MXPA00003530A - Absorbent interlabial device comprising a fluid acquisition/transfer complex - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an absorbent device insertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer. The absorbent device comprises a main absorbent portion comprising an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a top surface facing toward the vestibule floor of the wearer during insertion into the interlabial space. The upper portion leads the lower portion during insertion of the absorbent device;i.e., the lower portion is spatially opposed to the upper portion, and upon insertion of the absorbent device into a wearer's interlabial space, the lower portion faces away from the vestibule floor of the wearer. Additionally, a fluid acquisition/transfer complex is positioned about and extends at least fromthe upper portion of the main absorbent portion. The fluid acquisition/transfer complex is configured to be in intimate contact with the folds and creases of the interlabial space of the female wearer. Furthermore, the fluid acquisition/transfer complex receives fluid from the folds and creases of a wearer's interlabial space and transfers fluid to the main absorbent portion.

Description

INTERLABIAL ABSORBENT DEVICE COMPRISING A TRANSFER COMPLEX OF FLUID ACQUISITION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent devices that are interlabially worn by female users for catamenial purposes, for the protection of incontinence, or both.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Well-known, of course, are all the manners and varieties of absorbent articles configured for the absorption of bodily fluids such as menses, urine and faeces. With respect to female protection devices, the technique has offered two basic types: sanitary napkins have been developed to be worn externally around the pudendal region while tampons have been developed for internal use within the vaginal cavity for the interruption of menstrual flow from it. These buffer devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,412,833, entitled "Buffer Applicator," issued to Weigner, and others on 1 st. November 1983, and U.S. Patent No. 4,413,986, entitled "Buffer assembly with means for sterile insertion", issued to Jacobs on November 8, 1983. Hybrid devices attempting to merge the features have also been proposed. of sanitary napkins of tampons in a simple device. These hybrid devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,092,346, entitled "Catamenial Pad", issued to Arone on September 7, 1937, and U.S. Patent No. 3,905,372, entitled "Shield of Protection for the feminine hygiene ", issued to Denkinger on September 16, 1975. Other less intrusive hybrid devices are known as lip or interlabial sanitary napkins and are characterized by having a part that resides at least partially within the wearer's vestibule of a part that resides at least partially external of the user's vestibule. These devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,662,527, entitled "Sanitary Pad", issued to Jacks on December 15, 1953, and in U.S. Patent No. 4,643,062, entitled "Sanitary Lip Pad. ", issued to Lassen, and others on December 23, 1986. The interlabial pads have the potential to provide even greater freedom from inconvenience because of their small size and reduced risk of leakage. Numerous attempts have been made in the past to produce an interlabial pad which can combine the best characteristics of tampons and sanitary napkins, while avoiding at least some of the disadvantages associated with each of these types of devices. Examples of these devices are described in U.S. Patent No. 2,917,049 issued to Delaney on December 15, 1959, U.S. Patent No. 3,420,235 issued to Harmon on January 7, 1969, U.S. Patent No. 4,595,392 issued to Johnson, and others on June 17, 1986, and United States Patents Nos. 5,074,855 and 5,336,208 issued to Rosenbluth, and others on December 24, 1991 and August 9, 1994, respectively, and in US Pat. U.S. Patent No. 5,484,429 issued to Vukos, and others on January 16, 1996. A commercially available interlabial device is FRESH'N FIT® Padettes® which is marketed by Athena Medical Corp. of Portland, OR and which is discloses in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,983,873 and 4,175,561 issued to Hirschman on October 5, 1976 and November 27, 1979, respectively.

Generally, there are some disadvantages associated with previous products. For example, the device described in the Delaney patent does not appear to be capable of easy and convenient insertion, due to the possibility of the layers of the absorbent material opening during insertion. Thus, there is a need for an interlabial device that is small in size and can be easily inserted and that provides protection against menstrual discharges, incontinence and discharges of body exudates throughout a wide range of user movements. There is also a need for an interlabial device that is reliably ejected when the user urinates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides an absorbent device insertable into the interlabial space of a female user. The absorbent device comprises a main absorbent portion comprising an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has an upper surface facing towards the wearer's vestibule surface during insertion into the interlabial space. The upper portion leads to the lower portion during insertion of the absorbent device, i.e., the lower portion is spatially opposite to the upper portion, and upon insertion of the absorbent device into the interlabial space of the wearer, the lower portion gives away of the user's vestibule surface. Additionally, structures that act as an acquisition / transfer complex are placed around and extend from the upper portion of the absorbent main portion. The fluid acquisition / transfer complex is configured to be in intimate contact with the folds and folds of the female user's interlabial space. In addition, the fluid acquisition / transfer complex receives the fluid from the folds and folds of an interlabial space of the wearer and transfers the fluid to the main absorbent portion. Preferably, the fluid acquisition / transfer complex comprises hydrophilic fibers. The hydrophilic fibers can comprise a height from the top of the upper portion of the main absorbent portion to the folds and folds of the wearer ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. The hydrophilic fibers may comprise at least one type of fiber consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, rayon, synthetic two-component fibers and combinations thereof. Preferably, the hydrophilic fibers herein can comprise capillary channel fibers. Also additionally, any of the aforementioned fibers can be folded, twisted and / or crimped, excluding any twisting of the capillary channel fibers. In one embodiment here, the fluid acquisition / transfer complex is joined at points along the upper surface of the upper portion. In another embodiment here, the fluid acquisition / transfer complex extends through the main absorbent portion and may extend further through and away from the main absorbent portion to another point above the upper surface of the absorbent portion. upper portion. In practice, the absorbent device at least partially covers the urethra and the orifice of the user's vagina upon the proper placement of the absorbent device. Also, the main absorbent portion of the device comprises a length of about 35 mm to about 120 mm and preferably about 40 mm to about 100 mm. The gauge of the main absorbent portion may vary from about 2 mm to about 12 mm, more preferably from about 3 mm to about 6 mm and also preferably be about 4.5 mm.

In another preferred embodiment here, the absorbent device further comprises a liquid permeable topsheet positioned over at least a portion of the main absorbent portion. Also, a backsheet may be placed on the device, and preferably on the lower portion of the main absorbent portion. In an alternative embodiment here, the absorbent device further comprises a pair of extensions attached to the upper portion of the absorbent main portion. The extensions extend downward and outward from the main absorbent portion and are able to maintain contact with the interior surfaces of the wearer's lips when the absorbent device is worn. Preferably, the extensions are capable of covering the tips of the fingers of a user as the absorbent device is inserted into the interlabial space of the wearer. Similar to the insertion of the device, the user's fingers are also protected by the extensions when she removes the device from her interlabial space. The fluid acquisition / transfer complex preferably comprising fibers, can be placed on the extensions to further facilitate the transfer / acquisition of fluid from a user to the absorbent device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims pointing out in a particular way and claiming differently the matter that is considered as formant of the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in combination with the drawings that will accompany, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the interlabial absorbent device of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the absorbent device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of a variation of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the interlabial absorbent device of the present invention; Figure 5 is a front view of the absorbent device shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the interlabial absorbent device of the present invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the interlabial absorbent device of the present invention; and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the interlabial absorbent device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an interlabial absorbent device. Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the interlabial absorbent device of the present invention, interlabial device 20. However, the present invention can be in many other forms, and is not limited to a structure having the particular configuration shown in the drawings. As used herein, the term "interlabial absorbent device" refers to a structure having at least some absorbent components, and is specifically configured to receive at least partially within the interlabial space of a female user during use. Preferably, more than half of the entire interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention resides within this interlabial space, more preferably substantially all of the interlabial absorbent device 20 resides within this interlabial space, and most preferably the entire absorbent device. Interlabial 20 resides within this interlabial space of a female user during use. As used herein, the term "interlabial space" refers to that space in the pudendal region of the female anatomy that is located between the inner surfaces of the labia majora extending into the vestibule. Located within this interlabial space are the labia minora, the vestibule, and the main urinary genital limbs, including the clitoris, the urethral orifice, and the orifice of the vagina. Normal medical authorities teach that the vestibule refers to the space joined laterally by the inner surfaces of the labia minora and that extends internally towards the surface between the clitoris and the orifice of the vagina. Therefore, it will be recognized that the interlabial space as defined above can refer to the space between the inner surfaces of the labia majora, including the space between the inner surfaces of the labia minora also known as the vestibule. The interlabial space for the purposes of the present disclosure does not extend substantially beyond the vaginal orifice of the vagina. The term "lips" as used herein generally refers to both of the labia majora and labia minora. The lips terminate anteriorly and posteriorly to the anterior commissure and posterior commissure, respectively. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that there is a wide range of variations among women with respect to their size and relative shape of the labia minora and minor. For the purpose of the present inventionHowever, these differences do not need to be specifically addressed. It will be recognized that the provision of the interlabial absorbent device in the interlabial space of a user as defined above will require placement between the inner surfaces of the labia majora without considering the precise location of the boundary between the labia majora and labia minora for a user in particular. For a more detailed description of this portion of the female anatomy, attention is directed to Gray's Anatomy, Running Press 1901 Ed. (1974), at pages 1025 to 1027. The interlabial absorbent device 20 shown in Figure 1 has a line longitudinal center L which runs along the "x" axis shown in Figure 1. The term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of interlabial device 20 which is generally aligned with (approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a user standing in left and right body halves when wearing the interlabial device 20. The terms "transverse," "lateral," or "direction and" as used here, they are interchangeable and refer to a line, axis or direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The lateral direction is shown in Figure 1 as the "y" direction. The "z" direction shown in Figure 1 is a direction parallel to the vertical plane described above. The term "upper" refers to an orientation in the z direction towards the head to the user. "Bottom" or down is towards the user's feet. As shown in Figure 1, the interlabial device 20 comprises a main absorbent (or "central absorbent") portion 22. The absorbent main portion 22 must be at least partially absorbent. The main absorbent portion 22 may comprise nonabsorbent portions, such as a liquid impermeable barrier to prevent the absorbed exudates from leaking out of the main absorbent portion 22. The absorbent main portion 22 comprises an upper portion 26 and a lower portion 28 that is opposite to the upper portion. In use, the upper portion 26 is placed farther inward toward the interlabial space of the wearer. The interlabial device 20 should be of adequate size and shape to allow at least a portion thereof to fit comfortably within the interlabial space of the wearer and to cover the vaginal orifice of the wearer and also preferably the urethra of the wearer. The interlabial device 20 blocks at least partially, and more preferably blocks completely and intercepts the flow of menstruation, urine and other body exudates from the vaginal orifice and the urethra of the user. Figures 1 and 2 also show a network of fibers in the fluid acquisition / transfer complex 30 preferably comprising fibrous elements or fibers 35. By the term "complex" is meant here a network of interrelated fibers of one or more types. These fibers may also be, but not necessarily, internally connected. When the interlabial device 20 is inserted into the interlabial space of a female user, the fibers 35 conform to and contact the folds and folds of the female interlabial space. In such contact, the fibers 35 are positioned to receive fluid (eg, menstruation) from the body and transfer this fluid to the main absorbent portion 22. Preferably the fluid acquisition / transfer complex 30 is hydrophilic to facilitate fluid transfer available from the woman to the main absorbent portion 22. Suitable materials for use in the fluid acquisition / transfer complex 30 are rayon (e.g., rayon fibers with three lobes or multiple lobes), polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, two-component synthetic fibers, absorbent foams and combinations thereof, all of which fibers either simply or in combination with other fibers are known in the art. In addition, a highly preferred fiber 35 for use with the interlabial device 20 are the capillary channel fibers. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the unique configuration and grooves formed within capillary channel fibers and rayon fibers with three lobes or multiple lobes offer increased fluid transfer from a female user to the rest of the device 20, for example, the main absorbent portion 22. In practice, the fluid acquisition / transfer complex 30 can be attached to the upper surface of the absorbent main portion 22 (upper portion 26 and / or lower 28) . Additionally, the fluid acquisition / transfer complex 30 may extend from some point from the main absorbent portion 22 such that the fibers 35 in the fluid acquisition / transfer complex 30 may have two exposed ends contacting each other. the folds and interlabial slits of the woman while extending through some segment of the main absorbent portion 22. Additionally, the fibers 35 of the fluid acquisition / transfer complex 30 can form eyelets 35 '(Figure 7). These eyelets 35 'can be segmented as shown in Figure 7 or more than one eyelet 35"can be made from a continuous or semi-continuous fiber 35" as shown in Figure 8. Most preferably, the fibers will be oriented towards the lip vestibule surfaces of a female user from a surface of the upper portion 26 of the main absorbent portion 22. More specifically, the fibers 35 will be oriented toward the lip vestibule surface at a scale between 45 ° to 135 ° of the surface of the upper portion 26. More preferably, the fibers 35 will be oriented approximately 90 ° from the surface of the upper portion 26. This orientation of the fibers 35 is necessary to ensure that the fibers 35 will be in substantial contact with the folds and folds of the vestibule of the female user's lips. It is important that when the absorbent device 20 is inserted and removed from here, the fibers 35 thereon make substantial contact with the folds and folds of the vestibule of a user's lips, and are not pressed down away from the folds. and folds of the vestibule of the lips.

The size of the interlabial device 20 is also important for the comfort associated with the use of the device. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the main absorbent portion 22 of the interlabial device 20 has a length as measured along the longitudinal center line, L, of between about 35 mm and about 120 mm. Preferably, the length of the interlabial device 20 is about 40 mm and about 100. The gauge (or width) of the main absorbent portion 22 of the interlabial device as measured in the transverse direction (or "y" direction) may vary from one to the other. mm to about 12 mm, more preferably the gauge is between about 3 mm and about 6 mm, most preferably, the gauge is about 4.5 mm. The caliper measurements given here were measured using an AMES meter with a load of 0.25 (measurement) and a base diameter of 20 mm. Those skilled in the art will recognize that if a base diameter of 20 mm is not appropriate for a particular sample size, the size of the base may be varied while the load on the meter is accordingly varied to maintain a confining pressure of 0.25 psi (measurement). The height (or dimension in the "z" direction) of the main absorbent portion 22 is preferably between about 8 mm and about 35 mm, and more preferably about 20 mm. The interlabial device 20 is preferably provided with sufficient absorbency to absorb and retain exudates discharged from the wearer's body. However, the absorbent capacity of the product is dependent on at least partially the physical volume of the interlabial absorbent device 20, particularly the main absorbent portion 22 thereof. The main absorbent portion 22 preferably has an absorbent capacity of at least about 1 g of 0.9% by weight saline, and can have an absorbent capacity of up to about 30 g using absorbent gels or foams that expand when wet. Absorbent capacities can typically vary from about 2 to about 10 grams for saline. A method for measuring absorbent capacity is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 778,520 entitled "Interlabial Absorbent Device with Flexible Extensions" this patent application being incorporated herein by reference. Since the interlabial space can expand, larger volumes can be stored within the interlabial space, if the fluid is stored as a gel, which adjusts to body pressures. Additionally, if the interlabial absorbent device 20 does not reside completely within the interlabial space of the wearer, some of the absorbed exudates may be stored external to the interlabial space of the wearer. The main absorbent portion 22 of the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 may comprise any type of suitable absorbent structure that is capable of absorbing and / or retaining liquids (e.g., menstruation and / or urine). The main absorbent portion 22 can be manufactured in a wide variety of ways. Non-limiting examples include, ovoid, trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, cylindrical, hemispherical or any combination of the foregoing. Also, the main absorbent portion 22 can be manufactured from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles such as crushed wood pulp, which is generally referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform; chemically hardened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as pleated polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams, absorbent sponges; super absorbent polymers; gelling absorbent materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials or mixtures thereof. Preferred absorbent materials comprise bent tissues, woven materials, non-woven wefts, needle-punched rayon, and thin foam layers. The main absorbent portion 22 may comprise a simple material or a combination of materials, such as a wrapping layer surrounding a central wadding composed of a different absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the main absorbent portion 22 is formed of a soft absorbent material such as rayon fibers or other suitable natural or synthetic fibers or laminates. The main absorbent portion 22 shown in Figure 1 is generally of an ovoid cross-sectional shape as shown in Figure 2. The main absorbent portion 22 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and 2, comprises an upper portion 26 with a larger dimension in cross section relative to that of the lower portion 28. The upper portion 26 is preferably integral with the lower portion 28. In the less preferred embodiments, however, the upper portion 26 and the lower portion 28 may comprise elements separated together by any suitable means known in the art. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the juncture of the upper portion 26 and the lower portion 28 of the main absorbent portion 22 comprises a substantially abrupt change in the transverse dimension thus forming a shoulder-shaped configuration in said juncture . In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seam the upper portion 26 and the lower portion 28 of the main absorbent portion 22 is formed by stippling 34. In a variation of the preferred embodiment described above and shown in the Figures 1 and 2, the upper portion 26 may have a smaller cross-sectional dimension relative to the cross-sectional dimension of the lower portion 28. An interlabial absorbent device 20 having this configuration is shown in Figure 3. The main absorbent portion 22 can be done by any suitable process. U.S. Patent No. 4,995,150 issued to Gerstenberger et al. On February 26, 1991 and U.S. Patent No. 4,095,542 issued to Hirshman on June 20, 1978 describe methods for making absorbent devices that are suitable for use. as the main absorbent portion 22 of the interlabial absorbent device 20 shown in Figures 1 and 3, each of which patents is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As shown in Figure 4, the interlabial absorbent device 120 may also comprise a pair of extensions 124 which are attached to the upper portion 126 of the absorbent main portion 122 of the interlabial absorbent device 120. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 , extensions 124 are generally rectangular in shape. Other shapes are also possible for extensions 124 such as semicircular, trapezoidal, or triangular. The extensions 124 are preferably from about 35 mm to about 160 mm long, more preferably from about 45 mm to about 130 mm long, and most preferably from about 50 mm to about 115 mm long. Although the extensions 124 may have a length (measured in the x direction) that is shorter than the main absorbent portion 122, they preferably have a length that is the same or longer than the absorbent main portion 122 of the interlabial absorbent device 120. The width of each extension refers to the distance from the union of the flexible extension 124 to the main absorbent portion 122 (or the proximal end 124A of the flexible extension 124) to the distal end (or free end) 124B of the flexible extension 124 (Figure 5). The width of the extensions 124 is preferably approximately equal to or greater than the height of the main absorbent portion as described above. The size of the extensions is preferably less than or equal to about 3 mm, more preferably less than or equal to about 2 mm, and most preferably less than or equal to about 1 1 mm. Ideally, the gauge of the extensions 124 and the main absorbent portion 122 is selected such that the gauge of the overall interlabial absorbent structure 120 is less than or equal to about 8 mm. A more detailed discussion of this type of interlabial device, i.e., one having extensions, is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 778,520, entitled "Absorbent interlabial device with flexible extensions", said discussion incorporated here by reference. The term "joined", as used herein, encompasses configurations in which one element is directly secured to the other element by fixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to another element by fixing the element to a member or intermediate members which in turn are fixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with the other element, that is, one element is essentially part of the other element. The stiffness of the main absorbent portion 22 is important for the comfort of the product. If the absorbent main portion 22 is too flexible, the device is not conveniently or easily placed between the folds of the lips, if it is too rigid, the device is uncomfortable and when the user is in a sitting position, the product may be forced against the clitoris causing discomfort. The main absorbent portion 22 preferably has a rigidity approximately equal to that of the products described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,995,150 and 4,095,542. This stiffness of the main absorbent portion 22 can be measured by the three-point bending test as described in United States Patent Application No. 08 / 778,520 entitled "Interlocking device with flexible extensions", said request being Patent incorporated herein by reference herein.

Figure 6 shows the interlabial device 20 comprising other optional components. For example, the interlabial device 20 may comprise an upper sheet 42 placed on and attached to all or a portion of the surface that faces the body of the device 20 and / or a back sheet 38 placed on and attached to all or a portion of its back surface. Preferably, if an upper sheet 42 and / or a back sheet 38 is used, these components are attached to at least a portion of the main absorbent portion. In an alternate embodiment, the main absorbent portion may be at least partially enveloped by an upper sheet 42. If a top sheet is used, the top sheet must be docile, soft-feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the top sheet must be permeable to liquid allowing liquids (eg, menstruation and / or urine) to easily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable top sheet (and also the extensions 124) can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such thermoplastic films formed with openings, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; cross-linked foams; crosslinked thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic canvases. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may be composed of natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymer fibers such as polyester, rayon, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers), or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The top sheet may comprise a film formed with openings. Films formed with openings are permeable to body exudates and, if properly perforated, have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass back through and re-wet the wearer's skin. In this way, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing the staining of the body and creating a more comfortable feeling for the user. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, entitled "Absorption structures having tapered capillaries", which was issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 entitled "Disposable absorbent article having a stain resistant top sheet", which was issued to Mullane et al. on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 entitled "Resilient plastic weft exhibiting fiber-like properties", which was issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 entitled "Macroscopically expanded three-dimensional plastic screen exhibiting a non-glossy visible surface and a fabric-like tactile impression", which was issued to Ahr, et al. on July 31, 1984; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394"Multilayer Polymer Film" issued to Baird on April 9, 1991. The preferred top sheet for the present invention is the formed film described in one or more of the above patents and that sanitary napkins are marketed by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as the top sheet "DRI-WEAVE". In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body surface of the formed film upper sheet is hydrophilic (and likewise the extensions 124) to assist the liquid to be transferred through the upper sheet faster than if the body surface is not hydrophilic to decrease the likelihood that menstrual fluid will flow out of the topsheet instead of flowing into and being absorbed by the main absorbent portion 22. In a preferred embodiment, surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the topsheet of formed film. Alternatively, the body surface of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant such as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,254 issued to Osborn, III: If the backsheet is used, the backsheet may be waterproof or semi-impervious to liquids (eg, menstruation and / or urine) and is preferably flexible. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are docile and that will readily conform to the shape and general contour of the human body. The backsheet prevents the exudates absorbed and contained within the main absorbent portion 22 from wetting the articles that are in contact with the proximal absorbent device 20 such as the wearer's undergarments. The backsheet also assists the main absorbent portion 22 in preventing the wearer's body from being soiled by the exudates. Additionally, the use of the backsheet may provide an improved surface for the user to grip between his or her fingers as the proximal absorbent device 20 is inserted or as the device is optionally removed with the fingers. The backsheet may comprise a woven or non-woven material, polymeric films such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. In a preferred option, the backsheet is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. An exemplary polyethylene film is manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-0401. A backsheet of the present can allow the vapors to escape from the main absorbent portion 22 (ie, breathable) while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet. As previously discussed, the interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention is preferably designed to be placed completely within the interlabial space of a user. To use the interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention, the user retains the device by the upper portion 26 and / or the lower portion 28 of the absorbent main portion 22 between his fingers. In one embodiment shown in Figure 4, the extensions 124 are extended to cover the tips of the user's fingers during insertion. This feature provides a hygienic insertion of the interlabial absorbent device 120 of the present invention. The upper portion 126 is inserted first and further into the interlabial space. The user may assume a crouched position during insertion to assist in the deployment of the labial surfaces. Once the interlabial absorbent device 120 is inserted, the extensions 124 tend to adhere to the inner surfaces of the lips. When the wearer is standing, the labial walls close more tightly around the interlabial absorbent device 120 thereby bending the extensions 124 downwardly around the interlabial device 120 and being at least in partial contact with the outer surface of the absorbent main portion 122. Interlabial device 20 is preferably retained at least partially in place by exerting a light pressure directed laterally outwardly on the inner surfaces of the labia minora, labia majora or both of the wearer. Additionally, the product is also retained by attracting the naturally moist labial surfaces to the tissue comprising the extensions 24. Optionally, the fluid acquisition / transfer complex 30 may be provided with a biocompatible adhesive to aid adhesion of the device interlabial 20 to the inner surfaces of the user's lips. The strength of this adhesive must be selected to assist the interlabial absorbent device 20 in remaining in place, while still allowing comfortable and reliable removal of the device from the interlabial space of the wearer. The interlabial absorbent device 20 can be used as a "single" product. Alternately, this can be worn as a backing for a tampon, or in combination with a sanitary napkin, pantyhose, or incontinence pad for menstrual or incontinence use. If the interlabial absorbent device 20 is used with a sanitary napkin, the sanitary napkin can be of any thickness. Use with a sanitary napkin may be preferred at night to reduce back staining. The interlabial device 20 can be worn on conventional panties, or it can be used with menstrual pants. Numerous alternate embodiments of the interlabial absorbent device of the present invention are possible. For example, these products are designed to be removed by urination, although an alternate extraction cord or eyelet can be used. These products can also be used with medicinal treatments. These products can be constructed of materials that are biodegradable and / or which will fragment in water with agitation (as in a toilet). For example, U.S. Patent Application No. 08 / 883,606 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Interlabial Toilet Device" discloses a downstream toilet dischargeable device with water dispersible components, said patent application being incorporated herein by reference . Preferably, an interlabial absorbent device 20 disposable in water of the present invention will disperse in at least two fragments within two hours of exposure in slightly stirred water at room temperature as described in the water dispersion test in the METHODS section. TEST, "below." More preferably, the downloadable interlabial absorbent device 20 will be dispersed in a plurality of fragments within about 60 minutes or, even more preferably within about 30 minutes and most preferably, within about 15 minutes as measured by Water Dispersion Test Preferably, the product will break into fragments that are less than about 6 in2, more preferably less than about 2 in2, most preferably smaller than about 1.5 in2 In the particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention, each one of the components of The downloadable interlabial absorbent device 20 will disperse in a plurality of fragments when immersed in slightly agitated water. Alternatively, the components of the interlabial absorbent device 20 can separate from each other without breaking themselves into a plurality of fragments (for example, the flexible extensions 24 can tear apart from the central absorbent portion 22 while each of the other remains. intact). The term "disposable in the toilet" as used herein includes the following characteristics of a nterlabial device: discharge capacity, dispersion capacity, and biodegradability. As used herein, the terms "downloadable" and "discharge capacity" refer to the ability of the product to pass through typical, commercially available toilets and home drainage piping systems, without causing occlusion or similar problems that may be directly associated with the physical structure of the product. However, it is recognized that there are many differences between the various types of toilets available. Therefore, for the purposes of the appended claims, a test is established to determine the discharge capacity of the catamenial product, such as an interlabial absorbent device, in the TEST METHODS section of this disclosure. The term "dispersible" as applied herein to an interlabial absorbent device refers to an article that will disperse in at least two fragments in slightly stirred water. This device will break into pieces in a toilet and / or conventional domestic drainage system, and finally It will be processed effectively through the wastewater treatment system. The term "biodegradable" as used herein refers to a device that is preferably constructed at least partially from biodegradable materials. The interlabial absorbent device 20 can also be constructed with a plurality of slits in the absorbent main portion 22 to allow the product to be bent in multiple independent directions. This structure allows the product an easier response to the stresses associated with body movements. In a preferred version of the modality shown in Figure 4, the ends of the central absorbent surface that give away from the body can be rounded to reduce the force on the product during sitting. The upper surface of the structure may have one or more slits or have other preferred bending regions such that the product can easily adjust to vertical pressure against the pelvic surface to help accommodate the non-linear surface of the pelvic surface between the pelvic surface and the pelvic surface. clitoris and the perineum. The tests for measuring the absorbent capacity, the flexibility, the bursting resistance of the interlabial device are disclosed herein in the United States patent application Serial No. 08 / 778,520, entitled "Interlabial absorbent device with flexible extensions", said patent application incorporated herein by reference.

Structure and surface properties of the capillary channel fiber The preferred fibers for use herein and specifically for use in the fibrous elements are the capillary channel fibers. Capillary channel fibers suitable for use herein are described in European Patent Publication No. 391,814, published on October 10, 1990, this published application was filed in the name of Eastman Kodak Company; the request for continuation in part of the United States of America entitled "Fibers capable of spontaneously transporting fluids", serial No. 07 / 736,267, published as PCT WO 93/02235 on February 4, 1993 filed in the name of Phillips, and others on July 23, 1991, U.S. Patent No. 5,200,248 entitled "Open capillary channel structures, improved process for making capillary channel structures, and extrusion die for use therein" issued on behalf of of Thompson, and others on April 6, 1993; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 918,174 entitled "Spinning holes and filament cross sections with stabilizing legs therefrom", submitted to Phillips, et al. on July 23, 1992. Suitable capillary channel fibers are also described in the following patent applications which were filed on July 23, 1991: U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 734,404 filed in the name of Thompson, et al .; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 734,392 filed in the name of Thompson, et al .; and U.S. patent application Serial No. 07 / 734,405 filed in the name of Buenger, et al. These patent applications can be collectively referred to as the "Capillary Fiber" patent applications. Disclosure of all patent applications and prior patent publications are incorporated herein by reference. The fibers used herein can be prepared from any suitable polymer which is not inflatable when wet. Polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, (preferred) polyesters, and the like, are useful herein, as long as they are capable of spinning such that they can be formed with external capillary channels, as noted hereinabove. Rayon and / or dacron fibers are also suitable for use as capillary channel fibers here. Conveniently, the polymers are capable of extruding under melting. Typically, the capillary channel fibers here will be prepared from a synthetic polyethylene terephthalate polymer melt having an inherent viscosity ("IV") of from about 0.6 to about 0.9 (IV is a term in the art and can be determined from well known manner See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,829,761 in column 8.) The IV of a polymer melt bears some relation of its ability of the polymer to retain the shape of the capillary channel walls, and is related to the average molecular weight of the polymers. For example, it is convenient to employ a polyester having an inherent viscosity of about 0.7 here, but it would be more preferred to employ a polymer having an inherent viscosity of about 0.9, since this would allow the walls of the capillary channels to be thinner, strong enough to avoid collapse under the pressure of use. The preferred capillary channel fibers here have a denier (denier per filament "dpf) of about 10, and capillary channel fibers having such fine denier, but whose walls are stable, can be achieved especially from polyesters having a inherent viscosity of about 0.9. However, in commercial practice using such polymers with elevated IV may require special processing equipment.As a very acceptable compromise, and in order to achieve the capillary channel walls without collapse during use, the polyester / polymer having an inherent viscosity of about 0.7 can be employed at a denier per filament of about 22. However, it is to be understood that the The denier of the fibers used is within the discretion of the formulator, and the denier per channel can easily be on the scale of 25. The depth: width ratio of the capillary channels here is preferably about 2.0, but the restrictions of processing, as noted above, as well as for economic reasons, a depth: width ratio of approximately 1.3 is typically employed. Typical and easily producible capillary channel fibers which are very satisfactory to be used here have thus a wall depth of about 48 microns and a width between walls of about 37 microns. The walls, by themselves, are typically about 3 to 15 microns thick. Although variations in these dimensions are acceptable, capillary channel fibers prepared from polyester and having these characteristics are very effective for their intended purpose.

These fibers can be prepared using conventional operation equipment and easily withstand pressures of the type found in sanitary devices, especially sanitary and panty-protective pads, without crushing or without extension of the capillary channel walls to such a limit that their capillary function is lost. The capillary channels can be of several forms. Certain forms may offer particular advantages in particular applications of the product. For example, capillary channels "U-shaped", "H-shaped", and "V-shaped" can be used. "H-shaped" fibers are a preferred form. In addition, the basic shapes can be repeated (see Figures), or even branched, to produce fibers containing multiple channels, but it should be appreciated that when more than about three repetitive forms are used, some additional stiffness in the fibers can be noted. Other types of fiber designs configured to have multiple lobes (at least 3 or more) can be made of rayon. The use of rayon hair fibers has the additional advantage of being biodegradable. Although the polymers used to prepare the capillary channel fibers here are not, by themselves, water absorbers (nor are they absorbent to the urine or to the fluid containing blood such as menstruation), the fibers themselves are very preferably hydrophilic. Since most synthetic polymers are hydrophobic, the capillary channel fibers here are surface treated in order to make them hydrophilic. The surface treatment of polymer fibers involves the process that is well known in the extensive literature of fiber, and these processes can be used here. In general, these processes involve the treatment of the surface of the fibers with a "hydrophilizing agent", especially a surfactant. (Hydrophilization, which results in the wetting ability of the fibers by the aqueous fluid, can be routinely measured, for example, using contact angle measurements.In general, a contact angle of less than 90 ° indicates a surface Hydrophilic A CAHN surface strength analyzer (SFA 222) can be used to measure hydrophilic capacity, as can a variety of other instruments known in the art. Typical surfactants useful in these processes include various nonionic surfactants and anionic detergent of the general type known in laundry literature. Hydrophilizing agents include wetting agents such as polyethylene glycol monolaurates (e.g., PEGOSPERSE 200 ML, a polyethylene glycol monolaurate 200 available from Lonza, Inc., Williamsport, Pa., USA), and ethoxylated oleyl alcohol (s) example, VOLPO-3), available from Croda, Inc., New York, NY, USA). Other types of hydrophilizing agents and techniques can also be used, including those well known to those skilled in fiber and textile techniques to increase the performance of capillary action or wicking effect, improved spot release properties, etc. . The hydrophilizing agents may be added to the polymer in several stages before use, but preferably before stretching the capillary channel fibers to their final size. For example, the hydrophilizing agent can be added in advance to the polymer before melting or mixing in the post-melting polymer. The additive hydrophilizing agent can also be applied to the post-formation polymer, for example, after exiting an extrusion die in a wet melting or dry spinning process, preferably before stretching the fiber to a smaller diameter . Of course, because the articles here are intended to be in contact with the sensitive regions of the human body, it is preferred that the previously used surfactants hydrophilize the surfaces of the capillary channel fibers so that they are non-toxic and non-irritating to the human skin. Various surfactant treatments are described for hydrophilizing the capillary channel fibers in the examples hereinafter. Another method for hydrophilizing fibrous surfaces involves subjecting said surfaces to ionization radiation, for example, in a plasma, and these methods have the advantage that there is no residue of surfactant on the surface of the fibers. Any means, the general object is to ensure the fibers of capillary channel to be used here which are capable of spontaneously wetting by the fluids that are intended to transport.

Capillary fiber fiber morphology The capillary channel fibers here have, as noted above and in the Figures, capillary channels on their outer surfaces. Although the capillary channel fibers may also have a hollow central core which would provide some additional capillarity, it is preferred that such hollow core fibers are not employed. In general, providing the capillary channel fibers with a hollow central core would require that the fibers be a little stiffer than desired so that the core does not crush under pressure. The central core that runs through the capillary channel fiber would not be expected to quickly capture the fluids, since fluids would have to find their way at the end of a fiber before proceeding into the core itself. Moreover, the hollow core capillary channel fiber would not release its fluid charge to the reservoir absorbent core without having proper contact between the ends of the hollow core fiber and the reservoir core material. To summarize: capillary channel fibers that have external capillary channels offer substantial benefits in both of the fluid uptake and transfer, and the condition of a hollow core adds little in the way of operating advantages, but can negatively impact the comfort level of an article made with it that is in contact with the human body. Moreover, the capillary channel fibers employed are not preferably in a straight line configuration; instead, these are either bent, more preferably they are in a curled configuration. It is easy to appreciate that capillary channel fibers that are non-linear have, for a given number of fibers, a higher height and increased resilience. Increased the height of the individual fibers, the height of the general pads made from them is thicker and softer, this allows the formation of high-density, low-density pads, assuming that the individual fibers themselves are not too thick or rigid (see denier, above), are extremely comfortable, yet effective to transport fluids. However, the preferred non-linear capillary channel fibers here should not be "kinked". As will also be readily appreciated, curling a capillary channel fiber can cause shrinkage points of the capillary channels at each kinking site. This, of course, would interfere with the dynamics of fluid flow along the capillary channel. In addition to the above, there is another substantial advantage to employing non-linear capillary channel fibers. It is highly preferred that small portions, or "ridges", of the capillary channel fibers currently protrude into at least some of the holes in the top sheet of the present article. As can be imagined, these protrusions are easier to effect when preparing the high-height capillary channel pad using crimped capillary channel fibers. Even by chance, there is a greater likelihood that a number of ends and / or curls of the capillary channel fibers will find their way to the holes in the material of the topsheet than if the substantially linear capillary channels were to be employed. In a preferred mode, the capillary channel fibers here are "substantially crimped" (or otherwise assembled). As is known in the fiber art, fiber curling can be achieved by heat-selectively tempering the fibers as they arrive from their forming die by heating one side of the fibers slightly more than the other side (or, inversely cooling one side more quickly than the other). Alternatively, fibers made of synthetic polymers such as polyesters can be crimped, by stretching, followed by relaxation, or by passing the fiber under tension around a sharp edge, followed by relaxation. The capillary channel fibers can also be crimped by immersion in methanol. In a preferred mode, the fibers are substantially helical. Any means that is used to bend or otherwise curl the capillary channel fibers, these can, if desired, then be carded to form a fiber assembly.

TEST METHODS Water Dispersion Test Magnetic Stirring Device, type Thermolyne Model S7225 or 7200 (no substitutions). Permanently inscribe a 8.9 cm circle on the top surface of the agitator. The center of the circle must be coincident with the geometrical center of the agitator. Agitation bar coated with 6.2 cm TEFLON with spin ring. Permanently mark one end of the bar with black ink for a distance of 1.2 cm back from the tip. Thermometer 30 to 120 ° F with divisions of one degree. Stopwatch Digital Strobe Strobe, variable speed Stroboscope, model 964 available from Strobette, Power Instrument, Inc from Skokie, IL is suitable. Weighted glass of 2000 ml of the brand Kimax with peak (no substitution), inscribe a filling mark at a height of 14.3 cm from the flat bottom of the weeping vessel. Do not use any pointed glass that does not have a flat bottom. Room Condition The temperature and humidity must be controlled to remain within the following limits: Temperature: 73 + 3 ° F (23 ° C + 2 ° C) Humidity: Relative Humidity of 50 + 2% Equipment layout 1. Fill the weeping glass to the filling mark with common water at 73 + 3 ° F. 2. Place the beaker on the magnetic stirrer centering it on the inscribed circle. 3. Add the stirring rod to the beaker. 4. Turn on the stroboscope and set the speed to 1000 revolutions per minute according to the manufacturer's directions. 5. Turn on the magnetic stirrer with the on / off switch. Adjust the speed of the magnetic stirrer until the stir bar appears to be fixed and both ends appear to be black. This indicates that the magnetic stirrer is rotating at 500 revolutions per minute (that is, the half set in the strobe). Turn off the magnetic stirrer with the on / off switch.

Procedure 1. Maintain a sample (eg, an absorbent interlabial device) of 7.6 to 10.2 cm above the surface of the water. Gently drip the sample over the water surface, turning on the timer when the sample touches the surface of the water. 2. Wait 5 seconds. 3. Turn on the magnetic stirrer with the on / off switch. If the sample interrupts the rotation of the stirring bar, stop the agitator, reorient the bar, and immediately turn on the agitator again. 4. Record the time required until the sample separates into at least two pieces. The separation does not include the disassociation of a few individual fibers from an otherwise intact sample. Time is the total time of the sample that is submerged in the water, including the time the agitator has been stopped to reorient the sample. 5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 with three additional samples.

Calculation and report Calculate and report the mean and standard deviation of the dispersion capacity in water for the 4 samples tested.

DISCHARGE CAPACITY Summary As distinguished above, the terms "downloadable or discharge capacity" refers to the ability of the product to pass through typical, commercially available household toilets and sanitary system drainage system without causing obstruction or similar problems. may be directly associated with the physical characteristics of the product. For the purpose of the appended claims, the catamenial products are evaluated for their discharge capacity through the relative facility of the toilet rate and the evacuation of the siphon and subsequent transport through a simulated sanitary system. The discharge capacity of such a device must be measured by the following test procedure. The test procedure is designed to simulate two days of normal toilet use for a family of four (two men, two women). The test used a discharge sequence that simulates the following conditions: male urination visits, female urination visits (including post-urinal drying with paper), disposal of catamenial products (ie, the nterlabial device or other device that goes to be tested) with toilet paper and bowel evacuation visits. The amount of paper to be used for each paper discharge is a normal discharge of 2 strips of 7 sheets. Normal loading is based on consumer research regarding typical habits and practices. The test was designed to simulate the conditions of a product that will be found if it is discharged through a conventional toilet and into a municipal sewer or septic tank. The samples were evaluated for: 1) clear of the toilet and stump rate, 2) blockage of the drainage line, and 3) disintegration during discharge.

Apparatus A suitable apparatus for the discharge capacity test is shown in the plan view in Figure 12. The apparatus includes: • A 13.2-liter, water-saving whirlpool siphon, referred to as 210 (additional toilets may also be attached to the pipe arrangement shown in Figure 12, to evaluate the behavior of the test samples using different control mechanisms) discharge such as pressure toilets, commercial). • approximately 18 meters of 10 cm acrylic pipe (as seen in Figure 12, the pipe is generally assembled in a square configuration, which has linear runs 211, 212, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221 approximately ( 3 meters) long • a cast iron T 223 slightly downstream of the toilet 210 that is open to the atmosphere for ventilation • 5 elbow tubes of 90 degrees cast iron 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220; stump 222 placed vertically (Figure 13) approximately 4.57 meters from the terminal end of the pipeline and approximately 2.5 cm long, and • A grate (Tyler No. 4 sieve) to capture the solid effluent for the evaluation of the disintegration The apparatus used for this method is set to be equivalent to A112.19.2M-1990 ANSI Standard for Chinese ceramic fittings.The pipe is installed to provide a drop of 2 cm per meter of length e Tubing Materials Product Paper used in the Test: CHARMIN® standard toilet paper manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Synthetic Fecal Material: Prepared to the method according to the method described below Test download sequence The test download sequence simulates 2 days of normal toilet use for a family of 4 (2 men, 2 women, based on the habits and practice of the consumer investigated). The sequence of 34 total downloads consists of 14 downloads with an empty rate, 8 downloads with paper only 6 downloads with paper and one catamenial product and 6 downloads with paper and simulated faecal matter (SFM). When this is used, the SFM is placed at the rate just before the addition of the paper, the SFM load of 160 degrees + 5 grams consists of 2 pieces of 2.5 cm x 10 cm and a piece of 2.5 cm x 5 cm. The folded paper strips (or the catamenial product) are placed at the rate at 10-second intervals. 10 seconds later the strip or final pad is placed on the rate, the toilet is discharged. The download sequence is described below as a series of two routines combined in the following order: Routine No.1 (A was performed 6 times for a total of 30 downloads) 1) Paper discharge only - Capture reading of drainage line taken 2 minutes after the water reaches the simulated obstruction, wait a minute additional, and move to step 2. 2) Download with the empty rate. Take a blocking reading of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point and move to step 3. 3) Discharge with paper and catamenial product. Take a drain line lock reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point, wait an additional 1 minute and move to step 4. 4) Empty discharge rate. Take a drain line blocking reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point and move to step 5. 5) Discharge with paper and simulated fecal matter (SFM). Take a reading of the blockage of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point, wait an additional minute.

Routine No. 2 (To be performed once) 1) Paper discharge only: Take a reading of the blockage of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point, wait an additional minute, and move to step 2. 2) Download with the empty rate. Take a reading of the blockage of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point and move to step 3. 3) Download with paper only. Take a reading of the blockage of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the stump point, wait an additional minute, and move to step 4. 4) Download with the empty rate. Take a reading of the blockage of the drain line 2 minutes after the water reaches the point of the stump. The total number of discharges per sequence is 34. If, at any point in the discharge sequence, the product remains in the cap or siphon after discharge, the paper and / or the catamenial product thrown into the drain line manually and the download sequence will continue.

After completing each test load, the drain pipe will be cleared before beginning the subsequent test. The above-described download sequence is repeated three times for each test product.

Data Report The degree of blockage of the drain line is determined by measuring the length of standing water completely behind the obstruction. Graduations are marked every 30 cm on the drain pipe upstream of the extrusion. Each standing length that the water recedes corresponds to 6.6 cm or 6.25 cm of the blockade at the point of extrusion. The residues of the test product that exist in the drain pipe are also collected. The following data is recorded for each evaluation: 1) Incidence of failure (%) of the catamenial product to clear the siphon and the rate in a discharge. 2) Incidence of failure (%) of the catamenial product to clear the siphon and the rate in two discharges. 3) Incidence of the product on the simulated stump. 4) Maximum level (%) of the blockage of the drain line 5) Accumulated level (%) of the blockage of the drain line during the simulated test period of two days.

Preferably, the products described herein will completely clear the bowl at least 70% of the time of two fewer discharges, more preferably at least 80% of the time of one discharge, and most preferably at least about 90% of the time in one discharge, and most preferably at least about 95% of the time in a discharge. The products described herein will preferably have a maximum block level of the drain line of less than or equal to about 80%. The products described herein will preferably have an accumulated level of blockage of the drain line during the similar test period of two days less than or equal to about 70%.

Preparation of Synthetic Fecal Material I. Materials Needed: • Synthetic faecal material Felcone (900 grams); . (Available from Silicone Studio, Valle Forge, PA as a dry concentrate BFPS-7) • Running water at 100 ° C (6066 grams) II. Equipment Needed: _ • Mixer (Available from Hobart Corp., Troy, OH, as model A200) • Extruder (Available from Hobart Corp., Troy, OH as Model 4812) • Disposable centrifugal tubes with screw caps (50 ml) (Available WVR Scientific, Chicago, IR, Catalog No. 21-008-176) • Water bath to control the temperature at 37 ° C. III. Preparation: 1. Drain the water at 100 ° C in the mixing bowl of the mixer and add the dry concentrate of Feclone. 2. Mix at low speed for one minute. 3. Mix at medium speed for two minutes. 4. After the material has mixed well, transfer it to the extruder. 5. Use an ice pick, puncturing a small hole in the tip of each spin tube. 6. Extrude the Feclone in the centrifuge tubes. 7. Cover the centrifuged tubes and store in the refrigerator. 8. Before use, place the tubes in the water bath at 38 ° C.

This concludes the test. The disclosure of all patents, patent applications (and any of the patents issued thereon, as well as any of the corresponding published foreign patent applications), and the publications mentioned throughout this description are hereby incorporated by reference here. However, it is not expressly admitted that any of the documents incorporated by reference herein, teach or disclose the present invention. Although the particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. An absorbent device to be placed at least partially within the interlabial space of a female user, characterized in that: a main absorbent portion has an upper portion and a lower portion thereof, the upper portion having an upper surface facing the vestibule surface of the wearer during insertion into the interlabial space and leading the lower portion during insertion therein, the lower portion being opposite the upper portion and upon insertion of the absorbent device into the interlabial space, the lower portion away from the surface of the user's lobby; preferably a pair of extensions attached to the upper portion of the main absorbent portion, extending the pair of extensions downward and outwardly thereof and being able to maintain contact with the internal surfaces of the wearer's lips when the device is worn absorbent; and a fluid acquisition / transfer complex connected to, positioned around and extending outwardly from the upper portion of the main absorbent portion, the fluid acquisition / transfer complex configured to be in intimate contact with the folds and folds of the space interlabial of the female user in such a way that the fluid acquisition / transfer complex acquires and transports the fluid from the folds and folds of the interlabial space to the main absorbent portion.

The absorbent device according to claim 1, wherein said fluid acquisition / transfer complex comprises hydrophilic fibers which preferably extend from the upper portion of the main absorbent portion towards the folds and folds of the female user at a distance that it varies from approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 5 mm.

3. The absorbent device according to claim 2, wherein said hydrophilic fibers comprise fibers selected from the group consisting of capillary channel fibers, rayon fibers with three lobes, rayon fibers with multiple lobes, synthetic fibers of two components and combinations of the same, and materials selected from the group consisting of rayon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and combinations thereof. The absorbent device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least a portion of the fibers are affixed to the upper surface of the upper portion and preferably wherein a plurality of fibers extend through the main absorbent portion toward another point out of the upper portion. The absorbent device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent device at least partially covers the urethra and orifice of the vagina of the user upon the placement of the device. The absorbent device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main absorbent portion comprises a length ranging from about 35 mm to about 120 mm, and preferably ranging from about 40 mm to about 100 mm. The absorbent device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main absorbent portion comprises a gauge ranging from about 2 mm to about 12 mm, and preferably ranging from about 3 mm to about 6 mm, and most preferably The gauge of the main absorbent portion is approximately 4.5 mm. The absorbent device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent device further comprises a liquid permeable top sheet positioned over at least the upper portion of the absorbent main portion, and / or preferably comprises a rear sheet impervious to the liquid. liquid attached to at least the lower portion of the main absorbent portion. The absorbent device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the time required for the interlabial absorbent device to disperse into at least two fragments as measured by the Water Dispersion Test is less than about 2 hours, and preferably less than about 30 minutes, and wherein the interlabial device is sufficiently dischargeable such that it completely dislodges the cup under the Discharge Capacity Test at least about 70%, and preferably about 90%, of the time in two or fewer discharges. The absorbent device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pair of extensions are capable of covering the tips of the wearer's fingers as the absorbent device is inserted into the wearer's interlabial space, and preferably the extensions. they are also capable of covering the tips of the wearer's fingers as the absorbent device is removed from the interlabial space of the wearer by holding the lower portion of the main absorbent portion of the absorbent device.