Patent · US Expired

Menstrual cup

US5827248A · kind A · utility

51Cited by
7References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 18, 1993
Grant dateOct 27, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 18, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F5/4553
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A catamenial device in the form of a menstrual cup. The menstrual cup is an integral one-piece structure formed of soft, resilient, fluid-proof material. The menstrual cup comprises a hollow body having open upper and lower ends. The body is symmetrical about its long axis, is of circular transverse cross-section throughout its length, and is approximately parabolic in cross section taken along a plane in which its long axis lies. The body, adjacent its open upper end has an external, outwardly extending, annular, rim arrangement adapted to engage the vaginal wall to prevent by-pass leakage. The device has a plurality of small pressure equalizing perforations formed in and evenly spaced about the body adjacent the rim arrangement. A tubular withdrawal extension projects from the lower end of the body and is substantially coaxial therewith. The withdrawal extension has a closable drainage passage therethrough communicating with the open lower end of the body.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.