Vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container having excellent Anti-bacterial effect

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container having an excellent anti-bacterial effect, and provides the vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container having an excellent anti-bacterial effect, comprising: a container main body, which has an open circle-shaped upper surface, a closed circle-shaped lower surface and a side surface in which vertical surfaces and tapering oblique surfaces are alternately repeated, and thus has a shape with a wide top and a narrow bottom; and a container cover having a cylindrical shape with one open side, and the menstrual cup storage container includes 1-7 parts by weight of an inorganic anti-bacterial agent on the basis of 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

Description

A vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container with excellent antibacterial properties

[0001] The present invention relates to a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container with excellent portability and antibacterial effect.

[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] Furthermore, existing pad-type and insert-type sanitary pad products are disposable products that 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, namely polyethylene film, and 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.

[0007] Meanwhile, sanitary pads and tampons currently used by women are disposable products that cannot be reused due to the materials used, such as chemical paper, absorbent non-woven fabric, and vinyl. Their high price places an economic burden on households. In addition, according to a consumer survey, more than 60% of women who use them have experienced menstrual blood leakage and are concerned about leakage during sleep, exercise, swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Furthermore, a woman's vagina has a function that automatically washes away dead cells and bacteria by providing sufficient moisture, so sufficient moisture is essential. However, existing sanitary pads and tampons do not store menstrual blood but absorb both menstrual blood and moisture, reducing the vaginal moisture supply function and creating an unsanitary environment. This can lead to allergic reactions in some individuals, and the use of tampons can even cause toxic shock syndrome, a very serious condition that can be fatal.

[0008] Therefore, there is a growing trend of trying to use reusable cotton sanitary pads or menstrual cups as an alternative to sanitary pads and tampons, which are made of almost no harmful ingredients.

[0009] 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.

[0010] However, menstrual cups are not disposable but can be used semi-permanently through washing, so they cannot be disposed of immediately after use and must be carried around with you. In addition, they are bulky compared to existing sanitary pads, making them less portable. In addition, if a menstrual cup is carried around alone, it can become contaminated due to external exposure, and since it is worn inside a woman's vagina, a sensitive area of ​​the body, extra care must be taken for hygiene. In addition, there is a problem that bacteria and mold can grow if the menstrual cup is not dried sufficiently after being washed after use.

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, research is needed on a menstrual cup storage container technology that is hygienic by protecting the menstrual cup from external contamination, easy to sterilize the menstrual cup, has excellent antibacterial effects to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, and has improved portability.

[0012]

[0013] The present invention provides technical content for a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container having an excellent antibacterial effect, which can be folded up and down and expanded by applying pressure as needed by including an elastic portion to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, thereby improving portability, and provides technical content for a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container having an excellent antibacterial effect, which can easily sterilize a menstrual cup in its stored state, thereby improving hygiene and convenience, and provides technical content for a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container having an excellent antibacterial effect, which can prevent the growth of bacteria and mold by including an inorganic antibacterial agent capable of releasing silver ions, thereby having an excellent antibacterial effect.

[0014]

[0015] In order to achieve the technical problem described above, the present invention provides a menstrual cup storage container with an excellent antibacterial effect, which is a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container, comprising a container body having an open circular shape on the upper surface, a closed circular shape on the lower surface, and a vertical plane and a reduced inclined plane alternately repeated on the side surface, and a container cover having a cylindrical shape with one side open, wherein the menstrual cup storage container comprises 1 to 7 parts by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent relative to 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container body may include a rim portion protruding in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the upper end of the container body, at least one elastic portion formed by extending downward from the outer surface of the rim portion, and a support portion having a cylindrical shape with a closed lower surface formed at the lower portion of the container body by extending downward from the outer surface of the elastic portion.

[0017] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic portion may include a protruding fold portion in which the vertical plane and the reducing slope plane are alternately repeated to form multiple stages, and a sunken fold portion formed between the protruding fold portions.

[0018] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic antibacterial agent may have a specific gravity of 1 to 4, a pH of the suspension of 6 to 10, and an average particle diameter of 5 to 10 μm.

[0019] Additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic antimicrobial agent may include silver oxide, boron oxide, silicon dioxide, and sodium oxide.

[0020] Additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the menstrual cup storage container may additionally contain 1 to 3 parts by weight of cinnamon oil per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0021] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the menstrual cup storage container may additionally contain 1 to 2 parts by weight of a white moth extract per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0022] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the case of the inorganic antibacterial agent, 60 to 80 parts by weight of silicon dioxide, 5 to 20 parts by weight of boron oxide, 5 to 10 parts by weight of sodium oxide, and 1 to 10 parts by weight of silver oxide may be included relative to the total weight of the inorganic antibacterial agent.

[0023] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container having an excellent antibacterial effect can be provided, comprising: a step of manufacturing a mixture by mixing 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone and 1 to 7 parts by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent; a step of injecting the mixture into a container body mold having an open circular upper surface, a closed circular lower surface, and a vertical surface and a reduced inclined surface alternately repeating on the side surface, and an upper and lower narrow shape; and a step of curing the injected mixture to form a container body.

[0024] And, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container having an excellent antibacterial effect can be provided, characterized in that an inorganic antibacterial agent is manufactured by heating 60 to 80 parts by weight of silicon dioxide, 5 to 20 parts by weight of boron oxide, and 5 to 10 parts by weight of sodium oxide relative to the total weight of the inorganic antibacterial agent, and then adding and dispersing 1 to 10 parts by weight of silver oxide to the heated mixture.

[0025]

[0026] The upper and lower foldable menstrual cup storage container having an excellent antibacterial effect according to the present invention includes an elastic portion so that it can be folded and expanded up and down by applying pressure as needed, thereby improving portability, and the menstrual cup can be easily sterilized while being stored, thereby improving hygiene and convenience, and by including an inorganic antibacterial agent capable of releasing silver ions, it has an excellent antibacterial effect, thereby preventing the growth of bacteria and mold.

[0027]

[0028] Fig. 1 is a photograph showing the main body of a menstrual cup storage container according to one embodiment of the present invention. 10: main body of the container, 11: rim, 12: sunken folding portion, 13: protruding folding portion, 14: support portion.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a photograph showing a container cover of a menstrual cup storage container according to one embodiment of the present invention. 20: indicates a container cover.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a photograph showing the combined appearance of the container body and container cover of a menstrual cup storage container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a photograph showing the upper and lower folded state of the container body and container cover of the menstrual cup storage container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a photograph showing the combined appearance of the container body and the container cover of a menstrual cup storage container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a photograph showing the upper and lower folded state of the container body and container cover of a menstrual cup storage container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034]

[0035] A menstrual cup storage container having an upper surface having an open circular shape, a lower surface having a closed circular shape, and a side surface having a vertical plane and a reduced inclined plane alternately repeated, including a container body having an upper and lower narrow shape, and a container cover having a cylindrical shape with one side open, wherein the menstrual cup storage container includes 1 to 7 parts by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone, and a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container having an excellent antibacterial effect can be manufactured. The inorganic antibacterial agent may include silver oxide, boron oxide, silicon dioxide, and sodium oxide.

[0036]

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] In this case, if there is no other definition for the technical and scientific terms used, they have the meaning commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this invention belongs, and are terms defined in consideration of the functions of 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 will be omitted.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Additionally, the thickness of lines and the size of components depicted in the drawing may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation.

[0042]

[0043] I. Definition

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 as an example in the present invention.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 refers to a substance that can control the tensile strength, tear strength, hardness, and wear resistance of the final product 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 provide elasticity and strength to silicone rubber.

[0050] The term "folding" as used herein refers to a design technique that folds or overlaps specific portions to reduce the volume of a structure or product. In the present invention, it refers to a structural characteristic of the menstrual cup storage container of the present invention, and refers to the function of reducing the volume by compressing the container vertically. Specifically, it refers to a structure in which vertical surfaces and reducing slopes are alternately formed on the side of the container body, thereby folding the container vertically and reducing its volume when pressurized.

[0051] The term 'antibacterial' as used herein refers to the ability to inhibit the growth or kill various microorganisms, including bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as well as fungi such as Candida albicans, Trichophyton, and Blackskin mold.

[0052] The term 'antibacterial' as used herein refers to the ability to inhibit the growth or kill various microorganisms, including bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as well as fungi such as Candida albicans, Trichophyton, and Blackskin mold.

[0053] The term 'inorganic antibacterial agent' as used in this disclosure means an antibacterial substance based on metal ions or inorganic compounds.

[0054]

[0055] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

[0056] The menstrual cup storage container of the present invention can be manufactured through a step of mixing 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone and 1 to 7 parts by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent to manufacture a mixture, a step of injecting the mixture into a container body mold having an open circular shape on the upper surface, a closed circular shape on the lower surface, and vertical and decreasing inclined surfaces alternately repeating on the side surface and having an upper and lower narrow shape, and a step of curing the injected mixture to form the container body.

[0057] Fig. 1 is a photograph showing the main body of a menstrual cup storage container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, in the case of the upper and lower foldable menstrual cup storage container having an excellent antibacterial effect of the present invention, the upper surface is an open circular shape, the lower surface is a closed circular shape, and the side surface is a vertical surface and a reduced inclined surface that alternately repeats, and includes a container body (10) having an upper and lower narrow shape and a container cover (20) having a cylindrical shape with one side open, and the menstrual cup storage container may include 1 to 7 parts by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent relative to 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0059] The above container body (10) has an upper surface that is an open circular shape, a lower surface that is a closed circular shape, and a side surface that alternately repeats vertical surfaces and reduced inclined surfaces, and can have an upper-lower narrow shape.

[0060] Since the above container body (10) has a shape of a vertically upward and downward angle, the sides can be folded and covered by applying pressure in the vertical direction, and as a result, the container body (10) can be expanded, thereby improving portability.

[0061] The above container body (10) has a circular shape with the upper surface open and a circular shape with the lower surface closed, and the circular shape of the upper surface may have a larger diameter than the circular shape of the lower surface.

[0062] The circular shape of the upper surface of the above-mentioned container body (10) has a larger diameter than the circular shape of the lower surface, thereby facilitating insertion of the menstrual cup.

[0063] The above container body (10) has a shape of a top-down and bottom-up angle with vertical and decreasing slopes alternately repeated on the side, and the overall slope can be 0 to 25° from top to bottom, but preferably 5 to 20°.

[0064] If the incline of the container body is less than 5°, the incline may be too gentle, making it difficult to achieve sufficient space reduction when folding the container. This may result in improper folding of the folding mechanism, reducing the vertical folding function, and inefficient use of the container's internal space, resulting in reduced storage capacity. Furthermore, the user may experience a reduced grip when holding the container, making it difficult to operate.

[0065] On the other hand, if the incline of the container body exceeds 20°, the incline may be too steep, reducing stability and making it prone to tipping over. Furthermore, excessive incline may cause the menstrual cup inside the container to tilt to one side or become unstable. Furthermore, the folding structure may become too steep, straining the material and reducing durability. Furthermore, users may experience discomfort when handling the container, particularly when opening and closing it. Precision molding may also become difficult during the manufacturing process, potentially leading to quality control issues.

[0066] Meanwhile, the storage container of the present invention can be folded to the extent of being completely in contact with the ground as shown in FIG. 4, thereby maximizing storage efficiency. When the lid is closed and sealed in the above form, the area in contact with air is minimized, thereby effectively preventing external contamination. In addition, as described below, the release of negative ions is minimized, thereby maintaining an antibacterial effect for a long period of time.

[0067] The above container body (10) may include a rim portion (11) protruding in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the upper end of the container body (10), at least one elastic portion formed by extending downward from the outer surface of the rim portion (11), and a support portion (14) having a cylindrical shape with a closed lower surface formed at the lower portion of the container body (10) by extending downward from the outer surface of the elastic portion.

[0068] 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 container body (10), and is formed as one piece. The diameter of the edge portion (11) is larger than the diameter of the upper part of the body and can be formed to be curved. That is, the edge portion (11) is formed to have the largest diameter within the container body (10).

[0069] By including the edge portion (11) in the container body (10), deformation due to external pressure is prevented, elasticity and restoring force are improved, so that the shape of the container body (10) can be maintained, and convenience can be improved by providing a space that can be held by hand when the container body (10) is stretched.

[0070] The above elastic portion is formed by extending downward from the outer surface of the frame portion (11).

[0071] By including the elastic portion in the container body (10), the container body (10) can be folded up and down and can be stretched, and flexibility can be improved.

[0072] In addition, the elastic member may include a protruding folded member (13) in which the vertical plane and the reducing inclined plane are alternately repeated to form multiple stages, and a sunken folded member (12) formed between the protruding folded members (13).

[0073] The above protruding folding portion (13) forms multiple stages by alternating the vertical surface and the reduced inclined surface, and the outer diameter becomes smaller from the top to the bottom of the container body (10) and does not have the same outer diameter, so that the container body (10) can be folded up and down through pressure.

[0074] The above-mentioned sunken fold portion (12) is formed between the above-mentioned protruding fold portions (13), and has a thickness and outer diameter smaller than the above-mentioned protruding fold portions (13), so that the foldability is improved, and the container body (10) can be easily folded up and down through pressure.

[0075] The spacing of the above-mentioned sunken fold portion (12) may be smaller than the spacing of the above-mentioned protruding fold portion (13). Since the length of the above-mentioned sunken fold portion (12) is smaller than the length of the above-mentioned protruding fold portion (13), the foldability can be improved when the container is reduced, and the restorability can be suppressed when the container is expanded, thereby improving the stability according to the change in the container.

[0076] The above-mentioned support portion (14) extends downward from the outer surface of the above-mentioned elastic portion and is formed at the lower portion of the above-mentioned container body (10), and has a cylindrical shape with a closed lower surface, so that the above-mentioned container body (10) can be stably supported so that it can stand upright, and provides a space that can be held by hand when the above-mentioned container body (10) is elastic, thereby improving convenience.

[0077] The above container body (10) is formed in a form in which the frame portion (11), the elastic portion, and the support portion (14) are integrally formed, and thus, during manufacturing, compression molding can be performed at once through a mold, thereby improving workability.

[0078] The container cover (20) has a cylindrical shape with one side open, so that it can be easily attached and detached by engaging the open side of the container cover (20) with the rim (11), thereby improving convenience, and thereby improving hygiene by protecting the menstrual cup from external contamination.

[0079] Meanwhile, the menstrual cup storage container of the present invention may be formed into modified shapes including the structural features described above. Even if it is not necessarily in the shape as shown in FIG. 3, it may be modified as shown in FIG. 5, and the shape of the lid may be designed so that the shape in the completely up-and-down folded state can be adjusted as shown in FIG. 6.

[0080] In addition, since the main material of the menstrual cup storage container is liquid silicone, the menstrual cup can be easily sterilized using a microwave or the like after filling the menstrual cup storage container with water enough to submerge the menstrual cup while it is stored, thereby improving hygiene and convenience.

[0081] In particular, the menstrual cup storage container of the present invention has a structure of a top and bottom with repeated decreasing slopes, so that since there is a space between the menstrual cup and the storage container, water is injected into the space between them, so that not only the inside of the menstrual cup but also the outside can be sterilized at once.

[0082] In this way, sterilizing the menstrual cup in its storage container eliminates the need for a separate sterilization container, offering economic advantages. Furthermore, typically, when sterilizing using a separate sterilization container, even if the menstrual cup is placed back into its storage container after sterilization, additional contamination may occur during the process of changing containers, making it difficult to achieve the hygienic benefits of the present invention.

[0083] Meanwhile, the menstrual cup storage container may contain 1 to 7 parts by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone. By additionally containing an inorganic antibacterial agent as described above, an antibacterial effect can be obtained.

[0084] The liquid silicone of the present invention may contain 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, relative to the total liquid silicone.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] By including the polymethylhydrogensiloxane in the polyorganohydrogensiloxane, the hardness of the liquid silicone can be lowered.

[0096] The liquid silicone may contain 0.1 to 1 part by weight of the polyorganohydrogensiloxane. Preferably, the liquid silicone may contain 0.3 to 0.7 parts by weight of the polyorganohydrogensiloxane.

[0097] 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.

[0098] The above reinforcing silica can be added to improve hardness and provide elasticity to the liquid silicone.

[0099] The type of the above reinforcing silica is not particularly limited, but may preferably include fumed silica.

[0100] The liquid silicone may contain 10 to 30 parts by weight of reinforcing silica. Preferably, the liquid silicone may contain 15 to 25 parts by weight of reinforcing silica.

[0101] 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 storage container. If the hardness is included in an amount exceeding 30 parts by weight, the hardness may be excessively increased, significantly reducing the flexibility of the menstrual cup storage container, making it difficult to fold and store it.

[0102] The above retarder can improve the miscibility of raw materials by retarding curing.

[0103] The type of the above delaying agent is not particularly limited, but preferably may include ethylcyclohexanol (1-Ethylcyclohexanol).

[0104] The liquid silicone may contain 0.1 to 3 parts by weight of a retarder. Preferably, the liquid silicone may contain 0.5 to 2 parts by weight of a retarder.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The type of the above-mentioned curing agent is not particularly limited, but preferably may include divinyl disiloxane platinum (1,3-divinyldisiloxane Platium).

[0108] The liquid silicone may contain 0.01 to 0.1 parts by weight of a curing agent. Preferably, the liquid silicone may contain 0.03 to 0.08 parts by weight of a curing agent.

[0109] If the above-mentioned liquid silicone contains less than 0.01 part by weight of the above-mentioned curing agent, the curing of the above-mentioned liquid silicone may be insufficient, and if it contains more than 0.1 part by weight, the curing may be accelerated and the above-mentioned liquid silicone may be cured before the raw materials are sufficiently mixed.

[0110] The ratio of the above hardener is considerably less than the amount of a general hardener, but in the present invention, by reducing the amount of the hardener, the effect of the inorganic antibacterial agent is maximized, and it is adjusted to the above range to maintain flexibility for the upper and lower folding function and to ensure sufficient mixing of the silicone and the antibacterial agent.

[0111] The above inorganic antibacterial agent is a substance that supports antibacterial metals, including silver, in various inorganic carriers. Compared to organic antibacterial agents, it may generally be safer, and in addition, it may have excellent durability and heat resistance, and has the characteristic of being effective in a short period of time.

[0112] The menstrual cup storage container may contain 1 to 7 parts by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone. Preferably, the container may contain 3 to 5 parts by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0113] If the menstrual cup storage container contains less than 1 part by weight of the inorganic antibacterial agent per 100 parts by weight of the liquid silicone, it may be difficult to achieve a sufficient antibacterial effect. If the menstrual cup storage container contains more than 7 parts by weight of the inorganic antibacterial agent per 100 parts by weight of the liquid silicone, the menstrual cup storage container may easily discolor, which may deteriorate the quality of its appearance. In addition, the elasticity of the storage container may decrease, which may cause the quality to be damaged during the folding process.

[0114] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned inorganic antibacterial agent may have a specific gravity of 1 to 4, a pH of the suspension of 6 to 10, and an average particle diameter of 5 to 10 ㎛.

[0115] General inorganic antibacterial agents are not of the dissolution type, but are made by impregnating silver onto ceramics (such as zeolite) and have an average particle size of 2 to 4 ㎛ to enhance the antibacterial effect, but they have a short antibacterial duration and contain zinc to prevent discoloration, but this has the disadvantage of being harmful to the human body.

[0116] The inorganic antibacterial agent of the present invention is composed of particles 5 to 10 μm larger than general antibacterial agents, and as such, larger particles are dissolved more slowly than smaller particles, thereby providing a sustained antibacterial effect for a longer period of time, thereby enabling long-term use of the menstrual cup storage container.

[0117] Additionally, larger particles can be more stably maintained within the silicone matrix, thus causing less change in the physical properties of the product, helping to maintain the structural stability of the storage container.

[0118] In particular, it has less effect on the elasticity of silicone compared to small particles, which is important for maintaining the vertical folding function of the container.

[0119] Accordingly, when an inorganic antibacterial agent within the above conditions is included, the antibacterial effect can be further improved by improving solubility and dispersibility, and there is an effect of preventing discoloration that may occur when the pH is adjusted by another alkaline solution, and the antibacterial effect can be excellent even with only a small amount of addition, and the antibacterial persistence of the inorganic antibacterial agent can be improved.

[0120] Meanwhile, silver oxide may be used as the inorganic antibacterial agent of the present invention, and preferably, silicon dioxide, boron oxide, and sodium oxide may be included together with the silver oxide.

[0121] By including an inorganic antibacterial agent with the above-mentioned ingredients in the above-mentioned menstrual cup storage container, silver ions (Ag+) are dissolved due to moisture or humidity in the air, compared to general inorganic antibacterial agents that deposit silver on ceramics (such as zeolite), so that the growth of bacteria and mold can be prevented even with a small amount of addition, and since the stability is excellent, there is no decrease in the antibacterial effect due to other ingredients, and the dispersibility can be excellent.

[0122] The above silver ion has a non-selective antibacterial effect on various types of bacteria and fungi, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Candida albicans, Trichophyton, and black mold, and has excellent reproducibility as bacteria are unlikely to develop resistance, and it does not volatilize, so it is persistent and can exhibit an antibacterial effect even in small amounts, and is safe for the human body.

[0123] Specifically, silver ions eluted from the above-mentioned inorganic antibacterial agent attach to the surface of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi, penetrate the inner membrane, react with various proteins in the order of their affinity for silver ions, and ultimately bind strongly to the thiol group (-SH) of cysteine ​​and glutathione to become the most stable compound.

[0124] Meanwhile, microorganisms must detoxify the silver ions that have entered the inner membrane in order to survive, so they must either convert the silver ions into stable silver sulfate or metallic silver and expel them outside the cell, or convert them into soluble or poorly soluble compounds with glutathione or metallothionein (proteins containing many cysteine ​​residues) and expel them outside the cell. However, if silver ions are introduced at a rate faster than the detoxification rate, the microorganism's metabolic system is disrupted, ultimately leading to death.

[0125] The above silver oxide (Ag2O) is a compound in which two silver atoms and one oxygen atom are combined, and can be incorporated into the mesh structure of silicon dioxide in the above inorganic antibacterial agent, and when the structure of silicon dioxide collapses, silver ions are released, thereby inhibiting the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, thereby exerting an antibacterial effect.

[0126] Meanwhile, boron oxide (B2O3) is a compound in which two boron atoms and three oxygen atoms are combined, and is added together with the silver oxide as a particle that helps in the proper dissolution of silver ions, and can facilitate the dissolution of silver ions and stabilize silver ions in an inorganic antibacterial agent.

[0127] The above silicon dioxide (SiO2) is a compound in which two oxygen atoms and one silicon atom are combined, and can exist as a network-structured oxide in the above inorganic antibacterial agent, and silver oxide can be incorporated into this network structure, and silver ions can be gradually dissolved by the action of moisture or humidity in the air.

[0128] The above sodium oxide (Na2O) is a compound in which two sodium atoms and one oxygen atom are combined, and can facilitate the elution of silver ions and stabilize silver ions within the inorganic antibacterial agent.

[0129] In the case of the above inorganic antibacterial agent, it may be configured to include 60 to 80 parts by weight of silicon dioxide, which is the main structural element that controls silver ion release, relative to the total weight of the inorganic antibacterial agent, 5 to 20 parts by weight of boron oxide, which helps silver ion elution and stabilization, 5 to 10 parts by weight of sodium oxide, which plays a role in assisting silver ion elution and stabilization, and 1 to 10 parts by weight of silver oxide, which is the main antibacterial ingredient.

[0130] Silver ions have a very strong antibacterial effect, so they can exhibit an antibacterial effect even with a small amount as mentioned above, and can exhibit a stable sterilizing effect for a long period of time through a synergistic effect with other ingredients.

[0131] In particular, compared to using general silver nanoparticles, the inorganic antibacterial agent of the present invention has a stable form, so that silver ions do not leak out significantly during the process of sterilizing a storage container, and thus the sterilizing effect can be maintained even after long-term use after sterilization.

[0132] In addition, as the surface in contact with air generally increases, the outflow of silver ions to the outside increases. However, the menstrual cup storage container of the present invention is configured to be folded up and down, and when folded and stored as shown in Fig. 4, contact with air is minimized, thereby minimizing the outflow of negative ions, thereby ensuring a long-term sterilization effect.

[0133] Meanwhile, the process of applying an inorganic antibacterial agent to a menstrual cup storage container can be carried out by coating the antibacterial agent on silicone, but it is preferable to adopt a method of dispersing and mixing the antibacterial agent during the silicone manufacturing process.

[0134] The menstrual cup storage device of the present invention, due to its vertically foldable design, may experience cracking of the coating during the folding and unfolding process. If cracking occurs, silver ions may leak out, reducing the antibacterial duration. Therefore, adopting a method of dispersing and mixing an antibacterial agent during the silicone manufacturing process can minimize this peeling phenomenon.

[0135] Specifically, mixing the antibacterial agent with the main body material allows the antibacterial agent to be evenly distributed throughout the storage container. This strengthens the antibacterial agent's bonding strength compared to applying it only to the surface. Furthermore, because the antibacterial agent is incorporated into the container material itself, it offers greater resistance to wear and tear than surface application. Furthermore, mixing the antibacterial agent into the silicone body allows the menstrual cup to maintain its flexibility, reducing the risk of cracking or peeling of the antibacterial agent layer when folded and unfolded.

[0136] The storage container of the present invention has secured flexibility properties by controlling the type and content of reinforcing silica, and thus, due to this function, the phenomenon of excessive dissolution of antibacterial agents can also be efficiently controlled.

[0137] Meanwhile, the menstrual cup storage container may further include 1 to 3 parts by weight of cinnamon oil per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0138] Adding less than 1 part by weight may enhance the antibacterial effect, prevent odor with its unique fragrance, and have minimal effect in alleviating side effects due to transfer to the menstrual cup. Adding more than 3 parts by weight may increase the possibility of skin irritation due to the strong fragrance and high concentration of cinnamon oil. Furthermore, excessive addition may affect the physical properties of the silicone, which may deteriorate the mechanical properties of the storage container.

[0139] The above cinnamon oil is extracted from the leaves, stems, roots, fruits or bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), and has the effects of relieving intestinal infections, diuretic action, tonic action, antibacterial activity, hemostatic action, laxative action, pain relief effect, circulatory disease and anti-corruption, and has been used as a pharmaceutical or food composition.

[0140] In particular, cinnamon oil is reported to help improve skin conditions like acne and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and it is also effective in promoting hair health and growth. It is also used in aromatherapy for the treatment of depression, improved concentration, and stress relief. However, cinnamon oil can cause skin irritation when used in high concentrations, so it is recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil before use.

[0141] The main active ingredients of cinnamon oil may include 50 to 80% cinnamaldehyde, 4 to 10% eugenol, 1 to 5% linalool, and 2 to 5% cinnamyl acetate.

[0142] Additionally, other ingredients may include β-Caryophyllene, 1,8-Cineole, Camphor, α-Terpineol, Limonene, Phellandrene, Safrole, Benzaldehyde, Copaene, and α-Humulene.

[0143] Cinnamaldehyde, the main active ingredient in cinnamon oil, has powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, eugenol has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, and linalool has a soothing effect.

[0144] Due to the synergistic effects of these various ingredients, cinnamon oil offers a wide range of health benefits, but it can cause skin irritation when used in high concentrations, so proper dilution is necessary.

[0145] By including the cinnamon oil in the menstrual cup storage container, the antibacterial effect can be further enhanced, and the unique scent can prevent bad odors that may arise from bacteria or mold, and the cinnamon oil component of the menstrual cup storage container can be transferred to the stored menstrual cup, thereby alleviating side effects such as swelling and pain that may occur when wearing a menstrual cup for a long time, thereby improving the usability.

[0146] The above cinnamon oil can be manufactured by steam distillation, which extracts the aromatic active ingredients of the plant using steam, cools them with cooling water, and condenses them.

[0147] Additionally, the menstrual cup storage container may further include 1 to 2 parts by weight of a white moth extract per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0148] If added in an amount less than 1 part by weight, it has an antifungal effect, and the effect of suppressing histamine release and alleviating allergic reactions may be minimal. If added in an amount exceeding 2 parts by weight, it may affect the properties of silicone, which may lower the mechanical properties of the storage container.

[0149] If the menstrual cup storage container contains an inorganic antibacterial agent that releases silver ions, the antibacterial effect is excellent due to the silver ions, but the silver ions may be transferred to the stored menstrual cup, causing swelling, pain, allergies, etc. due to the side effects of the metal components when wearing the stored menstrual cup.

[0150] To solve this problem, by adding more extracts of Baekmo-deung to the menstrual cup storage container, the alkaloids such as α-solamarine and β-solamarine contained in large quantities have strong antifungal properties and suppress the release of histamine in the blood, thereby suppressing allergic reactions such as hives or itching, so that the antibacterial effect of the menstrual cup stored in the menstrual cup storage container is excellent while further improving the usability.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155]

[0156] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples and comparative examples.

[0157] 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.

[0158]

[0159] <Example 1>

[0160] Commercially purchased silicon dioxide (SiO2), boron trioxide (B2O3), and sodium oxide (Na2O) were placed in a crucible and heated at 1300°C, and silver oxide (Ag2O) was added and dispersed. Specifically, 75 parts by weight of silicon dioxide, 10 parts by weight of boron trioxide, 5 parts by weight of sodium oxide, and 10 parts by weight of silver oxide were added based on the total weight of the inorganic antibacterial agent, and the average particle size of the inorganic antibacterial agent was adjusted to a range of about 6 to 8 μm. Thereafter, the resultant was rapidly cooled and manufactured into a powder form to obtain an inorganic antibacterial agent. A menstrual cup storage container was manufactured by adding 1 part by weight of this inorganic antibacterial agent to 100 parts by weight of 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.

[0161]

[0162] <Example 2>

[0163] A menstrual cup storage container was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the ratio of the inorganic antibacterial agent was added at 2 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0164]

[0165] <Example 3>

[0166] A menstrual cup storage container was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the ratio of the inorganic antibacterial agent was added at 3 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0167]

[0168] <Example 4>

[0169] A menstrual cup storage container was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the ratio of the inorganic antibacterial agent was added at 4 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0170]

[0171] <Example 5>

[0172] A menstrual cup storage container was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the ratio of the inorganic antibacterial agent was added at 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0173]

[0174] <Example 6>

[0175] A menstrual cup storage container was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the ratio of the inorganic antibacterial agent was added at 6 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0176]

[0177] <Example 7>

[0178] A menstrual cup storage container was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the ratio of the inorganic antibacterial agent was added at 7 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0179]

[0180] <Example 8>

[0181] A menstrual cup storage container was manufactured identical to Example 4, except that 2 parts by weight of cinnamon oil was added to 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0182]

[0183] <Example 9>

[0184] A menstrual cup storage container was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 4, except that 1 part by weight of white moth extract was added to 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0185]

[0186] <Example 10>

[0187] A menstrual cup storage container was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 4, except that 2 parts by weight of cinnamon oil and 1 part by weight of white moth extract were added to 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0188]

[0189] <Comparative Example 1>

[0190] A menstrual cup storage container identical to Example 1 was manufactured except that the above-mentioned inorganic antibacterial agent was not included.

[0191]

[0192] Comparative Example 2

[0193] A menstrual cup storage container was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the ratio of the inorganic antibacterial agent was added at 8 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

[0194]

[0195] <Comparative Example 3>

[0196] After manufacturing a menstrual cup storage container using the same liquid silicone as in Example 1, silver ions with an average particle size of 30 nm were coated on the container.

[0197]

[0198] <Experimental Example 1> - Confirmation of the excellent antibacterial effect of a menstrual cup storage container.

[0199] In order to evaluate the antibacterial effect of the menstrual cup storage container manufactured by the examples and comparative examples, the following experiment was conducted.

[0200] Specifically, 1 ml of each of E. coli, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Candida albicans, Trichophyton spp., and Aspergillus niger was inoculated into the menstrual cup storage containers manufactured by each of the examples and comparative examples at a concentration of 5 x 105 CFU / ml.

[0201] After culturing for 24 hours in an incubator at 36°C, the number of viable bacteria in each storage container was measured. The antibacterial effect was evaluated by calculating the percentage decrease in the number of viable bacteria compared to the initial inoculated number.

[0202] Reduction rate (%) = (Initial number of inoculated bacteria - Number of surviving bacteria after 24 hours) / Initial number of inoculated bacteria x 100

[0203]

[0204] Classification Target bacteria Escherichia coli Staphylococcus aureus Pseudomonas aeruginosa MRSA Candida albicans Trichophyton Black mold Example 187.5% 86.8% 86.2% 87.0% 85.5% 86.0% 85.8% Example 289.0% 88.5% 88.0% 88.8% 87.5% 88.0% 87.8% Example 396.5% 96.0% 95.8% 96.2% 95.0% 95.5% 95.3% Example 497.0% 96.5% 96.2% 96.8% 95.5% 96.0% 95.8% Example 597.5% 97.0% 96.8% 97.2% 96.0% 96.5% 96.3% Example 698.0%97.5%97.2%97.8%96.5%97.0%96.8%Example 798.5%98.0%97.8%98.2%97.5%97.8%97.5%Example 899.5%99.3%99.2%99.4%99.1%99.2%99.1%Example 999.6%99.4%99.3%99.5%99.2%99.3%99.2%Example 1099.8%99.7%99.6%99.7%99.5%99.6%99.5%Comparative Example 15.0%4.5%4.0%4.8%3.5%4.0%3.8%

[0205] As a result of evaluating the antibacterial effect of the menstrual cup storage container through the above , it was found that all of Examples 1 to 10 manufactured including the inorganic antibacterial agent exhibited an antibacterial effect, and in particular, when the antibacterial agent was added in an amount of 3 parts by weight or more, it was found that most of them exhibited a good antibacterial effect.

[0206] In addition, it was found that storage containers with cinnamon oil or white moth extract added in addition to the above antibacterial agent exhibited excellent antibacterial effects.

[0207] On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, which did not contain the antibacterial agent of the present invention, no antibacterial effect was observed, confirming that the menstrual cup storage container of the present invention has an excellent antibacterial effect.

[0208]

[0209] <Experimental Example 2> - Confirming the Long-Term Usability of Menstrual Cup Storage Containers

[0210] In order to confirm the long-term usability of the menstrual cup storage container manufactured by the examples and comparative examples, the following experiment was conducted.

[0211] Specifically, the elongation of each storage container was measured and repeated folding tests were conducted to confirm long-term usability.

[0212] The strain was measured using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM), by fixing the specimen to the grip of the tensile testing machine, attaching an extensometer to the gauge length of the specimen, and pulling the specimen at a constant speed to measure the deformation of the specimen in real time with the extensometer.

[0213] The repeated folding test was conducted by measuring the rate of change from the initial properties after 10,000 folding cycles.

[0214] The test results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0215]

[0216] Elongation (%) Change in physical properties (%) Example 18901.2 Example 28501.4 Example 37901.5 Example 46502.6 Example 56003.6 Example 65304.7 Example 74506.8 Comparative Example 227014

[0217] For tensile elongation, it should be at least 300%, and ideally in the range of 500 to 1000%, so that the container can move flexibly without breaking when repeatedly folded and unfolded.

[0218] In the case of Examples 1 to 7 of the present invention, the tensile elongation is confirmed to be 300% or more, and in particular, in the case of Examples 1 to 5, the tensile elongation is excellently shown to be 500% or more.

[0219] In addition, all of Examples 1 to 7 showed a change in physical properties of less than 10% in a repeated folding test of 10,000 or more times, confirming excellent durability.

[0220] On the other hand, in the case of Comparative Example 2, where the antibacterial agent exceeds 7 parts by weight, the elongation is less than 300%, and the change in physical properties is 14% as a result of a repeated folding test of 10,000 times or more, confirming that it is not suitable for long-term use as a storage device of the present invention.

[0221]

[0222] <Experimental Example 3> - Confirming the continued antibacterial properties of menstrual cup storage containers.

[0223] In order to confirm whether the menstrual cup storage container manufactured by the example continuously maintains antibacterial properties, the following experiment was conducted.

[0224] The experiment was conducted by comparing the E. coli inhibition efficiency over time for the storage containers of Examples 1 to 10 and Comparative Example 3. E. coli ATCC 25922 was used as the experimental strain, and the E. coli ATCC 25922 strain was inoculated into each of the storage containers of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Example 3 at a concentration of 5 x 10^5 CFU / ml. Thereafter, the storage containers were stored at 35°C, and the viable cell counts were measured at intervals of 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months.

[0225] At each time point of the above experiment, the number of bacteria remaining in the storage container was measured, and the reduction rate compared to the initial inoculated number of bacteria was calculated and expressed as antibacterial activity (%). Antibacterial activity (%) was measured as (control viable number - test viable number) / control viable number x 100.

[0226] The results of the above experiment are as described in below.

[0227]

[0228] Category 1 week 1 month 3 months 6 months 9 months 12 months Example 187.5% 86.8% 86.2% 85.5% 84.8% 84.0% Example 289.0% 88.5% 88.0% 87.3% 86.5% 85.5% Example 396.5% 96.0% 95.8% 95.2% 94.5% 93.8% Example 497.0% 96.5% 96.2% 95.8% 95.0% 94.2% Example 598.0% 97.5% 97.2% 96.8% 96.0% 95.3% Example 698.5% 98.0% 97.8% 97.2% 96.5% 95.8% Example 799.0%98.5%98.2%97.8%97.0%96.2%Example 899.5%99.3%99.2%98.8%98.3%97.8%Example 999.6%99.4%99.3%99.0%98.5%98.0%Example 1099.8%99.7%99.6%99.2%98.8%98.3%Comparative Example 386.0%82.0%75.0%65.0%52.0%38.0%

[0229] As described in Table 3 above, in the case of Examples 1 to 7 of the present invention, the antibacterial effect was maintained for up to 12 months, confirming that the antibacterial property was maintained continuously even after long-term use. The above-mentioned durability of the present invention is a characteristic derived from the fact that the antibacterial agent is composed of a combination of four components, so that the antibacterial property can be maintained for a long time compared to silver nanoparticles alone, and the antibacterial agent is dispersed and mixed inside the silicone. On the other hand, when the coating method of silver nanoparticles was used as in Comparative Example 3, the antibacterial property was greatly reduced over time, confirming that it was difficult to maintain the antibacterial property continuously.

[0230]

[0231] In conclusion, the results of Experimental Examples 1 to 3 above confirm the unique effects of the menstrual cup storage container of the present invention. Specifically, in the case of the menstrual cup storage container of the present invention, since the liquid silicone and the inorganic antibacterial agent are adjusted to appropriate ranges and appropriate additives are contained, it can be confirmed that the elongation is excellent and that even after repeated folding, there is almost no change in physical properties, and it can be configured in a vertical foldable manner, thereby achieving the effect of enabling easy storage.

[0232] In addition, it is possible to achieve an antibacterial effect against various strains and molds through an inorganic antibacterial agent composed of four components, and it can be confirmed that the antibacterial effect is maintained continuously even after long-term use by mixing the four components in an appropriate ratio and dispersing them within liquid silicone.

[0233]

[0234] 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.

[0235] 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.

[0236] 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 as limiting in all respects but should be considered 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 included 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.

[0237]

[0238] The upper and lower foldable menstrual cup storage container having an excellent antibacterial effect according to the present invention includes an elastic portion, so that it can be folded and expanded up and down by applying pressure as needed, thereby improving portability, and the menstrual cup can be easily sterilized while being stored, thereby improving hygiene and convenience, and since it includes an inorganic antibacterial agent capable of releasing silver ions, it has an excellent antibacterial effect, thereby preventing the growth of bacteria and mold, and thus has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. In a storage container for a vertically foldable menstrual cup with excellent antibacterial effect, The upper surface is an open circular shape, the lower surface is a closed circular shape, and the side surface is a vertical surface and a reduced inclined surface that alternately repeats, and the container body has a shape of an upper and lower narrow space. Includes a container cover having a cylindrical shape with one side open, The above menstrual cup storage container is a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container with excellent antibacterial effect, containing 1 to 7 parts by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

2. In paragraph 1, A vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container with excellent antibacterial effect, characterized in that the container body includes a rim portion protruding in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the upper end of the container body, at least one elastic portion formed by extending downward from the outer surface of the rim portion, and a support portion having a cylindrical shape with a closed lower surface formed at the lower part of the container body by extending downward from the outer surface of the elastic portion.

3. In paragraph 2, A vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container with excellent antibacterial effect, characterized in that the elastic portion includes a protruding fold portion in which the vertical plane and the reducing inclined plane are alternately repeated to form multiple stages, and a sunken fold portion formed between the protruding fold portions.

4. In paragraph 1, A menstrual cup storage container with an excellent antibacterial effect, characterized in that the above-mentioned inorganic antibacterial agent has a specific gravity of 1 to 4, a pH of the suspension of 6 to 10, and an average particle size of 5 to 10 ㎛.

5. In paragraph 1, A menstrual cup storage container with an excellent antibacterial effect, characterized in that the above-mentioned inorganic antibacterial agent includes silver oxide, boron oxide, silicon dioxide and sodium oxide.

6. In paragraph 1, A menstrual cup storage container with an excellent antibacterial effect, characterized in that the menstrual cup storage container additionally contains 1 to 3 parts by weight of cinnamon oil per 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

7. In paragraph 1, The above menstrual cup storage container is a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container with excellent antibacterial effect, characterized in that it additionally contains 1 to 2 parts by weight of a white moth extract compared to 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone.

8. In paragraph 1, A menstrual cup storage container with an excellent antibacterial effect, characterized in that, in the case of the above inorganic antibacterial agent, it contains 60 to 80 parts by weight of silicon dioxide, 5 to 20 parts by weight of boron oxide, 5 to 10 parts by weight of sodium oxide, and 1 to 10 parts by weight of silver oxide relative to the total weight of the inorganic antibacterial agent.

9. In the manufacturing method of the menstrual cup storage container, A step of preparing a mixture by mixing 100 parts by weight of liquid silicone and 1 to 7 parts by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent relative to the liquid silicone; A step of injecting the mixture into a container body mold having an open circular shape on the upper surface, a closed circular shape on the lower surface, and a vertical plane and a reduced inclined plane alternately on the side surface, and having an upper and lower narrow shape; and, A method for manufacturing a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container having an excellent antibacterial effect, comprising: a step of curing the injected mixture to form a container body; 10. In paragraph 9, A method for manufacturing a vertically foldable menstrual cup storage container with excellent antibacterial effect, characterized in that the inorganic antibacterial agent is manufactured by heating 60 to 80 parts by weight of silicon dioxide, 5 to 20 parts by weight of boron oxide, and 5 to 10 parts by weight of sodium oxide relative to the total weight of the inorganic antibacterial agent, and then adding and dispersing 1 to 10 parts by weight of silver oxide to the heated mixture.

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