Douche-protector.

Application filed August 22.1907. Serial No. 389.630.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Amy A. Van Orden, a citizen of the United States, resident of Galilee, in the county of Wayne and State of 5 Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in a Douche-Protector, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in 10 douche protectors, and particularly to that class in which liquids may be used, at' a relatively high temperature, for irrigating, cleansing or conveying medications, in connection with certain requirements.

The objects of my invention are to provide means whereby such douche baths may be accomplished, without discomfort or injury to the most sensitive surfaces, and which prevent soiling or wetting of the bather’s 20 apparel.

Another object is to provide such means in a form adapted to be used alone, or in,conjunction witli any kind of syringe, irrigator or speculum. And finally to provide such 25 means capable of being rendered aseptic and clean without difficulty, which occupy but little space when collapsed and wdiich may be manufactured at a small cost.

Having these objects and purposes in view, 30 I attain their accomplishment by certain novel combinations, and particular construction, of parts hereinafter clearly described and indicated in the drawings hereto annexed, and which form a portion of these 35 specifications.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1, is a perspective view of my invention, having a portion of the inner lining removed, exposing the interior. Fig. 2, is a cross section, taken 40 on a line indicated by a—a, of Fig. 1, and, Fig. 3, is a similar cross section, taken on a line indicated by b—b, of Fig. 1.

My invention consists of an open, tubular member 2, preferably made tapering, pro45 vided at the inner, or insertion end, with an enlarged rim or flange 2^Z, adapted to cause the protector to fit more securely when in use, and also having integrally united, at the larger, or outer end, the concave apron 3, the 50 edges of which are so formed as to present an open, trough shaped, continuation to the tubular member and from which an overflow or discharge may be conducted outwardly and away to a receiver.

The walls of the protector are made , double, as indicated at 4 and 5, of some flexible material, impervious to liquids, as rubber, and contain between them a layer of material 6, also flexible and a non-conductor of heat, as prepared asbestos, mica or mag- 60 nesia, so arranged and secured as to remain permanently in position between the walls or envelop of the protector.

In operation, the bather being in a recumbent position, the protector is inserted and 65 supplied with any desired liquids, through the extending trough shaped portions; from the position assumed, it will be understood that any excess fluid will flow from the lower portion of the trough and can be received in 70 any convenient manner, avoiding contact with the clothing; upon bending forward, or rising, the remainder of the liquid will flow outward in a similar manner.

As the surface of the exposed parts is pro- 75 tected by the heat insulation contained in the device, it is possible to use liquids, raised to a higher degree of temperature than could otherwise be borne, without serious pain and discomfort. 80

The protector being perfectly flexible and soft, may be used on the most sensitive surfaces without injury, and, obviously, will conform itself readily to the parts applied. It is also evident that other implements may be 85 inserted and freely used through the hollow protector, without any interference therefrom, and that any flow resulting will be provided for.

The construction of the protector is such 90 that it may be cleansed and rendered aseptic by immersion in boiling w’ater without detriment to it.