BIODEGRADABLE ABSORBENT PADS AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING

摘要

A biodegradable feminine hygienic interlabia pad (12) which includes a biodegradable inner absorbent sliver (13) made of cotton or rayon and a biodegradable outer cover (15, 34) also made of cotton or rayon. The edges (78, 80) of the outer cover (15, 34) are sewn together to form a hollow cylinder. Also disclosed are a method and an apparatus for manufacturing the pads (12). A rope (16) of absorbent material and a web of the outer covering (34) are brought together in a die (26). The die (26) in the form of a hollow tube (50) and a tapered guide (56) which causes the outer covering to enclose the absorbent material (16) with the seam for the outer covering (34) being on the inside of the pad (12). The die (26) includes an opening (66, 76) for exposing the adjacent edges of the web (34) so that the edges (78, 80) may be sewn together. Also adjacent panels (86, 88) are formed by sewing the pad (12) itself.