The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 03, 2000
Filed:
Oct. 13, 1998
David C Sokal, Mebane, NC (US);
Laneta J Dorflinger, Durham, NC (US);
J V Luukkainen, Espoo, FI;
Parthena M Martin, Chapel Hill, NC (US);
Family Health International, Durham, NC (US);
Abstract
A vaginal device provides physical and chemical barriers to contraception or protection against sexually transmitted diseases, or both. The device includes a towelette having approximately 1 to 10 ml of preventive formulation incorporated therein by absorption. During intercourse, the towelette rests in the upper vagina and effectively functions as both a physical and chemical barrier to contraception. In some embodiments, the towelette may become compressed into a crumpled, disc-like shape, which may enhance its properties as a physical barrier. In other embodiments, the vaginal device includes a flexible ring that is affixed to the towelette to define a dome-shaped towelette portion on one side of the ring and a depending skirt on the other side, with the dome portion being designed to cover the cervix. Means to facilitate insertion and removal of the device are described. In alternative embodiments, the vaginal device may incorporate a therapeutic formulation for treatment of vaginal conditions such as vaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis or for delivering medication intended for systemic administration.