Incontinence insert device and method of using same
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsMaryAnn Zunker, Herb F. Velazquez
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An incontinence insert device and a method for placing an incontinence insert within a vagina. The device includes an expandable insert and a single piece applicator. The applicator assists in the proper placement of the insert into the vagina. Once inside the vagina, the insert expands to its expanded position, providing support to the urinary tract and thereby decreasing the tendency for the involuntary escape of urine.
Claims22
A device for reducing the occurrence of female incontinence, comprising:
- a. an expandable insert adapted to be placed in a vagina to at least partially reduce incontinence, said insert having a first end portion and a second end portion:
- b. a withdrawal member attached to at least one of said first end portion and said second end portion of said insert, said withdrawal member including a stopping member;
- c. a single piece applicator having
- i. a leading end portion having a first end engaging the incontinence insert and a second end, the leading end portion being substantially conical with a cross-section of the first end being greater than a cross-section of the second end, and
- ii. a trailing end portion adapted to releasably secure said stopping member against movement in a least one direction.
A device for reducing the occurrence of female incontinence, comprising:
- a. an expandable insert adapted to be placed in a vagina to at least to at least partially reduce incontinence, said insert having an expanded position and a contracted position;
- and
- b. a single piece applicator having a trailing end portion and a leading end portion, with a first end engaging said insert while said insert is in its contracted position and a second end, said leading end portion being substantially conical with a cross-section of the first end being greater than a cross-section of the second end.
A method of using an incontinence insert within a vagina, comprising:
- a. inserting an incontinence device into a vagina, said device including
- (i) an expandable insert adapted to at least partially reduce incontinence, said insert having a first end portion and a second end portion;
- (ii) a withdrawal member attached to at least one of said first end portion and said second end portion of said incontinence insert, said withdrawal member including a stopping member;
- and
- (iii) a single piece applicator having a leading end portion and a trailing end portion, said leading end portion having a first end engaging said insert and a second end, said leading end portion being substantially conical with a cross-section of said first end being greater than a cross-section of said second end, and said trailing end portion adapted to releasably secure said stopping member against movement in at least one direction;
- b. releasing said insert from said single piece applicator;
- and
- c. withdrawing said single piece from the vagina.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.