DISPOSABLE CERVICAL CAP WITH A RESERVOIR FOR INCREASED FLUID FLOW

Abstract: This invention is an improved disposable cervical cap (10) having a thin, form assuming flexible dome (12) with an integrally molded annular rim (18). The dome (12) comprises an apex portion (14) and a base portion (16), wherein the apex portion includes first and second sidewalls. The cervical cap (10) further includes a substantially rounded reservoir (20) integrally molded with the apex portion of the dome for storing excess fluids produced by a female.

Description: DISPOSABLE CERVICAL CAP WITH A RESERVOIR FOR INCREASED FLUID FLOW BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to contraceptive devices for females and, more particularly, to an improved disposable cervical cap with a reservoir for increased fluid flow. 2. Discussion of the Related Art Devices which are intended to be inserted into the vagina are known for use as contraceptive barriers. One particular contraceptive device, the cervical cap, is placed over the cervix to prevent semen from entering the cervical canal and is held in place according to a suction grip by precise fit or by a form-assuming dome using the surface viscosity of a moist cervical surface. United States Patent No. 4,785,804, for example, provides a disposable cervical cap having a thin, form-assuming, flexible dome portion that allows for its use with a majority of the female population irregardless of the size of the female's anatomy. Currently, however, a percentage of the female population is unable to use a cervical cap because of unique anatomical and physical characteristics, such as greatly increased fluid flow. The present invention provides an improved disposable cervical cap which overcomes the aforementioned problems. Due to its novel construction, the cervical cap of the present invention allows for its use by women with variations in anatomy that result in additional fluid flow. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a disposable cervical cap having a thin-walled, flexible, and pliant dome with an integrally-molded flexible retaining rim. In position, the flexible, form-assuming dome of the cervical cap conforms to the exocervical surface to closely fit the surface upon contact. Due to its thinness and applicability, the dome of the cap will continue to adhere to the surface of the cervix until removed. Adherence of the dome to the cervix is further facilitated by the moist cervical surface. The improved cervical cap of the present invention includes a reservoir molded to the pliant dome portion of the cap in order to collect additional fluids produced from a female's cervix. Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description in the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a cervical cap of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the cervical cap; FIG. 3 is a sectional view, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternate preferred embodiment cervical cap of the present invention; and FIG. 5 is a sectional view, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of an improved cervical cap with a reservoir is illustrated and indicated generally by the numeral 10. Generally speaking, cervical cap 10 comprises a flexible, thin, form-assuming dome 12, an apex portion 14, a base portion 16, and an annular rim 18. Dome 12 is generally thimble-shaped, with base portion 16 inwardly tapering toward apex portion 14. Dome 12 further includes first side wall 22 and second side wall 24. The outer diameter of rim 18 is greater than that of base portion 16 of dome 12. Cervical cap 10 further includes a substantially rounded reservoir 20 integrally molded with apex portion 14 of dome 12 for storing excess fluids produced by a female. Reservoir 20 at the apex of the dome portion of the cap allows for the temporary collection of excess fluids discharged by a woman without affecting the operation or effectiveness of the dome as a covering over the cervix. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , side walls 22 and 24 represent the most active portion of dome 12, where the dome functions most effectively to sealingly grip the cervix. The reservoir of the dome prevents the diminishing of the surface viscosity of the active area of the dome, or the ability to sealingly grip the cervix, because the reservoir is molded to the portion of the dome where the inactive area of surface viscosity begins. The cervical cap of the present invention may also be employed as a conception device, depending on the desired result. While the use of the cervical cap as a contraception device functions to prevent semen from entering the cervical canal (Os), the conception device aids in fertilization when sperm is placed inside the cap and the device is placed over the cervix, thereby concentrating sperm at the opening of the Os. In a further preferred embodiment, cervical cap 10 includes a loop 34 that serves as a handle, facilitates insertion and removal of cap 10 and is integrally-molded with annular rim 18. In a preferred embodiment, referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, annular rim 18 has an inner surface 26 and an outer surface 28. Thin, gripping finger 30 projects upwardly and outwardly, as finger 30 is integrally-formed with inner surface 26. Finger 30 also defines an upper portion of a notched indentation 32 as viewed in FIG. 3. Annular rim 18 contains at least two gripping fingers 30 that are directly opposite or symmetrically opposed from each other along inner surface 26. However, it will be appreciated to one skilled in the art that more than two fingers could be employed. Fingers 30 effectively grip and hold cervical cap 10 over the cervix in order to prevent semen from entering the cervical canal or to aid in fertilization. Gripping fingers 30 and notched indentation 32 essentially provide the effect of a Chinese finger puzzle by gripping the side walls of the cervix and holding the cap when the circumference of the rim 18 is fitted around the cervix and slightly expands. Cervical cap 10 is fixed in place by the use of gripping fingers 30 rather than merely by suction or surface viscosity. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an alternate embodiment of the present invention provides a cervical cap 110 comprising a flexible, thin, form-assuming dome 112, an apex portion 114, a base portion 116, and an annular rim 118. Dome 112 is generally thimble-shaped, with base portion 116 inwardly tapering toward apex portion 114. Dome 112 further includes first side wall 144 and second side wall 146. The outer diameter of rim 118 is greater than that of base portion 116 of dome 112. Cervical cap 110 further includes a substantially rounded reservoir 140 integrally molded with apex portion 114 of dome 112 for storing excess fluids produced by a female. Reservoir 140 at the apex of the dome portion of the cap allows for the temporary collection of excess fluids discharged by a woman without affecting the operation or effectiveness of the dome as a covering over the cervix. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , side walls 144 and 146 represent the most active portion of dome 112, where the dome functions most effectively to sealingly grip the cervix. The reservoir of the dome prevents the diminishing of the surface viscosity of the active area of the dome, or the ability to sealingly grip the cervix, because the reservoir is molded to the portion of the dome where the inactive area of surface viscosity begins. Referring particularly to FIG. 5, rim 118 has an inner surface 120 and an outer surface 122, bottom surface 124, and upper surfaces 126 and 128. Upper surface 126 extends leftward from base portion 116, as viewed in FIG. 5, and terminates at outer shoulder 130. Upper surface 128 extends rightward from base portion 116, as viewed in FIG. 5, and terminates at outer shoulder 132. Upper surface 128 extends at an acute angle from adjacent base portion 116, preferably, for example, at about an 85 degree angle. Annular rim 118 has generally inwardly directed annular groove 134. The side walls or annular groove 134 extend generally toward bottom surface 124 with the opening of annular groove 134 facing inwardly and upwardly as shown in FIG. 5. Adjacent to annular groove 134 are annular upper rim 136 and annular lower rim lip 138. As illustrated in FIG. 5, both upper rim lip 136 and lower rim lip 138 extend generally inwardly and upwardly at an angle acute to dome base portion 116. This lip configuration serves to grip the cervix wail and helps keep the cervical cap in position over the cervix as an alternate embodiment to the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In a further preferred embodiment, cervical cap 110 includes a loop 142 that serves as a handle, facilitates insertion and removal of cap 110, and is integrally-molded with annular rim 118. It is preferred that the cervical cap of the present invention be constructed of a sperm-impermeable, tear-resistant medical elastomer, such as a silicone rubber, and formed by liquid injection molding. Other suitable materials, such as RTV thermoplastic that can be molded thin enough to be form-conforming and pliant may also be employed. The reservoir at the apex of the dome is also preferably made of the same elastomeric material as the dome and rim portions, providing similar thinness and pliability. Preferred materials include a 40 durometer silicone, such as Silastic Q4840 (Dow Corning) or Silicone 4040 (Bayer). When thinly molded, these materials allow for up to a 600% stretch of the molded product. It is preferred that the cervical cap of the present invention be constructed of a sperm-impermeable, tear-resistant medical elastomer, such as silicone rubber, and formed by liquid injection molding. Other suitable materials, such as RTV thermoplastic that is thin enough to be form-conforming and pliant may also be employed. This material may or may not be impregnated with biologically active components. These components may include, but are not limited to, spermicides, antibiotics, antifungals, and hormonal replacements. For example, to increase its contraceptive effect, the cervical cap of the present invention may be pre-treated by coating or impregnating its surface with spermicidal agents during manufacture. The biologically active components may also assist in fertilization, or may be mixed with sperm within the hollow body of the dome of the cap in order to achieve the desired result. The use of biologically active materials may stimulate sperm motility, prolong the active life of the sperm or aid in gender selection. Selectively eliminating or altering the behavior of some sperm by significantly changing the pH may bias the activity of the X or Y sperm, resulting in odds which favor one particular sex over the other. These components may be released therefrom in an amount effective to achieve its purpose during use. The dome and reservoir are preferably, but not limited to, about one quarter millimeter thick and have a burst out strength of approximately 122 millibars on average. Although the description as set forth is in conjunction with human subjects, it will be further appreciated that the claimed products may be readily adaptable for use with animal subjects having a cervix. While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed are well calculated to provide the advantages and features above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation, and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An improved disposable cervical cap comprising: (a) a thin, form-assuming flexible dome having a hollow body and an interior and exterior surface, said dome comprising an apex portion and a base portion, wherein said apex portion has first and second side walls; (b) a substantially rounded reservoir integrally-molded with said apex portion of said dome for storing excess fluids; and (c) a flexible, annular rim integrally-molded with said base portion and having an inner and outer surface. 2. The cervical cap of claim 1 , wherein said cap further comprises at least two thin, gripping fingers projecting upwardly and outwardly, said fingers being integrally-formed with said inner surface of said rim, wherein said fingers are symmetrically opposed from each other along said inner surface of said rim, and wherein each said finger defines a notched indentation in said inner surface of said rim in order to effectively grip and hold said cap over said cervix. 3. The cervical cap of claim 1 , wherein said annular rim further comprises an inner and outer surface and a bottom surface, said inner surface having an annular groove descending acutely from an inner wall toward said bottom surface of said rim, whereby said annular groove defines an ascending lip on said inner surface of said rim. 4. The cervical cap of claim 3, wherein said rim includes an outer shoulder beveled with respect to said exterior surface of said dome. 5. The cervical cap of claim 1 , wherein said first and second side walls of said dome comprise a most active portion of said dome of said cap. 6. The cervical cap of claim 1 , wherein said cap is comprised of a sperm- impermeable medical elastomer. 7. The cervical cap of claim 1 , wherein said cap further comprises sperm within said body of said dome. 8. The cervical cap of claim 1 , wherein said cap is comprised of a biologically active material. 9. The cervical cap of claim 1 , wherein said cap further comprises a loop integrally-molded to said annular rim. 10. The cervical cap of claim 1 , wherein said cap is of a size suitable for use with a human. 11. The cervical cap of claim 1 , wherein said cap is of a size suitable for use with an animal. 12. An improved disposable cervical cap comprising: (a) a thin, form-assuming flexible dome having a hollow body and an interior and exterior surface, said dome comprising an apex portion and a base portion, wherein said apex portion has first and second side walls; (b) a substantially rounded reservoir integrally-molded with said apex portion of said dome for storing excess fluids; and (c) a flexible, annular rim integrally-molded with said base portion and having an inner and outer surface; wherein said reservoir comprises a least active portion of said dome of said cap and said first and second side walls of said dome comprise a most active portion of said dome of said cap. 13. The cervical cap of claim 12, wherein said cap further comprises at least two thin, gripping fingers projecting upwardly and outwardly, said fingers being integrally-formed with said inner surface of said rim, wherein said fingers are symmetrically opposed from each other along said inner surface of said rim, and wherein each said finger defines a notched indentation in said inner surface of said rim in order to effectively grip and hold said cap over said cervix. 14. The cervical cap of claim 12, wherein said annular rim further comprises an inner and outer surface and a bottom surface, said inner surface having an annular groove descending acutely from an inner wall toward said bottom surface of said rim, whereby said annular groove defines an ascending lip on said inner surface of said rim. 15. The cervical cap of claim 14, wherein said rim includes an outer shoulder beveled with respect to said exterior surface of said dome. 16. The cervical cap of claim 12, wherein said cap further comprises a loop integrally-molded to said annular rim. 17. The cervical cap of claim 12, wherein said cap is comprised of a sperm- impermeable medical elastomer. 18. The cervical cap of claim 12, wherein said cap is comprised of a biologically active material. 19. The cervical cap of claim 12, wherein said cap is of a size suitable for use with a human. 20. The cervical cap of claim 12, wherein said cap is of a size suitable for use with an animal.

Inventors: LAVEAN MICHAEL G, LAVEAN, MICHAEL, G.
Applicants: LAVEAN MICHAEL G, VEOS FRANCE EURL, LAVEAN, MICHAEL, G.
Application year: 1998
Main classification: A61F5
IPC codes: A61F6