Patent Publication Number: US-2017367900-A1

Title: Extra-protection pads and related methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/578,186 filed Dec. 19, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,757,281, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/919,375 filed Dec. 20, 2013, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties as though fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of feminine hygiene products. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention pertain to disposable fins and pads which provide extra protection against leaking of menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge from or around the fin or pad. 
     DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND 
     Throughout history, women have used some form of menstrual protection. Early forms of menstrual pads were cloth and reusable. Disposable menstrual pads or feminine napkins became commercially available in the late 1800&#39;s or early 1900&#39;s, and are now used throughout the industrialized world. A variety of types of menstrual pads are available today, including panty liners for light flow, ultra-thin pads, which are compact yet absorbent, regular pads with mid-range absorbency, super or maxi-pads, which are designed for heavier flows, and overnight pads, which are intended to provide additional protection when used overnight and/or when lying down. 
     Pads made for heavier flows, and particularly pads made for overnight use, all suffer from the same deficiency—they leak, which may cause embarrassment as well as staining of clothing and/or bedding. Indeed, during periods of heavy flow, even the common alternative for pads—the tampon—can become saturated and leak. As a result, clothing and bedding may need to be laundered more frequently, costing the consumer unnecessary time and money. Washing more frequently also increases energy and water use, thereby wasting precious natural resources. When stains cannot be removed, otherwise usable clothes and/or bedding must be thrown away. This premature disposal of clothing and bedding increases cost to the consumer and waste to landfills. Beyond the financial cost, leakage may result in physical discomfort, interrupted sleep, and other negative physiological impacts. 
     Current solutions for overcoming leaking pads include increasing the length and/or thickness of the pad, using, at the time of manufacture, super-absorbent material in the pad, and/or using a tampon in addition to a pad. These solutions are an improvement over “regular” pads in that leaks may not occur as quickly. However, the currently available heavy flow pads do not satisfactorily correct the problem, and leaks still occur, especially at night. Using a tampon in addition to a pad may prevent leaking, but is also problematic, particularly in women who have had pelvic floor damage and cannot wear or comfortably wear a tampon. Further, women are advised not to wear a tampon to bed at night due to the risk of toxic shock syndrome. It should also be understood that leakage may occur without saturation, such as when the pad does not properly or fully conform to the physical contours of the woman. 
     Control of other fluids, such as urine in the case of urinary incontinence, may also fall short of full control for similar reasons. 
     Therefore, it is desirable to provide a disposable menstrual extra-protection fin and/or pad that prevents leakage of menstrual fluid, other vaginal discharge and/or urine during periods of heavy flow, such as at night and/or when lying down. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention advantageously provides extra-protection fins and pads that prevents annoying, embarrassing and unwanted leakage of menstrual fluid, other vaginal discharge and/or urine onto clothing and/or bedding during periods of heavy flow and/or when lying down, such as at night and/or when sleeping. Embodiments of the present invention utilize an appendage (a fin), which may be triangularly-shaped and/or contoured, and may be attached to a currently available menstrual pad after purchase, or may be manufactured as part of the pad prior to purchase. The fin is configured such that the menstrual flow and/or vaginal discharge are captured first at a front apex and, as the flow continues, the fin fills backwards toward a top apex. In some embodiments of the invention, the extra-protection pad may comprise “wings” and/or an adhesive applied to the underneath of the pad, to securely attach the pad to an undergarment. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the extra-protection fin may comprise one or more malleable and/or pliable materials such as foam, “memory foam” and/or heat-sensitive thermoplastic polymers that may mold and/or conform to the contours of a person&#39;s body when in use and/or when heated. Such malleable/pliable fin may act as a “stopper,” preventing the leakage of menstrual fluids, other vaginal discharge and/or urine. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the extra-protection pad comprises a coagulant and/or a topical hemostatic agent such that the menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge thickens into a soft and/or semisolid mass, thereby preventing the menstrual fluid and/or other discharge from escaping and/or leaking from the pad. In other embodiments, the extra-protection pad may comprise thin layers stacked or “sandwiched” together utilizing adhesive backings, such that one or more layers, after becoming soiled, may be removed and disposed of, thereby providing a clean and sanitary surface without the need to dispose of the entire pad. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the pad may comprise a lip, which acts as a physical barrier to advantageously prevent leakage at or near the edges of the pad. In further embodiments, an ultra-absorbent coating agent may be sprayed onto undergarments to prevent menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge from combining with the fabric. In such embodiments, the spray-on coating may be peeled off after use. In further embodiments, the coating agent may be non-absorbent, and/or may have a non-absorbent inner layer, so that the coated fabric is protected from flow and/or the flow is redirected. 
     Embodiments of the present invention also provide methods of making and using extra-protection fins and pads. In some embodiments, the method of making may comprise (a) forming a first triangular face and a second triangular face, (b) attaching and/or folding at an angle the first triangular face to the second triangular face at a first edge such that the first and second triangular faces form a front apex and a top apex, wherein the extra-protection fin is configured such that when the fin is positioned with the front apex at or near a woman&#39;s vagina discharging menstrual and/or other vaginal fluids and the top apex at or near the woman&#39;s anus, the front apex catches and/or absorbs the fluids first, and the extra-protection fin fills backwards toward the top apex. 
     In some embodiments, the method of making an extra-protection pad also comprises (c) forming a third triangular face, attaching and/or folding an angle the third triangular face to the first triangular face at a second edge and to the second triangular face at a third edge, such that a vertex of the third triangular face contacts and/or is connected to the first and second triangular faces at the top apex. 
     Embodiments of the present invention also provide methods of using an extra-protection fin by placing the extra-protection fin on a conventional menstrual pad such that when the menstrual pad is placed next to the body, the front apex is located at or near the vagina and the top apex is located at or near the anus, and attaching the fin to the conventional pad (e.g., by pinning, stapling, gluing, adhering, stitching, sewing). In some embodiments, attaching the extra-protection fin to the conventional pad may include grasping a protective strip positioned on a base of the fin, peeling off from the base a protective strip to expose an adhesive, and pressing the fin onto the menstrual pad. 
     In embodiments where the extra-protection fin is attached to a menstrual pad prior to distribution, the method of using the extra-protection pad may also comprise placing the extra-protection pad in an undergarment such that when the undergarment is worn, the extra-protection pad is adjacent to the body, the front apex of the extra-protection fin is located at or near the vagina, and the top apex of the fin is located at or near the anus, and wearing the undergarment. 
     Thus, embodiments of the present invention advantageously provides extra-protection fins and pads that prevent embarrassing and unwanted leakage of menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge onto clothing and/or bedding during periods of heavy flow and/or when lying down, such as at night and/or when sleeping, and also advantageously provide methods of making and using extra-protection fins and pads to prevent the unwanted leakage of menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge. 
     A more complete understanding of the extra-protection fins and pads will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages and objects thereof, by consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings, which will first be described briefly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an extra-protection fin according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  is perspective view of an extra-protection fin according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  is a top view of the fin of  FIG. 2A , attached to a conventional menstrual pad having wings. 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view of an extra-protection pad having a built-in fin and wings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  is a rear view of the extra-protection pad of  FIG. 3A  with the wings partially folded down. 
         FIG. 3C  is a side view of the extra-protection pad of  FIG. 3A  with the wings partially folded down. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of an extra-protection fin showing the relationship of the fin to a woman&#39;s body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is an expanded view of a “sandwiched” pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an extra-protection pad having a lip around the entirety of the pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an extra-protection pad having a fin and a lip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view showing multiple plies of an ultra-thin extra protection pad showing the relationship of the pad to the body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9A  is a front view showing the location of the extra-protection pad in an undergarment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9B  is a side view of an undergarment showing the location of the extra-protection pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view showing the application of an ultra-absorbent coating agent being applied to an undergarment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will readily be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
     Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide extra-protection fins and pads that prevent embarrassing and unwanted leakage of menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge onto clothing and/or bedding during periods of heavy flow and/or when lying down, such as at night and/or when sleeping. Other embodiments advantageously provide methods of making and using extra-protection fins and pads. Although the invention is described with respect to menstrual fluid and/or vaginal discharge, the invention is not so limited and may be used to prevent leakage resulting from adult incontinence, hemorrhoids, surgery, and/or other genital/rectal fluid discharge or flow. The invention, in its various aspects, will be explained in greater detail below with regard to exemplary embodiments. 
     Exemplary Extra-Protection Fins 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary extra-protection fin  100  is shown comprising (a) a first triangular face  101 , (b) a second triangular face  102  foldably attached and/or connected at an angle to the first triangular face  101  at a first edge  121 , (c) a top apex  111 , and (d) a front apex  112 . The extra-protection fin  100  is configured such that when the fin  100  is positioned with the front apex  112  at or near a woman&#39;s vagina and the top apex  111  at or near her anus, the front apex  112  initially catches the flow of menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge. As the flow and/or discharge continues, the extra-protection fin fills backwards, toward the top apex  111 . Each of the triangular faces,  101 ,  102  may also comprise a flat, horizontal band  104   a,    104   b  foldably attached and/or connected at an angle to a corresponding base edge  124   a,    124   b.    
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the extra-protection fin may comprise one or more layers (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), and may be formed by folding, either by hand, or by use of convention folding equipment and processes. The layer(s) may comprise one or more materials (e.g., cotton, soft cotton, silk, paper, wood pulp, cellulous wood fibers, fluff pulp, etc.), which may be bleached or unbleached. In some instances portions of the fin may have cover (e.g., a woven cover, a porous and/or treated non-woven cover, etc.) to provide extra absorbency, and/or a barrier membrane (e.g., a polyethylene film, a laminated sheet, etc.) to further prevent leakage. In some embodiments, the extra-protection fin may comprise a superabsorbent polymer and/or gel (e.g., sphagnum, polyacrylate, and/or other conventional absorbent materials). The material may also comprise a disinfectant (e.g., zeolite and/or other conventional disinfectant) and/or antibacterial agent (e.g., a negative-ion strip or other conventional antibacterial). 
     The extra-protection fin  100  may be positioned adjacent to the body inside an undergarment and tucked near or between the lips of the vagina and/or the cheeks of the buttocks. Additionally, it may be secured to the undergarment using conventional fasteners (e.g., pins, safety pins, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, tape, double sided tape, glue and/or other adhesive, etc.). In further embodiments, the extra-protection fin may be held in place utilizing one or more belts, strings, and/or straps, and/or similar devices. 
     In some embodiments, the extra-protection fin  100  may comprise a malleable and/or pliable material (e.g., foam, “memory foam”, viscoelastic polyurethane, shape memory polymers, cross-linked polymers, thermoplastic polymers, etc.) that may mold and/or conform to the contours of a person&#39;s body when in use and/or when heated, and may act as a “stopper,” preventing the leakage of menstrual fluids, other vaginal discharge and/or urine. In such embodiments, the fin  100  may also comprise an absorbent fabric cover (e.g., cotton, soft cotton, cotton fleece, bamboo fleece, hemp fleece, hemp French terrycloth, microfiber terrycloth, etc.) surrounding the pliable material. In some instances, the absorbent fabric cover may be removable and/or disposable. In some variations, the shape of fin  100  may be molded at the time of manufacture, based on custom measurements of a person&#39;s body. 
     The extra-protection fin may have a length of about 25 mm to 150 mm (e.g. 25 mm, 32 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm, 130 mm, etc.). The height of the extra-protection fin  100  may range from about 0.25 mm at the front apex  112  to about 40 mm at the top apex  111  (e.g., 0.25 mm-10 mm, 0.25 mm-12 mm, 0.50 mm-20 mm, 0.50 mm-35 mm, 0.50 mm-40 mm, etc.) and any ranges therein. The width of the extra-protection fin may range from about 0.25 mm at the front apex  112  to 75 mm at the end of the fin  100  furthest from the front apex  112  (e.g., 0.25 mm-25 mm, 0.25 mm-35 mm, 0.50 mm-50 mm, 0.50 mm-60 mm, 0.50 mm-75 mm, etc.) and any ranges therein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-B , an exemplary extra-protection fin  200  is shown having (a) a first triangular face  201 , (b) a second triangular face  202  foldably attached and/or connected to the first triangular face  201  at an edge  221 , (c) a third triangular face  203 , foldably attached and/or connected to the first triangular face  201  at a second edge  222  and to the second triangular face  202  at a third edge  223 , (d) a top apex  211 , (e) a front apex  212 . The first, second and third triangular faces  201 - 203  meet at the top apex  211 . The extra-protection fin  200  is configured such that when the fin  200  is positioned with the front apex  212  at or near a woman&#39;s vagina and the top apex  211  at or near her anus, the front apex  212  catches the flow of menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge first, and as the flow and/or discharge continues, the extra-protection fin fills backwards, toward the top apex  211 . 
     In some embodiments, the extra-protection pad may also comprise a triangular base  204 , and in some such embodiments, the triangular base  204  may extend beyond base edges  224   a - 224   c  of the first, second and third faces  201 - 203  respectively, such that the triangular base  204  may be used for securing the extra-protection fin  200  to an undergarment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , when adhered to a conventional menstrual pad  250  having wings  251 - 252  for securing the pad  250  to an undergarment, the extra-protection fin  200  may be configured such that the front apex  212  is at or near the center of the pad  250  and top apex  211  may be at or near the rear of the pad  250 . However, in other embodiments, the extra-protection fin may be positioned such that the front apex  212  is closer to the front of the pad. In other embodiments, the front apex may be positioned closer to the rear of the pad. Positioning the front apex closer to the rear of the pad is particularly advantageous when the pad is being used to catch and/or absorb rectal discharge (e.g., discharge from hemorrhoids). When used to catch and/or absorb vaginal discharge, the front apex  212  is located at or near a woman&#39;s vagina such that the front apex  212  absorbs the menstrual fluid and/or vaginal discharge first, and as the flow continues, the extra-protection fin  200  fills backwards away from the front apex  212  toward the top apex  211 . 
     The extra-protection fin  200  of  FIGS. 2A-B  may comprise the same material(s) as described above for the extra-protection fin of  FIG. 1 , and may have the same ranges of length, width and height as described therein. 
     In some embodiments, the extra-protection fin  200  may comprise a foam or “memory foam” (e.g., viscoelastic polyurethane and/or other materials conventional foam materials) that may mold and/or conform to the contours of a body when in use. In other embodiments the extra-protection fin  200  may be contoured at the time of manufacture. In some embodiments, the base  204  may comprise an adhesive layer with a peel-off backing to adhere the extra-protection fin to a conventional menstrual pad. 
     Exemplary Extra-Protection Pads with Fins 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-C , therein is shown a top, a rear and a side view, respectively, of an extra-protection pad  300  comprising a menstrual pad  350  having wings  351  and  352 , and an extra-protection fin  300 A, which may be attached to the extra-protection pad  300  during the manufacturing process. Fin  300 A comprises a first triangular face  301 , a second triangular face  302  foldably attached and/or connected to the first triangular face  301  at an edge  321 , a third triangular face  303  foldably attached and/or connected to the first triangular face  301  at a second edge  322  and to the second triangular face  302  at a third edge  323 , a top apex  311  and a front apex  312 . The extra-protection pad  300  is configured such that when the fin  300 A is positioned with the front apex  312  at or near a woman&#39;s vagina and the top apex  311  at or near her anus, the front apex  312  catches the flow of menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge first, and as the flow and/or discharge continues, the extra-protection fin fills backwards, toward the top apex  311 . As the menstrual flow and/or other vaginal discharge continues, the fin  300 A fills from the front apex  312  toward the top apex  311 . 
     The fin  300 A and menstrual pad  350  of  FIGS. 3A-C  may comprise the same material(s) as described above for the extra-protection fin  100  of  FIG. 1  and the fin  200  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , and the fin  300 A may have the same ranges of length, width and height as described therein. The menstrual pad  350  may comprise of the same materials as the fin  300 A or the extra-protection fin  300 A and menstrual pad  350  may comprise one or more different materials. 
     The fin  300 A may be attached to the menstrual pad  350  during the manufacturing process by any conventional means (e.g., by gluing and/or otherwise adhering, tacking, sewing, stitching, bonding, etc.). In some instances, the fin  300 A may have a horizontal band surrounding the fin  300 A at its base, or it may have a triangular base that extends beyond base edges of the fin  300 A (not shown; see e.g., base  204  of  FIG. 2A ). The horizontal band, flat surface, or triangular base may aid in the attachment of the fin  300 A to the menstrual pad  350 . In embodiments with a horizontal band or triangular base, the band or base may comprise one or more of the same materials as the extra-protection fin  300 A and/or the pad  350  to which the fin  300 A is attached. 
     The fin  300 A may be roughly centered on the width of the menstrual pad  350  between the wings  351 ,  352  (see  FIG. 3B ) so as to align the front apex  312  and the top apex  311  with an imaginary line from the center of a woman&#39;s vagina to the center of her anus. The wings  351 ,  352  and/or the natural folds of the woman&#39;s body keep the extra-protection pad  300  and the fin  300 A positioned so as to catch the menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 3C , the fin  300 A is positioned such that the apex  311  of the fin  300  is closer to the rear (anus end) of the extra-protection pad  300 . However, in some embodiments, the fin  300 A may be positioned such that the apex  311  is centered on the pad  300 , halfway between the front and the rear of the extra-protection pad  300 . In other embodiments, the apex  311  may be positioned at or near the rear of the extra-protection pad  300 . With regard to the position of the fin  300 A along the width of the pad  300 , the fin  300 A typically will be positioned such that the apex  311  is centered between the left and ride sides of the menstrual pad  350 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a schematic view of the fin  400  is shown in relationship to a woman&#39;s vagina  420 , her anus  430 , and her underwear  499 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the front apex  412  of fin  400  is located at or near the vagina  420  and is positioned such that the top apex  411  of fin  400  is at or near the anus  430 . In some embodiments, the front apex  412  may be positioned slightly in front or slightly to the rear of the vagina  420 , and the top apex  411  may be positioned at or to the rear of the anus  430 . Longer fins (e.g., having a length of 75 mm or longer), the fin  400  may be positioned such that the front apex  412  is just slightly in front of the vagina, and the top apex may be at or to the rear of the anus. In one embodiment, the apex  411  may extend upward to contact the anus  430 . In other embodiments the apex  411  may be positioned below the anus  430 . In yet other embodiments the apex  411  may be positioned behind or to the rear of the anus  430 . 
     Extra-Protection “Sandwich” Pads 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , therein is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the extra-protection pad  550  comprises a bottom layer  551 , intermediate layers  552 - 553  and a top layer  554 , all of which are stacked and/or “sandwiched” together to form a highly absorbent extra-protection pad  550 . Each of the intermediate layers  552 - 553  and the top layer  554  may have an adhesive (e.g., a hot-melt, thermoplastic, ethylene-vinyl acetate, epoxy, polyurethane, cyanoacrylate, etc.) applied to the underneath side of the layer so as to adhere the intermediate layers  552 - 553  and the top layer  554  to the adjacent layer below. Likewise, the bottom layer  551  may have an adhesive applied to the underneath side of the layer to adhere the bottom layer  551  to an undergarment (not shown). 
     As the menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge is captured by the top layer  554  and the top layer  554  becomes soiled, the top layer  554  may be peeled away from the adjacent intermediate layer  553  below to expose a clean and sanitary layer with which to catch additional menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge. Then, as the intermediate layer  553  captures fluid and/or discharge and becomes soiled, the intermediate layer  553  may also be peeled away from the next intermediate layer  552 , to expose another clean and sanitary surface, and so on. 
     In some embodiments, the extra-protection pad  550  comprises only a top layer and a bottom layer. In other embodiments, the extra-protection pad  550  comprises from one to as many as twenty intermediate layers (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 13, 15, 16, etc.). In an instance of the present disclosure, the top layer  554 , the bottom layer  551  and/or intermediate layers  552 - 553  may contain a coagulant and/or a topical hemostatic agent (not shown) to thicken the menstrual flow and/or other vaginal discharge into a soft or semi-solid mass, thereby further preventing the flow and/or discharge from leaking from the extra-protection pad  550 . The coagulant and topical hemostatic agents may be conventional materials and agents (e.g., acrylates, polyacrylate gels, sphagnum, ferric subsulfate solutions, microfibrillar collagen products, chitosan dressings, etc.). 
     Extra-Protection Pads with Lips 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an embodiment of an extra-protection pad  600  is shown comprising a menstrual pad  650  with a first pair of opposing edges  671   a - b  having an approximately linear and/or a slightly curved shape, and a second pair of opposing edges  672   a - b,  having an approximately half ovoid or half elliptical shape. The first pair of opposing edges  671   a - b,  and the second pair of opposing edges  672   a - b  together comprise the entire perimeter edge of the menstrual pad  650 . The extra-protection pad  600  also comprises a lip  661  attached and/or otherwise connected to first opposing edges  671   a - b  and the second opposing edges  672   a - b.  The lip  661  is configured to act as a physical barrier to prevent leakage from the edges  671   a - b  and  672   a - b  of the menstrual pad  650 . 
     The lip  661  may comprise the same material or materials as that of the menstrual pad  650 , or in other embodiments, may comprise one or more materials different than that of the menstrual pad  650 . For example, the lip  661  may comprise cotton, soft cotton, a cotton-blend, foam, “memory” foam (e.g., viscoelastic polyurethane and/or other materials conventional foam materials), a polymer, polyethylene film, and/or other porous and absorbent, or non-porous materials. 
     The lip  661  and the menstrual pad  650  may be formed from the same material by folding the first and second pairs of opposing edges  671   a - b  and  672   a - b  upward to form lip  661 . In other embodiments the first and second pair of opposing edges may be formed by stamping, molding, roll forming and/or other conventional means. Alternately, the lip  661  may be formed from one or more different materials, and may be attached and/or connected to the first opposing edges  671   a - b  and/or the second opposing edges  672   a - b  (e.g., by sewing, stitching, bonding, gluing, adhering, etc.). 
     The lip  661  of  FIG. 6  is shown surrounding the entire perimeter of menstrual pad  650  (i.e., lip  661  has approximately the same length as the total length of first opposing edges  671   a - b  and the second opposing edges  672   a - b ). However, in some embodiments, the lip  661  may not surround the entire perimeter of the menstrual pad  650 , and instead, may be some percentage (e.g., 25%, 32%, 50%, 75%, 90%, etc.) of the total perimeter length. In other embodiments, two lips (not shown) may be positioned opposite each other on the first pair of opposing edges  671   a - b  and may be less than or equal to the length of the first opposing edges  671   a - b.  Alternatively, two lips may be positioned opposite each other on the second pair of opposing edges  672   a - b  and likewise may be less than or equal to the length of the second opposing edges  672   a - b.  In embodiments where the length of the lips is less than the length of the first or second opposing edges  671   a - b  or  672   a - b,  respectively, the lips may be centered along the length of the corresponding opposing edges  671   a - b  or  672   a - b,  and the length of the lips may be a percentage (e.g., 25%, 32%, 50%, 75%, 90%, etc.) of the length of the corresponding opposing edges  671   a - b  or  672   a - b.    
     The lip  661  may have a height ranging from a 0.25 millimeters to a centimeter or more (e.g. 0.25 mm, 0.50 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, etc.) and/or any range therein, and the height may vary along the length of the opposing edges  671   a - b  and/or  672   a - b.  For example, the height of lip  661  may range from 0.25 mm at points nearest the ends of opposing edges  671   a - b,  and increase in height to a maximum height of 1.5 cm or more at or near the center of opposing edges  671   a - b.    
     In some embodiments, the lip  661  and/or the menstrual pad  650  may comprise a polyethylene film to provide a further leak-proof barrier. In some embodiments, the menstrual pad  650  may contain a coagulant and/or topical hemostatic agent. In some embodiments, the surface of the menstrual pad  650  may be treated with a disinfectant and/or an antibacterial agent. The coagulant and topical hemostatic agent may be as described with regard to  FIG. 5 , above. The disinfectant and antibacterial agents may comprise those materials referenced with regard to  FIG. 1  above. 
     Although the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 6  does not contain an extra-protection fin, some embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise an extra-protection fin  700 A attached to a menstrual pad  750  as shown in  FIG. 7 . In such instances, the menstrual pad  750  and/or extra-protection fin may comprise an ultra-thin, highly absorbent material and/or superabsorbent polymer (e.g., an acrylic polymer, polyacrylic acid, etc.). The extra-protection pad  700  may also comprise a lip  761 , attached and/or otherwise connected to the menstrual pad  750  at its perimeter. The lip  761  may have a height that is the same over the entire length of the lip  761 , or the lip  761  may vary in height as described above for lip  661  of  FIG. 6 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , therein is shown a schematic view of a multi-ply (multi-layered) extra-protection pad  850  (e.g., the multi-layered extra-protection pad  550  of  FIG. 5 ), having plies (layers)  851 - 853 , leading edges  871   a - 873   a  and trailing edges  871   b - 873   b,  shown in relationship to a woman&#39;s vagina  820 , her anus  830 , and an undergarment  899 . As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , most typically, when the multi-ply extra-protection pad  850  is placed adjacent to the body and inside the undergarment, the leading edges  871   a - 873   a  of the plies  851 - 853  are positioned such that the leading edges  871   a - 873   a  are located in front of the vagina  820 . Similarly, the trailing edges  871   b - 873   b  are positioned such that the trailing edges  871   b - 873   b  are located rearward of the anus  830 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , therein is shown a front view and a side view of an undergarment  999 , demonstrating the most typical and approximate location of the extra-protection pad  900 , comprising a menstrual pad  950  and an extra-protection fin  900 A, when used to collect the flow of menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge. As can be seen from  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the extra-protection pad  900  is located inside the undergarment positioned such that the extra-protection pad, when in use, is located between undergarment  999  and at or below the vagina and anus (not shown). 
     Although the extra-protection pad  900  in  FIG. 9B  is shown with a fin  900 A, in alternate embodiments, the extra-protection pad  900  may not have a fin  900 A, and instead, may comprise a coagulant and/or a topical hemostatic agent to thicken the menstrual flow and/or other vaginal discharge into a soft or semi-solid mass, thereby further preventing the flow and/or discharge from leaking from the extra-protection pad  900 . In some embodiments, the extra-protection pad  900  may comprise a “sandwich” type pad (see e.g., extra-protection pad  550  of  FIG. 5 ), and/or a lip (see e.g., lip  661  of  FIG. 6  and lip  761  of  FIG. 7 ), as described above. 
       FIG. 10  shows a schematic view of a can  1098  of spray-on polymer  1089  that prevents organic compounds such as menstrual fluid and/or vaginal discharge from combining with fabric  1099 , such as the fabric of undergarments and/or bed clothes. The spray polymer  1089  may be a super-absorbent polymer (e.g., anionic polyacrylamide), that is configured to be sprayed on, and then peeled off when soiled. 
     Exemplary Methods of Making Extra-Protection Fins and Pads 
     Methods of making an extra-protection fin may comprise forming a first triangular face, a second triangular face foldably attached and/or connected at an angle to the first triangular face at a first edge such that the first and the second triangular faces form a front apex and top apex, wherein the extra-protection fin is configured such that when the fin is positioned with the front apex at or near a woman&#39;s vagina discharging menstrual and/or other vaginal fluids and the top apex at or near the woman&#39;s anus, the front apex catches and/or absorbs the fluids, and the fluids fill the extra-protection fin backwards toward the top apex. 
     In some embodiments, the method also comprises forming a third triangular face and attaching and/or folding at an angle the third triangular face to the first triangular face to the first triangular face at a second edge and to the second triangular face at a third edge, and attaching and/or connecting the third triangular face to the first and second triangular faces at the top apex. In further embodiments, the method also comprises forming a triangular base from one or more materials, attaching the base, to the first, second and third faces, and attaching the triangular base to a menstrual pad. In some embodiments, the triangular base may extend beyond the base edges of the first, second and third triangular faces. In other embodiments, the triangular base may fit within the base edges of the first, second and third triangular faces. 
     The extra-protection fin may be made from a single piece of material by folding, or may be made from two or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) pieces of material by attaching and/or connecting the two or more pieces of material together (e.g., by sewing, stitching, fastening, gluing, adhering, stapling, etc.) the pieces together. In embodiments where the material is folded, the material may be folded by hand, or by machine folding, using conventional machine folding equipment. The extra-protection fin may comprise one or more materials (e.g., paper, wood pulp, cellulous wood fibers, fluff pulp, cotton, soft cotton, wool, silk, etc.). The materials may be bleached or unbleached. 
     In some embodiments, the method may comprise molding the extra-protection fin to the shape of the human body using conventional molding equipment and techniques. In some embodiments, the method may comprise applying an adhesive to the base, the adhesive configured to connect the extra-protection fin to a conventional menstrual pad. In embodiments where an adhesive is applied, typically the method will comprise applying a peel-off backing to the adhesive to maintain the adhesive properties until use. 
     In some embodiments, the method may comprise attaching the extra-protection fin to a menstrual pad by applying glue and/or another adhesive, and/or by tacking, sewing and/or stitching the fin to the pad during the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the method may include coating, inserting and/or impregnating the extra-protection fin and/or the pad with a coagulant, a super-absorbent gel, a disinfectant and/or an antibacterial agent using conventional means. 
     In some embodiments an extra-protection pad may be made by applying an adhesive to the bottom of a plurality of layers and pressing the layers together, to join the layer above to the next adjacent layer below. In some embodiments, a lip may be added to the extra-protection pad by folding first and second pairs of opposing edges upward to form the lip and/or by stamping, molding and/or other conventional means. 
     Exemplary Methods of Using an Extra-Protection Pad 
     In some embodiments, the method of using an extra-protection fin of the present disclosure may comprise (i) placing the extra-protection fin on a conventional menstrual pad such that when the menstrual pad is placed next to the body, the front apex is located at or near the vagina and the top apex is located at or near the anus, (ii) and attaching the fin to the conventional pad (e.g., by pinning, stapling, gluing, adhering, stitching, sewing). In some embodiments, attaching the extra-protection fin to the conventional pad may include (a) grasping a protective strip positioned on a base of the fin, (b) peeling off from the base a protective strip to expose an adhesive, and (c) pressing the fin onto the menstrual pad. 
     In embodiments where the extra-protection fin is attached to a menstrual pad prior to distribution, the method of using the extra-protection pad may comprise (i) placing the extra-protection pad in an undergarment such that when the undergarment is worn, the extra-protection pad is adjacent to the body, the front apex of the extra-protection fin is located at or near the vagina, and the top apex of the fin is located at or near the anus, and (ii) wearing the undergarment. 
     CONCLUSION 
     Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously provide a disposable fin and/or pad that prevents leakage of menstrual fluid and/or other vaginal discharge during periods of heavy flow, at night, and/or when lying down, thereby avoiding embarrassment, staining of clothing and/or bedding, and the resultant increased expenses from laundering and/or premature disposal of the clothing and/or bedding. Embodiments of the present disclosure also advantageously provide methods of making and using extra-protection fins and pads. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principals of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and the various embodiments and modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the components and elements described herein and their equivalents.