Urinary incontinence pads

Abstract

To provide a urinary incontinence pad that is easy to attach in the correct position. [Solution] A urinary incontinence pad is provided that is attached to the user's urethral opening. The urinary incontinence pad has a back surface that contacts the vaginal vestibule to close the urethral opening, and a front surface opposite to the back surface, and comprises a main body that is attached to the vaginal vestibule via the back surface. The main body is provided with a guide portion for the user to align the main body with the urethral opening when attaching the main body to the vaginal vestibule.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an incontinence pad.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a water-absorbing sheet known as a female incontinence countermeasure product absorbs urine that has leaked from the urethral opening and protects underwear. Although such a water-absorbing sheet can protect clothes including underwear from urine, it cannot eliminate the wet feeling and odor caused by urine, and may cause dissatisfaction among users.

[0003] In contrast, Patent Document 1 discloses an incontinence pad that prevents involuntary urine leakage from the urethral opening itself. This incontinence pad is attached to the vaginal vestibule surrounding the urethral opening so as to occlude the urethral opening.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0008] (Section 2) The guide portion includes a mark that can be perceived by the user visually or tactilely. The urinary incontinence pad described in item 1.

[0009] (Section 3) The mark is positioned in the main body so as to surround the portion that should cover the urethral opening. Urinary incontinence pads as described in item 2.

[0010] (Section 4) The mark is positioned so as to overlap the portion of the main body that is to cover the urethral opening. Urinary incontinence pads as described in item 2.

[0011] (Section 5) When the urinary incontinence pad is attached to the urethral opening, and the direction from the user's back to their abdomen is defined as the longitudinal direction, the mark extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction. A urinary incontinence pad as described in any of items 2 to 4.

[0012] (Section 6) The main body includes a clear portion that allows the back side to be seen from the front side, A urinary incontinence pad as described in any of items 1 through 5.

[0013] (Section 7) The main body surrounds the clear portion and further includes a peripheral portion with lower light transmittance than the clear portion. Urinary incontinence pads as described in item 6.

[0014] (Item 8) The main body part has a cover part including a part to cover the urethral orifice. The guide part includes an extension part extending from the cover part so that the cover part is aligned with the clitoris in a state where the cover part covers the urethral orifice. The incontinence pad according to Item 1, 6 or 7.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, an incontinence pad that is easily worn at a correct position is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the incontinence pad according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] View of the vulva with the incontinence pad according to the first embodiment worn, seen from the outside. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] Side view of the incontinence pad according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] View of the incontinence pad according to the first embodiment seen from the front side. [Figure 6] View of the incontinence pad according to the first embodiment seen from the back side. [Figure 7] View of the incontinence pad according to the second embodiment seen from the front side. [Figure 8] Side view of the incontinence pad according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] View of the incontinence pad according to the second embodiment seen from the back side. [Figure 10A] View of the vulva with the incontinence pad according to the second embodiment worn, seen from the outside. [Figure 10B] View of the vulva with the incontinence pad according to the second embodiment worn in another manner, seen from the outside. [Figure 11A] View of the incontinence pad according to the modification seen from the front side. [Figure 11B] View of the incontinence pad according to another modification seen from the front side. [Figure 11C] A diagram showing a urinary incontinence pad, another modified example, viewed from the surface. [Figure 11D] A diagram showing a urinary incontinence pad, another modified example, viewed from the surface. [Figure 11E] A diagram showing a urinary incontinence pad, another modified example, viewed from the surface. [Figure 12A] A diagram showing a urinary incontinence pad, another modified example, viewed from the surface. [Figure 12B] A diagram showing a urinary incontinence pad, another modified example, viewed from the surface. [Figure 12C] A diagram showing a urinary incontinence pad, another modified example, viewed from the surface. [Figure 12D] A diagram showing a urinary incontinence pad, another modified example, viewed from the surface. [Figure 13A] A diagram showing a urinary incontinence pad, another modified example, viewed from the surface. [Figure 13B] A diagram showing a urinary incontinence pad, another modified example, viewed from the surface. [Figure 13C] Figure 13A shows a cross-sectional view along line XIII-XIII. [Figure 13D] Another cross-sectional view of line XIII-XIII in Figure 13A. [Figure 14A] A diagram showing a urinary incontinence pad, another modified example, viewed from the surface at a slight angle. [Figure 14B] Figure 14A shows the tab in the folded state. [Figure 15A] A diagram showing a urinary incontinence pad, another modified example, viewed from the surface at a slight angle. [Figure 15B] Figure 15A shows the tab in the folded state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, each drawing is schematic, with parts omitted or exaggerated as appropriate, to facilitate understanding.

[0018] [1. First Embodiment] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a urinary incontinence pad 101 according to the first embodiment. The urinary incontinence pad 101 is a product for preventing urinary incontinence in women and is attached to the urethral opening 91 to block the urethral opening 91 in order to prevent involuntary leakage of urine from the user's urethral opening 91. The urinary incontinence pad 1 may or may not have water absorption properties. The urinary incontinence pad 101 traps urine inside the urethral opening 91 and suppresses leakage of urine from the urethral opening 91. As a result, the urinary incontinence pad 101 can protect clothing, including underwear, from urine and reduce the feeling of wetness and odor caused by urine.

[0019] Figure 2 is an external view of the female vulva 90 with a urinary incontinence pad 101 attached, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2. As shown in these figures, the urethral opening 91 is located anterior to the vaginal opening 93. Anterior to the urethral opening 91 is the clitoris 96 (including the clitoral body 96A and clitoral glans 96B). Unless otherwise specified, when describing body parts, anterior-posterior and lateral are defined relative to the user. The urethral opening 91 and the vaginal opening 93 are formed in the vaginal vestibule 92. The vaginal vestibule 92 is a generally flat area whose anterior part is surrounded by the clitoris 96 and whose left and right sides are surrounded by the labia minora 95. The left and right sides of the labia minora 95 are further surrounded by the labia majora 94. The urinary incontinence pad 101 is attached to the portion of the vaginal vestibule 92 surrounding the urethral opening 91 and is housed between the vaginal vestibule 92 and the labia minora 95. In Figure 2, the portion of the urinary incontinence pad 101 that is hidden by the labia minora 95 and the urethral opening 91 that is hidden by the urinary incontinence pad 101 are shown by dotted lines.

[0020] Figure 4 is a side view of the urinary incontinence pad 101. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the urinary incontinence pad 101 comprises a main body 2. The main body 2 includes a base material 10 and an adhesive layer 20 disposed on the back surface 10B of the base material 10. The back surface 10B of the base material 10 is the surface that faces the urethral opening 91 when the urinary incontinence pad 101 is attached to the urethral opening 91. The adhesive layer 20 has adhesive properties that allow it to be attached to the vaginal vestibule 92 and forms the back surface 2B of the main body 2. The back surface 2B of the main body 2 is the surface that contacts the vaginal vestibule 92 so as to close the urethral opening 91. On the other hand, the front surface 2A of the main body 2 (the surface opposite to the back surface 2B) is formed by the base material 10 and coincides with the front surface 10A of the base material 10 (the surface opposite to the back surface 10B). As described above, when the urinary incontinence pad 101 is attached to the urethral opening 91, the main body 2 is attached to the vaginal vestibule 92 via the back surface 2B.

[0021] The base material 10 is constructed in a sheet form, and the adhesive layer 20 is laminated on the back surface 10B of the base material 10. The main body 2 is also sheet-like as a whole. Before use of the urinary incontinence pad 101, a release film 4 is attached to the adhesive layer 20. That is, the release film 4 is attached to the back surface 2B of the main body 2. The release film 4 is a film (sheet) that covers the adhesive layer 20 from the outside (opposite side of the base material 10) and protects the adhesive layer 20. When the urinary incontinence pad 101 is used, the release film 4 is peeled off from the adhesive layer 20, and the exposed adhesive layer 20 is attached to the vaginal vestibule 92 surrounding the urethral opening 91. The adhesive layer 20 is made to adhere tightly to the vaginal vestibule 92.

[0022] Figure 5 shows the urinary incontinence pad 101 viewed from the surface 2A side of the main body 2. In this figure, the release film 4 has been removed. In the example of Figure 5, the shape of the base material 10 (and consequently the shapes of the main body 2 and the adhesive layer 20) is approximately triangular, and more specifically, approximately isosceles, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface 2A of the main body 2. In this embodiment, the vertex of the approximately isosceles triangle corresponds to the clitoris 96 side when the urinary incontinence pad 101 is attached, and the base of the approximately isosceles triangle corresponds to the vaginal opening 93 side when the urinary incontinence pad 101 is attached. The two equal sides of the approximately isosceles triangle correspond to the left and right edges of the main body 2.

[0023] Figure 6 shows the urinary incontinence pad 101 viewed from the back surface 2B of the main body 2. In this figure, the release film 4 has also been removed. As shown in Figure 6, it is preferable that the adhesive layer 20 be a solid layer so that it can firmly seal the urethral opening 91. In this case, the adhesive layer is arranged without gaps across the entire back surface 10B of the base material 10.

[0024] The urinary incontinence pad 101 is provided with tabs 3 that rise from the surface 2A of the main body 2. The tabs 3 are for the user to grasp with their fingers when attaching or detaching the urinary incontinence pad 101, and facilitate the user's operation of attaching and detaching the urinary incontinence pad 101. The tabs 3 are formed to a size that is easy for the user to grasp when attaching or detaching the urinary incontinence pad 101. Preferably, the tabs 3 are integrally formed with the base material 10 included in the main body 2, but they may also be attached as separate parts.

[0025] When attaching the urinary incontinence pad 101, for example, the user holds the tab 3 with their fingers, positions the main body 2 relative to the urethral opening 91, and attaches the adhesive layer 20 to the vaginal vestibule 92. More specifically, the user holds the main body 2 by holding the tab 3 with one hand, and removes the release film 4 from the main body 2 with the other hand. Then, while still holding the tab 3 with one hand, the user spreads the labia minora 95 to the left and right with the other hand, exposing the vaginal vestibule 92 (especially the area around the urethral opening 91) from between the labia minora 95. In this state, the user moves the hand holding the tab 3, directing the adhesive layer 20 toward the exposed vaginal vestibule 92, and aligns the urinary incontinence pad 101 relative to the urethral opening 91. Then, the user presses the adhesive layer 20 against the vaginal vestibule 92 to make contact and attach and secure the urinary incontinence pad 101. On the other hand, when removing the urinary incontinence pad 101, for example, the user pinches the tab 3 with their fingers and pulls the tab 3 so that the main body 2 peels off along the vaginal vestibule 92, thereby removing the urinary incontinence pad 101 from the urethral opening 91.

[0026] When attaching or detaching the urinary incontinence pad 101, tab 3 is used in an upright position as shown in Figure 1, making it easier for the user to grasp. On the other hand, while the urinary incontinence pad 101 is attached, tab 3 is folded along the surface 2A of the main body 2 and housed between the vaginal vestibule 92 and the labia minora 95 (see Figures 2 to 4). While the urinary incontinence pad 101 is attached, tab 3 is placed on top of the surface 2A of the main body 2. Then, when tab 3 is folded along the surface 2A of the main body 2, the entire urinary incontinence pad 101, including tab 3 and the main body 2, becomes compact and is housed comfortably between the vaginal vestibule 92 and the labia minora 95. Therefore, tab 3 does not come into unnatural contact with the external genitalia 90, including the labia minora 95 and labia majora 94, and does not cause unnecessary irritation. As a result, the presence of tab 3 is less likely to cause discomfort to the user while wearing the urinary incontinence pad 101, especially when the user moves their body. Therefore, discomfort during use is reduced, and the user can comfortably use the urinary incontinence pad 101.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the tab 3 is preferably formed in a thin, flake shape from the viewpoint of further reducing discomfort while wearing it. Furthermore, it is preferable that the entire urinary incontinence pad 101, including the tab 3 and the main body 2, is configured as a sheet when the tab 3 is folded.

[0028] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further reducing discomfort during wear, it is preferable that the tab 3 can maintain a bent state along the surface 2A of the main body 2 when no external force is applied. In this case, the tab 3 will not strongly press on the labia minora 95 in the direction of spreading them apart (making them stand up) during wear, making discomfort less likely. It is preferable that the tab 3 can maintain a bent state until it makes surface contact with the surface 2A, as shown by the solid line in Figure 4, when no external force is applied, but it is also acceptable for it to be slightly raised from the surface 2A, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 4. On the other hand, the tab 3 can be made to stand upright as shown in Figure 1 by applying an external force such as pinching it with your fingers, and can be angled from 0° to 180° relative to the surface 2A of the main body 2. From the viewpoint of making the tab 3 easier to pinch, it is preferable that the tab 3 can stand upright at a right angle to the surface 2A of the main body 2.

[0029] The urinary incontinence pad 101 is typically individually packaged for hygienic reasons. Figure 4 shows a pouch 5 containing the urinary incontinence pad 101, indicated by a dashed line. From the viewpoint of miniaturizing the pouch 5, it is preferable that the tab 3 is housed in the pouch 5 in a state where it lies down along the surface 2A of the main body 2, as shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the tab 3 may be conditioned to remain lying down along the surface 2A of the main body 2 even after being removed from the pouch 5, by maintaining its folded position within the pouch 5. In other words, the property of the tab 3 to maintain a folded state along the surface 2A of the main body 2 even when no external force is applied may be formed within the pouch 5. Alternatively, this property may be formed before the tab 3 is housed in the pouch 5, for example, by pressing it against the surface of the main body 2.

[0030] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the tab 3 (more precisely, the boundary line L1 between the tab 3 and the main body 2, extending along the base of the tab 3 to the main body 2) extends substantially parallel to the surface 2A of the main body 2 in the lateral direction. Unless otherwise specified, the lateral direction of the urinary incontinence pad 101 refers to the direction in which the bases of the user's legs are aligned when the urinary incontinence pad 101 is attached, with the left leg side being the left side and the right leg side being the right side. When the tab 3 (boundary line L1) extends in the lateral direction, the two fingers used to grasp the tab 3 can be positioned in front of and behind the body. Therefore, the operation of attaching and detaching the urinary incontinence pad 101, which is performed by the user placing their hand below their urethral opening 91 and grasping the tab 3, becomes easier.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 5, the tab 3 is folded along the surface 2A of the main body 2 and, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface 2A of the main body 2, fits inside the outer edge 2P of the main body 2. In other words, when viewed from the same direction, the tab 3 does not protrude from the main body 2. Therefore, when the tab 3 is folded, the overall shape of the urinary incontinence pad 101, including the tab 3 and the main body 2, does not become unnecessarily uneven, further reducing discomfort while wearing it.

[0032] In Figure 5, the tab 3 in a downward-folded state is shown by a solid line, and the tab 3 in an upward-folded state is shown by a dotted line. Thus, from the viewpoint of reducing discomfort during wear, it is preferable that the tab 3 be folded to at least one side and contained within the outer edge 2P. That is, the tab 3 may be configured so that it does not protrude from the outer edge 2P when folded to one side, but protrudes from the outer edge 2P when folded to the other side. Of course, the tab 3 may also be configured so that it is contained within the outer edge 2P of the main body 2 regardless of which side it is folded to. If the tab 3 is designed to fold to one side, it is preferable that it is contained within the outer edge 2P of the main body 2 when folded in the direction in which it is designed to fold.

[0033] Figure 6 shows, for reference, the position of the tab 3 (boundary line L1) located on the surface 2A side of the main body 2, indicated by a dotted line. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface 2A and back surface 2B of the main body 2, the boundary line L1 between the tab 3 and the main body 2 is positioned offset from the center of gravity G of the main body 2 on the surface 2A and back surface 2B of the main body 2. In other words, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface 2A and back surface 2B of the main body 2, the boundary line L1 does not coincide with the center of gravity G and does not run over the center of gravity G. As a result, when the tab 3 is pinched and pulled with fingers, the tensile force is not evenly applied to the main body 2, and peeling begins from the area where the tensile force is greater on the adhesive layer 20. As a result, the urinary incontinence pad 101 becomes easier to peel off from the vaginal vestibule 92. In this disclosure, the center of gravity G of the main body 2 may be the geometric center of the figure drawn by the outer edge 2P of the main body 2 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface 2A (the position of the arithmetic mean taken for all points belonging to the figure), or it may be the position of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the center of mass of the main body 2 to the surface 2A. In the examples of Figures 5 and 6, the horizontally extending tab 3 (boundary line L1) is positioned above the center of gravity G on the surface 2A and back surface 2B of the main body 2, but it may also be positioned below the center of gravity G. When the horizontally extending tab 3 (boundary line L1) is positioned above the center of gravity G, the urinary incontinence pad 101 becomes easier to peel off from top to bottom, and when it is positioned below, it becomes easier to peel off from bottom to top. From the viewpoint of ease of peeling, when d1 is the distance between the boundary line L1 and the centroid G, and d2 is the length of the main body 2, it is preferable that d1 / d2 > 0.10, more preferably that d1 / d2 > 0.20, and even more preferably that d1 / d2 > 0.30. The length d2 of the main body 2 is the maximum length of the main body 2 in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the tab 3 (boundary line L1) extends.

[0034] On the other hand, from the viewpoint of ease of application of the urinary incontinence pad 1, the tab 3 (boundary line L1) may overlap with the center of gravity G. This makes it easier to apply the urinary incontinence pad 1 as it stabilizes its position during application. Even if the tab 3 (boundary line L1) does not overlap with the center of gravity G, it is preferable that the tab 3 (boundary line L1) is close to the center of gravity G. When the distance between the boundary line L1 and the center of gravity G is d1 and the length of the main body 2 is d2, it is preferable that d1 / d2 < 0.30, more preferably that d1 / d2 < 0.20, and even more preferably that d1 / d2 < 0.10.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 4-6, the main body 2 is provided with a mark 7. Mark 7 is a mark (marker) that the user can perceive visually. Mark 7 serves as a guide for the user to align the main body 2 with the urethral opening 91 when attaching the main body 2 to the vaginal vestibule 92. The urinary incontinence pad 101 needs to be attached near the urethral opening 91 in the external genitalia 90, which is difficult for the user to see, making it difficult to attach it in the correct position. If the urinary incontinence pad 101 is attached in a misaligned position, the urethral opening 91 will not be properly closed, and urine leakage will not be prevented. Mark 7 provides guidance to help the user attach the urinary incontinence pad 101 to the correct position on the vaginal vestibule 92 in order to prevent such a situation. Mark 7 makes it easy to attach the urinary incontinence pad 101 to the correct position near the urethral opening 91.

[0036] In this embodiment, the mark 7 is positioned to surround the portion C1 (see Figures 5 and 6) of the main body 2 that should cover the urethral opening 91. Therefore, the user can easily understand the portion C1 of the main body 2 that should be superimposed on the urethral opening 91 by using the mark 7 as a guide. The user can position the main body 2 in the correct position on the vaginal vestibule 92 by superimposing the portion of the main body 2 surrounded by the mark 7 onto the urethral opening 91 while visually confirming as needed.

[0037] In the examples shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, the mark 7 is roughly rectangular and has two linear portions 7L and 7R extending in the vertical direction. Unless otherwise specified, the vertical direction of the urinary incontinence pad 101 refers to the direction from the user's back to their abdomen when the urinary incontinence pad 101 is attached, with the user's ventral side (clitoris 96 side) being the upper side and the dorsal side (vaginal opening 93 side) being the lower side. These portions 7L and 7R are arranged side by side. In this case, when the user is about to attach the urinary incontinence pad 101 and is looking at the urinary incontinence pad 101 from the front below the vulva 90 (including when looking at it from the front through a mirror; the same applies in the following explanation), the mark 7 becomes easily visible. Therefore, the presence of vertically extending portions 7L and 7R in the mark 7 (at least partially extending in the vertical direction) enhances the guidance function described above.

[0038] In this embodiment, the main body 2 is translucent. That is, the main body 2 is formed to be transparent or semi-transparent. Therefore, the user can see from the front surface 2A to the back surface 2B through the main body 2, and can also see from the back surface 2B to the front surface 2A. As a result, when the user is about to attach the urinary incontinence pad 101 and is looking at the urinary incontinence pad 101 from the front below the vulva 90, it becomes easy to visually check the area around the urethral opening 91 through the main body 2. That is, the area around the urethral opening 91 is not hidden from view by the main body 2. Therefore, the user can accurately grasp the position of the target (urethral opening 91) to which the mark 7 should be aligned and then attach the main body 2 to the vaginal vestibule 92. In addition, if the main body 2 is translucent, the user can visually check whether the adhesive layer 20 and the vaginal vestibule 92 are in close contact, thereby confirming whether the urinary incontinence pad 101 is firmly attached. Whether or not the adhesive layer 20 and the vaginal vestibule 92 are in close contact can be confirmed, for example, by observing the appearance of air bubbles or other features formed between them.

[0039] To provide light-transmitting properties to the main body 2, the base material 10 and the adhesive layer 20 can be formed to be transparent or translucent. For example, the base material 10 can be made from a transparent or translucent resin sheet (film), and in particular, from a transparent or translucent resin sheet with high flexibility. For example, the adhesive layer 20 can be made from a transparent adhesive such as a hydrogel, silicone-based adhesive, or acrylic-based adhesive. The adhesive layer 20 that comes into direct contact with the vaginal vestibule 92 is preferably made from a biocompatible material. It is also preferable that the base material 10 is made from a biocompatible material. From the viewpoint of improving the fit to the vaginal vestibule 92 and providing a good wearing experience, the base material 10 and the adhesive layer 20 are preferably made of a material that is flexible, elastic, cushioning, and lightweight.

[0040] In addition to the main body 2, the tab 3 may also be formed to be transparent or translucent. For example, the tab 3, like the base material 10, can be made from a transparent or translucent resin sheet (film), and can be made from a particularly flexible transparent or translucent resin sheet. It is preferable that the tab 3 is also made from a biocompatible material. The tab 3 may be integrally formed from the same material as the base material 10, or it may be made from a different material.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the mark 7 can be configured to be visible from both the front surface 2A and the back surface 2B of the main body 2. However, the mark 7 may also be visible from only one of the front surface 2A or the back surface 2B of the main body 2. From the viewpoint of effectively performing the guidance function described above, it is preferable that the mark 7 be visible from at least the front surface 2A so that it is easily noticeable to the user when the urinary incontinence pad 101 is attached. In the example of Figure 4, the mark 7 is formed only on the front surface 10A of the base material 10. However, if the main body 2 is translucent, the mark 7 will be visible from the back surface 2B as well as the front surface 2A of the main body 2.

[0042] The method for forming the mark 7 on the main body 2 is not particularly limited. For example, the mark 7 can be formed by printing on the surface 10A of the base material 10, or by attaching a sticker. Alternatively, the mark 7 can be formed on the back surface 10B of the base material 10, either in addition to or instead of the surface 10A. Furthermore, the mark 7 may be formed on the adhesive layer 20 instead of the base material 10.

[0043] As described above, in the first embodiment, the main body 2 is provided with a mark 7, and the user can use the mark 7 as a guide to align the main body 2 with respect to the urethral opening 91. As a result, the urinary incontinence pad 101 can be easily attached in the correct position.

[0044] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the user can easily attach and detach the urinary incontinence pad 101 by operating the tab 3. Also, while the urinary incontinence pad 101 is attached, the tab 3 is folded along the surface 2A of the main body 2 and housed between the vaginal vestibule 92 and the labia minora 95. Therefore, the user is less likely to feel discomfort due to the presence of the tab 3 while wearing the urinary incontinence pad 101. As a result, the user can use the urinary incontinence pad 101 comfortably.

[0045] [2. Second Embodiment] Next, the urinary incontinence pad 201 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 7 shows the urinary incontinence pad 201 as viewed from the surface 202A side, which will be described later, and Figure 8 shows a side view of the urinary incontinence pad 201. As shown in these figures, the urinary incontinence pad 201 is provided with an extension 31 (an example of a guide portion) instead of mark 7, compared to the first embodiment. In the following, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the common parts with the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0046] The urinary incontinence pad 201, compared to the first embodiment, includes a main body 202 instead of a main body 2. The main body 202 has a cover portion 30 corresponding to the main body 2 in the first embodiment, as well as an extension portion 31 extending from the cover portion 30. The cover portion 30 is the portion of the main body 202 that includes a portion C1 that should cover the urethral opening 91. The extension portion 31 extends from the cover portion 30 so as to be aligned with the clitoris 96 when the cover portion 30 is covering the urethral opening 91.

[0047] The urethral opening 91 is located approximately 2.5 cm posterior to the clitoral glans 96B. Therefore, the vertical length of the extension 31 is set such that the distance d3 between the portion C1 of the cover portion 30 that should cover the urethral opening 91 and the portion C2 of the extension 31 that should overlap the clitoris 96 (more precisely, the clitoral glans 96B; the same applies hereafter) roughly matches the distance d4 (approximately 2.5 cm) between the urethral opening 91 and the clitoris 96. As a result, when a predetermined portion of the extension 31 is placed over the clitoris 96, the cover portion 30 is correctly positioned relative to the urethral opening 91, and the portion C1 that should cover the urethral opening 91 overlaps with the urethral opening 91.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the portion C2 of the extension 31 that is to be superimposed on the clitoris 96 is marked with a mark 32 to indicate this. In the example shown in the figure, the portion C2 of the extension 31 that is to be superimposed on the clitoris 96 is near the upper end. The mark 32 can be formed in various ways, similar to the mark 7, for example, by printing or by attaching a sticker. It is preferable that the mark 32 is visible from at least the surface 202A side of the main body 202.

[0049] Figure 9 is a view of the urinary incontinence pad 201 from the opposite side of Figure 7 (from the back surface 202B side, which will be described later). As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the cover portion 30 has the same configuration as the main body portion 2 according to the first embodiment. The extension portion 31 is formed to extend the base material 10 included in the cover portion 30 toward the clitoris 96 side. It is preferable that the extension portion 31 is integrally formed with the base material 10, as shown in Figure 8. The surface 202A of the main body portion 202 is composed of the surface 10A of the base material 10 and the surface 31A of the extension portion 31. On the other hand, the back surface 202B of the main body portion 202 is formed by the adhesive layer 20 on the vaginal opening 93 side and by the back surface 31B of the extension portion 31 on the clitoris 96 side.

[0050] The base material 10 and extension 31 can be made of, for example, synthetic resin, rubber and elastomers such as thermoplastic elastomers, or natural materials such as cotton. Examples of preferred materials that enhance the flexibility, elasticity, cushioning, and lightness of the base material 10 and extension 31 include foams such as polyethylene foam, nonwoven fabrics, and synthetic resin base materials formed into sheets. Examples of synthetic resins include polyethylene resin, polyester resin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane resin, and silicone resin.

[0051] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, an adhesive layer 33 is placed on the back surface 31B of the extension 31, on the portion C2 that is to be superimposed on the clitoris 96. The adhesive layer 33 has adhesive properties that allow it to be attached to the clitoris 96. A release film is attached to the adhesive layer 33 to protect it. In the example in Figure 8, the same single release film 4 covers both the adhesive layer 20 and the adhesive layer 33. However, the release film covering the adhesive layer 20 and the adhesive layer 33 can also be separate. The adhesive layer 33 is positioned to overlap the mark 32 with the main body portion 202 in between.

[0052] When attaching the urinary incontinence pad 201, for example, the user removes the release film 4, then grasps the tab 3 and positions the main body 202 below the vulva 90. Then, using the mark 32 as a guide, aligns the adhesive layer 33, which is to be placed on the part C2 that should overlap the clitoris 96, with the clitoris 96. With the free hand (fingers), press the adhesive layer 33 against the clitoris 96 to make contact, and attach and secure the extension 31 to the clitoris 96. Next, with one hand (fingers), spread the labia minora 95 to the left and right, exposing the vaginal vestibule 92 (especially the area around the urethral opening 91) from between the labia minora 95. With the other hand, grasp the tab 3 and manipulate the cover part 30, pressing the adhesive layer 20 against the exposed vaginal vestibule 92 to make contact. At this time, attach and secure the cover part 30 to the vaginal vestibule 92 without bending the main body 202. As a result, the urethral opening 91 is closed by the cover portion 30. Then, as in the first embodiment, the tab 3 is folded along the surface 202A of the main body portion 202 and housed between the vaginal vestibule 92 and the labia minora 95. Figure 10A is a view of the external genitalia 90 at this time, seen from the outside. In Figure 10A, parts that are not visible from the outside are indicated by dotted lines.

[0053] In this embodiment, first, a predetermined portion of the extension 31 is aligned with the clitoris 96 as described above. Then, using that state as a reference, the cover portion 30 connected to the extension 31 is aligned with the urethral opening 91. For the user, the clitoris 96 may be easier to locate and / or access than the urethral opening 91. In this embodiment, in such situations, aligning the cover portion 30 with respect to the urethral opening 91 becomes easier.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10A, after covering the urethral opening 91 with the cover portion 30, the extension portion 31 may be folded back toward the cover portion 30. Figure 10B is a view of the vulva 90 from the outside at this time. In Figure 10B, parts that are not visible from the outside are shown with dotted lines. Also, for clarity, the folded extension portion 31 is shown with diagonal hatching. In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 33 is used to temporarily fasten the extension portion 31 to the clitoris 96. According to this embodiment, there is no discomfort caused by the extension portion 31 being attached to the clitoris 96 while the urinary incontinence pad 201 is being worn. In addition, while the urinary incontinence pad 201 is being worn, the extension portion 31 may also be folded along the surface 202A of the main body portion 202, like the tab 3, and housed between the vaginal vestibule 92 and the labia minora 95. Furthermore, the main body portion 202 may have a fold formed in advance for folding back the extension portion 31.

[0055] The adhesive layer 33 can be omitted. In that case, the extension 31 will not be fixed to the clitoris 96, but the cover 30 can be attached to the vaginal vestibule 92 while holding the extension 31 with your hand.

[0056] When removing the urinary incontinence pad 201, the user can also peel it off by pinching and pulling the extension 31. Alternatively, the urinary incontinence pad 201 can be peeled off by pinching the tab 3 or by pinching the end of the cover 30. Therefore, the extension 31 may be configured to be detachable from the cover 30 after the urinary incontinence pad 201 has been attached. For example, the main body 202 may have perforations pre-formed for removing the extension 31.

[0057] As described above, in the second embodiment, the main body 202 is provided with an extension 31. By aligning the extension 31 with the clitoris 96, the user can align the cover 30 with the urethral opening 91. This makes it easier to align the cover 30 with the urethral opening 91.

[0058] [3. Variant] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the following modifications are possible. Furthermore, the gist of the above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0059] [3-1] The adhesive layer 20 may be omitted. For example, the base material 10 may be constructed from a material with adhesive properties on its surface, such as silicone resin or hydrocolloid, thereby providing adhesiveness to the back surface 10B of the base material 10, and the adhesive layer 20 may be omitted. Similarly, the extension 31 may be constructed from a material with adhesive properties on its surface, and the adhesive layer 33 may be omitted by providing adhesiveness to the back surface 31B of the extension 31.

[0060] [3-2] In the first and second embodiments, the tab 3 (boundary line L1) extended substantially parallel to the lateral direction on the surfaces 2A and 202A of the main body portions 2 and 202, but it may also extend at an angle to the lateral direction or substantially parallel to the vertical direction. From the viewpoint of making it easier to pinch and peel off the tab 3 (boundary line L1), it is preferable that the tab 3 (boundary line L1) is positioned offset from the center of gravity G along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the tab 3 (boundary line L1) extends.

[0061] [3-3] In the first embodiment, the shape of the main body 2 (base material 10) is not limited to the approximately triangular shape described above, but can be various shapes. For example, the shape of the main body 2 (base material 10) can be approximately elliptical (see Figure 11A), egg-shaped (teardrop-shaped) (see Figure 11B), approximately rectangular (see Figure 11C), approximately trapezoidal (see Figure 11D), peanut-shaped (approximately elliptical with the central part in the longitudinal direction indented from both the left and right sides) (see Figure 11E), etc.

[0062] Alternatively or in addition to the above, the shape of tab 3 is not limited to the shape described above and can be of various shapes. For example, tab 3 can be formed to be vertically elongated as shown in Figures 11A and 11C, rather than horizontally elongated as in the first embodiment.

[0063] Furthermore, the various features of the main body 2 and tab 3 exemplified here can be combined in various ways other than those exemplified here. This modified example is also applicable to the cover 30 and tab 3 according to the second embodiment.

[0064] [3-4] In the first embodiment, the shape of the mark 7 can be configured in various ways. The shape of the mark 7 is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape, but may be a triangle, a star shape or other polygon, a circle, or an ellipse. For example, as shown in Figure 12A, the mark 7 can be configured to be many times larger than the portion C1 that is to cover the urethral opening 91 in the main body 2. Alternatively, the mark 7 may be composed of two linear portions extending in the vertical direction, as shown in Figure 12B. In the example of Figure 12B, the portion C1 that is to cover the urethral opening 91 is located within the area enclosed by the mark 7 and the outer edge 2P of the main body 2. In the examples of Figures 12A and 12B, the mark 7 is also positioned to surround the portion C1 that is to cover the urethral opening 91.

[0065] Furthermore, the mark 7 may have a shape that does not define a closed region, as shown in Figures 12C and 12D. In the example of Figure 12C, the mark 7 is a single line extending horizontally. In the example of Figure 12D, the mark 7 is composed of two linear parts that intersect in a cross shape, and the intersection of the cross indicates the portion C1 that should cover the urethral opening 91.

[0066] Mark 7 may be positioned to overlap the portion C1 that should cover the urethral opening 91, as shown in Figure 12D. In this case as well, the user can easily understand the portion C1 that should overlap the urethral opening 91 on the main body 2 by using Mark 7 as a guide. In the example of Figure 12D, the user can correctly position the main body 2 in the vaginal vestibule 92 by aligning the portion indicated by Mark 7 (the intersection of the cross) on the main body 2 with the urethral opening 91. Mark 7 may also consist of an outer edge and an inner region defined by the outer edge. The inner region may be colored or have a pattern so that it can be distinguished from other parts, for example. In this case, Mark 7 (more specifically, the inner region of Mark 7) will be positioned to overlap the portion C1 that should cover the urethral opening 91.

[0067] Furthermore, in the examples shown in Figures 12A, 12B, and 12D, the mark 7 extends vertically, at least partially. Therefore, the guidance function of the mark 7 is enhanced.

[0068] [3-5] In the first embodiment, the mark 7 was a mark that the user could perceive visually, but instead of this, or in addition, the mark may be a mark that the user could perceive by touch. In this case as well, the mark 7 can perform a guidance function. For example, the portion of the surface 2A and / or back surface 2B of the main body 2 surrounded by the mark 7, or the portion where the mark 7 is placed, may be formed to be thicker or thinner than other parts, so that it is uneven or rough, or the texture may be made different from other parts. The tactilely perceiveable mark 7 allows the user to position the urinary incontinence pad 101 by relying on their sense of touch. Therefore, the poor workability of having to attach the urinary incontinence pad 101 to the external genitalia 90, which is difficult for the user to see, is compensated for, and the attachment of the urinary incontinence pad 101 becomes easier.

[0069] Mark 7 may be perceptible by touch from both the front surface 2A and the back surface 2B of the main body 2, or it may be perceptible by touch from only one of them. However, from the viewpoint of enhancing the guidance function, it is preferable that Mark 7 be perceptible by touch from at least the front surface 2A side so that it is easy for the user to touch when attaching the urinary incontinence pad 101.

[0070] Furthermore, this modified example is also applicable to the mark 32 according to the second embodiment.

[0071] [3-6] In the first embodiment, the entire main body 2 is configured as a translucent clear portion. However, the main body 2 may partially include a clear portion. In the example shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the clear portion 25 is shown as white, and the peripheral portion 26 surrounding the clear portion 25 is shown as gray. The peripheral portion 26 is a region with lower translucency than the clear portion 25 and may be semi-transparent (colored), but is typically opaque. The user can see from the front surface 2A side to the back surface 2B side of the main body 2 through the clear portion 25, and can also see from the back surface 2B side to the front surface 2A side. On the other hand, if the peripheral portion 26 is opaque, the user cannot see from the front surface 2A side to the back surface 2B side through the peripheral portion 26, nor can they see from the back surface 2B side to the front surface 2A side. Alternatively, if the peripheral portion 26 is semi-transparent, the user can see from the front surface 2A side to the back surface 2B side, and from the back surface 2B side to the front surface 2A side, although it is not as easy to see through the clear portion 25.

[0072] In the examples shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the peripheral portion 26 has lower light transmission than the clear portion 25, making it easier to see than the clear portion 25. Therefore, compared to the configuration in the first embodiment where the entire main body portion 2 is composed of a clear portion, the visibility of the urinary incontinence pad 101 is improved. As a result, the user can more easily grasp the shape of the urinary incontinence pad 101 and handle it more easily. On the other hand, the user can visually check the area around the urethral opening 91 through the clear portion 25, so they can accurately grasp the position of the target (urethral opening 91) to which the mark 7 should be aligned and then attach the main body portion 2 to the vaginal vestibule 92.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 13A, mark 7 is defined as the boundary line between the clear portion 25 and the surrounding portion 26. In this example, the portion of the main body 2 enclosed by mark 7 is configured as the clear portion 25. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13B, mark 7 may be provided separately from the boundary line between the clear portion 25 and the surrounding portion 26.

[0074] The method for forming the clear portion 25 and the peripheral portion 26 on the main body 2 is not particularly limited, but for example, the method shown in Figures 13C and 13D can be considered. Figure 13C is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in Figure 13A. In this example, the clear portion 25 is formed by attaching a transparent or translucent sheet (film) 27 to a predetermined position on a transparent or translucent adhesive layer 20. The clear portion 25 consists of the sheet 27 and the portion of the adhesive layer 20 that overlaps with the sheet 27. On the other hand, the peripheral portion 26 is formed by attaching a sheet (film) 28 to the remaining portion of the adhesive layer 20 where the sheet 27 is not attached, so as to surround the sheet 27. The sheet 28 is a sheet with lower light transmittance than the sheet 27 and is a sheet with holes cut to match the shape of the clear portion 25. The peripheral portion 26 consists of the sheet 28 and the portion of the adhesive layer 20 that overlaps with the sheet 28.

[0075] Figure 13D is another cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of Figure 13A. In this example, a transparent or translucent sheet (film) 29 is attached so as to cover the entire surface of a transparent or translucent adhesive layer 20. Then, a peripheral portion 26 is formed by attaching a sheet with low light transmittance 28 to a predetermined position on the surface of the sheet 29 opposite to the adhesive layer 20. The sheet 28 is a sheet with holes cut to match the shape of the clear portion 25. The peripheral portion 26 is composed of the sheet 28 and the portions of the adhesive layer 20 and sheet 29 that overlap with the sheet 28. On the other hand, the clear portion 25 is composed of the adhesive layer 20 and the portions of sheet 29 that do not overlap with sheet 28.

[0076] Furthermore, not only the main body 2 according to the first embodiment, but also the entire or a part of the main body 202 according to the second embodiment may be configured to be translucent. Conversely, the entire main body 2 according to the first embodiment may be configured to be opaque.

[0077] [3-7] In the first and second embodiments, tab 3 may be omitted.

[0078] [3-8] The shape of the extension 31 is not limited to the above-described shape, as long as it allows the cover 30 to be positioned at the urethral opening 91, starting from the clitoris 96. For example, the extension 31 may be a string of a length corresponding to the distance between the clitoris 96 and the urethral opening 91, or it may be a string with a sheet having an adhesive layer attached to its tip for sticking to the clitoris 96.

[0079] [3-9] In the first embodiment, only one tab is provided on the surface 2A of the main body 2, but multiple tabs may be provided. In this case, the user can select the tab they find easiest to use or use multiple tabs, making it easier to attach and detach the urinary incontinence pad 101. For example, as shown in Figures 14A to 15B, a second tab 6 may be provided in addition to the tab 3 described above. The second tab 6 also rises from the surface 2A of the main body 2. Note that in Figures 14A to 15B, for simplicity, only the surface 2A of the main body 2 is shown.

[0080] The second tab 6 (more precisely, the boundary line L3 between the second tab 6 and the main body 2, extending along the base of the second tab 6 to the main body 2) may extend parallel to tab 3 (boundary line L1) in the same direction on the surface 2A of the main body 2, or it may extend in a different direction. In the latter case, the user can select the direction of operation by selecting the tab. For example, as shown in Figures 14A to 15B, if tab 3 (boundary line L1) extends in the horizontal direction, the second tab 6 (boundary line L3) may be configured to extend in the vertical direction. In this case, the second tab 6 (boundary line L3) may extend substantially parallel to the vertical direction, or it may extend at an angle to the vertical direction. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface 2A of the main body 2, tab 3 and the second tab 6 may intersect in a cross shape, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B, or they may form a T shape, as shown in Figures 15A and 15B. In Figures 14A to 15B, tab 3 is divided into left and right halves, with a notch where it intersects with tab 6 into which tab 6 is inserted.

[0081] In Figures 14A and 15A, tabs 3 and 2 and 6 are upright on the surface 2A of the main body 2 so that the user can grasp them when attaching or detaching the urinary incontinence pad 101. On the other hand, Figures 14B and 15B show the urinary incontinence pad 101 being worn, and of tabs 3 and 2 and 6, only tab 3, which extends horizontally, is folded along the surface 2A of the main body 2. The second tab 6, which extends vertically, can be positioned between the left and right labia minora 95 even if it remains upright while the urinary incontinence pad 101 is being worn, thereby reducing discomfort during wear. Therefore, the second tab 6, which extends vertically, may be fixed in an upright position and not foldable. Alternatively, the second tab 6, which extends vertically, may be foldable along the surface 2A of the main body 2 so that the user can arbitrarily accommodate it between the vaginal vestibule 92 and the labia minora 95.

[0082] Furthermore, this modified example is also applicable to tab 3 according to the second embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 101,201 urinary incontinence pads 2,202 Main body 2A,202A surface 2B,202B back side 2P outer edge 3 tabs 4. Release film 5 pouches 6. Second Tab 7 marks 10 Base material 10A surface 10B back side 20 Adhesive layer 25 Clear part 26 Peripheral area Seats 27, 28, 29 30 Cover section 31 Extension 31A surface 31B back side 32 marks 33 Adhesive layer 90 Vulva 91 Urethral meatus 92 Vaginal vestibule 93 Vaginal opening 94 Labia majora 95 Labia minora 96 clitoris 96A Clitoral body 96B Clitoral glans C1 Part of the main body that should cover the urethral opening The portion of the C2 extension that should overlap the clitoris. G center of gravity L1,L3 border

Claims

1. A urinary incontinence pad that is attached to the user's urethral opening, The main body has a back surface that contacts the vaginal vestibule so as to close the urethral opening, and a front surface opposite to the back surface, and is attached to the vaginal vestibule via the back surface. Equipped with, The main body is provided with a guide portion for aligning the main body with respect to the urethral opening when the user attaches the main body to the vaginal vestibule. Urinary incontinence pads.

2. The guide portion includes a mark that can be perceived by the user visually or tactilely. The urinary incontinence pad according to claim 1.

3. The mark is positioned in the main body so as to surround the portion that should cover the urethral opening. The urinary incontinence pad according to claim 2.

4. The mark is positioned so as to overlap the portion of the main body that is to cover the urethral opening. The urinary incontinence pad according to claim 2.

5. When the urinary incontinence pad is attached to the urethral opening, and the direction from the user's back to their abdomen is defined as the longitudinal direction, the mark extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction. A urinary incontinence pad according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The main body includes a clear portion that allows the back side to be seen from the front side, A urinary incontinence pad according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The main body surrounds the clear portion and further includes a peripheral portion with lower light transmittance than the clear portion. The urinary incontinence pad according to claim 6.

8. The main body has a cover portion which includes a portion that covers the urethral opening, The guide portion includes an extension portion extending from the cover portion so as to be aligned with the clitoris when the cover portion covers the urethral opening. The urinary incontinence pad according to claim 1.

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