Bladder control products to stop leakage

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article suitable for preventing bladder leakage in women experiencing urinary incontinence may include a first sheet, a second sheet, and an absorbent sheet disposed between the first and second sheets. The first and second sheets may each have four sides and four edges, whereby each edge has a border. The absorbent sheet may further include a plurality of macropleats folded in opposite directions relative to the length of the first sheet and the length of the second sheet. The edges of the first and second sheets may be joined around the periphery of the absorbent sheet to form a pillow wrap. Appropriate placement of the pillow wrap can prevent and reduce bladder leakage. The article may have a length and width of about 38 to about 50 mm.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 17 / 903,777, filed September 6, 2022, entitled "Bladder Control Article For Leakage Cessation," named by Dr. Shanique Cartwright as an inventor, to which this application is currently entitled the benefit of the filing date, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] As a natural detoxification mechanism, urine removes toxins from the body, particularly because cellular metabolism produces nitrogen-rich byproducts that must be removed from the bloodstream. Involuntary leakage of urine (i.e., urinary incontinence) can be problematic. There are three main types of urinary incontinence: detrusor instability (DI) (also known as urge incontinence (UI)), stress urinary incontinence (SI), and overflow incontinence. DI is leakage of urine due to spontaneous, uninhibited contractions of the detrusor muscle that occur before the bladder is fully filled. These contractions are accompanied by a strong urge to urinate. SI is classified as a storage disorder. In this type of urinary disorder, leakage occurs when abdominal pressure or compression is applied, such as during coughing, sneezing, laughing, bending, or heavy lifting. The frequency and severity of this type of urinary incontinence increase with weakening of the muscles and tissues, especially those near the urethrovaginal fascia. Overflow incontinence is involuntary urinary incontinence caused by an overdistended bladder, resulting in frequent or constant leakage of urine without contraction of the detrusor muscle. In this condition, the bladder can store urine but cannot empty it. Overflow incontinence typically results in a large amount of residual urine in the bladder after urination.

[0003] Urinary incontinence is often the leading reason people are institutionalized. The cost of caring for outpatients and institutionalized people with urinary incontinence is estimated at billions of dollars annually, including indirect costs (e.g., treating complications such as injuries from falls and skin breakdown). Unfortunately, the majority of people affected by urinary incontinence are women, especially older women and those who have given birth to one or more children. Many are diagnosed with mixed urinary incontinence, a combination of stress and urge incontinence. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One way to help combat urinary incontinence is to wear bladder "control" pads. Bladder control pads absorb large amounts of fluid, but skin rashes and embarrassing odors remain a problem. Furthermore, most bladder control products do not "control" the flow of urine from the bladder; they merely collect some of the fluid that is expelled from the bladder. They do not stop the flow of urine by restricting the muscles associated with the bladder.

[0005] Alternatively, people suffering from urinary incontinence can turn to bladder control medications as a treatment. Bladder control medications can inhibit urine production and flow, but can have a variety of side effects, ranging from discomfort to fatal personal injuries and outcomes. Alternatively, there are surgical procedures that are said to treat urinary incontinence. However, these types of surgeries can be expensive and offer no guarantee that bladder leakage will stop.

[0006] It is in these situations that embodiments of the present invention arise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Embodiments of an absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage and a method for manufacturing a pledget pillow package are provided. It will be appreciated that the embodiments can be implemented in numerous ways, such as a procedure, an instrument, a system, a device, or a method. Several inventive embodiments are described below.

[0008] In some embodiments, an absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage is provided. The absorbent article may include a first sheet having a length, width, and thickness, the first sheet having a body-facing surface and an inner surface. In some embodiments, the first sheet may include four edges, each with a border. The absorbent article may also include a second sheet having a length, width, and thickness, the second sheet having a body-facing surface and an inner surface. In some embodiments, the second sheet may include four edges, each with a border. The absorbent article may also include an absorbent sheet (having a length and width) disposed between the inner surface of the first sheet and the inner surface of the second sheet. In some embodiments, the absorbent sheet may include four edges. The length of the absorbent sheet may be longer than the lengths of the first and second sheets, thereby allowing the absorbent sheet having multiple macropleats to be folded in opposite directions relative to the length of the first sheet and the length of the second sheet. To form the pillow wrap, the edges of the first and second sheets may be joined around the absorbent sheet to enclose the absorbent sheet and form the pillow wrap. In some embodiments, the pillow wrap may be spherical for insertion behind the clitoris and above the urethra of a female user, bending the urethra upward to close it, so that when the labia minora and labia majora close around the clitoris inside the user's undergarments, pressure holds the pillow wrap stable behind the clitoris.

[0009] In some embodiments, a pledget for urethral bladder control in a female user having labia minora and labia majora is provided. The pledget may include a first pad having a length, width, and thickness, the first pad including a body-facing surface and an inner surface. In some embodiments, the first pad may include four ends, each with a rim. The pledget may also include a second pad having a length, width, and thickness, the second pad including a body-facing surface and an inner surface. In some embodiments, the second pad may include four ends, each with a rim. The pledget may also include an absorbent pad (having a length and width) disposed between the inner surface of the first pad and the inner surface of the second pad. In some embodiments, the absorbent pad may include four ends. The length of the absorbent pad may be longer than the lengths of the first and second pads, thereby allowing the absorbent pad having multiple macropleura to be folded in opposite directions relative to the length of the first pad and the length of the second pad. To form the pillow wrap, the edges of the first and second pads may be joined together around the absorbent pad to enclose the absorbent pad and form the pillow wrap. In some embodiments, the pillow wrap may be inserted behind the clitoris and above the urethra of a female user and compressed into a self-supporting sphere to curve the urethra upward and close it, so that when the labia minora and labia majora close around the clitoris, pressure holds the pillow wrap stable behind the clitoris.

[0010] In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a bladder control pledget pillow package is provided. In one procedure, the method may include an embossing step of passing a continuous tissue layer between an embossing roll and a backing roll mated to the embossing roll. The method for manufacturing the pledget pillow package may include a cutting step of cutting the embossed continuous tissue layer. The method may further include a folding step of creating macropleats in the absorbent sheet. The method may further include an attaching step of attaching the folded absorbent sheet to a first cut section of the embossed continuous tissue layer. The method may further include an encapsulating step of joining a second cut section of the embossed continuous tissue layer to the first cut section of the embossed continuous tissue layer to form the pillow package. In some embodiments, the method may include a bonding step of joining a withdrawal string to one of the cut sections of the embossed continuous tissue layer to facilitate user removal.

[0011] 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.

[0012] The described embodiments and their advantages can best be understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which in no way limit any changes 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. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage having an embossed tissue layer, according to some embodiments. FIG. [Figure 1B] 1B is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage of FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is an exploded view of the absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage of FIG. 1B, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1D]1D is a top view of an absorbent sheet for insertion between the first sheet and the second sheet of the absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage of FIG. 1C according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage having a macropleated tissue layer according to some embodiments. FIG. [Figure 2B] 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. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage having an embossed tissue layer with an attached withdrawal string, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] 1B is a cross-sectional view of the first and second embossed tissue layers of FIG. 1A according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] 2B is a cross-sectional view of the first and second tissue layers having macropleats of FIG. 2A according to some embodiments. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a female anatomy with a weak bladder muscle, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] 5B is a front view of the female anatomy of FIG. 5A with the innovative absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage of FIG. 1A positioned posterior to the user's clitoris and above the urethra, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5C] 5B is a cross-sectional view of the female anatomy with weakened bladder muscles of FIG. 5A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5D] 5B is a cross-sectional view of the female anatomy of FIG. 5B with the innovative absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage of FIG. 1A positioned posterior to the user's clitoris and above the urethra, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage and a bladder control pledget pillow package, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In the following embodiments, methods of manufacturing absorbent articles and pledget pillow packages for stopping bladder leakage are described. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known procedures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments.

[0015] In some embodiments, an absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage is provided. The absorbent article may include a first sheet having a length, width, and thickness, the first sheet having a body-facing surface and an inner surface. In some embodiments, the first sheet may include four edges, each with a border. The absorbent article may also include a second sheet having a length, width, and thickness, the second sheet having a body-facing surface and an inner surface. In some embodiments, the second sheet may include four edges, each with a border. The absorbent article may also include an absorbent sheet (having a length and width) disposed between the inner surface of the first sheet and the inner surface of the second sheet. In some embodiments, the absorbent sheet may include four edges. The length of the absorbent sheet may be longer than the lengths of the first and second sheets, thereby allowing the absorbent sheet having multiple macropleats to be folded in opposite directions relative to the length of the first sheet and the length of the second sheet. To form the pillow wrap, the edges of the first and second sheets may be joined around the absorbent sheet to enclose the absorbent sheet and form the pillow wrap. In some embodiments, the pillow wrap may be spherical for insertion behind the clitoris and above the urethra of a female user, bending the urethra upward to close it, so that when the labia minora and labia majora close around the clitoris inside the user's undergarments, pressure holds the pillow wrap stable behind the clitoris.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first and second sheets may include a first tissue layer bonded to a second tissue layer. The first tissue layer may have a first machine direction length (MD length), with the first tissue layer serving as the inner surface of the first sheet. The second tissue layer, having a second MD length, may include a plurality of macropleats. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of macropleats may have a different shape. Some of the plurality of macropleats may have different macropleat lengths. In some embodiments, the second tissue layer may be embossed. The first tissue layer and the second tissue layer may be bonded at each valley of each second tissue macropleat, with the second tissue layer serving as the bodyside surface of the first sheet. In some embodiments, the first and second tissue layers may have a basis weight of about 10 to about 60 gsm and a sheet bulk of greater than about 5 cc / g.

[0017] The article may be a pledget for urethral bladder control in a female user having labia minora and labia majora. The difference between an absorbent article and a pledget is their respective material compositions, with absorbent articles being made of tissue layers and pledgets being made of a thin absorbent pad. In particular, in some embodiments, a pledget for urethral bladder control in a female user may include a first pad having a length, width, and thickness, the first pad including a body-facing surface and an inner surface. In some embodiments, the first pad may include four ends, each having a rim. The pledget may also include a second pad having a length, width, and thickness, the second pad including a body-facing surface and an inner surface. In some embodiments, the second pad may include four ends, each having a rim. The pledget may also include an absorbent pad (having a length and width) disposed between the inner surface of the first pad and the inner surface of the second pad. In some embodiments, the absorbent pad may include four ends. The length of the absorbent pad may be longer than the length of the first and second pads, thereby allowing the absorbent pad with multiple macropleurisy pleats to be folded in the opposite direction relative to the length of the first and second pads. To form the pillow wrap, the edges of the first and second pads may be joined around the absorbent pad to enclose the absorbent pad and form the pillow wrap. In some embodiments, the pillow wrap may be inserted behind the clitoris and above the urethra of a female user and compressed into a self-supporting sphere to curve the urethra upward and close it, so that when the labia minora and labia majora close around the clitoris, the pressure holds the pillow wrap securely behind the clitoris. In some embodiments, a drawstring may be attached to one of the edges of the first and second pads to facilitate removal by the user.

[0018] Advantageously, the innovative design of the absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage and / or the female user's urethral bladder control pledget prevents most, if not all, bladder leakage. The new design and novel application alter the shape and opening of the urethra, causing it to tilt upward and close. This upward, closed position completely prevents most, if not all, bladder leakage. The pressure of the closing labia minora and labia majora around the clitoris, combined with the absorbent article disclosed herein, keeps the absorbent article in place even during activities that put pressure on the abdomen, such as laughing, coughing, and exercise. Furthermore, because urinary incontinence is often a primary reason people move into institutions, more people can live independently without assistance, without the significant costs of medical facilities. Given that the cost of caring for outpatients and institutionalized patients with urinary incontinence is estimated at billions of dollars annually, including indirect costs (e.g., treating complications such as injuries from falls and skin breakdowns), this innovative concept could save billions of dollars. Additionally, the absorbent articles for stopping bladder leakage and / or bladder control pledgets described herein may improve the mental health of millions of people, potentially sparing users from experiencing the embarrassment and shame often associated with urinary incontinence.

[0019] Numerous details are set forth below. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0020] References herein to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0021] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage according to some embodiments. The absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage 100 may include a first sheet 150 having a length (L1), a width (W1), and a thickness (t), the first sheet including a body-facing surface 110a and an inner surface 110b (shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C). In particular, FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage of FIG. 1A according to some embodiments. Further details are shown in FIG. 1C, which shows an exploded view of the absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage of FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, the first sheet 150 may include four edges (S1, S2, S3, and S4), each having a border. The absorbent article may also include a second sheet 140 having a length (L2), a width (W2), and a thickness (t2), and the second sheet 140 has a body-facing surface 130a and an inner surface 130b. As shown in FIG. 1B, the body-facing surfaces 110a and 130a may be embossed. In some embodiments, the second sheet 140 may include four edges (S5, S6, S7, and S8), each with a border. The absorbent article 100 may also include an absorbent sheet 160 (having a length (L3) and a width (W3)) positioned between the inner surface 110b of the first sheet 150 and the inner surface 130b of the second sheet 140. FIG. 1D shows a top view of an absorbent sheet for insertion between the first and second sheets of the absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage of FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, the absorbent sheet 160 may include four edges. The length L3 of the absorbent sheet 160 may be longer than the lengths (L1, L2) of the first and second sheets (150, 140), thereby allowing the absorbent sheet 160, having multiple macropleats, to be folded in the opposite direction relative to the direction of the length of the first sheet (L1) and the length of the second sheet (L2). To form the pillow package 100, the edges of the first sheets (S1, S2, S3, S4) and the second sheets (S5, S6, S7, S8) may be joined around the periphery of the absorbent sheet 160 to enclose the absorbent sheet 160 and form the pillow package 100.In some embodiments, pillow wrapper 100 may be spherical for insertion behind the female user's clitoris and above the urethra, bending the urethra upward to close it, so that when the labia minora and labia majora close around the clitoris, pressure holds the pillow wrapper stable behind the clitoris (see FIGS. 5A-5D for further details).

[0022] In operation, the innovative absorbent article 100 is placed slightly anterior to the urethra and tucked behind the clitoris (detailed in Figures 5C and 5D), causing the urethra to curve slightly upward and close. When a user needs to relieve their bladder, they simply sit on the toilet, which naturally opens the labia minora and labia majora (detailed in Figures 5C and 5D). The user simply relaxes their pelvic muscles to release urine retention and initiate urination, with the absorbent article 100 being pushed into the toilet by the urine flow. Because the absorbent article 100 can be made from materials commonly used to make the tissue layer of toilet paper, the absorbent article 100 can be conveniently disposed of by flushing it down the toilet. Advantageously, the absorbent article 100 is held in place inside the user's underwear by the pressure of the labia minora and labia majora, even during activities that put pressure on the abdominal area, such as laughing, coughing, or exercise.

[0023] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an absorbent article 200 for stopping bladder leakage having a macro-pleated tissue layer according to some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the absorbent article 200 for stopping bladder leakage of FIG. 2A according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a first sheet 220 having a length (L1), a width (W1), and a thickness (t1) may include four edges, each with a border. The absorbent article may also include a second sheet 240 having a length (L2), a width (W2), and a thickness (t2), the second sheet 240 having a body-facing surface 230a and an inner surface 230b. As shown in FIG. 2B, the body-facing surfaces 210a and 230a may include the macro-pleated tissue layer shown in FIG. 2A. In some embodiments, the second sheet 240 may include four edges, each with a border. The absorbent article 200 may also include an absorbent sheet 260 (having a length (L3) and a width (W3)) disposed between the inner surface 210b of the first sheet 220 and the inner surface 230b of the second sheet 240. In some embodiments, the absorbent sheet 260 may include four edges. The length L3 of the absorbent sheet 260 may be longer than the lengths (L1, L2) of the first and second sheets (220, 240), thereby allowing the absorbent sheet 260, having multiple macropleats, to be folded in the same direction as the length (L1) of the first sheet and the length (L2) of the second sheet as shown in FIG. 2B . To form the pillow package 200, the edges of the first sheet (220) and the second sheet (240) may be joined around the periphery of the absorbent sheet 260 to enclose the absorbent sheet 260 and form the pillow package 200. In some embodiments, pillow wrapper 200 may be spherical for insertion behind the female user's clitoris and above the urethra, bending the urethra upward to close it, so that when the labia minora and labia majora close around the clitoris, pressure holds the pillow wrapper stable behind the clitoris (see FIGS. 5A-5D for further details).

[0024] 3A is a perspective view of an absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage having an embossed tissue layer with an attached withdrawal string, according to some embodiments. In particular, the absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage 300 may include a withdrawal string 355 attached to a pillow package formed by joining a first sheet 320 and a second sheet 340. In some embodiments, the withdrawal string 355 may be attached to the first sheet 320 before joining the first sheet 320 to the second sheet 340. In particular, the withdrawal string 355 may be attached to one of the edges of the first sheet 320. Alternatively, the withdrawal string 355 may be attached to the second sheet 340 before joining the first and second sheets (320, 340).

[0025] In operation, the innovative absorbent article 100 is placed slightly anterior to the urethra and tucked behind the clitoris (as shown in detail in Figures 5C and 5D), causing the urethra to curve slightly upward and close. Advantageously, the absorbent article 100 is held in place inside the user's underwear by the pressure of the labia minora and labia majora, even during activities that put pressure on the abdominal region, such as laughing, coughing, or exercise. When the user needs to relieve their bladder, they simply sit on the toilet, pull the withdrawal string 355, and then relax the muscles that hold urine in the bladder. Because the absorbent article 100 can be made from materials commonly used to make the tissue layer of toilet paper, the absorbent article 100 can be conveniently disposed of by flushing it down the toilet.

[0026] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of the first and second embossed tissue layers of FIG. 1A according to some embodiments. In particular, the first and second sheets may include a first tissue layer 410 bonded to a second tissue layer 420. The first tissue layer 410 may include a first machine direction length (MD length), and the first tissue layer 410 serves as the inner surface (130b) of the first sheet 150. In some embodiments, the second tissue layer 420 may be embossed, and the second tissue layer 420 serves as the bodyside surface (130a) of the first sheet 150. In some embodiments, the second tissue layer 430 having a second MD length may include a plurality of macropleats, as shown in FIG. 4B. In particular, FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the first and second tissue layers having macropleats of FIG. 2A according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of macro-pleats may have a different shape (e.g., small pleats, medium pleats, large pleats, etc.). Some of the plurality of macro-pleats may have different macro-pleat portion lengths (S), as shown in FIG. 4B. The first tissue layer 410 and the second tissue layer 430 may be joined at each valley of each macro-pleat of the second tissue layer 430, with the second tissue layer 430 functioning as the bodyside surface (210) of the first sheet 220. In some embodiments, the first and second tissue layers (410, 420, 430) may have a basis weight of about 10 to about 60 gsm and a sheet bulk of greater than about 5 cc / g.

[0027] For the tissue layer, known raw pulps can be used in the (continuous) crepe paper of some embodiments. For example, wood pulp, recycled pulp, etc. may be used. Specifically, a preferred raw pulp is a combination of NBKP (softwood bleached pulp) and LBKP (hardwood bleached pulp). While recycled pulp may be added, a mixture of only virgin NBKP and LBKP is more preferred in terms of good feel. In this case, the mixing ratio of NBKP:LBKP is 10:90 to 50:50, and particularly preferably NBKP:LBKP is 40:60.

[0028] Paper raw materials such as raw pulp are made into crepe paper through a known papermaking process, for example, through a wire part, a press part, a dryer part, a size press, a calendar part, etc. During papermaking, appropriate chemicals such as dispersants, pH adjusters such as caustic soda, antifoaming agents, preservatives, and slime control agents may be added.

[0029] The paper quality of crepe paper is 12.0 to 30.0 g / m per layer. 2 The basis weight is preferably 12.0 g / m 2 If the basis weight is less than 30.0 g / m, the thickness of the tissue layer is lost and the paper breaks after the tissue layer is embossed. 2 If the temperature exceeds this range, the quality of the paper will deteriorate due to the surface roughness of the tissue layer and the deterioration of its water disintegrability.

[0030] In some embodiments, the thickness of the continuous crepe paper (per tissue layer) may be 100 to 330 μm for two sheets, as measured by a dial thickness gauge (Peacock thickness gauge). If the thickness is less than 100 μm, the thickness of the paper is lost, the paper is prone to stretching, and it becomes difficult to accurately position the embossing. Conversely, if the thickness is greater than 330 μm, the paper may become rough, which is undesirable.

[0031] The tensile strength can be measured depending on the state of the product. That is, a single-ply product is measured in a single-ply state, and a two-ply product is measured in a two-ply state. For example, in the case of a two-ply product, the tensile strength (lengthwise) is preferably 320 to 500 cN / 25 mm, and the tensile strength (widthwise) is preferably 140 to 250 cN / 25 mm. If the tensile strength of the continuous crepe paper is insufficient in the lengthwise or widthwise direction, the paper may break during the embossing process in papermaking, and the desired effect may not be achieved.

[0032] To produce an embossed tissue layer, continuous crepe paper can be pressed by embossing it against the convex portions formed on the circumferential surface of a convex embossing roll (not shown) of a tissue layer-making machine (not shown), whereby the tissue layer is passed between rolls having the desired embossed pattern.

[0033] 5A shows a front view of a female anatomy with weak bladder muscles, according to some embodiments. As shown, a bladder 500 having a bladder neck 502 can include a urethra 550. A pair of weak pelvic muscles 510 can be connected to a pair of urinary sphincter muscles 520 that control the starting and stopping of urine flow. In particular, when bladder control is dysfunctional, the weak pelvic muscles 510 are not strong enough to exert pressure on the contracting urinary sphincter muscles 520.

[0034] In operation, when the innovative absorbent article 100 is placed slightly anterior to the urethra and tucked behind the clitoris (shown in detail in Figures 5C and 5D), the urethra bends slightly upward and closes. In particular, Figure 5B shows a front view of the female anatomy of Figure 5A with an innovative absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage positioned behind the user's clitoris and above the urethra, according to some embodiments. When the absorbent article 100 is placed slightly anterior to the urethra 550, the urethra bends forward and closes, as shown by the dotted line.

[0035] 5C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the female anatomy with a weakened bladder muscle of FIG. 5A, according to some embodiments. In particular, the female anatomy includes the uterus 505 (with the vaginal canal 555), the bladder 500 (with the urethra 550 and urethral sphincter 520 connected to it to prevent urine flow), the pelvis 515, the clitoris 530, the labia minora 535, and the labia majora 540. As illustrated, Above the labia minora 535,There is a spatial distance between the clitoris 530 and the urethra 550. Within this spatial distance, the absorbent article 100 can be positioned slightly anterior to the urethra 550 and tucked behind the clitoris 530 (as shown in detail in FIG. 5D). In particular, FIG. 5D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the female anatomy of FIG. 5B with an innovative absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage positioned posterior to the user's clitoris and above the urethra, according to some embodiments. As shown, positioning the absorbent article 100 slightly anterior to the urethra 550 causes the urethra 550 to bend forward and close.

[0036] Typically, the urethral sphincter muscle 520, located at the upper end of the urethra 550 and adjacent to the bladder 500, blocks the passage of urine from the bladder 500 to the urethra 550 when it has a generally spherical or circular cross-sectional shape. Supporting the proximal urethra 550 elevates the muscle 520 above the pelvic floor, increasing intra-abdominal pressure and thereby maintaining pressure and continence. However, when this passageway becomes distorted into an oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape, the sphincter muscle 520 cannot close properly, thereby increasing the likelihood of involuntary urinary incontinence. SI can be caused by damage to the proximal urethra 550 due to trauma, radiation, sacral lesions, previous surgery, estrogen deficiency, or congenital weakness. Neuromuscular injury from pregnancy, childbirth, and pelvic surgery are also common causes of SI.

[0037] In operation, the innovative absorbent article 100 is positioned slightly anterior to the urethra 550 and tucked behind the clitoris 530 (shown in detail in FIGS. 5C and 5D), causing the urethra 550 to curve slightly upward and close. This urinary flexion prevents leakage. The body-facing surface of the absorbent article 100 is flexible enough to absorb any liquid present and to conform to the contours of the female user's body. The pressure of the labia minora 535 and labia majora 540 closing around the clitoris 530 holds the pillow package 100 stable behind the clitoris 530 while simultaneously bending the urethra 550 upward and closing. When the user needs to relieve their bladder, sitting on the toilet naturally opens the labia minora 535 and labia majora 540. The user can release urine retention and initiate urination by simply relaxing the pelvic muscles 510, allowing the urinary flow to propel the absorbent article 100 into the toilet. Because the absorbent article 100 can be made from materials commonly used to make the tissue layer of toilet paper, the absorbent article 100 can be conveniently disposed of by flushing it down the toilet.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage and a bladder control pledget pillow package, according to some embodiments. In particular, a method 600 for manufacturing a bladder control pledget pillow package is provided. In step 610, the method may include an embossing step of passing a continuous tissue layer between an embossing roll and a backing roll mated to the embossing roll. The method for manufacturing the pledget pillow package may include a cutting step of cutting the embossed continuous tissue layer in step 620. The method may further include a folding step of creating macropleats of the absorbent sheet in step 630. In step 640, the method may further include an attachment step of attaching the folded absorbent sheet to a first cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue layer. In some embodiments, the method may include a bonding step of joining a withdrawal string to one of the cut portions of the embossed continuous tissue layer to facilitate user removal in step 650. The method may further include an encapsulating step in step 660, joining a second cut section of embossed continuous tissue paper to the first cut section of embossed continuous tissue paper to form a pillow wrap.

[0039] Although numerous details have been set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0040] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. While the present invention has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be recognized that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be evaluated in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0041] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various steps or calculations, it should be understood that these steps or calculations are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one step or calculation from another. For example, a first calculation could be referred to as a second calculation, and similarly, a second step could be referred to as a first step, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" and the symbol "I" include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, as used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Therefore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0042] Although the operations of the method have been described in a particular order, it should be understood that other operations may be performed between the operations described, the operations described may be arranged to occur at slightly different times, or the operations described may be distributed across a system capable of causing processing operations to occur at various intervals relative to the process.

[0043] The foregoing description is for purposes of explanation and has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussion above is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the embodiments and their practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the embodiments and various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention should not be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. An absorbent article for stopping bladder leakage in a female user having a urethra, labia minora, and labia majora, comprising: a first sheet having a body surface and an interior surface, the first sheet having four edges each having a border, and the first sheet having a first length and a first width; a second sheet having a body surface and an interior surface, the second sheet having four edges, each edge having a border, and having a second length and a second width; and an absorbent sheet disposed between an inner surface of the first sheet and an inner surface of the second sheet, the absorbent sheet having four edges and a third length and a third width; the absorbent sheet having a plurality of macropleats is folded in opposite directions relative to the length of the first sheet and the length of the second sheet; the edges of the first sheet and the second sheet are joined together around the absorbent sheet to form a pillow wrap; and The pillow package has a fourth length that is shorter than the distance between the upper opening of the labia majora and the upper opening of the labia minora so that the pillow package can be inserted into a cavity behind the labia majora and above the labia minora of the user to bend and close the urethra upward and prevent bladder leakage. An absorbent article characterized by:

2. The first sheet is a first tissue layer having a first machine direction length (MD length), the first tissue layer being an inner surface of the first sheet; and a second tissue layer having a plurality of macro-pleats and a second MD length and joined to the first tissue layer, the second tissue layer being joined to the first tissue layer at each valley of each macro-pleat of the second tissue and being the body-facing surface of the first sheet; Equipped with the first MD length is substantially shorter than the second MD length The absorbent article of claim 1.

3. the first tissue layer having a basis weight of about 10 to about 60 gsm and a sheet bulk of greater than about 5 cc / g; The absorbent article of claim 2.

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

5. the second tissue layer is embossed The absorbent article of claim 2.

6. The plurality of giant pleats each have a different shape. The absorbent article of claim 2.

7. The plurality of giant folds each have a different giant fold portion length. The absorbent article of claim 2.

8. The second sheet is a third tissue layer having a third machine direction length (MD length), the third tissue layer being an inner surface of the second sheet; and a fourth tissue layer having a plurality of macro-pleats and a fourth MD length and joined to the third tissue layer, the fourth tissue layer being joined to the third tissue layer at each valley of each macro-pleat of the fourth tissue and being the bodyside surface of the second sheet; Equipped with the third MD length is substantially equal to the fourth MD length; The absorbent article of claim 1.

9. the third tissue layer having a basis weight of about 10 to about 60 gsm and a sheet bulk of greater than about 5 cc / g.

9. The article of claim 8.

10. the fourth tissue layer having a basis weight of about 10 to about 60 gsm and a sheet bulk of greater than about 5 cc / g.

9. The article of claim 8.

11. the fourth tissue layer is embossed 9. The article of claim 8.

12. The plurality of giant pleats each have a different shape.

9. The article of claim 8.

13. The plurality of giant folds each have a different giant fold portion length.

9. The article of claim 8.

14. 1. A bladder control pledget for the urethra of a female user having labia minora and labia majora, comprising: a first pad having a length, a width, and a thickness, the first pad having a body side surface and an inner side surface and having four ends, each having a border; a second pad having a length, width, and thickness, the second pad having a body side surface and an inner side surface and having four ends, each end having a border; an absorbent pad disposed between an inner surface of the first pad and an inner surface of the second pad, the absorbent pad having four edges and a length and a width; the absorbent pad has a plurality of macropleats folded in opposite directions relative to the length of the first pad and the length of the second pad; the edges of the first pad and the second pad are joined together around the periphery of the absorbent pad to form a pillow wrap; The pillow package is compressed into a self-supporting sphere for insertion behind the clitoris and above the urethra of a female user and for bending the urethra upward behind the labia minora and labia majora to close the urethra. A pledget characterized in that

15. and a withdrawal string coupled to one of the edge portions of the first pad and the second pad for easy removal by a user.

15. The pledget of claim 14.

16. The first pad has a length and width of about 38 mm, and the first pad is made essentially of viscose rayon fibers and has a weight of about 0.94 to about 1.78 g.

15. The pledget of claim 14.

17. The second pad has a length and width of about 38 mm, and the second pad consists essentially of viscose rayon fibers and has a weight of about 0.76 to about 1.46 g.

15. The pledget of claim 14.

18. 1. A method of manufacturing a bladder control pledget pillow package, comprising: an embossing step in which a continuous tissue layer is passed between an embossing roll and a backing roll mated with the embossing roll; a cutting step of cutting the embossed continuous tissue layer; a folding process to create mega-pleats of the absorbent sheet; attaching the folded absorbent sheet to a first cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue layer; and and an encapsulating step of joining a second cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue paper to the first cut portion of the embossed continuous tissue paper to form the pillow package. A manufacturing method characterized by:

19. The method further includes a joining step of joining a withdrawal string to one of the cut sections of the embossed continuous tissue layer paper to facilitate removal by a user.

20. The pledget of claim 18.

20. Each cut section of the embossed continuous tissue paper layer has a length and width of about 38 mm.

20. The pledget of claim 18.

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