Intravaginal device with fluid transport plates and methods of making

Abstract

An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element. The fluid transport element may substantially envelop the fluid storage element, and it may be attached to the withdrawal end of the fluid storage element, on at least one longitudinal side of the fluid storage element, to itself proximate the withdrawal end of the fluid storage element, and/or to the withdrawal string.

1 . A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body, the device comprising at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit to a fluid storage element in fluid communication therewith; wherein the fluid transport element comprises at least a sheet-like first plate having an outwardly oriented surface and an inwardly oriented surface, and a distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the fluid transport element comprises an apertured film. 
     
     
         3 . An intravaginal device comprising:
 a. a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis, an insertion end, and a withdrawal end; and   b. at least one fluid transport element being in fluid communication with the fluid storage element, the at least one fluid transport element comprising:
 i. a first plate having an outwardly oriented surface and an inwardly oriented surface; 
 ii. a second plate coupled to the first plate; that has a first surface disposed and maintained in facing relationship with the inwardly oriented surface of the first plate and an opposite surface; and that is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action; 
   
       wherein at least one of the first and second plates comprises an apertured film, and the at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element, and the fluid transport element is attached to the withdrawal end of the fluid storage element. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the fluid transport element is attached to the base of the fluid storage element. 
     
     
         5 . An intravaginal device comprising:
 a. a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis, an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and at least one longitudinal side between the insertion and withdrawal ends; and   b. at least one fluid transport element being in fluid communication with the fluid storage element, the at least one fluid transport element comprising:
 i. a first plate having an outwardly oriented surface and an inwardly oriented surface; 
 ii. a second plate coupled to the first plate; that has a first surface disposed and maintained in facing relationship with the inwardly oriented surface of the first plate and an opposite surface; and that is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action; and 
   
       wherein at least one of the first and second plates comprises an apertured film, and the at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element, and the fluid transport element is attached on at least one longitudinal side of the fluid storage element. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the fluid transport element is attached at the withdrawal end of the fluid storage element. 
     
     
         7 . An intravaginal device comprising:
 a. a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis, an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and at least one longitudinal side between the insertion and withdrawal ends; and   b. at least one fluid transport element being in fluid communication with the fluid storage element, the at least one fluid transport element comprising:
 i. a first plate having an outwardly oriented surface and an inwardly oriented surface; 
 ii. a second plate coupled to the first plate; that has a first surface disposed and maintained in facing relationship with the inwardly oriented surface of the first plate and an opposite surface; and that is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action; and 
   
       wherein at least one of the first and second plates comprises an apertured film, and the at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element, and fluid transport element is attached to itself proximate the withdrawal end of the fluid storage element. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the fluid transport element is attached at the withdrawal end of the fluid storage element. 
     
     
         9 . An intravaginal device comprising:
 a. a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis, an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and at least one longitudinal side between the insertion and withdrawal ends; and   b. at least one fluid transport element being in fluid communication with the fluid storage element, the at least one fluid transport element comprising:
 i. a first plate having an outwardly oriented surface and an inwardly oriented surface; 
 ii. a second plate coupled to the first plate; that has a first surface disposed and maintained in facing relationship with the inwardly oriented surface of the first plate and an opposite surface; and that is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action; and 
   
       wherein at least one of the first and second plates comprises an apertured film, and the at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element, and wherein the fluid transport element is attached to the withdrawal string to substantially envelop the fluid storage element. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the fluid transport element is attached at the withdrawal end of the fluid storage element.