Hygiene pads

Abstract

A biodegradable hygiene pad comprising: an absorbent layer 120 between an upper liner 110 arranged as a body-side layer and a lower liner 130; and a back sheet 140 adjacent to the lower liner on the g

Description

Hygiene pads are designed to absorb bodily fluids and protect undergarments and clothing from staining. Absorbent hygiene pads are designed for use during menstruation, as well as for urinary and faecal incontinence. These products are designed such that when a pad has reached its fluid retention limit, it is disposed of by a user. Hygiene pads typically comprise a layered arrangement of absorbent, fluid-retention materials and liquid-impermeable, leakproof materials. The absorbent layers of known hygiene pads are made from non-biodegradable plastics, synthetic absorbent polymers, wood fibres, and cotton. The liquid-impermeable layers of known hygiene pads are also made from non-biodegradable plastics. Additionally, known hygiene pads contain non-biodegradable synthetic resins that are used as adhesives. Some pads are further treated with synthetic fragrance or chemicals. As a result of the non-biodegradable core materials, known hygiene pads can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing significantly to ocean pollution and landfill waste. Hygiene products containing cotton have an added environmental impact, as cotton production requires excessive water consumption and generates pollution. As such, there is a need to provide an improved hygiene pad. Summary According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a biodegradable hygiene pad comprising: an upper liner; an absorbent layer; a lower liner; and a back sheet, wherein the upper liner is arranged as a body side layer, wherein the absorbent layer is arranged between the upper liner and the lower liner, wherein the back sheet is arranged adjacent to the lower liner on a side opposite to the absorbent layer, wherein the back sheet is arranged as a garment side layer, and wherein the upper liner, the absorbent layer and the lower liner comprise bamboo. As such, the hygiene pad would be made of sustainable materials, whilst ensuring reliability of fluid retention, hygiene and comfort of the user. Preferably, the biodegradable hygiene pad further comprises a lining paper arranged between the upper liner and the absorbent layer. As such, the lining paper protects the bamboo core and assists with absorption. Preferably, the biodegradable hygiene pad further comprises glue. As such, the glue ensures the structural integrity of the hygiene pad, preventing the layers from shifting or separating during use and preventing fluid from leaking from the hygiene pad. Preferably, the glue is arranged between the upper liner and the back sheet for sealing the upper liner to the back sheet. As such, the glue ensures that the absorbent layer remains contained within the pad. Preferably, the glue is arranged between the lower liner and the back sheet for sealing the lower liner to the back sheet. As such, the glue ensures the structural integrity of the hygiene pad and prevents fluid from leaking between the lower liner and the back sheet. Preferably, the upper liner comprises a bamboo fibre composition. As such, the upper liner comprises a sustainable, biodegradable material. Preferably, the lower liner comprises a bamboo fibre composition. As such, the lower liner comprises a sustainable, biodegradable material. Preferably, the bamboo fibre composition of the upper liner comprises bamboo viscose. As such, the upper liner is breathable, soft, non-abrasive and comfortable. Preferably the bamboo fibre composition of the upper liner comprises a hydrophilic surface layer. As such, the upper liner is designed for efficient absorption of liquids. Preferably the bamboo fibre composition of the upper liner comprises non-woven bamboo fibres, preferably wherein the non-woven bamboo fibres are spun-lace bamboo fibres. As such, the bamboo fibres of the upper liner are soft, non-abrasive and comfortable. Preferably, the bamboo fibre composition of the lower liner comprises bamboo viscose. As such, the lower liner is breathable, soft, non-abrasive and comfortable. Preferably the bamboo fibre composition of the lower liner comprises a hydrophilic surface layer. As such, the lower liner is designed for efficient handling of liquids. Preferably the bamboo fibre composition of the lower liner comprises non-woven bamboo fibres, preferably wherein the non-woven bamboo fibres are spun-lace bamboo fibres. As such, the bamboo fibres of the lower liner are strong and durable, support the absorbent layer and add to the overall integrity of the pad. Preferably the absorbent layer comprises a bamboo fibre composition. As such, the absorbent layer comprises a sustainable, biodegradable material. Preferably the absorbent layer bamboo fibre composition comprises substantially of bamboo, preferably wherein the absorbent layer bamboo fibre composition is 100% bamboo. As such, the absorbent layer comprises substantially a sustainable, biodegradable material. Preferably the absorbent layer is substantially absent of cotton fibres, wood fibres, and synthetic polymers. As such, the absorbent layer is substantially absent of non-biodegradable materials and does not contribute to ocean pollution and landfill waste. As such, unlike cotton production, the production of raw materials for the hygiene pad do not require excessive water consumption nor generate substantial pollution. Preferably the absorbent layer bamboo fibre composition comprises individual bamboo fibres, wherein the fibres have a fibre length of preferably 0.5mm to 10mm, more preferably a length of 1 mm to 4mm. As such, the bamboo fibres are configured to provide a highly absorbent material. Preferably the back sheet comprises a biodegradable plastic. As such, the back sheet breaks down naturally and does not contribute to ocean pollution and landfill waste. Preferably the biodegradable plastic comprises one or more materials selected from a group of materials comprising: polylactic acid, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polybutylene succinate and starch. As such, the biodegradable plastic comprises biodegradable polymers and will break down into natural components. Preferably the biodegradable plastic compromises polylactic acid and polybutylene adipate terephthalate, wherein preferably the polylactic acid comprises cornstarch, and wherein preferably the polybutylene adipate terephthalate comprises adipic acid, terephthalic acid and butanediol. As such the biodegradable plastic comprises renewable raw materials. Preferably the hygiene pad has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 5cm, more preferably a thickness of 0.1mm to 1cm. As such, the hygiene pad is designed for the comfort of the user, whilst ensuring reliability of fluid retention. Preferably the hygiene pad has an absorption rate of 0.5 seconds to 10 seconds, more preferably an absorption rate of 7 seconds to 8 seconds, and wherein the hygiene pad has a water absorption ratio of preferably 5 to 100, more preferably a water absorption ratio of 9.5 to 12.1. As such, the hygiene pad has a high absorbency rate and liquid absorption ratio. Preferably the hygiene pad further comprises a pair of tabs for securing the hygiene pad to a garment. As such, the tabs ensure that the hygiene pad does not bunch up or shift during use. Furthermore, the tabs ensure hygiene pad is kept in place to prevent leaking. Preferably the hygiene pad further comprises an adhesive portion for securing the hygiene pad to a garment. As such, the pad is kept in place and prevented from shifting or moving. As such, the risk of leakage is reduced, especially during physical activities. Preferably the hygiene pad is a biodegradable hygiene pad, and the hygiene pad is wrapped in a biodegradable wrapper made from cornstarch. As such, the hygiene pad and the hygiene pad wrapper are biodegradable and comprise sustainable materials. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a biodegradable wrapper for wrapping the biodegradable hygiene pad, wherein the wrapper is made from cornstarch. As such, the wrapper is biodegradable and does not contribute to ocean pollution and landfill waste. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a biodegradable sanitary article according to the description of the biodegradable hygiene pad. As such, the biodegradable sanitary pad would be made of sustainable materials, whilst ensuring reliability of fluid retention, hygiene and comfort of the user. Brief Description of the Drawings Aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts an expanded view of the layers of the hygiene pad in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 depicts an expanded view of the hygiene pad with a liner paper in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 depicts an alternate expanded view of the hygiene pad in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4 depicts an expanded view of the hygiene pad with glue in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; Figure 5 depicts an expanded view of the hygiene pad with tabs in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; Figure 6 depicts a view of the hygiene pad with tabs, sticker paper and a wrapper in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Figure 7 depicts a partially unfolded view of the hygiene pad with a wrapper and sticker paper in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Detailed Description With reference to Figure 1, there is illustrated a biodegradable hygiene pad 100. The hygiene pad 100 comprises an upper liner 110, an absorbent layer 120, a lower liner 130, and a back sheet 140. When the hygiene pad 100 is in use, the upper line 110 is in direct contact with the skin. The absorbent layer 120 is arranged between the upper liner 110 and the lower liner 130. The absorbent layer 120 is highly absorbent and designed to absorb and retain liquid. The lower liner 130 is configured to support the absorbent layer 120 and contributes to the overall structural integrity of the hygiene pad 100. The back sheet 140 is arranged adjacent to the lower liner 130 on a side opposite to the absorbent layer 120. The back sheet 140 is arranged as a garment side layer and provides a leak-proof barrier. With reference to Figure 2, an example comprising a lining paper 150 is illustrated. The lining paper 150 is arranged between the upper liner 110 and the absorbent layer 120. The lining paper 150 is breathable and absorbent. As such, the lining paper is configured to protect the bamboo fibre inside the absorbent layer 120. The lining paper 150 is biodegradable and comprises biodegradable fibres. In the example illustrated in figure 2, the lining paper 150 comprises wood fibres. In an alternative example, the lining paper 150 comprises bamboo fibres. With reference to Figure 1, in an example, the upper liner 110, absorbent layer 120, lower liner 130, and back sheet 140 have the same surface area. With reference to Figure 3, in an alternative example, the upper liner 110, the absorbent layer 120, the lower liner 130, and the back sheet 140 comprise different surface areas. In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the back sheet 140 and the upper liner 110 have the same surface area, and the absorbent layer 120 and lower liner 130 have the same surface area. In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the surface area of the absorbent layer 120 and lower liner 130 is smaller than the surface area than the upper line 110 and back sheet 140. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the upper liner 110, absorbent layer 120, lower liner 130, and back sheet 140 have the same shape. In alternative aspects of the invention, the upper liner 110, absorbent layer 120, lower liner 130, and back sheet 140 have different shapes. With reference to Figure 4, the hygiene pad 100 further comprises glue 111 and 131. The glue 111 and 131 comprises biodegradable materials and will break down naturally overtime. When the biodegradable hygiene pad 100 is disposed, the glue 111 and 131 does not harm the environment. The glue 111 and 131 does not contribute to ocean pollution or landfill waste. In alternative examples, the glue is non-biodegradable. The glue 111 is arranged between the upper liner 110 and the back sheet 140 for sealing the upper liner 110 to the back sheet 140. The glue 131 is arranged between the lower liner 130 and the back sheet 140 for sealing the lower liner 130 to the back sheet 140. The arrangement of the glue ensures the structural integrity of the hygiene pad 100 and prevents leaking. In the example illustrated in Figure 4, the glue 111 is arranged around the outer perimeter of the upper liner 110 and the back sheet 140, and the glue 131 is arranged around the outer perimeter of the lower liner 130 and the back sheet 140. In alternative examples, the glue 111 and 131 may be arranged around the outer perimeter, or any other arrangement. In the illustrated examples, the upper liner 110 and the lower liner 130 comprise a bamboo fibre composition. The bamboo fibre composition comprises bamboo viscose. The bamboo viscose has a fibre length of 20mm to 40mm. The bamboo fibre composition has a fibre diameter of 1 pm to 30pm. The bamboo fibre composition comprises non-woven bamboo fibres. The non-woven bamboo fibres are spun-lace bamboo fibres. The absorbent layer 120 may comprise substantially of bamboo. In other words, the absorbent layer 120 may be substantially free of materials other than bamboo. Numerically, the absorbent layer 120 may comprise a bamboo content of substantially 100%. Preferably, the absorbent layer 120 comprises a bamboo content of 100%. The absorbent layer 120 may be substantially absent of nonbamboo materials, such as cotton fibres, wood fibres and synthetic polymers. Preferably, the absorbent layer 120 comprises a cotton fibre content of 0%, a wood fibre content of 0% and a synthetic polymer content of 0%. In the illustrated examples, the absorbent layer 120 is 100% bamboo and is absent of any nonbamboo materials. The absorbent layer 120 bamboo composition comprises individual bamboo fibres. In the illustrated examples, the absorbent layer 120 comprises individual bamboo fibres with an average length of 1.832mm. The back sheet 140 comprises biodegradable plastic and will break down naturally over time. In the illustrated examples, the biodegradable plastic is made from polylactic acid made from cornstarch. In the illustrated examples, the biodegradable plastic comprises polybutylene adipate terephthalate made from adipic acid, terephthalic acid and butanediol. The biodegradable plastic comprises a combination of polylactic acid and polybutylene adipate terephthalate. The thickness of the biodegradable hygiene pad 100 varies depending on the application of the hygiene pad 100. In an example, the hygiene pad 100 is a heavy flow hygiene pad and has a thickness of 5.5mm. In an alternative example, the hygiene pad 100 is a light flow hygiene pad and has a thickness of 5.16mm. The absorption rate and the absorption ratio of the hygiene pad 100 may vary. In an example, the absorption rate is 7 second and the water absorption ratio is 9.5. With reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6, the hygiene pad 100 comprises a pair of tabs 160, or wings, to secure the hygiene pad 100 to a garment. The garment may be an undergarment and the tabs 160 are designed to fold around the sides of the undergarment and help the hygiene pad 100 stay in place. In wrapping around the side of the undergarment, the tabs 160 also provide protection against side leaks. In the example illustrated in Figure 5, the tabs 160 comprise an upper liner 110 and a back sheet 140. With reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the hygiene pad 100 comprises an adhesive portion on the garment side of the back sheet 140. The adhesive portion allows the hygiene pad 100 to stick to a garment. To prevent the adhesive portion from accidently sticking to materials when not in use, a sticker paper 170 is applied to the adhesive portion. The sticker paper 170 is biodegradable. In the example illustrated in Figure 6, the sticker paper 170 is longer than the length of the back sheet 140. In the example illustrated in Figure 7, the sticker paper 170 is shorter than the length of the back sheet 140. In the example illustrated in Figure 6, the hygiene pad 100 comprises a tabs sticker paper 190. The tabs sticker paper 190 adheres to the tabs 160 and secures the hygiene pad 100 in a folded conformation. The tabs sticker paper 190 is biodegradable. In use, the user would remove the sticker paper 170 from the hygiene pad 100 and expose the adhesive portion of the back sheet 140. In examples where the hygiene pad further comprises tabs 160 and a tabs sticker paper 190, the user would also remove the tabs sticker paper 190. The adhesive position would stick to the garment and the upper liner 110 would be positioned against the user’s skin. When the hygiene pad 100 has reached its absorbance capacity, the hygiene pad 100 can be removed from the garment and the hygiene pad 100 is disposed of by the user. With reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the hygiene pad 100 is packaged in a biodegradable wrapper 180 before use. The wrapper 180 protects the hygiene pad 100 and keeps it free of moisture and contaminants. The wrapper 180 is discreet and lightweight. The hygiene pad 100 is folded compactly inside the wrapper 180. The wrapper 180 is made from a biodegradable material. In the illustrated examples, the wrapper 180 comprises cornstarch. With reference to Figure 6, the hygiene pad 100 is a biodegradable sanitary article. The biodegradable sanitary article may be a panty liner, a light flow pad, a heavy flow pad or a night pad. In the example illustrated in Figure 6, the hygiene pad 100 is a light flow pad. The invention is not limited to the specific examples or structures illustrated, a greater number of components that are illustrated in the Figures could be used, for example. For example, the thickness of the hygiene pad 100 may be from 0.1mm to 5cm. For example, the absorption rate of the hygiene pad 100 may be 0.5 seconds to 10 seconds, preferably the absorption rate may be 5 seconds to 10 seconds, more preferably the absorption rate may be 7 seconds to 8 seconds. For example, the water absorption ratio of the hygiene pad 100 may be 5 to 100, preferably the water absorption ratio may be 8 to 13, more preferably the water absorption ratio may be 9.5 to 12.1. For example, the individual bamboo fibres of the absorbent layer 120 may have a fibre length of 0.5mm to 10mm, preferably a length of 1mm to 4mm. For example, the individual bamboo fibres of the absorbent layer 120 may have an individual fibre diameter of 5pm to 50pm, preferably a diameter of 10pm to 30pm. For example, the bamboo fibre composition of the upper liner 110 or the lower liner 130 may have a fibre length of 10mm to 50mm, preferably a length of 20mm to 40mm. For example, the bamboo fibre composition of the upper liner 110 or the lower liner 130 may have a fibre diameter of 1 pm to 50pm, preferably a diameter of 1pm to 30pm.

Claims

1. A biodegradable hygiene pad comprising:an upper liner;an absorbent layer;a lower liner; anda back sheet, wherein the upper liner is arranged as a body side layer, wherein the absorbent layer is arranged between the upper liner and the lower liner, wherein the back sheet is arranged adjacent to the lower liner on a side opposite to the absorbent layer, wherein the back sheet is arranged as a garment side layer, and wherein the upper liner, the absorbent layer and the lower liner comprise bamboo.

2. The biodegradable hygiene pad of claim 1 further comprising a lining paper, wherein the lining paper is arranged between the upper liner and the absorbent layer.

3. The biodegradable hygiene pad of any preceding claim further comprising glue.

4. The biodegradable hygiene pad of claim 3, wherein the glue is arranged between the upper liner and the back sheet for sealing the upper liner to the back sheet.

5. The biodegradable hygiene pad of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the glue is arranged between the lower liner and the back sheet for sealing the lower liner to the back sheet.

6. The biodegradable hygiene pad of any preceding claim, wherein the upper liner comprises a bamboo fibre composition.

7. The biodegradable hygiene pad of any preceding claim, wherein the lower liner comprises a bamboo fibre composition.

8. The biodegradable hygiene pad of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the bamboo fibre composition comprises bamboo viscose.

9. The biodegradable hygiene pad of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the bamboo fibre composition comprises a hydrophilic surface layer.

10. The biodegradable hygiene pad of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the bamboo fibre composition comprises non-woven bamboo fibres, preferably wherein the non-woven bamboo fibres are spun-lace bamboo fibres.11 .The biodegradable hygiene pad of any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent layer comprises a bamboo fibre composition.

12. The biodegradable hygiene pad of claim 11, wherein the absorbent layer bamboo fibre composition comprises substantially of bamboo, preferably wherein the absorbent layer bamboo fibre composition is 100% bamboo.

13. The biodegradable hygiene pad of any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent layer is substantially absent of cotton fibres, wood fibres, and synthetic polymers.

14. The biodegradable hygiene pad of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the absorbent layer bamboo fibre composition comprises individual bamboo fibres, wherein the fibres have a fibre length of preferably 0.5mm to 10mm, more preferably a length of 1mm to 4mm.

15. The biodegradable hygiene pad of any preceding claim, wherein the back sheet comprises a biodegradable plastic.

16. The biodegradable hygiene pad of claim 15, wherein the biodegradable plastic comprises one or more materials selected from a group of materials comprising: polylactic acid, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polybutylene succinate and starch.

17. The biodegradable hygiene pad of claim 16, wherein the biodegradable plastic compromises polylactic acid and polybutylene adipate terephthalate, wherein preferably the polylactic acid comprises cornstarch, and wherein preferably the polybutylene adipate terephthalate comprises adipic acid, terephthalic acid and butanediol.

18. The biodegradable hygiene pad of any preceding claim, wherein the hygiene pad has a thickness of preferably 0.1mm to 5cm, more preferably a thickness of 0.1mm to 1cm.

19. The biodegradable hygiene pad of any preceding claim, wherein the hygiene pad has an absorption rate of preferably 0.5 seconds to 10 seconds, more preferably an absorption rate of 7 seconds to 8 seconds, and wherein the hygiene pad has a water absorption ratio of preferably 5 to 100, more preferably a water absorption ratio of 9.5 to 12.1.

20. The biodegradable hygiene pad of any preceding claim, further comprising a pair of tabs for securing the hygiene pad to a garment.21 .The biodegradable hygiene pad of any preceding claim, further comprising an 5 adhesive portion for securing the hygiene pad to a garment.

22. A wrapped hygiene pad, wherein the hygiene pad is the biodegradable hygiene pad of any preceding claim and wherein the hygiene pad is wrapped in a biodegradable wrapper made from cornstarch.o23. A biodegradable wrapper for wrapping the biodegradable hygiene pad of any of claims 1-22, wherein the wrapper is made from cornstarch.

24. A biodegradable sanitary article according to any one of the preceding claims.14

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