FEMININE HYGIENE DEVICE

Abstract: A vaginal discharge collector (10) including a body (14) for providing a space (19) for the collection of vaginal discharge and having an opening for the passage of vaginal discharge into the collection space, and a rim (11) for providing holding force sufficient for holding the collector in position during use, the rim being affixed to the body proximate its top. The body and the rim are flexible so that the body may be rolled up on the rim between a rolled-up position and a rolled-down position. The body may include a reservoir (12) for providing a reservoir space having a constant size. In another aspect of the invention, the collector includes a closure structure (33) for inhibiting the exit of vaginal discharge from the space. In another aspect of the invention, the collector provides time-released and/or non-time-released dosages of substances such as medication for both menstruating and non-menstruating females.

Description: FEMININE HYGIENE DEVICE BACKGROUND The present invention relates generally to feminine hygiene devices and more particularly to a vaginal discharge collection device. From the time after World War I when bandages were marketed as sanitary napkins, to the present, there have been substantially only two types of menstrual collection products, both absorbent, sold in the market. Currently, tampons and napkins dominate the market. Improved versions of the original sanitary napkins have become the newer pads and shields, but they still have the disadvantages of bulk, odor, leakage and disposal problems. The external absorbent nature also can create problems of contamination and infection. When the tampon was introduced into the market it too was an absorbent collector but was worn internally. The tampon solved some of the inconvenience of the external products but present similar problems while creating new ones. The basic design of the tampon did not stop leakage and the externally worn string could lead to contamination. Infections caused by irritation of the fibers to the vaginal mucosa and more severe types of infections caused by the internally worn absorptive materials have caused problems with tampon use. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a vaginal discharge collector for collecting menstrual fluid and other types of vaginal discharge, that avoids the problems associated with napkins and tampons. SUMMARY The present invention alleviates to a great extent the disadvantages of the known devices by providing a vaginal discharge collector including a body for providing a space for the collection of vaginal discharge and having an opening for the passage of vaginal discharge into the collection space, and a rim for providing resilient outward holding force sufficient for holding the collector in position during use, the rim being affixed to the body proximate the top of the body. In one aspect of the invention, the body and the rim are flexible so that the body may be rolled up on the rim between a rolled-up position and a rolled-down position so that the collection space is larger in the rolled-down position. The body may include a reservoir for providing a reservoir space having an essentially constant size in either the rolled-down position or the rolled-up position. An absorbent pad may be inserted into the collection space to absorb liquid and to inhibit liquid from leaving the collector. In another aspect of the invention, the collector includes a closure structure for at least partially covering the opening for inhibiting the exit of vaginal discharge from the collection space. One embodiment of the closure structure includes a membrane extending over the area within the rim. The membrane is slit or divided into two approximately equal parts approximately along a line extending across the diameter of the rim and approximately through the radial center of the rim. The two parts of the membrane may each have an area larger than half of the circular area defined by the rim so as to overlap along the slit and/or extend loosely and not stretched tightly across the area defined by the rim. This loose and/or overlapping structure is to allow collection of fluid into the device through the slit but to inhibit exit of the fluid from the device. Forces on the device during removal will tend to close together the overlapping parts of the slit membrane to prevent the exit of fluid. Although some alternative non-tampon type internally used collector devices are known which are inserted into the vaginal canal, these have not been marketed or gained acceptance. Because a substantially looser fit is needed to inhibit the passage of menstrual fluid than to inhibit the passage of sperm, the structure of the present invention may be smaller than the contraceptive diaphragm type devices to increase comfort during wearing while still being held in position by compression of the vaginal wall on the rim. The comfort is achieve by a rim that will conform to the individual and that will be more flexible and less rigid than that of the diaphragm type devices. Thus, a single size of the collector according to the present invention will be adequate for use for a range of sizes of vaginal canals, unlike the diaphragm type devices which must be individually fit by a medical doctor or specially trained nurse and which are available only by prescription. Moreover, the diaphragm type devices must last for long periods of time and must be constructed of heavyweight materials. Therefore, the invention may be less expensive than the diaphragm type devices and may be disposable. Another advantage of the present invention is that, because it may be made of an elastomeric material that is chemically inert and non-toxic, the present invention should not be prone to health problems that the current products seem to cause. Moreover, this soft material will allow for adjustment to individual shapes and afford excellent comfort while maintaining its original form. The present invention seals off the blood environment to inhibit the growth of bacteria and entry of air and thus hinders the odor which results from the oxidation and decomposition of the menstrual flow. In another aspect of the invention, the collector may effect intra-vaginal drug delivery of time release and non-time release medicants for all diseases of the vagina and other reproductive organs and any and all diseases of the entire female anatomy wherein vaginal absorption can be utilized for both menstruating and non-menstruating females. For example, for the treatment of yeast and fungal infection, medication can be delivered without interruption due to menstruation. Moreover, for providing a safe sex barrier the device may be used as a barrier during sexual contact to aid in the prevention of the transmission of diseases. The effectiveness of the device in this regard may be enhanced by using the device with, or for the delivery of, nonoxynol 9 or other specific medicants. Additionally, the invention may be used for intravaginal delivery of hormones for birth control and for treatment of the female anatomy, such as during menopause. The invention may also be used for the delivery of time released and non-time released deodorizing materials for odor prevention, for the delivery of lubrication and for the delivery of steroids, anti-bacterial agents or any pharmacological agent, chemical, natural, or homeopathic agents. Moreover, the invention may be used for intravaginal delivery of anesthetic for local surgical procedures and for general surgical procedures and for the delivery of pain relieving medication for intermittent and chronic pain, as well as for drug delivery for pregnant women for any and all prophylaxis and illnesses particular to the fetus and/or mother-to-be. The invention may be used for the delivery of drugs and other substances in veterinary applications including primates other than humans and other animals. Moreover, the invention may be employed as an aid to conception for humans, primates, and other animals. Conception can be aided by either using the collector for retaining sperm in the vaginal vault after intercourse or by placing sperm in or on the collector and then inserting it in the vaginal vault. This is different from and not a substitute for the medical procedures of artificial insemination that are required for certain circumstances and that are done by doctors in a clinical/hospital setting. The invention may also be used as a specimen collector to collect blood and/or vaginal, cervical and/or uterine discharge. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector. It is another object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector which has an adjustable discharge collection capacity. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector with the foregoing advantages and which may be adjusted to a number of intermediate positions between and including a rolled-up position and a rolled-down position. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector with the foregoing advantages and which provides a reservoir which has essentially constant capacity in either the rolled-up and rolled-down positions. It is another object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector with the foregoing advantages and which provides an absorbent material for absorbing and holding collected liquid. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector with the foregoing advantages and which provides a closure structure for inhibiting the exit of collected discharge fluid. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector with the foregoing advantages and which provides time released and non-timed released dosages of substances for both menstruating and non-menstruating females so that there will be no interruption of treatment, which substance may be, for example, medication, lubrication, deodorants, hormones and analgesics. It is another object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector with the foregoing advantages and which does not require individual fitting for each user and which may be produced economically enough to be used as a disposable product. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector with the foregoing advantages and which is easy to insert and remove without scraping delicate tissue. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector with the foregoing advantages and which provides a barrier against the blood environment. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector with the foregoing advantages and which is light weight without the bulk associated with other devices and which once inserted cannot be felt by the user so that the user is free of the annoying awareness associated with other devices. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector with the foregoing advantages and which during use is undetectable by others. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector with the foregoing advantages and which is designed to meet the need for a feminine hygiene product that is neither an internal absorbent tampon nor an external absorbent pad. It is another object of the present invention to provide a vaginal discharge collector with the foregoing advantages and which is inexpensive and therefore available to all women. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following description and drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a top view of a first preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention in a rolled-down position. FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away side view of the collector of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a top view of the collector of FIG. 1 in a rolled-up position. FIG. 4 is a partial cut-away side view of the collector of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a top view of a second preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partial cut-away side view of the collector of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a top view of a third preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a partial cut-away side view of the collector of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a top view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a partial cut-away side view of the collector of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a top view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a partial cut-away side view of the collector of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a top view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a top view of a seventh preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 15 is a partial cut-away side view of the collector of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a top view of an eighth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a top view of a ninth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 18 is a view of the collector of FIG. 5 in place in the vaginal canal. FIG. 19 is a side view of a tenth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 20 is a side view of an eleventh preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 21 is a side view of a twelfth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 22 is a side view of a thirteenth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 23 is a side view of a fourteenth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 24 is a schematic view of the rim structure of the collector of FIG. 7. FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the rim structure of the collector of FIG. 9. FIG. 26 is a schematic view of the rim structure of the collector of FIG. 11. FIG. 27 is a top view of a fifteenth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector according to the present invention. FIG. 28 is a partial cut-away side view of the collector of FIG. 27. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Refer now to FIGS. 1-4, there being shown a first preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector, generally designated by reference numeral 10, according to the present invention. The collector 10 includes a resilient circular rim 11. The body 14 of the collector 10 includes a cup-shaped membrane wall 15 extending downward from the rim and terminating in a reservoir 12 to form a collection space 19. The membrane wall 15 includes at its bottom a reservoir 12 that is a bubble-like protrusion extending at edge 18 from the body 14 surface defined by the membrane wall 15. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the collector 10 is in a rolled-down position. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 the collector 10 is in a rolled-up position with the body membrane 14 rolled around the rim 11. In the rolled-up position the collection space 19 has a smaller volume than it has in the rolled-down position. In adjusting the collector 10 from the rolled-down position of FIGS. 1 and 2 to the rolled-up position of FIGS. 3 and 4, the body 14 is rolled onto the rim 11. Additionally, the body 14 may be rolled onto the rim 11 to a number of intermediate positions between the rolled-down position and the rolled-up position. Because the inside of the rim 11 has a smaller diameter than the outside of the rim 11, as the rim 11 is twisted inside out to roll around itself, the inner portion of the rim 11 is stretched. Because the rim 11 is made from a resilient material, it will tend to relax to a position where its inside is facing inwardly and its outside is facing outwardly so that the rim is in a low state of compression and extension. In other positions, such as with the inside of the rim 11 facing outward, the inside of the rim would be stretched and the outside would be in compression. Therefore, during rolling of the body 14 onto or off of the rim 11, the rim 11 tends to rest in a number of discreet intermediate positions. The number of such positions will depend upon the depth of the body 14, the thickness of the body 14 and the tightness upon which the body 14 is wound around the rim 11. The capacity of the reservoir 12 is essentially the same in either the rolled-down or rolled-up position. In the rolled-up position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the reservoir 12 has a capacity that is essentially the same as in the rolled-down position of FIGS. 1 and 2. The capacity of the reservoir 12 remains essentially unchanged from the rolled-down through the intermediate positions to the rolled-up position because it is essentially a bubble-like protrusion extending off of the surface of the body 14. The upper extent of the reservoir 12 is defined by the edge 18 where the reservoir 12 begins to extend from the body 14. When the collector 10 is in the rolled-up position of FIGS. 3 and 4 and the body 14 extends nearly flatly over the area within the ring shaped rim 11, the reservoir 12 still extends outward off of the surface of the body 14. Even though the edge 18 of the reservoir 12 may stretch or expand to some extent, relative to the change in the capacity of the total collector space 19, the capacity of the reservoir remains essentially constant. Thus, essentially constant for purposes of the invention means relatively less change than the change in the total collection space. The collector 10 is composed of a latex rubber and may be formed by a latex dipping process in which a mandrel is dipped into a tank of coagulating agent, and then dipped into a tank of liquid rubber latex which coagulates on the mandrel. It is then subjected to drying and curing with heat and the device is removed from the mandrel. The material of the preferred embodiment is elastomeric, such as a latex rubber and similar materials. Further information regarding the latex dipping process may be obtained from Faultess Rubber Company, Ashland, Ohio. Materials for the collector may be chosen which may be impregnated with a substance to be delivered during use of the device. Such materials are generally known, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,589,880. Other suitable methods of making the collector may be used, such as by molding. The rim 11 of the collector 10 is formed entirely of solid latex rubber. However, as discussed below with reference to other preferred embodiments, alternative rim constructions may be used. The diameter of the rim is preferably about two to about four inches (about five to about ten centimeters). The thickness of the rim is preferably less than about one quarter inch (about six millimeters) to result in the greatest degree of comfort to the user. The thickness of the wall, which is substantially impervious to liquid, of the body 14 and the reservoir 12 is preferably more than about one ten thousandth of an inch (about two micrometers). In a rolled-down position, the depth of the collector 10 from the rim 11 to the bottom of the reservoir 12 is preferably about one to three inches (about two to eight centimeters). The depth of the reservoir 12 from the edge 18 to the bottom of the reservoir 12 is preferably about one sixteenth to one half of an inch (about two millimeters to about thirteen millimeters). The volume of the collection space 19 is preferably about one to about two ounces (about fifteen to about thirty milliliters). The thickness and diameter of the rim will depend upon the stiffness of the material used as the rim should be resilient and flexible to be inserted into position and to exert sufficient force to hold the collector 10 in position during use as discussed further below in reference to FIG. 18. The thickness of the body 14 will depend upon the properties of the material used so that the body 14 will have sufficient strength and flexibility. Refer to FIGS. 5 and 6, there being shown a second preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector, generally designated by reference numeral 20, according to the present invention. The collector 20 includes a resilient circular rim 21. The body 24 of the collector 20 is a cup-shaped membrane wall extending downward from the rim to form a collection space 29. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 the collector 20 is in a rolled-down position. Like the collector 10, the collector 20 may be positioned in a rolled-up position with the body membrane 24 rolled around the rim 21. In the rolled-up position the space 29 has a smaller volume than it has in the rolled-down position. The construction of the collector 20 is essentially the same as the collector 10, but the collector 20 does not include the reservoir feature. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a third preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector, generally designated by reference numeral 30, according to the present invention. The collector 30 includes a resilient circular rim 31. The body 34 of the collector 30 is a cup-shaped membrane wall extending downward from the rim to form a collection space 39. The membrane wall includes at its bottom a reservoir 32 that is a bubble-like protrusion on the body 34 surface defined by the membrane. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the collector 30 is in a rolled-down position. Similar to the collector 10 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the collector 30 may be positioned in a rolled-up position with the body membrane 34 rolled around the rim 31. In the rolled-up position the space 39 has a smaller volume than it has in the rolled-down position. The collector 30 includes a closure means in the form of two membranes 33 to inhibit menses or other vaginal discharge from exiting the collection space 39. Membrane 33 extends across the circular area defined by the rim 31 forming, between their edges 36, a slit 35 which extends across the diameter of the rim 31. The edges 36 are curved so that the width of slit 35 is greatest at the center and the edges 36 come together at the rim 31. The area of the slit 35 is preferably between about five percent and about ninety five percent of the area defined by the rim 31. The sizes of the slit 35 and the membrane 33 are chosen such that the slit 35 is large enough for fluid to enter the collector 30 and the membranes 33 inhibit the exit of fluid to the desired extent. The thickness of the membranes 33 is preferably greater that about one ten thousandth of an inch (about two micrometers). If the membranes are used for drug delivery, the size and thickness of the membrane may be chosen to meet the dosage needs. The collector 30 also includes a removal means in the form of a looped string 38 which is attached to opposite points on the rim 31 and is long enough to be grasped by the user for removal of the collector 30 from its use position in the vaginal canal. The structure of the rim 31 of the collector 30 includes a coil spring extending within the elastomeric covering material. The structure of rim 31 is discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 24. Refer now to FIGS. 9 and 10, there being shown a fourth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector, generally designated by reference numeral 40, according to the present invention. In FIG. 9, a top view of the collector 40 is shown. The collector 40 includes a resilient circular rim 41. The body 44 of the collector 40 is a cup-shaped membrane wall extending downward from the rim to form a collection space 49. The membrane wall includes at its bottom a reservoir 42 that is a bubble-like protrusion on the body 44 surface defined by the membrane. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the collector 40 is in a rolled-down position. Like collector 10, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the collector 40 may be positioned in a rolled-up position with the body membrane 44 rolled around the rim 41. In the rolled-up position the space 49 has a smaller volume than it has in the rolled-down position. The collector 40 includes a removal means in the form of a tab 48 which is attached to the rim 41. The tab 48 may be attached to or formed integrally with the rim 41 and has sufficient length to be grasped by the user for removal of the collector 40 from its use position in the vaginal canal. The structure of the rim 41 of the collector 40 includes a telescoping metal core as discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 25. The collector 40 has ventilating holes 43 extending through the body 44 near the rim 41. The holes 43 allow air to pass through the body 44 for equalizing pressure in the vaginal canal during insertion and removal of the collector 40. The collector 40 also includes a number of vertically extending ribs 47 which are thickened portions of the inner and outer surface of body 44. The ribs 47 strengthen the body 44. Refer now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there being shown a fifth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector, generally designated by reference numeral 50, according to the present invention. In FIG. 11, a top view of the collector 50 is shown. The collector 50 includes a resilient circular rim 51. The body 54 of the collector 50 is a cup-shaped membrane wall extending downward from the rim to form a collection space 59. The membrane wall includes at its bottom a reservoir 52 that is a bubble-like protrusion on the body 54 surface defined by the membrane. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the collector 50 is in a rolled-down position. However, like collector 10 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the collector 50 may be positioned in a rolled-up position with the body membrane 54 rolled around the rim 51. In the rolled-up position the space 59 has a smaller volume than it has in the rolled-down position. The collector 50 includes a removal means in the form of a string 58 which is attached to the rim 51. The string 58 has sufficient length to be grasped by the user for removal of the collector 50 from its use position in the vaginal canal. The structure of the rim 51 of the collector 50 includes an internal wire core as discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 26. The collector 50 has ventilating holes 53 extending through the body 54 near the rim 51. The holes 53 allow air to pass through the body 54 for equalizing pressure in the vaginal canal during insertion and removal of the collector 50. The collector 50 also includes a number of horizontally extending ribs 57 which are thickened portions of the inner and outer surface of body 54. The ribs 57 strengthen the body 54. Refer now to FIG. 13, there being shown a sixth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector, generally designated by reference numeral 60, according to the present invention. The collector 60 includes a resilient circular rim 61. The body 64 of the collector 60 is a cup-shaped membrane wall extending downward from the rim to form a collection space 69. The membrane wall includes at its bottom a reservoir 62 that is a bubble-like protrusion on the body 64 surface defined by the membrane. Positioned within the collection space 69 of the body 64 is an absorbent pad 65 composed of cotton fiber or other absorbent material. The pad 65 absorbs fluid that enters the collection space 69. The pad 65 may expand upon absorbing fluid to increase its capacity, and the volume of the collector space 69 may be enlarged by any resulting outward deformation of the elastomeric body 64. As shown in FIG. 13, the location of the top surface of the pad 65 is shown in phantom by line 66a with the pad 65 in an initial relatively low absorption state. In this state the pad 65 could be dry or could have absorbed some fluid without expanding substantially, depending upon the properties of the absorbent material of the pad 65. Alternatively, the pad could be sized for the initial upper surface to be located above or below the line 66a of FIG. 13. The line 66b shows the level of the top of the pad 65 at an absorption state relatively higher than the state defined by line 66a and pad 65 has expanded somewhat. The pad 65 does not completely fill the collection space 69 and will inhibit any fluid in the reservoir 62 below the pad 65 from exiting the collector 10. Although the embodiment of FIG. 13 does not include a closure membrane structure, the pad 65 could also be used with a collector having such a closure membrane structure as described herein with respect to various embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the collector 60 is in a rolled-down position. However, like collector 10 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the collector 60 may be positioned in a rolled-up position with the body membrane 64 rolled around the rim 61. In the rolled-up position the space 69 has a smaller volume than it has in the rolled-down position. If necessary, the pad 65 may be removed, such as to adjust the volume of the space 69. The collector 60 includes an apron 67 attached to and extending downward from the rim 61 along the entire periphery of the rim 61. The apron 67 functions to stiffen the rim 61 and to aid in blocking against the passage of matter between the rim 61 and the wall of the vaginal canal and may be useful for delivering substances such as spermicide or medication. The rim 61 includes an inner core 63 encased in the outer elastomeric material of the rim 61 along the entire circumference of the rim 61. The inner core 63 is composed of a plastic material to give the rim 61 increased rigidity. Alternative materials for the core 63 include dense sponge or foam and other polymers. The tab 68 is attached to and may be integrally formed with the reservoir 62 of the body 64. The tab 68 may be grasped for removal of the collector 60 from the vaginal canal. Refer now to FIGS. 14 and 15, there being shown a seventh preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector, generally designated by reference numeral 70, according to the present invention. In FIG. 14, a top view of the collector 70 is shown. The collector 70 includes a resilient circular rim 71. The body 74 of the collector 70 is a cup-shaped membrane wall extending downward from the rim to form a collection space 79. The membrane wall includes at its bottom a reservoir 72 that is a bubble-like protrusion on the body 74 surface defined by the membrane. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the collector 70 is in a rolled-down position. The collector 70 may be positioned in a rolled-up position with the body membrane 74 rolled around the rim 71. In the rolled-up position the space 79 has a smaller volume than it has in the rolled-down position. The collector 70 includes a closure means in the form of a membrane 73 to inhibit the exit of menses or other vaginal discharge from exiting the collection space 79. The membrane 73 extends around the periphery of the circular area defined by the rim 71 forming with its edge 76 a circular slit 75. The width of the membrane 73 between edges 76 and rim 71 is preferably about five percent to about ninety five percent of the diameter of the rim 71. The collector 70 also includes a number of vertically extending ribs 77 which are thickened portions of the inner and outer surface of body 74. The ribs 77 strengthen the body 70 and extend in a U-shaped manner from the rim 71 vertically downward and back upward to rim 71. The various ribs 27 are positioned substantially parallel to one another. Refer now to FIG. 16, there being shown an eighth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector, generally designated by reference numeral 80, according to the present invention. In FIG. 16, a top view of the collector 80 is shown. The collector 80 includes a resilient circular rim 81. Similar to the collector 70 the body 84 of the collector 80 is a cup-shaped membrane wall extending downward from the rim to form a collection space 89. The membrane wall includes at its bottom a reservoir 82 that is a bubble-like protrusion on the body 84 surface defined by the membrane. As shown in FIG. 16, the collector 80 is in a rolled-down position. The collector 80 may be positioned in a rolled-up position with the body membrane 84 rolled around the rim 81. In the rolled-up position the space 89 has a smaller volume than it has in the rolled-down position. The collector 80 includes a closure means in the form of two membranes 83 to inhibit the exit of menses or other vaginal discharge from exiting the collection space 89. The membranes 83 extend across the circular area defined by the rim 83 forming between their edges 86 a slit 85 which extends across the diameter of the rim 81. The edges 86 are straight and substantially parallel so that the width of slit 85 is substantially constant and preferably between about five percent and about ninety five percent of the diameter of rim 81. A curvilinear rib 87 extends along and strengthens each of the membranes 83. Refer now to FIG. 17, there being shown an ninth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector, generally designated by reference numeral 90, according to the present invention. The collector 90 includes a resilient circular rim 91. Similar to the collector 70, the body 94 of the collector 90 is a cup-shaped membrane wall extending downward from the rim to form a collection space 99. The membrane wall includes at its bottom a reservoir 92 that is a bubble-like protrusion on the body 94 surface defined by the membrane. As shown in FIG. 17, the collector 90 is in a rolled-down position. The collector 90 may be positioned in a rolled-up position with the body membrane 94 rolled around the rim 91. In the rolledup position the space 99 has a smaller volume than it has in the rolled-down position. The collector 90 includes a closure means in the form of a membrane 93 to inhibit the exit of menses or other vaginal discharge from exiting the collection space 99. The membrane 93 extends around the periphery of the circular area defined by the rim 91 forming with its edges 96 a rectangular slit 95. A number of parallel ribs 97 are formed on and strengthen the membrane 93. The area of slit 95 is preferably between about five percent and about ninety five percent of the area defined by rim 91. Alternatively, the slit could be diamond shaped, or have other shapes as desired. Refer now to FIG. 18 which shows the collector 20 in position for use in the vaginal canal 201 of a women 200. The rim 21 of the collector 20 is resilient and exerts outward force on the wall of the vaginal canal 201 at the rearward location 203 behind the cervix 202 and at a forward location 204 behind the pelvic bone 205. The rim 21 also contacts and exerts a force against the wall of the vaginal canal 201 at points around the periphery of the rim 21, which force is sufficient to effectively prevent menses or other vaginal discharge from passing between the rim 21 and the vaginal canal wall 201. In FIG. 18, collector 20 is shown rolled to an intermediate position between the rolled-up and rolled-down positions. Also note that collector 20 is rolled so that the wall 24 extends downward from the inside of rim 21. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 4, wall 14 of collector 10 is rolled in an alternative manner such that the wall 14 extends down from the outside of rim 11. Refer now to FIGS. 19 through 23 which show additional preferred embodiments of the present invention. Each of these embodiments is constructed similar to the collector 10 and as discussed below. FIG. 19 shows a tenth preferred embodiment, a collector 100, having a body 104 and two reservoirs 105 which function similar to reservoir 12 of collector 10. The edges 108 of the two reservoirs 105 meet at ridge 109. In FIG. 20, the eleventh preferred embodiment, collector 110, includes a body 114 having a number of pleated sections 117 of decreasing size to form an inverted cylindrical pyramid shape. FIG. 21 shows the twelfth preferred embodiment, collector 120, which has a cone-shaped body 124 with a rounded point 127. The rim 121 of collector 120 is formed hollow with numerous pleats 122 which extend around the entire rim 121. The pleats 122 allow the rim 121 to be compressed and collapsed to a smaller diameter for insertion of the collector 120 into the vaginal canal. Alternatively, the pleats could extend over only a portion of the rim 121. The thirteenth preferred embodiment of FIG. 22, collector 130, is similar to collector 120 but has a body 134 ending in a relatively sharp point 137. In FIG. 23 the fourteenth preferred embodiment, collector 140, has a body 144 that includes an upper generally cylindrical portion 145 extending from the rim 141 and a lower conical portion 146 extending from the portion 145 at the edge 148 to a lower point 147. Each of the embodiments of FIGS. 20 through 23 have lower extents that tend to form a reservoir space when the collector is in the rolled-up position which reservoir space functions similarly to the reservoir 12 of collector 10. Refer now to FIGS. 24-26 which shows schematically three types of internal rim structures. In each type of structure elastomeric rim material is formed around and seals in the structure. In FIG. 24 a coil spring 170 having a number of small closely turned coils 171 is formed into a circle. A circular inner core 172 extends within the coils 171. The coils 171 are preferably tightly spaced and wrapper around the core 172. The spring materials and the diameters of the wire, the core 172 and the coils 171 are chosen to provide the desired resiliency and spring force for the collector 30. In FIG. 25, a ring 180 has a hollow large end 181 and a thin small end 182 that telescopes inside the end 181. The ring 180 can be compressed with the small end pushed into the large end 182 to make the collector 40 smaller for insertion into the vaginal canal. After insertion, the ring 180 resiliency expands withdrawing the end 182 from the end 181 to some extent to exert outward holding pressure on the vaginal wall. The elastomeric rim 21 is formed so that it is relaxed or slightly stretched with the end 182 fully inserted into the end 181. FIG. 26 shows a ring shaped wire 190 that has overlapping free ends 191 and 192. The ring may be compressed within the hollow rim 51 to decrease the size of the rim 51 during insertion into the vaginal canal. Refer now to FIGS. 27 and 28, there being shown a fifteenth preferred embodiment of a vaginal discharge collector, generally designated by reference numeral 150, according to the present invention. In FIG. 27, a top view of the collector 150 is shown. The collector 150 includes a resilient circular rim 151. The body 154 of the collector 150 is a cup-shaped membrane wall extending downward from the rim to form a collection space 159. The membrane wall includes at its bottom a reservoir 152 that is a bubble-like protrusion on the body 154 surface defined by the membrane. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the collector 150 is in a rolled-down position. However, like collector 10, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the collector 150 may be positioned in a rolled-up position with the body membrane 154 rolled around the rim 151. In the rolled-up position the space 159 has a smaller volume than it has in the rolled-down position. In order to facilitate the rolling down (or rolling up) operation, the body means 154 and reservoir means 152 are pushed through the slit 155 formed between the edge 156 of the membrane 153 and the edge 166 of the membrane 163. Then, the rim 21 is twisted so that the inner annular surface becomes the outer annular surface (which causes the body means 154 to either roll up or roll down along the circumference of the rim, dependent upon-the direction of the twisting motion). The membranes 153 and 163 are each then stretched back over the adjoining portion of rim 21 and allowed to snap back into position on the opposite side of the rim from their starting position. The rim may stay in such position or may continue to twist such that the initial inner annular surface again becomes the inner annular surface, depending upon the elastic properties of the rim and of the components of the collector attached to the rim as well as upon other forces acting on the rim. This results in the collector being turned inside out and the point of attachment of the body to the rim being positioned on the top-facing portion rather than the bottom-facing portion of the rim. In addition, by choosing the membrane material with the appropriate elastic properties, the rim can be rolled to a number of intermediate positions in which the membrane is rolled up in the body wound around the rim. Note that the body 154 is deeper, preferably about three to about four inches (about eight to about ten centimeters) in depth, and has a larger capacity, preferably about two to four ounces (about thirty to sixty milliliters), than the collector 10 of FIGS. i through 4. This embodiment is particularly useful for over-night use or when relatively large volumes of discharge are to be collected. The collector 150 includes a closure means that includes two membranes 153 and 163. The upper membrane 153 extends over approximately half of the area defined by the rim 151 and has no or relatively little slack so that it extends approximately horizontally. The lower membrane 163 extends over more than half of the area defined by the rim 151. The edge 166 of the membrane 163 extends underneath the upper membrane 153. The slit 155 formed between the edge 156 of the membrane 153 and the edge 166 of the membrane 163 allows discharge to drain into the collection space 159. However, as collected fluid moves upward towards exiting the device, force is exerted upward on the membrane 163 to cause it to contact the underside of membrane 153. In this manner, the closure means shuts the slit 155 to inhibit the exit of fluid from the collection space 159. The rim 21 includes a wire ring 161 encased in the elastomeric rim material. The wire ring 161 is composed of a material known as a shape memory alloy. These alloys resist plastic deformation and may be bent severely and will still return to their original shape. This property is referred to as superelasticity or pseudoelasticity. Some shape memory alloys known as thermoelastic alloys, exhibit superelasticity upon being heated to a certain temperature. One known type of such alloy is composed of about fifty percent titanium, about forty-nine percent nickel and about one percent vanadium. Such alloys are available from Raychem Corporation of Menlo Park, California. Other types of shape memory materials may also be used for the rim construction, whether as cores or other interior or exterior components of the rim or as the material for the entire rim, depending upon the appropriateness of the material properties considering design and regulatory requirements. The materials and the size and thickness of the various components of the invention should be chosen for the considerations discussed with respect to one or more of the preferred embodiments. These conditions may be applicable to each of the preferred embodiments described above, as well as other embodiments of the present invention, even though not individually stated for each embodiment in conjunction with its description above. Although the roll-down and roll-up feature has been described above with respect to a number of embodiments, collectors similar to the described embodiments and other embodiments may be constructed which do not include this feature. With respect to use of the collector for the delivery of drugs and other substances, the substances may be applied to the collector in a number of ways. The substance may be applied to the collector by mixing the substance or its precursors with the material of the collector's body, rim, reservoir, membrane, and/or other portion during manufacturing, such as prior to forming the collector during a molding operation by mixing the substance with the ingredients, whether dry or liquid, to be molded. Another way to apply the substance is to inject, impregnate, or absorb it partially or completely through the material (or cavities or porous portions thereof) of the collector's body, rim, reservoir, and/or other portions after such portions have been formed. Yet another way to apply the substance is to coat portions of the collector surface with the substance. For non-human primate and other veterinary uses, the collector may be adapted by sizing it to fit the dimensions of the vaginal canal of the animal concerned. The above description and drawings are only illustrative of preferred embodiments which achieve the objects, features and advantages of the present invention, and it is not intended that the present invention be limited thereto. Any modifications of the present invention which come within the spirit and scope of the following claims is considered part of the present invention.

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. A vaginal discharge collector comprising: body means for providing a collection space for the collection of discharge and having an opening for the passage of discharge into said space; rim means for providing resilient outward holding force sufficient for holding the collector in position during use, said rim means being affixed to said body means proximate the top of said body means; and said body means and said rim means being flexible so that said body means may be rolled up on said rim. 2. A collector as in claim 1 wherein said body means may be rolled on said rim means between a rolled-up position and a rolled-down position, said space being larger in said rolled-down position. 3. A collector as in claim 2 wherein said body means may be rolled to a number of intermediate positions between said rolled-up position and said rolled-down position. 4. A collector as in claim 3 wherein said body means includes a reservoir means for providing a reservoir space having a relatively constant size with said body means in any of said rolled-down position, rolled-up position, or intermediate positions. 5. A collector as in claim 4 where said body means includes a body wall surrounding said space, said body wall having an essentially uniform thickness, and further includes rib means for increasing the rigidity of said wall. 6. A collector as in claim 5 wherein said rib means includes elongated thickened portions of said wall. 7. A collector as in claim 6 further comprising gripping means for providing gripping structure for gripping by a user for removing the collector. 8. A collector as in claim 7 wherein said gripping means includes a string attached to at least one of said body means and said rim means. 9. A collector as in claim 7 wherein said gripping means includes a tab attached to at least one of said body means and said rim means. 10. A collector as in claim 1 wherein said rim means includes pleats over at least a portion of its length, said pleats being compressible to decrease the circumference of said rim means. 11. A collector as in claim 1 wherein said rim means includes a tubular portion and a narrow portion extending into said tubular portion; said portions sized for said narrow portion to telescope into said tubular portion to reduce the circumference of said rim means. 12. A vaginal discharge collector comprising: body means for providing a space for the collection of vaginal discharge and having an opening for the passage of vaginal discharge in and out of said space; rim means for providing resilient outward holding force sufficient for holding the collector in position during use, said rim means being affixed to said body means proximate the top of said body means; and closure means for at least partially covering said opening for inhibiting the exit of vaginal discharge from said space. 13. A collector as in claim 12 wherein said closure means includes a membrane extending over said opening within said rim means. 14. A collector as in claim 13 wherein said membrane is attached to and extends along the entire rim and has an inner edge defining a membrane slit opening. 15. A collector as in claim 14 wherein said slit opening is round. 16. A collector as in claim 14 wherein said inner slit opening has an area of between five percent and about ninety-five percent of the area within the rim opening. 17. A collector as in claim 1 wherein at least one of said body means and rim means includes a substance released during use of the collector. 18. A collector as in claim 17 wherein said substance is a medicine. 19. A collector as in claim 1 further comprising a removable absorbent pad positionable within said collector space for absorbing discharge. 20. A collector as in claim 19 wherein said pad occupies substantially the entire collector space. 21. A collector as in claim 1 where an apron extends from said rim. 22. A collector as in claim 21 wherein said apron extends generally downward to an extent less than the depth of said collector. 23. A collector as in claim 22 wherein said apron extends from the rim around essentially the entire rim circumference. 24. A collector as in claim 1 wherein said rim means is hollow and includes an inner core of a different material. 25. A collector as in claim 24 wherein said inner core is a dense foam. 26. A collector as in claim 24 wherein said inner core has ends that overlap to allow the diameters of the rim to be decreased by sliding the core within the hollow rim. 27. A collector as in claim 13 wherein said membrane includes an upper membrane extending over about one half of said opening and a lower membrane extending over more than one half of said opening to form a slit opening between the upper and lower membranes, said lower membrane extending under said upper membrane along said slit opening such that when discharge in said collection space moves upward said lower membrane is pressed against said upper membrane to close said slit opening to some extent. 28. A collector as in claim 1 which is sized to fit a range of sizes of vaginal canals and is disposable. 29. A collector as in claim 24 wherein said core is a coil spring. 30. A collector as in claim 1 wherein said rim means forms a ring. 31. A collector as in claim 30 wherein said ring is circular. 32. A collector as in claim 1 wherein said rim means is composed of material that includes a shape memory material. 33. A collector as in claim 32 wherein said rim means is hollow and includes an inner core of a different material which is said shape memory material. 34. A collector as in claim 33 wherein said shape memory material is a shape memory alloy. 35. A collector as in claim 1 further comprising closure means for at least partially covering said opening for inhibiting the exit of vaginal discharge from said space. 36. A collector as in claim 35 wherein at least one of said body means, rim means and closure means includes a substance released during use of the collector. 37. A collector as in claim 35 wherein said rim means is composed of material that includes a shape memory material. 38. A collector as in claim 35 wherein said body means includes a reservoir means for providing a reservoir space extending from said collection space. 39. A collector as in claim 38 wherein said rim means is composed of material that includes a shape memory material. 40. A collector as in claim 38 wherein at least one of said body means, rim means and closure means includes a substance released during use of the collector. 41. A collector as in claim 40 wherein said rim means is composed of material that includes a shape memory material. 42. A collector as in claim 4 wherein at least one of said body means and rim means includes a substance released during use of the collector. 43. A collector as in claim 4 wherein said rim means is composed of material that includes a shape memory material. 44. A collector as in claim 12 wherein at least one of said body means, rim means and closure means includes a substance released during use of the collector. 45. A collector as in claim 12 wherein said rim means is composed of material that includes a shape memory material. 46. A collector as in claim 17 wherein at least one of said body means and rim means is composed of a material to which said substance is applied. 47. A collector as in claim 46 wherein said material is impregnated with said substance. 48. A collector as in claim 28 which is sized for human use. 49. A vaginal discharge collector comprising: body means for providing a collection space for the collection of discharge and having an opening for the passage of discharge into said space; rim means for providing resilient outward holding force sufficient for holding the collector in position during use, said rim means being affixed to said body means proximate the top of said body means; and said body means includes a reservoir means for providing a reservoir space extending from said collection space. 50. A collector as in claim 49 wherein at least one of said body means and rim means is composed of a material to which is applied a substance released during use of the collector. 51. A collector as in claim 49 wherein said rim means is composed of material that includes a shape memory material. 52. A collector as in claim 49 further comprising closure means for at least partially covering said opening for inhibiting the exit of vaginal discharge from said space. 53. A collector as in claim 52 wherein at least one of said body means, rim means and closure means includes a substance released during use of the collector. 54. A collector as in claim 52 wherein said rim means is composed of material that includes a shape memory material. 55. A vaginal discharge collector comprising: body means for providing a collection space for the collection of discharge and having an opening for the passage of discharge into said space; and rim means for providing resilient outward holding force sufficient for holding the collector in position during use, said rim means being affixed to said body means proximate the top of said body means. 56. A collector as in claim 55 wherein at least one of said body means and rim means includes a substance released during use of the collector. 57. A collector as in claim 55 wherein said rim means is composed of material that includes a shape memory material. 58. A collector as in claim 28 which is sized for veterinary use. 59. A collector as in claim 58 which is sized for non-human primate use. 60. A collector as in claim 46 wherein said'material is coated onto the surface of at least a portion of said material. 61. A collector as in claim 46 wherein said substance is injected into at least of a portion of said material. 62. A collector as in claim 17 wherein said substance is mixed with said material during manufacturing of the collector. 63. A collector as in claim 62 wherein said substance is mixed with the ingredients of said material prior to the molding of the collector. 64. A method for aiding conception comprising the steps of: providing a body means for providing a collection space for the collection of discharge and having an opening for the passage of discharge into said space and further providing rim means for providing resilient outward holding force sufficient for holding the collector in position during use, said rim means being affixed to said body means proximate the top of said body means; applying sperm in or on said collector; and inserting the collector into the vaginal canal. 65. A method for collecting a specimen, such as vaginal, cervical and uterine discharge, comprising the steps of: providing a body means for providing a collection space for the collection of discharge and having an opening for the passage of discharge into said space and further providing rim means for providing resilient outward holding force sufficient for holding the collector in position during use, said rim means being affixed to said body means proximate the top of said body means; and inserting the collector in the vaginal canal in position for collection of the specimen.

Inventors: CONTENTE AUDREY, CONTENTE, AUDREY
Applicants: ULTRAFEM LTD, ULTRAFEM, LTD.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: A61F13
IPC codes: A61F5