Hygienic articles, methods and uses thereof

Abstract

A hygienic article is provided. The hygienic article comprises an absorbent member. The absorbent member can be held by external female genitalia. In aspects, the external female genitalia is an inner surface of the labia, and in typical aspects, the hygienic article is not for insertion into the vaginal canal. Methods of making and uses thereof are also provided. The hygienic article is typically for the prevention of incontinence.

Description

[0001] HYGIENIC ARTICLES, METHODS AND USES THEREOF

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to hygienic articles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to hygienic articles comprising an absorbent member which can be held by the external female genitalia, methods of making same and uses thereof.

[0004] Background

[0005] Many individuals with serious health difficulties suffer from incontinence of varying levels of severity, from the inability to properly control their bladder to complete incontinence. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can lead to disorders of and deterioration of the skin due to the exposure to high levels of moisture for prolonged periods, which in turn can become infected.

[0006] Sanitary items and other solutions do exist for mitigating the effects of incontinence, usually consisting of an absorbent pad article, however these articles have a tendency to get saturated quickly, do not stay connected to the human body efficiently, and / or are not discrete.

[0007] There is a need for alternative products and / or methods to overcome or mitigate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0008] The background herein is included solely to explain the context of the disclosure. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge as of the priority date.

[0009] Summary

[0010] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a hygienic article comprising an absorbent member, wherein the absorbent member can be held by external female genitalia.

[0011] In aspects, the absorbent member is not for insertion into a vaginal canal.

[0012] In aspects, the absorbent member has a 3-dimensional shape.

[0013] In aspects, the 3-dimensional shape comprises a rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shape, l-shape, hourglass shape, cylinder, an oval, a rectangle, or a square.

[0014] In aspects, the absorbent member has a cylindrical shape.

[0015] In aspects, the external genitalia comprises an inner surface of labia.

[0016] In aspects, the external genitalia comprises an inner surface of vulvar lips.

[0017] In aspects, the absorbent member is held by the inner surface of labia.

[0018] In aspects, the absorbent member is held by the inner surface of vulvar lips.

[0019] In aspects, the absorbent member comprises absorbent material.

[0020] In aspects, the absorbent material comprises cellulosic fluff pulp, tissue layers, highly absorbent polymers, absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials or combinations thereof. In aspects, the hygienic article is for preventing incontinence.

[0021] In aspects, the absorbent member is for preventing incontinence.

[0022] In aspects, the absorbent member is for absorbing urethral secretions.

[0023] In aspects, the urethral secretion comprises urine.

[0024] In aspects, the absorbent member is for absorbing vaginal secretions.

[0025] In aspects, the vaginal secretion comprises blood, and / or mucous.

[0026] In aspects, the hygienic article further comprises a pad coupled to the absorbent member.

[0027] In aspects, the pad is elongated in shape with two longitudinal sides substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pad, and two transverse sides substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pad.

[0028] In aspects, the pad is coupled to the absorbent member via an adhesive.

[0029] In aspects, the pad comprises a top sheet for contacting an outer surface of the external female genitalia.

[0030] In aspects, the external female genitalia comprises an outer surface of labia.

[0031] In aspects, the external female genitalia comprises an outer surface of vulvar lips.

[0032] In aspects, the pad comprises a bottom sheet for contacting an undergarment, and / or wherein the pad comprises a tab protruding from a top sheet or a bottom sheet thereof.

[0033] In aspects, the hygienic article, the absorbent member and / or the pad is biodegradable.

[0034] In aspects, the hygienic article, the absorbent member and / or the pad is flushable.

[0035] In aspects, the hygienic article, the absorbent member and / or the pad is reusable.

[0036] In aspects, the hygienic article, the absorbent member and / or the pad is washable.

[0037] In aspects, the hygienic article described herein is capable of absorbing about 3 ml to about 30 ml of liquid, such as water, urine, and / or blood.

[0038] In aspects, the absorbent member is capable of absorbing about 3 ml to about 30 ml of liquid, such as water, urine and / or blood.

[0039] In aspects, the absorbent member and / or the pad is capable of absorbing about 3 ml to about 30 ml of liquid, such as water, urine and / or blood.

[0040] In aspects, at least one of the absorbent member, the pad and the hygienic article are lubricated with a lubricant material selected from the group consisting of a gel, a spray, an oil, a cream, an emulsion, a liquid, a solution, a suspension, an aerosol, an ointment, a paste, and a foam.

[0041] In aspects, the lubricant material is baby oil.

[0042] In accordance with another aspect, the hygienic article described herein is for preventing incontinence. In accordance with another aspect, the hygienic article described herein is for absorbing urethral secretions.

[0043] In accordance with another aspect, the hygienic article described herein is for absorbing vaginal secretions.

[0044] In accordance with another aspect, the hygienic article described herein is for reducing dryness in the vulval area (e.g. inner surface of vulvar lips).

[0045] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a method of preventing incontinence, the method comprising wearing the hygienic article described herein.

[0046] In aspects, the hygienic article is held by the external female genitalia.

[0047] In aspects, the hygienic article is held by an inner surface of labia.

[0048] In aspects, the hygienic article is held by an inner surface of vulvar lips.

[0049] In accordance with still another aspect, there is provided a method of making a hygienic article, the method comprising: coupling a pad to an absorbent member, wherein the absorbent member can be held by external female genitalia.

[0050] In aspects, the method further comprises cutting the pad into at least two pieces.

[0051] In aspects, the method further comprises cutting the pad into two pieces.

[0052] In aspects, the two halves are substantially the same size.

[0053] In aspects, the two pieces are not the same size.

[0054] In aspects, the method further comprises rolling one piece of the pad over the absorbent member.

[0055] In aspects, the method further comprises attaching an end of the one piece of the pad to the cut end of the other piece of the pad.

[0056] In aspects, the method further comprises surrounding the absorbent member with the pad to enclose the absorbent member.

[0057] In aspects, the absorbent member is not enclosed by the pad.

[0058] In aspects, the coupling comprises applying an adhesive to the pad or to the absorbent member.

[0059] In aspects, the method further comprises folding the pad of the hygienic article on top of itself to form a folded hygienic article.

[0060] In aspects, the method further comprises rolling the pad of the hygienic article on top of itself to form a rolled hygienic article.

[0061] In aspect, the hygienic article further comprises a tab to facilitate unfolding or unrolling of the hygienic article.

[0062] The novel features of the present invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description of the invention. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description of the invention and the specific examples presented, while indicating certain aspects of the present invention, are provided for illustration purposes only because various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art from the detailed description of the invention and claims that follow.

[0063] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0064] The present invention will be further understood from the following description with reference to the Figures, in which:

[0065] Figure 1 shows a top side view of an example of hygienic article described herein.

[0066] Figure 2 shows a top view of an example of the hygienic article described herein.

[0067] Figure 3 shows a top view of an example of the hygienic article described herein.

[0068] Figure 4 shows a top side view of an example of hygienic article described herein

[0069] Figure 5 shows a view from one end of an example of hygienic article described herein

[0070] Figure 6 shows an inverted view from the side of an example of hygienic article described herein

[0071] Figure 7 shows a tilted view from the top an example of hygienic article described herein.

[0072] Figure 8 shows a tilted view from the top an example of hygienic article described herein.

[0073] Figure 9 shows a top view of an example of the hygienic article described herein where the absorbent member is not encased by the pad.

[0074] Figure 10 shows a size comparison of an example of a hygienic article described herein to a market available sanitary pad.

[0075] Figure 11 shows a top view of an example of the hygienic article wherein the pad has tab attached thereto.

[0076] Figure 12 shows a top view of an example of the hygienic article prior to connecting the two sides of the pad thereof.

[0077] Figure 13 shows a top view of an example of a folded hygienic article described herein.

[0078] Figure 14 shows a top view of an example of a rolled hygienic article described herein.

[0079] Detailed Description

[0080] Definitions

[0081] Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Definitions of common terms in molecular biology may be found in Benjamin Lewin, Genes V, published by Oxford University Press, 1994 (ISBN 0-19-854287- 9); Kendrew et al. (eds.), The Encyclopedia of Molecular Biology, published by Blackwell Science Ltd., 1994 (ISBN 0-632-02182-9); and Robert A. Meyers (ed.), Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: a Comprehensive Desk Reference, published by VCH Publishers, Inc., 1995 (ISBN 1-56081-569-8). Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice for testing of the present invention, the typical materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used.

[0082] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting. Many patent applications, patents, and publications are referred to herein to assist in understanding the aspects described. Each of these references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0083] As used herein, the term “absorbent” is intended to include any degree of absorbency, including but not limited to partial absorbency, substantial absorbency or complete absorbency, wherein “absorbency” refers to the ability of the absorbent object to absorb or soak up fluids, such as, but not limited to, urine, menstrual blood, vaginal secretions and the like. The term “absorbent member” refers to a product or article that can be placed against the skin of the wearer to absorb and contain body exudates, like urine or menstrual fluid. If the “absorbent member” or the “pad” is referred to as disposable, this would mean that they are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused.

[0084] The term “incontinence”, includes “urinary incontinence” and refers to the loss of bladder control. The severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that is so sudden and strong the subject cannot get to a toilet in time.

[0085] The term "treating incontinence" or "preventing incontinence", may be used interchangeably. The terms refer to an effect that alleviates incontinence by the subject / user by, for example, absorbing urethral secretions, such as urine such that the subject / user (that is afflicted with incontinence) does not suffer from display of the urethral secretion on their undergarments or outer clothing. In typical aspects, the hygienic article described herein can be worn by the subject / user for up to 24 hours as described herein.

[0086] The term "subject" as used herein refers to any member of the animal kingdom, typically a mammal. The term "mammal" refers to any animal classified as a mammal, including humans, other higher primates, domestic and farm animals, and zoo, sports, or pet animals, such as dogs, cats, cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, goats, rabbits, etc. Typically, the mammal is human.

[0087] Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements, or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, or steps are in any way required for one or more aspects or that one or more aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

[0088] When introducing elements disclosed herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there may be one or more of the elements.

[0089] The term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. It will be understood that any embodiments described as “comprising” certain components may also “consist of’ or “consist essentially of,” these components, wherein “consisting of’ has a closed-ended or restrictive meaning and “consisting essentially of’ means including the components specified but excluding other components except for materials present as impurities, unavoidable materials present as a result of processes used to provide the components, and components added for a purpose other than achieving the technical effects described herein. If the term “consisting essentially of’ is used for a set of components, that set of components will comprise less than 5% by weight, typically less than 3% by weight, more typically less than 1% by weight of non-specified components.

[0090] It will be understood that any component defined herein as being included may be explicitly excluded from the claimed invention by way of proviso or negative limitation, such as any specific components or method steps, whether implicitly or explicitly defined herein. For example, in aspects, the hygienic article described herein does not have a string attached thereto. In other aspects, the hygienic article described herein is not for insertion into the vaginal canal.

[0091] In addition, all ranges given herein include the end of the ranges and also any intermediate range points, whether explicitly stated or not.

[0092] Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

[0093] The abbreviation, “e.g.” is derived from the Latin exempli gratia, and is used herein to indicate a non-limiting example. Thus, the abbreviation “e.g.” is synonymous with the term “for example.” The word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0094] The phrase “at least one of’ is understood to be one or more. The phrase “at least one of... and...” is understood to mean at least one of the elements listed or a combination thereof, if not explicitly listed. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” is understood to mean A alone or B alone or C alone or a combination of A and B or a combination of A and C or a combination of B and C or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0095] Hygienic articles

[0096] Described herein, in aspects, are hygienic articles 10. In aspects, the hygienic article 10 comprises an absorbent member 12. The absorbent member 12 can be held by external female genitalia. Since the external female genitalia can hold the absorbent member, the hygienic article 10 described herein can be discretely worn by a user.

[0097] An exemplary depiction of the hygienic article 10 described herein is shown in Figures 1-11. As shown in Figure 1 , the absorbent member 12 of the hygienic article 10 can be seen in prospective view. The absorbent member 12 typically has a 3-dimenional (3D) shape. In this way, and in aspects, the 3D shape can contribute to the ability of the absorbent member 12 to be held by the external female genitalia. In other aspects, the 3D shape can also contribute to the discreteness of the hygienic article 10, such that, when the hygienic article 10 is worn by the user, the absorbent member 12 would not be visible when the user does not have on an undergarment. In this way, the absorbent member 12 can be enclosed within the external female genitalia as described in greater detail below. The absorbent member 12 can take on any 3D shape, such as for example, rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shape, l-shape, hourglass shape, cylinder, an oval, a rectangle, or a square. In typical aspects, the 3D shape is cylindrical, and in further aspects, the cylindrical shape of the absorbent member 12 can facilitate the ability of the absorbent member 12 to be held by the external female genitalia.

[0098] The external female genitalia comprises labia (vulvar lips). The labia comprise inner surfaces and outer surfaces. When referring to the absorbent member 12 being held by the external female genitalia, it is meant that the absorbent member 12 is held by an inner surface of the labia (or vulvar lips). In this way, when the hygienic article is in use, the absorbent member 12 is enclosed by the inner surface of the labia (or vulvar lips).

[0099] Moreover, since the absorbent member 12 is typically held by inner wall(s) of a female vulva, each of the vulvar lips surround or enclose the absorbent member 12. In this way, the inner surface of the labia / vulvar lips may grip and retain the absorbent member 12 for increased length of wear by the user. In addition, by being held by the inner surface of the labia (or vulvar lips), it is possible for the absorbent member 12 to be “tucked” away from view (e.g. it is discretely worn) and it is also possible for the absorbent member 12 to facilitate its desired function, such as, preventing incontinence, absorbing urethral secretions, or absorbing vaginal secretions, as described in greater detail below.

[0100] For further clarity, the absorbent member 12 is not for insertion into the vaginal canal, and, thus, the absorbent member 12 is not inserted into the vaginal canal. As the absorbent member 12 is not for insertion into the vaginal canal, the absorbent member 12 also does not include a string, for example, for ease of removal the vaginal canal. To remove the absorbent member 12, the user would simply grab the sides of absorbent member and pull, or alternatively, spread the vulvar lips apart and remove the absorbent member 12 therefrom. In specific aspects, the absorbent member 12 is a tampon, however, the tampon (e.g. absorbent member 12) is not for insertion into the vagina. The tampon may be scented or unscented, and can have any desired size, shape and dimensions, and can be designed to have any color (or combination of colors) as well as have any desired thickness. In aspects, the tampon may be constructed or cotton or a blend of materials suitable to absorb the virginal secretions, and may have a cylindrical configuration with a flat or truncated distal end (i.e. the upper end) opposite a proximal end. The construction of tampons, such as those offered by Tampax™, Kotex™, Playtex™, O.B.™ and the like, would be understood by the skilled person, and any of such tampons would be suitable as the absorbent member 12 described herein.

[0101] In aspects, the absorbent member 12 comprises absorbent material 14. The absorbent material 14 typically allows for the absorbent member 12 to absorb different bodily fluids, such as ureteral and / or vaginal secretions. The absorbent material 14 can be any absorbent material, such as cellulosic fluff pulp, tissue layers, highly absorbent polymers (so called superabsorbent polymer (SAP), such as, for example, a polyacrylic acid-based SAP, which may be granular or fibrous), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials or the like.

[0102] The absorbent material 14 may comprise fibers normally used for producing nonwoven webs. As used herein, the term “nonwoven webs” refers to a material which is a manufactured web / layer of directionally or randomly oriented fibers or filaments. The fibers may be of natural or man-made (synthetic) origin. For example, synthetic fibers such as polyolefins (such as polyethylene, polypropylene or combinations and mixtures thereof), polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), co PET, polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyhydroxy alkanoates (PHA), nylon (or polyammide), polyester, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyamide, acrylate, cellulose acetate, cupro, lyocell, modal, viscose or rayon, or their mixtures, or natural fibers such as cotton, linen, bagasse, rice, flax, wheat straw, wood pulp, sisal, hemp, jute, ramie, coconut, pineapple, gorse, hibiscus, straw, bamboo, soy, kapok, eucalyptus, Hesper aloe, miscanthus, marine or fresh water algae / seaweeds, silk, wool or their mixtures. In aspects, the natural fibers or modified natural fibers are selected from the group consisting of cotton fibers, bamboo fibers, viscose fibers or mixtures thereof. Another group of fibers may also be regenerated cellulose fibers, such as viscose, Lyocell (Tencel®), rayon, modal, cellulose acetate fibers, acrylic fibers, Cuprammonium rayon, regenerated protein fibers etc. An alternative option is to use superabsorbent fibers, for example SAF™ which is a cross-linked terpolymer based on acrylic acid, which is partially neutralised to its sodium salt, commercially available from Technical Absorbents.

[0103] In aspects, the absorbent material 14 may comprise a combination of cellulosic fluff pulp with superabsorbent polymers. In other aspects, the absorbent material 14 may comprise layers of different material with different properties with respect to liquid acquisition capacity, liquid distribution capacity and storage capacity. This is well-known to the person skilled in the art and does therefore not have to be described in detail. In other aspects, the absorbent material 14 may comprise a compressed mixed or layered structure of cellulosic fluff pulp and superabsorbent. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent member 12, comprising the absorbent material 14, may be varied as would be understood in the art.

[0104] In aspects, a lubricating material is applied to the absorbent member 12. In other aspects, a lubricating material is applied to the absorbent material 14. In this way, the lubricating material can facilitate application of the absorbent member 12 of the hygienic article 10 as described herein (e.g. in respect of being held by inner wall(s) of a female vulva). The lubricating material, once applied to the absorbent member 12 (or any component of the hygienic article 10) can also reduce dryness in the vaginal area when the absorbent member 12 of the hygienic article 10 is held by the inner wall(s) of the female vulva as described herein. Thus, in aspects, the hygienic article 10 described herein is for reducing dryness in the vulval area (e.g. inner surface of vulvar lips). The lubricating material can be any suitable lubricant fluid, such as a gel, a spray, an oil, a cream, an emulsion, a liquid, a solution, a suspension, an aerosol, an ointment, a paste, a foam, and the like, so long as the lubricating material is able to be applied to the absorbent member 12 or to any further component of the hygienic article 10. In some aspects, the lubricating material is Lecithin & Lecithin / mineral oil. In preferred aspects, the lubricating material is baby oil.

[0105] In typical aspects, the lubricating material is used in an amount to provide lubricity to the absorbent member 12. In aspects, the amount is a pea-sized amount, such as about two or three drops (or if the lubricant is in the form of a spray, about 2 to 3 pumps of the spray) of the lubricating material such that a thin, sheer layer is provided on the surface of the absorbent member 12. In aspects, the amount of lubricating material is about 0.05 ml to about 0.5 ml, such as about 0.05 ml of lubricating material, about 0.06 ml, about 0.07 ml, about 0.08 ml, about 0.09 ml, about 0.10 ml, about 0.11 ml, about 0.12 ml, about 0.13 ml, about 0.14 ml, about 0.15 ml, about 0.16 ml, about 0.17 ml, about 0.18 ml, about 0.19 ml, about 0.20 ml, about 0.21 ml, about 0.22 ml, about 0.23 ml, about 0.24 ml, about 0.25 ml, about 0.26 ml, about 0.27 ml, about 0.28 ml, about 0.29 ml, about 0.30 ml, about 0.31 ml, about 0.32 ml, about 0.33 ml, about 0.34 ml, about 0.35 ml, about 0.36 ml, about 0.37 ml, about 0.38 ml, about 0.39 ml, about 0.40 ml, about 0.41 ml, about 0.42 ml, about 0.43 ml, about 0.44 ml, about 0.45 ml, about 0.46 ml, about 0.47 ml, about 0.48 ml, about 0.49 ml, or about 0.5 ml. The skilled person would have knowledge regarding the amount and methods of applying lubricants to surfaces in this fashion.

[0106] In aspects, the absorbent member 12 is capable of absorbing at least 10 grams of 0.9% saline solution per gram of the absorbent material. In aspects, the absorbent member 12 is capable of absorbing about 6 g to about 30 g of liquid, such as water, urine or blood. For example, the absorbent member is capable of absorbing about 6 g, about 6.1 . g, about 6.2 g, about 6.3 g, about 6.4 g, about 6.5 g, about 6.6 g, about 6.7 g, about 6.8 g, about 6.9 g, about 7 g, about 7.5 g, about 8 g, about 8.5 g, about 8.6 g, about 8.7 g, about 8.8 g, about 8.9 g, about 9 g, about 9.1 g, about 9.2 g, about 9.3 g, about 9.4 g, about 9.5 g, about 9.6 g, about 9.7 g, about 9.8 g, about 9.9 g, about 10 g, about 10.5 g, about 11 g, about 11 .1. g, about 11.2 g, about 11.3 g, about 11.4 g, about 11.5 g, about 11.6 g, about 11.7 g, about 11.8 g, about 11.9 g, about 12 g, about 12.5 g, about 13 g, about 13.5 g, about 14 g, about

[0107] 14.5 g, about 14.6 g, about 14.7 g, about 14.8 g, about 14.9 g, about 15 g, about15.5 g, about 16 g, about 16.5 g, about 17 g, about 17.1. g, about 17.2 g, about 17.3 g, about 17.4 g, about 17.5 g, about 17.6 g, about 17.7 g, about 17.8 g, about 17.9 g, about 18 g, about

[0108] 18.5 g, about 19 g, about 19.5 g, about 20 g, about 20.5 g, about 21 g, about 21.5 g, about

[0109] 22 g, about 22.5 g, about 23 g, about 23.5 g, about 24 g, about 24.5 g, about 25 g, about

[0110] 25.5 g, about 26 g, about 26.5 g, about 27 g, about 27.5 g, about 28 g, about 28.5 g, about

[0111] 29 g, about 29.5 g, or about 30 g.

[0112] In typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 is capable of absorbing about 6.5 g, in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 is capable of absorbing about 9.4 g, in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 is capable of absorbing about 11 .7 g, in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 is capable of absorbing about 15 g, in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 is capable of absorbing about 17.9 g, in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 is capable of absorbing about 19.5 g, in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 is capable of absorbing about 21 g, and in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 is capable of absorbing about 25 g of liquid, such as water, urine or blood.

[0113] In aspects, the absorbent member 12 is capable of absorbing about 3 ml of a liquid, such as water, urine or blood, to about 30 ml of liquid such as water, urine or blood, such as about 3 ml, about 4 ml, about 5 ml, about 6 ml, about 7 ml, about 8 ml, about 9 ml, about 10 ml, about 11 ml, about 12 ml, about 13 ml, about 14 ml, about 15 ml, about 16 ml, about 17 ml, about 18 ml, about 19 ml, about 20 ml, about 21 ml, about 22 ml, about 23 ml, about 24 ml, about 25 ml, about 26 ml, about 27 ml, about 28 ml, about 29 ml, or about 30 ml, of a liquid such as water. In specific aspects, the absorbent member 12 absorbs about 8 ml of the liquid. In specific aspects, the absorbent member 12 absorbs about 12 ml of the liquid. In specific aspects, the absorbent member 12 absorbs about 16 ml of the liquid. In specific aspects, the absorbent member 12 absorbs about 20 ml of the liquid. When the hygienic article 10 comprises both the pad 16 and the absorbent member 12, the hygienic article 10 can absorb liquid, such as water, urine or blood. In these aspects, the hygienic article 10 is capable of absorbing about 3 ml to about 30 ml of the liquid as described herein.

[0114] The absorbent member 12 may have a weight between about 0.1 g to about 5 g, such as about 0.1 g, about 0.5 g, about 1 g, about 1 .1 . g, about 1 .2 g, about 1 .3 g, about 1 .4 g, about 1.5 g, about 1.6 g, about 1.7 g, about 1.8 g, about 1.9 g, about 2 g, about 2.1. g, about 2.2 g, about 2.3 g, about 2.4 g, about 2.5 g, about 2.6 g, about 2.7 g, about 2.8 g, about 2.9 g, about 3 g, about 3.1 . g, about 3.2 g, about 3.3 g, about 3.4 g, about 3.5 g, about

[0115] 3.6 g, about 3.7 g, about 3.8 g, about 3.9 g, about 4 g, about 4.1. g, about 4.2 g, about 4.3 g, about 4.4 g, about 4.5 g, about 4.6 g, about 4.7 g, about 4.8 g, about 4.9 g, or about 5 g. In typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 weighs about 1 g, in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 weights about 1.8g, in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 weights about 2.6 g, in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 weighs about 3.3 g, and in further typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 weights about 3.7 g.

[0116] The absorbent member 12 can also have a thickness between about 0.5 cm and 7 cm, such as about 0.5 cm, about 1 cm, about 1 .5 cm, about 2 cm, abut 2.5 cm, about 3 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 4 cm, about 4.5 cm, about 5 cm, about 5.5 cm, about 6 cm, about 6.5. cm, or about 7 cm. In specific aspects, the absorbent member 12 has a thickness of about 0.5 cm, in other specific aspects, the absorbent member 12 has a thickness of about 1 cm, in further specific aspects, the absorbent member 12 has a thickness of about 1 .5 cm, and in still further specific aspects, the absorbent member 12 has a thickness of about 2 cm.

[0117] In other aspects, the absorbent member 12 has a length of about 1 cm and about 9 cm, such as, for example, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1 .5 cm, about 1 .6 cm, about 1 .7 cm, about 1 .8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about

[0118] 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 3.1 cm, about 3.2 cm, about 3.3 cm, about 3.4 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 3.6 cm, about 3.7 cm, about 3.8 cm, about 3.9 cm, about 4 cm, about 4.1 cm, about 4.2 cm, about 4.3 cm, about 4.4 cm, about 4.5 cm, about 4.6 cm, about 4.7 cm, about 4.8 cm, about 4.9 cm, about 5 cm, about 5.1 cm, about 5.2 cm, about 5.3 cm, about 5.4 cm, about 5.5 cm, about 5.6 cm, about 5.7 cm, about 5.8 cm, about 5.9 cm, about 6 cm, about 6.1 cm, about 6.2 cm, about 6.3 cm, about 6.4 cm, about 6.5 cm, about 6.6 cm, about 6.7 cm, about 6.8 cm, about 6.9 cm, about 7 cm, about 7.1 cm, about 7.2 cm, about 7.3 cm, about 7.4 cm, about 7.5 cm, about 7.6 cm, about 7.7 cm, about 7.8 cm, about 7.9 cm, about 8 cm, about 8.1 cm, about 8.2 cm, about 8.3 cm, about 8.4 cm, about 8.5 cm, about 8.6 cm, about 8.7 cm, about 8.8 cm, about 8.9 cm, or about 9 cm. In typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 has a length of about 4.4 cm, and in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 has a length of about 5 cm.

[0119] In other aspects, the absorbent member 12 has a width of about 1 cm and about 3 cm, such as, for example, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1 .5 cm, about 1 .6 cm, about 1 .7 cm, about 1 .8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, or about 3 cm. In typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 has a width of about 1.5 cm, in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 has a width of about 2 cm, in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 has a width of about 2.5 cm, and in other typical aspects, the absorbent member 12 has a width of about 2.75 cm.

[0120] In aspects, the absorbent member 12 allows for the absorption of bodily fluid, such as, but not limited to fluid, such as, for example, serum, blood, plasma, a cell suspension, cell culture supernatant, saliva, oral fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, milk, colostrum, mammary gland secretion, lymph, urine, sweat, lacrimal fluid, gastric fluid, synovial fluid, mucus, or combinations thereof. In aspects, the absorbent member 12 is for absorbing urethral secretions, such as urine. In these aspects, the absorbent member 12 is useful for preventing incontinence. In other aspects, the absorbent member 12 is for absorbing vaginal secretions such as blood. In this way, the absorbent member 12 may additionally or alternatively absorb menstrual blood during a female’s menstrual cycle. In addition, when the lubricating material described herein is applied to the absorbent member 12, the absorbent member 12 is also capable of reducing dryness in the vaginal area (e.g. inner surface of the vulva lips) after application of absorbent member 12 as described herein. The amount of the applied lubricant is as described above.

[0121] In aspects, the absorbent member 12 is for the prevention of incontinence. In typical aspects, the incontinence is urinary incontinence. To this regard, the absorbent member 12 of the hygienic article 10 can help with keeping the user dry. In aspects, the prevention of incontinence may be for up to 24 hours, such as for example, for about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, about 6 hours, about 7 hours, about 8 hours, about 9 hours, about 10 hours, about 11 hours, about 12 hours, about 13 hours, about 14 hours, about 15 hours, about 16 hours, about 17 hours, about 18 hours, about 19 hours, about 20 hours, about 21 hour, about 22 hours, about 23 hours, or about 24 hours. The amount of prevention would depend upon the absorbency capacity of the absorbent member 12 as well as the amount of fluid requiring absorption during the time period. For example, if a large amount of fluid is deposited on the absorbent member 12 / needs to be absorbed by the absorbent member 12, then the prevention time is reduced as compared to if a lesser amount of fluid is deposited / needs to be absorbed.

[0122] In aspects, the hygienic article 10 further comprises a pad 16. The pad 16 is typically of an elongated in shape. The pad 16 has a length of about 5 cm to about 30 cm, such as about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, about 11 cm, about 12 cm, about 13 cm, about 14 cm, about 15 cm, about 16 cm, about 17 cm, about 18 cm, about 19 cm, about 20 cm, about 21 cm, about 22 cm, about 23 cm, about 24 cm, about 25 cm, about 26 cm, about 27 cm, about 28 cm, about 29 cm, or about 30 cm. It is noted that this length may be directed to the total length of the hygienic article 10 (e.g. comprises the pad 16 on either side of the absorbent member 12, or in respect of each of the pad 16 on the hygienic article 10. For example, the pad 16 on one side of the hygienic article 10, may be about 5 cm, or the total length of the hygienic article 10 may be about 10 cm with each of the pad 16 attached to the absorbent member 12 being about 5 cm in length. In typical aspects, the length of the pad 16 is about 15 cm, with about 7 cm on either side of the absorbent member 12.

[0123] In aspects, the pad 16 has a thickness of about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, or about 20 mm. In specific aspects, the pad has a thickness of about 2 cm. In other aspects, the pad 16 has a width of about 1 cm to about 10 cm, such as, for example, about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, or about 10 cm. In typical aspects, the pad 16 has a width of about 5 cm. In other aspects, the pad 16 has a weight of about 1 g to about 2 g, such as, for example, about 1 g, about 1.1 g, about 1 .2 g, about 1.3 g, about 1 .4 g, about 1.5 g, about 1 .6 g, about 1 .7 g, about 1 .8 g, about 1 .9 g, or about 2 g.

[0124] In typical aspects, the pad 16 comprises two longitudinal sides 18 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pad 16, and two transverse sides 20 which are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pad 16. In other aspects, the pad 16 comprises two longitudinal sides 18 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pad 16, and two transverse sides 20 which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pad 16. Given the size of the pad 16 and the absorbent member 12 as described herein, the hygienic article 10 described herein can provide the benefit of being an inexpensive method of not only keeping the user dry but also since it can be rolled up, the hygienic article 10 can allow for ease of storage.

[0125] In aspects, the pad 16 is coupled to the absorbent member 12. In typical aspects, the pad 16 is coupled to the absorbent member 12 via an adhesive, placed on either or both of the pad 16 and absorbent member 12. The term “adhesive” as used herein is intended to refer to any suitable hot melt, water or solvent borne adhesive that can be applied to a surface. Accordingly, suitable adhesives include conventional hot melt adhesives, pressuresensitive adhesives and reactive adhesives, such as polyurethane. In aspects, the adhesive is adhesive tape or glue that is placed on either or both of the pad 16 and the absorbent member 12. The type of adhesive would depend upon the material used in the pad 16 and the absorbent member 12 as well as the length of adhesion desired (e.g. temporary adhesion for reusable pad 16, or permanent adhesion with a disposable pad 16).

[0126] In aspects, the pad 16 comprises a single layer, such as for example, a layer of the absorbent material 14 described herein. In other aspects, the pad 16 comprises multiple layers. In aspects, the pad 16 comprises a top sheet 22 and a bottom sheet 24. In other aspects, the pad 16 comprises the absorbent material 14 as described herein. In other aspects, the pad 16 comprises the absorbent material arranged between the top sheet 22 and the bottom sheet 24. In aspects, the absorbent member 12 is encased or enclosed by the top sheet 22 and the bottom sheet 24 of the pad 16. In this way, the pad 16 surrounds the absorbent member 12 such that the bottom sheet 24 of the pad 16 is in contact with a surface of the absorbent member 12. In this aspect, the top sheet 22 of the pad 16 makes direct contact with the vaginal walls when the user wears the hygienic article 10 as described herein. In other aspects, the absorbent member 12 is substantially surrounded by the top sheet 22 material only, and in other aspects, the absorbent member 12 is surrounded by the top sheet 22 material only. In some aspects, such as that of Figure 9, the absorbent member 12 is not covered by any of the pad 16, the top sheet 22 or the bottom sheet 24. In this aspect, the absorbent member 12 is adhered to, for example, the top of the pad 16 via an adhesive as described herein. In this aspect, the absorbent member 12 makes direct contact with the walls of the vaginal walls when the user wears the hygienic article 10 as described herein. When the pad 16 comprises the top sheet 22 or the bottom sheet 24 (with or without the absorbent material 14 described herein), the top sheet 22 and the bottom sheet 24 are typically coupled together, using for example, an adhesive, such as hot melt adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives or reactive adhesives.

[0127] The top sheet 22 is typically for facing towards the user’s body, such as facing an outer surface of the exterior female genitalia (e.g., outer surface of the vulvar lips), and the bottom sheet 24 is typically for facing towards the user’s undergarment. In some aspects, the bottom sheet 24 can be coupled to the user’s undergarment using, for example, adhesive or non-slip back (e.g. non-slip plastic or rubber). In other aspects, the bottom sheet 24 may comprise lips or wings (not shown) which can be used to couple the bottom sheet 24 of the pad 16 to the user’s undergarment via, for example, an adhesive or non-slip back (e.g. non-slip plastic or rubber). In other aspects, the lips or wings may be used to catch excess bodily fluids described herein. The adhesive or non-slip back may be placed in several different patterns on the lip or the bottom sheet 24 so as to provide temporary adhesion to undergarment.

[0128] The top sheet 22 and the bottom sheet 24 can be made of any suitable material. For example, the top sheet 22 may be a plastic perforated film and / or may include or consist of fibrous nonwoven layer(s). Suitable nonwoven materials can be composed of natural fibers, such as woodpulp or cotton fibres, synthetic thermoplastic fibres, such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides and blends and combinations thereof or from a mixture of natural and synthetic fibres. The top sheet 22 material may also comprise synthetic thermoplastic fibers, such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides and blends and combinations thereof. The synthetic fibers may be monocomponent fibers, bicomponent fibers or multicomponent fibers including polyesters, polyamides and / or polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene. The materials suited for the top sheet 22 are typically soft and non-irritating to the skin (e.g. labia majora and / or inner thighs of the user). The top sheet 22 may also allow for penetration of the bodily fluids described herein.

[0129] The back sheet 24 may comprise a thin plastic film, e.g. a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a nonwoven material coated with a liquid impervious material, a hydrophobic nonwoven material, which resists liquid penetration. Laminates of plastic films and nonwoven materials may also be used. The back sheet 24 material can be breathable so as to allow vapor to escape from the absorbent structure, while still preventing liquids from passing through the back sheet 24 material. In aspects, the pad 16 described herein is a sanitary pad, such as those sold by Always™, Poise™, Kotex™ and the like. As such, the skilled person would understand the construction of the sanitary pad, and any of these sanitary pads would be suitable for use in the hygienic articles 10 described herein. A size comparison of the constructed hygienic article 10 described herein in comparison to a market available sanitary pad is provided in Figure 10. As can be seen, typically, the hygienic article 10 described herein has a smaller size than conventional incontinence pads, which can contribute to, for example, the discreteness of the article 10, and even increased comfort experienced by the wearer. As described herein, the lubricating material described herein may also be applied to the pad 16 (or any component of the pad 16 as described herein) and such application may assist with limiting chafing for the female as well.

[0130] In aspects, the pad 16 further comprises a tab 30. The tab 30 may be made integral with the pad 16 or the tab 30 may be separate member that is attached thereto. As exemplified in Figure 11 , the tab 30 is made integral with the pad 16, and in particular, the tab 30 is shown as part of the top sheet 22. In other aspects, the tab 30 may be a part of the bottom sheet 24. In further aspects, the tab 30 is attached to either of the top sheet 22 or the bottom sheet 24 of the pad 16. The tab 30 is useful for assisting with the unfolding or unrolling of the hygienic article 10 as illustrated described further below.

[0131] In aspects, the hygienic article 10 described herein has a weight of about 2 g to about 6 grams, such as for example, about 2 g, about 2.1 g, about 2.2 g, about 2.3 g, about 2.4 g, about 2.5 g, about 2.6 g, about 2.7 g, about 2.8 g, about 2.9 g, about 3 g, about 3.1 g, about 3.2 g, about 3.3 g, about 3.4 g, about 3.5 g, about 3.6 g, about 3.7 g, about 3.8 g, about 3.9 g, about 4 g, about 4.1 g, about 4.2 g, about 4.3 g, about 4.4 g, about 4.5 g, about 4.6 g, about 4.7 g, about 4.8 g, about 4.9 g, about 5 g, about 5.1 g, about 5.2 g, about 5.3 g, about 5.4 g, about 5.5 g, about 5.6 g, about 5.7 g, about 5.8 g, about 5.9 g, or about 6 g. In typical aspects, the hygienic article 10 has a weight of about 3.1 g, in other typical aspects , the hygienic article 10 has a weight of about 3.8 g, in other typical aspects , the hygienic article 10 has a weight of about 4.1 g, and in other typical aspects , the hygienic article 10 has a weight of about 5.3 g.

[0132] In aspects, the hygienic articles 10 described herein, comprising the pad 16 are reusable such that the pad 16 can be washed at high temperatures and can be tumble-dried, which is beneficial to the environment (i.e. reduced landfill waste). In additional aspects, the hygienic article 10 described herein, comprising the absorbent member 12 or comprising the pad 16 and the absorbent member 12, is disposable or flushable. In other aspects, the hygienic article 10 described herein, comprising the absorbent member 12 or comprising the pad 16 and the absorbent member 12, are biodegradable.

[0133] The hygienic article 10 described herein, comprising the absorbent member 12 or comprising the pad 16 and the absorbent member 12, in aspects, is a single-use, disposable hygienic article 10. In aspects, the absorbent member 12 is a single-use, disposable absorbent member 12. In other aspects, the pad 16 may be reused so long as a new (unused) absorbent member 12 is attached thereto via the adhesive as described herein. In this way, the hygienic article 10 described herein, comprising the absorbent member 12 or comprising the pad 16 and the absorbent member 12, may be comprised in a kit. In other aspects, the pad 16 and the absorbent member 12 are comprised in a kit so that the consumer can attach and detach the absorbent member 12 to the pad 16 as described herein. In aspects, the kit may also come with instructions for use and also with adhesive, for example, to allow for attachment of the absorbent member 12 to the pad 16. The kit described herein may include any number of absorbent member(s) 12 and pad(s) 16. The kit may also comprise a wrapper for enclosing the hygienic article 10. The wrapper is typically comprised of a flushable material, such that the user can discard of the wrapper in an environmentally friendly manner (e.g. flush the wrapper down the toilet). The wrapper can be made of any suitable absorbent material, such as cellulosic fluff pulp, tissue layers, highly absorbent polymers (so called superabsorbent polymer (SAP), such as, for example, a polyacrylic acid-based SAP, which may be granular or fibrous), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials or the like. In this way, the wrapper can be used to further dry the vaginal area prior to placement of the hygienic article 10 in between the vaginal lips as described above. The wrapper can also be any suitable size, however, it is typically sized to enclose the hygienic article 10 described herein.

[0134] In aspects, the hygienic article 10 described herein further comprises an odour eliminating substance, such as perfumes or deodorizing compounds. For example, the perfumes or scents may be mild rose, lily of the valley, and the like. Odours may also be adsorbed or absorbed to particles having a large surface area, such as activated carbon, zeolite and starch-based particulate materials. Acidic and / or alkaline odours may be neutralized by the use of substances like baking soda and / or citric acid. For bacteria inhibition, substances having low pH or metal salts can be used. These aspects of the hygienic article 10 described herein can contribute not only to improved scent of the hygienic article 10, but also to increased length of wear (due to reduced odour), and / or to the reusable nature of the pad 16. In some aspects, the hygienic article 10 has a design or pattern printed thereon, such as for example, a floral design, a crisscross pattern, honeycomb (perforated mesh) and the like. This printed pattern may assist with the esthetics of the hygienic article 10. In aspects, the honeycomb (perforated mesh) form of the pad 16 of the hygienic article 10 may also assist with reducing the weight of the hygienic article 10 (e.g. it is a light weight hygienic article 10). The size of the pad 16 may also be smaller with the honeycomb (perforated mesh) version of the hygienic article 10. In other aspects, the hygienic article 10 described herein does not have any fragrances, lotions, pesticides, or elemental chlorine. In aspects, the hygienic article 10 is hypoallergenic. For clarity, unless otherwise stated, the hygienic article 10 may comprise the absorbent member 12 only, or the hygienic article may comprise the pad 16 coupled to the absorbent member 12 as described herein.

[0135] The hygienic article 10 described herein may be any article that can make contact with the body as described herein, such as, sanitary articles, sanitary napkins, sanitary towels, pantyliners, incontinence pads, incontinence diapers, baby diapers, pant diapers, etc. In typical aspects, the hygienic article 10 is an incontinence pad, and in typical aspects, the incontinence pad is for preventing incontinence. For clarity, reference to the hygienic article 10 being any article is typically with reference the hygienic article 10 described herein comprising the pad 16 coupled to the absorbent member 12 as described herein. Methods of making hygienic articles

[0136] Methods of making the hygienic articles described herein are also provided. In aspects, the method comprises shaping an absorbent member 12 into a 3-dimensional shape. In other aspects, the method comprises coupling a pad 16 to an absorbent member 12. The absorbent member 12 can be held by external female genitalia as described herein. To avoid repetition in the description, the description for any of the same elements described above, for example, the hygienic article 10, the absorbent member 12, the pad 16, is applicable to this section of the description and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0137] As described above, the absorbent member 12 can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes (for example, rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shape, l-shape, hourglass shape, cylinder, an oval, a rectangle, or a square ), from a wide variety of suitable absorbent materials 14. In specific aspects, the 3-dimentionsal shape is cylindrical, and the cylindrical shape can facilitate placement of the absorbent member 12 of the hygienic article 10 in between the lips of the vagina as described herein.

[0138] The absorbent member 12 can be made by any suitable method, including for example, rolling SAP to form, for example, a cylindrical shape, and attaching, for example, by way of adhesive, the pad 16. In this way, the coupling step may be via the adhesive described herein, and the adhesive may be applied to either or both of the absorbent member 12 and the pad 16. In additon, the adhesive chosen would depend on whether the attachment is meant to be temporary or permanent, and application of such adhesives would be understood in the art.

[0139] In aspects, the method comprises coupling the pad 16 described herein to the absorbent member 12 described herein. The absorbent member 12 can be held by external female genitalia. The coupling can be by any suitable method, as described herein, however, in typical aspects, the coupling is done by an adhesive as described herein.

[0140] In specific aspects, the method may comprise cutting the pad 16 into two pieces 26 and 28 (see Figure 12) and rolling the edge of piece 26 of the pad 16 over the absorbent member 12, and securing the edge of piece 26 to the edge of piece 28 (e.g. by the adhesive). When the pad 16 is cut into two pieces as shown in Figure 11 , the two pieces can either be of the same size (e.g. two equal halves), substantially the same size, or the two pieces can be of unequal length (e.g. one half of the pad 16 is longer than the other half of the pad 16). In aspects, the two pieces are not the same size. In typical aspects, one of the halves of the pad 16 is slightly longer than the other, and the slightly longer half of the pad 16 is used to roll over or encase the absorbent member 12 as described above. In aspects, the method further comprises attaching an end of piece 26 to the cut end of the other piece 28 of the pad 16. As such, in aspects, the method further comprises surrounding the absorbent member 12 with the pad 16 to enclose the absorbent member. In other aspects, the absorbent member 12 is not enclosed by the pad 16 (see Figure 12), and in such aspects, the absorbent member could be coupled to a surface of the pad 16 via an adhesive, for example. In further aspects, there may be two pads 16, such that one pad 16 is used as a base and the second pad 16 is cut in two pieces as described above, and secured to the first pad, with the edges of the pad secured to each other and the absorbent member 12 as described above. Any suitable cutting device may be used to cut the pad 16 as described above, however, in typical aspects, the pad 16 is cut with scissors.

[0141] The absorbent member 12 described herein can be made from a woven or nonwoven, e.g. pressed absorbent material 14 by layering and pressing. The pad 16 may be formed by compression. When the hygienic article 1O / the components thereof (e.g. the pad 16 or the absorbent member 12) described herein are comprised of non-woven fibers, the fibers in a nonwoven web are consolidated by friction, and / or cohesion and / or adhesion, and / or by heat bonding, pressure bonding, heat and pressure bonding, and / or ultrasonic bond excluding paper and products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded. Nonwoven webs can be formed by many processes such as meltblowing, spunlaying, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding, and the fibers can be consolidated, e.g. by hydroentanglement (in spunlaced nonwoven webs), air-through bonding (using hot air that is blown through the fiber layer in the thickness direction), needle-punching, one or more patterns of bonds and bond impressions created through localized compression and / or application of heat or ultrasonic energy, or a combination thereof. The fibers may be staple fibers (e.g. in carded nonwoven webs) or continuous fibers (e.g. in spunbonded or meltblown nonwoven webs). The fibers may, alternatively or in addition, be consolidated by use of a binder. The binder may be provided in the form of binder fibers (which are subsequently molten) or may be provided in liquid, such as a styrene butadiene binder. A liquid binder is provided to the fibers (e.g. by spraying, printing or foam application) and is subsequently cured to solidify.

[0142] Those skilled in the art would have knowledge of how to make the pads 16 described herein. In aspects, the absorbent member 12 can be attached (coupled) to the pad 16 after the formation of the top sheet 22 which is for contacting the outer surface of the labia. In aspects, the top sheet 22 can be formed and wrapped around the absorbent member 12, after the absorbent member has been shaped.

[0143] After the hygienic article 10 described herein has been made, the hygienic article 10 can be further processed for packaging and / or storage of the hygienic article 10. In aspects, the method further comprises folding the pad 16 onto itself to form a folded hygienic article 10. As shown in Figure 13, one end of the pad 16 can be folded on top of the other end of the pad 16, such that, for example, one end of the pad 16 comes to meet the other end of the pad 16 having the tab 30 thereon. The tab 30 can be used o facilitate unfolding of the hygienic article 10, as the user can, for example, hold the tab 30 and unfold the pad 16 away from the tab 30. In this way, the pad 16 can enclose the absorbent member 12 thereby concealing it. This folded version of the hygienic article 10 (see, for example, Figure 13) can be packaged in typical packaging, such as for example, a plastic wrapper, however, since it is the back sheet 24 of the pad 16 that is exposed, with the top sheet 22 of the pad 16 being folded on itself (and therefore shielded from the elements), it may also simply be left uncovered as shown in the Figure. In either way, the folding of the hygienic article 10 can reduce the size of the hygienic article 10 and therefore allow the hygienic article 10 to be readily stored until required for use. In addition, folding the pad 16 onto itself in this fashion can protect the absorbent member 12 thereby limiting the potential for infection of the vulvar region when the hygienic article 10 is in use.

[0144] In other aspects, the method further comprises rolling the pad 16 around itself so as to make a rolled hygienic article 10 and thus, for example, a bundle around the absorbent member 12. As shown in Figure 14, for example, the hygienic article 10 has been rolled onto itself such that the ends of the pad 16 wrap around the absorbent member 12. In aspects, one end of the pad 16 wraps around the top of the absorbent member 12, and the other end of the pad 16 wraps around the back sheet 26 of the pad 16. This wrapping takes place in a continual manner so as to form a cylindrical hygienic article 10 (see, for example, Figure 14). The rolling of the hygienic article 10 in this fashion can be continued until the one end of the pad 16 reaches the tab 30 end of the pad 16. The tab 30 can be used to unroll the hygienic article 10 when the hygienic article 10 is ready for use. This may involve, for example, the user holding the tab 30 and unrolling the pad 16 to reveal the concealed absorbent member 12.

[0145] The rolling aspect of the hygienic article can reduce the size of the hygienic article 10 even more (as compared to the folded option of Figure 13, for example). This can facilitate further ease of transportation and / or storage of the hygienic article 10, until the hygienic article 10 is required for use. In aspects, the rolled hygienic article 10 may also be further wrapped in, for example, plastic wrap. In other aspects, the rolled hygienic article 10 may be unwrapped as shown in Figure 14 since, similar to the folded version described above, it is the back sheet 24 of the pad 16 that is exposed, with the top sheet 22 of the pad 16 being folded on itself (and therefore shielded from the elements). In this way, the pad 16 rolled around the absorbent member 12 can protect the absorbent member 12, and this rolled version of the hygienic article 10 can function as the packaging itself. Rolling in this fashion can keep the absorbent member 12, which makes contact with the vulvar region, clean, thereby limiting, for example, infection thereof. Uses of Hygienic articles

[0146] Also described herein are uses of the hygienic article described herein. To avoid repetition in the description, the description for any of the same elements described in the above sections, for example, the hygienic article 10, the absorbent member 12, the pad 16, is applicable to this section of the description and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0147] In typical aspects, the hygienic article 10 is for use in preventing incontinence. In typical aspects, the incontinence is urinary incontinence. In other aspects, the hygienic article 10 is for use in absorbing urethral secretions. To this regard, the urethral secretions comprise urine, such that when the hygienic article 10 is being used by the user, the hygienic article 10 absorbs urine secreted from the user. In other aspects, the hygienic article 10 is for use in absorbing vaginal secretions. To this regard, vaginal secretions comprise blood and / or mucous, such that when the hygienic article 10 is being used by the user, the hygienic article 10 absorbs blood, such as menstrual blood in a menstrual cycle. Reference to the hygienic article 10 described herein may comprise the absorbent member 12 described herein, or the hygienic article 10 described herein may comprise the pad 16 coupled to the absorbent member 12 as described herein.

[0148] Also described herein are methods of use of the hygienic article 10. In aspects, a method of preventing incontinence is provided. In typical aspects, the incontinence is urinary incontinence. The method comprises wearing the hygienic article 10 described herein. In aspects, the wearing comprises holding the hygienic article 10 in between the inner surface of the labia. This can provide a discrete and comfortable way to prevent incontinence. In aspects, the hygienic article 10 described herein may be used to reduce dryness experienced by the female in the vulva area (e.g. inner surface of the vulva lips), especially when the hygienic article 10 (or any component thereof, such as the absorbent member 12) is covered with the lubricating material as described herein. Again, reference to the hygienic article 10 described herein may comprise the absorbent member 12 described herein, or the hygienic article 10 described herein may comprise the pad 16 coupled to the absorbent member 12 as described herein.

[0149] As described herein, the hygienic article is not for insertion into the vaginal canal, but instead is held by the inner surface of the labia. When used in this manner, the hygienic article 10 described herein can prevent incontinence. In aspects, the prevention of incontinence can be up to about 24 hours as described herein.

[0150] EXAMPLES

[0151] Example 1. Construction of an exemplary hygienic article

[0152] To make the hygienic article, a pad (e.g. a sanitary pad) was cut into two pieces and an edge of one of the pieces was rolled over an absorbent member (e.g. tampon). Next, the free edge of the other pad was used as a platform to place the bottom edge of the absorbent member thereon. The absorbent member was secured to the top of the pad using glue. The edge of the piece of the pad that was rolled over the absorbent member was then secured to the other piece of the pad using glue. The string was removed from the absorbent member.

[0153] Example 2. Absorbency test with water, blood or urine

[0154] A hygienic article was produced using the method of Example 1. The absorbent member was a small tampon.

[0155] Water absorbency: The absorbent member absorbed about 8 ml of water. When compared to the hygienic article without the pad added to the absorbent member, the absorbent member absorbed about 7 ml of water. Thus, the pad and absorbent member coupling allows for increased absorbency of fluid.

[0156] Blood absorbency: The absorbent member absorbed about 4 ml of blood. The absorbent member absorbed about 6.5 g of blood.

[0157] Urine absorbency: The absorbent member absorbed about 10 ml of urine. The absorbent member absorbed about 11 .7 g of urine.

[0158] Example 3. Absorbency test with water, blood or urine

[0159] A hygienic article was produced using the method of Example 1. The absorbent member was a medium tampon.

[0160] Water absorbency: The absorbent member absorbed about 12 ml of water. When compared to the hygienic article without the pad added to the absorbent member, the absorbent member absorbed about 11 ml of water. Thus, the pad and absorbent member coupling allows for increased absorbency of fluid.

[0161] Blood absorbency: The absorbent member absorbed about 6 ml of blood. The absorbent member absorbed about 9.4 g of blood.

[0162] Urine absorbency: The absorbent member absorbed about 15 ml of urine. The absorbent member absorbed about 17.9 g of urine.

[0163] Example 4. Absorbency test with water, blood or urine

[0164] A hygienic article was produced using the method of Example 1. The absorbent member was a large tampon.

[0165] Water absorbency: The absorbent member absorbed about 16 ml of water. When compared to the hygienic article without the pad added to the absorbent member, the absorbent member absorbed about 15 ml of water. Thus, the pad and absorbent member coupling allows for increased absorbency of fluid. Blood absorbency: The absorbent member absorbed about 11 ml of blood. The absorbent member absorbed about 15 g of blood.

[0166] Urine absorbency: The absorbent member absorbed about 17 ml of urine. The absorbent member absorbed about 21 g of urine.

[0167] Example 5. Absorbency test with water, blood or urine

[0168] A hygienic article was produced using the method of Example 1. The absorbent member was a super tampon.

[0169] Water absorbency: The absorbent member absorbed about 20 ml of water. When compared to the hygienic article without the pad added to the absorbent member, the absorbent member absorbed about 19 ml of water. Thus, the pad and absorbent member coupling allows for increased absorbency of fluid.

[0170] Blood absorbency: The absorbent member absorbed about 15 ml of blood. The absorbent member absorbed about 19.5 g of blood.

[0171] Urine absorbency: The absorbent member absorbed about 20 ml of urine. The absorbent member absorbed about 25 g of urine.

[0172] The above disclosure generally describes the present invention. A more complete understanding can be obtained by reference to the following specific Examples. These Examples are described solely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes in form and substitution of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient. Without further description, it is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description and the following illustrative examples, make and utilize the constructs of the present invention and practice the claimed methods. The following working examples therefore, specifically point out the typical aspects of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting in any way in the remainder of the disclosure. Although specific terms have been employed herein, such terms are intended in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

[0173] All publications, patents and patent applications cited above are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0174] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

We claim:1 . A hygienic article comprising an absorbent member, wherein the absorbent member can be held by external female genitalia.

2. The hygienic article of claim 1 , wherein the absorbent member is not for insertion into a vaginal canal.

3. The hygienic article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent member has a 3- dimensional shape.

4. The hygienic article of claim 3, wherein the 3-dimensional shape comprises a rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shape, l-shape, hourglass shape, cylinder, an oval, a rectangle, or a square.

5. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the absorbent member has a cylindrical shape.

6. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the external genitalia comprises an inner surface of labia.

7. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the external genitalia comprises an inner surface of vulvar lips.

8. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent member is held by the inner surface of labia.

9. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent member is held by the inner surface of vulvar lips.

10. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the absorbent member comprises absorbent material.11 . The hygienic article of claim 10, wherein the absorbent material comprises cellulosic fluff pulp, tissue layers, highly absorbent polymers, absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials or combinations thereof.

12. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the hygienic article is for preventing incontinence.

13. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the absorbent member is for preventing incontinence.

14. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the absorbent member is for absorbing urethral secretions.

15. The hygienic article of claim 14, wherein the urethral secretion comprises urine.

16. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the absorbent member is for absorbing vaginal secretions.

17. The hygienic article of claim 16, wherein the vaginal secretion comprises blood, and / or mucous.

18. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a pad coupled to the absorbent member.

19. The hygienic article of claim 18, wherein the pad is elongated in shape with two longitudinal sides substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pad, and two transverse sides substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pad.

20. The hygienic article of claim 18 or 19, wherein the pad is coupled to the absorbent member via an adhesive.21 . The hygienic article of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the pad comprises a top sheet for contacting an outer surface of the external female genitalia.

22. The hygienic article of claim 21 , wherein the external female genitalia comprises an outer surface of labia.

23. The hygienic article of claim 21 , wherein the external female genitalia comprises an outer surface of vulvar lips.

24. The hygienic article of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the pad comprises a bottom sheet for contacting an undergarment and / or wherein the pad comprises a tab protruding from a top sheet or a bottom sheet thereof.

25. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the hygienic article, the absorbent member and / or the pad is biodegradable.

26. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the hygienic article, the absorbent member and / or the pad is flushable.

27. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the hygienic article, the absorbent member and / or the pad is reusable.

28. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the hygienic article, the absorbent member and / or the pad is washable.

29. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 28, capable of absorbing about 3 ml to about 30 ml of liquid, such as water, urine, and / or blood.

30. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the absorbent member is capable of absorbing about 3 ml to about 30 ml of liquid, such as water, urine and / or blood.31 . The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the absorbent member and / or the pad is capable of absorbing about 3 ml to about 30 ml of liquid, such as water, urine and / or blood.

32. The hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 31 , wherein at least one of the absorbent member, the pad and the hygienic article are lubricated with a lubricant material selected from the group consisting of a gel, a spray, an oil, a cream, an emulsion, a liquid, a solution, a suspension, an aerosol, an ointment, a paste, and a foam.

33. The hygienic article of claim 32, wherein the lubricant material is baby oil.

34. Use of the hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 33, for preventing incontinence.

35. Use of the hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 33, for absorbing urethral secretions.

36. Use of the hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 33, for absorbing vaginal secretions.

37. Use of the hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 33, for reducing dryness in the vulval area (e.g. inner surface of vulvar lips).

38. A method of preventing incontinence, the method comprising wearing the hygienic article of any one of claims 1 to 33.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the hygienic article is held by the external female genitalia.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the hygienic article is held by an inner surface of labia.41 . The method of claim 38, wherein the hygienic article is held by an inner surface of vulvar lips.

42. A method of making a hygienic article, the method comprising: coupling a pad to an absorbent member, wherein the absorbent member can be held by external female genitalia.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising cutting the pad into at least two pieces.

44. The method of claim 42, further comprising cutting the pad into two pieces.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the two halves are substantially the same size.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein the two pieces are not the same size.

47. The method of any one of claims 42 to 46, further comprising rolling one piece of the pad over the absorbent member.

48. The method of an one of claims 42 to 47, further comprising attaching an end of the one piece of the pad to the cut end of the other piece of the pad.

49. The method of any one of claims 42 to 48, further comprising surrounding the absorbent member with the pad to enclose the absorbent member.

50. The method of any one of claims 42 to 49, wherein the absorbent member is not enclosed by the pad.51 . The method of any one of claims 42 to 50, wherein the coupling comprises applying an adhesive to the pad or to the absorbent member.

52. The method of any one of claims 42 to 51 , further comprising folding the pad of the hygienic article on top of itself to form a folded hygienic article.

53. The method of any one of claims 42 to 51 , further comprising rolling the pad of the hygienic article on top of itself to form a rolled hygienic article.

54. The method of any one of claims 42 to 53, wherein the hygienic article further comprises a tab to facilitate unfolding or unrolling of the hygienic article.

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