US4077408A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Catamenial device employing polymeric constraining means
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-05-07
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Granted: 1978-03-07
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Expires: 1995-05-07
Abstract
Abstract A catamenial device such as a tampon which comprises a segment of a rapidly re-expandable hydrophilic polymeric foam held in compression to less than 50 percent of its original dry volume and a constraining means holding said segment in compression which is adapted to provide lubrication for insertion of said segment into an animal's body cavity and to thereafter rapidly disintegrate, wherein said constraining means comprises a capsule prepared from a water-soluble alkylene oxide polymer such as poly (ethylene oxide). The devices of the present invention exhibit surprising lubricity and shelf-life, and are economically prepared.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerome L. Murray
- 👤 Frances R. Gardiner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:19
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/20; A61F13/2051; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S604/00; Y10S604/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A catamenial device comprising: a segment of hydrophilic polymeric foam which is held in mechanical compression to less than 50 percent of its original dry volume said segment capable of re-expansion in the dry state; and an external, self-sustaining, water-soluble container within which said segment is placed subsequent to the imposition thereon of said mechanical compression, said container serving to substantially hold said segment in said compression therewithin, along the entire length of said segment, provides lubrication for insertion of said segment into an animal's body cavity and is adapted for rapid disintegration into said body cavity, wherein said water soluble container is prepared from a water soluble poly (alkalene oxide) polymer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A catamenial device comprising: a segment of hydrophilic polymeric foam which is held in mechanical compression to less than 50 percent of its original dry volume said segment capable of re-expansion in the dry state; and an external, self-sustaining, water-soluble container within which said segment is placed subsequent to the imposition thereon of said mechanical compression, said container serving to substantially hold said segment in said compression therewithin, along the entire length of said segment, provides lubrication for insertion of said segment into an animal's body cavity and is adapted for rapid disintegration into said body cavity, wherein said water soluble container is prepared from a water soluble poly (alkalene oxide) polymer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said compressed hydrophilic foam comprises a polyurethane foam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said compression ranges from about less than 25 percent to about less than 10 percent of said original dry volume.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said poly (alkylene oxide) polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly (ethylene oxide), poly (propylene oxide), poly (butylene oxide), homopolymers and copolymers thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 4 wherein said poly (alkylene oxide) comprises poly (ethylene oxide).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said container comprises a capsule open at one end.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 6 wherein said capsule includes a segment adjacent said open end of reduced diameter defining a shoulder about the periphery of said capsule intermediate its ends.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 7 further comprising removable insertion means axially communicating with said capsule to insert said segment into said body cavity.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 8 wherein said removable insertion means comprises at least one tube member and said capsule housing said segment is fitted within one end of said tube member with said shoulder abutting thereon.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said container comprises a capsule open at both ends.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 5 further comprising removable insertion means comprising telescopically received within said capsule at one end thereof, and wherein said received end of said tube member abuts said foam segment.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1 further including a withdrawal string affiexed to said segment to facilitate removal from said body cavity after use.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1 further containing an additive selected from the group consisting of deodorants, disinfectants, perfumes, emollients, medicaments, pigments, dyes and mixtures thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-03-06 | 1981-09-05 | 1982-03-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-03-06 | 1985-09-05 | 1986-03-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-03-06 | 1989-09-05 | 1990-03-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |