DE2240042A1 - CATAMENIA MEANS - Google Patents

Description

LAWYERS

DR. JUR. DIPL-CHEAA. WALTER BEH.

ALFREDHOEPPENER • ♦ • ^au ¥ «1972

DR. Jy *. DlPL-CHEM. H.-J- WOlFP DR. JUR. HANS CHR. AX

FRANKFURT AM MAIH-MOCHIt AORONSTBASSfcJl

Our No. 18 106

The Procter & Gamble Company Cincinnati, Ohio, V.St.A.

Catamenia remedies

The present invention is a catamenia agent with a flexible, resilient, elastic, absorbent tampon that can be expanded when dry, one of which The end is widened as soon as the tampon is subjected to intravaginal pressure, and at which the tampon is in an insertion device is resiliently compressed and aligned so that after the insertion of the tampon in the vagina the end of the tampon opposite the other end of the vagina is located deepest in the vagina.

In a preferred embodiment, the narrower one A pull-out cord is attached to the end of the tampon, which extends along its outside after inserting the tampon.

309808/0308

22AOOA2

stretches and protrudes through the entrance from the vagina. The tampon is removed when the pull-out cord is pulled and at the same time turned around so that its narrower end becomes * first emerges from the vagina.

According to the anatomy textbooks, the vaginal canal does not have the shape of a cylindrical tube, but that of an irregular pocket. The canal is about 7.5-10 cm long and shorter on its front wall than on the rear wall. It is usually compressed, i.e. H. he is wide and relatively little high, and practically forms a slit running across the human body. in the In its stretched state, its shape corresponds to a leather water bottle or a pear-shaped balloon attached to the Upper side wider and "occasionally asymmetrical because of the greater extent of a side pocket or a side curvature.

The front wall is generally longer than 7.5 cm and the rear wall is longer than 10 cm. These lengths are from the hymen to the rear, final wall of the Measured vagina. The width of the rearmost and uppermost end reaches 4-7.5 cm and the circumference when stretched the vagina in this area is about 8 inches.

The menstrual discharge passes through the cervix, which is located where the vagina shows its greatest extensibility and thus also the largest possible cross-section Vagina a. The entrance to the vagina is the least flexible, which is why the possible cross-section is also the smallest there. The entrance area of the vagina is more sensitive to outward pressure than the rest of the area.

309808/0308

There are many and different ones well known to those skilled in the art Procedure to catch the discharge periodically emitted by women during fertility. These Procedures can be divided into two broad categories become: means of retention and means of absorption of the discharge.

The means of retention are to form an impermeable Barrier provided in front of an inner channel and usually designed as a rubber cap or diaphragm, the or which prevents the flow and thereby retains the discharge in an internal organ that forms a reservoir. These means of retaining the discharge can be further divided into two main classes: means, which are provided "in order to lie against the cervix or to cover it, and means which are provided for in to be inserted into the vaginal canal below the cervix.

Absorbents can also be divided into two broad categories, namely internal and external applicable means. The externally applicable means are generally in the form of compresses and form probably the most commonly used remedy for menstrual hygiene. However, they are made up of different ones Reasons not fully satisfactory.

The means used for internal absorption are generally assemblies of fibers formed into cylindrical shapes Tampons with a length of. 3.8-5 cm and a diameter are compressed by about 1.25 cm. These means do not expand in the direction of their cross section if they not be wetted by a liquid. The previously known techniques for introducing such drugs see one deep placement (5.5-6.5 cm) of the tampon in the vagina and near the entrance of the discharge, d. H. near the cervix, eliminating the need for an arrangement near the vagina ~

309808/0 308

Initially, in particular, inconveniences caused by friction can be avoided. The deep introduction of the Put tampons in a position where the collapsed vagina has many folds and bends along with causes The small cross-section of a tightly compressed tampon often results in failure of the tampon due to mist conduction, d. H. the discharge from the cervix flows along the vagina walls without coming into contact with the tampon, and exits through the vaginal entrance without being absorbed. This failure occurs because a deeply established, highly compressed tampon cannot close the many folds and bends in the deep zone of the vagina, while the menses flow down through these folds and bends and finally exit through the vaginal entrance, soiling the wearer's clothing can.

An intravaginally usable, perfectly effective agent must meet several, mutually contradicting requirements, which are given by the following anatomical facts: (1) The vaginal entrance is with one of several Muscles formed sphincter, which forms the main closure of the vagina. These muscles resist expansion of the vaginal atrium, making it difficult Entry and exit into and out of the vagina. Therefore, the diameter of any intravaginally useful device should be small enough to be easily, comfortably and safely inserted and removed. (2) Behind this occlusion, the vagina is a flaccid organ, its Walls are usually collapsed and touching each other, creating a roughly H — shaped This creates a cross-section that allows a relatively large radial expansion without great resistance Means have a relatively large diameter and a small mass.

309808/0308

Accordingly, a catamenial tampon (1) should have a sufficiently small diameter or be sufficiently compressed be to allow insertion into and removal from the vaginal cavity; (2) one sufficient have a large diameter to practically fill the cross-section of the vagina, and (3) a sufficient diameter Have absorbent capacity so that the tampon can be worn for an extended period of time and during this can collect and hold the discharged discharge without a secondary line. These partially contradicting one another Requirements are difficult to meet.

Catamenial tampons can fail in four ways: secondary line, only partial absorption, compression and exceeding the saturation capacity. The secondary line occurs when the floodplain flows in the longitudinal direction of the vagina without coming into contact with the tampon, ie when the tampon does not absorb the discharge. This is generally observed xu, w nn the tampon does not fill the cross-section of the vagina. Only partial absorption occurs when the amount of discharge flowing past certain areas of the tampon is greater than the absorption capacity of the tampon in this area. The consequence of this is that “only part of the discharge is absorbed, while the other part, the amount of which exceeds the absorption capacity of the tampon, flows past the tampon to the vagina outlet. This partial absorption often occurs when the tampon surface becomes clogged with slimy secretions and blood clots or endometrial particles. Caused by printing errors can occur when the wearer is already absorbed inadvertently to a, discharge containing tampon exerts a pressure sufficient s ta.de is to the outflow out of the tampon "squeeze ¹ *. This occurs üebeescÄreiten the saturation capacity of the tampon then on, ifsrin the tampon al «

30980 S / 0308

len possible discharge has absorbed and for each in addition absorbed liquid must release a corresponding part of the liquid.

There are already made of polyurethane foam and non-hollowed hollowed, conical and cylindrical tampons known and described for example in the US Patent Nos. 2 and 3 884'925 ^{1 1} 559 * 646th The tampon disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,884,925 is a frustoconical plug which may be partially hollowed out, has microscopic pores, and is made from a deformable expandable material, and preferably regenerated cellulose, although polyurethane foam will suffice. This means further comprises a pull-out tube attached to the narrower, closed end and is compressed in an introducer for easier insertion. The proposed in this patent tampon is intended for insertion with its wider part, ie with the base upward, which is why the base of the tampon inserted into the insertion device is arranged adjacent to the end of the insertion device, which is provided as the leading end during the insertion, so that after inserting the tampon into the vagina, the base of the tampon is inserted deepest into the vagina. Placing the tampon deep in the vagina, where it has the largest cross-section, naturally reduces the possibility of the tampon coming into contact with the discharge. The tampon disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3 * 559 * 646 has a. hollow body made of a compressible, sponge-like, absorbent material, which is closed at one end and rounded towards this closed end. The tampon has a cord attached to the closed end and provided for pulling out and is arranged in an insertion device in such a way that the open and not the

3 0 9803/0308

closed end is arranged adjacent to the end of the device provided as the guide end when it is inserted. Of the The tampon proposed in the last-mentioned USA patent has the same disadvantages as in the USA patent No. 2,884,925 proposed tampon by both are intended for an arrangement in the vagina in which the smallest cross-section of the tampon is the vaginal entrance adjacent and the cavity of the tampon is directed inwards, so that it acts like a "cup", the inflowing discharge, while the largest circumference of the tampon is arranged in the largest diameter zone of the vagina, with the possibility of inclusion the discharge through the tampon is reduced.

It is the aim of the present invention to remedy the disadvantages described and in particular to provide a tampon, which is easy and comfortable to use, which closes tightly at the sides and with which the entire vaginal canal can be closed better than before and which can be aligned during insertion so that its absorption and absorbency can be improved and which can be removed easily and conveniently.

The present invention relates to a catamenial agent which is characterized by an insertion device which is provided for resiliently compressing an elastomeric tampon and has a front end which is used as a leading end during the insertion of the device into the vagina is usable, a tampon with an expandable in the dry state elastomeric, absorbent body with a front and a rear end, the rear end having a larger diameter than the front Has the end when the tampon is exposed to an intravaginal pressure, which tampon is resiliently compressed in the insertion device and arranged in such a way that the

309 8 08/0 308 ^; '

front end is adjacent to the front end of the insertion device and can be used as a guide end during insertion, a device for ejecting the tampon through the front end of the insertion device, so that the tampon is arranged in the vagina after expulsion is that its anterior end is closer to the cervix than its posterior end.

a tampon into the vagina, using a trampon, which has an elastomeric, absorbent body which is expandable in the dry state and has a lower and a rear end, the diameter of the rear end being greater than that of the front end, if the tampon a> rt € ravaginalen pressure is exposed, with the EJ-wfUhren the tampon into the vaginal area, the vord ^ reEnde positioned lower than the rear end ■ Sfreichünf Jeu ,, J, / 'C? 2 J

In a preferred embodiment of the new agent is a freely hanging pull-out cord is attached to a fastening point on the outside of the front end of the tampon. As a result, after the tampon has been placed in the vagina, the tampon can be turned over by pulling on this cord and further allowing the tampon to be removed with its front end first.

In the following, the invention is illustrated with the aid of the figures some preferred embodiments explained. The clarity Because of this, the thickness of some materials is shown disproportionately stronger in the figures.

Show it:

309808/0308

Fig. 1 is a partially sectioned perspective view a first embodiment of the new Tampons,

FIG. 2 shows a section through the one shown in FIG. 1, in a tubular insertion device arranged and resiliently compressed tampon,

Fig. 3 shows a section through that shown in Fig. 1, in another embodiment of the tubular Insertion device arranged tampon,

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the uterus and vagina with an inserted tampon following the tampon Fig. 1 corresponds to

Figure 5 is a view of another embodiment of the new one Tampon which has annular lips directed towards the rear end.

When using the new tampon, deficiencies known up to now can be avoided, and an improved efficiency and an improved suction effect of the absorbent body can be achieved before the absorption capacity of the tampon is saturated. The improved efficiency can be achieved with any tampon which has an elastomeric absorbent body which is expandable in the dry state and which is deformable during use and under the action of intravaginal pressure so that it has a narrow and a wide end. In the dry. Expandable state means the expansion from a compressed shape, for example forced by an insertion device, and independent of the action of a pressure-chasing liquid that can act on the still compressed, absorbent body. This includes solid tampons, their diameter.

309808/0308

water is variable from one end to the other, and which are, for example, conical, as well as tampons with a discontinuous, absorbent body, the discontinuous part of which expands under pressure learns. The discontinuity can be in the form of a slit or a cavity arranged in the tampon.

In Fig. 1 is a preferred embodiment of the new tampon 20 shown. This is designed as a hollow absorbent tampon with a closed end, as described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 172 * 694 is described in detail. But it is also possible Use cylindrical, parabolic, conical and elliptical tampons if these are hollow and on your back Are open at the end. The tampon 20 is with a front or narrower end close to the cervix and with its open, wider end spaced from the cervix in the vagina, as shown in Fig. 4. Around To achieve an arrangement, the tampon is inserted into an insertion device in such a way that its closed end 19 forward, d. H. inside the vagina, to form the front end of the tampon 20. To do this, the Tampon, as shown in Figure 2, can be included in the introducer; H. with his closed End 19 in the direction of the front end 24 of the introducer. That way, the tampon 20 when the insertion device with its front end first in the vagina is inserted and the tampon is ejected from the insertion device 22 with its closed end 19 can be placed near the cervix.

When the tampon 20 is inserted as shown in FIG. 4, it is normally collapsed The condition of the vagina causes the discharge to occur first

309808/0308

closed end of the tampon reached »In this case, the discharge has a shorter, unobstructed path to the other parts of the tampon and the absorbent material can be optimally used. If the tampon is arranged as was usual in earlier models, i.e. with the open end close to the cervix and the closed end away from the cervix, the absorption path from the place of the first impingement of the discharge on the tampon is longer and obstructed, because of the discharge, the amount reaching the tampon wet must zn to its top. If, on the other hand, the tampon is arranged as described here, ie with the closed end forward, the discharge can practically reach all parts of the tampon in a straight line by wetting this closed end is, it also favors a form of absorption in which it is ensured that the rear edge of the open end of the tampon, which has the largest cross-sectional area in the tampon, is the last part of the tampon that is moistened. In this way, this rim can be used more effectively in avoiding mangling and failure of the tampon with high mean saturation than is possible with other tampon shapes and arrangements, particularly any hollow tampon with the closed end in a rearward position during use is arranged. If the cover or the open end of the tampon remains uncontaminated during use as long as possible, it can be used at the same time to clean the vagina by wiping the walls of this cover when the tampon is removed. This cleaning eliminates the possibility of any discharge remaining on the walls of the vagina, which is caused by the next tampon, if this is inserted with a sleeve-shaped insertion device,

30980 8/030 8

cannot be included. The remaining one not wiped off Discharge can contaminate the user's clothing before the tampon is saturated, which is then mistakenly seen as the discharge running sideways past the tampon can be viewed.

The arrangement of the tampon with its narrower end in the vicinity of the cervix can have another advantage to have. If a flexible tampon is used which has one or two separate circumferential lips 30 which is designed similar to the base area 18 and is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tampon and are directed outwards and beveled outwards and away from the narrower end, this tampon becomes in one direction opposite to the edges of the lips, d. H. the direction pointing towards the narrower end of the tampon, when the tampon rests with its lateral edges on a flexible channel, for example the vagina, and a pulsating pressure or force is applied from the channel to the tampon. The lips are behind from the end of the tampon adjacent to the cervix. The lips on such a tampon encourage the shift of the tampon inside the vagina, which is encouraged by the flexibility and unevenness of the vagina. At a conical tampon, the lips 30 are preferably directed away from the apex of the tampon, which achieves that the migration of the tampon takes place in the direction of the apex. This creep effect can be caused by any kind of protrusions that are dated front end of the tampon are facing away and towards the rear end and which provide resistance to bending towards the front end, caused or improved. Multiple beveled rings, protrusions and beveled lobes improve the creep effect. By placing the apex of the tampon near the cervix the tampon can be prevented from accidentally leaking, and even the opposite can be achieved

309808/0308

2240Q42

namely, the tampon moves deeper into the vagina. By crawling the tampon becomes deeper, more comfortable and more effective position where discharge may have accumulated and closer to the cervix that is to be regarded as the source of the discharge. In this position, the tampon can soak up accumulated discharge and prevent further accumulation.

Another advantage of placing the tampon with its narrower end in the vicinity of the cervix; H. the back wall adjacent to the vagina consists in the fact that the sheath or the further part of the tampon and in particular the Perimeter of the base 18 of the tampon 20 is arranged deeper in the vagina and therefore the passing of the discharge can prevent more effectively. The sheath of the tampon is in the down position, where it goes through the arrangement of the apex close to the cervix is much more effective because of the extent of the vagina in its lower part is smaller. In this way, the tampon cover can hold a larger part, if not the entire vagina wall, touch; which is less likely if the tampon is placed deeper in the vagina.

The arrangement of the tampon with its narrower end in the vicinity of the cervix has another advantage. As a result, a larger part of the tampon surface is directed towards the inflow direction of the outflow, whereby, together with the capillary gradient to be described below, an increased suction effect can be achieved. The rear edges of the deformed tampon, ie the edges _f adjacent to the side walls of the vaginal cavity, have the local capillary gradient to be described below. When a tampon with its narrower endo is aligned with the cervix, the total front surface of the tampon generally has improved suction properties , and the

301808/0 3 08

The first wetted area is increased because two sides of the tampon, i.e. H. along the side edges 14 and 15 extending sides, are directed upstream, as shown in FIG. Further extend at a tampon arranged with its apex in the vicinity of the cervix, its surfaces with improved suction longitudinally the side walls of the vagina, where the contact pressure between the vagina walls and the tampon is likely to be at least and accidental separation is most likely and therefore the best absorption and wetting properties are desirable. These desirable properties can particularly be achieved by the capillary gradient be formed in the side edges of the tampon. A tampon with its narrower end pointing backwards has an only slightly * improved suction surface and a much smaller upstream area. It is also possible that part of the discharge from the lateral edge of the further end, which is arranged adjacent to the cervix in this orientation, flows past and probably does not come into contact with any other surface of the tampon, which is to be regarded as a defect.

In Fig. 2 is an embodiment of the inventive Catamenia agent shown. This contains a tampon 20, which is in a tubular insertion device 22, which as Holder for the resiliently compressed tampon is included. With the expression "resiliently compressed" In this application, a state is referred to in which there is no permanent shaping, for example by cold Confluence or a bond in the compressed Condition occurs. A resiliently compressed tampon, once released, is capable of over time or by lightly kneading in the dry state to regain its original shape. Others, to be together.

309808/0308

^X «DB Ί Z ^ <K *

Press usable means are, for example, a resilient Compressed tampon poured gelatin, which can be dissolved by the discharge or body heat, or Pliers-like tools with which a tampon can be resiliently compressed shortly before insertion. the Ejection device 23 cooperates with the insertion device 22 to the tampon 20 through the front end 24 of the Insertion device 22 eject. The front end 24 of the introducer is used as the leading end during insertion intended. The other end of the introducer is referred to in this specification as the rear end.

All insertion devices known to those skilled in the art as telescopic tubes can be used as the insertion and ejection device. The front end of the insertion device can have a curved edge which is formed from a multiplicity of curved, flexible, sector-shaped plates and which practically encloses the tampon, as is shown in FIG. The front end of the insertion device can, however, also be designed as a blunt opening, as shown in FIG. 3. Detailed descriptions of telescopic tubular Einführexnrichtungen with flexible sector-shaped plates on the front end in the United States Patent no. ^L 2'754 822 and US Pat. No. 1'538'678 as well as in U.S. Design Patent D-21'492 described. The telescopic introducers with an open or blunt front end are described in the US Patent Nos. 2'879'796, 2,998 ¹ OlO, 3 '138'159 and 3'320'956.

An introducer 25 provided with a blunt opening and which had been successfully used consisted of a cardboard tube with an inside diameter of 1.62 cm and an outside diameter of 1.78 cm, which.

309SG8 / 0308

industrial corporation in Washington, D.C, as a paper tube under No. 154 White - Outer Ply No. 953 White Kromekote, Outer Seam Close Butt. A Tampon 20 with the preferred dimensions to be described can radially to a diameter of about 1.52 cm pressed together and through the rear end into this introducer be pushed. An ejection device having a tube with a smaller diameter can then be used be inserted behind the tampon 20 in the rear end of the insertion device.

If the introducer is tubular, a finely powdered dry material 21, such as Talc described in the Merck Index "An Encyclopedia of Chemicals and Drugs" between the tampon 20 and the insertion device 22, as shown in FIG. 2, in order to facilitate the expulsion of the tampon 20. The talc 21 can be dusted in the form of a fine layer onto the tampon 20 before it becomes resilient is compressed and arranged in the insertion device 22. Another method that is the preferred Embodiment has also proven itself, consists in coating the inside of a funnel with talc, the then knocking out the excess talc from the funnel and unrolling the tampon on the inner wall the funnel until about 0.08 g of talc has deposited on the outside of the tampon. Flexible polyurethane foam has a high coefficient of friction with an insertion device made of cardboard or polyethylene. The pulverized Material 21 is extraordinarily effective at between the polyurethane tampon and the insertion device to form an intermediate layer, which is used for ejecting the tampon required force reduced. The surface of the polyurethane foam has an external cell structure that gives the is similar to protruding needles of a cactus and therefore also

309808/0308

referred to as the "Cacti coefficient". It is believed, that this "Cacti coefficient" is the reason for the high Coefficient of friction of the polyurethane tampon. It is further assumed that the powdery material has the effect of many small balls attached to the insertion device roll off when the tampon 20 is ejected, thereby reducing the coefficient of friction. The effect of the pulverized material 21 is surprising in that this lubricant was expected to be in the depressions on the surface, formed by cut cells, fall and not on the remaining protruding points of the foam would remain bound, and because it was further expected that the Scrape off protruding points of the foam and scrape off the powdered material directly to the inside of the introducer would concern.

The tampon 20 has a conically shaped body 10 made of a flexible, resilient, absorbent material and a attached to its apex 19, provided for removing the tampon pull-out cord 12. The pull-out cord 12 can also be attached to surfaces other than the apex or front end of the tampon, e.g. B. somewhere along or at the Base area 18, or along the outer surface 11 or inner surface 13. The pull-out cord 12 may be attached by any of the known means, e.g. B. by gluing, knotting or sewing.

In a preferred embodiment, the interior of the absorbent body 10 is hollow, that is to say has an internal discontinuity, as a result of which the diametrically opposite walls of the tampon are not connected to one another on the line of the tarapon diameter. to resist sideways deformation *, if any

-308 8 08/0308

A force directed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tampon acts on the tampon. That is often used in this description, The applied word "diameter" is used in its broadest sense, namely as the length of a straight, line passing through the center of an object. The internal discontinuity enables the compressive forces which arise during the deformation of the tampon in the absorbent body, the lateral edges shown in FIG 14 and 15 to press outwards against the walls of the vagina. Without this internal discontinuity, the after Outwardly directed movement (expansion) through the inner one, which can be assigned to a continuous or solid body Delayed flexural strength. The internal discontinuity also causes a decrease in the girth when the tampon is deformed in its collapsed state as shown in FIG. With this deformation expand the side edges because the force exerted by the vagina and acting perpendicularly on the tampon is caused by the Walls is transmitted as a compressive force, which moves the side edges 14 and 15 outward, which thereby is facilitated because these forces do not have a diametrical flexural strength opposes.

The internal discontinuity of a tampon can take various forms. The simplest form is a slot that from the base 18 of the tampon 20 through its interior and along its longitudinal axis or at least adjacent to this axis runs upwards. When using a tampon with a simple slit, insert it on it It should be noted that the tampon probably has to point in a certain direction, because one in only one direction running internal discontinuity itself has a directional effect. To hollow out the tampon, you can also use a variety of slots that are parallel as well as radially

309808/0308

22400A2

can be ordered. The preferred embodiment an inner discontinuity is a recess, as shown in FIG. 1, which forms an inner surface 13. A recess allows compared to a slot, not only a major lateral displacement or deformation, but also the creation of a Tampons that have a lower modulus of compression as will be described below. In order to be effective, any internal discontinuity must be at the base begin and extend into the tampon for a length of at least 50% of the longitudinal axis of the tampon.

The recess can have any shape and, for example, be spherical, cylindrical or rectangular. the Shape, which obviously guarantees the best deformability and elasticity and therefore the greatest stability of the extent, is a shape similar to the generally conical outer surface 11 of the tampon, which is also arranged coaxially to the outer surface. Furthermore, a larger recess simultaneously enables a larger one Deformability, stretchability and maintenance of the size of the tampon. To effectively deform the tampon To enable and reduce its total mass, the diameter of the recess should be at least 50% of the diameter of the undeformed tampon. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the recess is about 61% of the diameter of the undeformed tampon.

The absorbent body 10 of the tampon 20 can be any of Material that has a useful absorbency and elastic modulus. If for the absorbent body a foamed material is to be used, a flexible, resilient polyurethane foam be used. The manufacture of flexible, resilient polyurethane foams is common

309808/03 0 8

and described in detail in the following book: "Polyurethanes: Chemistry and Technology", Volume XVI (two parts) the "High Polymers" series by J. H. Saunders and K. C. Frisch, Copyright 1962, published by Interscience Publishers. One Similar publication on polyurethane technology is in the book "Polyurethane Technology" edited by Paul F. Bruins, Copyright 1969 at Interscience Publishers.

Additional publications on polyurethane foams can be found in the following United States patents: Nm. 3'391'091, 3'376'236, 3 ^f 341'482, 3'171'82O, 3 · 148 · 163, 2'955'09I, 2'938 · 005, 2 · 888 · 409 and 2 '850'464.

The absorbent body 10 should be mensophilic; H. it should have surface properties resulting from the Menstrual discharge spreads freely and rapidly on the surface and in the capillaries of the body. Of the menstrual discharge has a surface tension in the range of about 35-60 dynes / cm. It is spreading rapidly on a solid body if it has a critical surface tension that is greater than the surface tension of the discharge is. For example, water has a surface tension of about 72 dynes / cm and can move around it Spread only on solid materials with a surface tension greater than 72 dynes / cm. Because the surface tension of water greater than that of menstrual discharge any hydrophilic solid material is generally also mensophilic.

Although, in general, all flexible polyurethane foams can be used for their intended purpose drastic differences in the efficiency of such tampons, those made from commercially available, mensophobic, flexible polyurethane foams and those made of mensophilic, flexible polyurethane

30 9 808/0 30 8

224QQ42

foams are made. These differences are big enough to make mensophilic polyurethane foams absolutely necessary preferable.

In general, the flexible polyurethane foams used to manufacture the tampon 20 are made from a reaction mixture obtained which has a polyhydroxy compound which is at least partially a polyether, but which can also be partially a polyester or a mixture of polyesters and polyether compounds. In the following patents are mensophiie polyurethane foams, which are particularly advantageous for the production of the new tampons are described:

USA Patent Nos. 3,586,648, 3,573,234, 3,560,416, 3'463'74S, 3'457'203V, 3'451'954, 3'451'953, 3'432 ' 448, 3,388,08I, 3,385,803, 3,164,565, 3,098,048, 3,042! 631, 3 * 007,883, 2,965,584, 2,948,691, British Patent No. I ¹ 180 x 316 and French Patent No. I ¹ 350'709.

More mensophilic polyurethane foams that can also be used are described in the following US patents: Nos. 3,535,143, 3,508 · 953, 3,458,338, 3,418,066, 3'413'245, 3 · 404'095, 3'382'090, 3'326.823, 3'249'465, 3Ί49Ό00, 3 · 094'433, 2'998'295, 2 · 990'378, 2'920'983 and 2,900,278. .

It is generally preferable to use a mensophilic foam, at least in part because of the type of foam used Reagent is mensophilic. However, under certain conditions it can also be desirable to use this foam add additional mensophilic materials. This can either increase the mensophilicity of the foam, or its Ability to hold liquid and pressure-induced defects such as squeezing excluded will. A useful mensophHer polyurethane

30 9808/0308

Foam should have a critical surface tension of at least 60 dynes / cm and preferably more than 72 dynes / cm.

A foam used as an absorbent body should have a shape compression modulus measured when dry from about 14 g / cm to about 42 g / cm and preferably 28 g / cm and measured when wet Compression module at which up to 75% of the original im dry state measured thickness can reach that in the area

2 2 2

is between 7 g / cm and 21 g / cm and preferably 14 g / cm. The form-compression modulus is in the ASTM test specification D1564, pressure load deflection test (suffix D) described. The ASTM pressure load deflection test consists of measuring the necessary load on the entire Surface of the foam pattern to achieve a compression of 25% to effect.

The density of a used for the absorbent body 10

-2 3 bar foam is preferably about 3.2 x 10 6 g / cm. Furthermore, the porosity of such foams is in the direction of expansion larger than transversely to the foaming direction, which is why their absorbency is greater in the foaming direction is. Furthermore, the cells of the foam are elongated in the foaming direction. For this reason, the foamed Material used in the manufacture of a tampon must be aligned in such a way that the direction of the greatest porosity is in the preferred direction of absorption. One of several advantageous orientations is that in which the foaming direction runs approximately transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tampon to be produced, which provides a better degree of efficiency for the Forwarding of the outflow from the outer surface 11 to the inner surface 13 is achieved.

309808/0308

The one preferably made from mensophilic polyurethane foam Tampon has a conical shape with a height of 5.1 cm and a diameter of the base of 5.7 cm, and is hollowed out inside? so that a wall thickness of about 1 cm remains. The critical surface tension this tampon is larger than 72 dynes / cm and the tampon has a compression modulus of around 90-180 g and a compression module for the dry material of

2
about 28 g / cm. The starting material used is "Scott Hydro-Foam" (registered trademark), a mensophilic polyurethane foam that swells when wetted and is available from Scott Paper Company, Foam Division, Eddystone, Pennsylvania, USA.

In a preferred embodiment, the tampon 20 has a form-compression modulus in the range between 28 g to about 450 g and preferably in the range between 90-180 g. The shape-compression modulus corresponds to the undirected force required to deform the tampon until it is folded, i.e. until the inner recess is practically eliminated and the inner area is reduced to a line so that the opposing surfaces touch, as shown in FIG Fig. 4 is shown. The molding module should be larger than 28 g so that the tampon will retain its shape when exposed to intravaginal pressure. A tampon that does not have a shape module and is, for example, as limp as in a "wet rag" is practically unusable. The molding module should not be larger than 450 g, because otherwise it is too difficult to deform and retains its round cross-section in use, which is not advantageous for its efficiency. The vaginal walls namely have a certain strength and not equal to _i completely to a solid pad on.

303808/0 30 8

If that is why the vagina is not completely covered by a tampon is extended, it is possible to use a larger part of the Vagina wall with a folded, d. H. flattened tampon than with a non-folded, d. H. round tampon, to bring into contact. The modulus of shape depends on the density and elasticity of the material used and depending on the shape of the tampon.

When the tampon 20 is deformed, its outer surface is and its inner surface 13 is placed under tension or pressure at the lateral edges 14 and 15, whereby along this lateral edges a local capillary gradient is generated. The outer surface 11 and the inner surface 13 of the upper and lower walls 16 and 17 (Fig. 4) are placed under tension and pressure, respectively. The voltage on the outer surface causes an increase in the diameter of the capillaries, with which a capillary gradient is formed will.

The tampon 20 can be made by having a hollow cone is cut out of a homogeneous block of foamed material or by placing two superimposed practically identical triangular or trapezoidal blanks connected to one another along their lateral edges will. These blanks should be cut across the direction of foaming so that each caused the foaming Extension of the cells of the foam runs parallel to the thickness of these pieces. Well usable trapezoidal ones Blanks had a length of 5.7 cm, a width at the base of 9.5 cm and a width at the top of 2.7 cm, and a thickness of 1 cm. The blanks placed one on top of the other were sewn together and then the tampon turned inside out. The conical or bell-shaped tampon had a height of 5.1 cm and an outer diameter at the base of 5.35 cm and an inner diameter at the base of 3 cm

309808/0308

on. By turning the sewn-together blanks inside out, a bending moment is generated in them, so that the finished Tampon has a practically circular cross-section in the plane lying transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tampon. The same bending moment also causes an overall effective capillary gradient in that the cells attach the outer surface under tension and the cells on the inner surface are put under pressure, making a practical linear gradient is formed for the mean diameter of the capillaries in the wall of the tampon. The middle one The cell diameter is on the outside 11 of a tampon 20, which is placed on top of one another by connecting and turning inside out Blanks was produced to be about 62% larger than the mean cell diameter on the inner surface 13. This advantageous overall capillary gradient is also with such Conical tampons are available, which are cut from a block of foamed material or foamed as a cone if these are subsequently turned inside out.

The capillary gradient described above is therefore special advantageous because it promotes good moistening of the inside of the tampon from the outer surface. Both a Cut out as well as a compound hollow cone has a useful capillary gradient, too when it is deformed to the collapsed state. Under a cut out cone is one from a homogeneous one Block of absorbent material is understood to be a cut-out cone, while a composite cone is produced by connecting flat blanks lying on top of one another, as has already been described above. if a cut out cone is deformed, becomes the bending radius reduced in size at the resulting lateral edges, which leads to the formation of a reinforced local capillary

309808/0308

224QQ42

gradient contributes to these side edges. The upper and lower walls 16 and 17 then possibly have has an inverse gradient, d. H. the cell diameter is smaller on the outer surface and smaller on the inner surface greater. In the case of a non-deformed cone made from flat blanks, the outer surface is already in place in the undeformed state under tension and therefore has enlarged capillaries, while the inner surface is under There is pressure and therefore contains scaled-down capillaries. When a compound cone is deformed, the bend radius becomes reduced at the lateral edges 14 and 15, whereby the local capillary gradient is increased, while the upper and lower walls 16 and 17 are returned to a practically neutral state, so that they no longer have a noticeable capillary gradient. The capillary gradient at the lateral edges 14 and 15 a folded tampon will work with both the cut and the assembled hollow cone formed as soon as it is deformed. However, the composite design of the cone is preferable because it also has an overall existing capillary gradient that corresponds to the local gradient to the lateral edges is superimposed, which allows a better efficiency.

The local capillary gradient is always present and on the side edges 14 and 15 are most effective where the pressure between the vagina and the tampon is lowest and the best transport mechanism for conveying the discharge is necessary to prevent an accumulation avoid. In the upper and lower walls 16 and 17, the composite cone has practically no gradient, and the cut out cone even has an inverted gradient, so that the forwarding of the discharge on these points are not favored. The lack of one

309808/0308

- 27 - . ■.

Gradient or the inverse of the gradient in the top and lower wall is not disadvantageous, especially the maximum vertical force exerted on the tampon by the vagina Direction and therefore the contact between the vagina and the upper and lower wall of the tampon is always good is. This good contact prevents any accumulation of the discharge in these two surfaces, even if it is carried away is not particularly cheap.

Further advantages that can be achieved by arranging the tampon with its apex in the vicinity of the cervix, are (1) because of the reduced mass of the tampon in the apex, there is no premature opening of the flexible, sector-shaped Areas of the introducer, as shown for example in Fig. 2, causes (2) the flexible Areas of the insertion device are held in their position during insertion by the apex 19 of the tampon, and (3) the apex also enables the tampon to be used in an introducer that has an open end, as shown in FIG. 3, for example.

The arranged on an insertion device according to FIG Surfaces can be compressed during insertion from the pressure exerted on the surfaces by the vagina when they are not held in their place. The curved shape of the apex 19 of the tampon corresponds the shape of the surfaces on the insertion end 24 of the insertion device is good enough to keep them against the during insertion to keep external pressure so that they are not pushed apart. The arched shape of the apex 19 of the tampon 20 is also advantageous if the tampon has an open insertion device, as shown in FIG is, is used, and the curvature of the apex protrudes from the open end 26 of the introducer 25. Of the

309808/0308

22A00A2

outstanding apex 19 favors the introduction because it has a slowly increasing change in diameter and not a sudden change, as occurs when the open end 26 of the insertion device 25 is inserted would.

The pull-out cord attached to the tampon 20 should be flexible, water-repellent and have sufficient tensile strength to allow it to be removed of the tampon not to tear. It can be used by any person for pull-out cords and any person skilled in the art known material. It should also be long enough to fit the unattached part of the string from the attachment point over the rear end of the tampon extends out of the entrance opening of the vagina when the tampon is properly placed within the vagina. A free length of the pull-out cord of about 11.5 cm is sufficient for a 5.1 cm long, conical tampon. the Pull-out cord can be a single thread, a ribbon, or a plurality of threads, all with their own, of course End point are attached to the front end 19 of the tampon. One material that is very useful as a pull-out cord 12 is one water-repellent cotton cord, which is designed as a 5/3-fold yarn and has a tensile strength of 4 kg.

One such pull-out cord is available from Bibb Manufacturing Company of Macon, Georgia, USA under the tradename "5/3 Ply Sno-Spun Bleach 108 Cotton" available. The water-repellent effect of the cord is intended to wetting the cord prevent vaginal discharge and stain the wearer's clothing.

Likewise, a polyester cord, which feels about the same and has the same flexibility as a cotton cord has to be used as a pull-out cord 12. The polyester cord is likely to be stronger, but it also needs to be water repellent can be made to prevent discharge of discharge down the cord.

309808/0308

The pull-out cord 12 can be one made of trapezoidal blanks manufactured tampon, as described above, can be attached by using any known to those skilled in the art Species at the outermost point, d. H. freely hanging on the outer surface of the front end 19 of the tampon will. One way to attach the cord 12 is to insert it into the trapezoidal one to connect the two Insert fasteners used for blanks. The cord 12 can be along one or more edges in the fastening area or at the tip or between the blanks lying on top of one another. After that, will by sewing the two trapezoidal blanks with a zigzag sewing stitch, the pull-out cord 12 is fastened at the same time. When the string was placed on top of the blanks, the free end of the string goes through the front end of the tampon drawn after the sewn blanks have been turned inside out to form a practically conical tampon. When the cord 12 was inserted between the blanks placed on top of one another, the free end is already on after turning it inside out the outside of the front end 19 of the tampon. The cord can also be drawn into one provided in the tampon Hole to be attached? This hole can run both parallel and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tampon or any have a different direction, but should be in the front end of the tampon and fasten the cord in such a way that its free end is loose from the fastening point hanging down from the outside of the tampon.

When removing the tampon from the vagina, its direction can be reversed in at least two ways; H. the front End turned back, depending on the arrangement of the pull-out cord during insertion of the tampon and the Stiffness of the tampon when it is removed from the vagina. When the cord 12 is just about to be removed near a side wall If the vagina is located, the tampon will likely become

309 808/0308

invert during removal, d. H. it will rotate around its vertical axis »with the front end 19 is guided down a side wall of the vagina. If the cord is not along a side wall of the vagina a tensile force acting on the cord will not cause the tampon to rotate, but rather it will fold up.

If the tampon has been turned upside down inside the vagina, the narrow end, which acts as a wedge, can go ahead can be removed at the bottom and to the outside. The wedge effect causes the vagina to stretch. This stretch is advantageous in the entrance zone because the sphincter muscle surrounding the vagina usually closes this entrance holds. It is easier to pull out the tampon if the sphincter is slow and not is stretched by leaps and bounds. The desirable slow stretching of the sphincter can be achieved by the wedge-shaped, a Increasing cross-section having tampon can easily be achieved.

As could be shown above, the present one delivers Invention a tampon with which the stated objectives are fully achieved and the advantages described are realized can. Although the invention has been explained using specific embodiments, it is understood that for the Many modifications are possible for a person skilled in the art.

309808/0308

Claims (13)

Claims Catamenia means, characterized by an insertion device, which is provided for the resilient compression of an elastomeric tampon and has a front end, which can be used as a guide end during the introduction of the device into the vagina, with a tampon a dry expandable elastomeric absorbent body having a front and a front rear end, the rear end having a larger diameter than the front end, if the tampon is exposed to intravaginal pressure, which tampon is resiliently compressed in the insertion device and is arranged such that the front end is adjacent to the front end of the introducer and can be used as a leading end during insertion, a device for ejecting the tampon through the front end of the insertion device, so that the tampon is arranged in the vagina after expulsion, that its anterior end is closer to the cervix than its posterior end " 2. Means according to claim 1, characterized in that the tampon is discontinuous in the interior and the Discontinuity runs from the rear end of the tampon towards the front end, with the rear end End has an opening and the front end is closed. 3. Means according to claim 2, characterized in that the The depth of the discontinuity inside the tampon, measured in the longitudinal axis, is at least 50% of the length of the tampon amounts to. 309 80S / 030 4. Means according to claim 2, characterized in that the discontinuity in the interior of the tampon when not together /in amount pressed tampon ⁷ consists of a cavity which runs practically coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the tampon. 5. Means according to claim 4, characterized in that the shape of the cavity corresponds to the outer shape of the tampon. 6. Means according to claim 4, characterized in that the Tampon has a conical shape. 7. Means according to claim 4, characterized in that the The diameter of the cavity at the rear end is at least 50% of the outer diameter of the rear end of the tampon when not compressed. 8. Means according to claim 1, characterized in that the Ejection device is slidably connected to the insertion device. 9. Means according to claim 1, characterized in that between the outer surface of the tampon and the inner surface a finely powdered material is arranged in the introducer, which forms a dry lubricant and reduces the coefficient of friction between the two surfaces. 10. Agent according to claim 9, characterized in that talc is used as the finely powdered material. 11. Katamenie means, containing a tubular insertion device, the front end of which is intended as a leading end during the introduction into the vagina and of which the other end forms the rear end, a tampon 3 0 9808/0308 KCHTSisyiire DR. M. ! M .- ^. KAlIO 89 «. Oct 6, 1972 CL hl τ :. '.. ;; -.''■ ...}. '/; CLFF with a deformable, soft, mensophilic absorbent body made of polyurethane foam, which is resiliently pressed in the direction of insertion and the tip of which is arranged adjacent to the front end of the insertion device, which body is practically conical in shape in the uncompressed state and an inner conical and coaxial to the outer surface arranged recess, wherein the base of the recess is arranged in the same plane as the base of the tampon, and the recess has a depth which is at least 50 % of the length of the tampon, and an ejector, which is displaceably arranged at the rear end of the insertion device so that the tampon is arranged with its tip deeper in the vagina and closer to the cervix than with the base after expulsion. 12. Means according to claim 1, characterized in that a flexible, freely hanging pull-out cord is attached to the tampon and can be effected by pulling the cord Turn the tampon over in the vagina and pull out the tampon with the front end first, the attachment point of the cord on the outside of the front end of the tampon is arranged. 13. Means according to claim 1, characterized in that the free end of the pull-out cord in the insertion device from the attachment point to over the rear end of the 309808/0 3 0 received nm Tampon is also arranged between the outer surface of the tampon and the inside of the device. For The Procter & Gamble Company (Dr. H.J. Wölff) Lawyer 309808 / 0J08