Easily insertable and removable menstrual cup for preventing coloring

Abstract

The present invention provides an easily insertable and removable menstrual cup for preventing coloring, the menstrual cup being characterized by comprising: a main body having a bell shape that decreases in diameter from the upper portion toward the lower portion; and a handle having a ring shape extending downward from the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion of the main body, wherein the menstrual cup includes liquid silicone and a silicone pigment.

Description

Easy-to-insert, stain-preventing menstrual cup

[0001] The present invention relates to a menstrual cup that is easy to insert and remove after wearing and can prevent staining due to menstrual blood.

[0002]

[0003] In general, the mainstream types of feminine hygiene products are pad-type sanitary pads that are attached to the inside of underwear (panties) and insertable sanitary pads that are inserted into the vagina.

[0004] Typically, pad-type sanitary pads have the advantages of excellent absorbency and thinness, but they are not firmly fixed to the underwear after wearing and move easily, so menstrual blood leaks, which limits free movement and exercise, and especially, they have the problem of having to consciously refrain from movement even while sleeping.

[0005] In addition, compared to pad-type sanitary pads, insertable sanitary pads have the advantage of being able to effectively suppress leakage through menstrual blood absorption, allowing for free movement while wearing them during menstruation. However, since they absorb not only menstrual blood but also moisture, they are unsanitary because their natural vaginal moisture supply function is reduced, and there is a problem that they can cause allergies or toxic shock syndrome in some individuals.

[0006] In addition, existing pad-type and insert-type sanitary pad products are disposable products and cannot be reused, which has led to the problem of cost burden due to continuous consumption. In addition, the packaging material of sanitary pads is also made of vinyl, i.e. polyethylene film, so there was a problem that it could cause environmental pollution due to the disposal of the packaging material. Moreover, recently, the repurchase rate and usage rate of sanitary pads have decreased as a large amount of harmful substances have been detected in the sanitary pads themselves, which are worn directly on women's sensitive body parts. As an alternative to these sanitary pads, there is a growing trend of attempts to use cotton sanitary pads or menstrual cups, which are reusable and contain almost no harmful ingredients.

[0007] A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped cup that collects menstrual blood. It is usually made of silicone or natural rubber. Unlike disposable sanitary pads, it can be washed and used semi-permanently, making it economical.

[0008] A menstrual cup is inserted and fixed into the vagina with the opening facing the body so that it can collect menstrual blood. Specifically, when the opening of a menstrual cup (10) is folded and inserted into the vagina, the folded opening unfolds due to elasticity and comes into contact with the vaginal wall, and at this time, negative pressure is formed inside the menstrual cup (10) to fix the menstrual cup (10).

[0009] In this way, in order to insert a menstrual cup into the vagina, it must be folded, and various methods are known for folding the menstrual cup, such as C-fold, V-fold, 7-fold, and push-down. However, in order to provide elasticity to the menstrual cup, it must be made of an elastic material (e.g., silicone or rubber) with a certain thickness. Therefore, even if the menstrual cup is folded according to the above method, there is a limit to how much it can be reduced in size. Therefore, many users still feel reluctant to insert the menstrual cup or experience discomfort. In addition, if the menstrual cup is made thin to reduce this discomfort, it may not have enough elasticity, so it may not be properly positioned in the vagina after insertion, which may cause menstrual blood to leak.

[0010] In addition, existing menstrual cups had a problem in that the handle part was shaped like a long stick, making it difficult to remove from the vagina after use due to slipping.

[0011] In addition, existing menstrual cups were manufactured using transparent or translucent natural rubber or silicone without adding color to minimize side effects on the human body. However, due to the nature of reusable menstrual cups, as the number of uses gradually accumulates, the appearance becomes discolored by menstrual blood, which can damage the appearance and give the impression of being contaminated with various bacteria. This causes users to feel uncomfortable, and despite being semi-permanent, there was a problem in that the replacement cycle was shortened.

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, research is needed on a menstrual cup manufacturing technology that can prevent staining caused by menstrual blood by adding pigment to the menstrual cup without causing any adverse effects on the human body, prevent menstrual blood leakage, and be hygienic and easily removable from inside a woman's vagina.

[0013]

[0014] The present invention provides technical content for a menstrual cup that is easy to insert and remove, has a border portion, thereby reducing menstrual blood leakage by providing a restoring force to adhere to the inner wall of the vagina, improves aesthetics by including a silicone pigment composition that is harmless to the human body to impart color, prevents the menstrual cup from being discolored by menstrual blood and causing a feeling of rejection to the user, and prevents side effects such as various skin diseases or itching caused by harmful ingredients, and provides technical content for a menstrual cup that is easy to insert and remove, has a ring-shaped handle portion, so that the menstrual cup can be easily inserted and removed from the inside of the vagina using a finger after use, and provides technical content for a menstrual cup that is easy to insert and remove, has a border portion that allows the menstrual blood to be contained without being absorbed by the vagina, thereby preventing a decrease in the purification function by supplying moisture to the vagina, and is hygienic, and can be used semi-permanently rather than disposable, thereby reducing waste discharge and thus reducing environmental pollution.

[0015]

[0016] In order to achieve the technical problem described above, the present invention provides a menstrual cup for preventing discoloration and for easy insertion and removal, comprising a body having a bell shape whose diameter decreases from the top to the bottom, and a handle having a ring shape formed by extending downward from the outer surface of the lower portion of the body, wherein the menstrual cup comprises liquid silicone and silicone pigment.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main body may include a ring-shaped protruding edge portion located at the upper end of the main body and extending along the circumferential direction of the upper end of the main body, and at least one protrusion portion located at the lower end of the main body and extending along the circumferential direction of the lower end of the main body in a flower-shaped shape at a predetermined interval.

[0018] Additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the border portion may have a thickness of 2 to 8 mm.

[0019] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid silicone may include 50 to 80 parts by weight of polyorganosiloxane, 0.1 to 1 part by weight of polyorganohydrogensiloxane, 10 to 30 parts by weight of reinforcing silica, 0.1 to 3 parts by weight of a retarder, and 0.01 to 0.1 parts by weight of a curing agent, based on the total weight of the liquid silicone.

[0020] Additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the silicone pigment may include 70 to 90 parts by weight of silicone oil, 1 to 20 parts by weight of pigment, and 1 to 10 parts by weight of composite filler based on the total weight of the silicone pigment.

[0021] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the silicone pigment may be mixed and reacted with liquid silicone constituting the main body of the menstrual cup and then injected into a mold to be molded.

[0022] Additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the silicone pigment may include at least one selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), mica titanium, iron oxide, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, and anthocyanin.

[0023] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a menstrual cup for preventing discoloration and easy insertion and removal is provided, including the steps of: uniformly mixing and dispersing liquid silicone and silicone pigment to prepare a mixture; injecting the mixture into a menstrual cup mold; and curing the injected mixture to form a menstrual cup, wherein the menstrual cup includes a main body having a bell shape whose diameter decreases from the top to the bottom, and a handle having a ring shape formed by extending downward from an outer surface of a lower portion of the main body.

[0024] And, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a step of manufacturing a silicone pigment may be included by mixing 70 to 90 parts by weight of silicone oil, 1 to 20 parts by weight of pigment, and 1 to 10 parts by weight of composite filler relative to the weight of the entire silicone pigment.

[0025]

[0026] The menstrual cup according to the present invention, which is easy to insert and remove and prevents staining, includes a rim, which allows it to adhere to the vaginal wall due to its restoring force, thereby reducing menstrual blood leakage. In addition, the menstrual cup includes a silicone pigment composition that is harmless to the human body to impart color, thereby improving aesthetics. In addition, the menstrual cup can prevent staining caused by menstrual blood, which may cause discomfort to the user, and can prevent side effects such as various skin diseases or itching caused by harmful ingredients. In addition, the menstrual cup includes a ring-shaped handle, so that after using the menstrual cup, it can be easily inserted and removed from the inside of the vagina using a finger.

[0027] In addition, the anti-staining menstrual cup according to the present invention, which is easy to insert and remove, can be inserted directly into the vagina and can contain menstrual blood without absorbing it, thereby preventing the purification function by supplying moisture to the vagina from being reduced, making it hygienic. In addition, it can reduce environmental pollution by reducing waste discharge through semi-permanent use rather than disposable use.

[0028]

[0029] Fig. 1 is a photograph showing a menstrual cup according to one embodiment of the present invention. It has an orange color and is configured to include a rim, a handle, and a protrusion.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a menstrual cup according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 2, reference numeral 1 in the drawing represents a menstrual cup, 10 represents a main body, 11 represents a rim, 12 represents a protrusion, 13 represents an opening, 14 represents a storage portion, and 20 represents a handle.

[0031]

[0032] A menstrual cup comprising a body having a bell shape with a diameter that decreases from the top to the bottom and a handle having a ring shape that extends downward from the outer surface of the lower part of the body, wherein the menstrual cup can be manufactured as a menstrual cup for preventing discoloration and easy insertion and removal, containing liquid silicone and silicone pigment.

[0033] The above liquid silicone may be configured to include 50 to 80 parts by weight of polyorganosiloxane, 0.1 to 1 part by weight of polyorganohydrogensiloxane, 10 to 30 parts by weight of reinforcing silica, 0.01 to 0.1 parts by weight of a retarder, and 0.01 to 0.1 parts by weight of a curing agent, relative to the total weight of the liquid silicone, and the silicone pigment constituting the menstrual cup may be configured to include 70 to 90 parts by weight of silicone oil, 1 to 20 parts by weight of a pigment, and 1 to 10 parts by weight of a composite filler, relative to the total weight of the silicone pigment.

[0034]

[0035] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with specific examples. However, the following examples are provided as examples to ensure that those skilled in the art can sufficiently convey the spirit of the present invention.

[0036] Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented below and may be embodied in other forms. The embodiments presented below are described only to clarify the idea of ​​the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0037] In this case, if there is no other definition for the technical and scientific terms used, they have the meaning commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this invention belongs, and are terms defined in consideration of the functions in the present invention, which may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be determined based on the contents throughout this specification, and in the following description, explanations of well-known functions and configurations that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention are omitted.

[0038] Additionally, the singular forms used in the specification and the appended claims are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0039] Additionally, the thickness of lines and the size of components depicted in the drawing may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation.

[0040]

[0041] I. Definition

[0042] Expressions such as "including," "comprising," "having," and the like used in this disclosure should be understood as open-ended terms that imply the possibility of including other embodiments in a similar manner to "comprising," unless otherwise stated in the phrase or sentence in which the expression is included.

[0043] The term "and / or" as used herein may mean any one or more of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items associated with the term.

[0044] The term "liquid silicone" used in the present disclosure refers to a silicone polymer that exists in a liquid state at room temperature, and is mainly based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and includes a crosslinking agent and a catalyst, and is cured by heat or moisture to form a solid elastomer. In the present invention, it refers to a polymer that is a composition containing polyorganosiloxane, polyorganohydrogensiloxane, reinforcing silica, a retarder, a curing agent, etc., and has good fluidity, fast curing characteristics, and is safe and environmentally friendly.

[0045] The term "silicone pigment" used in the present disclosure refers to a colorant coated on a menstrual cup molded using the liquid silicone or dispersed within a liquid silicone matrix, used to impart color to a silicone product. The silicone pigment may be composed of inorganic pigments (iron oxide, titanium oxide, chromium oxide, etc.), organic pigments (phthalocyanine, quinacridone, etc.), and effect pigments (aluminum flake, mica-based pigment, etc.), as well as a silicone base (PDMS, silicone oil, or resin) and composite fillers mixed with the pigments. Such silicone pigments have high compatibility with liquid silicone, and are characterized by heat resistance, weather resistance, and chemical stability, and are provided in the form of a liquid, paste, or solid.

[0046] The term "retardant" used in this disclosure refers to a substance that slows down the rate of the curing reaction and can be used to improve the compatibility of raw materials and extend the working time. Acetylene alcohols such as 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol, 2-phenyl-3-butyn-2-ol, and 3,5-dimethyl-1-hexyn-3-ol can be used, and ethylcyclohexanol can be used in the present invention.

[0047] The term 'curing agent' used in the present disclosure is a substance that promotes the crosslinking reaction of silicone rubber, and is a general term for substances that initiate or promote the curing reaction of a thermosetting resin, and various types such as amines, acid anhydrides, isocyanates, and peroxides can be used. In the present invention, as an example, divinyl disiloxane platinum, which is a platinum-based catalyst, can be used, and this curing agent can promote the bonding between the alkyl group of polyorganosiloxane and the hydrogen of polyorganohydrogensiloxane, thereby improving the curing reactivity.

[0048] The term 'reinforcing silica' used in the present disclosure refers to an inorganic filler added to improve the mechanical strength and physical properties of silicone rubber, and is used in various fields such as rubber, plastic, and paint, and the tensile strength, tear strength, hardness, and wear resistance of the final product can be controlled depending on the particle size, surface treatment state, and addition amount. Reinforcing silica is composed of nano-sized particles, so it has a very large surface area and can exhibit a reinforcing effect through strong interaction with silicone polymers, and in the case of dry silica (fumed silica), it can impart elasticity and strength to silicone rubber.

[0049]

[0050] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

[0051] The menstrual cup of the present invention can be manufactured through a step of uniformly mixing and dispersing liquid silicone and silicone pigment to manufacture a mixture, a step of injecting the mixture into a menstrual cup mold, and a step of hardening the injected mixture to form a menstrual cup. The menstrual cup can include a main body having a bell shape whose diameter decreases from the top to the bottom, and a handle having a ring shape formed by extending downward from an outer surface of a lower portion of the main body.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a photograph showing a menstrual cup according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a menstrual cup according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the menstrual cup (1) for easy insertion and removal and for preventing discoloration of the present invention includes a main body (10) having a bell shape whose diameter decreases from the top to the bottom, and a handle (20) having a ring shape formed by extending downward from the outer surface of the lower portion of the main body (10), and the menstrual cup (1) may include liquid silicone and silicone pigment.

[0054] The menstrual cup of the present invention may have an orange color as shown in Fig. 1, but is not limited thereto and may be composed of various colors.

[0055] The above body (10) may have a bell shape in which the diameter decreases from the top to the bottom.

[0056] Typically, a woman's vagina has a bell shape that has a narrow entrance and widens as it goes up to the cervix. Accordingly, the main body (10) has a bell shape similar to the shape of a woman's vagina in which the diameter decreases from the top to the bottom, thereby reducing the foreign body sensation and pressure that may occur from the menstrual cup (1) when inserted inside the vagina, thereby improving the usability.

[0057] In addition, it may include an opening (13) located at the upper portion of the main body (10) and open to allow acupuncture points to flow into the inside of the main body (10), and a storage unit (14) located at the inside of the main body (10) and capable of storing acupuncture points that flow into the inside of the main body (10) through the opening (13).

[0058] The above opening (13) is formed at the upper part of the main body (10) and menstrual blood generated during a woman's menstruation can flow into the inside of the main body (10), and the storage part (14) can store the menstrual blood flowing from the opening (13) on the lower surface of the inside of the main body (10) by descending along the inner wall of the main body (10).

[0059] Specifically, an inclined surface with a gradually decreasing cross-section is formed along the direction in which menstrual blood flows in from the opening (13), that is, an inclined surface directed toward the center of the menstrual cup (1), so that the menstrual blood flowing in through the opening (13) can smoothly move to the storage portion (14) inside the main body (10). Here, the direction in which menstrual blood flows in means the direction in which it falls due to its own weight inside the woman's vagina.

[0060] In addition, the body (10) may have a thickness of 1 to 4 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the body (10) may have a thickness of 2 to 3 mm.

[0061] Since the above main body (10) has a bell shape and cannot be inserted into the vagina as is, the upper side of the main body (10) is folded by hand so that one side touches the other side, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening (13), and when the main body (10) with the cross-sectional area reduced as much as possible is inserted into the vagina, the main body (10) can be unfolded into its original bell shape by elastic restoring force and adhered to the inner wall of the vagina because no external force by the hand is applied from the inside of the vagina.

[0062] Accordingly, if the thickness of the main body (10) is less than 1 mm, repeated crumpling and unfolding for insertion into the vagina may cause the main body (10) to be torn or crumpled, and may not be restored sufficiently, resulting in failure to completely adhere to the vaginal wall, which may cause menstrual blood to leak and reduce hygiene. In addition, if the thickness of the main body (10) exceeds 4 mm, even if the main body (10) is made of silicone elastic material, it may not fold smoothly, making it difficult to insert into the vagina.

[0063] In addition, the main body (10) may include a ring-shaped protrusion (11) located at the upper end of the main body (10) and protruding along the circumferential direction of the upper end of the main body (10), and at least one protrusion (12) located at the lower end of the main body (10) and protruding in the shape of a flower at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of the lower end of the main body (10).

[0064] The above-mentioned edge portion (11) is a protrusion that protrudes in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the upper end of the main body (10), and is formed as one piece. The diameter of the edge portion (11) is larger than the diameter of the upper portion of the main body (10) and can be formed to be curved. That is, the edge portion (11) is formed to have the largest diameter within the main body (10).

[0065] In the past, the upper end of the main body (10) was formed thinly in order to fold the main body (10) well. However, when the upper end of the main body (10) became thin, the restoring force was reduced, and as a result, the adhesion between the vaginal wall and the main body (10) was hindered, resulting in a problem of menstrual blood leakage.

[0066] Accordingly, by including the edge portion (11) in the main body (10), the edge portion (11) is formed to be curved and larger than the diameter of the upper portion of the main body (10), that is, thicker than the thickness of the main body (10), so that the restoring force can be increased by elasticity inside the vagina, and as a result, when the edge portion (11) is spread out, the adhesion with the inner wall of the vagina is improved, so that leakage of menstrual blood can be prevented, and the main body (10) can be prevented from slipping and coming off, and negative pressure can be formed inside the main body (10), so that the fixing force with the inner wall of the vagina can be improved.

[0067] In addition, the border portion (11) may have a thickness of 2 to 8 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the border portion (11) may have a thickness of 4 to 6 mm.

[0068] If the thickness of the above-mentioned border portion (11) is less than 2 mm, the main body (10) may not be fully restored from a torn or crumpled state as repeated crumpling and unfolding continues for insertion into the vagina, and may not be completely adhered to the vaginal wall from the inside of the vagina, which may cause menstrual blood to leak and reduce hygiene. If the thickness of the above-mentioned border portion (11) exceeds 8 mm, even if the main body (10) is made of elastic material, it may not fold smoothly and may be difficult to insert into the vagina.

[0069] The above protrusions (12) are protrusions that protrude in a flower shape at regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the lower portion of the main body (10), and are formed of at least one, but preferably three, and the diameter of the protrusions (12) may be formed to be curved and larger than the diameter of the lower portion of the main body (10).

[0070] In the past, when the main body was folded and inserted into the vagina, it was difficult to insert due to slipping, and even after insertion, there was no support, making it difficult to adjust the position, which reduced convenience.

[0071] Therefore, by including the protrusion (12) in the main body (10), it serves as a support place for the finger when inserted into the vagina, so that the user can easily insert it into the vagina without slipping from the hand and can easily adjust the position after insertion, thereby improving convenience.

[0072] The above handle (20) may have a ring shape formed by extending downward from the outer surface of the lower portion of the main body (10).

[0073] Specifically, the handle (20) is located at the lower end of the main body (10), is formed by extending downward from the outer surface of the lower part of the main body (10), and has a ring shape with an open hole in the center.

[0074] In the past, a thin, long, rod-shaped handle was provided at the bottom of the main body to remove the menstrual cup from the inside of the vagina after use. However, the handle having the shape of a rod was difficult to hold with a finger due to slipping caused by secretions inside the vagina, and there was a problem in that it was difficult to remove the menstrual cup, which reduced convenience.

[0075] Accordingly, by including the handle (20) in the menstrual cup (1), the menstrual cup (1) can be removed from the inside of the vagina by hooking a finger on a ring shape having an open hole in the center. As described above, the menstrual cup is prevented from slipping out of the user's hand, and the menstrual cup (1) can be easily inserted and removed.

[0076] In addition, the liquid silicone may include 50 to 80 parts by weight of polyorganosiloxane, 0.1 to 1 part by weight of polyorganohydrogensiloxane, 10 to 30 parts by weight of reinforcing silica, 0.01 to 0.1 part by weight of a retarder, and 0.01 to 0.1 part by weight of a curing agent, based on the weight of the total liquid silicone.

[0077] The above polyorganosiloxane is a compound in which an organic group such as a methyl group is attached to a silane main chain, and may include a functional group such as an alkyl group, a phenyl group, or a vinyl group.

[0078] The polyorganosiloxane may include at least one selected from the group consisting of polydimethylsiloxane, polymethylphenylsiloxane, polydiphenylsiloxane, polydimethylvivyl siloxane, and polytrifluoropropyl siloxane. Preferably, the polyorganosiloxane may include polydimethylsiloxane.

[0079] The above polyorganosiloxane may include a first polydimethylsiloxane having an average degree of polymerization of 1500 or less and being liquid at room temperature, and a second polydimethylsiloxane having an average degree of polymerization of 2000 or more and being rubber-like at room temperature.

[0080] In addition, the polyorganosiloxane may include the first polydimethylsiloxane and the second polydimethylsiloxane in a weight ratio of 14:1 to 5:2, respectively. When the first polydimethylsiloxane and the second polydimethylsiloxane are included in the weight ratio, the stickiness of the liquid silicone can be resolved and flexibility can be further improved.

[0081] The liquid silicone may contain 50 to 80 parts by weight of the polyorganosiloxane. Preferably, the liquid silicone may contain 60 to 80 parts by weight of the polyorganosiloxane.

[0082] If the polyorganosiloxane content is lower than 50 parts by weight, the viscosity of the liquid silicone may increase, reducing fluidity, which may cause problems during the molding process.

[0083] Polyorganosiloxane is a major component of silicone rubber. If the content is low, the mechanical properties of the final product, such as tensile strength and elongation, may deteriorate, and the number of molecules participating in the curing reaction may decrease, slowing down the curing speed.

[0084] On the other hand, if the polyorganosiloxane content is too high, exceeding 80 parts by weight, the hardness of the final product may be reduced and complete curing may not occur due to an imbalance with the curing agent, which may adversely affect the physical properties of the final product.

[0085] The above polyorganohydrogen siloxane is a compound in which an organic group such as a hydrogen group is attached to a silane main chain, and may also include a functional group such as an alkyl group, a phenyl group, or a vinyl group.

[0086] The polyorganohydrogen siloxane may include at least one selected from polydimethylhydrogen siloxane, polymethylhydrogen siloxane, and polydiphenylhydrogen siloxane, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the polyorganohydrogen siloxane may include polymethylhydrogen siloxane.

[0087] By including the polymethylhydrogensiloxane in the polyorganohydrogensiloxane, the hardness of the liquid silicone can be lowered.

[0088] The liquid silicone may contain 0.1 to 1 part by weight of polyorganohydrogensiloxane relative to the total weight of the liquid silicone. Preferably, the liquid silicone may contain 0.3 to 0.7 parts by weight of the polyorganohydrogensiloxane.

[0089] If the polyorganohydrogensiloxane is included in the liquid silicone in an amount of less than 0.1 part by weight, the hardness of the liquid silicone cannot be sufficiently reduced, and if it is included in an amount exceeding 1 part by weight, the viscosity may increase excessively, making molding difficult.

[0090] The above reinforcing silica can be added to improve hardness and provide elasticity to the liquid silicone.

[0091] The type of the above reinforcing silica is not particularly limited, but may preferably include fumed silica.

[0092] The above liquid silicone may contain 10 to 30 parts by weight of reinforcing silica relative to the total weight of the liquid silicone, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the liquid silicone may contain 15 to 25 parts by weight of reinforcing silica.

[0093] If the reinforcing silica is included in the liquid silicone in an amount of less than 10 parts by weight, the hardness of the liquid silicone may be too low, making it difficult to maintain the shape of the menstrual cup (1), and if it is included in an amount exceeding 30 parts by weight, the hardness may be excessively increased, significantly reducing the flexibility of the menstrual cup (1), making it difficult to insert it into the vagina.

[0094] The above retarder can improve the miscibility of raw materials by retarding curing.

[0095] The type of the above delaying agent is not particularly limited, but may preferably include ethylcyclohexanol (1-Ethylcyclohexanol).

[0096] The liquid silicone may contain 0.1 to 3 parts by weight of a retarder relative to the total weight of the liquid silicone. Preferably, the liquid silicone may contain 0.5 to 2 parts by weight of a retarder.

[0097] If the liquid silicone contains less than 0.1 parts by weight of the retarder, the curing retarding effect may be insufficient, and if it contains more than 3 parts by weight, side effects such as reduced strength may occur.

[0098] The above curing agent can improve curing reactivity by promoting the bonding of the alkyl group contained in the polyorganosiloxane and the hydrogen contained in the polyorganohydrogensiloxane using a platinum-based catalyst.

[0099] The type of the above-mentioned curing agent is not particularly limited, but preferably may include divinyl disiloxane platinum (1,3-divinyldisiloxane Platium).

[0100] The above liquid silicone may contain 0.01 to 0.1 parts by weight of a curing agent relative to the total weight of the liquid silicone, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the liquid silicone may contain 0.03 to 0.08 parts by weight of a curing agent.

[0101] If the liquid silicone contains less than 0.03 parts by weight of the curing agent, the curing of the liquid silicone may be insufficient, and if it contains more than 0.08 parts by weight, the curing may be accelerated and the curing may occur before the raw materials are sufficiently mixed.

[0102] Meanwhile, the present invention aims to improve the aesthetics of a menstrual cup by adding color to it, reduce user rejection by preventing staining caused by menstrual blood, and prevent side effects such as various skin diseases or itching caused by harmful ingredients.

[0103] There have been efforts to add color to menstrual cups in the past, but when pigments were added, the pigment applied to the menstrual cup would transfer to the human body when used, causing problems with stability.

[0104] Accordingly, the present invention has developed a method for imparting color to a menstrual cup without harming human body stability.

[0105] To achieve the above goals, it is important to first select pigments that are harmless to the human body.

[0106] As a silicone pigment that can be used in the present invention, a pigment approved by a related agency such as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety can be used. For example, as an inorganic pigment, titanium dioxide (TiO₂), mica titanium, iron oxide, etc. can be used, and as an organic pigment, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, anthocyanin, etc. can be used.

[0107] Meanwhile, even if a pigment that is as harmless to the human body as possible is used, if the pigment comes off during the menstrual cup use and accumulates in the body, it can have a harmful effect on the body, so it is important to be careful not to let the pigment come off during use.

[0108] Accordingly, in the present invention, a menstrual cup that is easy to insert and remove as described above was manufactured.

[0109] In the case of general menstrual cups, since it is not easy to insert and remove, frequent friction occurs between the menstrual cup and the body during the insertion and removal process, and the pigment peels off due to this friction. In order to prevent this phenomenon as much as possible, the present invention promotes user convenience by using a menstrual cup that is easy to insert and remove, and at the same time, minimizes the number of times of friction with the body so that the pigment does not peel off even when the menstrual cup is used for a long period of time.

[0110] Meanwhile, the process of applying color to a menstrual cup can be carried out by applying pigment to silicone, but it is preferable to adopt a method of dispersing and mixing pigment during silicone manufacturing.

[0111] Menstrual cups are designed to be folded, inserted into the vagina, and then expanded and attached. This process of folding and unfolding the menstrual cup, as described above, can lead to pigment cracking. If cracking occurs, the pigment can leak into the body, potentially compromising the product's stability. Therefore, adopting a method of dispersing and mixing pigments during silicone manufacturing can minimize this peeling phenomenon.

[0112] Specifically, mixing silicone pigment with the main body material allows the pigment to be evenly distributed throughout the menstrual cup. This strengthens the pigment's bonding strength compared to applying it only to the surface. Furthermore, because the pigment is incorporated into the menstrual cup material itself, it offers greater resistance to wear and tear than surface application. Furthermore, mixing pigment into the silicone body allows the menstrual cup to maintain its flexibility, reducing the risk of cracking or peeling of the pigment layer when folded and unfolded.

[0113] The menstrual cup of the present invention has secured properties for flexibility by controlling the type and content of reinforcing silica, and thus, the peeling phenomenon of pigment can also be efficiently controlled by this function.

[0114] For the color treatment using the above dispersion method, the silicone pigment of the present invention may specifically include 70 to 90 parts by weight of silicone oil, 1 to 20 parts by weight of pigment, and 1 to 10 parts by weight of composite filler based on the weight of the entire silicone pigment.

[0115] By including the silicone pigment in the above liquid silicone, it is provided in the form of a paste dispersed in silicone oil rather than a powder type, thereby preventing the powder from flying away, thereby improving workability, and can be used for medical purposes by using a pigment that is harmless to the human body.

[0116] The above silicone pigment may be comprised in an amount of 0.1 to 5 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone. If comprised in an amount less than 0.1 parts by weight, the color effect may be minimal, and if comprised in an amount exceeding 5 parts by weight, it may adversely affect the silicone properties or interfere with curing.

[0117] The above silicone oil is included to disperse pigments and provide a uniform color to the menstrual cup (1), and may be configured to include at least one selected from the group consisting of polydimethylsiloxane, methylphenylsiloxane, methylhydrogensiloxane, fluorosilicone oil, amino-modified silicone oil, epoxy-modified silicone oil, vinyl silicone oil, hydroxy silicone oil, phenylmethyl silicone oil, and cyclosiloxane.

[0118] The above silicone oil may preferably be a polyorganosiloxane containing an alkyl group and having one or more functional groups selected from hydroxy or alkoxy at the terminal.

[0119] By including the silicone oil in the above silicone pigment, it can be used as a dispersing solvent, and the dispersibility of the pigment can be improved without lowering the physical properties of the liquid silicone, thereby producing a uniform color.

[0120] The silicone pigment may contain, but is not limited to, 70 to 90 parts by weight of silicone oil relative to the total weight of the silicone pigment. Preferably, the silicone pigment may contain 80 to 90 parts by weight of silicone oil.

[0121] If the silicone oil is included in the silicone pigment in an amount of less than 70 parts by weight, dispersibility may be reduced and color uniformity may be degraded, and if it is included in an amount of more than 90 parts by weight, the desired color may not be sufficiently expressed.

[0122] The pigment is uniformly dispersed in the liquid silicone to impart color to the menstrual cup (1). The color of the pigment is not particularly limited, but may preferably be orange.

[0123] By including the pigment in the silicone pigment, the aesthetics can be improved by imparting color, and as the number of times the menstrual pad is used gradually accumulates, it can be prevented from being colored by menstrual blood, thereby preventing the rejection that may arise due to the appearance being damaged and the impression that it is contaminated by various bacteria.

[0124] The pigment may be included in an amount of 1 to 20 parts by weight relative to the total weight of the silicone pigment, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the pigment may be included in an amount of 5 to 15 parts by weight relative to the total weight of the silicone pigment.

[0125] If the silicone pigment contains less than 5 parts by weight of the pigment, the desired color may not be sufficiently expressed, and if it contains more than 15 parts by weight, the pigment may settle and a caking phenomenon may occur.

[0126] The above composite filler is added to improve dispersibility, and the composite filler may be configured to include at least one selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, kaolin, alumina trihydrate, calcium sulfate, silica, glass microspheres, carbon nanotubes, nanoclay, wood powder, and mica, and preferably may include spherical crystalline silica.

[0127] By including the composite filler in the above silicone pigment, oil separation and caking phenomena that may occur when dispersing the pigment in silicone oil can be prevented, and by including a number of irregularities on the surface, the composite filler and pigment can naturally maintain a dispersed state when moving as particles in a dispersion solvent, and can also maintain dispersibility for a long period of time.

[0128] The silicone pigment may contain 1 to 10 parts by weight of a composite filler, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the silicone pigment may contain 3 to 7 parts by weight of a composite filler.

[0129] If the above-mentioned silicone pigment contains less than 1 part by weight of the above-mentioned composite filler, oil separation and caking may occur quickly, and color uniformity may deteriorate, and if it contains more than 10 parts by weight, it may have a negative effect on color development.

[0130] The silicone pigment manufactured as above can be manufactured into a menstrual cup by mixing and reacting with the liquid silicone that constitutes the main body of the menstrual cup and then being injected into a mold and molded.

[0131] Meanwhile, the menstrual cup (1) may further contain 1 to 3 parts by weight of meadowfoam seed oil.

[0132] The above-mentioned meadowfoam seed oil is an oil extracted from the seeds of a plant belonging to the meadowfoam family, and contains 3-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate and 3-methoxyphenyl acetonitrile, which are glucosinolate derivatives, which can inhibit collagen decomposition by inhibiting the MMP-1 enzyme that decomposes collagen, and can protect the skin by reducing skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays UVB and have an antioxidant effect.

[0133] The silicone used in conventional menstrual cups has the advantages of heat resistance, cold resistance, safety, appearance (transparency), texture, and durability, but wearing a menstrual cup for a long time can cause swelling, pain, allergies, and rashes.

[0134] To solve this problem, by adding meadowfoam seed oil to the menstrual cup (1), a moisturizing effect is provided, thereby improving skin flexibility and alleviating skin troubles, thereby preventing side effects such as swelling, pain, rash, and allergies caused by long-term use of the menstrual cup (1), thereby improving the usability. In addition, since it contains a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, it can suppress damage caused by oxidation.

[0135] Additionally, the menstrual cup (1) may further include 1 to 2 parts by weight of a white moth extract.

[0136] The above-mentioned white-haired rhododendron (Solanum Lyratum Thunb) is also called pear-like rhododendron and is a perennial vine semi-shrub or perennial herb belonging to the genus Solanum in the Solanaceae family, and contains a lot of alkaloids such as α-solamarine and β-solamarine.

[0137] The silicone used in conventional menstrual cups (1) has the advantages of heat resistance, cold resistance, safety, appearance (transparency), touch, and durability, but wearing the menstrual cup (1) for a long time may cause swelling, pain, allergies, rashes, etc.

[0138] To solve this problem, by adding more extracts of Baekmo-deung to the menstrual cup (1), the alkaloids such as α-solamarine and β-solamarine contained in large quantities have strong antifungal properties and also suppress the release of histamine in the blood, thereby suppressing allergic reactions such as hives or itching, thereby further improving the usability of the menstrual cup (1).

[0139] The above-mentioned white-haired rhododendron (Solanum Lyratum Thunb) is also called pear-like rhododendron and is a perennial vine semi-shrub or perennial herb belonging to the genus Solanum in the Solanaceae family, and contains a lot of alkaloids such as α-solamarine and β-solamarine.

[0140] More specifically, the white moss contains various active ingredients, and the main ingredients are steroid saponins, steroid alkaloids, terpenoids, lignans, and flavonoids. In particular, steroid alkaloids and saponins are known to be the main active ingredients of the white moss. Specific compounds include nitrogen-containing sapogenins of the solanidane, spirosolane, and solayraine types, and these compounds mainly have a sugar moiety attached to the C-3 position, and common sugar components include D-glucose, D-galactose, D-xylose, and L-rhamnose.

[0141] Major steroid alkaloid compounds discovered in the extract of the plant include dihydroleptinidine, solaryraine A, and solaryraine B. Furthermore, various steroids, steroid saponins, terpenoids, nitrogen compounds, phenylpropanoids, and flavonoids have been isolated and identified in the extract. These various compounds contribute to the pharmacological activities of the plant, and are known to be particularly involved in anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.

[0142] The above-mentioned extract of Baekmodeng is not particularly limited in its manufacturing method, and can be extracted according to methods commonly used in the relevant technical field. Non-limiting examples of the extraction methods include hot water extraction, ultrasonic extraction, filtration, and reflux extraction, and these may be performed alone or in combination of two or more methods.

[0143]

[0144] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples and comparative examples.

[0145] However, the following examples and comparative examples are merely examples for explaining the present invention in more detail, and the present invention is not limited to the following examples and comparative examples.

[0146]

[0147] <Example 1>

[0148] A silicone pigment containing 85 parts by weight of amino-modified silicone oil, 10 parts by weight of titanium dioxide, and 5 parts by weight of alumina trihydrate relative to 100 parts by weight of the total silicone pigment was manufactured. In addition, a liquid silicone containing 74 parts by weight of polydimethylsiloxane, 0.7 parts by weight of polymethylhydrogensiloxane, 25 parts by weight of dry silica, 0.25 parts by weight of ethylcyclohexanol, and 0.05 parts by weight of divinyldisiloxane platinum was manufactured. The silicone pigment was adjusted to 0.9 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the liquid silicone, and the silicone pigment and the liquid silicone were mixed and reacted, and then put into a mold to form a body having a bell shape including a rim and a protrusion, and a handle having a ring shape, thereby manufacturing a menstrual cup.

[0149]

[0150] <Example 2>

[0151] A menstrual cup identical to Example 1 was manufactured, except that 2 parts by weight of meadowfoam seed oil was added relative to the weight of the total material constituting the menstrual cup.

[0152]

[0153] <Example 3>

[0154] A menstrual cup identical to Example 1 was manufactured, except that 1 part by weight of the extract of Baekmo-deung was added relative to the weight of the total material constituting the menstrual cup.

[0155]

[0156] <Example 4>

[0157] A menstrual cup identical to Example 1 was manufactured, except that 2 parts by weight of meadowfoam seed oil and 1 part by weight of white moth extract were added relative to the weight of the total material constituting the menstrual cup.

[0158]

[0159] <Comparative Example 1>

[0160] A menstrual cup having a general shape without a rim, protrusion, or handle of the present invention was manufactured using liquid silicone containing 84 parts by weight of polydimethylsiloxane, 15.9 parts by weight of dry silica, 0.05 parts by weight of ethylcyclohexanol, and 0.05 parts by weight of divinyldisiloxane platinum.

[0161]

[0162] Comparative Example 2

[0163] Tampax Pearl Plastic Tampons from Procter & Gamble (P&G) were used.

[0164]

[0165] <Experimental Example 1> - Confirming the effectiveness of menstrual cups in preventing side effects.

[0166] In order to evaluate the side effect prevention effect of the menstrual cup manufactured by the examples, the following experiment was conducted.

[0167] One hundred women aged 19 to 49 were selected and provided with the menstrual cups manufactured according to the examples and tampons, a conventional insertable sanitary pad, as a control group. Each was worn for three days. A survey was conducted to evaluate the severity of side effects for each item using a 5-point scale. A score of 1 to 5 indicated more severe side effects, and scores were rounded to the second decimal place. The results are shown in below.

[0168]

[0169] Classification Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 2 Swelling 2.11.61.20.52.23.5 Pain 1.81.41.30.31.73.6 Allergy 1.30.70.90.11.33.2 Side effects 1.91.41.10.22.03.2

[0170] As a result of evaluating the side effect prevention effect of the menstrual cup as shown in , it was found that the side effect prevention effect according to Example 1 manufactured by including the liquid silicone and silicone pigment was similar to that of a general menstrual cup without color, and was greatly improved compared to the control group, a tampon.

[0171] The above-described side effect prevention effect is a characteristic that can be obtained by manufacturing a menstrual cup using a dispersion method that utilizes a pigment harmless to the human body and prevents the pigment from being dissolved into the human body as much as possible, and by appropriately adjusting the content of the pigment to 0.1 to 5 parts by weight relative to the total liquid silicone.

[0172] Meanwhile, it was confirmed that the side effect prevention effect according to Examples 2 and 3, which were manufactured by further including meadowfoam seed oil or white moth extract in the menstrual cup of the present invention, was slightly improved compared to Comparative Example 1, and the side effect prevention effect according to Example 4, which was manufactured by including both meadowfoam seed oil and white moth extract, was even better.

[0173]

[0174] <Experimental Example 2> - Checking the ease of insertion and removal of the menstrual cup

[0175] In order to evaluate the ease of insertion and removal of the menstrual cup manufactured by the examples, the following experiment was conducted.

[0176] A survey was conducted on the same population as Experimental Example 1 to determine whether or not the facility was easy to enter and exit, and satisfaction with the facility's ease of entry and exit was assessed using a 5-point scale.

[0177] Satisfaction was evaluated as higher as the score increased from 1 to 5, and the scores were rounded to the second decimal place and the results are shown in below.

[0178]

[0179] Classification Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Comparative Example 1 Insertion Satisfaction 4.14.44.14.33.2 Detachment Satisfaction 4.34.24.24.22.7

[0180] Through the results in the above , it was found that the ease of insertion and removal of the menstrual cup according to Examples 1 to 4 of the present invention was significantly improved compared to the control group.

[0181] The above ease of insertion and removal is achieved through the unique structure of the menstrual cup of the present invention, including the composition, content, and rim of the liquid silicone.

[0182] In particular, in the case of Examples 2 and 4 manufactured by further including the meadowfoam seed oil, it was confirmed that friction upon insertion was reduced due to the moisturizing effect of the meadowfoam seed oil that prevents side effects according to Example 4 manufactured by further including the meadowfoam seed oil and the white moth extract, resulting in higher insertion satisfaction.

[0183] However, the advantage of smooth attachment and detachment was offset by the disadvantage of difficulty in inserting and removing, resulting in a level of satisfaction similar to that of the menstrual cup of Example 1.

[0184]

[0185] <Experimental Example 3> - Confirmation of the excellent vaginal adhesion of the menstrual cup

[0186] In order to evaluate the vaginal adhesion of the menstrual cup manufactured by the examples, the following experiment was conducted.

[0187] The experiment was conducted by testing the contact pressure of the menstrual cup with the vaginal wall. Specifically, a FlexiForce sensor was attached to the surface of the menstrual cup, and after the menstrual cup was inserted into the vagina, the contact pressure with the vaginal wall was measured in real time through the sensor.

[0188] The analysis results of the above experiment are as shown in Table 3 below.

[0189]

[0190] Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Comparative Example 1 Average contact pressure (kPa) 2.5 2.3 2.4 2.2 1.9

[0191] A contact pressure of 4 kPa may cause discomfort when worn, while a pressure of less than 1 kPa may pose a risk of leakage.

[0192] Meanwhile, as can be seen from the above , it was confirmed that the menstrual cup of the present invention was excellently maintained in the vagina.

[0193] The menstrual cup of the present invention has pigments added to impart color and additional substances added to reduce side effects, and thus may have reduced adhesion compared to a menstrual cup that does not have the above substances added.

[0194] However, in the case of the menstrual cup of the present invention, it was confirmed that it excellently blocks blood leakage by maintaining excellent adhesion inside the vagina due to special structures such as the rim and protrusions.

[0195]

[0196] <Experimental Example 4> - Confirming Menstrual Cup Color Stability After Long-Term Use

[0197] To evaluate the color stability of menstrual cups manufactured according to the examples, the following experiments were conducted.

[0198] An artificial vaginal fluid was prepared and color changes according to long-term use were measured. The artificial vaginal fluid was prepared as a liquid containing lactic acid, glycogen, and protein with a pH of 3.8 to 4.5, and maintained at 37°C, similar to body temperature.

[0199] The measurement method was performed using the Lab* color space, and the ΔE* (total color difference) value was used to determine the color change.

[0200] Generally, ΔE* < 1.0 is a difference that cannot be distinguished by the naked eye, and ΔE* < 2.0 is a difference that is so subtle that only an experienced observer can distinguish it.

[0201] After immersing the menstrual cup in the above artificial vaginal fluid and measuring the color difference for 6 months, the total color difference values ​​after 6 months are shown in .

[0202]

[0203] Distinction Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Total color difference ΔE*1.71.61.71.7

[0204] As can be seen from the above , the total color difference of the menstrual cup of the present invention was less than 2, confirming that it has excellent color stability even when used for a long period of time. The color stability as described above can be obtained by manufacturing the menstrual cup by mixing the pigment of the present invention with silicone oil and dispersing and mixing the silicone pigment composed as described above within liquid silicone.

[0205]

[0206] <Experimental Example 5> - Confirming Menstrual Cup Color Stability under Mechanical Stress

[0207] To evaluate the color stability of menstrual cups manufactured by the examples against mechanical stress, the following experiments were conducted.

[0208] The experiment was conducted by repeating the crumpling / uncrumpling motion of the menstrual cup, then re-measuring the color and comparing it to the initial state. The measurement method was Lab* color space, and the ΔE* (total color difference) value was used to determine the color change.

[0209] After repeating the crumpling / unfolding motion 200 times, the total color difference values ​​are recorded in .

[0210]

[0211] Distinction Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Total color difference ΔE*1.41.51.41.5

[0212] As can be seen from the above , the total color difference of the menstrual cup of the present invention was less than 2, confirming that it had excellent color stability despite frequent mechanical stress. The color stability described above can be obtained by manufacturing the menstrual cup by mixing the pigment of the present invention with silicone oil and dispersing and mixing the silicone pigment composed as described above within liquid silicone.

[0213]

[0214] <Experimental Example 6> - Checking the elastic resilience of a menstrual cup

[0215] In order to evaluate the elastic restoring force of the menstrual cup manufactured by the examples, the following experiment was conducted.

[0216] After preparing the menstrual cups of Examples 1-4 and Comparative Example 1, each menstrual cup was compressed by 50% and then immediately decompressed to measure the time it took for the cups to return to their original size.

[0217] The results of calculating the average restoration time by repeating this process 100 times are as shown in Table 6 below.

[0218]

[0219] Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Comparative Example 1 Average restoration time (sec) 2.3 2.12 2.0 2.5

[0220] As described in Table 6 above, the elastic restoring force of the menstrual cups of Examples 1 to 4 of the present invention was measured to be excellent, and in particular, unlike Comparative Example 1, although a pigment that can damage the elastic restoring force of silicone was added, the content of the pigment was appropriately adjusted to 0.1 to 5 parts by weight based on the total liquid silicone, and elasticity was added by adding a composite filler, thereby obtaining excellent elastic restoring force of the entire menstrual cup, which is significant.

[0221]

[0222] In conclusion, the unique effects of the menstrual cup of the present invention can be confirmed through the results of Experimental Examples 1 to 6 as above. Specifically, in the case of the menstrual cup of the present invention, the menstrual cup is colored by dispersing and mixing a silicone pigment composed of a mixture of a pigment harmless to the human body and silicone oil with the liquid silicone of the present invention, thereby preventing discoloration and maintaining the physical properties of the menstrual cup.

[0223] In addition, due to the type and content of the composition forming the liquid silicone and the unique structural characteristics of the menstrual cup, the menstrual cup of the present invention exhibits excellent adhesion in the vagina and can secure excellent elastic resilience even with only the addition of pigment.

[0224] In particular, due to the structural features of the menstrual cup of the present invention and the mixing method of the liquid silicone and silicone pigment, the color of the menstrual cup remains stable even after long-term use, and the pigment does not easily leach out of the menstrual cup, thereby ensuring stability.

[0225]

[0226] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above has been provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement and practice the present invention. While the above description has been made with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art can utilize the individual components described in the above-described embodiments in combination with each other.

[0227] Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0228] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the above detailed description should not be construed in all respects as limiting but rather as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes coming within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be embraced therein. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Furthermore, claims that are not explicitly cited in the claims may be combined to form an embodiment or incorporated into a new claim by post-application amendment.

[0229] The menstrual cup for preventing staining and being easy to insert and remove according to the present invention includes a rim, which allows it to adhere to the vaginal wall due to its restoring force, thereby reducing menstrual blood leakage. The cup can improve aesthetics by adding color using a silicone pigment composition that is harmless to the human body. The cup can prevent the menstrual blood from causing discomfort to the user due to staining caused by menstrual blood, and can prevent side effects such as various skin diseases or itchiness caused by harmful ingredients. In addition, the menstrual cup for preventing staining and being easy to insert and remove according to the present invention can be easily inserted and removed from the inside of the vagina using a finger by directly inserting it into the vagina and containing menstrual blood without absorbing it, thereby preventing the purification function by supplying moisture to the vagina from being reduced, making it hygienic. In addition, the cup can be used semi-permanently rather than disposable, thereby reducing waste discharge and thus reducing environmental pollution, and thus has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. For a menstrual cup that is easy to put in and take out and prevents discoloration, A body having a bell shape with a diameter that decreases from top to bottom. It includes a handle having a ring shape that extends downward from the outer surface of the lower part of the main body, The above menstrual cup is a stain-preventing, easy-to-insert menstrual cup containing liquid silicone and silicone pigment.

2. In paragraph 1, A menstrual cup for preventing discoloration and being easy to insert and remove, characterized in that the main body includes a rim portion that is positioned at the upper end of the main body and protrudes in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the upper end of the main body, and at least one protrusion portion that is positioned at the lower end of the main body and protrudes in a flower shape at a certain interval along the circumferential direction of the lower end of the main body.

3. In paragraph 2, A menstrual cup that is easy to insert and remove and prevents discoloration, characterized in that the border has a thickness of 2 to 8 mm.

4. In paragraph 1, A menstrual cup for preventing discoloration and being easy to insert and remove, characterized in that the liquid silicone contains 50 to 80 parts by weight of polyorganosiloxane, 0.1 to 1 part by weight of polyorganohydrogensiloxane, 10 to 30 parts by weight of reinforcing silica, 0.01 to 0.1 part by weight of a retarder, and 0.01 to 0.1 part by weight of a curing agent, based on the total weight of the liquid silicone.

5. In paragraph 1, A menstrual cup for preventing discoloration and easy insertion and removal, characterized in that the silicone pigment comprises 70 to 90 parts by weight of silicone oil, 1 to 20 parts by weight of pigment, and 1 to 10 parts by weight of composite filler based on the weight of the entire silicone pigment.

6. In paragraph 1, A menstrual cup for preventing discoloration and being easy to insert and remove, characterized in that the silicone pigment is mixed and reacted with the liquid silicone forming the main body of the menstrual cup and then injected into a mold and molded.

7. In paragraph 1, A menstrual cup for preventing discoloration and easy insertion and removal, characterized in that the silicone pigment comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), mica titanium, iron oxide, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, and anthocyanin.

8. In paragraph 1, A menstrual cup for preventing discoloration and easy insertion and removal, characterized in that it additionally contains meadowfoam seed oil or white moth extract to the above menstrual cup.

9. In the manufacturing method of the menstrual cup, A step of preparing a mixture by uniformly mixing and dispersing liquid silicone and silicone pigment; A step of injecting the above mixture into a menstrual cup mold; and, A step of forming a menstrual cup by hardening the injected mixture; The above menstrual cup is a method for manufacturing a menstrual cup that is easy to insert and remove and prevents discoloration, including a main body having a bell shape whose diameter decreases from the top to the bottom and a handle having a ring shape that is formed by extending downward from the outer surface of the lower part of the main body.

10. In paragraph 9, A method for manufacturing a menstrual cup for preventing discoloration and easy insertion and removal, characterized in that the method for manufacturing the silicone pigment comprises a step of manufacturing the silicone pigment by mixing 70 to 90 parts by weight of silicone oil, 1 to 20 parts by weight of pigment, and 1 to 10 parts by weight of composite filler relative to the weight of the entire silicone pigment.

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