Appeal No. 97-2555Application No. 08/215,062 Page 8
rim means is composed of material that includes a shape memory
material.
Davis discloses a catamenial device that presents a
reservoir for the uterine discharge and with an expendable tampon
retained therein (column 1, lines 63-66). As shown in Figures 1
and 3, the catamenial device includes a diaphragm D stabilized in
position by its flexible rim R. The rim R is reinforced by
spring coil 10 weakened at diametrically opposite portions (not
shown) so as to facilitate collapse for insertion into position
in the vagina. The rim R carries a cover C provided with an
inturned lip 21 to define an opening 20. The diaphragm D and the
cover C are formed of supple and pliant elastic material within
which a tampon T is inserted. In addition, Davis teaches that a
spermicidal preparation can be applied to the cover C.
Claims 82 and 86 are readable on Davis. Claim 86 reads on
Davis as follows: A vaginal discharge collector (Davis'
catamenial device) comprising: a body means (Davis' diaphragm D)
for providing a collection space and having an annular opening
for the passage of discharge into said space, said body means
having a top; and an annular rim means (Davis' rim R) for
providing resilient outward holding force sufficient for holding
the collector in position during use, said rim means being
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