MXPA99009436A - Ring-shaped tampon - Google Patents

Abstract

Se proporciona un artículo absorbente para la absorción de fluidos corporales, que incluye una capa de material no absorbente que define una gaza con forma de túnel y una porción central cerrada por la gaza, y un material absorbente retenido dentro de la gaza con forma de túnel. El material no absorbente incluye una pluralidad de aberturas a través de las cuales el tubo puede fluir para alcanzar el material absorbente, y un material de sobrecubierta yace sobre el material no absorbente para transportar el fluido sobre la superficie del material no absorbente. Preferiblemente, el artículo absorbente es un tampón y la gaza es de forma de anillo.

Description

TAMPON WITH RING SHAPE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to articles for the absorption of body fluids, for example, menstrual tampons and articles for the collection of urine and the absorption of wound exudates. Many requirements are imposed on absorbent articles used to absorb body fluids. For example, it is often desired that these articles substantially maintain their original dimensions after fluid absorption, that the fluid be retained by the device during the movement of or pressure on the device, that the device does not drain during use, and that the device is comfortable for the user. In the case of menstrual tampons, tampons can be uncomfortable to remove if they swell excessively, should not drain during active use and should fit comfortably while also resisting leakage beyond the tampon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention resembles improved absorbent articles, for example, menstrual tampons. The absorbent articles made according to the invention resist swelling during use, with the preferred articles substantially maintaining their initial dimensions after absorption of the fluid during use. When used as buffers, the articles exhibit good leak resistance, substantially uniform surface wetting, and good resistance to fluid exudation from the device during use. In one aspect, the invention resembles an absorbent article that includes an elastic ring containing an absorbent material, and a central portion encompassing the annulus. The elastic ring is sized to be placed around the wearer's cervix, and, when the absorbent article is in position, the central portion is placed under the wearer's cervix, for example, to intercept the menstrual fluid as it exits. of the cervix if the absorbent article is a tampon, and the elastic ring forms a package against the user's pericervical tissue to prevent leakage beyond the tampon. This placement increases the likelihood that the menstrual fluid will make contact with the article, by placing the article in the fluid discharge site. Moreover, because the absorbent material is contained within the ring, a wide variety of absorbent materials can be used, without the need for the absorbent material having structural integrity or that is suitable for making contact with the vagina (requirements imposed in the absorbent materials used in conventional tampons). In another aspect, the invention resembles an absorbent article for absorbing bodily fluids, e.g., a tampon, which includes (a) a layer of nonabsorbent material defining a tunnel-like gauze and a central portion enclosed by the gauze, (b) an absorbent material retained within the tunnel-shaped gauze, (c) one or more openings extending through the non-absorbent material, through which fluid can flow to reach the absorbent material; and (d) a wettable dust jacket material that lies on the non-absorbent material, constructed to transport the fluid away from the site in which the jacket material contacts. Preferably, the gauze is a ring sized to form a packing between the cervix and the posterior wall of the vagina of a tampon wearer; more preferably, the ring has a diameter of 3.8 centimeters to 6.31 centimeters. It is also preferred that the tampon be symmetrical about a plane that horizontally divides that annulus, and that the tampon be capable of operating without regard to whose side of the tampon, relative to this plane, is placed closer to the cervix of the tampon. user. This aspect allows the tampon to be easily inserted, without requiring The user determines which side should be placed closest to the cervix. Preferred embodiments may also include one more of the following characteristics: the tunnel is substantially oval in radial cross section. The oval has a main axis of 1.27 centimeters to 2.54 centimeters. The central portion is substantially flat. The central portion defines an opening that is covered by the jacket material in a manner to prevent the flow of fluid through the opening to convey the fluid that is in contact with the portion of the jacket that covers the outer opening of the absorbent material. . The non-absorbent material is substantially impermeable. The openings are placed at approximately 11, the 1, the 3, the 5 and the 7 hrs., as the ring is seen as a face of the clock and defining the separation or withdrawal cord as "6 hours". Alternatively, the openings may be positioned to provide hinge points around which the gauze and the enclosed central portion may be bent to collapse the absorbent article for insertion into a body cavity. The open space defined by the opening is sufficient to allow fluid flow to the absorbent material at a desired flow rate when the absorbent article is in use. The absorbent article includes from 1 to 1000 openings. The non-absorbent material is an ethylene vinyl acetate foam. The non-absorbent material is perforated or is a discontinuous film. The absorbent material includes cotton, rayon, fluff pulp, and mixtures thereof. The absorbent material is a cotton / rayon mixture. The absorbent material may include a superabsorbent material. The absorbent material includes a material that forms a gel upon contact with moisture, for example, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium. In another aspect, the invention resembles a menstrual tampon system that includes: (a) a tampon that includes a material defining a tunnel-like gauze and a central portion, an absorbent material retained within the gauze in the shape of tunnel, a plurality of openings extending through the nonabsorbent material, through which the fluid can flow to reach the absorbent material, and a jacket material that lies on the surface of the nonabsorbent material to transport the fluid over the surface of the non-absorbent material; and (b) an applicator for inserting the tampon into a body cavity, which includes: a support tube constructed to grip the tampon prior to insertion, and a piston tube, telescopically retained by the support tube and constructed for, when it is inserted more into the support tube, expel the tampon from the support tube towards the body cavity. Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention include one or more of the following steps. The support tube and the plunger tube are curved. The support tube and the piston tube define a radius of curvature from about five centimeters to 20 centimeters. The invention is also of importance to the methods for making an absorbent article, which includes (a) surrounding an absorbent material with an elastic, impermeable covering, such that the cover defines a tunnel-like gauze and the absorbent material is sealed inside. of the tunnel, and (b) provide a frame that covers the gauze defined by the cover. A preferred method includes (a) forming a first channel in a first part of a formable material, the channel being constructed to define a closed loop, (b) providing a plurality of openings in the formable material, in fluid communication with the channel , (c) placing an absorbent material within the channel, (d) forming a second channel, having dimensions substantially identical to those of the first channel, in a second part of the formable material, (e) aligning the first and second parts of the material formed in such a manner that the corresponding channels in the first and second parts define a closed tunnel, (f) seal the first and second parts simultaneously around the outer periphery of the closed gauze, and (g) provide a covering dust jacket material the external surface of the tampon. This aspect of invention preferably includes one or more of the following characteristics. The formable material includes a thermoplastic polymer sheet and the forming steps comprise the thermal forming of the polymer. The formable material includes a polymer capable of molding and the forming steps comprise molding said polymer. The polymer capable of molding includes a curable material and the forming steps comprise introducing the curable material into a mold and allowing the curable material to cure. The curable material is a vulcanizable elastomer at room temperature or a curable polymer at room temperature. The first and second portions of the formable material are sealed at the same time by heat sealing. The method further includes laminating the jacket to the formable material, preferably during or before the forming steps. The method further includes attaching a separation cord to the absorbent material before placing the absorbent material within the channel. In another aspect, the invention of importance to an absorbent article comprising a generally annular, relatively non-expandable body defining a generally annular cavity, an absorbent core disposed within the generally annular cavity, the entry passage for fluid to enter the body generally annular and so that it is absorbed by the core, and a cover that provides the passage of fluid on the surface of the body relatively non-expandable. The term "gaza", as used herein, refers to any stooped shape that encloses a central region; The gauze need not be arched, but may have any desired shape, including but not limited to round, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal. For most applications, the gauze is preferably "continuous", that is, it defines a central region completely closed, to prevent leakage, but for some applications the gauze can be interrupted, for example, having a "horseshoe" shape. . Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of the preferred embodiment, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tampon according to an embodiment of the invention, partially cut away to show the layers of the tampon and the orifices in the non-absorbent layer. Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of the tampon of Fig. 1, with a cross-section taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 2 a is a very enlarged detail view of a part of the tampon of Figure 2. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a tampon according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a suitable applicator for containing the tampon of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the applicator Fig. 4, taken along line 5-5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 2a, the tampon 10 is in the shape of a ring 12 extended by a central portion 14. As shown in Figure 3, the ring 12 is sized to be loosely placed around the cervix of the wearer, and preferably in this manner having an internal diameter of about 3.81 centimeters to 6.35 centimeters, most preferably about 5 centimeters. The central portion 14 is placed below the cervix, and provides a reservoir for receiving the menstrual fluid as it leaves the cervix. The tampon 10 further includes a withdrawal or separation bead 13, to allow the wearer to remove the tampon. Referring to Figures 2 and 2a, the tampon 10 includes three layers: a nonabsorbent layer 16, an absorbent core 18, and a jacket layer 20. The nonabsorbent layer 16 defines the annulus 12 and a peripheral portion of the central portion. 14, and includes an opening 17 in the center of the central portion 14. This opening is covered by the dust jacket layer 20, which prevents the flow of menstrual fluid through the opening 17. Although the opening 17 is not essential, it allows the baton to be bent more easily for insertion. The absorbent core 18 is disposed within the tunnel 22 defined by the ring 12. The non-absorbent layer 16 is preferably substantially impermeable to the fluid, although it may be semipermeable if desired. The relative impermeability of the non-absorbent material causes the menstrual fluid to be transported on the surface of the tampon by the jacket layer, as will be described below, causing more uniform wetting of the tampon surface. The fluid is transported to the absorbent core, where it is retained, through the holes 24 in the nonabsorbent layer 16. The orifices 24 are preferably placed at about 11 o'clock, 1 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 5 o'clock, 7 o'clock. and 9 by the, seeing the ring as a clock face and defining the position of the withdrawal cord as the 6, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, if desired, the holes 24 can be placed in the opposite edges of the ring, to define an axis around which the tampon can be folded in half, such that they serve for the additional function of providing hinge points to facilitate folding of the tampon before insertion and during withdrawal . The withdrawal cord is preferably fixed to the tampon between the holes, in a location that increases the articulation action of the holes when the cord is pulled during removal. The holes are also preferably placed on the inner perimeter of the ring 12 such that if the fluid is exuded from the orifices, it will flow over the central portion 14 where it can be re-absorbed without making contact with the tissue of the vagina or leaking beyond the buffer. The total open area of the orifices is preferably sufficient to allow the flow of fluid to the buffer at a sufficient rate so that the fluid does not return and leak beyond the buffer. The place of the holes, the layer of the absorbent material 16 can alternately include a multitude of small perforations. If the holes provided are too few and / or too small, the absorbency coefficient of the tampon in use may be reduced, whereas if the holes are too large, many, or inappropriately placed, the tampon may leak during use. The size and number of holes suitable for a given tampon design can easily be determined by one skilled in the art, depending on other parameters of the tampon such as the degree of absorption capacity of the absorbent core. The absorbent layer 16 is formed of a formable, elastic, nonabsorbent sheet material. This layer defines the shape of the tampon, provides the tunnel 22 that receives the absorbent core 18, and imparts the elasticity so that the tampon is bent for insertion and return to its ring shape after insertion. Suitable sheet materials for layer 16 are those with sufficient elasticity and compressive strength determined to allow the tampon to unfold upon insertion. Preferred materials are relatively light and / or low density, to allow the buffer to remain in place in vivo, are biodegradable, are easily thermally formed at relatively low temperatures, and do not exhibit substantial extension (do not stretch significantly under the conditions of use). Preferably, the sheet material is a thermoplastic, to allow it to be thermally formed to the ring shape, and to allow the tampon to be manufactured in two halves which are sealed together with heat, as will be described below. However, other types of elastic materials may be used if the tampon is manufactured without the thermal formation, for example, by molding the elastic material. Preferred sheet materials also resist swelling of the tampon during use, which provides dimensional stability advantages. It is also preferred that the sheet material be a foam, for the convenience of the user. A suitable foam is the ethylene vinyl acetate foam, preferably having a density of 10 to 15 Ib / ft3. Closed cell polyurethanes are also suitable as foams. Other suitable materials include thermoplastic elastomers, for example, styrene elastomers; silicone elastomers; latex; synthetic rubber; other thermoplastic sheet materials; and polymers that vulcanize with heat or vulcanize at room temperature (RTV), for example, silicones; block copolymers, for example, those commercially available under the tradename "KRATON", and mixtures of styrene elastomers with low density polyethylene. The absorbent material absorbs and retains the menstrual fluid within the tampon. Virtually any absorbent material can be used. Preferred absorbent materials include natural fibers, e.g., cotton, synthetic fibers, e.g., rayon, fluff pulp, needle punched engineering absorbers, fiber tows, tow wefts, cellulosic sponge materials, and mixtures thereof. The absorbent material may include a superabsorbent material, and / or a material that forms a gel upon contact with moisture. For ease of manufacture, the absorbent material is preferably provided in an elongated cylindrical fiber block that is dimensioned to fit closely within the tunnel 22. The amount of absorbent material used is selected to provide a desired absorbency, and impart a degree of "abundance". "desired to ring 12 for user comfort. The volume of the tunnel 22, and the amount and absorbency of the absorbent core 18, will determine the total absorbency of the tampon. Therefore, these parameters can be varied as desired to design a tampon having a predetermined absorbency. The jacket material is provided to transport the fluid on the surface of the tampon. In this way, suitable dust jacket materials are those that are easily wetted by the menstrual fluid, without taking into account the shock angle of the menstrual fluid, and which easily transport the menstrual fluid. Preferably, the dust jacket has a soft feel for the comfort of the wearer, does not retain a significant amount of fluid (allowing the fluid to be entrained behind the absorbent material), is heat sealable to the layer of the sheet material for ease of fabrication, and has sufficiently small open space such that the fluid does not leak through the opening 17 but instead is transported to absorbent material. Suitable cover materials include rayon, polypropylene, and rayon / polyethylene nonwovens, for example, overcoats, commercially available under the trade names SONTARA and NOVONETTE. As shown in Figure 3, the absorbent article need not be in the ring form, but may have other shapes, for example, a "rowing boat" shape as shown. Other suitable shapes include, but are not limited to, square, rectangular, oval, trapezoidal, or other shapes that it defines in a closed gauze. Preferably, the hot article has a shape that fixes it on its desired opposition, for example, within a body cavity, and which blocks the flow of fluid past the absorbent article. The buffer 10 can be digitally inserted, that is, without the use of an applicator. Alternatively, the tampon can be inserted using a telescopic applicator, as is well known in the field of the tampon. A suitable applicator 30 is shown in Figures 4 and 5. The applicator 30 includes a holding tube 32, within which the tampon (not shown) is retained, and a plunger tube 34 which is constructed to be telescopically retained in a portion of the holding tube prior to the insertion of the tampon, and to eject the tampon from the holding tube when the plunger tube is pushed further into the holding tube during insertion. If the materials used in the tampon have a tendency to immobilize with heat or compression when stored at a given position for a period of time, it is preferred that the tampon be provided to the user outside the support tube., and placed inside the support tube by the user before insertion. To facilitate this procedure, the support tube is preferably open ended, as shown. For optimum placement of the tampon, it is preferred that either of the buffer applicator 30 be curved, as shown, or that the tampon itself have an arched profile when folded for insertion. Preferably, the applicator has a radius of curvature of from about 5 centimeters to 20 centimeters, more preferably from 7.5 centimeters to 12.5 centimeters. The holding tube 32 preferably includes a finger grip portion 36, and a positioning handle 38, for example, a depression, as shown, or a projection. The positioning handle 38 assists a user in properly orienting the curved applicator during insertion. A suitable process for the manufacture of the buffer 10 includes the following steps. First, a plurality of central openings are pierced, and the holes are cut, in a sheet of non-absorbent material. The central openings are spaced apart at suitable intervals such that each central opening is placed in the center of a finished tampon when the sheet is cut into individual units. Next, a sheet of heat-sealable dust jacket material is placed adjacent to the non-absorbent sheet of material, and the two layers are cut such that the sheet and the dust jacket can subsequently be easily cut into individual units. Then, the two layers are thermally formed to create a channel that defines one half of a tunnel (dividing the tunnel approximately half way along the plane in which the central portion is located). The two layers are then preferably cooled to room temperature to determine the shape of the thermally formed sheet material. The sheet is then cut into individual units, using the previously made cuts, each unit including a channel that surrounds a central opening. The block of absorbent fibers is then cut to length to fit the channel, a withdrawal cord is bound around the absorbent fiber block, and the absorbent fiber block is pressed into the channel of a first unit of the individual units. Then, a second individual unit, with an absorbent fiber block that has been placed in its channel in the manner described above, is placed on top of, and in register with, the first unit. The two units are then sealed with heat at the same time around the outer periphery of the corresponding channels, forming a ring. The excess sheet and jacket material is then trimmed around the heat sealed periphery, completing in the manufacturing process. If desired, the first and second units can be hinged together to assist in the registration. The buffer can be manufactured by any other suitable method. For example, the sheet material can be thermally formed, molded, or otherwise formed in the form of a rim, that is, in a ring having a C-shaped cross section and an open channel around its inner circumference . The absorbent material can then be inserted via this open channel, the edges of the channel sealed at the same time to seal inside the absorbent material, and the central web fixed to the ring. Alternatively, the sheet material can be thermally formed, extruded, molded, or otherwise formed into an elongated tube, the tube can then be filled with absorbent material, warped into a ring or other form of gauze, its edges sealed to seal in the absorbent material, and a central web attached to the inner periphery of the ring. Other embodiments are within the claims. For example, while the invention has been described in the context of tampons, the absorbent article can be any article for the collection of body fluids., for example, a "donut" for the absorption of urine from immobile patients, or an article to absorb wound exudate. These articles are constructed in a similar manner, with adaptations to be appropriate to different applications, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. Additionally, although the tunnel 22 is illustrated as having a substantially oval radial cross section, it may have any desired cross section, for example, circular or square, defining a closed channel dimensioned to retain the absorbent core 18. Moreover, although simplicity of manufacture and ease of insertion, it is preferred that the absorbent article be constructed of two symmetrical halves, as described above, other manufacturing methods can be used, for example, a tunnel can be formed from two channels having depths different Furthermore, although an applicator for inserting the absorbent article has been described above, the absorbent article can be constructed to be inserted into the vagina or into a desired body cavity by digital insertion or any other suitable means.

Claims (33)

1. An absorbent article for absorbing bodily fluids comprising: (a) a layer of nonabsorbent material defining a tunnel cavity and a central portion closed by the gauze; (b) an absorbent material retained within the gauze in the form of a tunnel; (c) a plurality of openings extending through the non-absorbent material, through which the fluid can flow to be in contact with the absorbent material; and (d) a wettable topcoat material that lies on the layer of non-absorbent material, constructed to convey the fluid on the surface of the non-absorbent material away from the site at which the fluid contacts the jacket material.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the article is a tampon and the fluid is menstrual fluid.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the non-absorbent material comprises an elastic polymeric material.

The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the gauze is a ring sized to form a packing between the cervix of a wearer of the tampon and the posterior wall of the vagina of the wearer.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the ring has a diameter of 3.81 cm to 6.35 cm.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the tunnel-shaped gauze is of substantially oval radial cross-section.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein the oval has a main axis of 1.27 cm to 2.54 cm.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the central portion is substantially planar.

The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the closed central portion defines an opening and said opening is covered by the jacket material in a manner to prevent flow through the opening and to transport the fluid that is in it. contact with the dust jacket in the central portion outside the absorbent material.

10. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the elastic material is substantially impermeable.

The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the openings are positioned to provide hinge points around which the gauze and the central portion can be folded to collapse the absorbent article for insertion into a body cavity.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the openings are placed approximately 11, 1, 3, 5 and 7, seen the ring as one face of the watch and defining the withdrawal cord as 6.

The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the non-absorbent material is selected from the group consisting of: closed cell polyurethane foams, ethylene vinyl acetate foams, RTV rubbers, vulcanizable polymers with heat, block copolymers, blends of styrene elastomers with low density polyethylene, silicone elastomers, and combinations thereof.

The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the absorbent material is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, fluff pulp, needle punched engineering absorbents, fiber tows, tow wefts, materials of cellulosic sponge, superabsorbent materials, materials that form gel upon contact with moisture, and combinations thereof.

15. The absorbent article according to claim 14, wherein the absorbent material comprises cotton / rayon blends.

16. A method of manufacturing an absorbent article comprising: (a) surrounding an absorbent material with a waterproof, elastic covering such that the cover defines a tunnel-like gauze and the absorbent material is sealed within the tunnel, and (b) provide a frame that covers the gauze defined by the cover.

A method of manufacturing an absorbent article comprising: (a) forming a first channel in a first portion of a formable material, the channel being constructed to define a closed loop, (b) providing a plurality of openings in said material. formable, in fluid communication with the channel, (c) placing an absorbent material within said channel, (d) forming a second channel, having dimensions substantially identical to those of said first channel, in a second portion of the formable material, (e) aligning said first and second portions of the formed material such that corresponding channels in said first and second portions define a closed tunnel, (f) sealing said first and second portions around the outer periphery of the gauze at the same time. closed, and (g) providing a dust jacket material that covers the outer surface of the absorbent article.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the formable material comprises a thermoplastic polymer sheet and the forming steps comprise thermally forming said polymer.

The method according to claim 17, wherein the formable material comprises a moldable polymer and said forming steps comprise molding said polymer.

The method according to claim 19, wherein the moldable polymer comprises a curable material and said forming steps comprise introducing the curable material into a mold and allowing the curable material to cure.

The method according to claim 20, wherein the curable material comprises an elastomer vulcanizable at room temperature or a polymer curable at room temperature.

22. The method according to claim 17, wherein the step of sealing comprises simultaneously heat sealing said first and second portions of the formable material.

The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of laminating a portion of the cover envelope for each of the portions of the formable material during there was prior to the forming steps.

24. The method according to claim 17, further comprising attaching a withdrawal cord to said absorbent material before placing the absorbent material within said channel.

25. A menstrual tampon system comprising: (a) a tampon comprising: a layer of elastic material defining a gauze in the form of a tunnel and a central portion in closed by the gauze; an absorbent material retained within the gauze in the form of a tunnel; a plurality of openings extending through the elastic material through which the fluid can flow to reach the absorbent material; and a jacket material lying on the elastic material for transporting the fluid on the surface of the sheet material; and (b) a pair of applicators inserts the tampon into a body cavity, comprising: a support tube constructed to retain the tampon prior to insertion, and a piston turbo, telescopically retained by said support tube and constructed for When inserting more into the support tube, expel the tampon from the support tube into the body cavity.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the support tube and the plunger tube are curved.

27. The system according to claim 26, wherein the support tube and the plunger tube define a radius of curvature from about 10 centimeters to 15 centimeters.

The system according to claim 25, wherein the holding tube includes a finger grip portion, and said finger grip portion includes a positioning handle.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the positioning handle comprises a depression.

30. A vaginal tampon comprising: an elastic ring, sized to be placed around a cervix of the wearer, said ring defining a closed cavity; an absorbent material disposed within the cavity; a plurality of openings extending towards the elastic ring to allow the flow of the menstrual fluid towards the absorbent material; and a central portion that spans the opening defined by the ring to receive the excreted menstrual fluid from the wearer's cervix.

The tampon according to claim 30, further comprising a cover layer covering at least a portion of the surface of the tampon.

32. The tampon in accordance with claim 31, wherein the central portion comprises an opening covered by said jacket material.

33. An absorbent article comprising a generally annular, relatively non-expandable body or shell defining a generally annular cavity, an absorbent core disposed within the generally annular cavity, an inlet passage for fluid to enter the generally annular body and for is absorbed by the core, and a cover that provides the passage of fluid on the relatively non-expandable body surface.