AU2017101249B4 - Incontinence aid - Google Patents

Abstract

INCONTINENCE AID The present invention relates to an incontinence aid and in particular to an incontinence aid for women. The incontinence aid is provided by an absorbent elongated incontinence aid sized and shaped for use in lateral position along the urethra and has been developed primarily for use as an incontinence aid for low level body urethral fluid discharge, said absorbent elongated incontinence aid including an absorbent elongated body sized and shaped for use in a lateral position across the urethra within the labia of the vulva, wherein the elongated body has a width greater than a depth so as to be locatable in a lying position at least partially across the urethra in order to minimise outward bulging, and wherein the elongated body is formed by folding of a substantially planar body from opposite ends to increase surface area available for absorption.

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990

Complete Specification For The Invention Entitled: INCONTINENCE AID

The invention is described in the following statement:

Field of the Invention [001] The present invention relates to an incontinence aid and in particular to an incontinence aid for women.

[002] The invention has been developed primarily for use as an incontinence aid for low level body urethral fluid discharge and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use and relates to any other low level body fluid discharge.

Background of the Invention [003] Incontinence aids are a necessary requirement and usually consist of two types.

[004] The first is an external feminine hygiene pad that fits within the person’s undergarments and over the person’s urethra and vagina.

[005] The second is an internal collector such as tampons for insertion in the vagina for collection monthly period discharge. However this form of collection is not practical or comfortable for urethral urine discharge.

[006] Many women have issues of incontinence which can appear to be minor since they are only small leakages. However such issues are very important in the way a person can feel, can present themselves, and can feel secure in themselves. Persistent minor leakages can become persistent major embarrassments that damages a person’s ego. This can then lead to unnecessary change of how a person approaches life, particular events or work, and social, business and professional interactions.

[007] The incidence of low level incontinence is quite high in women as the physiology of women is constructed to be beneficial for childbirth. In this way the woman’s anatomy is flexible, movable and changeable.

[008] A great need for women during pregnancy and after childbirth is to undertake particular exercises commonly known as “pelvic floor exercises” to try to strengthen or repair muscular tone to the area. Your pelvic floor muscles sit in layers in and around the area where you sit. They are like a hammock that slings from your pubic bone at the front to your tail bone at the back.

[009] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a woman’s pelvic floor muscles wrap around the urethra (urine tube), vagina and anus. These muscles need to work for long periods of time, and also contract strongly and quickly when needed such as during a cough or sneeze. This is why you need to exercise them to work for long periods of time and to contract quickly when required. Pelvic floor muscles also need to rest and relax from exercise to avoid too much pelvic floor muscle tension.

[0010] A further reason for incontinence is just general aging characteristics and muscular weakening and anatomical relaxing.

[0011] Also there are also medical issues that increase likelihood of incontinence such as the rise of diabetes 2 which is prevalent in the aged population and the overweight population. Diabetes 2 increases urine output and amount of leakages or accidental urinal releases. Other medical issues include any time there are intra urinary tract infections which can increase discharges.

[0012] Some attempts have been made to provide absorbent structures. One attempt provides an absorbent structure that comprises a pair of absorbent panels joined by an isthmus. In use, the isthmus is positioned furthest inwardly into a wearer’s interlabial space, and is held in place by the panels exerting a slight laterally outwardly oriented pressure on the walls of a wearer’s interlabial space and by capillary forces between the panels. The article in this case resides at least partially within a wearer’s interlabial space, however there are a number of drawbacks including: • The article is easily displaced if a wearer coughs or moves, • The panels of the article extend outwardly from the interlabial space and may create an undesirable aesthetic with underwear, • Requires a means of removal such as a string, • The panels may cause soiling of underwear, and • The article does not necessarily block or cover discharge orifices.

[0013] An incontinence aid is needed which aims to overcome or ameliorate the problems for women of: a) Minor incontinence leakage b) Visible through clothing c) Bulkiness which is emphasized by clothing d) Uncomfortableness due to expansion where not wanted e) Indiscreetness f) Awkwardness g) the inappropriateness of internal aids and external aids h) takes proper consideration of female anatomy.

[0014] The present invention seeks to provide incontinence aid, which will overcome or ameliorate at least one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0015] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention [0016] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an incontinence aid is provided by an absorbent elongated incontinence aid sized and shaped for use in lateral position along the urethra.

[0017] It can be seen that the invention of an incontinence aid provides the benefit of effectiveness while being smaller, more discreet and more comfortable.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an incontinence aid is provided by an absorbent elongated incontinence aid sized and shaped for use in position across the urethra by an elongated structure that is folded to form a V-shape and this has the benefits of snug resilient fit within the interlabial space, increased surface area, and improved aesthetics because it is retained within the interlabial space laterally of the urethra and not outwardly therefrom.

[0019] The present invention represents a clear departure from the prior art. In particular, where the prior art devices teach structures that are inserted with one part furthest inwardly and other elements such as absorbent panels extending outwardly of the interlabial space, the present invention provides a structure which is located and retained within the interlabial space by internal surfaces of labia walls, and extends laterally of the urethra and vaginal opening. This achieves the objects of the invention to absorb minor urethral leakages minimising contact with under garments of a wearer, while providing an aesthetic appearance for clothing.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an absorbent elongated incontinence aid including an absorbent elongated body, the body sized and shaped for use in lateral position across the urethra within the labia of the vulva, wherein the elongated body has a width greater than a depth so as to be beatable in a lying position at least partially across the urethra in order to minimise bulging, and wherein the elongated body is formed by folding of opposite ends of a substantially planar body to increase surface area available for absorption.

[0021] The incontinence aid is sized and shaped to be located laterally over the vagina/urethra and within the interlabial space whereby the incontinence aid is retained in this location by internal walls of the wearer’s labia majora and labia minora.

[0022] The present invention is fitted within the interlabial space so that it substantially does not protrude inwardly of the vaginal orifice or outwardly of the interlabial space. It can be seen that the invention of an incontinence aid provides the benefit of better absorbency, better fit, and better aesthetics.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an incontinence aid including an elongated absorbent pad having spaced side walls and an absorbent padding between the side walls adapted to receive and hold minor levels of discharge fluid. The incontinence aid is sized and shaped for use in lateral position across the urethra to form a minor leakage absorber.

[0024] The incontinence aid further comprising the outer surface forming an enclosing surface encompassing the elongated absorbent pad wherein the outer surface in use engages the user’s body. The outer surface comprises a dry effect transmission surface for allowing transmission of minor levels of discharge fluid to the elongated absorbent pad while providing an outer dry effect surface.

[0025] The incontinence aid further comprising a first and second hingedly attached arm portions wherein the first and second hingedly attached arm portions are adapted to remain in a folded position wherein the hingedly attached arm portions in the folded position, the first and second cross-arm members form a substantially V-shaped configuration and are maintained in the folded position by the encompassing enclosing surface.

[0026] The incontinence aid comprising an absorbent elongated incontinence aid sized and shaped for use in lateral position in the urethra is an elongated structure that is folded to form a V-shape and provide a snug resilient fit. It has an elongated structure that is folded to form an increased surface area. In particular it is comprising an absorbent elongated incontinence aid sized and shaped for use in lateral position across the urethra by a flat elongated structure that is folded over and provides a snug flat positioning with focussed direction of resilient action; wherein the incontinence aid can be substantially assembled with improving effectiveness including in overcoming or ameliorating any one or more of the following: i. improvements in structure and assembly a. in order to minimise bulging b. in size c. in shape ii. Improvements in lateral in situ use due to a. Resilience b. Shape c. Structure iii. Improvements in V-shaped construction iv. Improvements in resilient structure and v. Improvements in large absorbent surface area by overfolding construction rather than single tubular structure [0027] In a related aspect of the invention there is provided an incontinence aid made from a planar sheet of absorbent material, the aid including a pair of arms extending outwardly by a central fold, the pair of arms having an outer roll of multiple layers of the absorbent sheet, an inner roll of multiple layers of the absorbent material sheet, the inner roll being substantially coextending with the outer roll, and a channel between the outer and inner roll, wherein the outer roll is wider than the inner roll, wherein the pair of arms are retained in location in the interlabial space by exertion of internal surfaces of labial walls and wherein the rolls provide extend over the vaginal opening for absorption. The structure of the incontinence aid of the present invention is distinguishable from the prior art, and is retained in the interlabial position, i.e., does not extend inwardly of the vagina and does not extend outwardly of the interlabial space. Consequently the present aid can be readily removed without the need for a removal means such as string and the like.

[0028] The outer and inner rolls can be formed formed by folding the single sheet from a top and bottom side across lateral folds along the planar sheet where the two rolls preferably meet in the middle.

[0029] Preferably, the two rolls are flattened structures forming substantially coextending bulges with a channel in-between. The bulging of the of the two flattened rolls form a first element of lateral resilience against the internal labial lips of the vulva.

[0030] Preferably, the two rolls of flat planar sheet can be further folded over a central fold to overly each other.

[0031] Preferably, the single sheet can include a series of fold lines to guide formation of the incontinence aid.

[0032] In a further related aspect of the invention there is provided a method of forming an incontinence aid from a single planar sheet of absorbent material comprising folding the sheet multiple times from opposite ends over itself to form two substantially coextending rolls separated by a channel, each of the rolls having multiple layers of the absorbent material; flattening the two rolls in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rolls to form bulging portions; folding one roll relative to the other over a central fold to overly each other; forming a first and second hinged arms by folding the two flattened rolls over a middle fold line, whereby the first and second arms are adapted to remain in a folded position and form a substantially v-shaped configuration; wherein the bulging of the of the two flattened rolls provide the two arms with a lateral resilience against the internal labial lips of the vulva in an inserted condition, and improved contact and conformation with labial walls for retention and absorption of bodily secretions.

[0033] In this embodiment, the size of the incontinence aid can be adjusted by adjusting the number of folds of the opposite ends of the planar sheet of absorbent material.

[0034] In yet a further related aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing protection for incontinence including the steps of: providing an incontinence aid having a pair of arms extending laterally about a central fold, the pair of arms having an outer fold of multiple layers of the absorbent sheet, an inner fold of multiple layers of the absorbent material sheet, and a channel between the outer and inner folds, wherein the outer fold being wider than the inner fold, wherein the combined inner and outer folds allow conformation to labial walls and greater surface area for absorption; and locating the incontinence aid in a lateral position across the urethra within the labia of the vulva, wherein in-situ the internal walls of the interlabial space exert a retaining force against the arms and central fold thereby maintaining retention, and the aid allows absorption of leakage in said space.

[0035] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0036] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment / preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is an incontinence aid in a plan unfolded view in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an incontinence aid in a plan folded view such as from the unfolded form of Fig. 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is an anatomical illustration of intended position of use of the incontinence aid in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a general anatomical position of primary function of the incontinence aid in collection of small discharges from the urethra in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of an incontinence aid in a folded form such as in Fig. 2 in an anatomical in use position in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is incontinence aid in a photographic folded view such as shown in Fig. 5 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view of an incontinence aid a plan view in an anatomical in use position in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic flow diagram of the use of an incontinence aid in a folded view in an anatomical position of use in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments [0037] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0038] Referring to the drawings there is shown an incontinence aid 11 comprising an elongated absorbent pad which has spaced side walls 21 and an absorbent padding 22 between the side walls adapted to receive and hold low levels of discharge fluid.

[0039] An outer surface of the incontinence aid 11 is for engaging the body of the user and in reference to the anatomy shown in Figs 3 and 4 it is particularly sized and shaped for use in lateral position along and at least partially across the urethra 52 between the clitoris 53 and at least partially across or into the vagina 54 to form a minor leakage absorber.

[0040] The outer surface forming an enclosing surface encompassing the elongated absorbent pad can be a “dry effect” transmission surface for allowing transmission of minor levels of discharge fluid to the elongated absorbent pad while providing an outer dry effect surface.

[0041] The incontinence aid in this form of Figs 1, 2 and 5 can be made from a substantially planar absorbent sheet 22 having peripheral wall 21. The sheet is folded from a top and bottom side across lateral folds 25 along the planar sheet where two rolls 60 and 61 meet in the middle. These two flattened rolls formed by the rolling of flat planar material can be further folded over a central fold to overly each other forming a channel between the rolls. Then a first and second hingedly attached arm portions 12, 13 can be formed by folding the two flattened rolls over a middle elongated fold line 26. Thereby the incontinence aid 11 has first and second hingedly attached arm portions 12,13, which are adapted to remain in a folded position and form a substantially V-shaped configuration. The bulging of the of the two flattened rolls form a first element of lateral resilience against the internal labial lips of the vulva. However the resilience R is further provided by the V-shaped folding across the fold 26 of the incontinence aid and is maintained in the folded position by the encompassing enclosing surface of vulva of the female body.

[0042] Looking at an example in Fig 6 of the general structure of Fig. 5 the incontinence aid comprises an absorbent elongated incontinence aid sized and shaped for use in lateral position in the urethra is an elongated structure having two arms 12, 13 that are connected at an end and folded to form a V-shape and provide a snug resilient fit. It has an elongated structure that is folded to form an increased surface area.

[0043] The absorbent elongated incontinence aid is sized and shaped for use in lateral position across the urethra by a flat elongated structure that is folded over at opposite ends and provides a snug flat positioning with focused direction of resilient action. The size of the aid may be adjusted by changing the number of folds from the opposite ends of the planar sheet.

[0044] With reference to figure 6, the incontinence aid 11 as shown is made from a planar sheet of absorbent material. The incontinence aid includes a pair of arms 12 and 13 extending laterally about a middle fold 26, the pair of arms each having an outer roll 60 of multiple layers of the absorbent sheet, an inner roll 61 of multiple layers of the absorbent material sheet, the inner roll being substantially coextending with the outer roll, and a channel 62 in-between the outer and inner roll by overlay of the rolls at a juncture between the rolls, wherein the outer roll is wider than the inner roll, wherein the combined inner and outer rolls allow retained in location in the interlabial space by the labial walls, and wherein the arms extend laterally over the urethra and vaginal openings for absorption and maintaining absorbent contact.

[0045] It can be seen by Figs 3 and 5 that generally the vulva is elongated and the shaping within the labia 52 can be considered simply as substantially ovoid and being at the lower part of the female abdomen has a central longitudinal relative position. It is usual for absorbent articles, such as tampons, that there is an inwardly insertion direction. This is suitable for use in absorbing vaginal excretions but is not suitable for urethra excretions or leakage known as incontinence due to the small tubular nature of the urethra. Therefore the usual method for an incontinence aid is an external absorbent pad covering externally over the entire vulva of the female user. This is a large and cumbersome and unsightly item.

[0046] The incontinence aid 11 of the invention is provided by an absorbent elongated incontinence aid sized and shaped for use in position within the labial lips of the vulva 52 across the urethra between at least the clitoris and the vagina but possibly extending across party of the vaginal opening.

[0047] It can be seen that an elongated product is required. However to stay in location within the labia of the vulva a long large cylindrical item is not suitable to lie longitudinally in place within the vulva and across the urethra as it will push externally of the labia and be easily dislodged. Therefore it is more beneficial to be expansive in the direction between opposing internal surfaces of the labia and not expansive in the inward and outward lateral directions. Further it is beneficial to have a resilience which acts in the direction between opposing inner surfaces of the labia so as to provide a holding effect in location that is comfortable and not urging to dislodge.

[0048] This is achieved by an elongated structure that is folded to form a V-shape and this has the benefits of snug resilient fit within the labial lips of the vulva.

[0049] The incontinence aid is sized and shaped for use in a lateral position in the vulva across the urethra.

[0050] This incontinence aid can be achieved in still other forms of the invention rather than just the illustrated embodiment to fulfil or ameliorate one or more of the following features.

[0051] Comfortable fit [0052] Improvements in structure and assembly are used in order to minimise bulging and includes an absorbent elongated incontinence aid sized and shaped for use in lateral position within the vulva across the urethra. • Tubular [0053] Although the shaping cannot be a simple large elongated cylindrical or tubular form, the elongated body can still be a tubular body but preferably it is more resiliently compressible in a transverse direction. In this way there is not bulging in and out of the position at least partially across the urethra as that tends [0054] To also be tubular but to minimise bulging, as shown in example of Fig. 7 the incontinence aid can be sized and shaped to have a plurality of elongated tubular bodies that extend substantially parallel but are sized to fit snugly in position.

[0055] A still further option is to have a plurality of tubular elongated bodies that are connected at one end to form a V-shaped structure that has expansion and resilience in one primary lateral direction across the V-shape whereas the V-shape is substantially flat structure and does not expand or bulge inwardly or outwardly. In this way it is able to more comfortably and snugly and resiliently fit between the inner opposing surfaces of the labia. • Flattened [0056] To more comfortably and snugly and resiliently fit between the inner opposing surfaces of the labia the elongated body could be a single structure which is expansive in one lateral axial direction but not in the orthogonal lateral axial direction. Also it is more resiliently compressible in a transverse direction in one of those lateral axial direction but not in the other orthogonal lateral axial direction. This can be achieved by a number of ways including one or more of: i) a single elongated body shape being non-expansive in one transverse direction in one of those lateral axial directions and resiliently expansive in the other orthogonal lateral axial direction; ii) a flattened structure having a plurality of elongated bodies attached laterally and forming a planar body having a substantially fixed smaller width in one transverse direction in one of those lateral axial directions and the plurality of elongated bodies forming a greater resiliently expansive width in the other orthogonal lateral axial direction.

[0057] In this way there is not bulging in and out of the position at least partially within the cavity between the labial lips external of the urethra as that tends. The absorbent elongated incontinence aid sized and shaped for use in lateral position in the vagina across the urethra by a flat elongated structure that is flattened in cross section and this has the benefits of snug flat positioning and focusing direction of resilient • Folded [0058] To more comfortably and snugly and resiliently fit between the inner opposing surfaces of the labia an absorbent elongated incontinence aid is sized and shaped for use in lateral position in the vagina across the urethra by a flat elongated structure. This can be provided by folded over of a planar or substantially planar absorbent sheet and this has the benefits of snug flat positioning and focusing direction of resilience.

[0059] Resilience [0060] An absorbent elongated incontinence aid sized and shaped for use in lateral position in the vagina across the urethra by an elongated structure that is folded to form This can be achieved in which the elongated body is: a) a V-shape or compound structure providing in one lateral axial direction b) is a flattened article with resilient expansion in one lateral axial direction c) bulges in one lateral axial direction

This provides the benefits of snug resilient holding fit.

[0061] The resilience is in one form to be more resiliently compressible in a transverse direction in one of those lateral axial direction but not in the other orthogonal lateral axial direction.

[0062] Absorbency [0063] Improvements in large absorbent surface area by overfolding construction rather than single tubular structure elongated structure that is folded to form a V-shape and this has the benefits of snug resilient fit and increased surface area [0064] Method of providing protection for incontinence [0065] Referring to Fig. 8 there is shown details of a method of providing protection for incontinence including the steps of: a) Providing an incontinence aid having an absorbent elongated body sized and shaped for use in lateral position across the urethra within the labia of the vulva; b) Locating the incontinence aid in lateral position across the urethra within the labia of the vulva c) providing a sizing to have a first end and a second end able to at least partially to be held in lateral position below the clitoris and across the urethra to the vagina. d) Providing a sizing and shaping to extend laterally across the urethra and not bulge into or out of the labia of the vulva. e) Providing a sizing and shaping to have an end able at least partially to be held at one longitudinal end with the aid of the vaginal physiology. f) Providing a lateral reslience to have an end able at least partially to be held at one longitudinal end with the aid of the vaginal or other resilient vulva physiology.

Interpretation

Embodiments: [0066] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0067] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0068] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects [0069] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details [0070] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology [0071] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including [0072] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0073] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention [0074] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0075] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability [0076] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the incontinence aid and personal hygiene industries and the health and medical industries.

Claims (4)

1. Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1.An absorbent elongated incontinence aid including: an absorbent elongated body sized and shaped for use in a lateral position across the urethra within the labia of the vulva, wherein the elongated body has a width greater than a depth so as to be beatable in a lying position at least partially across the urethra in order to minimise outward bulging, and wherein the elongated body is formed by folding of a substantially planar body from opposite ends to increase surface area available for absorption; wherein the elongated body is formed of two coextending bodies forming the absorbent elongated body and which are connected integrally or by attachment means at an end to form a V-shaped article and provide a resilience between the two coextending bodies.
2. 2. An absorbent elongated incontinence aid according to claim 1, further comprising: a. an outer surface for engaging the body of the user, wherein the outer surface forming an enclosing surface encompassing the absorbent elongated body wherein the outer surface in use engages the user’s body
3. 3. An incontinence aid having an absorbent elongated body made from a single sheet of absorbent material, the aid including a pair of arms extending laterally about a middle fold line, the pair of arms having an outer roll of multiple layers of the absorbent sheet, an inner roll of multiple layers of the absorbent material sheet the inner roll being substantially coextending with the outer roll, and a channel between the outer and inner rolls, the outer roll being wider than the inner roll, wherein the combined inner and outer rolls allow conformation to labial walls and greater surface area for absorption and maintaining absorbent contact.
4. 4. A method of forming an incontinence aid having an absorbent elongated body from a single sheet of absorbent material including: a. shaping and sizing the aid by folding the sheet multiple times from opposite ends over itself to form two substantially coextending rolls separated by a channel, each of the rolls having the same or different multiple layers of the absorbent material; b. flattening the two rolls in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rolls to form bulging portions; c. folding one roll relative to the other over a central fold to overly each other; d. forming a pair of hinged arms by folding the two coextending longitudinally flattened rolls over a middle fold line, whereby the first and second arms are adapted to remain in a folded position and form a substantially v-shaped configuration by the fold; e. wherein the bulging of the of the two flattened rolls provide the pair of arms with a lateral resilience against the internal labial lips of the vulva in an inserted condition, and improved contact with labial walls for retention and absorption of bodily secretions.