Intravaginal catamenial device
OwnerBrian A. Fitzpatrick, Raymond J. Hull, Jr +1inventors
InventorsBRIAN A. FITZPATRICK, RAYMOND J. HULL, JR, PAUL J. SERBIAK
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Abstract
The present invention relates to an intravaginal catamenial device having a distensible member for sealingly engaging walls of a vagina. Inflating the distensible member provides immediate expansion after insertion into the vagina, thereby minimizing the potential for any by-pass leakage of bodily fluids. The device of the present invention employs a valve mechanism capable of two-way fluid communication that enables both inflation and deflation of the device. The distensible member may be of any shape that is useful for blocking and/or collecting bodily fluids.
Claims38
A catamenial device for insertion into a vaginal canal, having a wall, the device comprising:
- a) a distensible member to sealingly engage the wall of the vaginal canal upon inflation, having a cervix-facing side and an opposing side;
- b) a conduit for conducting fluid in fluid communication with the distensible member extending from the opposing side;
- and
- c) a valve capable of repeated two-way fluid communication coupled to the conduit.
The device of clam 14 wherein the absorbent material is selected from the group consisting of natural cellulosics, regenerated cellulosics, polyacrylates, grafted starch, grafted cellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol.
A catamenial device for insertion into a vaginal canal, having a wall, the device comprising:
- a) a distensible member to sealingly engage the wall of the vaginal canal upon inflation, having a cervix-facing side and an opposing side;
- b) a conduit for conducting fluid in fluid communication with the distensible member extending from the opposing side;
- c) a valve capable of repeated two-way fluid communication coupled to the conduit;
- and
- d) at least one reservoir proximal the cervix-facing side for collecting bodily fluids.
A method of managing bodily fluids during a period of menstruation, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a catamenial device for insertion into a vaginal canal, having a wall, the device comprising
- i) a distensible member to sealingly engage the wall of the vaginal canal upon inflation, having a cervix-facing side and an opposing side;
- ii) a conduit for conducting fluid in fluid communication with the distensible member extending from the opposing side;
- and
- iii) a valve capable of repeated two-way fluid communication coupled to the conduit;
- b) inserting the distensible member into the vaginal canal;
- c) inflating the distensible member sufficient to sealingly engage the wall of the vaginal canal;
- d) maintaining the catamenial device in the vaginal canal for preventing passage of the bodily fluids external the vagina for a duration of at least about 2 hours;
- e) manipulating the valve to an open position for deflating the distensible member to a reduced volume sufficient to drain the bodily fluids;
- and
- f) repeating steps (c) through (e) as needed during the menstrual period.
A method of managing bodily fluids during a period of menstruation, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a catamenial device for insertion into a vaginal canal, having a wall, the device comprising
- i) a distensible member to sealingly engage the wall of the vaginal canal upon inflation, having a cervix-facing side and an opposing side;
- ii) a conduit for conducting fluid in fluid communication with the distensible member extending from the opposing side;
- and
- iii) a valve capable of repeated two-way fluid communication coupled to the conduit;
- b) inserting the distensible member into the vaginal canal;
- c) inflating the distensible member sufficient to sealingly engage the wall of the vaginal canal;
- d) maintaining the catamenial device in the vaginal canal for preventing passage of the bodily fluids external the vagina for a duration of at least 2 hours;
- e) manipulating the valve to an open position for deflating the distensible member;
- and
- f) removing the catamenial device from the vaginal canal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.