Mechanically actuated urethral plug assembly and method for controlling urinary incontinence

A plug assembly adapted to be inserted in the urethra for controlling urinary incontinence, comprising;

• a housing having a plurality of apertures therein,
• a member having a plurality of expandable segments, said member cooperating with said housing such that said segments project through said apertures when a force is applied to said member.

A method for controlling urinary incontinence comprising:

• a) providing a urethral plug assembly comprising a housing having apertures therein, and a solid element for mechanically expanding segments within said housing,
• b) inserting said plug assembly into the natural opening of the urethra, and
• c) exerting a force on said solid element for mechanically expanding said segments, so as to mechanically expand said segments through said apertures in said housing until the flow of urine is blocked.

A plug assembly for use in the urethra to control urinary incontinence comprising:

• a housing comprising a member having curved indentations on the periphery thereof to effect improved sealing of said housing with a wall of the urethra,
• a solid element for changing the shape of said member, means for reversing the changing of the shape of said member.

A plug assembly for use in the urethra to control urinary incontinence comprising:

• a housing adapted to be inserted into the natural opening of the urethra, including a meatal plate adapted to abut the urethral meatus, having a thickness sufficient to withstand compression by the urethra,
• a solid element for mechanically changing the shape of said housing,
• means for reversing the changing of the shape of said housing.

A plug assembly for use in the urethra to control urinary incontinence, comprising:

• a housing adapted to be inserted into the natural urethral opening of a wearer,
• a solid element for mechanically changing the shape of said housing, comprising a rod positioned within said housing and moveable within said housing to change the shape of said housing,
• means for reversing the changing of the shape of said housing.