MXPA00010719A - Absorbent interlabial device having an integrally formed tab - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to absorbent devices such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, interlabial devices, and incontinence devices. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an improved absorbent device that is insertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer for catamenial purposes (including menses and mid-cycle discharges), incontinence protection (including urine), or both. The absorbent interlabial device has at least one body-contacting surface and a backsheet having an integral protrusion formed therein of sufficient dimensions to aid in insertion into the interlabial space. An apparatus for forming the integral protrusion in the backsheet is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a female forming member having an opening therein, and a compression member having an opening therethrough in operative aligned relationship with the opening of the female forming member. A male forming member having a male forming protrusion operatively disposed in aligned relationship with the openings of the female forming member and compression member, and moveable therethrough can be urged through the openings. A method of making an integral protrusion in a backsheet is disclosed. The backsheet is compressed between the female forming member and the compression member. The backsheet has an uncompressed region coincident the aligned openings of the female forming member and the compression member. A male forming protrusion is urged through the aligned openings, thereby contacting and straining the backsheet material coincident said first and second openings to form a strain induced plastically deformed protrusion in the backsheet.

Description

INTERLABIAL ABSORBENT DEVICE THAT HAS AN INTEGRALLY FORMED FIELD OF INV E N CION This invention relates to absorbent articles or devices. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an improved absorbent device that is worn between the lips by women for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION All forms and varieties of absorbent articles configured for the absorption of body fluids such as menstruation, urine and feces are well known. With respect to feminine protection devices, the technique has offered two basic types; sanitary napkins that have been developed for external use around the pudendal region, while tampons have been developed for internal use within the vaginal cavity for the interruption of the menstrual flow thereof. Said buffering devices are described in the patent of E. U. A. 4,412,833 entitled "Tampon Applicator" (Buffer Applicator), issued to Weigner, and others, the 1st. November 1983, and US Patent 4,413,986, entitled "Tampon Assembly With Means For Sterile Insertion" issued to Jacobs on November 8, 1983. The hybrid devices that attempt to emerge from The structural characteristics of sanitary napkins and tampons in a single device have also been proposed. Said hybrid devices are described in US Patent 2,092,346 entitled "Catamenial Pad" (Catamenial Pad) issued to Arone on September 7, 1937, and US Patent 3,905,372, entitled "Femenine Hygiene Protective Shield" (Protection of Female Hygiene). , issued to Denkinger on September 16, 1975. Other hybrid devices with less attack are known as sanitary or lip towels between lips and are characterized by having a portion that at least partially resides within the user's vestibule and a portion that at least partially it resides outside the user's lobby. Said devices are described in U.S. Patent 2,662,527 entitled "Sanitary Pad", issued to Jacks on December 15, 1953 and U.S. Patent No. 4,631,062, entitled "Labial Sanitary Pad" (Sanitary Pad for Lips). ) issued to Lassen et al. on December 23, 1986. The pads between the lips have the potential to provide even greater freedom from inconvenience, due to their small size and reduced risk of leakage. Numerous attempts have been made in the past to produce absorbent devices that 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 such devices are described in US Patent 2,917,049 issued to Delanei in December 15, 1959, US Patent 3,420,235 issued to Harmon on January 7, 1969, US Patent 4,595,392 issued to Johnson et al. On June 17, 1986 and US Patent 5,484,429 issued to Vukos et al. On January 16, 1996. A commercially available lip device is the INSYNC MINIFORM Lip Pad, which is sold by Portland A-Fem, OR and is described in US Patents 3,983,873 and 4,175,561 issued to Hirschman on October 5, 1976 and November 27, 1979, respectively. Many of these devices have not been considered a great commercial success, however. There are disadvantages associated with all these previous products. For example, the device described in the Delaney patent does not appear to be capable of easy and comfortable insertion, due to the possibility of layers of absorbent material opening during insertion. The commercially available IN-SYNC lip device suffers from the disadvantage that it tends to allow the flow to pass around its edges. This flow can cause the body machado or the staining of the pants that many consumers find unacceptable. further, the devices between the lips previously known as the pad between the INSYNC lips can not reliably cover the urethra and / or the vaginal introitus during all movements of the body (for example, when the user squats). These products can not be reliably ejected when the user urinates. Furthermore, said pad between the lips may not have sufficient absorbent capacity to be used during the menstrual period of the wearer, and / or may fall from the space between the lips when fully loaded. In order to manage the menstrual flow of the user, a user can use the pad between the lips in combination with the sanitary napkin.

Another factor that affects commercial success is the ease of use, including the insertion and removal of the device. Typically, the user holds the device with the fingers and inserts it into place. The user may also need to hold the device for removal, particularly if it is not expelled during urination. Either for insertion or removal, it is desirable that the user does not touch the portion facing the body of the device. In this way, to facilitate the insertion and / or removal, a fastening tab or other fastening surface is very beneficial. However, the provision of said tabs or surfaces is added to the number of separate elements of the article, thus increasing the manufacturing complexity and finally the cost of the device. Therefore, there is a need for an improved device between the lips that facilitates the insertion and / or removal of the device. Said device should also be easy to insert and / or remove, and should be comfortable during use. There is a need for a device between the lips that also covers the walls of the user's lips through a scale of body movements and reliably covers the vaginal introitus and preferably also the urethra during such movements. There is also a need for an improved device between the lips, which has sufficient capacity to serve as an independent protection function during the heavy flow days of a user's menstrual period. There is also a need for an improved device between the absorbent lips that is economical to produce in commercial quantities. There is also a need for an improved absorbent device between the lips, which can be used as part of a feminine hygiene protection system or with a feminine hygiene equipment.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent devices such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, devices between the lips, and incontinence devices. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an improved absorbent article that can be inserted into the space between a woman's lips for catamenial purposes (including menstruation and middle cycle discharges) incontinence protection (including urine), or both . The absorbent device between the lips has at least one contact surface with the body and a backing sheet having an integral projection formed therein of sufficient dimensions to assist insertion into the space between the lips.

An apparatus for forming the integral projection on the backing sheet is described. The apparatus comprises a female forming member having an opening therein, and a compression member having an opening therethrough in an operative aligned relationship with the opening of the female forming member. A male forming member having a male forming protrusion operatively disposed in an aligned relationship with the openings of the female forming member and the compression member, and which can move therethrough and can be pushed through the openings. A method for making the integral projection on a backing sheet is described. The backing sheet is compressed between the female forming member and the compression member. The backsheet has an uncompressed region coincident with the aligned openings of the female forming member and the compression member. A male forming projection is pushed through the aligned openings thereby contacting and tensioning the material of the backing sheet coincident with the first and second openings to form a plastically-induced deformed projection on the backing sheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the specification concludes with the specifications pointing particularly and claiming indiscriminately the subject matter that is considered as being part of the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the absorbent device between the lips according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent device between the lips shown in Figure 1, taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side view of the absorbent device between the lips shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows the absorbent device between the lips shown in Figure 1 folded along the preferred flexion axis and being held for insertion by the user's fingers. Figure 5 is a sagittal cross-sectional view of a female human user showing the placement of the absorbent device between the lips in the space between the user's lips. Figure 6 is a prior art sanitary napkin, which can be used in a method for using a feminine hygiene product system or as part of a feminine protection equipment with the absorbent device between the lips of the present invention. Figure 7 is a typical tampon of the prior art, which can be used in a method for using a feminine hygiene product system or as part of an additional feminine protection equipment with the absorbent device between the lips of the present invention . Figure 8 is a front view of an individual package for the device between the lips in an unopened condition. Figure 9 is a front view of the individual package in an open condition with the folded interior of the device between the lips. Figure 10 is a plan view of an apparatus suitable for detergent determination according to the method described in the test methods section, below. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the washing capacity apparatus of Figure 10 taken along the lili line thereof. Figure 12 is a schematic perspective partial cross sectional representation of an apparatus for forming the integral tongue in a device between the lips of the present invention. Figure 13 is a cross section of the forming member of Figure 12, taken along line 13-13 thereof. Figure 14 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for continuous formation of the integral tongue in a device between the lips of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to absorbent articles or devices. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an absorbent device between the lips. The absorbent device between the lips has at least one contact surface with the body, which can comprise a substance that makes contact with the body of the user to assist the device between the lips to remain in place in the desired position between the lips. lips. Figures 1 and 3 show an embodiment of an absorbent device between the lips, device between the lips 20. The present invention, however, is not limited to a structure having the particular configuration shown in the drawings. As used herein, the term "absorbent device between the lips" refers to a structure having at least some absorbent components, in which specifically it is configured to reside at least partially within the space between the lips of a female user during use. Preferably, when the absorbent device between the lips 20 is appropriately sized for an individual user, more than half of the entire absorbent device between the lips 20 of the present invention resides within said space between the lips. Most preferably, substantially all of the device between the absorbent lips 20 resides within said interlabial space, and most preferably the entire device between the absorbent lips 20 resides within said interlabial space of the woman during use. As used herein, the term "interlabial space" refers to the space of the pudendal region of the female anatomy, which is located between the inner surfaces of the labia majora extending into the vestibule. Located within this nterlabial space are the labia minora, the vestibule, and the main urogenital limbs including the clitoris, the hole of the urethra, and the orifice of the vagina. Standard medical authorities teach that the vestibule refers to the space joined laterally by the inner surfaces of the labia minora and extending inward toward the floor between the clitoris and the vaginal orifice. 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 "lip" as used herein refers to both the labia majora and the labia minora. The lips end anteriorly and posteriorly at the anterior commissure and posterior commissure, respectively. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that there is a wide variety of variation among women with respect to the relative size and shape of the labia majora and labia minora. For the purposes of the present description, however, such differences do not need to be specifically addressed. It will be recognized that the provision of the absorbent device between the lips 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. of the particular user. For a more detailed description of this portion of the female anatomy, attention should be directed to Gray's Anatomy, Running Press 1901 Ed. (1974) at 1025-1027. The absorbent device between the lips 20 shown in Figure 1 has a longitudinal centerline L, which runs along the "x" axis. The term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the interlabial device 20 that is generally aligned with (eg, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a user standing in halves left and body right when the interlabial device 20 is used. The terms "transverse," "lateral," or "direction and" as used herein, 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 absorbent device between the lips 20 shown in Figure 1 also has a transverse center line T. The "z" direction, shown in Figure 2, is a direction parallel to the vertical plane described above. The term "upper" refers to an orientation in the z-direction toward the user's head, "lower" or downward toward the user's feet. The interlabial device 20 shown in Figures 1-3 is a preferred configuration. The interlabial device 20 has a body-facing side (or a "body contact" side) 20A and a bottom part 20B. the interlabial device comprises a pad-like main body portion (or "central absorbent portion") 22 and a positioning and removal tab 52, which is a projection integrally formed on backing sheet 38, to provide the entire interlabial device which may have a transverse configuration with a T shape). As used herein, the term "integrally formed" with respect to the tongue 52 means formed as a piece with, ie, without the view of separate elements or materials. Also, as used herein with respect to tab 52, the term "integral with" means unitary, that is, a piece with backing sheet 38 as described in detail herein. In this way, when formed by the method of the present invention, the tab 52 is formed by reforming or deforming a portion of the backing sheet 38, to form a projection such that the tongue and at least a portion The backing sheet are of the same material. Stated another way, the term "integral with", with reference to the tab 52, does not encompass separate joining elements, such as a discrete tab attached to the backing sheet through fusion, adhesion or other attachment means. The main body portion 22 can be in any suitable configuration. Non-limiting examples of shapes for the main body portion 22 when viewed from the top in Figure 1 include ovoid, rectangular, triangular, diamond-shaped, or any combination of the foregoing. As shown in Figure 1, the preferred plan view shape for the main body portion 22 and the total interlabial absorbent device 20 is generally ovoid or elliptical. The plan view shape of the main body portion 22 tapers from the transverse centerline T to its front and rear ends. The main body portion 22 in this embodiment is relatively planar in its side profile, but may taper slightly from the front to the rear as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 1-2, the device interlabial preferably comprises a liquid-permeable upper sheet 42, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 38 attached to the upper joined sheet 42 and an absorbent core 44 positioned between the topsheet 42 and the backsheet 38. the interlabial device 20 is preferably of a size and shape that allows at least most of the device 20 to fit comfortably within the interlabial space of the user and cover the vaginal orifice of the user, and preferably also the urethra of the user. The interlabial device 20 at least partially blocks, and most preferably completely blocks and intercepts the flow of menstruation, urine and other body exudates from the vaginal orifice and urethra the user. As shown in Figures 2-3, the interlabial device comprises a tongue 42 integrally formed as a protrusion of a portion of the back sheet 38. The tongue 52 can be integrally formed with the entire back sheet as shown in section In FIG. 2, however, in the case where the backing sheet itself can be formed of two or more materials, it is only necessary for the present invention that the tab 52 be formed integrally with the portion of the sheet. of backup 38 in the region formed in a projection by the method of the present invention. In this way, for example, it may be beneficial to have the portion of the backsheet 38 in the seam 60 as a material other than the tab 52 to provide a benefit of softness to the wearer. The presence of said material could not change the essential feature that the tongue 52 is integral with the remaining portion of the backing sheet. The tongue 52 can be formed by forming, for example, the injection or blow molding of a polymer film, reforming, for example, by heating and forming a backing sheet of thermoplastic film around a positive or negative mold surface.; or by deforming, for example, stress-induced plastic deformation. In a preferred method and apparatus, the backsheet 38 is plastically deformed generally parallel to the axis Z to form a permanent tab or projection 52. In a preferred embodiment, the tab 52 is generally centrally disposed with respect to both the x and x axes. Y. When centrally disposed, the tab 52 may be symmetrical about the center lines both L and T, which is the currently preferred configuration. The tab 52 has sufficient dimensions to assist insertion into the interlabial space of the user. By "sufficient dimensions" is meant that the tongue 52 can be held between the index finger and the user's thumb while maintaining control of the device during insertion into the interlabial space. For example, a tongue 52 has a length L2 sufficient to form a clamping surface for the user's fingers. In one embodiment, the length L2 is at least equal to the distance T1 as shown in Figure 2 and discussed below. The length L2 may be at least about 10 mm, and most preferably it is at least about 15 mm. The maximum length L2 is limited only by the stress-strain properties of the backsheet material, but it is believed that at distances greater than about 40 mm, the tab 52 interferes with the proper use of the device, as well as the comfort of the device. user. The dimension of the tab 52 according to measurement parallel to the longitudinal axis L can also be at least about 5 mm, and most preferably at least about 15 mm and less than about 30 mm. In one embodiment, the maximum dimension parallel to the longitudinal axis L is 25 mm and the length L2 is 15 mm, with the overall shape of the keel being generally semicircular, as shown in Figure 3. The total dimension of the width of the keel, ie the dimension generally parallel to the transverse axis T can be as little as twice the thickness of the material of the backing sheet, but preferably at least about 1 mm and most preferably about 2 mm. The tongue 52 can also be profiled so as to have a gauge thickness or differential from the near portion to the distal portion. In other words, the thickness can vary from thicker at the near end to thinner at the far end, or vice versa. The tongue 52 comprises two side wall portions 52A and 52B, which generally can be parallel for most of their length, as shown in Figure 2. The two side walls are joined at the lowermost portion of the tongue 52 and define an interior portion 54. The interior portion may be substantially empty, that is, it may contain only air or the side wall portions may substantially be in contact with each other. In a preferred embodiment, the inner portion 54 comprises the absorbent material, and may contain some material displaced from the absorbent core 44 during the tongue forming process. The absorbent material in the inner portion 54 increases the absorptive capacity of the absorbent device, as well as helps to keep the absorbed fluids away from the user's body surface. In one embodiment, the inner portion comprises absorbent genes or foams that expand when wetted, thereby further increasing the absorbent capacity of the device. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tab 52 is preferably formed in shapes having round contours, such as having a generally semicircular or parabolic shape. Although it is recognized that shapes that have acute angles, such as rectangles, can be formed, as shown in Figure 5, for the purposes of allowing commercial production, rounded contours are currently preferred. In this way, when formed by the method of the present invention, tabs 52 having generally rounded contours can be reliably formed at relatively high speeds in line with existing production equipment, which reduces production costs and ultimately reduces the cost to the consumer. Therefore, unlike the tabs that are added as a separate member and attached to the backing sheet, the tab 52 of the present invention adds no material cost to the device, and eliminates the additional processing complexity of joining. parts, with the accompanying cost, quality and reliability emissions. The size of the interlabial device 20 is important for its comfort and effectiveness. The length of the nterlabial absorbent device 20 is measured along the longitudinal center line L in the longitudinal direction (or "x" direction) the interlabial absorbent device 20 preferably has a length L1t which is greater than about 60 mm and smaller that approximately 130 mm. Most preferably, the length L is between about 75 mm and about 105 mm. The width of the interlabial device 20 is measured along the transverse center line T in the transverse direction (or "y" direction). The interlabial absorbent device preferably has a width W, which is between about 25 mm and about 50 mm. The thickness (or gauge) is the dimension of the "z" direction of the device 20. The gauge measurements given herein were measured using an AMES gauge with a load of 1.7 kPa (gauge) and a leg diameter of 2.44 mm. . Those skilled in the art will recognize that if a leg diameter of 2.44 cm is not appropriate for a particular sample size the leg size can be varied although the caliper load is accordingly varied to maintain a confining pressure of 1.7 kPa ( caliber). The caliper T1 of the interlabial absorbent device 20 is preferably smaller than the width Wi and the length L] of the device 20. Preferably, the caliper T of the interlabial device 20 is less than or equal to about 8 mm, most preferably the caliber T- It is less than or equal to about 6 mm and still most preferably the gauge is less than or equal to about 4 mm. The construction of interlabial absorbent device 20 according to the particular size parameters given above results in a product with increased comfort and effectiveness compared to previous interlabial devices. For example, many women find interlabial pads that are shorter than the interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention that are difficult to place properly within the interlabial space. Even if said pads are properly placed, they tend increasingly to allow the flow derived from body exudates around the edges of the pad. In addition, many prior interlabial devices were not equipped with a liquid-impermeable backsheet having an integrally formed tab. These devices, therefore, can allow the body and panty to be stained as a result of contact with the lower surface of the device, and were relatively difficult to insert and / or remove. The interlabial device 20 is preferably provided with sufficient absorbency to absorb and retain discharged exudates from the wearer's body. The capacity of the product, however, depends at least partially on the physical volume of the interlabial absorbent device 20, including any capacity offered by the inner portion 54 of the tab 52. The interlabial absorbent device preferably has a capacity of at least about 1. 0.9% by weight of saline solution, and can have a capacity of up to 30 g using absorbent gels or foams that expand when wet. Preferably, the capacities typically vary from about 2 to about 12 g, for saline. Most preferably, the capacity of the device 20 is greater than or equal to about 6 g for saline. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the ability to absorb body exudates such as menstruation will typically be less than the capabilities given above for saline absorption. A method to measure the absorbent capacity is described in the section on test methods below. Since the interlabial space can expand, larger volumes can be stored in the interlabial space, particularly if the fluid is stored with a gel, which adjusts to body pressures.

Furthermore, if the interlabial absorbent device 20 does not reside completely within the interlabial space of the user, some of the absorbed exudates may be stored externally to the interlabial space of the user. The individual components that may be suitable for the various modalities of the interlabial device 20 of the present invention will now be observed in greater detail with reference to Figures 1-3. The topsheet 42 comprises a first liquid-permeable component. The topsheet 42 should be condescending, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the user's skin. In addition, the topsheet 42 is permeable to liquid allowing liquids (eg, menstruation and / or urine) to easily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet 42 can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such as thermoplastic films formed with apertures, 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 (for example, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (for example, polymer fibers such as polyester, rayon, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers) or a combination of synthetic and natural fibers. A suitable topsheet 42 for use in the present invention is a non-woven material used as a wrap for TAMPAX buffers, which is made of rayon fibers bonded with starch, and is obtained from Veratec of Walpole, MA. A suitable topsheet can have a basis weight of about 18 g / m2. This material is particularly suitable for use as a topsheet 42, since it is a biodegradable material. As used herein, the term "biodegradable materials" refers to materials that have greater than or equal to about 70% biodegradation (percent theoretical carbon dioxide evolution) after 28 days when measured in accordance with Sturm test, which has been designated as the 301B method by Organization for Economic Cooperative and Development, 2 Andre Andre Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedes 16, France. Preferably, the materials comprising the interlabial device of the present invention have a biodegradation greater than about 80% and, most preferably, the biodegradation is greater than or equal to about 90%. Another suitable type of topsheet 42 comprises a film formed with openings. Films formed with openings are permeable to body exudates and, if properly apertured, have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass back through and re-moisten the wearer's skin. In this way, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thus reducing the staining of the body and creating a more comfortable feeling for the user. Suitable shaped films 2 are described in the patent of US Pat. No. 3,929,135 entitled "Absorptive Structures Having Tapered Capillaries" (Absorbing Structures Having Happened Capillaries), which is issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having A Strain Resistant Topsheet" (Disposable Absorbent Article having a High Tension Resistant Sheet), which was issued to Mullane, on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 entitled "Resilient Plástic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties", (Elastic Plastic Band Exhibiting Fiber Type Properties) which was issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; US Patent 4,463,045 entitled "Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy Visible Surface and Cloth-Like Tactile Impression" (Macroscopically Expanded Three-dimensional Plastic Band Exhibiting a Non-Shining Visible Surface and Fabric-Type Touch Printing), which it was issued to Ahr and others, on July 31, 1984; U.S. Patent 4,637,819 entitled "Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Polymeric Web for Transmitting Both Dynamically Deposited and Statically Contacted Fluids From One Surface to the Other" (Expanded Macroscopic Three-dimensional Polymeric Band to Transmit Both Dynamically Deposited and Static Fluids in Contact from One Surface to Another ), which was issued to Ouellette et al., on January 20, 1987; patent of U. A. 4,609,518 and 4,629,643 issued to Curro et al. on September 2, 1986 and December 16, 1986, respectively; U.A. Patent 5,006,394 entitled "Multilayer Polymeric Film" issued to Baird on April 9, 1991; and US Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 442,935 entitled "Fluid Transport Webs Exhibiting Surface Energy Gradient" (Fluid Transport Bands Showing Surface Energy Gradients) filed in the name of Ouellette et al., on May 31, 1995 (PCT Application WO 96/00548, published January 11, 1996). A preferred formed film topsheet for the present invention is the formed film described in one or more of the above patents and sold as sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, such as the top sheet "DRI-WEAVE". In embodiments wherein the topsheet is a film with openings, the body surface of the apertured film topsheet is preferably hydrophilic to assist in transferring liquids through the topsheet 42 faster than if the surface of the sheet is open. body was not hydrophilic. This decreases the likelihood that the body fluids will flow out of the topsheet 42 instead of flowing into and being absorbed by the absorbent core 44. The body surface of the topsheet 42 can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant such as it is described in U.S. Patent 4,950,254 issued to Osborn III. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet. The inner surface of the topsheet 42 can be secured in a contact relationship with an underlying absorbent layer. This contacting relationship results in the liquid penetrating the topsheet 42 more rapidly. The topsheet 42 can be maintained in a contact relationship with an underlying layer by joining the topsheet 42 to the underlying layer. However, it is not absolutely necessary to attach the face of the topsheet 42 to the face of the underlying layer. The topsheet 42 can be maintained in contact with an underlying absorbent component by entangling the fibers of the underlying layer with the topsheet, fusing the topsheet 42 to the underlying absorbent layer through a plurality of discrete individual melt joints, or through of any other means known in the art. The topsheet can also be held in contact with the underlying absorbent material due to the application of the body pressure against the contact surface with the body of the interlabial device. It is not necessary for the topsheet 42 to comprise a layer or material that is separate or distinct from the absorbent core 44. The topsheet 42 and the absorbent core 44 may consist of a unitary structure wherein the contact surface with the absorbent core body 44 will serve as the liquid permeable topsheet 42. In such embodiment, the contact surface with the liquid-permeable body can be hydrophilic or even hydrophobic as long as the fluids readily penetrate through the surface and into the absorbent core 44. In addition, said unitary topsheet 42 and absorbent core 44 may be provided with a gradient of pore size, capillary gradient or hydrophilic capacity gradient, or any combination thereof to assist in the absorption and retention of fluids within the interior of the absorbent core 44. Absorbent core 44, which is best seen in Figure 2, is placed in the between the topsheet 42 and the backsheet 38. The absorbent core 44 provides the means for absorbing exudates such as menstruation and other body fluids. The absorbent core 44 is preferably generally compressible, conformable and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Preferably, the absorbent core 44 has the same general shape as the entire absorbent fabric device 20. The absorbent core 44 may comprise any suitable material that is capable of absorbing and / or retaining liquids (e.g., menstruation and / or urine). The absorbent core 44 can be manufactured from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles such as shredded wood pulp, which is generally referred to as an air filter. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include cotton fibers or cotton fluff, curly cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including co-form; chemically hardened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat; tissue paper including tissue paper wrappers and tissue paper laminates; absorbent sponges; absorbent foams; superabsorbent polymers (in fibrous and particulate form); absorbent gelling materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures thereof. Preferred absorbent materials comprise folded tissue paper, cotton fiber mattress, woven materials, non-woven webs, rayon including needle punched rayon, and thin layers of foam. The absorbent core 44 may comprise a single material or a combination of materials. A preferred material of the absorbent core 44 is a mattress of rayon fibers or a rayon / cotton blend. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the absorbent core 44 is a fiber mattress, comprising a 50% / 50% blend of bleached, packed cotton fibers and packed rayon fibers. A three-lobed rayon known as GALAXY rayon available from Courtaulds Fibers, Inc. Axis Alabama has been found to work well for the material comprising the absorbent core 44.

In other embodiments, the absorbent core 44 may consist of multiple independent layers of the same or different materials (such as layers of absorbent materials with different absorbent properties), which are easily separable so that several layers may be separated for waste. When the tab 52 is formed by the method of the present invention, the absorbent core 44 can have a lower density region 58 (shown in Figure 1), which in some embodiments can be characterized as an opening, generally coincident with the Underlying tongue of area 52. This is, as detailed below, by an aspect of the method of the present invention, the absorbent core 44 can be placed on the backing sheet 38 before a mechanical forming projection is compressed through the absorbent core 44 and towards backsheet 38 to form tab 52. To the extent that the absorbent core itself can be formed or deformed, a certain amount of absorbent core can be displaced, cut or otherwise interrupted in the region of the matching tab 52, thus forming a localized region of low density 58 in the absorbent core 44. This low density region 58 can also be characterized by absorbent core fibers 44 being preferentially oriented towards the inner portion 54 of the tab 52, thus providing a beneficial fluid flow path to the inner portion 54. The topsheet 38, best shown in Figures 2 and 3, prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 44 from wetting the articles and / or body parts that may be in contact with the absorbent interlabial device 20 such as panties, pajamas, underwear, pubic hair, thighs user, etc. Backsheet 38 should be flexible and impermeable to liquids (eg, menstruation and / or urine). As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are condescending and will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet 38 also provides protection for the user's fingers as the interlabial absorbent device 20 is inserted, or as the device is optionally removed with the fingers.

Further, for a commercially available device of the present invention, the backsheet 38 should be plastically deformable, so that the tab 52 can be formed by tensioning the backing sheet material in an amount sufficient to form a projection and induce a permanent fixation. . Preferred materials for backsheet 38 include materials that can withstand high stress rates so that devices 20 of the present invention can be produced at relatively high speeds. The backsheet 38 may comprise plastically deformable woven or nonwoven materials, polymeric films such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films, mixed materials such as a nonwoven material coated with film, or an organic material such as a collagen film. Other suitable materials include biodegradable polymers that can be made into films and the like. Suitable biodegradable polymers include BIONELLE 3001 obtained from Showa Hugh Polymer Co. of Tokyo, Japan, and Matter Bi ZF03U-A obtained from Bicorp Co., distributor for Novamont SPA of Rome, Italy and the biodegradable polymer Biopol obtained from Monsanto, and Biodegradable polyester based Nordemia film obtained from M & W Verpackungen GmbH, Germany. In one embodiment, the backsheet can be made of a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.02 mm to about 0.051 mm. An illustrative polyethylene film is manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-0401. Preferably, however, the backsheet comprises a film having a similar thickness, only which is made of a biodegradable material, such as one of the biodegradable polymers described above. The backsheet may also allow the vapors to escape from the interlabial device 20 (i.e., that is breathable), while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backing sheet. A suitable breathable backsheet material is a film sheet with openings such as that described in US Patent 3,929,135 issued to Thompson, which is inverted so that the smaller openings of the tapered capillaries face the absorbent core 44 , which is laminated adhesive to a microporous film such as that described in U.S. Patent 4,777,073 to Exxon. In preferred embodiments, the backsheet 38 is dispersible and / or can be dissolved in water. It has been found that polyvinyl alcohol, including polyvinyl alcohol copolymers) may be suitable as a material for a dissolvable backsheet 38. The polyvinyl alcohol may be placed as a cover on a tissue paper, a nonwoven material such as a biodegradable nonwoven material (eg, rayon), or covered with a wax, such as paraffin, or other hydrophobic cover to reduce the rate at which it dissolves in water. This allows the backing sheet 38 to maintain its integrity during use, while retaining the ability to dissolve in water during the disposal of the interlabial device 20.

The term "dispersible", as used herein for an interlabial absorbent device or a component thereof, refers to an article or material that will be dispersed in at least two fragments in moderately agitated water. Said device will be broken into pieces in a conventional sink and / or domestic plumbing system, and finally it will be effectively processed through a garbage treatment system. The term "capable of dissolving" as applied herein to a nterlabial absorbent device or a component thereof, refers to an article or material that at least partially dissolves and essentially assumes the liquid form or can otherwise be to be indistinguishable at a glance from the liquid medium where it dissolves.

The components of the interlabial absorbent device 20 described above (topsheet 42, backsheet 38 having an integrally formed tab 52 and an absorbent core 44) can be assembled in a suitable manner. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, the components of the main body portion 22 are assembled in a "sandwich" configuration with the components dimensioned such that the edges of the topsheet 42 and the backsheet 38 they extend outwardly beyond the edges of the absorbent core 44. The tongue 52 can be formed through the method described below before assembling the backing sheet 38 to the other components, but can also be formed after all or A portion of the components are assembled.

The components of the interlabial device can be joined together in any suitable way. The term "attached" as used herein, encompasses configurations in which one element is directly secured to the other element by attaching the element directly to the other element; configurations wherein the element is indirectly secured to the other element by fixing the element to intermediate members, which in turn are fixed to the other element; and configurations where one element is integral with the other element; that is, one element is essentially part of the other element. The topsheet 42 and the backsheet 38 preferably are at least partially peripherally joined using known techniques. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the topsheet 42 is preferably secured to the backsheet 38 along a seam 60. The seam 60 is preferably impervious to liquid. The seam 60 can be formed by any means commonly known in the art for this purpose such as gluing, clamping or heat sealing. The seam 60 and the area of the interlabial device 20 near the seam 60 should be soft, compressible and conformable. If the seam 60 and the surrounding area is too rigid or can not be compressed, the user may experience discomfort when using the interlabial device 20. In addition to the peripheral seam, the components of the interlabial absorbent device 20 may be joined together on their faces . The faces of the components of the interlabial device 20 can be joined together by means of adhesives, sewing, joints with heat and / or pressure, dynamic mechanical joints, ultrasonic joints, intermingling or entanglement of the fibers or other structural elements comprising the components of the device. interlabial absorbent 20, such as through blowing by melting the fibers comprising one component onto another component, extruding one component onto another or through any means known in the art. The components of the interlabial absorbent device 20 can be attached with water soluble adhesives in order to increase the tendency of the device 20 to disperse towards a plurality of fragments in the moderately agitated water (such as a sink). ThusIt is desirable that the material that binds the components loses strength when exposed to an excess of water, such as when placed in a sink. Water-soluble and water-dispersible adhesives, such as those based on carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohols, starches and the like, are well known in the art. Preferably, the interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention can be discarded in a sink. The term "that can be discarded in a sink", as used herein, means that the interlabial device is capable of being disposed in a sink. The interlabial device is preferably at least capable of washing. In particularly preferred embodiments, the interlabial device may also be provided with one or more of the following characteristics: dispersibility, fixability, disintegrability and biodegradability. As used herein, the terms "washable" and "wash capacity" refer to the ability of a product to pass through typical and commercially available domestic lavatories and plumbing drainage systems without causing plugging or similar problems that may be directly associated with the physical structure of the product. However, it is recognized that there may be many different among the various types of lavatories available. Therefore, for the purposes of the appended claims, a test for determining the cleaning ability of a catamenial product, such as an interlabial absorbent device, is set forth in the test methods section in this specification. Preferably, the interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention is dispersible and will disperse in at least two fragments within 2 hours of exposure to water at moderately stirred room temperature as described in the water dispersion test in the section of test methods later. Most preferably, the interlabial device 20 will be dispersed to a plurality of fragments with 60 minutes or, even more preferably, in about 30 minutes, and preferably in about 15 minutes as measured by the water dispersion test. Preferably, the product will be broken into fragments, said individual fragments being smaller than about 38.7 cm2, preferably less than about 25.8 m2, and most preferably less than about 12.9 cm2. In particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention, each of the components of the interlabial absorbent device 20 will be dispersed to a plurality of fragments when immersed in moderately agitated water. Alternatively, the components of the interlabial absorbent device 20 can be separated from each other without breaking them into a plurality of fragments (for example, the topsheet 42, backsheet 38 and core 44 can break from one another while any other remains intact ). "Sedimentation capability" refers to the tendency of an interlabial absorbent device, such as an interlabial absorbent device 20, to settle finally to the bottom of a septic tank or other drainage treatment system instead of floating on the surface of said tanks or that the drainage is processed. Disintegration capacity and biodegradable capacity can be measured according to the 28-day sediment test, which is contained in the test methods section of this specification. Preferably, the interlabial absorbent device 20 comprises biodegradable materials. Although biodegradable materials are preferred for the interlabial absorbent device 20, it is not necessary that each and every material used be biodegradable. For example, the device 20 may comprise superabsorbent particles, which do not biodegrade, and will not affect the ability of the entire device 20 to remain disposable by the sink and be effectively processed in a drainage treatment system. On a total basis, the interlabial device 20 is preferably at least about 70% biodegradable, preferably about 80% biodegradable, preferably at least about 90% biodegradable, and most preferably at least about 95% biodegradable. The interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention in its fully assembled configuration preferably comprises at least one preferred bending axis A. The preferred bending axis A is preferably generally located along the longitudinal centerline L of the absorbent device. interlabial 20. The axis of the preferred joint A is a line or axis along which the interlabial absorbent device 20 will tend to flex or bend when compressive forces F are subjected directly inwardly in the transverse direction on the sides 32 of the device 20. The preferred bending axis A may naturally result from the configuration of the product, or the device 20 may be imparted with a thinned axis or region in any or all of the topsheet 42, backsheet 38 and core 44 to create the preferred bending axis A. Such narrowed shaft can be created through a variety of techniques known such as classification, pre-bending, grooving or the like. The interlabial absorbent device 20 may comprise a preferred bending region made of a plurality of preferred bending axes. Any number of these axes can comprise said region of a preferred union to the infinite number. The proximal absorbent device 20 is folded along the axis of the preferred section A, as shown in Figure 4A, prior to insertion into the interlabial space of the user. Once inserted, the device 20 will preferably tend to unfold slightly while keeping the topsheet 42 of the device 20 in contact with the inner walls of the user's lips. The device 20 may be elastically biased slightly along the axis of the preferred flexion A to increase the tendency of the device 20 to unfold. This allows the bent device 20 to act as a "spring", both under wet and dry conditions and, consequently, to increase the tendency of the topsheet 42 of the device to remain in contact with the inner surfaces of the lips when the absorbent device Interlabial 20 is in place. A device 20 constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment described above, however, does not necessarily require any additional structural aspect to provide the ability to maintain such contact. The interlabial absorbent device 20 described herein is preferably both flexible and capable of compression. The flexibility and compression capacity are important for the comfort of the product. If the interlabial absorbent device is too flexible, the device is not conveniently or easily placed between the folds of the lips, and if it is too rigid, the device is uncomfortable and when the user is in the position in cunclillas the product can be forced towards front against the clitoris causing discomfort. The interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention is believed to offer several advantages over prior interlabial pads. Devices constructed with the scales of preferred size and shapes described above have been found to be particularly suitable for the reliable insertion of a variety of users. The integral tongue 52 provides a suitable clamping surface for the users, while not adding any additional material to the components of the device which must be independently capable of disintegration and biodegradability, etc. The material of the tongue 52 being integral with the backsheet 38 is, therefore, inherently as flexible as the topsheet, thus adding appreciable rigidity to the device. The interlabial absorbent device 20 shown in Figures 1-3, (i.e., one of which is the device that is worn at the ends) allows the device to fit easily and comfortably into the interlabial space of the user. A device 20 with said tapered shape, when formed along a preferred bending axis A (as in Figure 4) will have a profile where the highest point along the axis of flexion A (as measured in FIG. address "z") is near the center of device 20 instead of the ends. The folded configuration of the device 20 when appropriately dimensioned as described above allows consistent coverage of the lip walls and vaginal introitus. Said coverage substantially reduces the "bypass" index around the device 20 by menstrual discharges or other body discharges, which are exhibited by previous interlabial pads. In addition, the absorbent interlabial device 20 described above has been found to be particularly effective in catching clots, which can be formed from menstrual discharges. This attribute of clot trapping is that it can be improved through the generally increasing contact of the device with the floor of the vestibule. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the topsheet 42 comprises a nonwoven material with a low basis weight, such as the non-woven rayon material described above. The absorbent core 44, as described above, preferably comprises a blend of 50% rayon / 50% cotton. Said performance in acquiring menstrual discharges, and clots in particular, is demonstrated by the interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention as described above, when the topsheet 42 and the absorbent core 44 comprise rayon. Without wishing that any particular theory is desired, it is believed that said interlabial device operates as follows. It is believed that the base sheet of low basis weight provides openings for liquids to pass directly to the absorbent core, although clots adhere better to the sheet material of rayon than many other types of sheet materials. The liquid impermeable topsheet 38 of the interlabial absorbent device 20 is also responsible for the improved performance of the product. As described above, the backsheet 38 reduces the likelihood of staining of the body or clothes from the discharges that are absorbed by the device 20. Furthermore, when the device 20 is folded along the axis of the preferred bending A, the backing sheet 38 will form a depression 62, which protects the fingers of the user from staining when the device 20 is inserted. The interlabial absorbent device 20 can also be used in combination with the absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin or a panty protector. In any case (particularly when the interlabial device is provided with a backing sheet) the interlabial absorbent device 20 will maintain the sanitary pads or cleanser of the pantiliners, allowing the wearer to use the sanitary napkin or the pantiliner in a longer time than normal . Prior artlabial pads have not been provided in the attributes of the device 20 of the present invention, and thus are not able to obtain the operation and comfort results described herein. Several previous pads consisted of a general and cylindrically shaped absorbent material, which is inserted into the interlabial space. These devices were not provided with a backing sheet impermeable to liquid, having an integrally formed tongue. Consequently, they are characterized by a minor cleaning insert and removal, and may be associated with increased spotting of the panties and body compared to the device of the present 20. Other pre-pads do not include a waterproof backing sheet, but the sheets were much larger than the device 20 of the present invention and they included important portions that reside externally to the interlabial space. Such designs can also lead to increased staining of the body as the discharged body fluids migrate towards the outer surfaces of said pads. Further, it is believed that the interlabial device 20 of the present invention offers comfort advantages (eg, reduced user concern) as compared to the larger prior art pads described above. These and other interlabel devices were not flexible enough, and simultaneously did not cover both lips when the user moves in certain ways (for example, when the user squats), and therefore, said devices will not conform or they will spread with the lips. This results in a less efficient collection of body exudates. Other additional interlabial devices were bent and retained in a bent configuration. This could prevent such devices from opening and closing to conform to the lips when moving. It has been found that during the development of the present invention, the interlabial absorbent device 20 conforms better to the labial vault than the previously available interlabial pads. In addition, the generally flat and bent configuration of the interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention is found to give a better visual indication to the users to know how to insert and use the device. Therefore, the interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention is associated with easier and more accurate insertion as compared to previous interlabial pads. As previously discussed, the interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention is designed to be placed within the interlabial space of a user. As shown in Figure 4, the use of the interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention, the user grasps the tongue 52 of the device 20. As shown in Figure 4, the device 20 is further inserted by pushing with a finger or fingers in the depression 62 formed by the folded backing sheet 38. The depression 62 covers the upper parts of the user's fingers during insertion. This feature provides a hygienic insertion of the interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention. The user can assume a squat position during insertion to assist in the extension of the labial surfaces. Figure 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention inserted into the interlabial space of a user W. The urogenital members shown in Figure 5 include the bladder B, the vagina V, the urethra U, the clitoris C , the large intestine I, the rectum AN, the vaginal introitus VI, the himeneal ring H, the labia minora N the labia majora J. Figure 5 shows the relationship of these anatomical characteristics of the user W with the inter-labial absorbent device 20 when The device is properly inserted for use. Once the interlabial absorbent device 20 is inserted, the topsheet 42 tends to adhere to the inner surfaces of the lips. When the user is standing, the lip walls are very closely around the interlabial folded absorbent device 20. The interlabial device 20 is preferably at least partially retained in place by exerting an outwardly oriented, slightly lateral pressure on the inner surfaces. of the labia minora, labia majora, the user, or both. In addition, the product can also be held in place through the attraction of naturally moist labial surfaces to the material comprising the topsheet 42. Optionally, the interlabial device 20 and any suitable portion thereof, such as at least one surface of contact with the body of the interlabial device, may have a substance therein to assist the interlabial device to remain in place in the desired position in the interlabial space. Preferably the substance should adhere to the interlabial device 20 to the inner surfaces of the labia minora, or alternatively to the inner surface of the labia majora, or both the labia minora and the labia majora so that it remains adhered to these surfaces (or on both sides of the interlabial space) that are not aided by the wearer's panties, or the like, when the wearer moves in a direction that the lips extend (for example, when the user squattles with his or her feet around the far back width). This will allow the interlabial device 20 to remain in place during the conditions of use, and will also ensure that it is contacted with a stream of urine when the user urinates so that it will be removed after urination or easily discharged through a rub action such as a headdress paper. Typically, the unlabelled interlabial device 20 will weigh less than or equal to about 5 grams. The method for a substance to assist the interlabial device to remain in place has become more important since the load that interlabial device 20 is expected to maintain (i.e., the weight of liquids absorbed from the body) in increments. This need is particularly important for the device of the present invention having additional absorbent capacity in the inner portion 54 of the tab 52. The interlabial absorbent device 20 can maintain any suitable amount of body liquids at its absorbent capacity specified above. As the weight of absorbed body fluids increases, the force of gravity in the loaded interlabial device increases. This results in the need for an increased ability to keep the interlabial device 20 in place, particularly when the exudate load is greater than or equal to approximately 8 grams, (e.g., 8, 10, 12 or 15 grams). In this way, for example, if the non-loaded interlabial device weighs 2 grams and is expected to hold 10 grams of exudates in the body, the interlabial device 20 should remain in place under a force of 12 grams. Also, in some cases as the liplabial device 20 is loaded, if it is of a configuration having flexible extensions, one of the flexible extensions may be separated from the lips adjacent thereto when the other flexible extension remains attached to the lips. adjacent. This leads to an increased risk of staining of the wearer's underwear and / or outer garments to loads on heavier loads due to the possibility that body exudates may travel past the side of the device between lips that is no longer in contact with the user's lips The substance used to hold the interlabial device 20 in place must have sufficient strength to hold the device securely in place, particularly against the naturally moist surfaces of the interlabial portion of the user's body. It must also be a material that allows the nterlabial device 20 to be able to remove without pain or trauma for the user. Preferably, the substance for holding the interlabial device 20 in place holds the device in place under the desired loads as described above., but allows the interlabial device to be expelled from the interlabial space in the lavatory, when the user urinates. Therefore, the substance need not be adhered so that it is capable of resisting fluid pressures from the urethra greater than or equal to approximately 100 cm of water. That is, if it is only able to withstand a pressure that is within the weight of the device when it is charged at a pressure of less than about 100 cm of water. (A pressure of 170 cm of water is an approximate maximum downward pressure for a typical adult human, woman when urinating). The substance for keeping the interlabial device 20 in place preferably has additional features. It should allow the interlabial device 20 to be easily placed in the proper position without discomfort and used without irritation. It should preferably also be biodegradable so that it is suitable for the disposal of a sink. The presence of the substance should also not interfere with the washing ability of the interlabial device, if the interlabial device is of a washable design. The preferred substances for maintaining the interlabel device in place are those that provide resistance to shear stresses (such as those that act when the user walks), but can be comfortably removed using shear forces. The substance for holding the interlabial device 20 in place may include materials that are typically identified as adhesives, as well as materials that are generally not considered as adhesives (i.e., non-adhesive substances). Suitable adhesives include pressure sensitive adhesives and sticky, pressure sensitive, adhesive substances. Suitable pressure sensitive adhesives include silicone-based pressure sensitive adhesives such as polysiloxane and modified polysiloxanes, and hydrocolloid-based adhesives.

Preferably, the interlabial device is provided with a non-adhesive substance on its contact surface with the body to hold the interlabial device in place. The non-adhesive substance can be of a type having an "adhesion" (ie, tackiness), or it can be of a type that does not have a "tackiness." Suitable non-adhesive substances include (such as microcrystalline waxes, paraffin waxes) , silicone waxes and polyethylene waxes), fatty alcohols, high molecular weight alcohols, fatty acids, petroleum jelly, sealant ointments, nonionic surfactants such as ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated straight chain alcohols and ethoxylated fatty acids, alkoxylated amide , alkoxylated amines, alkylamidoalkyl amines, alkyl substituted amino acids, moisture activated substances, and combinations thereof Another suitable non-adhesive substance is the OLEAN fat substitute manufactured by Procter &Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, in accordance with US Patent 5,085,884 issued April 4, 1992 and US Patent 5,422,131 issued June 6, 1995, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. e Young et al., and U.S. Patent 5,422,131 issued to Elsen et al. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that such materials can hold an object in place due to the high viscosity or surface tension. Moisturized substances are substances that have little or no stickiness (ie they will be dry to the touch), but when they come in contact with moisture (preferably relatively small amounts of moisture), they become viscous and develop a stickiness. Preferred moisture activated materials for use in the present invention lose most of their tackiness when flooded with excess moisture such as when the user urinates. Moisture-activated substances are particularly preferred for use with interlabial device 20, since they can cause the interlabial device to apply more rapidly than pressure-sensitive devices or coated with sticky adhesive, since the product does not adhere to the body. as it is inserted and since it is not necessarily for the user to extend his lips and the risk of staining his hands when placing the interlabial device as necessary when using adhesives. In addition, substances activated with moisture will not tend to stick to erroneous portions of the user's body when the product is placed between the lips and is poorly oriented, as is the case with adhesives. They are also particularly useful for maintaining the interlabial device securely against this portion of the wearer's body, since moisture is naturally present. In other words, they are capable of hydration in vivo. Some particularly preferred wet activated substances are polyethylene glycols ("PEGs"), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (preferably USP grade), alcohols, glycols (dihydric alcohols) such as propylene glycols, hexyl glycols, polyols containing three or more groups hydroxyls, such as glycerin and sugar alcohols and other molecules capable of hydrogen bonding by contact with water in the interlabial region, starches, surfactants such as polyoxylalkylates (polyoxyethylene stearates), ethoxylated alcohols, sugar surfactants and sugars (such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose) and combinations or mixtures thereof The above substances may be used alone or in combination with each other, such as together with the polyethylene glycols, or in combination with pectin, guar gum, locust bean gum , hydroxypropyl guar gum, polyclonamun gum, guar guar gum nica, anionic guar gum, alginate, xanthan gum, or combinations or mixtures thereof and combinations or mixtures thereof with polyhydric alcohols. The polyethylenic glycols HO- (CH2 CH2-O) n -H), also abbreviated as PEG's, substances such as those found in cough syrups to coat a person's throat, polyethylene glycols available from Union Carbide under the trademark of CARBOXWAX. PEG 200 to PEG 600 (PEGs with molecular weights between 200 and 600) liquid at or below 27 ° C. PEG 900 to PEG 20,000 and above solids at or below 27 ° C. All at least 60% soluble in water at 20 ° C. Preferably, the highest molecular weight PEG which in solid form used. However, lower molecular weight PEGs can also be used. The polyethylene glycols can be applied to the contact surface with the body of the interlabial device using any conventional processing step, which described in detail below. Once applied, they will typically dry to a non-sticky powder form. Polyethylene glycols, since they soluble in water, also can lose their tendency to stick to the lips when the user urinates, so that the interlabial device will be expelled through urination as necessary. Its solubility in water also ensures that it will not interfere with the ability of interlabial devices that can be washed to wash a sink, and will not flow in the sink as other products do. (The tendency of other products to float reduces the ability of products to go under the sink when washed and results in an extremely inconvenient situation for users who have to remove these products from the toilet, and then discard these products) . Polyethylene glycols also biodegradable, unlike most pressure sensitive adhesives, which based on silicon. A particularly preferred moisture activated substance comprises a mixture of 1.75 g of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, USP; 0.25 g of polyethylene oxide, NF; and 125 ml of distilled water. The mixture is preferably applied in a total amount of 0.15 g for each interlabial device (wet weight) if the mixture is only going to be applied to the sides of the product, or in a total amount of 0.30 g per interlabial device if the mixture is going to be applied to the entire contact surface with the body of the product. The substance for keeping the endothelial device 20 in place can be combined with other substances before it is applied to the interlabial device. Such substances may serve as a component of the substance to hold the interlabial device in place, or as a carrier for the substance to hold the interlabial device in place. Non-limiting examples of substances that can be used in any of these forms or lotions, emollients, and mineral oil. For example, the substance for holding the interlabial device in place may be a polyethylene glycol which is mixed in a lotion formula that provides lubrication during the insertion process and develops tackiness when in contact with moisture. In another example, an emollient can be used as a carrier for PEGs, which are in the form of particles. In another example, the PEGs may be in liquid form, and may serve as a carrier for other materials. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, spermicides. The substances described above can be applied to the surface of contact with the body of the interlabial product in an intermittent pattern, a continuous pattern or in a pattern having both continuous and intermittent portions. The application of the substances in an intermittent pattern can be useful if it is desired to minimize the interference of the substances with the acquisition of liquids in the interlabial device 20, since the liquids can be transported towards the absorbent core between the intermittent zones of the substantial The application of the substances in a continuous pattern will be useful if it is desired to use the contact that the substances make with the body of the user to create a barrier for the flow of the exudates on the contact surface with the body of the interlabial device. However, application of the substances in a continuous pattern does not need to form an impermeable barrier, which prevents menstruation or urine from being absorbed by the interlabial device 20. The substance can be applied in any suitable form, such as aspersion, filling , use of transfer rollers, or printing, such as printing by engraving or sieving. The substance can be applied directly to the interlabial device or it can be applied to another material or component that is then adhered to the desired portion of the interlabial device. The substance can be placed on any suitable portion of the interlabial device 20. The substance can be placed on the entire contact surface with the body of the interlabial device 20 or on a portion thereof. For example, the substance can be placed on all or a portion of the body-contacting surface of the main body portion 22. If the interlabial device is of a type comprising a central absorbent portion and flexible extensions extending therefrom. , the substance can be placed on the central absorbent portion, the flexible extensions or both the central absorbent portion and the flexible extensions. The substance in this way can be placed in a central region of the interlabial device 20, but not in the peripheral portions of the interlabial device. However, most preferably, the substance can be placed on the peripheral portions of the contact surface with the body of the interlabial device, but not in the central region. The location of the substance in the latter form can be advantageous if it is desired to minimize any tendency for the substance to interfere with the acquisition of body fluids in the interlabial device 20. The substance can also be used to create a seal for prevent the flow of exudates towards the ends (and / or side) of the device. The substance may cover any of the following percentages of the surface area of the contact surface with the body of the main body portion 22, the central absorbent portion, the flexible extensions or the entire contact surface with the body of the interlabial device (greater than or equal to approximately): 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% , 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%. The substance can be applied to the interlabial device 20 in any suitable and sufficient amount. For these purposes, the amount of the substance applied to the interlabial device 20 will be expressed in terms of the total weight of the product including the device and the weight of the substances. Preferably, the substance constitutes less than equal to about 20%, preferably less than or equal to about 10%, and most preferably less than or equal to about 5% of the total product weight, so as not to contribute excessively to the total weight of the interlabial device. This allows more than the total weight of the product to be dedicated to providing absorbent capacity. There are many possible specific modalities of interlabial devices with various substances on them to assist the interlabial device to remain in place in the desired position in the interlabial space. The interlabial device may have one or more of the substances described herein applied to it in any of the application patterns described herein. For example, the main body portion 22 of an interlabial device having the configuration shown in Figures 1-3, can be provided with a biocompatible adhesive to assist adhesion of that portion of the interlabial device to the inner surfaces of the lips of the user. The strength of said adhesive must be selected to assist the absorbent end device 20 to remain in place, while still allowing a reliable and comfortable removal of the device from the interlabial space of the user. Suitable adhesive examples include hydrocolloids or hydrogel adhesives that are currently commercially available on the market, and acrylic based adhesives. In other embodiments, any desirable combination of the substances described herein, or combinations of application patterns, or both, may be used. A non-limiting example could be to apply a combination of an adhesive and a non-adhesive substance to the interlabial device. For example, in the case of an interlabial device having the configuration described in US Pat. No. 5,762,644 issued to Osborn et al., A polyethylene glycol can be provided on the body-contacting surface of the central absorbent portion, and a sensitive adhesive thereto. the pressure can be provided on the flexible extensions. Preferably, if adhesives are used, they are applied to portions of the interlabial device that do not block or delay the flow of urine from the urethra to the interlabial absorbent device 20. In another example, the interlabial device 20 can be provided with one of the substances described herein (such as an adhesive) around the periphery of the contact surface with the body of the liplabial device to assist the device to remain in place adjacent the user's lips. The substance can be applied in a continuous or intermittent pattern, or a pattern that is partially continuous and partially intermittent. An absorbent material that swells can be placed within the area defined by the substance. If a complete seal with the user's body is desired, this swelling absorbent can be used to eliminate any voids or hollow spaces that may occur adjacent to the user's body that may occur due to misalignment of the interlabial device relative to the lips. of the user and create a self-sealing device. Some non-limiting examples of absorbent and swelling materials include, but are not limited to, hydrogel-forming superabsorbent materials, foam absorbent materials, modified interlaced cellulosic fibers, and compressed absorbent materials, such as those used in tampons. Numerous other embodiments and properties for the substance for maintaining the liplabial device in place, are also possible, for example, the substances described herein preferably have moisture vapor transmission rates sufficient to maintain the natural state of tissue hydration. lip. Suitable moisture vapor transmission rates are not less than 300 gm / hour at a relative humidity difference of 10 to 100%. In addition, any of the substances described herein may be used in conjunction with, or may be combined with, emollients such as those described in U.S. Patent 5,609,597 entitled "Diaper Having a Lotioned Topsheet Comprising a Liquid Polyol Emollient and Immobilizing Agent". It has a Superior Sheet with Lotion comprising a Liquid Polyol Polyester Emollient and an Immobilization Agent) issued March 11, 1997 to Roe, and US Patent 5,643,588 entitled "Diaper Having a Lotioned Topsheet" (Diaper Having a Sheet Superior with Lotion) issued the 1st. July 1997 to Roe and others. In addition to the various embodiments of the substances for maintaining the interlabial device 20 in place, which are described herein, the interlabial device may be provided with other optional aspects. For example, it has been found that the interlabial device of the present invention provides a substantial noticeable benefit to the user in controlling odors associated with body exudates. Additional odor control agents can be added to look for additional reductions in odors. Such odor control agents include, but are not limited to, activated carbons, zeolites, polyacrylic acids (superabsorbents), certain quaternary compounds, triethyl citrate, cytodextrin or any combination thereof. Especially preferred cyclodextrin compounds in the patent of US Pat. No. 5,429,628 issued to Trihn et al., And U.S. Patent No. 5,780,020 issued to Peterson, et al. In addition, deodorants can be added to further mask these odors. In addition, retail vaginal drug assets can be added for one or more of the following purposes: cleaning effects, providing softness and freshness effects, deodorizing, mitigating minor irritation, reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms, altering the pH with the In order to promote the growth of the normal vaginal flora, produce an astringent effect, reduce the tension on the surface, produce a mucolytic effect, or produce a proteolytic effect. Said vaginal drug actives include: calcium propionate, sodium dioctyl sulfosucinate, nonoxynol 9, octocinol 9, potassium sorbate, povidone iodide (PVP-iodide), sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium propionate. In these and other embodiments, the interlabial device 20, or any of the components thereof, may be made of materials that extend and / or stretch to assist in the ability of the interlabial device to remain in place when forces are exerted on the interlabial device during use. It is believed that such materials are particularly useful for any wrap or top sheet in the interlabial device and for any flexible extension, or for both of these types of components. Also within the scope of this specification for such stretched and / or stretched materials that will be used as components of the absorbent articles described herein with or without any of the substances described herein to assist these absorbent articles to remain in its place against the user's body. This specification also describes a novel interlabial device made from at least one of the components that can be extended and / or stretched however, it is particularly desirable to form the interlabial device or some portion thereof from materials that can be stretched and / or stretched when substances are applied to the interlabial device to assist the interlabial device to remain in place in the interlabial space. For example, if the interlabial device has portions that are adhered to the lips, some of the extension capacity is preferably present for improved comfort and reduce the possibility of irritation. Specifically, it is desirable not to restrict the movement of the user's lips when the user's body moves. Suitable spreading materials that can be used for the components of the interlabial device are described in U.S. Patent 5,611,790 entitled "Strechable Absorbent Articles", issued to Osborn et al. On March 18, 1997. The device Absorbent interlabel 20 can be used as an "independent" product. In addition, superior performance to reduce staining of the body and clothing during extended periods of time of use (such as at night) can be obtained using the interlabial absorbent device 20 as part of a feminine hygiene products "system" . One such system that is effective in reducing staining is an interlabial absorbent device, such as the interlabial absorbent device 20, which is used simultaneously with a sanitary napkin, such as a sanitary napkin 70 (shown in Figure 60). Said system of an interlabial device in combination with a sanitary napkin is more effective than either a sanitary napkin or an interlabial pad used alone. The interlabial absorbent device used in the system of the present invention can have, and preferably has, all of the preferred attributes of the interlabial absorbent device 20 described above, and can include the formed tab 52. The sanitary pad 70 of the present system can be any Conventional conventional sanitary towel. The sanitary napkin 70 preferably comprises at least one liquid-permeable topsheet 72, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 74 attached to the topsheet, and an absorbent core 76 positioned between the topsheet 72 and the backsheet 74, in addition , the sanitary napkin 70 preferably includes an additive-sensitive adhesive 80 disposed on the garment-facing side of the backsheet 74. The adhesive 80 allows the sanitary napkin 70 to be adhered to the crotch portion of the panty's underwear. user. When the underwear is worn in a position of usual use, the sanitary napkin 70 will rest adjacent to the pudendal region of the wearer's body. The sanitary napkin 70 can also be provided with additional features commonly found in sanitary napkins, including "wings" or "wings" such as wings 78. A sanitary napkin suitable for use in the above-described system is the "ALWAYS" ultra sanitary napkin. Thin maxi with wings, which is manufactured and packaged by Procter &; Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, under one or more of the following patents: B1 4,589,876; 4,687,478; 4,950,264; 5,009,653; 5,267,992; 5,354,400; 5,389,094; 5,489,283; 5,629,430; 5,704,930 and Re. 32,649. Other sanitary napkins are also acceptable, such as those without wings 78 and those that are not of the "ultra-thin" type. In order to use an interlabial absorbent device and a sanitary napkin as a feminine hygiene product system, the user inserts the interlabial absorbent device in the interlabial space and places a sanitary napkin in the inter-leg portion of the underwear of the type panties These two steps can be performed in any order. Some women will prefer to place the sanitary pad first in the crotch region of the pantyhose in order to catch and absorb menstrual flow drops that can be released before the interlabial absorbent device is inserted. Other women will first choose to insert the interlabial absorbent device. After the interlabial absorbent device is inserted and the sanitary napkin is placed in the crotch of the underwear, the underwear is pulled to its usual position of use. Consequently, the sanitary napkin will rest adjacent to the pudendal region of the wearer's body and will be used simultaneously with the interlabial absorbent device.

Preferably, the interlabial absorbent device used in the above-described system is changed each time the user urinates. The associated sanitary napkin can be worn for longer periods (i.e., beyond the change of the interlabial absorbent device) since the volume of the body fluids will be deposited and absorbed by the interlabial device or put on the sanitary napkin. Particularly if the interlabial absorbent device 20 is provided with a tongue 52 for removal, some women will prefer to move the proximal absorbent device 20 prior to urination, then subsequently reinsert the same device 20 if it has not yet fully absorbed its capacity. . In addition, if a woman chooses not to discard the interlabial device by inserting it into the toilet, the tab 52 provides a hygienic way for the woman to remove the product and discard it. The sanitary napkin and interlabial absorbent device of the system described above can be packaged in a package as a feminine hygiene "kit". Said equipment facilitates the use of the system of the present invention. Preferably, the package associated with said equipment will include instructions on how to use the interlabial absorbent device and the sanitary napkin according to the method described above as a system of feminine hygiene products. A suitable alternative system of feminine hygiene products comprises the lip-absorbent absorbent device 20 of the present invention used simultaneously with an absorbent tampon, such as a tampon 86 shown in Figure 7. The absorbent tampon of this feminine hygiene products system can any conventional catamenial buffer, suitable including any of the buffers sold under the trademark of "TAMPAX" and distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. The buffer used can be either digital insertion type insertion and any applicator known in the art can be used. The tampon is inserted into the user's vaginal cavity. After insertion of the tampon, the interlabial absorbent device is inserted into the interlabial space of the user. The interlabial device and the tampon are then used simultaneously for a period. The interlabial absorbent device can be removed and changed each time the user urinates, or it can be removed and then reinserted subsequent to urination. Similarly, the absorbent pad and the interlabial absorbent device 20 of this system can also be packaged in a common package as a feminine hygiene kit. This equipment facilitates the use of the alternative system of the present invention. The associated systems and equipment of the present invention may also comprise the simultaneous use of an absorbent interlabial device, tampon and sanitary napkin. The equipment comprising the three types of feminine hygiene products can also be packaged in a common package and include appropriate instructions for using such systems. In addition to the systems described above, the interlabial absorbent device 20 can be used simultaneously with a pantiliner, or incontinence pad for menstrual use or incontinence. The prior art absorbent device 20 described above can be combined and packaged with a pantriprotector, an incontinence pad, or a sanitary pad to form a female urinary incontinence kit. Such incontinence equipment preferably includes an appropriate packaging material instructing the user how to use feminine hygiene products for protection from light incontinence. The interlabial device 20 can be used in conventional panties, or it can be worn with menstrual shorts. Numerous alternative embodiments of the interlabial absorbent device of the present invention are possible. For example, are designed to be removed by urination, although an alternative extraction strip or loop can be used. These products can also be used with emollients and / or medicinal treatments. For example, an emollient composition suitable for use in an interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention is composed of approximately 50% petrolatum (such as White Protopet 1S made by Witco Corp.), approximately 35% cetearyl alcohol (a primary alcohol) 16 to 18 carbon atoms, linear, mixed made by The Procter & amp;; Gamble Company under on behalf of TA-1618) and approximately 15% of Cetearet-10 made by BASF. An emollient coating of approximately 0.03 g / pad has been found to be suitable. The interlabial absorbent device 20 of the present invention may be provided with a visual indication on the center of the topsheet 52 designating the area of greatest absorbent capacity of the device 20. Said indication may consist of a region with different color such as an oval of pink colour. The indication can be of a width of approximately 12 mm and a length of 20 mm. The interlabial absorbent device 20 can also be provided with a visual change indication. In other words, the device 20 may have a ring, a joining pattern, compression lines, or other visual indicator provided on the surface of the topsheet 42 at a predetermined distance inward from the seam 60. When the body discharges absorbed arrive at the indication of visual change or out of the indication of change, the user knows how to replace the interlabial absorbent device 20. This indication of change is particularly useful for users who remove the article 20 before micturition and then reinsert the same device 20 if it has not yet reached its absorbent capacity. If desired, the interlabial absorbent device 20 can be packaged in a single package, such as the package 50 shown in Figures 8 and 9. The individual package 50 can be composed of a number of suitable materials, including films and disposable materials in the toilet. In Figures 8 and 9, the package 50 is made of a film that is brittlely sealed at the edges. The package 50 is provided with an opening tab 52, which can be of any suitable configuration. Suitable methods for fragile packaging are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,556,146 issued to Swanson and U.S. Patent No. 5,462,166 issued to Minton et al. The tabs suitable for said package are described in the patent of US Pat. No. 5,413,568 issued to Roach et al.

APPARATUS AND MANUFACTURING METHOD As described above, the components of the device 20 can be assembled in any suitable manner. The device 20 can be assembled manually, for example, by cutting, forming and arranging the components as described and performing any necessary joining and tongue forming (projecting) operations. However, the device is preferably assembled in commercial quantities with the aid of automatic or semiautomatic equipment known in the art. For example, the backsheet, the topsheet and the absorbent core can be supplied from a roll, in layers, bonded through adhesive, and cut with die to the desired size using methods and equipment known in the art. However, to make the device 20 of the present invention with an integral tongue 52, an additional apparatus is required for, and the additional step of, forming an integral projection on the backing sheet, said apparatus and methods are described with greater detail later.

The tongue 52 can be formed as a protrusion of the backsheet by blow molding a suitable polymer in a suitably shaped mold. The tongue 52 can be formed by reforming the backsheet material using heat and pressure to form the backing sheet to a mold surface, such as a hot "blade" compressed in the backing sheet. But the tongue 52 is preferably formed through tension-induced plastic deformation of the backing sheet 38, material before assembling any of the other components of the device 20, or it may be deformed after assembling some or all of the components in their configuration in layers. Figure 12 shows an apparatus 100 for forming a tab 52 on the device 20 of the present invention, the apparatus 100 is suitable for a small batch production of the device of the present invention and comprises: a female forming member 102, shown in FIG. Figure 12 as a flat plate having a hollow area, such as an elongated slot opening 108; a compression member 104, shown in Figure 12 as a flat plate having an elongated slot 116; and a male forming member, such as a male forming member 106 shown in Figure 12 as a flat plate having a forming projection 112 integrally or separately attached thereto. Each component plate of the apparatus 100 has an x axis, an y axis and a z axis, the axes corresponding directionally to the axes of the interlabial device 20 as described above.

The female forming member 102 comprises an aperture 108, which is preferably grooved, having radiated edges 110. That is, the edge of the aperture 108 is preferably not sharp enough to cause the rupture or breakage of the backing sheet material during the tongue formation as described herein. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the edge has a radius of curvature of at least about 3 mm, and most preferably about 6 mm. The radius of curvature can be as large as 12 mm. As the radius of curvature becomes larger, more material is provided for stress induction, that is, less material is constrained by the compression member 104 in the voltage induction region. The male forming member 106, and the compression member 104 have a forming projection 112 and an opening 116, respectively. The forming projection 112 is in operative alignment with the aperture 116 and comprises generally rounded contours, rounded contours and the overall shape corresponding to the preferred terminated form of the tongue 52, as shown in Figure 3. The forming projection 112 can to be generally flattened, having a thickness T2 with a radiated edge sufficient to form the tongue 52 without cutting or otherwise causing the material to break. For example, as shown in Figure 13, a forming projection having a width T2 of about 2 mm and a radius of curvature R1 at the edge of about T2 / 2 can successfully form a tongue 52 in polyethylene having a thickness of about 0.012 mm . The forming projection must be of sufficient length L3 to extend through the thickness of compression member 104 and form a tongue having a sufficient length L2, as shown in Figure 2. In practice, L3 must be a predetermined distance greater than the sum of the thickness of the compression member 104 and the desired finished length L2 to allow some recovery of the tensioned material to occur, still maintaining the desired length L2 after the tension force is removed. The predetermined greater distance of L3 depends on the particular backsheet material and the desired length of the tab 52. In one embodiment, it was found that to have a tab 52 with a finished length of 15 mm, the backing sheet material was tensioned to a corresponding length of 18 mm. The female forming member 102, the compression member 104 and the male forming member 106 each cooperate in an aligned fashion on the x and y axes, thus enabling cooperative coupling, preferably linear coupling, on the z-axis as discussed in FIG. the present. During operation, the backing sheet material 38, or the backing sheet material with the absorbent core placed in place thereon, is placed flat in the region 118 indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 12. The sheet of the backing and / or the absorbent core material may be of any desired shape at this time, and may be cut with a given preferred shape generally oval in a subsequent step. However, without considering the length of the backing sheet at that time, to produce a tongue 52 centrally aligned with the finished device, the backing sheet material must be aligned so that the resultant x-axis of the device 20 is in place. alignment with the x axis of the apparatus 100. Also, the y axis must be aligned accordingly. Once the backing sheet and, if desired, the absorbent core are in place on the forming member 102, the compression member 104 is placed in a face-to-face compression contact with the female forming member 102 for "sandwiching" the backing sheet under a predetermined pressure between the two plates. The amount of pressure can be adjusted as necessary to prevent unwanted movement of the backing sheet in the compressed region during the forming operation described below. If necessary, opposite faces of the female forming member 102 and the compression member 104 can be treated with a relatively high coefficient of friction, substance or material, to help prevent the backing sheet / absorbent core from moving during the tongue forming process. For example, a thin sheet of soft rubber may be applied to either or both of the opposing faces to effect a superior frictional stabilization of the backing sheet / absorbent core in the compressed region. In this way, ideally, the tongue formation is only due to the plastic deformation of the backing sheet material in uncompressed regions, and not due to the material of the backing sheet that is simply pulled through the opening 108. Plastic deformation is believed to produce a more desirable tongue due to the increase in the total material surface area without an increase in the actual material used. In this way, no additional load is added to the finished device, which, as discussed above, contributes to the reliability of the device to remain in place under loaded conditions.

It is contemplated that in practice, some of the tongue formation may be due to some displacement of the material, or traction to the opening 108, which is permissible, and may still be desirable for some tab configurations or material selections. However, the currently preferred tongue forming method and apparatus minimize such movement of the material within the compression region. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that stress-induced stretching characteristics, i.e., plastic deformation of the material, depend in part on the geometry of the apparatus. For example, the material that results in the tab 52 is stretched from the material immediately underlying the opening 108, as well as the material underlying the radiated edge 110. In other words, the material underlying the opening 108 and 110 are not in compression , and, therefore, can be tensioned to form the tongue 52. In this way, for a larger radius at the radiated edge 110, more material is available for tensioning, or pulling, to form the tongue 52. therefore, materials that have relatively lower voltage limits, a larger radius may allow the desired length of the tongue. Once the compression member 104 is in an operative position, (i.e., in a face-to-face pressurized contact), with the female forming member 102, the male forming member 106 moves linearly in the z-direction in a operative alignment, so that the forming projection 112 extends through the opening 116 in the compression member 104 and makes contact with the backsheet / absorbent core material adjacent the opening 108 in the female forming member 102 The male forming member 106 continues in the direction zo a sufficient amount to form the tongue 52 through the plastic deformation. The maximum amount of tension and the maximum tension regime are determined mainly by the material properties of the backing sheet, and can be determined accordingly. In general, to produce a tongue 52 having a sufficient length L2 for a given material, the material must be able to withstand a tension of at least about 50% before rupture, preferably at least about 100% and most preferably by at least approximately 200%. Although the tension regime is not critical to the formation of the present invention, the characteristics of the tension regime are important when considering the commercial production, at high speed of the tabs. Therefore, for a relatively high speed production, as is allowed by the apparatus below, it is desirable that the backsheet material be able to withstand the voltage regimes of at least about 10 mm / sec. Preference around 20 mm / sec. and most preferably at least about 30 mm / sec. The basic method and apparatus for forming the tongue with the apparatus shown in Figure 12 can take various forms without departing from the present invention. For example, as discussed above, it may be desirable to provide the core absorbent material in place on the backing sheet material prior to forming the tab. In this way, the backsheet material can be placed in place on the female forming member 102, and the absorbent core material disposed in place on the backing sheet material. Since the male forming member 106 is operatively actuated, the forming projection 112 first either pierces or otherwise deforms the absorbent core material and then deforms the backing sheet material. Depending on the absorbent core material and the geometry of the forming member 112, some of the absorbent core may be pulled towards the inner portion 54 of the tongue 52 during the tongue forming process. This may be considered desirable since it provides an alternative fluid storage capacity that is disposed at a greater distance from the user's body. further, the basic apparatus and method described 2 with reference in Figure 12 can be modified in their operation by forming a hinged arrangement which is not based on the linear coupling of the forming member, for example. Having at least the forming member 106 hingedly rotating around one of its edges, the strain-induced deformation can be effected by rotating the hinged members in a close face-to-face relationship while the backing sheet and / or the core Absorbent are maintained in compression as described above. In another variant of the basic process described with respect to Figure 12, other components may be superimposed on the backsheet material and / or absorbent core in the region coincident with the opening 108 in the female forming member 102, but not in the region compressed before the tongue formation. For example, a package, for example, a particulate material in a suede wrap, of absorbent gelling material may be arranged so that when the forming projection 112 is operatively actuated, it first contacts the package of the gelling material. absorbent and finally pushes it downward and towards the inner portion 54 of the tab 52. In this manner, the absorbent gelling material provides an even greater fluid storage capacity in the tongue, away from the wearer's body. The absorbent gelling material can be provided on a carrier, such as a suede wrap that resists puncture or rupture during tab formation. Absorbent gelation powder may also be provided on the adhesive tape which is disposed as described above, and pulled towards the inner portion of the tab. Similarly, the absorbent gelling material can be provided in liquid form, for example, a liquid dispersion, or powder or granules as discrete particles in the same absorbent material. The process described with respect to the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 12 can be adapted to a continuous, relatively high speed process for forming interlabial devices from the web material, ie, roller storage. For example, the tongue forming apparatus 120 shown in Figure 14 can be placed in line with existing equipment designed to form absorbent devices such as sanitary napkins from the roll. In general, each component, i.e., the backsheet, the topsheet and the absorbent core can be provided as webs and supplied as a roll supply material. The webs are fed or guided to appropriate equipment to be layered, bonded, die cut or otherwise formed into a disposable absorbent article. In the method of the present invention, the apparatus shown in Figure 14 can be placed in line, preferably before it is brought to the topsheet in a layered relationship with the backsheet and the core, as discussed below. As shown in Figure 14, a tab projection can be formed through the method of the present invention by a continuous process apparatus 120. The web backing sheet material 130 can be provided in a continuous strip, or web , to form from the roller supply material, such as a polyethylene reel roll, for example. The backsheet material 130 may have tab lugs formed prior to being joined, laminated or otherwise assembled with other components such as the absorbent core material or top sheet material if used. However, in a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core material is cut with given size and shape, and placed in a separate relationship on the backing sheet material prior to tongue formation. Thus, as shown in Figure 14, the absorbent core material 14 can be cut with given its finished dimensions and disposed on, and adhered to, if necessary, the web material 130 in a registered, separate relationship, before of entering the apparatus 120. The absorbent core material 44 may be provided as a pad, fiber mattress, or other generally flat web before being cut with die by known methods. For example, a strip of non-woven absorbent material can be guided to the die of a rotary die cutter (not shown) having cutter means with appropriately configured die. As the die-cut absorbent material exits the nozzle of the die cutting means, it can be pushed onto the backing sheet web material 130 in a separate relationship by known methods. For example, the absorbent core material 44 can be deposited by gravity, or it can be pushed into place through the use of positive pressures, for example, air pressure. In another embodiment, the absorbent core material 44 can be adhesively bonded to the backsheet web material in a separate relationship, as shown in Figure 14. When adhesively bonding, it is important that the adhesive is not applied to the backing sheet. region of tongue formation. In other words, it is desirable that the absorbent core material is not adhered to the backing sheet in the tongue forming region, particularly if the amount of absorbent material in the inner portion 54 of the tongue 52 is to be minimized. . The apparatus 120 comprises a female forming member 122, shown in Figure 14, as a female rotating forming member having a plurality of hollow areas, or cavities, such as elongated cavity openings 208 in a separate, registered relationship; a compression member 204, shown in Figure 14 as a flexible band compression member having a plurality of elongated slots 216 in a separate registered relationship; and a male forming member 124, such as a rotating male forming member, shown in Figure 14, having a plurality of forming projections 212 in a separate registered relationship. The "registered separate ratio" of the various components refers to the relative position of the operating components, so that the separate components are in register and coincide in an operative relation in the forming nozzle 140 to form the tab 52. The number of elongate cavity openings 208, slots 216 and forming projections 212 is not critical, and only needs to be at least one. However, a plurality, such as 6, as shown, can significantly increase production speeds in a commercially available process. In Figure 14, the female forming member 122 is shown as an upper roller component, and the male forming member 124 is shown as a lower roller. However, as illustrated here, the "upper" and "lower" positions are descriptive of the orientation as shown in Figure 14, but are otherwise relative and the elements described herein may be reversed in a relative position or position. another way oriented differently without any practical effect. As the backsheet material 130 is moved in the machine direction (MD) shown in Figure 14, between the compression region 142 formed by the pressure of the flexible compression strip 204 being arranged in a tensioned arrangement partially wrapped on the female forming member 122. The degree of compression region 142 is determined by the wrapping angle A1, and can thus be adjusted as necessary. In general, it is desirable that the wrapping angle A1 be at least sufficient to define an arc length of at least half of the direction of the machine dimension of the absorbent core material 44 and, most preferably, so minus the entire machine direction dimension of the absorbent core material 44. The compression band 204 can be characterized as a two pulley system comprising the male forming member 124 as a pulley, which can be driven about its axis of rotation, and the pulley 126, which may be an adjustable tension roller. The amount of pressure exerted in the compression region 142, as well as the wrapping angle A1 can be adjusted as necessary by adjusting the position of the band or pulley roll 126. In general, a more tensioned flexible band 204 provides superior compression in the compression region 142. Since the backsheet material 130 and the separate absorbent core material 44 enter the nozzle 140 under compressive forces, they are in an operational register with corresponding hollow areas 208 and forming projections 212. In addition, the flexible band 204 is grooved, such as the prior art, and in the nozzle 140, the projection 212 extends through a corresponding slot 216, so that during the formation of the tongue 52 by the first rotating shown, an area flexible hollow 208, a flexible groove 216 and a forming projection 212 are in an operative, aligned, registered relationship, so that after In the rotation of the rotating male forming member 124 and the rotating female forming member 122, a protrusion 212 contacts and stretches the backing sheet material as it is received in a hollow area 208. Backing sheet material causes the plastic deformation of the material, thus producing a tongue 52.

The rotating forming members 122 and 124 may be formed of any suitable material, but machine metals, e.g., steel, are generally preferred. Each rotating forming member can comprise multiple components. For example, in one embodiment, protrusion 212 is formed as separate members and joined to the rotating member in ways known in the art. For example, a thin plate can be machined to a generally circular configuration having therein formed on its circumference rotating forming members, with projections or recesses machined integrally with the plate. The plate thus formed can then be "walled" between two additional plates to form the rotating male forming members (if projections are formed) or female (if gaps are formed). The width of the rotating forming members and the compression band should generally be the same, and at least as wide as the entrance band 130 of the backing sheet material. In Figure 14, hollow cavities 208 are shown as the same general shape of the projections 212, but need not be so configured. In practice, cavities with a generally rectangular shape are sufficient, and the depth of the hollow area is not critical. In fact, it is contemplated that a continuous gap, ie, a groove of sufficient depth being arranged around the circumference of the rotating forming member 212, will be sufficient as the hollow area in the forming member 122. The band compression member flexible 204 can be made of any suitable material for flexible stretched bands, such as time bands. The flexible band 204 preferably has a relatively smooth side facing the backing sheet and the absorbent core material. Slots 216 can be formed in flexible web 204 through methods known in the art, such as die cutting, shear stress or grooving. The longitudinal dimension D1 of the slot 216, as well as the width of the slot should be sufficient to allow the projection 212 to extend through the band 204 in the nozzle area 140 during rotation of the rotating forming members. The orientation and dimensions of the components described and the parts may be adjusted, modified and otherwise altered to meet the design requirements of the finished product. For example, the extended length of the protrusion 212 and the depth of its corresponding female hollow area 208 need only be sufficient to produce the length of the desired tongue, taking into account the thickness of the band 204 and the amount of tension recovery exhibited. by certain plastically deformed, stretched materials. Other modifications that are useful are contemplated. For example, either or both of the forming members 122 and 124 can be heated, or have hot regions, to assist in tongue formation. Also, the projections 212 shown in Figure 14 and represented here as generally flat, rounded elements (see for example Figure 12), can be of various shapes, including non-symmetrical shapes. In addition, for a more commercially available production process, multiple rotary forming members 122 and 124 can be "assembled" or set in parallel to form multiple tab lines that are formed simultaneously. Once formed by hand or through the method and apparatus of the present invention, it has been found beneficial to compress the interlabial device in a bent configuration, as shown in Figure 9. Compression of the interlabial device in the bent configuration can reduce the folded thickness of a relatively thick device, allowing more absorbent material to be provided in a space that will conveniently fit into the interlabial space of the user. For example, for a device that has a thickness T-i, as shown in Figure 2, compression of a sufficient amount in a bent configuration allows the folded thickness to be less than 2 x Ti. In a preferred embodiment, the folded thickness of the product is about 4 to 6 mm, most preferably about 5 mm. In addition to allowing an easier and more comfortable fit, the relatively smaller bent thickness dimension allows more economical and practical packaging, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. It should be understood that the aspects and components described herein may also be applied to other types of absorbent articles, including, but not limited to, makeup removal pads, hard surface cleaning pads, diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, incontinence devices and panty-protectors. For example, the integral formed tab 52, as described herein, can be very beneficial for forming sanitary napkin backing sheets, pantiliners, makeup removal pads, hard surface cleaning pads, and other articles. disposable. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover the aspects and components described herein, as well as all combinations of aspects and components described herein.

TEST METHODS Absorbent Capacity The absorbent capacity can be determined as follows. The test was performed on samples that were conditioned by having them in a room at a relative humidity of 50% and at 22.7IC during a period of two hours before the test. The test must be carried out under similar conditions. In article weighing almost 0.1 grams. The article was then immersed in a beaker of 0.9% sterile saline (which was obtained from Baxter Travenol Company of Deerfield, IL), so that the article was completely submerged and did not flex or otherwise become twisted or it bended. The article was immersed for 10 minutes. The article was removed from the salt pan and laid horizontally on a wire mesh screen having square openings of 0.64 cm by 0.64 cm for 5 minutes to allow the salt to drain from the article. Both sides of the article were then covered with absorbent blotters, such as filter paper # 631 available from Filtration Science Corp., Eaton-Dikeman Division of Mount Holly Spring, PA. A uniform load of 6.9 Pa was placed on the article to squeeze the excess fluid. The absorbent blotting discs were replaced every 30 seconds until the amount of fluid transferred to the absorbent blotting discs was less than 0.5 grams in a period of 30 seconds. Afterwards, the article was weighed at almost 0.1 grams and the dry weight of the article was subtracted. The difference in grams is the absorbent capacity of the article.

Water Dispersion Test Agitator Apparatus: Junior Orbit available from Lab Line instruments of Melrose Pari, Illinois. Thermometer: from -1.1 to 48.8 ° C with 1 degree diures.

Chronometer: Digital chronograph. Container with lid: a container with glass lid of 453.6 grams. Fourth conditioning: temperature and humidity must be controlled to remain within the following limits: Temperature 23 ° C + .2 ° C Humidity: 50 + 2% relative humidity Test Organization 1. Fill the glass jar with 300 ml of tap water at 22.2 + 16.1 ° C. 2. Set the speed on the Junior Orbits agitator at 250 rpm according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Procedure 1. Maintain a sample (an interlabial absorbent device 20) 7.6 to 10.2 cm above the surface of the water in the container. Let the sample drip moderately on the surface of water. 2. Place the lid on the container. 3. Place the container on the Junior Orbit agitator so that the container is oriented on its side.

Turn on the Junior Orbit agitator with the on / off switch, starting the stopwatch when the agitator turns on. Record the time required until the sample separates at least two pieces. The separation does not include the dissociation of some individual fibers from an otherwise intact sample. Time is the total time the sample is shaken. Repeat steps 1 to 5 with three additional samples.

Calculations and Reports Calculate and report the mean and standard deviation of water dispersion capacity time for the four samples tested.

Water Discharge Cleaning Test Summary As noted above, the terms "that can be cleaned with water discharge or cleaning capacity with water discharge" refers to the ability of a product to pass through typical commercially available domestic toilets available and plumbing drainage systems without causing plugging or similar problems that may be directly associated with the physical characteristics of the product. For the purpose of the appended claims, the products are evaluated for cleaning capacity by flushing water through a relative facility of the toilet and trap evacuation and subsequent transportation through a simulated plumbing system. The cleaning capacity by water discharge of said device must be measured in 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 employs a sequence of cleaning or discharge of water to simulate the following conditions: urination visits by men, urination visits by women (including drying after urination with tissue paper), product disposal (ie , the interlabial device or other device that is being tested) with cleaning using tissue paper, and bowel movement visits. The amount of tissue paper that will be used for each cleaning with water discharge is a normal load of 22 strips of 7 sheets. The normal load is based on the search of the consumed with respect to habits and typical practices. The test is designed to simulate the conditions that a product will encounter if it is discarded through a conventional toilet and a municipal sewer or septic tank. The samples were valued for: 1) cleaning the toilet, 2) blocking the drainage line and 3) disintegrating during the cleaning by discharging water.

Apparatus A suitable apparatus for the water discharge cleaning capacity test is shown in plan view in Figure 10. The apparatus includes: • A 13.2 liter water-saving siphon swirl toilet called 210 (also can be attaching additional toilets to the pipe representation shown in Figure 10 to evaluate the behavior of test samples using different water flushing mechanisms such as commercial, pressure toilets); • An acrylic pipe with an internal diameter of 10 cm and approximately 18 meters (as can be seen in Figure 10, the pipe is assembled in a completely square configuration having linear runs 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221 of a length of approximately 3 meters); • A cast iron connecting pipe 223 slightly downstream of the toilet 210 which is open in the atmosphere for ventilation; • Five cast iron elbows of 90 ° 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220; • A protrusion 222 positioned vertically (Figure 11) about 4.57 meters from the terminal end of the pipe and a length of about 2.5 cm; and • A sieve (Tyler No. 4 sieve) to capture solid effluent for the evaluation of disintegration.

The apparatus used for this method is set to be suitable to the ANSI A112.192M-1990 standard for China Vitreos accessories. The pipe is placed to provide a drop of 2 cm / meter of pipe length.

Materials The tissue paper product used in the test: standard "CHARMIN" bath tissue paper manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. Fecal Synthetic Material: Prepared according to the method described below.

The water wash washing test sequence simulates two days of normal toilet use for a family of 4 (two men, two women, based on the habits and practices of the consumed). The sequence of 34 total washings consists of 14 washes with an empty intestine, 8 washes only with tissue paper, 6 washes with tissue paper and the product to be tested and 6 washes with tissue paper and simulated faecal matter (SFM). When used, the SFM was placed in the cup just before adding the tissue paper. The SFM load of 160 g + _ 5 g consists of pieces of 2.5 cm by 10 cm and a piece of 2.5 cm by 5 cm. Twisted tissue paper strips (or the catamenial product) were placed in the cup at 10 second intervals. Ten seconds after the strip or final product was placed in the cup, the toilet was flushed. The water discharge cleaning sequence is described below as a series of two routines combined in the following order: Routine # 1 (which will be done the first 6 times for a total of 30 washes per water discharge). 1) washing with water discharge only with tissue paper. Take a drain line lock reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the simulated obstruction, wait 1 more minute and go to step 2. 2) flushing with the empty cup. Take a drain line blocking reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the protrusion point and continue to step 3. 3) Clean by flushing water with tissue paper and product. Take a drain line lock reading two minutes after water reaches the protrusion point, wait 1 more minute and move to step 4. 4) flush by emptying water with the empty cup. Take a drain line blocking reading 2 minutes after water reaches the protrusion point and go to step 5. 5) Clean by flushing water with tissue paper and simulated faecal matter (SFM). Take a drain line blocking reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the protrusion point, and wait another minute.

Routine # 2 (to be performed only 1 time) 1) cleaning by discharge of water only with tissue paper. Take a drain line lock reading 2 minutes after water reaches the protrusion point, wait 1 more minute and go to step 2. 2) cleaning by emptying water with empty cup. Take a drain line blocking reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the protrusion point and move to step 3. 3) Clean by water discharge only with tissue paper. Take a drain line blocking reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the protrusion point, wait 1 more minute and move to step 4. 4) clean by emptying water with empty cup. Take a reading of the drain line block two minutes after the water reaches the protrusion point. Total number of washings per download per sequence is 34.

If, after the second cleaning by discharge of water in the sequence of discharge of water, the product remains in the cup or is trapped after cleaning by discharge of water, the tissue paper and / or the product is submerged in the line Drain manually and the water cleaning sequence will continue. After the completion of each load, the drain pipe will be cleaned before beginning the subsequent test. The water flushing sequence described above is repeated three times for each test product.

Data Report The degree of drainage line blockage is determined by measuring the length of water remaining behind the obstruction. Graduations were marked every 30 cm in the upstream of the obstruction drainage pipe. Each section of .3948 meters where the water remains corresponds to 0.6 cm or 6.25% blockage at the point of obstruction. The residues of the test product that come out of the drain pipe were also collected. The following data were recorded for each evaluation: 1) failure incidence (%) of the product to clean the cup and trapped it in a water discharge. 2) incidence of failure (%) of the product to clean the cup and the trapped in two washes. 3) incidence of the product in the simulated protuberance. 4) maximum level (%) of the drain line block. 5) accumulated level (%) of drainage line blockage during 2 days of the simulated test period.

Preferably, the products described herein will completely clean the bowl by at least about 70% in the time of two or fewer washes per water discharge, most preferably at least about 80% of the time in one wash per water discharge, preferably by at least about 90% of the time in a water flushing and most preferably at least about 95%. The products described herein will preferably have a maximum drainage line blockage less than or equal to about 80%. The products described herein will preferably have a cumulative level of drainage line blockage during two days of simulated test period less than or equal to about 50%.

Preparation of Synthetic Fecal Material I. Materials Needed: • Feclone synthetic faecal material (900 grams); (available from Silicone Studio, Valley Forge, PA as the BFPS-7 product, dry concentrate). • 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 centrifuge tubes with screw caps (50 ml) (available from VWR Scientific, Chicago, IL as Catalog No. 21-008-176) . • Water bath to control the temperature 37 ° C.

III. Preparation: 1. Drain the water at 100 ° C in the mixing bowl of the mixer and add the dry Feclone concentrate. 2. Mix at low speed for 1 minute. 3. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes. 4. After the material mixes well, transfer to the extruder. 5. Using an ice pick, drill a small hole in the tip of each centrifuge tube. 6. Extrude the Feclone in the centrifuge tubes. 7. Cover the centrifuge tubes and store in the refrigerator. 8. Before using, place the tubes in the water bath at 38 ° C. 28-Day Sediment Test Purpose To determine the degree to which an absorbent article disintegrates after exposure to biologically active anaerobic sediment. Anaerobic conditions are typically found in domestic septic tanks, as well as in municipal sewage treatment facilities in the form of anaerobic sediment digestion devices. The test products, such as the absorbent article were combined with the sediment of the anaerobic digestion apparatus to determine the degree and rate of disintegration of the test products over a period of 28 days. Disintegration (as measured by the change in weight) was typically measured on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of the particular study. This protocol was modeled before the National Sanitation Foundation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, International Protocol: Evaluation of the Anaerobic Disintegration of a Test Product, November 1992.

Materials: Control Product Regular TAMPAX brand tampons were used as the positive control product in the anaerobic decay test.

Preparation of the material Prior to the addition of the test and control products to the reactors, the materials were dried in a hot air oven at 103 + 2 ° C for 2 hours and then weighed to determine the initial weight. Approximately equal weights of the control and test products will be placed in respective reactors.

Anaerobic Sediment: In sediment used in this evaluation will be anaerobic sediment obtained in a municipal wastewater treatment plant, or wastewater obtained as incoming flow from a wastewater treatment plant that has been concentrated by sedimenting and decanting the underlying water . Prior to use in the evaluation, the following parameters of the sediment were measured with the standard laboratory operation procedures.

Total solids Total volatile solids PH The sediment must meet the following criteria to be used in the evaluation: pH between 6.5 and 8 Total solids > .15,000 mg / L Total volatile solids > _ 10,000 mg / L The criteria for sediment activity requires that the control buffer material must lose at least 95% of its initial dry weight after 28 days of exposure.

Procedure: The test and control products were added to a 2-liter wide-mouthed glass flask (reactor) containing 1,500 ml of anaerobic digestion pellet or concentrated sewage. Three reactor flasks were prepared per test material per day of sampling. In this way, if the disintegration was measured on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28, there will be a total of 15 reactor flasks for the test product and 15 flasks for the control product. The reactors were sealed and placed in an incubator maintained at 35 + 2 ° C. On specific sampling days, three reactors, each for the test and control material, were removed from the incubator. On the designated sample days, the contents of each reactor were passed through a 1 mm mesh screen to recover any non-disintegrated material.

Any collected material will be rinsed with tap water, removed from the sieve and placed in a 103 + hot air oven. 2 ° C for at least 2 hours. The dry material will be weighed to determine the final weight. Visual observations of the physical appearance of the materials when they were recovered from the reactors were also made and recorded.

Results The speed and degree of anaerobic disintegration of each test material and control material was determined for initial dry weights of the material and the dry weights of the material recovered on the sample days. The percentage of anaerobic disintegration was determined using the following equation (percentage of weight loss): Percentage of disintegration = (initial dry weight-final dry weight) x100 (initial dry weight) The average disintegration percentage for the test and control products for each sampling day was presented. For the purposes of the appended claims, the percentage of the decay values for day 28 of the study. The description of all patents, patent applications (and any patents issued therefrom, as well as any corresponding published foreign applications), and publications mentioned through this description are incorporated herein by reference. However, it is not expressly admitted that any of

Claims (10)

The documents incorporated herein teach or describe the present invention. Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. CLAIMS

1. - An absorbent article that can be inserted into the interlabial space of a female user, the absorbent device having a length, a width, a thickness, and a longitudinal center line, the absorbent device characterized by having a backing sheet having a projection integral formed in the same of sufficient dimensions to help in the insertion in the interlabial space.

2. The absorbent device according to claim 1, wherein the projection is formed near the longitudinal center line.

3. The absorbent device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the integral projection is formed by strain-induced plastic deformation of a portion of the backing sheet.

4. The absorbent device according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the projection comprises an interior portion.

5. The absorbent device according to claim 4, wherein the absorbent device comprises the absorbent material in the interior portion of the projection.

6. An apparatus for forming a backing sheet having an integral projection formed therein, the apparatus characterized by: (a) a female forming member having a first opening therein; (b) a compression member having a second opening therein, the second opening being in an aligned relation in the first opening of the female forming member, the compression member being in an operative relationship to the female forming member to compress the backing sheet between the compression member and the female forming member around the first and second openings; and (c) a male forming member having a forming projection operatively disposed in an aligned relationship with the first and second openings, and moving through the first and second openings.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the female forming member and the male forming member each are rotating forming members and the compression member comprises a flexible band having a plurality of slotted openings, regularly separated.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, comprising a plurality of first openings on the female rotating forming member and a corresponding plurality of forming projections on the male rotating forming member, each of the first openings in register with a corresponding formation projection and in register with a corresponding slotted opening in the flexible band.

9. The apparatus according to claims 7 or 8, wherein the flexible band is in a tensioned arrangement partially wrapped with respect to the female forming member.

10. A method for making a backsheet having an integral projection formed in a portion thereof, the method characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) compressing a portion of the backsheet between a female forming member having a first opening and a compression member having a second opening in an aligned relationship with the first opening; and (b) pushing a forming projection of a male forming member through the first and second openings, thereby contacting and stretching the backing sheet material coincident with the first and second openings to form a plastically deformed ledge induced. by tension in the backing sheet. SUMMARY The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, interlabial devices and incontinence devices. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an improved absorbent article that can be inserted into the interlabial space of a female user for catamenial purposes (including menstruation and middle cycle discharges), incontinence protection (including urine), or both . The interlabial absorbent device has at least one contact surface with the body and a backsheet having an integral projection formed therein of sufficient dimensions to assist in insertion into the interlabial space. An apparatus for forming the integral projection on the backing sheet is described. The apparatus comprises a female forming member having an opening therein, and a compression member having an opening therethrough in an operative aligned relationship with the opening of the female forming member. A male forming member having a male forming protrusion operatively disposed in an aligned relationship with the openings of the female forming member and the compression member, which can move therethrough and which can be pushed through the openings. A method for making an integral projection on a backing sheet is described. The backsheet is compressed between the female forming member and the compression member. The backsheet has an uncompressed region coincident with the aligned openings of the female forming member and the compression member. A male forming projection is pushed through the aligned openings, thereby contacting and tensioning the backing sheet material coincident with the first and second openings to form a plastically deformed projection induced by tension in the backing sheet.