METHODS OF PACKAGING INTRAVAGINAL DEVICES
A method of folding a plurality of flexible elements about a central fluid storage element includes of urging an intravaginal device into a folding device; imparting relative rotation between at least a portion of the folding device and the intravaginal device; and contacting the plurality of flexible extensions with the folding device. Wherein the intravaginal device includes a fluid storage element and a plurality of flexible extensions extending therefrom, and the flexible extensions are folded about the fluid storage element in a uniform direction. Alternatively, in place of relative rotation, the flexible extensions are folded by means of guide rails of the folding device. Several apparatus may be employed in this and related methods.
1 .- 14 . (canceled)
15 . A method of folding a plurality of flexible elements about a central fluid storage element comprising the steps of:
a. urging an intravaginal device comprising fluid storage element and a plurality of flexible extensions extending therefrom into a folding device;
b. engaging the flexible extensions with guide rails of the folding device, the guide rails folding the flexible extensions about the fluid storage element.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the folding device is substantially stationary.
17 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the guide rails are a portion of a cylinder having an inner bore and a plurality of slots extending therefrom, each slot forming a helical path as it penetrates the cylinder.
18 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the guide rails are formed as a plurality of individual rails formed into a device having a helical path as defined in a machine direction aligned with the intravaginal device.
19 .- 36 . (canceled)