US3512528A - Expandable tampon - Google Patents

Expandable tampon Download PDF

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Publication number
US3512528A
US3512528A US641910A US3512528DA US3512528A US 3512528 A US3512528 A US 3512528A US 641910 A US641910 A US 641910A US 3512528D A US3512528D A US 3512528DA US 3512528 A US3512528 A US 3512528A
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United States
Prior art keywords
tampon
tube
absorbent
vaginal
gas
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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US641910A
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English (en)
Inventor
Howard A Whitehead
William J Mattes
Robert F Skora
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kimberly Clark Corp
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Kimberly Clark Corp
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Publication date
Application filed by Kimberly Clark Corp filed Critical Kimberly Clark Corp
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Publication of US3512528A publication Critical patent/US3512528A/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/20—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor
    • A61F13/2051—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the material or the structure of the inner absorbing core
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S604/00—Surgery
    • Y10S604/904—Tampons

Definitions

  • the tampon has a fluid-permeable outer surface, an inner sack, and a withdrawal string.
  • the leading end of the shell is closed.
  • the trailing end of the shell to which the withdrawal string is attached has a restricted aperture, into which there is inserted a removable till tube for introducing gas, liquid, or foam under suihcient pressure to inate the tampon after insertion.
  • the inner sack may be semi-permeable or impervious.
  • the tampon is inserted into the vaginal canal in collapsed condition and expanded in place to form a exible seal with the vaginal wall to prevent leakage of body iluids.
  • This invention relates to improvements in absorbent tampons. More particularly it relates to an absorbent catamenial tampon small enough in diameter and size to facilitate insertion, but which may be expanded diametrically immediately after insertion to provide a circumferential seal with the vaginal walls and prevent menstrual exudate from bypassing the tampon before its eective absorbent capacity is utilized.
  • a catamenial tampon should be small enough in size to facilitate insertion into, and removal from, the vaginal cavity. Yet it should be large enough in size to permit the tampon to be worn for an extended period of time during which it will hold and contain menstrual exudate without leakage. These anomalous requirements are difficult to reconcile.
  • tampons now in use generally are constructed from absorbent pads whose original size l would tend to iill the normal collapsed vaginal canal, but which must be compressed from their original size to a temporarily self-sustaining size several times smaller to facilitate insertion.
  • tampons now on the market are generally cylindrical in shape and of a size ice considerably smaller than the internal diameter of the vaginal cavity. These tampons are made of highly compressed absorbent material which has a natural resiliency, and which when wetted with fluid the tampon will tend to expand in an attempt to regain its initial uncompressed dimension. While these tampons generally have suilicient absorbent capacity to remain serviceable for one hour or more, the fact that they rely on absorbed body fluids to fully expand and seal the cavity prevents full use of that capacity, and also permits premature side leakage.
  • the absorbent tampons of this invention overcome the above disadvantages in that they can be immediately expanded after insertion to provide an occlusive seal, and that while an occlusive seal is formed at the perimeter of the tampon, the permeability of the absorbent media employed is such that no undesirable pressure builds up within the cavity.
  • the invention comprises a hollow shell of absorbent material having a fluid permeable outer surface and an inner wall which may be semi-permeable or impervious.
  • the anterior of the absorbent shell is closed and pret'- erably rounded.
  • the posterior of thevshell is provided with a restricted aperture, and has a withdrawal string attached thereto.
  • the withdrawal string may be arranged in the form of a draw-string to restrict the size of the posterior aperture.
  • the posterior aperture may also be encircled by an elastic thread or band for such restriction purposes.
  • the absorbent shell is collapsed or compressed to a small size preferably of cylindrical shape. This may be done by drawing the original full-size tampon through a funnel-like device, which may also be used to place the tampon into an insertion device.
  • a small tube-like member is inserted in the restricted posterior aperture to act as a -iill tube.
  • the fill tube may be a separate element or may be integral with an ination device of the types later described.
  • the compressed tampon is inserted in the vaginal cavity by a suitable insertion device such as a pair of telescoping tubes.
  • the tampon is re-expanded in position in the vaginal tract to the size desired by the user, up to its original dimensionBxpansion may be accomplished by introducing gas, liquid or foam through the ll tube.
  • the ll tube is then removed and the restricted posterior opening tends to close because of the expansion, which may be further assisted by an elastic thread as aforesaid.
  • the expanded tampon thus provides a positive seal for the vaginal cavity immediately after insertion. Furthermore, its absorbent construction permits the expanded tampon to be used for long periods of time without change.
  • Another object is to provide an expandable tampon with useful vabsorbent capacity.
  • Still another object is to provide an expandable tampon having internal expanding means which may be utilized to selectively expand the tampon after insertion.
  • An additional object is to provide various methods and means for expanding an absorbent tampon after insertion.
  • FIG. 1 is a stylized and enlarged sectional view of one embodiment of the tampon before insertion.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the FIG. 1 tampon after expansion and with the till tube removed.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an air syringe arrangement for inating the FIG. 1 tampon.
  • FIG. 4 is a view, partially in section, of another embodiment of the tampon containing gas generating means.
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an expandable tampon and a gas generating means disposed in an insertion device ready for use.
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the invention in which an expandable tampon is disposed in an insertion device along with a gas cartridge for inflation purposes.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a pressurized aerosol can modified with a metering valve and an integral ll tube for use with the expandable tampon.
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating still another embodiment of the invention in which an expandable tampon is disposed in an insertion device along with a single shot aerosol means for inflation purposes.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a stylized embodiment of a tampon made in accordance with the invention.
  • the tampon 10 comprises a hollow cylindrical body member of absorbent material 11 having a central cavity 9.
  • the sectional view shows the tampon in its collapsed condition which preferably takes the form of an elongated cylinder of a size to fit easily into the vaginal opening.
  • the absorbent material 11 making up the hollow body preferably is enclosed in a fluid permeable cover 12 and has a semi-permeable or impervious liner 13.
  • the walls of the absorbent material itself may form the cover and the liner, -or they may be separate elements.
  • the anterior end 14 of the collapsed tampon is closed and in its collapsed condition preferably is of a rounded configuration.
  • the posterior end 15 is provided with Ian aperture 16 of sufcient size to permit insertion of a hollow ll tube 17.
  • Fill tube 17 is used to conduct gas, liquid or foam material from deli-very means 18 into central cavity 9 to expand the tampon.
  • a withdrawal string 19 is also attached to posterior end 15, preferably encircling Iaperture 16 to help restrict its size.
  • An elastic thread may also be used to encircle opening 16 to cause the aperture to close more completely when ll tube 17 is withdrawn.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the tampon of FIG. 1 after it has been expanded and hollow ll tube 17 removed.
  • the absorbent material 11 has been expanded from its original collapsed condition until it substantially assumes its original dimension, that is, to the size it had been before being collapsed to suitable insertion size.
  • the absorbent body 11 is made of a material flexible enough so that when the tampon is expanded, the outer surface 12 will conform closely to the internal contours of the vaginal wall and seal against leakage by preventing fluid from bypassing the tampon. Even when aperture 16 is not completely closed after ll tube 17 is removed, and the induced pressure in central cavity 9 is thereby relieved by leakage through the aperture, it has been found that the tampon will substantially retain its expanded form and maintain a positive seal.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates how an air syringe 20 may be introduced into fill tube 17 to inflate the tampon after insertion.
  • a syringe having a capacity of 20 to 40 cc. is quite suitable for this purpose.
  • the tube and plunger of an ordinary hypodermic needle device of similar capacity may also be used for this purpose.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which cavity 9 of the tampon contains a non-toxic gasgenerating chemical mixture 21 which can be activated by the introduction of a suitable chemical through ll tube 17.
  • a suitable gas-generating chemical is a mixture of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate which may be activated to produce carbon dioxide gas by the introduction of a small quantity of water through lill tube 17.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates how the same gas-generating chemicals may be utilized in a separate gas-generating device suitable for dispostion within one of the telescoping applicator tubes used for insertion of the tampon.
  • tampon 10 is contained within the front section 22 of a conventional insertion device comprising a pair of telescoping tubes.
  • the tube used for the rear section 23 of the device contains a plastic vial having a front chamber 24 containing a citric 'acid-sodium bicarbonate mixture 21 and a rear chamber 25 containing water.
  • the gas-generating chemical mixture 21 is separated from the activating water by a breakable seal 26.
  • the front end of the vial 24 is connected to ller tube 17.
  • inserter tube 22 is inserted in the body cavity, pusher tube 23 is then used to slide tampon 10 into place. Seal 26 is then broken by finger pressure causing the water in rear chamber 25 to mix with the chemical mixture 21 to generate carbon dioxide gas and cause tampon 10 to expand in situ.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates another tube-type insertion arrangement in which a gas cartridge is used to inflate the tampon.
  • tampon 10 is pushed into position by tube 23.
  • Trigger 28, which is connected to valve 29 is then activated, releasing gas from gas cartridge 27, which passes through filler tube 17 to inflate the tampon in situ.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an aerosol can, ofthe type commonly used to generate a stable foam such as shaving cream, wherein a metering valve and a fill tube or the like has been added so that the can may be used with the expandable tampon of this invention.
  • Pressurized container 30 contains a mixture of a nontoxic foamable material 31 and an aerosol gas which generates a stable foam upon release.
  • Metering valve 32 is of a type which may be adjusted to release a predetermined volume of foam through .
  • a narrow nozzle 33 adapted to t within the previously described filler tube 17.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an insertion arrangement in which a small, one-shot pressurized aerosol container 40 contained within pusher tube 23 contains suilicient material to expand tampon 10 upon release.
  • the aerosol may be released by suitable means such as by pushing the cartridge against shoulder 41 to activate valves of a wellknown type after the tampon is in place.
  • the absorbent material should be conformable so that it Will expand readily while conforming to the internal dimensions of the vaginal tract to provide a good seal. It should also be porous so that it picks up and holds fluids readily, while preventing undesirable pressure build-up. Materials which are satisfactory for this purpose include liber batts made from cotton, wood pulp, rayon, and other synthetic as well as natural iibers; sponges, both natural and synthetic; absorbent powders such as guar gum, carboxymethylcellulose, tamarin powder etc., and various combinations of the above. Whatever material is chosen, it must, of course, be non-toxic and non-irritating.
  • the cover may be made of any material readily permeable to fluids. Open weave woven and non-woven fabrics are especially suitable. Other materials include non-woven webs and wet-strength paper of open formation.
  • the principal purpose of the cover, besides containing the absorbent material, is to limit the size to which the tampon can be expanded.
  • the cover also serves as a reinforced base material for positive attachment of the withdrawal string.
  • the cover may also be an integral part of the absorbent component.
  • the inner liner is that portion of the tampon which when inflated, forces the tampon to expand. It therefore must be able to retain most of the inilating medium at least temporarily during the inflation period, so that the tampon will expand as desired.
  • gas or air it is preferred that the liner be impervious.
  • a suitable material for this latter purpose is a thin plastic or rubber film.
  • the liner may be permeable or semi-permeable since the expansion forces comes from the foam structure. In the latter case, a permeable liner is useful in that it accelerates the eventual collapse of the foam, which collapse is desirable when the time comes for the expanded tampon to be removed.
  • the inner wall of the absorbent material may in itself serve as a permeable liner.
  • the fill tube is preferably a plastic tube of small dimension. It may also be an integral part of the inflation device. It is removed after inflation, and when removed leaves only a small aperture which permits the gas in the inflation medium to escape over a short period of time. If a longer period is desired, the aperture can be surrounded by an elastic band or thread which contracts after the fill tube is removed, to more fully restrict the size of the aperture.
  • an aerosol foam is presently preferred because the foam can be formulated to break or collapse over a predetermined period of time.
  • the ingredients should be non-toxic and nonirritating.
  • a non-toxic gas such as air or carbon dioxide is also a good choice.
  • the use of a foam is advantageous in that it eliminates the need for a rubber or plastic liner.
  • An expandable absorbent tampon device comprising a hollow shell of porous absorbent conformable material of appreciable wall thickness collapsed to a size suitable for easy insertion into a body cavity; the main body of said shell comprising fluid permeable absorbent material capable of maintaining an expanded conformed condition; the anterior portion of said main body being closed and the posterior portion of said main body having a restricted aperture disposed therein through which expansion media may be introduced into said shell and through which portions of said expansion media may escape after expansion; and a withdrawal string attached to said posterior portion.
  • porous absorbent conformable material is selected from the group consisting of absorbent liber batts of natural or synthetic fibers; absorbent natural or synthetic sponge; absorbent powders; and combinations thereof.
  • said impervious liner is a thin film selected from the group consisting of plastic and rubber.
  • said inllating means is a capsule containing an activatable gas-generating composition.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
US641910A 1967-05-29 1967-05-29 Expandable tampon Expired - Lifetime US3512528A (en)

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US64191067A 1967-05-29 1967-05-29

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Cited By (38)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4271835A (en) * 1978-05-17 1981-06-09 Kcdp Corporation Fluid-expansible contraceptive tampon and applicator
US4311146A (en) * 1980-05-08 1982-01-19 Sorenson Research Co., Inc. Detachable balloon catheter apparatus and method
WO1982002489A1 (en) * 1981-01-23 1982-08-05 Corp Kcdp Fluid expansible contraceptive tampon and applicator
WO1982004185A1 (en) * 1981-05-29 1982-12-09 Corp Kcdp Fluid-expansible contraceptive tampon and applicator
US4381771A (en) * 1980-07-31 1983-05-03 Kedma, Incorporated Female contraceptive
US4395806A (en) * 1980-05-08 1983-08-02 Sorenson Research Co., Inc. Method of manufacturing a detachable balloon catheter assembly
US4553965A (en) * 1978-05-17 1985-11-19 Shepard Conn Fluid-expansible contraceptive tampon and applicator
USRE32348E (en) * 1976-04-29 1987-02-10 Miniature balloon catheter method and apparatus
WO1988000064A1 (en) * 1986-07-03 1988-01-14 Habley Medical Technology Corporation Hypodermically implantable genitourinary prosthesis
US4805604A (en) * 1987-06-15 1989-02-21 Spery Nanette S Receptive condom
US5433219A (en) * 1992-09-23 1995-07-18 Spery; Nanette S. Receptive condom assembly
US5439457A (en) * 1990-07-24 1995-08-08 Yoon; Inbae Multifunctional devices for use in endoscopic surgical procedures and methods therefor
US5514091A (en) * 1988-07-22 1996-05-07 Yoon; Inbae Expandable multifunctional manipulating instruments for various medical procedures
US5582604A (en) * 1994-05-31 1996-12-10 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having a pump and an inflatable component
US5623946A (en) * 1987-06-05 1997-04-29 Chartex International Plc. Tubular protective device for protection against transfer of infectious matter during sexual intercourse
US5800394A (en) * 1988-07-22 1998-09-01 Yoon; Inbae Method of creating an operating space endoscopically at an obstructed site
US5997520A (en) * 1993-06-23 1999-12-07 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable or inflatable components
WO2000006070A1 (en) 1998-07-29 2000-02-10 The Procter & Gamble Company Tampon with flexible panels
US6059734A (en) * 1995-01-06 2000-05-09 Yoon; Inbae Methods of collecting tissue at obstructed anatomical sites
US6423045B1 (en) 2000-01-11 2002-07-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable garment having an expandable component
US6428522B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2002-08-06 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Absorbent article with body-conforming bladder having peristaltic elements
US6458110B1 (en) 2000-01-11 2002-10-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having an expandable component
US6524292B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2003-02-25 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Three dimensional body-conforming bladder for an absorbent article
US6610038B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2003-08-26 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Body-conforming bladder insert for an absorbent article with a body-fitting mechanism
US6666850B1 (en) 1993-06-23 2003-12-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable components
US6695828B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2004-02-24 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Method for enhancing fluid intake and distribution of an absorbent article
US20050096619A1 (en) * 2003-10-31 2005-05-05 Rogerio Costa Hygienic tampon and an absorbent body used in the formation of a tampon
US20050187507A1 (en) * 2004-01-08 2005-08-25 Reed Andre' L. Method and apparatus for removal of menses, reduction of menses interference during coitus, and enhancement of sexual pleasure
US20050228349A1 (en) * 2004-04-13 2005-10-13 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Toilet training article containing a foaming agent
US20050256511A1 (en) * 2004-05-14 2005-11-17 Chase David J Intravaginal device with fluid transport plates
US20080065229A1 (en) * 2006-09-12 2008-03-13 Adams Jason P Inflatable hernia patch
US20080255495A1 (en) * 2004-05-14 2008-10-16 Chase David J Tampon with flexible panels
US20090260205A1 (en) * 2004-05-14 2009-10-22 Johnson & Johnson Consumer Company, Inc. Methods of Packaging Intravaginal Device
US20100069866A1 (en) * 2004-05-14 2010-03-18 Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. Intravaginal Device with Fluid Transport Plates And Methods of Making
US20100168645A1 (en) * 2004-05-14 2010-07-01 Curt Binner Intravaginal device with fluid transport plates
US8535285B2 (en) 2004-05-14 2013-09-17 Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. Method of using an intravaginal device with fluid transport plates
US9035124B2 (en) 2004-05-14 2015-05-19 Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. Fluid management device with fluid transport element for use within a body
US20230233361A1 (en) * 2020-05-06 2023-07-27 Stichting Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum Vaginal device for prolapse treatment

Citations (4)

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DE487808C (de) * 1929-12-16 Wilhelm Leonhardt Dr Ballpessar
US3049125A (en) * 1960-03-28 1962-08-14 Kriwkowitsch George Nose packing device
US3102540A (en) * 1962-06-19 1963-09-03 Itzhak E Bentov Means for administering medicine
US3157180A (en) * 1962-04-03 1964-11-17 Maurice I Bakunin Catamenial receptacle

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE487808C (de) * 1929-12-16 Wilhelm Leonhardt Dr Ballpessar
US3049125A (en) * 1960-03-28 1962-08-14 Kriwkowitsch George Nose packing device
US3157180A (en) * 1962-04-03 1964-11-17 Maurice I Bakunin Catamenial receptacle
US3102540A (en) * 1962-06-19 1963-09-03 Itzhak E Bentov Means for administering medicine

Cited By (65)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USRE32348E (en) * 1976-04-29 1987-02-10 Miniature balloon catheter method and apparatus
US4271835A (en) * 1978-05-17 1981-06-09 Kcdp Corporation Fluid-expansible contraceptive tampon and applicator
US4424054A (en) 1978-05-17 1984-01-03 Kcdp Corporation Fluid-expansible contraceptive tampon and applicator
US4553965A (en) * 1978-05-17 1985-11-19 Shepard Conn Fluid-expansible contraceptive tampon and applicator
US4311146A (en) * 1980-05-08 1982-01-19 Sorenson Research Co., Inc. Detachable balloon catheter apparatus and method
US4395806A (en) * 1980-05-08 1983-08-02 Sorenson Research Co., Inc. Method of manufacturing a detachable balloon catheter assembly
US4381771A (en) * 1980-07-31 1983-05-03 Kedma, Incorporated Female contraceptive
WO1982002489A1 (en) * 1981-01-23 1982-08-05 Corp Kcdp Fluid expansible contraceptive tampon and applicator
WO1982004185A1 (en) * 1981-05-29 1982-12-09 Corp Kcdp Fluid-expansible contraceptive tampon and applicator
WO1988000064A1 (en) * 1986-07-03 1988-01-14 Habley Medical Technology Corporation Hypodermically implantable genitourinary prosthesis
US4773393A (en) * 1986-07-03 1988-09-27 C. R. Bard, Inc. Hypodermically implantable genitourinary prosthesis
US5623946A (en) * 1987-06-05 1997-04-29 Chartex International Plc. Tubular protective device for protection against transfer of infectious matter during sexual intercourse
US4805604A (en) * 1987-06-15 1989-02-21 Spery Nanette S Receptive condom
US6146401A (en) * 1988-07-22 2000-11-14 Yoon; Inbae Expandable multifunctional instruments for creating spaces at obstructed sites endoscopically
US6120437A (en) * 1988-07-22 2000-09-19 Inbae Yoon Methods for creating spaces at obstructed sites endoscopically and methods therefor
US5823947A (en) * 1988-07-22 1998-10-20 Yoon; Inbae Method of creating an operating space endoscopically at an obstructed site
US5865802A (en) * 1988-07-22 1999-02-02 Yoon; Inbae Expandable multifunctional instruments for creating spaces at obstructed sites endoscopically
US5514091A (en) * 1988-07-22 1996-05-07 Yoon; Inbae Expandable multifunctional manipulating instruments for various medical procedures
US5656013A (en) * 1988-07-22 1997-08-12 Yoon; Inbae Method of using an expandable multifunctional manipulating instrument for various medical procedures
US5730725A (en) * 1988-07-22 1998-03-24 Yoon; Inbae Expandable multifunctional manipulating instruments for various medical procedures and methods therefor
US5800394A (en) * 1988-07-22 1998-09-01 Yoon; Inbae Method of creating an operating space endoscopically at an obstructed site
US5439457A (en) * 1990-07-24 1995-08-08 Yoon; Inbae Multifunctional devices for use in endoscopic surgical procedures and methods therefor
US6277089B1 (en) 1990-07-24 2001-08-21 Inbae Yoon Method for ablating portions of the uterus
US6602218B2 (en) 1990-07-24 2003-08-05 Inbae Yoon Apparatus for ablation of the endometrium of the uterus
US5433219A (en) * 1992-09-23 1995-07-18 Spery; Nanette S. Receptive condom assembly
US5997520A (en) * 1993-06-23 1999-12-07 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable or inflatable components
US6180847B1 (en) 1993-06-23 2001-01-30 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable or inflatable components
US6666850B1 (en) 1993-06-23 2003-12-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable components
US5643241A (en) * 1994-05-31 1997-07-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having a pump and an inflatable component
US5582604A (en) * 1994-05-31 1996-12-10 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having a pump and an inflatable component
US6059734A (en) * 1995-01-06 2000-05-09 Yoon; Inbae Methods of collecting tissue at obstructed anatomical sites
WO2000006070A1 (en) 1998-07-29 2000-02-10 The Procter & Gamble Company Tampon with flexible panels
US6524292B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2003-02-25 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Three dimensional body-conforming bladder for an absorbent article
US6428522B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2002-08-06 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Absorbent article with body-conforming bladder having peristaltic elements
US6610038B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2003-08-26 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Body-conforming bladder insert for an absorbent article with a body-fitting mechanism
US6695828B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2004-02-24 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Method for enhancing fluid intake and distribution of an absorbent article
US6423045B1 (en) 2000-01-11 2002-07-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable garment having an expandable component
US6458110B1 (en) 2000-01-11 2002-10-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable article having an expandable component
US20050096619A1 (en) * 2003-10-31 2005-05-05 Rogerio Costa Hygienic tampon and an absorbent body used in the formation of a tampon
US20050187507A1 (en) * 2004-01-08 2005-08-25 Reed Andre' L. Method and apparatus for removal of menses, reduction of menses interference during coitus, and enhancement of sexual pleasure
US7002055B2 (en) * 2004-04-13 2006-02-21 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Toilet training article containing a foaming agent
US20050228349A1 (en) * 2004-04-13 2005-10-13 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Toilet training article containing a foaming agent
US20100069866A1 (en) * 2004-05-14 2010-03-18 Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. Intravaginal Device with Fluid Transport Plates And Methods of Making
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