KR100629790B1 - Absorbent interlabial device and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to an absorbent interlabial device. The absorbent interlabial device has a body contacting surface, a garment facing surface opposite the body contacting surface, an inner region, and a peripheral region surrounding the inner region. The body contact surface is liquid permeable. An absorbent interlabial device is located between the garment facing surface and the body contacting surface. The absorbent member has a surface facing the body and a surface facing the garment opposite the surface facing the body. The absorbent interlabial device has a convex portion on the body contacting surface in the inner region and a concave portion on the surface facing the garment in the inner region. The convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a face to face relationship. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such an absorbent interlabial device.

Description

Absorbent interlabial device and manufacturing method therefor {ABSORBENT INTERLABIAL DEVICE}

The present invention relates to an absorbent device, and more particularly, to an absorbent interlabial device that is worn interlably by a female wearer for hygiene purposes, incontinence protection, or both.

All the various absorbent products configured for the absorption of body fluids such as menstrual fluid, urine and feces are well known. For female protection devices, two basic forms are provided in the art: sanitary napkins have been developed for external wear around the vulva area, and tampons are used for vaginal cavity to block and absorb menstrual fluid flow from the body. Was developed for internal wear within.

In addition, hybrid devices have been proposed that seek to integrate the structural features of sanitary napkins and tampons into a single device. Such hybrid devices are disclosed in US Pat. No. 2,092,346 to Aaron in 1937 and US Pat. No. 3,905,372 to Dankinger on September 16, 1975. Other less interleaved hybrid devices are known as labia or interlabial sanitary napkins and are characterized by having a portion at least partially remaining within the wearer's vestibule and a portion at least partially remaining outside the wearer's vestibule. . Such a device is disclosed in US Pat. No. 2,662,527, issued to Jack on December 15, 1953, and US Pat. No. 4,631,062 to Larsen, et al. On December 23, 1986.

Interlabial pads have the potential to be more free from incontinence due to their small size and reduced risk of leakage. Many attempts have been made in the past to produce interlabial pads that combine the superior features of tampons and sanitary napkins and avoid at least some of the disadvantages associated with each of these types of devices. Examples of such devices include U.S. Patent No. 2,917,049, issued to Della on December 15, 1959, U.S. Patent No. 3,420,235 to Harmon, dated January 7, 1969, and Johnson, June 17, 1986. US Patent No. 4,595,392 to et al.

However, because they have disadvantages, these devices have not been very successful commercially. For example, the device disclosed in the patent of Johnson et al. Cannot be inserted conveniently and comfortably because it is difficult to properly insert the device into the body. This is because the user is invisible and does not want the device to touch the area of her body where it is inserted. If the device is not inserted properly, the user feels uncomfortable. Even if such a device is properly inserted, there is a tendency for bypass flow to occur around its edges. This flow will cause body soiling or panty soiling that many users cannot tolerate.

Based on the above description, there is a need to provide an improved interlabial device that can reduce the tendency of soiling of the body and panties when used. Such devices should be easy to insert and comfortable while wearing. There is also a need to manufacture such interlabial devices.

Summary of the Invention

One embodiment of the present invention relates to an absorbent interlabial device. The absorbent interlabial device has a body contacting surface, a garment facing surface opposite the body contacting surface, an inner region, and a peripheral region surrounding the inner region. The body contact surface is liquid permeable. An absorbent interlabial device is located between the garment facing surface and the body contacting surface. The absorbent member has a surface facing the body and a surface facing the garment opposite the surface facing the body. The absorbent interlabial device has a convex portion on the body contacting surface in the inner region and a concave portion on the surface facing the garment in the inner region. The convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a face to face relationship.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of making such an absorbent interlabial device. The method includes supplying two absorbent members each having a first and a second surface facing each other. The first surfaces of the two absorbent members are face to face. The method also includes sealing a portion of the two absorbent members along a predetermined seam line to form the convex and concave portions of the two absorbent members.

The above description meets the needs of an improved interlabial device that can improve comfort and reduce the tendency of body and panty fouling during wearing. The above description also meets the need for a method of manufacturing such interlabial device.

These and other features, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this description.

Although the detailed description includes claims that specifically point out and distinctly claim the invention, the invention can be better understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments that are made in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same reference numerals. Refers to the same component.

1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the absorbent interlabial device of the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a simplified plan view of the absorbent interlabial device shown in FIG. 1 showing the body contact surface of the device; FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent interlabial device shown in FIG. 2 taken along the cut line 3-3 of FIG.

4 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent interlabial device of another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the insert form for use of the absorbent interlabial device shown in Figure 1,

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sagittal suture of a female wearer showing the location of the absorbent interlabial device shown in FIG. 1 into the interlabial space of the wearer; FIG.

7 is a schematic plan view of a manufacturing process for manufacturing the absorbent interlabial device of another embodiment of the present invention;

8 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent member shown in FIG. 7 taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

9 is a schematic plan view of the absorbent interlabial device shown in FIG. 7,

10 is a schematic plan view of an absorbent interlabial device which is another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

All citations are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Reference to all documents is not permitted with regard to all decisions as to the utility of the prior art of the present invention.

In this specification, "comprise", "include" and "contain" means that other element (s) and step (s) that do not affect the final result are added. It can be. These terms include the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of".

In this specification, a "layer" need not limit the element to single layers of material, and one layer may actually comprise a stack or combination of sheets or webs of material of the required type.

In this specification, "joined" or "joining" means that an element is directly fixed to another element by directly fixing one element to another element, and that one element And an element in which one element is indirectly fixed to the other element by fixing to the intermediate member (s) and fixing the intermediate member to the other element.

As used herein, "absorbent interlabial device" refers to a structure that includes at least one absorbent component or member and is specifically configured to remain in the interlabial space of a female wearer during use. When the absorbent interlabial device is sized appropriately for an individual wearer, more than half of the entire absorbent interlabial device of the present invention remains in this interlabial space. Preferably, the entire absorbent interlabial device remains in this interlabial space, and more preferably the entire absorbent interlabial device remains in this interlabial space of the female wearer during use.

As used herein, the term "interlabial space" refers to the space within the vulva region of the female body structure located between the inner surfaces of the labia majora extending into the vestibular. Major genitourinary tracts, including the large labia, vestibular, clitoris, urinary tract and vaginal opening, are located within this interlabial space. According to the standard medical authorities, the vestibule refers to a space bordered transversely by the inner surface of the labia minora and extending internally to the floor between the clitoris and the vaginal opening. Thus, as described above, the interlabial space may refer to the space between the inner surfaces of the labia majora, including the space between the inner surfaces of the labia minora, also known as the vestibule. The interlabial space for the purpose of this description does not extend substantially beyond the vaginal opening into the vagina.

As used herein, the term "labia" generally refers to both the labia majora and the labia minora. The labia terminated forward and backward in pre and post drills, respectively. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there is a wide range of changes among women regarding the relative size and shape of the labia majora and labia minora. However, for the purposes of the present invention, this difference is not specifically approached. Arranging the absorptive interlabial device into the interlabial space of the wearer as described above will require positioning between the inner surfaces of the labia majora without particular attention to the precise location of the boundary between the labia and labia minora for a particular wearer. A more detailed description of this part of the female anatomy is mentioned on pages 1025-1027 of Running Press 1901 Ed. (1974) of Gray's Anatomy.

1 is a perspective view of an absorbent interlabial device 20, which is one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the interlabial device 20 has a body contact surface 22 and a garment facing surface 24 opposite the body contact surface 22. The body contact surface is liquid permeable. The interlabial device 20 includes an absorbent member 30 disposed between the body contacting surface 22 of the interlabial device 20 and the surface 24 facing the garment. The absorbent member 30 has a surface 32 facing the body and a garment facing surface 34 opposite the surface 32 facing the body. The interlabial device 20 has an inner region IR and a peripheral region PR surrounding the inner region IR. The interlabial device 20 has a convex portion 26 on the body contacting surface 22 in the inner region IR and a concave portion 28 on the surface 24 facing the garment in the inner region IR. The convex portion 26 on the concave portion 28 is formed in a face to face relationship as shown in FIG. 1 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The overall shape of the interlabial device 20 is defined by the circumferential shape at the outermost edge of the device 20.

FIG. 2 shows the body contacting surface 22 of the device 20, which is a schematic plan view of the interlabial device 20 shown in FIG. 1. The interlabial device 20 has an inner region IR and a peripheral region PR surrounding the inner region IR. The convex portion 26 is formed in the inner region IR. The interlabial device 20 shown in FIG. 2 has a longitudinal centerline L extending along the "x" axis. As used herein, “longitudinal” is generally aligned (eg, approximately parallel) to a vertical plane that bisects the standing wearer into the left body and the right body when wearing the interlabial device 20. ) Indicates a line, axis, or direction of the interlabial device 20. In this specification, "transverse", "lateral" or "y direction" are interchangeable and refer to a line, axis or direction that is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The lateral direction is shown in the "y" direction in FIG. The interlabial device 20 shown in FIG. 2 also has a transverse centerline T. FIG.

The interlabial device 20 should be of an overall shape and size suitable for at least the majority of the device 20 to be comfortably worn in the interlabial space of the wearer and to cover the wearer's vagina and preferably also the wearer's urethra. The overall shape and size of the interlabial device 20 may be appropriately selected so that the device 20 may at least partially block, more preferably completely block, menstrual fluid, urine and other body discharge from the wearer's vaginal tract and urethra. It should be.

The interlabial device 20 can be manufactured in a wide variety of overall shapes. Non-limiting examples of the overall shape as seen in FIG. 2 include ovals, ovals, trapezoids, rectangles, triangles, diamonds or any combination thereof.

In addition, the convex portion 26 (and therefore the concave portion 28) can take a wide range of overall shapes. Non-limiting examples of the overall shape as seen in FIG. 2 include ovals, ovals, trapezoids, triangles, diamonds or any combination thereof.

The size of the interlabial device 20 is important for its comfort and effect. The longitudinal length L1 of the interlabial device 20 is measured along the longitudinal center line L in the longitudinal direction (or "x" direction). Preferably, the interlabial device 20 has a longitudinal length L1 of about 50 mm to about 150 mm. More preferably, the length L1 is about 70 mm to about 100 mm. The transverse width W1 of the interlabial device 20 is measured along the transverse centerline T in the transverse direction (or "y" direction). Preferably, the interlabial device 20 has a lateral width W1 of about 10 mm to about 80 mm. More preferably, the width W1 is about 40 mm to about 60 mm. The caliper (or thickness) C of the interlabial device 20 is measured at the edge E of the interlabial device (as shown in FIG. 1). Preferably, the interlabial device 20 has a caliper C of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm. More preferably, the caliper C is about 1 mm to about 3 mm. The caliper measuring instrument given herein is measured using an AMES gauge with a 0.25 psi (gauge) load and a 0.96 inch (2.44 cm) diameter leg. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that if a 0.96 inch (2.44 cm) diameter leg is not suitable for a particular sample size, the leg size can be changed while the load on the gauge can be changed to maintain a specified pressure of 0.25 psi (1.7 kPa). I will understand.

Preferably, the convex portion 26 has a longitudinal length L2 of about 10 mm to about 80 mm. More preferably, the length L2 is about 30 mm to about 55 mm. Preferably, the convex portion 26 has a lateral width W2 of about 1 mm to about 25 mm. More preferably, the width W2 is about 5 mm to about 8 mm.

Preferably, the ratio of the longitudinal length L2 of the convex portion 26 to the longitudinal length L1 of the device 20 is about 1: 1.1 to about 1:10, more preferably about 1: 1.3 to about 1: 3.3.

In one preferred embodiment, the longitudinal length L1 of the device 20 is about 80 mm, the transverse width W1 is about 50 mm and the longitudinal length L2 of the convex portion 26 is about 45 mm and lateral width W2 is about 6 mm.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the interlabial device 20 shown in FIG. 2 taken along the cutting line 3-3 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 3, the interlabial device 20 has a convex portion 26 in the interior region IR, which convex portion 26 wears a top 46 and a garment on the body contact surface 22. With a recessed portion 28 on the facing surface 24. The height of the convex portion 26 is measured as the vertical distance from the body contact surface 22 in the peripheral area PR to the point of maximum width on the upper portion 46 when no pressure is applied to the device 20 from the outside. will be. Preferably, the convex portion 26 has a height H of about 5 mm to about 50 mm. More preferably, the height H is about 10 mm to about 25 mm.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent member 30 in the peripheral region PR is located at the longitudinal center line L and the transverse center line T (not shown in FIG. 3 but shown in FIG. 2). It is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane defined by it. One embodiment of the horizontal plane is shown by the line HP in FIG. 3.

Preferably, the absorbent member 30 in the peripheral region PR is aligned from the horizontal plane HP. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the absorbent member 30 in the peripheral plane PR has an angle AG within about ± 45 ° with respect to the horizontal plane HP, more preferably from about 0 ° to about + It has an angle AG of 10 degrees.

Preferably, the interlabial device 20 having a particular size variable as described above cooperates with the function of the convex portion 26 and the concave portion 28 to form a product having comfort and action effects.

5 is a perspective view of the interlabial device 20 shown in FIG. 1 in an insertion configuration for use. The tip (s) of the user's fingers are inserted into the concave portion 28 of the interlabial device 20 of the present invention, while the convex portion 26 (or body contact surface 22) is directed towards the labia surface. The wearer takes a squat position during insertion to help spread the interlabial surface. Thus, the user can indirectly contact an area of her body, and the device 20 is inserted without dirtying the user's finger. This helps the proper insertion of the device 20 into the interlabial space by the user and improves the user's comfort during use. In addition, proper insertion of the device 20 is effective to prevent the bypass flow of body fluid that may occur between the wearer's body and the device 20, whereby body soiling or panty soiling can be effectively prevented. Preferably, at least a portion, more preferably the majority, of the convex portion 26 of the device 20 is inserted into the inside of the labia under the guidance of a user's finger.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the sagittal suture of a female wearer showing the positioning of the interlabial device 20 of the present invention in a wearer interlabial space of the wearer W. FIG. The genitourinary tract shown in FIG. 6 includes the bladder (B), the vagina (V), the urethra (U), the clitoris (C), the large intestine (I), the anus (A), the vaginal opening (VI) and the hymen ring (H). do. In this figure, labia minora and labia majora are not shown to clearly show the relationship of these anatomical features of the wearer W to the interlabial device 20 when the device is properly inserted for use. Once the interlabial device 20 is inserted into the interlabial space, the body contacting surface 22 of the convex portion 26 is preferably attached to the skin of the interlabial space, more preferably to the inner surface of the labia minora. When the wearer W is standing, the labia wall tends to close the recessed portion 28 of the interlabial device 20.

Preferably, the interlabial device 20 is held in place at least in part by applying slightly laterally oriented pressure on the wearer's labia minora, labia majora, or both inner surfaces. The discharged body liquid is absorbed by the absorbent member 30 of the convex portion 26. In addition, the interlabial device 20 may also be retained in the material of the body contacting surface 22 by the attractive force of the labial surface that is inherently wet. Optionally, the body contacting surface 22 of the device 20 may be equipped with a biocompatible adhesive to assist in attaching the device 20 to the inner surface of the wearer's labia. The strength of this adhesive should be chosen to allow the interlabial device 20 to remain in place while allowing for a secure and comfortable removal of the device from the interlabial space of the wearer.

Preferably, the peripheral area PR of the device 20 at least covers the wearer's labia, more preferably covering the peripheral area thereof to prevent leakage that may occur through the space between the device 20 and the wearer's skin. do. Thus, the body liquid can be absorbed by the absorbent member 30 in the convex portion 26 as well as in the peripheral region PR.

Preferably, the interlabial device 20 provides sufficient absorbency to absorb and retain body fluid (or body excretion) discharged from the wearer's body. However, the capacity of the product depends at least in part on the physical volume of the interlabial device 20. Preferably, the absorbent interlabial device has a capacity of at least about 1 gram of 0.9 wt% saline solution, and may have a capacity of up to about 30 grams by using an absorbent gel or foam that expands when wet. Doses typically range from about 2 grams to about 20 grams for salt. Preferably, the capacity of the device 20 is at least about 20 grams for salt. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the capacity for the absorption of bodily excretion, such as menstrual fluid, is typically less than that described above for the absorption of salt. The method of measuring the absorption capacity is disclosed in the following test method. Since the interlabial space can be expanded, more volume can be stored in the interlabial space if the liquid is stored as a gel that is adjusted to body pressure. Additionally, if the interlabial device 20 does not remain entirely in the wearer interlabial space, some of the absorbed emissions may be stored externally to the wearer interlabial space.

The individual component (s) that may be suitable for the various embodiments of the interlabial device 20 shown in FIG. 1 are described in more detail below.

In one embodiment, the interlabial device 20 is formed of a single or uniform material forming the absorbent member 30. Preferred materials include nonwoven materials (and, if desired, absorbent gelling materials) containing absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, and wood pulp. In a preferred manufacturing method, after a single or uniform material is heated by a vacuum roll, pressure is applied to the heating material by a press bar to form the concave portion 28. A press cutter is used to form the periphery of the interlabial device 20.

Optionally, in the preferred embodiment, the interlabial device 20 includes a plurality of component materials joined together to form the absorbent member 30. For example, referring back to FIG. 1, the absorbent member 30 has an absorbent core having a surface 42 facing the body and a garment facing surface 44 facing the body 42. 40). Preferably, the interlabial device 20 further includes a liquid permeable topsheet 36 disposed on the body facing surface 42 of the absorbent core 40. The topsheet 36 has a body contacting surface 22 of the interlabial device 20. More preferably, the interlabial device 20 further includes a liquid impermeable backsheet 38 disposed on the garment facing surface 44 of the absorbent core 40. The backsheet 38 has a surface 24 facing the garment of the interlabial device 20.

Topsheet 36 includes a liquid permeable component. Topsheet 36 should be flexible, soft, and should not irritate the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 36 is liquid permeable to allow body fluid (eg, menstrual fluid and / or urine) to pass through its thickness (or caliper) easily. Suitable topsheets 36 include woven and nonwoven materials; Polymeric materials such as hole-forming thermoplastic films, perforated plastic films, and hydrofoam thermoplastic films; Porous foams; Lattice foams; Lattice thermoplastic films; It can be made from a wide range of materials, such as thermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may be made of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymer fibers such as polyester, rayon, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or may be made of natural and synthetic fibers. It may consist of a compound. Topsheet 36 suitable for use in the present invention is a nonwoven material formed of rayon fibers having a basis weight of about 15 g / m 2 to about 30 g / m 2.

Preferably, a particularly suitable material for use as the topsheet 36 is a biodegradable material. In the present specification, "biodegradeable material" is about 70% or more biodegradable after 28 days as measured according to the stum test indicated as "method 301B" by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Points to materials with a theoretical rate of carbon dioxide emissions). Preferred materials are at least about 80% biodegradable, more preferably at least about 90% biodegradable.

Topsheet 36 may also include a hole forming film. The apertured film passes through the body discharge and, if properly formed, reduces the tendency for liquid to flow back through the aperture and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the surface of the molded film in contact with the body is kept dry, thereby reducing body soiling and giving the wearer a more comfortable feeling. Suitable molded films are described in US Pat. No. 3,929,135, issued December 30, 1975 to Thomson; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 to Mulan et al. On April 13, 1982; US Patent No. 4,342,314, issued to Ladel et al. On August 3, 1982; US Patent No. 4,463,045, issued to Ar et al. On July 31, 1984; And US Pat. No. 5,006,394 to Verde, dated April 9, 1991.

In a preferred embodiment, the body contacting surface 22 of the topsheet 36 is hydrophilic to aid in the liquid transfer through the topsheet 36, so that liquid transfer is better than if the body contacting surface 22 is not hydrophilic. It is rapid, reducing the tendency for menstrual liquid to flow out of the topsheet 36 rather than flow into and be absorbed by the absorbent core 40. The body contacting surface 22 of the topsheet 36 may be made hydrophilic by treating the surface with a surfactant as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,950,254 to Osborne III. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is incorporated with the polymeric material of the molded film topsheet.

The inner surface of the topsheet 36 may be fixed in contact with the lower absorbent layer. This contact relationship allows the liquid to pass through the topsheet 36 more quickly. The topsheet 36 can be maintained in contact with the bottom layer by adhering the topsheet 36 to the bottom layer. However, it is not necessary to adhere the face of the topsheet 36 to the face of the lower layer. The topsheet 36 may remain in contact with the bottom absorbent component such that the fibers of the bottom layer are entangled with the topsheet, whereby by a plurality of separate individual melt adhesives or any means known in the art. Topsheet 36 may be fused to the lower absorbent layer.

Topsheet 36 need not include a separate or different layer or material from absorbent core 40. The topsheet 36 and the absorbent core 40 consist of a unitary structure, and the body contacting surface of the absorbent core 40 will serve as the liquid permeable topsheet 36. In this embodiment, the liquid permeable body contact surface 22 is hydrophilic or treated to be hydrophilic such that liquid can be easily passed through the surface 22 and into the interior of the absorbent core 40. In addition, the topsheet 36 and the absorbent core 40 may have a pore size, capillary or hydrophilic gradient to assist in the absorption and retention of liquid into the absorbent core 40.

The absorbent core 40 is positioned between the topsheet 36 and the backsheet 38. The absorbent core 40 provides a means for absorbing emissions such as menstrual fluid and other body liquids. The absorbent core 40 is generally desirable to be compressible, deformable, and not irritate the user's skin.

Absorbent core 40 may comprise any suitable material capable of absorbing and / or retaining liquid (eg, menstrual fluid and / or urine). Preferably, the absorbent core 40 has the same general shape as the entire absorbent interlabial device 20. The absorbent core 40 (and the overall absorbent interlabial device 20) can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes. Examples of non-limiting shapes for the absorbent core 40 that can be seen in FIG. 1 include oval, elliptical, trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, diamond shaped, or any combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, preferred shapes for the absorbent core 40 and the total absorbent interlabial device 20 are generally oval or elliptical.

The absorbent core 40 can be made of various liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles, such as pulverized wood pulp, commonly referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wading of cotton fibers or cotton lintel; Melt blown polymers, including coform; Chemically strengthened, modified or crosslinked cellulose fibers; Synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat moss; Tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; Absorbent foams; Absorbent sponges; Superabsorbent polymers (fiber and particle forms); Absorbent gelling materials; All equivalent materials or combinations of these materials or mixtures thereof. Preferred absorbent materials include folded tissue, cotton wool, woven material, nonwoven webs, rayon including needle punched rayon, thin layers of foam. Absorbent core 40 may comprise a single material. Optionally, the absorbent core 40 may comprise a combination of materials. Particularly preferred materials of the absorbent core 40 are rayon cotton or rayon / cotton blends.

The backsheet 38 soaks products and / or body parts that are absorbed by the absorbent core 40 so that stored feces can come into contact with the interlabial device 20, such as pants, pajamas, underwear, pubic hair, and wearer thighs. To prevent them. The backsheet 38 should be flexible and impermeable to liquids (eg, menstrual fluid and / or urine).

The backsheet 38 is impermeable to liquids (eg, menstrual fluid and / or urine) and is preferably flexible. As used herein, “flexible” refers to a flexible material that can easily conform to the general shape and contour of the human body. The backsheet 38 also protects the wearer's finger when the interlabial device 20 is inserted or when the device is selectively removed with a finger.

The backsheet 38 may comprise a woven or nonwoven material, a polymer film such as a thermoplastic film of polyethylene or propylene, a synthetic material such as a film coated nonwoven material, or an organic material such as a collagen film. The backsheet is made of polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 (2.0 mil). Exemplary polyethylene films are those manufactured by "Clopay Corporation", Cincinnati, Ohio, and sold under the trade name P18-0401. The backsheet allows the vapor from the device 20 to escape (ie is breathable) and prevents the passage of emissions through the backsheet.

Preferably, the backsheet 38 is dispersible and / or degradable in water. Polyvinyl alcohol (including copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol) is known to be suitable as a material of the degradable backsheet 38. Polyvinyl alcohol may be coated with wax or other hydrophobic coating that can reduce the rate of degradation in water. This allows the backsheet 38 to maintain its integrity during use while maintaining its ability to disintegrate in water during disposal of the device 20. Optionally, a nonwoven material formed by rayon can be used for the degradable backsheet 38.

The components of interlabial device 20 described above (ie, topsheet 36, backsheet 38 and / or absorbent core 40) may be assembled in any suitable manner. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the components of the main body portion are assembled in a sandwich configuration (ie, the topsheet 36, the absorbent core 40 and the backsheet 38 form a layered structure). All components are sized to form the edge E of the interlabial device 20. In a preferred variant, the topsheet 36 and backsheet 38 have edges of the topsheet 36 and backsheet 38 past the edges of the absorbent core 40 (not shown). It is size extended outward. Preferably, the topsheet 36 and backsheet 38 are joined at least partially to the periphery where they are joined using known techniques, that is, the topsheet 36 is preferably a backsheet along a seam that is liquid impermeable. Fixed to 38). Such a seam can be formed by any means commonly used in the art such as glueing, crimping or heat sealing for this purpose.

The components of the interlabial device 20 may be meltblown a fiber comprising on one component another component, and extrude one component on the other component, or by any known method in the art. By other means of adhesive, suture, thermal and / or pressure bonds, dynamic bonds, ultrasonic bonds, fibers or other structural elements including components of the interlabial device 20 to be held together Can be. The components of the interlabial device 20 are bonded with a water soluble adhesive to increase the tendency of the device 20 to break down into multiple pieces in an intermediate stirred water (eg, a toilet).

Preferably, the component material (s) of the interlabial device 20 are dispersible and / or degradable in water. As used herein, “dispersible” refers to an absorbent interlabial device or component material (s) that can be dispersed in at least two pieces in an intermediate stirred water. Suitable device or component material (s) may be broken into pieces in conventional toilet and / or home plumbing systems and may be efficiently processed through sewage treatment systems. As used herein, "dissolvable" is at least partially degraded and is essentially an absorbent interlabial device or component material (s) that takes on a liquid form or is otherwise indistinguishable to the naked eye in a degraded liquid medium. Point to.

In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent interlabial device 20 is disposable in the toilet. As used herein, "toilet-disposable" refers to the following features of an absorbent interlabial device, ie, flushable, dispersible, precipitable and biodegradable. As used herein, "washable" and "washable" are directly related to the physical structure of the product and are typically passed through commonly available household toilets and drainage systems without causing blockages or similar problems. The ability of the product to speak. However, there can be many differences between the various types of toilets available. Accordingly, for the purposes of the appended claims, the test method of the present description has been set up to determine the flushability of hygiene products such as such absorbent interlabial devices.

"Sedimentation" refers to the tendency of an absorbent interlabial device, such as an absorbent interlabial device 20 that ultimately sinks to the bottom of the decay tank or other sewage treatment system rather than floating on the surface of the treated decay tank or sewage.

Preferably, the interlabial device 20 of the present invention is toilet waste-disposable and will decompose into at least two pieces within two hours when exposed to moderately stirred room temperature water as disclosed in the water decomposition test of the test method below. More preferably, the absorbent interlabial device 20 will decompose into a number of pieces within about 60 minutes as measured by a water decomposition test, even more preferably within about 30 minutes, most preferably within about 15 minutes. will be. Preferably, the product will break into pieces of about 6 in ² or less, more preferably about 2 in ² or less, most preferably about 1.5 in ² or less.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the components of the absorbent interlabial device 20 will break down into a number of pieces when submerged in intermediate stirred water. Optionally, the components of the interlabial device 20 will be separated from each other without breaking themselves into multiple pieces (e.g., the topsheet 36, backsheet 38 and core 40 may be separated from one another. While each may otherwise break).

Preferably, the interlabial device 20 comprises a biodegradable material. Although biodegradable materials are preferred for the interlabial device 20, each and every material used need not be biodegradable. For example, the device 20 may include superabsorbent particles that are not biodegradable, which affects the performance of the overall device 20 that can maintain toilet disposal and can be efficiently treated in a sewage treatment system. Do not give.

The interlabial device 20 of the present invention may be worn as a "independent" product. In addition, excellent performance of reducing soiling of the body and clothing over a long period of time of wear (eg, night time) can be achieved by using the interlabial device 20 as part of the "system" of feminine hygiene products. One such system that is effective in reducing fouling is an absorbent interlabial device, such as the interlabial device 20, which is worn simultaneously with a sanitary napkin.

This system of interlabial devices in combination with sanitary napkins is more efficient than using sanitary napkins or interlabial pads alone. The absorbent interlabial device used in the system may be a desirable feature of the interlabial device 20 described above, and may preferably have all the features. The sanitary napkin used in this system can be any conventional suitable sanitary napkin. When the underwear is worn in its usual wear position, the sanitary napkin will rest adjacent to the vulva region of the wearer's body. Suitable sanitary napkins for use in the systems described above are U.S. Patent Nos. 4,342,314, 4,463,045, 4,556,146, 4,589,876, 4,687,478, 4,950,264, 5,009,653, 5,267,992, 5,413,568, One or more of 5,460,623, 5,462,166, 5,489,283, 5,569,231, and Re 32,649 have wing type sanitary napkins manufactured and sold by "The Procter & Gamble Company" in Cincinnati, Ohio. "ALWAYS" ultra-thin Maxi. Other sanitary napkins are also acceptable, such as those without wings or that are not of the "ultra thin" type.

To use the absorbent interlabial device and sanitary napkin as a system of feminine hygiene products, the wearer inserts the absorbent interlabial device into her interlabial space and places the sanitary napkin in the crotch portion of the panty-type garment. These two steps may be executed in a different order. Some women may prefer to first place a sanitary napkin in the pant crotch to capture and absorb droplets of menstrual fluid that may be released before the time to insert the absorbent interlabial device. Other women will choose to insert an absorbent interlabial device first. After the absorbent interlabial device is inserted and the sanitary napkin is placed in the underwear crotch, the underwear is pulled up to the normal wearing position. Thus, the sanitary napkin will be seated adjacent to the vulva region of the wearer's body and simultaneously worn with the absorbent interlabial device.

Preferably, the absorbent interlabial device used in the system described above is replaced every time the wearer urinates. The associated sanitary napkin can be worn for a longer period of time (i.e. longer than the replacement of the absorbent interlabial device) because a large amount of body fluid is attached to and absorbed from the interlabial device as opposed to the sanitary napkin. to be.

The sanitary napkin and absorbent interlabial device of the system described above will be usually sold in a package as a feminine hygiene "kit". Such kits facilitate the use of the system of the present invention. Preferably, the package associated with this kit may include instructions on how to use the absorbent interlabial device and sanitary napkin as a system of feminine hygiene products according to the methods described above.

Another suitable system of feminine hygiene products includes the interlabial device 20 of the present invention used concurrently with an absorbent tampon. The absorbent tampons of this system of feminine hygiene products can be any suitable conventional hygiene tampon including all tampons manufactured by "The Procter & Gamble Campani", Cincinnati, Ohio, and sold under the trade name "TAMPAX". . The tampons used may be of the applicator insertion or finger insertion type, and any suitable applicator known in the art may be used. First, tampons are inserted into the vaginal cavity of the wearer. Following insertion of the tampon, the absorbent interlabial device is inserted into the interlabial space of the wearer. The interlabial device and tampon are then worn simultaneously for a period of time. Each time the wearer urinates, the absorbent interlabial device may be removed and replaced, or removed and reinserted after urine.

Similarly, the absorbent tampon and interlabial device 20 of the present system may be packaged in a conventional package as a feminine hygiene kit. Such kits facilitate the use of the variant system of the present invention.

The system and associated kits may also include simultaneous use of absorbent interlabial devices, tampons, and sanitary napkins. Kits containing all three types of feminine hygiene products may be packaged in a common package and contain instructions appropriate for use of such a system.

In addition to the system described above, the interlabial device 20 may be worn simultaneously with a panty liner or incontinence pad for menstrual or incontinence applications. The interlabial device 20 described above may be combined and packaged with a panty liner, incontinence pad or sanitary napkin to form a female urinary incontinence kit. Preferably, such incontinence kits include suitable packaging materials to guide the wearer how to use feminine hygiene products for some incontinence protection. The interlabial device 20 may be worn with conventional panties or may be used as menstrual panties.

Many variations of the absorbent interlabial device of the present invention are possible. For example, these products may also be used in softening and / or chemical treatments. For example, a softener suitable for use in the interlabial device 20 consists of about 50% petrolatum, about 39% cetearyl alcohol and about 15% ceteareth-10. Softeners of about 0.03 g / pad are known to be suitable.

If desired, the interlabial device 20 may be packaged in a separate package. It may consist of many suitable materials known in the art, including such individual package films and toilet waste material. For example, the package is made of a film that is sealed with brittle edges. Suitable methods for fragile sealing of packages are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,556,146 to Swanson and US Pat. No. 5,462,166 to Minton et al.

7 is a schematic plan view of a manufacturing method for manufacturing an absorbent interlabial device as one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, an integral absorbent member 50 having first and second surfaces 51, 52 opposed to each other is supplied along a machining direction MD (step 61). The unitary absorbent member 50 has a predetermined fold line 54. The fold line 54 is preferably parallel to the machining direction MD. Preferably, the fold line 54 is determined on a line that equally divides the area of the integral absorbent member 50 as shown in FIG.

In step 62, the unitary absorbent member 50 is folded along the fold line 54 to provide two absorbent members 50a, 50b, each member having first and second surfaces facing each other. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the folded absorbent member 50 shown in FIG. 7 taken along cut line 8-8 of FIG. 7. As shown in Fig. 8, the surfaces 52a and 52b of the two absorbent members 50a and 50b face each other (i.e., they are face to face).

In a variant embodiment, two separate absorbent members 50a, 50b, each having a first and a second surface facing each other, can be supplied instead of steps 61,62.

In step 63, a portion of the two absorbent members 50a, 50b is sealed along a predetermined seam line 56 such that the two absorbent members 50a, 50b remove the convex and concave portions of the final absorbent interlabial device. Form. Any suitable sealing method known in the art for the particular material used for the two absorbent members 50a, 50b can be used to make the seam line 56. Preferred closure methods include ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive bonding and stitching.

In step 64, the absorbent members 50a and 50b are intermittently cut along the transverse machining direction CD at a predetermined interval or space. The predetermined interval defines the longitudinal length L1 of the final absorbent interlabial device. In addition, the unnecessary pieces 57 of the absorbent members 50a and 50b are cut out and removed in step 63. As a result, an individual absorbent interlabial device 58 having a surface 24 facing the exposed garment is formed. The resulting absorbent interlabial device 58 by this method is preferably stored and then packaged in a product package for transport.

Optionally (and if necessary), the resulting absorbent interlabial device 58 is stored and then inverted (or reversed) and then packaged into a product package, so that the body contact surface 22 of the interlabial device 58 is present. This is exposed to form convex portion 26 and concave portion 28 (step 65).

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of the absorbent interlabial device 58 manufactured in step 64 of FIG. As shown in Fig. 9, the seam line 56 of the present embodiment has two flat portions 56a and a convex portion 56b interposed between the two flat portions 56a. The two flat portions 56a are parallel to the machining direction MD.

10 is a schematic plan view of an absorbent interlabial device 58 ', which is another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 corresponds to the absorbent interlabial device 58 shown in step 64 of FIG. Similarly, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the seam line 56 of the present embodiment has two flat portions 56a 'and convex portions 56b interposed between these two flat portions 56'. It is provided. However, in this embodiment, the two flat portions 56a 'of the seam line 56 are angled with respect to the machining direction MD shown in FIG. 10 (angle AG). By providing an angled seam line 56 in the absorbent interlabial device 58 in the manufacturing method of FIG. 7, the peripheral region PR angled with respect to the horizontal plane HP as shown in FIG. The final absorbent interlabial device 58 may be manufactured.

Test Methods

1.absorbent capacity test

The absorbent capacity can be determined as follows. The test was carried out on a sample that left the sample at 50% relative humidity and 73 ° F. room for a period of 2 hours prior to testing. The test shall be carried out under similar conditions.

The product weighs up to 0.1 grams. The product was then immersed in a beaker of sterile 0.9% salt solution (available from the "Baxter Travenol Company", Deerfield, Ill.), And the product was completely immersed, not bent or otherwise twisted or folded. The product is soaked for 10 minutes. The product is removed from the salt and placed horizontally on a wire mesh screen with a rectangular opening of 0.25 inch by 0.25 inch (0.64 cm by 0.64 cm) for 5 minutes to remove salt from the product. Next, both sides of the product are covered with an absorbent blotter such as filter paper # 631 available from Filtration Science Corp., Eaton-Dikeman Division, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania, USA. A uniform pound of rod per in ² is placed on the product to squeeze excess liquid. The absorbent blotter is replaced every 30 seconds until the amount of liquid delivered to the absorbent blotter is less than 0.5 grams in a 30 second cycle. The difference in grams is the absorbent capacity of the product.

2. water decomposition test

Device

Shaker "Junoir Orbit Shaker" available from "Lab Line Instruments" in Melrose Park, Illinois, USA

30 ° F to 120 ° F in 1 degree increments of thermometer

Lid with Timer Digital Stopwatch Lid 16 oz. Bottle with bottle

Conditioned room temperature and humidity should be controlled to remain within the following limits.

Temperature: 73 ± 3 ℉ (23 ℃ ± 2 ℃)

Humidity: 50 ± 2% relative humidity

Test setup

1. Fill the vial with 300ml of 3 ± 3 ℉ tap water.

2. Set the speed of "Junoir Orbit Shaker" to 250rpm according to the manufacturer's instructions

step

1. Hold the sample (eg absorbent interlabial device 20) at 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) on the surface of the bottle's water. Gently drop the sample onto the water surface.

2. Place the lid on the bed.

3. Position the bottle into the "Junoir Orbit Shaker" so that the bottle faces to the side.

4. Start the "Junoir Orbit Shaker" with the on / off switch and start the timer when the shaker is rotated.

5. Record the time required for the sample to separate into at least two pieces. Separation does not otherwise include separation of some individual fibers from a complete sample. The time is the total time until the sample shakes.

6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 with 3 additional samples.

Conclusion and record

Calculate and record the mean and standard deviation of the water dispersion time for the four samples tested.

The examples and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (18)

An absorbent interlabial device comprising a liquid-permeable body contact surface, a surface facing the garment facing the body contact surface, an interior region, and a peripheral region surrounding the interior region, A absorbent member positioned between the garment facing surface and the body contacting surface, the absorbent member having a surface facing the body and a garment facing surface opposite the surface facing the body, The absorbent interlabial device has a convex portion on the body contact surface in the inner region and a concave portion on the surface facing the garment in the inner region, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a face to face relationship. Absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 1, The absorbent member is an absorbent core having a surface facing the body and a garment facing the body facing the body, wherein the interlabial device is a liquid permeable topsheet disposed on the body facing surface of the absorbent core. Wherein the topsheet has a body contact surface Absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 2, And further comprising a liquid impermeable backsheet disposed on the garment facing surface of the absorbent core, the backsheet having a garment facing surface. Absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 3, wherein The top sheet, the absorbent core and the back sheet are laminated to form a laminate structure Absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 1, The convex portion and the concave portion form a dome shape, a cone shape or a pillar shape. Absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 1, The body contacting surface in the peripheral region is in a horizontal plane Absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 1, The body contacting surface in the peripheral region is angled from a horizontal plane Absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 1, The absorbent interlabial device has a longitudinal length of 60 mm to 150 mm and a transverse width of 20 mm to 80 mm Absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 8, The ratio of the longitudinal length of the convex portion to the longitudinal length of the device is from 1: 1.1 to 1:10. Absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 9, The convex portion has a longitudinal length of 10 mm to 80 mm Absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 8, The convex portion has a height of 5 mm to 50 mm Absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 1, The peripheral region of the absorbent interlabial device has a circumferential edge forming a circle, ellipse, triangle, rectangle or calabash shape Absorbent interlabial device. A body contact surface, a surface facing the garment opposite the body contact surface, an inner region, a peripheral region surrounding the inner region, a convex portion on the body contact surface in the inner region, and a garment in the inner region A method of manufacturing an absorbent interlabial device having a concave portion on a facing surface, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a face-to-face relationship. Supplying two absorbent members each having a first and a second surface opposed to each other, wherein the first surfaces of the two absorbent members are in a face to face relationship; Sealing a portion of the two absorbent members along a predetermined seam line to form the convex and concave portions of the two absorbent members; Method for manufacturing absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 13, One of the first and second surfaces of the two absorbent members is liquid permeable Method for manufacturing absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 14, The first surfaces of the two absorbent members are liquid permeable, Inverting the two absorbent members such that the first surfaces of the two absorbent members are exposed; Method for manufacturing absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 13, The two absorbent members are formed of a unitary absorbent member having first and second surfaces facing each other and a predetermined fold line, The step of supplying the two absorbent members includes supplying an integrated absorbent member and folding the integrated absorbent member along a predetermined fold line. Method for manufacturing absorbent interlabial device. The method of claim 13, The absorbent member includes a layered liquid permeable topsheet material and an absorbent core material. Method for manufacturing absorbent interlabial device. An absorbent interlabial device having a body contacting surface, a garment facing surface opposite the body contacting surface, an inner region, and a peripheral region surrounding the inner region, wherein the body contacting surface is liquid permeable and is absorbable The interlabial device further comprises a recess suitable for insertion by the user's finger Absorbent interlabial device.

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