WO2012158970A1

WO2012158970A1 - Female contraceptive device

Info

Publication number: WO2012158970A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/038440
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edward C. FONG; Claire E. LA MARGO
Original assignee: Fong Edward C; La Margo Claire E
Priority date: 2011-05-18
Filing date: 2012-05-17
Publication date: 2012-11-22

Abstract

The present disclosure advantageously provides a female contraceptive device, methods of using the contraceptive device, and methods of making the contraceptive device.

Description

FEMALE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICE

BACKGROUND

1. Field

[0001] The present disclosure advantageously provides a female contraceptive device, methods of using the contraceptive device, and methods of making the contraceptive device.

2. Conventional Devices

[0002] Various contraceptive devices and medications have been developed in the past with the goal of preventing conception or impregnation. Although different birth control regimens, for instance, the diaphragm, intrauterine device and male condom, have been created in order to prevent or reduce the likelihood of pregnancy or childbirth, there are many disadvantages to conventional contraceptive devices and medications.. The widely used male condom often fails to serve its intended purpose of preventing conception or impregnation. Birth control medications, such as birth control pills, also pose numerous disadvantages, including harmful side effects. Consequently, there is a great unmet need for an improved device to prevent conception and also prevent transmission of disease as a result of sexual activity.

SUMMARY

[0003] The invention relates to a prophylactic, contraceptive device for wearing by a human female, methods of using the contraceptive device, and methods of making the contraceptive device. [0004] One preferred embodiment comprises a prophylactic, contraceptive device for wearing by a human female comprising: at least one first body section adapted to fit on a human body and overlie a perineal area of a wearer and extend at least from the area adjacent the navel on the front of said wearer or a point opposite the navel on the posterior of said wearer downward to a point below which the thighs intersect the torso, said section being formed of a smooth extendible material for extending inwardly to conform intimately with interior portions of the wearer in contact with said first section, said material being extendible between a smooth, non-extended state and a fully extended state such that the surface area of said first section in such fully extended state is greater than the surface area of said first section in said non-extended state; at least two second sections, one bordering or affixed to the top of said at least one first body section adjacent the navei on the front of said wearer or a point opposite the navel on the posterior of said wearer and the other second section bordering or affixed to the bottom of said at Ieast one first body section at a point below which the thighs intersect the torso, said second sections being formed of a substantially inelastic material; and connecting means attached to said at Ieast two second sections adapted to permit wearing of said device by said human female; said inflexible material and said extendible material being impermeable to human bodily fluids.

[0005] The prophylactic, contraceptive device, according to one embodiment, can comprise two body sections and four second sections wherein two of said second sections is affixed to one of said body sections and overlies the front perineal area of the wearer and the other two of said second sections is affixed to the other of said body sections and overlies the posterior perineal area of said wearer and, further wherein said two body sections are joined to form a unitary wearable device.

[0006] According to one example, the substantially inelastic material of the body section can be natural, synthetic or semi-synthetic. According to another example, the substantially inelastic material can also be cloth, plastic, or leather. According to yet another example, the extendible material of the second section can be a natural or synthetic elastomer.

[0007] According to yet another example, the connecting means comprise any material suitable for constructing a garment worn by a human female.

[0008] According to yet another example, the at least one first section contains an indented section which covers the vaginal or anal area of said human female and is adapted to permit penetration thereof by a human tongue.

[0009] According to still yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention can include glow-in-the-dark components for any of the components shown in Figures 1-4, including for instance, giow-in-the-dark straps. It is thus possible to adapt any possible components of the invention that are described herein, such that they operate as glow- in-the-dark components.

[0010] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention can include

VELCRO® Brand components for any of the components shown in Figures 1-4, including for instance, VELCRO® Brand straps. It is thus possible to adapt any possible components of the invention that are described herein, such that they are VELCRO® Brand components.

[0011] It is also to be understood that the present invention, including any aspects and embodiments of the invention that are described herein, can also be utilized and adapted as necessary for use between a man and a man; between a man and a woman; and, alternatively, between two women.

[0012] Additional embodiments and aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the

embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a person wearing a contraceptive device, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an expanded view of the midsection of a person wearing the contraceptive device, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an expanded view of a contraceptive device, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an expanded view of a contraceptive device, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure relates to a prophylactic, contraceptive device for wearing by a human female, methods of using the contraceptive device, and methods of making the contraceptive device.

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments which are described below are provided as representative embodiments, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0020] Referring to Figure 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention, a female 80 is depicted wearing the non-invasive contraceptive device 100. The device 100 is preferably constructed such that it is worn securely and comfortably around the waist of the female 80. The device 100 can be manufactured in any suitable size, according to the individual dimensions, e.g., waist size and width of the thighs of the female 80. The female can be of any age, size, height, and weight. [0021] As described herein, the device 100 is a contraceptive and prophylactic device. The device 100 may be worn, for instance, by a woman during sexual activity with a man or with another woman. The device 100 may be comfortably worn for extended periods of time prior to, during, and after engagement in sexual activities with a man or another woman, and under different temperatures, humidities, and other conditions.

[0022] As further described herein, the device 100 functions as a contraceptive device, since one of the many advantages of the device 100 is the unexpected advantage of preventing the incidence of impregnation of the female 80. As used herein, the term "contraceptive" is intended to refer to a device, in accordance with the present invention, that prevents pregnancy by preventing sperm from passing through the cervix to fertilize an egg, and thus deliberately preventing the likelihood of pregnancy by preventing conception as a result of sexual activity.

[0023] As depicted in Figures 1 and 2, according to a preferred embodiment, the noninvasive contraceptive device 100 is placed externally over the female's genital area, and is thus used to reduce or eliminate pregnancy from sexual activity, and also advantageously reduce or eliminate the incidence of one or more sexually-transmitted diseases that may be acquired, for instance, through genital intercourse, vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, or during cunnilingus, e.g., through acts of using the mouth, lips, and tongue to contact the female genitalia. The device 100 thus effectively provides a prophylaxis for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) between sexual partners.

[0024] Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), as described herein, are intended to include, but are not limited to, infections and other unwanted pathological conditions that a person can acquire from engaging in sexual activity with another person or persons. Examples of sexually-transmitted diseases that may be reduced or eliminated from application of the non-invasive device, according to the present invention, include but are not limited to AIDS, chlamydia, genital warts, herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis, scabies and syphilis.

[0025] Referring to Figure 2, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is depicted an expanded view of the midsection of a female 80 wearing the contraceptive device 100. The device 100 is preferably configured to cover at least a portion of the abdomen of the female 80, at least a portion of each thigh, and form a substantially secure seal at each thigh opening and the abdomen opening.

[0026] The contraceptive device 100 depicted in Figures 1 and 2 is shown having a particular shape that is configured to cover at least a portion of the abdomen of the female 80, at least a portion of each thigh, and form a substantially secure seal at each thigh opening and the abdomen opening. It is to be understood, however, that the contraceptive device 100 can have any other shape that is suitable or desired, for instance, circular or oval in shape. [0027] Referring again to Figure 2, according to one preferred embodiment, the device 100 includes a central portion 105 and a plurality of connecting portions 110. The central portion 105 is integrally connected to each connecting portion 110. Each connecting portion 110 can be fabricated, for instance, as an adjustable elastic strap that fits around the person's legs as depicted in Figure 2. Each adjustable connecting portion 110 also functions to secure the position of the central portion 105 over the genital area, as shown in Figure 2. The type of material, as well as the texture, color, size, shape, thickness, flexibility, elasticity, and other properties of the central portion 105 and of the connecting portions 110 can be varied as needed or desired. Exemplary thicknesses of the central portion 105 include anywhere from about 0.1 centimeters to about 1.0 centimeters, or from 0.3 centimeters in thickness to about 0.5 centimeters in thickness, just as examples. The central portion 105 can also include multiple layers of material that collectively form the central portion 105. Exemplary shapes of the central portion 105 include, for instance, substantially oval, circular, or heart-shaped. In addition, it is to be understood that any portion, or all, of the device 100 can also be fabricated to have any particular flavor, scent, color, pattern and/or appearance. Such fabrication can include addition of a flavoring agent, scenting agent, and/or any number of patterns or appearances to any portion, or all, of the device 100, by any suitable fabrication process, such that the fabricated device 100 exhibits the particular flavor, scent, pattern and/or appearance.

[0028] Exemplary flavors include, but are not limited to, cherry, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, mango, peach, apricot, honey, apple, orange, and any mixture or combination thereof. Exemplary scents include, for instance, rose-scented, lavender- scented, any type of perfume scent or fragrance.

[0029] Some examples of different types of agents can be used add flavor, scent, color, or other desirable properties to the device 100 include, for example, Amyris (West Indian Sandalwood), Avocado, Bergamot, Black Pepper , Cedarwood, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Fennel (Sweet), Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lavender , Lemon,

Marjoram, Nutmeg, Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint , Rosemary, Rosewood, Ylang Yiang, and any combination or mixture thereof, and also in any concentration or mixture of concentrations, as needed or desired. Different colorant agents or coloring agents include agents that are red, orange, pink , purple, green, blue, yellow, black, brown, gold, silver, white, any and shade of such colors, and also any mixture of one or more of any colors. The device 100 can also be entirely or substantially transparent e.g., by use of materials that are substantially transparent or "see-through" if desired.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the central portion 105, as well as one or more other components of the device 100. is preferably made of a material that is

substantially impermeable to fluids or other secretions, including bodily

fluids and secretions emitted during sexual activity. Such materials include for instance, but are not limited to, non-toxic elastomeric materials, such as latex, polyurethane, or silicone elastomer. Some polymers which are elastomers and can be used as non-toxic elastomeric materials include, for instance, polyisoprene or natural

rubber, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, andpoiyurethanes. Other examples of non-toxic elastomers that can be used include, for example, one or more of the following: • Natural poiyisoprene: cis-1 ,4-polyisoprene natural rubber (NR) and trans- 1 ,4- polyisoprene gutta-percha

• Synthetic poiyisoprene (IR for Isoprene Rubber)

• Polybutadiene (BR for Butadiene Rubber)

Chloroprene rubber (CR), polychloroprene, Neoprene, Baypren etc.

• Butyl rubber (copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene, IIR)

Halogenated butyl rubbers (chloro butyl rubber: CMR; bromo butyl rubber: BIIR)

• Styrene-butadiene Rubber (copolymer of styrene and butadiene, SBR)

• Nitrite rubber (copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile, NBR), aiso called Buna N rubbers

• Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubbers (HNBR) Therban and Zetpol

(Unsaturated rubbers can also be cured by non-sulfur vulcanization if desired).

• EPM (ethylene propylene rubber, a copolymer of ethylene and propylene)

and EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene rubber, a terpofymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene-component)

• Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO)

• Polyacrylic rubber (ACM, ABR)

• Silicone rubber (SI, Q, VMQ)

• Fluorosilicone Rubber (FVMQ)

• Fluoroelastomers (FKM, and FEPM) Viton, Tecnoflon, Fluorel, Aflas and Dai-El

• Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) Tecnoflon PFR, Kalrez, Chemraz, Perlast

• Polyether block amides (PEBA) • Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), (Hypalon)

• Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)

The central portion 105 can also be made of any other natural, synthetic and/or semisynthetic material that is non-toxic and otherwise not harmful to a person.

[0031] Referring again to Figure 2, when the device 100 is worn by the female 80, the central portion 105 of the device 100 effectively prevents transmission of human body fluids and secretions, for instance, bodily secretions emitted from male and female genitalia during sexual intercourse, or fluids emitted from the oral cavity during oral sex.

[0032] The central portion 105 can also preferably be fabricated as a thin flexible impermeable membrane configured to cover substantially the entire crotch region of a female wearer. The device 100 thus effectively and advantageously acts as a

prophylactic device and contraceptive by preventing the transmission of disease and sperm during sexual intercourse, and preventing the occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases. The device 100 thus effectively provides a barrier against transmission of bodily fluids and secretions during sexual activities, for instance, between a man and a woman, or between two women.

[0033] The device 100 may be worn, for instance, by a woman during sexual activities with a man or with another woman. Depending on whether the sexual activities are between a man and a woman, or between two women, the sexual activities may include, for instance, sexual intercourse, vaginal intercourse, anal sex, oral sex, or cunnilingus.

[0034] Referring again to Figure 2, the connecting portions 110 are used to securely position tine device 100 in place when worn by the female 80. In this manner, the device 100 will not slip, fall down or fall off the female 80 when worn properly, and the device 100 will therefore stay in place during physical activity with another individual, e.g., during genital intercourse, vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, or during cunnilingus.

[0035] For clarity in the drawings, the rear section of each connecting portion 110, which is placed around the rear side of each leg as shown, is depicted by reference numeral 115. It is to be understood that each connecting portion 110 can be made of any suitable material, for instance, cloth, plastic, elastomeric material, or any other nontoxic natural, synthetic and/or semi-synthetic material that securely positions the device 100 in place when worn. Although only two connecting portions 110 are shown in Figure 2, it is to be understood that any number of connecting portions 110 can be used to secure the device 100 when worn. For instance, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve or more connecting portions 110 can be used to secure the device 100 when worn.

[0036] It is preferred that the connecting portions 110 be fabricated as adjustable, elastic, stretchable straps. The connecting portions 110 can also be fabricated as detachable straps. [0037] Referring to Figure 3, an expanded view of a preferred embodiment of the device 100 is shown. In this preferred embodiment, the central portion 105 is bordered at the top; i.e., the portion adjacent the navel or a point opposite thereto on the posterior of the wearer by or has affixed thereto section 106 and at the bottom, section 107.

Sections 106 and 107 are preferably formed of a substantially inelastic material so as to provide greater and unexpected structural integrity to the device. The plurality of connecting portions 110 are preferably connected to the ends of sections 106 and 107 via a plurality of fasteners 120. As shown in Figure 3, each fastener 120 fastens or connects one end of a connecting portion 110 to the sections 106 and 107. Each fastener 120 can be made of a suitable material including, for instance, a non-toxic metal, alloy, or plastic material, and wherein the fastener 120 can have any color, scent, fragrance, thickness, shape, size, texture, appearance, and/or pattern. Representative, exemplary scents, colors, and fragrances are described elsewhere herein for other components of the device 100, wherein said exemplary scents, colors, and fragrances can also be applied to fasteners 120. One embodiment, shown in Figure 3, depicts each fastener 120 as a substantially circular-shaped fastener.

[0038] Referring again to Figure 3, according to another embodiment, the central portion 105 can also include an indentation region 130, The indentation region 130 can be made in any shape, size and position in the central portion 105, as suitable or desired. The indentation region 130 provides an area where another person can, for instance, place their tongue when the person is engaged in oral sex with an individual wearing the device 100. It is preferred that the indentation region 130 and the central portion 105 are both made of a substantially impermeable material, i.e., a material that is substantially impermeable to penetration by bodily fluids and secretions. Thus, in circumstances, for instance, where a woman is wearing the device 100, and either another woman or a man is engaged in oral sex or cunnilingus with the woman wearing the device 100, it is possible for the other woman or man to place their tongue in the area of the indentation region 130, such that there is no transmission of bodily fluids or secretions during the oral sex or cunnilingus.

[0039] According to another embodiment, as depicted schematically in Figure 4, when a woman wearing the device 200 desires to engage in sexual activities with another woman or with a man that involve both the genitalia and the anus, for instance, vaginal intercourse and anal sex, or oral sex and anal sex, it is not necessary to take off the device 200 during these sexual activities. Under such circumstances, when the device 200 is worn, the central portion 105 covers the woman's genital area, while the rear central portion 205 simultaneously covers the woman's anal area. As depicted in

Figure 4, according to one embodiment, the device 200 includes both a central portion 105 that is placed externally over a person's genital area, and another, rear central portion 205 that is placed externally over a person's anal area. The rear central portion

205 is connected to the frontal central portion 105 by connecting portions 210. The connecting portions 210 are preferably adapted to be worn around the waist of a woman wearing the device 200. The connecting portions 210 are preferably secured in place by fasteners 220. Each fastener 220 can be made of a suitable material including, for instance, metal, or plastic. One embodiment, shown in Figure 4, depicts each fastener 220 as a substantially circular-shaped object.

[0040] It is to be understood that each connecting portion 210 can be made of any suitable material, for instance, of cloth, plastic, elastomeric material, or any other natural, synthetic or semi-synthetic material that securely positions the device 200 in place when worn. Although only two connecting portions 210 are shown in Figure 4, it is to be understood that any number of connecting portions 210 can be used to secure the device 200 in place when worn. For instance, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve or more connecting portions 210 can be used.

[0041] The devices 100 and 200, as depicted according to the different embodiments shown in Figures 1-4, or according to different embodiments of the invention, is preferably fabricated of a hypo-allergenic or non-allergenic material. It is also preferred that the material(s) used in fabncating the device 100 and 200, or according to different embodiments of the invention, is non-toxic to humans.

[0042] One or more oil-based, water based or other type of non-toxic chemical agents, creams, lubricants, spermicidal agents, contraceptive substances, lotions, or other substances may also be applied to the device 100, for instance, prior to or during sexual activities. The device 100 may also be manufactured as part of a kit or package, e.g., in a sealable container, with one or more other such agents, for instance, one or more oil-based, water based or other type of non-toxic chemical agents, creams, lubricants, spermicidal agents, contraceptive substances, lotions, or other substances. [0043] it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. It is understood by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A prophylactic, contraceptive device for wearing by a human female comprising: at least one first body section adapted to fit on a human body and overlie

a perineal area of a wearer and extend at least from the area adjacent the navel on the front of said wearer or a point opposite the navel on the posterior of said wearer downward to a point below which the thighs intersect the torso, said section being formed of a smooth extendible material for extending inwardly to conform intimately with interior portions of the wearer in contact with said first section, said material being extendible between a smooth, non-extended state and a fully extended state such that the surface area of said first section in such fully extended state is greater than the surface area of said first section in said non-extended state;

at least two second sections, one bordering or affixed to the top of said at least one first body section adjacent the navel on the front of said wearer or a point opposite the navel on the posterior of said wearer and the other second section bordering or affixed to the bottom of said at least one first body section at a point below which the thighs intersect the torso, said second sections being formed of a substantially inelastic material; and

connecting means attached to said at least two second sections adapted to permit wearing of said device by said human female; said inflexible material and said extendible material being impermeable to human bodily fluids.

2. The prophylactic, contraceptive device of claim 1 comprising two body sections and four second sections wherein two of said second sections is affixed to one of said body sections and overlies the front perineal area of the wearer and the other two of said second sections is affixed to the other of said body sections and overlies the posterior perineal area of said wearer and, further wherein said two body sections are joined to form a unitary wearable device.

3. The prophylactic, contraceptive device of claim 1 wherein said substantially inelastic material of said body section is natural, synthetic or semi-synthetic.

4. The prophylactic, contraceptive device of claim 3 wherein said substantially inelastic material is cloth, plastic, or leather.

5. The prophylactic, contraceptive device of claim 1 wherein said extendible material of said second section is a natural or synthetic elastomer.

6. The prophylactic, contraceptive device of claim 1 wherein said connecting means comprise any material suitable for constructing a garment worn by a human female.

7. The prophylactic, contraceptive device of claim 1 wherein said at least one first section contains an indented section which covers the vaginal or anal

area of said human female and is adapted to permit penetration thereof by a

human tongue.