WO1999018905A1 - Dispositif interlabial absorbant dote d'un complexe d'acquisition/de transfert de fluide - Google Patents

Dispositif interlabial absorbant dote d'un complexe d'acquisition/de transfert de fluide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999018905A1
WO1999018905A1 PCT/US1998/021297 US9821297W WO9918905A1 WO 1999018905 A1 WO1999018905 A1 WO 1999018905A1 US 9821297 W US9821297 W US 9821297W WO 9918905 A1 WO9918905 A1 WO 9918905A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
absorbent
wearer
fibers
interlabial
absorbent device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/021297
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO1999018905A9 (fr
Inventor
Thomas Ward Osborn, Iii
Ronald Bosman Visscher
Original Assignee
The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/949,109 external-priority patent/US6152905A/en
Priority to AU96913/98A priority Critical patent/AU744276B2/en
Priority to PL98339857A priority patent/PL339857A1/xx
Priority to CA002305554A priority patent/CA2305554A1/fr
Priority to DE69821782T priority patent/DE69821782T2/de
Priority to AT98951014T priority patent/ATE259633T1/de
Priority to SK514-2000A priority patent/SK5142000A3/sk
Priority to JP2000515544A priority patent/JP2001519208A/ja
Application filed by The Procter & Gamble Company filed Critical The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority to EP98951014A priority patent/EP1019001B1/fr
Priority to KR1020007003847A priority patent/KR20010031031A/ko
Priority to HU0003916A priority patent/HUP0003916A3/hu
Priority to IL13545498A priority patent/IL135454A0/xx
Priority to BR9813859-6A priority patent/BR9813859A/pt
Publication of WO1999018905A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999018905A1/fr
Publication of WO1999018905A9 publication Critical patent/WO1999018905A9/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
    • A61F13/472—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use
    • A61F13/47209—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use having only interlabial part, i.e. with no extralabial parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/537—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer
    • A61F13/53708—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer the layer having a promotional function on liquid propagation in at least one direction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/538—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium characterised by specific fibre orientation or weave
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/537—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer
    • A61F13/53708—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer the layer having a promotional function on liquid propagation in at least one direction
    • A61F2013/53721—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer the layer having a promotional function on liquid propagation in at least one direction with capillary means
    • A61F2013/53726—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer the layer having a promotional function on liquid propagation in at least one direction with capillary means on the top layer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/537—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer
    • A61F2013/53765—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer characterized by its geometry

Definitions

  • This invention relates to absorbent devices that are worn interlabially by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both.
  • Hybrid devices which attempt to merge the structural features of the sanitary napkins and the tampons into a single device have also been proposed.
  • Such hybrid devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,092,346, entitled “Catamenial Pad”, issued to Arone on September 7, 1937, and U.S. Patent No. 3,905,372, entitled “Feminine Hygiene Protective Shield”, issued to Denkinger on September 16, 1975.
  • Other less intrusive hybrid devices are known as labial or interlabial sanitary napkins and are characterized by having a portion which at least partially resides within the wearer's vestibule and a portion which at least partially resides external of the wearer's vestibule.
  • Such devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,662,527, entitled “Sanitary Pad”, issued to Jacks on December 15, 1953, and U.S. Patent No. 4,631,062, entitled “Labial Sanitary Pad”, issued to Lassen, et al. on December 23, 1986.
  • Interlabial pads have the potential to provide even greater freedom from inconvenience because of their small size and reduced risk of leakage. Numerous attempts have been made in the past to produce an interlabial pad which would combine the best features of tampons and sanitary napkins while avoiding at least some of the disadvantages associated with each of these types of devices. Examples of such devices are described in U.S. Patent 2,917,049 issued to Delaney on December 15, 1959, U.S. Patent 3,420,235 issued to Harmon on January 7, 1969, U.S. Patent 4,595,392 issued to Johnson, et al. on June 17, 1986, and U.S. Patents 5,074,855 and 5,336,208 issued to Rosenbluth, et al.
  • the device described in the Delaney patent does not appear to be capable of an easy and comfortable insertion, due to the possibility of the layers of absorbent material opening up during insertion.
  • the present invention provides an absorbent device insertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer.
  • the absorbent device comprises a main absorbent portion comprising an upper portion and a lower portion.
  • the upper portion has a top surface facing toward the vestibule floor of the wearer during insertion into the interlabial space.
  • the upper portion leads the lower portion during insertion of the absorbent device; i.e., the lower portion is spatially opposed to the upper portion, and upon insertion of the absorbent device into a wearer's interlabial space, the lower portion faces away from the vestibule floor of the wearer.
  • structures acting as an acquisition/transfer complex are positioned about and extend from the upper portion of the main absorbent portion.
  • the fluid acquisition/transfer complex is configured to be in intimate contact with the folds and creases of the interlabial space of the female wearer. Furthermore, the fluid acquisition/transfer complex receives fluid from the folds and creases of a wearer's interlabial space and transfers fluid to the main absorbent portion.
  • the fluid acquisition/transfer complex comprises hydrophilic fibers.
  • the hydrophilic fibers may comprise a height from the top of the upper portion of the main absorbent portion to a wearer's folds and creases ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.
  • the hydrophilic fibers may comprise at least one type of fiber consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, rayon, synthetic bi- component fibers and combinations thereof.
  • the hydrophilic fibers herein may comprise capillary channel fibers. Also additionally, any of the above- mentioned fibers may be crimped, twisted and/or curled, excluding any kinking of the capillary channel fibers.
  • the fluid acquisition/transfer complex is attached at points along the top surface of the upper portion. In another embodiment herein, the fluid acquisition/transfer complex extends through the main absorbent portion and may further extend through the main absorbent portion and out thereof to another point above the upper portion top surface.
  • the absorbent device at least partially covers the wearer's urethra and orifice of the vagina upon proper positioning of the absorbent device.
  • the main absorbent portion of the device comprises a length from about 35 mm to about 120 mm and preferably from about 40 mm to about 100 mm.
  • the caliper of the main absorbent portion may range from about 2 mm to about 12 mm, more preferably from about 3 mm to about 6 mm and also preferably be about 4.5 mm.
  • the absorbent device further comprises a liquid pervious topsheet positioned onto at least a portion of the main absorbent portion.
  • a backsheet may be positioned onto the device, and preferably onto the lower portion of the main absorbent portion.
  • the absorbent device further comprises a pair of extensions joined to the upper portion of the main absorbent portion.
  • the extensions extend downwardly and outwardly from the main absorbent portion and are capable of maintaining contact with the inside surface's of the wearer's labia when the absorbent device is worn.
  • the extensions are capable of covering the fingertips of a wearer as the absorbent device is inserted into the interlabial space of the wearer.
  • a wearer's fingers are also protected by the extensions when she removes the device from her interlabial space.
  • the fluid acquisition/transfer complex preferably substantially comprising fibers, may be positioned on the extensions to further facilitate the acquisition/transfer of fluid from a wearer to the absorbent device.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the absorbent interlabial device of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an end view of the absorbent device shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an end view of a variation of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the absorbent interlabial device of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is an end view of the absorbent device shown in FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 6 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of the absorbent interlabial device of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the absorbent interlabial device of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the absorbent interlabial device of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows one preferred embodiment of the absorbent interlabial device of the present invention, interlabial device 20.
  • the present invention can be in many other forms, and is not limited to a structure having the particular configuration shown in the drawings.
  • absorbent interlabial device refers to a structure which has at least some absorbent components, and is specifically configured to reside at least partially within the interlabial space of a female wearer during use.
  • more than half of the entire absorbent interlabial device 20 of the present invention resides within such interlabial space, more preferably substantially the entire absorbent interlabial device 20 resides within such interlabial space, and most preferably the entire absorbent interlabial device 20 resides within such interlabial space of a female wearer during use.
  • interlabial space refers to that space in the pudendal region of the female anatomy which is located between the inside surfaces of the labia majora extending into the vestibule. Located within this interlabial space are the labia minora, the vestibule and the principal urogenital members including the clitoris, the orifice of the urethra, and the orifice of the vagina. Standard medical authorities teach that the vestibule refers to the space bounded laterally by the inside surfaces of the labia minora and extending interiorly to the floor between the clitoris and the orifice of the vagina.
  • the interlabial space as defined above may refer to the space between the inside surfaces of the labia majora, including the space between the inside surfaces of the labia minora also known as the vestibule.
  • the interlabial space for purposes of the present description does not extend substantially beyond the orifice of the vagina into the vaginal interior.
  • labia refers generally to both the labia majora and labia minora.
  • the labia terminate anteriorly and posteriorly at the anterior commissure and the posterior commissure, respectively.
  • the disposition of the absorbent interlabial device into the interlabial space of a wearer as defined above will require placement between the inside surfaces of the labia majora without regard to the precise location of the boundary between the labia majora and the labia minora for a particular wearer.
  • Gray's Anatomy Running Press 1901 Ed. (1974), at pp. 1025- 1027.
  • the absorbent interlabial device 20 shown in FIG. 1 has a longitudinal centerline L which runs along the "x" axis shown in FIG. 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 (e.g., approximately parallel to) a vertical plane which bisects a standing wearer into left and right body halves when the interlabial device 20 is worn.
  • 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. The lateral direction is shown in FIG. 1 as the "y" direction.
  • the "z” direction shown in FIG. 1, is a direction parallel to the vertical plane described above.
  • the term “upper” refers to an orientation in the z-direction toward the wearer's head.
  • “Lower” or downwardly is toward the wearer's feet.
  • the interlabial device 20 comprises a main absorbent portion (or "central absorbent") 22.
  • the main absorbent portion 22 should be at least partially absorbent.
  • the main absorbent portion 22 may comprise non-absorbent portions, such as a liquid impervious barrier to prevent absorbed exudates from leaking out of the main absorbent portion 22.
  • the main absorbent portion 22 comprises an upper portion 26 and a lower portion 28 that is opposed to the upper portion. In use, the upper portion 26 is positioned furthest inward into the wearer's interlabial space.
  • the interlabial device 20 should be of a suitable size and shape that allows at least a portion thereof to fit comfortably within the wearer's interlabial space and to cover the wearer's vaginal orifice, and preferably also the wearer's urethra.
  • the interlabial device 20 at least partially blocks, and more preferably completely blocks and intercepts the flow of menses, urine, and other bodily exudates from the wearer's vaginal orifice and urethra.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 also shows a network of fibers in the fluid acquisition/transfer complex 30 that preferably comprises fibrous elements or fibers 35.
  • complex it is meant herein a network of interrelated fibers of one or more types.
  • Such fibers may be also, but not necessarily, interconnected.
  • the fibers 35 conform to and contact the folds and creases of the female's interlabial space. At such contact, the fibers 35 are positioned to receive fluid (e.g., menses) from the body and to transfer such fluid to the main absorbent portion 22.
  • the fluid acquisition/transfer complex 30 is hydrophilic so as to facilitate the ready transfer of fluid from the female to the main absorbent portion 22.
  • Suitable materials for use in the fluid acquisition/transfer complex 30 are rayon (e.g., tri-lobed or multi-lobed rayon fibers), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, synthetic bi-component fibers, absorbent foams and combinations thereof, all of which fibers either singly or in combination with other fibers are known in the art.
  • a highly preferred fiber 35 for use with the interlabial device 20 are capillary channel fibers. While not wishing to be bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the unique configurations and grooves formed within capillary channel fibers and tri-lobed or multi-lobed rayon fibers offers an enhanced transfer of fluid from a female wearer to the remainder of the device 20, e.g., the main absorbent portion 22.
  • the fluid acquisition/transfer complex 30 may be attached to the top surface of the main absorbent portion 22 (upper portion 26 and/or lower portion 28). Additionally, the fluid acquisition/transfer complex 30 may extend from some point within the main absorbent portion 22 or may even extend through the main absorbent portion 22 such that fibers 35 in the fluid acquisition/transfer complex 30 may have two exposed ends that contact a female's interlabial folds and crevices while extending through some segment of the main absorbent portion 22. Additionally, the fibers 35 of the fluid acquisition/transfer complex 30 may form loops 35' (Fig. 7). These loops 35' may be segmented as shown in Fig. 7 or more than one loop 35" may be made from one continuous or semi-continuous fiber 35" as shown in Fig. 8.
  • the fibers 35 will be oriented towards the surfaces of the labia vestibule of a female wearer from the surface of the upper portion 26 of the main absorbent portion 22. More specifically, the fibers 35 will be oriented towards the surfaces of the labia vestibule at a range of between 45° to 135° from the surface of the upper portion 26. More preferably, the fibers 35 will be oriented at about 90° from the surface of the upper portion 26. Such orientation of the fibers 35 is necessary to ensure that the fibers 35 will make substantial contact with the creases and folds of the labia vestibule of the female wearer.
  • the fibers 35 thereon make substantial contact with the folds and creases of the labia vestibule of a wearer, and are not pressed-down away from the folds and creases of the labia vestibule.
  • the size of the interlabial device 20 is also important to the comfort associated with wearing the device.
  • the main absorbent portion 22 of the interlabial device 20 has a length as measured along the longitudinal centerline, L, of between about 35 mm and about 120 mm.
  • the length of the interlabial device 20 is between about 40 mm and about 100.
  • the caliper (or width) of the main absorbent portion 22 of the interlabial device as measured in the transverse direction (or "y"-direction) may range from 2 mm to about 12 mm, more preferably the caliper is between about 3 mm and about 6 mm, most preferably, the caliper is about 4.5 mm.
  • the height (or "z"-direction dimension) of the main absorbent portion 22 is preferably between about 8 mm and about 35 mm, and more preferably is about 20 mm.
  • the interlabial device 20 is preferably provided with sufficient absorbency to absorb and retain the exudates discharged from the wearer's body.
  • the absorbent capacity of the product is dependent at least partially upon the physical volume of the absorbent interlabial device 20, particularly the main absorbent portion 22 thereof.
  • the main absorbent portion 22 preferably has an absorbent capacity of at least about 1 g of 0.9% by weight saline solution, and may have an absorbent capacity of up to about 30 g by using absorbent gels or foams that expand when wet.
  • Absorbent Capacities may typically range from about 2 to about 10 grams, for saline.
  • a method for measuring absorbent capacity is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 08/778,520 entitled "Absorbent Interlabial Device With Flexible Extensions", such patent application being incorporated herein by reference.
  • interlabial space can expand, larger volumes can be stored in the interlabial space, if the fluid is stored as a gel, which adjusts to the body pressures. Additionally, if the absorbent interlabial device 20 does not reside completely within the wearer's interlabial space, some of the absorbed exudates may be stored externally to the wearer's interlabial space.
  • the main absorbent portion 22 of the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 may comprise any suitable type of absorbent structure that is capable of absorbing and/or retaining liquids (e.g. menses and/or urine).
  • the main absorbent portion 22 may be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes. Non-limiting examples include ovoid, trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, cylindrical, hemispherical or any combination of the above.
  • the main absorbent portion 22 may, likewise, be manufactured from a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp which is generally referred to as airfelt.
  • absorbent materials examples include creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures of these.
  • Preferred absorbent materials comprise folded tissues, woven materials, nonwoven webs, needle punched rayon, and thin layers of foam.
  • the main absorbent portion 22 may comprise a single material or a combination of materials, such as a wrapping layer surrounding a central wadding comprised of a different absorbent material.
  • the main absorbent portion 22 is formed of a soft absorbent material such as rayon fibers or other suitable natural or synthetic fibers or sheeting.
  • the main absorbent portion 22 shown in FIG. 1 is generally of an ovoid cross sectional shape as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the main absorbent portion 22 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises an upper portion 26 with a larger transverse sectional dimension relative to that of the lower portion 28.
  • the upper portion 26 is preferably integral with the lower portion 28. In less preferred embodiments, however, the upper portion 26 and lower portion 28 may comprise separate elements joined together by any suitable means known in the art. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS.
  • the juncture of the upper portion 26 and lower portion 28 of the main absorbent portion 22 comprises a substantially abrupt change in the transverse dimension thereby forming a shoulderlike configuration at such juncture.
  • the juncture of the upper portion 26 and lower portion 28 of the main absorbent portion 22 is formed by stitching 34.
  • the upper portion 26 may have a smaller transverse sectional dimension relative to the transverse sectional dimension of the lower portion 28.
  • An absorbent interlabial device 20 having such a configuration is shown in FIG. 3.
  • the main 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 Hirshman on June 20, 1978 describe methods for making absorbent devices which are suitable for use as the main absorbent portion 22 of the absorbent interlabial device 20 shown in FIGS. 1-3, each of which patents being hereby incorporated by reference herein.
  • the absorbent interlabial device 120 may also comprise a pair of extensions 124 which are joined to the upper portion 126 of the main absorbent portion 122 of the absorbent interlabial device 120.
  • the extensions 124 are generally rectangular in shape.
  • the extensions 124 preferably are from about 35 mm to about 160 mm in length, more preferably from about 45 mm to about 130 mm in length, and most preferably from about 50 mm to about 115 mm in length. While the extensions 124 can have a length (measured in the x-direction) which is shorter than the main absorbent portion 122, preferably they have a length which is the same as or longer than the main absorbent portion 122 of the absorbent interlabial device 120.
  • each extension refers to the distance from the attachment of flexible extension 124 to the main absorbent portion 122 (or the proximal end 124A of the flexible extension 124) to the distal end (or free end) 124B of the flexible extension 124 (FIG. 5).
  • the width of the extensions 124 is preferably about equal to or greater than the height of the main absorbent portion as described above.
  • the caliper of the 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 caliper of the extensions 124 and the main absorbent portion 122 are selected such that the caliper of the overall absorbent interlabial structure 120 is less than or equal to about 8 mm.
  • joind encompasses configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element; i.e., one element is essentially part of the other element.
  • the stiffness of the main absorbent portion 22 is important for product comfort. If the main absorbent portion 22 is too flexible, the device is not conveniently or easily placed between the folds of the labia, if it is too stiff, the device is uncomfortable and when the user is in a sitting position, the product can be forced forward against the clitoris causing discomfort.
  • the main absorbent portion 22 preferably has a stiffness approximately equal to that of the products described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,995,150 and 4,095,542. Such stiffness of the main absorbent portion 22 can be measured by the Three Point Bend Test as described in U.S. Patent
  • FIG. 6 shows the interlabial device 20 comprising other optional components.
  • the interlabial device 20 may comprise a topsheet 42 positioned over and joined to all or a portion of the body facing surface of the device 20 and/or a backsheet 38 positioned over and joined to all or a portion of its back surface.
  • a topsheet 42 and/or a backsheet 38 are used, these components are joined to at least a portion of the main absorbent portion.
  • the main absorbent portion could be at least partially wrapped by a topsheet 42.
  • topsheet should be compliant, soft feeling, and non- irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet should be liquid pervious permitting liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine) to readily penetrate through its thickness.
  • a suitable topsheet (and also extensions 124) may be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic scrims.
  • Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can be comprised of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester, rayon, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.
  • the topsheet may comprise an apertured formed film. Apertured formed films are pervious to body exudates and, if properly apertured, have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the surface of the formed film which is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent No.
  • the preferred topsheet for the present invention is the formed film described in one or more of the above patents and marketed on sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as the "DRI-WEAVE" topsheet.
  • the body surface of the formed film topsheet is hydrophilic (and likewise extensions 124) so as to help liquid to transfer through the topsheet faster than if the body surface was not hydrophilic so as to diminish the likelihood that menstrual fluid will flow off the topsheet rather than flowing into and being absorbed by the main absorbent portion 22.
  • surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet.
  • 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, III.
  • the backsheet could be impervious or semi-pervious to liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine) and is preferably flexible.
  • the term "flexible” refers to materials which are compliant and will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body.
  • the backsheet prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the main absorbent portion 22 from wetting articles which contact the absorbent interlabial device 20 such as the wearer's undergarments.
  • the backsheet also assists the main absorbent portion 22 in preventing the wearer's body from being soiled by exudates. Additionally, use of the backsheet may provide an improved surface for the wearer to grasp between the fingers as the absorbent interlabial device 20 is inserted, or as the device is optionally removed with the fingers.
  • the backsheet may comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material.
  • the backsheet is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils).
  • An exemplary polyethylene film is manufactured by the Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation PI 8-0401.
  • a backsheet herein may permit vapors to escape from the main absorbent portion 22 (i.e., breathable) while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet.
  • the absorbent interlabial device 20 of the present invention is preferably designed to be placed entirely within the interlabial space of a wearer.
  • the wearer holds the device at the upper portion 26 and/or lower portion 28 of main absorbent portion 22 between her fingers.
  • the extensions 124 are spread apart so as to cover the tips of the wearer's fingers during insertion. This feature provides for a hygienic insertion of the absorbent interlabial device 120 of the present invention.
  • the upper portion 126 is inserted first and furthest into the interlabial space. The wearer may assume a squatting position during insertion to assist in spreading the labial surfaces.
  • the extensions 124 tend to adhere to the inside surfaces of the labia.
  • the labial walls close more tightly around the absorbent interlabial device 120 thereby folding the extensions 124 down around the interlabial device 120 and being at least in partial contact with the outer surface of the main absorbent portion 122.
  • the interlabial device 20 is preferably at least partially retained in place by exerting a slight laterally outwardly-oriented pressure on the inner surfaces of the wearer's labia minora, labia majora, or both. Additionally, the product is also held by attraction of naturally moist labial surfaces to the tissue comprising the extensions 24.
  • the fluid acquisition/transfer complex 30 may be provided with a bio-compatible adhesive to assist the adhesion of the interlabial device 20 to the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia. The strength of such an adhesive should be selected to assist the absorbent interlabial device 20 in staying in place, while still allowing for reliable, and comfortable removal of the device from the wearer's interlabial space.
  • the absorbent interlabial device 20 can be worn as a "stand alone” product. Alternatively, it can be worn as a back up to a tampon, or in combination with a sanitary napkin, pantiliner, or incontinence pad for menstrual or incontinence use. If the absorbent interlabial device 20 is used with a sanitary napkin, the sanitary napkin can be of any thickness. Use with a sanitary napkin may be preferred at night to reduce rear soiling.
  • the interlabial device 20 can be worn in conventional panties, or it can be used with menstrual shorts.
  • absorbent interlabial device of the present invention Numerous alternative embodiments of the absorbent interlabial device of the present invention are possible.
  • these products are designed to be removed by urination, although an alternative extraction string or loop may be used.
  • These products may also be used with medicinal treatments.
  • These products may be constructed of materials which are biodegradable and/or which will fragment in water with agitation (as in a toilet).
  • U.S. Patent Application No. 08/883,606 entitled “Toilet-Disposable Absorbent Interlabial Device” describes a flushable interlabial device with water dispersible components, such patent application being incorporated herein by reference.
  • a toilet-disposable interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention will disperse into at least two fragments within two hours of exposure to mildly agitated room temperature water as described in the Water Dispersion Test in the TEST METHODS section, below. More preferably, the flushable interlabial absorbent device 20 will be dispersed into a plurality of fragments within about 60 minutes or, even more preferably within about 30 minutes and most preferably, within about 15 minutes as measured by the Water Dispersion Test. Preferably, the product will break into fragments which are smaller than about 6 in ⁇ , more preferably smaller than about 2 in ⁇ , most preferably smaller than about 1.5 in ⁇ .
  • each of the components of the flushable interlabial absorbent device 20 will disperse into a plurality of fragments when immersed in mildly agitated water.
  • the components of the absorbent interlabial device 20 may separate from each other without themselves breaking into a plurality of fragments (e.g. the flexible extensions 24 may break apart from the central absorbent portion 22 while each otherwise remains intact).
  • toilet-disposable includes the following characteristics of an absorbent interlabial device: flushability, dispersibility, and biodegradability.
  • flushability and “flushability” refer to a product's ability to pass though typically commercially available household toilets and plumbing drainage systems without causing clogging or similar problems that can be directly associated with the physical structure of the product. It is recognized, however, that there can be many differences between the various types of toilets available. Therefore, for the purposes of the appended claims, a test to determine the flushability of a catamenial product, such as an absorbent interlabial device, is set out in the TEST METHODS section of this specification.
  • an absorbent interlabial device refers to an article which will disperse into at least two fragments in mildly agitated water. Such a device will break into pieces in a conventional toilet and/or domestic plumbing system, and will ultimately be effectively processed though a sewage treatment system.
  • biodegradable refers to an absorbent device which is preferably at least partially constructed of biodegradable materials.
  • the absorbent interlabial device 20 may also be constructed with a plurality of slits in the main absorbent portion 22 so as to permit bending of the product in multiple independent directions.
  • a structure allows the product to more easily respond to the stresses associated with body movements.
  • the ends of the surface of the central absorbent facing away from the body may be rounded to reduce the force on the product during sitting.
  • the top surface of the structure may have one or more slits or have other regions of prefe ⁇ ed bending so that product may easily adjust to the vertical pressure against the pelvic floor, to help accommodate the non-linear surface of the pelvic floor between the clitoris and the perineum.
  • Prefe ⁇ ed fibers for use herein and specifically for use in the fibrous elements 35 are capillary channel fibers.
  • Suitable capillary channel fibers for use herein are described in European Patent Publication No. 391,814, published Oct. 10, 1990— this published application was filed in the name of the Eastman Kodak Company; U.S. Continuation-In-Part Application entitled “Fibers Capable of Spontaneously transporting Fluids", Ser. No. 07/736,267, published as PCT WO 93/02235 on Feb. 4, 1993 filed in the name of Phillips, et al. on Jul. 23, 1991, U.S. Patent No.
  • the fibers used herein can be prepared from any convenient polymer which is nonswelling when wet.
  • Polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters (prefe ⁇ ed), and the like, are useful herein, so long as they are spinnable such that they can be formed with external capillary channels, as noted herein above.
  • Rayon and or dacron fibers are also suitable for use as capillary channel fibers herein.
  • the polymers are melt-extrudable.
  • the capillary channel fibers herein will be prepared from a synthetic polyethylene terephthalate polymer melt having an inherent viscosity ("IV") of from about 0.6 to about 0.9. (IV is a term of art and can be determined in well-known fashion.
  • the IV of a polymer melt bears some relationship to the ability of the polymer to retain the shape of the capillary channel walls, and is related to the average molecular weight of the polymers. For example, it is convenient to employ a polyester having an inherent viscosity of about 0.7 herein, but it would be more prefe ⁇ ed to employ a polymer having an inherent viscosity of about 0.9, since this would allow the walls of the capillary channels to be thinner, yet sufficiently strong to avoid collapse under in-use pressure.
  • Prefe ⁇ ed capillary channel fibers herein have a denier (denier per filament "dpf) of about 10, and capillary channel fibers having such a fine denier, but whose walls are stable, can be achieved especially from polyester having an inherent viscosity of about 0.9.
  • dpf denier per filament
  • polyester/polymer having an inherent viscosity of about 0.7 can be employed at a denier per filament of about 22.
  • the denier of the fibers used is within the discretion of the formulator, and the denier per channel can easily be in the range of 25.
  • the depth:width ratio of the capillary channels herein is preferably about 2.0, but processing restrictions, as noted above, as well as for economic reasons, a depth:width ratio of about 1.3 is typically employed.
  • Typical and readily producible capillary channel fibers which are quite satisfactory for use herein thus have a depth- of-walls of about 48 microns and a width-between-walls of about 37 microns.
  • the walls, themselves, are typically about 3-15 microns thick.
  • capillary channel fibers prepared from polyester and having these characteristics are quite effective for their intended purpose. Such fibers can be prepared using conventional operating equipment and readily withstand pressures of the type encountered in sanitary devices, especially sanitary napkins and pantiliners, without collapse or spreading of the capillary channel walls to such an extent that their capillary function is lost.
  • the capillary channels can be of various shapes. Certain shapes can offer particular advantages in particular product applications. For example, “U-shaped”, “H-shaped”, and “V-shaped” capillary channels may be used.
  • the "H-shaped” fibers are one prefe ⁇ ed shape. Furthermore, the basic shapes may be repeated (see Figures), or even branched, to produce fibers containing multiple channels, but it will be appreciated that when more than about three repeating shapes are used, some additional stiffness may be noted in the fibers.
  • Other types of fiber designs configured to have multiple lobes (at least 3 or more) can be made from rayon. The use of rayon capillary fibers have the additional advantage of being biodegradable
  • the fibers themselves are most preferably hydrophilic. Since most synthetic polymers are hydrophobic, the capillary channel fibers herein are surface-treated in order to render them hydrophilic.
  • the surface treatment of polymeric fibers involves processes which are well-known in the extensive fiber literature, and such processes can be used herein. In general, such processes involve treating the surface of the fibers with a "hydrophilizing agent", especially a surfactant. (Hydrophilization, which results in wettability of the fibers by aqueous fluids, can routinely be measured, for example, using contact angle measurements.
  • a contact angle less than 90° indicates a hydrophilic surface.
  • a CAHN Surface Force Analyzer (SFA 222) can be used to measure hydrophilicity, as can a variety of other instruments known in the art.)
  • Typical surfactants useful in such processes include various nonionic and anionic detersive surfactants of the general type known in the laundry literature.
  • Hydrophilizing agents include wetting agents such as polyethylene glycol monolaurates (e.g., PEGOSPERSE 200 ML, a polyethylene glycol 200 monolaurate available from Lonza, Inc., Williamsport, Pa., USA), and ethoxylated oleyl alcohols (e.g., VOLPO- 3, available from Croda, Inc., New York, N.Y., USA).
  • hydrophilizing agents and techniques can also be used, including those well known to those skilled in the fiber and textile arts for increasing wicking performance, improving soil release properties, etc.
  • Hydrophilizing agents can be added to the polymer at various stages prior to use, though preferably prior to drawing of the capillary channel fibers to their final size.
  • the hydrophilizing agent can be added in advance to the polymer prior to melting or blended into the polymer subsequent to melting.
  • the additive hydrophilizing agent can also be applied to the polymer subsequent to formation, e.g., subsequent to exit from an extrusion die in a melt, wet, or dry spinning process, preferably prior to drawing of the fiber to small diameter.
  • Another method for hydrophilizing fibrous surfaces involves subjecting said surfaces to ionizing radiation, e.g., in a plasma, and such methods have the advantage that there is no surfactant residue on the surface of the fibers.
  • ionizing radiation e.g., in a plasma
  • the overall objective is to secure capillary channel fibers for use herein which are spontaneously wettable by the fluids they are intended to transport.
  • capillary channel fibers herein have, as noted above and in the Figures, capillary channels on their outer surfaces. While the capillary channel fibers can also have a hollow central core which would provide some additional capillarity, it is prefe ⁇ ed that such hollow core fibers not be employed. In general, providing capillary channel fibers with a central hollow core would require the fibers to be somewhat stiffer than desired in order that the core not collapse under pressure. A central core running through a capillary channel fiber would not be expected to quickly pick up fluids, since the fluids would have to find their way to the end of a fiber before proceeding into the core itself.
  • capillary channel fibers having external capillary channels offer substantial advantages in both pick-up and transfer of fluids, and the provision of a hollow core adds little in the way of performance advantages, but can impact negatively on the comfort level of an article made therewith in contact with the human body.
  • capillary channel fibers employed herein are preferably not in a straight-line configuration; rather, they are either bent or, most preferably, are in a curled configuration. It is easy to appreciate that capillary channel fibers that are nonlinear have, for a given number of fibers, a higher loft and increased resilience. By increasing the loft of the individual fibers, the overall loft of pads made therefrom is thicker and softer. This allows for the formation of low density, high loft pads which, assuming that the individual fibers themselves are not too thick or stiff (see denier, above), are extremely comfortable, yet effective for transporting fluids.
  • the prefe ⁇ ed nonlinear capillary channel fibers herein should not be "kinked".
  • kinking a capillary channel fiber can cause points of constriction of the capillary channels at each kinking site. This, of course, would interfere with fluid flow dynamics along said capillary channel.
  • nonlinear capillary channel fibers there is another substantial advantage to employing nonlinear capillary channel fibers. It is highly preferred that small portions, or "tufts", of the capillary channel fibers actually protrude into at least some of the topsheet orifices of the articles herein. As can be imagined, these protrusions are easier to effect when a high loft capillary channel pad is prepared using curled capillary channel fibers. Even by chance, there is a greater likelihood that a number of ends and/or curls in the capillary channel fibers will find their way into the orifices of the topsheet material than if substantially linear capillary channels were to be employed.
  • the capillary channel fibers herein are "substantially curled” (or otherwise gathered).
  • fiber curling can be achieved by selectively heat quenching the fibers as they come from their forming die by heating one side of the fibers a bit more than the other side (or, conversely, by cooling one side more quickly than the other).
  • fibers made from synthetic polymers such as polyesters can be curled by stretching, followed by relaxation, or by passing the fiber under tension around a sharp edge, followed by relaxation.
  • Capillary channel fibers can also be curled by immersion in methanol. In a preferred mode, the fibers are substantially helical.
  • the preferred amplitude of the curls is in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, and, typically, the frequency of the curls is from about 0.5 per cm of fiber to about 5 per cm of fiber. Fibers with amplitudes of about 3 mm and a frequency of about 0.5 per cm exhibit good softness even in the higher denier ranged fibers having large capillary channels. Stated otherwise, an average capillary channel fiber having a straight-line length of about 2 cm is curled or gathered to provide optimal fibers having a length of from about 0.5 cm to about 1.5 cm.
  • Conditioned Room Temperature and humidity should be controlled to remain within the following limits:
  • Test Setup 1. Fill the beaker to the fill mark with 73 ⁇ 3°F tap water.
  • flushability refers to a product's capacity to pass through typical commercially available household toilets and plumbing drainage systems without causing clogging or similar problems that can be directly associated with the physical characteristics of the product.
  • catamenial products are evaluated for flushability via relative ease of toilet bowl and trap evacuation and subsequent transport through a simulated plumbing system. The flushability of such a device should be measured by the following test procedure.
  • the test procedure is designed to simulate two days of normal toilet usage for a family of 4 (2 men, 2 women).
  • the test employs a flushing sequence to simulate the following conditions: male urination visits, female urination visits (including post urinary drying with tissue), disposal of catamenial product (that is, the interlabial device or other device to be tested) with cleaning using tissue, and bowel movement visits.
  • the amount of tissue to be used for each tissue flush is a normal loading of 2 strips of seven sheets. The normal loading is based on consumer research regarding typical habits and practices.
  • the test is designed to simulate the conditions a product will encounter if it is flushed through a conventional toilet and into a municipal sewer or into a septic tank. Samples are evaluated for: 1) toilet bowl and trap clearance, 2) drain line blockage, and 3) disintegration during flushing.
  • the apparatus includes:
  • the apparatus used for this method is set up to be equivalent to ANSI Standard A112.19.2M-1990 for Vitreous China fixtures.
  • the piping is plumbed to provide a drop of 0.25 inch per foot (2 centimeters/meter) of pipe length.
  • Materials Tissue Product used in Test standard CHARMIN® toilet tissue manufactured by
  • test flushing sequence simulates 2 days of normal toilet usage for a family of 4 (2 men, 2 women; based on consumer habits and practices research).
  • the sequence of 34 total flushes consists of 14 flushes with an empty bowl, 8 flushes with tissue only, 6 flushes with tissue and a catamenial product and 6 flushes with tissue and simulated fecal matter (SFM). When it is used, the SFM is placed in the bowl just prior to the addition of tissue.
  • SFM simulated fecal matter
  • the SFM loading of 160 g — 5 g consists of two 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) x 4 inch (10 centimeter) pieces and one 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) x 2 inch (5 centimeter) piece. Folded tissue strips (or the catamenial product) are placed in the bowl at 10 second intervals. Ten seconds after the final strip or catamenial product is placed into the bowl, the toilet is flushed. The flushing sequence is described below as a series of two routines combined in the following order:
  • Routine #1 (To be performed first 6 times for a total of 30 flushes)
  • Routine #2 (To be performed 1 time)
  • Total number of flushes per sequence is 34. If, after the second flush in the flushing sequence, the product remains in the bowl or trap after flushing, the tissue and or catamenial product is plunged into the drainage line manually and the flushing sequence will continue. After completion of each trial loading, the drainage pipe will be cleared prior to beginning subsequent testing.
  • the degree of drain line blockage is determined by measuring the length of water dammed up behind the obstruction. Graduations are marked every 12 inches (30 centimeters) on the drainpipe upstream of the obstruction. Each one foot length that the water is backed up corresponds to 0.25 inch (0.6 centimeter) or 6.25% of blockage at the obstruction point. Test product residues which exit the drainpipe are also collected.
  • the products described herein will completely clear the bowl at least about 70% of the time in two or fewer flushes, more preferably at least about 80%) of the time in one flush, even more preferably at least about 90% of the time in one flush, and most preferably at least about 95% of the time in one flush.
  • the products described herein will preferably have a maximum level of drain line blockage of less than or equal to about 80%.
  • the products described herein will preferably have a cumulative level of drain line blockage over the 2 day simulated test period of less than or equal to about 50%>.

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  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
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  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif absorbant à insérer dans l'espace interlabial féminin, qui comprend une pièce principale absorbante ayant des parties supérieure et inférieure. La partie supérieure comporte une surface supérieure faisant face au bas du vestibule au moment de l'insertion dans l'espace interlabial. La partie supérieure conduit la partie inférieure durant l'insertion, c'est-à-dire que la partie inférieure est spatialement opposée à la partie supérieure et, à l'insertion dans l'espace interlabial, la partie inférieure est tournée vers le côté opposé au bas du vestibule. Par ailleurs, un complexe d'acquisition/de transfert de fluide est placé autour de la partie supérieure de la pièce absorbante principale et s'étend au moins depuis cette partie. Ledit complexe est conçu pour être en contact intime avec les plis et les crêtes de l'espace interlabial. De plus, le complexe considéré reçoit le fluide depuis les plis et les crêtes en question et transfère ce fluide vers la pièce absorbante principale.
PCT/US1998/021297 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 Dispositif interlabial absorbant dote d'un complexe d'acquisition/de transfert de fluide WO1999018905A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (12)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BR9813859-6A BR9813859A (pt) 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 Dispositivo absorvente interlabial compreendendo um complexo de captação/transferência de fluidos
JP2000515544A JP2001519208A (ja) 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 流体獲得／移動複合体を含む吸収性陰唇間デバイス
CA002305554A CA2305554A1 (fr) 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 Dispositif interlabial absorbant dote d'un complexe d'acquisition/de transfert de fluide
DE69821782T DE69821782T2 (de) 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 Zwischen die schamlippen eingeführter absorptionsartikel mit flüssigkeitsaufnahme- und flüssigkeitsabteilungselementen
AT98951014T ATE259633T1 (de) 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 Zwischen die schamlippen eingeführter absorptionsartikel mit flüssigkeitsaufnahme- und flüssigkeitsabteilungselementen
SK514-2000A SK5142000A3 (en) 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 ABSORBENT INTERLABIAL DEVICE COMPRISING A FLUIDì (54) ACQUISITION/TRANSFER COMPLEX
EP98951014A EP1019001B1 (fr) 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 Dispositif interlabial absorbant dote d'un complexe d'acquisition/de transfert de fluide
AU96913/98A AU744276B2 (en) 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 Absorbent interlabial device comprising a fluid acquisition/transfer complex
PL98339857A PL339857A1 (en) 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 Interlip absorptive device incorporating a liquid receiving and transferring complex
KR1020007003847A KR20010031031A (ko) 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 유체 포획/전달 복합체를 포함하는 흡수성 음순간 기구
HU0003916A HUP0003916A3 (en) 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 Absorbent interlabial device comprising a fluid acquisition/transfer complex
IL13545498A IL135454A0 (en) 1997-10-10 1998-10-07 Absorbent interlabial device comprising fluid acquisition/transfer complex

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/949,109 US6152905A (en) 1997-10-10 1997-10-10 Absorbent interlabial device comprising a fluid acquisition/transfer complex
US08/949,109 1997-10-10
ZA989707A ZA989707B (en) 1997-10-10 1998-10-23 Absorbent interlabial device comprising a fluid acquisition/transfer complex

Publications (2)

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WO1999018905A1 true WO1999018905A1 (fr) 1999-04-22
WO1999018905A9 WO1999018905A9 (fr) 2000-10-12

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WO2001060297A1 (fr) * 2000-02-18 2001-08-23 Hakle-Kimberly Deutschland Gmbh Article absorbant
WO2004024050A1 (fr) 2002-09-12 2004-03-25 Uni-Charm Corporation Serviette interlabiale
EP2345431A2 (fr) 2002-06-11 2011-07-20 Basf Se Procédé de fabrication d'esters de polyalcools

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