GB1560736A

GB1560736A - Feminie hygiene pad

Info

Publication number: GB1560736A
Application number: GB3112976A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1976-07-26
Filing date: 1976-07-26
Publication date: 1980-02-06

Description

(54) FEMININE HYGIENE PAD (71) I, SHALOM ZARACH HIRSCHMAN, a citizen of the United States of America, of 110-11 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills, New York 11375, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a Patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The present invention relates to a feminine hygiene pad and particularly relates to a unitary elongate absorbent pad insertable in its entirety into the female interlabial space to receive uncontrolled discharges.

It has been proposed in the Applicant's United States Patent Specification No.

3,726,277, and corresponding British Patent Specification No. 1,424,619, to provide absorptive pads for use by females to absorb uncontrolled discharges such as urine, vaginal secretions, post-coital leakage, menstrual staining, or the like.

Such absorptive pads are reasonably efficient in terms of ease of insertion, proper disposition in the interlabial space, and absorptive characteristics.

However, with widely varying conditions of uncontrolled discharge of various liquids, including urine, or the like, including total volume, rate of discharge, variations in anatomical dimensions in the interlabial space, proposed pads of given geometrical cross section and parameters may exhibit varying degrees of efficiency in actual use.

The female interlabial space comprises the labia majora, labia minora and the vestibule.

The walls of the interlabial space are formed by the medial aspects of the labia majora and the labia minora. The interlabial space provides a funnel into which the female effluents collect.

According to the present invention there is provided a unitary elongate absorbent pad insertable in its entirety into the female interlabial space to receive uncontrolled discharges, which pad comprises a longitudinally extending posterior portion and a longitudinally extending anterior portion unitary with the posterior portion, the portions being disposed symmetrically about a central axis defining the height of the pad, the geometry of the pad being such that, in transverse cross-section, the anterior portion is smaller than the posterior portion, the central axis of the pad is longer than the longest transverse dimension of the posterior portion and the anterior portion is generally wedge-shaped or includes an axially extending portion of substantially uniform transverse dimension significantly less than the longest transverse dimension of the posterior portion, the anterior portion thereby, upon insertion facing the vestibule, facilitating insertion of the entire pad into the interlabial space with the posterior portion being led therein by the anterior portion.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide improved feminine hygiene pads for placement in the interlabial space to absorb uncontrolled discharges such as urine or the like, wherein the pads have selected geometrical cross sections which greatly facilitate the insertion of the pads into the interlabial space, are securely retained in the interlabial space, accommodate themselves to interlabial spaces of varying parameters and maintain their retention in the interlabial space despite substantial increases in the weight of the pads due to absorption of the uncontrolled liquid discharge. Such preferred embodiment geometric cross sections distinguished by anterior leading edge portions of reduced transverse thickness and posterior portions of substantial transverse thickness, the anterior edge portions thereby greatly facilitate the insertion of the pad into the interlabial space and the posterior portion thereby having a high retention factor despite sub stantial amounts of liquid discharge absorbed by the posterior portion of the pad.

The pads are inserted so that the anterior portion of the pads face the vestibule.

In one embodiment of a pad in accordance with the present invention the juncture of the anterior and posterior portions thereof provide a substantially abrupt change in transverse dimensions, thereby forming a shoulderlike configuration at such juncture.

Advantageously, the anterior and posterior portions of the pad have planar surfaces.

The posterior portion may be formed with a longitudinally extending groove such that upon insertion of the pad into the interlabial space, those parts of the posterior portion defining the groove therein, are pressed toward each other so as to provide resiliently a wedgelike retention characteristic with respect to the interlabial space.

The cross sections of the pad may be of uniform dimensions along the length of the pad or the cross sections thereof may taper from one end to the other end of the pad.

Further, one or both ends of the posterior portion of the pad may be sloped towards or away from the anterior portion.

If desired the anterior portion of the pad can be tapered along the length thereof, while the posterior portion remains of substantially uniform cross section along the length thereof.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a transverse cross sectional view of an embodiment of an absorbent pad in accordance with the present invention, Figures 2 to 6 show transverse cross sectional views of other alternative embodiments of absorbent pads in accordance with the present invention, in which the posterior portions of the pads are essentially of quadrilateral shape, Figures 7 and 8 show transverse cross sectional views of variants of the posterior portions for embodiments of absorbent pads in accordance with the present invention wherein the bottom surfaces thereof may be arcuate or tapered, Figures 9 and 10 show transverse cross sectional views of other embodiments of absorbent pads in accordance with the present invention wherein the side surfaces of the posterior portions thereof slope toward the anterior portions thereof, Figures 11 and 12 show transverse cross sectional views of still further embodiments of absorbent pads in accordance with the present invention wherein the posterior portions thereof have opposed flat surface portions, Figures 13 to 15 show perspective part sectional views of further embodiments of absorbent pads in accordance with the present invention, which include longitudinally tapering portions, Figures 16 to 18 show side views of further embodiments of absorbent pads in accordance with the present invention wherein the ends of the pads have sloping edges, Figure 19 shows a perspective part sectional view of a further embodiment of an absorbent pad in accordance with the present invention wherein the posterior portion of the pad is formed with a longitudinal groove, and Figure 20 shows a transverse cross sectional view showing the pad of Figure 19 disposed in the interlabial space.

Referring to the drawings, the embodiments of hygienic pads shown in the drawings comprise essentially soft absorptive bodies adapted to be inserted into the interlabial space for self retention therein to absorb uncontrolled body discharges such as urine, vaginal exudants, menstrual staining and post-coital leakage.

It has been found that when such pads exhibit certain geometrical configurations, the pads are more readily inserted into the interlabial space by the user, and more securely retained in place despite substantial increases in weight due to absorption of the uncontrolled body discharges and are more comfortable for the user thereof. Further the pads show an increased absorptive capacity, thereby decreasing the number of successive pad replacements.

As can be seen in the drawings each.of the pads includes, in transverse cross-section, an anterior portion which either is generally wedge-shaped or includes a portion extending along the central axis defining the height of the pad, said portion having a substantially uniform transverse dimension significantly less than the longest transverse dimension of a posterior portion of the pad.

The pads, hereinafter described in detail, are formed of soft absorptive material such as cellulose, cotton or other suitable natural or synthetic fibers or sheeting.

One embodiment of an absorbent pad 10 is shown in Figure 1. The pad 10 is of ovoid cross sectional shape and comprises a leading anterior edge portion 11 of limited transverse dimension and integral therewith a posterior portion 12 of relatively large transverse dimension.

The pad 10 may be of uniform cross section along the length thereof, or may be tapered from one end to the other end thereof. The user may readily and quickly insert the pad 10 into the interlabial space by way of the leading anterior portion 11. The pad is firmly self retained in the space and exhibits substantial absorptive capacity for liquid discharges and does not accidentally dislodge from the interlabial space.

Alternatively, the pads may have the posterior portions thereof of quadrilateral shape, such as rectangular or square. Thus, as shown in Figure 2, pad 15 comprises a posterior portion 16 having flat bottom and side surfaces and an anterior portion 17 having sloping surfaces 18 with a beveled edge 19.

Also, as shown in Figure 3, the pad 20 comprises a posterior portion 21 of substantially square cross section and a finger-like anterior portion 22 of limited transverse dimension. The juncture 23 of portions 21, 22 is essentially flat. Pad 25, shown in Figure 4, is similar to that of Figure 3, except that the sides of anterior portion 26 diverge downwardly from top edge 27. The pad 30 shown in Figure 5 has a posterior portion 31 and an anterior portion 32 both quadrilateral in shape, and a sloping flat shoulder 33 at the junction of the portions 31, 32. Pad 35, shown in Figure 6, includes a posterior portion 36 of quadrilateral shape and an anterior portion 37 having upwardly converging side surfaces 38 and a flat leading edge 39.

While the pads shown in Figures 2 to 6 show their posterior portions with flat bottom surfaces the bottom surfaces of these and further embodiments of the pad to be described hereinafter may have other configurations. Thus, the cross-sections of the bottom surfaces of the posterior portions of the pads can be modified to be arcuate as shown in Figure 7 or to converge as shown in Figure 8.

Further, alternative embodiments are shown in Figs. 9 and 10. Thus, in Fig. 9, the pad 40 is of generally triangular cross section, with a posterior portion 41 of large cross section and an anterior portion 42 of small cross section. The pad 40 shows flat, converging surfaces 43, a slightly curved bottom surface 44, rounded bottom edges 44A and a rounded leading edge 45. The pad 50, Fig. 10, is similar to pad 40, except that the pad includes a transverse constriction providing a linear juncture J for posterior portion 51 and anterior portion 42'.

Pad 60, Fig. 11, comprises a posterior portion 61 of substantially hexagonal cross section and a transversely constricted anterior portion 62 with a rounded leading edge 63.

The surfaces of posterior portion 61 are flat and the edges thereof may be rounded.

Pad 65, Fig. 12, comprises a posterior portion 66 defined by opposed convergent flat surfaces 67 and a slightly rounded bottom surface 68, while anterior portion 69 is of a triangular cross section.

The pads may be suitably tapered. Thus, pad 70, Fig. 13, has its anterior portion 71 and posterior portion 72 tapered in respect of both the longitudinal and transverse axes thereof whereas in pad 70', Fig. 14, anterior portion 71' and posterior portion 72' are tapered longitudinally onry. Further, as shown in Fig. 15, in pad 70", the anterior portion 71" and posterior portion 72" are tapered with respect to their transverse axes only.

The pads may be further modified, as shown in Figs. 16 to 18. Thus, as shown in Fig. 16, pad 75 has its posterior portion 76 sloped at one end as at 77, to make the pad conform to the anatomy of the user; or as shown in Fig. 17, pad 75' is sloped at opposite ends as at 77'. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 18, pad 75A has its posterior portion 76A sloped at opposite ends in a convergent configuration. If desired, in the foregoing embodiments, the slope may also include the anterior portions of the pads.

The pads hereinbefore set forth, may be further modified as indicated in Figs. 19 and 20. Thus, as shown in Fig. 19, pad 80 having anterior portion 81 and posterior portion 82 has the posterior portion 82 formed with a longitudinal groove 83 of normally generally triangular section, forming wings 84. When the pad 80 is inserted into the interlabial space, see Fig. 20, the wings 84 are resiliently urged toward each other and bear against the walls of said interlabial space, thereby increasing the retention of the pad within the interlabial space. It is understood, that the various forms of pads set forth above, may also include the groove in the posterior portions thereof.

It will be understood, that the pads set forth above, having opposed flat surfaces, are particularly adapted to conform to the walls defining the interlabial space thereby optimizing the retention and absorption factors of the pads.

The tapered pads hereinabove set forth, which taper from one end to the other end thereof; may alternatively taper from a central portion to the opposite ends thereof.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. A unitary elongate absorbent pad insertable in its entirety into the female interlabial space to receive uncontrolled discharges, which pad comprises a longitudinally extending posterior portion and a longitudinally extending anterior portion unitary with the posterior portion, the portions being disposed symmetrically about a central axis defining the height of the pad, the geometry of the pad being such that, in transverse cross-section, the anterior portion is smaller than the posterior portion, the central axis of the pad is longer than the longest transverse dimension of the posterior portion and the anterior portion is generally wedge-shaped or includes an axially extending portion having a substantially uniform transverse dimension significantly less than the longest transverse dimension of the posterior portion, the anterior portion thereby,

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. liquid discharges and does not accidentally dislodge from the interlabial space. Alternatively, the pads may have the posterior portions thereof of quadrilateral shape, such as rectangular or square. Thus, as shown in Figure 2, pad 15 comprises a posterior portion 16 having flat bottom and side surfaces and an anterior portion 17 having sloping surfaces 18 with a beveled edge 19. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the pad 20 comprises a posterior portion 21 of substantially square cross section and a finger-like anterior portion 22 of limited transverse dimension. The juncture 23 of portions 21, 22 is essentially flat. Pad 25, shown in Figure 4, is similar to that of Figure 3, except that the sides of anterior portion 26 diverge downwardly from top edge 27. The pad 30 shown in Figure 5 has a posterior portion 31 and an anterior portion 32 both quadrilateral in shape, and a sloping flat shoulder 33 at the junction of the portions 31, 32. Pad 35, shown in Figure 6, includes a posterior portion 36 of quadrilateral shape and an anterior portion 37 having upwardly converging side surfaces 38 and a flat leading edge 39. While the pads shown in Figures 2 to 6 show their posterior portions with flat bottom surfaces the bottom surfaces of these and further embodiments of the pad to be described hereinafter may have other configurations. Thus, the cross-sections of the bottom surfaces of the posterior portions of the pads can be modified to be arcuate as shown in Figure 7 or to converge as shown in Figure 8. Further, alternative embodiments are shown in Figs. 9 and 10. Thus, in Fig. 9, the pad 40 is of generally triangular cross section, with a posterior portion 41 of large cross section and an anterior portion 42 of small cross section. The pad 40 shows flat, converging surfaces 43, a slightly curved bottom surface 44, rounded bottom edges 44A and a rounded leading edge 45. The pad 50, Fig. 10, is similar to pad 40, except that the pad includes a transverse constriction providing a linear juncture J for posterior portion 51 and anterior portion 42'. Pad 60, Fig. 11, comprises a posterior portion 61 of substantially hexagonal cross section and a transversely constricted anterior portion 62 with a rounded leading edge 63. The surfaces of posterior portion 61 are flat and the edges thereof may be rounded. Pad 65, Fig. 12, comprises a posterior portion 66 defined by opposed convergent flat surfaces 67 and a slightly rounded bottom surface 68, while anterior portion 69 is of a triangular cross section. The pads may be suitably tapered. Thus, pad 70, Fig. 13, has its anterior portion 71 and posterior portion 72 tapered in respect of both the longitudinal and transverse axes thereof whereas in pad 70', Fig. 14, anterior portion 71' and posterior portion 72' are tapered longitudinally onry. Further, as shown in Fig. 15, in pad 70", the anterior portion 71" and posterior portion 72" are tapered with respect to their transverse axes only. The pads may be further modified, as shown in Figs. 16 to 18. Thus, as shown in Fig. 16, pad 75 has its posterior portion 76 sloped at one end as at 77, to make the pad conform to the anatomy of the user; or as shown in Fig. 17, pad 75' is sloped at opposite ends as at 77'. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 18, pad 75A has its posterior portion 76A sloped at opposite ends in a convergent configuration. If desired, in the foregoing embodiments, the slope may also include the anterior portions of the pads. The pads hereinbefore set forth, may be further modified as indicated in Figs. 19 and 20. Thus, as shown in Fig. 19, pad 80 having anterior portion 81 and posterior portion 82 has the posterior portion 82 formed with a longitudinal groove 83 of normally generally triangular section, forming wings 84. When the pad 80 is inserted into the interlabial space, see Fig. 20, the wings 84 are resiliently urged toward each other and bear against the walls of said interlabial space, thereby increasing the retention of the pad within the interlabial space. It is understood, that the various forms of pads set forth above, may also include the groove in the posterior portions thereof. It will be understood, that the pads set forth above, having opposed flat surfaces, are particularly adapted to conform to the walls defining the interlabial space thereby optimizing the retention and absorption factors of the pads. The tapered pads hereinabove set forth, which taper from one end to the other end thereof; may alternatively taper from a central portion to the opposite ends thereof. WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A unitary elongate absorbent pad insertable in its entirety into the female interlabial space to receive uncontrolled discharges, which pad comprises a longitudinally extending posterior portion and a longitudinally extending anterior portion unitary with the posterior portion, the portions being disposed symmetrically about a central axis defining the height of the pad, the geometry of the pad being such that, in transverse cross-section, the anterior portion is smaller than the posterior portion, the central axis of the pad is longer than the longest transverse dimension of the posterior portion and the anterior portion is generally wedge-shaped or includes an axially extending portion having a substantially uniform transverse dimension significantly less than the longest transverse dimension of the posterior portion, the anterior portion thereby,

upon insertion facing the vestibule, facilitating insertion of the entire pad into the interlabial space with the posterior portion being led therein by the anterior portion.

2. A pad according to Claim 1, wherein the posterior portion has longitudinally extending, opposed substantially parallel face portions.

3. A pad according to Claim 1, wherein the posterior portion has opposed flat surface portions.

4. A pad according to Claim 1, wherein the posterior portion has longitudinally extending face portions converging toward the anterior portion.

5. A pad according to Claim 1, wherein the posterior portion is of arcuate cross section.

6. A pad according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the posterior portion comprises a series of flat surface portions angularly related to each other.

7. A pad according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 and 6, wherein the posterior portion comprises a flat bottom face.

8. A pad according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the bottom face of the posterior portion is of arcuate cross section.

9. A pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the posterior portion is formed with a longitudinally extending groove, the groove extending inwardly from the bottom surface of the posterior portion.

10. A pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anterior portion has opposed flat surface portions.

11. A pad according to Claim 10, wherein the opposed flat surface portions are substantially parallel.

12. A pad according to Claim 10, wherein the opposed flat surface portions are substantially convergent.

13. A pad according to Claim 12, wherein the longitudinally extending top edge of the anterior portion is of arcuate cross section.

14. A pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the juncture of the anterior and posterior portions is in shoulder form.

15. A pad according to Claim 14, wherein the juncture of the anterior and posterior portions is defined by flat surface portions extending at an angle to each other.

16. A pad according to any one of the preceding claims. wherein the transverse cross section tapers from one end of the pad to the other end thereof.

17. A pad according to Claim 16, wherein the cross section of the anterior portion tapers vertically along the longitudinal extent thereof.

18. A pad according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the cross section of the anterior portion tapers transversely along the longitudinal extent thereof.

19. A pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one end of the anterior or posterior portions comprise convergent face portions.

20. A pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one end of the posterior portion includes an edge portion sloping toward the anterior portion.

21. A pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross section of the pad is substantially ovoid in shape, the upper third of the ovoid including converging faces and constituting the anterior portion and the lower two thirds of the ovoid forming the posterior portion, the transverse axis of the upper third decreasing towards the free end of the anterior portion.

22. A pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the posterior portion, in cross section, tapers toward the outward bottom face thereof to allow a drawing together of the labia over the inserted pad to facilitate retention thereof.

23. An absorbent pad, substantially as herein before described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

24. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

25. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.

26. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

27. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.

28. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.

29. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.

30. An absorbent pad, substantia.ly as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.

31. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings.

32. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 12 of the accompanying drawings.

33. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings.

34. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 14 of the accompanying drawings.

35. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 15 of the accompanying drawings.

36. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 16 of the accompanying drawings.

37. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 17 of the accompanying drawings.

38. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figure 18 of the accompanying drawings.

39. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figures 19 and 20 of the accompanying drawings.

40. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1, or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5,or6,or9,or10,or11,or16,orl7,or18 modified by Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

41. An absorbent pad, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1, or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 9, or 10, or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15, or 16, or 17, or 18, modified by Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.