US4543949A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Custom valved cervical cap
Assignee: University Patents Inc
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Filing: 1984-06-11
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Granted: 1985-10-01
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Expires: 2004-06-11
Abstract
Abstract A non-invasive birth control device in the form of a custom-formed, valved cervical cap is disclosed. The cervical cap comprises a cup-shaped elastomeric shell substantially complementary with contiguous surface of portio vaginalis cervicis when in contact therewith and having an aperture at the apex of the shell. The aperture is covered by an elastomeric web secured to the shell and defines, together with the shell, a one-way valve means having a discharge port offset from the aperture. The cervical cap can be fabricated from a specially designed blank of a thermoplastic elastomeric material using a replica of cervix uteri as a mold.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert A. Goepp
- 👤 Uwe E. Freese
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 09:37
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F6/00; A61F6/06; A61F6/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A non-invasive birth control device which comprises a cup-shaped elastomeric shell having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface that is substantially complementary with a contiguous surface of portio vaginalis cervicis in its actual configuration when in contact therewith, said shell defining an aperature at the apex thereof and having a depth sufficient to receive a major portion of said portio, but the periphery of said shell terminating short of fornices vaginae; and an elastomeric web over said aperture and secured to said outer surface about said aperture defining a passageway communicating with said aperture and providing a discharge port along said convex outer surface and offset from said aperture; said web conforming to and coacting with a contiguous portion of said convex outer surface to provide a one-way valve means for uterine discharge entering said aperture from within said shell.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A non-invasive birth control device which comprises a cup-shaped elastomeric shell having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface that is substantially complementary with a contiguous surface of portio vaginalis cervicis in its actual configuration when in contact therewith, said shell defining an aperature at the apex thereof and having a depth sufficient to receive a major portion of said portio, but the periphery of said shell terminating short of fornices vaginae; and an elastomeric web over said aperture and secured to said outer surface about said aperture defining a passageway communicating with said aperture and providing a discharge port along said convex outer surface and offset from said aperture; said web conforming to and coacting with a contiguous portion of said convex outer surface to provide a one-way valve means for uterine discharge entering said aperture from within said shell.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The birth control device in accordance claim 1 wherein said shell and said web are of the same elastomeric material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 2 wherein the elastomeric material is a styrene/elastomer block copolymer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shell has a Shore A durometer hardness value of about 35 to about 70.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shell has a Short A durometer hardness value of about 45 to about 60.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least portion of said shell in contact with the contiguous surface of portio vaginalis cervicis defines a band of substantially uniform thickness.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the average thickness ratio of said shell to said web is about 5:1, respectively.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said elastomeric web has a fan-like configuration and is contiguous with said convex outer surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said one-way valve means is adapted to open at a fluid pressure of about 10 to about 15 millimeters of mercury.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shell is substantially transparent.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shell is provided with a tactile marker near the apex of said shell.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said web is in tension.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shell has a thickness of about 1.5 to about 2 millimeters.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said web has a thickness of about 0.3 to about 0.4 millimeters.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said web is positioned over said aperture so that the web portion directly over the aperture protrudes therein.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein a peripheral band of said shell having a substantially uniform thickness constitutes a major portion of said shell.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said discharge port is situated at a distance of at least about an aperture diameter away from said aperture.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said discharge port is situated near the periphery of said shell.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the periphery of said shell is feathered.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said web has a unitary protuberance extending into said aperture.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The birth control device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said web is thicker in the region of said aperture.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-09-30 | 1989-04-01 | 1989-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-09-30 | 1993-04-01 | 1993-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-09-30 | 1997-04-01 | 1997-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |