WO2009075438A1

WO2009075438A1 - Female liner, manufacturing equipment for the same and manufacturing method using the same equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2009075438A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/003607
Authority: WO
Inventors: Seung Ja Kim; Kwang Chae Ko
Original assignee: Seung Ja Kim; Kwang Chae Ko
Priority date: 2007-12-13
Filing date: 2008-06-24
Publication date: 2009-06-18
Also published as: KR20090062459A; KR100977623B1

Abstract

Provided is a pantyliner for female hygiene, based based on tourmaline and zeolite in addition to silicon. When applied to the body, therefore, the pantyliner prepared from a formulation comprising 88% by weight of nylon, 8 % by weight of tourmaline and 4% by weight of zeolite can radiate far-infrared light and anions to a vaginal area, thus functioning to induce smooth vaginal discharge, deodorize unpleasant smells from the vaginal area, and maintain the organ warmly. The pantyliner is lengthy with a predetermined width corresponding to that of a female genital and is internally arched at both sides in contact with legs of a user, with a larger width at the opposite ends than at a center thereof.

Description

FEMALE LINER, MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT FOR THE SAME AND MANUFACTURING METHOD USING THE SAME

EQUIPMENT

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a panty liner for female hygiene, which can radiate far-infrared light and anions to a vaginal area, thus functioning to induce smooth vaginal discharge, deodorize unpleasant smells from the vaginal area, and maintain the organ warmly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pantyliner for feminine hygiene, formed of a composition comprising silicon and tourmaline emitting far-infrared light, said pantyliner being lengthy with a predetermined width corresponding to that of the female genital and being internally arched at both sides in contact with legs of a user, with a larger width at the opposite ends than a center thereof. Also, the present invention is concerned with an apparatus and a method for manufacturing the pantyliner. Background Art

[2] Panties are a form of underwear and are made for the hygienic function of preventing the skin from being soiled, maintaining body temperature and for the practical function of making outer garments look good and correcting body irregularities. In addition, panties, such as lingerie, were developed as a form of decorated underwear.

[3] Most panties generally function to protect the skin and to withhold the body temperature. In addition, panties are imparted with the physical functions of pressurizing the abdomen and the waist to degrade lipids and raising the hips up to correct body figures, like girdles. Recently, health functions have been added to panties.

[4] For example, Korean Patent Unexamined Publication No. 10-2006-0130838 and

Korean Utility No. 20-0312727 disclose functional panties which contain anion- emitting materials so as to improve the health of the user and to prevent diseases.

[5] In these conventional panties, a waist band is sewn in duplicate and a health band of functional material is inserted into the waist band which is then resewn. Thus, the health band is permanently incorporated into the panties so that it cannot be readily detached even when the user does not want to use it (e.g., during the menstruation period). Further, the health band cannot be separately washed.

[6] The health band is typically composed of silicone and tourmaline, which emits far- infrared light. In the conventional panties, however, the far-infrared light emitted from tourmaline cannot penetrate deep into the body such as to the genitals, because it lacks the function of introducing the far-infrared light. Tourmaline alone cannot ensure oxygen supply and metabolism.

[7] On the other hand, pantyliners based on herbs such as mugwort are provided which have the various functions of inhibiting bacteria growth in the female genital, deodorizing and alleviating menstrual pains. However, they are expensive even when provided in the throw-away form. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[8] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pantyliner which can be detachably attached to knickers and which can be reused.

[9] Another object of the present invention is to providea pantyliner for feminine hygiene, which can emit far-infrared light and anions deep into the vagina. Technical Solution

[10] In order to accomplish the above objects thereof, the present invention provides a pantyliner for radiating far- infrared light to a female organ, formed of a composition comprising silicon and tourmaline, the pantyliner being lengthy with a predetermined width correspondingto that of the female genital and being internally arched at both sides in contact with legs of a user, with a larger width at the opposite ends than at a center thereof, in accordance with an aspect thereof.

[11] On the front side of the pantyliner, a plurality of protrusions is formed in a lengthwise direction, functioning to secure a space between the pantyliner and a body to which the pantyliner is applied, and the pantyliner is coated with paint on a back thereof to prevent the far-infrared light and body heat from radiating externally.

[12] In the pantyliner,the composition further comprises zeolite which activates skin cells so as to introduce the far-infrared light deeply into the body.

[13] This pantyliner is formed to range in thickness from 10 to 15 mm, in width from 30 to 60 mm, and in length from 100 to 140 mm, with 8 - 13 mm high protrusions.

[14] The pantyliner is inserted into a cover when it is applied to the body, the cover corresponding to the figure of the liner and having a pocket for accommodating the pantyliner, and having wings which wrap around the panties, with buttons or Velcrotape thereon, providing additional stability.

[15] In accordance with another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a pantyliner for radiating far- infrared light and anions to a female organ, manufactured from a composition comprising liquid or gel-type silicon rubber, tourmaline and zeolite.

[16] In this pantyliner, the composition comprises tourmaline in an amount of from 6 to

10 % by weight and zeolite in an amount of from 3 to 5 % by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[17] In a preferred embodiment of this pantyliner, the composition comprises nylon in an amount of 88 % by weight, tourmaline in an amount of 8 % by weight and zeolite in an amount of 4 % by weight based on total weight.

[18] In accordance with a further aspect thereof, the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a pantyliner for radiating far- infrared light and anions to a female organ, comprising: a pair of modules composed of an upper module and a lower module provided respectively with an upper mold rim and a lower mold rim, together determining a figure of the pantyliner; guide pins and guide holes, provided at corners of the upper and lower modules, functioning to aligning the upper mold rim with the lower mold rim; and a pair of handles, provided at both lateral sides of the upper module, used to assemble or dissemble the modules.

[19] In accordance with still a further aspect thereof, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a pantyliner, comprising: a primary compounding process of formulating liquid or gel-phase silicon rubber with zeolite powder to give a primary dough a secondary compounding process of formulating tourmaline powder with the primary dough to give a secondary dough and molding the secondary dough to the pantyliner.

[20] In this method, the primary compounding process is carried out by formulating 96 ~

90 % by weight of silicon with 3 ~ 5 % by weight of zeolite based ontotal weight of a composition composed of silicon, tourmaline and zeolite, and milling the formulation between a pair of rotating rollers to spread the dough.

[21] In this method, the secondary compounding process is carried out by sprinkling 6 ~

10 % by weight of tourmaline powder over the dough when it is spread on the rotating rollers.

[22] In this method, the molding step is carried out by excising the secondary dough spread on the rotating roller and pressurizing the excised secondary dough in a mold.

Advantageous Effects

[23] As described above, the pantyliner according to the present invention shows the following effects.

[24] First, the pantyliner promotes blood circulation and induces smooth vaginal discharge, thus preventing gynecological diseases such as leucorrhoea, menstrual irregularity, etc.

[25] In addition, the far-infrared energy emitted by tourmaline keeps the feminine organ at a suitable temperature, thus alleviating menstrual pains and deodorizing unpleasant smells.

[26] Further, being designed to be detachably attached to knickers, the pantyliner can be separately washed. Thus, it is convenient for use. Brief Description of Drawings

[27] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a structure of a pantyliner in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[28] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a structure of an apparatus for manufacturing the pantyliner according to the present invention.

[29] FIGS. 3 to 5 are perspective views showing the manufacturing processes of the pantyliner according to the present invention.

[30] FIGS. 6 to 10 are perspective views showing the operation of a mill for compounding a composition useful for the pantyliner according to the present invention.

[31] **Descriptions for Main Reference Numerals of Drawings**

[32] 100: Pantyliner 110: Protrusions

[33] 120: Cover 210: Upper module

[34] 212: Upper mold rim 214: Guide pin

[35] 216: Handles 220: Lower module

[36] 222: Lower mold rim 224: Guide hole

[37] 300: Mill 310: Roller

Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention

[38] Reference should now be made to the drawings to describe the present invention in detail.

[39] With reference to FIG. 1, a pantyliner 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is formed of silicon in combination with predetermined amounts of tourmaline and zeolite.

[40] Tourmaline stones are quite unique in that they have both positive and negative electrodes with a constant release of a weak electric current of 0.06 mA therefrom. Thus, they show anionic surfactant effects, which become twice aspotent upon temperature increase by 1O⁰C. Even when tourmaline stones are in the form of a fine powder, their nature remains unchanged. Rather, each powder particle exerts the electric properties and emits far infrared light and anions when heated by the temperature of the body. Particularly, these effects are optimal when tourmaline is in contact with moisture, whether in liquid or vapor form. For instance, the electrons ac- cumulatedin the negative electrodes of tourmaline are released at the instant of contact with moisture, electrolyzingthe water molecules into hydrogen ions and hydroxyl ions. Then, the hydrogen ions are associated with the electrons released from the tourmaline to form hydrogen atoms. On the other hand, the hydroxyl ions react with water molecules to generate surface active materials, that is, anionic surfactant. [42] Zeolites are aluminosilicate minerals with numerous nanopores. The water absorbed inside the zeolite s pores was driven off by heating and released as water vapor. Particularly, the pore structure imparts zeolites with excellent absorbency and cation exchange functions. Thanks to these functions, zeolites can absorb and store a 20-fold excess of gas therein and release it over a long period of time. Accordingly, zeolites can generate and emit a large amount of anions while supplying oxygen to the skin.

[43]

[44] <EXAMPLE>

[45]

[46] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pantyliner is prepared from a composition comprising silicon in an amount of from 86 to 90% by weight, tourmaline in an amount of from 6 to 10% by weight and zeolite in an amount of from 3 to 5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[47] For example, when tourmaline is usedin an amount greater than 10% by weight, its reactivity to the body increases, incurring negative therapeutic responses. If the amount of tourmaline is over 20% by weight, excessive therapeutic responses including erythema and itchiness are caused. On the other hand, when tourmaline is used in an amount less than 6% by weight, its effects are too small to introduce useful responses into the body.

[48] When zeolite is used in an amount larger than 5% by weight, it incites tourmaline to bring about a 'Queen Bee' effect. Particularly, an amount of zeolite exceeding 7% by weight causes an excessive Queen Bee effect from the tourmaline. On the other hand, when used in an amount less than 3% by weight, zeolite is too insufficient to incite tourmaline.

[49] It should beappreciated that unless specifically mentioned, the contents of nylon, tourmaline and zeolite are expressed as weight % based on the total weight of the composition and are determined to be optimal for the goals of the present invention, as a result of repeated experiments conducted by the present inventor, with no specific limitations imparted to the upper and lower limits.

[50]

[51] EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 1>

[52]

[53] A composition comprising 88% by weight of silicon, 8% by weight of tourmaline and 4% by weight of zeolite was prepared. As a first step, tourmaline particles, capable of emitting far-infrared light and anions, are pulverized to a size of from 30 to 60 μm.

[54] Constantly releasing a weak current, tourmaline crystals react with air moisture to electrolyze water molecules into cations (hydrogen ions, H⁺) and anions (hydroxy ions, OH ). This experiment is set forth to examine the ability of tourmaline to emit anions and far-infrared light according to contents. It was analyzed for emissivity of far- infrared light in a wavelength band of from 5 to 20 μm at a temperature less than the body temperature, e.g., room temperature. The results are summarized in Table 1. Measurements of anions released from tourmaline are expressed as anion numbers per unit volume in Table 2.

[55] [56] Table 1 [Table 1] [Table ]

[57] [58] Table 2 [Table 2] [Table ]

[59] [60] As seen in Table 1, far-infrared emissivity and radiation energy rapidly increase with increasing of the content of tourmaline to 8%. When the content of tourmaline exceeds 8%, the increment of emissivity and radiation energy becomes smaller. The increment of emissivity rapidly decreases from 10 % by weight of tourmaline while theradiation temperature rapidly increases, incurring an excessive therapeutic response from the body.

[61] In addition, the number of anions released from tourmaline is observed to start to increase at a tourmaline content of 6 % and its increment rate peaks at a content of 8 %, as understood from the data of Table 2. In consideration of the fact that an anion density of a forest, in which humans feel refreshed,ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 ions per cc of air, the number of anions released from the tourmaline is said to have significant effects. An excess of tourmaline over 10% makes only a slight contribution to the anion discharge effect.

[62] Thanks to the cation exchange ability thereof, zeolites can perform sterilization, de- odorization and antibacterial action on the skin. As seen in Table 3, the cation exchange capacity increases with increasing content of zeolite, but decreases incre- menttally when the amount of zeolites exceeds 5 to 6 % by weight. In addition, a composition containing greater than 5 6 % by weight of zeolites is difficult to form into a pantyliner and shows the side effects of inhibiting the anion generation of tourmaline.

[63] [64] Table 3 [Table 3] [Table ]

[65] [66] Referring to FIG. 1, the pantyliner 100 for feminine hygiene in accordance with the present invention is formed of a composition comprising silicon, tourmaline and zeolite. As seen in FIG. 1, the pantyliner 100 is lengthy with a predetermined width correspondingto female genital. Also, the pantyliner 100 is internally arched at both the sides corresponding to the leg openings of the panties, with a larger width at the opposite ends than the center thereof. Both the ends are rounded.

[67] A plurality of protrusions 110 is formed in a lengthwise direction on the front side thereof. When pressure is applied toward the genital during walking or exercise, the protrusions function to prevent the liner from being in close contact with the genitals and to allow air to pass between the liner and the genitals. In addition, the protrusions 100 can stimulate acupuncture points when the pantyliner moves laterally.

[68] The pantyliner is made with a paint coated on the back thereof to prevent the far- infrared light and body heat to radiate externally. The paint useful in the present invention is of silicon and is harmless to the body.

[69] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pantyliner is formed to range in width from 30 to 60 mm, in length from 100 to 140 mm and in thickness from 10 to 15 mm, with 8 - 13 mm high protrusions

[70] For application to the body, the pantyliner 100 is inserted into a cover 120 made of cotton and thus is not in direct contact with the body. The cover 120 corresponds to the figure of the liner and has a pocket (no reference numerals) for accommodating the liner. Also, the cover has wings which wrap around the panties, with buttons or Velcrotape (no reference numerals) thereon, providing additional stability.

[71] With reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, a molding module for casting the pantyliner, composed of a matching upper module 210 and a lower module 220, is provided. Liner mold rims 212 and 222 are extended respectively from the lower side of the upper module 210 and the upper side of the lower module 220 to a predetermined height. Guide pins 214 and guide holes 224 are provided at the corners of the pair of modules 210 and 220 to align the upper mold rim with the lower mold rim. The upper module is provided at lateral sides thereof with a pair of handles 216 which are used to open and close the upper module against the lower module.

[72]

[73] Below, a description is given of a method of manufacturing the pantyliner of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[74] As seen in FIG. 6, a primary compounding process is conducted first. In this regard,

88 % by weight of liquid silicon rubber is formulated with 4 % by weight of zeolite powder to give a dough (a). Preferably, the compounding is conducted to put the liquid silicon into a rubber or gel stateso that the final product has a hardness of 20 ~ 30 which gives an elastic and soft sensation when touched. The silicon and the zeolite can be sufficiently formulated using a milling machine 300 composed of a pair of rollers 310. When the dough (a) is applied between the rollers which are rotating in opposite directions, it spreads over one of the rollers as depicted in FIG. 7. As the dough (a) is repetitively milled between the pair of rollers, silicon and zeolite are more uniformly formulated and more strongly bound to each other. Preferably, the temperature of the rollers is maintained at 20 ~ 3O⁰C. When the temperature for the primary compounding process is below 1O⁰C, it is difficult to smoothly formulate the dough (a). On the other hand, a temperature higher than 5O⁰C makes the dough (a) too stiff to compound the ingredients and significantly decreases the release of energy from the final product.

[75] With reference to FIG. 8, a secondary compounding process is illustrated.

Tourmaline is formulated in an amount of 8 % by weight with the dough (a) to give the dough (b). As seen in FIG. 8, tourmaline is sprinkled over the dough (a) of silicon and zeolite spread on one roller while the rollers 310 are rotating. The pressure between the pair of the rollers causes the tourmaline to be formulatedwith the dough (a). Likewise, the dough (b) is spread over one of the rollers 310 as shown in FIG. 9. Preferably, the rollers 310 are maintained at a temperature of from 20 to 3O⁰C. When the temperature for the primary compounding process is below 1O⁰C, it is difficult to smoothly formulate the dough (b). On the other hand, a temperature higher than 5O⁰C makes the dough (b) too stiff to compound the ingredients and significantly decreases the release of energy from the final product.

[76] Next, after the completion of the compounding process, as shown in FIG. 10, the dough (b) is excised in a predetermined size and thickness for a subsequent molding process. The remaining dough is sealed in order to retain moisture and not get dried out.

[77] The upper module 210 is separated from the lower module, as shown in FIG. 2, followed by placing the compounded, excised dough fragment on the lower module 220 as seen in FIG. 3. Then, the upper module 220 is aligned with the lower module using the handles 216 and pressurized using a press, as shown in FIG. 4. The dough is thus molded to the figure designed by the mold rims 212 and 222. Excess dough is excluded from the molds while only a liner is figured on the molds. During this molding process, the upper module 210 and the lower module 220 are preferably maintained at a temperature of from 160 to 19O⁰C. When the temperature of the modules is below 13O⁰C, the liner is degraded in elasticity and is thus easily extended and torn. On the other hand, a temperature exceeding 22O⁰C makes the liner stiff, significantly decreasing the elasticity and energy release qualities of the liner.

[78]

[79] EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 2>

[80]

[81] Whereas the composition of Experimental Example comprised 8 % by weight of tourmaline, 4 % by weight of zeolite, and a balance of silicon, a composition comprising 6 % by weight of tourmaline, 3 % by weight of zeolite and the balance amount of silicon was prepared in this example. This composition was molded to a liner 100 using the same process parameters as in Experimental Example 1. That is, the liner of this example was smaller in the contents of both tourmaline and zeolite than that of Experimental Example 1.

[82]

[83] EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 3>

[84]

[85] A liner 100 was manufactured in thesame manner as in Experimental Example 1, with the exception that a composition comprising 10 % by weight of tourmaline, 5 % by weight of zeolite and a balance of silicon was used. This composition was larger in the contents of both tourmaline and zeolite than that of Experimental Example 1.

[86]

[87] EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 4>

[88]

[89] A liner 100 was manufactured in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, with the exception that a composition comprising 6 % by weight of tourmaline, 5 % by weight of zeolite and a balance of silicon was used. This composition was smaller in tourmaline content and larger in zeolite content than that of Experimental Example 1.

[90]

[91 ] EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 5>

[92]

[93] A liner 100 was manufactured in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, with the exception that a composition comprising 10 % by weight of tourmaline, 3 % by weight of zeolite and a balance of silicon was used. This composition was larger in tourmalinecontent and smaller in zeolite content than that of Experimental Example 1.

[94]

[95] COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1>

[96]

[97] A liner 100 was manufactured in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, with the exception that a composition comprising 0 % by weight of tourmaline, 4 % by weight of zeolite and a balance of silicon was used. The process associated with tourmaline was omitted because no tourmaline was used.

[98]

[99] COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2>

[100]

[101] A liner 100 was manufactured in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, with the exception that a composition comprising 8 % by weight of tourmaline, 0 % by weight of zeolite and a balance of silicon was used. The process associated with zeolite was omitted because no zeolite was used.

[102]

[103] COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 3>

[104]

[105] A liner 100 was manufactured in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, with the exception that a composition comprising 3 % by weight of tourmaline, 4 % by weight of zeolite and a balance of silicon was used. The tourmaline content of this composition was less than the lower limit set forth in the present invention. [107] EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 4>

[108]

[109] A liner 100 was manufactured in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, with the exception that a composition comprising 15 % by weight of tourmaline, 4 % by weight of zeolite and a balance of silicon was used. The tourmaline content of this composition excessively exceeded the upper limit set forth in the present invention.

[HO]

[111] EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 5>

[112]

[113] A liner 100 was manufactured in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, with the exception that a composition comprising 8 % by weight of tourmaline, 1 % by weight of zeolite and a balance of silicon was used. The zeolite content of this composition was less than the lower limit set forth in the present invention.

[114]

[115] COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 6>

[116]

[117] A liner 100 was manufactured in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, with the exception that a composition comprising 8 % by weight of tourmaline, 7 % by weight of zeolite and a balance of silicon was used. The zeolite content of this composition excessively exceeded the upper limit set forth in the present invention.

[118]

[119] COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 7>

[120]

[121] A liner 100 was manufactured in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, with the exception that a composition comprising 3 % by weight of tourmaline, 1 % by weight of zeolite and a balance of silicon was used. The contents of both tourmaline and zeolite in this composition were less than the lower limits set forth in the present invention.

[122]

[123] COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 8>

[124]

[125] A liner 100 was manufactured in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, with the exception that a composition comprising 15 % by weight of tourmaline, 7 % by weight of zeolite and a balance of silicon was used. The contents of both tour- malineand zeolite in this composition excessively exceeded the upper limits set forth in the present invention.

[126]

[127] EVALUATION EXAMPLE 1> - Alleviation of Menstrual Pain [129] The liners 100 manufactured in Experimental Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8were applied to 40 women in their teens to forties (10 women per decade of age), suffering from severe menstrual pain, for 5 hrs per day during 12 weeks. Pain relief was evaluated and the results are summarized in Table 4, below. Afive-point scale was used for this evaluation (0: no effects, 1: slight effect, 2: low effect, 3: significant effect, 4: notable effect, 5: no pains). In the table, the pain relief effects are expressed as mean+S.D. of gained scores, followed by the number of the subjects who completed the experiment after the slash "/".

[130]

[131] Table 4

[Table 4] [Table ]

[132]

[133] The most potent pain relief effect was observed from the liner of Experimental Example 1. Considerably negative results were obtained from the liners of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, which lacked either tourmaline or zeolite. Excesses or insufficiency of tourmaline and/or zeolite also resulted in low ratings.

[134] In Table 4, the liner of Comparative Example 8 was not evaluated because the users rejected it due to too strong responses in all ages [135]

[136] The periods of time which it took for the liners to significantly relieve menstraalpains were also investigated and the results are summarized in Table 5, below. In Table 5, the time periods are expressed as mean days rounded to the first decimal place, followed by the number of the subjects who completed the experiment after the slash "/

[137] [138] Table 5 [Table 5] [Table ]

[139] [140] As is apparent from the data of Table 5, the liner of Experimental Example 1 was the most effective in relieving menstrual pains and larger contents of tourmaline and zeolite do not ensure greater pain relief effects. On the other hand, when both tourmaline and zeolite were used in small amounts as in Experimental Example 2, the time period taken to relieve menstrual pains was extended. Particularly, lower contents of zeolite were found to require longer time periods to procure pain relief.

[141] [142] <EV ALU ATION EXAMPLE 2> - Deodorization at Female Organ [143] [144] The liners 100 manufactured in Experimental Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8 were applied to 40 women in their teens to forties (10 per decade of age) suffering from severe odors around their genitals, for 5 hrs per day during 12 weeks to evaluate deodorization effects. The results are summarized in Table 6, below. A five-point scale was used for this evaluation (0: no effects, 1: slight effect, 2: low effect, 3: significant effect, 4: notable effect, 5: no odors). In Table 6, the deodorization effects are expressed as mean+S.D. of scores, followed by the number of the subjects who completed the experiment after the slash "/". [145] [146] Table 6 [Table 6] [Table ]

[147] [148] In Table 6, the liner of Comparative Example 8 was not evaluated because the users rejected it due to too strong responses in all ages.

[149] [150] The periods of time which it took for the liners to show significant deodorization were also investigated and the results are summarized in Table 7, below. In Table 7, the time periods are expressed as mean days, followed by the number of the subjects who completed the experiment after the slash "/".

[151] [152] Table 7 [Table 7] [Table ]

[153] [154] EVALUATION EXAMPLE 3> - Alleviation of Leucorrhoea [155] [156] The liners 100 manufactured in Experimental Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8 were applied to 40 women in their teens to forties (10 per decade of age) suffering from severe leucorrhoea, for 5 hrs per day during 12 weeks to evaluate medicinal effects on leucorrhoea. The results are summarized in Table 8, below. A five-point scale was used for this evaluation (0: no effects, 1: slight effect, 2: low effect, 3: significant effect, 4: notable effect, 5: no odors). In Table 6, the deodorization effects are expressed as mean+S.D. of gained scores, followed by the number of the subjects who completed the experiment after the slash "/".

[157] [158] Table 8 [Table 8] [Table ]

[159]

[160] In Table 8, the liner of Comparative Example 8 was not evaluated because the users rejected it due to too strong responses in all ages.

[161]

[162] The periods of time which it took for the liners to alleviate leucorrhoea werealso investigated and the results are summarized in Table 9, below. In Table 9, the time periods are expressed as mean days, followed by the number of the subjects who completed the experiment after the slash "/".

[163] [164] Table 9 [Table 9] [Table ]

[165] [166] Taken together, the data obtained in the Examples demonstrate that the pantyliners according to the present invention show excellent medicinal effects on women, including relief of menstrual pains, deodorization around the female organ, and alleviation of leucorrhoea. Particularly, the deodorization effect of the liner of the present invention is believed to result from the ability of the liners to prevent the activation of bacteria causing unpleasant odors, such as staphylococci, pneumococci, MASA and the like, and viruses or to destruct the conditions optimal for the growth of the microorganisms. In addition, most of the women who went through the tests attested that their vaginal insides were kept moist while they wore the liners of the present invention.

[167] [168] As described hitherto, the pantyliner for feminine hygiene in accordance with the present invention, prepared from a formulation comprising tourmaline and zeolite in addition to silicon, ensures hygiene around the female organ not only because tourmaline can emit far-infrared light and anions when heated by the body temperature but also because zeolite generates water vapor and anions from the water molecules stored in the micropores thereof to expand the skin and supply fresh oxygen to skin cells, resulting in introducing the far- infrared light of tourmalineinto deep skin. Although the preferred embodimentsof the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

[I] A panty liner for radiating far- infrared light to a female organ, formed of a composition comprising silicon and tourmaline, said pantyliner being lengthy with a predetermined width corresponding to that of a female genital and being internally arched at both sides in contact with legs of a user, with a larger width at the opposite ends than at a center thereof.

[2] The pantyliner according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of protrusions is formed in a lengthwise direction on a front side of the pantyliner, functioning to secure a space between the pantyliner and a body to which the pantyliner is applied.

[3] The pantyliner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pantyliner is coated with paint on a back thereof to prevent the far- infrared light and body heat from radiating externally.

[4] The pantyliner according to claim 3, wherein the composition further comprises zeolite which activates skin cells so as to introduce the far-infrared light deeply into the body.

[5] The pantyliner according to claim 3, wherein the pantyliner ranges in thickness from 10 to 15 mm, in width from 30 to 60 mm, and in length from 100 to 140 mm, with 8 - 13 mm high protrusions.

[6] The pantyliner according to claim 3, wherein thepanty liner is inserted into a cover when it is applied to the body, said cover corresponding to the figure of the liner and having a pocket for accommodating the pantyliner, and having wings which wrap around the panties, with buttons or Velcro tape thereon, providing additional stability.

[7] Apantyliner for radiating far-infrared light and anions to a female organ, manufactured from a composition comprising liquid or gel-type silicon rubber, tourmaline and zeolite.

[8] The pantyliner according to claim 7, wherein the tourmaline is used in an amount of from 6 to 10 % by weight based on total weight of the composition.

[9] The pantyliner according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the zeolite is used in an amount of from 3 to 5 % by weight based on total weight of the composition.

[10] The pantyliner according to claim 9, wherein the composition comprises nylon in an amount of 88 % by weight, tourmaline in an amount of 8 % by weight and zeolite in an amount of 4 % by weight based on total weight.

[I I] An apparatus for manufacturing a pantyliner for radiating far-infrared light and anions to a female organ, comprising: a pair of modules composed of an upper module and a lower module provided respectively with an upper mold rim and a lower mold rim, together determining a figure of the pantyliner; guide pins and guide holes, provided at corners of the upper and lower modules, functioning to aligning the upper mold rim with the lower mold rim; and a pair of handles, provided at both lateral sides of the upper module, used to assemble or dissemble the modules. [12] Amethod for manufacturing a pantyliner, comprising: a primary compounding process of formulating liquid or gel-phase silicon rubber with zeolite powder to give a primary dough a secondary compounding process of formulating tourmaline powder with the primary dough to give a secondary dough and molding the secondary dough to the pantyliner. [13] The method according to claim 12, wherein the primary compounding process is carried out by formulating 96 ~ 90 % by weight of silicon with 3 ~ 5 % by weight of zeolite based on total weight of a composition composed of silicon, tourmaline and zeolite, and milling the formulation between a pair of rotating rollers to spread the dough. [14] The method according to claim 13, wherein the secondary compounding process is carried out by sprinkling 6 ~ 10 % by weight of tourmaline powder over the dough when it is spread on the rotating rollers. [15] The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the dough is maintained at a temperature of from 20 to 3O⁰C. [16] The method according to claim 14, wherein the molding step is carried out by excising the secondary dough spread on the rotating roller and pressurizing the excised secondary dough in a mold.