Menstrual cup formed from renewable thermoplastic elastomer and method of making the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a menstrual cup (1), comprising: a container (2) comprising an outer surface (3) and an inner surface (4), the inner surface at least partially defining an inner cavity (5) adapted to collect fluid, the container (2) further extending from an open top end (6) to a closed bottom end (7), the open top end (6) having a predetermined diameter, the container (2) further comprising an upper edge portion (8) located at the open top end (6) of the container (2), and a body portion (9) defining a diameter of the inner cavity (5) that decreases while extending downwardly from the open top end (6) of the container (2) to the closed bottom end (7). In addition, the container (2) is at least partially formed of a renewable thermoplastic elastomer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a menstrual cup suitable for collecting menstrual fluid and a method for making and using the same. Background Art

[0002] In today's society, consumers are increasingly aware of the impact their purchases have on the environment. This often leads to a feeling of guilt when products are purchased, such as disposable items, that are used for a short period of time (e.g. a few hours) and are made from materials from limited sources. This feeling is often referred to as "consumer guilt".

[0003] Menstrual cups that are used for a longer period of time may partially alleviate this consumer guilt.Such menstrual cups have previously been known in the art, for example, through International Patent Application No. PCT / CA2005 / 001443.

[0004] However, many menstrual cups produced today are made from organosilicon oxide polymers, which contain hydrocarbons derived from non-renewable resources such as petroleum or natural gas. In addition to the limited supply of oil and natural gas, the methods used to obtain and process these materials have negative impacts on the environment.

[0005] Therefore, there is a growing need to develop menstrual cups made from materials that have a better environmental impact. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention is based on the need for a menstrual cup made of a material with a better environmental impact. The present invention provides a menstrual cup comprising a renewable thermoplastic elastomer.

[0007] At least one of the objects is achieved, at least in part, by a menstrual cup comprising a container. The container has an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface at least partially defining an inner cavity adapted to collect a fluid. The container extends from an open top end to a closed bottom end, wherein the open top end has a predetermined diameter. The container further comprises an upper edge portion located at the open top end of the container, and a body portion defining an inner cavity that decreases in diameter while extending downwardly from the open top end of the container to the closed bottom end of the container. Furthermore, the container is at least partially formed of a renewable thermoplastic elastomer.

[0008] Thermoplastic elastomers have high elastic properties, giving the menstrual cup the required flexibility to assume different configurations, to facilitate easy insertion and removal of the menstrual cup, and to return to its original configuration during use. In addition, thermoplastic elastomers are easy to use in manufacturing, especially in injection molding processes. Due to their thermoplastic properties, thermoplastic elastomers can undergo several cycles of molding, extrusion and use, and therefore can be recycled. This is in contrast to rubber, which is generally not recyclable due to its thermosetting properties.

[0009] Using renewable thermoplastic elastomers in the manufacturing process of menstrual cups can reduce the environmental impact of the menstrual cup manufacturing process. In addition, using renewable thermoplastic elastomers to make menstrual cups can partially alleviate consumers' guilt when discarding menstrual cups.

[0010] The thermoplastic elastomer material can be selected from thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and / or thermoplastic styrene elastomer. The Shore A value of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer is higher than that of thermoplastic styrene elastomer. However, the tear strength of thermoplastic styrene elastomer is lower than that of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.

[0011] The weight of the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is about 20-100% of the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer.

[0012] The weight of the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is about 30-90% of the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer.

[0013] The weight of the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is about 40-80% of the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer.

[0014] The weight of the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is about 50-70% of the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer.

[0015] The renewable polymers of the present invention may not be biodegradable, as biodegradable polymers are hydrophilic, which may prevent effective containment of menstrual fluid in the container.

[0016] The main body portion of the menstrual cup may have a Shore hardness between Shore A20 and Shore A70 to provide the menstrual cup with sufficient flexibility and elasticity to allow the menstrual cup to have different configurations before use, during insertion / removal, and during use.

[0017] The menstrual cup may be a single-cycle cup. As used herein, the term "single-cycle cup" refers to a cup that is disposable after one menstrual cycle while having limited negative environmental impact due to the presence of renewable polymers in the menstrual cup. This may also reduce "consumer guilt". By reducing the use of the menstrual cup to one menstrual cycle, the requirements for cleaning and disinfection may be reduced.

[0018] A range of menstrual cups may be provided in terms of container size and material Shore A hardness. Thus, a range may be provided in which the container has at least two different sizes, such that a first size has the ability to receive more fluid than a second size. By providing menstrual cups of different sizes, menstrual cups may be provided to users with different vaginal anatomies. For example, a menstrual cup of a smaller size may be more suitable for women with a lower cervix and a shorter vagina. Conversely, a menstrual cup of a larger size may be more suitable for women with a higher cervix and a longer vagina. Furthermore, a range of menstrual cups may be provided in which the container has at least two different sizes, such that a first size is suitable for use without vaginal delivery and a second size is suitable for users who have already had vaginal delivery. Since delivery is often accompanied by physical changes in the vaginal canal, it may be beneficial to adapt the menstrual cup to these physical changes, for example by changing the size of the container. Furthermore, a range of menstrual cups may be provided in which the material constituting the container has at least two Shore A values ​​according to user preference. Generally speaking, softer menstrual cups are more comfortable during use because they exert less outward pressure on the vaginal wall. On the other hand, softer menstrual cups require more manual manipulation to open them in the vagina. Additionally, during exercise, it is recommended to use a stiffer menstrual cup, as these cups are less likely to be pushed out by the muscles in the vagina.

[0019] By offering containers of varying sizes and / or material hardness as a family, users can clearly see that the menstrual cups are made by the same manufacturer and therefore expect the same level of quality.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a menstrual cup, comprising a first step of designing a menstrual cup, the menstrual cup comprising a container having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface at least partially defining an inner cavity adapted to collect fluid, the container further extending from an open top end to a closed bottom end, the open top end having a predetermined diameter, the container further comprising an upper rim portion located at the open top end of the container, and a body portion defining a gradually decreasing diameter of the inner cavity as it extends downwardly from the open top end to the closed bottom end of the container; a second step of obtaining a mold configured for the menstrual cup design; a third step of molding the menstrual cup with the mold; and a fourth step of removing the menstrual cup from the molded part. The manufacturing method also includes the step of manufacturing the menstrual cup container so that it comprises a renewable polymer.

[0021] According to the present invention, the method for manufacturing a menstrual cup may further comprise the step of selecting the thermoplastic elastomer material from thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers and / or thermoplastic styrene elastomers.

[0022] The invention also relates to the use of a thermoplastic elastomeric material selected from thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers and / or thermoplastic styrene elastomers for the manufacture of a single-cycle cup. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention will be further explained below by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 showing a side view of a menstrual cup;

[0025] Figure 2 A side view showing another example of a menstrual cup;

[0026] Figure 3 Shown is a top view of a menstrual cup. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] A "menstrual cup" is a cup-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina to receive and contain menstrual fluid.

[0028] The term "renewable material" means material composed of biomass of biological origin that can be continually replenished at a rate equal to or greater than the rate of consumption, such as wood, agricultural crops, marine products, or organic waste.

[0029] "Biodegradable materials" are materials that break down quickly through microbial and other biological processes. Biodegradation is a chemical process in which materials are metabolized into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass with the help of microorganisms.

[0030] "Finite resources" refers to non-renewable resources, such as carbon-based fossils.

[0031] As used herein, a "family" refers to a packaging display that includes menstrual cups of varying container sizes and / or material hardness but of similar construction. The packages are of the same brand and / or sub-brand and may also have the same trademark. The packaging elements (e.g., material type, primary color, and / or design) are similar to communicate to the customer that the different individual packages are part of a larger family. The packages are placed adjacent to each other in a given area of ​​a retail store.

[0032] Throughout the drawings in the following detailed description, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same elements.

[0033] Figure 1 A side view of a menstrual cup according to the present invention is shown. The cup 1 includes a container 2 having an outer surface 3 and an inner surface 4, the inner surface 4 defining an inner cavity 5 for collecting menstrual fluid. The container 2 extends from an open top end 6 to a closed bottom end 7. The open top end 6 includes an upper edge portion 8 having a predetermined diameter. The container 2 also includes a handle 10 extending from the closed bottom end 7 to facilitate removal of the menstrual cup 1. In addition, the container 2 has a body portion 9 that defines a diameter of the inner cavity 5 that decreases while extending downward from the open top end 6 to the closed bottom end 7. The body portion 9 may include one or more ridges. As shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown, the menstrual cup may further include a transition portion 11 between the upper edge portion 8 and the main body portion 9.

[0034] The menstrual cup according to the present invention may have at least two configurations; a folded configuration for inserting / removing the menstrual cup into / from the vagina and an unfolded configuration during use. The folded configuration is achieved by folding the elastic material of the container 2 along the longitudinal axis. The menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina in the folded configuration, with the open top end facing the cervix, thereby exposing the inner cavity 5 to the cervix to collect fluid. Once inserted, the menstrual cup assumes its unfolded configuration, with the upper edge portion 8 assuming its original circular perimeter to form a seal between the menstrual cup 1 and the vaginal wall.

[0035] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the transition portion 11 is provided with holes 12, which may be located near the upper edge portion 8. Optionally, holes may be present in the main body portion 9. These holes are used to equalize the air pressure inside and outside the container 2 during the insertion and removal of the menstrual cup. During the removal of the menstrual cup, if the air pressure is not equalized, it may cause suction to be directed toward the vagina. In the expanded configuration, the holes 12 are sealed by the vaginal wall, thereby allowing natural suction to be generated between the menstrual cup and the vaginal wall to keep the menstrual cup in place. Figure 2 As shown, the transition region may have one or more ridges 13. Alternatively, the transition portion 11 may be substantially smooth or have knob-like protrusions 14.

[0036] The menstrual cup can be removed from the vagina by pulling the handle 10 extending from the closed bottom end 7. Figure 2 As shown, the handle 10 may be provided with additional ridges 13 and / or protrusions 14 to facilitate the user's gripping of the handle 10. The ridges 13 may be in the form of a series of radial ridges. The handle 10 may be hollow to make the handle less rigid, thereby increasing comfort during insertion and removal. The handle 10 forms an integral part of the container 2 and is therefore not removable. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment, the handle 10 is cylindrical. However, the handle may also be formed as a knob having a rounded shape, or as a rectangle, or in any other suitable form to facilitate the operation of the handle. In addition, the handle may be formed as an oblong shape divided into different sections so that the user can trim the handle to a desired length.

[0037] Figure 3 A top view of a menstrual cup is shown, which also includes volume markings 15 on the inner wall surface of the container 2. The volume markings inform the user of the volume of fluid accumulated in the container 2. This information can alert the user that the menstrual flow is too heavy. Depending on the geographical location of the user and the measurement units used in that particular area, the volume markings can be expressed in English units or metric units. The volume markings can also be expressed in both English and metric units.

[0038] The thickness of the material in the container 2 varies between different defined portions within the menstrual cup 1. The thickness of the material in the upper rim portion 8 is greater than the thickness of the material in the main body portion 9 and the transition portion 11, thereby providing rigidity to the upper rim portion 8 to maintain the menstrual cup in a predetermined position in the vagina. The thickness of the material in the transition portion 11 may be greater than the thickness of the material in the main body portion 9, thereby resulting in increased rigidity of the transition portion to support the upper rim portion 8 to maintain the predetermined shape of the menstrual cup. The thickness of the material in the container 2 may decrease downward from the upper rim portion 8 to the closed bottom end 7. The thickness of the material in the upper rim portion 8 may be approximately 5 mm. The thickness of the material in the transition portion may decrease from approximately 3 mm at the end of the transition portion near the upper rim portion 8 to approximately 2 mm at the end of the transition portion near the main body portion. The thickness of the material in the main body portion 9 may be approximately 2 mm.

[0039] The following method can be used to measure the material thickness: Figure 1 or Figure 2 The thickness is measured on the menstrual cup (see reference numeral 9 in the figure), i.e. on a representative (large) area without edges or other irregularities. It may be necessary to cut the cup to expose this area. Use a digital caliper (available from Mitutoyo, Japan). Readings are taken when the jaws are in contact with the cup wall (i.e. without applying significant pressure). If the thickness of the main body varies, take a large number of readings to obtain a representative average.

[0040] According to the present invention, a menstrual cup series can be constructed in which the containers have different sizes corresponding to different capacities for receiving fluid. For example, a first item may have a smaller fluid receiving capacity, such as 20 ml, and a second item may have a larger fluid receiving capacity, such as 25 ml. The series can also include a third item, which has a maximum fluid receiving capacity, such as 30 ml. The menstrual cup series can also be constructed so that a first size of container is suitable for users who have not given birth vaginally, while a second size of container is suitable for users who have given birth vaginally. The different sizes of containers can make the menstrual cup series adaptable to physical changes associated with childbirth. In general, the size of the container can range from 15-50 ml.

[0041] Additionally, a series of menstrual cups may be provided wherein the material comprising the container has at least two Shore A values ​​depending on user preference. For example, a first menstrual cup may have a Shore A value in the range of 20 to 30, while a second menstrual cup may have a Shore A value in the range of 40 to 50. The series may also include a third menstrual cup having a Shore A value between 50 and 70.

[0042] An important aspect of the present invention is that the production of the menstrual cup has a reduced environmental impact compared to menstrual cups produced entirely from materials derived from limited sources. Figure 1A side view of a menstrual cup according to the present invention is shown. Because the container 2 contains renewable materials, the source is replenished at a rate equal to or greater than the consumption rate. Standardized analytical methods can be used to determine the amount of renewable materials in a menstrual cup. For example, ASTM D6866 uses radiocarbon dating provided by a professional testing laboratory.

[0043] The material constituting the container 2 may be a thermoplastic elastomer which provides the necessary flexibility to the menstrual cup, allowing it to have an optimal fit during use and allowing it to be easily folded and unfolded. The renewable material in the menstrual cup may be selected from thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers and / or thermoplastic styrene elastomers. Examples of renewable elastomers are from Hexpol TPE Green and bio TPU from Lubrizol TM . Since renewable thermoplastic elastomers are generally harder and less flexible, it may be advantageous to use a mixture of renewable and non-renewable elastomers in the container 2 of the menstrual cup. Therefore, the amount of renewable polymer may be present in an amount of about 20-100% (by weight) of the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer. The renewable thermoplastic elastomer may also be present in an amount of about 30-90% by weight of the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer, 40-80% by weight of the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer, or 50-70% by weight of the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer. The entire menstrual cup may be made of the same material. The thermoplastic elastomer is preferably of medical grade. Due to the health risks associated with latex allergy (WU et al., Current prevalence rate of latex allergy: Why it remains a problem?, Journal of Occupational Health, 2016, 58(2): 138-144), the use of latex as a renewable polymer is not within the scope of the present invention.

[0044] Furthermore, the renewable thermoplastic elastomer in the present invention may not be biodegradable because biodegradable polymers are hydrophilic, which may prevent effective containment of menstrual fluid in the container.

[0045] As previously mentioned, the material in the menstrual cup wall may be flexible so that it can be easily configured in different ways to best fit the vagina and facilitate insertion and removal. The material may be elastic so that the menstrual cup returns to its original shape after being compressed. The material hardness of the main portion of the menstrual cup wall may be between Shore A 20 and Shore A 70 to provide the desired flexibility and elasticity.

[0046] The hardness of the material constituting the menstrual cup can be determined by the following method: The hardness of the wall material can be quantified using Shore hardness units. Determinations are made according to ISO 868 (2003 edition), Plastics and ebonite-Determination of indentation hardness by means of a durometer (Shore hardness). The Shore A scale is used. A suitable tester can be purchased from Kern, Germany, under the name Sauter HDA 100-1 (Shore A). The instrument is placed against the test object and the indenter is pressed into the test object. The hardness is inversely proportional to the penetration depth of the indenter. The Shore hardness is reported on a scale of 0 to 100, where the larger the number, the harder the material. For the evaluation, the menstrual cup is removed from the packaging and then conditioned for 24 hours in a laboratory environment set at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. In the main body ( Figure 1 or Figure 2 The hardness is measured on the reference numeral 9 in the figure, i.e. on a representative (large) area without edges or other irregularities. The material thickness must be at least 4 mm for a proper assessment. If the cup wall is thinner, cut multiple pieces from the main part and stack the pieces to obtain a total thickness of at least 4 mm. The convex side of the stack should face the table below and when using the instrument from above, sufficient pressure should be applied to flatten the concave surface around the indenter. The hardness value is read after 3 seconds. Five measurements were performed on three different menstrual cups and the average of 15 individual tests is reported.

[0047] Menstrual cups can be manufactured by injection molding the wall material in the desired expanded configuration. The mold may include several parts that need to be disassembled after the molding step to reveal the finished menstrual cup. Trimming may be required to remove excess material that does not form part of the menstrual cup. Alternatively, vacuum forming, die casting, blow molding or extrusion can be used to form the wall material into the desired configuration.

Claims

1. A menstrual cup (1), comprising a container (2) having an outer surface (3) and an inner surface (4), the inner surface (4) at least partially defining an inner cavity (5) adapted to collect fluid, the container (2) further extending from an open top end (6) to a closed bottom end (7), the open top end (6) having a predetermined diameter, the container (2) further comprising an upper edge portion (8) located at the open top end (6) of the container (2), and a main body portion (9), the main body portion (9) defining a diameter of the inner cavity (5) that decreases while extending downwardly from the open top end (6) of the container (2) to the closed bottom end (7), the container (2) being made of a thermoplastic elastomer, characterized in that: The thermoplastic elastomer includes an amount of a renewable thermoplastic elastomer defined as an elastomer derived from biomass of biological origin, wherein the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is not biodegradable.

2. The menstrual cup according to claim 1, wherein the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is selected from polyurethane elastomers and / or styrene elastomers.

3. The menstrual cup of claim 1 or 2, wherein the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is present in an amount of about 20-100% by weight based on the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer.

4. The menstrual cup of claim 3, wherein the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is present in an amount of about 30-90% by weight based on the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer.

5. The menstrual cup of claim 4, wherein the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is present in an amount of about 40-80% by weight based on the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer.

6. The menstrual cup of claim 5, wherein the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is present in an amount of about 50-70% by weight based on the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer.

7. The menstrual cup according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Shore hardness of the main body portion of the container (2) is between Shore A 20 and Shore A70.

8. The menstrual cup of claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer does not contain latex.

9. A series of menstrual cups, the menstrual cup being a menstrual cup according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the series comprises at least two containers (2) having different sizes, such that a first of the at least two containers (2) has the capacity to receive a larger amount of fluid than a second of the at least two containers (2).

10. A series of menstrual cups, the menstrual cup being a menstrual cup according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the series comprises at least two containers (2) having different sizes, such that a first one of the at least two containers (2) has a size suitable for a user with a low cervix and a short vagina, and a second one of the at least two containers (2) has a size suitable for a user with a high cervix and a long vagina.

11. A series of menstrual cups, the menstrual cup being a menstrual cup according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the series comprises at least two containers (2) having different material hardness levels, such that a first one of the at least two containers (2) has a material hardness level that is higher than a material hardness level of a second one of the at least two containers (2).

12. A method of manufacturing a menstrual cup (1), the menstrual cup having the following design: The method comprises a container (2) having an outer surface (3) and an inner surface (4), the inner surface (4) at least partially defining an inner cavity (5) suitable for collecting a fluid, the container (2) further extending from an open top end (6) to a closed bottom end (7), the open top end (6) having a predetermined diameter, the container (2) further comprising an upper edge portion (8) located at the open top end (6) of the container (2), and a main body portion (9), the main body portion defining a diameter of the inner cavity (5) that decreases while extending downwardly from the open top end (6) of the container (2) to the closed bottom end (7), the method comprising: Molding a menstrual cup (1) using a thermoplastic elastomer with a mold designed and constructed for a menstrual cup; as well as removing the menstrual cup (1) from the molded part; Characterized in that the thermoplastic elastomer used to mold the menstrual cup (1) comprises an amount of renewable thermoplastic elastomer defined as a thermoplastic elastomer derived from biomass of biological origin, wherein the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is not biodegradable.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is selected from polyurethane elastomers and / or styrene elastomers.

14. Use of a thermoplastic elastomer material for the manufacture of a menstrual cup, characterized in that The thermoplastic elastomeric material comprises an amount of a renewable thermoplastic elastomer defined as a thermoplastic elastomer derived from biomass of biological origin, the renewable thermoplastic elastomer being selected from polyurethane elastomers and / or styrene elastomers, wherein the renewable thermoplastic elastomer is not biodegradable.

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