Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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DISPOS~BI.E FEM~E CONTR~CEPTIVE
BACXGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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This invention relates to contraceptiVes and, more
par~icularly~ to a emale contraceptiVe~
The most colNmon type o ~emal ~e contraceptive is the
~ diaphragm. A diaphra~n is a device usually made o thin, flexible
`10 material which is placed in the vaginal vault ~or blocking the
entrance to the cervix in order to prevent impregnation during
sexual intercourse. Generally, such diaphragms comprise a loose
hanging pouch made o~ an elastomeric material such as rubber
ormed with-an inteyral,heavy, resilient rim intended to engage
the walls of the vaginal vault. Xn order to prevent the intrusion
of spermatozoa ox disease-carr~ing organisms into the cervix, ~
diaphragm is most usually used in combination wi~h a spermicidal
cream. The combination o the two - diaphragm and the spermicidal
cream -- usually makes a cumbersome and inconvenient contraceptive
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Over the years, a number of improvements in contracep-
tives have been suggested. Thus, for example, 3. T. Clark, in
United States Patent Nos. 2,463,356; 2,540,~32; and ?,638,896;
as well as Ballard et al., in United States Patent No. 2,5~9,363;
Snell, in United States Patent Nos. 2,538,478; and 3,117,573;
Young, in United States Patent No. 2,625,1~4; Kunnasv Jr., in
United States Patent No. 2,823,669; Milgrom et al., in United
States Patent No. 3,036~570; Lay, in United States Patent No.
2,249,316; and Duncan, in United States Patent No 3,545,~39 all
suggest spring-loaded diaphragm rims for resiliently collapsing
the diaphragm or ease of insertion and the suhsequent ~irm
enyagement of the walls of the vaginal vault.
The disadvantage of these devices is that the prophylac-
tic effect is achieved by sealing the diaphragm at the vaginal
al}. Pressure can, in some instances, result in discomfort.
Insufficient pressure can result in either impregnation and/or
disease entering the cervix.
Another approach was suggestea by Harris in United States
Patent No. 2,522!822, in which a disposable vaginal diaphragm or
; 20 pessary is suggested. Essentially, Harris suggests the use of a
soft and pliable contraceptive. However, it is believed that such
a device cannot be held securely in place within the vaginal
vault, thereby causing great di~ficulty and possible misplacement
during sexual intercourse.
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Sponges or sponge-like devices have been suggested in
the form of pessaries, as disclosed by Steiger et al., in Uniked
Sta~es Patent No. 3,216,422; Young, in UJ~ited States Patent No.
3,128,762; and Cruickshan~, in United States Patent No. 2,020,107.
In the device disclosed by Steiger et al., the sponge hangs
loosely from an impervious film. The other sponge-like devices
are either intended to en~age the cervix in a glove-like arrange-
ment or in a cup-like arrangement, similar in shape to prior art
diaphragms. The spacing from the cervix opening o cup-like
devices increases the possibility of impregnation or in~ection.
The glove-like devices are believed to be dificult to insert and
must be specially fitted to each individual user~ Thus, these
devices have the same disadvantages as other rim-securing
diaphragm devices.
The above-referenced devices are representative of the
wide variety of constructions, each having in common the fact that
either the rim of the diaphragm is spring-loaded to form a
specific contact and that the sealing characteristics are being
provided by the rim, or a sponge-like material, which is loosely
fo ded as such, the latter having the difficulty of being easily
misplaced or mislocated in insertion.
¦ SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
¦ In view of the foregoing, it is an object of this inven-
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tion to provide a diaphragm which does not depend on the scaling
characteristics of ~he rim for prophylaxiS.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a
female contraceptive which may be disposable.
S It is still ano~her object of this inventiOn to provide
a means for placing a discoid-shaped member over, and thereby
closing, the entrance of the cervix.
It is yet a further object of this device to provid~ a
contraceptive which is simple in construction, economical in
manufacture, and convenienk to use.
In accordance with the teachings of this invention, there
is provided a barrier contraceptive of the type intended to be
inserted within the vaginal vault. The contraceptive comprises
a first member. This first member is characterized by opposed
anterior an~ posterior portions or engaging the respective
anterior and posterior portions of the vaginal vault. A second
member is coupled to the first mel~er substantially at the poster-
; ior portion so as to engage and close the opening of the cervix
upon insertion into the vaginal vaultO The second member is
¦Idisposed between the first membex and the cervix upon insertion.
In a urther aspect of this invention, there is provided
a barrier contraceptive of the type intended to be inserted in a
vaginal vault. This contraceptive includes a cervlx engaging
means. Resilient and flexible means are provided for positioning
and retaining the cervix engaging means within ~he vault and
holding the cervix engaging means in con~act with the entrance to
the cervix to thereby form an impermeable barrier to the cervix.
In still another aspect of this invention, there is
ormed a contraceptive by the process of providing a member so
dimensioned as to engage the wall of a vaginal vault. The first
member is defined at least ~y a posterior and aiametrically
opposed anterior portion. The process urther includes the pro-
viding of a second member. The process further includes po~ition-
~10 ing the second member at the posterior portion o the fixstmember and coupling the seco~d membex to the ~irst member, at
least subs-kantially along the posterior poxtion such that, upon
insertion of the contraceptlve into the vaginal ca~ity, the
second member comes into intimate contact with, and closes, the
cervical portal and the first member engages the vaginal vault
wall to hold the contraceptive in place.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a disposable vaginal contra-
; ceptive constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
invention;
~- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the vaginal contraceptive
of FIG. 1 with the ends of the ring closed;
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FIG. 3 is a side view of the contr~ceptive o~ F~G. l;
~IG. 4 is a top plan view of anotller embodiment o~ the .
vaginal contraceptive constructed in accc)rdance with the teach-
ings of this invention;
S FIC. 5 is a sectional view of a female anatomy showing
the vaginal vault with the contraception of FIG. 1 inserted
therein;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view o a filament used in anotller
embodiment of a vacJinal contraceptive constructed in accordance
with the teachi~ s o~ this invent.ion;
FIG. 7 is a s.ide view of an assembled contraceptive
using the filament of FIG. ~;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a vaginal contraceptive
shown in side view in FIG. ~;
15 . FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a rim used in still another
embo~iment of a vaginal contraceptive constxucted in accordance
with the teachings of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a sectional Yiew of the rim of FIG. 9,
taken along the lines 10-10;
~0 FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a vaginal contraceptive
employing the rim of FIG. 9; .
FIG. 12 is a side view of the contraceptive of FIG. 11;
: FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the vaginal contraceptive
of FIG. 11, taken along line 13;
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FIG. 14 is a top view o a member used in the construc-
tion of yet another embodiment o~ a ~agin~l contraceptive construc
ted in accor~ance with the teachings of this invention;
FIG. 15 is a top view of a contraceptive using the
member of FIG 14;
~ IG. 16 is a side view o an assembled contraceptive of
the device of FIG. 15; and
~ 'IG. 17 is a sec~ional view of the vaginal contraceptive
o FIG. 16, taken along line 17.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The contraceptive 10 (FIG5. 1-3) generally comprises an
annular flexible and resilient member or rim 12. The ri~ 12 may
have a generall~ circular shape. It will be noced, however, that
the circle is discontinuous Preferably, this rim 12 may be
made of any convenien~ material such as plastic, which may be,
for example, a polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride,
or the like. In order to encourage the 1exibility and resil-
iency, the posterior portion 14 of the rim 12 may be ~hickened.
This thickened posterior portion 14 may be opposite the anterior
rim opening 16. Preferably, the anterior opening 16 should be
no more than ten to twenty-ive per cent of the circumference of
the rim 12. In one example, the plastic rim may have a thickness
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in the ranqe of 1 to 2 mm. at the posterior portion 14, as
compared to a thickness of .5 to 1 mm. at the anterior portioll 16.
A film 18 of a flexible material, such as a plastic
sheet, may be secured to the rim 12 and lie substantially in a
plane. The film 18 is, preferably, made of the same plastic
material as the rim 12. By using such a common material, the
ilm 18 may be secured to the rim 12 by heat sealing methods
which are well known in the art. In the alternative, the film
18 may be secured by an adhesive. It is not essen~ial that the
film 18 be connected at every point along the rim 12. This is
a signiEicant depar~ure from prior art contraceptiv~s, which
reyard as essential the integrLty of the rim as attached to the
remainder of the diaphragm. The film 18 may have an overall
thickness of rom .125 to 1.25 mm. ana, preferably, from .38 to
.76 mm. The thickness of the ilm 18 depends upon the nature
f the material and its ability to be flexible. The rim 12 may
ave a height above the film 18 of, for example, from 1 to 2.5 mm.
Attached to the film membrane 18 is a closed network of
aterial in the form of a sponge 20, preferably made of a plastic
aterial such as polyethylene, polyurethane foam, or the like.
he sponge 20 may be secured to the film 18 by heat or any other
well known means of joining. The sponge 20 should be resilient
and compliant. It may have, preferably, a circular outline and
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be discoid in shape. Its thickness may be determined by the
spongy network. The minimum thic~ness mus~ be such as to
prevent an open passa~eway from the disc 20 top to bottom. Pref-
erably, the sponge 20 may ~e from 2 to 5 mm. thick and have a
diameter of 40 mm. The sponge 20 may be attached to the membrane
very close to the posterior portion 14 of the rim 12, for reasons
that will be more fully set out below.
I~ use, the rim 12 of the diaphragm 10 is clos~d ~FIG. 2),
thereby reducing the overall diame-ter and circumfererlce. As a
c~nse~uence, the film 18 and sponge 20 may be expected to buckl~
or be~el slightly (not visible). The diaphxagm 10 may then be
conveniently inserted through the vagina 2~ and into the vaginal
vault 24 of a female 26 ~FIG. 5). Upon insertion, the diaphragm
10 may be positioned with the posterior portion 14 seated in the
posterior cul-de-sac 28 of the vaginal vauLt 24, and the anterior
op~n portlon 16 o~ the diaphragm 10 may be positioned anterially
toward the symphesis pubis 30. By being so positionedp the sponge
20 is disposed over and against the entrance to the cervix 32.
Thus, it is the sponge 20, and not the remainder of the device 10,
which acts as a barrier contraceptive. For this reason, an
imper~ection in the film 18 or rim 12, which admits such foreign
elements as a virus, bacterium, or spermatozoon, is not critical.
This enables ~he contraceptive to be made inexpensively and simply
¦¦compar to prior ~rt devices.
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The sponge 20 may be saturated with any lubricant,such
as a water-washable cream,which acts to seal the sponge 20 to the
entrance of the cervix 32. The ream may be bu~ered to a desirecl
pH and may carry active ingredients such as spermicides, virucides,
antibiotics, or germicides.
Insertion is aided because the natural tendency of the
user would be to insert the posterior portion 1~ of the diaphragm
10 first. If this was not done, the anterior portion 16 migh~
tend to open.
The overall size o~ the diaphragm 10 is determined b~
e respec~ive si~e of the vaginal vault o~ a particular user.
In the overall configuration o.f ~he rim 18 o~ the dia-
phragm 10, the anterior opening 16 is, preerably, no more than
10 to 35 per cent o~ the circum~erence. The chord at its opening
lS may be, preferably, 86.39 mm. It is important that the open
edges 34 and 36 of the rim 12 be rounded so as not to be abrasive
to the vaginal lining.
After it has been used, the contraceptive 10 may b~
removed in a manner similar to other contraceptives. By virtue
of its construction of inexpensiVe materials, the contraceptive
10 can be disposed of and a new contraceptive used on the next
occasion.
An alternate rim design may be used. Thus, the rim 38
(FIG. 4) may have a helical arrangement with the ènds 40 and 42
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overlapping. In addition, it may prove desixable to have a
flap o~ the film 18 ormed so as to extend beyond the rim 12 at
the anterior portion 16 and wrapped about the ends 34 and 36 of
the first ~or second) embodiment to further shield the anterior
portion 16 and aid in preventing abrasion.
Still another alternative may be to dispose the sponge
to extend through a convenient aperture in the film so as to
easily engage the cervix, no matt~r which side o th~ devic~ is
oriented toward the cervix.
This contraceptive may be mass procluced for use by most
~emales where the location of the cervix in the vaginal vault
is predictable. Thus, the appropriate size is a determination
which should, pxeferably, be made by the individual's physician,
as with any other diaphragm. The diaphragm 10 may be sized to
fit. For example, a large diaphragm might have an outer diameter
o 110 mm. and a circumference of approximately 345.58 mm. In
its closed position, with the anterior ends 34 and 36 of the
rim 12 brought togethex, it may ha~e an approximate diameter of
82.5 mm. and a circumference of approximately 260 mm. In a
medium size, it may have an open outer diameter of 90 mm. and a
circumference of 282.74 mm., and a closed diameter of 72 mm. and
a circumference of 226.91 mm. In a small size, the diaphragm 10
may have an open outex dïameter of 75 mm. and a circumference of
235.62 mm. and, when closed, a diameter of 63.18 mm. and a
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circumerence of 198.5 mm. Clearly, the choice of sizes is
discretionary and o~her sizes may bc established and axe intended
~or use in the range of normal vaginal vaults and cervical open-
ings. ~bnormally shaped and sized vaginal vaults could be
acco~llodated by appropriate dimensional changes in the contra-
ceptive.
Turning to another embodiment, there is disclosed, in
FIGS. 7 and 8, another contxaceptive 50 which is similar in many .
respects to the devices disclosed in FIGS~ l and ~. Thel.e are
0 provided two gcnerally discoid-shaped members 52 and 54~ ~he
larger of the two disco.id mernbers 5~ may have tlle ~ame general
disc edge dimensions as that defined by the rim 12. This ~narginal
edge of this first discoid member 5~ is de~ined by posterior and
anterior portions 56 and 58, respectively. The second substan-
~5 tially discoid member 54 is coupled to the first discoid member
52 substantially at the posterior portion 56 and has substantially
the same overall dimensions as the second discoid member 20 or
sponge 20 of the devices disclosed in FIGS. l and 4.
This contraceptive 50 has, however, certain features
~o which distinguish it from the previously discussed contraceptives
(FI~S. l and 4). The present contraceptive 50 comprises a fila-
ment 60, which may be made of any resilient material such as, for
example, nylon thread. It will be notea that the filament 60
(FIG. 6) is t~isted into a figure 8 configuration, with the upper
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loop 62 being substan~ially smaller than the lowcr loop 6~. Thc
natural tendency of the filameIlt 60 is to form two substantially
ellipsoid portions 62 and G4. The upper loop may have, for
e~ample, a dimension o 38.~ mm.by 31.8 mm. with the major axis
intersecting the intersection 66 of the crossed filament 60. The
lower and lar~er ellipsoid may have a dimension of, for example,
¦66.7 mm~by 63.5 mm. with the major axis running perpendi.cularly
to the major axis o the upper loop 62. The above dimens:ions are,
by way o~ example, of the ratio of sizes o the upper discoid
loop 62 to the :Lower discoid loop 64. In actual use~ dimellsions
of larger and smaller discoids 6~ and 62, respectivel~, will be
as discussed in connec-tion with the devices of FIGS. 1 and ~.
The filament 60 may have a diameter of .25 to 2 mm. and,
pre~erably, .5 mm. thick.
To complete the contraceptive 50 J the filament 60 may be
covered or enveloped by any well known plastic material such as,
for example, a polyethylene film of approximately 1 to 3 mm. in
thickness, which is heat sealed at the edges. The double film,
which may also be made of a sponge-like construction, provides
the discoid surfaces 52 and 54 with a texture approaching that of
human sk.in. It will be noted that both ends of the filament 60
terminAte in the ~irst discoid member 52. These open ends 68 and
70 of the filament 60 may be rounded so as to prevent a sharp
¦¦dis rLinuous edge. In assembly, the second discoid eLement 54 i~¦
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folded over the first ~iscoid el~ment 52. The natural ~'memory''
resiliency of the filamcnt 60 causes or tends to cause the second
discoid member 54 to rnove resiliently up~ardLy and away from the
first discoid member 52. This "memory" factor of the filament 60
serves to push the upper discoid 54 in the direction of the
cervix 32 (FIG. 5). Thus, this embodiment, like all others herein,
has in common the separation of the function o;f the contraceptive
into two distinct par~s: one, the lower and larger discoid me~er
positlons the contraceptive and enyages the vaginal cavity.
Secondly, the upper con-traceptive member closes or seals shut the
cervical opening or por~al. The open ends ~8 and 70 o~ ~he fila-
ment 60 enable the closing ~hereof so that the larger discoid S2
of the contraceptive 50 may be domed or formed into a concavity
for insertion into the vaginal vault.
Turning to yet another embodiment (FIGS. 9 -through 13),
there is disclosed a con~raceptive 74 comprised of a larger first
iscoid member 76 and a smaller-dimensioned second discoid member
78 (FIG. 11). The contraceptive 74 is formed by means of an
nnular rim 80 (FI5. 9). The rim 80 may be made of polymerized
lastic and may have a yenerally concave semicircular cross-
ection (FIG. 10)~ Thus, the overall rim 80 may be approximately
¦l mm. Ihick and have a substantially semicircular cross-section
with ~n ou~er diameter of approximately 2 mm. Integrally formed,
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¦and also approximately ~ l~n. o~ ~hickness and extend:ing at the
¦upper ed~e 82 o~ -the rim 80 and a-t the posteri.or por~ion 8~, ma~
a tongue 86. The tongue 86 may ex-tend inwardly of the rim 80
for 30 to 50 mm. and have a width of approximately 4 to 6 mm. The
tongue 86 may be provided Wi~l a slight cant upward from the
plain defined by the upper edge 82 of the rim 80. The func-tion
of this cant or upward acute angle i.ll be more ully discussed
hereinafter.
In order to construct -the contracepkive 74 of this
embodiment, i.t may be preerable to ~lace ~he xim 80 in ~ molcl
hav.ing a s~stan~ially clish--].ike cavi-~y (no-t shown). ~ poly-
. merizable plastic may then be foarned about ~he rim so as to coverthe rim 80 and leave exposed the tongue 86. This polymerized
portion forms the lower or larger ~irst discoid men~er 76 (FIGo
13). As a second step, a shim or other molding device may be
: placed between the ~irst member 76 and the tongue 86.... The second
discoid member 78 may then be foamed in situ on top of the shim
(not shown) to thereby form the second discoid member 78. The
. second discoid member 78, as in the prior embodiments, is located
substantially at the posterior portion 88 of the ~irst discoid
member 76.
. It will be noted that the rim 80 is open at its ends 90
and 92 to permit, as with the other devices herein, the doming of
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the contraceptive 74 for ease of inser~ion into ~hc vaginal vault
~4. I~ will be noted that the first discoid member 7~ has a
somewhat concave cross-sectian ~FIG. 13) so as to encourage the
collapse of the contraceptive 74 and aid in the insertion in-to
the vayinal vault 24 and to further encourage the lifting o the
cervical cover' or second discoid member, 78. This second discoid
member 78 may have a thickness of approximately 3 to 4 mm.
Still another embodiment is a contraceptive 96 (FIGS.
14 through 17), in which the "memory" o a plastic material is
emplo~ed. A liner 98 (~IG. 14) o~ a "memory" pLas~ic, or lik~
aterial, may be employed. 5uch`a material, for example, may be
a polyethylene rigid foam wi~h a closed cellular network having,
or example, an approximate thickness of l to 4 mm. In this
instance, the liner 98 may havc a "snowman" shape deEined by a
discoid first men~er lO0 which is, preferably, substantially
~irsular and sunnounted by an integrally formed circular second
discoid 102 portion. The "memory" aspect of this material is
such that when the second discoid member 102 is ~olded over ;'he
irst discoid member lO0 at the junction of the two circular
~0 portions 104, the liner 98 straightens out, or returns, to a
planar position.
The second discoid member 102 may be, for example,
35 to 40 mm., while the lower or first discoid lO0 may have a
diameter of 60 to 75 m~.
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The cord ormed at the juncture 104 of -~he two circular,
or discoid, portions 100 and 102, may have a length of lS to 20
mm. in length. Obviously, the greater the ovexlap of the two
circular configurations of the upper and lower discoids 100 and
102, the longer the cord and the greater the resiliency in the
tendency of -the liner 98 to return to a planar configuration.
It will be noted that there i5 a discon~inuit~, or
interruption, 106 in the circumference oE th~ firs~ disco:icl member
100. This discontinuity 106 rnay be in the orm of a sec3m~nt o~
the circle, providing an angul~r opening o betweell 90 and 110~
of which a cord may be de~ined of about 25 to 30 mm. in length.
This discontinuity l06 is to aid in the folding of the contracep-
tive 96 and the doming thereo~ for base of insertion into the
vaginal vaul-t
lS The rigid liner 98 may be covered by a soft, cellular,
easily deformable plastic covering 108 (FXGSo lS through 17). The
combined soft cellular covering 108 has the same general config-
uration as the more resilient and relatively more rigid line~98.
The combination thereby forms the contraceptive 96. The covering
108 may be joined by heat sealing or the like to thereby define
the first and second discoid members 112 and 110, respectively.
~ In assembly, the contraceptive 96 is formed by folding
the second discoid mem~er 110 ove7- the first discoid member 112
(FXGS. 16 and 17). Upon insertion into the vaginal vault 24, the
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discontinuity 106 of the first discoid portion lO0 is closed,
causing the contraceptive 96 to dome or form a concavity in the
irst member ll~. This has t:he effect of reducing the diameter
of the contraceptive 96 to aid insertion into the vaginal vault
24 and to cause or aid the tendency of the second member 110 to
: move upwardly and away from the first member 112and in compliance
with the "memory" of the liner 980
As with the previously discussed devices h~rein, lO ~F:CG~
1 and ~), 50 ~FIGS. 7 and 8), and 7~ (F~C.S. ll and 12), the contra-
cepk.ive 96 has a small~r discoid member llO coupl.ecl s-~s~n~.iall~
at the posterior portion ll~ of the first discoicl l:l2 This
posterior portion 114 is coincident with the aforemen~ioned
juncture 104 of the liner 98. q'he disposition of the second dis-
coid 20 (FIGS. l and 4), 54 (FIGS. 7 and 8), 78 (FIGS. ll and 12),
and llO ~FIGS. 16 and 17) is to come into contact with the cervi-
cal opening, closing it to yerms, sperma~o~oa, or the ].ike. Xn
~his connection, such a second discoid 20, 5~, 78, and llO may be
moistened by any o the.materials mentioned i.n connection with
~ the second discoid 20 of the first two embodiments (FIGS. l and 4).
In addition, it is believed to be desirable to use a material
wnich aids the adherence of these second discoids 20, 54, 78, and
l~ to the cervix, such as by use of, ~or example, a tenacious gel
employing a gum adhesive property. Such adhesives may be, for
example, guar, -tragacanth, caragenin, or the like.
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While tlle embodiments h~rein have ccrt~in struc~u-
ral cha.racteristics in common, there are some cl.istincJuishing
charactex.istics, as well.
The sponge 20 of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 4 is
disposed against the cervical opening by the first discoid member,
.- or film, 18. In the remaining embodiments of FIGS. i, 8, 11, 12,
16t and 17, the second discoid members 54, 78, and ilO are resil
lently movable with respect to the first discoid rnemb~rs 52, 7G,
and 112, respect.ively. Thus, when cach o~ these lat:te~ devices
is inserted into the vagi.nal vault, the resi.l;.ency or tendency o~
the second rnembers 5~, 78, an~ 110 ~Q open .into a co-planar
relationship to the respective irst discoi.d members 5~, 76, and
112 is employed to cause grea~er contact pressure o~ the second .-
discoid members 54, 78, and 110 with the cervical opening. .
The overall dimensions of each discoid member are,
: preferably, in accordance with those set forth in connection withthe first disclosed embodiment (FXG. 1).
It should be noted that the -term "discoid" is used
throughout as a matter of convenience, and any desired shape may
he employed, such as elliptical or oval/ as long as the closing of
the cervical opening by the second member and the holding in
position by the fi.rst member is accomplished.
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In ~cll in~;~ance, the second m~ml~er o each embodim~nt:
her~in is maae of an .imperm~abl~ spon~e-like sn~crial which h~s
heen lubrica~ed with any or all of the subs tances heretofore
mentione~.
In cach of the em~odiments herein~ it will be noted that
the first disc.oid me~ber is characterized by an interruption or
discont;nuity in the circu~ference at the allterior portion, Thls
d.iscontinuity ~ay be from 33 1/3 to 15 percent of t:he circulnEcr-
ent:ial len~h and preferably 25 percent of the circ:umEercnce of
10 the discoid. ~t is wel:L known that there many diE~crent slzed
vaginal vaults. Xn the prlor art~ it ha~ beel~ necessary tO "size"~
a contraceptive to fit a part;cular vaginal vault~ r~he design of
tlle circu~lference of the the first member of this invention
. lenables the contraceptive to be self-adjusti~g to a great many
Idifferently sized Yaginal vaults. Thus~ one c~ntraceptive may
fit ~any different di~nensioned vaults. In th;s way~ the design ~,
of the first member is applicable to other female contraceptives
independent of the other features of this inventio~.
The adjustability of the contraceptive is to be disting-
uished fro~ prior art devices in ~hich spring loaded rims are
closeable. In each such device, it is believed that the sole
purpose is to pro~ote co~pliance of a "sized" contraceptive to
irregularities in the vaginal wall.
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