Toilet-disposable absorbent interlabial device

• US 6,033,391 A
• Filed: 05/21/1998
• Issued: 03/07/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Original Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Inventors: Osborn, Thomas Ward III, Johnson, Bradley Neil
• Primary Examiner(s): Weiss, John G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): RUHL, DENNIS WILLIAM
• Application Number:
  US09/082,667
• Time in Patent Office: 656 Days
• Field of Search: 604/385.1, 604/378, 604/330, 604/363, 604/904, 604/358
• US Class Current: 604/385.01
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/15211 soluble or disintegratable in liquid
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/15699 Forming webs by bringing together several webs, e.g. by laminating or folding several webs, with or without additional treatment of the webs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/47209 having only interlabial part, i.e. with no extralabial parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/534 having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad A61F13/538, A61F13/539 take precedence; homogeneous cores with tissue wrapping A61F13/53
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/82 with means for attaching to the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/53925 with intermittent pattern, e.g. spots
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 15/20 containing organic materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 15/26 Macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Derivatives thereof A61L15/225 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 15/34 Oils, fats, waxes or natural resins A61L15/225 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 15/48 Surfactants
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 604/904 Tampons

Abstract

Absorbent devices, and more particularly toilet-disposable absorbent devices that are worn interlabially by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, are disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention comprises a central absorbent portion and preferably a pair of flexible extensions joined to the central absorbent portion. The main absorbent portion comprises an upper portion, and a lower portion opposed to the upper portion. In use, the upper portion is positioned furthest inward into the space between the wearer'"'"'s labia majora. The pair of flexible extensions extends downwardly and laterally outward from the upper portion of the main absorbent portion, and preferably is capable of maintaining contact with the inside surfaces of the wearer'"'"'s labia majora when the wearer'"'"'s body goes through a range of motions, including squatting. Additionally, the flexible extensions are preferably capable of covering the fingertips of the wearer as the absorbent device is inserted into the interlabial space. The components of the absorbent device are preferably biodegradable. The device disperses into a plurality of fragments when exposed to mildly agitated room temperature water. The small size of the device contributes to its flushability. The dispersibility, flushability, and biodegradability of the device all contribute to the ability of the device to be effectively and reliably disposed of in a toilet.

Claims

1. An absorbent device insertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer said absorbent device comprising:

a main absorbent portion having a length oriented in an x-direction, a height oriented in a z-direction, and a width oriented in a y-direction, said length being greater than each of said height and said width, said main absorbent portion comprising an upper portion and a lower portion thereof, said upper portion facing toward the vestibule floor of said wearer during insertion into said interlabial space and leading said lower portion during insertion therein, said lower portion being opposed to said upper portion and upon insertion of said absorbent device into said interlabial space said lower portion facing away from the floor of the vestibule of said wearer;

a pair of absorbent flexible extensions joined to said upper portion of said main absorbent portion and extending downwardly and outwardly therefrom, said flexible extensions being capable of maintaining contact with the inside surfaces of the wearer'"'"'s labia when said absorbent device is worn; and

a bio-compatible adhesive disposed on said flexible extensions.

2. The absorbent device of claim 1 wherein said device resides substantially entirely within said interlabial space of said wearer upon insertion.