TITLE: A menstrual Cup BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a menstrual cup to be insert into a vagina to catch and collect period fluid. The disclosure also relates to an applicator for inserting the menstrual cup vaginally.

Background of the disclosure

Despite the lower cost and the positive environmental impact of reducing waste by using menstrual cups compared to disposable tampons or menstrual pads, today, only a small fraction of menstruating women chooses to use a menstrual cup. Major reasons why women are not using menstrual cups are because they are perceived as difficult to use, are considered uncomfortable, and that they leak.

It is a common problem that menstrual cups are expulsed from the vagina due to gravitational or muscle forces. Another common experience is that many cups cause discomfort by chafing.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved menstrual cup which is easier to use, more comfortable for the user and reduce the risk of leakage.

Summary of the disclosure The object above is solved by a menstrual cup which is lighter, more flexible and better adapts to the user's anatomy. The menstrual cup is also easier to fold with a narrow folding diameter and at the same time has a high expansion force. The menstrual cup of the disclosure also reduce spill during removal. In a first aspect of the disclosure, a menstrual cup is described. The menstrual cup may include a body having walls, a first end comprising an opening and a second end which is closed. The menstrual cup may also include at least one reinforcement structure arranged on the walls.

The menstrual cup may further include a rim encircling the opening. The rim may be thicker than a thickness of the walls.

In some examples, the at least one reinforcement structure may be an elongated structure, such as ribs. The reinforcement structure may be arranged in an axial direction from the first end to the second end of the body.

In some examples, each of the elongated reinforment structures has a length, and wherein the length of each elongated structure is arranged along an axial direction from the first end to the second end of the body

In some examples, the at least one reinforcement structure may be an integrated part of the walls.

In some examples, the at least one reinforcement structure may be arranged on an inner surface of the body.

In some examples may the body be made from silicone or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).

In some examples, the body may be made of a material having a shore A of less than 70, such as between 50 to 70.

In some examples, the thickness of the walls is between 0.4 to 2 mm.

In some examples may a narrowing of a cross-sectional area of the body be arranged between the first end and the second end. In some example is the narrowing arranged closer to the first end than the second end, such as adjacent the opening.

In some examples may a diameter of the narrowing be 20 to 50% smaller than a diameter of the opening.

In some examples may at least one indentation be arranged in the narrowing. In some examples may the indentation be rhomb-shaped.

In some examples may at least one hole be arranged in the narrowing.

In some examples may a stem be arranged at the second end, such as a trimmable stem.

In some examples may the stem include pinch grips or a loop.

In a second aspect of the disclosure, a kip is described. The kit may include a menstrual cup according the disclosure and an applicator for inserting the menstrual cup vaginally.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other aspects, features and advantages of which examples of the disclosure are capable of will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is illustrating a side view of an exemplary menstrual cup according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 is illustrating a cross-sectional view of an exemplary menstrual cup according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 illustrating a top view of an exemplary menstrual cup according to the present disclosure;

Figs. 4A and 4B are illustrating a s3D renderings of an exemplary menstrual cup according to the present disclosure;

Figs. 5A to 5C are illustrating an exemplary applicator for inserting the menstrual cup according to the present disclosure; and

Fig. 6 is illustrating an exemplary menstrual cup folded and arranged in an applicator; and

Figs. 7A to 7C are illustrating a further exemplary applicator for inserting the menstrual cup according to the present disclosure. Fig. 7A is an exemplary assembled applicator, Fig. 7B is a sideview of an exemplary pusher and Fig. 7C is an exemplary bottom view.

Detailed description of the disclosure

Specific examples of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

The following description focuses on examples of the present disclosure applicable to a vaginal device for collecting menstrual discharge, which may also be called period fluid or menstrual discharge.

In Fig. 1 a side view of an example of a menstrual cup 1 is illustrated. The menstrual cup 1 includes a body 10. The body 10 comprises walls. The thickness of the walls may be in the range between 0.4 to 2 mm, such as 0.8 to 2mm, such as 0.4 to 1.5mm, such as 0.4 to 1mm, such as 0.8 to 1.5mm, such as 0.4mm, such as 0.8mm, such as 1 mm, such as 1.2mm, such as 1.5mm, such as 1.6 mm. The body 10 may be made from a material being silicone or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Additionally, and/or alternatively, the body 10 may be made of a material having a shore A of less than 70, such as between 50 to 70.

The body 10 forms a container or reservoir to be arranged vaginally to receive menstrual discharge. The body 10 could have a variety of shapes that may be described as, tapered, conical, funnel-shaped, strawberry-shaped, or pannage-shaped.

The body 10 has a first end 20. The first end 20 comprises an opening for receiving the menstrual fluid. The first end is at a proximal end of the body 10, in relation to the user. The body 10 also includes a second end 21 which is closed. The second end 21 is a distal end of the body 10, in relation to the user.

The opening at the first end 20, may include a rim 11 encircling the opening. The rim 11 may be thicker than the walls of the body 10. The rim may be between 2 to 6 mm, such as between 3 to 4 mm. The rim 11 may provide a high expansion force, enabling the device to fold out when released in the vagina. The rime 11 may also reduce leakage during use as the seal against the walls of the vagina will be improved. It will also enable the cup to stay in place after insertion. The diameter of the cup should be sufficient for the unfolded cup to exert a pressure against the vaginal wall. In some examples, cups with different diameters may be provided to allow a user to find a cup with a suitable diameter.

The shape of the opening may be designed to better fit the anatomy, making the device comfortable and provide a reduced risk of leakage. For example, the opening and the rim 11 may be circular, oval or oblong.

As also illustrated in Fig. 1, the body 10 may have a narrowing 12 of a cross-sectional area of the body 10. The narrowing 12 may form a neck. The narrowing 12 may be arranged between the first end 20 and the second end 21. Preferably, the narrowing 12 of the body 10 is arranged closer to the first end 20 than the second end 21, such as adjacent the opening just below the rim 11. A diameter of the narrowing 12 may be 20 to 50% smaller than a diameter of the opening at the first end 20. The narrowing may reduce spill during removal of the menstrual cup. his prevents spill when removing the cup. The narrowing 12 also stabilizes the cup and cause the rim 11 to snap open more easily.

Additionally, in some examples, at least one hole 13 is arranged through a wall of the body 10. The hole is preferably arranged close to the first end 20. For example, the hole 13 may be arranged in the narrowing 12. Alternatively, the hole 13 is arrange between the narrowing 12 and the rim 11.

The at least one hole 13 may reduce the risk of lower pressure, such as a vacuum, after the menstrua cup 1 has been inserted.

The number of holes 13 may be more than 1, such as four holes. In the examples where the holes 13 are more than 1, the holes 13 may be arranged symmetrically around a cross-section of the body 10, such as symmetrically arranged around the narrowing 12.

Additionally, in some examples, at least one ridge 19 may be arranged adjacent to the second end 21. For example, the ridges 19 may be arranged proximally the second end 21. The number or ridges may be more than 1, such as 2, such as 3, such as 4. The ridges facilitate gripping the cup body when it is arranged in a vagina.

In the menstrual cup illustrated in Fig. 1, a stem 15 may be arranged at the second end 21. The stem 15 may be adapted to make it easier to remove the menstrual cup 1 from the vagina. The stem 15 may be trimmable to make it easy to adjust the length for the user. The stem 15 may have a thickness which is thinner than the width. This shape of the stem 15 may make it more comfortable use since it is thinner but will handle a larger force, such as a pull force, without dislodge from the body 10. Alternatively, the stem 15 may have a circular cross- section. Along the length of the stem 15, ridges 16 (pinch grips) may arranged to make it easier to pinch and/or grip the stem 15 when removing the menstrual cup 1.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, a loop may be arranged at the distal end of the stem 15 to further enhance gripping of the stem 15 when removing the menstrual cup 1 from the vagina.

Additionally, in the area where the stem 15 is connected to the body 10, a bump 14 is arranged Th bump 14 may be solid. The bump 14 improves the force, such as a pull force, the stem 15 may withstand without dislodge for the body 10.

Illustrated in Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view along an axis of the body 10 of an exemplary menstrual cup 1. In menstrual cup 1 illustrated in Fig. 2, at least one indentation 17a, 17b, 17c, may be arranged on an inside surface of the body 10. The at least one indentation may improve the folding of the menstrual cup 1, making it easier to fold the menstrual cup 1 to a smaller cross- sectional area. The indentation 17a, 17b, 17c may be arranged on the ridge of the narrowing 12. When more than 1 indentation 17a, 17b, 17c are arranged inside the body 10, the indentations 17a, 17b, 17c may be arranged symmetrically around a cross-section of the body 10, such as around the ridge obtained by the narrowing 12 inside the body 10. The indentations 17a, 17b, 17c may be rhomb shaped, as illustrated in the figures. Alternatively, the 17a, 17b, 17c may have other shapes, such as square, oval, elliptical, oblong, square etc.

The shape of the indentations 17a, 17b, 17c should be configured to improve the folding of the menstrual cup 1 when the cup 1 is collapsed to a smaller cross-sectional area.

Further, as illustrated in Fig.2, the at least one hole 13a, 13b, 13c, may be arranged in the centre of at least one of the indentations 17a, 17b, 17c. Additionally, Fig. 2 is illustrating at least one reinforcement structure 18. The reinforcing structure may be arranged on a wall of the body 10. The at least one reinforcement structure 18 may be an elongated structure, such as a rib. The reinforcement structure 18 may be arranged in an axial direction from the first end 20 to the second end 21 of the body 10. Each of the at least one elongated reinforcement structures 18 may have a length.

The length of each elongated reinforcement structure is longer than the width. The reinforcement structures may be arranged so that the length of the elongated reinforcement structure follows the axial direction from the first end 20 to the second end 21 of the body 10.

In the examples where the reinforcing structures 18 are more than 1, the reinforcement structure 18 may be arranged symmetrically around a cross-section of the body 10.

In the illustrated example, the at least one reinforcement structure 18, may be arranged on an inner surface of the body 10. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the at least one reinforcement structure 18, may be arranged on an outer surface of the body 10.

The at least one reinforcement structure 18 may be an integrated part of the walls of the body 10. The reinforcement structure 18 may be solid or be hollow. In some examples, the reinforcement structures 18 may be further strengthened by the inclusion of a material of higher hardness inside the structure 16, for instance using overmoulding techniques. The inclusion material may be made from plastic, a metal or a ceramic. A suitable metal may be Nitinol or stainless-steel.

The at least one reinforcement structure 18 enhances the structural integrity of the walls, thereby allows the walls of the body 10 to be made thinner. Thinner walls will make the menstrual cup 1 weight less and be more flexible. The disclosed menstrual cup 1 may weigh as little as between 8 to lOg. The improved flexibility of the menstrual cup 1 will adapt better to the shape of the vagina and reduce the risk of chafing.

Additionally, in some examples, the indentations 17a, 17b, 17c and/or the holes 13a, 13b, 13c, may be arranged above the reinforcement structures 18. Alternatively, in some examples, the indentations 17a, 17b, 17c and/or the holes 131, 13b, 13c, may be arranged in between the reinforcement structures 18.

Fig. 3 is illustrating a top view of the menstrual cup 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In the illustrated example, there are 4 reinforcing structures 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, arranged symmetrically, such as evenly distributed, on the inner walls of the body 10. Further, there are four indentations 17a, 17b, 17c and four holes 13a, 13b, 13c. Each of the four holes 13a, 13b, 13c are arranged in one of the four indentations 17a, 17b, 17c. The indentation and hole combination are, in the illustrated example, arranged on the ridge of the narrowing 12 above reinforcing structures 18a, 18b, 18c.

Figs. 4A and 4B are illustrating 3D renderings of the device illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. In these renderings, some of the features are better illustrated, such as the indentations 17a, 17b, the holes 13a, 13b and the reinforcement structure 18. These figures also illustrate another advantage of the disclosed menstrual cup 1, minimum parting lines, sharp edges and engravings. The function is arranged on the inside so experiences as smooth and comfortable.

To make it easier to insert and arrange the menstrual cup 1 in the vagina, an applicator 2 is proposed. Three different examples of applicators are illustrated in Figs. 5A, 5B, and 5C. Other types of applicators may also be used, such as a clamping mechanism, for example a tong, having an enclosure at a distal end in which the folded menstrual cup 1 is arranged. The tong may have a spring mechanism for keeping the enclosure closed. Another option is to use a forceps or pliers like applicator to hold the folded menstrual cup during the insertion. The forceps-like design may have a soft rounded top that encloses and holds the menstrual cup 1 in its folded position when inserting and releases the cup when opened. Optionally a ring can be used to keep the forceps closed while inserting and causing the forceps to open when retracted (0). The ring can also serve as a marker for how far the forceps shall be inserted.

The examples illustrated in Figs. 5A, 5B, and 5C have some common characteristics. Not only are the applicators 2 configured to be adapted to hold and insert the folded menstrual cup 1, but it is also shaped to be adapted to the more comfortable to use during the insertion. To make it more comfortable, the applicators may have a barrel 22 in which a folded menstrual cup 1 is arranged. The barrel 22 may have an oval, oblong or elliptic cross-sectional area. An oval shape will maximise the volume but still be thin, thus make it easy to introduce the menstrual cup 1 and still be comfortable. Optionally, the applicator 2 may have round shape.

In some examples the barrel 22 structure may be tapered towards a top 23.

Additionally, the top 23 of the barrels 22 may be cut at an angle. When the folded menstrual cup 1 is arranged in the applicator 2, the folded menstrual cup 1 may protrude out from the top end 23 of the applicator 2 and have the shape of a pointy tip, illustrated in Fig. 6. The tip provided by the folded menstrual cup is slim and soft and easy to insert into the vagina.

The simple shape of the applicators 2 makes them easy to disassemble and clean between use. All three designs illustrated in Figs 5A, 5B and 5C has a protruding edge 24 at a bottom. This edge 24 will provide a stop during the insertion of the menstrual cup 1, acting as a guide for how long applicator 2 shall be inserted. The user will therefore know when the applicator 2 is inserted enough for releasing the menstrual cup 1.

This will reduce the risk of arranging the menstrual cup 1 too low inside the vagina. Arranging the menstrual cup 1 too low may cause discomfort during use.

The protruding edge 24 may also prevent the applicator 2 to be inserted too far.

Fig. 5A is illustrating an applicator 2 having a barrel 22 as described above and a protruding edge 24.

Fig. 5B illustrates an applicator 2 which comprises a pusher unit 25 to push out the menstrual cup 1 through the top end 23. The pusher unit 25 may have a hole where the stem of the cup fits and a tapered top, so that the cup forms a soft point, that guides the insertion. After insertion of the applicator 2 with the folded cup, the pusher unit 25 is pressed inwards and the menstrual cup 1 is expulsed and folds out inside the vagina.

In this example of an applicator 2, a stop may be arranged on the barrel 22 and the and pusher 25, preventing them from separating while still allowing for disassembly when cleaning.

Fig. 5C includes is similar to the device in Figs. 5A and 5B with an additional finger grip 26 to make it easier to hold the applicator 2 during the insertion of the menstrual cup 1. The finger grip 26 may prolong the design of the applicators 2 illustrated in Figs. 5A and 5B.

Figs. 7A is illustrating an example where the applicator 3 has a rounded base 27 when the pusher 4 illustrated in Fig. 7B, is fully inserted in a channel going through the application 3. The pusher 4 is prevented from being pushed too far by a locking mechanism 5 illustrated in Fig. 7C where the pusher 4 may be released by twisting. The top 28 of the barrel of the applicator 3 may be flat, cut at an angle or S-shaped as a round curve that follows the tip of a folded menstrual cup when arranged therein in the same way as illustrated in Fig. 6.

While several examples of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present disclosure is/are used.