WO2024115803A1

WO2024115803A1 - Menstrual cup with a valve

Info

Publication number: WO2024115803A1
Application number: PCT/ES2023/070711
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olivier Jean-Pierre SALLE PHELIPPES DE LA MARNIERRE
Original assignee: Cnex Aie, S.L.
Priority date: 2022-11-29
Filing date: 2023-11-29
Publication date: 2024-06-06
Also published as: ES1299262Y; ES1299262U

Abstract

The present invention relates to a menstrual cup with a valve, said cup comprising a receptacle-shaped main body (2) for flow collection, an emptying channel (3) that extends from the bottom of said main body (2), and a valve (4) incorporated at the distal end (30) of the emptying channel (3) such that it opens the passage of the emptying channel (3) through its outlet hole (31) when actuated.

Description

MENSTRUAL CUP WITH VALVE

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as expressed in the statement of the present specification, refers to a menstrual cup with a valve that provides, to the function for which it is intended, advantages and characteristics that are described in detail below and that represent an improvement in the state of the menstrual cup. current of the technique.

The object of the present invention is a menstrual cup which, being of the type that includes an evacuation channel for the accumulated menstrual flow to empty it without having to remove it, has the particularity of having, at the end of said channel, a valve of closure that, when activated simply by turning it to one side or the other or pulling it, opens and closes the passage of the channel so that the menstrual flow is evacuated in a controlled manner and only when desired.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The field of application of the present invention falls within the industry sector dedicated to the manufacture of feminine intimate hygiene products, focusing particularly on the field of menstrual cups.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is known, the menstrual cup is a device to prevent the loss of menstrual flow that has the advantage of being reusable. Basically, it consists of a body made of flexible material, usually silicone, in the shape of a container similar to a cup, hence its name.

Based on said basic configuration, different types and models of menstrual cups with different characteristics are known in the state of the art. Among them, a type of menstrual cup is known that has a menstrual flow evacuation channel whose The purpose is to allow the receptacle to be emptied when it is full without having to remove the cup from inside the vagina.

The problem is that this type of channel does not have a sufficiently well-resolved opening and closing system to ensure that, in the normal position of use of the cup, flow does not escape through it and, in turn, that in the emptying position, the flow can exit quickly

Thus, the objective of the present invention is to provide the market with an improved type of menstrual cup with an evacuation channel that ensures both its tightness in the position of use and an easy controlled evacuation by including a valve in the evacuation channel. specially designed for this purpose.

On the other hand, and as a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, at least on the part of the applicant, the existence of any other menstrual cup with a valve that presents technical characteristics, equal or similar to those presents the one claimed here.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The menstrual cup with a valve that the invention proposes is configured as an ideal solution to the aforementioned objective which, in turn, represents an improvement on what is currently known, the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it conveniently included in the claims. finals that accompany this description.

Specifically, what the invention proposes, as noted above, is a menstrual cup that comprises, at the lower end of the main body thereof, a channel for evacuation of the accumulated menstrual flow that allows the cup to be emptied without having to remove it from the cup. interior of the vagina, basically distinguished by the fact that it includes, incorporated, at the distal end of said channel, a closing valve that, when activated by the user, allows the passage of the channel to be opened, so that the menstrual flow is evacuated in a controlled manner, easily and quickly, when desired, and that, Subsequently, by activating the valve again or releasing it, it allows said passage of the evacuation channel to be hermetically closed again, avoiding any leak or unwanted loss of flow during the use of the cup.

To this end, in one embodiment, said valve is configured from a cylindrical body with a semicircular opening that rotates on a semicircular outlet orifice provided complementary to the end of the evacuation channel, in such a way that, when Rotate the valve body on the end of the evacuation channel to one side, until the semicircular opening of the valve coincides with the semicircular outlet orifice, the passage of the channel for the evacuation of the flow remains open, allowing the contents to be emptied. of the container. And, by rotating the valve body to the opposite side, placing the valve opening and the channel hole on diametrically opposite sides, the passage is closed, preventing the flow from going outside through it.

Optionally, to prevent the valve from separating from its position at the end of the evacuation channel, the existence of a lug that fits into a guide has been provided, so that the valve can rotate on the end of the channel but not move in longitudinal direction and, therefore, without risk of it separating from it. Preferably, the nipple is at one end of the valve and the guide is at a point close to the end of the channel.

Optionally, to prevent the valve from limiting the flow of the channel, even in the open position, the valve has an upper perimeter, such that when it is open, the channel remains 100% open.

In addition, it should be noted that, optionally, the valve includes return means that tend to bring it to the closed position when it is no longer held after rotating it towards the open position, in such a way that it only has to be operated to open it but not to return. to close it.

Said valve return means can be either magnetic type or elastic type.

And, in another embodiment, the shut-off valve is configured from a cylindrical body that fits into the thickened end of the evacuation channel held by a stop and a elastic element so that it covers a lateral exit opening provided at said end of the channel, whereby, when pulling the cylindrical body until the stop exceeds the lateral opening or exit orifice, the passage of the channel for the evacuation of the flow remains open, allowing the contents of the container to be emptied. And, when you stop pulling on the valve body, thanks to the tension of the elastic body, said body once again occupies the closing position of the side opening and the passage is closed, preventing the flow from going outside through it.

In this case, preferably, the elastic element is a spring that, as in the previous variant, acts as a return means that tends to bring the valve to the closed position when it is released after pulling it towards the closed position. open, in such a way that you only have to operate it to open it but not to close it again.

Finally, it must be said that logically the valve actuation operation will be carried out by the user every time she wishes to empty the cup, normally once sitting on the toilet or bidet, but without the need to remove the cup from its position in the inside the vagina, simply inserting your fingers to access the valve located at the lower or distal end of the evacuation channel. This means that said emptying can be carried out comfortably, quickly, discreetly and hygienically in any bathroom.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by a set of plans in which, for illustrative and non-limiting, the following has been represented:

Figure number 1.- Shows a schematic side elevation view of an example of a first embodiment variant of the menstrual cup with valve that is the object of the invention, specifically the variant with actuation by turning the valve, showing its general external configuration. ; Figure number 2.- Shows a section view of the example of the cup, according to the invention, shown in Figure 1, showing its internal configuration; Figure number 3.- Shows a perspective view of the lower end of the evacuation channel and the valve that comprises the cup of the invention, represented without coupling, showing the configuration of both parts; Figure number 4.- Shows a perspective view similar to the previous one, showing, in this case, the lug and guide that keep the valve from leaving the end of the channel; Figure number 5.- Shows a perspective view of the end of the evacuation channel and the valve that comprises the cup object of the invention, in an example of the second variant thereof, with actuation by stretching the circular body, showing its external configuration; and figures number 6-a and 6-B.- Show section views of the example of the valve shown in figure 5, showing the internal configuration of the parts it comprises, represented respectively in the closed and open position.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, one can see in them two examples of non-limiting embodiment of the menstrual cup with valve of the invention, which comprises what is described in detail below.

Thus, as seen in said figures, the cup (1) of the invention, constituted in a known manner from a main body (2), in the form of a receptacle for collecting flow, with an evacuation channel ( 3) which extends from the lower part of said main body (2), is essentially distinguished by comprising a valve (4) incorporated in the distal end (30) of the evacuation channel (3) in such a way that, when actuated, It allows the passage of the channel to be opened, so that the menstrual flow is evacuated by gravity through the exit hole (31) of said channel.

Taking into account figures 1 to 4, it can be seen how, in one embodiment, the valve (4) comprises a cylindrical body (40) with a semicircular opening (41) that rotates about the outlet hole (31) at the end ( 30) of the evacuation channel (3) which, in turn, has a complementary semicircular configuration, in such a way that, when the body (40) of the valve (4) rotates on the end (30) of the evacuation channel ( 3) to one side, until The semicircular opening (41) of the valve (4) coincides with the semicircular outlet hole (31), the passage of the channel for the evacuation of the flow remains open. And, by rotating the valve body (40) to the opposite side, placing the valve opening (41) and the orifice

(31) of the channel on diametrically opposite sides, the passage of the channel (3) is closed.

Preferably, the cup (1) comprises a nipple (42) on the valve (4) that fits into a guide

(32) of the end (30) of the evacuation channel (3), allowing the valve (4) to rotate on said end (30) of the channel (3) but not to move in a longitudinal direction and, therefore, to be separated from it.

Preferably, the nipple (42) of the valve (4) is located on the side of an extension (43) of the body (40) of the valve that fits into the neck (33) of the end (30) of the evacuation channel. (3) where the guide (32) has been provided, there being a recess (34) in said neck

(33) to allow the insertion of the lug (42) up to the position of the guide (32) and couple the valve (4) to the end (30) of the evacuation channel (3).

Optionally, even in the open position, the valve (4) has a perimeter greater than the outlet hole (31) of the evacuation channel (3), in such a way that when it is open, the outlet hole (31) of the channel evacuation (3) remains open at 100%.

Optionally, the valve (4) also comprises return means (not shown) that tend to bring it to the closed position when it is no longer held after rotating it towards the open position.

Preferably, said valve return means (4) are of magnetic type or elastic type.

And, taking into account Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen how, in another embodiment, the closing valve (4) is configured from a cylindrical body (40) with an extension (43) on which it is coupled to an intermediate tubular piece (45) that has a lateral opening (46) and that, in turn, fits into the thickened neck (33) of the distal end (30) of the evacuation channel (3), the cylindrical body (40) being ) and the tubular piece (45) internally associated by a stop (47) and an elastic element (48) that surrounds the extension (43) in such a way that, in the closed rest position, the stop (47) seals the end of the interior hollow of the tubular piece (45) and consequently the internal conduit (34) of the evacuation (3) preventing the exit of the fluid and, when pulling the cylindrical body (40) causing the stop (47) to exceed the lateral opening (46), this acts as an exit orifice (31) opening the passage of the channel for the flow evacuation. And, when you stop pulling on the cylindrical body (40), thanks to the elastic element (48), the stop (47) returns to its initial closing position.

Preferably, the elastic element (48) is a spring.

Finally, preferably, in both one variant and the other, the valve body (40)

(4) has a grooved external surface (44) to facilitate holding it when operating the valve (4).

Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field understands its scope and the advantages that derive from it.

Claims

1.- Menstrual cup with valve that, constituted from a main body (2), in the form of a receptacle for collecting flow, with an evacuation channel (3) that extends from the lower part of said main body (2 ), is characterized by comprising a valve (4) incorporated into the distal end (30) of the evacuation channel (3) in such a way that, when actuated, it allows the passage of the evacuation channel (3) to be opened through its orifice. outlet (31).

2.- Menstrual cup with valve, according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve (4) comprises a cylindrical body (40) with a semicircular opening (41) that rotates about the outlet hole (31) of the end (30) of the evacuation channel (3) which, in turn, has a complementary semicircular configuration, so that, when the body (40) of the valve (4) rotates over the end (30) of the evacuation channel (3), matching the semicircular opening (41) of the valve (4) on the semicircular outlet hole (31), the passage of the channel for the evacuation of the flow remains open; and, by rotating the valve body (40) placing the valve opening (41) and the channel hole (31) on diametrically opposite sides, the passage of the channel (3) is closed.

3.- Menstrual cup with valve, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a nipple (42) in the valve (4) that fits into a guide (32) at the end (30) of the evacuation channel (3), in such a way that it prevents it from separating from it.

4.- Menstrual cup with valve, according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the nipple (42) of the valve (4) is located on the side of an extension (43) of the body (40) of the valve that fits n the neck (33) of the end (30) of the evacuation channel (3) where the guide (32) is provided.

5.- Menstrual cup with valve, according to claim 4, characterized in that in the neck (33) of the end (30) of the evacuation channel (3) there is a recess (34) to allow the insertion of the nipple (42) of the body. (40) of the valve (4) to the position of the guide (32) and couple the valve (4) to the end (30) of the evacuation channel (3).

6.- Menstrual cup with valve, according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve (4) has a perimeter greater than the outlet hole (31) of the evacuation channel (3), so g so that in the open position, said hole (31) is 100% open.

7.- Menstrual cup with valve, according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the valve (4) comprises return means that tend to bring it to the closed position when it is no longer held in the open position.

8.- Menstrual cup with valve, according to claim 7, characterized in that the return means of the valve (4) are of the magnetic type or elastic type.

9.- Menstrual cup with valve, according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing valve (4) is configured from a cylindrical body (40) with an extension (43) on which it is coupled to a tubular piece (45). ) intermediate with a lateral opening (46) and which, in turn, fits into the thickened neck (33) of the distal end (30) of the evacuation channel (3), with the cylindrical body (40) and the tubular piece ( 45) internally associated by a stop (47) and an elastic element (48) that surrounds the extension (43) in such a way that, in the closed rest position, the stop (47) closes the end of the interior cavity of the piece tubular (45) and consequently the internal conduit (34) of the evacuation channel (3) preventing the exit of the fluid and, when pulling the cylindrical body (40) causing the stop (47) to exceed the lateral opening (46), this It acts as an exit orifice (31), opening the passage of the channel for the evacuation of the flow, and, when it stops pulling on the cylindrical body (40), the elastic element (48) takes the stop (47) to occupy the initial position of closing.

10.- Menstrual cup with valve, according to claim 9, characterized in that the elastic element (48) is a spring.

11.- Menstrual cup with valve, according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the body (40) of the valve (4) has a grooved external surface (44) to facilitate holding it when operating the valve (4).