Bladder control article for stoppage

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article suitable for providing bladder stoppage for a woman suffering from urinary incontinence may include a primary sheet, a secondary sheet, and an absorbent sheet disposed between the primary sheet and the secondary sheet. The quadrilateral primary sheet and secondary sheet may each include four edges, whereby each edge has a selvedge. The absorbent sheet may also include a plurality of large pleats folded in a direction opposite the length of the primary sheet and the length of the secondary sheet. The selvedge edges of the primary sheet and the secondary sheet may be coupled together around the absorbent sheet to form a pillow bag. Under the condition that the pillow bag is correctly placed, bladder leakage can be prevented and relieved. The article may exhibit an article length and width of from about 38 mm to about 50 mm.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is related to commonly owned U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 903,777, filed on September 6, 2002, entitled "Bladder Control Device for Stopping Leakage," and naming Dr. Shanique Cartwright as the inventor, which application is now a co-pending application, to which this application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] As a natural detoxification process, urine removes toxins from the body. In particular, cellular metabolism produces nitrogen-rich byproducts that must be removed from the bloodstream. Problems arise when a person cannot control the flow of urine, in which case urine leaks out involuntarily (i.e., urinary incontinence). There are three main categories of urinary incontinence: detrusor instability (DI), also known as urge incontinence (UI); stress incontinence (SI); and overflow incontinence. DI is urine leakage due to spontaneous and uninhibited detrusor contractions that occur before the bladder is completely full. These contractions are accompanied by an extremely strong need to urinate. SI is classified as urine storage failure. In this type of urinary dysfunction, urine leakage occurs when there is abdominal pressure or stress, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, bending over, or lifting heavy objects. As the muscles and tissues, especially those near the urethrovaginal myofascial area, become increasingly weak, the frequency and severity of this type of urine loss increases. Overflow incontinence is involuntary loss of urine associated with an overdistended bladder, resulting in frequent or persistent leakage of urine without detrusor contraction. In this case, the bladder is able to empty urine; however, the bladder's emptying function is impaired. People with overflow incontinence often have a large amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding.

[0004] Urinary incontinence is often the primary reason individuals seek institutionalization. It is estimated that the cost of caring for outpatients and inpatients with incontinence (including indirect costs, such as treating injuries from falls and complications such as skin breakdown) is in the billions of dollars each year. Unfortunately, women are a disproportionately large group affected by urinary incontinence, especially older women and women who have given birth to one or more children, as well as older women. Many people are diagnosed with mixed urinary incontinence, such as a combination of stress urinary incontinence and urge incontinence.

[0005] To help those who suffer from urinary incontinence, users can wear bladder "control" pads. Although bladder control pads absorb a lot of fluid, rashes and embarrassing odors can still occur. In addition, most bladder control products do not control the flow of urine from the bladder, they simply collect some of the fluid that is draining from the bladder. They do not block the muscles associated with the bladder to stop the flow of urine.

[0006] Additionally, those who suffer from urinary incontinence may turn to bladder control medications as a remedy. While bladder control medications can inhibit the production and flow of urine, the side effects can range from annoying to fatal personal injuries and consequences. Additionally, there are surgical procedures that claim to correct urinary incontinence. However, these types of surgeries can be extremely expensive and there is no guarantee that bladder leakage will stop.

[0007] In this context, some embodiments are proposed. Summary of the invention

[0008] Embodiments of absorbent articles for bladder leakage prevention and methods for making tampon pillow packs are provided. It should be understood that the present embodiments can be implemented in a variety of ways, such as processes, equipment, systems, devices or methods. Several embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0009] In some embodiments, an absorbent article for bladder leakage prevention is provided. The absorbent article may include a primary sheet having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the primary sheet includes a surface facing the body and a surface facing the interior. In some embodiments, the primary sheet may include 4 edges, each of which has a selvedge. The absorbent article may also include a secondary sheet having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the secondary sheet has a surface facing the body and a surface facing the interior. In some embodiments, the secondary sheet may include 4 edges, each of which has a selvedge. The absorbent article may also include an absorbent sheet (having a length and a width) disposed between the surface facing the interior of the primary sheet and the surface facing the interior of the secondary sheet. In some embodiments, the absorbent sheet may include 4 edges. The length of the absorbent sheet may be greater than the length of the primary sheet and the secondary sheet, so that the absorbent sheet has a plurality of large folds that can be folded in a direction opposite to the length of the primary sheet and the length of the secondary sheet. To form a pillow pack, the selvedge edges of the primary sheet and the secondary sheet can be coupled together around the absorbent sheet and the absorbent sheet can be packed to form a pillow pack. In some embodiments, the pillow pack can be spherical so as to be inserted above the urethra behind the clitoris of the female user to bend the urethra upward and close the urethra so that when the labia minora and labia majora tightly surround the clitoris behind the user's underwear, the pressure will stably hold the pillow pack behind the clitoris.

[0010] In some embodiments, a tampon for bladder control of the urethra of a female user having labia minora and labia majora is provided. The tampon may include a primary pad having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the primary pad includes a surface facing the body and a surface facing the interior. In some embodiments, the primary pad may include 4 edges, each of which has a selvedge. The tampon may also include a secondary pad having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the secondary pad has a surface facing the body and a surface facing the interior. In some embodiments, the secondary pad may include 4 edges, each of which has a selvedge. The tampon may also include an absorbent pad (having a length and a width) disposed between the surface facing the interior of the primary pad and the surface facing the interior of the secondary pad. In some embodiments, the absorbent pad may include 4 edges. The length of the absorbent pad may be greater than the length of the primary pad and the secondary pad, so that the absorbent pad has a plurality of large folds that can be folded in a direction opposite to the length of the primary pad and the length of the secondary pad. To form a pillow pack, the selvedge edges of the primary and secondary pads can be coupled together around the absorbent pad and the absorbent pad can be packed to form a pillow pack. In some embodiments, the pillow pack can be compressed into a self-sustaining spherical shape for insertion over the urethra behind the clitoris of the female user to bend the urethra upward and close the urethra so that when the labia minora and labia majora tightly surround the clitoris, the pressure holds the pillow pack stably behind the clitoris.

[0011] In some embodiments, a method for making a tampon pillow pack for bladder control is provided. In action, the method may include an embossing step: passing a continuous tissue layer paper between an embossing roller and a support roller paired with the embossing roller. The method for making a tampon pillow pack may include a cutting step: cutting the embossed continuous tissue layer paper. The method may also include a folding step: generating large folds of the absorbent sheet. The method may also include an attaching step: applying the folded absorbent sheet to a first cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper. Moreover, the method may include a packing step: joining a second cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper to the first cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper. In some embodiments, the method may include a connecting step: joining a drawstring to one of the cut portions of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper for user removal.

[0012] Other aspects and advantages of the embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The described embodiments and their advantages may be best understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not intended to limit in any way any modifications in form and detail that may be made to the described embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.

[0014] 1a is a perspective view of an absorbent article for bladder leakage control having an embossed tissue layer, according to some embodiments.

[0015] 1 b is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage of FIG. 1 a , according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 1c is an exploded view of the absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage of FIG. 1b , according to some embodiments.

[0017] 1d is a top view of an absorbent sheet for insertion between a primary sheet and a secondary sheet of the absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage in FIG. 1c , according to some embodiments.

[0018] 2a is a perspective view of an absorbent article for bladder leakage control having a macro-convoluted tissue layer, according to some embodiments.

[0019] 2b is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage of FIG. 2a, according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an absorbent article for bladder leakage control having an embossed tissue layer with a drawstring attached thereto, according to some embodiments.

[0021] 4a is a cross-sectional view of the embossed primary tissue layer and the embossed secondary tissue layer of FIG. 1a , according to some embodiments.

[0022] 4b is a cross-sectional view of the primary and secondary tissue layers of FIG. 2a having macrofolds, according to some embodiments.

[0023] 5a is a front view of a female anatomy with weak bladder muscles, according to some embodiments.

[0024] 5b is a front view of the female anatomy of FIG. 5a with the innovative absorbent article for bladder leakage control of FIG. 1a positioned above the urethra behind the clitoris of the user, according to some embodiments.

[0025] 5c is a cross-sectional view of the female anatomy of FIG. 5a with weak bladder muscles, according to some embodiments.

[0026] 5d is a front view of the female anatomy of FIG. 5b with the innovative absorbent article for bladder leakage control of FIG. 1a positioned above the urethra behind the clitoris of the user, according to some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a method for making an absorbent article for bladder leakage and a tampon pillow package for bladder control, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following examples describe absorbent articles for bladder leakage prevention and methods for making tampon pillow packs. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other cases, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring these embodiments, well-known process operations are not described in detail.

[0029] In some embodiments, an absorbent article for bladder leakage prevention is provided. The absorbent article may include a primary sheet having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the primary sheet includes a surface facing the body and a surface facing the interior. In some embodiments, the primary sheet may include 4 edges, each of which has a selvedge. The absorbent article may also include a secondary sheet having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the secondary sheet has a surface facing the body and a surface facing the interior. In some embodiments, the secondary sheet may include 4 edges, each of which has a selvedge. The absorbent article may also include an absorbent sheet (having a length and a width) disposed between the surface facing the interior of the primary sheet and the surface facing the interior of the secondary sheet. In some embodiments, the absorbent sheet may include 4 edges. The length of the absorbent sheet may be greater than the length of the primary sheet and the secondary sheet, so that the absorbent sheet has a plurality of large folds that can be folded in a direction opposite to the length of the primary sheet and the length of the secondary sheet. To form a pillow pack, the selvedge edges of the primary sheet and the secondary sheet can be coupled together around the absorbent sheet and the absorbent sheet can be packed to form a pillow pack. In some embodiments, the pillow pack can be spherical so as to be inserted above the urethra behind the clitoris of the female user to bend the urethra upward and close the urethra so that when the labia minora and labia majora tightly surround the clitoris behind the user's underwear, the pressure will stably hold the pillow pack behind the clitoris.

[0030] In some embodiments, the primary sheet and the secondary sheet may include a first tissue layer coupled to a second tissue layer. The first tissue layer may include a first machine direction length (MD length), wherein the first tissue layer is used as the inner-facing surface of the primary sheet. The second tissue layer has a second MD length and may include a plurality of macropleats. In some embodiments, each macropleat in a plurality of macropleats may include different shapes. Some macropleats in these plurality of macropleats may have different pleat segment lengths. In some embodiments, the second tissue layer may be embossed. The coupling of the first tissue layer and the second tissue layer may be carried out at the valley of each macropleat in the second tissue layer, wherein the second tissue layer is used as the body-facing surface of the primary sheet. In some embodiments, the first and second tissue layers may have a basis weight of about 10 gsm to about 60 gsm and a sheet bulk greater than about 5 cc / g.

[0031] The article can be a tampon for bladder control of the urethra of a female user having labia minora and labia majora. The difference between an absorbent article and a tampon is the material composition of each, wherein the absorbent article is made of a tissue layer, and the tampon is made of a thin absorbent pad. In particular, in some embodiments, a tampon for bladder control of the urethra of a female user may include a primary pad having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the primary pad includes a body-facing surface and an inward-facing surface. In some embodiments, the primary pad may include 4 edges, each of which has a selvedge. The tampon may also include a secondary pad having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the secondary pad has a body-facing surface and an inward-facing surface. In some embodiments, the secondary pad may include 4 edges, each of which has a selvedge. The tampon may also include an absorbent pad (having a length and a width) disposed between the inward-facing surface of the primary pad and the inward-facing surface of the secondary pad. In some embodiments, the absorbent sheet may include 4 edges. The length of the absorbent pad can be greater than the length of the primary pad and the secondary pad, so that the absorbent pad has a plurality of large folds that can be folded in a direction opposite to the length of the primary pad and the secondary pad. To form a pillow pack, the selvedge edges of the primary pad and the secondary pad can be coupled together around the absorbent pad and the absorbent pad is packed to form a pillow pack. In some embodiments, the pillow pack can be compressed into a self-sustaining spherical shape so that it can be inserted above the urethra behind the clitoris of the female user to bend the urethra upward and close the urethra so that when the labia minora and labia majora tightly surround the clitoris, the pressure keeps the pillow pack stably behind the clitoris. In some embodiments, a drawstring can be coupled to one of the selvedge edges of the primary pad and the secondary pad for user removal.

[0032] Advantageously, the innovative design of absorbent articles for bladder control and / or tampons for bladder control of the urethra of female users reduces most, if not all, bladder leakage. The new design and new application change the shape and opening of the urethra so that the urethra is tilted upward and closed. This upward closed posture completely stops most, if not all, bladder leakage. Even during activities that put pressure on the abdomen (such as laughing, coughing, exercising, etc.), the pressure from the closure of the labia minora and labia majora around the clitoris and the absorbent articles disclosed herein can keep the absorbent articles in place. Moreover, since urinary incontinence is often the main reason for individuals to move around, more people will be able to live independently without assistance and without paying large expenses to health institutions. Since it is estimated that the cost of caring for outpatients and inpatients with incontinence (including indirect costs, such as treating injuries caused by falls and complications such as skin damage) is as high as billions of dollars each year, this innovative concept can save billions of dollars. Additionally, the psychological well-being of millions of people may be enhanced through absorbent articles for bladder leakage and / or tampons for bladder control as described herein, whereby users may no longer experience the embarrassment and shame often associated with urinary incontinence.

[0033] In the following description, many details are set forth. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention, well-known structures and devices are shown in the form of block diagrams (rather than in detail).

[0034] References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in various places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Throughout the description of the figures, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1a, a perspective view of an absorbent article for bladder leakage prevention according to some embodiments is shown. The absorbent article 100 for bladder leakage prevention may include a primary sheet 150 having a length (L1), a width (W1) and a thickness (t), wherein the primary sheet includes a body-facing surface 110a and an internally facing surface 110b (as shown in Figures 1b and 1c). In particular, referring to Figure 1b, a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article for bladder leakage prevention in Figure 1a according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 1c shows further details, wherein a deconstructed view of an absorbent article for bladder leakage prevention in Figure 1b is shown. In some embodiments, the primary sheet 150 may include 4 edges, each edge having a selvedge (S1, S2, S3 and S4). The absorbent article may also include a secondary sheet 140 having a length (L2), a width (W2) and a thickness (t2), wherein the secondary sheet 140 has a body-facing surface 130a and an internally facing surface 130b. As shown in Figure 1a, the surfaces 110a and 130a facing the body can be embossed. In some embodiments, the secondary sheet 140 can include 4 edges, each of which has a selvedge (S5, S6, S7, and S8). The absorbent article 100 can also include an absorbent sheet 160 (having a length (L3) and a width (W3)), which is arranged between the inward-facing surface 110b of the primary sheet 150 and the inward-facing surface 130b of the secondary sheet 140. With reference to Figure 1d, a top view of an absorbent sheet for inserting a primary sheet and a secondary sheet of an absorbent article for bladder leakage prevention is shown in Figure 1c. In some embodiments, the absorbent sheet 160 can include 4 edges. The length L3 of the absorbent sheet 160 may be greater than the lengths (L1, L2) of the primary sheet (150) and the secondary sheet (140), so that the absorbent sheet 160 has a plurality of large folds that can be folded in a direction opposite to the primary sheet length (L1) and the secondary sheet length (L2). To form the pillow pack 100, the selvedge edges (S1, S2, S3, S4) of the primary sheet (4) and the selvedge edges (S5, S6, S7, S8) of the secondary sheet (8) may be coupled together around the absorbent sheet 160 and packed to form the pillow pack 100. In some embodiments, the pillow pack 100 may be spherical so as to be inserted above the urethra behind the clitoris of a female user to bend the urethra upward and close the urethra so that when the labia minora and labia majora tightly surround the clitoris, the pressure holds the pillow pack stably behind the clitoris (which will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5a to 5d).

[0036] In operation, when the innovative absorbent article 100 is placed slightly in front of the urethra and plugged behind the clitoris (see Figures 5c and 5d for details), the urethra is slightly bent upward and closed. When the user needs to urinate, she can simply sit on the toilet, and the labia minora and labia majora will naturally open (see Figures 5c and 5d for details). The user can release the retained urine by simply releasing the pelvic muscles to start urinating; and the flow of urine will force the absorbent article 100 into the toilet. Since the absorbent article 100 can be made of materials commonly used to make toilet paper tissue layers, the absorbent article 100 can be conveniently handled by flushing it into the toilet. Advantageously, even in activities that apply pressure to the abdomen, such as laughing, coughing, exercising, etc., the absorbent article 100 will remain in place behind the user's underwear by the pressure of the labia minora and labia majora.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2a, this figure is a perspective view of an absorbent article 200 for bladder leakage prevention with a large wrinkled tissue layer according to some embodiments. In particular, referring to FIG. 2b, a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the absorbent article 200 for bladder leakage prevention in FIG. 2a according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the primary sheet 220 has a length (L1), a width (W1) and a thickness (t1), and may include 4 edges, each of which has a selvedge. The absorbent article may also include a secondary sheet 240 having a length (L2), a width (W2) and a thickness (t2), wherein the secondary sheet 140 has a body-facing surface 230a and an interior-facing surface 130b. As shown in FIG. 1a, the body-facing surfaces 210a and 230a may include a large wrinkled tissue layer, as shown in FIG. 2a. In some embodiments, the secondary sheet 240 may include 4 edges, each of which has a selvedge. The absorbent article 200 may also include an absorbent sheet 260 (having a length (L3) and a width (W3)) disposed between the inwardly facing surface of the primary sheet 220 and the inwardly facing surface of the secondary sheet 240. In some embodiments, the absorbent sheet 260 may include four edges. The length L3 of the absorbent sheet 260 may be greater than the lengths (L1, L2) of the primary sheet (220) and the secondary sheet (240), so that the absorbent sheet 260 has a plurality of large folds that can be folded in the same direction as the primary sheet length (L1) and the secondary sheet length (L2), as shown in FIG. 2b. To form the pillow pack 200, the selvedge edges of the primary sheet (220) and the secondary sheet (240) may be coupled together around the absorbent sheet 260 and the absorbent sheet may be packed to form the pillow pack 200. In some embodiments, the pillow pack 200 can be spherical so that it can be inserted above the urethra behind the clitoris of a female user to bend the urethra upward and close the urethra so that when the labia minora and labia majora tightly surround the clitoris, the pressure will hold the pillow pack stably behind the clitoris (refer to Figures 5a to 5d for a more detailed explanation).

[0038] refer to Figure 3 , which is a perspective view of an absorbent article for bladder leakage prevention having an embossed tissue layer with a drawstring attached thereto according to some embodiments. In particular, the absorbent article 300 for bladder leakage prevention may include a drawstring 355 that is coupled to a pillow bag formed by coupling a primary sheet 320 and a secondary sheet 340. In some embodiments, the drawstring 355 may be coupled to the primary sheet 320 before coupling the primary sheet 320 to the secondary sheet 340. In particular, the drawstring 355 may be coupled to one of the selvedge edges of the primary sheet 320. In an alternative, the drawstring 355 may be coupled to the secondary sheet 340 before coupling the primary sheet (320) and the secondary sheet (340).

[0039] In operation, when the innovative absorbent article 100 is placed slightly in front of the urethra and plugged behind the clitoris (see Figures 5c and 5d for details), the urethra is slightly bent upward and closed. Advantageously, even in activities that exert pressure on the abdomen, such as laughing, coughing, exercising, etc., the absorbent article 100 will remain in place behind the user's underwear by the pressure of the labia minora and labia majora. When the user needs to urinate, she can simply sit on the toilet and pull the drawstring 355, then release the muscles that hold the urine in the bladder. Because the absorbent article 100 can be made of materials commonly used to make toilet paper tissue layers, the absorbent article 100 can be easily handled by flushing the article 100 into the toilet.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4a, a cross-sectional view of an embossed primary tissue layer and an embossed secondary tissue layer in FIG. 1a according to some embodiments is shown. In particular, the primary sheet and the secondary sheet may include a first tissue layer 410 coupled to a second tissue layer 420. The first tissue layer 410 may include a first machine direction length (MD length), wherein the first tissue layer 410 is used as the inner-facing surface (130b) of the primary sheet 150. In some embodiments, the second tissue layer 420 may be embossed, wherein the second tissue layer is used as the body-facing surface (130a) of the primary sheet 150. In some embodiments, the second tissue layer 430 has a second MD length and may include a plurality of large folds, as shown in FIG. 4b. In particular, referring to FIG. 4b, a cross-sectional view of a primary tissue layer and a secondary tissue layer with large folds in FIG. 2a according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of large folds may include different additions (e.g., small folds, medium folds, large folds, etc.). Some of the plurality of large folds may have different fold segment lengths (s), as shown in FIG. 4b. The coupling of the first tissue layer 410 and the second tissue layer 430 can be performed at the valley of each macrofold of the second tissue layer 430, wherein the second tissue layer 430 serves as the body-facing surface (210) of the primary sheet 220. In some embodiments, the first and second tissue layers (410, 420, 430) can have a basis weight of about 10 gsm to about 60 gsm and a sheet bulk greater than about 5 cc / g.

[0041] For the tissue layer, according to some embodiments, known raw pulp can be used for (continuous) crepe paper. For example, wood pulp, recycled pulp, etc. can be used. In particular, the preferred raw pulp is a combination of NBKP (bleached kraft coniferous pulp) and LBKP (bleached kraft hardwood pulp). Although recycled pulp can be added, it is more preferred to add only NBKP and NBKP original pulp mixture in terms of good hand feel, etc. In this case, the mixing ratio is NBKP:LBKP=10:90 to 50:50, and in particular, it is ideal to be NBKP:LBKP=40:60.

[0042] Paper raw materials such as stock pulp are transformed into crepe paper through, for example, a known paper making process via a wire section, a press section, a drying section, a size press, a calendaring section, etc. In paper making, appropriate chemicals such as dispersants, pH adjusters (such as caustic soda), defoamers, preservatives, and scale inhibitors may be added.

[0043] As for the paper quality of crepe paper, the basis weight of one layer is preferably 12.0 g / m2 to 30.0 g / m 2 When the basis weight is less than 12.0 g / m2, after embossing the tissue layer, the tactile thickness is lost and paper breakage occurs. On the contrary, when the basis weight is greater than 30.0 g / m2, the paper quality is reduced due to the decrease in surface roughness or water disintegrability of the tissue layer.

[0044] In some embodiments, the paper thickness (each tissue layer) of two continuous pleated papers can be 100 μm to 330 μm, as measured by a Peacock thickness gauge. When the paper thickness is less than 100 μm, the tactile thickness is lost, and the paper is easily stretched, making it difficult to accurately locate the embossing position. On the contrary, when the paper thickness is greater than 330 μm, the paper may be rough, which is undesirable.

[0045] The measured tensile strength may be measured according to the product state. That is, a single-layer product is measured in a one-layer state, and a two-layer product is measured in a two-layer state. For example, in the case of a two-layer product, it is preferred that the tensile strength (in the length direction) is 320 cN / 25 mm to 500 cN / 25 mm, and the tensile strength (in the width direction) is 1400 cN / 25 mm to 2500 cN / 25 mm. The tensile strength of continuous crepe paper (which does not reach the tensile strength in the length direction or the width direction) may be invalidated due to paper breakage occurring during the embossing stage of papermaking.

[0046] In making an embossed tissue layer, a continuous crepe paper may be pressed by embossing raised portions formed on the peripheral surface of a convex embossing roller (not shown) of a tissue layer making machine, thereby passing the tissue layer between rollers having the desired embossing pattern.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5a, a front view of a female anatomy with bladder muscle weakness according to some embodiments is shown. As shown, a bladder 500 having a bladder neck 502 may include a urethra 550. A pair of weak pelvic muscles 510 may be coupled with a pair of urethral sphincters 520 to control the start and stop of urine flow. In particular, during bladder control dysfunction, the weak pelvic muscles 510 will not have enough strength to exert pressure on the contracted urethral sphincters 520.

[0048] In operation, when the innovative absorbent article 100 is placed slightly in front of the urethra and plugged behind the clitoris (see Figures 5c and 5d for details), the urethra bends slightly upward and closes. In particular, referring to Figure 5b, a front view of the female anatomy of Figure 5a with the innovative absorbent article for bladder leakage prevention is shown according to some embodiments, and the absorbent article is located above the urethra behind the clitoris of the user. When the absorbent article 100 is placed slightly in front of the urethra 550, the urethra bends forward and closes, as shown in dotted lines.

[0049] Referring to Fig. 5c, a cross-sectional view of the female anatomical structure of the weak bladder muscle in Fig. 5a according to some embodiments is shown. In particular, the female anatomical structure includes a uterus 505 (with a vaginal cavity 555), a bladder 500 (with a connected urethra 550 and a urethral sphincter 520 to limit urine flow), a pelvic bone 515, a clitoris 530, labia minora 535, and labia majora 540. As shown, above the labia minora 535, there is a space distance between the clitoris 530 and the urethra 550. In this space distance, the absorbent article 100 can be placed slightly in front of the urethra 550 and plugged behind the clitoris 530 (see Fig. 5d for details). In particular, referring to Fig. 5d, a cross-sectional view of the female anatomical structure with an innovative absorbent article for bladder leakage prevention in Fig. 5a according to some embodiments is shown, and the absorbent article is located above the urethra behind the user's clitoris. As shown, when the absorbent article 100 is placed slightly in front of the urethra 550, the urethra 550 bends forward and closes as shown.

[0050] Typically, the urethral sphincter muscle 520, located at the upper end of the urethra 550 and adjacent to the bladder 500, closes the passage of urine from the bladder 500 to the urethra 550 when it has a generally circular or annular cross-sectional configuration. Support for the proximal urethra 550 elevates the muscle 520 above the pelvic floor and increases its intra-abdominal pressure, thereby allowing compression and maintaining continence. However, when the passage is twisted into an elliptical or oval cross-sectional configuration, the sphincter mechanism 520 cannot close properly, and therefore the tendency for involuntary urine loss increases. S1 can be caused by damage to the proximal urethra 550 from trauma, radiation, sacral cord injury, previous surgery, estrogen deficiency, or congenital weakness. In addition, neuromuscular damage caused by pregnancy, childbirth, and pelvic surgery are common causes of SI.

[0051] In operation, when the innovative absorbent article 100 is placed slightly in front of the urethra 550 and plugged behind the clitoris 530 (see Figures 5c and 5d for details), the urethra 550 is slightly bent upward and closed. The bending and closing of the urethra will prevent urine from leaking out. The body-facing surface of the absorbent article 100 absorbs any liquid present and is soft enough to be reshaped according to the body contours of the female user. The closing pressure from the labia minora 535 and labia majora 540 tightly surrounding the clitoris 530 keeps the pillow pack 100 stably behind the clitoris 530 while bending the urethra 550 upward and closing. When the user needs to urinate, she can sit on the toilet and the labia minora 535 and labia majora 540 will open naturally. The user starts urinating by simply releasing the pelvic muscles 510, which can release the retained urine; and the flow of urine will force the absorbent article 100 into the toilet. Because the absorbent article 100 can be made of materials commonly used to make toilet paper tissue layers, the absorbent article 100 can be conveniently disposed of by flushing it down the toilet.

[0052] refer to Figure 6, a block diagram showing a method for manufacturing an absorbent article for bladder leakage prevention and a tampon pillow pack for bladder control according to some embodiments is shown. In particular, a method 600 for manufacturing a tampon pillow pack for bladder control is provided. In action 610, the method may include an embossing step: passing a continuous tissue layer paper between an embossing roller and a support roller paired with the embossing roller. In action 620, the method for manufacturing a tampon pillow pack may include a cutting step: cutting the embossed continuous tissue layer paper. In action 630, the method may also include a folding step: generating large folds of the absorbent sheet. In action 640, the method may also include an attaching step: applying the folded absorbent sheet to a first cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper. In some embodiments, in action 650, the method may include a connecting step: engaging a drawstring to one of the cut portions of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper for user removal. Furthermore, in act 660, the method may include a packing step of joining the second cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper to the first cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper.

[0053] In the above description, many details are described. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention, well-known structures and devices are shown in the form of block diagrams (rather than in detail).

[0054] It should be understood that the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. After reading and understanding the above description, many other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be practiced by modification and change in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the description and drawings are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents authorized by these claims.

[0055] It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various steps and calculations, these steps or calculations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one step or calculation from another step or calculation. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, for example, the first calculation can be referred to as the second calculation, and similarly, the second step can be referred to as the first step. As used herein, the term "and / or" and the symbol " / " include any combination and all combinations of one or more related listed items. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of "one", "one" and "the" should also include plural forms. It should be further understood that when the terms "include", "include", "contain" and / or "include" are used in this article, it is used to indicate the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof. Therefore, the terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments, rather than to limit them.

[0056] Although method operations are described in a particular order, it should be understood that other operations may be performed between the described operations, that the described operations may be adjusted to occur at slightly different times, or that the described operations may be distributed in a system that allows processing operations to be performed at various intervals associated with the processing.

[0057] For purposes of illustration, the foregoing embodiments have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the above illustrative discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact form disclosed. In view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations can be made. The embodiments selected and described are intended to best explain the principles of the embodiments and their practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the embodiments and various modifications that may be suitable for the intended specific use. Therefore, the present embodiments should be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage, comprising: a primary sheet having a body-facing surface and an interior-facing surface, the primary sheet having four edges, each edge having a selvedge, the primary sheet having a first length and a second width; a secondary sheet having a body-facing surface and an interior-facing surface, the secondary sheet having four edges, each edge having a selvedge, the secondary sheet having a second length and a second width; and an absorbent sheet disposed between the interior-facing surface of the primary sheet and the interior-facing surface of the secondary sheet, the absorbent sheet having four edges, the absorbent sheet having a third length and a third width; wherein the absorbent sheet is folded with a plurality of large folds in a direction opposite to the length of the primary sheet and the length of the secondary sheet; The selvedge edges of the primary sheet and the secondary sheet are connected together around the absorbent sheet to form a pillow package.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein: The primary sheet comprises: a first tissue layer having a first machine direction length (MD length), wherein the first tissue layer is the interior-facing surface of the primary sheet; and a second tissue layer having a plurality of macropleats and a second MD length, the second tissue layer being coupled to the first tissue layer, wherein the second tissue layer is coupled to the first tissue layer at each valley of each macropleat of the second tissue layer, wherein the second tissue layer is the body-facing surface of the primary sheet; Wherein, the first MD length is substantially smaller than the second MD length.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein: The first tissue layer has a basis weight of about 10 gsm to about 60 gsm and a sheet bulk greater than about 5 cc / g.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein: The second tissue layer has a basis weight of about 10 gsm to about 60 gsm and a sheet bulk greater than about 5 cc / g.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein: The second tissue layer is embossed.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of macropleats has a different shape.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of macropleats has a different macropleat segment length.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein: The secondary sheet comprises: a third tissue layer having a third machine direction length (MD length), wherein the third tissue layer is the interior-facing surface of the secondary sheet; and a fourth tissue layer having a plurality of macropleats and a fourth MD length, the fourth tissue layer being coupled to the third tissue layer, wherein the fourth tissue layer is coupled to the third tissue layer at each valley of each macropleat of the fourth tissue layer, wherein the fourth tissue layer is the body-facing surface of the primary sheet; Wherein, the third MD length is substantially equal to the fourth MD length.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein: The third tissue layer has a basis weight of about 10 gsm to about 60 gsm and a sheet bulk greater than about 5 cc / g.

10. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein: The fourth tissue layer has a basis weight of about 10 gsm to about 60 gsm and a sheet bulk greater than about 5 cc / g.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein: The fourth tissue layer is embossed.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the plurality of macropleats has a different shape.

13. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the plurality of macropleats has a different macropleat segment length.

14. A tampon for bladder control of the urethra of a female user having labia minora and labia majora, comprising: a primary mat having a length, a width and a thickness, the primary mat having a body-facing surface and an interior-facing surface, the primary mat having four edges, each edge having a selvedge; a secondary sheet material having a length, a width and a thickness, the secondary sheet material having a body-facing surface and an interior-facing surface, the secondary sheet material having four edges, each edge having a selvedge; and an absorbent pad disposed between the interior-facing surface of the primary pad and the interior-facing surface of the secondary pad, the absorbent pad having four edges, the absorbent pad having a length and a width; wherein the absorbent mat material has a plurality of large folds folded in a direction opposite to the length of the primary mat material and the length of the secondary mat material; wherein the selvedge edges of the primary pad material and the secondary pad material are connected together around the absorbent pad material to form a pillow package; The pillow pack is compressed into a self-sustaining spherical shape so as to be inserted above the urethra behind the clitoris of the female user so as to bend the urethra upward and close the urethra behind the labia minora and the labia majora.

15. The tampon of claim 14, further comprising A draw cord is coupled to one of the selvedge edges of the primary and secondary panels to facilitate removal by a user.

16. The tampon according to claim 14, wherein: The length and the width of the primary mat material are about 38 mm, the primary mat material is mainly composed of viscose rayon fibers and has a weight between about 0.94 g and about 1.78 g.

17. The tampon according to claim 14, wherein: The length and the width of the secondary pad are about 38 mm, the secondary pad is mainly composed of viscose rayon fibers and has a weight between about 0.76 g and about 1.46 g.

18. A method for making a tampon pillow package for bladder control, comprising: Embossing step: passing the continuous tissue layer paper between an embossing roller and a support roller paired with the embossing roller; Cutting step: cutting the embossed continuous tissue layer paper; Folding step: generating large folds of the absorbent sheet; Attaching step: applying the folded absorbent sheet to the first cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper; as well as Packing step: joining the second cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper to the first cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper to form the pillow pack.

19. The tampon of claim 18, further comprising: The step of coupling is to couple the drawstring to one of the cut portions of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper for user removal.

20. The tampon according to claim 18, wherein Each cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper has a length and a width of about 38 mm.

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