106 and the connecting walls 108) to contract into a closed position and to close around theinterior cavity 109 of themenstrual cup 102. Accordingly, during removal of themenstrual cup 102, themenstrual cup 102 is in the closed position and any containedmenstrual fluids 114 are enclosed by the body 104 (e.g., theouter members 106 and the connecting walls 108) of themenstrual cup 102. In this manner, themenstrual fluids 114 do not leak out of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102. Atstep 812, the user may dispose of any collectedfluids 114, which can be done be disposing of them in a toilet bowl and flushing them away or in a trash can for example. Atstep 814, the user can wash and sanitize themenstrual cup 102 to prepare for reuse of themenstrual cup 102 in thevaginal cavity 112 of the user or may store themenstrual cup 102 for future use. - The
menstrual cup 102, as described herein, offers many advantages including the comfort and reassurance to the user who will be able to immediately know when themenstrual cup 102 is fully expanded within the vaginal cavity and when themenstrual cup 102 is closed, which is an issue many users of commonly availablemenstrual cups 102 complain about in that the users are never sure if themenstrual cup 102 is properly inserted or not. - Further, the user will not want any menstrual fluid to spill or leak when the
menstrual cup 102 is being pulled out of the vaginal cavity. The ability for themenstrual cup 102, as described in one or more non-limiting embodiments, to contract when the user pulls thehook 110 of themenstrual cup 102, causing the sides orouter members 106 of thebody 104 of themenstrual cup 102 to contract provides peace of mind to the user when using themenstrual cup 102 that any messiness and unhygienic spilling of the menstrual fluids on the user or the floor can be avoided. The use ofmenstrual cup 102 helps the environment and prevents the use of single use plastic tampons, pads, or other such feminine hygiene products which cannot be recycled or reused and contribute to the environmental challenges and crisis that is currently a high priority. Further,menstrual cup 102 may be advantageous over other feminine hygiene products becausemenstrual cup 102 may cause less discomfort than a tampon or a pad. Further, the user has a greater peace of mind that themenstrual cup 102 will stay in place and capture any menstrual fluids without leaking. Many other advantages and benefits may be offered by themenstrual cup 102 as described above and shown in the attached Figures. - In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.
- The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, and steps, among others, are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components.
- Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).
- The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)— (a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm and upper limit is 100 mm.
- Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted.
- The term “coupled to” as used herein may refer to a direct or indirect connection. The term “set” as used herein may refer to one or more items. Accordingly, “set” may refer to a singular item or to a plurality of items.
- The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
- The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present invention according to one or more embodiments described in the present description may be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive of the present invention.
Claims (18)
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a menstrual cup configured to collect menstrual fluid or other bodily fluids from a vaginal cavity of a human body, the menstrual cup comprising:
a flexible body defining an interior cavity, wherein the flexible body is configured to open to an open position and to close and retract to a closed position; and
a hook attached to a bottom surface located on an underside of the flexible body,
wherein a downward force exerted onto and transferred from the hook to the flexible body causes the flexible body to contract and close inward such that a set of sides or a set of outer members of the flexible body are brought towards each other enclosing the interior cavity of the menstrual cup, and
wherein an upward force exerted onto and transferred from the hook to the flexible body causes the flexible body to gradually expand outward such that the set of sides or the set of outer members of the flexible body expand outwards to a fully open position and exposes the interior cavity of the menstrual cup such that the interior cavity is configured to receive and collect the menstrual fluids or other bodily fluids
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the set of outer members are connected to each other by a set of connecting walls of the flexible body, wherein the set of outer members and the set of connecting walls together define the interior cavity.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein each outer member of the set of outer members is connected to each connecting wall adjacent on each side of each outer member of the set of outer members.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the set of connecting walls are bendable and are configured to bend inwardly towards the interior cavity.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the set of connecting walls are lower in height than the set of outer members.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the set of outer members have a same height.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the set of outer members are joined to the flexible body defining the interior cavity.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein interior walls of the flexible body have a protective covering to cover any cracks or openings in the interior walls.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the set of sides or the set of outer members are visible from an exterior of the menstrual cup.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a bottom edge of each outer member of the set of outer members is connected to a bottom surface of the menstrual cup.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein when the flexible body of the menstrual cup is in the closed position, one or more sides of the set of outer members are in contact or touching each other.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein when the flexible body of the menstrual cup is in the closed position, one or more top surfaces of each outer member are contacting each other and the interior cavity of the flexible body of the menstrual cup is not accessible through the one or more top surfaces of each outer member.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein one or more interior pieces within the interior cavity are joined together and push upwards into the interior cavity of the flexible body of the menstrual cup when the flexible body of the menstrual cup is in the open position.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein a protective covering covers the one or more interior pieces within the interior cavity.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the hook includes a hook interior opening and a hook body encircling or surrounding the hook interior opening.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the menstrual cup is washable.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the menstrual cup is made from silicone.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the flexible body and the hook are integrally formed.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/947,836 US20230016976A1 (en) | 2021-04-19 | 2022-09-19 | Expandable and retractable menstrual cup |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US202163176412P | 2021-04-19 | 2021-04-19 | |
US17/721,493 US11484433B1 (en) | 2021-04-19 | 2022-04-15 | Expandable and retractable menstrual cup |
US17/947,836 US20230016976A1 (en) | 2021-04-19 | 2022-09-19 | Expandable and retractable menstrual cup |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US17/721,493 Continuation US11484433B1 (en) | 2021-04-19 | 2022-04-15 | Expandable and retractable menstrual cup |
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US20230016976A1 true US20230016976A1 (en) | 2023-01-19 |
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US17/721,493 Active US11484433B1 (en) | 2021-04-19 | 2022-04-15 | Expandable and retractable menstrual cup |
US17/947,836 Pending US20230016976A1 (en) | 2021-04-19 | 2022-09-19 | Expandable and retractable menstrual cup |
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US17/721,493 Active US11484433B1 (en) | 2021-04-19 | 2022-04-15 | Expandable and retractable menstrual cup |
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US (2) | US11484433B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022225817A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220047411A1 (en) * | 2019-11-05 | 2022-02-17 | The Flex Company | Menstrual cup |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3069432B1 (en) * | 2017-07-28 | 2021-10-22 | Claripharm | GROOVED MENSTRUAL CUP, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING, ASSOCIATED KIT AND METHOD OF DISINFECTION |
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- 2022-04-15 US US17/721,493 patent/US11484433B1/en active Active
- 2022-04-15 WO PCT/US2022/025039 patent/WO2022225817A1/en active Application Filing
- 2022-09-19 US US17/947,836 patent/US20230016976A1/en active Pending
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Also Published As
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WO2022225817A1 (en) | 2022-10-27 |
US11484433B1 (en) | 2022-11-01 |
US20220331148A1 (en) | 2022-10-20 |
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