Abstract: A urinary incontinence device includes a working portion having an insertion equivalent diameter ranging from about 10 to about 25 mm and a use equivalent diameter ranging from about 25 to about 35 mm under an expansion pressure of about 20 to about 150 cm H2O.

Abstract: A device includes a somewhat cylindrical working portion having an initial equivalent diameter ranging from about 20 to about 170 mm, an insertion equivalent diameter ranging from about 5 to about 25 mm, a use equivalent diameter ranging from about 20 to about 40 mm and a length ranging from about 20 to about 60 mm; and an anchoring portion extending beyond the working portion and having an initial equivalent diameter ranging from about 20 to about 60 mm, an insertion equivalent diameter ranging from about 10 to about 25 mm, a use equivalent diameter ranging from about 20 to about 60 mm and a length ranging from about 10 to about 50 mm.

Abstract: An applicator for a self-expanding intravaginal device has a barrel and a plunger that can substantially contain the self-expanding intravaginal device without significant insertion barrel distortion while maintaining comfortable applicator insertion. The barrel has an insertion end, an opposed gripper end, and a central portion therebetween, and it is arranged and configured to substantially contain the self-expanding intravaginal device. The plunger is in telescoping relation with the barrel, and it is arranged and configured to expel the self-expanding intravaginal device out of the insertion end of the barrel when the plunger is pushed into the gripper end of the barrel. A plurality of flexible petals substantially closes the insertion end of the barrel, and the central portion of the barrel has a load to 3 mm deflection of at least about 15 Newtons. Other aspects of the invention include a self-expanding intravaginal urinary incontinence system, and methods of making the applicator.

Abstract: An applicator for urinary incontinence devices has an insertion barrel, a deployment plunger, and an adjustable insertion depth indicator. The applicators are useful to correct for a consumer's body mass index to ensure that urinary incontinence devices are placed in the appropriate position to be effective.

Abstract: A skin care element holder is designed for use with a handheld body having a receptacle. The skin care element holder includes a substantially circular plate having a diameter between about 20 and about 60 mm. The substantially circular plate has a first surface arranged and configured for coupling to the skin care element; a second surface, opposite the first surface; and an outer peripheral edge. The second surface of the substantially circular plate has at least one spacer leg; a plurality of engagement arms; and at least one key. Each of the at least one spacer leg, engagement arms and key extend from the second surface in a direction away from the first surface. The at least one spacer leg supports the plate in the receptacle. At least one of said engagement arms includes a snap-fit projection for engagement with a recess in the receptacle. The key is arranged and configured to fit into a notch in the receptacle. Handheld skin care systems incorporating the skin care holder are also described.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: A skin care element holder is designed for use with a handheld body having a receptacle. The skin care element holder includes a substantially circular plate having a diameter between about 20 and about 60 mm. The substantially circular plate has a first surface arranged and configured for coupling to the skin care element; a second surface, opposite the first surface; and an outer peripheral edge. The second surface of the substantially circular plate has at least one spacer leg; a plurality of engagement arms; and at least one key. Each of the at least one spacer leg, engagement arms and key extend from the second surface in a direction away from the first surface. The at least one spacer leg supports the plate in the receptacle. At least one of said engagement arms includes a snap-fit projection for engagement with a recess in the receptacle. The key is arranged and configured to fit into a notch in the receptacle. Handheld skin care systems incorporating the skin care holder are also described.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: A skin care element holder for use with a handheld body having a receptacle includes a substantially circular plate having a diameter between about 20 and about 60 mm. The substantially circular plate has a first surface for coupling to the skin care element; a second surface; and an outer peripheral edge. The second surface of the substantially circular plate has at least one spacer leg; a plurality of engagement arms; and at least one key. Each of the at least one spacer leg, engagement arms and key extend from the second surface in a direction away from the first surface. The at least one spacer leg supports the plate in the receptacle. At least one of said engagement arms includes a snap-fit projection for engagement with a recess in the receptacle. The key is arranged and configured to fit into a notch in the receptacle.

Abstract: An applicator for urinary incontinence devices has an insertion barrel, a deployment plunger, and an adjustable insertion depth indicator. The applicators are useful to correct for a consumer's body mass index to ensure that urinary incontinence devices are placed in the appropriate position to be effective.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: A method of making an injection molded device includes the steps of (a) assembling a mold comprising a primary male mold half and a primary female mold half to define a primary mold cavity; (b) injecting a first fluid polymeric material into the primary mold cavity and permitting the first fluid polymeric material to solidify to form a device frame; (c) replacing the primary female mold half with a secondary female mold half; (d) restraining the device frame in the resulting mold cavity and injecting a second fluid polymeric material to form a first portion of an outer layer that retains the shape of the first overmold cavity; (e) replacing the primary male mold half with a secondary male mold half; and (f) injecting an additional amount of the second fluid polymeric material into the resulting cavity to form a sufficiently integral outer layer about the device frame.

Abstract: A skin care element holder for use with a handheld body having a receptacle includes a substantially circular plate having a diameter between about 20 and about 60 mm. The substantially circular plate has a first surface for coupling to the skin care element; a second surface; and an outer peripheral edge. The second surface of the substantially circular plate has at least one spacer leg; a plurality of engagement arms; and at least one key. Each of the at least one spacer leg, engagement arms and key extend from the second surface in a direction away from the first surface. The at least one spacer leg supports the plate in the receptacle. At least one of said engagement arms includes a snap-fit projection for engagement with a recess in the receptacle. The key is arranged and configured to fit into a notch in the receptacle.

Abstract: A handheld device for application to a skin surface of a human or animal includes a housing arranged and configured for gripping by a human hand having a mount for a thermal body-care element, a thermal body-care element operatively connected to the mount on the housing, a motion-generating system contained within the housing, and a heat-generating element. The thermal body-care element has a body-care surface. The motion-generating system includes a motor operatively coupled to the body-care surface to impart motion thereto and electrically coupled to an internal electric power source contained within the housing. The heat-generating element is thermally coupled to the body-care surface and has a container enclosing an electric heater in thermal contact with a thermal energy storage medium and an electrical connection for selective coupling to an external electrical power source. The heat-generating element container is disposed within the thermal body-care element.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of: a) electrically connecting an electric heater to an external electrical power source, b) disconnecting the electric heater from the external electrical power source, c) energizing a motor contained within the housing to impart motion to a body-care surface, and d) applying the body-care surface to the skin surface while the electric heater is disconnected from the external electrical power source. The electric heater heats a thermal energy storage medium in thermal contact therewith, and the electric heater and thermal energy storage medium are associated with a handheld device having a housing arranged and configured for gripping by a human hand. The motor imparts motion to a body-care surface operatively connected to the housing and in thermal contact with the thermal energy storage medium.

Abstract: A thermal body-care element includes a container having at least one thermally conductive surface enclosing an electric heater in thermal contact with a thermal energy storage medium comprising a phase change storage medium and an electrical connection for selective coupling to an external electrical power source. The external electrical power source is external to the thermal body-care element. A method of applying heat to a skin surface of a human or animal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A handheld device for application to a skin surface of a human or animal. The device includes a housing arranged and configured for gripping by a human hand, a body-care surface operatively connected to the housing arranged and configured to transfer heat and motion to the skin surface, a motion-generating system contained within the housing, and a heat-generating element thermally coupled to the body-care surface. The motion-generating system includes a motor operatively coupled to the body-care surface to impart motion thereto and electrically coupled to an internal electric power source contained within the housing. The heat-generating element includes a container having at least one thermally conductive surface enclosing an electric heater in thermal contact with a thermal energy storage medium and an electrical connection for selective coupling to an external electrical power source.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence device applicator has an insertion barrel; a plunger slidable within the insertion barrel; means to indicate appropriate insertion depth of the insertion barrel associated therewith into a user's vagina; and means to indicate appropriate orientation of the insertion barrel associated therewith.