Flushable Sanitary Mini-Pad

This invention relates to sanitary appliances for personal feminine care, and more particularly to a mini-pad which may be safely disposed of by flushing it into the sewer system and which is shaped to prevent shifting of the device during wear without the use of adhesives or belts.

The prior art is replete with all manner and variety of devices for the absorption of bodily fluids such as those from monthly menstrual flow, vaginal discharge and minor urinary incontinence. These externally worn devices generally fall into two broad categories: sanitary napkins and mini-pads or panty liners. Sanitary napkins, being larger and therefore capable of greater absorption, are worn during periods of heavy menstrual flow. Mini-pads are worn when menstrual flow has decreased and for daily use to absorb small volumes of vaginal discharge or urine leakage.

Typical sanitary napkins and mini-pads are constructed from multiple layers of fluid absorbent material with a fluid impermeable backing and a fluid permeable facing. The backing is often coated with a mild adhesive to hold the device in position within the undergarment.

The present invention discloses a totally biodegradable, and therefore flushable, mini-pad with a unique kite shape which minimizes movement or slippage. A filler of cellulose fragments is sandwiched between cellulose panels which are then sealed about their circumference by heat and pressure. The pad has a length of approximately fourteen centimeters and a width of approximately ten centimeters, and therefore fits comfortably and securely between the thighs while providing adequate coverage of the labia .

These and other attributes of the invention will become more clear upon a thorough study of the following description of the best mode for carrying out the invention, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 depicts the proper placement of the device.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a plan view of the invention 10 which, in a preferred embodiment, has a kite shape with the short axis having a length of approximately seven to thirteen centimeters and the long axis having a length of approximately ten to seventeen centimeters. The shorter end of the kite shape is the anterior end 12, while the longer end is the posterior end 14. Referring also to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the pad is comprised of an upper panel 16 fabricated from a cellulose material having properties similar to tissue paper or made of tissue paper, a thicker lower panel 18 of like material, and a central core 20 of cellulose particles or fibers having a thickness of approximately one centimeter. Preferably, the panels 16, 18 are biodegradable. The fluid absorbent filler may be fabricated from shredded tissue paper. The two panels 16, 18 are bonded together about their circumference by mechanical means, preferably by wetting the opposed edges and then heating under pressure. This avoids the use of any adhesives and therefore enhances the biodegradation of the pad.

Placement of the pad 10 is depicted in FIG. 3 where it is placed between the thighs 20 with the anterior end 12 lying anterior to the clitoral region 22 and the posterior end lying just in front of the anus 24. Lateral movement is prevented by the thighs, with the undergarment providing sufficient pressure to ensure minimal slippage.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, many different shapes and sizes of the invention are available, although the kite shape disclosed is believed to be the preferred embodiment. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.