WO1999036006A1 - Disposable cervical cap with a reservoir for increased fluid flow - Google Patents
Disposable cervical cap with a reservoir for increased fluid flow Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999036006A1 WO1999036006A1 PCT/US1998/000680 US9800680W WO9936006A1 WO 1999036006 A1 WO1999036006 A1 WO 1999036006A1 US 9800680 W US9800680 W US 9800680W WO 9936006 A1 WO9936006 A1 WO 9936006A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- cap
- dome
- rim
- cervical
- cervical cap
- Prior art date
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
- A61F6/00—Contraceptive devices; Pessaries; Applicators therefor
- A61F6/06—Contraceptive devices; Pessaries; Applicators therefor for use by females
- A61F6/08—Pessaries, i.e. devices worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition or prevent conception, e.g. combined with devices protecting against contagion
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to contraceptive devices for females and, more particularly, to an improved disposable cervical cap with a reservoir for increased fluid flow.
- the present invention provides an improved disposable cervical cap which overcomes the aforementioned problems. Due to its novel construction, the cervical cap of the present invention allows for its use by women with variations in anatomy that result in additional fluid flow.
- the present invention provides a disposable cervical cap having a thin-walled, flexible, and pliant dome with an integrally-molded flexible retaining rim.
- the flexible, form-assuming dome of the cervical cap conforms to the exocervical surface to closely fit the surface upon contact. Due to its thinness and applicability, the dome of the cap will continue to adhere to the surface of the cervix until removed. Adherence of the dome to the cervix is further facilitated by the moist cervical surface.
- the improved cervical cap of the present invention includes a reservoir molded to the pliant dome portion of the cap in order to collect additional fluids produced from a female's cervix.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a cervical cap of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the cervical cap
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2
- FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternate preferred embodiment cervical cap of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4.
- cervical cap 10 comprises a flexible, thin, form-assuming dome 12, an apex portion 14, a base portion 16, and an annular rim 18.
- Dome 12 is generally thimble-shaped, with base portion 16 inwardly tapering toward apex portion 14.
- Dome 12 further includes first side wall 22 and second side wall 24.
- the outer diameter of rim 18 is greater than that of base portion 16 of dome 12.
- Cervical cap 10 further includes a substantially rounded reservoir 20 integrally molded with apex portion 14 of dome 12 for storing excess fluids produced by a female.
- Reservoir 20 at the apex of the dome portion of the cap allows for the temporary collection of excess fluids discharged by a woman without affecting the operation or effectiveness of the dome as a covering over the cervix.
- side walls 22 and 24 represent the most active portion of dome 12, where the dome functions most effectively to sealingly grip the cervix.
- the reservoir of the dome prevents the diminishing of the surface viscosity of the active area of the dome, or the ability to sealingly grip the cervix, because the reservoir is molded to the portion of the dome where the inactive area of surface viscosity begins.
- the cervical cap of the present invention may also be employed as a conception device, depending on the desired result. While the use of the cervical cap as a contraception device functions to prevent semen from entering the cervical canal (Os), the conception device aids in fertilization when sperm is placed inside the cap and the device is placed over the cervix, thereby concentrating sperm at the opening of the Os.
- cervical cap 10 includes a loop 34 that serves as a handle, facilitates insertion and removal of cap 10 and is integrally-molded with annular rim 18.
- annular rim 18 has an inner surface 26 and an outer surface 28. Thin, gripping finger 30 projects upwardly and outwardly, as finger 30 is integrally-formed with inner surface 26. Finger 30 also defines an upper portion of a notched indentation 32 as viewed in FIG. 3. Annular rim 18 contains at least two gripping fingers 30 that are directly opposite or symmetrically opposed from each other along inner surface 26. However, it will be appreciated to one skilled in the art that more than two fingers could be employed.
- Fingers 30 effectively grip and hold cervical cap 10 over the cervix in order to prevent semen from entering the cervical canal or to aid in fertilization.
- Gripping fingers 30 and notched indentation 32 essentially provide the effect of a Chinese finger puzzle by gripping the side walls of the cervix and holding the cap when the circumference of the rim 18 is fitted around the cervix and slightly expands. Cervical cap 10 is fixed in place by the use of gripping fingers 30 rather than merely by suction or surface viscosity.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 an alternate embodiment of the present invention provides a cervical cap 110 comprising a flexible, thin, form-assuming dome 112, an apex portion 114, a base portion 116, and an annular rim 118.
- Dome 112 is generally thimble-shaped, with base portion 116 inwardly tapering toward apex portion 114. Dome 112 further includes first side wall 144 and second side wall 146. The outer diameter of rim 118 is greater than that of base portion 116 of dome 112.
- Cervical cap 110 further includes a substantially rounded reservoir 140 integrally molded with apex portion 114 of dome 112 for storing excess fluids produced by a female.
- Reservoir 140 at the apex of the dome portion of the cap allows for the temporary collection of excess fluids discharged by a woman without affecting the operation or effectiveness of the dome as a covering over the cervix.
- side walls 144 and 146 represent the most active portion of dome 112, where the dome functions most effectively to sealingly grip the cervix.
- the reservoir of the dome prevents the diminishing of the surface viscosity of the active area of the dome, or the ability to sealingly grip the cervix, because the reservoir is molded to the portion of the dome where the inactive area of surface viscosity begins.
- rim 118 has an inner surface 120 and an outer surface 122, bottom surface 124, and upper surfaces 126 and 128.
- Upper surface 126 extends leftward from base portion 116, as viewed in FIG. 5, and terminates at outer shoulder 130.
- Upper surface 128 extends rightward from base portion 116, as viewed in FIG. 5, and terminates at outer shoulder 132.
- Upper surface 128 extends at an acute angle from adjacent base portion 116, preferably, for example, at about an 85 degree angle.
- Annular rim 118 has generally inwardly directed annular groove 134.
- the side walls or annular groove 134 extend generally toward bottom surface 124 with the opening of annular groove 134 facing inwardly and upwardly as shown in FIG. 5.
- Adjacent to annular groove 134 are annular upper rim 136 and annular lower rim lip 138. As illustrated in FIG. 5, both upper rim lip 136 and lower rim lip 138 extend generally inwardly and upwardly at an angle acute to dome base portion 116. This lip configuration serves to grip the cervix wail and helps keep the cervical cap in position over the cervix as an alternate embodiment to the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
- cervical cap 110 includes a loop 142 that serves as a handle, facilitates insertion and removal of cap 110, and is integrally-molded with annular rim 118. It is preferred that the cervical cap of the present invention be constructed of a sperm-impermeable, tear-resistant medical elastomer, such as a silicone rubber, and formed by liquid injection molding. Other suitable materials, such as RTV thermoplastic that can be molded thin enough to be form-conforming and pliant may
- the reservoir at the apex of the dome is also preferably made of the
- Preferred materials include a 40 durometer silicone, such as Silastic Q4840
- the cervical cap of the present invention be constructed of a sperm-impermeable, tear-resistant medical elastomer, such as silicone rubber, and formed by liquid injection molding.
- a sperm-impermeable, tear-resistant medical elastomer such as silicone rubber
- suitable materials such as RTV thermoplastic that is thin enough to be form-conforming and pliant may also be employed.
- This material may or may not be impregnated with biologically active components. These components may include, but are not limited to, spermicides, antibiotics, antifungals, and hormonal replacements.
- biologically active components may include, but are not limited to, spermicides, antibiotics, antifungals, and hormonal replacements.
- the cervical cap of the present invention may be pre-treated by coating or impregnating its surface with spermicidal agents during manufacture.
- the biologically active components may also assist in fertilization, or may be mixed with sperm within the hollow body of the dome of the cap in order to achieve the desired result.
- the use of biologically active materials may stimulate sperm motility, prolong the active life of the sperm or aid in gender selection. Selectively eliminating or altering the behavior of some sperm by significantly changing the pH may bias the activity of the X or Y sperm, resulting in odds which favor one particular sex over the other. These components may be released therefrom in an amount effective to achieve its purpose during use.
- the dome and reservoir are preferably, but not limited to, about one quarter millimeter thick and have a burst out strength of approximately 122 millibars on average.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1998/000680 WO1999036006A1 (en) | 1998-01-15 | 1998-01-15 | Disposable cervical cap with a reservoir for increased fluid flow |
EP98904561A EP1047359A4 (en) | 1998-01-15 | 1998-01-15 | Disposable cervical cap with a reservoir for increased fluid flow |
AU62408/98A AU6240898A (en) | 1998-01-15 | 1998-01-15 | Disposable cervical cap with a reservoir for increased fluid flow |
CA002318226A CA2318226A1 (en) | 1998-01-15 | 1998-01-15 | Disposable cervical cap with a reservoir for increased fluid flow |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1998/000680 WO1999036006A1 (en) | 1998-01-15 | 1998-01-15 | Disposable cervical cap with a reservoir for increased fluid flow |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999036006A1 true WO1999036006A1 (en) | 1999-07-22 |
Family
ID=22266199
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1998/000680 WO1999036006A1 (en) | 1998-01-15 | 1998-01-15 | Disposable cervical cap with a reservoir for increased fluid flow |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1047359A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU6240898A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2318226A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999036006A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4785804A (en) | 1987-07-20 | 1988-11-22 | Page Hanes, Inc. | Disposable cervical cap |
US4895170A (en) * | 1987-07-20 | 1990-01-23 | Page Hanes, Inc. | Method of contraception using disposable cervical cap |
US5228456A (en) * | 1991-09-19 | 1993-07-20 | Karg Jeffrey A | Contraceptive diaphragm with molded plastic rim |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5295984A (en) * | 1989-12-07 | 1994-03-22 | Ultrafem, Inc. | Vaginal discharge collection device and intravaginal drug delivery system |
-
1998
- 1998-01-15 AU AU62408/98A patent/AU6240898A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-01-15 CA CA002318226A patent/CA2318226A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-01-15 EP EP98904561A patent/EP1047359A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1998-01-15 WO PCT/US1998/000680 patent/WO1999036006A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4785804A (en) | 1987-07-20 | 1988-11-22 | Page Hanes, Inc. | Disposable cervical cap |
US4895170A (en) * | 1987-07-20 | 1990-01-23 | Page Hanes, Inc. | Method of contraception using disposable cervical cap |
US5228456A (en) * | 1991-09-19 | 1993-07-20 | Karg Jeffrey A | Contraceptive diaphragm with molded plastic rim |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of EP1047359A4 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1047359A1 (en) | 2000-11-02 |
EP1047359A4 (en) | 2001-09-05 |
AU6240898A (en) | 1999-08-02 |
CA2318226A1 (en) | 1999-07-22 |
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