GB1291704A - Intra-uterine contraceptive - Google Patents

Abstract

1291704 Intra-uterine contraceptives NATIONAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CORP 8 Dec 1969 [11 Dec 1968] 58969/68 Heading A5R An intra-uterine contraceptive comprises a hollow flexible member 10, preferably of a plastics material, formed to assume the shape of an open loop when under no external constraints. The member 10 is in the form of a tapering tube with a narrower end 12 insertable into a wider end 15, thus forming a closed loop, the diameter of which closed loop may be varied by movement, in a spiral fashion of the end 12 within the member 10. A slot (11), Fig. 3 (not shown), to allow the escape of fluids from the uterus, extends completely along the member 10 on the inside of the closed loop formed as above and preferably extending over one quarter of the periphery of the member 10. A notch 13 is formed in the narrower end 12 of the member 10 and a tongue 14 in the wider end 15 which arrangement is adapted to engage the ends 12 and 15 to prevent complete separation. Apparatus (16) Fig. 4 (not shown) may be used to insert the device, piston (18) being moved within the flexible tube (17). An extractor as in Fig. 5 (not shown) may be used to facilitate withdrawal of the appliance from the uterus, comprising a rod, bent and provided with a hook (19) at one end and preferably a latch (20).