Patent ID: 8702670

Claim:
An intravaginal device having controlled expansion comprising a fluid storage element having an insertion end, an opposite withdrawal end, and a central portion therebetween comprising: a. a compressed absorbent element having a first density; b. a primary cover attached to an outer cylindrical surface of the fluid storage element; and c. a secondary cover disposed over at least the insertion end of the fluid storage element wherein the secondary cover comprises a sheet of thermobondable apertured film material, completely envelopes the insertion end, and is attached to the absorbent element to restrict at least one portion of the fluid storage element when exposed to bodily fluids, wherein the at least one portion is disposed in at least one of the central portion, the insertion end, and the withdrawal end of the fluid storage element, and wherein the at least one portion is a longitudinally extending, generally cylindrical portion enveloped by substantially non-expandable portion of the thermobondable apertured film material that has a volume that remains substantially constant after exposure to bodily fluids and wherein a second portion of the fluid storage element has a volume that increases upon exposure to bodily fluids.