US4228797A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Intravaginal contraception method
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1978-09-25
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Granted: 1980-10-21
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Expires: 1998-09-25
Abstract
Abstract A chemical contraception system is described in which the spermicidal chemical, for example, "Nonoxynol-9", is provided in a powder or tablet form and is dissolved in a solvent, primarily water, immediately before use. The solution containing the spermacide is then allowed to soak into an applicator matrix, such as a sponge or pad. The spermicide-impregnated matrix is inserted into the vagina and later removed. The system can be provided in kit form (FIGS. 1 and 2) including a storage container for the powder, a mixing container, and a measuring spoon, or in a pre-packaged form where the chemical has already been added to the sponge. Among the preferred embodiments of the system are the use of the spermicidal chemical in powder or tablet form and the use of a sponge for vaginal retention of the spermicidal solution.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard P. Dickey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:21
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F6/00; A61F6/06; A61F6/08; A61K; A61K9/00; A61K9/0012; A61K9/0034; A61K9/0036
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of intravaginal contraception comprising the following steps: (a) providing to the user in powdered or tablet, packaged form a spermicidal chemical to be kept by the user in its packaged form until needed; (b) removing the spermicidal from its packaging just prior to use and dissolving it in water; (c) just prior to use impregnating a suitable shaped matrix of either organic or inorganic material with the resolvent solution; (d) placing the solution impregnated matrix into the vagina prior to coitus; and (e) removing the matrix following coitus.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of intravaginal contraception comprising the following steps: (a) providing to the user in powdered or tablet, packaged form a spermicidal chemical to be kept by the user in its packaged form until needed; (b) removing the spermicidal from its packaging just prior to use and dissolving it in water; (c) just prior to use impregnating a suitable shaped matrix of either organic or inorganic material with the resolvent solution; (d) placing the solution impregnated matrix into the vagina prior to coitus; and (e) removing the matrix following coitus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method of intravaginal contraception according to claim 1 further comprising the step of rinsing the matrix following removal to permit re-use of the matrix.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method of intravaginal contraception according to claim 1 further comprising the steps of: (a) placing the solution impregnated matrix in a solvent of water-tight sealed package to store the matrix for later use; and (b) removing the solution impregnated matrix from the sealed package for placement into the vagina.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
124 words
A method of intravaginal contraception according to claim 1 wherein there is further included in step "a" the further steps of: providing a container for holding a multiple-application quantity of said spermicidal chemical and a cap for closing said container having a water-tight cavity for holding said matrix which is of a size to fit in said cavity for storage between uses and of a suitable size for receiving the ingredients of a single application quantity of said spermicidal solution; and adding water and an appropriate amount of said spermicidal chemical for an application into said cavity and mixing them together; and in step "c" the step of placing said matrix in said cavity with said spermicidal chemical and water solution to impregnate it.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method of intravaginal contraception according to claim 4 wherein in step "a-i" there is included the steps of packaging a measuring spoon with said container and using said measuring spoon to remove the appropriate amount of spermicidal chemical into said cavity and to mix said spermicidal chemical and water together.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method of intravaginal contraception according to claim 4 wherein said cavity includes a graduation marking to facilitate measuring the water to be added to said cavity; and wherein in step "a-i" there is included the step of using said graduation marking as a guide in adding water to said cavity.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-10-21 | 1984-04-21 | 1984-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-21 | 1988-04-21 | 1988-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-21 | 1992-04-21 | 1992-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |