HK1032904A - Packaging article containing a sanitary napkin folded over a tampon - Google Patents

Description

Packaging article comprising sanitary napkin folded over tampon

Technical Field

The present invention relates to feminine hygiene protection absorbent articles which protect the user by absorbing or retaining menstrual fluids and other body exudates, and to methods of making the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel feminine hygiene protection package that provides overall and complete hygiene protection, is easy and convenient to handle, and is self-disposable.

Background

Absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, are designed to absorb body fluids, including menses, and can be designed to perform different functions to fall into different categories. As a first type, sanitary napkins are worn externally around the pudendal region and are designed primarily for heavy menstrual flow. As a second, panty liner or panty liner is a thin article worn around the pudendal region, which is developed for low-flow menses. As a third, tampons are designed to be placed within the vagina.

Introduction to the invention

As the first of several different functional designs for feminine hygiene protection, absorbent members with either thin or thick layers all have high absorbent capacity. However, during any physical movement, such as walking, the compressive force of the user's thighs and pubic region may cause the sanitary napkin to shift from the original protective vulval region position. After a short period of time, the sanitary napkin may move away from the vaginal opening. User movement, particularly strenuous movements such as rapid walking or running, can also cause discomfort, for example due to rubbing or chafing of sensitive vulval regions.

In addition to consideration of movement of the sanitary napkin and discomfort to the user, consideration of awareness of the height of the sanitary napkin when in use may also be present. Some thick sanitary napkins exhibit a high profile when viewed through the outer garments of the wearer. The sanitary napkin can be seen clearly when worn in conjunction with body suits, panties, swimsuits or similar thin or tight garments.

As a second type of functional design for feminine hygiene protection, panty liners or panty shields have been developed for large or small flows of menses. Some panty liners or panty shields have the same considerations associated with sanitary napkins, although their thin profile makes them softer, less obtrusive in appearance, and generally more comfortable than bulky sanitary napkins. However, thin profile panty liners or panty shields have drawbacks in the performance of the absorbent capacity.

As a third feminine care device, tampons are used in the vagina to intercept body fluids. Sometimes tampons do not fully function to prevent leakage because radial expansion of the tampon in the vagina does not form an ideal seal. Moreover, since the tampon does not expand and swell in the vaginal cavity in this way, the tampon cannot be used as a completely reliable sanitary care device.

U.S. patent 5,383,868 to Hyun discloses a sanitary napkin for absorbing and collecting menstrual fluid from women. The absorbent pad is positioned against an area of skin between a woman's waist and thighs to cover the vaginal opening. A porous absorbent plug extends from one surface of the pad for insertion into a woman's vagina. Menstrual blood and associated secretions flow through the porous plug and into the pad for collection and safe retention. Hyun sanitary napkins do not provide a portable and disposable method of carrying vaginal absorbents or suppositories with a panty liner. Hyun sanitary napkins also do not allow women to use an applicator and then conveniently dispose of it.

U.S. patent 5,579,916 to Manko discloses a kit or case with a hinged portion for carrying feminine hygiene material. The box is made of a wash-resistant material such as canvas or vinyl and is closed by a zipper. Manko bags have the disadvantage of lacking handleability and lack of a preferred level of self-disposal.

U.S. patent 5,046,620 to Barabino discloses a reusable method of storing and removing personal hygiene articles ranging from catamenial tampons to cosmetics, similar to wallets or sachets. The Barabino device sachet has the disadvantage of lacking in disposability and reusability and does not include tampon applicators and pads with absorbent or suppositories. Barabino sachets provide only storage containers.

U.S. patent No. 4,425,130 to DesMarais discloses a combination sanitary napkin having a primary menstrual pad and a panty shield. The primary menstrual pad and panty shield of DesMarais are joined at their respective ends. The DesMarais compound sanitary napkin does not provide a separate, release mechanism in each package.

There is a need for a new feminine hygiene protection package that provides comprehensive and complete hygiene protection, is easy to handle, convenient and self-disposable in packaging.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a feminine hygiene protector for absorbent articles to absorb or retain menstrual fluids and other body exudates, including urine.

It is another object of the present invention to provide feminine hygiene protection which is both physically and psychologically comfortable to wear and to handle.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide feminine hygiene protection which is capable of absorbing large quantities of menses and other body exudates while providing a comfortable feel to the user and a less pronounced contour when viewed through the outer garments of the wearer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide feminine hygiene protection which is capable of absorbing large amounts of bodily fluids while providing increased protection against leakage onto the outer garments of the user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide feminine hygiene protection which provides overall and complete hygiene protection, is economical in materials and manufacturing, easy for the user to handle, convenient and self-contained in packaging.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Summary of The Invention

The packaged articles and methods of the present invention include feminine hygiene protection wraps having vaginal insertion devices, the wraps comprising a vaginal insert or insert applicator, a sanitary napkin or panty liner or pad configured to fit the vulval region of a woman, the sanitary napkin or panty liner or pad being rolled or wrapped around the vaginal insert or insert applicator to form a rolled or wrapped combination of sanitary napkin or panty liner or pad and vaginal insert or insert applicator. A pouch is provided around the rolled or wrapped sanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insert or insert applicator for use in loading and handling the sanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insert or insert applicator composition of the present invention.

In one aspect, the sanitary napkin can be an ultra-thin pad, and in one aspect, the sanitary napkin can be a maxipad.

In one aspect, a sanitary napkin or panty liner or pad is transversely wound about a vaginal insert or insert applicator to form a combination of a transversely wound sanitary napkin or panty liner and a vaginal insert or insert applicator.

In one aspect, the ultrathin pad or panty liner or drape is C-wrapped around the vaginal insert or insert applicator to form a combination of the C-wrapped ultrathin pad or panty liner and the vaginal insert or insert applicator.

In one aspect, the vaginal insert comprises a tampon or pessary. In one aspect, the vaginal insert applicator further comprises a tampon applicator or a pessary applicator.

Alternatively, the bag is sealed or may optionally be perforated at least one closed end to ease opening.

In another aspect, the pouch is formed and sealed around a sanitary napkin or panty liner and a vaginal insert or insert applicator composition, wherein the pouch is formed from a release strip of the sanitary napkin or panty liner.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a transversely rolled feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a tampon;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a transversely rolled feminine hygiene protection composition of a pantiliner and tampon partially inserted into a novel feminine hygiene protection package;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the novel transverse wound feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a tampon composition;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a C-wrap feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a tampon;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a C-rolled feminine hygiene protection composition of a pantiliner and tampon partially inserted into a novel feminine hygiene protection package;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the novel C-wrap feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a tampon composition;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a transversely wound feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a tampon applicator;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a transversely rolled feminine hygiene protection composition comprising a panty liner and tampon applicator partially inserted into a novel feminine hygiene protection package;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the novel transverse wound feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a panty liner and tampon applicator combination;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a C-wrap feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a tampon applicator;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of a C-wrap feminine hygiene protection composition including a panty liner and tampon applicator partially inserted into a novel feminine hygiene protection package;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the novel C-wrap feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a panty liner and tampon applicator combination;

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a transversely rolled feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a tampon;

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of the novel transverse wound feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a tampon composition;

FIG. 15 is an elevational view of a C-wrap feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a tampon;

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the novel C-wrap feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a combination of a pantiliner and a tampon;

FIG. 17 is an elevational view of a transversely wound feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a tampon applicator;

FIG. 18 is an elevational view of the novel transverse wound feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a panty liner and tampon applicator combination;

FIG. 19 is an elevational view of a C-wrap feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a tampon applicator;

FIG. 20 is an elevational view of the novel C-wrap feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a panty liner and tampon applicator combination;

FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of a transversely rolled feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert;

FIG. 22 is an elevational view of a transversely rolled feminine hygiene protection composition comprising a pantiliner and a medicinal vaginal insert partially inserted into a novel feminine hygiene protection package;

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the novel transverse wound feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a combination of a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert;

FIG. 24 is an elevational view of a C-wrap feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a medicinal vaginal insert;

FIG. 25 is an elevational view of a C-wrap feminine hygiene protection composition comprising a pantiliner and a medicinal vaginal insert partially inserted into a novel feminine hygiene protection package;

FIG. 26 is an elevational view of the novel C-wrap feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a combination of a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert;

FIG. 27 is a front elevational view of a transversely rolled feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert;

FIG. 28 is a front elevational view of the novel transverse wound feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a combination of a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert;

FIG. 29 is a front elevation view of a C-wrap feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert;

FIG. 30 is an elevational view of the novel C-wrap feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a combination of a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert;

FIG. 31 is a front elevational view of a transversely wound feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert applicator;

FIG. 32 is an elevational view of a transversely rolled feminine hygiene protection composition comprising a panty liner and a medical vaginal insert applicator partially inserted into a novel feminine hygiene protection package;

FIG. 33 is a front elevational view of the novel transverse wound feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert applicator combination;

FIG. 34 is a front elevation view of a C-wrap feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert applicator;

FIG. 35 is an elevational view of a C-wrap feminine hygiene protection composition comprising a panty liner and a medical vaginal insert applicator partially inserted into a novel feminine hygiene protection package;

FIG. 36 is a front elevation view of the novel C-wrap feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert applicator combination;

FIG. 37 is a front elevational view of a transversely wound feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert applicator;

FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of the novel transverse wound feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert applicator combination;

FIG. 39 is a front view of a C-wrap feminine hygiene protection composition of the present invention comprising a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert applicator;

FIG. 40 is a front elevation view of the novel C-wrap feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention of a pantiliner and a medical vaginal insert applicator composition;

FIG. 41 is a plan view of a panty liner component of the invention;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the pantiliner component of this invention taken along line 42-42 of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a plan view of a panty liner component of the invention;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the pantiliner component of this invention taken along line 44-44 of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a plan view of a tampon member construction of the present invention;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of an uncompressed tampon assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a tampon member of the present invention; and

fig. 48 is a perspective view of a tampon applicator member of the present invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Novel feminine hygiene protection packages and methods therefor have now been developed which provide overall and complete hygiene protection, are economical in materials and manufacturing costs, are easy for the user to handle, are convenient, and the package is self-disposing.

The feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention provides a sanitary napkin or panty liner or pad incorporating one or more vaginal inserts or vaginal insert applicators containing an absorbent or medical device for ease of handling, use and disposal. In one aspect, a sanitary napkin or panty liner or pad is wrapped laterally around a tampon of menses. In one aspect, a sanitary napkin or panty liner or pad is transversely wrapped around a medical device, such as a medical suppository. In one aspect, an ultra-thin pad or panty liner or pad is longitudinally C-wrapped around the tampon. In one aspect, an ultra-thin pad or panty liner or drape is longitudinally C-wrapped around a medical device, such as a medical suppository.

Sanitary napkin, refers to an ultra-thin pad or maxipad as described in more detail below.

A vaginal insert device refers to a vaginal insert or a vaginal insert applicator. Vaginal insert refers to a tampon or vaginal medical insert such as a pessary. Vaginal insert applicator means a tampon applicator or a vaginal medical insert applicator such as a pessary applicator.

The novel sanitary protection package satisfies women's need for easy access to have an absorbent pad or panty liner or pad when using absorbent materials such as tampons or pessaries for infections such as yeast. At the same time, the sanitary protection package of the present invention uses minimal excess material such as peel strips, overwrap bags, and the like.

The novel feminine hygiene protection packaging article and method provide an absorbent pad or panty liner or pad wrapped either transversely or longitudinally in a C-wrap around a separate plastic or paper applicator containing a substance such as an absorbent for menstrual use or a substance for a drug such as a vaginal infection. The absorbent pad or panty liner or underlay sheet may be directly wound around the device without an applicator in a transverse direction or in a longitudinal C-wrap.

In one aspect, the invention includes a pouch component and a composition partially surrounding an absorbent pad or panty liner or backing containing one or more applicators of an absorbent article or medical device. The combination of an absorbent pad or panty liner or pad wrapped around a separate applicator containing an absorbent or medical device in one pouch provides a more discreet, convenient and portable option than carrying these devices separately. Pouches made of degradable or non-degradable materials are used to protect the adhesive means prior to use and use as packaging means for both products.

In Serbiak et al, U.S. patent 5, 248, 309; U.S. patent No. 5, 649, 916 to DiPalma et al; and U.S. patent 5,609,588 to DiPalma et al, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, describes sanitary napkins and panty liners, also known as catamenial or feminine pads.

Sanitary napkins, also known as catamenial or feminine pads, are designed for use by females as an absorbent medium to absorb large flows of body fluids, such as menses, blood, urine, and other discharges excreted by the body during menstruation. Sanitary napkins are external devices that are designed to be substantially aligned with the vulval region of the human body and are typically held in place by being adhesively or mechanically attached to the undergarment. This product differs from tampons, which are classified as internal devices designed to be physically inserted into the vaginal cavity.

Sanitary napkins comprise ultra-thin and largest pads and differ from panty liners and panty shields in several obvious ways. Sanitary napkins are generally larger in size, have a more defined three-dimensional structure, are thicker, and have a larger profile than panty liners or panty shields.

Functionally, sanitary napkins differ in that they are configured to absorb a greater amount of bodily fluids and are designed so that they can be used for a longer period of time, such as overnight, if desired.

Because sanitary napkins are typically used during the main menstrual cycle of the menstrual period, they are configured to handle large flows of media and typically have a total absorbent capacity in the range of about 20 to 50 grams of fluid. Panty liners and panty shields, on the other hand, are designed to absorb smaller amounts of body fluids and are sold as products that are used when there is little or no flow at the beginning and end of menses. Commercially available panty liners and panty shields are designed to have a total absorbent capacity in the range of about 1 to 15 grams of fluid.

As shown in Table I, the panty liner or panty liner has a thickness of about 0.1 to 4 mm. The ultra-thin gasket has a thickness of about 3-5 millimeters. The largest pad has a thickness of about 6 millimeters or more. See table i.

TABLE I

Thickness absorbent Capacity

Panty liner with 0.1 to 4 mm < 1 to 15 g fluid

Ultrathin pad 3-5 mm 20-50 g

Maximum gasket 6 mm + 20 to 50 grams fluid

Absorption capacity test method

The absorbent capacity of a sanitary napkin can be determined by the following tests. In carrying out this test, it was sufficient to use one sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin to be tested was first placed in a room at a temperature of 21 + -1 deg.C and a relative humidity of 50 + -2% for two hours. If the sanitary napkin includes a peel strip, the peel strip is removed. The weight of the entire sanitary napkin, with any peel strip removed, was approximately 0.1 grams. The sanitary napkin is then immersed in a beaker of stable isotonic saline that does not contain preservatives. Suitable sterile saline is marketed under the B3158-2 classification by Baxter Traven of Deerfield, Illinois. The sanitary napkin is fully saturated and does not bend or twist or fold. The sanitary napkin was submerged for 10 minutes. The sanitary napkin was removed from the saline and hung in an upright position for 2 minutes to allow the saline to drain from the sanitary napkin. Then, the surface of the sanitary napkin on the body-side is placed on the absorbent paper so as to face down. The absorbent paper may be an ED 631-25 filter paper available from Ahlstrom filtration of Mount Holly Springs, 17065 Panama. An average load of 17.6 grams per square centimeter was applied to the sanitary napkin to expel excess fluid. The absorbent paper was changed every 30 seconds until the amount of liquid transferred to the absorbent paper during 30 seconds was less than 0.5 grams. The sanitary napkin was then weighed to the nearest 0.1 grams, minus the weight of the dry sanitary napkin. The difference in grams is the absorbent capacity of the sanitary napkin.

The novel sanitary protection wrap composition of the present invention is economical in material and manufacturing costs and easy to handle by the user.

One advantage of this packaged composition is that it conveniently contains all the products that a woman feels clean and fully protected, i.e. 100% protection from contamination of her underwear or adjacent clothing. When these products are used together, the novel sanitary protective wrap composition of the present invention provides almost zero opportunity for staining of the woman's undergarment.

The product is more discreet and convenient than carrying two separate devices. The woman does not need to go out to buy two separate products, thus saving money and time. She does not need to carry them around separately and ensures that two separate packages are available when using them.

Packaging makes them both clean and contamination-free.

In one aspect, the present invention eliminates the need for a release strip on the backing adhesive product because the backing layer protects the adhesive component. The backing layer also serves as a pouch that can be sealed together to enclose the panty liner and the vaginal insert or the composition of the insert applicator.

The novel feminine hygiene protection composition package provides a discreet, convenient, portable system for carrying an externally applied absorbent pad when using an absorbent material such as a tampon or, for example, a vaginal suppository or vaginal oil for yeast infections.

The pouch component of the present invention provides a self-contained pouch for containing a combination of sanitary napkins or panty liners or pads wrapped around a separate applicator containing an absorbent or medical device, either transversely wrapped or longitudinally C-wrapped. The pouch keeps the composition pack clean while it is kept and carried in a woman's purse and when it has been stored in the purse for a period of time. The bag member keeps the composition sanitary when wrapped in a purse, briefcase, backpack, automobile, or drawer.

The pouch component provides a separate pouch for holding a combination of a sanitary napkin or panty liner and a vaginal insert or insert applicator.

For an attractive appearance, the separate bag is preferably made of a plastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, but may also be made of other materials, such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), Polycaprolactone (PCL), paper or non-woven materials, such as spunbond/meltblown.

Referring now to the drawings, like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout.

Referring now to fig. 1-3, the sanitary protection means 10 comprises a combination of a panty liner 12 and a tampon 14. The panty liner 12 has an hourglass shape, but may also be oval, straight strip or racetrack shaped, the panty liner 12 having a first end portion 16, a second end portion 17 and a central portion 18. The panty liner 12 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. The tampon 14 is placed adjacent the central portion 18 and is positioned transverse to the length of the device 10 and transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X of the panty liner 12. The combination of panty liner 12 and tampon 14 is rolled by placing tampon 14 near one end, either first end 16 or second end 17, and rolling panty liner 12 laterally from the end of the vaginal insert device where tampon 14 is placed, thus rolling the combination of panty liner 12 and tampon 14 to form rolled combination 20. The release strip backing 22 of the panty liner 12 is positioned outside of the rolled composition 20 in such a way to roll the composition 20. By way of example, in the case of a panty liner and tampon composition, the rolled composition 20 typically causes the panty liner to be rolled 720 degrees around the tampon. The rolled composition 20 is placed in a wrap 24 having closed or sealed ends 26. The package 24 may then be closed at the opposite end 28. . The wrap 24 is closed at both ends 26 and 28 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 4-6, the sanitary protection means 210 comprises a combination of a panty liner 12 and a tampon 14. The panty liner 12 has an hourglass shape, but can also be oval, straight strip or racetrack shaped. The pantiliner 12 has a first end 16, a second end 17, a middle portion 18, a first side 19 and a second side 21. The panty liner 12 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. The tampon 14 is placed adjacent the central portion 18 and is positioned parallel to the length of the means 210 and coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis X-X of the panty liner 12. The panty liner 12 is longitudinally C-wrapped around the combination of the panty liner 12 and tampon 14 by placing the tampon 14 adjacent one side, either the first side 19 or the second side 21, and starting from the side of the vaginal insert device where the tampon 14 is placed, to form a longitudinally C-wrapped combination 220. The longitudinal C-wrap composition 220 is longitudinally C-wrapped in such a way that the release strip backing 22 of the panty liner 12 is shown outside the longitudinal C-wrap composition 220. By way of example, in the case of a panty liner and tampon composition, the longitudinal C-wrap composition 220 typically wraps the panty liner 360 degrees around the tampon. The longitudinally C-wrapped composition 220 is placed in a wrap 224 having closed or sealed ends 226. The package 224 may then be closed at the opposite end 228 as shown in fig. 6. The wrap 224 may be closed at the two ends 226 and 228 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 7-9, sanitary protection means 30 comprises a combination of panty liner 12 and tampon applicator outer tube 34 and plug 35. A tampon having a retractable wire 132 is positioned in the outer tube 34 and a plug 35 is designed to be inserted into the outer tube 34. The panty liner 12 with a first end portion 16, a second end portion 17, and a middle portion 18 has an oval, straight, racetrack, or hourglass shape. The panty liner 12 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. A tampon applicator consisting of an outer tube 34 and a plug 35 is placed adjacent to the central portion 18. Both the outer tube 34 and the plug 35 are positioned transverse to the length of the device 30 and transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X of the panty liner 12. The combination of the panty liner 12 and tampon applicator 34 and plug 35 are rolled by placing the tampon applicator 34 and plug 35 near one end, either the first end 16 or the second end 17, and rolling the panty liner 12 laterally from the end where the vaginal insertion device is placed, to form a rolled combination 40. The wrapped composition 40 is wrapped in a manner in which the release strip backing 22 of the panty liner 12 is shown outside of the wrapped composition 40. The rolled composition 40 is placed in a wrap 24 having a closed or sealed end 26. The package 24 may then be closed at the opposite end 28. The wrap 24 may be closed at both ends 26 and 28 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing. The wrap 24 is preferably made of a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene, but may be made of other materials such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), Polycaprolactone (PCL), paper or non-woven materials such as spunbond/meltblown.

Referring now to fig. 10-12, sanitary protection means 230 comprises a combination of panty liner 12 and tampon applicator outer tube 34 and plug 35. A tampon having a retractable wire 132 is disposed in the outer tube 34 and the plug 35 is designed to move telescopically when it is inserted into the outer tube 34. The panty liner 12 has an oval, straight, racetrack or hourglass shape, while having a first end 16, a second end 17, a middle 18, a first side 19 and a second side 21. The panty liner 12 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. The tampon applicator, consisting of outer tube 34 and plug 35, is placed near the central longitudinal axis X-X. Both outer tube 34 and plug 35 are arranged parallel to the length of device 230 and coaxially aligned or parallel to the central longitudinal axis X-X of panty liner 12. The panty liner 12 is longitudinally C-wrapped by bringing the tampon applicator 34 and the plug 35 adjacent one side, either the first side 19 or the second side 21, and starting from the side on which the vaginal insertion device is placed, such that the longitudinal C-wrap surrounds the panty liner 12 and the combination of the tampon applicator 34 and the plug 35 to form a longitudinal C-wrapped combination 240. The longitudinal C-wrap composition 240 is the longitudinal C-wrap in such a way that the release strip backing 22 of the panty liner 12 is shown outside the longitudinal C-wrap composition 240. The longitudinally C-wrapped composition 240 is placed in a wrap 224 having closed or sealed ends 226. The package 224 is then closed at the opposite end 228, as shown in fig. 12. The wrap 224 may be closed at both ends 226 and 228 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing. The wrap 224 is preferably made of a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene, but may be made of other materials such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), Polycaprolactone (PCL), paper or non-woven materials such as spunbond/meltblown.

Referring now to fig. 13 and 14, sanitary protection means 50 comprises a combination of panty liner 52 and tampon 14. The panty liner 52 has a first end portion 56, a second end portion 57 and a middle portion 58, and the panty liner 52 has an oval, straight, racetrack or hourglass shape. The panty liner 52 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. The panty liner 52 also has a backing 60, which backing 60 is preferably made of a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene, but may be made of other materials such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), Polycaprolactone (PCL), paper or non-woven materials such as spunbond/meltblown.

Tampon 14 is positioned adjacent to central portion 58 and is arranged transverse to the length of device 50 and transverse to central longitudinal axis X-X. The combination of panty liner 52 and tampon 14 is rolled by placing tampon 14 near one end, either first end 56 or second end 57, and rolling panty liner 52 laterally from the end where the vaginal insertion device is placed to form a rolled combination of panty liner and tampon placed within pouch 70. Roll-up pack bag 70 contains backing 60. The coiled component bag 70 has a closed end 72 and an opposite end 74. After the tampon 14 is wrapped within the panty liner 52, the rolled combination pouch 70 is closed and sealed at both ends 72 and 74. The wound combination bag 70 may be closed and sealed at both ends 72 and 74 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 15 and 16, the sanitary protection means 250 comprises a combination of a panty liner 52 and a tampon 14. The pantiliner 52 has a first end 56, a second end 57, a middle portion 58, a first side 59 and a second side 61, and the pantiliner 52 has an oval, straight, racetrack or hourglass shape. The panty liner 52 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. The panty liner 52 also has a backing 60, which backing 60 is preferably made of a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene, but can also be made of other materials, such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), Polycaprolactone (PCL), paper or non-woven materials, such as spunbond/meltblown.

Tampon 14 is positioned adjacent to central portion 58 and is disposed parallel to the length of assembly 250 and coaxially aligned or parallel with central longitudinal axis X-X. The combination of panty liner 52 and tampon 14 is longitudinally C-wrapped by placing tampon 14 adjacent one side, either first side 59 or second side 61, and longitudinally C-wrapping panty liner 52 from the side where the vaginal insertion device is placed to form a longitudinal C-wrapped combination of panty liner and tampon placed within bag 270. The longitudinal C-wrap combination bag 270 contains the backing 60. The longitudinal C-wrap composite bag 270 has a closed end 272 and an opposite end 274. After the longitudinal C-wrap of the tampon 14 within the panty liner 52, the longitudinal C-wrap combination bag 270 is closed and sealed at both ends 272 and 274. The longitudinal C-wrap composition bag 270 may be closed and sealed at both ends 272 and 274 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

The backing 60 protects the adhesive side of the panty liner 52, thus keeping the adhesive clean before the panty liner 52 is attached to the crotch portion of the user's pants. The backing 60 being oversized means that it is larger than the size of the panty liner 52. The backing 60 may be rectangular in shape and have dimensions of about 17-21cm in length and about 6.5-10.5cm in width, as opposed to about 16cm in length and about 5.5cm in width for the panty liner 52. As the size of the pantiliner 52 can vary, the backing 60 can be rectangular in shape, with the dimensions of the backing 60 being about 1-5cm longer in length and about 1-5cm wider in width compared to the dimensions of the pantiliner 52. By oversized, it is meant that the size is larger than the panty liner 52. The purpose of the oversized backing 60 is to provide the package components of the present invention.

The backing 60 protects the adhesive side of the panty liner 52 and eliminates the need for a release strip on the backing adhesive panty liner. The backing 60 may be a sheet of sufficient size to protect the adhesive components of the panty liner 52. The backing 60 also serves as a carrying and disposal bag that is sealed to protect the panty liner 52 and the sanitary properties of the tampon 14.

The backing 60 is designed to act as a tearable peel strip for removal by the user prior to attachment of the absorbent article 52 to the panty crotch portion of a feminine undergarment. The backing 60, which serves as a tear-off release strip, may be a kraft white paper that is coated on one side so that it can be easily torn off the adhesive side of the panty liner 52. The coating may be a silicone coating such as a silicone polymer commercially available from Akrosil at office location 206 Garfield Avenue, Menasha, Wisconsin 54952.

The backing 60 may be constructed of a material selected for its flushable or degradable ability.

Referring now to fig. 17 and 18, sanitary protection means 80 comprises a combination of panty liner 52 and tampon applicator comprising outer tube 34 and inner tube 35. Outer tube 34 is designed to contain an absorbent tampon. Inner tube 35 is designed to telescopically slide within outer tube 34, thereby expelling a tampon having a retractable wire 132 from one end of outer tube 34 and disposing it within the vagina of a user.

The panty liner 52 has an oval, racetrack, straight strip or hourglass shape, and the panty liner 52 has a first end portion 56, a second end portion 57 and a middle portion 58. The panty liner 52 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. The panty liner 52 also has a backing 60, the backing 60 being of a size greater than the panty liner 52.

Tampon applicator outer tube 34 and inner tube 35 or plug 35 are positioned adjacent the central portion 58 of panty liner 52 and are arranged transverse to the length of device 80 and transverse to central longitudinal axis X-X. The combination of panty liner 52 and tampon applicator outer tube 34 and plug 35 is rolled by placing tampon applicator outer tube 34 and inner tube 35 near one end, either first end 56 or second end 57, and rolling panty liner 52 laterally from the end where the vaginal insertion device is placed to form a rolled combination of panty liner and tampon placed in pouch 70. Roll-up pack bag 70 contains backing 60. The roll-up pack 70 has a closed or sealed end 72 and an opposite closed or sealed end 74. The wound combination bag 70 may be closed and sealed at both ends 72 and 74 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 19 and 20, sanitary protection means 280 comprises a combination of panty liner 52 and a tampon applicator comprising outer tube 34 and inner tube 35. Outer tube 34 is designed to contain an absorbent tampon. Inner tube 35 is designed to telescopically slide within outer tube 34, thereby expelling a tampon having a retractable wire 132 from one end of outer tube 34 and disposing it within the vagina of a user.

The panty liner 52 has an oval, racetrack, straight strip or hourglass shape, and the panty liner 52 has a first end 56, a second end 57 and a middle portion 58, a first side 59 and a second side 61. The panty liner 52 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. The panty liner 52 also has a backing 60, the backing 60 being of a size greater than the panty liner 52.

The backing 60 protects the adhesive side of the panty liner 52 so that the adhesive is not contaminated before the panty liner 52 is attached to the crotch of a user. The backing 60 is oversized meaning that it is larger than the size of the panty liner 52. The backing 60 may be rectangular in shape and have dimensions of about 17-21cm in length and about 6.5-10.5cm in width, as opposed to about 16cm in length and about 5.5cm in width for the pantiliner 52. As the size of the pantiliner 52 can vary, the backing 60 can be rectangular in shape, with the dimensions of the backing 60 being about 1-5cm longer in length and about 1-5cm wider in width compared to the dimensions of the pantiliner 52. By oversized, it is meant that the size is larger than the panty liner 52. The purpose of the oversized backing 60 is to provide the package components of the present invention.

Tampon applicator outer tube 34 and inner tube 35 or plug 35 are positioned adjacent to the central longitudinal axis X-X of panty liner 52 and are arranged parallel to the length of device 280 and coaxially aligned or parallel with central longitudinal axis X-X. The panty liner 52 and tampon applicator outer tube 34 and inner tube 35 are longitudinally C-wrapped around the combination of the panty liner 52 and tampon applicator outer tube 34 and inner tube 35 by placing the tampon applicator outer tube 34 and inner tube 35 adjacent one side, either first side 59 or second side 61, and longitudinally C-wrapping the panty liner 52 from the side where the vaginal insertion device is placed to form a longitudinal C-wrap combination of the panty liner and tampon placed within the pocket 270. The longitudinal C-wrap combination bag 270 contains the backing 60. The longitudinal C-wrap composite bag 270 has a closed or sealed end 272 and an opposite closed or sealed end 274. The longitudinal C-wrap composition bag 270 may be closed and sealed at both ends 272 and 274 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 21-23, sanitary protection means 110 comprises a combination of panty shields 12 and pessaries 114. The panty liner 12 has an oval, straight, racetrack or hourglass shape, and the panty liner 12 has a first end 16, a second end 17 and a middle portion 18. The panty liner 12 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. A vaginal suppository 114 is placed adjacent to central portion 18. And pessary 114 is disposed transverse to the length of device 110 and transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X of panty liner 12. The combination of panty liner 12 and pessary 114 is rolled by placing pessary 114 near one end, either first end 16 or second end 17, and rolling panty liner 12 laterally from the end where the vaginal insertion device is placed, to form rolled combination 120. The wrapped composition 120 is wrapped in a manner in which the release strip backing 22 of the panty liner 12 is shown outside of the wrapped composition 120. The rolled composition 120 is placed in a wrap 24 having a closed end 26. The package 24 may then be closed at the opposite end 28. The wrap 24 may be closed at both ends 26 and 28 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 24-26, sanitary protection means 260 includes a combination of panty liner 12 and pessary 114. The panty liner 12 has an oval, straight, racetrack or hourglass shape, while having a first end 16, a second end 17, a middle 18, a first side 19 and a second side 21. The panty liner 12 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. Pessary 114 is placed in proximity to intermediate portion 18 and pessary 114 is disposed parallel to the length of device 260 and coaxially aligned or parallel with the central longitudinal axis X-X of panty liner 12. The panty liner 12 is longitudinally C-wrapped by placing the pessary 114 adjacent one side, either the first side 19 or the second side 21, and starting from the side where the vaginal insertion device is placed, such that the longitudinal C-wrap surrounds the combination of the panty liner 12 and pessary 114 to form a longitudinal C-wrapped combination 290. The longitudinal C-wrap composition 290 is a longitudinal C-wrap in such a way that the release strip backing 22 of the panty liner 12 is shown outside the longitudinal C-wrap composition 290. The longitudinally C-wrapped composition 290 is placed in a wrap 224 having closed ends 226. The package 224 is then closed at the opposite end 228. The wrap 224 may be closed at both ends 226 and 228 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 27-28, sanitary protection means 150 comprises a combination of panty shields 52 and pessaries 114. The panty liner 52 has an oval, straight, racetrack or hourglass shape, and the panty liner 52 has a first end 56, a second end 57 and a middle portion 58. The panty liner 52 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. The panty liner 52 has a backing 60.

A vaginal suppository 114 is placed adjacent to central portion 58. And pessary 114 is disposed transverse to the length of device 150 and transverse to central longitudinal axis X-X. The combination of panty liner 52 and pessary 114 is wrapped by placing pessary 114 near one end, either first end 56 or second end 57, and wrapping panty liner 52 laterally from the end where the vaginal insertion device is placed, to form a wrapped combination of panty liner 52 and pessary 114 in pouch 70. Bag 70 of rolled composition contains backing 60. The roll-up pack 70 has a closed or sealed end 72 and an opposite closed or sealed end 74. The bag 70 of wound composition may be closed and sealed at its two ends 72 and 74 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, bonding or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 29-30, sanitary protection means 292 comprises a combination of panty liner 52 and pessary 114. The panty liner 52 has an oval, straight, racetrack or hourglass shape, with the panty liner having a first end 56, a second end 57, a middle portion 58, a first side 59 and a second side 61. The panty liner 52 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. The panty liner 52 has a backing 60.

Pessary 114 is placed adjacent to intermediate portion 58 and pessary 114 is disposed parallel to the length of device 292 and coaxially aligned or parallel with central longitudinal axis X-X. The combination of panty liner 52 and pessary 114 is longitudinally C-wrapped around panty liner 52 by placing pessary 114 adjacent one side, either first side 59 or second side 61, and starting from the side where the vaginal insertion device is placed, such that the longitudinal C-wrap surrounds the combination of panty liner 52 and pessary 114 to form a combination of longitudinally C-wrapped panty liner 52 and pessary 114 within bag 270. The longitudinal C-wrap combination bag 270 contains the backing 60. The longitudinally C-wrapped combination bag 270 has a closed or sealed end 272 and an opposite closed or sealed end 274. The longitudinally C-wrapped combination bag 270 may be closed and sealed at its two ends 272 and 274 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 31-33, sanitary protection means 160 comprises a combination of panty liner 12 and an outer tube 140 and an inner tube 142 of a pessary applicator. Pessary applicator outer tube 140 contains a medicinal suppository (not shown) that is placed within a female's body cavity. The panty liner 12 has an oval, straight, racetrack or hourglass shape, and the panty liner 12 has a first end 16, a second end 17 and a middle portion 18. The panty liner 12 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. Pessary applicator outer tube 140 and inner tube 142 are placed near the central portion 18 and are arranged transverse to the length of the device 160 and transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X of the panty liner 12. The combination of panty liner 12 and pessary applicator outer tube 140 and inner tube 142 are wound by placing the pessary applicator outer tube 140 and inner tube 142 near one end, either first end 16 or second end 17, and winding panty liner 12 laterally from the end where the vaginal insertion device is placed to form a wound combination 170. The wrapped composition 170 is wrapped in a manner in which the release strip backing 22 of the panty liner 12 is shown outside of the wrapped composition 170. The rolled composition 170 is placed in a wrap 24 having a closed end 26. The package 24 may then be closed at the opposite end 28. The wrap 24 may be closed at the two ends 26 and 28 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 34-36, sanitary protection device 294 comprises a combination of panty liner 12, pessary 114 and pessary applicator 140. Pessary injector 140 is designed to position medical suppository 114 inside a female's body cavity. The panty liner 12 has an oval, straight, racetrack or hourglass shape, while having a first end 16, a second end 17, a middle 18, a first side 19 and a second side 21. The panty liner 12 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. Pessary applicator 140 and pessary 114 are placed in close proximity to intermediate portion 18 and are arranged parallel to the length of device 294 and coaxially aligned with or parallel to the central longitudinal axis X-X of panty liner 12. The panty liner 12 is longitudinally C-wrapped by placing pessary applicator 140 adjacent one side, either first side 19 or second side 21, and starting from the side where the vaginal insertion device is placed, such that the longitudinal C-wraps the combination of panty liner 12 and pessary applicator 140 to form a longitudinal C-wrapped combination 296. The longitudinal C-wrap composition 296 is the longitudinal C-wrap in such a way that the release strip backing 22 of the panty liner 12 is shown outside the longitudinal C-wrap composition 296. The longitudinally C-wrapped composition 296 is placed in a wrap 224 having closed ends 226. The package 224 is then closed at the opposite end 228. The wrap 224 may be closed at both ends 226 and 228 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 37-38, sanitary protection means 180 comprises the combination of panty liner 52 and outer tube 140 and inner tube 142 of a pessary applicator. Pessary applicator 140 contains a medicinal suppository (not shown) that is placed within a female's body cavity. The panty liner 52 has an oval, straight, racetrack or hourglass shape, and the panty liner 52 has a first end 56, a second end 57 and a middle portion 58. The panty liner 52 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. The panty liner 52 has a backing 60.

Pessary applicator tubes 140 and 142 are positioned proximate to intermediate portion 58 and are arranged transverse to the length of device 180 and transverse to central longitudinal axis X-X. The combination of panty liner 52 and pessary applicator outer tube 140 and inner tube 142 are wound by placing the pessary applicator outer tube 140 and inner tube 142 near one end, either first end 56 or second end 57, and winding panty liner 52 laterally from the end where the vaginal insertion device is placed to form a wound combination of panty liner 52 and pessary applicator outer tube 140 and inner tube 142 within bag 70. Roll-up pack bag 70 contains backing 60. The roll-up pack 70 has a closed or sealed end 72 and an opposite closed or sealed end 74. The wound combination bag 70 may be closed and sealed at its two ends 72 and 74 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 39-40, sanitary protection device 298 includes a combination of panty liner 52, pessary 114 and pessary applicator 140. Pessary injector 140 is designed to position medical suppository 114 inside a female's body cavity. The panty liner 52 has an oval, straight, racetrack or hourglass shape, with the panty liner having a first end 56, a second end 57, a middle portion 58, a first side 59 and a second side 61. The panty liner 52 has a central longitudinal axis X-X. The panty liner 52 has a backing 60.

Pessary 114 and pessary applicator 140 are positioned proximate to intermediate portion 58 and are arranged parallel to the length of device 292 and coaxially aligned or parallel to central longitudinal axis X-X. The combination of panty liner 52 and pessary applicator 140 is longitudinally C-wrapped around panty liner 52 by placing pessary applicator 140 near one side, either first side 59 or second side 61, and starting from the side where the vaginal insertion device is placed, such that the longitudinal C-wrap surrounds the combination of panty liner 52 and pessary applicator 140 to form the combination of longitudinally C-wrapped panty liner 52 and pessary applicator 140 within bag 270. The longitudinal C-wrap combination bag 270 contains the backing 60. The longitudinally C-wrapped combination bag 270 has a closed or sealed end 272 and an opposite closed or sealed end 274. The longitudinally C-wrapped combination bag 270 may be closed and sealed at its two ends 272 and 274 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive or embossing.

Referring now to fig. 41-44, there is shown a panty liner 12 or 52, which panty liner 12 or 52 can be mass produced and packaged by the method of the invention. Many articles 12 or 52 of the same shape can be made by forming a sheet or web of absorbent material and then cutting or punching the articles 12 and 52. When a plurality of such articles 12 or 52 are formed from paper, paperboard, or absorbent material, it may be advantageous to include a single layer of material sheet or web. However, many absorbent pad articles 12 and 52, such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, or panty shields, are formed from multiple layers of different and unique materials.

The absorbent pad articles 12 and 52 have an hourglass shaped outer contour and have a central longitudinal axis X-X profile. The absorbent pad articles 12 and 52 may have other shapes such as a straight or rectangular shape, an oval shape, or a racetrack shape designed to cover the vulval region of a woman. Most absorbent articles 12 and 52 have a length greater than their width.

Such sanitary napkins, panty liners and panty shields are designed to be adhered to the crotch portion of an undergarment. These articles are typically constructed of several layers of different and unique materials arranged vertically. These layers, from top to bottom, may include a liquid permeable layer 90, an absorbent layer 92, a liquid impermeable barrier layer 94, an adhesive 96 secured to the lower surface of the barrier layer 94, and removable release strips 22 (fig. 22) and 60 (fig. 23), respectively. Other layers may also be used, such as a transfer layer, a wicking layer, a layer comprising superabsorbent material, and additional absorbent layers.

The layers may be vertically stacked, assembled, laminated, and/or bonded together to form a sheet or web of material from which the articles 12 and 52 are subsequently cut or punched. The layers are joined together using heat, pressure, heat and pressure, adhesives, hot melt adhesives, stitching with threads, ultrasonic bonds, mechanical bonds, thermal bonds, chemical bonds or combinations of these and/or other methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The liquid-permeable cover layer 90 is designed to contact the body of the user and may be made of a woven or nonwoven material that is readily permeable to body fluids. The liquid-permeable cover 90 may also be made of natural or synthetic fibers. Suitable materials include bonded carded webs of polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or other heat-bondable fibers. Other polyolefins, such as copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene, linear low density polyethylene, finely perforated film webs, and netting materials also work well. The preferred material is a composite of an apertured thermoplastic film disposed over a nonwoven material. Such composites may be formed from a polymer extruded onto a web of spunbond material to form a one-piece sheet. An example of such a material is an apertured thermoplastic polyethylene film bonded to a spunbond material. The spunbond material was a nonwoven material manufactured and commercially sold by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, having offices at 401 n.lake Street, Neenah, Wisconsin 54956. The apertured film/nonwoven laminate exhibited a smooth appearance and was soft to the touch. This material is soft and does not irritate the skin of the wearer, and it has a soft feel due to its bulkiness. Another material suitable for the liquid-permeable cover layer 90 is a spunbond web of polypropylene. Such spunbond webs may contain from about 1% to about 6% of a whitening agent, such as titanium dioxide (TiO)₂) Or calcium carbonate (CaCO)₃) So as to give it a clean, white appearance. It is preferred that the spunbond be of uniform thickness because after aperturing it will have sufficient strength to resist tearing or pulling away during use. The optimum basis weight of the polypropylene web is about 18g/m²To about 40g/m²In the meantime. Preferably having a weight of about 30g/m²To about 40g/m²In the meantime.

The absorbent layer 92 may be present as a single layer or as two or more distinct layers. The absorbent layer 92 can be made from a variety of natural or synthetic fibers such as wood pulp fibers, fibril cellulose fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, cotton fibers, peat moss, or a mixture of pulp and other fibers. The absorbent layer 92 may also be made from a fine mesh fabric such as wet laid, air dried tissue or from uncreped through-air dried (UCTAD) tissue having a basis weight of from about 30g/m²To about 120g/m²In the meantime. Ucadd tissue can be prepared by the method disclosed in U.S. patent 5048589 to Crook et al, 9, 17, 1991, and ucadd tissue is disclosed in U.S. patent 5399412 to Sudall et al, 3, 21, 1995. Each of which is incorporated herein by reference and forms a part hereof. The absorbent layer 92 may also comprise other well-known materials such as cellulose fibers, rayon, cellulose sponges, absorbent synthetic sponges such as polyurethane, and the like.

The liquid-impermeable baffle 94 is designed to permit the flow of gases or vapors outward from the absorbent articles 12 and 52 while preventing the passage of bodily fluids. The liquid-impermeable barrier 94 can be made of any material having these properties. The liquid-impermeable barrier 94 may also be made of a material that prevents the passage of vapor and fluids, if desired. A good material from which the liquid-impermeable barrier layer 94 can be made is a micro-embossed polymeric film, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Bicomponent films may also be used. The preferred material is polyethylene film. Preferably, the polyethylene film has a thickness in the range of from about 0.5mm to about 2.0 mm.

It should be noted that structural adhesives may be used in the article to join and adhere the different layers together. For example, a structural adhesive may be used to adhere the liquid-impermeable baffle 94 to the absorbent layer 92 or to adhere the absorbent layer 92 to the liquid-permeable cover layer 12. The presence and amount of such structural adhesive used depends on the manufacturing characteristics. Useful structural adhesives are commercially available from National Starch and Chemical Company, having its office location at 10 Finder Ave, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807.

The absorbent articles 12 and 52 further comprise one or more elongate strips or regions of garment attachment adhesive 96, which garment attachment adhesive 96 is secured to the bottom surface of the liquid permeable barrier layer 94. The garment attachment adhesive 96 functions to attach the absorbent articles 12 and 52 to the crotch portion of an undergarment during use. The garment attachment adhesive 96 enables the sanitary napkin or panty liner to be properly aligned and held stationary relative to the vaginal opening of the user, thereby maximizing flow protection. The garment attachment adhesive 96 may cover the bottom surface of the liquid impermeable barrier 94 or a portion thereof. The garment attachment adhesive 96 may be comprised of a swirl pattern of adhesive or one or more adhesive strips. The garment attachment adhesive 96 may also be comprised of a plurality of adhesive dots randomly or uniformly distributed on the outer surface of the barrier layer 94. However, when it is in the form of a strip, the garment attachment adhesive 96 can be aligned along the central longitudinal axis X-X of the absorbent articles 12 and 52. Alternatively, the garment attachment adhesive 96 may be present as two or more spaced apart longitudinal strips. The garment attachment adhesive 96 has the property that it allows the user to remove the absorbent articles 12 and 52 and reposition them on the undergarment if necessary. Hot melt adhesives that work well as garment attachment adhesives are commercially sold by the National Starch and Chemical Company at the location of 10 Finder Ave, Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807.

To avoid contamination of the garment attachment adhesive 96 prior to use, the adhesive 96 may be protected by a releasable peel strip 22 or 60. The release strip 22 or 60 may be white kraft paper applied to one side so that it can be released from the adhesive 96. The coating may be a silicone coating such as a silicone polymer commercially available from Akrosil, a company having offices at 206 Garfield Avenue, Menasha, Wisconsin 54952. The release strips 22 and 60 are designed to be removed by the user prior to attaching the absorbent articles 12 and 52, respectively, to the crotch portion of their undergarments.

Referring now to Figs. 45-47, the construction of a tampon 14, which is a component of the present invention, is shown. The tampon 14 includes an absorbent 108 that has been compressed into a generally cylindrical shape, and a liquid-permeable cover 130 that surrounds or encloses at least a portion of the absorbent 108. The tampon 14 may be constructed by placing the absorbent 108 on the cover 130, as shown in fig. 45, and then rolling the two layers into a generally cylindrical shape. As shown in fig. 46, the uncompressed cylindrical shape is called "soft wind". The soft roll is then compressed into a tampon "pledget" 14, as shown in FIG. 47. It should be noted that it is also possible to first roll the absorbent article 108 into a generally cylindrical shape and then wrap the liquid-permeable cover layer 130 therearound. It is also possible to wrap and compress the absorbent 108 before wrapping it in the cover 130.

As shown with tampon 14 in fig. 47, the tampon "pledget" is an internal sanitary protection device for absorbing menses, blood, and other body fluids. Catamenial tampon 14 is commonly used during female menstrual periods to prevent leakage of menstrual fluid. Tampon 14 includes an absorbent material, such as cotton, rayon, cellulose wadding, artificial sponge, cellulose fluff, rayon, or mixtures thereof, which may be compressed into a generally cylindrical shape. The cylindrical absorbent material is usually surrounded by a liquid-permeable cover layer. Tampons 14 are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate vaginal cavities of varying sizes. Catamenial tampons 14 are compressed sufficiently to retain their size and shape under normal atmospheric conditions, but are designed to expand easily when wetted with bodily fluids. For example, after tampon 14 is inserted into a woman's vagina and contacts bodily fluids, compressed tampon 14 tends to re-expand to near its original uncompressed size. This structural change allows the tampon to fill the vaginal cavity and absorb body fluids, thus preventing leakage.

Referring to fig. 47, the tampon 14 further includes a retractable wire 132, the retractable wire 132 being secured to either the absorbent 108, the cover 130, or both, and providing a safe and reliable means by which the tampon 14 can be retracted from a woman's vagina after it has absorbed a quantity of menstrual fluid. The retractable wire 132 may be loaded with a soft roll, as depicted in fig. 46, or it may be connected to a compressed cotton swab, depending on the preference of the individual. In either case, the free end of the retractable cord 132 is tied into a knot 134 to ensure that it does not come off the cotton swab.

The absorbent article 108 may be formed of absorbent fibers that are first mounted to an absorbent belt or sheet. Alternatively, the absorbent article 108 may be formed from absorbent fibers that are installed and compressed into a generally cylindrical structure. The absorbent 108 is preferably formed from cellulosic fibers, such as cotton and rayon. The absorbent may be 100% cotton, 100% rayon, or a mixture of cotton and rayon. A ratio of about 15% cotton to about 85% rayon also works well. The specific blend ratio of the fibers may vary according to the preference of the individual.

The cotton fibers should have a fiber length of between about 5mm to about 20 mm. The fibers may be bleached if desired. Bleaching will make the fiber more white in appearance. The cotton should generally have a fiber size of between about 150 to about 280 microns.

The rayon fiber should have a fiber length of between about 20 millimeters to about 35 millimeters. The fibers may be bleached if desired. Rayon fibers should have a denier of between about 25 to about 28. Denier is the unit of fineness of the yarn, 1 denier is 50 milligrams per 450 meters of yarn.

When the absorbent article 108 is formed from an absorbent tape, a mixture of rayon and cotton fibers constitutes the absorbent article 108 in a process known to those of ordinary skill in the art as "carding". The basis weight of the absorbent strip may vary depending on the absorbency one desires for the final tampon. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets forth absorption standards for "standard", "superstandard" and extra large "sized tampons. In order to meet these three above-mentioned dimensional criteria, the absorption bands are targeted to have a density of about 127 grams per square meter (g/m), respectively²)、170g/m²And 230g/m²Basis weight of (c). Typically, the carding process is controlled to produce an absorbent band having a width of about 50 mm for "standard" size tampons, and to "superscale" and "oversize" sizesBoth tampons produce an absorption band of about 55 mm width. During the manufacturing process, one end of a rectangular absorption band having a length of about 300 mm is arranged on a portion of the cover layer 130. The two materials are then wound into a generally cylindrical shape. This rolling action will result in the absorbent article 108 being positioned inside and surrounded by the cover 130. The cover 130 surrounds the outer surface of the softwind and may be folded over itself if desired. The cover layer 130 may be adhered to itself and/or the absorbent strip 108 using heat, pressure, or a combination of heat and pressure, as indicated at 136. The soft roll is then compressed into the final tampon pledget 14. Preferably, the adhesive layer 136 is formed during the pressing step.

The cover layer 130 may be formed of a woven or nonwoven material having a porous substrate. Woven materials include fabrics and nonwoven materials include spunbond and twill carded webs. These nonwovens are commercially sold by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, located at the office location of 401N. Another nonwoven material that may be used as the cover 130 is formed from 100% polyester fibers secured together by a binder. This polyester fiber material is known as powder-bonded-carded web (PBCW) and is also available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation of Neenah, Wisconsin.

The retractable wire 132 may be constructed of various types of wires or strips. Threads made from 100% cotton fibers work best. The length of the retractable wire 32 typically extends beyond one end of the tampon 14 by about 2 inches to about 8 inches (about 50.8 mm to 203.2 mm), preferably from about 4 inches to about 6 inches (about 102 mm to 152.4 mm), and more preferably about 5 inches (about 127 mm). The retractable wire 132 may be dyed and treated with an anti-wicking agent such as wax prior to being secured to the soft roll or cotton swab to prevent wicking of menstrual fluid. When the user is ready to remove the tampon 14, the user prefers a dry and clean retractable cord 132.

Referring now to fig. 48, the tampon applicator assembly of the present invention is constructed so as to provide a pair of elongated, concentric, telescoping tubes so that the outer tube can carry the absorbent material of a tampon, the "tampon pledget" of a tampon, when the inner tube is used as a plug for dispensing the tampon pledget.

The tampon applicator member used in the package of the present invention is formed of plastic or paper. Many women prefer to use plastic tampon applicators because the forward ends of the clip ring and petal shape are molded to facilitate insertion of the applicator while retaining and protecting the tampon in the outer tube. Plastic tampon applicators are typically formed from polyethylene using an injection molding process.

A convenient place to handle tampon applicators is the toilet bowl. However, such treatment is not suitable for the currently commercially available plastic injection applicators made of polyethylene. Plastic applicators made of polyethylene, which are commercially available today, will reside in the septic tank without decomposing when they are flushed. They accumulate on the screens of wastewater treatment plants, forming blockages. If the screens do not block the applicator, they can escape untreated into the environment, rushing to the beach. Plastic applicators do not always float so that they cannot be skimmed off and they cannot settle to the bottom of the settling tank.

The novel feminine hygiene protection package of the present invention provides a solution to these problems by providing a means of handling tampon applicators without creating these problems.

Referring to fig. 48, tampon applicator 100 includes outer tubular member 34 and plug 35. Outer tube 34 is preferably constructed to include a single piece main cylindrical body 112, with main cylindrical body 112 extending into four or five resilient petal tips 109 disposed at the forward end of outer tube 34. Finger grip rings 116 are formed at opposite ends of outer tube 34. The tampon applicator further includes a plug 35, the plug 35 having a plug body 122 adapted to function as an inner tubular member. Plug 35 has a finger grip ring 126. The plug 35 is designed to force a cotton swab (not shown) through the open petal tip 109, fit within the hollow cylinder 112 of the outer tubular member 34, and further insert the cotton swab into the woman's vagina. The insertion end 124 of plug 35 pushes the tampon so that it exits outer tube 34. The plug 35 has a structural guide ridge 128.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with several embodiments, it is to be understood that many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (40)

1. A feminine hygiene protection package comprising:

(a) a vaginal insertion device;

(b) a sanitary napkin or panty liner configured to fit the vulva region of a woman, said sanitary napkin or panty liner being rolled transversely about said vaginal insertion device into a transversely rolled combination of sanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insertion device; and is

(c) A pouch disposed about said combination of transversely wound vaginal insert device and sanitary napkin or panty liner, wherein said pouch provides a means for loading and handling said combination of transversely wound sanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insert device.

2. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 1 wherein said sanitary napkin comprises an ultra-thin pad.

3. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 1 wherein said sanitary napkin comprises a largest pad.

4. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 1, wherein said vaginal insertion device comprises a tampon with or without a tampon applicator.

5. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 1 wherein said vaginal insertion device comprises a pessary with or without a pessary applicator.

6. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 1 wherein said pouch provides a release strip for said sanitary napkin or panty liner.

7. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 1 wherein said pouch is sealed.

8. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 1 wherein said pouch is perforated at least one closed end.

9. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 1 wherein said pouch is made of polyethylene.

10. A method of providing a feminine care sanitary protection package, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a vaginal insertion device;

(b) providing a sanitary napkin or panty liner configured to fit the vulva region of a woman, said sanitary napkin or panty liner being rolled transversely about said vaginal insertion device into a combination of a transversely rolled sanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insertion device; and is

(c) Forming a pouch disposed about the combination of the transversely wound vaginal insert device and sanitary napkin or panty liner, wherein the pouch is used to load and handle the combination of the transversely wound sanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insert device.

11. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 10 wherein said sanitary napkin comprises an ultrathin pad.

12. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 10 wherein said sanitary napkin comprises a largest pad.

13. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 10, wherein said vaginal insertion device comprises a tampon with or without a tampon applicator.

14. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 10, wherein said vaginal insertion device comprises a vaginal suppository with or without a vaginal suppository applicator.

15. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 10 wherein the step of forming a pocket around said transversely wound combination of sanitary napkin or panty liner and insertion device further comprises providing a release strip for said sanitary napkin or panty liner.

16. A feminine hygiene protection package comprising:

(a) a vaginal insertion device;

(b) a sanitary napkin or panty liner configured to fit the vulva region of a woman, said sanitary napkin or panty liner being rolled transversely about said vaginal insertion device into a transversely rolled combination of sanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insertion device;

(c) a release strip on said sanitary napkin or panty liner; and is

(d) A pouch disposed about said combination of transversely wound vaginal insert device and sanitary napkin or panty liner, wherein said pouch provides a means for loading and handling said combination of transversely wound sanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insert device, and said pouch is provided by said release strip on said sanitary napkin or panty liner.

17. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 16, wherein said sanitary napkin comprises an ultra-thin pad.

18. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 16 wherein said sanitary napkin comprises a largest pad.

19. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 17, wherein said vaginal insertion device comprises a tampon with or without a tampon applicator.

20. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 18 wherein said vaginal insertion device comprises a pessary with or without a pessary applicator.

21. A feminine hygiene protection package comprising:

(a) a vaginal insertion device;

(b) a panty liner or ultrathin pad configured to fit the vulval region of a woman, the panty liner or ultrathin pad longitudinally C-wrapped around the vaginal insertion device to form a combination of the panty liner or ultrathin pad and the longitudinal C-wrap of the vaginal insertion device; and is

(c) A pouch enclosing the combination of the longitudinal C-wrap vaginal insertion device and a panty liner or ultrathin pad, wherein the pouch provides a means for loading and handling the longitudinal C-wrap combination.

22. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 21, wherein said vaginal insertion device comprises a tampon.

23. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 21, wherein said vaginal insertion device comprises a pessary.

24. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 22, wherein said vaginal insertion device further comprises a tampon applicator.

25. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 23 wherein said vaginal insertion device further comprises a pessary applicator.

26. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 21 wherein said pouch provides a release strip for said pantiliner or ultrathin pad.

27. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 21, wherein said pouch is sealed.

28. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 21 wherein said bag is perforated at least one closed end.

29. The feminine hygiene protection package of claim 21 wherein said bag is made of polyethylene.

30. A method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a vaginal insertion device;

(b) providing a panty liner or ultrathin pad configured to fit the vulval region of a woman, the panty liner or ultrathin pad longitudinally C-wrapped around the vaginal insertion device to form a combination of the panty liner or ultrathin pad and the longitudinal C-wrap of the vaginal insertion device; and is

(c) Providing a pouch of a combination of a vaginal insertion device and a panty liner or ultrathin pad wrapped around the longitudinal C-wrap, wherein the pouch is used to load and handle the combination of the vaginal insertion device and panty liner or ultrathin pad wrapped around the longitudinal C-wrap.

31. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 30, wherein said vaginal insert device comprises a tampon.

32. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 30, wherein said vaginal insertion device comprises a vaginal suppository.

33. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 31, wherein said vaginal insertion device further comprises a tampon applicator.

34. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 32, wherein said vaginal insertion device further comprises a pessary applicator.

35. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 30 wherein the step of forming a pocket around the combination of the longitudinal C-wrap panty liner or ultrathin pad and insert device further comprises providing a release strip for the panty liner or ultrathin pad.

36. A method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) a vaginal insertion device;

(b) a panty liner or ultrathin pad configured to fit the vulval region of a woman, said panty liner or ultrathin pad longitudinally C-wrapped around said vaginal insertion device to form a combination of a longitudinally C-wrapped panty liner or ultrathin pad and vaginal insertion device;

(c) a release strip on the panty liner or ultrathin pad; and is

(d) A pouch disposed about said combination of said longitudinal C-wrap vaginal insertion device and panty liner or ultrathin pad, wherein said pouch provides a means for loading and handling said combination of said longitudinal C-wrap panty liner or ultrathin pad and vaginal insertion device, and said pouch is formed from said release strip on said panty liner or ultrathin pad.

37. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 36, wherein said vaginal insert device comprises a tampon.

38. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 36, wherein said vaginal insertion device comprises a vaginal suppository.

39. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 37, wherein said vaginal insertion device further comprises a tampon applicator.

40. The method of providing a feminine hygiene protection package of claim 38, wherein said vaginal insertion device further comprises a pessary applicator.