GB2544557A

GB2544557A - An absorbent sanitary item

Info

Publication number: GB2544557A
Application number: GB1520630.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Duncan Shaun
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-11-21
Filing date: 2015-11-21
Publication date: 2017-05-24
Also published as: GB201520630D0

Abstract

An absorbent sanitary item such as a sanitary towel, a diaper or an incontinence pad is provided with a disposal bag for containing the absorbent sanitary item after use. The disposal bag 20 is contained in a disposal device comprising a housing, the housing having a rear 9 with means for attaching the housing to the sanitary item and a cover 8, the cover have a frangible seal for accessing the disposable container, and the housing wholly enclosing a compressed disposal container. The attachment means may be utilised at manufacture or by a user, and may comprise adhesive or integration into the absorbent item body, for example at a waistband region. The frangible seal may be a perforation section, the perforation being in a line or circle.

Description

AN ABSORBENT SANITARY ITEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an absorbent sanitary item, in particular an absorbent sanitary item comprising a disposal device in use; more particularly but not exclusively an integrated removable bag for disposal.

Background

Increasing time pressures and freedom,of movement in many societies means that many infants are out and about in many locations, even when nursing or toilet training. In addition or the alternative vulnerable adults may require absorbent sanitary items in similar circumstances.

In addition inexperienced care givers are more likely given societal change, pressures of work and life in general.

This tends to mean that some users may be caught in inconvenient locations or without disposal bags, when required to change an absorbent sanitary item, meaning that disposal of the soiled item can be problematic. This has wide-ranging health and sanitation problematic effects.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Granted United States patent US 8 292 863 (DONOHO) discloses a disposable diaper comprising: a diaper body defining an inner surface configured for placement against a baby, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, a front portion configured for placement over a baby's abdomen, a rear portion configured for placement over a baby's backside, and a crotch portion therebetween; a first closable pouch formed on the outer surface of the front portion, the first closable pouch defining an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, and a closure member for selectively closing the open end; and a second closable pouch formed on the outer surface of the rear portion, the second closable pouch defining an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, and a closure member for selectively closing the opening, one of the pouches establishing an invertable pouch, wherein the diaper body can be urged against the closed end of the invertable pouch to advance the closed end thereof through the open end and thereby invert the pouch inside out with the diaper body substantially enclosed in the invertable pouch, such that the closure member of the invertable pouch can be manipulated to close the open end of the pouch with the diaper body inside the invertable pouch.

United States patent application US 2011 125 123 (MORIJI) discloses a paper diaper with an attached disposal pouch, in which fitted to a paper diaper is a disposal pouch in order for the paper diaper after use to be hygienically disposed of, the paper diaper comprising: a paper-diaper body section having a front panel and a rear panel; fastening-tape tabs affixed to right- and left-side areas of the rear panel along the back thereof, and provided extending respectively rightward and leftward; a front-sheet section for holding the fastening tabs fast along their other ends not affixed to the rear panel; and a disposal pouch; the disposal-pouch-included paper diaper characterized in that to impart both convenience and aesthetic appeal: said front-sheet section along a peripheral portion of its reverse side has an adhesive surface, on a midportion of the reverse side has a non-adhesive region not possessing an adhesive surface, and is adhered to the paper-diaper body front-panel outer surface along the abdomen; said disposal pouch, of a thin material in order to minimize its thickness, is arranged in a folded state in a gap between the paper-diaper body outer surface and the non-adhesive region of the reverse side of said front-sheet section; said disposal pouch is made of an impermeable sheet material so as to enable sealed enclosure of the paper diaper after use to confine the foul odors of waste to a minimum during disposal; said disposal pouch is arranged in such a way as not to come loose from the paper diaper easily; and in at least one location on said front sheet an opening is provided for withdrawal of said disposal pouch stored Inside.

Granted United States patent US 6 475 204 (WALKER) discloses a diaper construction comprising: a waterproof outer diaper layer; an inner absorbent diaper layer; and a moisture proof pocket member adhesively secured between said waterproof outer diaper layer and said inner absorbent diaper layer; said waterproof outer diaper layer having a line of perforations provided therethrough adjacent a wall of said moisture proof pocket member; said moisture proof pocket having cavity containing a moistened baby wipe provided therein for cleaning a baby prior to putting on a new diaper; said wall of said moisture proof pocket member being accessed by tearing an access opening through waterproof outer diaper layer along said line of perforations; said cavity being accessed by rupturing said wall of said moisture proof pocket member.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an absorbent sanitary item comprising a disposal device, which device comprises a disposal container housing, wherein the disposal container housing comprises a rear with an item attachment means and a cover; the housing wholly enclosing a compressed disposal container; and the cover having a frangible seal for accessing the disposal container.

In some embodiments the device may include the sanitary item at manufacture or retail.

In some embodiments the device may not comprise the sanitary item, wherein the device may be formed in use, for example wherein the rear Item attachment means is utilised before use, as an aftermarket kit of parts.

The sanitary item may comprise for example and without limitation: a sanitary towel, a diaper or incontinence pads.

Advantageously the disposal container or container is completely displaceable from the housing, such that the container may be used to encapsulate used sanitary item.

The disposal container may comprise a bag, for example a lightweight polyethylene bag. The bag or container may comprise a mechanism for closure. Such mechanism may comprise handles, which handles extend from the container in a known manner so as to enable a user to tie the handles and close the container.

In some embodiments the container may comprise a temporary integrated mechanism. Such mechanism may comprise a hermetic seal. For example the mechanism may comprise a sealing mechanism.

Said sealing mechanism may comprise self-adhesive portions. For example in some embodiments the container may comprise an entrance, which entrance has adjacent self-adhesive portions or material. For example a strip of self-adhesive material may be configured to run alongside one edge of the entrance, wherein the user is enabled to close the entrance therewith. The self-adhesive material may comprise a detachable overlay. The detachable cover may be disposable, wherein the user would detach the overlay and dispose thereof, for example into the disposal container; and subsequently use the closure mechanism to seal the container, after disposal of the absorbent item.

In some embodiments the container may be fragranced, wherein sealing of the cover enables the fragrance to be sealed in so as to limit degradation thereof.

The attachment means may in some embodiments comprise integration into the absorbent item body. For example in some embodiments where the item comprises a diaper or nappy, the integration may be at the nappy waistband.

The housing may be integrated in the waistband, wherein the waistband comprises an elasticated length. In this way advantageously the waistband is liable to expansion.

Consequently in such embodiments the cover may be expandable in line with the waistband, so as to limit tension on the seal.

Consequently in such embodiments the frangible seal may be intermediate the waistband, such that focussed expansion of the waistband in the location of the seal is liable to break the seal so as to access the container for use.

The seal for example may comprise a perforated line or lines, wherein a point of weakness provides a line or position of breakage.

In some embodiments therefore the seal and cover are not envisaged to be sealed hermetically, airtight or water-tight. The cover may simply comprise a section of the waistband, or similar, over the housing; wherein the housing comprises in turn an indentation, pocket or lacuna sufficient to store the compressed container.

In some embodiments the cover may include a tab or projection so as to enable users to pull the seal open, for example in embodiments where the seal is comprised in a non-linear or otherwise non binary form, such that the seal cannot be broken by manipulation of surrounding parts, or the item in general.

In such embodiments in addition or the alternative the user may be envisaged to depress the seal so as to allow breakage thereof, for example such that the user may be required to scoop to one side so as to commence the breakage, and subsequently pull a displaceable part of the cover away from the rest of the cover and the housing in general.

In some embodiments the housing is envisaged to be located to rear of the diaper where the item comprises a diaper. In this way the housing may be conveniently free from interference from an infant, and available conveniently when the infant is in a position for diaper changing.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a sketch view of an apparatus comprising a first embodiment of the device and a disposable diaper;

Figure 2a shows an isometric view of the first embodiment of the device and Figure 2b shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the device;

Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the first embodiment of the device;

Figure 4a shows an exploded isometric view of a third embodiment and an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 4a;

Figure 5 shows a sketch of a detail view of a fourth embodiment in use;

Figures 6 show side views of the third and first embodiment of the device;

Figure 7 shows a front plan view of a second embodiment of the device; and

Figure 8 shows a sketch view of an apparatus comprising the second embodiment of the device on an apparatus comprising a disposable diaper.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figure 1 the apparatus is pictured to comprise the absorbent item, in this embodiment said item comprising a nappy or diaper 110; which diaper is pictured as a disposable diaper, with an elasticated adjustable waistband 2 and grip tab closure comprising two grip tabs 1 extending from the waistband to encircle the infant’s waist in use, so as to fasten to the front of the infant in use.

The item further comprises a depending body 4, which body depends from the waistband to encircle the infant’s crotch region with absorbent material. The body includes elasticated edges 5

The device 6 is situated to rear of the waistband in use, as far away as possible from overlap of grip tabs, and accordingly not local to the localised curvature, expansion and displacement of the waistband around the infant’s side. The device is therefore situated at maximum distance from overlay by a tab, as well as in the best place with regards to any likelihood of accidental breakage of the seal.

The seal comprises a perforated vertical line 7 in the third and fourth pictured embodiment, and a circular perforated seal line in the first and second pictured embodiment.

The embodiments comprise square devices, wherein the seal in the second embodiment divides the cover into two equal halves, so as to advantageously allow easy removal of the disposal container bag stored therebehind.

In this way, with respect to the first embodiment in particular the waistband as shown in Figure 1, will be easily pulled apart local to the device so as to break the seal (as shown in Figure 5).

The cover is comprised in the material of the waistband in general, comprising a portion of its length without internal elastication, and consequently which is not comprising a plurality of layers of varying length at rest prone to folds 3. The cover over the housing consequently comprises a length of material which is all at the same length with respect to the waistband in general.

The housing comprises the rear housing 9 and cover 8, bonded perimetrically to form a dual layer pocket.

In the embodiments the seal comprising a straight line is approximately equivalent to the height of the housing, running orthogonal to the waistband. In this way the waistband may be pulled apart to break the seal. In this way advantageously the seal may be easily broken as required.

In other embodiments the seal may comprise a line running longitudinally along a section of the waistband roughly approximate to the housing. In such embodiments the waistband may be pulled apart orthogonal to the main elastication, advantageously so that the seal is less likely to be broken accidentally or during fitting of the diaper in general.

The embodiments of the device shown separate from any surrounding item may be envisaged to be incorporated into any number of absorbent items at manufacture.

The second embodiment comprises a plurality of circular perforations 7, which are regularly spaced apart to form a line in use which perforations comprise through-holes and in combination a frangible but not air-or water-tight seal. The perforations do not reach to the edge of the cover, wherein the cover is bonded perimetrically to the rear housing.

In this way the seal may be envisaged to tear open along the line easily, progressively, and evenly.

With reference to the third embodiment pictured the seal comprises a plurality of different size perforations 9,10. In this way advantageously the seal is liable to easier breakage wherein larger slot perforations 10 are situated at positions where the user is more liable to grip the cover so as to open the device. In addition or the alternative presence of the larger perforations may draw the user’s attention to the centre of the seal.

In addition or the alternative the perforations are arranged such that tearing open of the seal is easy centrally and slowed by greater incidence, smaller perforations 9, having in consequence a larger quantity of solid cover in that area; approaching the edge of the housing. In this way it is less likely that the seal tears beyond the housing, or off the preferred seal.

The cover and rear housing are joined perimetrically, wherein the cover bulges outwards into a bulge 11 use so as to accommodate the internal disposal container 20.

The rear housing comprises adhesive bonding to the item. In some embodiments such as the pictured embodiment of the apparatus the housing’s adhesion to the diaper waistband provides a means of limiting flexure in the cover, and/or waistband substrata, so as to enable more deliberate breakage of the seal.

With reference to the first embodiment the seal comprises a circular line of oval perforations, which define an inner 15 and an outer 18 to the cover. In use the user will break the inner away from the outer along at least some of the line.

More particularly, in use the circular perforations strip is provided inside the square housing in a best hygienic manner possible for the user manually. The user uses his/her fingers in a pinching motion inside the circle with the intention of grabbing the nappy sack, (bag handles) in a sequence of initial pinching motion, and tearing away the perforated strip as envisaged in a hygienic and appropriate manner.

In the sixth embodiment the line of the seal is discontinuous, having a bridge 17 between the inner and outer situated to the left-hand side and comprising the equivalent of three perforations. In this way the inner may remain attached on the outer so as to limit inconvenient waste.

The cover is bonded to the rear housing over the compressed disposal container 20. The container comprises a translucent polythene bag, vacuum packed to a compressed size. Some embodiments comprise airtight seals, wherein an unperforated plastics coating is on the lower face of the cover, facing the container before breakage of the seal.

The fourth embodiment comprises a central slot perforation 13 arranged along over half the seal, and arranged so as to allow simple breakage of the seal as required, with smaller peripheral circular perforations 9 slowing tearing of the cover at the edges of the housing. It is envisaged that as pictured the seal will be broken whilst the infant 14 is wearing the diaper, so as to enable easy preparation and disposal.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An absorbent sanitary item comprising a disposal device, which device comprises a disposal container housing, wherein the disposal container housing comprises a rear with an item attachment means and a cover; the housing wholly enclosing a compressed disposal container; and the cover having a frangible seal for accessing the disposal container.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the seal comprises a plurality of perforations.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the perforations are of different sizings.

4. A device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the perforations are different shapes.

5. A device according to any of claims 3 or 4 wherein the perforations are wider centrally.

6. A device according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the perforations are arranged in a straight line.

7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device is located on a diaper waistband.

8. A device according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the perforations are arranged in a continuous circular line.

9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the rear housing and cover are bonded together perimetrically so as to form a dual layer pocket.

10. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the housing wholly encapsulates the container to provide a water- or air-tight seal.

11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the housing comprises an internal plasticised coating material.

12. A device according to any of claims 10 or 11 wherein the container is vacuum sealed into the housing.

13. A device according to any preceding claim 1 to 9 wherein the housing is not air- or water-tight.

14. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the item attachment means is utilised by the user.

15. A device according to any preceding claim 1 to 13 wherein the item attachment means is utilised at manufacture.

16. A device substantially as described herein with reference to figure 2 for use with a sanitary absorbent item.

17. A device substantially as described herein with reference to figures 3,4 and 6a for use with a sanitary absorbent item.

18. A device substantially as described herein with reference to figure 5 for use with a sanitary absorbent item.

19. A device substantially as described herein with reference to figure 6b, 7 and 8 for use with a sanitary absorbent item.

20. A sanitary towel comprising a device according to any of the preceding claims.

21. An incontinence pad comprising a device according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 19.

22. A diaper comprising a device according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 19.

23. A diaper comprising a device substantially as described herein with reference to figure 1.