Female incontinence device
US5722931A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/0009
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A female incontinence device according to the present invention includes one or more rings of water swellable gel forming material mounted on a female incontinence plug or catheter. The water swellable ring swells upon insertion of the device into the urethra and non-traumatically secures the device in the urethra while providing a seal between the device and the walls of the urethra. The water swellable ring may be replaced by other stimuli sensitive materials which allow the ring to be swollen and later reduced in volume for removal of the device. The stimuli sensitive materials which may be used in the invention include materials sensitive to light, pH, electrical field, mechanical stress, temperature, and solvent interaction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.