Abstract:
The absorbent menstrual cup solves the problem of spillage while removing a menstrual cup by combining a flexible menstrual cup with a non-removable absorbent layer.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The described device relates to feminine hygiene products, specifically to those that collect vaginal menstrual discharge. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Devices for the absorption of menstrual discharge are known in the art, all seeking to solve the issue of discretely collecting menstrual blood. But the known devices each present significant drawbacks. Sanitary napkins are bulky and prone to leakage. Tampons are a less-bulky alternative. Tampons avoid the bulk of sanitary napkins through the use of an insertable and highly-absorbent material. By virtue of being in direct contact with the inner surfaces of the vaginal canal, the tampon readily absorbs all the fluids of the vagina. 
         [0003]    Toxic shock syndrome is believed to be caused by the toxins produced by the bacterium  Staphylococcus Aureus . Studies suggest that toxic shock syndrome is related to tampon absorbency, specifically that the higher the tampon absorbency, the higher the risk of incidence. Direct contact between tampons and the interior of the vaginal canal upsets the natural moisture balance of the vaginal canal by absorption of all natural fluids, in severe cases resulting in toxic shock syndrome. 
         [0004]    What is needed is a device that provides for the sanitary disposal of menstrual fluids without the drawbacks of the prior art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The absorbent menstrual cup solves the problem of spillage while removing a menstrual cup by combining a flexible menstrual cup with a non-removable absorbent layer. 
         [0006]    Furthermore, the absorbent menstrual cup solves the problem of prior art feminine products that absorb both menstrual fluids and beneficial vaginal fluids though contact between the absorbent material and the delicate vaginal mucosa. The absorbent menstrual cup solves this problem by separating the absorbent material from the wall of the vagina. 
         [0007]    The absorbent menstrual cup is a flexible rim combined with a multi-layered reservoir. The flexible rim comfortably fits underneath the user&#39;s cervix, while the multi-layered reservoir gathers and contains the menstrual fluid. Unlike a contraceptive diaphragm, the absorbent menstrual cup does not require individual sizing to fit each user&#39;s cervix. 
         [0008]    The flexible rim has an inner surface and outer surface. The inner surface may include inner grooves to help aid the flow of menstrual fluids. Such inner surface grooves or markings may facilitate the downward flow of the collected fluids. The outer surface may include outer projections to help the user grip the absorbent menstrual cup during insertion and removal. 
         [0009]    The multi-layered reservoir is comprised of at least three layers. The outer reservoir layer is impervious to liquids. This both prevents menstrual fluid from seeping out of the absorbent menstrual cup and vaginal fluids from being absorbed into the device. 
         [0010]    The one or more middle reservoir layers are absorbent, gathering the menstrual fluid and containing it. 
         [0011]    The inner reservoir layer allows menstrual fluid to pass through to the middle reservoir layer. The inner reservoir layer is a fine mesh, nonstick material, or a perforated sheet comprised of a non-absorbent material. The inner reservoir layer acts to prevent contact between the absorbent layers of the absorbent menstrual cup and the user&#39;s tissue, while also providing a dry surface in case of contact between the user&#39;s hands and the reservoir during removal. 
         [0012]    As a result of separating the absorbent layers from the vaginal walls, the absorbent menstrual cup is safe to wear for at least 8 hrs and up to 12 hrs. 
         [0013]    The middle and inner layers may be affixed to the outer layer through the use of adhesive, fusing the layers together by melting, or mechanically coupling the layers together by clamping the rim over the layer edges. 
         [0014]    The result is a single-piece, unified menstrual fluid reservoir. The intention is that the absorbent menstrual cup be a single-use device, being disposed of after a single use. Making the entire device disposable avoids the problems of requiring the user to handle contaminated absorbent layers, which results in unclean hands and an unclean reservoir that must be refilled with absorbent medium. 
         [0015]    The flexible rim must be of sufficient thickness and resilience to maintain the shape of the absorbent menstrual discharge device. The layers that result in the reservoir are flexible and collapsible. As a result, the absorbent menstrual discharge device is readily inserted and removed, while remaining comfortable during use. 
         [0016]    The absorbent menstrual cup is optionally constructed of entirely biodegradable materials. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates an overall view of a first embodiment of the absorbent menstrual discharge device. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates a second view of the absorbent menstrual discharge device, showing how it can collapse for insertion and removal. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the absorbent menstrual cup after insertion and placement. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the absorbent menstrual discharge device, showing the individual layers. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment with a depression to aid removal. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment with a flexible loop to aid removal. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment with a molded loop to aid removal. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment with a molded dome to aid removal. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment with a hanging string to aid removal. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an overall view of a first embodiment of the absorbent menstrual cup  1  is shown. The rim  10  is the section of the absorbent menstrual cup  1  that directly contacts the cervix. Rim  10  is comprised of rim inner surface  12  and rim outer surface  14 . Rim inner surface  12  has optional rim outer projections  16 , and rim outer surface  14  has optional rim inner grooves  18 . Reservoir  40  is shown connected to the rim  10 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a second view of the absorbent menstrual cup  1  is shown. The flexibility of the absorbent menstrual cup  1  is shown, an important feature for insertion and removal. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a cross-sectional view of the absorbent menstrual cup  1  is shown. The absorbent menstrual cup  1  is inserted through the vaginal canal  50  and rests directly underneath the cervix  52  positioned behind the pubic bone  52 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , an exploded view of the absorbent menstrual cup is shown. The reservoir  40  comprises three or more layers: the inner reservoir layer  30 , which is a non-absorbent material such as plastic adapted to allow the passage of vaginal secretions and exfoliated cells and tissues; the middle reservoir layer  32 , which is an absorbent material, such as cotton; and the outer reservoir layer  34 , which does not allow liquids, such as menstrual fluid, to either leak away from the one or more absorbent layers, or to be drawn inward from the vaginal canal  50  into the one or more absorbent layers. 
         [0032]    The absorbent menstrual cup  1  may include additional shapes or features that aid in removal. The features described below are designed to help the user remove the absorbent menstrual cup  1  from her body. Thus, it is important to remember that during use the absorbent menstrual cup  1  may be wet or slippery. Without a mechanism for the user to grip it may be difficult to remove. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an embodiment with a depression  60  to aid removal is shown. Depression  60  is shaped and sized to fit a single finger. Internal inset  61  is thinner location of the rim  10 , helping to keep the fingertip fixed in place. The user can insert her finger into depression  60 , break the seal against the cervix, if any, and then pull downward to remove the absorbent menstrual cup  1 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an embodiment with a flexible loop  62  to aid removal is shown. Flexible loop  62  is a material different than that of the rim  10 . For example, string, cord, twine, or rope. A flexible material is beneficial because it will not press against the user&#39;s vaginal canal  50 , which may cause discomfort. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , an embodiment with a molded loop  64  to aid removal is shown. The molded loop  64  can be the same material as the rim  10 , or a second material. The molded loop  64  is anticipated to be a stiffer material than flexible loop  62 . This stiffer material makes molded loop  64  easier for the user to locate within the vaginal canal  50  because its location is predicable. Flexible materials may move or become tucked into locations the user does not anticipate. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an embodiment with a molded dome  66  to aid removal is shown. Molded dome  66  is an extension of the rim  10 . In order to remove the absorbent menstrual cup  1 , the user hooks a finger under the dome  66  and pulls the absorbent menstrual cup  1  out of the vaginal canal  50 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , an embodiment with a hanging string  68  to aid removal is shown. The hanging string  68  is affixed to the base of reservoir  40 . The hanging string  68  may be of any length, including long enough to protrude from the vaginal canal  50  while the absorbent menstrual cup  1  is in use. This simplifies removal, allowing the user to tug on the string  68  to pull out the absorbent menstrual cup  1 . 
         [0038]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0039]    It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.