Description:The present application is a patent of addition to Indian Patent Application No.
201921019460 filed on 16 May 2021.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a sample collection device.
BACKGROUND
There are certain tests for screening of cervical cancer in females, such as Liquid Cytology (PAP), Direct Pap Smear, PCR based hrHPV detection which require cervical sample collection from the cervix (which is an opening to the uterus) of a user. While cervical cancer ranks fourth on the global platform, it is the second leading cause of cancer related mortalities in India women. 27% of global cervical cancer mortalities are accounted just in India. It is estimated that in India, about 160 million women aged 30-59 years are at risk of developing cervical cancer.
Approximately 96,000 new cases are diagnosed annually with 74,000 deaths, representing an appalling case fatality rate of 49 percent. Cervical cancer usually progresses slowly over an extended period ranging from 5-10 years, from the first appearance of precancerous abnormalities like lesions in the cervix. Such lesions are also known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. If left untreated, these lesions can deepen over time and ultimately develop into an invasive cancer of the cervix and associated tissues. Early detection and diagnosis can save lives and reduce the burden on the national healthcare system. Therefore, it is important for sexually active women to undergo periodic screening by PAP or HPV as they are at a greater risk of Human Papilloma Virus infection.
There are different manoeuvring tools which can easily collect specimens from the female vagina, cervix and uterus. However, such tools are handled by medical practitioners, leading to feeling of discomfort, embarrassment, and expense while obtaining specimens to diagnose cervical cancer of female patients.
Apart from the cervical sampling, there are certain other medical procedures to be performed in female vagina and uterine such as para cervical block, hysteroscopy, curette scraping, cone biopsy, copper T implantation and removal, cervical diaphragm implantation, and so on.
Currently, the available tools though can collect samples from vagina, cervix and uterine lining, however require medical practitioner’s assistance, leading to higher cost and effort. Options of self-sampling also are available in the international market but they do not reach cervix and thus are not able to support all types of tests. Some recent devices may include a brush which may be extended to collect cells, however may be incapable to rotate and may be difficult to be ejected from the device to store specimens for transportation. In addition, such brushes when extended and go to retract, may touch the walls surrounding the brush. Such disadvantages may lead to loss of specimens, making the current devices less efficient to collect the specimens. Such devices may be limited to only one purpose of sample collection, not the other purposes such as inspection, para cervical block, hysteroscopy, curette scraping, cone biopsy, copper T implantation and removal, cervical diaphragm, and so on.
Hence, there may be a need to develop handheld self-maneuvering device that is self- operable while collecting endo-epithelial and ecto-epithelial cells from user’s cervix and perform other medical procedure(s) in a sophisticated manner that takes care of the brush removal without any contamination.
SUMMARY
In view of the foregoing, a sample collection device is disclosed. The sample collection device includes a knob that is adapted to rotate. The sample collection device further includes a holder that is coupled to the knob and adapted to rotate, in response to rotation of the knob. The sample collection device further includes a spiral cage that includes a helical contour that extends along a length of the spiral cage a piston guide casing coupled to the holder such that the spiral cage surrounds the piston guide casing. The piston guide casing rotates, in response to rotation of the holder. The piston guide casing includes a channel that extends along a length of the piston guide casing a piston coupled to the piston guide casing such that the piston rotates, in response to rotation of the piston guide casing. The piston includes a piston head having a pair of protrusions that are disposed on the piston head wherein each protrusion of the pair of protrusions engages with the helical contour and the channel such that each protrusion of the pair of protrusions while rotation of the piston follows the helical contour and the channel.
In some embodiments, the piston further comprising a third and fourth ends such that the piston head is disposed at the third end.
In some embodiments, the sample collection device further includes a first shroud that is coupled to the knob such that the first shroud encloses the spiral cage.
In some embodiments, the sample collection device further includes a second shroud that is coupled to the first shroud wherein the piston upon rotation in a first direction extends out from the second shroud and upon rotation in a second direction retracts within the second shroud.
In some embodiments, the second shroud further comprising a guide flange such that the guide flange guides the piston when the piston extends out from the second shroud and when the piston retracts within the second shroud.
In some embodiments, the spiral cage further includes a proximal end and a distal end such that the helical contour extends from the proximal end to the distal end and the pair of protrusions of the piston traverses from the proximal end to the distal end while the piston extends out from the second shroud.
In some embodiments, the pair of protrusions of the piston traverses from the distal end to the proximal end while the piston retracts within the second shroud.
In some embodiments, the sample collection device further includes a spring that is disposed within the piston head and the guide flange such that when the piston head reaches to the distal end the spring facilitates free rotation of the piston.
In some embodiments, the piston further comprising a brush that is disposed at the fourth end and adapted to collect cervical sample of a user, when the piston extends out from the second shroud.
In some embodiments, when the pair of protrusions traverses from the proximal end to the distal end the piston undergoes one complete rotation.
In some embodiments, the helical contour is provided with a chamfered edge at the distal end such that upon every complete rotation of the piston each protrusion of the pair of protrusions strikes to the chamfered edge that produce a click sound.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The above and still further features and advantages of aspects of the present disclosure becomes apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of aspects thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a sample collection device, in accordance with an embodiment herein;
FIG. 1B illustrates a front sectional view of the sample collection device of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment herein;
FIG. 2 illustrates a zoomed view of section A-A of the sample collection device of FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein;
FIG. 3 illustrates a front sectional view of a knob of the sample collection device of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein;
FIG. 4 illustrates a front sectional view of a holder of the sample collection device of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein;
FIG. 5 illustrates a front sectional view of a first shroud of the sample collection device of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein;
FIG. 6 illustrates a front sectional view of a spiral cage of the sample collection device of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein;
FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a piston guide casing of the sample collection device of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein;
FIG. 8 illustrates a front sectional view of a second shroud of the sample collection device of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein;
FIG. 9 illustrates front view of a piston of the sample collection device of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein.
To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various aspects of the present disclosure provide a sample collection device. The following description provides specific details of certain aspects of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those aspects. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure can be reflected in additional aspects and the disclosure may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
The various aspects including the example aspects are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various aspects of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The subject matter of example aspects, as disclosed herein, is described specifically to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventor/inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, the various aspects including the example aspects relate to a sample collection device.
As mentioned, there remains a need for a device that can be easily used by a user for collecting sample, therefore, the present disclosure provides a sample collection device that allows the user to collect sample from the cervix. Therefore, the device of the present disclosure eliminates the risk of discomfort and avoids embarrassment to the user.
The term “first direction” as used herein context of the present disclosure refers to the clock-wise direction and the term “second direction” as used herein context of the present disclosure refers to the counter-clockwise direction.
The term “mm” as used herein context of the present disclosure refers to a unit of length i.e., milli-meter.
FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a sample collection device 100 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to and designated as “the device 100”), in accordance with an embodiment herein. The sample collection device 100 may be adapted to collect sample from the cervix of a user. Specifically, the sample collection device 100 may be inserted within the vagina of the user in order to collect sample (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “cervical sample”) from the cervix or the lining of uterus of the user. The sample collection device 100 may be handy and therefore easily portable by the user. The sample collection device 100 facilitates easy collection of the sample.
In some embodiments, length of the device 100 may lie in a range between 150 mm and 160 mm. Preferably, the length of the device 100 may be 157.9 mm.
In some embodiments, sample of the user may include endo and ecto cells of the cervix.
In some embodiments, material of the sample collection device 100 may be a bio-compatible material selected from a group including but not limited to, propylene of high or medium or low density, latex, silicone, and the like.
In some embodiments, the sample collection device 100 may be coated with one of, a bio-compatible coating, a water-repellant coating, and anti-microbial coating.
FIG. 1B illustrates a front sectional view of the sample collection device 100 of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The sample collection device 100 may include a knob 102, a holder, 104, a first shroud 106, a spiral cage 108, a piston guide casing 110, a second shroud 112, a piston 114, and a spring 116.
The knob 102 may be adapted to rotate in a first direction and in a second direction. Specifically, the knob 102 may be rotated by the user, when the user uses the device 100 while collecting sample. The knob 102 may be designed such that the knob 102 may be easily held by the user. This allows the knob 102 to be rotated easily when the device 100 is in use.
The holder 104 may be coupled to the knob 102. The holder 104 may be adapted to rotate in the first direction and in the second direction. Specifically, the holder 104 may be adapted to rotate in the first direction, in response to rotation of the knob 102 in the first direction by the user. The holder 104 may be adapted to rotate in the second direction, in response to rotation of the knob 102 in the second direction by the user.
The first shroud 106 may be coupled to the knob 102. The first shroud 106 may be adapted to enclose the holder 104, the spiral cage 108, and the piston guide casing 110.
The spiral cage 108 may abut with the holder 104. The spiral cage 108 may be fixedly disposed within the first shroud 106. The spiral cage 108 may include a helical contour 602 (as shown later in FIG. 6). The helical contour 602 (as shown later in FIG. 6) may extend along a length of the spiral cage 108. The spiral cage 108 may include proximal and distal ends 118 and 120. Specifically, the helical contour 602 (as shown later in FIG. 6) may extend from the proximal end 118 to the distal end 120.
The piston guide casing 110 may be coupled to the holder 104. The piston guide casing 110 may include first and second ends 122 and 124 and a channel 702 (as shown later in FIG. 7). The spiral cage 108 may be adapted to surround the piston guide casing 110. Specifically, the first end 122 of the piston guide casing 110 may coincide with the proximal end 118 of the spiral cage 108. The second end 124 of the piston guide casing 110 may coincide with the distal end 120 of the spiral cage 108. The channel may extend along a length of the piston guide casing 110. Specifically, the channel may extend from the first end 122 to the second end 124. The piston guide casing 110 may be adapted to rotate in the first direction and in the second direction. Specifically, the piston guide casing 110 may be adapted to rotate in the first direction, in response to rotation of the holder 104 in the first direction. The piston guide casing 110 may be adapted to rotate in the second direction, in response to rotation of the holder 104 in the second direction.
The second shroud 112 may be coupled to the first shroud 106. The second shroud 112 may be adapted to enclose the piston 114.
The piston 114 may be coupled to the piston guide casing 110. The piston 114 may include third and fourth ends 126 and 128, a piston head 130, and a brush 132. The piston 114 may extend from the third end 126 to the fourth end 128. The piston head 130 may be disposed at the third end 126 and the brush 132 may be disposed at the fourth end 128. The piston head 130 may include a pair of protrusions 132A and 132B such that each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B is disposed on the piston head 130. Each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 1 and 132B may engage with the helical contour 602 (as shown later in FIG. 6) of the spiral cage 108 and the channel of the piston guide casing 110. The piston 114 may be adapted to rotate in the first direction and in the second direction. While rotation of the piston 114, each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B may follow the helical contour 602 (as shown later in FIG. 6) and the channel. Specifically, the piston 114 may be adapted to rotate in the first direction, in response to rotation of the piston guide casing 110 in the first direction. The piston 114, upon rotation in the first direction may be adapted to extend out from the second shroud 112 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “extended position”). Specifically, each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B may traverse from the proximal end 118 to the distal end 120 and from the first end 122 to the second end 124, while the piston 114 extends out from the second shroud 112. The piston 114 may be adapted to rotate in the second direction, in response to rotation of the piston guide casing 110 in the second direction. The piston 114, upon rotation in the second direction may be adapted to retract within the second shroud 112 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “retracted position”). Specifically, each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B may traverse from the distal end 120 to the proximal end 118 and from the second end 124 to the first end 122, while the piston 114 retracts within the second shroud 112.
In some embodiments, when each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B traverse from the proximal end 118 to the distal end 120 and from the first end 122 to the second end 124, the piston 114 undergoes one complete rotation. The term “one complete rotation” as used herein the context of the present disclosure refers to 360 degrees (360o) rotation of the piston 114 along a longitudinal axis (i.e., the axis that extends from the third end 126 to the fourth end 128) of the piston 114.
In some embodiments, when each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B traverse from the distal end 120 to the proximal end 118 and from the second end 124 to the first end 122, the piston 114 undergoes one complete rotation.
The brush 132 may be adapted to collect the cervical sample of the user, when the piston 114 extends out from the second shroud 112.
In some embodiments, length of the brush 132 may lie in a range between 20 mm and 25 mm. Preferably, the length of the brush 132 may be 21.9 mm.
In some embodiments, the brush 132 may include a plurality of bristles that are arranged in any pattern such as crown shaped pattern, zig-zag pattern, curved pattern, triangular pattern, concave pattern, convex pattern, convex pattern, and the like.
In some embodiments, the brush 132 may be a cyto-brush.
In some embodiments, a payload (not shown) may be disposed at the fourth end 128. In some embodiments, the payload may be adapted to perform one or more procedures inside the vagina of the user. The one or more procedures may be selected from the group consisting of cervical sample collection, biological sample collection, curette scraping, removal of copper T, providing local anaesthesia, visual inspection, uterine sampling, endo- and ecto-epithelial cervical cells collection, removal of tissue, delivery of mesh, intra-uterine insemination, mounting vaginal pessary, mounting a cervical diaphragm, cervical cauterization, radiation therapy, prostasin gel application in intracervical canal to terminate pregnancy, vaginal vault marking, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test, Pap Smear Test, Liquid cytology test, Intra-uterine insemination during artificial insemination, Foley’s catheter placing and inflation for extra-amniotic fluid insertion during abortion for pregnancy beyond 12 weeks, insertion and removal of intrauterine radioactive probe-caesium (5mm by 3 cm) for radiation therapy, cervical cauterization of vaginal or cervical ulcer, total laparoscopic hysterectomy for vaginal vault marking, to deliver medicine or apply thereof into the vagina, and so on, and/or the combinations thereof. It is contemplated that the procedure(s) disclosed hereinabove may be exemplary for the skilled persons to have a better understanding of the present embodiment. sIn some examples, the payload may be selected from a group consisting of a maneuvering tool or device that is configured to maneuver through the vagina and uterine of the user to perform the procedure(s) in the vagina of the user. In some embodiments, the payload may be a camera or an imaging sensor for internal view and inspection. In some embodiments, the payload may be a curette scraping tool for uterine sampling. In some embodiments, the payload may include an extensible telescopic arm to easily perform procedure(s) in the vagina of the user. In some embodiments, the payload may be a scalpel. In some embodiments, the payload may be a probe onto which the medicine may be applied such that that the medicine is applied into the vagina of the user. In some embodiments, the payload may be an applicator for applying prostasin gel in intracervical canal to terminate pregnancy. In some embodiments, the payload may be a clip or a tool which may be configured to remove copper T. In some embodiments, the payload may be configured to provide local anesthesia. In some embodiments, the payload may be a tool that may remove tissue from the vagina of the user. In some embodiments, the payload may be configured to deliver mesh implants. In some embodiments, the payload may be configured to provide intra-uterine insemination during artificial insemination. In some embodiments, the payload may be configured to mount vaginal pessary for uterine prolapse or mounting a cervical diaphragm or ring as a contraceptive. In some embodiments, the payload may be configured to perform cervical cauterization of vaginal or cervical cancer. In some embodiments, the payload may be a laser configured to provide radiation therapy therein. The laser may be configured to insert and remove intrauterine radioactive probe-cesium (5mm by 3 cm) for radiation therapy. In some embodiments, the payload may be a marker which is configured to mark vaginal vault for total laparoscopic hysterectomy. In some embodiments, the payload may be configured to collect a specimen that may be utilized for all female tests such as including but are not limited to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test, Pap Smear Test, and Liquid cytology test. In some embodiments, the payload may be configured to place a Foley’s catheter placing and inflation for extra-amniotic fluid insertion during abortion for pregnancy beyond 12 weeks.
In operation, the user may be adapted to rotate the knob 102 such that upon rotation of the knob 102, the holder 104 also rotates. Specifically, the user may rotate the knob 102 in one of the first direction and the second direction. Upon rotation of the holder 104, the piston guide casing 110 may also rotate and meanwhile keeping the spiral cage 108 stationary. Upon rotation of the piston guide casing 110, the piston head 130 may traverse from the proximal end 118 to the distal end 120 or vice-versa. Specifically, upon rotation of the piston guide casing 110 in the first direction, the piston head 130 may traverse from the proximal end 118 to the distal end 120. While moving from the proximal end 118 to the distal end 120, each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B may engage with the overlapped portion from the proximal end 118 to the distal end 120, which causes the piston 114 to extend out from the second shroud 112. At the extended position of the piston 114, the user may collect the cervical sample by the brush 132. At the extended position of the piston 114 and upon further rotation of the knob 102, the spring 116 may facilitate free rotation of the piston 114. Upon rotation of the knob 102 at the extended position of the piston 114, one protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B may strike to the chamfered edge 202 that produces the click sound. The click sound produced by way of striking of one protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B to the chamfered edge 202 acknowledges the user about one complete rotation of the piston 114. Specifically, upon rotation of the piston guide casing 110 in the second direction, the piston head 130 may traverse from the distal end 120 to the proximal end 118. While moving from the distal end 120 to the proximal end 118, each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B may engage with the overlapped portion from the distal end 120 to the proximal end 118, which causes the piston 114 to retract within the second shroud 112.
FIG. 2 illustrates a zoomed view of section A-A of the sample collection device 100 of FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The helical contour 602 (as shown later in FIG. 6) may include a chamfered edge 202. The chamfered edge 202 may be disposed at the distal end 120 of the spiral cage 108. When the piston 114 extends out from the second shroud 112, the piston 114 may undergo subsequent complete rotations without extending further from the second shroud 112. The piston 114 may freely rotate when each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B reaches to the distal end 120. The chamfered edge 202 may facilitate in producing a click sound that acknowledges the user about one complete rotation of the piston 114, at the extended position of the piston 114. Specifically, at the extended position of the piston 114, one protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B may strike to the chamfered edge 202 such that upon every complete rotation of the piston 114, the click sound is produced, which acknowledges the user about the complete rotation.
FIG. 3 illustrates a front sectional view of the knob 102 of the sample collection device 100 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The knob 102 may include a shoulder portion 302 and a plurality of tabs of which the first through fourth tabs 304A-304D are shown. The shoulder portion 302 may be designed such that the shoulder portion 302 defines a receiving cavity 306. The first through fourth tabs 304A-304D may extend out and arranged around the shoulder portion 302 such that a space 308 is defined therebetween the shoulder portion 302 and the first through fourth tabs 304A-304D. The space 308 may provide resilience to the first through fourth tabs 304A-304D that makes the first through fourth tabs 304A-304D flexible. Specifically, the space 308 may allow the first through fourth tabs 304A-304D to bend towards the shoulder portion 302, when the user rotates the knob 102. Each tab of the first through fourth tabs 304A-304D may include a ledge 310.
In some embodiments, length of the knob 102 may lie in a range between 30 mm and 50 mm. Preferably, the length of the knob 102 may be 40.50 mm.
In some embodiments, cross-sectional diameter of the shoulder portion 302 may lie in a range between 15 mm and 20 mm. Preferably, the cross-sectional diameter of the shoulder portion 302 may be 19.2 mm.
In some embodiments, length of each tab of the first through fourth tabs 304A-304D may lie in a range between 3 mm and 5 mm. Preferably, the length of each tab of the first through fourth tabs 304A-304D may be 4 mm.
In some embodiments, thickness of the ledge 310 may lie in a range between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the ledge 310 may be 1 mm.
FIG. 4 illustrates a front sectional view of the holder 104 of the sample collection device 100 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The holder 104 may include a collar 402 and a plurality of grip portions of which first through fourth grip portions 404A-404D are shown. Each grip portion of the plurality of grip portions 404A-404D may be arranged around the collar 402 such that a gap 406 is defined therebetween the first through fourth grip portions 404A-404D and the collar 402. The holder 104 may be received within the receiving cavity 306 of the knob 102. Specifically, the holder 104 may form a tight fit when received within the receiving cavity 306.
In some embodiments, length of the holder 104 may lie in a range between 8 mm and 10 mm. Preferably, the length of the holder 104 may be 9.5 mm.
In some embodiments, cross-sectional diameter of the holder 104 may lie in a range between 10 mm and 20 mm. Preferably, the cross-sectional diameter of the holder 104 may be 14 mm.
In some embodiments, cross-sectional diameter of the collar 402 may lie in a range between 3 mm and 6 mm. Preferably, the cross-sectional diameter of the collar 402 may be 3.6 mm.
In some embodiments, length of the collar 402 may lie in a range between 5 mm and 10 mm. Preferably, the length of the collar 402 may be 7 mm.
In some embodiments, length of each grip portion of the first through fourth grip portions 404A-404D may lie in a range between 3 mm and 6 mm. Preferably, the length of each grip portion of the first through fourth grip portions 404A-404D may be 3.8 mm.
FIG. 5 illustrates a front sectional view of the first shroud 106 of the sample collection device 100 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The first shroud 106 may include fifth and sixth ends 502 and 504 such that the first shroud 106 may extend from the fifth end 502 to the sixth end 504. Specifically, the first shroud 106 may exhibit a reduced diameter from the fifth end 502 to the sixth end 504. The first shroud 106 may further include an inner race 506. The inner race 506 may be disposed at the fifth end 502 such that the ledge 310 of the knob 102 may engage with the inner race 506. Specifically, the inner race 506 may facilitate the knob 102 to rotate with respect to the first shroud 106. While rotation of the knob 102, the ledge 310 may be guided within the inner race 506. The sixth end 504 may be a stepped portion such that a male portion 508 is defined thereof.
In some embodiments, length of the first shroud 106 may lie in a range between 50 mm and 60 mm. Preferably, the length of the first shroud 106 may be 54 mm.
In some embodiments, diameter of the fifth end 502 may lie in a range between 30 mm and 40 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the fifth end 502 may be 32.8 mm.
In some embodiments, diameter of the sixth end 504 may lie in a range between 20 mm and 30 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the sixth end 504 may be 22.5 mm.
In some embodiments, width of the inner race 506 may lie in a range between 1 mm and 2 mm. Preferably, the width of the inner race 506 may be 1.2 mm.
In some embodiments, length of the male portion 508 may lie in a range between 3 mm and 5 mm. Preferably, the length of the male portion 508 may be 4 mm.
FIG. 6 illustrates a front sectional view of the spiral cage 108 of the sample collection device 100 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The proximal end 118 of the spiral cage 108 may be abutted with the holder 104. The helical contour 602 may be disposed at the inner surface of the spiral cage 108. The spiral cage 108 may further include a plurality of ribs of which first through fourth ribs 604A-604D are shown. The first through fourth ribs 604A-604D may be disposed at the distal end 120 of the spiral cage 108. Specifically, the first through fourth ribs 604A-604D may be disposed at the outer surface of the spiral cage 108. The first through fourth ribs 604A-604D may engage with an inner surface of the first shroud 106. Specifically, the first through fourth ribs 604A-604D may be adapted to fixedly hold the spiral cage 108 within the first shroud 106 such that the spiral cage 108 does not rotate, upon rotation of the knob 102 and the holder 104. This way, the spiral cage 108 may remain fixed within the first shroud 106, upon rotation of the knob 102 and the holder 104.
In some embodiments, length of the spiral cage 108 may lie in a range between 35 mm and 45 mm. Preferably, the length of the spiral cage 108 may be 37.35 mm.
In some embodiments, length of each rib of the first through fourth ribs 604A-604D may lie in a range between 15 mm and 25 mm. Preferably, the length of each rib of the first through fourth ribs 604A-604D may be 20 mm.
In some embodiments, start angle of the helical contour 602 may be “0” degree.
In some embodiments, the helical contour 602 may be a double-sided helical contour.
In some embodiments, inner diameter of the proximal and distal ends 118 and 120 may be same. Specifically, the inner diameter of the proximal and distal ends 118 and 120 may lie in a range between 15 mm and 20 mm. Preferably, the inner diameter of the proximal and distal ends 118 and 120 may be 16.80 mm.
FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the piston guide casing 110 of the sample collection device 100 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The channel 702 of the piston guide casing 110 may extend from the first end 122 to the second end 124. To couple the piston guide casing 110 to the holder 104, the first end 122 may be inserted into the gap 406 of the holder 104. The first end 122 may be inserted into the gap 406 such that the piston guide casing 110 may be adapted to rotate, in response to rotation of the holder 104. The spiral cage 108 may surround the piston guide casing 110 such that the helical contour 602 overlaps with the channel 702 for a predefined portion (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “overlapped portion”). Specifically, each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132 may extend from the overlapped portion, which is maintained from the proximal end 118 to the distal end 120 (or from the first end 122 to the second end 124), while the user rotates the knob 102 in the first direction. The overlapped portion may be maintained from the distal end 120 to the proximal end 118, while the user rotates the knob 102 in the second direction.
In some embodiments, length of the piston guide casing 110 may lie in a range between 40 mm and 60 mm. Preferably, the length of the piston guide casing 110 may be 42.1 mm.
In some embodiments, length of the channel 702 may lie in a range between 25 mm and 35 mm. Preferably, the length of the channel 702 may be 29 mm.
In some embodiments, width of the channel 702 may lie in a range between 2 mm and 3 mm. Preferably, the width of the channel 702 may be 2.7 mm.
In some embodiments, cross-sectional diameter of the first and second ends 122 and 124 may be same. Specifically, the cross-sectional diameter of the first and second ends 122 and 124 may lie in a range between 10 mm and 15 mm. Preferably, the cross-sectional diameter of the first and second ends 122 and 124 may be 12.5 mm.
FIG. 8 illustrates a front sectional view of the second shroud 112 of the sample collection device 100 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein. The second shroud 112 may include seventh and eighth ends 802 and 804 and a guide flange 806. To couple the first shroud 106 to the second shroud 112, the male portion 508 may be received within the seventh end 802 such that the male portion 508 forms an interlock connection with the seventh end 802. The guide flange 806 may be disposed at the seventh end 802. Specifically, the guide flange 806 may be provided at an inner surface of the second shroud 112. The guide flange 806 may be adapted to guide the piston 114, when the piston 114 extends out and retracts within the second shroud 112. Specifically, the guide flange 806 may be adapted to guide the piston 114, upon rotation of the knob 102 in the first direction and in the second direction, respectively. The second shroud 112 may exhibit an increased diameter from the seventh end 802 to the eighth end 804.
In some embodiments, diameter of the seventh end 802 may lie in a range between 15 mm and 25 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the seventh end 802 may be 19.6 mm.
In some embodiments, diameter of the eighth end 802 may lie in a range between 20 mm and 30 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the eighth end 804 may be 26 mm.
In some embodiments, diameter of the guide flange 806 may lie in a range between 3 mm and 10 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the guide flange 806 may be one of 5.60 mm and 7.7 mm.
In some embodiments, length of the second shroud 112 may lie in a range between 45 mm and 65 mm. Preferably, the length of the second shroud 112 may be 51 mm.
In some embodiments, collective length of the first shroud 106 and the second shroud 112 may lie in a range between 70 mm and 150 mm. Preferably, the collective length of the first and second shrouds 106 and 112 may be 101 mm.
Referring back to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the spring 116 may be disposed within the piston head 130 and the guide flange 806. The spring 116 may be adapted to maintain adequate distance of the piston head 130 from the guide flange 806. Specifically, the spring 116 may be adapted to maintain position of the piston head 130 with respect to the guide flange 806. The spring 116 may further be adapted to facilitate free rotation of the piston 114. Specifically, when the piston head 130 reaches to the distal end 120, the spring 116 may facilitate free rotation of the piston 114, upon rotation of the knob 102 by the user. The term “free rotation” as used herein the context of the present disclosure refers to the rotation of the piston 114 without being extending out from the second shroud 112.
In some embodiments, cross-sectional diameter of the spring 116 may be in a range between 5 mm and 10 mm. Preferably, the cross-sectional diameter of the spring 116 may be 7 mm.
In some embodiments, length of the spring 116 may be in a range between 7 mm and 14 mm. Preferably, the length of the spring 116 may be 11 mm.
In some embodiments, number of coils of the spring 116 may lie in a range between 5 to 10. Preferably, the number of coils of the spring 116 may be 7.
FIG. 9 illustrates front view of the piston 114 of the sample collection device 100 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in accordance with an embodiment herein. In some embodiments, length of the piston 114 may lie in a range between 60 mm and 70 mm. Preferably, the length of the piston 114 may be 62 mm. In some embodiments, cross-sectional diameter of the piston head 130 may lie in a range between 10 mm and 18 mm. Preferably, the cross-sectional diameter of the piston head 130 may be 14.8 mm. In some embodiments, length of the piston head 130 may lie in a range between 5 mm and 8 mm. Preferably, the length of the piston head 130 may be 6.9 mm. In some embodiments, diameter of each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B may lie in a range between 2 milli-meter (mm) and 4 mm. Preferably, the diameter of each protrusion of the pair of protrusions 132A and 132B may be 2.3 mm.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover another dimensional range for various elements of the device 100 without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
Thus, the device 100 may provide following advantages that may be derived from the structural and functional aspects of the device 100: -
- The device 100 allows easy collection of the sample from the cervix of the user.
- The device 100 provides an acknowledgement to the user, upon complete rotation of the piston 114.
- The device 100 is easily carried by the user.
- The device 100 can be used at any personal space without embarrassing the user.
The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, configurations, or aspects may be combined in alternate aspects, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention the present disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate aspect of the present disclosure.
Moreover, though the description of the present disclosure has included description of one or more aspects, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. , Claims:1. A sample collection device (100) comprising:
a knob (102) that is adapted to rotate;
a holder (104) that is coupled to the knob (102) and adapted to rotate, in response to rotation of the knob (102);
a spiral cage (108) comprising:
a helical contour (602) that extends along a length of the spiral cage (108);
a piston guide casing (110) coupled to the holder (104) such that the spiral cage (108) surrounds the piston guide casing (110), wherein the piston guide casing (110) rotates, in response to rotation of the holder (104), the piston guide casing (110) comprising:
a channel (702) that extends along a length of the piston guide casing (110);
a piston (114) coupled to the piston guide casing (110) such that the piston (114) rotates, in response to rotation of the piston guide casing (110), the piston (114) comprising:
a piston head (130) having a pair of protrusions (132A and 132B) that are disposed on the piston head (130), wherein each protrusion of the pair of protrusions (132A and 132B) engages with the helical contour (602) and the channel (702) such that each protrusion of the pair of protrusions (132A and 132B), while rotation of the piston (114), follows the helical contour (602) and the channel (702).

2. The sample collection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piston (114) further comprising a third and fourth ends (126 and 128) such that the piston head (130) is disposed at the third end (126).

3. The sample collection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first shroud (106) that is coupled to the knob (102) such that the first shroud encloses the spiral cage (108).

4. The sample collection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second shroud (112) that is coupled to the first shroud (106), wherein the piston (114), upon rotation in a first direction extends out from the second shroud (112) and upon rotation in a second direction retracts within the second shroud (112).

5. The sample collection device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second shroud (112) further comprising a guide flange (806) such that the guide flange (806) guides the piston (114) when the piston (114) extends out from the second shroud (112) and when the piston (114) retracts within the second shroud (112).

6. The sample collection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spiral cage (108) further comprising a proximal end (118) and a distal end (120) such that the helical contour (602) extends from the proximal end (118) to the distal end (120) and the pair of protrusions (132A and 132B) of the piston (114) traverses from the proximal end (118) to the distal end (120) while the piston (114) extends out from the second shroud (112).

7. The sample collection device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pair of protrusions (132A and 132B) of the piston (114) traverses from the distal end (120) to the proximal end (118) while the piston (114) retracts within the second shroud (112).

8. The sample collection device (100) as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a spring (116) that is disposed within the piston head (130) and the guide flange (806) such that when the piston head (130) reaches to the distal end (120), the spring facilitates free rotation of the piston (114).

9. The sample collection device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the piston (114) further comprising a brush (132) that is disposed at the fourth end (128) and adapted to collect cervical sample of a user, when the piston (114) extends out from the second shroud (112).

10. The sample collection device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein when the pair of protrusions (132A and 132B) traverses from the proximal end (118) to the distal end (120), the piston (114) undergoes one complete rotation.

11. The sample collection device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the helical contour (602) is provided with a chamfered edge (202) at the distal end (120) such that upon every complete rotation of the piston (114), each protrusion of the pair of protrusions (132A and 132B) strikes to the chamfered edge (202) that produce a click sound.