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Title:
TAMPON DISPOSAL CONTAINER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/136590
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Disclosed is a bag for disposal of a used tampon in a sanitary and discrete manner. The bag is optionally biodegradable but fluid resistant and sealable for receiving used tampons and other feminine hygiene products for disposal thereof. The tampon disposal bag is contained within the original package or derived from the inner portion of the package. The disposal bag is an opaque, scented, small sealable bag which is easily closed. When a new tampon package is opened for use, the disposable bag will be visible for easy access to either remove from the tampon package in one embodiment or is provided as an inner component of the package itself. By having the disposal bag accessible from within the new tampon package, the used tampon can be quickly removed and placed into the disposal bag in a secure and sanitary process.

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Inventors:
HEIN SHELLY (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2018/014148
Publication Date:
July 26, 2018
Filing Date:
January 18, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
DISCREET BAGS LLC (US)
International Classes:
A61F13/15; A61F13/20; A61F13/26; A61F13/34; A61F13/551; A61F15/00
Foreign References:
US20100121299A12010-05-13
US20080154221A12008-06-26
US20050098466A12005-05-12
US6393614B12002-05-28
US20110164834A12011-07-07
US20080118679A12008-05-22
US9375366B12016-06-28
US20140276522A12014-09-18
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ACETO, Joseph, F. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
1. An individual tampon package comprising:

a. a tampon;

b. an applicator;

c. a disposal bag wherein the disposable bag is biodegradable, fluid resistant and having a sealable means for receiving a used tampon and applicator; and d. a tampon package wrapper having an outer surface and an inner surface for storing the tampon, applicator and disposal bag.

2. The individual tampon package of claim 1 wherein the disposal bag is opaque and scented.

3. The individual tampon package of claim 1 wherein the disposal bag is affixed to the inner surface of the package wrapper.

4. The individual tampon package of claim 1 wherein the sealable means of the disposable bag is a zip lock.

5. The individual tampon package of claim 1 where the tampon package wrapper has a length of approximately 6.5 inches and a width of approximately 1.375 inches when the tampon package is sealed.

6. The tampon package of claim 1 having the disposal bag with a length of approximately 4.5 inches and a width of approximately 2 inches when the disposal bag is opened.

7. The individual tampon package of claim 1 further comprising a disposable bag having a composition containing an odor-preventing and leak-proof polymer.

8. The individual tampon package of claim 7 wherein the polymer is chitosan or a derivative thereof.

9. The individual tampon package of claim 8 wherein the chitosan or derivative thereof is a film on the inner surface of the disposable bag.

10. The individual tampon package of claim 8 wherein the chitosan or derivative thereof are flakes within the disposable bag.

11. An individual tampon package comprising:

a. a new tampon;

b. an applicator; c. a disposal bag wherein the bag is biodegradable and fluid resistant for receiving a used tampon and applicator; and

d. a tampon package wrapper having a griping means on an outer surface and a pouch-like structure with a sealable means on the inner surface forming the disposal bag.

12. The individual tampon package of claim 11 wherein the disposal bag is opaque and scented.

13. The individual tampon package of claim 11 wherein the inner surface of the tampon package wrapper forms the pouch-like structure with a secondary surface of approximately the same length and width as the inner surface and having a pouch opening along a single width.

14. The individual tampon package of claim 13 wherein the pouch opening is sealed with an adhesive strip.

15. The individual tampon package of claim 11 wherein the gripping means is a finger loop.

16. The individual tampon package of claim 11 further comprising a disposable bag having a composition containing an odor-preventing and leak-proof polymer.

17. The individual tampon package of claim 16 wherein the polymer is chitosan or a derivative thereof.

18. The individual tampon package of claim 11 further having a first compartment containing the new tampon and a second compartment as the disposal bag as the pouch-like structure.

19. The individual tampon package of claim 18 wherein the second compartment is larger than the first compartment.

Description:
Title: Tampon Disposal Container

Inventor: Shelly Hein

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.

62/447,500, filed on January 18, 2017, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an individual package assembly for or with a tampon applicator or other feminine hygiene device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an opaque, scented, small locking bag or a bag easily tied closed or sealed, fastened to the inside of the individual tampon package for use as a disposal container and functioning to disguise the tampon from recognition as a tampon after use and allow discreet, sanitary disposal BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Feminine hygiene devices such as tampons are used by women for insertion within the vagina to absorb menstrual flow. It is estimated that the average woman uses 11,400 tampons in her lifetime. Many women almost always carry a feminine hygiene product with them, i.e., in their purse, in their pockets or in other quickly accessible locations, since the beginning of menstrual flow can be unexpected.

One drawback of the current tampon and wrapper assemblies is the disposal of one or more or all of the used tampon, applicator, wrapper, and other hygiene product. For instance, current tampon and wrapper assemblies may require substantial amounts of toilet paper for placement of the used tampon and/or applicator and disposing of the paper containing the used tampon and/or applicator.

Current tampon and wrapper assemblies may not be disposed of easily in their individual package due to lack of room. Furthermore the wrapper does not tear consistently, it makes it very difficult to place the used applicator or used tampon back into the torn wrapper. In most instances, the user needs to find alternative ways for disposal such as wrapping the used applicator and tampon with toilet paper and/or disposing the applicator, tampon and wrapper , or flushing any or all of it down the toilet

Therefore, it has been determined that there is a need for a means to dispose of the applicator, the individual tampon packaging and the used tampon in a clean, easily disposable and biodegradable packaging and provides discrete user experience.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides as one embodiment a tampon applicator package assembly that includes the tampon, applicator, and a disposal container or bag fastened to the inside of the individual tampon packaging. The disposal container is a tightly sealable container. For example, the container can be an opaque, scented, and biodegradable disposable bag having a small zip lock bag means or a bag with small handles to easily tie closed or any other sealable means known in the art. Once a new individual tampon package is opened for use, the disposable bag is visibly fastened to the inside of the individual tampon packaging, enabling the user to then remove the new tampon and applicator from the package and use the disposal bag. This arrangement allows the user to maintain a sanitary surface to access the new tampon while the used tampon is removed and placed into the disposal bag.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a biodegradable sealable disposal bag fastened to the inside of the individual tampon package. In another embodiment, the disposal bag is incorporated into the inner surface of the original package which is accessed by a sanitary method that requires securing the individual package through a finger loop on the outer surface of the package. Once opened and flat against the user's palm, the used tampon and applicator are placed in the disposal bag and sealed for subsequent discreet disposal. In another embodiment, the present invention contains an inner coating in the disposal bag with a derivative of a natural polysaccharide such as chitosan used to readily form clots and prevent leakage from the disposal bag. Chitosan salts can be mixed with other materials such as alginate, making them biodegradable and useful in absorbing blood. The disposable bag may be composed, in part, of a film or flakes, either free or bound to the inner surface, containing chitosan.

In a further embodiment, a tampon disposal bag provides a discrete means to dispose of the used tampon and applicator and obfuscates the appearance of a feminine hygiene item.

In a yet further embodiment, the tampon disposal bag provides increased durability, so that the disposal bag cannot be torn or punctured after disposal.

The present invention considers all types of disposal bags having sealing means, materials, scents and sizes appropriate for this purpose. Thus, the invention described herein has the advantage that the individual package can be easily opened to allow sanitary access to the new tampon while still allowing access to a disposal bag or alternatively having a package design that can be easily opened to allow sanitary access to the new tampon which then is used as a disposal bag. With all these package configurations, the new tampon is removed from its individual package and kept under sanitary conditions while the used tampon is removed and disposed in a secure and discrete disposal bag.

The above-described and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 : Shown is a drawing of a typical individual open tampon package of the present invention with the components positioned for use and their relative dimensions.

Figure 2: Shown is a drawing of the individual tampon package prior to opening along with the tampon and applicator dimensions.

Figure 3 : Comparison of the dimensions for the package and disposal bag in the open (Panel A) and closed form along with the tampon (Panel B). Figure 4: Shown is a representation of one embodiment of the present invention where the original individual package converts into the disposal bag. Panel A depicts an unopened package showing a finger loop to secure the user's hand to the package. Panel B depicts one face of the package open and flat.

DETAILED SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Currently tampons are sold in a box with multiple, individually wrapped tampon packages. Once the tampon package is opened and the tampon inserted, women are left with the tampon applicator, the original package and a used tampon. Normally women will either flush the used tampon down the toilet or wrap it in toilet paper for subsequent disposal, including the packaging and applicator in the garbage.

Both disposal means present inherent problems. First, disposing through the toilet increases the possibility of creating plumbing problems and is not environmentally friendly. Second disposal through the garbage normally requires the used tampon being wrapped in multiple sheets of toilet paper in order to attempt a disposal in manner that is unsecure and having a high potential for disposal mishaps.

The present invention discloses embodiments for a tampon disposal bag and method of use. A drawing of one embodiment for the disposal bag of the present invention is shown within a tampon package wrapper (see Figure 1). The disposal bag (15) is a biodegradable, fluid resistant and sealable package for receiving used tampons, applicators and other feminine hygiene products for disposal thereof. As shown in Figures 1, the tampon disposal bag (15) is stored and fastened within the tampon package wrapper (12). The new tampon and applicator (18) are also located within the tampon package wrapper (12) alongside the disposal bag (15). Prior to opening the package wrapper (12), the disposal bag (15), applicator and tampon (18) are packed within the tampon package wrapper as a small, discrete unit (23) with disposal bag (25) as shown in Figure 2.

When an individual tampon package is needed for use, the user opens the outer tampon package wrapper (23) with tampon package wrapper (12), disposal bag (15) and applicator and tampon (18) as shown in Figure 1. The disposal bag (15) is fastened to the inside of the tampon wrapper (12). The new applicator with a new tampon are positioned on the opened package wrapper (12) without requiring placement on a potentially unsanitary surface such as a sink or top of a toilet. The used tampon is removed and immediately placed in the disposal bag (15) which is then sealed. The new tampon can then be safely and effectively accessed for use.

Figure 3 depicts exemplary relative sizes of the tampon packaging and tampon. When shown open and laid flat (Panel A), the tampon package wrapper (12) has a length (31) of 6.5 inches and width (32) of 2.75 inches with a disposal bag (15) having a length (34) of 4.5 inches and width (35) of 2 inches within the outer tampon package wrapper (12). The sealed packaging (23) is shown with smaller outer dimensions having a length (31) of 6.5 inches and a width (38) of 1.375 inches. Both the open and closed packaging are shown comparing the tampon (39) itself.

Prior to opening the tampon package wrapper, the disposal bag and applicator with the new tampon are discretely stored within the packaging which can be carried by the user in her hand bag or other carrier. After placement and insertion of the new tampon, the applicator and tampon package wrapper are added to the used tampon within the disposal bag which is sealed and stored in a hand bag or other carrier for disposal then or at a later time. The disposal bag avoids the need to wrap the used tampon with toilet paper and disposal using the toilet. Thus, the disposal bag reduces plumbing costs and allows for a cleaner and more efficient process than wrapping tampons with toilet paper or other means.

The tampon disposal bag is an opaque and scented bag having a sealable means such as a small zip lock or handles or any other sealable component known in the art. The disposable bag may also be composed of any odor-preventing or leak-proof material. Optionally, the bag may be lined with a polymer to achieve the same odor-preventing or leak-proof result. In a still further embodiment, the individual tampon package wrapper which is the housing the new tampon is converted to a disposal bag for the used tampon and applicator.

Accordingly, this embodiment allows for an individual package to be converted into a disposal bag for discrete disposal. As shown in Figure 4, Panel A, one example for a tampon package having the new tampon and applicator has a length of 6.5 inches (46) and a width of 1.375 inches (47), containing an outer gripping means which could include, but not limited to, a finger loop or tab (41). Prior to opening, the user slides her middle finger through the finger loop (41) to secure the package to her hand. This allows the top (42) and one side (43) to be easily opened for access to the tampon applicator as shown in Figure 4, Panel B having a length of 6.5 inches (46) and a width of 2.75 inches (48). With the packaging still secured to the user's hand through the finger loop and lying flat against the user's palm, the top perimeter of the inner portion of the bag (44) is separated from the outer portion to create an opening and sanitary pouch-like structure as a bag for disposal of the applicator and old tampon. When the applicator and used tampon are placed into the disposal bag formed from the original package, the disposal bag is closed or sealed by any means known in the art (45). This includes, but not limited to, using an adhesive strip along the inner edge of the open perimeter which is closed by exposing the adhesive on one of the inner surfaces, pressing together the open edges and running the user's finger along the bond to seal the opening. With the contents properly sealed, the package is easily disposed or carried and stored for future disposal.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides for two separate compartments in the pouch-like structure, each having an independent housing with access (44), where a first compartment contains a new tampon and remains securely attached to the opened package during removal of the old tampon. A second compartment provides an isolated housing to dispose of the old tampon after removal. This allow for the new tampon to be separated from the disposal area and further allows the user's free hand (the hand not holding the finger loop) to remain free to remove the used tampon and dispose of it in the disposal compartment and then obtain the new tampon from the first compartment. While all proportions between the two compartments is considered in the present invention, the preferred embodiment is to have the disposal portion or second compartment to be larger than the first compartment containing the new tampon.

Having the original package function as both the packaging for the applicator and new tampon and as a disposal bag for the applicator and used tampon will allow for convenient, discreet and hygienic disposal. It will also prevent women from flushing used tampons down the toilet causing plumbing issues as well as wasting toilet paper trying to mask the appearance and odor of the used tampon. A re-sealable design is especially appropriate in situations where a garbage can would not available, allowing the user to discretely retain the used materials until appropriate for disposal.

The tampon disposal bag as described herein is optionally opaque and/or scented. The disposable bag may be composed of any odor-preventing or leak-proof material such as, for example, a chitosan-based polymer. The disposal bag may be lined with this or any other material to achieve the same end by any process known in the art.

Chitin, chitosan, or their derivatives are ideal composites for incorporating into the composition of the disposal bag described herein. Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide made by treating the chitin shells of shrimp or other crustaceans with an alkaline substance such as sodium hydroxide. They are used in bandages to reduce bleeding and as an antibacterial agent. Chitosan is hypoallergenic and has natural antibacterial properties. The ability of chitosan to reduce blood loss has been used recently to slow bleeding in battlefield injuries. Because of its blood retaining and clotting characteristics, chitosan functions as a natural clotting agent to reduce the movement of blood or other body fluids. It is biodegradable and inexpensive. One embodiment in the present invention includes chitosan flakes or granules present, either in a free form or bound to the inner surface of the disposal bag, to provide a very high surface for contact with residual blood from the used tampon. Another option is to provide a film or coating on the inner surface. Upon contact with the blood, the flakes swell, gel, and stick together to prohibit any leakage from the disposal bag after the disposal bag is sealed.

The present disclosure resolves this problem by creating a sanitary means to quickly, easily, and discretely dispose of an old tampon with its applicator and packaging. Once sealed within a biodegradable, opaque, and scented disposal bag, the used tampon, applicator and package wrapper can be carried by the individual in her purse or hand bag until safely disposed through any bio-degradable means or the nearest disposal receptacle.

In sum, the present individual tampon package with applicator, tampon and disposal bag allows for the disposal of a used tampon and its applicator in a sanitary and discrete manner. This compact, small, discrete design ensures an embarrassment- or apprehension-free usage experience. Both the unopened tampon package wrapper (23) shown in Figure 2 or the tampon disposal bag containing the used tampon, applicator and package wrapper resemble any personal item that the user might carry and, thus, enables a worry -free carrying, use, and disposal experience.

All embodiments of the tampon disposal bag referred to and described above can be sized and designed to fit a full-size tampon applicator or a compact tampon applicator, along with other complementary products thereof.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the present disclosure.