Intravaginal article measuring device

• US 7,799,005 B2
• Filed: 11/30/2006
• Issued: 09/21/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Original Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Inventors: O'Reilly, Marie Brigid, Jett, Mary Alison, Noel, John Richard, Norcom, John David, Daniels, Jacqueline Ann, Caracci, David Joseph
• Primary Examiner(s): KIDWELL, MICHELE M
• Application Number:
  US11/606,830
• Publication Number:
  US 20080132807A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,391 Days
• Field of Search: 604/385.17, 604/385.18, 604/904
• US Class Current: 604/385.18
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/2051 characterised by the material or the structure of the inner absorbing core
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/26 Means for inserting tampons , i.e. applicators
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/34 Means for withdrawing tampons , e.g. withdrawal strings
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/8497 having decorations or indicia means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 604/904 Tampons

Abstract

A method is provided for measuring the insertion distance of an intravaginal article within a human vaginal cavity. The method uses a measuring device, which can be slidably attached to a withdrawal means of a vaginally inserted intravaginal article. The measuring device may be moved along the withdrawal means to a predetermined position, and then fixedly secured to the withdrawal means. The intravaginal article is then removed from the vaginal cavity and the insertion distance determined.

Claims

1. A method for determining the insertion distance of a tampon within a vaginal cavity comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a tampon wherein said tampon includes a withdrawal end and a withdrawal means;

(b) inserting said tampon into a vaginal cavity;

(c) providing a measuring device having an attachment section;

(d) slidably attaching said attachment section of said measuring device to said withdrawal means by contacting said attachment section with said withdrawal means;

(e) fixedly securing said measuring device to said withdrawal means;

(f) removing said tampon from said vaginal cavity;

(g) measuring insertion distance between a portion of said tampon and a portion of said measuring device.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said measuring device is moved along said withdrawal means after being slidably attached to said withdrawal means.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein a fastener is used to fixedly secure said measuring device to said withdrawal means.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the measuring device is detached from the withdrawal means by using an evacuation rod to move the fastener.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said measuring device is fixedly secured to said withdrawal means at the vaginal opening or outer portion of the labia.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the measuring of the insertion distance is between said withdrawal end of said tampon and the surface of said measuring device closest to said withdrawal end of said tampon.

7. A method for controlling the insertion distance of a tampon within a vaginal cavity comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a tampon wherein said tampon includes a withdrawal means;

(b) providing a measuring device having an attachment section;

(c) slidably attaching said attachment section of said measuring device to said withdrawal means by contacting said attachment section with said withdrawal means;

(d) fixedly securing said measuring device to said withdrawal means;

(e) inserting said tampon into a vaginal cavity;

(f) detaching said measuring device from said withdrawal means.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein said withdrawal means of said tampon includes at least one indicator.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said measuring device is positioned to at least one indicator on said withdrawal means of said tampon.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein a fastener is used to fixedly secure said measuring device to said withdrawal means.

11. A tampon comprising:

an absorbent member having a withdrawal end; and

a withdrawal means attached to said absorbent member and extending beyond at least said withdrawal end, wherein a measuring device comprising an attachment section is slidably attached to said withdrawal means by said attachment section and can be fixedly secured to said withdrawal means.

12. The tampon of claim 11 wherein said measuring device is comprised of a substantially non-absorbent material that is at least one of wood, glass, metal, plastic, or combinations thereof.

13. The tampon of claim 11 wherein said measuring device includes at least one of a longitudinal passage, a fastener, an attachment section or combinations thereof.

14. The tampon of claim 13 wherein said longitudinal passage comprises two or more sections differentiated by diameter.

15. The tampon of claim 13 wherein a protective ring fits around said fastener.

16. The tampon of claim 11 wherein said withdrawal means includes at least one indicator.

17. The tampon of claim 16 wherein said indicator is at least one of a hash mark, picture, letter, number, color, symbol, or combinations thereof.