A genital shielding device

Abstract

A genital shielding device 99 comprising a body 5 with a main section 2, a top section 1 and a bottom section 3. The top section 1 is enlarged and arranged to locate onto a user's mons pubis. The top

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a genital shielding device, in particular a device for shielding a vulva; more particularly but not exclusively for medical procedures. Background Cervical screening, which used to be called smear test, is a test to check health of a cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. A speculum is a device used to look inside in the vagina and observe the cervix. A speculum examination is often performed alongside a bimanual examination. A doctor may use this to inspect for evidence of vaginitis, vaginal discharge, foreign bodies, and other lesions. Alternatively or additionally during a Pap test, a tool called a speculum holds the vaginal walls apart and a sample of cells from the cervix is collected using a soft brush. Prior Art US 2022 0 304 846 (MITCHELL) discloses a vaginal shield assembly for inhibiting urine from contacting irritated skin during urination, said assembly comprising: a panel having a plurality of intersecting sides such that said panel has a triangular shape wherein said panel is configured to be positioned over female genitalia, said panel having a urine slot extending through said panel wherein said urine slot is configured to be aligned with a urethra when said panel is positioned over the female genitalia thereby facilitating urine to pass through said urine slot, said panel being comprised of a fluid impermeable material wherein said panel is configured to inhibit the urine from contacting the female genitalia thereby inhibiting irritation that would develop from the urine contacting the female genitalia. US 2013 0 104 294 (EDWARDS) discloses an undergarment with an aperture in the pelvic region and a covering flap for the aperture suitable for use in medical examination of the pelvic region wherein prior to an examination the flap covers the aperture. US 5 174 307 (THOMPSON) discloses an apparatus for shielding and protecting the pelvic and crotch area of a human female, said apparatus comprising a rigid, inflexible shield member of unitary construction to be placed between the wearer's legs and extend upwardly therefrom at the front of the wearer's body, said shield member comprising rigid first and second integral shield elements fixed in position relative to each other and having means for engaging the front of the wearer's body to resist upward movement of said second shield element and absorb shock when an external force is applied to said apparatus, said second shield element including a central portion and pair of tab members disposed in opposition to one another and at least partially defining said side edges, said tab members being rigid and comprising said means for engaging the front of the wearer's body. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a genital shielding device comprising a body with a main section, a top section and a bottom section, wherein the top section is enlarged and arranged to locate onto a user’s mons pubis, the main section depending therefrom is arranged to locate over the user’s vulva, and the bottom section is arranged to locate below the vulva; wherein the device comprises a displaceable portion over an aperture on the main section which allows access to the user’s vagina, the displaceable portion connecting at a connecting means to the body. In this way the displaceable portion may be displaced in order to allow a medical professional access only when required, allowing the user to protect their modesty at other times. In some embodiments of the device the body formed as a monolithic whole, for example being formed as a unitary moulding in silicone or nitrile rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or similar. It may be envisaged that the connecting means is temporary at least in part, wherein part of the portion may be displaced solely. In other embodiments the whole of the connecting means is temporary, such that the portion may be wholly displaced and / or replaced or washed or similar. In some embodiments of the device the connecting means is located above the aperture, for example such that the portion forms a hinged flap. In this way the portion may be envisaged to fall down over the vulva at rest. In some embodiments of the device the flap covers an oblong aperture, such aperture allowing access to a doctor or medical professional. In some embodiments of the device the displaceable portion is fabric, for example woven fabric. In some embodiments of the device the top section comprises a handle, which enables a user to manipulate, move and control the positioning of the device themselves. In some embodiments of the device the handle is in the top section for this purpose allowing the user to hold the device in place as preferred. In some embodiments of the device the handle comprises a hole in the body. In some embodiments of the device the connecting means comprises a connecting hook, which hook allows the portion to be hooked over it to hold it in place. In some such embodiments of the device such connecting hook is in the bottom section, hooking the portion down when not required, and allowing simple unhooking when required. In some embodiments of the device the connecting hook is in the top section, such that the portion may be hooked out of the way of the aperture, enabling the medical professional to access the aperture freely for a period of time. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a device according to the present invention, with displaceable portion partially displaced; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, with displaceable portion displaced; Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, with displaceable portion in place; Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, partially rolled for transport or storage; and Figure 10 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 9. Detailed Description of Figures With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of a genital shielding device 99 comprising a body 5 with a main section 2, a top section 1 and a bottom section 3, wherein the top section is enlarged and arranged to locate onto a user’s mens pubis, the main section depending therefrom is arranged to locate over the user’s vulva, and the bottom section is arranged to locate below the vulva; wherein the device comprises a displaceable portion 4 over an aperture 20 on the main section 2 which allows access to the user’s vagina, the displaceable portion connecting at a connecting means 6 to the body. In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises monolithic whole body, which provides the main section, top section and bottom section. The sections of the body are thereby all continuous and all formed in an inelastic silicone rubber, with a Shore hardness of approximately scale A 60-90. The main section provides a rectangular form with parallel side edges, which depends to a bottom section, with the body’s side edges continuing into the bottom section. The bottom section has a curved lower edge, which bottom edge is envisaged to be located below the vulva, on the perineum towards the anus, and may be envisaged to be sat upon by the user in use. The body comprises a handle 10 in the top section, which top section flares outwards from the parallel side edges progressively to describe a rounded top curvature and laterally extending top section. The top section is 180mm at its widest width. The handle comprises a transverse hole in the top section with a flat bottom edge and curved top edge. For peace of mind, the embodiment is adapted to be handled by a user, with the handle making this simple. The main section comprises an oblong aperture 20 extending in parallel the side edges, and substantially the whole width of the main section. The main section has a width of 80mm, which is substantially regular, with a little widening at the bottom section. Further embodiments may be pinched in the middle to increase comfort for narrow thigh gaps. The oblong aperture 20 gives space to a doctor to use a speculum instrument, being 50mm wide by 100mm long. Overall the embodiment has a length of 370mm. The displaceable portion comprises an oblong flap of larger footprint than the aperture, and the flap adds additional privacy, as it may be rolled up only when the doctor is about to perform their procedure. At the top of the main section, above the oblong aperture and substantially where the main section flares outwards to form the top section, there is the top part 12 of the connecting means for the displaceable portion 4, which comprise two circular studs that are spaced apart substantially the width of the displaceable portion 4. The bottom part 13 of the connecting means comprises a single circular stud on the bottom section of the body, which projects upwards centrally below the oblong aperture. This stud provides a hook for the bottom end of the displaceable portion, which has a matching female part 43 central its lower edge. The displaceable portion comprises an oblong flap of woven fabric, being large enough to connect with the body’s connecting means, and comprising three female connecting means parts, one central the lower edge of the flap, and two at the top corners of the flap. The connecting means may comprise ferromagnetism additional or alternative to an interference or friction fit. The flexible flap can be attached to the hook to close it fully. The top section further comprises an additional connecting means part 11, close to the handle 10. In this way the flap can be attached to the additional part to move the flap out of the way. 5 It may be envisaged that the embodiment of the device shown may be stored in a fabric bag (not shown), such that when the device is needed to be used, it may be simple to pull out and unroll. The storage bag may be envisaged to have a pocket for cards on which next 10 appointments may be recorded, reducing chances of forgetting or missing checks. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A genital shielding device comprising a body with a main section, a top section and a bottom section, wherein the top section is enlarged and arranged to locate onto a user’s mons pubis, the main section depending therefrom is arranged to locate over the user’s vulva, and the bottom section is arranged to locate below the vulva; wherein the device comprises a displaceable portion over an aperture on the main section which allows access to the user’s vagina, the displaceable portion connecting at a connecting means to the body.

2. A genital shielding device according to claim 1 wherein the body formed as a monolithic whole.

3. A genital shielding device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the body is formed in silicone.

4. A genital shielding device according to claim 1,2 or 3 wherein the connecting means is temporary at least in part.

5. A genital shielding device according to any preceding claim wherein the connecting means is located above the aperture.

6. A genital shielding device according to claim wherein the displaceable portion comprises a hinged flap.

7. A genital shielding device according to claim 6 wherein the flap covers an oblong aperture.

8. A genital shielding device according to any preceding claim wherein the displaceable portion is fabric.

9. A genital shielding device according to any preceding claim wherein the top section comprises a handle.

10. A genital shielding device according to claim 9 wherein the handle is in the top section.

11. A genital shielding device according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the handle comprises a hole in the body.

12. A genital shielding device according to any preceding claim wherein the 5 connecting means comprises a connecting hook.

13. A genital shielding device according to claim 12 wherein the connecting hook is in the bottom section.10 14. A genital shielding device according to claim 12 wherein the connecting hookis in the top section.A

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