U.S. patent application number 09/746910 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-27 for absorption of light bodily discharges.
Invention is credited to Bennett, Joseph H..
Application Number | 20020082580 09/746910 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25002875 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020082580 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bennett, Joseph H. |
June 27, 2002 |
Absorption of light bodily discharges
Abstract
A sanitary device for the absorption of light anal and
vaginal/urethral discharges and a method for its use and disposal.
The device includes a towelette and an attached string. The
towelette is a thin, soft, dry, flexible sheet of absorbent paper
material permeable to gas, absorbent of small amounts of moisture,
and folded lengthwise into a pair of wings. The string is also soft
and flexible and has ends attached to the towelette inside the
wings and providing a relatively short outwardly extending loop.
For anal use, the device is inserted between the buttocks and
pinched and held by the sphincter muscle at the exit of the anal
canal. For vaginal/urethral use, the device is inserted and
frictionally held between the labial folds at the exit of the
vagina. In either use, the loop of the string extends outwardly
from the body and is accessible for convenient grasp by the wearer.
The method involves grasping the towelette in one hand of the user
and, with certain of the user's fingers inside the wings, pushing
the towelette into the above-described anal or vaginal/urethral
position, while minimizing direct hand-contact with these body
regions. When neatly tucked into position, the device covers the
anal or vaginal/urethral orifice with the wings flat against each
other and in a position to intercept and filter light bodily
discharges. The thin device is thus undetectable to most users and,
when spent, is easily removed by grasping and pulling on the string
and disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.
Inventors: |
Bennett, Joseph H.;
(Ventura, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Leo F. Costello
Attorney at Law
PO Box 930
San Luis Obispo
CA
93406-0930
US
|
Family ID: |
25002875 |
Appl. No.: |
09/746910 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/385.18 ;
604/904 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/47209 20130101;
A61F 13/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/385.18 ;
604/904 |
International
Class: |
A61F 013/15 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sanitary device adapted to be removably fitted over an orifice
of the human body to intercept and absorb light discharges from
such orifice, comprising: a thin flexible towelette that is
absorbent of light amounts of human bodily discharge, the towelette
having opposite first and second end edges, opposite side edges,
upper and lower surfaces, and being foldable along a longitudinally
extending fold extending from the first end edge to the second end
edge thereby dividing the towelette into a pair of wings extending
away from the fold, the wings having opposed inwardly directed
faces and outwardly directed faces, the towelette being adapted to
be fitted over such an orifice with the fold directed toward the
orifice, with the orifice located generally midway between the
first and second end edges, and with the outwardly directed faces
of the wings being engaged by the body parts adjacent to the
orifice; and an elongated flexible loop having a pair of ends
secured to the towelette, projecting outwardly from the first end
edge and being adapted to project outside the user's body when the
towelette is positioned against such an orifice of the body, the
towelette having sufficient tensile strength and the string
towelette attachments being sufficiently secure to resist tearing
or breaking while being pulled by the loop from its position in the
user's body even when partially moistened by light bodily
discharge.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the towelette is less than one
millimeter in thickness.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the towelette is made of soft
paper.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the loop is made of string.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the ends of the loop are
adhesively secured to the inwardly directed faces of the wings.
6. A sanitary device adapted to be removably fitted in the anal
sphincter or between the labial folds of the human torso for
absorbing light amounts of moist bodily discharge, comprising: an
elongated thin flexible dry rectangular paper towelette that is
permeable to gas and absorbent of small amounts of light discharged
matter, the towelette having opposite first and second end edges,
opposite side edges, a smooth upper surface, a rougher lower
surface, and being foldable along a longitudinally extending fold
extending from the first end edge to the second end edge midway
between the side edges and dividing the towelette into a pair of
wings of substantially equal length and width, the wings having
opposed inwardly facing lower faces and outwardly directed upper
faces, the thickness of the towelette when folded being less than
the transverse dimension of the anal sphincter when open and less
than the transverse dimension between the labial folds when they
are opened; and an elongated flexible string having a pair of ends
secured in spaced relation to the lower faces of the wings
respectively adjacent to the intersection of the rear end edge with
the side edges and also having an endless loop extending rearwardly
from the rear end edge, the towelette having sufficient tensile
strength and the string towelette attachments being sufficiently
secure to resist tearing or breaking while being pulled by the loop
from its position in the user's body even when partially moistened
by light bodily discharge.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the towelette is less than one
millimeter in thickness when the wings are folded against each
other.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein the towelette is about four
inches long by about two inches wide.
9. The device of claim 6, wherein the string is attached to the
towelette by non-toxic glue.
10. The device of claim 5, wherein the string is made of
poly/cotton.
11. A method of inserting and removing a sanitary device to and
from body tissue adjacent to a body orifice from which discharge
may occur, the device including a thin flexible towelette that is
absorbent of light bodily discharge, the towelette having opposite
first and second end edges, opposite side edges, upper and lower
surfaces, and a flexible string secured to and projecting outwardly
from the first end edge, comprising the steps of: folding the
towelette along a fold area extending from the first end edge to
the second end edge thereby dividing the towelette into a pair of
wings extending away from the fold area, the wings having opposed
inwardly directed faces with an acute angle therebetween and
outwardly directed faces, inserting one or more fingers between the
wings and into contact with the fold area, pushing the towelette
with said one or more fingers between such body tissue and into
covering contact with a body orifice with the fold area directed
toward the orifice, with the orifice located intermediate the end
edges, with the outwardly directed upper faces against the body,
and with the string projecting outside the body, and allowing the
body tissue to engage the wings of the towelette.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the orifice is the anal
orifice, wherein the anal sphincter is opened, and wherein the
towelette is pushed into the open anal sphincter and is pinched by
the sphincter when the anal sphincter closes.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the string has a pair of ends
secured to the wings and a loop, and wherein the loop extends
outside the body.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the loop projects rearwardly
from the body.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the orifice is the
vaginal/urethral orifice, wherein the labial folds are opened, and
wherein the towelette is pushed between the opened labial folds and
is frictionally grasped by the labial folds when the folds are
allowed to close.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the string has a pair of ends
secured to the wings and a loop, and wherein the loop extends
outside the body.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the loop projects forwardly
from the body.
18. The device of claim 11, including the further step of: pulling
downwardly on the string to remove the towelette from its position
in the body.
19. A method of using a sanitary device to intercept and absorb
light body discharges from the anus or the vagina/urethra, the
device including an elongated, flexible, dry, rectangular paper
towelette that is permeable to gas and absorbent of absorbing light
body discharges, the towelette having a thickness of less than
about one millimeter, opposite first and second end edges, opposite
side edges, a smooth upper surface, a rougher lower surface, and a
longitudinally extending fold extending from the first end edge to
the second end edge midway between the side edges thereby dividing
the towelette into a pair of uniformly sized wings extending away
from the fold, the wings having opposed inwardly directed lower
faces with an acute angle therebetween and outwardly directed
smooth upper faces, and an elongated flexible string having a pair
of splayed ends secured in spaced relation to the inwardly directed
faces of the towelette respectively adjacent to the intersection of
the rear end edge with the side edges and a loop extending
rearwardly from the rear end edge, comprising the steps of:
grasping the towelette in one hand with two fingers of such hand
between the wings transversely of the side edges intermediate the
first and second end edges and into substantially right-angular
engagement with the fold; pushing the towelette into the anal
sphincter for anal use or between the labial folds for
vaginal/urethral use and into covering relation to the anal orifice
or the vaginal/urethral orifices, as the case may be, by and with
said fingers between the wings with the fold directed toward said
orifice, with the orifice/orifices located intermediate the end
edges, with the outwardly directed faces against the skin tissue
around the orifice/orifices, and with the loop projecting from the
towelette outside of the body; sliding said fingers out from
between the wings of the towelette while allowing the towelette to
be grasped by and remain between said tissue adjacent to the
respective orifice/orifices; and leaving the towelette between such
tissue for a desired period of time wherein it is pinched by the
sphincter or frictionally engaged by the labia.
20. The method of claim 19, including the further steps of: pulling
downwardly on the loop to remove the towelette from the body.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] It is well known that light amounts of anal and
vaginal/urethral discharges require absorption for proper hygiene
and personal comfort. The release of intestinal gas, for example,
apart from normal bowel movements, may sometimes be accompanied by
the release of small amounts of fecal matter, perhaps containing
varying degrees of moisture. Such discharges may not be an occasion
for a normal bowel movement nor of sufficient volume for such a
movement, and they are usually unintentional and/or involuntary.
Nevertheless, they are a rather common human occurrence, and
although not often the subject of conversation, they usually
require the attention, or at least get the attention, of the person
affected. Some individuals, perhaps those of advanced age, may be
more prone to such releases, but various foods or disorders of the
digestive tract may be the cause in persons of any age.
[0002] Whatever the reason, such releases may result in great
embarrassment and in addition may soil the person's clothing. If a
clothing change is inconvenient or impractical, or perhaps not
essential, the affected person must suffer the discomfort, either
physical or mental, of the presence of the discharged matter on
soiled undergarments. Even where no such matter is actually
released, the person may not know this and may assume, albeit
mistakenly, that the worst has happened.
[0003] Apart from such releases, undergarments may be soiled
because of inadequate cleaning after a bowel movement. Even with
reasonable cleaning, soiled streaking of underwear can occur simply
due to bunching of the garment between the buttocks. Having to wear
clothing soiled in the manner described thus leaves a person
feeling unclean and uncomfortable. Presenting garments soiled in
this manner for laundering is a further source of
embarrassment.
[0004] The foregoing problems have been addressed in the Martrullo
U.S. Pat. No. 4,182,335 and in patents cited therein. Martrullo
discloses an anal filter including a layer of gauze and an
overlying layer of fluffy cotton that is intentionally not
compacted but is fluffed up into a thick layer and then folded over
into dual layers prior to insertion. The patent states that such
fluffiness is to provide for attachment of the device to a person
and for gas pervasiveness. Although Matrullo provides no specific
dimension for the thickness of the two layers, it may be inferred
from his description and drawings that the thickness is about 1/4"
when unfolded prior to use on a person, and about 1/2" when folded
(see FIG. 2 of the patent) for insertion and attachment to a
person.
[0005] The Matrullo patent also refers to the Brown and Davis U.S.
Pats. Nos. 3,570,489 and 3,881,485 and their disclosure of plugs
that are intended to be pushed up the anal canal and even into the
rectum when in operative position.
[0006] Whether or not the devices disclosed in the Matrullo, Brown
or Davis patents would be effective to absorb fecal matter as
described above is unknown to applicant. What is known is that to
be of any use, any anal device must be worn. If a device is
uncomfortable to the user, or is difficult, inconvenient,
undesirable, or unsanitary to handle, it is unlikely to be worn.
Devices that are of about {fraction (1/2)}" thick or even 1/4"
thick when placed between the buttocks, or that fit significantly
into the anal canal or into the rectum are unlikely to be used
since they are very likely to be uncomfortable. Apart from physical
discomfort, the mere bulk and/or size of such a prior device makes
the wearer conscious of its presence. Such devices are thus
unacceptable as a solution to the above-described problem.
[0007] The absorption of light vaginal/urethral discharges is
perhaps an even more universal problem or at least is given more
general recognition. Various devices have long been known for
absorbing such discharges including products commonly known as
pantiliners. Although such products are generally useful for their
intended function, they are typically limited to such function and
are not useful for absorbing other bodily discharges, such as the
anal discharges described above.
SUMMARY
[0008] A sanitary device for the absorption of light anal and
vaginal/urethral discharges and a method for its use and disposal
are provided. The device includes a towelette and an attached
string. The towelette is a thin, soft, dry, flexible sheet of
absorbent paper material permeable to gas, absorbent of small
amounts of moisture, and folded lengthwise into a pair of wings.
The string is also soft and flexible and has ends attached to the
towelette inside the wings and providing a relatively short
outwardly extending loop. For anal use, the device is inserted
between the buttocks and pinched and held by the sphincter muscle
at the exit of the anal canal. For vaginal/urethral use, the device
is inserted and frictionally held between the labial folds at the
exit of the vagina. In either use, the loop of the string extends
outwardly from the body and is accessible for convenient grasp by
the wearer. The method involves grasping the towelette in one hand
of the user and, with certain of the user's fingers inside the
wings, pushing the towelette into the above-described anal or
vaginal/urethral position, while minimizing direct hand-contact
with these body regions. When neatly tucked into position, the
device covers the anal or vaginal/urethral orifice with the wings
flat against each other and in a position to intercept and filter
light bodily discharges. The thin device is thus undetectable to
most users and, when spent, is easily removed by grasping and
pulling on the string and disposed of in an environmentally safe
manner.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a sanitary
device for the absorption of light anal and vaginal/urethral
discharges and to a method for its use and disposal.
[0010] Another object is to provide a dual-purpose sanitary device
that is alternatively usable for absorbing light anal or light
vaginal/urethral discharges.
[0011] A further object is to absorb small amounts of fecal matter
that may accompany the release of intestinal gas.
[0012] An additional object is to intercept and filter light anal
or vaginal/urethral discharge before it contacts undergarments.
[0013] Another object is to avoid soiling undergarments either by
fecal matter that is discharged when intestinal gas is released,
and/or by such matter that has not been thoroughly cleaned from the
anal region after a bowel movement or otherwise, and/or by
vaginal/urethral discharges.
[0014] Yet a further object is to avoid the embarrassment of
presenting garments soiled with fecal matter or vaginal/urethral
discharges for laundering by someone other than the wearer.
[0015] A still further object is to give a person a feeling of
cleanliness and well being notwithstanding the occurrence of anal
or vaginal/urethral discharges or such possibility.
[0016] Another object is to provide a sanitary absorbent device
that is undetectably worn on the user's body in covering relation
to the anal or vaginal/urethral orifice instead of on the wearer's
clothes.
[0017] Still another object is to absorb and filter light anal or
vaginal/urethral discharges at the immediate exit of the anus or
vagina.
[0018] Another object is to provide a sanitary anal or
vaginal/urethral filtering device that is so thin as to be
undetectable to most users and yet has sufficient absorbing
qualities as to absorb light bodily discharges.
[0019] Yet another object is to provide a sanitary anal or
vaginal/urethral device that is pinched and thereby held in place
by the sphincter muscle at the exit of the anal canal or that is
frictionally held by and between the labial folds of the
vagina.
[0020] An additional object is to facilitate the insertion and
removal of a sanitary device that absorbs light discharges from the
anus or vagina.
[0021] A still further object is to insert a sanitary absorbent
device into the anal or vaginal/urethral region with the fingers
while minimizing direct contact of the fingers with these
regions.
[0022] An added object is to be able to remove a sanitary absorbent
device from its anal or vaginal/urethral position and to dispose or
otherwise handle it without hand-contact with the anal or
vaginal/urethral regions or with the portion of the device that is
soiled.
[0023] Yet a further object is to provide a sanitary device that is
soft and gentle on the wearer's skin, is non-toxic, and is
disposable.
[0024] Another object is to provide sanitary, anal or
vaginal/urethral absorbent devices that are easy and inexpensive to
manufacture, package, and store, and to carry by the person using
them.
[0025] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent upon reference to the
following description, accompanying drawings, and appended
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the sanitary device of the
present invention including a towelette folded into two wings and
an attached string extending outwardly from one end of the
towelette, it being noted that FIG. 1 shows the device in its
condition after having been folded and held in a stressed condition
just to show its parts, and it being further noted that the
towelette has sufficient resilience to return to a flat condition
as shown in FIG. 2 when not being held in the FIG. 1 condition.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a full scale, bottom plan view of the subject
device shown with the towelette unfolded and lying flat in its
unstressed condition, indicating the longitudinal centerline of the
eventual fold by a phantom line, and showing the attachments of the
ends of the string to the inside of the wings of the towelette, it
being noted that FIG. 2 shows the device in its condition for
packaging, storing and carrying.
[0028] FIG. 3 is an edge view of the device as seen in FIG. 2 and
thus with the towelette in unfolded, flat condition and the string
extending outwardly from the towelette.
[0029] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the device similar to but
somewhat reduced from FIG. 1, showing the device after the
towelette is folded and on a user's hand in preliminary position of
preparation for bodily insertion, with the user's first and second
fingers between the wings of the towelette, it being noted that in
order to maintain the device in the FIG. 4 position, the user's
thumb must be placed against the outside of the foreground wing of
the towelette on the opposite side thereof from the first and
second fingers but not shown that way here so as to avoid obscuring
part of the device.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, rear elevational, schematic view of
a portion of the human torso, either male or female, generally
indicating the position of the subject device used as an anal
sanitary device, it being noted that when the device is in place
between the buttocks and pinched by the anal sphincter and over the
anal orifice, the towelette is hidden from view but the string is
visible and accessible, as seen in FIG. 5.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 5 but with the
buttocks being broken away to show the sanitary device being
pinched by the anal sphincter, it being noted that the size of the
sphincter and the towelette, and particularly thickness of the
towelette, are exaggerated for illustrative purposes.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a vertical section taken generally along line 7-7
in FIG. 5.
[0033] FIG. 8 is vertical section similar to FIG. 7 but showing the
female torso with the subject device used as a vaginal/urethral
sanitary device frictionally held between the labial folds of the
vagina and in position covering the vaginal/urethral orifice.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] An embodiment of the sanitary device of the present
invention is generally indicated by the number 10 in FIGS. 1-8. In
general, the device includes a towelette 12 and a string 14
attached to the towelette. The towelette (FIGS. 1-3, especially) is
a very thin, soft, dry, flexible, preferably rectangular, sheet or
piece of absorbent paper material, of neutral color, e.g. white,
permeable to gas and absorbent of small amounts of moisture, and
yet has sufficient tensile strength when somewhat moist for the
uses described herein. The towelette is preferably made from a
disposable, single ply, white, wiper paper product made and sold by
the Fort James Corporation of 1650 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, Ill.
60015 under the trademark TASKMATE and described by that company as
a disposable wiper not impregnated with chemicals or compounds. The
towelette has a first end edge 20, a second end edge 22, side edges
24, an upper or outside surface 26, a lower or inside surface 28, a
thickness t, a length 1, and a width w. In the TASKMATE product
preferably used for the towelette, the upper surface is smooth and
the lower surface has a somewhat rougher, e.g., quilted, texture,
desirable characteristics for these surfaces of the present
invention, as will be seen.
[0035] Although the invention is not limited to any particular
dimensions, the dimensions of the human torso naturally govern the
preferred overall dimensions of the subject device. Preferred
dimensions of the device are given herein to facilitate
understanding of the device and its features and advantages, but it
will be understood that these dimensions may be varied without
departing from the principles of the present invention.
Accordingly, the dimensions of a preferred embodiment of the
subject device include a length l of about four inches and a width
w of about two inches. Since an important feature of this subject
invention is the thickness t, or more accurately the thinness, of
the towelette, the preferred thickness t is a fraction of a
millimeter.
[0036] Although flexible, the towelette 12 is made, sold, stored
and carried in unfolded, flat or planar condition, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3. Just prior to use, however, the towelette is folded,
but preferably not creased, by the user longitudinally along a fold
40 represented by a phantom fold centerline in FIGS. 1 and 2
extending lengthwise of the towelette from the first end edge 20 to
the second end edge 22 and in substantially parallel relation to
and midway between the side edges 24. The fold divides the
towelette into a pair of wings 42 that are initially held by the
user at an angle "a" relative to each other as the device is being
readied for insertion. When the towelette is inserted, as will be
described, the wings are folded against each other. Each wing has
an inside face 44 and an outside face 46 so that when the wings are
folded against each other, the inside faces are in face-to-face
contact. When the wings are in face-to-face contact. the total
thickness of the device equals 2t, and w/2 equals about one inch.
Because of the thinness of the towelette 12, however, the total
thickness 2t is still less than one millimeter in the preferred
embodiment.
[0037] Although prior to use and while in preparation for use, the
towelette 12 is folded and held in folded condition by the user, it
is to be understood that the fold 40 preferably does not create a
permanent or sharp crease in the towelette, as above noted, whereby
the wings of the towelette remain at the angle "a". In fact, the
preferred TASKMATE paper product used as the towelette does not
easily accept a permanent well-defined crease by mere hand-pressing
along the centerline but tends to return to a planar condition when
released from the user's grasp and to this degree may be considered
as having resilience. The towelette is thus stressed by the user in
the rounded condition of FIGS. 1 and 4 from which it would return
to an unstressed flat or planar condition as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3
if released from the user's grasp. When inserted in the body, as
will be described, and as the device is worn, the towelette may
develop a more permanent crease, at least along a portion of the
length of the fold 40.
[0038] The string 14 (FIGS. 1-6) is preferably a six-ply wrapping
twine of poly/cotton fiber made and sold by Barbour Threads, Inc.,
a Coats Company, of 20 Blue Mountain Avenue, Anniston, Ala. 36201
under BIC No. 35280. The string is preferably of a neutral color,
e.g. white, having a length from end-to-end of about four inches
long and a diameter or thickness t' of about one millimeter. The
string has end portions 50 that are attached to the inside and thus
rougher faces 44 of the wings 42 adjacent to the intersection of
the rear edge 22 and the side edges 24 of the towelette. As such,
the string defines a loop 52 extending rearwardly from the
towelette 12 to an apex 54 that, in the preferred dimensions given
above and when the string loop extends outwardly from the towelette
as seen in FIGS. 1-3, is at a distance d of about one and
one-quarter of an inch from the end edge 22.
[0039] The end portions 50 of the string 14 (FIG. 2), which are
preferably about five-sixteenths of an inch long in the preferred
embodiment and are splayed, are attached to the inside faces 44 of
the wings 42 of the towelette 12 by non-toxic glue or adhesive
indicated at 60. The relative roughness of the inside surfaces of
the wings and the splaying of the end portions of the string
enhance the attachment of the string to the towelette 12 since the
glue is more readily accepted both by the towelette and the string.
A glue that is very suitable for the purposes of the subject
invention is sold as Aleene's non-toxic tacky glue ASTM D-4236.
[0040] As will be seen in the description of the method, below, the
smooth, upper or outer surface 26 of the towelette (i.e., the outer
faces 46 of the wings 42) constitutes the anal or vaginal/urethral
engaging surface or surfaces of the towelette, in contrast with the
relatively rougher, lower or inner surface 28 (i.e., the inner
faces 44 of the wings) that does not come in contact with these
regions. As such, the end portions 50 of the string 14, which are
raised relative to the lower or inner surface, does not rub or bear
against the anal or vaginal/urethral areas, thereby avoiding a
source of possible discomfort. Moreover, the effect of the wearer's
body heat on the glued attachment of the end portions to the
towelette is somewhat lessened by this separation.
[0041] It is also to be noted that prior to attachment to the
towelette 12, the string 14 flexes in the well-known manner of a
string of the type used herein and will hang straight down when
held at one end if not otherwise supported. As attached to the
towelette, however, the string does not droop as might be expected.
In the short length used for the subject device 10 and as attached
to the towelette, a measure of stiffness is imparted to the loop 52
so that it projects endwardly outwardly from the towelette at a
slight downward angle, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 4. That is, because
of the lightness of the string 14 and the body thereof, the
distance d from the end edge 22 to the apex 54 of the loop 52, and
the attachments 60 of the end portions 50 to the inside faces 44 of
the towelette 12, the loop does not hang limp from the towelette
when the towelette is held horizontal with the surface 26 facing
upward. Rather, the loop declines endwardly outwardly from the
towelette, as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 4, at an angle of from about
ten degrees to about forty degrees. The loop maintains this
position without any support other than its attachment to the
towelette. Although the angle of decline is not critical, this
self-supporting extension of the loop may facilitate handling of
the device 10, as will be seen. Note that FIG. 3 is not intended to
illustrate this self-supporting characteristic of the loop 52 since
in FIG. 3, the string is intentionally fully stretched-out in a
position that it would assume if the device were fully supported on
a table or in a package of the devices, in order to illustrate the
features of the device.
[0042] Method of Use
[0043] As stated, the subject sanitary device 10 is best sold,
stored and carried in unfolded, flat or planar condition, as shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3, since it has the thinnest profile in this
condition. Normally, the devices would be sold in a package, not
shown, of perhaps ten or more devices, for example, with the
towelettes 12 all lying coincident and flat against each other,
with the lower or inner surface of each device against the upper or
outer surfaces of the adjacent device, and with the strings 14
extending outwardly. Such packaging may be visualized in FIGS. 2
and 3, although these figures show only a single device. In this
way, the devices are compact, are generally preserved in their flat
condition ready for proper folding, and may be carried in a pocket,
handbag, or purse. The user can readily access a single device by
opening the package, grasping the string loop 52 of the device
selected, and pulling it away from the others in the package.
[0044] To use the device 10, the towelette 12 (FIGS. 1 and 4) is
first folded along the fold centerline 40, as described above, with
the wings 42 separated about at angle "a" as shown in FIGS. 1 and
4. As above stated, the subject device is a dual-purpose sanitary
device alternatively usable for absorbing light anal or light
vaginal/urethral discharges. The method of anal insertion will be
described first, and for this purpose, reference is made to FIGS.
5-7 that include, in one or more of these views, schematic
illustrations of a fragment of a user's torso or body 70, the
buttocks 72, the anus 74, the anal canal 76, the anal orifice or
exit 77 of the anal canal, the anal sphincter 78, the rectum 80,
and the user's legs 82.
[0045] For right-handed anal insertion, the user initially holds
the towelette (FIG. 4) at the string end 22 with the left hand, not
shown, and then inserts the first and second fingers 65 and 66 of
the right hand between the wings of the towelette intermediate the
ends 20 and 22, either somewhat forwardly of the towelette, as
shown in FIG. 4, or more centrally thereof than shown. Although not
shown but easily visualized in FIG. 4, the right thumb 67 is then
pressed against the outside face 46 of the foreground wing so as
generally to sandwich this wing between the first and second
fingers and the thumb. When thusly grasped in the right hand, the
left hand is released, so that the device is ready for one-hand
insertion. Held in this way, the string loop 52 projects rearwardly
as preferred. It is to be noted, however, that some user's may
prefer forward loop projection whereupon the non-string end 20 is
initially held by the left hand, and the first and second fingers
65 and 66 of the right hand are inserted between the wings of the
towelette intermediate the ends, as described above.
[0046] While holding the device 10 in the user's right hand as
described and assuming rearward projection of the loop 52, there
are two preferred methods of inserting the device 10 into the anal
position in the user's body 70, one while seated and the other
while standing. For the seated method, the user sits on the
commode, not shown, causing the buttocks 72 to spread naturally and
allowing the anal sphincter 78 to be in a closed position, slightly
concave or domed upward. It may then be necessary to pull the
sphincter slightly open, thereby relieving the normal constricting
muscle pressure. The user then tilts over to the left, being
supported on the commode by the left buttock. The folded sanitary
device 10 is held in the user's right hand, as above described,
with at least the first and second fingers 65 and 66 on the inside
of the wings 42 and the thumb 67 on the outside of and against one
wing, thereby maintaining a firm grasp on that wing and thus on the
device, and with the string loop 52 pointing back.
[0047] At this point in the procedure, it is necessary to open the
anal sphincter 78 even more and to slide the towelette 12 into the
sphincter. The steps to accomplish these actions may be performed
in various sequences and to some degree simultaneously, depending
on the user's preferences. As one example, the device is brought
into contact with the raised right buttock and slid along this
buttock toward the anus 74, while at the same time releasing the
thumb from the device as the towelette approaches the anal
sphincter 78. The towelette is then brought into contact with the
sphincter by only the user's two covered fingers 65 and 66. Using
the heel of the right hand, slight pressure is applied to the right
buttock 72 to open the anal sphincter 78 just enough to accept a
small segment, perhaps as little as a few millimeters, of the
towelette along the centerline of the fold 40. The fold is moved
into the open sphincter intermediate the ends 20 and 22 of the
towelette in covering relation to the anal orifice 77 and the anal
canal 76, with the string loop 52 projecting rearwardly from the
buttocks 72, outside of the body 70 and between the legs 82, as
illustrated in FIG. 7. The heel pressure is then removed thereby
allowing the sphincter to close and pinch the towelette in its
preferred anal position, slightly rearwardly inclined, as shown in
FIG. 7. For a moment, the user will very likely feel the device
being held in place by the sphincter, as the heel pressure on the
buttock is released. Experience has shown that after that brief
sensation, the device will be essentially undetectable to most
users.
[0048] For the standing method, and continuing to assume
right-handed insertion and rearward projection of the loop 52, the
user holds the device 10 in the right hand only, as above
described. The user then bends forward, shifting the weight to the
left leg 82, while slightly bending the knees for balance. At this
point, the user's buttocks 72 are in positions generally equivalent
to their described positions on the commode when raised on one
buttock. Thus, the steps described above for the seated method may
then be followed in the standing method to effect proper anal
insertion.
[0049] It will be understood that left-handed insertion of the
device 10 may be accomplished in a similar manner with just the
left hand, albeit from the left side of the body 70.
[0050] By inserting the device in one of these ways, the user is
assured that the device 10 is in place and will remain there all
day if desired, resisting dislodgement due to such motion of the
buttocks as occurs during walking, running, sitting, or the like.
In this pinched, anal position, the towelette 12 totally covers the
anal orifice or exit 77 of the anal canal 76, absorbs light
discharge. and prevents such discharge from coming in contact with
the user's underwear. Placing the sanitary device in the sphincter
78 by one of these methods, i.e., while the buttocks 72 are at
extreme positions of separation and then allowing the device to be
pinched in the sphincter, assures a positive hold on the device in
its proper anal position where it is capable of intercepting,
absorbing and filtering light anal discharges in the most efficient
manner. Moreover, with either insertion method, the string loop 52
extends outwardly from the body 70, preferably rearwardly but
possibly forwardly if desired, where it is readily accessible
without appreciable body contact so as also to be essentially
undetectable.
[0051] While being worn, if small amounts of fecal matter accompany
the release of intestinal gas or if one's undergarment creeps into
the cleavage of the buttocks 72, the towelette 12 intercepts and
absorbs the matter and protects the wearer's undergarments from
contact by the fecal matter. When wearing the subject device 10,
the wearer may have less concern about soiling undergarments and
the embarrassment of having them laundered. The wearer thus has a
feeling of cleanliness and well being having the knowledge that
fecal matter will be intercepted by the towelette but will not
reach the undergarment.
[0052] For vaginal/urethral insertion, reference is made to FIG. 8
which schematically shows a fragment of a female torso or body 70',
the buttocks 72', the anus 74', the anal canal 76', the anal
orifice or exit 77' of the anal canal, the anal sphincter 78', the
rectum 80', the legs 82', the uterus 89, the vagina 90, the vaginal
entrance/exit or orifice 91, the labial folds or labia majora and
minora 92, the bladder 93, the urethra or urethral canal 94, and
the orifice or exit 96 of the urethral canal.
[0053] The sanitary device 10 is held in the left or right hand as
above described for anal use, but the string loop 52 preferably
projects forwardly. Again, the loop may project rearwardly if that
is the user's personal preference. For forward projection, of
course, the device is turned 180 degrees from its FIG. 4 position
but held by the user's fingers in the same manner as above
described. The device may be inserted into its vaginal/urethral
position while sitting on the commode or standing. In either case,
the labial folds 92, especially the inner labia minora, are pulled
back with the left hand (for right-handed insertion), thereby
exposing the vaginal/urethral orifice 91 and the urethral orifice
96. While holding the labial folds back with the left hand, the
device 10 is inserted with the two fingers 65 and 66 of the user's
right hand between the wings 42 and gently pushed into engagement
with and in covering relation over the vaginal/urethral orifices.
The intermediate portion of the fold 40 of the towelette 12 is thus
placed over the vaginal/urethral orifices where it is capable of
intercepting, absorbing and filtering light vaginal/urethral
discharges. In this desired vaginal/urethral position, the
towelette extends somewhat forwardly and rearwardly of the labial
folds, and the loop 52 projects forwardly (or rearwardly as
desired) out of the body and between the wearer's legs 82', readily
accessible to the wearer.
[0054] After the device 10 has been placed in the described
vaginal/urethral position, the labial folds 92 are released,
causing them to move inwardly into engagement with the towelette 12
and hold the device in position by a friction fit. The labial folds
92 close and extend over a considerable area of the wings 42,
thereby enhancing this friction fit. This is to be contrasted with
the anal fit wherein the anal sphincter 78 may engage a much
smaller area of the wings but does so with greater force resulting
in the described pinching of the towelette 12. As with the anal use
of the device, therefore, the user is assured that the device will
remain in proper position all day if desired, resisting
dislodgement and resulting embarrassment due to various bodily
motions. Experience using the device in the manner described
demonstrates that it is easy to use and comfortable in that it is
undetectable, but most significantly, it absorbs light discharges
from the vagina and thereby avoids staining of undergarments.
[0055] It is important to recognize that with both uses, the
undetectable characteristic of the device 10 when worn is achieved
by the material used for the towelette 12 and the resulting
thickness of the wings 42 (FIG. 3--also visualized in FIG. 6
although thickness dimensions in FIG. 6 are exaggerated so that
details may be seen) when folded against each other, this thickness
being less than about a millimeter in the preferred form. The
thickness of the folded towelette 12 is thus less than the
transverse dimension of the body tissue comprising the sphincter 78
when it is open. Of course, the thickness of the folded towelette
is also less than the transverse dimension between the body tissue
that comprise the labial folds 92 when they are opened.
Notwithstanding this thinness, the towelette provides sufficient
material to absorb light discharges at the point of discharge
rather at the location of undergarments, as with many conventional
sanitary devices. This feature thus overcomes problems with prior
known sanitary devices that are so thick as to discourage their
use.
[0056] Although the preferred method of wearing the device 10 for
anal discharges is by allowing it to be pinched by the anal
sphincter as above described, it will be understood that for both
anal and vaginal/urethral uses, the primary purpose of the device
is to intercept and absorb the discharge so that the device needs
to be in a discharge-intercepting position, that is, in opposed,
preferably contacting, relationship to the particular orifice 77,
77', 91, or 96 involved. Thus, anal pinching may be not be
preferred, feasible, nor essential for all users to obtain the
benefits of the present invention.
[0057] When it is desired to remove the device 10 (FIGS. 5-8),
either for anal or vaginal/urethral use, the wearer grasps the loop
52 and pulls downwardly on it, causing the towelette 12 to slide
outwardly from its bodily position. In the case of anal use,
pulling downwardly on the loop will pull the towelette from its
grasp by the anal sphincter 78 and thence from between the buttocks
72; it is desirable to pull downwardly especially while standing
since the anal pinching of the towelette is so secure that the
device may break with straight backward or upward pulling. In the
case of vaginal/urethral use, pulling down on the loop will cause
the towelette to slide out from its grasp by the labial folds 92.
Sitting on the commode and opening the sphincter or the labial
folds as in inserting the device may facilitate removal.
[0058] In each case, the towelette 12 has sufficient tensile
strength and the glued attachments 60 of the string 14 to the
towelette 12 are sufficient to resist tearing or separation of the
string from the towelette, even when the towelette is lightly
moistened by the discharged material. It is also to be noted that
the attachments 60 are outside of the body when the device 10 is
properly positioned either for anal or vaginal/urethral use whereby
they are not subject to the body heat between the buttocks 72 or
the labial folds 92 nor are these places 60 of attachment subject
to moisture of the discharged material.
[0059] After removal from either the anal or vaginal/urethral
region, and while holding the towelette 12 with the loop 52 of
string 14, the used device is dropped into the commode or
preferably into a refuse receptacle. The string thus allows the
user to retrieve the device from the body and dispose of it without
hand contact with the anal or vaginal/urethral regions or with the
soiled, spent towelette.
[0060] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has
been shown and described, various modifications, substitutions and
equivalents may exist without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the
present invention has been disclosed by way of example and not by
way of limitation.
* * * * *