US3709224A

US3709224A - Sheath assembly for douche nozzle

Info

Publication number: US3709224A
Application number: US00170205A
Authority: US
Inventors: S Fielding
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-08-09
Filing date: 1971-08-09
Publication date: 1973-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 1990-01-09

Abstract

A sheath structure to be received about a douche nozzle tip including a deformable liquid permeable sheath or cushion body containing a passage into which the douche nozzle may project, with a tubular liner stiffer than the sheath body received within that body and about the nozzle and preferably having an inner end wall engageable by the nozzle to prevent its projection through the end of the sheath body. The tubular element may have a shoulder or shoulders engageable with the nozzle in a fluid sealing relation, to prevent liquid from passing outwardly along the outside of the nozzle.

Description

United States Patent [191 Fielding Jan. 9, 1973 541 SHEATH ASSEMBLY FOR DOUCHE 2,170,222 8/1939 Strauss .428/239 x NOZZLE 2,218,738 10/1940 Boysen ..128/269 x 2,298,752 10/1942 Crockford 1 28/270 X [76] Inventor: Sol B. Fielding, 1 1930 Kearsarge Street Los Angeles Calif' 90049 Primary ExaminerAldrich F. Medbury 22 Filed; 9 1971 Attorney-William P. Green Appl. No.: 170,205

Related US. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 35,682, May 8, 1970, abandoned.

US. Cl. .....128/239, 128/227, 128/251 Int. Cl. ..A61m 3/00 [5 7] ABSTRACT A sheath structure to be received about a douche nozzle tip including a deformable liquid permeable sheath or cushion body containing a passage into which the douche nozzle may project, with a tubular liner stiffer than the sheath body received within that body and about the nozzle and preferably having an inner end wall engageable by the nozzle to prevent its projection through the end of the sheath body. The tubular element may have a shoulder or shoulders engageable with the nozzle in a fluid sealing relation, to prevent liquid from passing outwardly along the outside of the nozzle.

27 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTED JAN 9 I873 INVENTOR.

1 SHEATH ASSEMBLY FOR DOUCI-IE NOZZLE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 35,682 filed May 8, 1970 and now abandoned on Sheath Assembly for Douche Nozzle.

The arrangement disclosed and claimed in the present application constitute improvements on the invention covered by my U.S. Pat. No. 3,512,526, based on application Ser. No. 685,628 filed Nov. 24, 1967, which was copending with the above identified application Ser. No. 35,682 of which the present case is a continuation-in-part. Certain features of one of the embodiments shown in the present application are disclosed and claimed in my copending application Ser. No. 170,218 filed Aug. 9, 1971 on Vaginal Treatment Assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to improved sheath units to be placed about the fluid discharge nozzle of a douche device.

In my above identified application Ser. No. 685,628, I have disclosed a cushioning sheath device to be received about a douche nozzle, and including a deformable liquid permeable preferably resilient sheath body and a tubular liner received within the sheath body and disposed about the nozzle. The material of the sheath body, at least when wet, is relatively soft as compared with both the nozzle and the tubular liner element, and is adapted to pass water or other cleansing or treating liquids from the nozzle through the sheath material to its exterior for delivery to the vaginal tissues. The body of the sheath may then be manipulated. during discharge of the liquid to gently rub or wipe the vaginal surfaces in a manner assisting in cleansing or applying medication to them, without danger of contacting those surfaces by the essentially rigid nozzle itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides certain improvements in sheath assemblies of the above discussed type, for increasing their effectiveness in several respects. For one thing, a sheath assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention protects the outer sheath bodyvery positively against any possible damage which might be caused to that body as a result of manipulation of the douche nozzle contained therein. For this purpose, the tubular liner element within the deformable sheath body is constructed to have an end wall within the sheath body and opposite the end of the douche nozzle designed to at least partially close that end'of the tubular element and thereby limit the extent to which the nozzle can be inserted into the tubular element and the sheath body. Thus, the nozzle is positively restrained in a manner such that it cannot be unintentionally forced through the end of the deformable sheath body. At a location near this end wall of the inner tubular element, the latter may be apertured to enable the desired flow of water or other liquids laterally from the tubular liner into the material of the outer body for discharge outwardly therefrom.

Another feature of the invention resides in the formation of the tubular liner elementto have one or more reduced diameter shoulder portions which are engage.- able with the nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal between the liner and nozzle to prevent flow of water or other fluids between these parts and past the shoulder or shoulders. For best results, the tubular liner projects axially outwardly beyond one extremity of the sheath body, and has one of the mentioned shoulders at a location spaced from that body, while a second of the shoulders may be formed within the interior of the. sheath body. The liner element may be resiliently deformable, to give the shoulder or shoulders resilience in a manner enhancing the seals formed thereby.

The sheath body may be secured in fixed position relative to the inner liner by an adhesive or otherwise, or may be free for removal from the liner, for cleaning or replacement. In the later case, it is helpful to provide a pulling tab attached to the sheath body and projecting axially outwardly or downwardly therefrom along the outer side of the tubular liner'element for access by a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The above and other features and objects of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the typical embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is primarily an axial section through a first form of douche nozzle sheath assembly constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the sheath assembly of FIG. 1 withva douche nozzle received therein;

FIG. 2a is a transverse section taken on line 2a-2'a of FIG. 2; I

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing a variational type of sheath assembly; and

FIGS. 4 and 5 show two other forms of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED I EMBODIMENTS resinous plastic material of suitable rigidity. The nozzle.

is illustrated in FIG. 2 as being centered about an axis 13, and being elongated in the direction of that axis, and contains a correspondingly elongated passage 14 whose lower end receives fluid from hose 1 1, and

whose upper end communicates with a number of apertures 16 in the side wall 17 of the nozzle for passing fluid outwardly to the exterior of thatnozzle. Extennally,'the nozzle has an outer surface 18 which is essentially'cylindrical between the

locations

19 and 20 in FIG; 2, and which beneath the location 19 flares gradually and essentially conically to a location 21 beyond which the nozzle may have an externally hexagonal portion 22 for engagement with a tool if necessary in screwing the nozzle onto a hose fitting 23. At its upper end, upwardly beyond the location 20, the outer surface of the nozzle may flare gradually and essentially conically at 24, to form an enlarged head 25 containing the side wallapertures 16. At the upper extremity of enlarged head 25, the nozzle may have a closed generally transverse end wall 26. If desired, the nozzle may have a slight longitudinal curvature, in a manner well known in the art, instead of extending straight along axis 13 in the manner illustrated. Also, the exterior configuration of the nozzle may of course vary in different respects in accordance with known prior teachings.

A sheath assembly 27 is provided about the above discussed douche nozzle 10, and is shown separately as it appears when removed from the nozzle in FIG. 1. This assembly includes an outer main sheath element or sheath body 28, and an inner tubular liner element or sleeve 29 received within body 28. Body 28 is formed of a deformable liquid permeable cushioning material, which is very soft and pliable, at least when wet, to avoid any possibility of damage to the vaginal tissues when contacted by this body 28. The sheath or cushion body 28 has an essentially tubular side wall portion 30 which is open at its lower end for extension thereinto of liner 29 and the nozzle,and which is closed at the upper end of the sheath body by an upper or axially inner end wall 32. Internally, the tubular side wall 30 of body 28 preferably contains an inner straight cylindrical surface 33, extending upwardly from bottom end 31 to a location 34 at which the inner surface may 'curve inwardly at 35 across the end of liner 29. Externally, the body 28 has an outer surface 36 which tapers gradually and progressively and desirably frustoconically from lower end surface 31 to a location 37 at which the outer surface curves or is rounded inwardly as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to provide a narrowed and rounded'leading end of the sheath body. The material forming sheath body 28 is of a type containing a large number of passages or pores which communicate with one another through the entire radial thickness of the side wall of the body, between

surfaces

33 and 36, and also through the entire thickness of end wall 32, in a manner enabling water or another fluid from nozzle to pass freely and rapidly through the material to the outside of body 28. As an example, body 28 maybe formed of an appropriate resiliently deformable open pored sponge material, such as polyurethane sponge (which is soft both when wet and dry), any other suitablesynthetic sponge material, rubber sponge,- regenerated cellulose sponge material (soft only when wet), or the like. Alternatively, body 28 may be formed of any other soft fluid permeable cushioning substance, such as for example cotton or other massed natural or synthetic fibers, an appropriate knitted or woven cushioning'material formed of a suitable yarn or threads of cotton or other material, a mass or'series of layers of paper or paper-like material, et cetera. The cushioning substance may also be of a type adapted to expand to an increased thickness or external size when wet. One desirable expansible substance of this type is a highly compressed cotton-like mass of natural and/or synthetic fibers typically including forexample cellulose, rayon and polyurethane fibers, with the fibers being adapted to be automaticallyreleased from their compressed condition when they become wet.

The tubular liner sleeve element '29 within outer body 28 is formed of a material which is substantially the two shoulders.

stiffer, harder and more rigid than the very soft porous cushion body 28, but which itself preferably has sub.- stantial resilient deformability, and is therefore more flexible than the nozzle 10. For best results, liner element 29 is formed of a resiliently deform able or flexible resinous plastic material which is substantially impermeable to water and other douche liquids. For ex-.-

ample, the liner may be formed of polyvinyl chloride, or any other appropriate substance which can be safely received within the body cavity.

Liner 29 has a tubular side wall 38, which projects axially outwardly or downwardly beyond the lower extremity of porous cushion body 28 to a location 39, to provide a handle portion of liner 29 beyond body 28 by which a user may hold and manipulate the device without grasping the cushion body. The tubular side wall 38 extends upwardly into the interior of body 28 to the location of an upper rounded axially inner or top end wall 40 of the tubular liner element, which end wall extends along the inside of and engages and backs up the. rounded end wall 32 of body 28. Near its upper end, the tubular side wall 38 of liner 29 contains apertures 41, through which liquids from the nozzle may flow laterally into the porus material of cushion body 28, for discharge therefrom.

The tubular side wall 38 of element 29may have an outer surface 42 which may be of straight cylindrical configuration along the entire axial distance from a location 43' (FIG. 1) to location 44, except as the diameter is reduced at a location 45 just beneath apertures 41. At the region 45, the entire thickness of the side wall 38 is deformed radially inwardly, and annularly about axis 13, to provide an annular inner shoulder 46 of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the internal cylindrical surface 47 above and beneath that location. Both the upper and lower sides of this annular reduced diameter shoulder 46 may curve gradually radially inwardly to provide tapering upper and

lower surfaces

48 and 49 on the shoulder. The internal and external straight cylindrical surfaces of tubular side wall 38 continue downwardly to the location of a bottom downwardly tapering shoulder or flange 50 formed by providing an inturned reduced diameter annular portion of the material of the tubular element 29 of the shape shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The two

annular shoulders

46 and 50 may extend inwardly to approximately the same diameter, and are both resiliently deformable and resiliently expansible -by virtue of the resilient characteristics of the material of which liner .29 is formed, to engage nozzle 10in fluid sealing fashion. That is, shoulder 46 is dimensioned to annularly engage the outer surface area 24 of the nozzle in its installed position, beneath apertures 41, whileshoul'der 50 correspondingly annularly'engages the tapered outer surface 21 of the nozzle near its loweror axially outer end, to form a further seal against fluid leakage or .loss downwardly between the nozzle and liner 29, and past The diameter of external surface 42 of liner 29 may be very slightly greater than the normal internal diameter of outer porous body 28, to be a sufficiently tight frictional fit within body 28 to retain the two

elements

28 and 29 in assembled positions as shown in FIG. 1 during handling. However, this light friction fit enables easy removal of the porous body 28 from liner .29 for cleaning or replacement whenever desired. Alternatively, the two

parts

28 and 29 may be permanently secured together, as by provision of an adhesive material between

surfaces

33 and 42, at a location vertically between shoulder 46 and bottom extremity 31 of body 28.

In using the device of FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper enlarged portion 25 of nozzle is first forced upwardly past shoulder 50 and then past shoulder 46, to the installed position of FIG. 2, in which effective water tight seals are formed at both of the shoulders 46 and SI) for preventing downflow of any water or liquid between the nozzle and liner 29 past the two shoulders. Also, it is noted that the

surfaces

21 and 24 of the nozzle engage the two shoulders in opposite directions, so that the nozzle is effectively held in its FIG. 2 position within the sheath assembly, and in proper engagement with the two shoulders. In some instances, it is contemplated that only a single shoulder may be employed, or that two shoulders may be provided for positioning purposes but that only one of the shoulders may provide an actual effective seal, though the two-seal arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2 is preferred. With the device assembled in the FIG. 2 position, the user may grasp the lower handle portion of tubular liner 29, beneath lower end 31 of cushion body 28, and may or may not also grasp the exposed portion of nozzle 10, and then may easily manipulate the assembly while holding'it in this manner. Water or another douche liquid can be then forced through the nozzle from source 12, to discharge from the upper end of the nozzle through apertures 16 and into the outer body 28, to then flow through the pores of that body to its outer surface for cleansing or treating the walls of the vaginal cavity. During or after such discharge of the liquid, the cushion body 28 is movable against and relative-to the vaginal tissues to facilitate the cleansing or medicating function without any danger of damage to those tissues, and all under the manipulative control of the exposed lower handle portion of element 29 and the nozzle. The provision of the upper end wall 40 of the tubular liner element 29 prevents the nozzle 10 from contacting the top wall 32 of the cushion body, and thereby prevents the nozzle from being unintentionally forced through soft top wall 32 of the cushion body during insertion of the device.

FIG. 3 shows another arrangement which is very similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except in the respects specifically discussed below. In FIG. 3,'the outer porous body 280 may be identical with body 28 of FIGS. 1 and 2, and liner 29a may be the same as liner 29 of the first form of the invention except that the shoulder 46a is located near the bottom of body 28a, and the apertures 41a are provided at locations spaced along essentially the entire vertical or axial length of the body 28a. Thus, the liquid discharging from apertures 41a is conducted more directly to all portions of the sponge body 28a than in FIG. 1, though in many instances the FIG. 1 arrangement is completely effective to distribute the liquid sufficiently to the entire body 28. In FIG. 3, the outer body may be either cemented permanently in fixed position on the liner 29a, or connected merely by a light frictional fit on the liner, both as discussed in connection with the first form of the invention. If the outer body 28a is removable, one or more pull tabs may typically be provided as illustrated at 51 in FIG. 3, this tab desirably extending upwardly at 52 into the interior of body 28a, and downwardly beyond the lower extremity of body 28a to the location 53. Tab 51 is received at the outside of tubular liner 290, so that in grasping the bottom exposed portion of the liner, a user may also hold tab 51 against the liner in a manner enabling the two parts to be withdrawn from the vaginal cavity simultaneously. It is also contemplated that the liner 29a may be withdrawn separately, and that the outer porous body 280 may be removable individually by means of pull tab 51. Tab 51 may be formed as a thin flexible ribbon or tape of any appropriate material, such as a suitable plastic sheet material or fabric. The tab may be suitably secured permanently to body 28c, as by an appropriate cement or adhesive, stitching, clipping, or by otherwise attaching it to any convenient portion of the body. FIG. 3 typically illustrates an arrangement in which the tab is attached by cementing. In lieu of a ribbon, an appropriate string or cord may be employed for forming the pull tab or tabs, or if the body 10 is formed of a knitted or woven material the pull tab or tabs may be formed merely as extended ends of the yarn, thread, string or cord of which the material is formed.

FIG. 4 shows another arrangement in which the inner liner 29b is assumed to be identical with liner 29 of FIG. 1, but has an outer porous body 28b which is shorter axially or vertically than that shown at 28 in FIG. 1. This arrangement is utilized where a shorter area of contact with the vaginal tissues is desired. The protection of the porous body against damage by the nozzle, and the provision of the fluid tight seals at shoulders 50b and 46b, are essentially the same in FIG. 4 as in FIGS. I and 2.

FIG. 5 shows a final variation, which may be considered as identical with that of FIG. 1 (or of the other forms) except that the top wall 400 of liner 29c extends only partially and not completely across the upper end of the nozzle, thus leaving a typically circular aperture 140C in top wall 40c. Wall 400 therefore forms in effect an annular flange which projects inwardly far enough to limit upward movement of the nozzle relative to liner 29c, and thus prevent damage to the cushioning sheath body 28c by the nozzle. My copending application Ser. No. 170,218 discloses and claims certain added features of novelty relating to this arrangement of FIG. 5, and involving provision of a pusher element adapted to extend through the aperture l40c for enabling removal of liner 29c from the vagina separately while leaving the cushion or sheath 28c in the vagina.

'In any of the forms of the invention, if the nozzle is of a longitudinally curving configuration, the resilient flexibility of body 28 and liner 29, or the corresponding parts of the other forms of the invention, will enable the liner and the porous body about it to be deformed slightly by the essentially stiff and rigid nozzle, just sufficiently to permit use of the parts together, and with effective fluid tight seals still being maintained at the various seal shoulde'r's, as discussed. I

While certain specificembodiments of the present invention have been disclosed'as typical, the invention is of course not limited tothese particular forms, but rather isapplicable broadly to all such variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

l. A vaginal douche sheath to be used with an elongated douche nozzle having fluid discharge openings, comprising a sheath body adapted to be received about Said nozzle and containing a passage which is open at one end for extension of said nozzle thereinto and is at least partially closed at the opposite inner end by an end wall thereof, said body being formed of a deformable liquid permeable cushioning material which is soft at-least when wetand through which fluid may pass fromsaid nozzle to the exterior of said body, the outer surface of said sheath body being dimensioned for reception within the human vagina, and a tubular element received within and lining said passage in said body and formed of a material which is more rigid than said sheath bodywhen the latter is wet, said tubular ele* ment having an inner end wall near said end wall of said body and which extends at least partially across the inner end of said tubular element to a position adapted to be received axially opposite said nozzle in a relation limiting inward movement of the nozzle relative to the tubular element and body and thereby preventing damage to said' soft body by saidjnozzle, said tubular "element containing an apertureor apertures to pass fluid from the interior thereof to said sheath body for discharge therefrom. l

2. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in which said element has a tubular side wall'which extends from said inner endwall to said open end of the sheath body and which then projects outwardly beyond said open end.

3. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in which said tubularelement has a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly. of said aperture or apertures and engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder.

4. A vaginal douche sheath asrecited in claim 1, in which said tubular element has a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter'at a location axially'outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder, said shoulder being located withinthe interior of said sheath body. f

5. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in which said tubular element has a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engageable with said nozzle in a relationforming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between thenozzle and tubularelement-and past said shoulder, said tubularielement having a tubular sidewall which extends from said inner end wall to said open end of the sheath body and which then projects outwardly beyond said open end and has said reduced diameter shoulder formed thereon at a location spaced outwardly from said open end ofthebody.

6. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim' 1,'in which said tubular element has a portion forming'a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle 8 and tubular element and past said shoulder, said shoulder being resiliently deformable to enhance the effectiveness of its sealing engagement with said nozzle.

7. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim I, in which said tubular element has a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly ofsaid aperture or apertures and engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against'fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder, said tubular element having a tubular side wall which extends from said inner end wall to said open end of the sheath body and which then projects outwardly beyond said open end and has said reduced diameter shoulder formed thereon at a location spaced outwardly from said open end of the body, said side wall of said tubular element having a portion of reduced'diameter forming a second shoulder at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures but within the interior of said sheath body for engaging the nozzle to assist in blocking fluid flow between the tubular element and nozzle.

8. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim, 1, in which said-tubular element has a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially out.- wardly of said aperture or apertures and engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder, said tubular element having a tubular side wall which extends from said inner end wall to said open end of the sheath body and which then projects outwardly beyond said open end and has said reduced diameter shoulder formed thereon at a location spaced outwardly from said open end of the body, said side wall of said tubular element having a portion of reduced diameter forming a second shoulder at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures but within the interior of said sheath body for engaging the nozzle to assist in blocking fluid flow between the'tubular element and nozzle, said tubular element being formed of a resiliently deformable material giving to saidshoulders a resilience to constrict about the nozzle.

9. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in which said tubular element is removable from said sheath body.

10. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, including adhesive permanently securing said tubular element in fixed position within said sheath body.

1 1. Avaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in

combination with a douche nozzle projecting into said tubularelement and-saidsheath body and blocked by said inner end wall of said tubular element against movement axially through said end wall of the sheath body.

12. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in combination with a douchenozzle projecting into said tubular element and said sheath body and blocked by said inner end wall of said tubular element against movement axially through said end wall of the sheath body, said tubular element having a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engaging said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder.

13. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in combination with a douche nozzle projecting into said tubular element and said sheath body and blocked by said inner end wall of said tubular element against movement axially through said end wall of the sheath body, said tubular element having a'portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engaging said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder, said shoulder being resiliently deformable to enhance the effectiveness of its sealing engagement with said nozzle.

14. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in combination with a douche nozzle projecting into said tubular element and said sheath body and blocked by said inner end wall of said tubular element against movement axially through said end wall of the sheath body, said tubular element having a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engaging said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder, said tubular element having a tubular side wall which extends from said inner end wall to said open end of the sheath body and which then projects outwardly beyond said open end and has said reduced diameter shoulder formed thereon at a location spaced outwardly'from said open end of the body, said side wall of said tubular element having a'portion of reduced diameter forming a second shoulder at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures but within the interior of said sheath body for engaging thenozzle to assist in blocking fluid flow between the tubular element'and nozzle, said tubular element being formed of a resiliently deformable material giving to said shoulders a resilience to constrict about the nozzle.

15. A vaginal douche sheath to be used with an elongated douche nozzle having fluid discharge openings, comprising a sheath body adapted to be received about said nozzle and containing a passage which is open at one end for extension of said nozzle thereinto and is at least partially closed at the opposite inner end by an end wall thereof, said body being formed of a deformable liquid permeable cushioning material which is soft at least when wet and through which fluid may pass from said nozzle to the exterior of said body, the outer surface of said sheath body being dimensioned for reception within the human vagina, and a tubular element received within and liningsaid passage in said body and formed of a material which is more rigid than said sheath body when the latter is wet, said tubular element being constructed to pass fluid from the interior thereof to said sheath body for discharge therefrom, said tubular element having a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder.

16. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 15, in which said shoulder is located within the interior of said sheath body.

17. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 15, in which said tubular element projects outwardly beyond said open end of the body and has said reduced diameter shoulder formed thereon at a location spaced outwardly from said open end of the body. h

18. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 15, in which said shoulder is resiliently deformable to enhance the effectiveness of its sealing engagement with said nozzle. 1

19. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 15 in combination with a douche nozzle projecting into said tubular element and said sheath body and engaging said shoulder essentially in fluid sealing relation.

20. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 15, in which said tubular element projects axially beyond said body and has two of said shoulders one within and one outwardly beyond said body, and is formed of a resiliently deformable resinous plastic material giving resilience to said shoulders.

21. A vaginal douche sheath to be used with an elongated douche nozzle having fluid discharge openings, comprising a sheath body adapted to be received about said nozzle and containing a passage which is open at one end for extension of said nozzle thereinto and is at least partially closed at the opposite inner end by an end wall thereof, said body being formed of a deforma ble liquid permeable cushioning material which is soft at least when wet and through which fluid may pass from said nozzle to the exterior of said body, the outer surface of said sheath body being dimensioned for reception within the human vagina, and a tubular element received within and lining said passage in said body and formed of a material which is more rigid then said sheath body when the latter is wet, said tubular element being constructed to pass fluid from the interior thereof to said sheath body for discharge therethrough, and a tab carried by said sheath body and projecting therefrom and axially outwardly therebeyond at the outside of said tubular element for exerting a pulling force on said body.

22. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 21, in which said tubular element is formed of resiliently deformable material and has an inner end wall axially inwardly of said nozzle and at leastone resilient reduced diameter shoulder engageable with the nozzle essentially in sealing relation.

23. A vaginal douche sheath to be used with an elongated douche nozzle having fluid discharge openings, comprising a sheath body adapted to be received about said nozzle and containing a passage which is open at one end for extension of said nozzle thereinto and is at least partially closed at the opposite inner end by an end wall thereof, said body being formed of'a deformable liquid permeable cushioning material which is soft at least when wet and through which fluid may pass from said nozzle to the exterior of said body, the outer surface of said sheath body being dimensioned for reception within the human vagina, and a' tubular element received within and lining said passage in said body and formed of a material which is more rigid than said sheath body when the latter is wet, said tubular element being constructed to pass fluid from the interior thereof to said sheath body for discharge therefrom, said tubular element having a portion forming a resilient shoulder of reduced diameter past which an enlarged portion of said nozzle may be forced and acting to releasably retain said nozzle in the tubular element.

first shoulder with the nozzle.

'24. A vaginal douche sheath as recited intclairn 23, in which said tubular element has a second shoulder engageablein sealing relation with a portion of saidnozzle and retained thereagainst by engagement of said 25. A vaginal douche sheath to be used with an elongated douche nozzle having fluid discharge openings, comprising a sheath body adapted to be receivedabout the exterior of said body, the outer surface of said said nozzle and having a generally tubular side wall containing a passage which is open at .one end for extension of said nozzle therein'to and is at least partially closed at the opposite inner endby an end wall thereof, said body being' formed of a deformable liquid permeable cushioning material which is soft at'least when wet and through which fluid may pass from said nozzle to sheath body being dimensioned for reception within the human vagina, and a tab secured to said sheath body and projecting therefrom and axially outwardly therebeyond for exerting a pulling force on the body

Claims

1. A vaginal douche sheath to be used with an elongated douche nozzle having fluid discharge openings, comprising a sheath body adapted to be received about said nozzle and containing a passage which is open at one end for extension of said nozzle thereinto and is at least partially closed at the opposite inner end by an end wall thereof, said body being formed of a deformable liquid permeable cushioning material which is soft at least when wet and through which fluid may pass from said nozzle to the exterior of said body, the outer surface of said sheath body being dimensioned for reception within the human vagina, and a tubular element received within and lining said passage in said body and formed of a material which is more rigid than said sheath body when the latter is wet, said tubular element having an inner end wall near said end wall of said body and which extends at least partially across the inner end of said tubular element to a position adapted to be received axially opposite said nozzle in a relation limiting inward movement of the nozzle relative to the tubular element and body and thereby preventing damage to said soft body by said nozzle, said tubular element containing an aperture or apertures to pass fluid from the interior thereof to said sheath body for discharge therefrom.

2. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in which said element has a tubular side wall which extends from said inner end wall to said open end of the sheath body and which then projects outwardly beyond said open end.

3. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in which said tubular element has a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder.

4. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in which said tubular element has a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder, said shoulder being located within the interior of said sheath body.

5. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in which said tubular element has a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nOzzle and tubular element and past said shoulder, said tubular element having a tubular side wall which extends from said inner end wall to said open end of the sheath body and which then projects outwardly beyond said open end and has said reduced diameter shoulder formed thereon at a location spaced outwardly from said open end of the body.

6. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in which said tubular element has a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder, said shoulder being resiliently deformable to enhance the effectiveness of its sealing engagement with said nozzle.

7. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in which said tubular element has a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder, said tubular element having a tubular side wall which extends from said inner end wall to said open end of the sheath body and which then projects outwardly beyond said open end and has said reduced diameter shoulder formed thereon at a location spaced outwardly from said open end of the body, said side wall of said tubular element having a portion of reduced diameter forming a second shoulder at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures but within the interior of said sheath body for engaging the nozzle to assist in blocking fluid flow between the tubular element and nozzle.

8. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in which said tubular element has a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder, said tubular element having a tubular side wall which extends from said inner end wall to said open end of the sheath body and which then projects outwardly beyond said open end and has said reduced diameter shoulder formed thereon at a location spaced outwardly from said open end of the body, said side wall of said tubular element having a portion of reduced diameter forming a second shoulder at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures but within the interior of said sheath body for engaging the nozzle to assist in blocking fluid flow between the tubular element and nozzle, said tubular element being formed of a resiliently deformable material giving to said shoulders a resilience to constrict about the nozzle.

11. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in combination with a douche nozzle projecting into said tubular element and said sheath body and blocked by said inner end wall of said tubular element against movement axially through said end wall of the sheath body.

12. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in combination with a douche nozzle projecting into said tubular element and said sheath body and blocked by said inner end wall of said tubular element against movement axially through said end wall of the sheath body, said tubular element having a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engaging said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder.

13. A vagInal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in combination with a douche nozzle projecting into said tubular element and said sheath body and blocked by said inner end wall of said tubular element against movement axially through said end wall of the sheath body, said tubular element having a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engaging said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder, said shoulder being resiliently deformable to enhance the effectiveness of its sealing engagement with said nozzle.

14. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 1, in combination with a douche nozzle projecting into said tubular element and said sheath body and blocked by said inner end wall of said tubular element against movement axially through said end wall of the sheath body, said tubular element having a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures and engaging said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder, said tubular element having a tubular side wall which extends from said inner end wall to said open end of the sheath body and which then projects outwardly beyond said open end and has said reduced diameter shoulder formed thereon at a location spaced outwardly from said open end of the body, said side wall of said tubular element having a portion of reduced diameter forming a second shoulder at a location axially outwardly of said aperture or apertures but within the interior of said sheath body for engaging the nozzle to assist in blocking fluid flow between the tubular element and nozzle, said tubular element being formed of a resiliently deformable material giving to said shoulders a resilience to constrict about the nozzle.

15. A vaginal douche sheath to be used with an elongated douche nozzle having fluid discharge openings, comprising a sheath body adapted to be received about said nozzle and containing a passage which is open at one end for extension of said nozzle thereinto and is at least partially closed at the opposite inner end by an end wall thereof, said body being formed of a deformable liquid permeable cushioning material which is soft at least when wet and through which fluid may pass from said nozzle to the exterior of said body, the outer surface of said sheath body being dimensioned for reception within the human vagina, and a tubular element received within and lining said passage in said body and formed of a material which is more rigid than said sheath body when the latter is wet, said tubular element being constructed to pass fluid from the interior thereof to said sheath body for discharge therefrom, said tubular element having a portion forming a shoulder of reduced diameter engageable with said nozzle in a relation forming essentially a seal against fluid flow axially outwardly between the nozzle and tubular element and past said shoulder.

17. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 15, in which said tubular element projects outwardly beyond said open end of the body and has said reduced diameter shoulder formed thereon at a location spaced outwardly from said open end of the body.

18. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 15, in which said shoulder is resiliently deformable to enhance the effectiveness of its sealing engagement with said nozzle.

19. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 15, in combination with a douche nozzle projecting into said tubular element and said sheath body and engaging said shoulder essentially in fluid sealing relation.

21. A vaginal douche sheath to be used with an elongated douche nozzle having fluid discharge openings, comprising a sheath body adapted to be received about said nozzle and containing a passage which is open at one end for extension of said nozzle thereinto and is at least partially closed at the opposite inner end by an end wall thereof, said body being formed of a deformable liquid permeable cushioning material which is soft at least when wet and through which fluid may pass from said nozzle to the exterior of said body, the outer surface of said sheath body being dimensioned for reception within the human vagina, and a tubular element received within and lining said passage in said body and formed of a material which is more rigid then said sheath body when the latter is wet, said tubular element being constructed to pass fluid from the interior thereof to said sheath body for discharge therethrough, and a tab carried by said sheath body and projecting therefrom and axially outwardly therebeyond at the outside of said tubular element for exerting a pulling force on said body.

22. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 21, in which said tubular element is formed of resiliently deformable material and has an inner end wall axially inwardly of said nozzle and at least one resilient reduced diameter shoulder engageable with the nozzle essentially in sealing relation.

23. A vaginal douche sheath to be used with an elongated douche nozzle having fluid discharge openings, comprising a sheath body adapted to be received about said nozzle and containing a passage which is open at one end for extension of said nozzle thereinto and is at least partially closed at the opposite inner end by an end wall thereof, said body being formed of a deformable liquid permeable cushioning material which is soft at least when wet and through which fluid may pass from said nozzle to the exterior of said body, the outer surface of said sheath body being dimensioned for reception within the human vagina, and a tubular element received within and lining said passage in said body and formed of a material which is more rigid than said sheath body when the latter is wet, said tubular element being constructed to pass fluid from the interior thereof to said sheath body for discharge therefrom, said tubular element having a portion forming a resilient shoulder of reduced diameter past which an enlarged portion of said nozzle may be forced and acting to releasably retain said nozzle in the tubular element.

24. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 23, in which said tubular element has a second shoulder engageable in sealing relation with a portion of said nozzle and retained thereagainst by engagement of said first shoulder with the nozzle.

25. A vaginal douche sheath to be used with an elongated douche nozzle having fluid discharge openings, comprising a sheath body adapted to be received about said nozzle and having a generally tubular side wall containing a passage which is open at one end for extension of said nozzle thereinto and is at least partially closed at the opposite inner end by an end wall thereof, said body being formed of a deformable liquid permeable cushioning material which is soft at least when wet and through which fluid may pass from said nozzle to the exterior of said body, the outer surface of said sheath body being dimensioned for reception within the human vagina, and a tab secured to said sheath body and projecting therefrom and axially outwardly therebeyond for exerting a pulling force on the body and located for reception at the outside of said nozzle.

26. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 25, in which said tab has a portion received adjacent and secured to the inner surface of said sheath body.

27. A vaginal douche sheath as recited in claim 25, in whiCh said tab is a thin strip of sheet-form material extending along and cemented to the inner surface of the side wall of said sheath body near said one end.