MXPA00005017A - Flushable individual packages for absorbent articles - Google Patents

Abstract

Individual packages for absorbent articles that are flushable and water dispersible are disclosed. The flushable individual wrapper for an absorbent personal hygiene device comprises at least one of the following materials;a tissue;a collagen film;a water dispersible thermoplastic film;and a nonwoven material. The individual wrapper can be made of a laminate material selected from the group consisting of:thermoplastic films and tissues;collagen films and tissues;thermoplastic films and nonwoven materials;and collagen films and thermoplastic films. In several embodiments, the absorbent article and the wrapper for the absorbentarticle are both flushable separately or in combination, and when flushed, the wrapper or the combination of the absorbent product and the wrapper will clear the toilet.

Description

INDIVIDUAL PACKAGES FOR ABSORBING DEVICES. CAPACITIES TO FLOW AND SEPARATE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to individual packages for absorbent devices such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, interlabial devices, and adult incontinence pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to individual packages for absorbent articles that are capable of flowing and separating and dispersing in water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Of course, all forms and varieties of absorbent articles configured for the absorption of bodily fluids such as menses, urine and feces are, of course, well known. With respect to feminine protection devices, the technique has offered two basic types: sanitary napkins that have been developed for external use around the pudendal region while tampons have been developed for internal use within the vaginal cavity for interruption of menstrual flow through them. These tampon devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,412,833, entitled "Buffer Applicator," issued to Weigner et al. On November 1, 1983, and U.S. Patent No. 4,413,986 entitled "Buffer Applicator". Buffer with Means for Sterile Insertion ", issued to Jacobs on November 8, 1983. Hybrid devices have also been proposed that aim to merge the structural characteristics of sanitary pads and tampons into a simple device. These hybrid devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,092,346, entitled "Catamenial Pad" issued to Arone on September 7, 1937, and in U.S. Patent No. 3,905,372 entitled "Protection Shield for Hygiene. Feminine "issued to Denkinger on September 16, 1975. Other less invasive hybrid devices are known such as sanitary labial or interlabial towels and are characterized by having a part that resides at least partially within the wearer's vestibule and a part that resides at least partially external of the user's vestibule. These devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,662,527 entitled "Sanitary Pad", issued to Jacks on December 15, 1953, and in U.S. Patent No. 4,631,062, entitled "Sanitary Lip Pad". , issued to Lassen and others on December 23, 1986. Interlabial pads have the potential to provide even greater freedom of inconvenience because of their small size and reduced risk of leakage. In the past, numerous attempts have been made to produce an interlabial pad which would combine the best characteristics of tampons and sanitary napkins, while avoi at least some of the disadvantages associated with each of these types of devices. Examples of these devices are described in U.S. Patent No. 2,917,049 issued to Delaney on December 15, 1959, U.S. Patent No. 3,420,235 issued to Harmon on January 7, 1969, U.S. Patent No. 4,595,392, issued to Johnson et al. On July 17, 1986, and in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,074,855 and 5,336,208 issued to Rosenvluth et al. On December 24, 1991 and August 9, 1994, respectively, and in US Pat. U.S. Patent No. 5,484,429 issued to Vukos et al. on January 16, 1996. A commercially available interlabial device is the FRESH'N FIT® Padette in which it is marketed by Athena Medical Corp. of Portland, OR and is discloses in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,983,873 and 4,175,561, issued to Hirschman on October 5, 1976 and November 27, 1979 respectively. The absorbent articles need to be stored in a hygienic manner from the moment they are removed from the box or bag until the article is used. This is a particular interest with respect to maintaining a sanitary environment during placement, or if these are a type designed to be inserted, during insertion and removal. That is, there is a need to hygienically store an individual absorbent article while being transported to prevent the transfer of non-sanitary particles to the pudendal or vaginal area. The packaging for the commercially available FRESH 'N FIT® PADETTE® interlabial product is made from a sheet of coated paper that is wrapped around the product and sealed at the transverse ends and along the longitudinal edges. The transverse ends and the longitudinal edges of the product are sometimes sealed with an adhesive and then hooked or fluted together. An example of packaging for an interlabial pad is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,743,245 entitled "Lip Sanitary Pad" which was issued to F.O. Lassen, and others on May 10, 1988. However, there are disadvantages to these interlabial product packages. A major disadvantage is that wraps for interlabial products do not provide a means for users of interlabial products to maintain hygiene when inserting an interlabial device into the folds of the skin. The lack of hygiene in the toilets, the need to touch the doors of unhygienic toilets, and the need to touch oneself while inserting the device can result in the possibility of infection. In addition, when inserting the device during menstruation, it is desirable to prevent the user's hands from being free from staining. Therefore, the consumer needs an individual package that will protect the user's hand, fingers and the hygienic nature of the product. Other packages for sanitary articles are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,062,371 entitled "Internally Sterile Package" which was issued to D. Patience on November 6, 1962 and in U.S. Patent No. 3,698,549 entitled "Packages for small items" that was issued to JA Glassman on October 17, 1972. Patience's patent describes a package that is opened by folding back a package panel and removing its contents using sterile forceps. The Glassman patent describes a package having internal pockets for retaining flat items such as gauze bandages or surgical sponges. It's package is open and exposes separate bags for the removal of individual items. Although the packages described in the Patience patent, in the Glassman patent, the wrap used with the PADETTE® product, and the wrap described in the Lassen patent protect the enclosed article, the package or wrap does not aid in insertion and placement hygienic of the product or provide a barrier to prevent the user's hand from touching the product or the user's body. Additionally, no package described above provides a convenient means for users of interlabial products to discard the package after the product has been used. Conventionally, users would discard the package by placing the product in their pocket, throwing it on the floor of the bathroom, placing it in a garbage receptacle for sanitary products, or placing the package in a garbage receptacle outside the bathroom. Some users may try to download the packages if they are or are not designed to be discharged into the toilet, and without considering whether they are able to disperse in the water or are biodegradable.

Packages for tampons are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,135,262 entitled "Buffer" which was issued to W. Kobler, et al. On June 2, 1964 and in U.S. Patent No. 5,180,059 entitled "Pack of a sanitary tampon" that was issued to S. Shimatani and K. Shimatani on January 19, 1993. Kobler's patent describes an envelope that, when unfolded, forms what Kobler describes as an umbrella that covers the hands of the user. Because of the shape of the tampon (the height of the tampon is considerably greater than the longitudinal dimension of the tampon), the wrapping can be considerably longer than the tampon to encircle the user's hand when it is opened. When the envelope is opened, the material that forms the shield is large and would be an impediment to proper placement. Additionally, the wrapping on the Kobler patent does not completely seal all parts of the product within the package creating the potential for contamination. Specifically, the tear cord used to break the band that retains the wrapper on the tampon must be touched by the user. The same cord, when the tampon is in use, then resides within the vaginal region that is sensitive to contamination. The Shimatani patent describes a package comprising packing sheets superimposed on another to enclose the tampon to create a shield when the tampon is inserted. This patent fails to provide a sterile environment because that, too, does not seal all parts of the product within the package that must be protected from contamination or prevent the user from touching the parts that would maintain sterility. Additionally, the rigidity of the Shimatani package would not provide the user comfort when the article is inserted. The packages for the Kobler and Shimatani patents are large and circular in shape. The Kobler and Shimatani packages may be suitable when packing items that have a height greater than their longitudinal dimension, however, with smaller articles such as an interlabial product where their longitudinal dimension is greater than the height of the item, said wrapper does not It would be feasible. The packaging of the present invention is flat in comparison and utilizes side panels to provide the user with the comfortable insertion and hygienic placement of interlabial device. Also, the package of the present invention differs from the Kobler and Shimatani packages because they are not downloadable in the toilet or biodegradable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to individual packages for absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, interlabial devices, and adult incontinence pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to individual packages for absorbent articles that are capable of flowing and separating and dispersing in water. The individual envelope capable of flowing and separating for an absorbent article comprises at least one of the following materials: a tissue, a collagen film, a thermoplastic film, cellulose tissue or cellulose derivatives, and a nonwoven material. The individual envelope can be made of a laminate material selected from the group consisting of: tissue and thermoplastic films; tissue and films of collagen or cellulose, thermoplastic films and nonwovens, and collagen films and thermoplastic films. In some embodiments, particularly where the absorbent article comprises a tampon or an interlabial device, the absorbent article and the wrapper for the absorbent article are both capable of flowing and separating separately or in combination, and when the envelope and the combination are discharged. of the absorbent article and the wrap will dislodge the toilet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims pointing out in a particular way and claiming differently the exposed matter that is considered as formant of the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in combination with the accompanying drawings, which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modality of an interlabial absorbent device. Figure 2 is a bottom view of the absorbent device shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an interlabial absorbent device. Figure 4 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the individual package of the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the body of a user encircling and including the labia majora and labia minora showing how the present invention is used to protect the fingers from urgency. Figure 6 is a side view of a preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a front tab to open the package. Figure 7 is a side view of a preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a front tab for opening the package. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a partially open package of the present invention. Figure 9 is a top plan view of the apparatus suitable for the Discharge Capacity Test.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the tubing of the apparatus in Figure 9. Figure 1 1 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a package for a sanitary napkin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an individual package for absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, interlabial devices, and adult incontinence pads, and in particular with packs that are capable of flowing and separating and dispersing in water. It should be understood that the present invention is described with respect to an interlabial device, but this is not by any means limited to such use. Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the interlabial absorbent device 20. The interlabial device, however, can be in many other forms, and is not limited to a structure having the particular configuration shown in the drawings. As used herein, the term "interlabial absorbent device" refers to a structure having at least some absorbent components, and is specifically configured to reside at least partially within the interlabial space of a female user during use. Preferably, more than half of the entire interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention resides within this interlabial space, more preferably substantially all of the interlabial absorbent device 20 resides within the labial space of a female user during use, and most preferably the entire interlabial absorbent device 20 resides within the interlabial space of a female user during use.

As used herein, the term "interlabial space" refers to that space within the pudendal region of the female anatomy, which is located between the inner surfaces of the labia majora that extend into the vestibule. Located within this interlabial space are the labia minora, the vestibule and the main genitourinary limbs that include the clitoris, the hole of the urethra, and the orifice of the vagina. The authorities of standard medicine teach that the vestibule refers to the space joined laterally by the internal surfaces of the labia minora and that extends internally towards the inner surface of the clitoris and the orifice of the vagina. Therefore, it will be recognized that the interlabial space as defined above can refer to the space between the inner surfaces of the labia majora, including the space between the inner surfaces of the labia minora also known as the vestibule. The interlabial space for the purposes of the present disclosure does not extend substantially beyond the vaginal orifice of the vagina. The term "lips" as used herein, generally refers to both of the labia majora and labia minora. The lips end anteriorly and posteriorly to the anterior commissure and posterior commissure, respectively. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that there is a wide range of variations among women with respect to the relative size and shape of the labia majora and the labia minora. For purposes of the present description, however, these differences do not need to be specifically applied. It will be recognized that the arrangement of the interlabial absorbent device within the interlabial space of a wearer as defined above, will require placement between the inner surfaces of the labia majora without considering the precise location of the boundary between the labia minora and the labia majora for a user. in particular. For a more detailed description of this part of the female anatomy, attention is directed to Gray's Anatomy, Running Press, 1901 Ed. (1974) in 1025 to 1027.

The interlabial absorbent device 20 shown in Figure 1 has a longitudinal center line L which runs along the "x" axis shown in Figure 1. The term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the interlabial device 20 that is generally aligned with (eg, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a user standing in body halves. left and right when the interlabial device 20 is used. The terms "transverse", "lateral", or "y direction", as used herein are interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis or direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (ie, in an outward direction of this vertical plane towards the wearer's thighs). The lateral direction is shown in Figure 1 as the "y" axis. The "z" direction, shown in Figure 1, is a direction parallel to the vertical plane described above. The term "upper" refers to an orientation in the z-direction towards the head of the user. "Bottom", or "down", is toward the user's feet. As shown in Figure 1, the liplabial device 20 comprises a central absorbent (or "main absorbent") portion, 22, and optionally a pair of flexible extensions 24 attached to the central absorbent portion 22. The absorbent central portion 22 must be at least partially absorbent. The central absorbent portion 22 may comprise non-absorbent portions, such as a liquid impervious barrier to prevent the absorbed liquids from leaking or leaking from the central absorbent portion 22. The absorbent central portion 22 comprises an upper portion 26 and a lower portion 28 that it is opposite to the upper portion. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the central absorbent portion 22 is of a uniform transverse dimension (ie, no abrupt change in the transverse dimension defining the juncture between the upper portion and the lower portion) the division between the upper portion 26 and lower portion 28 is considered to be a height equal to about half the total height of the central absorbent portion 22. Flexible extensions 24 are attached to upper portion 26 of the central absorbent portion. In use, the upper portion 26 is positioned farther inward toward the interlabial space of the wearer. The lower portion 28 has a base (or "lower edge" or "bottom edge") 29. The end device 20 should be of a suitable size and shape that allows at least a part of it to fit comfortably within the interlabial space of the user, and so that it covers the vaginal orifice of the wearer, and preferably also the user's urethra. The interlabial device 20 at least partially blocks and at least preferably completely blocks and intercepts the flow of menses, urine, and other body exudates from the vaginal orifice and the urethra of the wearer. The size of the interlabial device 20 is also important for the comfort associated with the use of the device. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the width of the absorbent central portion 22 of the interlabial device as measured in the transverse direction (or "y" direction) is preferably between about 2 mm and less than or equal to about 12 mm, more preferably between about 3 mm and about 8 mm. In the preferred embodiment, the width of the central absorbent portion of the interlabial device is approximately 4.5 mm. The main absorbent portion 22 of the interlabial device 20 has a length as measured along the longitudinal center line L, between about 35 mm and about 120 mm. Preferably, the length of the interlabial device 20 is between about 45 mm and about 100 mm, and more preferably, about 49 mm. The height (or dimension in the "z" direction) of the main absorbent portion 22 is preferably between about 8 mm and about 35 mm, and more preferably is about 20 mm. The caliper measurements given here were measured using an AMES rule with a (calibrated) load of 0.25 psi and a diameter area of 0.96 inches. Those skilled in the art will recognize that if a diameter area of 0.96 inches is not appropriate for a particular sample size, the size of the area may be varied as the load on the calibrator is accordingly varied to maintain a confining pressure of 0.25. psi (calibrated). The interlabial device 20 is preferably provided with sufficient absorbency to absorb and retain discharged exudates from the wearer's body. However, the capacity of the product is at least partially dependent on the physical volume of the interlabial absorbent device 20, particularly the absorbent central portion 22 thereof. The central absorbent portion 22 preferably has a capacity of at least about 1 gram of 0.9 wt% of saline, and may have a capacity of up to about 30 grams using gels or absorbent foams that expand when wet. The capacities can typically vary from about 2 to about 10 grams, for saline solution. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the ability for absorption of body exudates, such as menses, will typically be less than the capacities given above for the absorption of saline. Since the interlabial space can expand, larger volumes can be stored within the interlabial space, if the fluid is stored as a gel, which adjusts to body pressures. Additionally, if the interlabial absorbent device 20 does not reside completely within the interlabial space of the wearer, some of the absorbed exudates may be externally stored for the interlabial space of the wearer. The central absorbent portion 22 of the interlabial device 20 can comprise any type of suitable absorbent structure that is capable of absorbing and / or retaining liquids (e.g., menses and / or urine). The central absorbent portion 22 can be manufactured in a wide variety of ways. Non-limiting examples include ovoid, trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, cylindrical, hemispherical, or any combination of the foregoing. The central absorbent portion 22 may also be manufactured from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles, such as crushed wood pulp, which is generally referred to as an air filter. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include cotton fibers or cotton lintels; accreted cellulose wadding; blown polymers in the molten state, including coform; chemically hardened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers, such as pleated polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates, absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers (in granular or fibrous form); gelling absorbent materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures thereof. Preferred absorbent materials comprise cotton blocks, folded tissues, woven materials, nonwoven webs, needle punched rayon, and foam layers or pieces. The central absorbent portion 22 may comprise a simple material or a combination of materials, such as a wrapping layer surrounding a central wadding composed of a different absorbent material. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the central absorbent portion 22 of the interlabial absorbent device 20 comprises a folded structure. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the central absorbent portion 22 comprises a weft of folded tissue. The folded tissue web preferably has a strength greater than that of the standard, non-wet resistance of the toilet paper. Preferably, the central absorbent portion 22 comprises a tissue having a temporary wet strength greater than or equal to about 100 grams. In a preferred embodiment, this wet strength will decay to about 50% or less of the original strength for about 30 minutes when measured under a wet break resistance test. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tissue web comprising the absorbent central portion 22 is bent into a folded structure comprising a plurality of folds 30 which are arranged in a laterally side-by-side relationship. The tissue web can be folded in such a way that it has any suitable number of folds. Preferably, the tissue web is bent such that the overall gauge (i.e., width) of the absorbent central portion 22 of this embodiment is between about 2 mm and less than or equal to about 8 mm. The folds in the folded tissue web are preferably connected or attached (or retained), in some suitable manner such that the folded sections maintain their folded configuration, and are not able to fully open. The folds can be connected by a variety of means including the use of yarn, adhesives, or heat-sealed tissues which contain a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene. A preferred design uses the seam joining all the folds in the Absorbent central portion 22 together with cotton fiber. Preferably, the main absorbent structure 22 is provided with five sewing locations (four at the corners and an additional location approximately halfway between the two lower corners). The folded structure of the central absorbent portion 22 provides several advantages. An advantage provided by the folded structure is that the exudates can penetrate towards the folds of the structure, which present a greater absorbent surface and more effective for the acquisition than a flat surface. This is particularly important when dealing with potentially viscous fluids and particulate material such as cellular fibers and clots that can clog the surface of the structure presented to the body. A second advantage of this design is that the gauge (or width) of the product can be easily and conveniently controlled by varying the number of folds. Another advantage of the folded structure is that the number, thickness, and compaction of the folds control the stiffness of the structure. The stiffness of the central absorbent portion 22 is important for the comfort of the product. If the central absorbent portion 22 is too flexible, the device is not placed conveniently and easily between the folds of the lips, and if it is too rigid the device is uncomfortable and when the user is in a sitting position, the product can be forced against the clitoris causing discomfort. The central absorbent portion 22 preferably has a rigidity approximately equal to that of the products described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,995,150 and 4,095,542. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the central absorbent portion 22 is formed of a soft absorbent material such as rayon fibers or other suitable natural or synthetic fibers or laminates. The central absorbent portion 22 shown in Figure 3 is generally oval in cross section as shown in Figure 2. The central absorbent portion 22 of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 comprises an upper portion 26 with a dimension of cross section greater than that of the lower portion 28. The upper portion 26 is preferably integral with the lower portion 28. In the less preferred embodiments, however, the upper portion 26 and the lower portion 28 may comprise separate elements joined together by any suitable means known in the art. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3, the juncture of the upper portion 26 and the lower portion 28 of the central absorbent portion 22 comprises a substantially abrupt change in the transverse dimension, thus forming a shoulder-shaped configuration in such a joint . In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the seam of the upper portion 26 and the lower portion 28 of the absorbent central portion 28 is formed by the seam 34.

In a variation of the preferred embodiment described above and shown in Figure 3, the upper portion 26 may have a smaller cross-sectional dimension relative to the cross-sectional dimension of the lower portion 28, and the portions may have capabilities different In other embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 1 and 2, the juncture between the upper portion 26 and the lower portion 28 may be indistinguishable. The central absorbent portion 22 can be made by any suitable process. U.S. Patent No. 4,995,150 issued to Gerstenberger et al. On February 26, 1991, and U.S. Patent No. 4,095,542 issued to Hrishman on June 20, 1978, describe methods for making absorbent devices that are suitable to be used as the central absorbent portion 22 of the interlabial absorbent device 20 shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the interlabial absorbent device 20 also preferably comprises a pair of flexible extensions 24, which are attached to the upper portion 26 of the absorbent central portion 22 of the interlabial absorbent device 20. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flexible extensions 24 are generally rectangular in shape. Other shapes are also possible for flexible extensions 24 such as semicircular, trapezoidal or triangular. The flexible extensions 24 are preferably from about 40 mm to about 160 mm in length, more preferably from about 45 mm to about 130 mm in length, and most preferably at about 50 to about 115 mm in length. Although the flexible extensions 24 may have a length (measured in the x direction) that is shorter or longer than the absorbent central portion 22, they preferably have a length that is equal to or greater than the absorbent central portion 22 of the interlabial absorbent device. 20. The width of each of the flexible extensions refers to the distance from the junction of the flexible extension 24 to the central absorbent portion 22 (or the proximal end 24A of the flexible extension 24), toward the far end (or end) free) 24B of the flexible extension 24. The width of the flexible extensions 24 is preferably equal to or less than the height of the central absorbent portion as described above. The caliper of the flexible extensions is preferably less than or equal to about 3 mm, more preferably less than or equal to about 2 mm, and most preferably less than or equal to about 1 mm. Ideally, the gauge of the flexible extensions 24 and the central absorbent portion 22 are selected such that the gauge of the overall interlabial absorbent device 20 is less than or equal to about 8 mm. The flexible extensions 24 can be constructed of a tissue layer. A suitable tissue is a tissue placed with air available from the Fort Howard Tisue Company of Greenbay, Wisconsin, and having a basis weight of 35 pounds / 3000 ft2. Another tissue placed with suitable air is available from Merfin Hygenic Products, Ltd., of Delta, British Columbia, Canada, which has a basis weight of 61 pounds / 3000 ft2, and which has the class designation number 176. Still other material suitable is an air-laid cotton wadding such as that sold as cosmetic pictures by Reveo Stores, Inc. of Twinsberg, OH. The flexible extensions 24 can optionally be backed with a layer of material that is impermeable or semipermeable to body exudates such as polyethylene, polypropylene or a polyvinyl alcohol. In the preferred embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pair of flexible extensions 24 may comprise a single sheet of material extending on either side of the longitudinal center line L of the absorbent central portion 22 of the interlabial absorbent device 20. Alternately, the pair of flexible extensions 24 may comprise separate sheets of material, independently attached to the upper portion 26 of the central absorbent portion 22. Preferably, the flexible extensions 24 are arranged asymmetrically about the longitudinal centerline L of the central portion. absorbent 22. The flexible extensions 24 are attached to the upper portion 26 of the absorbent central portion 22 of the interlabial absorbent device 20. Most preferably, the flexible extensions are attached to the upper surface of the upper portion 26 of the absorbent central portion 22, or within about 5 mm of the upper surface of the central absorbent portion 22. The term "attached", as used herein, encompasses configurations in which the element is directly secured to the other element by attaching the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by fixing the element to a member or intermediate members, which in turn are fixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with the other element, that is, one element is essentially part of the other element. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flexible extensions 24 are fixed to the upper portion 26 of the central absorbent portion 28. The flexible extensions 24 extend downward and outward from the absorbent central portion 22 toward a free end 24B the which is disconnected from the central absorbent portion. The flexible extensions 24 may be slightly inclined outwardly from the central absorbent portion 22 to tend to keep the extensions 24 in contact with the inner surfaces of the lips when the interlabial absorbent device 20 is in place. Additionally, the naturally moist surfaces of the lips will have a tendency to adhere to the material comprising the flexible extensions 24, tending more to keep them in contact with the inner surfaces of the lips. Preferably, the flexible extensions 24 must be able to move from a position where the free ends of the flexible extensions 24 are located adjacent the absorbent central portion 22 to a position where the flexible extensions 24 extend directly away from the absorbent central portion 22 in the transverse direction. The flexible extensions 24 can be attached to the upper portion 26 of the central absorbent portion 22 by any variety of means. For example, in the preferred embodiments shown in Figure 3, the flexible extensions 24 can be attached to the upper portion 26 using any suitable adhesive 36 centered around the longitudinal centerline L of the absorbent central portion 22 (i.e., on the sides). opposites of the longitudinal centerline L). The adhesive 36 may extend continuously along the length of the absorbent central portion 22, or it may be applied in a "dot" manner at discrete intervals. Alternatively, the flexible extensions 24 may be attached to the upper portion 26 of the absorbent central portion 22 by seaming (such as with cotton or rayon yarns), thermally bonded, melt bonded, or any other suitable means known in the art. , to join these materials. The flexible extensions 24 should be of sufficient width and flexibility to allow the flexible extensions to cover the tips of the wearer's fingers as the interlabial absorbent device 20 is inserted into the wearer's interlabial space. Additionally, the flexible extensions 24 must be able to move with the internal surfaces of the wearer's lips to maintain contact with them. The flexible extensions 24 help keep the central absorbent portion 22 in place over the entire spectrum of movements of the wearer, such as when bending over. The flexible extensions 24 may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The flexible extensions 24 can be treated to make them less hydrophilic than the central absorbent portion 22. The hydrophilic capacity of a material is generally expressed in terms of its contact angle. Thus, the flexible extensions 24 may have an advancing contact angle greater than the advancing contact angle of the central absorbent portion 22, such that the fluid is preferably directed toward and absorbed by the absorbent central portion 22. The flexible extensions 24 can be either absorbent or non-absorbent. Preferably, the flexible extensions 24 have at least some absorbency. However, most of the fluid absorbed and retained by the interlabial absorbent device 20 will eventually be retained within the central absorbent portion 22. For a more detailed description of the hydrophilic capacity and contact angles see the following publications, which are incorporated by reference here: the American publication of the chemical society entitled "Angle of contact, wettability and adhesion", edited by Robert F. Gould and reserved for rights in 1964; and TRI / Princeton publications Publication No. 459, entitled "A microtechnique to determine surface tension" published in April 1992, and publication no. 468 entitled "Determination of contact angles within porous networks", published in January 1993, both edited by Dr. H. G. Heilweil. The folded design shown in Figures 1 and 2 has the additional benefit of easily providing the flexible extensions 24. The extensions 24 may comprise the same material as the absorbent central portion 22, or these may comprise a different material. The extensions 24 are attached to the upper portion 26 of the absorbent central portion 22, and most preferably for this embodiment, they are attached to the upper surface of the absorbent central portion 22, or within 1 millimeter of the upper surface of the central portion. absorbent 22. Preferably in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the extensions 24 are integral parts of the central absorbent portion 22 (ie, the extensions 24 comprise integral extensions of the tissue absorbent material that is folded to form the central portion. absorbent 22).

The interlabial device 20 in any of the embodiments shown in the drawings, may comprise other optional components. For example, the interlabial device 20 may comprise an upper sheet 42 placed on and attached to all or a portion of the surface facing the body of the device 20, and / or a back sheet 38 placed on and attached to all or a portion of its back surface, including the flexible extensions 24. Preferably, if an upper sheet 42 and / or a back sheet 38 is used, these components are attached to at least a portion of the central absorbent portion. In an alternate embodiment, the central absorbent portion may be at least partially wrapped by an upper sheet 42. If the upper sheet is used, the upper sheet must be docile, soft feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the top sheet must be permeable to liquid allowing liquids (eg, menses and / or urine) to easily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials including natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fiber), synthetic fibers (eg, polymer fibers such as polyester, rayon, polypropylene or polyethylene), or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Other woven and non-woven materials may include polymeric materials, such as thermoplastic films formed with apertures, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; cross-linked foams; crosslinked thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic canvases. The top sheet may comprise a film formed with openings. Films formed with openings are permeable to body exudates, and, if properly perforated, have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass back through and rewet the user's skin. In this way, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thus reducing the staining of the body and creating a more comfortable feeling for the wearer. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135 entitled "Absorbent Structures Having Tapered Capillaries", which was issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975, U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 entitled "Article disposable absorbent having a stain-resistant sheet ", which was issued to Mullane et al. on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 entitled "Resilient plastic screen exhibiting properties in the form of fiber", which was issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 entitled "Macroscopically expanded three-dimensional plastic screen exhibiting a non-glossy visible surface and a fabric-like fingerprint", which was issued to Ahr et al. on July 31, 1984; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394"Multilayer Polymer Film", which was issued to Baird on April 9, 1991. The preferred top sheet 30 for the present invention is the formed film described in one or more of the previous patents and that is marketed in sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, as the top sheet "DRI-WEAVE". If such a film formed in an interlabial device is used, the body surface of the formed film upper sheet is preferably hydrophilic to help transfer the liquid through the upper sheet faster than if the body surface were not hydrophilic to decrease the likelihood that the menstrual fluid will flow out of the topsheet instead of flowing into and being absorbed by the central absorbent portion 22. In a preferred embodiment, surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the top sheet of film formed Alternatively, the body surface of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant such as is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,254 issued to Osborn.

If the backsheet is used, the backsheet 38 may be waterproof or semipermeable to liquids (eg, menses and / or urine), and is preferably flexible. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are docile and that will easily conform to the contour and general shape of the human body. The backsheet 38 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained within the absorbent central portion 22 from wetting the articles that are in contact with the interlabial device 20 such as the wearer's undergarments. The backsheet also helps the central absorbent portion 22 prevent the wearer's body from being soiled by the exudates. Additionally, the use of the backsheet may provide an improved surface for the wearer to hold between the fingers as the interlabial absorbent device 20 is inserted, or as the device is optionally removed with the fingers. The backsheet 38 may comprise a woven or non-woven material, polymeric films such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films; or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet 40 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. An exemplary polyethylene film is manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-0401. The backsheet can allow vapors to escape from the central absorbent portion 22 (i.e., breathable), while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet 40. The embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 3 and any of other variations of this type of device may be packaged in an individual package 60 as shown in Figure 4. The individual package 60 comprises a wrap 50 enclosing the interlabial absorbent device 20 to provide a sanitary environment. The wrap 50 should at least partially enclose the lip-absorbent absorbent device 20, and preferably completely enclose the interlabial absorbent device 20. The sheath 50 can be folded around or wrapped around the interlabial absorbent device 20 in any suitable manner. The envelope 50 is preferably folded around or wrapped around the interlabial absorbent device 20 with its longer sides oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline L of the interlabial absorbent device 20. In a preferred embodiment shown, the wrapping of the envelope 50 forms a fold or longitudinal folding 58 around the lower longitudinal edge 29 of the interlabial absorbent device 20, opposite longitudinal edges 52, lateral edges 54, and side panels 68. The longitudinal edge 52, ie, the longitudinal edge closest to the upper portion of the device interlabial absorbent 20, and side edges 54 are sealed to form the single pack 60. The upper longitudinal edge 52 and side edges 54 are preferably frangibly sealed together forming the engaged edges 56 to close the sides and ends of the pack. Suitable methods for frangibly sealing the edges of a package are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,556,146 issued to Swanson, et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,181, 610 issued to Quick, and in the U.S. patent. United States No. 5,462,166 issued to Minton, and others. The individual pack 60 preferably has a line of weakness which may be in the form of perforations 66 which are positioned along the upper longitudinal edge 52 and extend substantially along each side edge 54 of the pack. In other alternate modes, the line of weakness may be in the form of a marked line, such as done by laser marking. The individual pack 60 also preferably has a tear strip or tear cord 62 extending generally along and in the direction of the perforations 66. The individual pack 60 is opened using the tear cord 62 to break the perforations 66. along a significant portion of the periphery of the individual pack 60. This releases two separate side panels 68 which fold over both sides of the wearer's fingers and expose the interlabial absorbent device 20. The sheath 50 is partially removable from around of the device 20 and the part 50 that forms the fold or longitudinal fold 58 remains between the user's hand and the absorbent article 20 to assist in the positioning and positioning of the device 20. This configuration helps the user to position and position the device 20, protecting the user's fingers from being stained, and keeping the user's fingers from touching the device 20 to maintain a sterile environment. Figure 5 shows an individual open pack 60, as described above, with the interlabial device 20 being positioned appropriately in the folds of the lips. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6, the individual pack 60 is provided with a tongue 64 in place of a tear cord. The individual pack 60 is opened by raising the tab 64 and breaking the perforations 66 which are positioned along the upper portion of the at least one side panel 68, i.e. the one closest to the upper portion of the interlabial absorbent device 20, to create an opening for the interlabial device 20. The hooked edges 56 are spaced apart to free the side panels 68. The tabs 54 are formed when an extension of the upper longitudinal edge 52 is folded over or folded over a side panel 68. The side edges 54 are sealed as described above. In yet another alternative embodiment, the envelope 50 of any of the embodiments described herein can be formed with two separate sheets that are frangibly sealed around the periphery of the sheets to form a single package. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 7, the individual pack 60 is provided with a side opening feature, such as a side tab 65 instead of a tear cord. The side tab 65 is preferably aligned with the perforations 66 along the upper longitudinal edge of the pack. The individual pack 60 is opened by releasing back the side tab 65 and breaking the perforations 66 which are positioned along the upper longitudinal edge 52 to expose the upper portion of the interlabial device 20. The hooked edges 56 are separated to release the panels lateral 68. The package shown in Figure 7 is otherwise similar to the package of Figure 4 as described above. The side tab 65 can be formed in a number of ways, one of which removes the material to form the side tab 65 after the pack has been sealed by cutting the desired pattern of the side tab 65. For example, an shows 67 on the side edge 54 of the pack to form the side tab 65. Another way to form the tab would be to pre-cut the wrapping material before the formation of the individual pack. The interlabial absorbent devices 20 shown in Figures 1 to 3 provide a convenient area for holding the product and inserting the interlabial device 20 into the space between the lips. The lower portion 28 of the central absorbent portion 22 can be held by the user, and retained as the envelope 50 is opened as described above. As shown in Figure 5, the sheath 50 is still in contact with the interlabial device 20 while the user places the interlabial device 20 in the space between the lips. Preferably, the sheath 50 remains in contact with the liplabial device 20 until the device 20 is placed at least partially within the space between the lips for use. The envelope 50 is then preferably removed. An advantage of the present invention, as shown in Figure 5, is that it protects the fingers of the user from touching any of the interlabial device 20 or its body at the point of insertion during insertion. The side panels 68 completely wrap on both sides of the wearer's fingers to maintain the hygienic environment for inserting and placing the product. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a protective cover for the interlabial device 20 during transport or storage of the product. Maintaining a hygienic environment for the interlabial device before and during use is seen to prevent the transfer of non-sanitary particles to the interlabial space. Alternately, the embodiment shown in Figure 7 may have perforations that are positioned longitudinally in the middle of the path between the longitudinal upper and lower edges, and are located on both sides of the individual package. To open the package, the user would detach and remove the upper portion of the wrapper and use the lower portion of the wrapper to hold the lower portion 28 of the central absorbent portion 22. The wrap would remain between the user's hand and the absorbent device 20. assisting the user in positioning and positioning the device 20, and preventing the user's fingers from touching the device 20 to maintain a sterile environment. Preferably, the envelope 50 has a thickness of approximately 0.127 mm. at about 0.127 mm. The wrap 50 can be made from plastic films, which can be thermoplastic, non-woven materials, collagen films, toilet paper, or tissue laminates and a film, non-woven material and a film, or any of the types of previous materials with a coating on them. One embodiment of the present invention can be made from a low basis weight tissue that disintegrates in water. The low basis weight tissue can be made from carboxymethyl cellulose with wood pulp fibers and it will disintegrate in the water at a temperature of 24 ° C in about 6 seconds; and will disintegrate in the water with a temperature of 50 ° F in about 8 seconds. A material is sold as DISSOLVO® WLD-35 water soluble dam purge material for gas tungsten arc welding (TIG) by CMS Gilbreath Packaging Systems of Bensalem, PA. In addition, these low basis weight tissues can be combined with coatings or films such as polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), or methyl hydroxy propyl cellulose (MHPC) which also dissolve in water. One of said material is sold as a water soluble film Mono-Sol® MC-8630 by Chris Craft® Industries Products, Inc., Gary, IN: A preferred laminate is made using a hot roll laminator obtained from Chemlinstruments by combining a sheet of .089 mm. thickness of DISSOLVO® WLD-35 tissue with a water soluble film Mono-Sol® MC-8630 MHPC of .038 mm. The lamination of the tissue at a temperature of 173 ° C to 185 ° C and a feed rate of between 35 feet / minute at 50 feet / min with the MHPC film produces a material with a thickness of 0.1 mm which is preferred for making the envelope of the present invention. The laminate has a basis weight of 9.36 g / m2. The material will disintegrate in water at a temperature of 24 ° C in approximately 6.1 seconds and 7.9 seconds in water with a temperature of 50 ° F. The average time for the laminate to dissolve is. approximately 17.3 seconds in water with a temperature of 24 ° C and 34.4 seconds in water with a temperature of 10 ° C. The tearing strength (tear strength of the film is only about 1575 gf, although the tear strength of the DISSOLVO® WLD-35 is about 25 gf in the direction of the process flow through a line for manufacturing the paper, the direction of the machine (MD), and 25 gf in the direction perpendicular to the machine direction, the cross machine direction (CD) .The tear resistance of the laminate is of approximately 88 gf (MD), and 76.8 gf (CD) .The ripping strength of the laminate is significantly less than that of the film itself.The increase in ripping strength when comparing paper to the laminate provides a stronger package that will not tear as easily as paper alone.Reduction in tear resistance when comparing film to laminated film paper allows the user to open the pa more easily than if the package was made of film only. When the materials are laminated, the superior tear resistance properties of the film are compromised, yet the paper's resistance is significantly increased, providing an ideal package that is easily opened, still strong enough to resist tearing of the film. handling and transport. The laminate, as a number of other wrapping materials identified above, also aids heat sealing of the package, provides a sanitary and moisture-free environment, and reduces the associated noise when the package is opened and carried. The laminate also produces a wrap that can be opened with or without a line of weakness. The coated side of the paper can, either, give the product or serve as the outer portion of the envelope that is touched by the user. The coated side can be placed adjacent to the interlabial device 20 to protect it against moisture. When the coating is applied to or laminated to the wrapping material as a continuous film, it forms a non-porous, impermeable barrier that blocks moisture. However, placing the coated side of the envelope 50 adjacent the interlabial device 20 provides an absorbent surface on the absorbent surface on the inner surface of the side panels 68, which when the product is opened, can be used to absorb and remove by cleaning the discharge that can be found on the lips or in the interlabial space when inserting the nterlabial device 20. The wrap 50 is preferably constructed of material that helps provide comfort during insertion . The laminate, as a number of other wrapping materials identified above, provides a softer wrapping material. The envelope 50 is preferably constructed of materials that are at least 70% biodegradable, more preferably at least 90% biodegradable, and / or which will fragment in water with agitation (as an odorless). Preferably, the interlabial absorbent device 20 and the sheath 50 for the interlabial absorbent device are both capable of flowing and disseminating separately or in combination, and when the sheath is discharged or the combination of the absorbent interlabial product and the sheath will dislodge the toilet 80% of the time and will biodegrade at least 95% of the time in a 28-day sedimentation test. As used herein, the terms "downloadable" and "unloading capacity" refer to the ability of the article to pass through typical home-made toilet and drainage systems commercially available in the United States without causing occlusion or similar problems. that may be directly associated with the physical structure of the article. However, it is recognized that there may be many differences between the different types of toilets available. Therefore, for the purposes of the appended claims, a test is established to determine the unloading capacity of a catamenial product and the TEST METHODS section of this description. In addition, numerous embodiments of the individual packets described herein are possible. For example, the package may be provided in other configurations while still performing the functions described herein. In addition, the packaging materials described herein can be used with a variety of absorbent articles configured for the absorption of body fluids such as female or male incontinence products, tampons, or externally used sanitary napkins where a hygienic environment is of interest. higher. For example, a wrapper serving as an individual package for a sanitary napkin such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 4,556,146 entitled "Individually packaged disposable absorbent article" which was issued to Swanson et al. of December 1985, or in U.S. Patent No. 5,413,568 entitled "Resusable Adhesive Attachment Systems for Individually Packaged Disposable Absorbent Articles" issued to Roach et al. on May 9, 1995, as set forth in Figure 11, which is made of the materials capable of flowing and separating and dispersing in water described herein. A particularly preferred method of sealing the edges of this sanitary napkin wrap is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,462,166 issued to Minton et al. On October 31, 1995. Additionally, the adhesive on the sanitary napkins and / or the Adhesive on the wings of sanitary napkins with wings can be covered by protective strips made of these materials. The individual package 60a shown in Figure 11 has a peel-off wrap 50a that is attached directly or indirectly to an adhesive fastener on the side that gives the garment of the sanitary napkin. The peelable wrap 50a is folded together with the sanitary napkin around two separate laterally oriented fold lines apart. As used herein, the phrase "two separate laterally oriented fold lines apart" refers to longitudinally offset lines, generally parallel to the lateral direction, around which the sanitary napkin and wrap 50a are commonly wrapped. Folding the sanitary napkin around the laterally oriented separate lines apart produces a bent arrangement that defines three sections, an intermediate central trisection 71 which is joined to two trisections 70 outside the center. The trisections 70 outside the center can be described more specifically as an internal trisection - outside the center 70a and an external trisection - outside the center 70b, or more simply as the first and third trisections. The central trisection 71 thus comprises the second trisection. As used herein, the inner and outer out-of-center trisections are described in relation to the central trisection 71 when the sanitary napkin and release wrapper 50a are a bent arrangement shown in Figure 11. The arrangement shown in Figure 11 produces a sanitary towel having an "e" fold with the removable wrap 50a having a corresponding "e" fold. The release wrap 50a in a split condition is preferably of sufficient longitudinal dimension to lie on a trisection out of the center 70 and the central trisection 71. More preferably, the detachable wrap 50a is of sufficient length to lie on all three trisections 70 and 71 In the preferred embodiment shown, the slip wrap 50a comprises a fastening system such as an adhesive that is disposed on a tab (preferably a tape tab) 75 extending longitudinally beyond the end edge of the external trisection - outside the center 70b. The adhesive on the tape tab 75 that is not longitudinally disposed further, said end edge is fixed to the exposed face of the external trisection - outside the center 70b.

TESTING METHOD DISCHARGE CAPACITY Summary As distinguished above, the terms "downloadable or discharge capacity" refers to the ability of the product to pass through typical, commercially available household toilets and sanitary system drainage system without causing obstruction or similar problems. may be directly associated with the physical characteristics of the product. For the purpose of the appended claims, the absorbent articles, such as the interlabial products of their casings, are evaluated for their discharge capacity through the relative ease of the toilet rate and evacuation of the siphon and subsequent transportation through a simulated system of sanitary installation. The unloading capacity of these items and the wrappings must be measured by the following test procedure. The test procedure is designed to simulate two days of normal toilet use for a family of four (two men, two women). The test used a discharge sequence that simulates the following conditions: male urination visits, female urination visits (including post-urinal drying with paper), interlabial product waste or clean-up paper wrap and bowel evacuation visits . The amount of paper to be used for each paper discharge is a normal discharge of 2 strips of 7 sheets. Normal loading is based on consumer research regarding typical habits and practices. The test was designed to simulate the conditions of a product that will be found if it is discharged through a conventional toilet and into a municipal sewer or septic tank. The samples were evaluated for: 1) clear of the toilet and stump rate, 2) blockage of the drainage line, and 3) disintegration during discharge.

Apparatus A suitable apparatus for the discharge capacity test is shown in the plan view in Figure 9. The apparatus includes: A toilet with swirl siphon, water saver of 13.2 liters, referred to as 210 (additional toilets can also be fixed to the pipe layout shown in Figure 9, to evaluate the behavior of test samples using different unloading mechanisms such as pressure, commercial toilets). • approximately 18 meters of 10 cm acrylic pipe (as seen in Figure 9, the pipe is generally assembled in a square configuration, which has linear runs 211, 212, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221 approximately ( 3 meters) long • a cast iron T 223 slightly downstream of the toilet 210 that is open to the atmosphere for ventilation • 5 elbow tubes of 90 degrees cast iron 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220; stump 222 placed vertically (Figure 10) approximately 4.57 meters from the terminal end of the pipeline and approximately 2.5 cm long, and • A grate (Tyler No. 4 sieve) to capture the solid effluent for evaluation of the disintegration. The apparatus used for this method is set to be equivalent to A112.19.2M-1990 ANSI Standard for Chinese ceramic fittings.The pipe is installed to provide a drop of 2 cm per meter of the length of t uber Materials Paper Product used in the Test: CHARMIN® standard toilet paper manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. Synthetic Fecal Material: Prepared to the method according to the method described below Test download sequence The test download sequence simulates 2 days of normal toilet use for a family of 4 (2 men, 2 women, based on the habits and practice of the consumer investigated). The sequence of 40 total downloads consists of 14 downloads with an empty rate, 8 downloads with paper only, 6 downloads with paper and one wrap, 6 downloads with tissue, interlabial product and wrapping, and 6 downloads with paper and simulated fecal matter (SFM). When testing the wrapper and the absorbent article as a combination, perform routines 1 and 2 using both the wrap and the absorbent article individually placed on the rate by first stirring the wrapper product. When this is used, the SFM is placed at the rate just before the paper is added. The SFM load of 160 degrees + 5 grams consists of 2 pieces of 2.5 cm x 10 cm and a piece of 2.5 cm x 5 cm. The folded paper strips (or the catamenial product) are placed at the rate at 10-second intervals. 10 seconds later the final paper strip, the absorbent article or the wrapper is placed in the rate, the toilet is discharged. The download sequence is described below as a series of two routines combined in the following order: Routine No.1 (A was done 6 times for a total of 36 downloads) 1) Paper discharge only - Take a reading of the blockage of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the simulated obstruction, the point of the stump , wait an additional minute, and move to step 2. 2) Download with the empty rate. Take a reading of the blockage of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point and move to step 3. 3) Unload with paper and wrap. Take a reading of the drainage line blockage 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point, wait an additional 1 minute and move to step 4. 4) Discharge with tissue and interlabial product and wrap. Take one reading of the drainage line blockage 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point, wait an additional minute, and move to step 5. 5) Empty discharge rate. Take a reading of the blockage of the drainage line 2 minutes after the water reaches the point of stump and move to step 6. 5) Discharge with paper and simulated faecal matter (SFM). Take a reading of the blockage of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point, wait an additional minute.

Routine No. 2 (To be reset once for a total of four discharges) 1) Paper discharge only: Take a reading of the blockage of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point, wait for a additional minute, and move to step 2. 2) Download with the empty rate. Take a reading of the blockade of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point and move to step 3. 3) Download with paper only. Take a reading of the blockage of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point, wait an additional minute, and move to step 4. 4) Unload with the empty rate. Take a reading of the blockage of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the point of the stump. The total number of downloads per sequence (Routine 1 + Routine 2) is 40. If, after the second discharge in the unloading sequence, the product remains at the rate or trapped after unloading, the paper and / or the absorbent article and / or the envelope is thrown to the drain line manually and the discharge sequence will continue. After completing each test load, the drain pipe will be cleared before beginning the subsequent test. The above-described download sequence is repeated three times for each test product.

Data Report The degree of blockage of the drain line is determined by measuring the length of standing water completely behind the obstruction. Graduations are marked every 30 cm on the drain pipe upstream of the extrusion. Each standing length that the water recedes corresponds to be 0.6 cm or 6.25 cm of the block in extrusion point. The residues of the test product that exist in the drain pipe are also collected. The following data is recorded for each evaluation: 1) Failure incidence (%) of the envelope to clear the siphon and the rate at one discharge. 2) Incidence of failure (%) of the envelope to clear the siphon and the rate in two discharges. 3) Incidence of the envelope on the simulated stump. 4) Maximum level (%) of the blockage of the drain line 5) Accumulated level (%) of the blockage of the drain line during the simulated test period of two days.

Preferably, the envelope described here will completely clear the rate at least 70% of the time in two or fewer discharges, more preferably at least 80% of the time in one discharge, and most preferably at least about 95% of the time in one discharge . The envelope described herein will preferably have a maximum block level of the drain line of less than or equal to about 80%. The envelope described herein will preferably have an accumulated level of blockage of the drain line during the simulated test period of two days less than or equal to about 50%.

Preparation of Synthetic Fecal Material I. Materials Needed: • Synthetic faecal material Felcone (900 grams); (Available from Silicone Studio, Valle Forge, PA as a dry concentrate BFPS-7) • Running water at 100 ° C (6066 grams) II. Equipment Needed: • Mixer (Available from Hobart Corp., Troy, OH, as model A200) • Extruder (Available from Hobart Corp., Troy, OH as Model 4812) • Disposable centrifugal tubes with screw caps (50 ml) (Available WVR Scientific, Chicago, IR, Catalog No. 21-008-176) • Water bath to control the temperature at 37 ° C. lll. Preparation: 1. Drain the water at 100 ° C in the mixing bowl of the mixer and add the dry concentrate of Feclone. 2. Mix at low speed for one minute. 3. Mix at medium speed for two minutes. 4. After the material has been mixed well, transfer it to the extruder. 5. Use an ice pick, puncturing a small hole in the tip of each spin tube. 6. Extrude the Feclone in the centrifuge tubes. 7. Cover the centrifuged tubes and store in the refrigerator. 8. Before use, place the tubes in the water bath at 38 ° C.

PROOF OF DISPERSION IN WATER Magnetic Stirring Device, type Thermolyne Model S7225 or 7200 (no substitutions). Permanently inscribe a 8.9 cm circle on the top surface of the agitator. The center of the circle must be coincident with the geometrical center of the agitator.

Agitation bar covered with 6.2 cm TEFLON with spin ring. Permanently mark one end of the bar with black ink for a distance of 1.2 cm back from the tip. Thermometer 30 to 120 ° F with divisions of one degree. Stopwatch Digital Strobe Strobe, variable speed Stroboscope, model 964 available from Strobette, Power Instrument, Ine from Skokie, IL is suitable. Weighted glass of 2000 ml of the Kimax brand with peak (no substitution), inscribe a filling mark at a height of 14.3 cm from the flat bottom of the weeping vessel. Do not use any pointed glass that does not have a flat bottom. Room Condition The temperature and humidity must be controlled to remain within the following limits: Temperature: 73 ± 3 ° F (23 ° C + 2 ° C) Humidity: Relative Humidity of 50 + 2% Equipment arrangement 1. Fill the beaker to the filling mark with common water at 23 ° C ± 2 ° C. 2. Place the beaker on the magnetic stirrer centering it on the inscribed circle. 3. Add the stirring rod to the beaker. 4. Turn on the stroboscope and set the speed to 1000 revolutions per minute according to the manufacturer's directions.

. Turn on the magnetic stirrer with the on / off switch. Adjust the speed of the magnetic stirrer until the stir bar appears to be fixed and both ends appear to be black. This indicates that the magnetic stirrer is rotating at 500 revolutions per minute (that is, the half set in the strobe). Turn off the magnetic stirrer with the on / off switch.

Procedure 1. Maintain a sample (eg, an absorbent interlabial device or wrapper) of 7.6 to 10.2 cm above the surface of the water. Gently drip the sample over the water surface, turning on the timer when the sample touches the surface of the water. 2. Wait 5 seconds. 3. Turn on the magnetic stirrer with the on / off switch. If the sample interrupts the rotation of the stirring bar, stop the agitator, reorient the bar, and immediately turn on the agitator again. 4. Record the time required until the sample separates into at least two pieces. The separation does not include the dissociation of a few individual fibers from an otherwise intact sample. Time is the total time of the sample that is submerged in the water, including the time the agitator has been stopped to reorient the sample. A circular wire sieve can be placed, consisting of an outer circle of 7.62 cm in diameter equally divided into 6 sections made of 1 mm diameter copper wire, immediately suspended above the stir bar in the cases where the envelope substantially interrupts the rotation of the stirring bar.

If the wrap repeatedly causes substantial interruption to the rotation of the stir bar, the wrapper can be suspended by a cord attached to the wrapper via a clip attached to the wrapper 0.95 cm from the edge of the wrap, and then Suspending the lower end of the envelope at 2.54 cm above the stir bar. 5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 with three additional samples.

Calculation and report Calculate and report the mean and standard deviation of the dispersion capacity in water for the 4 samples tested. Preferably, the envelope will disperse in at least two fragments in less than or equal to about 2 hours.

WEATHER TIME IN FUND To determine the amount of time for a wrap to get completely wet by, either, absorbing liquid or sinking below the surface of the liquid. Conventional casings tend to stay afloat, and if they are discharged into the toilet, whether they are designed to be or not, they are typically dragged below the surface of the liquid by the force of the water when the toilet is discharged. 1. Maintain the absorbent article, such as the interiabial absorbent device or wrap from 7.62 to 10.16 cm above the distilled water. 2. Gently drop the sample on the surface of the water, so that the large surface of the package hits the surface. Start the time record. 3. Stop the time recording when the sample is completely wet. 4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 for five samples. Report a mean and standard deviation for the time of thorough moistening. The wetting time thoroughly is preferably less than or equal to 30 seconds and more preferably less than or equal to 15 seconds. 28-day sedimentation test Purpose To determine the limit at which a shell disintegrates when exposed to biologically active anaerobic sediment. Anaerobic conditions are typically found in home septic tanks, as well as in municipal wastewater treatment facilities in the form of anaerobic sludge digesters. The test products, such as the wrap, are combined with the anaerobic digester sludge to determine the limit and rate of disintegration of the test products over a period of 28 days. Disintegration (as measured by the change in weight) is typically measured on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of the particular study. This protocol is modeled after the National Health Foundation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, international protocol: Evaluation of anaerobic disintegration of a test product, November 1992.

Materials: Control Product Tampax brand tampons will be used as a possible control product in the anaerobic disintegration test.

Preparation of the material Before the addition of the test and control products to the reactors, the materials will be dried in a hot air oven at 103 ° + 2 ° C for two hours and then weighed to determine the initial weight. Approximately equal weights of the control and test products will be placed in the respective reactors.

Sediment or anaerobic sludge: The sediment used in this evaluation will be the anaerobic sediment obtained from a municipal waste water treatment plant or untreated faecal waters obtained as a tributary of a wastewater treatment plant that has been concentrated by sedimenting and decanting the water above it. Before being used in the evaluation, the following parameters of the sludge or sediment will be measured according to the standard laboratory operating procedures: Total solids Total volatile solids PH The sludge must satisfy the following criteria to be used in the evaluation: between 6.5 and 8 total solids > 15,000 mg / L total volatile solids > 10,000 mg / L The criterion for mud activity requires that the control buffer material must lose at least 95% of its initial dry weight after 28 days of exposure.

Process: The test and control products are added to a wide-mouth glass flask (reactor) containing 1500 ml. of mud or sediment of anaerobic digestion or concentrated untreated sewage. Three reactor flasks are prepared per test material per sampling day. In this way, if the disintegration is measured on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28, there will be a total of 15 reactor flasks for the test product and 15 flasks for the control product. The reactors are sealed and placed in an incubator maintained at 35 + 2 ° C. On the specified sampling days, three reactors of each test and control material are removed from the incubator. On the designated sample days, the contents of each reactor will be passed through a 1 mm mesh screen to recover any non-disintegrated material. Any collected will be rinsed with running water, removed from the sieve and placed in a hot air oven at 103 + 2 ° C for at least two hours. The dry material will be weighed to determine the final weight. Visual observations of the physical appearance of the materials when they are recovered from the reactors will also be made and recorded.

Results: The rate and limit of the anaerobic disintegration of each test material and of each control material is determined from the dry initial weights of the material and the dried weights of the material recovered on the sampling days. The percent of anaerobic disintegration is determined using the following equation (percent of weight loss): Percentage of disintegration = initial dry weight - final dry weight x 100 (initial dry weight) The average percent of disintegration for the products Test and control for each sampling day will be presented. For the purposes of the appended claims, the decay percentage values are for the 28th day of the study. The disclosure of all patents, patent applications (and any of the patents issued thereon, as well as any of the corresponding published foreign patent applications), and the publications mentioned throughout this description are hereby incorporated by reference here. However, it is not expressly admitted that any of the documents incorporated by reference herein, teach or disclose the present invention. Although the particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (9)

1. An individual envelope capable of flowing and separating for an absorbent device for personal hygiene, preferably being an interlabial product, characterized in that the individual envelope capable of flowing and separating comprises at least one of the following materials: a) a tissue; b) a collagen film; c) a thermoplastic film dispersible in water; and d) a nonwoven material.

The individual wrapper according to claim 1, wherein the wrapper is made of a laminate material selected from the group consisting of: thermoplastic films and tissue; collagen and tissue films; thermoplastic films and non-woven materials; and collagen films and thermoplastic films, the envelope preferably being heat sealable.

3. The individual casing according to any of the preceding claims that is capable of sufficiently flowing and separating that it completely dislodges the rate under the Discharge Capacity Test at least about 70% of the time in two or less discharges, and preferably at least about 95% of the time in a discharge.

The individual wrapper according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the time required for said wrapper to disperse in at least two fragments as measured by the Water Scattering Test is less than about two hours and preferably less than approximately two minutes.

5. The individual wrapper according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said wrap is at least disintegrated at about 90% according to the 28-day Sediment Test.

6. The individual wrapping according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said wrapping causes the blockage of the drain of less than 80%. The individual wrapper according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said wrapper is a low basis weight tissue comprising carboxymethyl cellulose and wood pulp fibers and preferably comprises a coating selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl acetate , polyvinyl alcohol, and methyl hydroxy propyl cellulose. The individual wrapper according to claim 7, wherein said low basis weight tissue dispersed in water in less than 15 seconds and the combination of said low basis weight tissue and said coating dispersed in water in less than 15 seconds. The individual wrapper according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said absorbent device for personal hygiene is a tampon, a sanitary napkin, or a device for male or female incontinence.