Patent Publication Number: US-2022218058-A1

Title: Feminine hygiene products

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Feminine hygiene affects the daily life of women around the world. It is a critical aspect of health and self-care. Feminine hygiene relates to the natural physical cycle known as the menstrual cycle. Proper care throughout the natural cycle promotes good physical health and mental well-being. A wide range of products are available to assist in this care. How these products are applied, and the various features, benefits, and risks, are diverse. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present description will be understood more fully when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of various examples of feminine hygiene products. The description is not meant to limit the feminine hygiene products to the specific examples. Rather, the specific examples depicted and described are provided for explanation and understanding of the feminine hygiene products. Throughout the description the drawings may be referred to as drawings, figures, and/or FIGs. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a sanitary glove, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a sanitary mitt, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a sanitary trigger mitt, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a palm-side of the sanitary glove of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a securing arrangement, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a first partial removal, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a second partial removal, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a full removal, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a closure solution, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a closed arrangement of the sanitary glove of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a method, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Feminine hygiene products, as disclosed herein, will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various embodiments of feminine hygiene products. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may not be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the examples described herein. 
     Conventional feminine hygiene products may include tampons, pads, cups, and so forth. These conventional feminine hygiene products are difficult to handle in a sanitary manner and have specific requirements for disposal. For example, frequent issues are created with the improper disposal of feminine hygiene products in residential and commercial facilities. Additionally, proper disposal can be unpleasant. For example, proper disposal may be unsightly, generate unpleasant odors, lead to embarrassment, and so forth. As a particular example, using a bathroom of an acquaintance or a public restroom could lead an individual to be embarrassed or frustrated with waste disposal options. These may include a highly visible option such as an open-top waste can that is unsightly and may result in unpleasant odors or a centrally-located public waste can that requires the user to handle the products in one location and transport the products to the central waste can. 
     Implementations of the feminine hygiene products described herein may address some or all of the problems described above. The feminine hygiene products described herein may provide for a multi-function improvement to personal sanitation, ease of use, ease of disposal, odor control, disposal sanitation, labeling and identification, and so forth. 
     Embodiments of the feminine hygiene products provide a sanitary element (e.g. a glove or mitt) for protecting the user while interacting with a retentive element (e.g. a tampon, menstrual cup, pad, and so forth). The sanitary element provides a solution for handling the retentive element in a sanitary manner, a solution for disposing of the retentive element in a sanitary and pleasant manner, and a solution for providing precaution in handling after use. In some embodiments, the sanitary element may be packaged with the retentive element for ease of use and convenience of a unified packaging option. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a sanitary glove  100 , according to an embodiment. The sanitary glove  100  provides a lightweight, flexible, and resilient protective element for handling items or processes that benefit from sanitary precautions. 
     In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  includes a collar  102  shaped and sized to admit a user&#39;s hand into the sanitary glove  100 . The collar  102  may be shaped to form wings to facilitate tie off of the sanitary glove  100 . For example, a portion of the collar  102  may be shaped to extend out from the sanitary glove  100  forming a wing or tab that is longer and extends further along a hand/wrist/arm of the user. The wing formed in the collar  102  may provide a grip location and a location for created a tied closure for the sanitary glove  100 . The collar  102  may have elastic characteristics or components. In some embodiments, the collar  102  includes a closure element. The closure element may include a drawstring, tie, clip, roller, snap, adhesive seal, or so forth. The collar  102  may be positioned to reach to a user&#39;s wrist or to reach beyond a user&#39;s wrist. 
     In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  includes an indicator  104 . In some embodiments, the indicator  104  may be configured to attract attention of a viewer, communicate a nature or characteristic of a content or use of the sanitary glove  100 , provide instructions or warnings, or so forth. 
     In some embodiments, the indicator  104  may be printed on an interior of the sanitary glove  100 . In some embodiments, the indicator  104  is visible from an exterior of the sanitary glove  100 . In other embodiments, the indicator  104  is only visible from an interior of the sanitary glove  100  or when the sanitary glove  100  is turned inside-out. For example, the indicator  104  may be invisible with the sanitary glove  100  on the hand of the user but, once turned inside out after use, visible to provide disposal instructions, indicate to others the contents, or so forth. In some embodiments, the indicator  104  is printed on the sanitary glove  100 . In other embodiments, the indicator  104  is formed in the sanitary glove  100  through a variation of thickness, color, opacity, chemical or material components, or so forth. 
     In some embodiments, the indicator  104  may be positioned to be near a dorsal region of the hand when the sanitary glove  100  is worn. In other embodiments, the indicator  104  is positioned to be near a palmar (or palm) region of the hand when the sanitary glove  100  is worn. In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  may include more than one indicator  104  positioned on the same or different regions of the sanitary glove  100 . In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  includes an indicator  104  on the interior of the sanitary glove  100  and an indicator  104  on an exterior of the sanitary glove  100 . In other embodiments, the indicator  104  is on either the exterior or the interior of the sanitary glove  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the indicator  104  includes a symbol. In other embodiments, the indicator  104  includes a word. In some embodiments, the indicator  104  includes an image. In other embodiments, the indicator  104  includes a combination of a symbol, word, image, or so forth. In some embodiments, the indicator  104  may be configured to provide at least one of an instruction, a warning, or an identification of a content of the closed sanitary element, or so forth. 
     In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  includes a separate thumb portion  106 . The thumb portion  106  may allow dexterity of the thumb of the user. Some embodiments of the sanitary glove  100  include an index finger portion  108 . A separate index finger portion  108  may allow for a greater grasping or pinching operation by the user while wearing the sanitary glove  100 . In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  includes individual middle, ring, and pinky finger sections  110 . While the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1  includes separate portions for each finger and the thumb, other embodiments may include fewer finger portions as will be described, by way of example, herein. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a sanitary mitt  200 , according to an embodiment. The sanitary mitt  200  may offer a greater ease of use as insertion of fingers into individual finger sections is not required for use. Embodiments of the sanitary mitt  200  may also provide greater storage capacity or more flexible storage capacity. 
     In some embodiments, the sanitary mitt  200  includes a unified finger portion  202 . The unified finger portion  202  may allow for a greater ease of use when a user&#39;s hand or finger are wet or damp or when jewelry is worn. In some embodiments, the unified finger portion  202  allows for a quicker application of the sanitary mitt  200  to the user&#39;s hand because individual fingers do not need to be inserted into corresponding portions. In some embodiments, a mitt may be defined as having an isolated thumb portion  106  while two or more fingers are positioned together in the unified finger portion  202 . 
     In some embodiments, the sanitary mitt  200  includes the indicator  104 . Because of the increased surface area corresponding to the unified finger portion  202 , the indicator  104  may be larger in size or positioned differently from that shown and described with relation to embodiments corresponding to  FIG. 1 . 
     In some embodiments, the sanitary mitt  200  provides increased capacity for a user&#39;s hand and/or fingers. This may accommodate a medical condition; for example, a cast, splint, buddy-taping, swelling, arthritis, contracture, or so forth. In some embodiments, the sanitary mitt  200  provides increased capacity for storing material for discard. This may provide for easier handling and reduced difficulty of use. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a sanitary trigger mitt  300 , according to an embodiment. Embodiments of the trigger mitt  300  provide additional dexterity by including an index finger portion  108  and a unified finger portion  202  to provide additional storage capacity and ease of use. 
     In some embodiments, the trigger mitt  300  allows for a user to have a more precise pincer action with the index finger portion  108  separate from the unified finger portion  202 . Some embodiments of the trigger mitt  300  may include an indicator  104  to provide information to a user or others who may encounter the trigger mitt  300  when at least one of right-side out or inside out. In some embodiments, the trigger mitt  300  may include regions of the trigger mitt  300  which are a different thickness and/or materials than another region of the trigger mitt  300 . In some embodiments, the trigger mitt  300 , sanitary mitt  200 , or sanitary glove  100  may include a biodegradable material. In some embodiments, the material may be configured to biodegrade after a disposal threshold to reduce a likelihood of a release of the contents at an initial disposal location. For example, the material may not break down to failure until after an estimated time trash collection and disposal has elapsed. Some embodiments described herein may include a latex, nitrile, polyvinyl chloride, neoprene, or so forth and may include a lubricant such as a powdered corn starch or other material to assist in putting on or removal. 
     In some embodiments, a portion of the trigger mitt  300  may include a texture. For example, at least one of the index finger portion  108  or the thumb portion  106  may include a texture to improve grip, reduce likelihood of puncture, improve tactile feedback, or so forth. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a palm-side of the sanitary glove  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment. The sanitary glove  100  may improve the sanitation of feminine hygiene products by providing sanitary protection for application and retrieval as well as for disposal of feminine hygiene products. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the sanitary glove  100  includes the indicator  104  disposed on the palm side of the sanitary glove  100 . In other embodiments, the indicator  104  may be disposed on the opposite side of the sanitary glove  100 . Multiple indicators  104  may be disposed on the sanitary glove  100  in different locations on the sanitary glove  100 . In some embodiments, the indicator  104  provides warning symbols or language, instruction symbols or language, or so forth. The indicator  104  may be disposed internal to the sanitary glove  100  when worn by a user. In some embodiments, the indicator  104  may be visible from the exterior of the sanitary glove  100  when worn by the user. In other embodiments, the indicator  104  is not visible until the sanitary glove  100  is reversed or turned inside out. In some embodiments, the indicator  104  is visible from an exterior of the sanitary glove  100  while worn by the user. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a securing arrangement  500 , according to an embodiment. The securing arrangement  500  illustrates a flexible and sanitary option for handling a retentive element  502 . The flexibility allows for use in a personal or public restroom or other personal or public location. 
     In some embodiments, the securing arrangement  500  includes the sanitary glove  100  of  FIG. 1  gripping the retentive element  502 . The sanitary glove  100  may provide a sanitary option for both placing and retrieving the retentive element  502 . In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  provides a barrier between the user and the retentive element  502  and associated fluids. The sanitary glove  100  may also improve grip of the user on the retentive element  502 . The ability to engage with the retentive element  502  without the need to worry about contact with associated fluids or other biological materials can improve sanitation, confidence, self-image, and so forth. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a first partial removal arrangement  600 , according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  allows a user to engage with a retentive element  502  without needing to make direct skin contact with the retentive element maintaining sanitation and improving ease of use. 
     In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  is configured to be removed from the user&#39;s hand by grasping the collar  102  or other portion of the sanitary glove  100  and removing it from the hand. The sanitary glove  100  may be configured to reverse or turn inside out during removal. This may increase the ease of removal due to elimination of friction or a sealing effect of the sanitary glove  100  relative to a user&#39;s hand. In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  is configured to be removed by grasping the collar  102  and pulling the collar  102  of the sanitary glove  100  in a finger-ward motion  602 . This may roll, or invert, the sanitary glove  100  over itself, leaving the sanitary glove  100  in an inside out arrangement once removed. 
     In some embodiments, the user is able to continue to grasp the retentive element  502  during the removal process illustrated in  FIG. 6 . As the sanitary glove  100  is removed, the retentive element  502  may be drawn into the sanitary glove  100 . The retentive element  502  may be drawn into the sanitary glove  100  without contact by the user. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a second partial removal arrangement  700 , according to an embodiment. the sanitary glove  100  may be removed easily and without significant complication. Allowing for ease of use in different environments and situations. 
     In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  is configured to continue to roll off the user&#39;s hand and reverse on itself to leave the sanitary glove  100  inside out as it is removed by the user. As the sanitary glove  100  is removed, the retentive element  502  may be drawn into the inside out glove  100  and the indicator  104  may be exposed. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a full removal arrangement  800 , according to an embodiment. Because the sanitary glove  100  is easily removed from the user&#39;s hand, it is accessible for users of a wide age, ability, and skill range. Additionally, use requires no extra spatial accommodations. 
     In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  forms a container once removed completely from the user&#39;s hand and turned inside out. In this form, the sanitary glove  100  may display the indicator  104  to provide notice to the user or others who may encounter the sanitary glove  100  regarding proper handling or treatment of the sanitary glove  100  or provide other information regarding the contents of the sanitary glove  100 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a closure solution  900 , according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  can be readily handled without contacting the material contained within the sanitary glove  100 . This may allow for safer and cleaner handling and the ability to seal off and fully isolate the retentive element  502  within the sanitary glove  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  is configured to be closed by grasping the collar  102  of the sanitary glove  100  and tying a knot using the collar  102  of the sanitary glove  100 . In some embodiments, the collar  102  may include wings forming extended portions of the collar  102  to facilitate knotting or otherwise closing the sanitary glove  100 . This may provide a simple and resilient closure of the sanitary glove  100 . A simple overhand knot, similar to that applied to close a balloon, may be used. In other embodiments, the collar  102  may be shaped to have wings which may be tied together to close the sanitary glove  100 . In other embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  may include an adhesive strip, an elastic, a deformable wire, a tie, or so forth, to facilitate closure of the sanitary glove  100 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a closed arrangement  1000  of the sanitary glove  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment. Embodiments of the sanitary glove  100  provide both a sanitary protection for handling feminine hygiene products and a disposal container, marked as such, for containing and disposing of the products. 
     In some embodiments, the closed sanitary glove  100  contains the contents of the sanitary glove  100  to prevent escape of fluid, odor, or so forth from the sanitary glove  100 . In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  may be closed with a closure  1002  such as a knot, a tie, an adhesive, an elastic, or so forth. In some embodiments, the closure  1002  forms a seal to prevent contents of the sanitary glove  100  from escaping. In some embodiments, the closure  1002  is sufficient to contain fluids, odors, or so forth from exiting the sanitary glove  100 . In some embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  may include a scent or odor control treatment or characteristic. In other embodiments, the sanitary glove  100  may include a sanitizing agent or other characteristic. 
     In some embodiments, the indicator  104  is displayed when the sanitary glove  100  is closed. In some embodiments, the indicator  104  is positioned upright when the sanitary glove  100  is viewed with the collar  102  above. Other embodiments orient the indicator differently. In some embodiments, the indicator  104  is non-separable from the sanitary glove  100 . Embodiments of the indicator  104  may provide a warning, instruction, identification of content, or so forth. The sanitary glove  100  may then be thrown away in a waste basket or other trash receptacle. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a method  1100 , according to an embodiment. The method  1100  relates to a safe, dignified, and sanitary handling of feminine hygiene products. 
     In some embodiments, the method  1100  includes applying a sanitary element to a hand of a user by inserting a thumb of the hand of the user into a thumb portion of the sanitary element and a finger of the hand of the user into a corresponding finger portion of the sanitary element (Block  1102 ). For example, the sanitary element may be a sanitary glove  100 , a sanitary mitt  200 , a trigger mitt  300 , or so forth. The user may put the sanitary element on their hand by placing their thumb and fingers into the sanitary element in the corresponding portions of the sanitary element. 
     The method  1100  may also include grasping a retentive element with the sanitary element on the hand of the user (Block  1104 ). For example, the user may grasp a tampon, menstrual cup, pad, or so forth, using the sanitary element. 
     The method  1100  may also include removing the sanitary element from the hand of the user by pulling a collar of the sanitary element from a wrist of the user towards the finger of the hand of the user to invert the sanitary element inside out as it is removed from the hand of the user and retaining hold of the retentive element as the sanitary element is inverted to enclose the retentive element within the sanitary element in an inside out arrangement during removal from the hand of the user (Block  1106 ). For example, the user may remove the sanitary element by stripping the sanitary element from their hand which turns the sanitary element inside out. The user keeps hold of the retentive element during this process to capture the retentive element within the sanitary element. 
     The method  1100  may also include closing the sanitary element with a closure to secure the retentive element within the sanitary element (Block  1108 ). For example, the sanitary element may be closed by tying a knot, using a tie, activating, or otherwise using, an adhesive, or so forth, to close the sanitary element. 
     The method  1100  may also include displaying an indicator of the sanitary element with the sanitary element in the inside out arrangement, wherein the indicator is configured to provide at least one of an instruction, a warning, or an identification of a content of the closed sanitary element (Block  1110 ). For example, the indicator may be a symbol, text, or so forth communicating information to the user or others who may encounter the sanitary element. 
     The method  1100  may also include disposing of the closed sanitary element in a trash receptacle (Block  1112 ). For example, the sanitary element may form a closed containment for the retentive element such that disposal in a trash receptacle does not present issues regarding visual appearance, scent issues, or the like. 
     A feature illustrated in one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature illustrated in another of the figures. Similarly, a feature described in connection with one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature described in connection with another of the figures. The same or similar features may be noted by the same or similar reference characters unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, the description of a particular figure may refer to a feature not shown in the particular figure. The feature may be illustrated in and/or further described in connection with another figure. 
     Elements of processes (i.e. methods) described herein may be executed in one or more ways such as by a human, by a processing device, by mechanisms operating automatically or under human control, and so forth. Additionally, although various elements of a process may be depicted in the figures in a particular order, the elements of the process may be performed in one or more different orders without departing from the substance and spirit of the disclosure herein. 
     The foregoing description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods and so forth, in order to provide a good understanding of several implementations. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some implementations may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present implementations. Thus, the specific details set forth above are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present implementations. 
     Related elements in the examples and/or embodiments described herein may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity and clarity, related elements may not be redundantly explained. Instead, the use of a same, similar, and/or related element names and/or reference characters may cue the reader that an element with a given name and/or associated reference character may be similar to another related element with the same, similar, and/or related element name and/or reference character in an example explained elsewhere herein. Elements specific to a given example may be described regarding that particular example. A person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a given element need not be the same and/or similar to the specific portrayal of a related element in any given figure or example in order to share features of the related element. 
     It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the present implementations should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     The foregoing disclosure encompasses multiple distinct examples with independent utility. While these examples have been disclosed in a particular form, the specific examples disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter disclosed herein includes novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above both explicitly and inherently. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims is to be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more of such elements. 
     As used herein “same” means sharing all features and “similar” means sharing a substantial number of features or sharing materially important features even if a substantial number of features are not shared. As used herein “may” should be interpreted in a permissive sense and should not be interpreted in an indefinite sense. Additionally, use of “is” regarding examples, elements, and/or features should be interpreted to be definite only regarding a specific example and should not be interpreted as definite regarding every example. Furthermore, references to “the disclosure” and/or “this disclosure” refer to the entirety of the writings of this document and the entirety of the accompanying illustrations, which extends to all the writings of each subsection of this document, including the Title, Background, Brief description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Claims, Abstract, and any other document and/or resource incorporated herein by reference. 
     As used herein regarding a list, “and” forms a group inclusive of all the listed elements. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and D is an example that includes A, includes B, includes C, and also includes D. As used herein regarding a list, “or” forms a list of elements, any of which may be included. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, or D is an example that includes any of the elements A, B, C, and D. Unless otherwise stated, an example including a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude other examples that include various combinations of some or all of the alternatively-inclusive elements. An example described using a list of alternatively inclusive elements includes at least one element of the listed elements. However, an example described using a list of alternatively inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes all of the listed elements. An example described using a list of alternatively inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes a combination of some of the listed elements. As used herein regarding a list, “and/or” forms a list of elements inclusive alone or in any combination. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and/or D is an example that may include: A alone; A and B; A, B and C; A, B, C, and D; and so forth. The bounds of an “and/or” list are defined by the complete set of combinations and permutations for the list. 
     Where multiples of a particular element are shown in a FIG., and where it is clear that the element is duplicated throughout the FIG., only one label may be provided for the element, despite multiple instances of the element being present in the FIG. Accordingly, other instances in the FIG. of the element having identical or similar structure and/or function may not have been redundantly labeled. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize based on the disclosure herein redundant and/or duplicated elements of the same FIG. Despite this, redundant labeling may be included where helpful in clarifying the structure of the depicted examples. 
     The Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed examples that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Examples embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same example or a different example and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the examples described herein.