Absorbent tampon

Abstract

An absorbent tampon is described. The absorbent tampon comprises an essentially cylindrical absorbent body and a withdrawal thread, wherein the absorbent body comprises absorbent material having a density of about 0.10 – 0.35 g / cm3, 0.13 – 0.32 g / cm3, 0.15 – 0.30 g / cm3, 0.17 – 0.27 g / cm3, or 0.20 5 – 0.25 g / cm3 .

Description

[0001] ABSORBENT TAMPON

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to tampons suitable for insertion into the vagina. The tampons are suitable for use after sex to absorb vaginal discharge such as semen, female lubrication from the vaginal mucosa, and / or lubricants from the vagina.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Tampons are a device widely used today by women during menstruation for absorption of the blood. Tampons are a discrete alternative to using sanitary pads and are therefore preferred over sanitary pads by many women. Conventional tampons used during menstruation generally comprise an absorbent material and a withdrawal thread intended for removal of the tampon, including any blood absorbed therein.

[0006] Conventional tampons for use during menstruation often have a long predicted time of usage, i.e. a time of 2-8 hours.

[0007] EP 3 534 858 describes a conventional tampon for absorption of blood during female menstruation.

[0008] Many women experience discomfort after having sex, due to the vaginal discharge, such as semen, female lubrication from the vaginal mucosa, and lubricants, accumulated in the vagina after sex, which may discharge from the vagina, often runs along the inside of the legs, and which may wet the bed, the floor and / or the clothes a woman is wearing. It would therefore be desirable with a device, such as a tampon, that could absorb the vaginal discharge from the vagina during a short period time, i.e. within a time of less than 10 minutes, preferably less than 5 minutes, preferably less than 3 minutes, to avoid the risk of fluids discharging from the vagina after sex.

[0009] Conventional tampons have a relatively slow absorption rate, i.e. the absorption takes a long time, since they are intended for a long time of usage of several hours for absorption of blood, and not for a quick absorption of vaginal discharge after sex.

[0010] Thus, there is an unmet need for provision of a tampon that provides fast and efficient absorption of fluids, such as vaginal discharge, after sex.

[0011] Summary of the Invention

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the problems identified above, i.e. to provide a tampon which is useful for fast absorption of fluids such as semen, female lubrication from the mucosa and / or lubricants.

[0013] This object is achieved by an absorbent tampon comprising an essentially cylindrical absorbent body and a withdrawal thread, wherein the absorbent body comprises absorbent material having a density of about 0.10 - 0.35 g / cm3, 0.13 - 0.32 g / cm3, 0.15 - 0.30 g / cm3, 0.17 - 0.27, or 0.20 - 0.25 g / cm3.

[0014] In one aspect, the absorbent body has a density of about 0.10 - 0.35 g / cm3, 0.13 - 0.32 g / cm3, 0.15 - 0.30 g / cm3, 0.17 - 0.27, or 0.20 - 0.25 g / cm3.

[0015] In a further aspect, the absorbent material comprises cotton fibers and / or viscose fibers.

[0016] In another aspect, the absorbent material consists of cotton and / or viscose fibers.

[0017] According to one aspect, the absorbent body may be formed from a fiber band.

[0018] According to a further aspect, said fiber band may be wound along the longitudinal geometric axis of the tampon.

[0019] In one aspect, the absorbent body has an absorbency of about 4.2 - 5.5 g / g absorbent material, preferably 4.5 - 5.2 g / g absorbent material, more preferably at least 4.5 g / g absorbent material. In a further aspect, the absorbent body has a length of 30 - 60 mm, preferably 40 - 55 mm.

[0020] In another aspect, the absorbent body has a diameter of 12 - 20 mm, more preferably 14 - 18 mm.

[0021] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] These and other aspects, features and advantages of which embodiments of the invention are capable of, will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments and aspects of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0023] FIG. 1 shows absorbent tampons according to the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2. shows absorbent tampons according to the present invention after studying the absorption by conducting a Syngina trial.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows conventional tampons for absorption of blood during menstruation.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows nonwoven bands of fiber mixture used for producing the tampons according to the invention.

[0027] FIG. 5 shows nonwoven bands as input material together with a withdrawal thread.

[0028] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate the fast absorption of fluid on a tampon according to the present invention, where the fluid is immediately absorbed without any leakage.

[0029] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate the absorption of fluid on a regular tampon, where the tampon very slowly starts to absorb fluid and in the beginning almost is repelling the fluid.

[0030] FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a tampon according to the present invention to the left and a conventional tampon for absorption of blood to the right. The difference in density of the absorbent body of the tampons is clearly seen. Detailed Description

[0031] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to be limiting the invention. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosure only, and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] It should be noted that the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed and the words “a” or “an” preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0033] The different aspects, alternatives and embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be combined with one or more of the other aspects, alternatives and embodiments described herein. Two or more aspects can be combined.

[0034] Standard absorbent tampons for absorption of menstrual blood have an absorption regulated in the Ell by Edana, and must meet the following criteria: average absorption in g / piece within class limits <6, <6-9, 9-12, 12- 15, 15-18, 18-21 . In the US, these grades are the same, but the KAPPA of absorbency must be within each grade to meet the regulatory standard. Tampons are intended for single use and have a predicted time of use before disposal of 2-8 hours. The absorption rate, i.e. the amount of fluid absorbed during a certain time, is rather slow.

[0035] The absorbent tampons of the present invention are intended for use after sex, for a single, short-term use of less than 10 minutes, less than 9 minutes, less than 8 minutes, less than 7 minutes, less than 6 minutes, less than 5 minutes, less than 4 minutes, less than 3 minutes, less than 2 minutes, or less than 1 minute, in the vagina for absorption of the vaginal discharge such as semen, female lubrication from the vaginal mucosa and / or lubricants. The time of use is preferably 5 minutes or less, more preferably 4 minutes or less, even more preferably 3 minutes or less. The absorbent tampon may e.g., be used during a time of about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 minute.

[0036] The absorbent tampons of the present invention solve the hygienic problem that women may have after having sex, i.e. removal of the vaginal discharge, i.e. excess fluid comprising semen, female lubrication from the vaginal mucosa, and / or lubricants, remaining in the vagina after sex.

[0037] The absorbent tampon according to the invention comprises an essentially cylindrical absorbent body and a withdrawal thread. The absorbent body comprises absorbent material having a density of about 0.10 - 0.35 g / cm3, 0.13 - 0.32 g / cm3, 0.15 - 0.30 g / cm3, 0.17 - 0.27 g / cm3, or 0.20 - 0.25 g / cm3. Thus, the absorbent body may comprise an absorbent material having a density of about 0.10, 0.11 , 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21 , 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31 , 0.32, 0.33, 0.34 or 0.35 g / cm3.

[0038] The density of the present tampon enables a fast absorption of fluid, i.e. where the fluid to be absorbed basically starts to be absorbed immediately, while a conventional tampon very slowly starts to absorb fluid and in the beginning almost is repelling the fluid, due to the tampon being so dense that it is difficult for the fluid to enter the tampon.

[0039] The absorbent tampon of the invention may comprise a radially compressed cylindrical band comprising absorbent material. The band may have a predetermined width and be wound along the geometrical axis of the tampon. The absorbent material of the band may comprise or consist of cotton and / or viscose fibers, and be any mixtures thereof. Thus, the absorbent material may e.g., consist of 100% cotton fibers, or consist of 100% viscose fibers, or e.g., be any mixture of cotton fibers and viscose fibers, such as a ratio between cotton fibers and viscose fibers of 100:0 to 0:100. The absorbent material may also comprise other suitable fibers.

[0040] The absorbent tampon of the present invention may have an absorbency of about 4.2 - 5.5 g fluid / g absorbent material, preferably 4.5 - 5.2 g fluid / g absorbent material, more preferably an absorbance of at least 4.5 g fluid / g absorbent material. The absorbency may be at least 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1 , 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 or 5.5 g fluid / g absorbent material.

[0041] The absorbent tampon according to the present invention preferably has a length of about 30 - 60 mm, preferably about 40 - 55 mm.

[0042] The absorbent tampon preferably has a diameter of 12 - 20 mm, more preferably 14 - 18 mm, such as 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 mm, which allows wiping of the vaginal walls during the short-term use for which the tampon according to the invention is intended.

[0043] The absorbent tampon is provided with a withdrawal thread, exiting the absorbent body of the tampon at the rear end, which rear end faces the opening of the vagina during use, and which withdrawal thread is intended to be used for pulling the tampon, together with fluid absorbed therein, out of the vagina after use.

[0044] The absorbent tampon may be provided with a thin, preferably smooth, cover of non-woven material from e.g., polyester and / or polyethylene to facilitate insertion and withdrawal of the tampon. The cover may also aid in keeping the absorbent material together, avoiding any remainder in the vagina after withdrawal of the tampon.

[0045] The absorbent tampon may be provided with a slightly rounded tip at the front end, i.e. at the end opposite to the rear end where the withdrawal thread exits the absorbent body, to facilitate insertion into the vagina.

[0046] The absorbent tampon may be used and inserted as it is, or may be used together with an applicator, preferably reusable, for insertion of tampons.

[0047] Materials

[0048] In an example for producing absorbent tampons according to the present invention the following materials were used:

[0049] • Viscous band: weight 6.00 - 7.50 g / m, width 44 mm + / - 10 mm, wherein the band is a mixture of regular and trilobal viscose fibers;

[0050] • Nonwoven cover with a width of 55 + / - 10 mm, bicomponent polyester / polyethylene material;

[0051] • Organic cotton cord intended for withdrawal of the tampon from the vagina after use;

[0052] • Biodegradable wrapper of 72 + / - 10 mm width to protect the absorbent tampon before use;

[0053] • Biodegradable 2 mm tear tape for opening the wrapper when the tampon is to be used.

[0054] The length, diameter, and weight of a wrapped tampon in accordance with the present invention (AS tampon) and a conventional tampon of size mini for absorption of blood (MINI tampon), were measured and are shown in the tables below. The weight of the AS tampon and the MINI tampon are essentially the same. The diameter was measured transversely with a Vernier caliper in the middle of, not the end of, the tampon. The length was also measured with Vernier caliper. The density of the tampon was thereafter calculated. Table 1 . Length, diameter and weight of wrapped tampon according to the invention (AS tampon) and a conventional MINI tampon

[0055] Table 2. Density of tampon

[0056] As is seen in table 2, the density of the tampon in accordance with the present invention differs significantly from the density of a conventional tampon for long term use during menstruation, i.e. a tampon intended for use during up to 8 hours.

[0057] Absorbency test on Syngina

[0058] The word “Syngina” is constructed from the words “synthetic” and “vagina”. The Syngina test (NWSP 350.1.R1 (15)) is a test that measures the absorption of a tampon in a device that mimics regular usage conditions in terms of pressure and temperature. The test method specifies a procedure for in vitro measurement of absorbency of tampons and is a quality control test used on e.g., production sites for determining conformance to internal manufacturing specifications and for ensuring compliance to the EDANA Code of Practice for Tampon Labelling that has been agreed upon with the European Commission. The principle is to simulate the vaginal environment in the laboratory by applying standard pressure to a tampon inside a flexible membrane (a certain type of condom) and then introducing defined amounts of fluid until the tampon leaks. The tampon weight is taken before and after the test to calculate the weight of fluid absorbed.

[0059] The result of this test determines the labelling with number of droplets on the commercial packaging, which labelling is used on the packaging to demonstrate the absorbency of the tampon, as outlined in EDANA Tampon Code of Practice.

[0060] The absorbency of a tampon in accordance with the present invention (AS tampon) and a conventional tampon of size mini for absorption of blood (MINI tampon), were measured on 12 tampons of each type, and the maximum, minimum and average absorption values are shown in tables 3A and 3B below. The absorbency for a fully saturated tampon in accordance with the present invention, measured on Syngina in accordance with standard methods for tampon absorbency, is on average 10.14 g / tampon, which equals an average of 5.01 g per g of fibers.

[0061] Table 3A. Absorbency test for AS tampon Table 3B. Absorbency test for conventional MINI tampon

[0062] Manufacturing the tampon

[0063] For manufacturing the tampon in accordance with the present invention, the cotton and / or viscose fibers in the absorbent body are mixed in the desired ratios. The fiber mixture is thereafter processed into bands, as seen in Fig. 4. The bands are then used as input material, together with the withdrawal thread, in a tampon machine, such as a conventional tampon machine for manufacturing conventional tampons for menstrual blood.

[0064] The fiber band used may be wound along the longitudinal geometric axis of the tampon.

[0065] Study of effects of using the tampon

[0066] In a study with 42 participants using the tampon according to the present invention, the participants were asked if they experienced any improvement of pH or discomfort (including smell, itching and or a tingling sensation) in the female genitals after using the tampon according to the present invention after having sex.

[0067] Of the 42 participants, 50% reported a great improvement, 28.6% reported some improvement, 4.7% reported no improvement, while 16.7% reported that they do not experience discomfort or change in pH after sex. Thus, as many as 78.6% of the participants experienced an improvement, indicating a surprising effect achieved using the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An absorbent tampon comprising an essentially cylindrical absorbent body and a withdrawal thread, wherein the absorbent body comprises absorbent material having a density of about 0.10 - 0.35 g / cm3, 0.13 - 0.32 g / cm3, 0.15 - 0.30 g / cm3, 0.17 - 0.27 g / cm3, or 0.20 - 0.25 g / cm3.

2. An absorbent tampon according to claim 1 , wherein the absorbent body has a density of about 0.10 - 0.35 g / cm3, 0.13 - 0.32 g / cm3, 0.15 - 0.30 g / cm3, 0.17 - 0.27, or 0.20 - 0.25 g / cm33. The absorbent tampon according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the absorbent material comprises cotton fibers and / or viscose fibers.

4. The absorbent tampon according to claim any one of the previous claims, wherein the absorbent material consists of cotton and / or viscose fibers.

5. The absorbent tampon according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the absorbent body is formed from a fiber band.

6. The absorbent tampon according to claim 5, wherein said fiber band is wound along the longitudinal geometric axis of the tampon.

7. The absorbent tampon according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the tampon has an absorbency of about 4.2 - 5.5 g / g absorbent material, preferably 4.5 - 5.2 g / g absorbent material, more preferably at least 4.5 g / g absorbent material.

8. The absorbent tampon according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the absorbent body has a length of 30 - 60 mm, preferably 40 - 55 mm.

9. The absorbent tampon according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the absorbent body has a diameter of 12 - 20 mm, more preferably 14 - 18 mm.

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