Surgery – Means for introducing or removing material from body for... – Treating material introduced into or removed from body...
Reexamination Certificate
2003-01-31
2003-09-30
Casler, Brian L. (Department: 3763)
Surgery
Means for introducing or removing material from body for...
Treating material introduced into or removed from body...
C604S248000, C604S257000, C604S264000, C604S118000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06626875
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a feminine hygiene device, and more particularly to a personal feminine hygiene device which, is attachable to a shower head, either conventional wall mounted shower heads or conventional hand held shower head devices, and that includes removable and disposable nozzles, for inherently providing a device which is sanitary, efficient and adequate for its intended purpose.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Feminine hygiene products, in particular the feminine hygiene products known as douches, have been widely used in the past for vaginal hygiene. Unfortunately, many of these commercially available products tend to contain chemicals, that when used can be irritating to a wide array of consumers. In a normal acidic vaginal environment, the acidic conditions will inherently discourage the growth of yeast and other organisms that can cause infections. In using a douche there exists a chance of changing this normal acidic environment which will innately encourage the growth of yeast and other organisms that can cause infections.
Despite all the negative problems associated with douching, there are some problems, which do require the use of douching. To aid on this end and to provide successful results, several products have been developed to facilitate the process and provide for a more time efficient means of washing. One such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,387 issued to Jorde. In this patent there is disclosed a transportable douche attachment which is adapted to be removably secured to a showerhead. To allow for such an attachment, the transportable douche attachment includes a cone that is attachable to the showerhead via a strap. A conventional nozzle, having a plurality of holes, is secured to the opposite end of the cone so as to enable douching to occur. This device, though efficient, does not address the showers, which do not have a flexible showerhead. Most homes include conventional showerheads, which are permanently attached to the stall, and thus, this apparatus would not render successful operation in those environment. In addition, this apparatus fails to disclose a means of controlling water flow, and thus an excess amount of pressure can wash away the plug of mucus that normally covers the cervix and prevents.infectious organisms from getting into the uterus, thereby defeating its intended use.
Yet another device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,646 issued to Swafford. In this patent there is disclosed a disposable douche means with an adjustable nozzle. This device includes a bag that is attached to the nozzle. For operation, the bag is held or secured to a wall in an upward position. This will allow for gravity to control the fluid flow through a tube to the nozzle. Though somewhat efficient, attaching the bag to a convenient place may be cumbersome, while the elongated shape of the nozzle may be uncomfortable to control, manipulate and utilize. In addition, since there is no means to control water flow, there exists the chance for excess fluid pressure, inherently forcing vaginal organisms into the uterus, where they can cause an infection.
Still another device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,709 issued to Kabbaby. In this patent there is disclosed a shower-mounted douche apparatus having a portion mountable between the water source and the showerhead. A hose couples the water source to a nozzle. Sandwiched between the nozzle and the water source is a mixing chamber for maintaining the medicine therein and for allowing the water to mix with the medicine:for producing a solution. Though efficient in operation, this device is complex and may be difficult to use, even for the typical consumer. In addition excess use of chemicals by the user can be detrimental and may, in fact, cause infections and the like to due to the acidic change in the vaginal environment.
Accordingly, it is seen that what is needed is a douche apparatus which is efficient in use and which does not exert an excess amount of pressure for use. This product should be easy to use and include removable and disposable nozzles, which provide an inherent sanitary apparatus. Further still, there is a tremendous need for a product which does not encourage the use of chemicals for douching, but one which may be adapted to accept a chemical solution should the need arise and as directed by a physician.
As will be seen, the present invention achieves its intended purposes, objectives and advantages, by accomplishing the needs as identified above, through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test and by employing only readily available material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a personal shower hygiene device, which is designed, and configured to allow douching to occur without the discomforts and problems generally associated with the process. In the preferred embodiment, the personal shower hygiene device of the present invention is structured so as to allow for douching to occur solely with the use of water.
To enable such an environment and arrangement, the present invention, in a first embodiment, comprises a water coupling device, a flexible hose and a plurality of removable and disposable nozzles. Each element and component of the present invention is formed for ultimate comfort and ease in usability for the consumer. The water-coupling device is connected to the existing water source while the disposable nozzle is coupled to the water-coupling device via the flexible hose. This will enable fluid to flow from the water-coupling device to the nozzle, via the hose, for adequate and efficient douching capabilities. This first embodiment is ideal for use with wall mounted showerheads.
For flexible showerheads, also known as hand-held showerheads, a hose is already provided. In this configuration the nozzle is removable attached to the showerhead via an attaching device. Once the nozzle is attached, douching can occur adequately.
In the first embodiment, the water-coupling device is a device that is sandwiched between the showerhead and the water source. This water-coupling device includes a valve, which enables the user to select either the use of the showerhead or, optionally, the use of the present invention. By providing a device that is coupled to the existing water source of the home will innately provide a device that permits the water to be at a comfortable and a temperature controlled state. This is a condition that is desirable by the consumer.
Alternatively, this valve can include a pressure altering means, which is conventional, for allowing the user the option of providing the particular and desired pressure needed for adequate cleaning. This will provide a device, which is adjustable and customized to the user's wishes.
In yet another alternative arrangement, the valve can include the option for receiving air. The air introduced within the valve will initiate turbulence. This turbulent water flow will exit the nozzle. Offering yet another option for adequate cleansing.
It is noted that the valve can include an aperture that will allow water to flow at a certain pressure. This is an optional safety measure and is solely designed so as to eliminate the possibility for an excess amount of force from the water to be introduced into the vaginal environment. This safety measure will prevent the removal of the plug of mucus that normally covers the cervix and prevents infectious organisms from getting into the uterus.
Another means of controlling the force of water flow is to provide for a washer to be located between the hose and showerhead. The orifice within the washer will be of a diameter, which will control water pressure through the hose, and out the nozzle. Such an arrangement is a safety measure and will enable reliable operation of the nozzle of the present invention and without the possibility of
Bush Jeanne Arzonico
Casler Brian L.
Rodriguez Cris
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