Claims:I CLAIM:
1. A dual function menstrual device (1) comprising :
a holding member (2);
at least one absorbent member (3);
at least one warmer patch (4);
wherein the holding member (2) comprises a horizontal portion (2a); and a stem portion (2b) ,
wherein the absorbent member (3) is embedded at a pre determined location on the stem portion (2b), and
wherein the warmer patch (4) are embedded in the horizontal portion (2a) of the holding member (2).

2. The dual function menstrual device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a girdle strap / elastic band (6) is fitted to the horizontal portion (2a) of holding member (2) by joining means – such as fusing, sticking or the like.

3. The dual function menstrual device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a stem girdle strap / elastic band (7) is fitted to the stem portion (2b) of the holding member (2) by joining means such as fusing, sticking or the like.

4. The dual function menstrual device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stem portion (2b) that comprises the absorbent member (3) is provided with a pouch (2c) to facilitate holding additional absorbent members.

5. The dual function menstrual device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding member (2) is approximately ‘T’ shape in construction and made of medical grade material such as non woven fabric of cotton, synthetic material and its blends.

6. The dual function menstrual device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for fixing girdle strap elastic band (6) and stem girdle strap/elastic band (7) includes Velcro, loop or snap shut devices.
, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a dual function menstrual device. More particularly, the present invention is related to a device useful for women during menstrual cycle which is capable of absorbing the menses fluids and relieving the menstrual pain.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Disposable absorbent members such as sanitary napkins are available in the market which are used by women for use to absorb and control the fluids that are discharged during menstrual cycle for the purpose of hygiene, comfort as well as to prevent the soiling of the undergarments and cloths.
Sanitary napkins are made in a variety of shapes and have incorporated numerous structural features in attempts to provide a member of such nature which fulfills its absorbing function and which is also comfortable and nonchaffing when worn. In some instances the provision of a more effective absorbing medium has been emphasized whereas in others a greater consideration has been given to providing a sanitary napkin which fits comfortably. Sanitary napkins commonly used are characterized by having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped on and include an enclosing cover of fluid permeable material which is elongated at both ends of the napkin to provide attachment tabs intended to be secured to sanitary belt clasps at the front and rear of the wearer. Modern days sanitary napkin are available with adhesive part with which the sanitary napkin could be pasted on the panties more easily.
Most women during menstrual cycle also undergo a ritual of enduring pain due to the discharge of menstrual fluids. Menstrual pain relief devices such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) are used by women for pain relief. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical current for pain relief. TENS are normally is small, battery-powered machine about the size of a pocket radio with two electrodes which are often placed on the area of pain creating a circuit of electrical impulses that travels along nerve fibers. When the current is delivered, some people experience less pain. Though TENS may give pain relief, it has host of limitations such as requirement of privacy to use, the need to carry the device and the like.
Oral medicine is used by certain people. Some of the oral medicines work mainly by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) during the menstrual cycle. There are certain type of oral medicine non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), available which is used to treat menstrual pain and discomfort. The pain and swelling relief provided by this medication helps one to perform their normal daily activities during the menstrual cycle. Often oral medicine has its own associated side effects and it is advisable to minimize their use as much as possible. Moreover, one need to always remember to carry it along with them.
Balms and Creams are yet another methods used for pain relief during menstrual cycles, which also often people may forget to carry along with them resulting in that they are unavailable at the time when they are required by the user.
The warmer patch is available which can be placed on the part of the ovary area by women for relief during menstrual cycle. Not only is the patch excellent for keeping the wearer warm, but also they have many health benefits. Persons suffering from pains often use warmer patch because of their ability to promote proper circulation and recovery. The warmer patch can be conveniently affixed on the belly portion in a manner it sufficiently covers the ovary portion in order to get relief from the pain.
The women suffer from primary menstrual cramps, for which they consume large amounts of painkillers. Devices are known to provide pain relief method that does not involve drug consumption by closing the "pain gates" that stimulates the nerves there by subsidies the pain. Again the difficulty is that the users often forget to carry the device with them and the same will not be available at the time when it is required by the user.
Considering the above, it will be advantages to have dual function menstrual device which is capable of absorbing the menstrual fluid as well as providing relief from the pains arising during menstrual cycle.
OBJECTS OF INVENTION
One or more of the problems of the conventional prior art may be overcome by various embodiments of the present invention.
It is the primary object of the present invention to construct a dual function menstrual device useful for women during menstrual cycle that functions both as a sanitary napkin for the absorption of menses fluids and menstrual pain relief device.
It is another object of the present invention wherein the dual function menstrual device is constructed with one or more absorbent member and one or more pain relieving device such warmer patch.
It is another object of the present invention wherein the dual function menstrual device is constructed in a manner it could be worn inside the under garment.
It is another object of the present invention wherein the dual function menstrual device is constructed as half girdle with Girdle strap / elastic band such a manner the dual function menstrual device can be worn around the waist or conveniently tied at the sides of the abdomen.
It is another object of the present invention wherein the dual function menstrual device is constructed as full girdle with Girdle strap / elastic band and stem girdle strap / elastic band such a manner the dual function menstrual device can be worn around the waist or conveniently tied at the sides of the abdomen.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Thus according to the first embodiment of the present invention there is provided a dual function menstrual device comprising of a holding member; at least one absorbent member; at least one warmer patch;
wherein the holding member comprises a horizontal portion and a stem portion,
wherein the absorbent member is embedded at a pre determined location on the stem portion, and
wherein the warmer patch are embedded in the horizontal portion of the holding member.
It is another aspect of the present invention,, wherein a girdle strap / elastic band is fitted to the horizontal portion of holding member by joining means – such as fusing, sticking or the like.
It is another aspect of the present invention, wherein a stem girdle strap / elastic band is fitted to the stem portion of the holding member by joining means such as fusing, sticking or the like.
It is another aspect of the present invention, wherein the stem portion that comprises the absorbent member is provided with a pouch to facilitate holding additional absorbent members.
It is another aspect of the present invention, wherein the holding member is approximately ‘T’ shape in construction and made of medical grade material such as non woven fabric of cotton, synthetic material and its blends.
It is another aspect of the present invention, wherein the means for fixing girdle strap elastic band and stem girdle strap/elastic band includes Velcro, loop or snap shut devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
Figure 1 of the drawing schematically illustrates the dual function menstrual device according to the present invention.
Figure 2 of the drawing schematically illustrates the holding member of the dual function menstrual device according to the present invention.
Figure 2a of the drawing schematically illustrates another embodiment the holding member of the dual function menstrual device according to the present invention.
Figure 3 of the drawing schematically illustrate one of the embodiment of the dual function menstrual device according to the present invention shown positioned inside of the under garment.
Figure 4 of the drawing schematically illustrate another embodiment of the dual function menstrual device according to the present invention constructed as half girdle.
Figure 5 of the drawing schematically illustrate another embodiment of the dual function menstrual device according to the present invention constructed as full girdle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The invention is described in detail with reference to figure 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.
As shown in figure 1 the dual function menstrual device (1) comprises a holding member (2). As shown in figure 2 and 2a the holding member (2) essentially comprises a horizontal portion (2a) and a stem portion (2b). The holding member (2) is approximately ‘T’ shape in construction and made of medical grade material such as non woven fabric of cotton, synthetic material or its blends. The stem portion (2b) is arranged in a downwardly direction approximately vertical to the horizontal portion (2a).
As shown in figure 1, at least one absorbent member (3) is embedded at a pre determined location on the stem portion (2b). The absorbent member (3) is arranged as a pad and embedded to stem portion (2b) of the holding member (2) by suitable joining means such as fusing, stitching and gluing. In order to absorb the menstrual fluid, the inner side of the absorbent member (3) that covers the discharge area of the menstrual fluid is liquid permeable. As used herein, the term "absorbent member" refers to devices which absorb and contain body exudates, and, more specifically, refers to devices which are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. The “absorbent member ” is not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent member (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use, and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). The “absorbent member” may be formed in a wide variety of shapes e.g., rectangular, oval, hourglass, dog bone, asymmetric, etc and of suitable size.
In order to prevent the soiling of the undergarments and cloths, the outer side absorbent member (3) that faces the undergarments/cloths is constructed as liquid impermeable. In an embodiment as shown in figure 2a, the stem portion (2b) of the holding member (2) is also provided with a pouch (2c) to facilitate holding additional absorbent members whose both sides are liquid permeable. This optional arrangement is intended for use by personal who normally experience more discharge of menstrual fluids. The pouch portion may also be constructed as detachable one.
In order to provide relief from pain during menstrual cycles pain relieving device such as at least one warmer patch (4) or equivalent alternatives are embedded as shown in figure 1 by suitable joining means such as fusing, stitching and gluing in the horizontal portion (2a) of the holding member (2). The warmer patch is positioned at the required location such that on wearing of the dual function menstrual device (1), the warmer patch essentially covers the required area of the abdomen. In a preferred embodiment, on fixing, the warmer patch covers the ovary area in order to provide relief to the wearer from the pains. The warmer patch is attached to the horizontal portion (2a) of the holding member (2) by suitable joining means such as fusing, stitching and gluing.
In an embodiment shown in figure 3, the dual function menstrual device (1) is positioned inside of the under garment (5) and worn. Also it is possible that menstrual device (1) is affixed inside of the under garment (5) and worn. For this purpose the outer peripheral surface of holding member (2) is provided with adhesive portion with peel able cover. By this manner the dual function menstrual device (1) is secured in place by the undergarment (5) without any additional supports.
In an embodiment shown in figure 4, the dual function menstrual device (1) is constructed as half girdle. Girdle strap / elastic band (6) is fitted to the horizontal portion (2a) of holding member (2) by suitable joining means like fusing, sticking and gluing. With the aid of the Girdle strap / elastic band, the dual function menstrual device (1) is worn around the waist and retained by suitable means like Velcro, loop or snap shut devices or conveniently tied at the sides of the abdomen. After wearing the dual function menstrual device (1), the stem portion (2b) of the holding member (2) fitted with the absorbent member (3) is positioned inside the under garment and retained.
In an embodiment shown in figure 4 the dual function menstrual device (1) is constructed as full girdle. Girdle strap / elastic band (6) is fitted to the horizontal portion (2a) of holding member (2) by suitable joining means like fusing, sticking and gluing. With the aid of the Girdle strap / elastic band (6), the dual function menstrual device (1) is worn around the waist and retained by suitable means like Velcro, loop or snap shut devices or conveniently tied at the sides of the abdomen. The stem girdle strap / elastic band (7) is fitted to the stem portion (2b) of holding member (2) by suitable joining means like fusing, sticking and gluing. The stem girdle strap / elastic band (7) is worn and tied to the waist girdle strap / elastic band (6) and retained by suitable means like by Velcro, loop or snap shut devices.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, these descriptions are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. It is therefore, contemplated that the claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.