Removal string attachment for intravaginal devices

Abstract

An intravaginal device having an overwrap containing an enclosed material, and a withdrawal string passing through a portion of the overwrap formed into a loop, the withdrawal string enabling a user to remove the intravaginal device after use.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An intravaginal device comprising an overwrap containing enclosed material, and a withdrawal string passing through a portion of the overwrap formed into a loop, the withdrawal string enabling a user to remove the intravaginal device after use.  
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the enclosed material is absorbent.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the enclosed material comprises fibers.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the fibers comprise cellulosic fibers.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the fibers comprise a mixture of cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the fibers comprise bondable fibers.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the enclosed material comprises a plurality of compressed tablets.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the enclosed material comprises loose fibers and compressed tablets.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the enclosed material comprises a polymeric foam.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the enclosed material is an aggregate of materials.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the insertable material is non-absorbent.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the insertable material further comprises a resilient member.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the overwrap is liquid permeable.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the insertable material is an incontinence device.  
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the overwrap is substantially liquid impervious.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the insertable material is a collection cup.  
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the insertable material is a birth control device.  
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the insertable device is an inflation device.  
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the insertable device is a tampon pledget.  
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a bag-type tampon.  
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the withdrawal string is secured about the loop.  
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the overwrap is a thermobondable material.  
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the overwrap is a bicomponent material.  
     
     
         24 . An intravaginal tampon comprising discrete absorbent elements enclosed by a liquid pervious overwrap having a loop formed in a withdrawal end thereof and a withdrawal string passing through and secured about the loop to enable a user to remove the tampon after use.  
     
     
         25 . A method of making an intravaginal device comprising the steps of: 
 a) enclosing a material in an overwrap;    b) forming a loop in a withdrawal portion of the overwrap;    c) providing a removal string within the loop; and    d) securing the removal string about the loop.    
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the loop is formed about the removal string.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the removal string is threaded through the loop.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the overwrap is heat sealable.  
     
     
         29 . A method of making an intravaginal tampon comprising the steps of: 
 a) enclosing discrete absorbent elements in a liquid pervious overwrap;    b) forming a loop in a withdrawal portion of the overwrap;    c) providing a withdrawal string within the loop; and    d) knotting the withdrawal string about the loop.