Tampon assembly having shaped pledget

(54) Title: INTERNAL ABSORBENT SET (57) Summary: HAVING MOLDED FILLING.

(30) Unionist Priority: 05/03/2007 us 11 / 713,974 (73) Holder (s): Playlex Products, Inc (72) Inventor (s): Eugene Ρ. Dougherty, Keith Edgett, Robert Jorgensen (74) Attorney (s): Di Blasi, Parente, Vaz and Dias & Al.

(86) International Order: pct US2008002934 of 05/03/2008 (87) International Publication: wo 2oos / io9iosde 12/09/2008

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Invention Patent Descriptive Report for: SET

OF INTERNAL ABSORBENT HAVING MOLDED FILLING

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, in general, to a tampon assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tampon assembly having an applicator tube with no more than three sections.

2. Description of the Related Art

A tampon pack is used to introduce an absorbent or hygienic material, known as a tampon pad, into the vaginal canal.

The filling of commercial tampon assemblies 15 is typically positioned in a tube for expelling a tube through a plunger. The use of such sets requires a user to insert one end of the tube into the vaginal canal.

Once the tube has been inserted, the plunger can be used to expel the filling from the end of the tube into the vaginal canal. Once the filler is in position, the filler expands when in contact with moisture to conform to the contours of the body and thus provide

Additionally, blind fillings protect against leakage. In addition, the level of actual and perceived performance is also dependent on how comfortable the applicator is when being inserted into the user's body.

Many attempts have been made to increase the comfort associated with using tampon sets. For example, the tubes of some tampon assemblies include a dome-shaped end. The dome-shaped end includes a series or plurality of molded sections configured to open during expulsion of the filling. Unfortunately, the buds themselves can be a source of discomfort. A multi-bud applicator can pinch the vaginal canal during insertion or create a perception by the user that the buds will pinch the vaginal canal during insertion. In addition, very few buds increase the resistance of the bud during expulsion of the tube filling, causing difficulty in insertion.

previous sets having unmolded, users often push the filler away from the applicator tip as much as possible before inserting the applicator. However, this can cause the buds to open prematurely, that is, before insertion of the tube into the body. The open sections provide anterior tubes with a claw-like insertion tip, which can scratch during tube insertion. Also, the open buds can close during the insertion process, which can pinch the user's skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a tampon assembly having an applicator with a maximum of three sections on the insertion tip.

The present invention provides such an absorbent assembly having an applicator with a tapered insertion tip.

The present invention further provides such a tampon assembly having a molded and / or tapered pad.

The present invention further provides such a tampon assembly having a tapered insertion tip that has some portion of its inner surface supported by a molded pad.

The present invention further provides such an absorbent assembly that has an applicator tube that is easy to insert and a molded filler that gradually opens the tube sections.

These and other advantages and benefits of the present disclosure are provided by an absorbent applicator set having an applicator tube with an insertion tip having a maximum of three sections. In addition, the tampon applicator assembly can be supplied with a tapered insertion tip. A molded filler can be housed in the applicator tube, which provides support for the buds.

The advantages and features described above and

<td>other from</td><td>present invention will be further appreciated and</td>

<td>understood</td><td>by those skilled in the art from the</td>

<td>description</td><td>detailed example below and the</td>

<td>drawings.</td><td></td>

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a tampon assembly according to the present invention.

<td>FIG.</td><td>2 is a final view of the assembly of FIG. 1.</td>

<td>FIG.</td><td>3 is a side view of the tube of FIG. 1.</td>

<td>FIG.</td><td>4 is a side view of the molded filling of the</td>

FIG. 1.

<td>FIG.</td><td>5 is an exemplary modality of a tip</td>

insert having a molded fill according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view taken along lines 6-6 in the

FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Through consumer testing, it was unexpectedly discovered that a tampon applicator having a three-bud insertion tip is more preferred over those tampon applicators with an insertion tip having more than three buds. In place of this unexpected discovery, a tampon applicator with no more than three buds is provided, which overcomes all deficiencies in the prior art, including those mentioned above.

In general, the present invention provides a tampon applicator assembly having an applicator tube with an insertion tip having no more than three buds.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a tampon applicator assembly having an applicator tube with a tapered insertion tip and a molded filler housed in the applicator tube. The tapered insertion tip has a maximum of three buds, which are supported by the molded filler housed in the tube.

Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a tampon assembly generally represented by reference numeral 10 is illustrated. Assembly 10 has a molded filler 12, a tube 14 and a plunger 16. The molded filler 12 may include an extraction cord 18 connected thereto, which extends out of the assembly 10.

The molded filler 12 is arranged in the tube 14 and significantly improves the performance of the set 10 when compared to previous sets having a blind or square filler.

Tube 14 has a first end 20 and a second end 22. The first end 20 defines an insertion tip 24 having three buds 26. The buds 26 are defined at the first end 20 by a series or plurality of grooves 28. The number of grooves 28 typically correspond to the number of buds 26 present. Insertion tip 24 ends in a plane 30 defined at a root or base 43 of buds 26 (for example, the bottom

<td>of the slots 28)</td><td>THE</td><td colspan="2">base 43 of</td><td>buds 26</td><td>can</td><td>Tue</td>

<td>joints for</td><td>to move</td><td>in</td><td>pivot each</td><td colspan="2">one of the buds 26</td><td>for</td>

<td>inside or to</td><td>out</td><td>of</td><td>tube 14</td><td>over</td><td>in</td><td>each</td>

articulation.

The plunger 16 is usable to expel the filler 12 from the tube 14. The plunger 16 is slidably arranged in the tube 14 at the second end 22. The filler 12 is expelled through the first end 20 by moving the plunger 16 in the direction of the arrow 32. As the plunger 16 moves in the direction of the arrow 32, the plunger can urge the filling 12 on the buds 26 until the buds open along the grooves 28 and the filling is expelled from the tube 14 through the tip of insertion 24.

Referring to FIG. 3, the insertion tip 24 has a length 34, an outer radial dimension 36 and an inner radial dimension 38. Preferably, the tube has a minimum thickness, so that the inner and outer dimensions 36, 38, respectively, can be considered to be substantially similar.

Length 34 is defined as the distance between the first end 20 and the plane 30. The insertion point is preferably tapered or elliptical in shape.

Specifically, dimensions 36, 38 decrease along length 34, linearly or non-linearly, from a maximum in the plane 30 to a minimum at the first end.

The taper of the insertion point 24 is defined as a proportion of the maximum radial dimension of the insertion point 24, that is, radial dimension 36 in the plane 30, divided by length 34. In an embodiment of the present invention, the insertion point 24 has a tapering ratio of more than about 0.3 to less than 1.0. In one embodiment, the insertion tip 24 has a tapering ratio of more than about 0.4 to less than about

0.8. In yet another embodiment, the insertion tip 24 has a tapering ratio of about 0.4 to about

0.5. Qualitative and quantitative consumer tests have shown that at an insertion tip 24 tapers smoothly towards the first end 20 are preferred to facilitate insertion, for comfort of insertion and placement of the filling in the vaginal canal.

It has been determined that the real and perceived comfort level of the set 10 can be enhanced through the use of the molded padding 12, shown in FIG. 4, to support the buds 26 of the insertion tip 24.

The filler 12 has a tip section 40 which is preferably shaped to support the insertion tip 24. The tip section 40 has a length 42 and an outer radial dimension 44 that tapers or tapers along length 42 Length 42 is defined as the distance between a front end 46 of the filler 12 and a plane 48. The plane 48 is defined as a plane through the tube 12 where the tapering of the tip section 40 begins.

Tip section 40 supports or contacts (hereinafter '' supports) an inner surface area 50 of insertion tip 24 to provide increased comfort when compared to previous assemblies. The internal surface area 50 is defined as the surface area of ​​the tip 24 between the first end 20 and the plane 30.

Tip section 40 supports a portion 52 of internal surface area 50. Portion 52 is considered to be supported by tip section 40 when the outer dimension 44 is at least about 75% of the inner dimension. In another form of this disclosure, the dimension

<td>external 44 is</td><td>at least</td><td>about</td><td colspan="2">85% of the dimension</td><td colspan="2">internal</td>

<td>38. In yet</td><td colspan="2">another modality,</td><td>the dimension</td><td colspan="2">external</td><td>4 4 is</td>

<td>about 100%</td><td>of the dimension</td><td>internal</td><td> 38 .</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Making</td><td>reference</td><td>now</td><td>to FIGS.</td><td>5 and</td><td> 6,</td><td>an</td>

exemplary embodiment of the portion 52 supported by the nose section 40 is illustrated. The tip section 40 of the filler 12 is illustrated supporting the portion 52, which starts at the first end 20 and runs along the inner surface area 50 towards the plane 30. In this embodiment, the filler 12 supports the buds 26 at least at the first end 20. Portion 52 is considered to support at least about 10% of the internal surface area 50. In another embodiment of the present invention, the portion 52 supports at least about 50% of the internal surface area 50. In yet another embodiment, the portion supports about 100% of the internal surface area 50.

The tip section 40, more preferably, has a shape closely equivalent to a shape of the insertion tip 24 to provide appropriate support for the buds 26. The taper ratio of the tip section 40 is preferably equivalent to the shape of the tip insertion point 24 and the outside diameters of the tip section 40 will be slightly smaller than the radial dimension 38 of the insertion point 24. If the taper ratio of the tip section 40 is less than the taper ratio of the insert tip 24, the tip section 40 may not be fully supported. If the taper ratio of the tip section 40 exceeds the taper ratio of the insertion tip 24, the insertion tip may not be fully supported and the pad 12 may be pushed into the insertion tip 24. The filling 12 being pushed on the insertion tip 24 can cause the buds to pre-open, leading to real pinching and discomfort that is perceived when the internal absorbent applicator set is inserted 10.

The insertion tip 24 has a tip volume or a void defined by the buds 26 and the plane 30. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the molded filler 12 occupies at least about 50% of the volume of the insertion tip 24 measured when the nose section 40 is pushed as far away from the insertion tip as possible without deforming the buds 26. In another embodiment, the molded filler 12 occupies at least about 75% of the insertion tip volume 24 measured when the nose section 40 is pushed as far away from the insertion tip as possible without deforming the buds 26. In yet another embodiment , the molded filling 12 occupies at least about 90% of the volume of the insertion tip 24 measured when the tip section 40 is pushed away from the insertion tip as far as possible without deforming the buds 26.

When the molded filler 12 has a tapering ratio (e.g. dimension 44 divided by dimension 42) that is greater than the tapering ratio of the insert tip 24, the length 42 of the molded filler 12 should occupy at least about 50 % of insert tip length 34. In one embodiment, the length 42 of the molded filler occupies at least about 75% of the length 34 of the insertion tip 24. In another embodiment, the length 42 of the molded filler 12 occupies at least about 90% of the length 34 of the insertion tip 24.

When the molded filler 12 has a taper ratio that is less than the taper ratio

<td>the tip of</td><td>insert 24,</td><td>B.C</td><td>dimension 44</td><td>of</td><td colspan="2">filling</td>

<td>molded 12</td><td>in any</td><td>given away</td><td>point to</td><td colspan="2">long</td><td>of your</td>

<td>length</td><td>32 should be</td><td>pel</td><td colspan="2">the least about</td><td>in</td><td>50% of</td>

<td>dimension 38</td><td>the tip</td><td>of</td><td>applicator</td><td> 24</td><td>at the</td><td>Score</td>

corresponding. In one embodiment, the dimension 44 of the molded filler 12 at any given point along its length 42 is at least about 75% of the dimension 38 of the applicator tip 24 at the corresponding point. In another embodiment, the dimension 44 of the molded filler 12 at any given point along its length 42 is at least about 90% of the dimension 38 of the applicator tip 24 at the corresponding point. As a result, a void volume or unoccupied tip volume is reduced.

Advantageously, the molded filler 12 prevents the forces applied on the insertion tip 24 during insertion of the tube 14 into the body from causing the buds 26 to collapse internally towards the filler. In addition, the molded filling 12 allows the buds 26 to be made thinner to decrease the expelling force, while relieving the collapse or deflection of the buds 26. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sections have a thickness between about 0.13 mm to about 0.76 mm and any strip between them. In a preferred embodiment, the sections have a thickness of between about 0.15 mm to about 0.33 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the sections have a thickness of between about 0.20 mm to about 0.28 mm.

It has also been found that the molded filler 12 reduces pinching and scratching by the buds 26 during insertion of the tube 14. Since the molded filler 12 supports the surface area 50, the assembly 10 relieves pinching and scratching.

The set 10 has been found to increase wearing comfort during insertion of tube 14 and expulsion of filling 12. First, the tapering proportion of the insertion tip 24 facilitates insertion comfort by gradually separating the vulva-vaginal canal over a longer tube length when compared to blunt-ended tubes. In addition, the tip section 40 of the filler 12 gradually opens the buds 26 over a longer length of the filler when compared to fillers with a blind end.

In addition, a wedge action supported at an initial insertion point in the vaginal canal is created. The wedge action is initially created during insertion by the tapered insertion end of the applicator which facilitates insertion comfort by gradually separating the vagina. The wedge action is simultaneously recreated as the molded tapered filler is expelled from the tapered applicator in the vaginal canal. Therefore, the tampon assembly 10 reduces pinching by the buds and increases real and perceived comfort during insertion of the applicator and subsequent expulsion of the molded filler.

In addition, the insertion tip 24 of the tapered pad supports, guides and successfully places the molded pad 12, after expelling the tube 14, in a desired vaginal location.

These improved properties allow the insertion tip 24 to have only three or less buds 26, with an ejection force within a desired range, to overcome the bud resistance, reduce overall insertion forces and resistance and reduce resistance of the membrane to the insertion.

Surprisingly, the applicator tube having a maximum of three three sections according to the present disclosure requires an ejection force to expel the molded fill from the tube

<td></td><td>less than</td><td>fence</td><td>of 13.9 N. In</td><td>a modality,</td><td colspan="2">the strength of</td>

<td></td><td colspan="2">ejection required</td><td>to expel</td><td>filling the</td><td>pipe</td><td>it is</td>

<td></td><td>between fence</td><td>in</td><td colspan="2">1.39 N to about 9.73 N.</td><td>In</td><td>another</td>

<td> 20</td><td>modality,</td><td colspan="2">the ejection force</td><td>required for</td><td colspan="2">expel the</td>

molded tube fill is between about 2.22 N to about 6.95 N.

The ejection force can be measured using any suitable procedure known in the art. For example, the ejection force can be measured as follows. A fully assembled tampon with post-molded buds is used in the test. A Weigh-Tronix ™ scale (Model # WI-130 or equivalent) is used. The balance is tared. Weights were recorded in ounces. The applicator is attached by holding the thumb and the middle finger in the hands. With the plunger tip down, the applicator is placed on top of the scale platform and a uniform downward motion is applied until the filling is ejected from the applicator tube. The maximum ejection force indicated by the scale is recorded. Generally, the standard and average deviation is determined for at least five samples.

The tip section 40 of the filler 12 can be shaped by compressing the tip to a higher density than the rest of the filler. Alternatively, the tip section can be shaped by providing the tip with a less dense material which, when compressed, provides the tip with the same density as the rest of the filler. In addition, the tip section 40 of the filler 12 can be shaped by cutting or trimming the tip to the desired shape, so that the tip has the same density as the rest of the filler. Naturally, combinations of one or more of the methods mentioned above are considered by the present invention.

Suitable materials for forming the molded filler 12 include, for example, cellulosic; rayon;

cotton; pulp; super-absorbent, such as Oasis; absorbent foam, such as hydrophilic polyurethane foam; or any combinations thereof.

Suitable materials for forming tube 14 and / or plunger 16 include, for example, biopolymer, cardboard, thermally retractable plastic, pulp, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp pulp, molded pulp paper or any combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tube 14 can be formed of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and the plunger 16 can be formed of axially oriented high density polyethylene (HDPE). It has also been found, through consumer testing, that consumers prefer a tampon pack made of a softer resin. Therefore, tube 14 or plunger 16 may include a mixture of about 0% by weight to about 100% by weight of LDPE and about 100% by weight to about 0% by weight of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In another preferred embodiment, tube 14 and / or plunger 16 are formed from a mixture comprising about 50% to about 90% LDPE and about 50% to about 10% TPE. In another preferred embodiment, the tube 14 and / or the plunger 16 are formed from a mixture comprising about 80% LDPE and about 20% TPE.

In another embodiment according to the present invention, a preferred TPE for use is a tri-block (terpolymer) having an ABA monomer configuration, in which monomer B is not the same as monomer A. Preferred monomeric blocks are styrene, butadiene (or isoprene) and styrene. There are other classes of thermoplastic elastomers that could be used. These include, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers and the like.

These and other classes are described in a book entitled

Thermoplastic Elastomers: A Comprehensive Review, ed. NR

Leqge, G. Holden and Η. E. Schroeder, Munich: Hanser, 1987, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Examples of other resins that can be used in the present invention are described in US Patents

We. 5,681,894; 5,986,000; 6,254,565 and 6,756,434, as well as in related published patent application US 2005/0070645

Al; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

Other additives can also be added to polyolefins to provide specific benefits, such as greater thermal stability, greater flexibility, greater lubricity, anti-static behavior, greater processing latitude, dyes and so on. Such additives will be familiar to those skilled in the polymer technique and thermoplastic formulations. Examples are provided in standard texts, for example, Additives for Plastics, ed. J. Thuen, published by DATA Inc. the International Plastics Selector, 1987. Another text is Plastics Compounding Redbook for Resin Producers, Formulators and Compounders, published annually by Advanstar Communications, Cleveland, OH, ed. La Verne

Leonard.

In addition, tube 14 and / or plunger 16 can be coated with a coating material to reduce friction and / or increase strength. Suitable coating materials include, for example, cellophane, cellulose, epoxy, lacquer, nitrocellulose, nylon, plastic, polyester, polylactide, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, wax or any combination thereof.

It will be recognized that the filler 12, tube 14 and / or plunger 16 can have any cross-sectional shape, such as circular and non-circular shapes, including oval or polygonal. Furthermore, it is considered by the present invention that the cross sectional shape can vary along the length of the filler 12, tube 14 and / or plunger 16.

It will also be noted that the terms first, second and third and the like can be used here to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential or hierarchical order for the modified elements, unless specifically established.

Although 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 can be made and equivalents can be replaced by elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.