Patent ID: 8535285

Claim:
A method of using a plurality of tampons during a period of menstruation, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a first tampon comprising: i) at least one fluid transport element comprising: A) a first plate having an outwardly oriented surface and an inwardly oriented surface; B) a second plate coupled to the first plate that is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action, the second plate having a first surface disposed and maintained in facing relationship with the inwardly oriented surface of the first plate and an opposite surface; and ii) a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis, the fluid storage element being in fluid communication with the at least one fluid transport element; wherein the at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element; b) positioning the first tampon within a woman's vaginal canal while maintaining at least a portion of a major surface of the fluid transport element in contact with at least a portion of an outer surface of the fluid storage element; c) collecting a first volume of vaginal discharge while holding the first tampon in position; d) removing the first tampon from the woman's vaginal canal and subsequently disposing of the first tampon; e) providing a second tampon comprising: i) at least one fluid transport element comprising: A) a first plate having an outwardly oriented surface and an inwardly oriented surface; B) a second plate coupled to the first plate that is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action, the second plate having a first surface disposed and maintained in facing relationship with the inwardly oriented surface of the first plate and an opposite surface; and ii) a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis, the fluid storage element being in fluid communication with the at least one fluid transport element; wherein the at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element; f) positioning the second tampon within a woman's vaginal canal while maintaining at least a portion of a major surface of the fluid transport element in contact with at least a portion of an outer surface of the fluid storage element; wherein the at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element; wherein the steps of positioning and disposing of the first tampon and the steps of positioning and disposing of the second tampon occur during the period of menstruation.