The exact birth date of Leona Chalmers is difficult to pinpoint definitively, with conflicting information available. However, based on available records and patent application dates, it is highly probable she was born in the early years of the 20th century. Details about her early life, family background, and education remain largely undocumented.

Chalmers reportedly began working on early prototypes of a menstrual cup during the 1930s. While specifics of her initial experiments are scarce, it's believed she was driven by a desire to find a more comfortable and convenient solution for menstrual hygiene compared to the bulky and often uncomfortable options available at the time.

Leona Chalmers formally submitted her patent application for a 'Catamenial Appliance.' This marked a crucial step in solidifying her innovation and securing her rights to the design. The patent application showcased her unique cup design, emphasizing its reusability, comfort, and practicality.

The official publication of US patent US2089113A detailing her catamenial appliance. This made the design available to the public and officially secured Chalmers' intellectual property. The patent describes a rubber cup designed to be inserted vaginally to collect menstrual flow, an alternative to pads or tampons.

Following the patent approval, Chalmers actively tried to commercialize her menstrual cup. This period likely involved challenges in manufacturing, marketing, and convincing women to adopt a novel product for managing menstruation. The social stigmas surrounding menstruation at the time presented a significant hurdle.

The onset of World War II significantly impacted Chalmers' business prospects. The war effort prioritized resources like rubber and latex for military use, making it extremely difficult to secure the necessary materials for manufacturing menstrual cups at scale. This likely hindered her initial commercialization efforts.

Despite the earlier setbacks, it is believed that Leona Chalmers persisted in promoting her menstrual cup after the war. As societal attitudes slowly began to shift towards more open discussions about women's health, interest in reusable menstrual products may have experienced a slight resurgence.

Details about Leona Chalmers' later life, including her death date and place, remain largely undocumented. However, her contribution to the field of feminine hygiene cannot be overstated. While her initial attempts at commercialization faced challenges, her invention paved the way for the widespread adoption of menstrual cups in the 21st century, promoting sustainable and empowering menstrual health practices. Her work inspires modern innovation in feminine hygiene products.