WO2022147327A1

WO2022147327A1 - Flushable menstrual device

Info

Publication number: WO2022147327A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/065789
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Ross Miller; Jane Hartman Adame; Lauren Schulte Wang
Original assignee: The Flex Company
Priority date: 2020-12-30
Filing date: 2021-12-30
Publication date: 2022-07-07

Abstract

A flushable menstrual device is disclosed that can collect menstrual fluid in a number of different manners including, but not limited to, collection and/or absorption. Many embodiments can have a catchment portion of the device as well as be made of a material that allows for absorption of the fluid. This can improve the overall use by improving comfort as well as maintaining a flushable quality.

Description

FLUSHABLE MENSTRUAL DEVICE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/132,313, filed December 30, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to menstrual devices and more specifically menstrual devices that are environmentally beneficial.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Menstrual cups are known such as described further in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1 ,891 ,761 to Goddard, 1 ,996,242 to Hagedorn, 2,089,113 to Chalmers, 5,827,248 to Crawford, and Design Pat. No. D323,212 to Crawford. Such devices are commonly used as a replacement to other catamenial devices such as tampons and sanitary napkins.

[0004] The typical menstrual cup is a cup-shaped device designed to be inserted into the vagina and catch menses. Goddard, Hagedome, and Chalmers devices are worn in a lower region of the vaginal canal where there are more nerve endings. These menstrual cups form a vacuum seal with the vaginal wall that must be disrupted before the cup is removed.

[0005] An alternative class of menstrual cups is disclosed in Potter, U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,984. The Potter device is placed at the fornix, an anatomical region around the cervix at the top of the vaginal canal where there are fewer nerve endings. The Potter device is optimal for ergonomic comfort; however, there are known limitations. The Potter device is adapted for production using synthetic plastics and elastomers and it is not an optimal design for disposal via a septic system or wastewater stream.

[0006] Generally, menstrual products tend to be made from materials that are designed to catch menses or absorb menses. Many such materials are not readily designed to be flushable or disposed in a septic or wastewater system. Manufacturers of typical menstrual products fail to take advantage of improved manufacturing techniques, designs, and materials that can help produce menstrual products that offer improved comfort and use as well as reduced environmental impact.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The disclosure is directed to environmentally friendly menstrual devices that are capable of high absorption as well as being flushable in such a manner that it does not have a negative impact on downstream water treatment. Many embodiments are directed to a highly absorbent menstrual device with a body portion having an outer wall and an inner wall where the inner wall forms a catchment portion. The body also has an upper rim that can be configured in a number of different ways to allow for improved application and use such as being resiliently compressible and/or compactable as well as being capable of expanding through absorption such that the expansion causes interaction with the vaginal walls. Additional embodiments may be configured with a removal mechanism that can be embedded within the material of the device and configured to allow a pulling force to be exerted on the device for easy removal. In many embodiments, the body of the device is made of a highly absorbent material. In various embodiments, the removal mechanism can be made of a material that is different from that of the body or may be made of the same or similar material. In accordance with numerous embodiments, the catchment area can be configured to be large or small depending on the use.

[0008] Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures, which are presented as exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the invention, wherein:

[0010] Fig. 1 illustrates various views of a flushable menstrual device in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0011] Fig. 2 illustrates a cross sectional side and isometric view of a flushable menstrual device in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0012] Fig. 3A illustrates isometric views of a flushable menstrual device in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0013] Fig. 3B illustrates a bottom and side view of a flushable menstrual device in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0014] Fig. 4 illustrates a cross sectional side and isometric view of a flushable menstrual device in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0015] Figs. 5A through 5C illustrate a flushable menstrual device with a reduced catchment area in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0016] Figs. 5D through 5F illustrate a flushable menstrual device with a textured surface in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0017] Figs. 6A through 6E illustrate a flushable menstrual device in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A flushable menstrual device is provided that has a body portion with an upper rim that is designed to be inserted into the vagina and allow for improved insertion. In many embodiments, the body portion has an outer and inner wall and a catchment area formed from the inner wall of the body. In numerous embodiments the upper rim is made to be resiliency foldable or compactable to allow for improved insertion. Other embodiments may have a reduced or minimal catchment area where the body of the device acts as an absorbent catchment device. In some embodiments the catchment area can take on the shape of a channel centrally located. Some embodiments may have one or more channels to direct fluid flow and allow for improved absorption of the device. As can be appreciated many embodiments may be made from a highly absorbent material. Additionally, many embodiments may be made of one or more materials that help to improve absorption and/or use. Furthermore, many embodiments can be made from materials that have a reduced environmental impact and allow for greater processing downstream such that the product can be readily disposed within a septic or wastewater system without causing harm to the system.

[0019] Flushable products are generally regarded as able to clear toilets and properly maintained drainage pipe systems when the suppliers recommended usage instructions are correctly followed. The products should be able to pass through properly maintained wastewater conveyance systems and should be compatible with wastewater treatment, reuse and disposal systems without causing system blockage, clogging or other operational problems. Furthermore, disposed products should be unrecognizable in effluent. Effluent is a liquid discharge which leaves onsite and municipal wastewater treatment systems and contains digested sludge from wastewater treatment plants that can be applied to soil. The INDA, The Association of Nonwovens Fabrics Industry, has published a generally regarded set of guidelines defining flushability requirements.

[0020] As discussed above, manufactures of traditional menstrual products tend to use materials that often do not meet flushability guidelines. As such, many products that are currently on the market are not designed to be disposed within a wastewater system. Despite that fact, many users tend to dispose of products within the various wastewater systems as a matter of ease of use. Some products have been developed that can be flushable such as the “Water-Dispersible Fluid Absorber” as presented in WIPO publication number W02020136380A2 to Koshy et al. (Koshy). Koshy is generally directed to an absorbent sanitary pad with multiple layers of material configured for absorption. While Koshy may be generally applied to a sanitary pad which sits on the exterior of the body, it would not readily be applicable to a product designed to be inserted into the vaginal canal.

[0021] In contrast, the present invention is directed to a flushable menstrual device that can be inserted in the vaginal canal of a user and can act to absorb and collect menses while in use. Furthermore, many embodiments are directed to a menstrual device that can be readily disposed within a septic or wastewater system without causing harm to the system. As can be appreciated, many embodiments can take on a number of different configurations to provide absorption and/or collection of menses and other bodily fluids while maintaining a comfortable use and overall environmentally safe product.

[0022] Turning now to the figures, embodiments of a menstrual device are illustrated. Fig. 1 for example, illustrates an embodiment of a menstrual device 100 that is configured to collect menses within a catchment area 102 of the device. The menstrual device can have a body 104 that is generally cup shaped and has an opening 106 at the top which exposes catchment area 102. The catchment area 102, in many embodiments, can have an upper rim 108 that can be configured to improve the insertion of the device 100 into the vaginal canal. For example, the rim 108 can have a curved profile 110 or may have any number of profiles that can improve ease of insertion. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the rim 108 as well as the body 104 can be configured to be resiliently foldable and I or expandable when engorged with moisture such that the device 100 can be compressed for insertion and then can expand to open once inserted. The compressible device 100 can expand under its own strength, such as the increased strength when swelling with moisture, without any additional device or interference from the user. Additionally, many embodiments may have a pull tab 112 that is located at the bottom of the body 104. The pull tab 112 can be a removal mechanism that helps to remove the device once it has collected menses. In many embodiments, the removal tab can be a tab or a string or any other mechanism that allows for the device to pulled and removed from the vaginal canal. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the pull tab 112 can be configured with textured elements that can create a surface that is more easily grasped.

[0023] As can be appreciated, many embodiments of the menstrual device 100 can be configured with one or more absorbent features including, but not limited to, construction material as well as surface design. Although not shown in the figures, menstrual devices can be configured with one or more contoured surfaces to increase the surface area of the device. This can be appreciated as providing additional absorption area for when absorption is needed. The contouring can be placed within the catchment area 102 or on the outer surface 114 of the body of the device 100. In some embodiments, the contours can be linear or circular or take on any desired shape that allow for increased absorption. This can help to improve the overall use as in many instances the device can remain dry or without absorption of fluids prior to insertion to help facilitate insertion. Additionally, once inserted the absorptive properties of the device 100 can help to improve overall comfort when in use as the device absorbs some fluid during use. This can allow for a more natural feel to the user.

[0024] Numerous embodiments may be configured with a pull tab or removal mechanism that is integrated within the body of the device. For example, Fig. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a menstrual device 200 with a removal mechanism 202 that is integrated into the bottom portion 203 of the body 204 of the device 200. In many embodiments, the portion of the removal mechanism that is integrated into the body 204 of the device can be flexible such that it follows the curvature of the bottom portion 203 of the device 200. Accordingly, the increased area of an integrated portion 205 can allow for an improved pulling force against the device 200 to allow for improved ability to remove the device by distributing the pulling force throughout more of the body 204 of the device 200. This can prevent tear through.

[0025] In a number of embodiments, the device may have a contoured rim 208 that can improve insertion and collection of the device 200. For example, in some embodiments the rim 208 may be contoured such that it curves inward toward the catchment area 210. Other embodiments may contour the rim to curve towards the outer wall 212 or maybe contoured to curve both inward and outward. As can be appreciated, embodiments can be configured with any type of contouring and said contouring may take on any shape and design such as the cylindrical cross section shown in Fig. 2.

[0026] Referring now to Figs. 3A and 3B, some embodiments of a menstrual device 300 may be composed of two separate components. For example, some embodiments may have an upper component 302 that is configured to cooperatively engage with a lower component 304. The upper component 302 may be domeshaped to function somewhat like a cap that covers the lower component 304. A lower rim of the upper component 302 is thus configured to seal about an upper rim of the lower component 304. In that regard, a circumference of the lower rim of the upper component 302 is greater than a circumference of the upper rim of the lower component 304. Additionally, the upper component 302 can provide additional volume to a catchment area 306 by forming a seal between the upper and lower components. Additionally, the use of two components can allow for the device 300 to be adaptable to accommodate a larger variety of users. Furthermore, in some embodiments the upper component 302 can have a contoured upper surface 308 that allows for improved insertion and more comfort. As can be appreciated, the device 300 can be used with or without the upper component. For example, Fig. 3B illustrates a top view of the lower component 304 without the upper component 302 where the open catchment area 306 is exposed. As can be appreciated, the catchment area of the menstrual device 300 can be configured or altered to serve a particular population. As such, many embodiments may have catchment areas that are smaller or larger than a typical menstrual cup.

[0027] Similar to other embodiments, the device 300 can be formed with a removal mechanism/pull tab 310 located at the bottom of the device 300. The removal mechanism can be formed of the same material or different material. Additionally, in many embodiments, it can be appreciated that the removal mechanism 310 can take on a number of different configurations to help facilitate use. For example, some embodiments may have ridges (not shown) other embodiments may have a contoured surface or may simply be a string element. As can be appreciated, the removal mechanism 310 can take on any desired form and be made of any number of desired materials to help facilitate removal.

[0028] In accordance with many embodiments, the removal device can take on a number of different forms and may be configured in a number of different ways. For example, Fig. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment similar to Figs 3A and 3B, however, as can be seen the device 400 is configured with a removal mechanism 402 that is composed of a different material than that of the device 400. Accordingly, the removal mechanism 402 can be molded into the body 404 of the device such that the integrated portion 406 conforms to or mostly to the shape of the body. In some embodiments, the removal mechanism can form a ridge 408 within the catchment area 410 of the device 400. As can be appreciated from the discussion above with respect to Fig. 2, the integrated portion 406 of the removal mechanism 402 can be configured to provide distributed pull force on the body 404 of the device 400 such that removal is more easily facilitated. Additionally, in many embodiments, it can be appreciated that the removal mechanism 402 can take on a number of different configurations to help facilitate use. For example, some embodiments may have ridges (not shown) other embodiments may have a contoured surface or may simply be a string element. As can be appreciated, the removal mechanism 402 can take on any desired form and be made of any number of desired materials to help facilitate removal.

[0029] As can be more fully appreciated, many embodiments are made from a moldable material that can be formed into the desired shape so as to provide collection of menses in a variety of methods as well as provide for a more environmentally sound design and use. In a number of embodiments, the configuration of the menstrual device can be such that the collection of the menses is done in twofold such as absorption and collection. In some embodiments the balance of absorption and collection can be altered based on the desired use. For example, embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 through 4 illustrate a menstrual device that is capable of collecting through a catchment portion that can have a variety of different configurations such that the catchment area is small or large. Moreover, many embodiments can simultaneously be configured for absorption such that menses is absorbed into the body of the device.

[0030] Moving to Figs. 5A though 5C various views of an embodiment of a menstrual device 500 are illustrated. Many embodiments may be configured to collect menses through absorption as the primary mode of collection while maintaining a small catchment area 502 within a portion of the body 504 of the device 500. For example, Figs. 5A through 5C illustrate a device 500 with a small catchment area 502 centrally located within the upper portion of the device. In numerous embodiments the catchment area 502 can be a channel centrally located to direct the flow of menses into the device 500. Although the catchment shown is primarily in the upper portion of the device 500, it can be appreciated that the length of it can vary and may run the majority of the length of the device. Additionally, the upper rim 505 can be contoured to help facilitate insertion of the device by providing a smoother surface to help direct the device to the desired location.

[0031] As discussed with respect to other embodiments, the menstrual device 500 designed primarily for absorption can also be configured with a removal mechanism 506 that is located at the bottom 508 of the device 500. Similarly, the removal mechanism 506 can take on any configuration to facilitate the removal of the device.

[0032] Similar to embodiments discussed with respect to Fig. 1 , Figs. 5D through 5F illustrate an embodiment of a menstrual device 500 with a textured surface 510. The textured surface can be configured in a number of different ways such as individual textured elements 511. Other embodiments many have textured elements in the form of grooves or lines that can run the length of the device 500 or may also be configured to run horizontally. As can be appreciated, the texturing of the device will increase the surface area of the device such that it is capable of absorbing more fluid.

[0033] Moving to Figs. 6A though 6E, an embodiment of a menstrual device 600 is illustrated which functions solely to absorb menses without a catchment area. As is illustrated various embodiments of a device 600 can have a primary body portion 602 that is configured to absorb menses and bodily fluids once inserted. The body portion 602 can be a solid body made of an absorbent malleable material that can hold its shape to facilitate insertion and provide for adequate absorption once inserted. Similar to other embodiments described herein, the device 600 can have a contoured surface to help improve overall absorption qualities. Moreover, many such embodiments may also include a removal mechanism 604 that is connected to the body of the device 600. Similar to other devices, the removal mechanism 604 can be configured with any number of materials and any design configuration to help further facilitate the removal of the device 600.

[0034] As can be appreciated, many embodiments are designed to collect menses in a number of different fashions, many of which include the absorption of material. Accordingly, and in conjunction with, it can be understood that the overall design and construction of the devices should be made with materials that are moldable and/or resilient in nature as well as being environmentally friendly. For example, many embodiments can be made from a material that is strong enough to allow for resilient expansion once installed and also provide adequate support for removal. In the same token, the material can be configured to be highly absorbent to collect menses and other bodily fluids. In a number of embodiments, the material may be selected from any number of groups or types of materials. Some devices can be manufactured from a natural and/or synthetic hydrogel. Suitable hydrogels include those configured from protein-based hydrogels such as collagen, elastin, fibrin, gelatin, and silk fibroin; polysaccharide-based hydrogels such as glycosaminoglycans, alginate, and chitosan; and decellularized hydrogels. Additionally, many synthetic and emergent hydrogels may also be used. Other embodiments can be configured from multiple flushable classes of materials. For example, in some embodiments, the body of the cup is composed of a swellable material and a removal mechanism is made from a second class of material with enhanced pull strength and tear strength relative to the body material. In other embodiments, the body can be made from a hydrogel and the removal mechanism is made from a flushable non-woven material such as viscose, Tencel, wood pulp, and / or cellulose.

DOCTRINE OF EQUIVALENTS

[0035] As can be inferred from the above discussion, the above-mentioned concepts can be implemented in a variety of arrangements in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Specifically, a menstrual device for collecting menses that can serve as a collection device as well as an absorption device or one or the other such that the device can readily be disposed of in a wastewater system. Achieving such functionality, according to embodiments, involves the implementation of special arrangements/designs between subsystems described above, and their equivalents.

[0036] Accordingly, although the present invention has been described in certain specific aspects, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the present invention may be practiced otherwise than specifically described. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A flushable menstrual device comprising: a receptacle having an expandable upper rim defining a generally circular perimeter, wherein the receptacle has a sidewall having an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface defining a volume therein, the volume extending from the expandable upper rim to a bottom portion, wherein the volume is configured to collect a fluid; a removal mechanism connected to the receptacle on a lower portion of body wall surface; and wherein the receptacle is further configured to absorb the fluid into the sidewall and is made of a material selected from a group consisting of a hydrogel material and a nonwoven flushable material.

2. The flushable menstrual device of claim 1 , wherein the removal mechanism is made from a nonwoven flushable material.

3. The flushable menstrual device of claim 1 , in which the receptable comprises an upper component and a lower component, and wherein a lower rim of the upper component is configured to seal over an upper rim of the lower component, the lower rim of the upper component having a circumference that is greater than a circumference of the upper rim of the lower component.

4. The flushable menstrual device of claim 3, wherein the upper component is dome shaped, the expandable upper rim having a circumference that is smaller than the circumference of the upper rim of the lower component.

5. The flushable menstrual device of claim 4, wherein the upper rim of the upper component, the lower rim of the upper component, and the upper rim of the lower component all have a circular cross section.

6. The flushable menstrual device of claim 1 , wherein the removal mechanism is planar.

7. The flushable menstrual device of claim 1 , wherein the removal mechanism includes a hemispherical portion within a lower end of the receptacle.

8. The flushable menstrual device of claim 1 , wherein the removal mechanism is textured.

9. The flushable menstrual device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of the sidewall of the receptacle has a contoured surface to aid absorption of the fluid into the sidewall.

10. A flushable menstrual device comprising: an absorption element forming an elongated cylindrical body with a first end and a second end wherein the absorption element is made of a material configured to absorb a menstrual fluid and selected from a group consisting of a hydrogel material and a nonwoven flushable material; a removal mechanism connected to the second end; and wherein the first end of the absorption element is indented to form a catchment area to collect the menstrual fluid.

11 . The flushable menstrual device of claim 10, wherein the absorption element is made from the hydrogel material.

12. The flushable menstrual device of claim 10, wherein the removal mechanism is made from the nonwoven flushable material.

13. The flushable menstrual device of claim 10, wherein the first end of the absorption element is tapered about the catchment area.

14. The flushable menstrual device of claim 10, wherein an outer surface of the elongated cylindrical body is textured to aid in adsorption of the menstrual fluid.

15. The flushable menstrual device of claim 10, wherein an outer surface of the elongated cylindrical body is grooved to aid in adsorption of the menstrual fluid.