MXPA97007255A - Plug having a sheath for protective finger and a method for its formac - Google Patents

Abstract

A plug having a protective finger sheath is described along with a method for forming the plug. The plug is constructed of an absorbent having a first end and a second end. The L-shaped cover having a leg, a foot and a central longitudinal axis is aligned with the absorbent so that the foot is aligned to one side of the second end of the absorbent. Both the absorbent and the cover are wound along the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent-cover combination in a cylindrically shaped soft winding which is compressed into an absorbent cap. The absorbent cap has a predetermined diameter, an insertion end and a tail end, and a flexible sheath which extends outwardly from the tail end. The flexible sheath is sized to receive a finger of the wearer and to avoid soiling of the finger during insertion of the absorbent plug into the body cavity. The flexible sheath also allows the absorbent plug to be removed from the body cavity in a clean and easy manner. The method for forming the plug is also described. The method includes forming an absorbent tape having a predetermined width. By placing the absorbent tape on a cover so that the part of the cover extends beyond the width of the absorbent tape. The absorbent tape and the cover are then cut to a desired length and both materials are wound into a soft roll formed cylindrically. The soft winding is then compressed into an absorbent plug having an insertion end, a tail end and a flexible sheath which extends outward from the end of the coil.

Description

PLUG HAVING ONA SHEATH FOR PROTECTIVE FINGER AND A METHOD FOR YOUR TRAINING FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a catamenial stopper having a protective sheath for the finger and a method for forming such a stopper. More particularly, this invention relates to a catamenial stopper designed for use by a woman during her menstrual period to absorb menstrual fluid, blood, urine, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently, there are two basic types of catamenial plugs used for feminine hygiene. The first type is a digital stopper which is designed to be inserted into a woman's vagina directly with the fingers of the user. The second type is a plug which is designed to be inserted with the help of an applicator. Both types are usually made by bending or winding an associated strip of absorbent in a cylindrical shape referred to as a "soft winding" and then radially and / or biaxially compressing the soft winding into a plug. The plug may or may not include a cover. In both types of plugs, a withdrawal strip is attached to the soft winding either before or after compression.

The withdrawal cord facilitates the removal of the plug from the vagina of the user after it has absorbed menstrual fluid, blood, urine, and so on.

It has been found that many women turn away from the digital style plug because they can get their fingers dirty with blood fluid while inserting a fresh plug into their vagina. It has also been recognized that many women experience some difficulty in trying to locate and grab the withdrawal cord when they are ready to remove the plug from their vagina. It is very common for the cord to wind up and adhere to the distant end of the plug. When the user searches for the rope with her fingers, she may find it difficult to locate her. Once she locates the withdrawal rope, the user in turn finds that she has got her fingers dirty and may not have access to a sink where she can wash them.

Another problem is that sometimes the withdrawal cord is separated from the absorbent plug during the removal process. The user is then forced to pinch the plug between her fingers and physically remove it or seek medical assistance. In the first situation, it is very difficult for the woman to avoid getting her fingers dirty with the plug filled with menstrual fluid.

Now a plug with a protective cap for the finger has been invented and a method to form the plug to overcome these frustrating inconveniences.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION Briefly, this invention relates to a cap having a protective cap for the finger and to a method for forming the cap. The plug is constructed of an absorbent having a first end and a second end. An L-shaped cover having a leg, a foot and a central longitudinal axis is aligned with the absorbent so that the foot is aligned to one side of the second end of the absorbent. Both the absorbent and the cover are wound along the central longitudinal axis of the cover-absorbent combination in a cylindrically shaped soft winding which is compressed into an absorbent cap. The absorbent cap has a predetermined diameter, an insertion end, a tail end, and a flexible sheath which extends outwardly from the tail end. The flexible sheath is sized to receive the wearer's finger and prevent the finger from becoming soiled during the insertion of the absorbent applicator into the body cavity. The flexible sheath also allows the absorbent plug to be removed from the body cavity in a clean and easy manner.

The method for forming the plug includes forming an absorbent tape having a predetermined width. Place the absorbent tape on a cover so that a part of the cover extends beyond the width of the absorbent tape. The absorbent tape and the cover are then cut to a desired extent if they are not already in the correct size. Both materials are then rolled into a soft cylindrically shaped winding. The soft winding is compressed in an absorbent applicator having an insertion end, a tail end and a flexible sheath which extends outwardly from the tail end.

The general object of the invention is to provide a catamenial stopper having a protective sheath for the fingers and a method for forming the stopper. A more specific object of this invention is to provide a catamenial stopper having a cover integrally attached to the absorbent.

Another object of this invention is to provide a catamenial stopper which does not require a withdrawal rope.

A further object of this invention is to provide a catamenial cap that has a visually distinctive appearance.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a catamenial stopper which prevents the wearer's finger from becoming soiled with body fluid during insertion and removal of the plug inside and outside the vagina.

Yet another additional object of the invention is to provide a plug with a flexible finger sheath which can be folded once the plug is inserted into the cavity of the vagina so as not to be noticed by the user.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent to those skilled in the art upon seeing the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent having a rectangular configuration.

Figure 2 is a top view of a roof having an approximately L-shaped configuration.

Figure 3 is a top view of the absorbent lying on the deck of approximately L-shaped.

Figure 4 is a top view of the absorbent and the cover being rolled on themselves to form a soft coil having a flexible finger sleeve.

Figure 5 is a top view of the rolled up soft winding.

Figure 6 is a side view of a smooth cylindrical winding wound in an "A" direction as indicated in Figure 3 whereby the flexible sheath acquires a conical appearance.

Figure 7 is a side view of the soft cylindrical winding wound in the "B" direction as indicated in Figure 3 whereby the flexible sheath acquires a tubular appearance.

Figure 8 is a schematic view showing the index finger of a woman placed in the flexible protective sheath and ready to place the plug in her vagina.

Figure 9 is a side view of a cap having a protective finger sheath along with a withdrawal cord.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a plug shown in Figure 7 placed in a plug applicator.

Figure 11 is a side view of an alternate embodiment in which the flexible sheath has a conical appearance and is angularly offset from the plug.

Figure 12 is a top view of a tire having a modified L-shaped configuration to form a conical sheath that is off-center at a plug angle.

Figure 13 is a flow diagram showing a method for forming the plug with a finger protective sheath.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring to Figure 1, an elongated absorbent belt 10 having a rectangular configuration is shown.

From this absorbent tape 10, one or more individual absorbent members 12 can be cut. Each absorbent member 12 has a predetermined length L ,, a width W, a central longitudinal axis A- A and a transverse axis B-B. The central transverse axis B-B is aligned 90 degrees to the central longitudinal axis A- -A. The absorbent member 12 has the separated and spaced first and second ends 14 and 16, respectively, and the first and second longitudinal side edges 18 and 20, respectively, which are also spaced apart from one another. The first and second ends 14 and 16 are aligned approximately parallel to each other as are the longitudinal side edges 18 and 20. It should be noted that the length L of the absorbent member 12 is longer in dimension than its width W,.

The absorbent tape 10 can be made of natural or artificial fibers including polyester, cellulose, acetate, nylon, polypropylene, rayon, cotton or mixtures thereof. The absorbent tape 10 can also be a nonwoven such as a bonded carded fabric, an air-laid fabric or a needle-punched fabric. Such fabrics can be constructed of cotton and rayon fibers. A homogenous blend of bleached cotton fibers and rayon fibers works well. Absorbent fibers can be formed by winding convolutely multiple fibers in a belt. Each absorbent member 12 cut from the absorbent tape 10 can have a length Lj ranging from about 102 millimeters to about 356 millimeters, preferably from about 152 millimeters to about 203 millimeters, and more preferably about 178 millimeters. The width V¡. { of each absorbent member 12 may vary from about 25 millimeters to about 127 millimeters, preferably from about 51 millimeters to about 102 millimeters, more preferably about 70 millimeters. The thickness of each absorbent member 12 can vary depending on the diameter of the plug that one wishes to manufacture. A thickness of between about 2 millimeters to about 7 millimeters works well for a digital plug.

Referring to Figure 2, a liquid permeable cover material 22 is shown having an L-shaped configuration with a vertical leg part 24 and a horizontally aligned foot part 26. The cover 22 has a central longitudinal axis A'- -A 'and a central transverse axis B' - B '. The central transverse axis B '- B' is aligned 90 degrees to the central longitudinal axis A'- -A '. The cover 22 has the first and second spaced apart ends, 28 and 30 respectively, and the first and second longitudinal side edges 32 and 34 respectively, which are also spaced apart from one another. The first and second ends 28 and 30 are aligned approximately parallel to one another as are the first and second longitudinal side edges 32 and 34. The foot portion 26 of the cover 22 is divided into one half by a transverse axis C - -C which is spaced apart from the central transverse axis B '- B'.

The cover 22 can be constructed of a perforated or non-perforated fabric, of a thermoplastic film which has been perforated to make it permeable to liquid or other type of liquid-permeable material. The cover 22 can have a thickness of between about 0.01 millimeters to about 1.0 millimeters, preferably less than about 0.5 millimeters, and more preferably, less than 0.3 millimeters.

The thickness of the cover 22 should be less than about 50 percent of the thickness of the absorbent member 12. Preferably, the thickness of the cover 22 is less than about 10 percent of the thickness of the absorbent member 12, and more preferably less than about 5 percent of the thickness of the absorbent member 12.

The cover 22 can be treated with an emollient, a lubricant or a surfactant to give it certain qualities. An emollient can be used to make the cover 22 smoother and less abrasive. A lubricant can be used to facilitate insertion into the woman's vagina. A surfactant can be used to allow the body fluid to penetrate the cover 22 or to make the cover 22 more hydrophilic, that is, to increase its affinity for absorbing fluids. It is also possible to treat a part of the cover 22 to make it hydrophobic so that it will repel the fluid. The foot portion 26 of the cover 22 must be treated to be hydrophobic while the leg portion 24 of the cover must be treated to be hydrophilic.

The cover 22 may be constructed of natural or synthetic materials and must be easily penetrated by the body fluid, such as menstrual fluid, blood, urine, and so on. Suitable materials include nonwovens, carded and bonded polyester fabrics, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or other heat-stable fibers. Other polyolefins, such as polypropylene and polyethylene copolymers, linear low density polyethylene, finely perforated thermoplastic films and network materials also work well. A preferred material is one spunbonded which is manufactured and sold by Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Another material that also works well is a narrow-bonded laminate manufactured by Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The bonded-bonded laminate is constructed of an elastomeric film which is thermally laminated in an unstretched state between two face sheets joined by spinning. One of such bonded-tie laminate is sold commercially under the trademark KRATON. The narrow-bonded laminate has sufficient strength as well as the ability to stretch in the transverse direction instead of in the machine direction. Having a cover material that can be stretched in only one direction is advantageous when forming the flexible sheath.

The cover 22 has a general length L2 which can be less than or equal to or greater than the length L i of the absorbent member 12. The cover 22 also has two width dimensions, the first width 2 corresponds to the width of the part of leg 24 while the second width W3 corresponds to the width of the foot part 26. In the shape configuration of L, the width W2 may be less than, equal to or greater than the width j of the absorbent member 12 while the width W3 of the foot portion 26 may be less than, equal to or greater than the width W2. Preferably, the width W2 of the leg portion 24 will be less than or equal to the width j of the absorbent member 12 and the width W3 of the foot portion 26 will be less than the width W2.

Still referring to Figure 2, the foot part 26 of the cover 22 is shown as having a trapezoidal profile. Even when the design forms a preferred sheath, one of a square, rectangle or other type of configuration is acceptable. The length L3 of the foot portion 26 may extend for a distance of between about 20 to about 75 percent of the overall length 1 ^ of the cover 22.

Preferably, L3 will vary from between about 20 to about 50 percent of the length L2 of the cover 22.

It has been found that by making the length L3 only a fraction of the total length L2 of the cover 22, that less cover material is required and this can reduce the overall cost required to produce the stopper. A second benefit of making the L3 less than about 50 percent of the overall length L2 of the cover 22 is that it becomes easier for a woman to insert her finger into the flexible sheath which is formed.

Referring to Figure 3, an individual absorbent member 12 which has been cut from the absorbent tape 10 is placed on top and aligned with the cover 22 to produce an absorbent-cover combination 36. In the combination of absorbent- cover 36, absorbent tape 12 and cover 22 are shown as having the same length, L! is equal to 1 ^ and the width i of the absorbent member 12 is equal width W2 of the leg portion 24 of the cover 22. The cover-absorbent combination 36 has the first and second spaced and separated ends 38 and 40 respectively, and the first and second longitudinal side edges 42 and 44 respectively. The first and second ends 38 and 40 are aligned parallel to each other as are the first and second longitudinal side edges 42 and 44. The absorbent-cover combination 36 has a central longitudinal axis AA '- AA' and a transverse axis central BB '- BB'. The central transverse axis BB '- BB' is aligned 90 degrees to the central longitudinal axis AA '- AA'. In the absorbent-cover combination 36, the central transverse axis BB '-BB' is spaced apart from the transverse axis C'-C which cuts the foot part 26 of the cover 22.

It should be noted that the absorbent member 12 may be longitudinally and / or transversely off-center and the cover 22, if desired. The particular alignment that one uses will depend on the design of the final applicator. When at least a portion of the absorbent member 12 extends over at least one of the longitudinal side edges 32 or 34 of the cover 22, this eliminates the need to have to cut the absorbent member 12 and the cover 22 of the same width. This can be advantageous for some plug design.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the absorbent member 12 is placed on the cover 22 and both are wound in the absorbent-cover combination 36. If necessary, cutting the absorbent member 12 and / or the cover 22 to a desired length. , this must be done before the two materials are rolled up. When the absorbent member 12 and cover 22 are wound, such as by radially winding both materials together along the central longitudinal axis AA '- AA', a cylindrical shape is formed which is known in the art as a "soft winding" 46. It should be noted that the absorbent member 12 and the cover 22 can be wound by starting from any of the first end 38 or from the second end 40. However, the finished form of a flexible finger shell 48 which is formed by this operation will be different depending on which end one starts to wind the materials. Soft winding 46 refers to a tightly wound absorbent member 12 having a generally cylindrical shape which has not yet been compressed. The soft winding 46 may or may not include a cover 22. After the soft winding 46 has been constructed, it is normally compressed into a plug 50, which is shown in Figure 6.

The diameter of the soft winding 46 may vary depending on the initial thickness of the absorbent member 12, the thickness of the cover 22, the degree to which the absorbent member 12 of the cover 22 has been wound, the desired diameter of the finished applicator 50, and so on. U.S. Patent No. 4, 951, 368 issued August 28, 1990 to Heinen, and assigned to Kimberly-Clark Corporation, shows an apparatus for compressing an absorbent in a plug. This patent is incorporated by reference and becomes part of the present.

Referring now to Figure 6, a catamenial plug 52 is shown which is formed by winding the cover-absorbent combination 36. in the direction indicated as "A" in Figure 3, starting from the second end 40 and proceeding towards the first end 38. After the soft winding 46 is formed, it is compressed in an applicator 50. The plug 52 includes the flexible finger shell 48 having a conical configuration which is integrally secured to the absorbent applicator 50. It is critical to obtaining the conical sheath configuration that the absorbent-cover combination 36 be wound starting from the second end 40. By "rolling up" it is meant that the absorbent-cover combination 36 is wound on itself along the central axis longitudinal AA '- AA'. That is, the absorbent-cover combination 36 is wound perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis AA '- AA'.

The absorbent member 12 and the cover 22 will be joined together by pressure, heat or a combination of heat and pressure during the compression step and therefore can not be separated without destroying the cap 52. The applicator 50 has an insertion end 54 spaced apart and separated from a rear end 56. The insertion end 54 is not covered by the cover 22 as to allow a more rapid absorption of body fluid once the plug 52 is placed inside the woman's vagina. The insertion end 54 can be rounded or pointed to form an angled nose, for example, a nose of hemispherical shape, which will facilitate the insertion of the plug 52 into the vagina of a woman. The flexible finger sheath 48 extends longitudinally outward and covers from the tail end or back 56 of the applicator 50. The flexible finger sheath 48 is an extension of the cover 22 and forms a hollow skirt which is sized and shaped to receive a finger from the user. When the combination of the absorbent cover 36 is rolled starting from the second end 40, the finger sleeve 40 will acquire a conical configuration as shown in Figure 6.

The part of the cover 22 that surrounds the plug 50 forms an integral part of the part of the cover 22 which forms the flexible sheath 48. The cover 22 conceals the tail end 56 of the plug 50 and is folded at a point 58 which it is located on one side of the longitudinal axis X-X of the plug 52. This point 58 is located approximately at the apex of the flexible sheath 48. The flexible sheath 48 has a flexible wall 60 which is angled radially outwardly to the outside. moving from the tail end 56 of the applicator 50. The flexible wall 60 forms a cone 62 having an internal diameter which is large enough to receive and enclose a part of the user's finger.

When the sheath for the flexible finger 48 is wound in the "A" direction, as shown in Figure 4, so that the second end 40 becomes the inner edge of the cone 60 and the first end 38 becomes the outer edge of the cone 60. The two ends 38 and 40 form a circular arc which extends at least 360 degrees so that the first end 38 at least abuts the second end 40. Preferably, the first end 38 will overlap. to the second end 40 at least once. The overlap can be obtained by having the flexible wall 60 extending to an arc of more than 360 degrees. It should be noted that the flexible wall 60 can extend through an arc of up to about 1., 080 degrees. Three concentric coils of the wall 60 will provide an arc of 1,080 degrees. The exact amount of overlap will depend on the length of the cover 22 and how it is aligned in relation to the absorbent member 12. It is possible to have more than three complete circular arcs if desired. However, the presence of multiple 360-degree wraps can interfere with the insertion of a user's finger into the flexible sheath 48. When the cover 22 is made of a very thin material, multiple wraps can decrease the ease by which a user can insert the finger into the flexible sheath 48.

The overlap of the ends 38 and 40 of the wall 60 ensures that the circumference of the wearer's finger, which will be placed in the flexible sheath 48, will be completely protected from being soiled by body fluid. If it were not for the flexible sheath 48, a woman could find menstrual fluid, blood, urine, etc. during the insertion process which could dirty her fingers when she inserted the plug 52.

The flexible sheath 48 has a conical profile and must have an outside diameter at its free end which is greater than the outside diameter of the applicator 50. The size difference will facilitate the insertion of the woman's finger into the flexible sheath 48. It should It should be mentioned that the flexible sheath 48 is very flexible and that the wall 60 will fold on itself when the plug 52 is inserted inside the vagina of the woman. The fold of the flexible sheath 48 is beneficial in the sense that it can not be detected by the user and therefore provides a more comfortable product. The thinness of the cover 22 contributes to the flexibility of the sheath 48 and allows it to fold once the woman's finger is removed.

It should be mentioned that it is possible to chemically treat only a certain part of the cover 22 or to drill only a given area of the cover 22 if desired. For example, an emollient or a surfactant can be applied to only that part of the cover 22 which surrounds the plug 50. Furthermore, it is not necessary to pierce the part of the cover 14 which forms the sheath 28 because one does not want that the body fluid penetrates through the flexible sheath 48. It is also not desirable to lubricate the part of the cover 22 which forms the flexible sheath 48 because one does not want the wearer's finger to slip out of the sheath flexible 48 during the insertion process. Similarly, it is not necessary to treat the flexible sheath 48 with a hydrophilic surfactant. However, the flexible sheath 48 can be treated to prevent or inhibit the penetration of the fluid with a material such as wax.

Referring again to Figure 6, the cover 22 should be secured to the absorbent member 12 over the entire length of the applicator 50 during the compression step by a seam 64. In addition, the cover 22 can secure itself on at least a portion of the length of the flexible sheath 48 by means of an extension of the seam 64. The seam 64 will ensure that the first end 38 or the outer end of the cover 22 does not move outwardly from the overlap or contact with the second end 40 of the inner end of cover 22. Seam 64 can be formed by applying heat, pressure or the combination of heat and pressure. In addition, the seam 64 can be formed by using an adhesive, by sewing, by ultrasonic bonding or by any other means known to those skilled in the art. Seam 64 may be continuous intermittent, depending on the particular manufacturing process employed, and does not have to extend over the full width W3 of cover 22.

It should be noted that along the length of the flexible sheath 48, the seam 64 can be formed by a process different from that used to form the seam 64 along the length of the applicator 50. For example, the seam 64 can formed over the length of the applicator 50 by using heat and pressure to attach the cover 22 to the absorbent member 12 while an ultrasonic joint can be used to form the seam 64 over the length of the flexible sheath 48.

Referring to Figure 7, a catamenial plug 66 is shown which is formed by forming a soft winding by winding the absorbent member 12 and the cover 22 in the direction indicated as "B" in Figure 3. The soft winding is then compressed into a plug 50. The plug 60 includes a flexible sheath 68 integrally secured to the absorbent applicator 50. Sheath 68 it has a tubular configuration instead of the conical configuration shown in Figure 6. The applicator 50 is identical to that described above and includes the insertion end 54 spaced apart from the tail end 56. The difference in Figure 7 is that of that the cover 22 extends longitudinally outwardly from the outer circumference of the applicator 50 to form a flexible sheath 68 having a hollow tubular configuration. The outer diameter of the tubular sheath 68 is essentially constant and equal to the outer diameter of the plug 50. The inner diameter of the tubular sheath 68 must be of sufficient size to allow insertion of a woman's finger or thumb. The tubular configuration of the flexible sheath 68 is an option for the conical configuration of the flexible sheath 48 shown in Figure 6. However, both flexible sheaths 48 and 68 work in a similar manner.

Referring again to Figure 7, the tubular sheath 68 has a flexible wall 70 which extends to ur. arch of at least 360 degrees. The ends of the wall 11 can be secured together by a seam 72. The seam 72 can extend along the length of the applicator 50 as well as along the length of the flexible sheath 68 to ensure that the first end 68 or the The outer end of the cover 22 does not move outwardly from the overlapping contact of the second end 40 or the inner end of the cover 22. The seam 72 may be formed as indicated above. The flexible sheath 68 also has a length L4 in its finished condition which is equal to the initial start width W3, shown in Figure 2. The length must be large enough to enclose one of the user's fingers or thumb, preferably the index or middle finger, and extend beyond the nail and up to the first knuckle. Preferably the flexible sheath 68 has a length sufficient to approximate and possibly cover the second knuckle.

It should be noted that a benefit of the tapered finger sleeve 48 is that it easily allows the wearer's finger to enter and exit the opening formed in the flexible sheath 48. Some consumers may experience better control of the applicator 50. by using the tapered finger sleeve 48. The finger sleeve 48 and 68 of the present invention also allows the manufacturer to make the product using less material than if a rectangular sheet of the cover material had been used. This cost savings will pass to the ultimate consumer. Less material for the finger shell 48 or 68 also means that it will be more comfortable to use since the user will not notice its presence. Another advantage of the sheath for the present finger 48 or 68 is that it is constructed so that it is formed integrally with the absorbent member 12 so that the two members can not be separated. This ensures that the finger sheath 48 or 68 will always be available as a means for removal to help remove the plug 52 from the woman's vagina. The last consumer does not have to worry about a withdrawal cord that could be broken or pulled out of the absorbent member 12.

Referring to Figure 8, a female index finger 74 is shown in schematic view positioned within the tubular-shaped sheath 68 of the plug 66. The flexible sheath 68 must conceal the first knuckle or finger joint 76 and extend to or at less to one side of the second joint or knuckle 78 of the finger. The flexible sleeve 68 should extend longitudinally outwardly from the cylindrically shaped plug 50 by a distance equal to at least half the length of the cylindrically shaped plug 50. For example, the flexible sleeve 68 may have a length of at least 12.7 millimeters, preferably, of at least 25.4 millimeters, and more preferably of at least 38.1 millimeters. This distance will vary for each woman and therefore the preferred length will depend on the preference of each manufacturer. Another way to build the plug 66 will be to make the length of the flexible sheath 68 approximately equal to the length of the plug 50.

You should realize that even though the index or middle fingers are the most likely to be used by a woman to insert the plug 66, some women may prefer to use a different finger or even the thumb. Any finger, including the thumb, can be accommodated by the internal opening of the flexible band 48 or 68. As explained above, after the plug 66 is inserted into the woman's vagina, the flexible sheath 48 or 68 will be folded on itself and will not be virtually noticeable by the user.

It should be noted that the wearer can use the thumb to press the flexible sheath 48 or 68 against the tip of the index finger 74 to control the orientation of the plug 50 as it is initially placed in the opening of the vagina. Some women may find it desirable to place the tip of the thumb on the base of the plug 50 to gain more control. In a similar way, some women may find that the insertion process is easier if they place their middle finger in the flexible sheath 48 or 68 and use both their ring finger and thumb on the outside of the flexible sheath 48 or 68. The thumb and the ring finger will be removed after the plug 50 is aligned with the opening of the vagina and only the middle finger will be used to insert the plug 50 into the vagina. It is also possible for the wearer to twist the flexible sheath 48 or 68 once her finger is inserted therein, so as to have greater control of the plug 52 or 66. The flexible sheath 48 or 68 must be designed and configured to accommodate these various styles of insertion Referring to Figure 9, an alternative embodiment of the plug 80 is shown having a plug 50 with an integrally attached flexible finger shell 82. The flexible sheath 82 has a conical configuration and is obtained by winding the absorbent member 12 and the cover 22 as shown with reference to Figures 4-6. In this embodiment, the applicator 50 has an opening 84 formed and near the tail end 56 and the flexible sheath 82 has an opening 86 located on one side of the tail end 56. A withdrawal rope 88 passes through the opening 84 formed in the applicator 50 and tied on itself. The withdrawal rope 88 then passes through the opening 86 formed in the flexible sheath 82 so that it can be directed through the interior of the flexible sheath 82. The withdrawal rope 88 extends along the inner sheath of the flexible sheath 82 and outwardly through the enlarged opening end thereof. The free ends of the withdrawal cord 88 terminate outside the flexible sheath 82 when these are secured together by a knot 90. The knot 90 ensures that the withdrawal rope 88 can not be separated from the applicator 50. The withdrawal rope 88 may contain a wax coating to prevent it from absorbing body fluid. The flexible sheath 82 houses the withdrawal cord 88 and prevents it from contacting the side walls of the woman's vagina and thus serves to keep the withdrawal cord 88 clean and dry so that it can be used to remove the cap 80 without messing the user's fingers. The flexible sheath 82 also functions to provide a backup means for removing the applicator 50 in case the withdrawal cord 88 breaks.

Referring to Figure 10 the plug 80 is shown positioned within a plug applicator 92. One type of the plug applicator is shown in the United States patent.

United States number 5,158,535 issued to Paul and others on October 27, 1992, and which has been assigned to the present assignee. This patent is incorporated herein by reference and becomes part of it. The plug applicator 92 is constructed of an outer tube 94 and an inner tube 96. The outer tube 94 is sized and configured to house the plug 94 and includes a plurality of flexible petals 98 formed on the leading or ejecting end. The petals 98 are designed to flex or bend outwardly to provide an opening through which the plug 50 can be expelled from the applicator tube 94 at the proper time. The opposite end of the outer tube 94 is narrowed into a finger grip portion 100 which provides a surface which can accommodate the wearer's thumb and middle finger so that the outer tube 94 can be properly positioned in the vagina of the patient. user. The inner tube 96 is a hollow member which can move telescopically within the gripping portion with the finger 100 of the outer tube 94. When the inner tube 96 is pushed forward inside the outer tube by the index finger of the user, this it will contact the plug 50 and eject it through the aperture formed when the petals 98 separate. When this occurs, the flexible sheath 82 and withdrawal cord 88 pass through the hollow inner and outer tubes 96 and 94 respectively. The plug applicator 92 can then be discarded.

It should also be mentioned that the plug 50 may have an opening formed at its tail end 56 which is designed to receive a stick. The stick serves as an applicator and can be removed once the plug 80 is placed in the user's vagina. U.S. Patent No. 3,683,912 issued to Olson et al. And assigned to the present assignee shows such a plug with a stick. This patent is incorporated herein by reference and becomes part of it.

Referring to Figure 11, an alternative embodiment of a plug 102 is shown in which a flexible sheath 104 is offset from the longitudinal axis X-X by an alpha angle (to) . The angular off-center can facilitate the placement of the plug 102 into the vagina of a woman. This angular offset can be obtained through a number of different ways. One way is to apply one or more spots of adhesive 106, such as construction glue, to attach the flexible sheath 104 to the tail end 56 of the plug 50. The adhesive 106 can be applied as one or more points, or as a line or continuous seam, to that part of the flexible sheath 104 which is required to hold it at a desired angle. The angle can vary from around 16 degrees to around 75 degrees, with an angle of between around 20 degrees to around 45 degrees working in the best way. It should be noted that the adhesive 106 can be spaced apart from the seam 64 which forms the flexible sheath 104 as shown, or the adhesive 106 can be aligned with and applied along the seam 64.

Referring to Figure 12, a second way to obtain the flexible sheath 104 in an angular orientation to the plug 50, as shown in Figure 11, is to cut the cover 22 in a unique manner. The cover 22 is cut to a shape such that this is a rectangular shaped leg 24 with a strange shaped leg 108 extending outwardly therefrom. The leg 24 has a length L5 and a width W5. Foot 108 has a width W6. The foot 108 differs from the foot 26 shown in Figure 2, in that it has an edge 110 formed by line joining points 112 and 114. The edge 110 is formed at an angle to the longitudinal side edge 34 of the cover 22 so as to that when the cover 22 is rolled up, the flexible sheath 104 will be bent at the tail end 56 of the plug 50 and will exhibit angular off-centering. De-centering can be increased by adding the seam 64 which secures the first and second ends 38 and 40 respectively of the flexible sleeve 104 together. In addition, it should be mentioned that one or more points of adhesive 106 can also be used, as shown in Figure 11, to maintain the desired angular off-centering.

M E T O D O Referring to Figure 13, a flow diagram showing a method for forming the catamenial plug having a protective finger sleeve 48, 68, 82 or 104 is shown. The method includes forming an elongated absorbent tape 10 which can be cut into limbs. individual absorbers 12. Each absorbent member 12 has the first and second spaced and apart ends 14 and 16 respectively, and the first and second longitudinal side edges, 18 and 20 respectively. Each absorbent member 12 has a predetermined length L a predetermined width Wlf and a desired thickness. The length L, is larger than the width W, therefore, each of the longitudinal side edges 18 and 20 respectively, is of a dimension greater than that of the ends 14 and 16 respectively. The absorbent member 12 is placed on an L-shaped cover 22 having a leg 24 and a foot 26. The cover 22 can be a perforated thermoplastic film which is permeable to liquid. The absorbent member 12 is positioned on the cover 22 so that at least a portion of the cover 22 extends beyond at least one of the longitudinal edges 18 or 20 of the absorbent member 12. Preferably, the foot portion 26 of the cover 22 will extend beyond one of the longitudinal 'side edges of the absorbent member 12. Another way of saying this configuration is that the L-shaped cover 22 has a total width (W2 + W3) which is greater than the width Vl1 of the absorbent member 12.

The absorbent member 12 and the L-shaped cover are then wound into a smooth cylindrical winding 46 having a desired diameter. The soft winding 46 has a portion of the L-shaped cover extending longitudinally outwardly from the end of the soft winding 46 which forms an integral flexible finger shell 48. The flexible shell 48 includes a wall 46 which is formed in a configuration tubular or conical. The exact configuration depends on which end of the cover-absorbent combination 36 is first coiled. When the L-shaped cover 22 is wound from the second end 40, a flexible sheath 48 is formed having a conical configuration with a hollow interior. When the L-shaped cover 22 is wound from the first end 38, a flexible sheath 68 is formed having a tubular configuration with a hollow interior. Preferably, the wall 60 of the flexible sheath 48 extends to an arc of at least 360 degrees and the arc is of circular configuration. After the soft winding 46 is formed, it is compressed into a plug 50 having an insertion end 54 and a tail end 56 with the flexible sheath 48 extending outwardly from the tail end 56. The flexible sheath 48 forms a Fully secured protective finger sleeve which can not be detached from the plug 50. Finally, the insertion end 54 of the plug 50 can be rounded to facilitate the insertion of the plug 52 into the woman's vagina.It should be noted that the last step of the method described above can be eliminated if desired. It should also be noted that the sequence of some of the steps may be altered depending on the equipment used to manufacture the plug 52.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it should be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Therefore, this invention is intended to encompass all those alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (23)

R E I V I ND I C A C I O N S

1. A stopper comprising: a) an absorbent having the first and second ends; Y b) an L-shaped cover having a leg and a foot, said leg has a central longitudinal axis, said cover is aligned with said absorber so that said foot is aligned to one side of the second end of said absorbent and both the cover and said absorbent are wound along the central longitudinal axis in a smooth cylindrically shaped winding which is compressed into an absorbent cap, said absorbent cap has a predetermined diameter, an insertion end and a tail end, and a flexible sheath that extends outwardly from the tail end, said flexible sheath is dimensioned to receive the wearer's finger and prevent finger fouling during the insertion of said absorbent plug into the body cavity, and said flexible sheath provides means for removing said absorbent plug from said body cavity.

2. The stopper as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said flexible sheath extends longitudinally outwardly of the tail end 'of said absorbent stopper.

3. The stopper as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the flexible sheath is able to fold on itself once the absorbent cap is inserted into the body cavity and said user's finger is removed from it.

4. The stopper as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said cover is a perforated thermoplastic film which is integrally secured to said absorbent cap.

5. The stopper as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said flexible sheath extends perpendicularly outwardly from the diameter of said absorbent cap by a distance equal to at least half the length of said absorbent cap.

6. The stopper as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that said flexible sheath extends longitudinally outwards from the second end of said absorbent stopper by a distance of at least 2.54 centimeters.

7. The stopper as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said flexible sheath has a tubular configuration.

8. The stopper as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the flexible sheath has a conical configuration.

9. The plug as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that a withdrawal cord is secured to said absorbent cap and extends outwardly from the flexible sheath.

10. A stopper comprising: a) an absorbent having a first end and a second end; Y b) an L-shaped cover having a leg and a foot, said leg having a central longitudinal axis, said cover being aligned with said absorbent such that said foot is aligned to one side of the second end of said absorbent and both said cover and said absorbent are wound along the central longitudinal axis in a cylindrically shaped soft winding which is compressed into an absorbent plug, said absorbent plug having a predetermined diameter, an insertion end and a spaced apart tail end, and a Flexible sheath extending outwardly from the tail end, said flexible sheath is sized to receive a finger of the wearer and prevent soiling of the finger during the insertion of said absorbent plug into the body cavity, and said flexible sheath provides means for removing said absorbent plug from the body cavity.

11. The stopper as claimed in clause 10 characterized in that said flexible sheath contains an opening located on one side of the tail end of said stopper through which a withdrawal rope can be attached to the stopper and directed through the interior of said flexible sheath.

12. The plug as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that said plug and the flexible sleeve are contained in a plug applicator before the insertion of the plug inside the body cavity.

13. The stopper as claimed in clause 10 characterized in that said flexible sheath has a conical configuration which extends to an arc of at least 360 degrees.

14. The stopper as claimed in clause 10 characterized in that said flexible sheath is offset from said central longitudinal axis by an angle alpha of between about 10 degrees to about 75 degrees.

15. A catamenial stopper comprising: a) an absorbent having a first end and a second end; Y b) an L-shaped cover having a leg and a foot, said leg has a central longitudinal axis, said cover is aligned with said absorber so that said foot is aligned to one side of the second end of said absorbent and both said cover and said absorbent are wound along said central longitudinal axis in a soft roll of cylindrical shape which is compressed in an absorbent cap, said absorbent cap has a predetermined diameter, an insertion end and a tail end, and a sheath flexible that extends longitudinally outward from said tail end, said flexible sheath extends to an arc of at least 360 degrees and is dimensioned to receive the wearer's finger and prevent soiling of the finger during the insertion of the absorbent cap inside the body cavity, and said flexible sheath provides means for removing said absorbent plug from the body cavity.

16. The plug as claimed in clause 15 characterized in that said cover encloses at least said absorbent cap and forms said flexible sheath which extends beyond the tail end.

17. The stopper as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said cover is a perforated thermoplastic film which is permeable to liquid.

18. The stopper as claimed in clause 15 characterized in that said absorbent has a predetermined thickness and said cover has a thickness which is less than about 5 percent of the thickness of said absorbent.

19. A method for forming a plug comprising: a) forming an absorbent tape; b) cutting said absorbent tape into individual absorbent members; c) placing one of the absorbent members on an L-shaped cover; d) winding both the absorbent member and the L-shaped cover in a cylindrically shaped soft winding, said soft winding having a flexible sheath extending outwardly therefrom; . Y e) compressing said soft winding into a plug having an insertion end and a tail end with said flexible sheath extending outwardly from the tail end.

20. The method and as claimed in clause 19 characterized in that said absorbent member has the first and second ends and said L-shaped cover has a leg and a foot, said foot has a length which extends for a distance of less than about 20 percent along the length of said leg, said absorbent member being positioned on said cover so that the second end of said absorbent member coincides with said foot and both the absorbent member and said cover are rolled up starting from the second end to form a flexible sheath having a conical configuration.

21. The method as claimed in clause 20 characterized in that both the absorbent member and said L-shaped cover are wound starting from the first end to form a flexible sheath having a tubular configuration.

22. A method for forming a plug comprising: a) forming an absorbent member having a predetermined width; b) placing said absorbent member on an L-shaped cover, at least a portion of said cover having a width greater than the width of said absorbent member; c) both winding said absorbent member and said L-shaped cover in a smooth cylindrical winding so that at least a portion of said cover extends longitudinally outwardly from the soft winding and forms a flexible sheath, said sheath extends to an arch of at least 360 degrees; d) compressing said soft winding into a plug having an insertion end and a tail end with the flexible sheath extending outwardly from said tail end; and e) rounding said insertion end of the plug to form a plug that can be inserted comfortably into the body cavity.

23. The method as claimed in clause 22 characterized in that the absorbent member and said L-shaped cover are wound so that the flexible sheath acquires a conical configuration having a vertex positioned on one side of the tail end of said cap. SUMMARY A plug having a protective finger sheath is described along with a method for forming the plug. The plug is constructed of an absorbent having a first end and a second end. The L-shaped cover having a leg, a foot and a central longitudinal axis is aligned with the absorbent so that the foot is aligned to one side of the second end of the absorbent. Both the absorbent and the cover are wound along the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent-cover combination in a cylindrically shaped soft winding which is compressed into an absorbent cap. The absorbent cap has a predetermined diameter, an insertion end and a tail end, and a flexible sheath which extends outwardly from the tail end. The flexible sheath is dimensioned to receive a finger of the wearer and prevent soiling of the finger during insertion of the absorbent plug into the body cavity. The flexible sheath also allows the absorbent plug to be removed from the body cavity in a clean and easy manner. The method for forming the plug is also described. The method includes forming an absorbent tape having a predetermined width. By placing the absorbent tape on a cover so that the part of the cover extends beyond the width of the absorbent tape. The absorbent tape and cover are then cut to a desired length and both materials are wound into a soft cylindrically shaped winding. The soft winding is then compressed into an absorbent plug having an insertion end, a tail end and a flexible sheath which extends outwardly from the tail end.