RU2287349C2 - Absorbing product - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine, hygiene.

SUBSTANCE: the present innovation deals with an absorbing product chosen out of the group consisted of a hygienic shield and a protective product indicated to be applied between large and small pudendal lips and in case of menstruations, moreover, it is useful to introduce pharmaceutical substance. The latter is efficient for treating, weakening and/or preventing pre-menstrual syndrome. The product consisted of an absorbing body and has got, as a rule, prolonged shape. The product has got the first surface facing the consumer, and the second surface which should face opposite side. The first surface is, at least, partially covered with therapeutic system for transdermal injection that contains a compound being efficient for treating and/or preventing pre-menstrual syndrome, moreover, while applying the present product it occurs the transdermal introduction of the consumer's compound for the user in modified product.

EFFECT: higher efficiency.

6 cl, 5 ex, 2 tbl

Description

Description

The present invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin or panty liner. An absorbent article in accordance with the invention comprises a transdermal (percutaneous) therapy system for administering a pharmaceutical composition for treating premenstrual syndrome. The invention also relates to the use of said absorbent article for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome.

State of the art

Premenstrual syndrome is a relapsing disorder that occurs in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It is characterized by strong physical, physiological changes and changes in behavior that interfere with interpersonal relationships and ruin the lives of women suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Up to 40% of women of reproductive age have some form of premenstrual syndrome, and up to 10% have serious symptoms and signs of the disease [Ugarizza et al., Nurse Pract., 1998, Sept .; 23 (9): 40, 45, 49-52]. Despite the fact that no single factor has been established that causes malaise, premenstrual syndrome is associated with ovarian cycles and disappears with menopause. Treatment is based on symptoms. Oral contraceptives, diuretics, and antidepressants are used to alleviate symptoms [Daugherty, Am. Fam. Phys. 58: 183-92, 197-8 (1998)].

Somatic symptoms of premenstrual syndrome include bloating, flatulence, weight gain, soreness of the mammary glands, discomfort and pain in the stomach, weakness, headache, and exacerbations of chronic diseases such as asthma, allergies, epilepsy, or migraine. Changes that negatively affect a person and are often reported include dysphoria, irritability, anxiety, stress, aggression, a feeling of inability to cope with something, and a sense of loss of control [Smith et al., Clin. Rev. Gynaecol. 1994: 939-47].

As already indicated, a number of treatment methods have been proposed for the treatment and prevention of premenstrual syndrome. U.S. Patent 5,817,819 relates to gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists, which, inter alia, can be used to treat and / or prevent premenstrual syndrome. More specifically, in accordance with the invention, it is possible, but not necessarily, substituted fused bicyclic compounds consisting of a homo- or hetero-5-7 membered ring. Formulations containing these antagonists can be administered in the form of tablets, injectable solutions and granules.

European Patent 211502 describes a method for treating a premenstrual syndrome, in which one or more of the substances including linoleic acid and linoleic acid metabolites, together with one or more of the substances including alpha-linolenic acid and alpha-linolenic acid metabolites, administered to the patient if necessary. One way to administer the above compounds is to incorporate them into creams and lotions for topical administration through the skin.

More complex systems for transdermal therapy have also been used to administer pharmaceutical compounds for the treatment and / or prevention of premenstrual syndrome. US Pat. No. 5,904,931 discloses a system for transdermal therapy comprising sex steroid hormones and dimethyl isosorbide. The active ingredients are contained in a polymer base coated with a layer of adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the therapeutic system is a patch. In addition to treating premenstrual syndrome, the patch can be used to treat, for example, endometriosis, progestogen-dependent tumors, benign breast tumors, menopausal symptoms, to prevent osteoporosis and regulate the menstrual cycle.

US Pat. No. 5,788,984 describes a pharmaceutical composition for transdermal administration containing gestodene and a pharmaceutically acceptable user for transdermal administration, and optionally, but not necessarily, an estrogenic compound. The composition may be an ointment, lotion or aerosol. This composition is used as a contraceptive.

US Pat. No. 5,633,009 discloses a device for transdermal administration of therapeutically effective amounts of azaspiron compounds. Azaspiron compounds are used to treat a combination of psychogenic symptoms, including a premenstrual symptom. The device is a three-layer laminate containing a substrate / base layer containing azaspiron / removable layer (tear strip).

US Pat. No. 5,399,355 discloses a device similar to that described in US Pat. No. 5,633,009 for transdermal administration of ergoline derivatives. Ergoline derivatives are dopamine-related substances that can be used to treat, among other things, premenstrual syndrome.

All devices for transdermal administration according to the above documents are patches with an area of approximately 10 cm ² . Accordingly, such patches are quite large, and sometimes it is difficult for the user to hide the patch. Therefore, wearing such patches can be inconvenient. In addition, devices for transdermal administration are adapted for use on the skin. It is sometimes desirable to administer a pharmaceutical substance locally, i.e. through mucous membranes. The patches are not suitable for this type of administration.

WO 99/47121 proposes the administration of therapeutic agents using absorbent products, such as tampons. However, nothing specific has been disclosed regarding how the pharmaceutical substance is fixed on the absorbent article, and regarding systems that promote the "absorption" of the pharmaceutical substance by the body. In addition, it is not disclosed which pharmaceutical substances should be used and which disorders can be treated.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved devices for topical administration of pharmaceutical substances. There is also a great need for improved devices and methods for treating premenstrual syndrome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It was found that the above problems can be solved by creating an absorbent product selected from the group consisting of a sanitary towel, panty liner and a protective device designed to be worn between the labia and used during menstruation, while the product is suitable for the administration of a pharmaceutical substance . In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical substance is suitable for the treatment, amelioration and / or prevention of premenstrual syndrome. The product contains an absorbent body and has, as a rule, an elongated shape. The product has a first surface that should be facing the user, and a second surface that should be facing away from the user. The first surface, which should be facing the user, is at least partially covered by a therapeutic system for transdermal administration containing a compound suitable for the treatment and / or prevention of premenstrual syndrome, thereby, when wearing this product transdermal administration of the specified compound to the user occurs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term "pharmaceutical substance" refers to any pharmaceutical substance that is suitable for transdermal administration. Pharmaceutical substances that are of particular interest in connection with the present invention are substances that are suitable for the treatment and / or prevention of premenstrual syndrome. Examples of substances that can be administered transdermally and provide treatment / prevention of premenstrual syndrome include linoleic acid and metabolites such as gamma-linolenic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and adrenic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and metabolites, gestagens such as gestodene, levonogestrel, desogestrel, norethisterone, norethistosterone acetate and 3-keto desogestrel, azaspiron or derivatives of polycyclic amines, including, but not limited to, buspirone, hepiron, ipsap iron and tandospiron, ergoline derivatives such as lysuride, bromolysuride, terguride and proterguride.

As used herein, the term "transdermal therapeutic system" refers to a composition or device for transdermal administration of a pharmaceutical substance of interest. Accordingly, the therapeutic system for transdermal administration may be a cream, lotion or ointment for local administration. Such ointments or creams typically have a composition containing the active ingredient (s), typically in an amount of from about 0.001 to about 2% by weight. When formulating an ointment, the active ingredients, as a rule, will be combined with either a paraffin, or with a water-miscible ointment base. Alternatively, the active ingredients may be formulated in a cream, for example, with an oil / water emulsion cream base. Such topical formulations are well known in the art and typically include additional ingredients to enhance skin penetration or enhance the stability of the active ingredients or composition. All such known formulations and ingredients for topical administration are included within the scope of this invention.

A therapeutic system for transdermal administration may also be a more complex dry ("solid") system. Suitable suitable dry therapeutic systems for transdermal administration are those that are commonly used to administer active substances through the skin (Yie W. Chien: "Transdermal Controlled Systemic Medications", Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York and Basel, 1987; Cleary and et al., "Transdermal Drug Delivery", Cosmetics & Toiletries 106: 97-109 (1991)). The therapeutic system for transdermal administration is located on the surface of the absorbent article, which should be facing the user. Typically, such a system for transdermal administration contains:

a) possibly, but not necessarily, a substrate,

b) one to three base layers that adhere to the coating layer and which contain a pharmaceutical substance, in particular a pharmaceutical substance that can be used to treat and / or prevent premenstrual syndrome, together with the compounds forming the base and, optionally, optionally penetration enhancing substances, and possibly, but not necessarily,

c) removable backing layer.

Dry therapeutic systems for transdermal administration are typically made by dissolving the active pharmaceutical substance and the base compounds, possibly, but not necessarily, together with penetration enhancing substances, in a volatile solvent, thereby preparing a homogeneous mixture. The substrate is coated with this homogeneous mixture and the resulting laminate is dried. Finally, a three-layer laminate is formed by adding a removable protective layer.

Suitable base-forming compounds or medicinal adhesives are, for example, polyacrylates, silicones, polyurethanes, block copolymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, as well as natural or synthetic rubbers, such as polyisobutylene. As additional base-forming compounds, cellulose ether, polyvinyl compounds or silicates can be used. To increase the stickiness, conventional additives, for example, such as tackifying resins and oils, can be added to the resulting base.

Suitable volatile solvents are, for example, lower alcohols, ketones or lower carboxylic esters such as ethanol, isopropanol, acetone or ethyl acetate, polar esters such as tetrahydrofuran, lower hydrocarbons such as cyclohexene or gasoline, or halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane , trichloromethane, trichlorotrifluoroethane and trichlorofluoromethane. There is no need to clarify that mixtures of these solvents are also suitable.

Suitable penetration enhancers are, for example, monovalent or multivalent alcohols, such as ethanol, 1,2-propanediol or benzyl alcohol, saturated and unsaturated fatty alcohols with carbon atoms of 8 to 18, such as lauryl alcohol or cetyl alcohol, hydrocarbons, such as mineral oil, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with carbon atoms from 8 to 18, such as stearic acid or oleic acid, fatty acid esters with carbon atoms up to 24 or dicar diesters bonic acid with up to 24 carbon atoms.

Fatty acid esters that are suitable as penetration enhancers are, for example, esters of acetic acid, caproic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid, for example, such as methyl ester, ethyl ester, ester propyl ester, isopropyl ester, butyl ester, butyl ester, isobutyl ester, terbutyl ester or monoglycemic esters of these acids. Suitable dicarboxylic acid diesters are, for example, diisopropyl adipate, diisobutyl adipate and diisopropyl sebacate.

Other penetration enhancing agents are phosphatide derivatives such as lecithin, terpenes, amides, ketones, urea and its derivatives, or ethers, for example, dimethyl isosorbide and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether. There is no need for a more detailed explanation of the fact that mixtures of these penetration enhancing substances are also suitable.

Suitable films are all films that are commonly used in dry therapeutic systems for transdermal administration. Such films, for example, are siliconized or coated with a fluorine-containing polymer.

As the substrate, for example, films with a thickness of 10 to 100 μm made of polyethylene or polyester, selectively colored or metallized in this system can be used. In this case, the substrate of the dry system for transdermal administration is firmly attached to the surface of the absorbent article, which should be facing the user. Alternatively, the substrate may be the surface of an absorbent article, which should be facing the user. The pharmaceutical layer deposited on it preferably has a thickness of from 20 to 500 microns. Isolation of active ingredients usually occurs over a surface area of 1-10 cm ² .

The above described components for topical and transdermal administration are given merely as typical examples. Other materials, as well as processing technologies, etc. shown in Part 8 of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th edition, 1990, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, PA, 18042.

As already mentioned, the present invention relates to an absorbent article selected from the group consisting of a sanitary towel, panty liner and a protective device designed to be worn between the labia and used during menstruation, while the absorbent article also contains a therapeutic system for transdermal administration . Examples of such an absorbent article will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

figure 1 - sanitary pad on the side of the pad, which should be further from the user,

figure 2 - gasket with one of its long side. The therapeutic system for transdermal administration is located on the side facing the user. Gasket wings are located in the first position of use,

figure 3 - gasket, including a therapeutic system for transdermal administration, on one of its short sides, with the wings located in the first position of use,

figure 4 - a sanitary pad including a therapeutic system for transdermal administration, with one of its long lateral sides, with the wings located in the second position of use,

5 is a sanitary pad comprising a therapeutic system for transdermal administration, on one of its short sides, with the wings located in the second position of use,

6 is a sanitary pad comprising a therapeutic system for transdermal administration, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, on one of its short sides, with the wings in the first position of use,

7 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin of the present invention,

Fig.8 is a cross section of a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin shown in Fig.7, which is made along the line 2-2 in Fig.7,

Fig.9 is a section taken along the line 3--3 in Fig.7. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

figure 10 is a section made similar to the section of figure 8 (at a similar angle), which shows the separation of the absorbent Central part of the sanitary napkins from the back sheet. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

FIG. 10A is a simplified schematic diagram that shows how a sanitary napkin is preferably adjacent to a user's body. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

11 is a cross section made similar to the cross section of Fig.9 (at a similar angle), which shows a side image of the separation of the absorbent central part from the back sheet. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the sanitary napkin that is similar to that of the sanitary napkin of FIG. 8 (at a similar angle), which shows an alternative arrangement of the bulge-forming element used in the sanitary napkin of the present invention. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

figa is a section of the sanitary napkin, made similar to the section of the sanitary napkin of Fig.8 (at a similar angle), which shows an alternative embodiment of the convex forming element. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sanitary napkin, made at an angle similar to that of FIG. 8, in which the upwardly protruding portion is formed by folding the sections of the central zone of the sanitary napkin in the transverse direction into a fold and securing them with adhesive. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

Fig. 14 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sanitary napkin, made at an angle similar to that of Fig. 8, in which the upwardly protruding portion is formed by folding the sections of the central zone of the sanitary napkin in the transverse direction into a fold and fastening them using a separate holding means. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sanitary napkin, made at an angle similar to that of FIG. 8, in which the upwardly protruding portion is formed by folding only the top sheet and the central portion of the sanitary napkin in the transverse direction. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

FIG. 16 is an alternative embodiment of the sanitary napkin of the present invention, which has a possible but optional intermediate napkin of an alternative configuration. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

Fig. 17 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a sanitary napkin made at an angle similar to that of Fig. 8, in which the corrugations arranged in the longitudinal direction control the degree of separation of the central part from the back sheet. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sanitary napkin, made at an angle similar to that of Fig. 9, in which the central part is attached to the back sheet in the transverse connection zone located between the end edges of the sanitary napkin. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

Fig. 19 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sanitary napkin, made at an angle similar to that of Fig. 9, in which the central part is attached to the back sheet in a transverse connection zone located at one end edge of the sanitary napkin, and the opposite end edge of the central part is attached to the back sheet using material designed to control the degree of separation from each other. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

FIG. 20 is a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of a sanitary napkin made at an angle similar to that of FIG. 8, in which the degree of separation of the central part from the back sheet is controlled using a “hanging” material. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

Fig is a side view of an absorbent device that is designed to be worn between the labia and has a main absorbent part with ends of a special shape,

figa - end view of the absorbent device, which is intended to be worn between the labia and which is shown in Fig.21,

21B is a cross section taken along line 1B - 1B along the transverse axial line of an absorbent device that is intended to be worn between the labia and which is shown in FIG.

Fig.22 is a perspective view of an absorbent device that is intended to be worn between the labia and which is shown in Fig.21,

Fig is a simplified schematic side view of an absorbent device of the present invention, which is intended to be worn between the labia and which takes on a convex shape when placed near the user's body,

Fig. 24 is an end view of an absorbent device intended to be worn between the labia, which shows how the ends become flat when the device intended to be worn between the labia is bent to form the configuration shown in Fig. 23. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

25 is a simplified schematic top view of an absorbent device intended to be worn between the labia, which shows how the ends of the device expand to conform to the shape of the space between the labia. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a device intended to be worn between the labia according to the present invention, wherein said device has a possible but optional pair of flexible protruding parts attached to the main absorbent part. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

Fig. 27 is a side view of a device intended to be worn between the labia and having a possible but optional pair of flexible protruding parts that have end edges with a configuration similar to that of the ends of the main absorbent part. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

FIG. 28 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention having a main absorbent portion formed as folds. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

Fig.29 is a sagittal (located in the anteroposterior direction) section of the female user’s body, illustrating the placement of an absorbent device intended to be worn between the labia, in the space between the labia of the user. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

FIG. 30 is a side view of a device intended to be worn between the labia and containing a system for transdermal administration, according to another embodiment of the invention before use,

Fig is a side view of a device designed to be worn between the labia and shown in Fig, during use after wetting,

Fig. 32 is a plan view of a device intended to be worn between the labia and shown in Figs. 30-31 during use. A system for transdermal administration is not shown,

Fig. 33 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin specially adapted for use in panties in the form of ribbons,

Fig.34 is a section taken along line II-II of the sanitary napkin of Fig.33.

The sanitary napkin illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 has a main body 1 that has a liquid permeable sheet 2 on the side of the main body that is closer to the user during use, a liquid permeable sheet 3 on the side that is intended for placement further from the user during use, and an absorbent layer 4 located between the above sheets. Finally, the transdermal therapeutic system 40 is placed on a liquid permeable sheet 2.

The main body 1 has an essentially oblong shape and is bounded in the plane by two long sides 5, 6 and two short sides 7, 8. The sanitary towel also has a central part 9 located in the longitudinal direction of the product between its two end parts 10, 11. Each of these parts, including the central part 9 and the end parts 10, 11, occupies approximately one third of the length of the product.

The liquid impervious sheet or back sheet 3 consists of a liquid impermeable material. Thin, liquid-impermeable, plastic films are suitable for this purpose, although it is possible to use a material which is initially liquid-permeable and which is coated with a layer of plastic, resin or some other liquid-impermeable material. This prevents fluid from leaking from the back of the absorbent article. The backing layer 3 may consist of any material that meets the liquid impermeability criterion and is flexible and skin friendly enough to fulfill its purpose. Examples of materials suitable as back sheets are plastic films, non-woven materials and their laminates. The plastic film may consist of polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester. Alternatively, the backsheet may consist of a laminate, a liquid impervious plastic layer facing the absorbent body, and a nonwoven layer facing the user's panties. This design provides a back sheet that is leak proof and creates the feel of textile material.

The absorbent layer 4 accordingly consists of cellulose. Cellulose can be in the form of rolls, in the form of bales or in the form of sheets that were divided into fibers in a dry state and transformed in a fluffy ground state into a cellulose mat, sometimes so-called superabsorbents (substances with ultra-high absorption capacity) are added to the cellulose, which, as mentioned above, are polymers with the ability to absorb water or fluid secreted by the body in quantities several times greater than their own weight. Examples of other materials that can be used in this case are natural fibers of various types, such as cotton fibers, peat moss. It goes without saying that absorbent synthetic fibers or mixtures of natural fibers and synthetic fibers can also be used. The absorbent material may also contain other components, such as stabilizing agents, liquid distributing agents, or binders, such as thermoplastic fibers, which have been heat treated to adhere the short fibers and particles together into an adhered element. It is also known to use various types of absorbent foam materials in an absorbent body.

The absorbent layer 4 of the sanitary napkin is covered with a liquid-permeable topsheet 2 on the side of the main body 1 that faces the wearer in use. The top sheet 2 may consist of a perforated plastic film, mesh plastic or mesh textile material, non-woven material or laminate, consisting, for example, of a layer of plastic and a layer of non-woven material. The plastic may be a thermoplastic, such as polyethylene. The nonwoven material may be composed of natural fibers, such as cellulosic or cotton fibers, or synthetic fibers, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, nylon or hydrated cellulose.

The main purpose of the top sheet 2 of the sanitary napkin is to direct the fluid into the absorbent layer 4, while the top sheet 2 should be soft and comfortable when placed on the user's body and prevent the so-called re-wetting, i.e. the return of the absorbed fluid excreted by the body to user skin. As for comfort and avoiding skin irritation, it is important that the surface of that part of the pad located near the skin remains as dry as possible during use. The dry surface of the gasket is also felt by the user to be cooler and more comfortable and looks more attractive than the soiled, wet surface when replacing the gasket both from a purely visual point of view and from the point of view of ease of handling.

The product also has two wings 12, 13 for fastening, each of which has an inner side 14a, b and an outer side 15a, b, and which are designed to fasten the product to the user's underwear. The wings 12, 13 are attached to the main body 1 of the gasket, for example glued, welded or sewn, on the side of the body, which is a liquid impermeable sheet 3. The wings are attached to the liquid impermeable sheet 3 of the main body at a distance from the long sides 5, 6 products. The wings are preferably attached in the center of the rear side of the product, when viewed from the side of its short sides 7, 8, although in the alternative embodiment, the wings can be attached closer to the long sides of the product with good continuous function of fastening in the V-shaped crotch part of the underwear. In the case where the width of the product in the part where the wings or flaps are attached, that is, in the central part 9, is 5 cm, the preferred distance from the long sides 5, 6 of the product will be approximately 2.5 cm. the ratios are determined by the dimensions of the product: for example, if the width of the central part is 8 cm, then the preferred distance from the long sides of the product will be 4 cm. In the illustrated case, the wings 12, 13 are attached next to each other on a non-permeable to fluid or liquid sheet 3. In an alternative embodiment, the flaps 12, 13 may be fastened closer to the long sides 5, 6 of the article and are not adjacent to each other. For example, in the case where the product width is 5 cm, the wings 12, 13 can be attached at a distance of 1.5 cm from each long side 5, 6. If the product width is 8 cm, the wings 12, 13 can be attached at a distance 3 cm from the long sides of the product.

As already mentioned, the absorbent article comprises a therapeutic system 40 for transdermal administration, which is located on a liquid-permeable sheet 2. The active part 34 of the therapeutic system for transdermal administration is a cream, lotion or ointment or, alternatively, a dry therapeutic system for transdermal administration. The transdermal therapeutic system 40 is located directly on the liquid permeable sheet 2 and is adhered by any suitable means. Alternatively, the therapeutic system for transdermal administration may include a substrate 32, which, in turn, is attached to a liquid-permeable sheet by using any suitable means, such as glue. The transdermal therapeutic system 40 may also be coated with a removable backing layer 36.

1-3, an article is illustrated having mounting wings 12, 13 located in a first use position A, in which they form an angle α with a liquid impermeable sheet 3. When the sanitary napkin is in its original position when applied, the first use position A can be described as a position in which the wings 12, 13 extend obliquely outward from the back sheet 3 in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of symmetry 16 of the gasket and to the corresponding long sides 5, 6 so as to form an angle α. In other words, the angle α is formed between the direction in which the corresponding wings 12, 13 for mounting, and the back sheet of the strip. Figure 4-5 illustrates a sanitary napkin with wings 12, 13 for mounting, located in the second position In use. In the position In using the wings for mounting, or valves for mounting, are located at the rear sheet 3 without the formation of an angle relative to it. The first use position A shown in FIGS. 1-3 is suitable for placing a sanitary towel in shorts, pantyhose or similar underwear that has a wide, V-shaped crotch. The second use position B shown in FIGS. 4-5 is suitable for placing a sanitary towel in underwear that has a substantially flat crotch portion. In the first position A of the use of the wings 12, 13 form an angle α with a liquid impermeable sheet 3, and this angle depends on the steepness of the V-shape of the crotch part. The angle α will change with a change in the position of the user's body and his / her movements, as well as in accordance with the type of underwear in which the product is placed. The angle α varies from 0 to 90 ^about . This angle is quite large and approximately 45-90 ^about when the sanitary napkin is placed in the pants-type underpants elastic (shorts) made of loose, flexible material, while at the gasket into the tights, this angle will be smaller and will be in the range from 0 to 45 ^about . Needless to say, these data are approximate with respect to the position of the wings 12, 13 with respect to the liquid impermeable sheet 3 and, therefore, with respect to the main body 1. The angle α will also vary depending on the movements and positions of the user's body. However, the wings will be resilient or resilient when in the use position.

The first provision A of use initially defines the specific requirements for the product. To ensure that the main body 1 will not wrinkle or crease during use, the main body must be rigid. This is achieved by using one or more rigid layers, for example, a rigid liquid-permeable sheet 2, a rigid liquid-tight sheet 3 or a hard absorbent layer 4 in the main body 1, or by incorporating the hard layers in the main body 1. One simple way to obtain a hard the main body 1, which will not wrinkle when used, consists in the formation of an absorbent layer 4 of hard material. A suitable material for the absorbent layer 4 is the absorbent material described in WO 94/10956. This material is a fibrous sheet of a dry molding process having a high density and stiffness that can be used directly in an absorbent article without first fiberizing. A similar material having a particularly good ability to absorb blood is described in WO 94/10953. Both of these materials have sufficient rigidity and the ability to resist deformation and thereby give the main body the shape stability required by the present invention.

The rigid absorbent material of the above type may consist of a sheet of a dry molding method containing 5-100% cellulose fibers and having a density of 0.2 to 1.0 g / cm ³ and a surface density of 30 to 2000 g / m ² , while this the sheet is formed by compressing a web that contains cellulosic fibers, without subsequent splitting into fibers and the formation of fluffy material. Since this material absorbs liquid quite slowly, it may be advisable to include an additional absorbent material in the absorbent layer 4, which will absorb more quickly, while this material is placed closest to the liquid-permeable sheet 2. The material obtained by pneumatic laying is an example of such a fast absorbing material.

It may be preferable if the wings 12, 13 for mounting are elastic in their first position And use. The elasticity of the wings 12, 13 in their first use position A may also be preferred when the sanitary napkin is used with the wings 12, 13 in their second use position B. If the wings 12, 13 are not attached to the back sheet 3, the elasticity will cause the main body 1 to be elastically pressed against the body of the user, thereby reducing the risk that the pad will move away from the skin of the user, and as a result get a sanitary pad that provides a greater degree of protection against leaks. An elastic effect can be achieved by performing the main body 1 and wings 12, 13 with rubber veins 19, 20, which are fixed in a stretched state. One such design is shown in FIG. In this case, it may be rational to cover the entire surface of the back sheet 3 with glue 17 that adheres when pressed. This will provide the ability to attach the wings 12, 13 to the back sheet 3 and use the product in its second position In use. If the user wants to use the product with wings 12, 13 in their first use position A, the wings 12, 13 are separated from the back sheet 3 and they resiliently (“bounce”) to the first use position A. Alternatively, adhesive may be applied to the outer surfaces 15a, b of the mounting wings to glue when pressed, instead of applying said adhesive 17 to the entire surface of the back sheet 3.

The fastening means 17, 18 are “self-adhesive” surfaces, although other types of fastening means can be used, such as fasteners in the form of “stickies” (hooks and loops), or other types of fastening means that can be attached directly to materials from which are usually made underpants or pants.

Figures 1-5 illustrate an example of how a bonding agent can be applied. The fastening means 17, 18 consist of an adhesive that adheres when pressed and applied to the liquid impermeable sheet 3 and to the inner surface 14a, b of the wings 12, 13 for fastening. 1, fastening means are shown closed. An adhesive layer 17 deposited on a liquid impermeable sheet is used to fasten the article only when the article is to be placed in underwear that has a substantially flat crotch, in other words, when the wings 12, 13 are in their second position in use. In this case, the adhesive layer 18 on the inner surfaces 14a, b of the wings is also used to fasten the product to the user's underwear. When the product needs to be fixed in underwear that has a V-shaped crotch, such as underpants such as men's underpants with elastic, only the adhesive layer 18 is used on the inner surfaces 14a, b of the wings. It goes without saying that there is no need to cover the entire liquid-impermeable sheet 3 with glue, and glue can only be applied to the wings 12, 13, that is, to form an adhesive layer 18.

Although not shown in the drawings, the fastening means 17, 18 are covered with removable protective paper before use, and this paper is removed from the fastening means 17, 18 immediately before use. Protective paper or similar means can not be used when the fastening means 17, 18 consist of a material that will not spontaneously adhere to other surfaces, or when the fastening ability will not decrease after separation of such means from another surface to which they accidentally adhere .

The present invention also relates to a sanitary napkin or panty liner formed with a central upwardly protruding portion covered by a transdermal administration system. 7-20 show such a sanitary napkin. A sanitary napkin 120, configured with a longitudinally extending, elongated, protruding portion 144, coated with a transdermal administration system 180, on the body surface 120A of the sanitary napkin 120 is shown in FIGS. 7-8. To simplify the image, a system for transdermal administration is not shown in FIGS. 9-10.

The upwardly extending portion 144 is particularly useful when introducing an article into the space between the tissues of the labia of the user. The upwardly extending portion 144 is intended to remain in contact with the surfaces of the labia majora of the wearer near the area between the labia tissue in order to more quickly absorb menstrual flow and other bodily secretions when they leave the body. The upwardly extending portion 144 may be dimensioned such that it also at least partially abuts the crotch or is located in the crotch of the user. Since the upwardly extending portion 144 will be in close proximity to the body, it should preferably be relatively soft. The upwardly extending portion 144 should preferably be capable of providing good fit and conforming to the shape of the space formed between the inwardly facing surfaces of the labia majora of the user.

The upwardly extending portion 144 may at least partially consist of (i.e., may be formed from) parts of one or more components of the sanitary napkin 120. The upwardly extending portion 144 may be formed from parts of one or more of any of the following components: top sheet 128, the absorbent center portion 136, the back sheet 130, or any additional layers described herein that are located between the top sheet 128 and the back sheet 130. Alternatively, or as an addition, the upwardly extending portion 144 ozhet be at least partially formed by a hump-forming element such as the element denoted by reference numeral 144 'in the drawings.

The upwardly extending portion 144 is preferably at least partially absorbent. The upwardly extending portion 144 is considered to be “absorbent” for the purposes of the present invention if any portion of the upwardly extending portion 144 is absorbent. However, there is no need for all parts of the upwardly extending part 144 to be absorbent. For example, the upwardly extending portion 144 will be considered “absorbent” even if the topsheet 128 contains a molded film which is not absorbent in itself, provided that one of the elements located underneath that forms the upwardly extending portion 144, is absorbent.

The protruding portion 144 "is directed in the longitudinal direction (has a longitudinal orientation)" and "elongated." The terms "longitudinal" and "having a longitudinal orientation" in the sense used here mean that the protruding portion 144 has such an orientation that its largest size is determined in the longitudinal direction. The term “elongated” as used herein means that the length of the upwardly extending portion 144 is greater than its width. The upwardly extending portion 144 has its own longitudinal and transverse axial lines L ₂ and T ₂ (shown in FIG. 7) (in the case where the bulge-forming member 144 ′ defines the shape of the upwardly extending portion 144, the bulging-forming member 144 ′ is typically will also have its own longitudinal and transverse center lines. They will usually be the same as the center lines of the upwardly extending part 144).

The location or position of the upwardly extending portion 144 is shown in FIG. The upwardly extending portion 144 is located in the center of the body-facing surface 120A of the sanitary napkin 120 above this surface. In such a case, the longitudinal and transverse axial lines L ₂ and T _{2 of the} upwardly protruding part coincide with the main longitudinal and transverse axial lines L ₁ and T _{1 of the} sanitary napkin 120. In other embodiments, the upwardly protruding part 144 may alternatively be positioned, i.e., that it will be offset either from the main longitudinal center line or from the main transverse center line of the sanitary towel 120. Preferably, the upwardly extending portion 144 will be at least substantially centered relative to the main product noy center line L ₁ of the sanitary napkin 120 (i.e., the protruding raised portion 144 will be located centrally, or in the middle, or "half-way" between the longitudinal edges 122 of the sanitary napkin 120). This allows you to place the protruding portion 144 in the space between the tissues of the labia of the user. However, the upwardly extending portion 144 need not be centered relative to the main transverse center line T _{1 of the} sanitary napkin 120. The upwardly extending portion 144, for example, may be offset from the main transverse axial line when the sanitary napkin itself is asymmetric with respect to the main transverse axial line. However, it is preferable that at least a portion of the upwardly extending portion 144 is located sufficiently centrally relative to the main transverse center line, that is, a portion of the upwardly extending portion 144 should be located in the central area 176 of the sanitary towel 120.

The upwardly extending portion 144 may be of any shape, provided that it at least partially enters the space between the tissues of the labia of the user. The upwardly extending portion 144 may be either symmetrical or asymmetric with respect to its longitudinal and transverse axial lines L ₂ and T ₂ . In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, the upwardly extending portion 144 is symmetrical with respect to both center lines (when considering the shape of the upwardly extending portion 144, it should be understood that when the bulge-forming member 144 ′ is used, the shape of the absorbent protruding the upward portion of the 144 will generally be similar to the shape of the bulge-forming element 144 '. However, there are situations where the shapes of the upwardly extending portion 144 and the bulge-forming element 144' will be slightly different. As one example, the case where the bulge-forming element 144 ′ is cylindrical can be considered, while since certain elements of the sanitary napkin 120 will “drape” over the bulge-forming element 144 ′, the upwardly extending portion 144 can only take the form of an upper cylindrical shape) . Some suitable forms are described below.

7 shows the shape of the upwardly extending portion 144 in a plan view (i.e., the shape of the absorbent upwardly extending portion 144 when viewed directly from above when the sanitary napkin 120 is in its flat, unfolded state). The upwardly extending portion 144, when viewed from above, may be cigar-shaped (shown in FIG. 7), rectangular, oval, or may have any other suitable shape.

The cross-sectional shape of the upwardly extending portion 144 is shown in FIG. The upwardly extending portion 144 has sides that are slightly concave inward and converge toward a rounded upper surface. Alternatively, the upwardly extending portion 144 may be “box” so that it will essentially have a rectangular cross section. In other alternatives, the upwardly extending portion 144 may have a cross section that is semicircular (for example, if the bulge forming member 144 ′ is cylindrical). Alternatively, the cross section may be parabolic, triangular, in the form of a modified rectangle with rectilinear lateral edges and with a rounded top side, or any other suitable shape. In other alternative embodiments (as shown in FIGS. 13-15), the sides of the upwardly extending portion 144 may be concave externally.

The longitudinal section of the absorbent upwardly protruding portion 144 may also take various forms. They include shapes in which the upwardly extending portion 144 will be substantially rectangular in longitudinal section (for example, if the bulge-forming element 144 ′ is rectangular or cylindrical), and shapes in which the upwardly extending portion 144 will be wedge-shaped, but possible shapes are not limited to the above. FIG. 9 shows an example of an upwardly extending portion 144, which tapers in a direction from its transverse axial line T ₂ to both ends of the upwardly extending portion 144.

The upwardly extending portion 144 has a longitudinal dimension (length) L, a transverse dimension (width) W, and a vertical dimension or dimension in the z direction (“thickness” or “height”) T (they are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). The length L of the upwardly extending portion 144 is measured in a longitudinal direction from the outermost point at the base 144A of the upwardly extending portion at one end of the upwardly extending portion to a similar point at the other end of the upwardly extending portion 144. The width W of the upwardly extending portion 144 is generally measured transversely the direction from the outermost point on one side of the upwardly extending portion 144 to a similar point on the other lateral side of the upwardly extending portion 144.

The portions of the sanitary napkin at the base of the protruding upstream portion 144A used for the above measurements are located where there is a visible change in direction or degree of curvature, or height in the plane formed by the surrounding areas 127. It should also be understood that if the cross-sectional shape the upwardly extending portion 144 narrows, the width of the upwardly extending portion 144 may vary from the top of the upwardly extending portion to the base of the upwardly extending portion 144. Therefore, the upwardly extending portion 144 may have different widths (and other sizes) depending on the portion of the upwardly extending portion 144 for which measurements are made. For example, the width can be measured by using two points that lie in the plane of the base 144A of the upwardly projecting portion. Alternatively, the width can be measured in any other plane that intersects the upwardly extending portion 144 and is parallel to the base plane of the upwardly extending portion 144.

The height T of the upwardly extending portion 144 is a perpendicular distance from the upper surface of the top sheet 128 in the region of the base 144A of the upwardly extending portion 144 to a point of maximum height ("amplitude") 144C 'on the upper surface 144C of the upwardly extending portion 144. The total thickness of the upwardly extending portion part 144 also includes the thickness of the parts of the sanitary napkin that are located under the protruding part (thus, the height T of the protruding part 144 is different from the total thickness of the protruding part 144 The term "total thickness" is generally used to denote the entire thickness of the sanitary towel in the area of the upwardly protruding part, since it is easiest to measure).

The dimensions of the upwardly extending portion 144 may vary within certain limits. The preferred dimensions of the upwardly extending portion 144 are shown below. In some cases, these dimensions may be expressed in terms of the dimensions of the convexity element 144 '. This can be done because it may be easier to measure the dimensions of such an element. Therefore, any of the following dimensions, which are expressed in terms of the outer dimensions of the upwardly extending portion 144, can also be used as approximate dimensions of the bulge-forming element 144 ′ and vice versa. However, in the case of using the bulge-forming element 144 ′, the outer dimensions of the upwardly extending portion 144 will generally be slightly larger than the bulge-forming element 144 ′. The outer dimensions of the upwardly extending portion 144 are different from the outer dimensions of the convexity element 144 'by the thickness of the sanitary napkin components that are located above the convexity element 144', and by any additional thickness created when these components are located or “draped” over bulging element 144 '.

The length L of the upwardly extending portion 144 may range from about 2 cm to the length of the absorbent core 136 (the length of the absorbent core 136 may be, for example, from about 20 cm to about 22 cm). Preferably, the length L of the protruding portion 144 is from about 4 cm to about 15 cm, and more preferably is from about 4 cm to about 10 cm, and most preferably is from about 4 cm to about 7.5 cm. With regard to the length of the protruding part 144, it should be noted that it is believed that the sanitary napkin 120 will perform better when the length of the protruding portion is less than some of the lengths indicated above at the upper bounds of the ranges. Preferred lengths are in the range of about 2 or 4 cm to about 10 cm. More preferred lengths are in the range of about 4 cm to about 10 cm. These values generally provide better performance since the upwardly protruding part will be more fully enter the space between the tissues of the labia of the user and in the recess in the perineum. Despite the fact that embodiments in which the length of the protruding portion 144 exceeds the specified lengths can still be used, they are less preferable because they are characterized by additional deviations from the structures, which completely enter the space between the tissues of the labia and in deepening in the crotch of the user.

The width W of the upwardly extending portion 144 may be from about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm, and more preferably is from about 1 cm to about 5 cm, and yet more preferably is at the base from about 1 cm to about 4.5 cm and most preferably is from about 1 cm to about 4 cm. The dimensions of the protruding portion 144 are often reduced from the base 144A of the protruding portion to the upper surface 144C of the protruding portion 144. When the protruding portion 144 tapers from the base 144A to the upper surface 144C, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper surface 144C of the upwardly extending portion 144 may resemble the upper surface of the ridge and may have a very small width at a point of maximum height 144C '. The dimensions of the portions of the upwardly extending portion 144 above the base 144A, in particular the width of those portions that form the upper half of the upwardly extending portion 144, may more closely approximate the dimensions of the bulge forming element 144 ′ (described below) compared to the sizes of the lower half of the upwardly extending portion ( the term "upper half of the upwardly protruding part" refers to those areas that are at a distance from the base greater than or equal to 1/2 T). This is because these portions of the upwardly extending portion 144 are more likely to be those portions of the upwardly extending portion that will at least partially enter the space between the labia of the user. In other alternative embodiments, the base size of the upwardly extending portion 144 may also fall within the size ranges given below for the bulge-forming member 144 ′.

The total thickness of the portions of the sanitary napkin 120 including the protruding portion 144 can be measured in various parts of the protruding portion 144. Preferably, the total thickness of the protruding portion 144 is measured at a maximum height point. The total thickness at 144C ′ of the maximum height of the upwardly extending portion 144 exceeds the total thickness of the surrounding areas 127. The total thickness of the sanitary towel 120 at the point 144C ′ of the maximum height of the upwardly extending portion 144 preferably exceeds approximately twice the total thickness of the surrounding areas 127 of the sanitary napkin (maximum 144C ′ height, as a rule, is located along the longitudinal center line of the upwardly extending portion 144). The sanitary napkin 120 preferably has a total thickness of more than about 3 millimeters, more preferably from about 4 millimeters to about 15 millimeters, at a maximum height point of the protruding portion. The thickness T of the upwardly extending portion 144 can be calculated by subtracting the total thickness of the surrounding areas 127 at the base 144A of the upwardly extending portion 144 from the total thickness of the upwardly extending portion.

The sanitary napkin (as discussed above) may have an upwardly extending portion 144, which is at least partially formed by the bulge-forming element 144 '. The bulge-forming element 144 ′ not only partially forms the upwardly extending portion 144, it can also provide additional absorption in a predetermined area of the sanitary towel 120 (in the area on which menstrual and other secretions of the body normally fall).

The bulge-forming member 144 ′ shown in FIGS. 7-9 is located on top of the absorbent core 136 (i.e., above the absorbent core 136) and under a possible but optional absorbent receiving sheet 145 and wet-laid material 147 (described in more detail below ) In alternative embodiments, the bulge-forming member 144 ′ may be located between almost any of the remaining components or layers described herein. For example, the bulge-forming member 144 ′ may be located between one of the layers of material (such as 138 or 140) that forms the absorbent core 136 and the layer of particles 142 of ultra-absorbent material in the absorbent core. In such an embodiment, the bulge-forming element 144 'can be considered to be located inside the absorbent central portion 136. The bulge-forming element 144' can also be located adjacent to one of the surfaces of the absorbent central portion 136. The bulge-forming element 144 'can be integral with the absorbent core 136 (i.e., it may be a portion of the absorbent core 136) or it may be an element separate from the absorbent core and 136. In other embodiments (such as shown in FIG. 12), the bulge-forming member 144 ′ may be located under the absorbent core 136. In other alternative embodiments, the bulge-forming member 144 ′ may be a longitudinally oriented tube that attached to the body surface of the sanitary napkin.

The bulge-forming element 144 ′ is typically an element having a certain height (i.e., a relatively large thickness). The bulge-forming element 144 ′ should also preferably be soft and non-irritating to the user's skin, as it can be placed in relatively tight contact with the body. The bulge-forming member 144 ′ may also have some flexibility. However, there is no need for the bulge-forming member 144 ′ to have the same flexibility as the surrounding sanitary napkin zones 127.

The bulge-forming element 144 'may also be absorbent. However, there is no need for the bulge-forming member 144 'to be absorbent if it is located under the absorbent core 136.

The bulge-forming element 144 'should preferably be held in place in the sanitary napkin 120 so as to prevent it from shifting significantly in the longitudinal or transverse direction when the sanitary napkin 120 is worn. The bulge-forming element 144' may have some lateral mobility to adjust its position in accordance with with asymmetric anatomy and improper placement of the sanitary towel in his underpants by the user. However, there is no need for the bulge-forming element 144 'to be fixed to any other component of the sanitary napkin 120. For example, the bulge-forming element 144' can simply be tightly inserted between the components of the sanitary napkin or inside the component of the sanitary napkin. However, as a rule, the bulge-forming member 144 ′ is attached to components that are located both above and below it.

The bulge-forming element 144 ′ can be attached to these components by any suitable means 146 for fastening the bulge-forming element, which means, for example, glue. The area of application of the means 146 for attaching the convexity-forming element may coincide with the area of all the upper and lower surfaces of the convexity-forming element 144 '(or this means may coincide in area only with part of these surfaces). The means 146 for attaching the bulge-forming element should not impede the passage of menstrual flow and other exudates into the bulge-forming element 144 'or the central part 136. If the means 146 for fastening the bulge-forming element is an adhesive, the path to the central part 136 can be kept several ways. They include the distribution of the adhesive in the form of a sufficiently thin layer so that a significant number of holes in the material of the top sheet will not be covered by the adhesive. Many types of adhesives are suitable for use as a means 146 for attaching a bulging element 144 ', including adhesives used in the form of aqueous solutions and hot-melt non-solvent adhesives.

The bulge-forming member 144 ′ has the following dimensions. The length of the bulge forming element 144 'is preferably within approximately the same ranges as described above for the length of the protruding portion 144. The width of the bulge forming element 144' can be from about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm. The thickness of the bulge forming element 144 'may be from about 0.3 cm to about 1 cm, or about 1.3 cm.

In another embodiment, the bulge-forming member 144 ′ may comprise several individual components that are stacked on top of each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the bulge-forming member 144 ′ comprises several individual strips that are located under the thin absorbent center portion 136. The bulge-forming member preferably comprises a top component, such as a relatively thin first strip 144A ′. A thin strip 144A 'is located above the lower component, such as a relatively thick, but narrower second strip 144B'. A second strip 144B 'is placed on top of an even narrower third strip 144C'. The relatively thick second and third strips serve as a support around which the central part and the first strip are bent. The components of the bulge forming member 144 ′ may be made of various materials. In one variation of this embodiment, the upper components may be comprised of absorbent material and the lower components may be non-absorbent or vice versa. In other embodiments, the individual components of this embodiment may be located above the absorbent core, inside the absorbent core, or partially above the absorbent core, and / or inside the absorbent core, and / or below the absorbent core. It should be understood that all the various possible arrangements of such individual components are within the scope of the present invention.

The material used to create the bulge-forming element 144 'can be any of those materials that are indicated as used to form the absorbent core 136. However, it is preferable if the bulge-forming element 144' contains a material that is more resilient in comparison with the mass obtained by pneumatic laying. One material suitable for use in the bulge forming member 144 ′ is a mass of chemically modified, cross-linked cellulosic fibers, such as those described in US Pat. by Arco Chemical Company, Newton Square, PA, under the trademark FIBERSORB, and fibers currently manufactured by Courtaulds, Ltd., West Midlands, England. Fibers with ultra-high absorption capacity are discussed more fully in US Pat.

The present invention is also directed to an absorbent device designed to be worn between the labia and includes a system for transdermal administration. 21 shows one embodiment of such an absorbent device intended to be worn between the labia, namely a device 220 intended to be worn between the labia. However, the present invention is not limited to a structure having the specific configuration shown in the drawings. In the sense used here, the term "absorbent device designed to be worn between the labia" refers to a structure that has at least some absorbent components and which has a special configuration that allows at least partially to place it inside the space between the genitalia lips of a female user during use. Preferably, more than half of the total absorbent device 220 of the present invention intended to be worn between the labia is located inside such a space between the labia, more preferably, if substantially all of the absorbent device 220 intended to be placed between the labia is inside such a space between the labia lips, and most preferably, if the entire absorbent device 220, designed to be worn between the labia, will be placed on the inside of the space between the sexual female member lips during use.

In the sense used here, the term "space between the labia majora" refers to that space in the area of the external genitalia of a woman, which is located between the inner surfaces of the labia majora, extending on the threshold of the vagina. Inside this space between the labia majora there are the labia minora, the vestibule of the vagina and the main elements of the urogenital organs, including the clitoris, the opening of the urethra and the opening of the vagina. Typical medical authoritative sources indicate that the vestibule refers to a space bounded laterally by the inner surfaces of the labia minora and extending inward to the base between the clitoris and the vaginal opening. Therefore, it is believed that the space between the labia majora, as defined above, can relate to the space between the inner surfaces of the labia majora, including the space between the inner surfaces of the labia minora, also known as the vestibule. The space between the labia for the purposes of the present description is understood as the space that does not pass a significant distance beyond the opening of the vagina into the inner cavity of the vagina.

The term labia, as used here, generally refers to both the labia majora and the labia minora. The labia ends at the front and back, respectively, at the anterior commissure and posterior commissure. For specialists in this field of technology, it is obvious that the relative size and shape of the labia majora and labia minora in women vary widely. However, for the purposes of the present description, there is no need for special consideration of such differences. It is believed that the placement of an absorbent device intended to be worn between the labia majora in the space between the labia majora, as defined above, will require its placement between the inner surfaces of the labia majora, not paying attention to the exact position of the border between the labia majora and labia minora for a specific user. A more detailed description of this part of the anatomy of women is given in Gray's, Anatomy, Running Press, 1901 Ed. (1974), pp. 1025-1027.

The absorbent device 220, designed to be worn between the labia and shown in Fig.21-22, has a longitudinal axial line L, which runs along the x-axis shown in Fig.22. The term “longitudinal” as used herein refers to a line, axis, or direction in the plane of a device 220 intended to be worn between the labia, which is essentially aligned with a vertical plane (for example, runs approximately parallel to a vertical plane), dividing a standing user in half to the left and the right half of the body, when wearing the device 220, designed to be worn between the labia. The terms “transverse” or “y direction” as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to a line, axis, or direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The transverse direction is shown in FIG. 22 in the form of a “y” direction. The absorbent device 220, intended to be worn between the labia and shown in FIG. 22, also has a transverse center line T shown in FIG. The z direction shown in FIG. 22 is a direction parallel to the vertical plane described above. The term “upper” refers to the orientation in the z-axis direction toward the user's head. A “bottom” or downward direction is a direction toward the user's feet.

As shown in Fig.21, the device 220, designed to be worn between the labia, contains at least the main absorbent part 222 (or "Central absorbent part"). The main absorbent part 222 has an upper part 226 and a lower part 228, which is opposite to the upper part. In use, the upper portion 226 is positioned so that it extends farthest inward into the space between the labia of the user. The main absorbent part 222 also has two ends 234. The main absorbent part 222 must be at least partially absorbent. The main absorbent portion 222 may have non-absorbent portions, such as a liquid impervious barrier layer, to prevent leakage of absorbed exudates from the main absorbent portion 222.

The device 220, designed to be worn between the labia, should be of appropriate size and shape, which allows convenient placement of at least part of it between the labia of the user and the closure of the vaginal opening and preferably also the urethra of the user. The device 220, designed to be worn between the labia, at least partially blocks and, more preferably, completely blocks and intercepts the flow of menstrual flow, urine and other exudates released by the body from the vaginal opening and urethra of the user.

The main absorbent portion 222 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-22 may comprise an absorbent structure of any suitable type that is capable of absorbing and / or retaining fluids (e.g., menstrual flow and / or urine). The main absorbent portion 222 can be made in a wide variety of shapes (seen from the side, as in FIG. 21, or viewed from the end, as in FIG. 21A). Non-limiting examples of the shapes of the main absorbent part, when viewed from the end, as in FIG. 21A, include ovoid, trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, cylindrical, hemispherical, or any combination of the above shapes.

Likewise, the main absorbent portion 222 can be made from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles, such as pulped wood pulp, which is generally referred to as a pneumatic stacking material. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include cotton fibers or cotton fluff, creped cellulose wool packing, meltblown nonwovens including co-formed fibers, chemically stiffened cellulose fibers, modified or crosslinked cellulose fibers, synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers, peat moss, fabric, including fabric wrappers and fabric laminates, foam absorbent materials, absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers having the ability (in the form of fibers and particles), absorbent gelling materials, or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures of these materials. Preferred absorbent materials include folded tissue paper, cotton wool gaskets, woven materials, non-woven materials, needle-punched artificial fiber material, and thin layers of foam. The main absorbent portion 222 may consist of one material. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21A, the main absorbent portion 222 may consist of a combination of materials, such as a wrapper layer 246 surrounding a central packing composed of absorbent material 244 (as shown in FIG. 22).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the main absorbent portion 222 is formed from a soft absorbent material, such as hydrated cellulose fibers or other suitable natural or synthetic fibers or sheet material. The main absorbent portion 222 shown in Fig.21-22, as a rule, has an ovoid shape in cross section.

On Fig-32 shows another embodiment of a device designed to be worn between the labia and containing a system for transdermal administration. A device intended to be worn between the labia is formed from a hydrogel that has been molded into a spoon shape having a front cup-shaped part, which, when used, should be directed forward to the user and placed on the user's clitoris, with the cup-shaped part facing the user's body. In addition, the device intended to be worn between the labia, contains a rear elongated portion 303, which when used should be directed back to the user and is located above the vagina.

The device 301, designed to be worn between the labia, has a lower surface 304, which when used should be facing away from the user. Thus, the bottom surface is substantially liquid impermeable and may consist of a layer of liquid impervious material, such as a plastic film, or a coating of liquid impermeable material. Alternatively, a device intended to be worn between the labia can be made in such a way that a substantially liquid-impermeable sheath is formed on the lower surface.

In addition, the device designed to be worn between the labia has an upper surface 305, which should be facing the user during use. The upper surface 305 receives the liquid and allows it to move into a device designed to be worn between the labia. Accordingly, the upper surface may be coated with a loose outer layer of hydrophilic or hydrophobic material. In the event that the liquid receiving surface is a hydrogel surface, a slightly sticky, sticky and moist surface is obtained, which is preferred since the mucous membranes of the user will not be irritated. In addition, a device designed to be worn between the labia will remain in place during use. The upper surface 305 of the posterior elongated portion is also coated with a transdermal administration system.

When the device intended to be worn between the labia is wetted during use, the hydrogel swells and absorbs liquid, as a result of which the protruding portion 306 is formed on the rear elongated part, as shown in Figs. 31-32. Preferably, the transdermal administration system is located on the upwardly extending portion 306. The shape and dimensions of the upwardly extending portion are already determined by the manufacture of a device intended to be worn between the labia, since the device intended to be worn between the labia is cast in a mold adapted to anatomy. When the hydrogel swells, the surface of the specified gel becomes moist and slightly sticky, which provides soft and comfortable adhesion of the device intended to be worn between the labia, to the user's body. This surface also allows you to keep the mucous membranes of the area between the labia moist. The swollen hydrogel is soft and flexible, as well as resilient, which means that a device designed to be worn between the labia is almost invisible to the user during use.

33 and 34, a sanitary napkin 401 is shown according to a further embodiment of the invention.

The sanitary napkin 401 has a generally elongated shape with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. It has two long sides 402 and 403, two short sides 404 and 405, first 406 and second 407 end parts, a longitudinal center line 408 extending in the length direction of the product, and a transverse center line 409 extending transversely in the width direction of the product. The longitudinal center line is considered as a line extending in the longitudinal direction of the sanitary towel at the same distance from the long sides of the product. Similarly, the transverse center line is a line extending in the transverse direction of the gasket at the same distance from the short sides of the product. The gasket 401 has an upper side 410 that should be facing the user during use, and a lower side 411 that should be facing away from the user during use.

The sanitary napkin 401 includes a liquid-permeable outer layer 412 fixed to the side of the article that should be facing the user (upper side 410) during use, and an impermeable back layer 413 on the side of the napkin that will be facing away from the user (underside 411) during use. Between the outer layer 412 and the impermeable back layer 413 there is an absorbent body 414. The outer layer and the back layer are connected in the connection zone outside the absorbent body.

In Fig.34 shows a section of the gasket 401 in Fig.33, made along the line II-II. On the underside of the gasket 411, on its impermeable layer 413, fastening means are arranged in the form of strips 415 formed from pressure sensitive adhesive and parallel to the longitudinal center line 408 of the gasket. Above the glue 415 is a removable backing layer 416. The user removes the backing layer 416 before placing the panty liner in the undergarment. Needless to say, other fastening methods can be used, such as a Velcro® type fastener or friction fastener.

The outer material 412 may be any conventional material, for example a non-woven material, a perforated plastic film, or a laminate of these two materials. A transdermal administration system 480 is located on the outer material 412.

The most suitable material for the absorbent body 414 is cellulose. Cellulose can be supplied to the market in the form of rolls, bales or sheets, which are divided into dry fibers for the manufacture of sanitary napkins and transformed into a cellulose mat in a fluffy ground state, and sometimes so-called “superabsorbents” (substances with ultra-high absorption) are added to the cellulose ability), which are polymers with the ability to absorb water or body fluids in quantities several times higher than their own weight. One alternative to this is to dry form a cellulosic mat as described in WO 94/10956. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials are various types of natural fibers, such as cotton fibers, peat moss. Of course, absorbent synthetic fibers or mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers can be used. The absorbent body 414 may also contain other materials, such as shape stabilizing agents, fluid distribution agents, or binders, such as thermoplastic fibers, that have been heat treated to bond the short fibers and particles together into a continuous continuous material. You can also use various types of absorbent foam materials in an absorbent body.

The impermeable layer 413 (back layer) consists of a liquid impermeable material. Thin, fluid-tight, plastic films are suitable for this purpose, but it is also possible to use a material that is permeable in nature but which is coated with plastic, resin, or some other fluid-impermeable material. This prevents leakage of fluid from the underside of the absorbent article. Therefore, the impermeable layer 413 can be formed from any material that meets the criterion of impermeability and is flexible and skin friendly enough to fulfill its purpose. Examples of materials suitable for use as an impermeable layer are plastic films, nonwoven materials, and laminates of these two types of materials. Plastic films can be made, for example, of polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester. Alternatively, the impermeable layer may consist of a laminate of an impermeable layer of plastic facing the absorbent body and a layer of non-woven material facing the underwear of the user. This design provides a barrier layer that is leak proof and creates the feeling of a textile material.

A receiving layer 417 is located between the outer layer 412 and the absorbent body 414. This layer 417 is designed to draw fluid into the gasket and move it down into the absorbent body 414. This receiving layer 417 may, for example, be a low density nonwoven material.

33, it can be seen that the long sides 402 and 403 of the sanitary napkin are substantially arcuate. The arcuate shape is such that these long sides 402, 403 bend inwardly towards the longitudinal center line 408. The first end portion 406 has a width of 65 mm in its widest area. The width of the widest zone of the second end portion 407 is 30 mm.

Claims (7)

1. An absorbent product selected from the group consisting of a sanitary towel, panty liner and protective device for wearing between the labia and used during menstruation, while the product is suitable for the administration of a pharmaceutical substance intended to treat, weaken and / or prevent premenstrual syndrome, the specified product contains an absorbent body and has, as a rule, an elongated shape with a first surface that should be facing the user, and a second surface a view that should be facing away from the user, characterized in that the first surface that should be facing the user is at least partially covered by a therapeutic system for transdermal administration containing a compound suitable for the treatment and / or prevention of premenstrual syndrome, moreover, the product is made with the possibility of transdermal administration of the specified compounds to the user when using the product, and the therapeutic system for transdermal administration contains one -tri base layer which contain the pharmaceutical agent to treat and / or prevent premenstrual syndrome, together with the compounds forming the foundation, and possibly, but not necessarily, with substances which enhance the penetration, and thus therapeutic system for the transdermal administration closed removable release layer. 2. The absorbent product according to claim 1, characterized in that the product is a device designed to be worn between the labia. 3. The absorbent product according to claim 1, characterized in that the product is a sanitary pad or panty liner. 4. The absorbent product according to claim 3, characterized in that the product has an upwardly protruding portion on a surface intended to face the user. 5. An absorbent product according to claim 4, characterized in that the therapeutic system for transdermal administration is located on the protruding part. 6. The absorbent product according to claim 1, characterized in that the therapeutic system for transdermal administration also contains a substrate attached to the surface of the absorbent product, which should be facing the user. 7. An absorbent product according to claim 1, characterized in that the pharmaceutical substance for treating and / or preventing premenstrual syndrome is selected from the group comprising linoleic acid and metabolites, such as gamma-linolenic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid , arachidonic acid and adrenic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and metabolites, gestagens such as gestodene, levonogestrel, desogestrel, norethisterone, norethistosterone acetate and 3-keto-desogestrel, azaspirones or polycyclic amine derivatives, including Inter alia, buspirone, gepirone, ipsapirone and tandospirone, ergoline derivatives such as lisuride, bromolizurid, terguride and protergurid.

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