Abstract:
A vibrating tampon apparatus to provide relief from feminine menstrual cramps comprises a vibration element, a housing unit, and a tampon member. The vibration element provides a source of vibrations and is contained within the housing unit. The tampon member is fabricated of an absorbent material and covers at least a portion of the housing unit, while being held in place by retaining elements on the exterior of the housing unit. Electric power is supplied to the vibration element by a remote electric power source. The electrical connection between the electric power source and the vibration element is controlled remotely by a control unit that allows the apparatus to operate either momentarily, in a testing situation, or continually for the lifetime of the electric power source, which is for normal usage and cannot be interrupted by the user.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority benefit to U.S. provisional patent application entitled “VIBRATING TAMPON APPARATUS WITH REMOTE CONTROL” , Ser. No. 60/746,194, filed May 2, 2006. This provisional application is incorporated into the present application by reference. 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to sanitary napkin construction. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a sanitary napkin/tampon construction with a vibration mechanism incorporated therein and including a remote power source and controlling mechanism. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    One method of trying to relieve the pain from cramps that a woman suffers during menstruation is to directly stimulate the walls of the vaginal canal. Typically, this stimulation is achieved by constructing a sanitary napkin that includes a vibration mechanism. Prior art techniques have also included a power source for the vibration mechanism that is located external to the tampon apparatus. However, there is also a need for the ability to briefly turn the vibration mechanism on for testing purposes either during manufacture or before usage. Furthermore, there is a need to ensure that the absorbent tampon material is securely fastened to the vibration mechanism. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Embodiments of the present invention address the above-mentioned needs and provide a distinct advance in the art of sanitary napkin construction. More particularly, embodiments of the invention provide a one-time usage vibrating tampon apparatus that provides relief from feminine menstrual cramps and includes a remote controlling mechanism and absorbent material retaining elements. 
         [0007]    In various embodiments, the present invention is a vibrating tampon apparatus to provide relief from feminine menstrual cramps and comprises a vibration element, a housing unit, and a tampon member. The vibration element provides a source of vibrations. The housing unit houses the vibration element and is assembled to be water resistant. The housing unit is covered at least in part by the tampon member and includes a plurality of external retaining elements that fasten the tampon member to the outside of the housing unit. The tampon member is fabricated of an absorbent material and the combination of the tampon member and the housing unit is appropriately dimensioned to be received in a female&#39;s vaginal canal. 
         [0008]    Electric power is supplied to the vibration element from a remote electric power source, such as a battery. A control unit, collocated with the electric power source, controls an electrical connection between the electric power source and the vibration element. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the control unit includes a removable cap, that when removed provides continuous operation of the apparatus for the lifetime of the electric power source. The control unit also includes a momentary button, that when activated provides temporary operation of the apparatus. 
         [0010]    In other embodiments, the control unit includes a pushbutton, that when pushed with a lesser force provides temporary operation of the apparatus and when pushed with a greater force provides operation of the apparatus for the lifetime of the electric power source. 
         [0011]    An electric cable provides an electrical connection between the control unit and the vibration element. Coupled to the electric cable is a mechanical cable that provides mechanical pull strength for a connection between the control unit and the housing unit to help ensure that the housing unit and tampon member can be safely removed from the female&#39;s vaginal canal after usage. 
         [0012]    This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0013]    Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0014]    Various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the housing unit; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the interior of an embodiment of the housing unit; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view of a cable; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the control unit; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the control unit; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the control unit; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a partial sectional view of a first embodiment of the control unit; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a partial sectional view of a first embodiment of the control unit; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a partial sectional view of a first embodiment of the control unit; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a partial sectional view of a first embodiment of the control unit; 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a partial exploded view of the interior of a second embodiment of the control unit; 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a partial sectional view of a second embodiment of the control unit; 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the control unit; 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the control unit; 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the control unit; 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the control unit; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is a schematic of the electric circuit of the apparatus. 
       
    
    
       [0034]    The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    The following detailed description of the invention references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  shows the vibrating tampon apparatus  10  which comprises a tampon member  12 , a housing unit  14 , a cable  16 , and a control unit  18 .  FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the apparatus  10 , depicting the body of the housing unit  14  with a vibration element  20  included in the interior of the housing unit  14 .  FIG. 2  further shows the coupling of the cable  16  to the housing unit  14  and the control unit  18 . 
         [0037]    The tampon member  12  is generally of an elongated cylindrical shape, with a hemispherical dome on one end and is of such dimensions as to be comfortably received in a female&#39;s vaginal canal. The tampon member  12  is hollow and is open on the other end to allow access to the interior of the tampon member  12 . Thus, when the housing unit  14  is inserted into the open end, the tampon member  12  will cover most of the housing unit  14  while still allowing the cable  16  to access the housing unit  14 . 
         [0038]    The tampon member  12  is generally fabricated from a soft absorbent compressed fibrous material such as cotton, rayon, or the like. The absorbent material of the tampon member  12  may also be coated or immersed with an analgesic or other medicaments to act as a topical agent to provide fast-acting relief upon contact with the walls of the vaginal canal. 
         [0039]    The housing unit  14  is generally cylindrical shaped to be able to receive the tampon member  12  as a covering and includes a plurality of retaining elements  22  along the sides of the cylinder. The retaining elements  22  may include, but are not limited to, barbs, nubs, stubs, and concentric rings. In general, the retaining elements  22  protrude from the exterior of the housing unit  14  in order to couple with the tampon member  12  and provide strong resistance to the removal of the tampon member  12  from the housing unit  14 . One embodiment is shown in  FIG. 2 , wherein the retaining elements  22  are an array of stubbed protrusions  102 . Each stubbed protrusion  102  is a small cylinder, accompanied by a raised portion at its base, attached to the surface of the housing unit  14 . Another embodiment of the housing unit  14  is shown in  FIG. 3 , wherein the retaining elements  22  are a plurality of barbs  104  and nubs  106 . Each barb  104  is an elongated tab that protrudes from the housing unit at an angle. Each nub  106  is a shortened tab that protrudes from the housing unit at an angle. For all embodiments, once the tampon member  12  covers the housing unit  14 , the retaining elements  22  attach to the absorbent material and form a strong bond to retain the tampon member  12  on the housing unit  14 . It is also possible that an adhesive may be applied to at least a portion of the exterior of the housing unit in order to aid in fastening the tampon member  12  to the housing unit  14 . 
         [0040]    In various embodiments, one end of the housing unit  14  tapers to a point to form a shallow cone at one of the cylindrical body of the housing unit  14 , as seen in  FIGS. 2-4 . The conical shape helps to facilitate coupling with the tampon member  12  during assembly and also provides support for the tampon member  12  as the tampon member  12  and housing unit  14  are inserted into the vaginal canal during usage. 
         [0041]    In various embodiments, the other end of the housing unit  14  is coupled to one end of the cable  16 . The cable  16  includes an electric cable  24  coupled with a mechanical cable  26 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The electric cable  24  occupies the two outer strands of the cable  16 , while the mechanical cable  26  is the center strand of the cable  16 . The electric cable  24  includes conductive leads  28 ,  30  in the central core of each of the cable strands to provide an electrical connection. The mechanical cable  26  may be fabricated from a strengthening material or may include internal strengthening components in order to provide mechanical pull strength for removal of the tampon member  12  and housing unit  14  from the vaginal canal after usage. 
         [0042]    Inside the housing unit are two cable connectors  32 ,  34  that connect to the electric cable  24 , as seen in  FIG. 4 . One connector  32  connects to one lead  28  of the electric cable  24  and the other connector  34  connects to the other lead  30  of the electric cable  24 . Each connector  32 ,  34  may be an insulation displacement type of connector. The connection is made during assembly by pushing the one of the leads  28  into the opening of the connector  32  such that the connector  32  pierces the insulation of the lead  28  and makes physical contact with the conductor of the lead without any stripping or removal of the insulation. This procedure is repeated for the other connector  34  and the other lead  30  of the electric cable  24 . Other types of connectors are possible that establish a physical connection with the conductors of the electric cable that may involve techniques such as soldering to help establish the connection. However, the insulation displacement connector described above has the advantage that the electrical connection can be established with a sufficient downward force of the cable  16  onto the connectors  32 ,  34 , which can be performed simply during manufacturing without prior stripping of the insulation. 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , in various embodiments, the housing unit also houses the vibration element  20 . The vibration element  20  is located on the interior of the housing unit  14  and is coupled to the cable connectors  32 ,  34 . The vibration element  20  includes a motor  36  coupled to a counterweight  38 . The motor  36  is a direct current (DC) motor as is known in the art, cylindrical in shape, and includes terminals and a drive shaft  40 . A positive voltage terminal  42  is at one end of the motor  36  and is connected to one of the cable connectors  32 . A negative voltage terminal  44  is along the curved outer portion of body of the motor  36  and the other cable connector  34  makes contact in this area. 
         [0044]    The drive shaft  40  is directly connected to the counterweight  38  such that rotation of the drive shaft  40  results in synchronous rotation of the counterweight  38 . The counterweight  38  is generally semi-cylindrical in shape and located offset from the axis of the drive shaft  40  such that angular rotation of the counterweight  38  about the drive shaft  40  axis causes a radial acceleration of the mass of the counterweight  38 . The radial acceleration of the counterweight  38  creates a pull on the motor  36  away from its central axis. Thus, continuous rotation of the counterweight  38  generates a continuous pull on the motor  36  and in turn the housing unit  14  and the tampon member  12  which is felt as a vibration. 
         [0045]    In various embodiments, the motor  36  and the counterweight  38  are an integrated unit. One example of the integrated unit is the model number Z6CL2A0540721 micro vibration motor, manufactured by JinLong Machinery. It operates on a nominal voltage of 1.3 Volts (V) DC and draws a nominal current of 70 milliAmps (mA). The micro vibration motor provides a vibrational frequency of between 108 Hertz (Hz) and 175 Hz However, vibrational frequencies between 20 Hz and 400 Hz have been found to provide relief for the pain from menstrual cramps. 
         [0046]    In other embodiments, the vibration element  20  may be any type of transducing apparatus or mechanism that converts a DC electric voltage to a vibrational motion, such as, but not limited to, a crystal oscillator that supplies an oscillating electric signal to a piezoelectric material or a voice coil to produce vibrations. Transducing mechanisms that utilize a DC voltage as an input are preferable because a limited period of operation of the vibration element is required and a limited lifetime source of DC voltage may be conveniently and reliably supplied by a standard, non-rechargeable electric battery. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to an electrically powered vibration element. Any vibrating mechanism may be used as the vibration element that possesses a limited lifetime of vibration, either naturally or by design, and can be controlled to operate both in a temporary and continuous fashion. 
         [0047]    The control unit  18  generally provides control of the electrical connection between the vibration element  20  and an electric power source  46 , and includes a switch apparatus  48 , as seen in  FIG. 2 . As seen in  FIGS. 6-8 , the control unit  18  is roughly oval-shaped and includes a shell  50 . In various embodiments, the electric power source  46  is housed within the control unit  18 , as seen in  FIGS. 2 and 14 . Typically, the electric power source  46  is a standard, non-rechargeable DC electric battery  52  that supplies 1.5V and fits within the space of the control unit  18 , such as the type LR44 battery. A standard, non-rechargeable DC electric battery is most advantageous for use with the apparatus  10  because a non-rechargeable battery naturally has a limited lifetime. Other sources of DC electric voltage are possible for use with the apparatus  10  as long as the source possesses a limited lifetime, either naturally or by design, and can provide an electric power source to connect to a circuit both in a temporary and continuous fashion. 
         [0048]    The battery  52  has a positive voltage terminal  54  and a negative voltage terminal  56  and typically the negative voltage terminal  56  is permanently connected through a cable connector  58  within the control unit  18  to one of the electric cable leads  30 , as best seen in  FIG. 14 . The cable connector  58  and its coupling to the electric cable lead  30  are generally the same as the cable connector in the housing unit and the other end of the electric cable. Likewise, other types of connectors are possible. The negative voltage terminal  56  and the electric cable lead  30  to which it is connected are generally considered to be electric ground. 
         [0049]    In the control unit, the other cable lead  28  is generally connected to another cable connector  60  in the same manner as the cable connector  58  for the negative voltage terminal  56 . However, the electrical connection from the cable lead  28  to the positive voltage terminal  54  of the battery  52  is controlled through the switch apparatus  48 . 
         [0050]    In various embodiments, the switch apparatus  48  includes a momentary button  62 , a momentary actuator  64 , and a removable cap  66 , as shown in  FIGS. 6-12 . The other cable connector  60  connects the other electric cable lead  28  to a conductive momentary contact arm  68 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Pressure on the momentary button  62  pushes the momentary actuator  64 , which in turn pushes the momentary contact arm  68  to make contact with the positive voltage terminal  54  of the battery  52  and initiates temporary operation of the apparatus  10 . Removal of the pressure on the momentary button  62  breaks contact between the momentary contact arm  68  and the battery  52  and terminates temporary operation of the apparatus  10 . The removable cap  66  includes an insulating tab  70  that extends outward from the inner surface of the removable cap  66  to prevent contact between the positive voltage terminal  56  of the battery  52  and the other cable connector  60 , as seen in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Removal of the cap  66  from the shell  50  of the control unit  18  also removes the tab  70 , thereby allowing contact between the battery  52  and the other cable connector  60 , and thus initiating continuous operation of the apparatus  10 , which cannot be terminated by replacement of the cap  66  onto the shell  50  as the tab  70  may not be reinserted into the shell  50  to break contact between the battery  52  and the other cable connector  60 . 
         [0051]    In other embodiments, the switch apparatus  48  includes a two-stage pushbutton  72  that is coupled to the shell  50  of the control unit  18 , as seen in  FIGS. 13-18 . The pushbutton  72  includes a push surface  74 , a momentary actuator  76 , a continuous actuator  78 , a conductive momentary contact arm  80 , and a conductive continuous contact arm  82 . The momentary actuator  76  and the continuous actuator  78  are coupled to the push surface  74 . The momentary contact arm  80  and the continuous contact arm  82  are connected to one another and both are connected to the cable connector  60 . The momentary contact arm  80  is bent at a near-right angle close to the free end of the contact arm  80 . The continuous contact arm  82  is slightly longer than the space within the shell  50  that it occupies. During assembly, the continuous contact arm  82  is inserted between posts in the shell  50 , and due to its oversized length, the continuous contact arm  82  is in compression and thus bends toward the exterior of the shell  50  in order to fit in the space. After the contact arms  80 ,  82  are properly placed in the shell  50 , the momentary actuator  76  is aligned above the momentary contact arm  80  and the continuous actuator  78  is aligned above the continuous contact arm  82 . 
         [0052]    During usage, when a downward force is applied to the push surface  74 , both actuators  76 ,  78  move toward both contact arms  80 ,  82 . The momentary actuator  76  engages the momentary contact arm  80  and pushes it to make contact with the positive voltage terminal  54  of the battery  52 , as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . At this point, temporary operation of the apparatus  10  occurs until the force on the push surface  74  is removed. When a force is applied to the push surface  74 , the continuous actuator  78  also engages the continuous contact arm  82  while the momentary actuator  76  causes the momentary contact arm  80  to contact the battery  52  and initiate temporary operation of the apparatus  10 . Temporary operation is terminated with removal of the force. During this time, the continuous contact arm  82  is bending only slightly from the pressure of the continuous actuator  78  and will return to its normal position when the pressure is removed as shown in  FIG. 17 . However, if the force on the push surface  74  increases, the continuous actuator  78  will push the continuous contact arm  82  towards the center of the shell  50  to a point where the continuous contact arm  82  will no longer be able to return to its normal position. Due to the compression exerted on the continuous contact arm  82  by the shell, the continuous contact arm  82  will invert and pull the momentary contact arm  80  into continuous contact with the battery  52  as shown in  FIG. 18 . The continuous contact arm  82  and the momentary contact arm  80  will remain in these positions even when the force on the push surface  74  is removed, thereby providing a continuous electrical connection between the battery  52  and the electric cable  24 , and thus initiating continuous operation of the apparatus  10  that may not be terminated under normal circumstances. 
         [0053]    The electrical operation of various embodiments of the apparatus  10  can also be illustrated in the schematic of  FIG. 19 . The electric power source  46  is shown as a DC voltage source. The switch apparatus of both embodiments discussed above is shown as a normally-open pushbutton switch  84  in parallel with a single-pole single-throw switch  86 . One side of the two parallel switches  84 ,  86  is in series with the positive voltage terminal of the electric power source  46 . The other side of the two parallel switches  84 ,  86  is connected to the vibration element  20 . And the negative voltage terminal of the electric power source  46  is connected through ground to the vibration element  20 . 
         [0054]    The normally-open pushbutton switch  84  represents the momentary button switch  62  and the momentary contact arm  80 . The single-pole single-throw switch represents the removable cap  66  and the continuous contact arm  82 , wherein once the single-pole single-throw switch  86  is closed, it cannot be reopened under normal circumstances. As seen in  FIG. 19 , the current path from the electric power source  46  to the vibration element  20  is complete whenever either the normally-open pushbutton switch  84  is pressed or the single-pole single-throw switch  86  is closed. As noted on the schematic, pressing the normally-open pushbutton switch  84  creates a temporary circuit, while closing the single-pole single-throw switch  86  creates a continuous circuit, thereby creating two modes of operation for the apparatus  10 —temporary and continuous. The temporary mode may be utilized during the manufacturing process to test and momentarily verify the operation of the apparatus  10  as a quality control step before shipping of the product. The continuous mode is utilized during normal usage. 
         [0055]    The apparatus may be used in the following manner. The user may wish to verify the operation of the apparatus  10  or perhaps to verify the body&#39;s reaction to the sensation of the vibration. This can be accomplished by activating the switch apparatus  48  in the temporary operation mode as described for various embodiments above. If the user is satisfied with the performance of the apparatus  10 , the user may insert the tampon member  12  coupled with the housing unit  14  only into the vaginal canal. Thus, the control unit  18  and a portion of the cable  16  remain outside the body. The user may once more activate the temporary operation mode. Again, if the user is satisfied with the performance of the apparatus  10 , the continuous operation mode may be activated. The apparatus  10  operates continuously until the electric power source  46  drains and vibration ceases. At this time, the user may remove the tampon member  12  and housing unit  14  by pulling on the cable  16 . Once the tampon member  12  and housing unit  14  are extracted, the user may dispose of the entire apparatus  10 . 
         [0056]    Generally, it is desirable for a limited lifetime of the electric power source  46  and thereby, the vibration of the apparatus  10 , to encourage single usage of the tampon apparatus  10 . Reusage of the housing unit  14  with a different tampon member  12  may be possible but is strongly not recommended in order to avoid bacterial-related infections that may cause Toxic Shock Syndrome. 
         [0057]    Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.