External tampon

Abstract

The object of the invention is an external tampon characterized in that it has the shape of an elongated spindle and its cross-section has the shape of a circle or an oval, wherein it comprises three adjacent parts (A, B, C), wherein the second part (B) of the tampon is located between two tapering parts (A, C) of which the first part (A) is shorter and represents about 23% of the total length of the tampon and the third part (C) is longer with respect to the first part (A) and represents about 50% of the total length of the tampon, wherein the tampon is made of an absorbent filling covered on its entire surface with a fluid-permeable material.

Description

[0001] External tampon

[0002] The object of the present invention is an external tampon intended for use by women during genital bleeding, especially for absorbing menstrual blood without the need to place it inside the vagina. The invention relates to hygiene products used in daily hygiene as well as, for example, following gynecological procedures or childbirth as a dressing that stops bleeding and protects the wound.

[0003] A sanitary towel is a hygiene product used primarily by menstruating women to collect and absorb menstrual blood. Sanitary towels are usually made of an absorbent material that retains liquids, and a protective layer that prevents leakage. Sanitary towels come in different lengths, thicknesses and absorbency levels. They are placed directly on underwear to absorb menstrual blood and prevent leakage onto clothing.

[0004] When using sanitary pads, problems of leakage may occur which can be caused by the insufficient absorbency of the sanitary towel, incorrect placement of the sanitary towel on underwear and its displacement during movement. In addition, sanitary towels may curl at the edges, thus losing their protective functions.

[0005] Solutions to prevent menstrual blood retraction are known in the art. A hygiene article made of flushable textile material is known from KR20230041338A, which has a total length of 4 to 8 cm, a cross-sectional diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 cm and 0.5 to 1.5 cm. The article of the invention has a circular, elliptical, curved shape and extends in a longitudinal direction, which is inserted into the cleft between the woman's buttocks together with a sanitary towel to prevent menstrual blood from backflowing along the cleft between the buttocks. The fabric of the article consists of a water- dispersible core layer containing a water-soluble polymer and an outer water barrier layer containing a biodegradable polymer placed adjacent to the water-dispersible core layer.

[0006] A hygiene article used to prevent the leakage of menstrual blood while using a sanitary towel is known from a Japanese patent application No. JP2002017777A. The hygiene article according to the application consists of a non-woven fabric cut into an elliptical shape, a waterabsorbing polymer, and a cellulose layer which are stacked in layers to form an absorbent material in a semi-oval shape, wherein the absorbent materials are heat-sealed and the peripheral part is glued with a self-adhesive material. The method of using the article consists in inserting it between the sanitary towel and the vulva and attaching it so that it is directly adjacent to the vulva cavity. A disadvantage of the solutions present in the prior art is the high risk of menstrual blood leakage in the lying position. When lying down during sleep, there is a high risk of menstrual blood leakage as it flows towards the anus or pubic mound, bypassing the central part of the sanitary towel. The menstrual blood accumulates in the front or in the back, where the absorbency is lower, leading to leaks and soiling of the bedding. Even high-absorbency sanitary towels do not fully prevent this, other than increasing their size so that they extend all the way to the waist. Larger sanitary towels may be uncomfortable during the day and visible under clothing. In addition, side leaks are a common problem, although winged sanitary towels help protect underwear.

[0007] The aim of the present invention was to obtain a hygiene article enabling the absorption of menstrual blood especially in the lying position during sleep, thus preventing the leakage of menstrual blood through the intergluteal cleft and the pudendal cleft.

[0008] The essence of the invention is an external tampon that has the shape of an elongated spindle and its cross-section has the shape of a circle or an oval, wherein it comprises three adjacent parts, wherein the second part of the tampon is located between two tapering parts of which the first part is shorter and represents about 23% of the total length of the tampon and the third part is longer in relation to the first part and represents about 50% of the total length of the tampon, wherein the tampon is made of an absorbent filling covered over its entire surface with a fluid-permeable material.

[0009] Preferably, cotton, rayon, cotton wool, bamboo fiber, cellulose fiber or polyurethane foam are used as an absorbent filling.

[0010] Preferably, a loosely knitted fabric, cotton or a material that is resistant to mechanical damage and provides wearing comfort is used as a fluid-permeable material.

[0011] Preferably, a biodegradable material is used as an absorbent filling and / or a fluid-permeable material, which allows for easy disposal.

[0012] Preferably, the external tampon comprises strains of Lactobacillus bacteria and / or hyauloronic acid and / or calendula extract and / or aloe extract.

[0013] The external tampon of the invention is designed to maximally fit the individual anatomical features of the user. Its shape of a spindle and a variable cross-sectional diameter allow the tampon to be placed along the perineum, which ensures stable placement and comfortable use. The oval shape increases adhesion to the body and limits product displacement during movement. The range of sizes available enables adaptation to women's diverse body structures. The advantage of the invention is its ability to precisely adapt to the anatomy of the user, which translates into exceptional comfort and efficiency. Innovative design makes the tampon move with the body, eliminating the risk of irritation, pressure or discomfort. The use of flexible materials and the absence of an insulating layer allow for complete freedom of movement and adaptability to changes in body position.

[0014] The subject matter of the invention is shown in the embodiment presented in Fig. 1, which depicts a cross-section of the shape of an external tampon, wherein: Pl, P2 and P3 denote the cross- sectional areas for the three components of the external tampon, and in Fig. 2, which depicts a method for positioning the tampon of the invention along the woman's perineum.

[0015] The exemplary external tampon in cross-section according to the invention is shown in Fig. 1. The external tampon shown in the figures is intended for use by women during genital bleeding, especially for absorbing menstrual blood without the need to place it inside the vagina. The external tampon has the shape of an elongated spindle and its cross-section has the shape of a circle or an oval whose length corresponds to the length of the woman's perineum between the beginning of the pudendal cleft on the pubic mound and the end of the intergluteal cleft at the sacrum. The external tampon comprises three adjacent parts A, B, and C, wherein the length of the first part A corresponds to the length of the cleft between the external labia (majora) (from the beginning of the cleft on the pubic mound to the vaginal ostium that begins just behind the urethral orifice), the length of the second part B corresponds to the length of the vaginal ostium and its surroundings (from the beginning of the vaginal ostium that begins just behind the urethral orifice to the end of the vaginal ostium that is in front of the anus), and the length of the third part C corresponds to the length of the cleft between the buttocks (from the end of the vaginal ostium that is in front of the anus to the sacrum).

[0016] The second part B of the tampon, and at the same time its widest part, is located between two tapering tips A and C, of which the first part A is shorter and represents about 23% of the total length of the tampon, and the third part C is longer than it and represents about 50% of the total length of the tampon, wherein the tampon is made of an absorbent filling covered over its entire surface with a fluid-permeable material.

[0017] In one embodiment, the length of the first part A is at least 7 cm, the length of the second part B is at least 8 cm, and the length of the third part C is at least 15 cm, and the tampon is filled with cotton wool and comprises a top layer in the form of a cotton knit, with part B diameter being 4.5 cm at its widest point. The cross-sections of the external tampon decrease in the direction of the tapered tips and assume increasingly smaller diameters so as to achieve the shape of a spindle of the external tampon, wherein the external tampon may be produced smaller or larger in size, depending on the size and needs of the woman. The external tampon may be longer or shorter with respect to proportions, it may also have a smaller or a larger cross-section with respect to proportions.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the external tampon has dimensions twice as small and is dedicated to slim and petite girls and women.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the external tampon has dimensions twice as large and is dedicated to very large women with significant weight.

[0020] The external tampon of the invention is made of an absorbent material, for example delicate cotton, rayon or cotton wool, and covered with a loosely knitted fabric, e.g. cotton or a material that is resistant to mechanical damage, which forms it into an elongated, spindle-shaped shape. The absorbent filling of the external tampon is arranged in a loose manner so that the tampon is soft and can flexibly fit the woman's perineum as well as fit between the intergluteal cleft and pudendal cleft depending on the individual shape of the woman.

[0021] The external tampon of the invention does not always have to be covered with a fabric. In an exemplary embodiment, the tampon does not have an outer protective layer, but is merely rolled into a suitable shape from an absorbent material, for example cotton or rayon. Such a tampon could be formed by appropriately arranging layers of absorbent material, which are then gently compressed to give them the shape of a spindle. The absence of additional coverage makes the tampon softer and better suited to the shapes of the perineum, due to which the comfort of use increases.

[0022] Optionally, other filling materials such as bamboo fibers, which are naturally antibacterial and highly absorbent, may be used. Tampons made from bamboo fibers are more ecological and biodegradable. This material must have a uniform structure and sufficient mechanical strength to prevent the tampon from delaminating during use.

[0023] Additionally, the tampon may consist of cellulose fiber, derived from wood or other natural raw materials that are light, flexible and well absorbent of liquids. Cellulose should be subjected to a purification process before use, which will ensure its hygienic safety. Additionally, it is possible to use polyurethane foam, which is a synthetic material characterized by its exceptional ability to adapt to body shapes and by its high absorbency. The foam should be open-cell, which will improve airflow and reduce the risk of irritation. The materials used should be safe for the skin and mucous membranes (hypoallergenic and free of irritants) and should be characterized by appropriate absorbency, enabling effective absorption of liquids, and by structural strength, so that the tampon retains its shape during use, while being soft and flexible at the same time.

[0024] In another example, the external tampon is made of a delicate cotton ribbon that is wrapped around the central axis running along the external tampon (resembling a thread wound on a spool / yarn wound on a spindle). The ribbon is wrapped around the axis of the external tampon in such a way that it forms the desired shape of a spindle, wherein it is essential that the ribbon is wrapped in an untight and loose manner so that the external tampon is elastic and soft, so that it flexibly adapts to the woman's perineum.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the external tampon comprises strains of Lactobacillus bacteria and / or hyauloronic acid and / or calendula extract and / or aloe extract, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of female intimate areas, supports the bacterial flora of female intimate areas by maintaining optimal pH and helps to combat vaginal infections, such as fungal infections.

[0026] The external tampon of the invention is designed to provide maximum comfort and effectiveness in various life situations. Due to its design and various size variants, it is suitable for use both during sleep, physical activities and in everyday conditions. The oval cross-section and the shape of a spindle prevent the tampon from sliding during use, which makes it ideal for active persons such as women athletes.

[0027] The external tampon of the invention allows personalization according to the user's requirements. For example, for persons with sensitive skin, the tampon of the invention should be made of a hypoallergenic material, while for persons with increased absorbency needs it should be reinforced with an additional layer of absorbent material. Additionally, the tampon of the invention may be in different colors or patterns.

[0028] Ultimately, the aim is to integrate the tampon of the invention with a health monitoring technology that includes sensors that measure basic health parameters, such as humidity levels or temperatures, that would transmit data to an application that monitors the menstrual cycle.

Claims

Claims1. An external tampon characterized in that it has the shape of an elongated spindle and its cross-section has the shape of a circle or an oval, wherein it comprises three adjacent parts (A, B, C), wherein the second part of the tampon (B) is located between two tapering parts (A, C) of which the first part (A) is shorter and represents about 23% of the total length of the tampon and the third part (C) is longer in relation to the first part (A) and represents about 50% of the total length of the tampon, wherein the tampon is made of an absorbent filling covered over its entire surface with a fluid-permeable material.

2. The tampon according to claim 1, characterized in that cotton, rayon, cotton wool, bamboo fiber, cellulose fiber or polyurethane foam are used as an absorbent filling.

3. The tampon according to claim 1 , characterized in that a loosely knitted fabric, cotton or a material that is resistant to mechanical damage and provides wearing comfort is used as a fluid-permeable material.

4. The tampon according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a biodegradable material is used as an absorbent filling and / or a fluid-permeable material, which allows for easy disposal.

5. The tampon according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises strains of Lactobacillus bacteria and / or hyauloronic acid and / or calendula extract and / or aloe extract.

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