Anatomically shaped, self-aligning, sanitary protection device

• US 4,804,380 A
• Filed: 08/06/1987
• Issued: 02/14/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 08/06/1987
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Incorporated (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
• Inventors: Cesco-Cancian, Anna M., Huffman, Dawn M., Lassen, Frederich O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dixon, Jr., William R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Knab, Ann M.
• Application Number:
  US07/082,883
• Time in Patent Office: 558 Days
• Field of Search: 604/385, 604/378, 604/393, 604/358, 604/367, 604/368, 604/369, 604/370, 604/374
• US Class Current: 604/385.17
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/47209 having only interlabial part, i.e. with no extralabial parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/47227 for interlabial use
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/47245 with asymmetry around the x or y axis
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/551 Packaging before or after use general packaging of absorbent pads B65D85/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/5514 each item packaged single
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/4512 folded in special shape during use A61F13/534, A61F13/551, A61F13/56, A61F13/15747 take precedence

Abstract

The invention is generally accomplished by forming a three-dimensionally shaped, externally worn feminine protection device which has been mechanically shaped by folding, molding or other forming techniques in such a way that it has a raised portion located within the back one-half to two-thirds of the device that functions to cause the pad to readily fit to and generally align itself within the inverted V-shaped regions of the woman'"'"'s lower abdominal region, vulva, perineum and the anterior portion between the buttocks. The forward portion of the device of the invention generally is flattened in use to cover externally the area of the pubic mons and the area exterior of the clitoris. The back portion of the device is formed in a peak like shape which readily adjusts to and molds to the inverted V-shape of the rear portion of the labia, the perineum and the forward portion of the area between the buttocks.

Claims

1. A pad for absorption of human exudate comprising an impermeable outer cover, a liquid permeable bodyside web and an absorbent therebetween, said pad comprising a flattened front portion for positioning exterior of the clitoris and pubic mons and a rearward portion having an upraised peak for positioning in alignment with the creases of the perineum, buttocks and rearward portion of the pudendal cleft wherein the rearward portion of said pad is folded generally at its longitudinal center to form said peak and has a length greater than about 7 inches.

2. The pad of claim 1 wherein said peak of said rearward portion is generally continuous and said peak rises gradually from said flattened portion.

3. The pad of claim 1 wherein said pad is folded generally at its longitudinal center to form said peak.

4. The pad of claim 2 wherein the rear about one-half to two-thirds of said pad forms said peak.

5. The pad of claim 4 wherein said continuous peak is formed by a longitudinal fold.

6. The pad of claim 1 wherein said pad has a width of about 2.5 inches.

7. The pad of claim 1 wherein said pad comprises a concave shaped front portion.

8. The pad of claim 1 wherein said pad has an hourglass shape.

9. The pad of claim 1 wherein said rearward peak extends to the area between the buttocks.

10. The pad of claim 1 wherein a higher density absorbent layer is adjacent said backing layer and a lower density absorbent is adjacent said bodyside web.

11. The pad of claim 1 wherein the length of said pad is between about 7 and about 12 inches.

12. The pad of claim 11 wherein the width of said pad is between about 2 and about 4 inches.

13. The pad of claim 1 wherein said peak is formed by an adhesively held tuck.

14. The pad of claim 13 wherein said tuck is between about 1/8 and about 3/8 inch deep.

15. The pad of claim 13 wherein the adhesive bond of said tuck may be partially broken to shape said pad.

16. The pad of claim 2 wherein said peak extends to the rearward end of said pad.

17. The pad of claim 1 wherein said pad is of greater distance across the forward end than at the rear end.

18. The pad of claim 1 wherein said pad is a greater distance transversely across in the rear area than the forward area.

19. The pad of claim 2 wherein said pad is provided with grooves that form a V extending from a beginning point for both lines near the front of the pad and extending on each side of said peak.

20. The pad of claim 19 wherein said pad is folded with a fold along the line of the peak such that the sides of said backing sheet are in contact with each other and folds on said grooves such that the bodyside areas outside of said grooves are in contact with each other.

21. A pad for absorption of human exudate comprising an impermeable outer cover, a permeable body side web and an absorbent therebetween, said pad having a length greater than about 7 inches comprising a front portion adapted to form a flattened or concave portion for positioning exterior of the clitoris and pubic mons and a rearward portion adapted to yield a raised peak forming the pad into an inverted V shape for positioning in alignment with the creases of the perineum and buttocks.