MXPA02006769A - Perforated feminine sanitary protection device. - Google Patents

Abstract

A feminine sanitary protection device includes an outer cover containing a panty shield and a vaginal insertion device. The outer cover and the panty shield are tri-folded over the vaginal insertion device, and joining elements join the side sections of the outer cover together. There are frangible lines in the side sections for separating portions of the outer cover in order to provide access to the panty shield and vaginal insertion device. The method of making the feminine sanitary protection device includes providing a continuously moving layer of material, forming frangible lines in the side sections of the material, applying a joining element in each of the side sections of the material, placing a plurality of panty shield components on the layer of material and joining the components to the layer of material to form panty shields, forming a plurality of individual panty shields and respective individual portions of the layer of material, and then folding each individual portion of the layer of material and its panty shield together.

Description

SANITARY PROTECTION DEVICE FOR WOMEN AND METHOD TO DO THE SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for the sanitary protection of women that protects a user by absorbing and containing menstrual fluids and other body exudates as well as a method to do the same. More specifically, this invention relates to a device for the sanitary protection of women which substantially provides complete sanitary protection, ease of handling, and discretion in the appearance of the package as well as a method for making the same.

Absorbent articles are designed to absorb body fluids, which include menstruation, and can come in different functional designs. In a design category, sanitary napkins are used externally around the pudenda area and are mainly designed for profuse flow. In another category, linings for panties or panty liners are thin products used externally around the pudenda area and are designed for light flow. In yet another category, tampons are designed to be internally placed inside the vagina.

Sanitary towels have a high absorption capacity with either a thick or thin absorbent element. However, the compression forces of the user's thighs and the pudendal region during any physical movement, such as walking, can cause the sanitary pad to move from its original position that protects the area of the vulva. After a relatively short period of time, the sanitary napkin can move away from the vaginal orifice. The movement of the wearer, particularly vigorous movement such as running or rapid walking, can also cause discomfort such as by rubbing or rubbing the sensitive area of the vulva.

In addition to the concerns of the discomfort and movement of the sanitary napkin, a concern of a high degree of awareness of use is present. Some thick sanitary napkins have a high profile appearance when viewed through the wearer's outerwear. Sanitary napkins can be very evident when worn with tight-fitting clothing that includes trousers, bodily suits, swimsuits, or tight-fitting or thin-fitting outer garments.

Linings for panties or protections for panties have been developed for low or light menstrual flows. Some pantyliners or panty liners have the same concerns associated with sanitary napkins, although their thin profile makes them more flexible, less noticeable in appearance, and generally more comfortable than bulky sanitary napkins. However, the thin profile of the linings for the panties or of the protections for the panties may have a drawback in the area of performance of the absorbent capacity.

The tampons are used internally within the vaginal canal to intercept the body fluid. Sometimes buffers may not work completely to prevent dribbling because the radial expansion of the tampon inside the vaginal canal does not form a perfect seal. Even without such radial expansion and swelling of the tampon within the vaginal canal, the tampon does not serve as a fully reliable sanitary protection device.

In an attempt to cope with the problems described above, a sanitary napkin or a panty liner is wound around a tampon or similar device, and is then inserted into a bag. However, additional problems arise associated with a towel or with the panty liners wound around a tampon or other similar device. One of these problems is that the towel or the lining for the panties may tend to curl after being removed from the bag, and therefore it becomes more difficult, if not impossible, to adhere the curled towel or the lining to the panties in an undergarment.

Another problem associated with a towel or a rolled-up panty liner is the loss of comfort and absorbency due to the unwanted shape of a towel or a partially rolled or curled panty liner.

Yet another problem associated with a towel or a wrapped panty liner is the potential loss of the embossed pattern on the cover, or the loss of some other cover feature.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION In response to the described difficulties and the problems encountered in the prior art, a sanitary protection device for women has been discovered as well as a method for making such a device.

In one form of the present invention there is provided a sanitary protection device for women comprising an outer cover having a central longitudinal axis and including an upper edge, a lower edge, a pair of side sides, a first side part between one of the lateral edges and the central longitudinal axis, and a second lateral part between the other of the lateral edges and the central longitudinal axis. The components of the absorbent device (e.g., a liquid-permeable liner and an absorbent means) are attached to the outer cover between the first side portion and the second side portion to form an absorbent article such as, for example, a protection for the panties . A first fragile line is in the first lateral part, and a second fragile line is in the second lateral part. The outer cover and the absorbent device (for example, the protection for the panties) are triply folded so that the outer cover forms the exterior of the device. As the outer shell parts are removed from the brittle lines and the device is unfolded, a remaining portion of the outer shell (to which the components of the absorbent device are attached) is adapted for a liquid impermeable layer of the device absorbent (for example, protection for panties).

In another form of the present invention there is provided a sanitary protection device for women comprising an outer cover having a central longitudinal axis and including an upper edge, a lower edge, a pair of side sides, a first side part between one of the lateral edges and the central longitudinal axis, and a second lateral part between the other of the lateral edges and the central longitudinal axis. The components of the absorbent device are attached to the outer cover to form an absorbent article, and the outer cover and the absorbent article are folded together so that the outer cover forms the exterior of the folded article. There is a mechanism in the first side part and in the second side part to remove at least a part of the first side part and in at least a part of the second side part of the outer cover. When removing at least a part of the first side part and in at least a part of the second side part of the outer cover and unfolding the device, a remaining part of the outer cover (to which the components of the absorbent article they are attached) is adapted for a liquid impermeable layer of the absorbent article.

In yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for making a sanitary protection device for the woman comprising. The steps of: providing a continuously moving layer of liquid impervious material including a pair of side edges and a pair of side portions; aligning a plurality of components of the absorbent article at separate spaced intervals with the continuously moving layer of liquid impervious material and attaching the components to the liquid impervious material to form the absorbent articles; form a fragile line in each of the lateral parts; apply a joining element in each of the lateral parts; forming a plurality of individual absorbent articles with their respective individual portions of the liquid impermeable material layer, and fold each individual part of the material layer and its absorbent article together.

In one embodiment, the plurality of components of the absorbent article can be held in a carrier sheet that forms the body side cover or the liner of the absorbent article. These steps can be carried out in sequence or they can be carried out in different order. For example, it is contemplated that the step to form the brittle lines in each side part may be carried out after the individual article is folded.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for making a sanitary protection device for women comprising the steps of (a) providing a continuously moving layer of liquid impervious material including a pair of lateral edges and a pair of side parts, (b) forming a brittle line in each of the side portions, (c) applying a joining element in each of the side portions, (d) placing a plurality of components of the absorbent article at intervals separated apart in the continuously moving layer of the liquid impermeable material and joining the components to the liquid impervious material to form the protections for the panties, (e) forming a plurality of individual absorbent articles and individual respective parts of the material layer , and (f) folding each individual part of the material layer and its absorbent article together.

It is still another aspect of the present invention therein provided a method for making a sanitary protection device for women comprising the steps of (a) providing a continuously moving layer of liquid impermeable material including a pair of lateral edges. and a pair of side parts, (b) forming a brittle line in each of the side portions, (c) placing a plurality of components of the absorbent article at separate spaced intervals in the continuously moving layer of the liquid impermeable material and joining the components to the liquid impervious material to form the absorbent articles, (d) forming a plurality of individual absorbent articles and individual respective portions of the material layer, and (e) folding each individual part of the material layer and its absorbent article together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The aforementioned and other characteristics of the present invention and the way to achieve them may be more evident, and the invention itself may be better understood by reference to the following description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in where; Figure 1 illustrates an elevated view of a sanitary protection device for women, Figure 2 illustrates an amplified perspective of the device of Figure 1, Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 in a partially tri-folded form; Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a bag containing the fully double-folded device of Figure 3, Figure 5 illustrates a raised view of a protection for the panties with a vaginal insertion device different from Figure 1, Figure 6 illustrates a raised view of a panty shield with a vaginal insertion device different from Figure 5, and Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary method for making a health protection device for women.

Figure 8 illustrates another exemplary method for making a health protection device for women.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The sanitary protection device for the woman of the present invention provides an absorbent article (e.g., the lining for the panties or the protection for the panties) constructed and folded in such a way that its outer cover is also adapted to function as a layer impervious to the liquid of the absorbent article during use. The absorbent article can be folded over one or more vaginal insertion devices that contain absorbent or medical devices for ease of handling and use. Of course, the present invention is not limited to pantyliners or panty liners and should be understood to encompass any type of absorbent article that is bent, the article for hygienic cleaning or medical device only or in combination with one or more vaginal insertion devices. The term "bent" refers, by way of example only, to a fold in C or a triple fold as illustrated in Figure 3 and may include other types of folds. The term "fold over" or variations thereof means that the article (for example, the liner or the protection) may have, for example, another article such as a tampon placed within the folds. The term "vaginal insertion device" refers to a vaginal insert or a vaginal insert applicator. By "vaginal insert", it means, by way of example only, a vaginal insert or a medicinal tampon such as a vaginal suppository. By "vaginal insert applicator" is meant, by way of example only, a medical insert applicator or a tampon applicator such as a vaginal suppository applicator.

In one aspect, the device of the present invention provides a portable, convenient and more discreet option than carrying an absorbent article such as, for example, separately a pant guard and a vaginal insertion device. An integral bag, made with biodegradable and / or non-biodegradable materials, which serves to protect the panty protector (and the vaginal insertion device - if included) before use, and acts as a packaging agent. The present invention also provides efficiencies in material and manufacturing costs, and ease of consumer management.

An advantage of the present invention is that it conveniently contains the products that a woman needs to feel fresh and completely protected from stains on her undergarments or adjacent clothes. The present invention also provides a woman with an almost zero chance of experiencing staining on her undergarments when these products or devices are used together.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it is more discreet and convenient than carrying two or more separate products. Therefore, a woman does not need to go outside and compare two or more separate products, so she saves money and time. And she does not need to carry them separately, and makes sure when the time comes to use them that all separate products are still available. The bag keeps them fresh and protected from contamination.

Referring now to the drawings, the common elements in all the drawings are referenced using the same identification numbers.

Referring now to Figures 1-3, a device for the sanitary protection of women 10 of the present invention includes an outer cover 12, an integral absorbent article (for example, the protection for panties) 14, and a vaginal insertion device, such as a tampon 16 that includes a withdrawal thread 18. The absorbent article (hereinafter often referred to as the "panty protection") 14 represents a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, or any other similar article designed to be used by a woman. Alternatively and / or additionally, the absorbent article may represent any type of internal or external absorbent device, a cleaning cloth or an article for hygienic cleaning and / or a medical device. The protection for panties 14, as illustrated in Figure 1, has an hourglass shape, but it is to be understood that it may have any other suitable shape such as an oval, straight side, race track, or the like. . A central longitudinal axis XX can both represent the longitudinal center line of the outer cover 12 and the protection for the panties 14. The tampon 16 is illustrated as being placed in the protection for the panties 14 in an orientation generally perpendicular to that of the central longitudinal axis. XX.

The outer cover 12 includes an upper edge 20, a lower edge 22, and a pair of side edges 24 and 26 that extend between the edges 20 and 22. The shape of the outer cover 12 may be generally rectangular, but may have any another desired shape, such as an oval shape, a racing track shape, or the like. For ease of manufacture, the outer cover 12 is generally rectangular in shape. The outer cover 12 further includes a first lateral section 28 extending between the upper edge 20 and the lower edge 22, and from the lateral edge 24 to the central longitudinal axis X-X. Similarly, a second lateral section 30 extends between the upper edge 20 and the lower edge 22, and from the lateral edge 26 to the central longitudinal axis X-X. Within the first side section 28 are a first linker element 32 and a first brittle line 34. The first brittle line 34 is located between the first linker element 32 and the central longitudinal axis X-X. Similarly, the second lateral section 30 includes a second joining element 36 and a second fragile line 38. The second fragile line 38 is between the second joining element 36 and the central longitudinal axis X-X. For purposes of economy, because the first side section 28 with the first linker element 32 and the first brittle line 34 is identical to the second side section 30 with the second linker member 36 and the second fragile line 38, only a description of the first lateral section 28, the first joining element 32, and the first fragile line 34 may be made. It is understood then that this same description may be applied to the second lateral section 30, to the second joining element 36 and to the second fragile line 38.

The first brittle line 34 provides a means or mechanism for removing at least a portion of the first side section 28 of the outer cover 12. The specific purpose for this means or mechanism for removing a portion of the outer cover 12 will be explained herein in ahead. Therefore, the purpose of the first fragile line 34 is to allow the portion of the outer cover 12 between the first fragile line 34 and the side edge 34 to be removed or rotated along the first fragile line 34. Fragile line 34 may, for example, be provided by partially cutting or otherwise thinning through the layer of material of which outer cover 12 is made. Alternatively and / or additionally, the brittle line 34 may be provided by 14 selected perforations and / or may be provided by a desired pattern of fatigue stress weakening of the outer cover 12, or the like. As illustrated, the brittle line 34 is provided by a line of perforations in which there may be approximately 2 to 10 perforations per linear 2.54 cm (1 linear inch).

The first joining element 34 can be any suitable means or mechanism for joining the respective portions of the outer cover 12 together, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter. For example, the first joining element 32 can be an adhesive applied along the first side section 28, a thermal bonding line, an ultrasonic bonding line, or any other mechanism or means suitable for attaching the outer cover 12 together. If desired, for purposes of economy and manufacturing efficiency, the first jointing element 32 can be removed, and the means or mechanism for joining the parts of the outer cover 12 together can be provided by the first fragile line 34. If The first fragile line 34 is used in place of the first joining element 32, it can serve both purposes to provide a joining of portions of the outer cover 12 together, and provide removal of at least a portion of the side section 28.

Referring now to Figure 2, the sanitary protection device for women 10 of Figure 1 is illustrated in a perspective, amplified view. The panty protection 14 generally comprises a liquid permeable cover 40, an absorbent means 42, a liquid impermeable binder which is the outer cover 12, a release strip 46 that is removably adhered to the outer cover 12 by the strip adhesive Release 48. The tampon 16, which represents a type of vaginal insertion device, is also illustrated as being placed on the cover 40 of the panty shield 14.

Referring now to Figure 5, the protection for panties 14 is illustrated with a different vaginal insertion device, mainly a tampon applicator tube 50 containing a tampon, only the withdrawal thread 18 is illustrated, and a plunger 52. Both the tube tampon applicator 50 and plunger 52 are positioned in the panty shield 14 and oriented to the central longitudinal axis in the same manner as tampon 16 in Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 6, another type of vaginal insertion device is illustrated in the form of a vaginal suppository 54 placed in the panty cover 14 in a manner similar to that of the tampon 16 in Figure 1.

The intent of Figures 5 and 6 is to illustrate that various types of vaginal insertion devices may be associated with the protection for panties 14 and outer cover 12, so as to form a sanitary protection device for the woman of the present invention. .

Turning now mainly to FIGS. 3 and 3, the sanitary protection device for women 10 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in a partially twisted manner. Although triple bending is desired, Other bends are contemplated by the present invention, such as a fold C. The protection panties (for example, the device or the absorbent article) 14 and integral outer shell 12 are folded together along the fold lines 56 and 58, so that they form the folded panel 60, the folded panel 62, and the base panel 64. While the process or triple bending step continues, the first joining element 32 joins parts of the outer cover 12 together. Specifically, while the folded panel 60 is completely folded down, as shown in Figure 3, and the panel folded 62 is completely folded down, the portion of the outer cover 66 of the panel folded 60 is adhered to the part of the outer shell 60 of base 64 panel, and part of the outer cover 68 of the folded panel 62 is adhered to the portion of the outer cover 66 the folded panel 60. in a similar manner, the second joiner element 36 connects the second side section 30, whereby the sanitary protection device for women 10 is produced with an integral bag 13 formed of the outer cover 12 as illustrated in Figure 4. In this final folding form illustrated in Figure 4, the first fragile line 34 is generally in alignment superimposed with itself, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In a similar manner, the second fragile line 38 is also generally in alignment on set-up. or same. A strip of peel 46 can be observed which protects the adhesive release strip on the outside of the bag.

It is contemplated that the edge of the bag 47 can be secured by a line or touch of adhesive or a cohesive material on the strip of peel or on the inner surface of the outer cover 12 or even on a component of the absorbent article such as in a lining of body side or cover or both. In this context, it should be understood that one or more of the components of the absorbent article can cover the entire interior, interior or surface facing the body side of the absorbent article. Alternatively, the components of the absorbent article may terminate just short of the edge of the outer cover 12 leaving an edge or flange of the material impermeable to the liquid. The edge of the bag 47 can also be secured by a strip of adhesive material such as an adhesive tape.

In use, a user takes the sanitary protection device for the woman 10, illustrated in Figure 4, grabs, for example, the first side section 28, and separates or tears a part thereof from the outer cover 12 throughout of the fragile line 34. Similarly, a part of the second side section 28 may then be removed from the outer cover 12 along the second fragile line 38. Because both uniting elements 32 and 36 (FIG. 1) are between their respective outer cover side edges 24 and 26 and the central longitudinal axis XX, when the side sections 28 and 30 are removed, so are the joining elements 32 and 36, thereby allowing the outer cover 12 with its absorbent article integral (for example, protection for panties) 14 to be unfolded. The release strip 46 is removed from the outer cover 12, so that the protection for the panties 14 (with the outer cover 12 forming a binder impervious to the integral liquid) can be adhered to the undergarment.

Several advantages are created due to the triple folded shape of the panty protection 14. One of these is the elimination of the tendency to curl associated with those protections for panties or prior art towels that are wrapped around a tampon or other device. Similary. As the triple-folded panty liner 14 is unfolded, it can be easily matched along the lines 56 and 58, so that it resumes its desired shape or shape, and allows the panty protection to be easily adhered to a garment inside.

Another advantage with the present invention is that the triple-folded panty liner 14 does not decrease comfort or absorbency in the Z direction, which is associated with those early attempts with a panty liner or rolled towel.

Yet another advantage with the present invention is that the triple-folded panty protection 14 will not lose its embossing or other surface characteristics, which can occur with those early attempts using the panty liner or rolled towel.

The outer cover 12 can be made of any suitable material, and is desirably composed of a plastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. However, it can be composed of other materials such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polycaprolactone (PCL), paper, or a non-woven material such as a spin-bonded material with fusion. The outer cover 12, as illustrated in Figure 1, is larger in size than the absorbent article (for example, the panty protection) 14. In a rectangular form, the outer cover may have dimensions in the range, such as for example only, about 10 to 25 centimeters (cm) in length and about 6 to 11 centimeters in width. This is compared to an absorbent article (e.g., panty protection) 14 generally having dimensions of about 16 centimeters in length and about 5.5 centimeters in width. Because the dimensions of the absorbent article (for example, the protection for panties 14 may vary, the outer cover 12 desirably has dimensions in the range of from about 1 to 5 centimeters larger in length and in width than the absorbent article (eg, protection for panties) 14. The purpose of the larger size of the outer cover 12 is to provide the additional material for the triple fold and to join the outer cover 12 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, without undesirably affecting the absorbent article (for example, the protection for panties) 14 and the vaginal insertion device. Of course, when the side portions of the outer cover 12 are removed, the absorbent article (e.g., panty protection) an outer cover may be configured so that the outer cover 12 has the same dimensions as the absorbent article.

One construction and composition of a panty protection material 14 is the absorbent pad described in U.S. Patent No. 4,372,312, which was issued on February 8, 1983; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Another example of a panty protection is the absorbent pad described in U.S. Patent No. 3,881,490, which was issued on May 6, 1975, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. In these constructions, an agglomerate or a layer impervious to the separated liquid may be replaced by the outer cover 12 which is attached to the pant liner components (e.g., the absorbent means and the liquid permeable cover) to function as a binder or a liquid impervious layer when the device is unfolded. An example of the construction and composition of the material of a tampon is the tampon described in United States of America Patent No. 5,807,372, which was issued on September 15, 1998; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is illustrated an exemplary method for making a health protection device for women according to the principles of the present invention. As illustrated, a layer of material 72 moves continuously in a generally left-to-right direction as seen in Figure 7, and includes a side side 74 and a side section 76 adjacent thereto, and a side side 78 and a side section 80 adjacent thereto. The continuously moving layer of material 72 passes between a perforation roller 82 and an anvil roller 84 in order to provide a brittle line 86 in the side section 76 and a brittle line 88 in the side section 80. A pair of applicators adhesives 90 and 92 apply an adhesive to the continuously moving layer 72. Specifically, the adhesive applicator 90 applies a bonding element 94 between the frangible line 86 and side side 74, an adhesive applicator 92 applies the element that binds 96 between the fragile line 88 and the side side 78. While the layer 72 continues to move, an adhesive applicator 98 passes which applies an adhesive, desirably intermittently, along or near the center line of the layer 72, and an adhesive station. positioning of protection component for panties 100 places a plurality of protection components for panties 14 '(for example, the units formed by combining a liquid-permeable liner and a edio absorbent) at separate spaced intervals on discrete deposits of an adhesive 102 applied by an adhesive applicator 98 to form the panty protections 1.

After the component positioning station 100, a vaginal insertion station 104 intermittently and selectively places a vaginal insertion device 16 in each panty shield 14. Then, a die cutting roll 106 forms a plurality of protections for panties 14 and the respective individual integral parts 108 of the layer 72. Next, a bent station 110 triply doubles each protection for panties 14 and its respective integral part 108 in a sanitary protection device for women 10 with the integral part 108 of layer 17 forming an integral bag 13, as illustrated in both figures 4 and 7.

According to the present invention, the process described above can be modified in several ways. For example, the bending station 110 may additionally include a folding function, a pressure function in order to firmly adhere the first side section 28 (FIG. 3) and the second side section thirty of the outer cover 12 firmly together. In addition, the bending station 110 may also include the function of die cutting roller 106. Such various types of apparatuses are well known in the art in order to effect these cuts., bent, pressed, and other functions. Similarly, the piercing roller 82 and the anvil roller 84 can be any suitable apparatus or rolls well known in the art so as to provide a line of selected perforations. The adhesive applicators 90, 92 and 98 can be any of suitable adhesive applicators well known in the art, and the adhesive applicators 90 and 92 can apply adhesive in either intermittent or continuous fashion.

In another modification of the process illustrated in Figure 7, the piercing roller 82 and the anvil roller 84 can be apart from the bending station 110 so that the formation of a brittle line can be achieved after each individual panty protection. and its respective integral part 108 of the layer 12 is bent. In other words, the integral part 108 will not be able to have any brittle lines 86 and 88 before the bending station 110, and after an integral part 108 and its respective protection for panties 14 are triply bent, then the bending station 110 , or any other suitable apparatus, can provide or form the brittle lines along the side sections of the triple-folded device. In this particular modification, the adhesive applicators 90 and 92 can also be removed, and their binding functions can be achieved by means of the brittle lines 86 and 88, in this example a plurality of perforations. Alternatively and / or additionally, the joining function can be achieved by thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding or other joining techniques.

In the above description of one aspect of the present invention, each panty liner 14 includes a separate release strip 46 (FIG. 2) to protect the release strip adhesive 48 located on the outer cover 12, which in turn is used to secure the protection for panties 14 (with the integral outer cover 12 that forms the liquid impervious binder) in an undergarment. The wearer opens the bag 13 by removing a portion of the first side section 28 between the first fragile line 34 and the first side side and a part of the second side section 30 between the second fragile line 38 and the second side edge 26. user then unfolds the protection for panties 14 with its integral outer cover 12 which functions as the liquid impervious layer and removes from the release strip 46 to expose the release strip adhesive 48 (Figure 2) to attach the panting protection 14 to an undergarment. Again, other similar modifications can be achieved, which include rearranging the sequence of steps or events in the method illustrated in Figure 7.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is illustrated another exemplary method for making a sanitary protection device for women according to the principles of the present invention, as illustrated, a layer of material 72 that continuously moves in generally one direction from left to right as seen in Figure 8, and includes a side edge 74 and a side section 76 adjacent thereto, and a side edge 78 and a side section 80 adjacent thereto.

The components of the absorbent article 14 'are supported on a conveyor sheet 200 at separate spaced intervals. The conveyor sheet can be a nonwoven material that can function as the cover or the body side liner of an absorbent article. These components 14 'are aligned with and attached to the material layer 72 using conventional adhesive techniques, thermal bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding to form absorbent articles. Optionally, a vaginal insertion device placement station can be used to intermittently and selectively place a vaginal insertion device in each component of the absorbent article before aligning with and joining the layer of material.

Absorbent articles (not shown in that these are covered by the continuously moving layer of material 72) pass between a perforation roller 82 and an anvil roller 84 in order to provide a brittle line 86 in the side section 76 and a fragile line 88 in side section 80. A pair of adhesive applicator rolls 90 and 92 apply an adhesive to one or both sides of the continuously moving layer 72 / absorbent articles.

Specifically, the adhesive applicator rolls 90 and 92 apply a tie member 94 between the brittle line 86 and the side edge 74 and the tie member 96 between the brittle line 88 and the side edge 78. Each tie member 94 and 96 may be in one or both sides (e.g., top surfaces, bottom surface or both surfaces) of the continuously moving layer 72 / the absorbent article combined.

Then, a die cutting roller 106 forms a plurality of protections for individual panties 14 and the respective individual integral parts 108 of the layer 72. At this stage or immediately before, the release strip adhesive and a release strip (not shown) can be added to the layer 72. Then, a doubling station 110 triply folds each individual absorbent article and its respective integral part 108 into a sanitary protection device for the woman 10 with the integral part 108 of the seventeen layer forming an integral bag 13, as illustrated in both figures 4 and 7.

In accordance with the present invention, the process described above can be modified in several ways. For example, the bending station 110 may include, in addition to a bending function, a pressure function in order to firmly adhere the first side section 28 (Figure 3) and a second side section 30 of the outer cover 12 tightly together. In addition, the bending station 110 may also include the function of the die cutting roller 106. Perhaps various types of apparatus are well known in the art in order to effect these cutting, bending, pressing, and other functions. Similarly, the piercing roller 82 and the anvil roller 84 can be any suitable apparatus or rollers well known in the art so as to provide a line of selected perforations. Adhesive applicator rolls 90 and 92 can be any suitable adhesive applicator rolls well known in the art, and adhesive applicator rolls 90 and 92 can apply adhesive in either an intermittent or continuous manner.

In another modification of the process illustrated in Figure 8, the piercing roller 82 and the anvil roller 84 can be a part of the bending station 110 so that the formation of a brittle line can be achieved after each absorbent article. individual and its respective integral part 108 of layer 72 is bent. In other words, the integral part 108 can not have any brittle line 86 and 88 before the bending station lio, and then an integral part 108 and its respective absorbent article are triply bent, then the bending station 110, or any other suitable apparatus, can provide or form the brittle lines along the side sections of the triple bending device. In this particular modification, the adhesive applicator rolls 90 and 92 can also be removed, and their binding function can be achieved by means of the brittle lines 86 and 88, in this example a plurality of perforations. Alternatively and / or additionally, the joining function can be achieved by thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding or other joining techniques.

Again, other similar modifications can be achieved, which include reordering the sequence of steps or events in the method illustrated in Figure 8.

In the above description of one aspect of the present invention, each absorbent article includes a separate release strip 46 (FIG. 2) to protect the release strip adhesive 48 located on the outer cover 12, which in turn is used for securing the absorbent article in an undergarment.

Although this invention has been described as having a preferred embodiment, it may be understood that it is capable of further modifications. It is therefore the intention to cover any variations, equivalents, uses, or adaptations of the invention following the general principles thereof, and which include such items of the present description as they come or as they may come within known or customary practice. in the art to which this invention is related and which falls within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S 1. A liquid absorbing device comprising: an outer cover having a central longitudinal axis, and including an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, a first side section between the first side edge and the central longitudinal axis, and a second side section between the second lateral edge and the central longitudinal axis, a first frangible line in the first lateral section of the outer cover, and a second frangible line in the second lateral section of the outer cover, a liquid permeable liner and an absorbent means bonded to the outer cover to form a liquid absorbent device, at least the liquid absorbent medium being located between the first frangible line and the second frangible line, the liquid-absorbing device being bent so that the outer cover forms the exterior of the bent liquid-absorbing device so that, with the removal of parts of the outer cover out of the frangible lines and unfolding the liquid-absorbing device, a part The remaining outer shell is adapted to form a liquid impermeable layer of the liquid absorbent device that includes the liquid permeable liner and the absorbent medium. 2. The device as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises a first joining element in the first lateral section and a second joining element in the second lateral section. 3. The device as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the first joining element and the second joining element join together the respective parts of the folded outer cover. 4. The device as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that each frangible line is in an alignment generally overlapping with itself. 5. The device as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the first frangible line is between the first uniting member and the central longitudinal axis, and the second frangible line is between the second uniting member and the central longitudinal axis. device as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises the release strip for the liquid absorbing device. 7. The device as claimed in clause 5, further characterized in that it comprises a vaginal insertion device positioned with the liquid absorbing device. 8. A device for the sanitary protection of women that includes: an outer cover having a central longitudinal axis, and including an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, a first side section between the first side edge and the central longitudinal axis, and a second side section between the second lateral edge and the central longitudinal axis, means in the first lateral section and in the second lateral section for removing at least a part of the first lateral section and at least a part of the second lateral section of the outer covering, and a liquid permeable liner and an absorbent means bonded to the outer cover to form a liquid absorbing device, the liquid absorbing device being folded so that the outer cover forms the exterior of the folded liquid absorbent device so that, with the Removal of at least a portion of the first side section and at least a portion of the second side section from the outer cover and unfolding the liquid absorbing device, a remaining portion of the outer cover is adapted to form a waterproof layer. Liquid of the liquid absorbing device including the liquid permeable liner and the absorbent medium. 9. The device as claimed in clause 8, further characterized in that it comprises means in the first lateral section and in the second lateral section for joining together the respective parts of the folded outer cover. 10. The device as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the liquid absorbing device with its outer cover is tridoved. 11. The device as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the means for removing are between the joining means. 12. The device as claimed in clause 8, further characterized in that it comprises a release strip for the liquid absorbing device. 13. The device as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the removal means include a first frangible line in the first lateral section, and a second frangible line in the second lateral section. 14. The device as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that the frangible line includes perforations in the outer cover. 15. The device as claimed in clause 8, further characterized in that it comprises a vaginal insertion device positioned with the liquid absorbing device. 16. A method to make a device for the sanitary protection of women that includes the steps of: providing a continuously moving layer of liquid impervious material including a pair of side edges and a pair of side portions; aligning a plurality of absorbent article components at spaced apart intervals with the continuously moving layer of the liquid impervious material and attaching the components to the liquid impervious material to deform the articles; forming a frangible line in each of said side parts; applying a joining element to each of said side portions, - providing a plurality of individual absorbent articles with their respective individual parts of the liquid impervious material layer, and fold each individual absorbent article and its respective part of the material layer together. 17. The method as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the plurality of absorbent article components are supported on a carrier sheet that forms a cover or liner side to body of the absorbent article. 18. The method as claimed in clause 16, further characterized in that it comprises the step of placing a vaginal insertion device on each absorbent article. 19. The method as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that each frangible line is formed between the joining element of its respective lateral section and a central longitudinal axis of the material layer. 20. The method as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that each joint element is applied continuously. 21. The method as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that each joint element is applied intermittently. 22. The method as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the step of forming a plurality of individual absorbent articles and respective individual parts of the material layer includes cutting the layer of material between the panty shields. 23. The method as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the step of bending includes the tripolar each absorbent article and its respective individual part of the layer of material impermeable to liquid. 24. A method for making a device for sanitary protection of women, comprising the steps of: providing a continuously moving layer of liquid impervious material including a pair of side edges and a pair of side sections; form a frangible line in each of the side sections of the material layer, apply a joining element in each of the side sections of the material layer, placing a plurality of panty shield components at spaced apart intervals on the layer of liquid impervious material continuously in motion and attaching the components to the liquid impervious layer to form the panty shields, forming a plurality of shields for individual panties and the respective individual portions of the material layer, and fold each individual part of the material layer and your panty shield together. 25. A method for making a device for women's health protection, comprising the steps of: providing a continuously moving layer of a liquid impervious material that includes a pair of side edges and a pair of side sections; form a frangible line in each of the side sections, placing a plurality of panty shield components in spaced apart locations on the continuously moving layer of the liquid impervious material and attaching the components to the liquid impervious layer to form the panty shields, forming a plurality of shields for individual panties and respective individual parts of the material layer, and fold each individual part of the material layer and your panty shield together. 26. The method as claimed in clause 25, further characterized in that it comprises the step of applying a joining element to each of the side sections of the material layer. . 27. The method as claimed in clause 25, further characterized in that it comprises the step of placing a vaginal insertion device in each panty shield. 28. The method as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that each frangible line is formed between the joining element of its respective lateral section and a central longitudinal axis of the material layer. SUMMARY A device for women's health protection that includes an outer cover that contains a vaginal insertion device and a shield for panties. The outer cover and the panty shield are three-sided on the vaginal insertion device, and the joining elements join the side sections of the outer cover together. There are frangible lines on the side sections to separate parts of the outer cover in order to provide access to the panty shield and the device for vaginal insertion. The method for making the device for women's health protection includes providing a layer of material continuously in motion, forming frangible lines in the side sections of the material, applying a joining element in each of the lateral sections of the material, placing a plurality of panty shield components on the material layer and joining the components to the material layer to form panty shields, forming a plurality of shields for individual panties and respective individual parts of the material layer, and then bending each individual part of the layer of materials and its shield for panties together.