Abstract:
A contoured and shaped feminine sanitary device ( 10 ) comprising a substantially fluid-impermeable bottom layer ( 26 ), a substantially fluid-absorbent core ( 24 ), and a substantially fluid-permeable top layer ( 28 ), with at least one raised area ( 18 ) and at least one of back or front extensions ( 14,16 ) for facilitating and enhancing fluid absorption in certain areas and during certain activities.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present non-provisional patent application is related to and claims priority benefit of an earlier-filed and still pending provisional patent application titled FEMININE SANITARY DEVICE, Ser. No. 60/638,879, filed Dec. 22, 2004. The identified provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference into the present non-provisional application. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates broadly to feminine sanitary napkins, pads, or other similar devices. More particularly, the present invention concerns a contoured and shaped feminine sanitary device comprising a substantially fluid-impermeable bottom layer, a substantially fluid-absorbent core, and a substantially fluid-permeable top layer, with at least one raised area and at least one of back or front extensions for facilitating and enhancing fluid absorption in certain areas and during certain activities.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     Feminine sanitary napkins or pads are well-known in the prior art as comprising a fluid-absorbent core interposed between a fluid-impermeable backing and a fluid-permeable cover for placement against the female genital area to absorb bodily fluid during menstruation. Unfortunately, such prior art pads generally function best when the user is in a substantially vertical position, i.e., standing or sitting upright such that the natural flow of such fluid is directly into the pad. When the user is reclining or laying in a supine, prone, or side position, fluid can avoid absorption by the prior art pad by flowing along the contours of the body to an area that is unprotected by the prior art pad. Thus, for example, when the user is sleeping, substantial amounts of fluid may avoid being absorbed by the prior art pad and may ultimately contact and stain the user&#39;s garments or bedcoverings.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,763 discloses a feminine sanitary pad having a “gluteal pad extending from an end of the horizontally extending base pad for providing additional absorption of backward spillage occurring when a woman lies in a horizontal position.” The gluteal pad takes the form of a wedge for placement between the lower buttocks. Unfortunately, such a wedge works to absorb spillage only when the user lies in a supine horizontal position such that the spillage flows rearwardly. The gluteal wedge does not work to absorb spillage when the user lies in a prone horizontal position such that the spillage flows forwardly. Similarly, the gluteal wedge does not work to absorb spillage when the user lies on her left or right side such that the spillage flows sidewardly. Thus, the gluteal wedge protects the user in only one of the four basic sleeping positions. The gluteal wedge suffers from a number of additional disadvantages, including, for example, that it only absorbs fluid flowing between the buttocks and not fluid flowing over the buttocks, and that the overly-intrusive wedge shape may be unduly uncomfortable or otherwise disagreeable for some women.  
         [0007]     It is known to combine a feminine sanitary pad with a tampon in order to increase the amount of absorption of fluids and to reduce spillage. Unfortunately, tampons, while generally effective, pose health risks for women. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially deadly disease. Using tampons of any absorbency greatly increases a woman&#39;s risk of contracting TSS. A sudden high fever, diarrhea, fainting, bloodshot eyes, and a rash are some of the most severe symptoms of TSS. In order to reduce the risk of contracting TSS, doctors suggest the use of feminine sanitary pads, but as mentioned, prior art pads by themselves suffer from a number of problems and disadvantages.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,147 discloses a sanitary device which claims to be more absorbent than conventional pads due to the placement of parallel, elongated, cylindrical structures and a swellable sponge between the base and the cover layers. One embodiment comprises three cylindrical pads in a triangle formation, resulting in a heightened area throughout much of the length of the pad. One disadvantage of this single, elongated wedge is discomfort for the user because it does not and cannot conform to the natural contours of the female genital area. In addition, there is still the possibility of spillage or leakage if the user lies in a horizontal position such that the fluid flows either forward toward the pelvic area, rearward toward the buttocks, or toward the sides of the pad.  
         [0009]     Prior art adult diapers are also well-known and can be used as an extreme solution to the problem of containing fluid flow. Adult diapers may contain elastic along the sides and are padded for fluid absorption along the entire interior to provide for maximum protection. Even though the risk of leakage is very low, adult diapers may not provide sufficient discreetness for some, and may also be undesirable either or both from an associated psychological stigma or from physical discomfort.  
         [0010]     Due to these and other problems and disadvantages encountered in the prior art, a need exists for an improved feminine sanitary device that facilitates and enhances protection, especially when the user is reclining or lying down.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention solves the above-identified and other problems and disadvantages in the prior art by providing a contoured and shaped feminine sanitary device for facilitating and enhancing fluid absorption in certain areas and during certain activities. More specifically, the device provides significantly improved protection over the prior art, particularly when the user assumes non-vertical positions, such as, for example, when reclining or laying in a prone, supine, or side position.  
         [0012]     Preferably, the device comprises an elongated body including a central portion, a back extension, a front extension, one or more raised areas, and one or more wings. The central portion is substantially elongated and rectangular in shape and adapted for placement against the female genital area in much the same manner as a prior art pad. The back extension is connected to or otherwise extends substantially continuously from a rearward end of the central portion, presents additional surface area, and is adapted for placement against the user&#39;s lower buttock area to absorb at least some of any fluid that may avoid absorption by the central portion and flow rearward along bodily contours into this lower buttock area such as when the user is in a substantially supine position. The front extension is connected to or otherwise extends substantially continuously from a forward end of the central portion, also presents additional surface area, and is adapted for placement against the user&#39;s pelvic or lower abdominal area to absorb at least some of any fluid that may avoid absorption by the central portion and flow forwardly along bodily contours when the user is in a substantially prone position. The extensions may be given substantially any suitable simple or complex shape as well as relief features for more closely accommodating the user&#39;s legs or other body parts. Securement mechanisms may be provided for one or more of the central portion or back or front extensions in order to aid in maintaining the portion or area in its proper operating position.  
         [0013]     The one or more raised areas are located on the body of the device in areas where fluid flow is likely to occur, and have a raised shape, such as a rounded swelling or even, as appropriate, a wedge, that results in more certain and sustained contact with the user&#39;s body and therefore better protection. There may be any one or more of three such areas: a vaginal area, a rear area, and a front area. The vaginal area is located in a center area of the central portion; the rear area is located rearwardly of the vaginal area, such as near the intersection of the central portion and the back extension where the human body forms a natural crevice and intersection for fluid flowing rearwardly along bodily contours; and the front area is located forwardly of the vaginal area, such as near the intersection of the central portion and the front extension to intercept fluid flowing forwardly along bodily contours. The raised areas are preferably constructed of a material or materials and in such a manner that fluid absorbed by the raised areas is able or even encouraged to migrate into adjacent areas of the device so as to slow or avoid substantial or complete saturation of the raised areas which might diminish or preclude further absorption and thereby diminish or preclude further performance or operation of the device.  
         [0014]     Thus, it will be appreciated that the feminine sanitary device of the present invention provides a number of substantial advantages over the prior art, including, for example, providing significantly improved protection, particularly when the user assumes non-vertical positions, such as, for example, when reclining or laying in a prone, supine, or side position. In particular, the oversized and appropriately shaped back and front extensions provide greater protection against fluid not absorbed by the central portion, and the appropriately located raised areas further improve protection.  
         [0015]     These and other features of the present invention are described in greater detail in the section entitled DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT, set forth below. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a preferred first embodiment of the feminine sanitary device of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a preferred second embodiment of the feminine sanitary device of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3   a  is a first cross-sectional view along line A-A of the feminine sanitary device of  FIG. 1  showing a contemplated first possible thickness of a raised area of the device;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3   b  is a second cross-sectional view along line A-A of the feminine sanitary device of  FIG. 1  showing a contemplated second possible thickness of the raised area of the device; and  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the feminine sanitary device of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0022]     With reference to the figures, a feminine sanitary device  10  is described, shown, and otherwise disclosed herein in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. The device  10  of the present invention provides substantially improved protection over the prior art, particularly when the user assumes non-vertical positions, such as, for example, when reclining or laying in a prone, supine, or side position.  
         [0023]     Preferably, the device  10  broadly comprises an elongated body including a central portion  12 , a back extension  14 , a front extension  16 , one or more raised areas  18 , and one or more wings  20 . Referring particularly to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the body includes a substantially fluid-absorbent core  24  interposed between a substantially fluid-impermeable backing  26  and a substantially fluid permeable cover  28  for absorbing and retaining fluid. This cross-sectional construction is generally substantially consistent over the entire body, including the central portion and the extensions.  
         [0024]     The central portion  12  is substantially elongated and rectangular in shape and adapted for placement against the female genital area in much the same manner as a prior art pad.  
         [0025]     The back extension  14  is connected to or otherwise extends substantially continuously from a rearward end of the central portion  12 , presents additional surface area, and is adapted for placement against the user&#39;s lower buttock area to absorb at least some of any fluid that may avoid absorption by the central portion  12  and flow rearward along bodily contours into this lower buttock area such as when the user is in a substantially supine position. The back extension  14  may have substantially any suitable simple shape, (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) such as round or triangular, or complex shape (as shown in  FIG. 2 ), such as round or triangular with appropriately shaped scallops, cut-outs, or other relief features  29  to more closely accommodate the user&#39;s legs or other body parts.  
         [0026]     The front extension  16  is connected to or otherwise extends substantially continuously from a forward end of the central portion  12 , also presents additional surface area, and is adapted for placement against the user&#39;s pelvic or lower abdominal area to absorb at least some of any fluid that may avoid absorption by the central portion  12  and flow forwardly along bodily contours when the user is in a substantially prone position. The front extension  16  may be given substantially any suitable simple shape, such as round or triangular, or complex shape, such as round or triangular with appropriately shaped scallops, cut-outs, or other relief features similar to those shown in  FIG. 2  to more closely accommodate the user&#39;s legs or other body parts.  
         [0027]     Referring particularly to  FIG. 4 , securement mechanisms  30  may be provided for one or more of the central portion  12 , back extension  14 , or front extension  16  in order to aid in maintaining the portion or area in its proper operating position. Such securement mechanisms  30  may take the form of adhesive or hook-and-loop tape associated with a backside of the device  10  for removably securing it to an undergarment worn by the user. Such securement mechanisms  30  may supplement or replace the one or more wings  20  which are discussed below.  
         [0028]     Referring particularly to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the one or more raised areas  18  are located on the body in areas where fluid flow is likely to occur. While the fluid-absorbent core  24  extends substantially throughout the entire body, the areas  18  provide even greater absorbing ability or capacity. This enhanced ability or capacity of the areas  18  may be achieved either by use of a different and even more absorbent material than the super-absorbent core material, by use of additional thicknesses of the core or other material, or by any combination thereof to achieve the desired characteristic. Such additional thicknesses of material provide a raised shape, such as a rounded swelling or even, as appropriate, a wedge, that results in more certain and sustained contact with the user&#39;s body and therefore better protection. As shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the height of the raised areas  18 , 118  may vary from approximately between 0.25 inch to 1.0 inch based on a variety of factors, including, for example, desired absorbing capacity. The raised area  118  of  FIG. 3   b  is substantially higher than the raised area  18  of  FIG. 3   a , potentially allowing the raised area  118  of  FIG. 3   b  to both maintain closer contact with the user&#39;s body and provide greater absorbing capacity due to its greater amount of absorbent core material  124 . It is contemplated that there may be any one or more of three such areas  18 : a vaginal area  32 , a rear area  34 , and a front area  36 . The vaginal area  32  may be provided with an appropriate shape, such as an elongated elliptical shape, and positioned in a center area of the central portion  12 . The rear area  34  may be provided with an appropriate shape, such as a triangular shape, and positioned rearwardly of the vaginal area  32 , such as near the intersection of the central portion  12  and the back extension  14  where the human body forms a natural crevice and intersection for fluid flowing rearwardly along bodily contours. The front area  36  may be provided with an appropriate shape, such as a triangular shape, and positioned forwardly of the vaginal area  32 , such as near the intersection of the central portion  12  and the front extension  16  to intercept fluid flowing forwardly along bodily contours. It is contemplated that the areas may be of equal, differing, or even varying height depending on the desired performance characteristics at that location. The raised areas  18  are preferably constructed of a material or materials and in such a manner that fluid absorbed by the raised areas  18  is able or even encouraged to migrate into adjacent areas of the device  10  so as to slow or avoid substantial or complete saturation of the raised areas  18  which might diminish or preclude further absorption and thereby diminish or preclude further performance or operation of the device  10 .  
         [0029]     The one or more wings  20  project outwardly perpendicularly from the central portion  12  of the body and function both to provide protection against fluid flowing sidewardly and to facilitate maintaining the device  10  in its proper operating position. Preferably, one wing projects outwardly from each side of the central portion  12 , has some absorbent ability, and includes a securement mechanism, such as described above, to allow for securing the body to the undergarment worn by the user in an otherwise substantially conventional manner.  
         [0030]     From the preceding description, it will be appreciated that the feminine sanitary device of the present invention provides a number of substantial advantages over the prior art, including, for example, providing significantly improved protection, particularly when the user assumes non-vertical positions, such as, for example, when reclining or laying in a prone, supine, or side position. In particular, the oversized and appropriately shaped back and front extensions provide greater protection against fluid not absorbed by the central portion, and the appropriately located raised areas further improve protection. Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims