Menstrual cup

Abstract

A reusable menstrual cup device can have an applicator for the purpose of insertion into the vaginal canal and a string or cord coupled to the body of the menstrual cup to improve the removal from the vaginal canal. The string or cord can be attached to a loop on a distal end of the menstrual cup body. In other embodiments, an elongated link can be coupled to the interior or exterior of the upper rim of the menstrual cup. Pulling the elongated link can cause the interior or exterior wall of the menstrual cup to buckle and break the seal in the vaginal canal without manual manipulation. The applicator comprises a syringe barrel to house the menstrual cup, a plunger to push the menstrual cup out, and a curved end to mitigate discomfort during the insertion process into the vaginal canal.

Description

MENSTRUAL CUPCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 552,670, “System and Method of the Application of a Menstrual Cup” filed February 13, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] During menstruation, people with periods can use sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups in order to prevent discomfort and leakage of catamenial fluid. Of these products, menstrual cups provide a number of advantages over the others. Menstrual cups typically are cup-shaped devices featuring a reservoir or collection area and a rim. A menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina to capture the catamenial fluid. A benefit of menstrual cups is their ability to be easily cleaned and reused for the duration of each menstrual cycle, significantly reducing waste and costs.

[0003] When menstrual cups are inserted into the vaginal canal the rim can create a vacuum seal against the vaginal wall. Before removal of the menstrual cup, this seal must be broken and released. While innovation in menstrual cups has progressed, there are common issues still in place revolving around insertion and removal of these products. Proper insertion of menstrual cups can be difficult and improper insertion can result in pain, cramps, and fluid leakage. When the menstrual cup needs to be removed, it can be difficult to grasp the menstrual cup once it has migrated into its proper place, making it difficult to break the seal and release the menstrual cup from the vaginal canal. Once the seal has been broken, there is nothing to prevent the liquid contents of the menstrual cup from spilling all over the user's hands during the menstrual cup retrieval process. What is needed is an improvedmenstrual cup system to improve the insertion and removal processes and reduce spillage, and pain commonly associated with existing menstrual cups.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The menstrual cup is designed for internal use during menstruation to collect catamenial fluid. The menstrual cup can have a reservoir that provides optimal capacity for collecting menstrual fluid and is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably within the vaginal canal. The improved menstrual cups that can be used with an applicator for accurate and pain free insertion. For removal, the menstrual cup can have an integrated loop or tab on the menstrual cup which provides an attachment point for an elongated string or cord that can extend downward from the menstrual cup. The string or cord can be adjustable in length to suit the preferences and body geometry of the user. Pulling the string or cord can provide a mess-free and easy extraction of the menstrual cup.

[0005] Different embodiments of the inventive menstrual cup can have various features that can help the user easily remove the menstrual cup. In some embodiments, the menstrual cup can have a loop or a pull tab that can have a through hole on the distal end of the menstrual cup. A string or cord can be threaded through the loop or hole in the pull tab. The string or cord can extend away from the menstrual cup through and out of the vaginal canal. When the menstrual cup needs to be removed, the user can pull on the string or cord which can cause the menstrual cup to slide out of the vaginal canal. The length of the string or cord can be trimmed for personal customization and preference.

[0006] In some embodiments, the inventive menstrual cup can have a thin elongated string or cord that can be attached to an upper side of the cup body and threaded through an opening on the upper body. Alternatively, the menstrual cup and the string or cord can be formed in a single mold with the string or cord attached to the rim. In the final form, the string or cord extends from the rim across the width of the menstrual cup and is threadedthrough an opening in the opposite side of the rim. The outer circumference of the circular rim of the menstrual cup forms a liquid tight seal with the inner wall of the vaginal passage. When the distal end of the string or cord is pulled, the tension will cause the string or cord to slide through the opening and cause the rim of the menstrual cup to move inward and collapse towards a center axis of the menstrual cup. This movement of the rim closes the opening and breaks the seal with the vaginal wall. The tension on the string or cord can also pull on the menstrual cup out of the vaginal canal while maintaining the proper orientation for easy removal of the menstrual cup.

[0007] In some embodiments, the thin flexible string or cord can be coupled to a lower portion of the rim and extend away from the menstrual cup. The string or cord can pass through a loop attached to the distal end of the cup. When the string or cord is pulled, the tension in the string or cord can cause the rim to release the suction seal and allow the menstrual cup to be easily removed. The tension at the distal end of the cup can keep the cup aligned with the vaginal canal to prevent liquids in the cup from spilling.

[0008] In some embodiments, a thin string or cord can wrap over the rim and be attached to an inner upper rim surface of the menstrual cup. The string or cord can extend down around an outer surface of the menstrual cup and can pass through a loop attached to the distal end of the cup. When the string or cord is pulled, the tension can cause the rim to be pulled inward and release the suction seal. With the seal broken the tension can pull the menstrual cup out of the body for easy removal. The tension at the distal end of the cup can keep the cup aligned with the vaginal canal to prevent liquids in the cup from spilling.

[0009] The string or cord can be longer than necessary for most users of the menstrual cup. Users are able to leave the string or cord at its full length or trim it to any desired length. These removal system allow not only for mess-free and easy extraction but also provide a one-size fits all product design.

[0010] In various embodiments, the menstrual cup can be inserted with a menstrual cup applicator. The applicator can be a tubular body and plunger structure that can have a retracted position and a deployed position. In the retracted position, the plunger can be extended outward from a proximal portion of the tubular body. In the retracted position, the menstrual cup can be folded and placed in the tubular body adjacent to the plunger. Common menstrual cup folds are the “punch down fold” and the “C-fold”. The proximal end of the menstrual cup applicator can have a rounded shaped for smooth insertion into the introitus. Once inserted into the vagina, the plunger can be pressed into the tubular body to push the menstrual cup out of the applicator into the proper position in the vaginal canal. Alternatively, the menstrual cup can be inserted manually.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG l is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a menstrual cup.

[0012] FIG 2 is a cross section view of an embodiment of a menstrual cup.

[0013] FIG 3 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a menstrual cup with a removal string.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a menstrual cup.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a menstrual cup.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment of a menstrual cup.

[0017] FIGS. 7-11 are side perspective views of embodiments of menstrual cups.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a side perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a menstrual cup applicator.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a menstrual cup applicator.

[0020] FIGS. 14 and 15 are side cross section views of an embodiment of a menstrual cup applicator.

[0021] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a menstrual cup applicator.

[0022] FIGS. 17 and 18 are views of an embodiment of menstrual cup applicator bodies.

[0023] FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a liquid absorbing menstrual cup assembly.

[0024] FIG. 20 is a cross section view of an embodiment of a liquid absorbing menstrual cup assembly.

[0025] FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a liquid absorbing cup insert.

[0026] FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an insert for a liquid absorbing menstrual cup.

[0027] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a menstrual cup out of a mold in an inverted state.DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0028] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a menstrual cup 100. FIG. 2 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the menstrual cup. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a menstrual cup 100 with a loop 107 and a flexible string or cord 117 passes through the loop 107. The body 101 of the menstrual cup 100 can have an elongated solid dome shape that can be symmetric about a center axis. The menstrual cup 100 can have a convex outer surface 115 and a concave inner surface 113. The rim 103 can have an annular shape and a mostly circular cross section. The width of the circular rim cross section can be wider than the width of the main dome shaped body 101. The distal portion of the body 101 of the menstrual cup 100 can have a pattern of grooves 109 that can provide a surface having a texture to improve the manual grasping of the menstrual cup 100 duringinsertion and removal. In the illustrate embodiment, the pattern of grooves 109 extend around the outer perimeter of the distal outer surface 115. In other embodiments, the grooves 109 can be any other suitable pattern and depth.

[0029] The menstrual cup 100 can have a plurality of holes 111 near the rim and around the circumference. The holes 111 can aid in breaking the suction seal formed with the internal surface of the vaginal canal. When the menstrual cup 100 is removed gases or fluids can flow through the holes 111 to maintain similar pressures on opposite sides of the rim so the menstrual cup 100 can be easily removed. This suction breaking feature can prevent pain, stop the expelling of intrauterine devices (IUDs), and reduce exacerbating pelvic floor conditions.

[0030] The menstrual cup 100 can be made of a flexible elastic material and have smooth curved soft surfaces that can deform easily and slide easily within the vaginal canal. In some embodiments, the rim 103 and the body 101 can be made from the same material. In other embodiments, the rim 103 and the body 101 can be made from different materials that can have different physical properties with the elastic material of the rim 103 having a higher durometer, hardness, and strength than the elastic material of the body 101. The menstrual cup 100 can be made by molding a flexible elastic material such as silicone. The may also be mixed, woven, and / or coupled to a material with antimicrobial properties such as silver ions, silver nitrate, salicylic acid, active pharmaceutical loaded fibers, or other antimicrobial materials.

[0031] The menstrual cup 100 can have a loop 107 at the distal end of the body 101. The loop 107 can provide a structure that can be held by the user’s fingers to assist a user to manually remove the menstrual cup 100 from the vaginal canal. In some embodiments, a flexible string or cord 117 can be coupled to the loop 107 and extend away from the menstrual cup 100 through the vaginal canal. The flexible string or cord 117 can be grasped and pulled to assist the user with menstrual cup 100 removal. The diameter of the eye or holeof the loop 107 can be between 0.01 to 0.50 inch in diameter. In a more refined range, the eye or hole of the loop 107 can be between 0.01 to 0.25 inch in diameter. The loop 107 ca be symmetric to the inferior axis. In the most preferred configuration, the range would be between 0.05 to 0.20 inches. In other embodiments the loop 107 can be placed so that the loop 107 can be offset from the central or inferior axis of the menstrual cup 100. This offset can facilitate a break in seal between the proximal rim 103 of the menstrual cup 100 and the inner surface of the vagina during the removal of the menstrual cup 100.

[0032] With reference to FIG. 3, the string or cord 117 passes through the distal loop 107 at the distal end of the menstrual cup 100 and is tied in a knot. The string or cord 117 can have a high tensile strength and can be made of a disposable or reusable material. The string or cord 117 can be cotton, nylon, polymer, or any other suitable material. The string or cord 117 may also be mixed, woven, and / or coupled to a material with antimicrobial properties such as silver ions, silver nitrate, salicylic acid, active pharmaceutical loaded fibers, or other antimicrobial materials.

[0033] The string or cord 117 can have a closed loop at a first end portion that passes through the loop 107 and when pulled in tension, the closed loop can tighten around the distal portion of the loop 107. The first end of the string or cord 117 may be coated with a finish layer that can stiffen the string or cord 117 to allow the first end of the string or cord 117 to be easily threaded through the loop 107 by the average user.

[0034] In some embodiments, the user can pass the first end of the string or cord 117 through the loop 107 on the distal end of the menstrual cup 100 and closed loop on the end of the string or cord 117, creating a secure knot at the loop 107. The string or cord 117 can extend away from the loop 107 at the distal end of the menstrual cup 100 and users can then cut the string or cord 117 to a customized length. It can be desirable for the length of the string or cord 117 so that a second end of the string or cord 117 can extend a reasonable length outside of the body of the user. The user can pull the string or cord 117 to remove themenstrual cup 100 without inserting a hand into the vaginal canal, akin to how tampons are removed. The string or cord 117 can be 1.0 to 12 inches long. In a more preferred embodiment, the string or cord can be 3.0 to 10 inches long. In the most preferred length, the string or cord would be 4.0 to 7.0 inches long.

[0035] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate another embodiment of the menstrual cup 150 where the pull mechanism is materially linked to the interior surface of the rim 103 of the menstrual cup 150. FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the menstrual cup 150 and FIG. 5 illustrates the cross section view of the menstrual cup 150. FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the menstrual cup 150 showing the elongated internal link 153. The linkage component is only anchored at two points, at the rim and at the bottom portion of the menstrual cup.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment the pull mechanism can include an elongated internal link 153 that extends from a point on the inner surface of the rim 103 through the interior volume of the menstrual cup 150 through a dome structure 151 formed in the body 101 of the distal portion of the menstrual cup 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the dome structure 151 is formed on a side distal surface of the body 101. In other embodiments, the dome structure 151 can be formed on a center distal surface of the body 101.

[0037] The curved surface of the dome structure 151 can be concave on the outer surface 115 of the body 101 of the menstrual cup 150 and convex on the inner surface 113 of the body 101 of the menstrual cup 150. The wall thickness of the curved surface of the dome structure 151 can be much thinner than the body 101 of the menstrual cup 150. The elongated internal link 153 can extend through a center portion of the dome structure 151 and be coupled to an external link 154 extending out of the external surface 115 of the distal portion of the menstrual cup 150. A loop 155 can be coupled to the distal end of the external link 154.

[0038] The rod loop 155 can be coupled to a flexible string or cord 157 and used to aid in removal of the menstrual cup 150. To remove the menstrual cup 150, the string or cord157 is pulled which pulls the loop 155 and external link 154 away from the menstrual cup 150. The wall of the dome structure 151 can deform and become inverted so that the dome structure 151 is pulled outward from the outer surface 115 of the menstrual cup 150. The tension force on the external link 154 also tensions the internal link 153 on the interior of the menstrual cup 150 that pulls on a small portion of the rim 103 down and inward. This pulling movement allows the rim 103 to break the seal in the vaginal canal without the need for the user to utilize their fingers to break the seal. With the seal broken, the menstrual cup 150 can be easily removed while remaining in an orientation to prevent collected fluids from spilling.

[0039] The thin intermediary wall of the dome structure 151 is very flexible and elastic which allows the dome structure 151 to deform and move from a bowed in position to a bowed outward position. Thus, the dome structure 151 allows for buckling and doesn’t transfer the pulling tension force to the surrounding menstrual cup 150 wall structure. The wall of the dome structure 151 can be 0.04 to 0.001 inch thick and in the most preferred embodiment, the wall of the dome structure 151 can be 0.03 to .01 inch thick. In a similar embodiment, the exterior portion of the loop 155, rod 153, and dome structure 151 can be positioned on another distal portion of the menstrual cup 150 wall. For example, the loop 155, rod 153, and dome structure 151 can extend and exit from the inferior center axis of the menstrual cup body 101.

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the menstrual cup 250 where the pull linkage 159 is affixed to the exterior rim 103 of the menstrual cup body 101. A guide loop 107 is attached to the bottom of the menstrual cup body 101 and the pull linkage 159 can pass through the guide loop 107. When the linkage 159 is pulled on during the removal process, the guide loop 107 helps transfer the tension force to pull down on the exterior rim 103 to break a seal and allow the menstrual cup body 101 to be easily removed.

[0041] In some embodiments, a stopper 160 that is larger than the hole in the guide loop 107 can be secured to the linkage 159. When the pull linkage 159 is pulled and the pulllinkage 159 slides through the guide loop 107 and pull on the exterior rim 103 to break a seal. The stopper 160 can contact the guide loop 107 and the tension in the pull linkage 159 pull the guide loop 107 causing the menstrual cup body 101 to be pulled out of the virginal canal from the guide loop 107 at the distal center portion of the menstrual cup body 101. The stopper 160 can be positioned on the pull linkage 159 so that when pulled, the seal at the exterior rim 103 is broken before the distal center portion of the menstrual cup body 101 is pulled by the stopper 160 in contact with the guide loop 107. A loop 161 can be coupled to the distal end of the linkage 159. The loop 161 can be pulled to remove the menstrual cup body 101 or a string or cord coupled to loop 161 can be pulled to remove the menstrual cup 200 from the vaginal canal.

[0042] FIG. 8 is an embodiment of the menstrual cup 250 where the pull linkage 159 is affixed to the exterior rim 103 of the menstrual cup body 101. A guide loop 107 is attached to the bottom of the menstrual cup body 101 and the pull linkage 159 can pass through the guide loop 107. When the linkage 159 is pulled on during the removal process, the guide loop 107 helps transfer the tension force to pull down on the exterior rim 103 to break a seal and allow the menstrual cup body 101 to be easily removed. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, the stopper 160 can contact the guide loop 107 and the tension in the pull linkage 159 can then pull the guide loop 107 causing the menstrual cup body 101 to be pulled out of the virginal canal from the guide loop 107.

[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the menstrual cup 250 where a thin pull linkage 159 is affixed to the interior surface 113 at a proximal portion of the menstrual cup body 101 exterior rim 103. The thin pull linkage 159 can wrap over a portion of the rim 103 and pass down along a side external surface 115 of the menstrual cup 250. A guide loop 107 is attached to the bottom of the menstrual cup body 101 and the pull linkage 159 can pass through the guide loop 107. When the linkage 159 is pulled on during the removal process, the tension force on the linkage 159 pulls down on the exterior rim 103 to break a seal withthe vaginal canal and allow the menstrual cup 250 to be easily removed. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, the stopper 160 can contact the guide loop 107 and the tension in the pull linkage 159 can then pull the guide loop 107 causing the menstrual cup 250 to be pulled out of the virginal canal from the guide loop 107.

[0044] Other similar embodiments of the menstrual cup 300 where the guide loop is not present are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an embodiment of a menstrual cup 300 having a thin upper pull linkage 158 that is coupled to an internal surface 113 at or adjacent to the rim 103 of the menstrual cup 101. The upper pull linkage 158 extends across the width of the rim 103 and can pass through a hole 111 in the body 101 of the menstrual cup 300. The upper pull linkage 158 can be coupled to a lower pull linkage 159 that can extend down the external side surface 115 of the body 101. A loop 161 can be coupled to the distal end of the pull linkage 158. When the loop 161 or the lower pull linkage 159 is pulled, the upper pull linkage 158 can slide through the hole 111 and the tension can cause the rim 103 to collapse which can break the seal of the rim 103 with the wall of the vaginal canal. The tension can then cause the menstrual cup 300 to be pulled out of the virginal canal.

[0045] The material for the menstrual cup can be an elastic and pliable polymer material such as silicone, polyethylene, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the body 101 and the rim 103 of the menstrual cup can be made of the same material. In other embodiments, the rim 103 of the menstrual cup can be made of a more durable material than the body 101 such as a higher strength silicone. The rim 103 material of the menstrual cup can have a different durometer than the body 101 material. In the exemplary embodiment, the body 101 wall thickness can be between 0.001 to 0.040 inch. In a more preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of the main body 101 can be between 0.005 to 0.030 inch.

[0046] The menstrual cup can be highly elastic and strong. The menstrual cup can be made of a material having a tensile strength that is 800 psi or higher. The menstrual cup canbe stretched to an elongation of 400% or higher without tearing. The durometer of the menstrual cup material can range from 30A to 60A on the Shore A scale.

[0047] In order to reduce friction, the silicone menstrual cup can have textured exterior surfaces that can reduce the contact area with the inner cylindrical surface of the applicator. The inner cylindrical surface of the applicator can also have a textured surface to further reduce the contact area with the menstrual cup. The menstrual cup can also have a friction reducing lubricant coating on the exterior surfaces such as NuSil MED 10-6671. The coating can be silicone based to prevent the coating from flaking or falling off during the manipulation or repeated use of the device. In other embodiments, the silicone material used to make the menstrual cup can include a self-lubricating silicone such as NuSilMEDl-4955 or other safe lubricious additives. The reduction of friction cup material would facilitate easier insertion into the applicator and easier deployment of the menstrual cup without the need for external lubricants. The menstrual cup can be designed to be reusable or disposable and non-reusable.

[0048] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an embodiment of a menstrual cup applicator 400 used to install the menstrual cup in a vaginal canal. FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of the menstrual cup applicator 400 and FIG. 13 illustrates an assembled side view of the menstrual cup applicator 400. The applicator 400 comprises a syringe barrel 171 that can house the menstrual cup and a plunger 175 to push the menstrual cup out. The syringe barrel 171 can have smooth curved distal end surfaces where the menstrual cup exits to mitigate discomfort during the insertion. A finger grip flange 173 can be on a proximal end of the syringe barrel 171. The plunger 175 can have a planar distal end and a thumb flange 177 on the proximal end of the plunger 175.

[0049] The barrel 171 may have a low friction interior wall made of a low friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other suitable lubricious materials. In other instances, the interior of the barrel may be lined with a friction reducing coating. Thecurved exterior surface of the distal end of the syringe barrel 171 may be of a dissimilar material from the syringe barrel 171, where it is a more compliant material such as silicone or other suitable materials.

[0050] The plunger 175 can be partially removed from the proximal end of the syringe barrel 171 and the menstrual cup can be placed in the syringe barrel 171 adjacent to a planar proximal surface of the plunger 175. The distal end of the syringe barrel 171 can be placed into the vaginal canal and when properly positioned, the thumb flange 177 can be pressed into the syringe barrel 171 to move the menstrual cup out of the syringe barrel 171 into the vaginal canal. The applicator 400 can then be removed from the vaginal canal.

[0051] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate cross-sectional side views and FIG. 16 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of the applicator 450. In this embodiment, a rounded cap 179 can be attached to the distal end of the syringe barrel 171 that can be made of a soft elastic material that can make insertion easier and more comfortable for the end user. The rounded cap 179 can have one or more slits 181 that can separate and open when the menstrual cup is ejected from the syringe barrel 171 through the rounded cap 179 into the vaginal canal.

[0052] The plunger 175 can have a planar distal surface and a recess 175 that allows for the pull tab, string, or another additional element to be positioned in the recess 175 during the installation process. By containing the pull tab, string, or another additional element in the recess 175, these structures cannot interfere with the insertion of the menstrual cup as it moves through the applicator barrel 171.

[0053] Figure 17 is the front view of the circular applicator barrel 171. In some embodiments, the inner cylindrical surface of the applicator barrel 171 can have a textured coefficient of friction surface that may reduce sliding resistance when the menstrual cup slides against the inner surface of the applicator barrel 171. In other embodiments, the crosssectional shape of the barrel 171 may not be uniformly circular and may be oval or slotted or may have any other suitable geometric shape.

[0054] Referring to Figure 18 is a front view of the barrel 171 where the internal geometry can be patterned with a plurality of raised ribs 181 that can extend along the length of the barrel 171. The raised ribs 181 can reduce the contact area between the menstrual cup and the inner cylindrical surface of the barrel 171. In this embodiment, the ribs 181 along the length of the barrel 171 may also reduce sliding resistance when the menstrual cup slides against the inner surface of the applicator barrel 171.

[0055] The menstrual cup is inserted into the vaginal canal to prevent menstrual fluids from exiting the vaginal canal. The menstrual cup is periodically removed and the menstrual fluids are removed from the menstrual cup. If the cup is not removed while maintaining the cup in an upright position, the menstrual fluids can spill from the menstrual cup. In order to prevent menstrual fluids can spill from the menstrual cup, an absorptive material can be placed in the menstrual cup. The absorptive material can absorb some or all of the menstrual fluids that flow into the menstrual cup. When the menstrual cup is being removed, there is less chance of spilling the menstrual fluids because they have been absorbed by the absorptive material. Once the menstrual cup is fully removed, the absorptive material can be thrown away.

[0056] FIG. 19 is a top perspective view and FIG. 20 is a cross section view of an embodiment of a liquid absorbing menstrual cup assembly 300 that can include a menstrual cup 115, an absorptive cup 311, and a cup insert 321. The menstrual cup 115 can be substantially the same as the menstrual cup 115 described above and illustrated in FIG. 11. The absorptive cup 311 can have a conical cup shape. The outer surface of the absorptive cup 311 can be substantially the same or slightly smaller in width and diameter than the inner surface of the menstrual cup 115. The height of the absorptive cup 311 can be slightly shorterthan the height of the menstrual cup 115 so that the upper edge of the absorptive cup 311 can be lower than the upper pull linkage 158 that extends across the rim of the menstrual cup 115.

[0057] The absorptive cup 311 can be made in various thicknesses and absorption capacity levels. A user can use a thicker higher capacity absorptive cup 311 when more liquids are expected and a thinner lower capacity absorptive cup 311 when a lower volume of liquids are expected. The absorptive cup 311 can be made from or include absorptive materials such as paper fibers, gauze, purified cotton, sponge, porous polymers, spun or woven rayon fibers, or other suitable absorptive materials or combinations of materials. The absorptive cup 311 can include absorptive materials such as alginate-glycerol, hydrogel, Celox, chitosan, and absorptive gels. While the absorptive cup 311 is illustrated as a cup shape, in other embodiments, the absorptive cup 311 can be a tube, a cone, a strip, or any other structure that will fit in the menstrual cup 115. The absorptive cup 311 can be molded, pressed, stamped, or fabricated in any other suitable manner.

[0058] The absorptive cup 311 can be various types of structures including: a solid cup, a porous cup, a compressed fiber cup, a mesh cup, a foam cup, a sponge cup, etc. The rate of liquid absorption can be proportional to the surface area of the absorptive cup 311. Thus, it can be desirable to have an absorptive cup 311 with a high surface area. The absorptive cup 311 can be able to absorb between about 20 to 90 milliliters of menstrual fluid. It can be important to use materials in the absorptive cup 311 and the other menstrual cup assembly 300 components that are antibacterial or antimicrobial or chemically treated to be antibacterial or antimicrobial to prevent or reduce the risk of a bacterial infection.

[0059] In some embodiments, the liquid absorbing menstrual cup assembly 300 can also include the cup insert 321 that can securely hold the absorptive cup 311 adjacent to the inner surface 113 of the menstrual cup 101. The outer surface of the cup insert 321 can be substantially the same or slightly larger in width and diameter than the inner surface of the absorptive cup 311. The cup insert 321 can sandwich the absorptive cup 311 with themenstrual cup 115 and support the shape of the absorptive cup 311. The cup insert 321 can be made of a solid flexible material such as silicone or other elastic flexible material. The cup insert 321 can be the same material as the menstrual cup 115.

[0060] The cup insert 321 can have a plurality of holes 323 that extend through the wall thickness of the cup insert 321 to allow menstrual fluid to flow from the inner volume of the cup insert 321 through the holes 323 to the absorptive cup 311 which can then absorb the fluids. In the illustrated embodiment. The plurality of holes 323 are evenly distributed across the entire surface of the cup insert 321. The holes 323 can be any diameter and shape. The holes 323 can be distributed in any pattern on and through the cup insert 321.

[0061] To assemble the liquid absorbing menstrual cup assembly 300, the upper pull linkage 158 can be pushed to one side of the rim 103 of the menstrual cup 101. The absorptive cup 311 can then be placed into the menstrual cup 101. The cup insert 321 can then be placed into the absorptive cup 311. The upper pull linkage 158 can be moved over the center portion across the rim 103 of the menstrual cup 115 to hold the absorptive cup 311 and the cup insert 321 in place. In another assembly method embodiment, the cup insert 32 lean be placed into the absorptive cup 311 before being inserted into the menstrual cup 101 and the assembled cup insert 321 and the absorptive cup 311 are both placed into the menstrual cup 101 at the same time. In other embodiments, the menstrual cup assembly 300 can only include the absorptive cup 311 and the menstrual cup 101 without the cup insert 321.

[0062] In the fully assembled configuration, the menstrual cup assembly 300 can be inserted into the user as described above. Liquids can flow into the internal volume of the menstrual cup assembly 300. The liquids can flow through the holes 323 in the cup insert 321 and be absorbed by the absorptive cup 311 which can have sufficient capacity to remove most or all of the liquids that flow into the menstrual cup assembly 300. In some embodiments, the absorptive cup 311 material can expand when liquids are absorbed. Theexpanding thickness of the absorptive cup 311 can move inward compressing the cup insert321.

[0063] To remove the menstrual cup assembly 300, the user can pull on the lower pull linkage 159 which can cause the upper pull linkage 158 to slide through a hole 111 in the rim 103 of the menstrual cup 101. The movement of the upper pull linkage 158 can cause the rim 103 to deform inward to close the upper end of the menstrual cup assembly 300 which can help to prevent liquid leakage. The tension forces can pull the menstrual cup assembly 300 out of the user’s body.

[0064] After removal, liquids can be poured from the menstrual cup assembly 300 and the menstrual cup assembly 300 can be disassembled. The upper pull linkage 158 can be moved to one side of the rim 103 and the cup insert 321 and the liquid saturated absorptive cup 311 can be removed from the menstrual cup 101. The absorptive cup 311 can discarded and replaced. The menstrual cup 101 and the cup insert 321 can be cleaned and reassembled as described before being reused.

[0065] The menstrual cup 101 and the components of the menstrual cup assembly 300 can be fabricated in various different ways including molding. The molding method can include building a mold that can be assembled from two or more pieces that have inner surfaces that match the outer surfaces of the menstrual cup 101 as well as the upper pull linkage 158 and the lower pull linkage 159. The mold pieces can be assembled and then a liquid material is heated and injected into the assembled mold pieces until the mold is completely filled. The injected material can solidify and the mold can be disassembled. The menstrual cup 101, upper pull linkage 158 and lower pull linkage 159 can then be removed from the mold.

[0066] FIG. 23 illustrates a top perspective view of a menstrual cup 101, upper pull linkage 158, and lower pull linkage 159 immediately after they have been removed from a mold. In this embodiment, the menstrual cup 101 was molded in an inverted configurationwith the inner surface 113 as the outer surface of the menstrual cup 101. In this embodiment, the upper pull linkage 158 and lower pull linkage 159 extend from the outer edge surface of the rim 103. The upper pull linkage 158 and lower pull linkage 159 are also initially in a planar spiral configuration that can extend around the rim 103 of the menstrual cup 101 one or more times to provide the required length. Although the lower pull linkage 159 is illustrated as a straight cord with a uniform cross section, in other embodiments, the lower pull linkage 159 can have a loop or other feature that can improve the ability to grasp and remove the menstrual cup assembly 300.

[0067] An assembly process can be necessary before using the illustrated menstrual cup 101. The body of the menstrual cup 101 can be turned inside out so that the inner surface 113 is on the concave inner portion of the menstrual cup 101 and the outer surface 1115 is on the outer convex outer portion of the menstrual cup 101. Turning the menstrual cup 101 inside out will also cause the upper pull linkage 158 and lower pull linkage 159 to extend from the inner surface of the rim 103. The lower pull linkage 159 can then be passed across the width of the rim 103 and threaded through a hole 111 on the opposite side. The assembled menstrual cup 101 can then be used after these described steps.

[0068] The present disclosure, in various embodiments, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and / or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and / or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease, and / or reducing cost of implementation. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A menstrual cup comprising: a menstrual cup body having a bell shape; a circular edge on a proximal portion of the menstrual cup body; and a loop on an external distal portion of the menstrual cup body; wherein the thickness of the circular edge is greater than the thickness of the menstrual cup body.

2. The menstrual cup of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of grooves in the external distal portion of the menstrual cup body.

3. The menstrual cup of claim 1 further comprising: a hole in the proximal portion of the menstrual cup body adjacent to the circular edge.

4. The menstrual cup of claim 1 further comprising: a string coupled to an inner surface of the menstrual cup body, passes over the circular edge and passes through the loop on an external distal portion of the menstrual cup body.

5. The menstrual cup of claim 1 further comprising: a cord coupled to the circular edge that passes through the loop on an external distal portion of the menstrual cup body.

6. The menstrual cup of claim 1 further comprising: a cord coupled to the circular edge that passes through the loop on an external distal portion of the menstrual cup body; and a cord loop coupled to a distal end of the cord.

7. The menstrual cup of claim 1 further comprising: a first cord that extends across an internal proximal portion of the menstrual cup body; and a second cord coupled to an external proximal portion of the menstrual cup body; wherein the first cord and the second cord are aligned on opposite sides of the menstrual cup body.

8. A menstrual cup comprising: a menstrual cup body having a bell shape; a circular edge on a proximal portion of the menstrual cup body; an indentation structure on a distal portion of the menstrual cup body having a convex surface on the inner surface of the menstrual cup body and a concave surface on the outer surface of the menstrual cup body; a first cord on an inner portion of the menstrual cup body between the circular edge and the indentation structure; and a second cord on an outer portion of the menstrual cup body extending from the indentation structure on the distal portion of the menstrual cup body.

9. The menstrual cup of claim 8 further comprising: a cord loop coupled to an end of the second cord; and a string coupled to the cord loop.

10. The menstrual cup of claim 8 further comprising: a hole in the proximal portion of the menstrual cup body adjacent to the circular edge.

11. The menstrual cup of claim 8 wherein the indentation structure has a dome shape.

12. The menstrual cup of claim 8 further comprising: a plurality of grooves in the external distal portion of the menstrual cup body.

13. A menstrual cup system comprising: a menstrual cup comprising: a menstrual cup body having a bell shape; a circular edge on a proximal portion of the menstrual cup body; and a loop on an external distal portion of the menstrual cup body; wherein the thickness of the circular edge is greater than the thickness of the menstrual cup body; and an insertion device comprising: a plunger body having a cylindrical body and a flange on an end of the cylindrical body; and a plunger that slides within the cylindrical body between a retracted position and a deployed position; wherein the menstrual cup is placed in the plunger body when the plunger is in the retracted position and the menstrual cup is moved out of the plunger body when the plunger slides to the deployed position.

14. The menstrual cup system of claim 13 further comprising: a string coupled to an inner surface of the menstrual cup body, passes over the circular edge and passes through the loop on an external distal portion of the menstrual cup body.

15. The menstrual cup system of claim 13 further comprising: a cord coupled to the circular edge that passes through the loop on an external distal portion of the menstrual cup body.

16. The menstrual cup of claim 13 further comprising: a first cord that extends across an internal proximal portion of the menstrual cup body; and a second cord coupled to an external proximal portion of the menstrual cup body; wherein the first cord and the second cord are aligned on opposite sides of the menstrual cup body.

17. The menstrual cup of claim 13 further comprising: an indentation structure on a distal portion of the menstrual cup body having a convex surface on the inner surface of the menstrual cup body and a concave surface on the outer surface of the menstrual cup body; a first cord on an inner portion of the menstrual cup body between the circular edge and the indentation structure; and a second cord on an outer portion of the menstrual cup body extending from the indentation structure on the distal portion of the menstrual cup body.

18. The menstrual cup of claim 17 wherein the indentation structure has a dome shape.

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