US2536631A - Catamenial device - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 2, 1951 ELY 2,536,631

CATAMENIAL DEVICE Filed Sept. 20, 1947 IN V EN TOR.

Patented Jan. 2, 1951 CATAMENIAL DEVICE Helen G. Ely, Rutherford, N. J.

Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in catamenial devices and particularly to that type of sanitary napkin which is relatively more porous on one side than on the other.

As now generally constructed, devices of this type not only have the usual absorbent filler and the gauze cover which also serves as a means for attachment, but they are frequently provided with one side treated to be less absorbent or provided with a relatively non-absorbent layer. It will thus be apparent that the devices may only be applied eifectively in one way and if applied in the reverse manner, serious difiiculty arises.

One of the principal objects of my invention is to so construct a sanitary napkin that no reasonably prudent person can mistake the proper side to be applied to the body.

A further obiect of my invention is to so identify the non-absorbent side of a sanitary napkin that it can be detected in the light or dark.

A more s ecific obiect of my invention is to provide an inex ensive manner of marking the respective surfaces of san tary napkins so that the cost of production is not materially increased and so that identification is positive.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will appear from the following description of a preferred form of embodiment thereof, taken in connection with the drawing attached in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a catamenial device.

Figure 2 is a transverse cross section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

In the practice of my invention. I can use the standard available sanitary napkin I0 hav ng a central filler IQ of cellucotton, crepe tissue or other well known absorbent equiva ents. Such a fi ler is enerally supported by and surrounded by a loosely woven mesh gauze 14 which terminates in unfil ed tab ends Hi.

My invention relates particularly to the improved tv e of sanitary na kin that now has a substantially imperforate or materially less absorbent surface or a non-absorbent barrier generally ind cated at l8. Such na kins must be applied with this surface outwards of: the body if the full absorbent value of the filler is to be realized.

The preferred manner of accomplishing this must be equally effective either in the light or the dark. In fact, it is under conditions of darkness accompanied by partial sleepinessthat the user is most likely to make a mistake and not realize it until an accident has resulted.

It is my plan to so treat the surface of the Application September 20, 1947; Serial No. 775,242

cover I4 that either there will be a glow or phosphorescence so that it can be seen in the dark, or light, or alternatively, by so using a distinctive weave or applied material, that the appropriate surface can be detected by touch. In each case considerable care must be used to avoid materials which may be injurious to the skin, difllcult to apply or are inherently expensive.

Various commercial phosphorescent materials are available, of which calcium sulfide is an example and this may be applied by usual means to form an indicator spot generally indicated at 20. Such a marking is thus clear to the sight regardless of conditions of illumination.

I prefer however, to use surface type indicators that may be detected by touch. For example, the indicator 20 may be formed by impressing size or glue or wax into the gauze H to give a hard, smooth, or distinctive surface. Wax is 'most readily applied by passing the device through suitable pressing rolls or by merely passing the device under a liquid reservoir. Penetration can be avoided by apply ng the wax near its melting point, to a cooler catamenial device, so that the wax will congeal in the same manner that wax candle drip ings congeal when striking a cooler surface. The resulting indicator is non-chafing and can be detected both by touch as well as by sight.

If desired, two or more indicators 20 might be used for grade or quality or size or capacity marks.

A still further modification is possible. A thread of distinctive touch characteristic may be woven into the gauze cover M. This does not appear to be as desirable though for it is relatively difficult to distinguish threads by touch unless they are objectionable in size or other characteristics, and since it is more difficult to weave in a thread, it is generally necessary to continue it throughout the length of the device and it is more expensive as a rule. Colored threads have already been suggested but of course they are not distinguishable in the dark when it is most important.

It is quite essential thata distinctive feel or glow be utilized to cl arly indicate one side of the device from the other. Preferably it should be on the outer or less absorbent side. Various modifications will undoubtedly occur to those skilled in the art and I consider that modifications are within the scopeiand spirit of my invention as contemplated by the claims appended hereinafter.

I claim:

1. A catamenial device of the class described having an absorptive filler, a gauze wrapper, and a relatively less absorptive barrier, and indicator means to determine the relative sides of the device, said means being visually observable in the dark.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which the indicator means is a phosphorescent material.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2 in which the 1 indicator means is calcium sulfide.

4. A catamenial device as claimed in claim 2 in which the indicator means is applied to the device on the side adjacent the barrier.

5. A catamenial device of the apparently reversible type having an absorptive filler, a gauze wrapper, one surface of said wraPPBr being preferably kept out of contact with the body, and

indicator means applied to the surface to be kept out of contact with the body, said indicator means being visually observable in the dark.

HELEN G. ELY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the .file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS Number Name Date 2,164,408 Joa July 4, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 534,946 France Apr. 5, 1922 543,761 Great Britain Mar. 11, 1942

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