WO2018189746A1

WO2018189746A1 - A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device for female user

Info

Publication number: WO2018189746A1
Application number: PCT/IN2017/050234
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rathin Bhattacharjee
Original assignee: Rathin Bhattacharjee
Priority date: 2017-04-11
Filing date: 2017-06-09
Publication date: 2018-10-18

Abstract

Pregnancy preventing devices and methods and,more specifically, pregnancy preventing protective barrier device for female user for safe sex and prevent pregnancy such as a female condom,diphragm and the like15 serving as barrier methods of contraception and protection from sexually transmitted diseases, in general. The advancement for the first time provides for barrier device having flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use for desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or20 streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse. The barrier device of the advancement also includes provision for extended shield protecting the area surrounding the genitalia.

Description

TITLE: A PREGNANCY PREVENTING PROTECTIVE BARRIER DEVICE FOR FEMALE USER

Fl ELD OF THE I NVENTI ON

The present invention relates to pregnancy preventing devices and methods and more specifically pregnancy preventing protective barrier device for female user for safe sex and prevent pregnancy as a female condom ,diphragm and the like serving as barrier methods of contraception and protection from sexually transmitted diseases, in general. In particular, it concerns female condoms having an extended shield protecting the area surrounding the genitalia.

There is always the need for use a physical barrier to prevent the release of sperm into the vagina during intercourse as a means of contraception. The widely accepted form of such condom in use is the male condom. However, it is also well known that male condoms are not always safe and convenient especially for women since the majority of responsibility for contraception is vested on the male partner (who, not himself being at risk of becoming pregnant, is often less conscientious). Moreover, such male condoms are required to be placed over the erect penis before intercourse and such requirement necessarily disturbs the spontaneity for enjoyable intercourse. Moreover, female partner have to depend on the male partner for safe sex and would have no choice for her own protection.

There has therefore been demand for female condom over the years to add to the female comfort and safeguards during intercourse.

US. Pat. No. 5,094,250 discloses a thin-walled, condom-like tubular protective device for protection against the transfer of infectious matter during sexual intercourse is disclosed. The condom-like device has an open end a collar-shaped outwardly extending portion with an apparatus for radially stretching the collar and has an inner diameter which is sufficiently large to permit movement of a penis with respect to the protective device during coitus.

US. Pat. No. 5,269,320 disloses barriers for preventing contraception and disease transmission comprise, in the simplest embodiment, a tubular or cylindrical shield (12, 38) of rubber to isolate the penis from the vagina and an attached flange portion (14) to shield the area surrounding the penis and vagina. The underside of the flange has adhesive (16) around the edge border to retain the flange in place. The device may be used by a female partner and is more effective than a condom since it shields the surrounding area. The device may be formed as part of a panty (30) or man's brief (70) so that the female can control prophylaxis and contraception, or the subordinate male in gay sex can control prophylaxis. The tubular rubber shield is provided in a compacted, folded state (38) with a lubricant (54, 56) and a lubricant-impervious covering (20, 22, 58, 66). When made part of an undergarment, the inner side of the shield is covered with a layer of cotton (62) for comfort. The crotch portion (34) of the undergarment may be made detachable so that the upper part of the undergarment can be reused.

US. Pat. No. 4,898,184 is related to male and female condoms for the prevention of the transmission of AIDS and other venereal diseases are provided having an apron portion for covering the pubic area, thigh portion for covering the perineum and genitalia portions. Straps integral with the condom or adhesives are used to then hold the condoms in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,228 realted to a condom of rubbery material such as latex which includes a tubular length having a closed first end and an open second end and an integral pubic shield about the open end with the tubular length being sized to receive and snugly jacket the penis of a user and the pubic shield being adapted to overlay the pubic area of a user and including adhesive means to attach the shield in protective covering relation of the pubic area of a user about the base of the penis.

While the above state of the art reveal the need for female condoms, the currently available female condoms suffer from some inherent disadvantages or problems which included: i) problems for insertion and has no way to control insertion and after insertion of intra vaginal part of female condom within vaginal cannel there was no way to control its desired comfortable /user friendly dispostion in relation to the internal perphery of the vaginal contour; ii) the inner ring may not take or place proper position and also may obliterate during intercourse; iii) the part in the intra vaginal cannel may wrinkled or get folded within vaginal cannel and lead to or make lot of discomfort; iv) considering that the internal contour of vaginal channel vary from person to person the standard female condoms which have no such flexibility to accommodate variable internal contours are always prone to discomfort due to mismatch of effective settling of the condom inside the vagina during use; v) intra or extra vaginal parts are enough complicated and not so easy to use in different model.

OBJECTS OF THE I NVENTI ON

It is thus the basic objcet of the preent invention to provide for a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device for female user for safe sex and prevent pregnancy as a female condom ,diphragm and the like which would be user friendly and favour controlled insertion of intra vaginal part of female condom within vaginal cannel for its desired comfortable/user friendly dispostion in relation to the internal perphery of the vaginal contour. Another object of the present invention is directed to a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device for female user for safe sex and prevent pregnancy as a female condom ,diphragm and the like which would ensure that the same once placed inside the vagina doesnot obliterate/displace during intercourse.

Yet further object of the present invention is directed to a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device for female user for safe sex and prevent pregnancy as a female condom ,diphragm and the like which would address the problem of presently in use female condoms in that its part in the intra vaginal canal may wrinkled or get folded within vaginal canal and lead to or make lot of discomfort.

Yet further object of the present invention is directed to development of a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device for female user for safe sex and prevent pregnancy as a female condom, diphragm and the like which would be adapted for variety of the internal contour of vaginal canals which usually vary from person to person and provide for the desired flexibility to accommodate variable internal contours and avoid discomfort due to mismatch of effective settling of the condom inside the vagina during use.

Another object of the present invention is directed to a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device for female user for safe sex and prevent pregnancy as a female condom, diphragm and the like wherein intra or extra vaginal parts are also mutually cooperative to give a safe and comfortable user friendly application and use . SUMMARY OF THE I NVENTI ON Thus according to the basic asepct of the present invention there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device for female user for safe sex and prevent pregnancy as a female condom ,diphragm and the like comprising: a flexible tubular member having a sealed end and an open end, said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use for desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

(a) a flexible tubular member having a sealed end and an open end, said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use for desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse; (b) a protective shield attached to or integrally formed with said open end of said flexible tubular member favouring comfortably holding at the open end with the tubular member when said sealed end is inserted into the vagina during intercourse/use. According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above comprising:

a flexible tubular member having a sealed end and an open end, said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon direct use from its packaged compacted/folded state for desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse. According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said flexible tubular member with or without said protective shield together enabling compact folded packaging maintaining the length of the said tubular member such that only upon opening of the package along the sealed end of the tubular member stepwise the tubular member from its sealed end is first exposed and in folded state inserted into the vagina slowly and stepwise continued insertion of the remaining length of the tubular member from said package into the vagina until the full length of the tubular member is exposed from the package and inserted into the vagina and only the protective shied at the contiguous open end of the tubular member is outside the vaginal opening.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above which is constructional cooperative and user friendly comprising: a flexible tubular member having a sealed end and an open end, said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use for desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse; a protective shield attached to or integrally formed with said open end of said flexible tubular member favouring comfortably holding at the open end with the tubular member when said sealed end is inserted into the vagina during intercourse/use; said flexible tubular member and said protective shield together enabling compact folded packaging maintaining the length of the said tubular member such that only upon opening of the package along the sealed end of the tubular member stepwise the tubular member from its sealed end is first exposed and in folded state inserted into the vagina slowly and stepwise continued insertion of the remaining length of the tubular member from said package into the vagina until the full length of the tubular member is exposed from the package and inserted into the vagina and only the protective shied at the contiguous open end of the tubular member is outside the vaginal opening.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein the flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use for desired self stretching have flexible and resilient circumferential wall which can be folded and maintained in folded state inside the package to assume lesser peripheral dimensions but retaining the desired length of the tubular member to facilitate said stepwise insertion into vagina during use and assuming desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient during use comprises of a flexible membrane based flexible tubular member having said sealed end and said other open end with said flexible tubular member having said resilient bias to outwardly self stretch upon release from its compacted packaged condition and upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streachability due to penis insertion during intercourse with said tubular member optionally having extra dots or oval or round /globular spots selectively positioned to contact clitoris region during use for more pleasure to female partner.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient during use comprises flexible polymeric membrane based tubular member having said sealed end and said other open end with a cooperatively formed resilient bias enabling outwardly self stretching of said flexible tubular member comprising a cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member spaced apart or continually disposed along the length of the tubular membrane selectively internally, externally and within said tubular member/membrane fovouring compressed folding under external pressure state and packaging to define a compressed folded packaging such that opening of the package along an edge with the said tubular member seal end facing the vagina during use providing for stepwise release and insertion of the same into vagina favouring desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streachability due to penis insertion during intercourse for desired stretched out configuration of the tubular member matching the vaginal usual cavity wall and/or its stretched out condition during intercourse.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use with or without said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member and also the protective shield are obtained of latex or rubber membrane with said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member integrally formed with respect to said tubular member enabling self expanding capability desired for self stretching in conformity with the vaginal cavity wall upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streachability due to penis insertion during intercourse with the attached protective shield external of said vagina.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above comprising said tubular member with cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member alongwith the protective shield are packaged compactly together wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise selectively air, gas, water filled soft and flexible resilient tubes or pipes with respect to said membrane favouring desired opened up contour of the membrane when inserted into vagina from said compacted package state with the natural orientation of the said filled tubes or pipes forcing the cooperative membrane body stretching upon release when inserted into the vagina with the attached protective shield maintained external of said vagina.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise selectively foldable, shaped, spaced apart, continuous, spring type resilient members which can resiliently stretch outwards upon opening of said package during use for facilitating insertion and setting with desired matching contour dilation in keeping with requirements of vagina cavity.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise spaced apart circular rings matching the tubular membrane circular periphery which can be folded compressed in a closed package such that when released from an edge of the package facing the sealed end of the tubular member during use the compressed fold facilitate the insertion into the vagina and subsequent released by the self stretching capability of the cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member to favour the stretched out tubular sitting in the vaginal cavity and also to an outwardly stretched disposition of said tubular membrane in the vagina. According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise spring type self resilient member which can be kept compressed in package and open up the tubular membrane to favour its insertion and setting inside the vaginal cavity for use and also in keeping with the dilation requirements of the vagina during intercourse.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise spaced apart or continuous series said filled tubes or pipes as resilient members in tiers along the length of the tubular membrane which favour ready and compressed folding of the respective tiers for compact packaging and upon release of the same at said edge during use the flexible membrane is forced outwards to assume the vaginal cavity contour.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise spaced apart or continuous series of selectively U,V square or rectangular, ring shaped filled tubes or pipes based resilient members in tiers along the periphery of the tubular membrane which favour compressed folding for compact packaging and upon release of the same at said edge during use the membrane is forced outwards to assume the vaginal cavity contour and/or match dilatory requirements of vaginal during intercourse. According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise a combination of spring, ring, U,V, square, rectangular or any suitable geometric shaped filed tubes or pipes having desired resilient function to favour insertion of the tubular membrane into the vagina and assume the shape of the vaginal cavity and/or its dilatory requirements during intercourse.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said protective shield sealingly attached to or integrally formed with said open end comprises a contiguous membrane portion integral to the tubular membrane at the open end adapted to cover the supra pubic region when the tubular member with the sealed end is inserted into the vagina preferably assuming a substantially triangular outer periphery matching the supra pubic region or circular configuration substantially protecting the supra pubic region.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said protective shield sealingly attached to or integrally formed with said open end comprise a substantially triangular shaped protective shied contiguous to the tubular member open end with the triangular edges adapted for stiffened holding during use.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said protective shield sealingly attached to or integrally formed with said open end comprise a substantially triangular shaped protective shied contiguous to the tubular member open end with the triangular edges comprises to assume an inverted triangle shaped disposition to cover the supra pubic region with a stiffened top edge and softer side edges which can be held in the left and right inguinal region of the female during use for supporting the protective shield free of wrinkles during use or getting inserted/dropped into the vaginal cavity during use.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said stiffened top edge comprise strong soft rubber or latex stick type hold and said two side edges comprise soft rubber or latex tube or balloon with small beads/balls favouring holding the side edges in the said left and right inguinal region of the female during use for supporting the protective shield free of wrinkles during use or getting inserted/dropped into the vaginal cavity during use.

According to another asepct there is provided a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said tubulat member is provided with air/liquid filled rupturable circumferential members/spots/regions having perfumary content and /or fluid/liquid holding spots/regions which when inside the vagina and under frictional force of the penis during sex can rupture and release the perfume and/or the liquid/fluid content for lubricating and/or enjoyable more natural sex feeling free of barriers.

According to another asepct there is provided a process for positioning a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above for use from its packaged compacted condition comprising : i) opening the pack seal along the edge of the package facing the closed/sealed end of the tubular member;

ii) placing the thus opened end of the package with the sealed end of the condom in the vagina;

iii) slowly tearing off the package further from said open edge end and exposing further folded/compacted tubular member and inserting the protruding compacted exposed part directly into the vagina; iv) allowing such insertion of the tubular member into the vagina until the open end having said protective shied reaches the outer end of the vagina opening.

According to another asepct there is provided a process for positioning a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above comprising : i) opening the pack seal along the edge of the package facing the closed/sealed end of the tubular member;

iii) slowly tearing off the package further from said open edge end and exposing further folded/compacted tubular member and inserting the protruding exposed part into the vagina such that while inserting the folded state of reduced dimension facilitates the insertion into the vagina and once inside the vagina the said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient outwardly stretches in conformity with the vaginal cavity wall;

iv) allowing such insertion of the tubular member into the vagina until the open end having said protective shied reaches the outer end of the vagina opening;

v) placing the protective shield contiguous to the open end effectively covering the desired regions for stable holding of the tubular member during intercourse.

According to another asepct there is provided a process for packaging the pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above for favouring its ready and comfortable use comprising:

(i) providing the said (a) flexible tubular member having a sealed end and an open end, said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use for desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse; and (b) said a protective shield attached to or integrally formed with said open end of said flexible tubular member;

(ii) radially internally folding along the circumferential periphery the flexible tubular member against its natural resilent outward stretch;

(iii) inserting in a accommodative package the thus folded tubular member of the condom alongwith the contiguous protective shied at its open end to keep the condom thus folded in the packaged state with the disposition of the sealed end of the thus packaged tubular member identified as the package opening end during use to facilitate said stepwise insertion into vagina during use and assuming desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse.

According to another asepct there is provided a process for packaging the pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above wherein said radially internally folding along the circumferential periphery the flexible tubular member against its natural resilent outward stretch is done maintaining the length thereof and said package length is also determined and used to accommodate the entire length of the thus radially internally folded tubular member.

According to another asepct there is provided a process for manufacture of the pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as above for favouring its ready and comfortable use comprising: providing said flexible tubular member having a sealed end and an open end; said tubular member being provided with outwardly resilient charcateristics which can be folded against the resilient action in a package and when stagewise released from said package the same upon insertion in vaginal passage outwardly opnes to sit effectively inside the vaginal passage.

According to another asepct there is provided a process as above comprising : providing a protective shield contiguously attached to or integrally formed with said open end of said flexible tubular member favouring comfortably holding at the open end with the tubular member when said sealed end is inserted into the vagina during intercourse/use.

According to another asepct there is provided a process for manufacture as above comprising:

(i) providing a first tubular member having a closed end and an open end;

(ii) filling the said first tubular member to define its form;

(iii) wrapping on top of said first tubular member a narrow tillable balloon type strips preferably a spring orientation along atleast a substantial part of the length of the first tubular member from its closed end preferably about 15 cm ;

(iv) inserting another second tubular member on top of the thus wrapped narrow tillable balloon type strips over said first formed tubular member;

(v) wrapping the second tubular member accommodating said tillable balloon type strips wrapped first tubular member safely to effect damage free autoclaving and then putting in an authoclave to fix the first and second tubular members with the wrapped narrow tillable balloon type strips therebetween; (vi) filling the tillable balloon type strips for providing the resilient outward bias to the thus fixed tubular members such that upon pressure filling the tubular meber assumes a self outwardly streching formed protective barrier.

According to another asepct there is provided a process for manuhacture as above wherein said step of filling of the tubular member to form the shape is carried out using cotton cloth and said wrapping of second tubular mener is doen using cotton cloth and said atleast one said tubular member has a contiguous formed braoder open end as a protective member .

It would thus be apparent from the above disclosed female condom of the present advancement that the advanced female condom is very easy for insertion and use and even easier than male condom which essentially required the penis to be full erected for effective use. Advantageously, the female condom of the invention enables easy and convenient insertion and placement of the condom inside the vagina as the length and diameter of the female condom takes proper position or place within the vaginal passage/ canal and also can self adapt its contour fitting with the vaginal canal of female user in time of intercourse. The female condom of the present advancement is thus free from any disturbance or obstruction and penis can move freely, so male partner can enjoy of feel better comfort.

Advantageously, the female condom of the present advancement involving the resilient member in the form of filled resilient projections on the surface are adapted to impart soft yet desired frictional forces for both partners favouring the experience of both partners. Added to the above provision of the extra dots or small round or oval balloon at clitoris region increase frictional force for female partner and lead or give more pleasure. Also, the protective member constituting the outer vaginal part is very simple and favours a comfortable protection to the pelvic and inguinal region. In terms of utility the female partner can insert the condom on her own prior to intercourse (any time) and feel more safe and secured while enjoying the intercourse free of any worries. Also, as would be well apparent the female condom is very simple and cost effective to manufacture and obtain. Considering that the average vaginal passage length 9 cm to 15 cm. so length of tubular member in the intra vaginal part can be more than 15 cm. Also, considering that the average circumference of penis - 12 Cm to 15 cm, the average circumference of female condom of the invention can be over than 15 cm.

The dimensions of the tubular member can be effectively provided keeping in view the known dimensions of vaginal passage:

Length - 9 cm to 15 cm/3 to 5.8 inch

Width - 5 cm to 6.3 cm/1.9 to 2.5 inch

Diameter - 2.4 cm to 6.5 cm/0.94 to 2.53 inch

Circumference - 15 cm to 20 cm

According to the basic aspect the female condom of the advancement thus compises one end closed thin soft rubber or latex tubular shaped membrane. Accordng to another aspect the soft thin nano(narrow) latex or rubber tube/tubes or pipe/pipes have at the open end a contiguous protective member/ membrane. The protective member/membrane is totally and effectively barriers between male and female sex organs and neighboring body parts and body fluids which give protection from S.T.D, HIV and also useful as contra safely. Both side inner and outer side are lightly lubricated.

The adaptability of the flexible tubular member to be outwardly resilient upon stepwise release from packgae and insertion in the vagina according to an aspect include provisions on the tubular member body of self acting soft thin nano(narrow) balloon tube or pipe ring which has its own resilinet chrcaterisitcs to take place as position inside the vaginal passage/channel.

It is thus soft thin nano(narrow) spring shaped balloon tube or pipe as resilent member of the tubular condom which maintain depth and circumference of the condom within vaginal cannel. It also help to closely attach to inner vaginal wall and also takes to active role to change and maintain length and circumference automatically within vaginal cannel. Also, maintain hollow spec in vaginal cannel as its dilation in time of intercourse.

As already menetioned extra dots or oval or round balloon at clitoris region can be optionally provided to lead or give more pleasure to female partner. The protective mmeber in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the femal condom according to the present advancement as the outer vaginal part is also latex or rubber membrane and totally continue as from inner vaginal part such that it can cover and comfortably placed or sit or spread on supra pubic region to perennial body and one inguinal region to another inguinal region (right to left) other end continuously attached with the triangular vaginal ring. The membrane is enough thick and must can resist any type of rupture by thick course pubic hair, pubic hair or any other way in time of intercourse. Outer vaginal ring:- It is triangular in shape, the long latex strick, short (small) latex stricks, small latex balls are connected very flexible that the ring can change its shape according to anatomical structure of outer vaginal part, pelvic region, pubic region and inguinal region of female to female but enough strong dot tear easily. (Length about 15 to 18 cm) Outer vaginal ring:- The outer vaginal ring is triangular in shape. It peripherally attached with outer end of outer vaginal membrane. Its one arm or side is little curved but almost straight, strong soft rubber or latex strick or tube or balloon an embodiment as ring shaped rubber or latex tube or balloon. It takes position is at supra pubic region which prevent wrinkling and wrinkling dropping of pouch part of the condom in vaginal cannel.

The other two are or side takes position is at each inguinal region, right far right side, left fat left side. Itch arm or side is very soft latex rubber strick or tube or balloon or small (about 1 to 1.5 cm) soft rubber or latex strick or tube or balloon and small soft rubber or latex ball or balloon (about 5 or 6 cm) alternatively and loosely connected to each other, so it can takes position sit comfortably is at inguinal region.

Each corner of the triangle is made by two or more such ball or balloon. The outer vaginal ring is so flexible that it sits or takes proper placement female to female don't depend on structure of the region. Manner of Folding for packaging for ready and comfortable release into the vagina during use of the condom:-

Soft thin latex membrane Way of folding spring shaped and all other balloon tube or tubes. The balloon tube or tubes is/are folded such a way or manner that or those balloon takes take V or A or U or shape and overlap to each other fold of that after pressure folding it takes strong soft pipe or flattened curve shapped tube or plate. In case the protective member is provided as per preferred embodiment, the outer rubber or latex protector with its peripheral gaurs/ strengthening member are also inside the condom pouch and the same can facilitate use of the condom like pusher. Final folding of the condom shaped like flattened curve tube or plate or pipe may give attractive soft penis shape. The place or pack of final folded of the condom inside a softy sterile cover.

Softy, sterile cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOM PAN Yl NG FIGURES:

Figure 1A to 1F illustrates various embodiments of the female condom in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the protective shield to externally hold the flexible tubular member inserted into the vagina in place during use;

Figure 3A and 3B illustrates the manner of packaging of the female condom in accordance with the advancement directed to facilitate the stage wise release of the female condom from the package and insertion into the vagina for desired stable positioning during use;

Figures 4A to 4 D illustrate the disposition of the female condom in the vagina for use;

Figure 5 illustrates the disposition of the cervical diaphragm in accordance with the present advancement to cover the cervix and also to stably hold the same in position matching the internal contour of the vagina;

Figure 6A to 6 D illustrates various embodiments of the cervical diaphragm in accordance with the present advancement. DETAI LED DESCRI PTI ON OF THE PREFERRED EMBODI MENTS Reference is first invited to accompanying figures 1 A to 1 F which illustrates various embodiments of the female condom in accordance with the present invention. As would be apparent from the various embodiments, each of the same involve the tubular membrane (1) which is having a closed /sealed end (1S) while the other end is open identified as (10). Importantly, the representations of the female condom also illustrates the said tubular membrane adapted for desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse. According to a preferred aspect of the present advancement, such a cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member (1 R) is provided spaced apart or continually disposed along the length of the tubular membrane selectively internally, externally and within said tubular member /membrane. According to a preferred aspect the cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member (1R) include providing selectively air, gas, water filled soft and flexible resilient tubes or pipes with respect to said membrane favouring desired opened up contour of the membrane when inserted into vagina from said compacted package state with the natural orientation of the said filled tubes or pipes forcing the cooperative membrane body stretching upon release when inserted into the vagina with the attached protective shield maintained external of said vagina.

Importantly, such a tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient for self stretching upon insertion in the vaginal cavity constitutes the basic embodiment of the advancement which can serve the purposes of both s a condom or a flexible cervical diaphragm. Also, illustrated in the various embodiments of the female condom under figures 1A to 1F according to a prefered embodiment to comprise also a protective shield (1 P) attached to or integrally formed with said open end of said flexible tubular member favouring comfortably holding at the open end with the tubular member when said sealed end is inserted into the vagina during intercourse/use. Such a protective shield (1P) can be obtained of various desired shape and configuration depending upon the level of coverage desired and the coverage area to be protected apart from the basic need of the protective shield to ensure that the female condom doesnot get inside the vagina while in use and to hold it comfortably in place while the tubular member is inside for use.

Thus according to an aspect the protective shield can comprise of a contiguous membrane portion integral to the tubular membrane at the open end adapted to cover the supra pubic region when the tubular member with the sealed end is inserted into the vagina preferably assuming a substantially triangular outer periphery matching the supra pubic region or circular configuration substantially protecting the supra pubic region. In accordance with an embodiment the said protective shield sealingly attached to or integrally formed with said open end comprise a substantially triangular shaped protective shied contiguous to the tubular member open end with the triangular edges adapted for stiffened holding during use. Also, the said protective shield sealingly attached to or integrally formed with said open end can comprise a substantially triangular shaped protective shied contiguous to the tubular member open end with the triangular edges comprises to assume an inverted triangle shaped disposition to cover the supra pubic region with a stiffened top edge and softer side edges which can be held in the left and right inguinal region of the female during use for supporting the protective shield free of wrinkles during use or getting inserted/dropped into the vaginal cavity during use. Also, as may be well apparent from accompanying Figure 2 in order to ensure that the said protective shield does not allow the carry over of the entire female condom inside the vagina during use, the same is provided with at least a stiffened top edge (2S) which can be obtained as strong soft rubber or latex stick type hold and said two side edges comprise soft rubber or latex tube or balloon with small beads/balls (2B) favouring holding the side edges in the said left and right inguinal region of the female during use for supporting the protective shield free of wrinkles during use or getting inserted/dropped into the vaginal cavity during use.

Reference is now invited to accompanying figures 3A and 3B which goes to illustrate the importance of the female condom of the present advancement and its packaging interplay to justify a user friendly and effective insertion of the condom into the vagina with a stable disposition in keeping with the inside contour of the vagina.

As already mentioned the cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member (1 R) include according to an embodiment providing selectively air, gas, water filled soft and flexible resilient tubes or pipes with respect to said membrane favouring desired opened up contour of the membrane when inserted into vagina from said compacted package state with the natural orientation of the said filled tubes or pipes forcing the cooperative membrane body stretching upon release when inserted into the vagina with the attached protective shield maintained external of said vagina.

In order to appreciate the interplay between the construction of the female condom and its packaging for the special effects /utility as disclosed hereinbefore, it is important to consider first a reference illustration of the embodiment of Figure 1 B. As shown in Figure 1B,the resilient members (1R) are shown provided on the tubular membrane body (1) and have the natural tendency to stretch out if the same are press folded with reduced circumferential dimension in tiers one against the other. Thus, the female condom with said resilient member on the tubular membrane is developed such that when packaged it assumes a lesser diameter fold in a package (penis like soft longitudinal subject) when packed in the longitudinal manner with the sealed end of the tubular member at one ends and the open end at the other end. Such a facilitated packaging enable the release of the condom during actual use by cutting the edge of the package along the end facing the sealed end of the tubular member and then stepwise allowing the front exposed end to enter the vagina with the remaining portion in the package and then slowly tearing and inserting the subsequent length of the tubular member from the package into the vagina until the open end reaches the vagina outside which then is secured with the help of the protective shield with respect to the body of the user.

Importantly, therefore the female condom not only provides for a self resilient outwardly stretching tubular member but also integrates the same in a packaging which together bring about advancement in ready and user friendly use of female condom.

Depending upon the nature and orientation of the resilient members (1R) with respect to the tubular membrane body (1),the folding of the resilient members can be accomplished inside the package ensuring that the folds maintain the longitudinal length of the condom and facilite its stepwise insertion in the vagina taking advantage of its reduced diameter in folded state and then occupying the contour of the vagina inside once it is placed inside the vagina.

Reference is invited to accompanying figures 4A to 4D which illustrate the manner of disposition of the female condom upon due insertion into the vagina with the sealed end of the tubular member of the condom inside and the open end connected to the protective shield resting outside in relation to the users body.

Accompanying figure 5 and 6A to 6D shows an embodiment of the femal condom in the form of a cervical diaphragm without the ptotective outer member obtained in accordance with the present advancement wherein also the basic diaphragm (1) is shown surrounded by resilient members (IR) which are adapted to assume a folded reduced dimension state upon external pressure such as when in a package and then later on the same can assume a self stretching position inside the internal space to effectively sit therein covering the cervix for the desired contraceptive protection.

Importantly, such a cervical diaphragm involving the outwardly stretching resilent member facilitates proper outward stretching and effective sitting of the flexible diaphragm upon insertion into the vaginal passage direcetly from the folded package similar to the condom emdodiment discussed earlier.

Exemplary illustration of manner of manufcature of the pregnancy preventing protective barrier device for female user for safe sex and prevent pregnancy as a female condom, diphragm and the like is disccused hereunder;

The process according to a non-limiting embodiment comprises:

(i) providing a first tubular member having a closed end and an open end;

(ii) filling the said first tubular member with cotton cloth to define its form ;

(v) wrapping the second tubular member accommodating said tillable balloon type strips wrapped first tubular member with cotton cloth safely to effect damage free autoclaving and then putting in an authoclave to fix the first and second tubular members with the wrapped narrow tillable balloon type strips therebetween;

(vi) filling the tillable balloon type strips for providing the resilient outward bias to the thus fixed tubular members such that upon pressure filling the tubular meber assumes a self outwardly streching formed protective barrier.

In the above process of manufcature to also provide the barrier with the protective member atleast one said tubular member has a contiguous formed braoder open end as a protective member.

According to yet further aspect of the present advancement advantgaeously and for more pleasure and uitility, the tubulat member can be also provided with relation to the resilent means in the form of within said thin air/liquid filled circumferential members perfumary content and /or rupturable fluid/liquid holding spots/regions which when inside the vagina and under frictional force of the penis during sex can rupture and release the perfume and/or the liquid/fluid content for lubricating and more natural sex feeling free of barriers.

It is thus possible by way of the preent invention to provide for pregnancy preventing protective barrier device for female user for safe sex and prevent pregnancy as a female condom, diphragm and the like which would be user friendly and favour controlled insertion of intra vaginal part of female condom within vaginal passage/channel for its desired comfortable /user friendly dispostion in relation to the internal perphery of the vaginal contour. Advantageously, the folded packaged dispostion of the condom/diaphragm of the present invention is directed to a user friendly dispostion from the package into the vagina which would ensure that the same once placed inside the vagina doesnot obliterate/displace during intercourse. Importantly, therefore the present advancement directed to such femal condom/diaphragm would address the problem of presently in use female condoms in that its part in the intra vaginal canal may wrinkled or get folded within vaginal canal and lead to or make lot of discomfort.

Moreover, the female condom/diaphragm according to the advancement is also directed to safe sex and add pleasure and natural feeling during sex apart from comfortable user friendly application and use by the female partner as her own choice and without requiring any assistance from the male partner.

Claims

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device for female user for safe sex and prevent pregnancy as a female condom ,diphragm and the like comprising: a flexible tubular member having a sealed end and an open end, said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use for desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

(a) a flexible tubular member having a sealed end and an open end, said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use for desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse;

(b) a protective shield attached to or integrally formed with said open end of said flexible tubular member favouring comfortably holding at the open end with the tubular member when said sealed end is inserted into the vagina during intercourse/use.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in comprising:

a flexible tubular member having a sealed end and an open end, said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon direct use from its packaged compacted/folded state for desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse. A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3 said flexible tubular member with or without said protective shield together enabling compact folded packaging maintaining the length of the said tubular member such that only upon opening of the package along the sealed end of the tubular member stepwise the tubular member from its sealed end is first exposed and in folded state inserted into the vagina slowly and stepwise continued insertion of the remaining length of the tubular member from said package into the vagina until the full length of the tubular member is exposed from the package and inserted into the vagina and only the protective shied at the contiguous open end of the tubular member is outside the vaginal opening.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4 which is constructional cooperative and user friendly comprising: a flexible tubular member having a sealed end and an open end, said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use for desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse; a protective shield attached to or integrally formed with said open end of said flexible tubular member favouring comfortably holding at the open end with the tubular member when said sealed end is inserted into the vagina during intercourse/use; said flexible tubular member and said protective shield together enabling compact folded packaging maintaining the length of the said tubular member such that only upon opening of the package along the sealed end of the tubular member stepwise the tubular member from its sealed end is first exposed and in folded state inserted into the vagina slowly and stepwise continued insertion of the remaining length of the tubular member from said package into the vagina until the full length of the tubular member is exposed from the package and inserted into the vagina and only the protective shied at the contiguous open end of the tubular member is outside the vaginal opening.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein the flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use for desired self stretching have flexible and resilient circumferential wall which can be folded and maintained in folded state inside the package to assume lesser peripheral dimensions but retaining the desired length of the tubular member to facilitate said stepwise insertion into vagina during use and assuming desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 6 wherein said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient during use comprises of a flexible membrane based flexible tubular member having said sealed end and said other open end with said flexible tubular member having said resilient bias to outwardly self stretch upon release from its compacted packaged condition and upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streachability due to penis insertion during intercourse with said tubular member optionally having extra dots or oval or round /globular spots selectively positioned to contact clitoris region during use for more pleasure to female partner. A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 8 wherein said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient during use comprises flexible polymeric membrane based tubular member having said sealed end and said other open end with a cooperatively formed resilient bias enabling outwardly self stretching of said flexible tubular member comprising a cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member spaced apart or continually disposed along the length of the tubular membrane selectively internally, externally and within said tubular member/membrane fovouring compressed folding under external pressure state and packaging to define a compressed folded packaging such that opening of the package along an edge with the said tubular member seal end facing the vagina during use providing for stepwise release and insertion of the same into vagina favouring desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streachability due to penis insertion during intercourse for desired stretched out configuration of the tubular member matching the vaginal usual cavity wall and/or its stretched out condition during intercourse.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 9 wherein said said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use with or without said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member and also the protective shield are obtained of latex or rubber membrane with said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member integrally formed with respect to said tubular member enabling self expanding capability desired for self stretching in conformity with the vaginal cavity wall upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streachability due to penis insertion during intercourse with the attached protective shield external of said vagina.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 10 comprising said tubular member with cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member alongwith the protective shield are packaged compactly together wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise selectively air, gas, water filled soft and flexible resilient tubes or pipes with respect to said membrane favouring desired opened up contour of the membrane when inserted into vagina from said compacted package state with the natural orientation of the said filled tubes or pipes forcing the cooperative membrane body stretching upon release when inserted into the vagina with the attached protective shield maintained external of said vagina.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 11 wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise selectively foldable, shaped, spaced apart, continuous, spring type resilient members which can resiliently stretch outwards upon opening of said package during use for facilitating insertion and setting with desired matching contour dilation in keeping with requirements of vagina cavity.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 12 wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise spaced apart circular rings matching the tubular membrane circular periphery which can be folded compressed in a closed package such that when released from an edge of the package facing the sealed end of the tubular member during use the compressed fold facilitate the insertion into the vagina and subsequent released by the self stretching capability of the cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member to favour the stretched out tubular sitting in the vaginal cavity and also to an outwardly stretched disposition of said tubular membrane in the vagina.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 13 wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise spring type self resilient member which can be kept compressed in package and open up the tubular membrane to favour its insertion and setting inside the vaginal cavity for use and also in keeping with the dilation requirements of the vagina during intercourse.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to to 14 wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise spaced apart or continuous series said filled tubes or pipes as resilient members in tiers along the length of the tubular membrane which favour ready and compressed folding of the respective tiers for compact packaging and upon release of the same at said edge during use the flexible membrane is forced outwards to assume the vaginal cavity contour.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 15 wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise spaced apart or continuous series of selectively U,V square or rectangular, ring shaped filled tubes or pipes based resilient members in tiers along the periphery of the tubular membrane which favour compressed folding for compact packaging and upon release of the same at said edge during use the membrane is forced outwards to assume the vaginal cavity contour and/or match dilatory requirements of vaginal during intercourse. A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to to 16 wherein said cooperative membrane body stretching resilient member comprise a combination of spring, ring, U,V, square, rectangular or any suitable geometric shaped filed tubes or pipes having desired resilient function to favour insertion of the tubular membrane into the vagina and assume the shape of the vaginal cavity and/or its dilatory requirements during intercourse.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 17 wherein said protective shield sealingly attached to or integrally formed with said open end comprises a contiguous membrane portion integral to the tubular membrane at the open end adapted to cover the supra pubic region when the tubular member with the sealed end is inserted into the vagina preferably assuming a substantially triangular outer periphery matching the supra pubic region or circular configuration substantially protecting the supra pubic region.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 18 wherein said protective shield sealingly attached to or integrally formed with said open end comprise a substantially triangular shaped protective shied contiguous to the tubular member open end with the triangular edges adapted for stiffened holding during use.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 19 wherein said protective shield sealingly attached to or integrally formed with said open end comprise a substantially triangular shaped protective shied contiguous to the tubular member open end with the triangular edges comprises to assume an inverted triangle shaped disposition to cover the supra pubic region with a stiffened top edge and softer side edges which can be held in the left and right inguinal region of the female during use for supporting the protective shield free of wrinkles during use or getting inserted/dropped into the vaginal cavity during use.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in clam 20 wherein said stiffened top edge comprise strong soft rubber or latex stick type hold and said two side edges comprise soft rubber or latex tube or balloon with small beads/balls favouring holding the side edges in the said left and right inguinal region of the female during use for supporting the protective shield free of wrinkles during use or getting inserted/dropped into the vaginal cavity during use.

A pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 21 wherein said tubulat member is provided with air/liquid filled rupturable circumferential members/spots/regions having perfumary content and /or fluid/liquid holding spots/regions which when inside the vagina and under frictional force of the penis during sex can rupture and release the perfume and/or the liquid/fluid content for lubricating and/or enjoyable more natural sex feeling free of barriers.

A process for positioning a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 22 for use from its packaged compacted condition comprising: i) Opening the pack seal along the edge of the package facing the closed/sealed end of the tubular member;

iii) slowly tearing off the package further from said open edge end and exposing further folded/compacted tubular member and inserting the protruding compacted exposed part directly into the vagina;

iv) allowing such insertion of the tubular member into the vagina until the open end having said protective shied reaches the outer end of the vagina opening.

A process for positioning a pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 22 comprising :

i) opening the pack seal along the edge of the package facing the closed/sealed end of the tubular member;

A process for packaging the pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 22 for favouring its ready and comfortable use comprising: (i) providing the said (a) flexible tubular member having a sealed end and an open end, said flexible tubular member adapted to be outwardly resilient upon use for desired self stretching upon insertion into the vagina of female user based on the internal vaginal space and/or streatchability due to penis insertion during intercourse; and (b) said a protective shield attached to or integrally formed with said open end of said flexible tubular member;

Process for packaging the pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in claim 24 wherein said radially internally folding along the circumferential periphery the flexible tubular member against its natural resilent outward stretch is done maintaining the length thereof and said package length is also determined and used to accommodate the entire length of the thus radially internally folded tubular member. A process for manufacture of the pregnancy preventing protective barrier device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 22 for favouring its ready and comfortable use comprising:

providing said flexible tubular member having a sealed end and an open end; said tubular member being provided with outwardly resilient charcateristics which can be folded against the resilient action in a package and when stagewise released from said package the same upon insertion in vaginal passage outwardly opnes to sit effectively inside the vaginal passage.

A process as claimed in claim 26 comprising :

providing a protective shield contiguously attached to or integrally formed with said open end of said flexible tubular member favouring comfortably holding at the open end with the tubular member when said sealed end is inserted into the vagina during intercourse/use.

A process for manufacture as claimed in anyone of claims 26 or 27 comprising:

(i) providing a first tubular member having a closed end and an open end;

(ii) filling the said first tubular member to define its form;

(iv) inserting another second tubular member on top of the thus wrapped narrow tillable balloon type strips over said first formed tubular member; wrapping the second tubular member accommodating said tillable balloon type strips wrapped first tubular member safely to effect damage free autoclaving and then putting in an authoclave to fix the first and second tubular members with the wrapped narrow tillable balloon type strips therebetween;

filling the tillable balloon type strips for providing the resilient outward bias to the thus fixed tubular members such that upon pressure filling the tubular meber assumes a self outwardly streching formed protective barrier.

A process for manufcature as claimed in claim 28 wherein said step of filling of the tubular member to form the shape is carried out using cotton cloth and said wrapping of second tubular mener is doen using cotton cloth and said atleast one said tubular member has a contiguous formed braoder open end as a protective member .