Birth Control Valve

Abstract

In combination with a tube within a mammal which when opened is necessary to effect reproduction and when closed effects sterilization, a valve to be located within the tube which can be selectively opened and closed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Within the past few years a problem of major proportion has been over population. This problem of over population of human beings is of world wide magnitude. This overpopulation problem, it is believed by many, if not checked within the next decade or two, will result in a problem of catastrophic proportions. The proponents, who are most concerned about the over population problem, believe that it will be necessary to effect widespread sterilization of people to insure that the population will be controlled within certain limits.

Within the past few years, in an effort to avoid widespread sterilization, there has been many programs instituted by governments and concerned organizations toward educating the general public on birth control. Generally this form of education is frequently referred to as family planning. This family planning varies in that people are educated to a great many different types of devices which can be employed to effect birth control. These birth control devices range from prophylactics, interuterine devices, birth control pills and the like.

Presently, the most common form of birth control has been the taking, by the female of the species, of a birth control pill. Basically, the birth control pill changes the hormone balance within the female, such hormone balance not permitting the female to become pregnant. However, within recent years, much concern has arisen over the use of the "pill." Many women have mental problems such as a change in their personality by the taking of such pills. Further, some women incur physical problems such as blood clots. Additionally, it is possible that such pills may cause a tendency for females to easily contact cancer in their later years.

As a result of the well publicized problems with the "pill," a great many women have decided not to use the "pill" as a method of birth control. The other known physical devices which are useable for birth control are dangerous in that there are a high percentage of failures in such devices thereby resulting in the woman becoming pregnant. Therefore, more and more people are turning to surgical methods of birth control such as vasectomies for the male and the tieing of the fallopian tubes for the female. However, such surgical operations, in the majority of cases, are not capable of being reversed. Chance for future pregnancy is absolutely precluded.

A great number of people may have one or two children within the first years of marriage and find it undesirable to have additional babies within the next few years. If the couple does not want to take a chance in the having of additional children immediately, the only birth control method which is safe that is open to them relates to the surgical method. Further, the easiest person to operate upon is the male, as hospitalization is not usually required, where it is required when operating upon the female. Therefore, the male obtains a vasectomy which usually means that the couple can not ever have future children.

Frequently, in such cases, five or ten years later, the couple may find it desirable to again have a child. Since the male has had a vasectomy (or the female has had her fallopian tubes tied), the couple is not capable of having future children of their own. If there was a way in which this surgical procedure could be reversed at such a period of time, such would be of primary advantage to such couples.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a valve which is to be inserted within either the fallopian tubes of the female or the vas deferens of the male. The valve is to take the place of the surgical procedure effecting permanent tieing of the fallopian tubes or permanent cutting of the vas deferens. The valve is to be composed of identical sections which are to be attached to a valve spool. The fallopian tubes or the vas deferens are to be cut with the separate portions of the tube inserted within a section of the valve. Each section includes structure to securely retain the portion of the cut tube. Each of the sections of the valve are then securely attached to the valve spool. The valve spool may be completely closed so as to preclude passage of either the sperm of the male or the egg of the female through the tube, or the valve spool may be open if desired. The valve spool may also include a rotary element which can be selectively moved to either the closed or open position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view through the valve of this invention showing the valve as it would be installed within a tubing with the valve spool preventing passage through the tubing;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view through one of the identical sections of the valve of FIG. 1 taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view of the valve of this invention similar to FIG. 1 but showing the valve spool having a longitudinal opening therethrough to permit passage of fluid through the tube;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the incorporation of a rotatable element within the valve spool which is capable of being selectively moved to either the open or closed position;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 2 taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the rotatable valve spool in the open position;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a view of the head of the rotatable element of the valve spool taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SHOWN EMBODIMENT

Referring particularly to the drawing, there is shown in FIG. 1 the valve 10 of this invention having identical sections 12 and 14 being secured to a valve spool 16. Valve spool 16 includes a first externally threaded cylinder 18 and a second externally threaded cylinder 20. The first externally threaded cylinder 18 is to be in an axial alignment with the second externally threaded cylinder 20, but located on opposite sides of the main portion 22 of the valve spool 16. The main portion 22 is to be substantially disc shaped with the first cylinder 18 and the second cylinder 20 being concentrically spaced inwardly from the periphery of the main portion 22.

The section 12 comprises an internal sleeve 24 and a threaded cap 26. The section 14 also comprises an internal sleeve 28 and a threaded cap 30. Each of the internal sleeves 24 and 28 have a respective central longitudinal opening 32 and 34, respectively. Each of the internal sleeves 24 and 28 are substantially cylindrical-tubular in configuration.

Adjacent the inward end of each of the internal sleeves 24 and 28 is a threaded recess 36 and 38, respectively. Threaded recess 36 is to matingly cooperate with the threads formed upon the second externally threaded cylinder 20. Threaded recess 38 is to matingly cooperate about the threaded portion of the first cylinder 18. The threaded cap 26 is to be threadingly secured about the periphery of internal sleeve 24. Threaded cap 30 is to be threadingly secured about the periphery of internal sleeve 28.

The forward end of the internal sleeve 24 includes a tubular extension 40 having an annular shaped raised portion 42 integrally connected thereto. The forward end of internal sleeve 28 includes a similar extension 44 and a similar raised portion 46 connected thereto. Located aft of the raised portion 42 is an annular groove 48. Also located aft raised portion 46 is an annular groove 50. The function of the annular grooves 48 and 50 will be explained further on in the specification.

The forward end of the threaded cap 46 is formed into a resilient collar 52. Also, the forward end of the threaded cap 30 is formed into a resilient collar 54. It is to be noted that the collars 52 and 54 result in an opening which is of a smaller diameter than the internal opening of the main portion of its respective threaded cap. The function of each of the collars 52 and 54 will be explained further on in the specification.

It is to be noted that the threaded caps 26 and 30 are identical in construction as well as the internal sleeves 24 and 28 being identical in construction. The main portion of the threaded caps 26 and 30 are to be formed of a substantially rigid plastic material with the collars 52 and 54 formed of a more resilient plastic material. Similarly, the main portion of the internal sleeves 24 and 28 are formed of a rigid plastic material with the forward portion thereof adjacent raised portions 42 and 46 being formed of a more resilient plastic.

To install the sections 12 and 14, the installer, normally a medical doctor, proceeds as follows: After making the normal surgical incision to obtain access to either the fallopian tubes of the female or the vas deferens of the male, the doctor then cuts the appropriate tube in half. The installer then places upon one of the separated ends of the tube 56 and slides therealong the threaded cap 26. The installer then places the end of the tube 56 about extension 40, over the raised portion 42 and within annular groove 48. The installer then grasps the threaded cap 26 and effects threading of such upon internal sleeve 24. The cap 26 is threaded upon internal sleeve 24 until the aft end of the threaded cap 26 is in alignment with the aft end of the internal sleeve 24. The portion of the internal sleeve adjacent groove 48 is slightly compressed about extension 40 thereby effecting a binding action upon the end of tube 56. This binding action is in the aft direction of raised portion 42. Also, upon the tightening of threaded cap 26, the resilient collar 52 effects a resilient compression about the tube 56 forwardly of the raised portion 42. It is to be noted that if installed properly, the dual binding action of the threaded cap 26 about the internal sleeve 25 with the tube 56 located therebetween is sufficient to effect adequate retention of the tube 56 but not sufficient so as to shut off blood circulation within the tube 56. Such is an important feature of this invention as it would be undesirable for the end of the tube 56 to die.

The procedure for the installation of the threaded cap 30 about the internal sleeve 28 is identical to the foregoing except with the installation of such being on the other end of the tube 56.

Upon the sections 12 and 14 being so installed, the installer can then install different valve spools 16 according to the option of the patient. For example, if it is desired that the patient be permanently closed, the valve spool 16 of FIG. 1 could be employed, which when in cooperation with recesses 36 and 38, prevents passage of any matter from one end of tube 56 to the other end of tube 56. If the patient desires that flow be permitted from one end of tube 56 to the other end of tube 56, the valve spool 16 within FIG. 3 of the drawings can be employed wherein the longitudinal opening 58 is located within the valve spool 16. It is to be noted that, if the patient some years before had had the valve spool of FIG. 1 installed, in another operation at a later time the sections 12 and 14 can be removed from the valve of FIG. 1 with the valve spool of FIG. 3 being installed. By such a procedure the patient now would no longer be sterile but would be capable of reproduction.

If the patient so desires, the valve spool 16 of FIGS. 5 and 7 of the drawing could be employed wherein a rotatable valve element 60 is employed in conjunction with the valve spool 16. Rotatable valve element 60 includes a slotted head 62 and a transverse opening 64 substantially at the midpoint of the longitudinal length of the element 60. The valve spool 16 of FIGS. 5 and 7 is basically similar to the valve spool of FIG. 3 in that a longitudinal opening 66 is formed within the valve spool. A plurality of seals 68 are to be located between the main portion 22 of the valve spool 16 and the rotatable element 60. It is the function of the seals to prevent passage of fluid along the surface of the valve element exteriorly of the valve 10.

If the patient decides to employ the use of the valve spool of FIGS. 5 and 7 of the drawing, the patient can initially select either the open or closed position upon installation. The valve spool 16 of FIGS. 5 and 7 is installed in the same way as previously described. However, with the rotatable element 60 being positioned as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawing, wherein the opening 64 is located substantially at a right angle to the access of opening 66, no passage of matter can result between one end of tube 56 to the other end of tube 56. In essence, in this position, the patient is now sterile and not capable of reproduction.

Let it be assumed that the patient remains sterile for a period of several years. Now let it also be assumed that the patient desires to have another child. The patient then need only to contact his doctor and indicate such a desire to the doctor. The doctor need only perform a small surgical incision in the area of the valve 10. A special tool is then to be inserted through the incision and in cooperative relation with the slotted head 62. The doctor then need only rotate rotatable element 60 90.degree. causing an alignment of openings 64 and 66. Therefore, conductance of matter is to be permitted from one end of tube 56 to the other end of tube 56. If at some future date the patient again decides to become sterile, a repeat of the procedure need only incur with the rotatable element 60 again being rotated 90.degree. so as to locate opening 64 at a right angle with respect to opening 66.

Numerous modifications could be employed within the scope of this invention by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, although the tube restraining section including the use of raised portions 42 and 46 has been found to be most satisfactory in restraining of tube 56, it is envisioned by Applicant that numerous other such tube restraining means could be employed which will not cause the tube to die. Further, the employment of seals 68 in conjunction with the rotatable valve element 60 may be avoided with a minor modification of the cooperative relationship between the valve element 60 and the main portion 22 of the valve spool 16. Further, the slotted head 62 may be readily changed to a polygonal shaped protrusion. It happens to be that the inventor believes that a protrusion would be more likely to cause injury to adjacent tissue than a slot.

It is also to be within the scope of this invention to effect rotation of the element 60 exteriorly of the body, in other words, not requiring an incision. This may be accomplished by magnetically polarizing element 60 prior to installation. The rotation of element 60 would be accomplished by particular location and movement of a magnetic field exteriorly of the body. Verification of movement of element 60 can be checked by means of X-ray. It is believed that numerous other modifications could readily be employed by one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, limitation of Applicants invention is to only be in view of a fair and just interpretation of the following claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A birth control valve to be connected between first and second segments of a severed flesh tube, said valve comprising:

a valve spool, said spool being constructed such that means are provided whereby alternate opening or closing of flow through said flesh tube can be accomplished;

a first section removably connected by first attachment means to said valve spool, said first section including a first internal sleeve and a first cap, said first internal sleeve having a first elongated opening therethrough, said first internal sleeve having a first connection means which is adapted to be located within the first segment of the severed flesh tube whereby the tube opening communicates with said first elongated opening, said first cap surroundingly removably connected to said second internal sleeve; and

a second section removably connected by a second attachment means to said valve spool, said second section including a second internal sleeve and a second cap, said second internal sleeve having a second elongated opening therethrough, said second internal sleeve having a second connection means which is adapted to be located within the second segment of the severed flesh tube whereby the tube opening communicates with said second elongated opening, said second cap surroundingly removably connected to said second internal sleeve.

2. A birth control valve as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said first section is substantially identical to said second section.

3. A birth control valve as defined in claim 2 wherein:

each of said caps being movable with respect to its respective said internal sleeve between a retaining position and a non-retaining position, said retaining position providing the connection to the severed flesh tube.

4. A birth control valve as defined in claim 3 wherein:

said cap being capable of being physically separated from said internal sleeve when in said non-retaining position.

5. A birth control valve as defined in claim 3 wherein:

each of said first and said second internal sleeves includes an extension, each of said first and second connection means comprising an annular raised portion upon said extension.

6. A birth control valve as defined in claim 5 wherein:

the forward end of each of said first and second caps having a resilient collar, with said cap in said retaining position said collar cooperating to bind said tube toward the front end of said raised portion.

7. A birth control valve as defined in claim 6 wherein:

with a said cap in said retaining position a second area of binding occurs adjacent the aft end of said raised portion.

8. A birth control valve as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said valve spool includes a rotatable element movable between an open position and a closed position, said open position permitting passage of matter from between said first and said second elongated openings, said closed position not permitting passage of matter between said first and second elongated openings.

9. A birth control valve as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said first and said second attachment means each comprising an assembly of screw threads.