A tampon applicator assembly

[0001] The invention relates to tampon applicator assemblies, and in particular to such assemblies having a compact, collision-free, conveniently short shape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Most commercially available vaginal insertion devices used during menstrual periods include a tampon located inside the tampon applicator, consisting of a pair of telescopically folded tubes.

[0003] In assemblies comprising a non-compact tampon applicator, the tampon is housed in an outer tube that has been connected to an ejection tube adapted to slide the tampon out of the outer tube. The ejection tube has a smaller diameter than the outer tube and is telescopically positioned therein, whereby by moving the ejection tube to one end of the outer tube, the tampon can be led out from the opposite end. The outer tube is necessarily longer than the tampon and to ensure that the tampon comes out of the outer tube completely, generally the ejection tube is similarly longer than the outer tube. Therefore, the total length of such assemblies is always more than twice the length of the tampon. Reducing the size of the assemblies and appropriate commercial packaging was an incentive to develop compact tampon applicators.

[0004] In assemblies comprising a compact tampon applicator, as known from EP-B10 355 396, the ejection tube is closed telescopically or almost completely in the outer tube, while the tampon is stored at the distal end of the ejection tube. During operation, the ejection tube is "set" by sliding it forward for the most part from its storage position in the outer tube (leaving behind the tampon) until the distal end of the ejection tube is coupled to the proximal end of the stored tampon. In the next ejection step , the ejection tube is moved back to the outer tube, thereby pushing the tampon from the opposite end of the outer tube.

[0005] To prevent the tampon from moving together with the ejection tube during the "adjusting" step, the outer tube typically includes means for engaging the distal end of the tampon.

[0006] However, when the ejection tube is retracted, the close connection occurring between the outer surfaces of the tampon and the opposed inner surface of the ejecting tube can sometimes cause coupling, leading to displacement of the tampon. Since hygiene requirements preclude further manipulation of the assembly by the user to change the position of the tampon, assemblies with displaced tampons are useless and must be discarded. Therefore, a small percentage of existing bands are malfunctioning and must be discarded, which can lead to consumer dissatisfaction, especially when there are no more bands at hand.

[0007] Furthermore, the ejection tube in compact tampon applicators typically includes inwardly curving distal fingers. When the ejection tube is retracted, these fingers push

-2 the outer surface of the tampon. Thus, the surface or edges of these pads can sometimes scratch the material from the outer surface of the tampon, which leads to undesirable loss of material. What's more, the outer tube of compact tampon applicators similarly includes inwardly curved flap sections. These petal sections are pressed against the outer surface of the tampon when it is pushed out of the applicator. Thus, the surface or edges of the petal sections may also retain material coming from the outer surface of the tampon, which leads to further undesirable loss of material.

[0008] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems associated with tampon displacement during the "adjusting" step and losses of tampon material during the "adjusting" and pushing steps in assemblies containing compact tampon applicators.

Summary of the Invention [0009] The present invention is an assembly that includes: a compact tampon applicator, comprising an eject tube that externally dimensioned to fit accurately and telescopically on said eject tube, and having a distal discharge end, stop elements between said tubes to prevent detachment of said eject tube from said outer tube towards the front, and also one or more inward-facing lugs, formed along the inner perimeter adjacent the distal end of the outer tube, and also a tampon, characterized in that said tampon:

it contains compressed absorbent fibrous material, has a length of between 35 mm and 60 mm, has a weight of between 1.5 g and 6.5 g, and also has a longitudinal body defining the insertion end, the discharge end, the central section between them, the longitudinal axis and the outer surface and also in that the outer surface of the tampon comprises at least two longitudinal grooves defining adjacent longitudinal ribs; in that the outer circumferential surface of the fins defines the maximum outer diameter of the tampon, in cross section between 8 mm and 18 mm; and also in that said longitudinal grooves define areas on the outer surface having a smaller cross-sectional diameter than said maximum tampon diameter, whereby the contact between the outer surface of the tampon and the ejection tube and / or the contact between the outer surface of the tampon and the outer tube is reduced.

[0010] In this way, the overall contact range between the outer surface of the tampon and the respective applicator structures during use is reduced. Reducing contact between the outer surface of the tampon and the inner surface and the fingers of the ejecting tube can contribute to the reduction of total friction, and thus preferably minimizes the likelihood of the tampon moving forward during the "adjusting" stage, and also facilitates more efficient withdrawal of the ejecting tube during the "adjusting" stage ". Furthermore, the change in contact between the outer surface of the tampon and the inner surface and / or the edges of the fingers and the flake sections can reduce overall friction and thus preferably minimize damage to the tampon surface by said structures as well as loss of tampon material displaced by said protrusions or flake sections during the stage "Set up" and push out.

[0011] Other features of the assembly according to the invention form the subject of the dependent dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings [0012]

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a compact tampon applicator suitable for use in the assembly of the present invention. This applicator is in the "set" position, which means that the ejection tube 12 has been retracted almost completely out of the outer tube 3;

Figure 2A illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a tampon suitable for use in an assembly according to the present invention. This tampon is mushroom-shaped and is provided with circumferentially "open" longitudinal grooves;

Figure 2B illustrates a cross section through the central portion of a tampon suitable for use in an assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 3A illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention. The applicator is shown here in longitudinal section;

Figure 3B illustrates a detail from the distal end of the assembly of Figure 3A;

Figure 4 illustrates a main front view of the tampon partially pushed out of the outer tube 3.

Detailed description of the invention [0013] The invention will be further elucidated with reference to Figures 1 to 4, which illustrate preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the subject assembly and parts thereof, i.e. a compact applicator 1 for tampons and tampon 23.

[0014] The present assembly defines a proximal end 19 and a distal end 20. The term "proximal end" 19 as used herein refers to those parts of the assembly and its components that are furthest away from the wearer's body while the tampon 23 is placed inside body cavities, e.g. in the vaginal cavity. The term "distal end" refers to those parts of the assembly and parts thereof that are closest to the wearer's body when the tampon is inserted. In connection with the above, the terms "proximal" or "near" and "distant" or "far" used herein indicate that the given part or structure of the assembly or its elements are relatively closer respectively to the proximal end 19 or distal end 20 of the assembly or its elements. Similarly, the term "forward direction" 21 or "reverse direction" 22 refers to directions toward the proximal end 19 or toward the distal end 20 of the assembly or components thereof, respectively. [0015] As disclosed herein, the term "compact applicator for tampons "means an applicator 1 for tampons, comprising an ejection tube 12 adapted to contain a tampon 23, as well as an outer tube 3 sized in such a way, that it will fit tightly telescopically on the ejecting tube 12. The outer tube 3 is configured to pass the tampon 23 through the opening 8 located at its distal end 4 during the ejection operation. When the assembly comprising the compact tampon applicator 1 and the tampon 23 is prepared for use by the consumer, the tampon 23 is stored at the distal end 13 of the ejection tube 12, and the ejection tube 12 itself is telescopically folded completely or almost completely to the outer tube 3. Under operating conditions, the ejection tube 12 is "positioned" by retracting forward 21 as far as possible from its storage position in the outer tube 3, while the tampon 23 is left behind the distal end 4 of the outer tube until the distal end 13 of the tube pushes out 12 will be located to engage the proximal end 24 of the stored tampon 23. Accordingly, compact tampon applicators typically include means 10 for attaching the stored tampon 23 at the distal end 4 of the outer tube 3 to prevent forward movement 21 when the ejection tube 12 is withdrawn from the outer tube 3. Furthermore, the compact applicators 1 for tampons usually contain stop elements 2, e.g. mutually locking stop elements to prevent the outer tube 3 from separating from the ejection 12 to separate during the "adjusting" step. After the ejection tube 12 has been "set", it is moved backwards back 22 to return to the outer tube 3, thereby pushing the tampon 23 from the distal end 4 of the outer tube 3.

[0016] The cylindrical outer tube 3 has at its distal end 4 a plurality, i.e. 2 or more, e.g. 2 to 15, preferably 2 to 8, more preferably 2 to 6, and most preferably 4 conventional petal sections 5 that are separated from each other with corresponding slots 6. These flake sections 5 are made relatively flexible and are normally deflected in a substantially arcuate and closed configuration, forming a rounded tip 7 having a central opening 8 at the distal end 4. This rounded shape of the distal end 4 helps facilitate insertion of the applicator 1 into the vaginal cavity. Such outer tubes 3 are preferably constructed of any suitable smooth plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, and may e.g. be molded (e.g. injection molded) or prepared from an extruded continuous tube. The opposite or proximal end 9 of the outer tube 3 is open.

[0017] The outer tube 3 of the applicator 1 further comprises a plurality, i.e. 2 or more, e.g. 2 to 15, preferably 2 to 8, more preferably 2 to 6, and most preferably 4 inwardly projecting lugs 10, made along the inner circumference in the vicinity. proximal end of the petal section 5. For example, one or more of such inwardly facing projections 10 may be located close to the base of each of the petal section 5 respectively. These inwardly facing projections 10 serve to engage the insertion end 35 of the tampon 23, which can be stored at the distal end 13 of the ejection tube 12, thereby preventing axial displacement of the tampon in the forward direction 21 when "ejecting" the ejecting tube 12. Thus, the inward projections 10 are often tilted towards the distal end 4 in such a way that they grip the tampon 23 firmly and prevent it from moving forward (similar to how locking nuts work in one-way locking engagement). The protrusions 10 may have various shapes known in the art, e.g. they may have flaps positioned in an inward direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the outer tube 3, and are preferably bevelled towards its distal discharge end 4. In Figures 1 and 3, the projections 10 have a substantially straight triangle profile with a hypotenuse (i.e. the longest side) extending at an acute angle relative to the inner wall of the outer tube 3 towards the central opening 8, with one of the rectangular (i.e. shorter sides) facing towards the distal end 4 of the outer tube 3, and the other shorter side is the contact side with the inner surface of the outer tube 3. These projections can be relatively thin in the circumferential direction, with a thickness ranging from e.g. 0.2 mm to 5 mm, which saves raw material. Alternatively, a continuous circumferential ring may be used instead of the plurality of inwardly directed projections 10. The outer tube 3 of the applicator 1 may further comprise an outwardly oriented peripheral flange 11 at the proximal end 9. The outer proximal surface of the outer tube 3 can optionally be provided with a ribbed or knurled surface that provides a stronger grip when this part of the outer tube 3 is held between the fingers.

[0018] The cylindrical ejector (or inner) tube 12 serves as a hollow rod for ejecting the tampon 23 located at the distal end 4 of the outer tube 3. The ejector tube 12 can be constructed of any suitable smooth plastic material, e.g. polyethylene and it can e.g. be molded (e.g. injection molded) or prepared from an extruded continuous tube. The ejection tube 12 is dimensioned in such a way that it can slide easily inside the outer tube 3, with a minimum clearance between them. The ejection tube 12 is also preferably slightly longer than the outer tube 3 to ensure complete ejection and the correct insertion depth of the tampon 23. Due to the fact that it has a longitudinal opening therein, the ejection tube also enables the discharge cord 26 to be correctly positioned, usually attached to the discharge end 24 of the tampon. The distal end 13 of the ejection tube 12 is typically made of a plurality, i.e. 2 or more, e.g. 2 to 15, preferably 2 to 8, more preferably 2 to 6, and most preferably 4 fingers 14, which are separated from each other by slits or openings 15, through which the inwardly projecting 10 of the outer tube 3 can proceed to engage the tampon 23 inserted therein . In the same way as for the petal sections 5 of the outer tube 3, the fingers 14 are made in such a way that they are slightly deflected in the direction of the closed configuration. Such fingers 14 are usually made much shorter than the petal sections 5 on the outer tube 3, e.g. to give strength to the structure. The ejection tube 12 can also be functional without such fingers 14 if the tampon is sufficiently expandable to fit tightly inside the outer tube 3 to ensure proper engagement by the unmodified distal end 13 of the ejection tube 12 at the discharge end 24 of the tampon 23 during the ejection step.

[0019] The ejection tube 12 also includes an outwardly directed circumferential stop flange 16 at its proximal end 17. This flange 16 controls the insertion range of the ejection tube 12 into the outer tube 3 of the applicator 1. The ejector tube collar 16 will abut against the stop collar 11 of the tube outer 3 when the ejection tube 12 is completely inserted into outer tube 3. The inner proximal part of the ejection tube 12 may optionally be provided with a ribbed or knurled surface 18, which allows a stronger grip when the finger is inserted into the ejection tube.

[0020] The compact tampon applicator 1 in the present assembly further includes stop elements 2 to prevent detachment of the outer tube 3 and ejection tube 12 from each other when the ejection tube 12 is partially retracted from the outer tube 3 during the "adjusting" step. Typically, the stop elements are formed by peripherally extending raised structures made on the outer proximal surface of the ejecting tube 12 and on the inner proximal surface of the outer tube 3. These structures can be e.g. rings, ribs or projections.

[0021] For example, the abutment ring may project radially inwardly from the inner surface of the outer tube 3 at its proximal end 9, and the second ring or multiple circumferentially aligned projections may project radially outward from the outer surface of the ejecting tube 12 near its distal end 13 . The height of these structures is such that they are radially offset from the opposite surface of the tube 3, 12 other than the one on which they are used, when the ejection tube 12 is inserted into the outer tube 3 and when it is almost completely retracted in

- forward drawing. However, these structures overlap radially and eventually engage when the ejection tube 12 is sufficiently retracted from the outer tube 3, thereby preventing the apiikator 1 from being completely withdrawn and uncoupled.

[0022] In principle, any restrictor elements known in the art can be used in a compact tampon applicator in the subject assembly. For example, this includes any of the stop elements described in EP B1 0 355 396 on page 9, line 1, to page 11 line 31 in the section entitled "Earlier Tube Interlocks" [previous tube locks]. Furthermore, this also includes the stop elements disclosed in EP B1 0 355 396, especially on page 8 line 1 to line 57 in the section entitled "lmproved Tube Interlock", consisting of a pair of raised rings on the inner surface of the tube outer 3 at its proximal end 9, and whose respective directed slopes determine the intermediate recess, and another raised ring-like structure on the distal outer surface of the ejecting tube 12. When the ejecting tube 12 has been retracted from the outer tube 3 in the forward direction 21, the ring-like structure of the ejecting tube 12 is engaged (i.e. locked) inside the cavity on the outer tube 3, which prevented the outer and ejecting tube from uncoupling. In the locked position, all surfaces of the ring-like structure on the ejection tube 12 were tightly coupled to the respective directed surfaces of the recess on the outer tube 3. This advantageously limited the lateral displacement (wobble) of the ejecting tube 12 relative to the outer tube 3 in a mutual blocked position, which further degree reduces the chance of uncoupling. In addition, they include stop elements disclosed in European Patent Application EP 05447042.2 filed on 24.02.2005 and published 30.08.2006 after the number EP A1 1 695 680 (Article 54.3 EPC), which contain peripherally extending raised elements 2a typically used on the distal outer surface of the ejector tube 12 and a set of at least three adjacent circumferentially raised rings 2b, 2c, 2d typically used on the inner surface of the proximal outer tube 3. Two of the raised rings 2b, 2c define an intermediate recess that can engage the raised elements 2a with a degree of freedom, while an additional at least one ring 2d provides additional elements to limit lateral movement or wobble ejection tube 12 relative to the outer tube 3. The presence of the additional ring 2d advantageously eliminated the requirement (present in the case of stop elements according to EP B1 0 355 396) for exact complementarity between the surfaces of the cavity formed between two raised rings 2b, 2c and the surfaces of raised elements 2a.

[0023] When the present compact tampon apiikator 1 and tampon 23 assembly is ready for use, the ejection tube 12 is positioned inside the outer tube 3 and above the stored tampon 23 (as illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B). The distal ends 13 or fingers 14 of the ejecting tube 12 may abut against the inwardly projecting 10 or inwardly projecting 10 of the outer tube 3 may also protrude through the slots 15 separating the fingers 14 and the ejecting tube 12 to engage the tampon 23. Flexible fingers 14 of the tube ejector 12 can be flexed outwards by a loaded tampon 23. This allows the fingers 14 and the remainder of the ejecting tube 12 to pass over the tampon 23 which is secured in the outer tube 3 through the inwardly projecting lugs 10 during the partial withdrawal of the ejecting tube 12. Then, due to the rigid flexibility of the fingers 14 when the ejecting tube 12 is sufficiently retracted, these fingers 14 will bend inward to a smaller diameter than the diameter of the tampon. Therefore, when the ejection tube 12 is moved axially in the rearward direction 22, the tampon will be engaged at its proximal end 24 by the fingers 14 and pushed out through the exit opening 4 of the outer tube 3.

[0024] Any compact tampon applicator 1 known in the art in the type of assembly as described above is suitable for use in the assembly of the present invention.

[0025] This invention relates to an improved assembly comprising a compact tampon applicator 1 and a tampon 23. The assembly according to the present invention contributes to reducing damage to the surface of the tampon and to reduce the loss of tampon material during the "adjustment" and ejection stages, as well as to easier retraction of the ejection tube 12 and reducing the likelihood of the tampon moving during the "adjusting" step. In the present invention, these advantages are obtained by using an assembly comprising a tampon 23 having its outer surface 29 so modified that the overall range of contact and / or friction between said outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 and the applicator structures 1 while using the assembly is reduced.

[0026] In view of the above, an assembly comprising:

- a compact tampon applicator 1, as well as a tampon 23 comprising an elongated body defining an insertion end 35, discharge end 24, a central section 27 extending between them, a longitudinal axis 28 and an outer surface 29.

[0027] The tampon 23 has an elongated body that defines a distal insertion end 35, a proximal discharge end 24 and a central section 27 extending therebetween. The tampon also defines a longitudinal axis 28 and an outer surface 29. The tampon 23, or at least the central section 27 of the tampon 23, may have a substantially cylindrical shape, which means that simple geometrical forms forming a simple external shape may be as close as possible to the overall shape of the tampon 23, or at least the central section 27 thereof.

[0028] The term "outer surface" 29 of the tampon as used herein mainly refers to the surface defined by the central section 27 of the tampon 23. The term "outer surface" 29 covers the entire surface of the tampon 23 or in particular its central section 27, regardless of the radial distance of said surface from the longitudinal axis 28. Thus, the "outer surface" 29 includes both the surface defined by the radial cavity areas (i.e., grooves 31) and the surface defined by the area adjacent to such areas (i.e. ribs 32).

[0029] The prior art assemblies contained tampons having a substantially cylindrical shape with an even outer surface. Thus, the circumferences of the cross-sections through the outer surfaces of such tampons were circular or substantially circular. A "circular" circumference is a circumference defined by the center and an unchanging radius. Although deviations from the circular circumference in these tampons may drive, such deviations are greatly restricted, e.g. due to the nature of the tampon material or due to manufacturing inaccuracy, not for design reasons.

[0030] The groove 31 is a different region of the radial recess present on the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23, which can be at least partially defined by its length, width, depth and orientation. Typically, the length of the groove 31 is greater than its width.

[0031] In view of the above, an assembly comprising:

- compact tampon applicator 1 as well

- a tampon 23 having an elongated body defining an insertion end 35 and an exit end 24, a central section 27 extending therebetween, a longitudinal axis 28 and an outer surface 29, wherein said outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 comprises at least two radially embossed grooves 31.

[0032] Thus, in cross-section made through the outer surface area 29 of the tampon 23, a groove 31 (see Figure 2B) is included, said groove being defined by a smaller radius than the radius adjacent the outer surface 29. The tampon 23 will have a smaller diameter with this groove 31. Thus, the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 defined by the groove 31 will be radially moved away from the respective structures of the applicator 1, which may come into contact with the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 during use of the assembly, and thus will not come into contact with these structures. Therefore, the use of grooves 31 on the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 will reduce the total contact between the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 and the respective applicator structures 1 during use of the assembly, thereby reducing the overall friction and preferably reducing the likelihood of the tampon moving during the "adjusting" step, allowing easier withdrawal of the ejection tube 12 during the "adjusting" stage, and reducing damage to the outer surface 20 of the tampon 23 and material loss during the "adjusting" and pushing out stages.

[0033] For example, the tampon 23 may contain between 2 and 50 grooves 31, preferably between 2 and 20, more preferably between 4 and 12, and most preferably about 8 grooves 31. Exemplary tampons may contain 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 grooves. Tampon 23 may have an even or odd number of grooves 31. An even number may be preferred for reasons related to production requirements.

[0034] The ratio of the outer surface 29 defined by the grooves 31 may be at least 1% or at least 5% or at least 10% or at least 20% or at least 30% or at least 40% or at least 50% and a maximum of 95% or up to 80% or up to 70% or up to 60% of the total outer surface 29 of the tampon 23, including any ranges defined by the combination of the upper and lower limits mentioned above.

[0035] The depth of the groove 31 is maximum where the radius in cross-section is minimal. The maximum depth of the grooves 31 may be in the range between 0.2 and 10 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 8 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 6 mm, and even more preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm.

[0036] The circumferential width of the grooves 31 may be in the range of e.g. from 0.1 mm to 1 cm, preferably from 0.2 mm to 5 mm, more preferably from 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0037] In one embodiment, the grooves 31 can be longitudinal, and this means that they extend along at least part of the length of the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23. In the broadest sense, the longitudinal groove 31 can be any groove that in the direction of its course the length is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 28 of the tampon 23. The longitudinal orientation of the grooves 31 may be advantageous because such grooves 31 can reduce the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 capable of contacting the respective applicator structures 1 along a given length of the tampon 23.

[0038] In one embodiment, the grooves 31 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the tampon. Therefore, such grooves 31 may be oriented substantially in the direction of travel of the discharge tube 12 during the "adjusting" step and the tampon 23 during the push out step. Such grooves 31 can therefore evenly reduce the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 capable of coming into contact with the respective applicator structures 1 over a given length of the tampon.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the longitudinal grooves 31 can be spirally or helically shaped in the axial direction. Such grooves 31 are longer than grooves 31 parallel to the longitudinal axis and will therefore further reduce the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 capable of coming into contact with the respective applicator structures 1 during use. Furthermore, such grooves 31 will cover a larger peripheral area of ​​the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23. This reduces the likelihood (which may arise in the case of grooves parallel to the longitudinal axis, as stated in the case of groove 31 a in Figure 4) that the groove will be aligned with the slits 15, 6 separating the fingers 14 from the petal sections 15, and therefore will not contribute to reduce contact between the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 and the pads 14 or flake sections 5 of the applicator 1 when using this assembly. In the case of spirally or helically shaped grooves 31, even if a groove 31 will be aligned with the slits 15, 6 in one position of the assembly, it will be aligned with the pads 14 or flap sections 15 when the ejection tube 12 is retracted or when the tampon 23 is ejected use.

[0040] Spirally or helically shaped grooves 31 may extend over various parts of the tampon's circumference. For example, such grooves 31 can run at least 10 °, 20 °, 30 °, 40 °, 50 °, 60 °, 70 °, 80 °, 90 °, 100 °, 120 °, 130 °, 140 °, 150 ° or more than 150 ° of the tampon circumference, e.g. at 80 ° to 120 ° or 80 ° to 150 °.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal grooves 31 extend between the insertion end 35 and the discharge end 24 of the tampon. This means that the grooves 31 will extend along the entire length of the tampon 23 or its central portion 27. This will preferably reduce the total contact between the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 and the respective applicator structures 1 along the entire length of the tampon 23 or its central portion 27 when using the assembly .

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, when the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 comprises two or more longitudinal grooves 31, they can be circumferentially spaced at different intervals, i.e. at regular circumferential angular intervals. This will favorably reduce the total contact between the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 and the corresponding applicator structures 1 equally on the perimeter of the tampon 23 when using this assembly.

[0043] Preferably, the distal edges 14a of the fingers 14 of the ejection tube 12 and the distal edges 5a of the petal sections 5 of the outer tube 3 will be longer than the width of the longitudinal grooves 31 in such a way that these edges 14a, 5a cannot enter the grooves 31 and come into contact with each other. with surface inside grooves 31. The width and number of grooves 31, as well as the size and number of fingers 14 and the petal sections 5 can be selected in such a way that when using this assembly the surface and the lateral and / or further edges of the fingers 14 and petal sections 5 will come into contact with the surface a tampon that includes at least one groove 31. This will minimize contact between said fingers 14 and the petal sections 5 and the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23.

Preferably, the orientation of the tampon 23 in this assembly will be such that the projections 10 of the outer tube 3 are not positioned in the grooves 31, because this would weaken the coupling between the projections 10 and the distal portion of the tampon 23. To avoid orientation problems e.g. a number of protrusions 10 may, for example, be one greater than the number of grooves 31, or the grooves 31 may be spirals or helical, or the thickness of the inwardly directed projections 10 in the circumferential direction may be greater than the width of the grooves 31 of the tampon 23.

[0045] It should be understood that the groove 31 also defines adjacent areas of the outer surface 29 having a larger radius in cross section. For example, the groove 31 may define two adjacent ribs 32 that are radially relatively more protruding than said groove 31. Similarly, two adjacent grooves 31, e.g. parallel grooves, define a radially relatively protruding rib 32 between them .

[0046] The circumferential surface of such radially relatively more protruding regions of the outer surface 29 will define the maximum outer diameter of the tampon in cross section. If the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 is provided with radially embossed longitudinal grooves 31, said grooves 31 define adjacent longitudinal ribs 32, the circumferential surface of the ribs 32 defining the maximum outer diameter 30 of the tampon 23 or its central section 27 in cross section. Such a maximum outer diameter 30 of the tampon 23 or its central portion 27 may typically be in the range of 5 mm to 25 mm, preferably 8 mm to 18 mm, more preferably 10 mm to 16 mm. This circumferential surface of the ribs 32 will come into contact with the respective structures of the applicator 1 when using this assembly.

[0047] Preferably, the maximum outer diameter 30 of the tampon 23 approaches the inner diameter of the push tube 12 in such a way that contact is obtained between at least a portion of the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 and the inner surface of the push tube 12. This contact helps maintain proper placement of the tampon 23 inside the ejection tube 12. Generally, the inner surface of the ejection tube 12, which is configured to come into contact with the tampon, is flat, which means that it is devoid of substantially distinctive projections or depressions.

[0048] The maximum outer diameter 30 of the tampon 23 or its central portion 27 may be substantially equal in the longitudinal direction or may vary. For example, the portion of the tampon adjacent to the discharge end 24 may have a larger maximum outer diameter 30 than the remainder of the middle section 27. Such closer thickening of the tampon 23 may reduce the risk of leakage of body fluids when the tampon 23 is inserted into the vagina. When the maximum outer diameter 30 of the tampon 23 or its center section 27 changes in the longitudinal direction, such a change may occur gradually.

[0049] In one embodiment, the density of the absorbent material may be substantially the same in cross-section of the tampon 23.

[0050] In another embodiment, the tampon 23 may comprise a central core 33 of highly compressed absorbent fibrous material from which the longitudinal ribs 32 extend radially outward. In one embodiment, the longitudinal ribs 32 may be at least partially relatively unstressed compared to replaced core 33. The diameter of said core in cross-section may be e.g. up to a maximum of 5 mm.

Accordingly, in a non-limiting example, the tampon 23 suitable for the subject assembly may have a compressed, central and substantially cylindrical fibrous core 33 made of highly compressed fibrous material, and further include longitudinal ribs 32 extending radially outwardly from said core 33 and separated by longitudinal grooves 31 between them. These longitudinal grooves 31 and ribs 32 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis (i.e. straight) or may extend helically or helically in the axial direction. They may also have other shapes, e.g., sinusoidal in the axial direction. The longitudinal ribs 32 may be at least partially relatively unpressed compared to the fibrous core 33, and may also advantageously have, especially near their peripheral surface, a soft fibrous structure. The longitudinal ribs 32 can extend outward at equal circumferential angular intervals from the fiber core 33 between the insertion end 35 and the discharge end 24 of the tampon 23. In addition to reducing the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 coming into contact with the respective applicator structures 1 when using this assembly, the use of grooves 31 also contributes to the enlargement of the total outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 compared to a tampon with an even cylindrical outer surface without any grooves 31. In this way, the absorption capacity and expansion capacity of the tampon 23 can be advantageously increased, thereby reducing the risk of leakage. Tampon 23 may preferably expand over its width (i.e., increase diameter in cross section) after absorbing fluid, e.g., menstrual fluid. The use of longitudinal grooves 31 defining longitudinal ribs 32 can facilitate such width expansion as is known in the art.

[0052] For example, processes for obtaining a substantially cylindrical raw tampon with grooves 31, e.g., longitudinal grooves 31, are well known in the art. Such processes and devices for use in these processes are disclosed e.g. in WO 02/078586, EP 0 422 660, US 2002/0157222, US 5.592.725, US 5.895.408, EP 1 108 408, US 2003/0208180, WO 00/53141 and EP 0 639 363.

[0053] Generally, such processes involve several steps. First, a substantially cylindrical raw tampon is prepared having a certain peripheral surface, said raw tampon being usually formed by rolling a certain length of continuous fibrous material. Next, said raw tampon is inserted into a press comprising press jaws that include protruding segments and pressure plates, said preliminary tampon being simultaneously pressed in press jaws at sections formed into stripes on the peripheral surface, where these protruding segments enter into the cylindrical tampon forming the grooves 31 defining the fins 32 and the pressure plates press the fins 32 thus obtained on the peripheral surface 32. The radial length of the protruding segments determines the depth of the grooves 31, the thickness of the protruding segments giving the width of the grooves 31, and the shape of the protruding segments corresponding to the shape of the grooves 31 in cross-section. Depending on the radial length of the protruding segments, the simultaneous extrusion of a number of grooves 31 around the perimeter of the raw tampon may contribute to the formation of a highly compacted core 33 of absorbent material from which relatively uncompressed ribs 32 extend radially outward. Optionally, the core 33 can be compressed to a lesser extent in the area of ​​the discharge end 24 of the tampon 23 than in the rest of it, to obtain a compressed proximal part with a larger diameter.This can prevent leakage of body fluids when the tampon is put in place. Subsequently, the tampon preform 12 obtained by the above-described compression can be subjected to further radial pressing on its outer periphery to finish the peripheral surface of the ribs 32. In known procedures, the peripheral surface of the tampon pre-ribs 32 is often pressed in such a way that the grooves 31 are finally closed, essentially forming channels, and the final tampon 23 receives a substantially flat, cylindrical outer circumference. It can be advantageous for the ribs 32 of the preform to be compressed only to the extent that the grooves 31 remain "open" along the outer periphery of the tampon 23, thereby reducing the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 capable of coming into contact with the respective applicator structures 1 using this team. It may also be beneficial for the protruding segments to be used to form the grooves in question to be thicker than usual, so that wider grooves 31 are obtained, and further pressing of the ribs 32 does not lead to "closing" of such wider grooves 31. Furthermore, the limited insertion end 35, e.g. a rounded or rounded cup-shaped insertion end 35, can be formed by further pressing. The circumferentially extending radially raised portion 37 can also be used, e.g., by pressing the raw tampon and / or the tampon preform less radially in this portion. Optionally, the raw tampon may be provided with a fluid-permeable cover in such a way that it is pressed simultaneously with the grooves.

[0054] A suitable process for the production of tampons with grooves 31 defining ribs 32 between them, a pressing device, and also tampons obtained with them, suitable for use in the present assembly, are described in the previously filed, unpublished patent application EP 04447289.2, and a cross-section of an embodiment of such tampons is illustrated in Figure 2B. Such tampons comprise at least three ribs 32 defined by grooves 31, characterized in that at least one rib, in cross-section, has a median 34 at least partially extending from radius 38. The term "rib radius" as used herein to describe this type of tampons means a straight radial line beginning in the center of the tampon cross section and extending in the direction of the periphery through the point where the median rib intersects the default circle formed by the inner ends of the grooves. The radius of the ribs 38 and the median of the ribs 34 are illustrated in Figure 2B. [0055] The tampon 23 typically further includes a discharge cord 26 attached to its discharge end 24 to facilitate removal of the tampon 23 after use. This discharge string 26 can be flexible, hydrophobic and sufficiently tensile resistant so as not to break when removing the product. It can be made of any materials used for output strings 26 known in the art. It should be long enough. It can be a single string, tape, multiple strings. The materials that have successfully proved to be a discharge string 26 are a hydrophobic cotton string, a hydrophobic polyester string and a mixture thereof. Polyester can make the string stronger. The output string 26 can be attached to the tampon in any way well known to those skilled in the art.

[0056] The tampon 23 in question optionally includes a narrowing insertion end 35, and this means an insertion end 35 having a smaller cross-sectional diameter than the diameter of the central portion 27 of the tampon 23. The diameter of the insertion end 35 may be largest in the vicinity of the central portion 27 of the tampon and may further decrease gradually backwards 22. For example, the tapered insertion end 35 may be conical or rounded, and may preferably have the shape of a rounded cup. Because the insertion end 35 is the first portion of the tampon 23 entering the vagina when the tampon 23 is pushed out of the applicator 1, the use of the tapered insertion end 35 ensures smoother insertion of the tampon 23 because the insertion end 35 can gradually spread the surrounding tissue, and therefore cause less friction. Moreover, the tapered insertion end 35 may allow the tampon to be inserted deeper into the vagina, i.e. closer to the cervix, which may advantageously cause wetting of the tampon because the source of the fluid being collected is deep in the vagina. Tampons having a tapered insertion end 35, especially a rounded or rounded cup-shaped insertion end 35, are therefore generally preferred by consumers. The narrowing or rounding of the insertion end 35 is normally made during compression of the absorbent material to make the tampon 23. By way of example, the axial length of the narrowing insertion end 35, e.g. a rounded or rounded bowl of the insertion end 35, may range from about 2 mm to about 25 mm.

[0057] In one embodiment, the grooves 31 provided on the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 can extend to the tapered insertion end 35. The grooves 31 can reduce the contact between the surface of the tapered insertion end 35 of the tampon and the flap sections 5 of the outer tube 3 during the ejection stage . The reduced contact may favorably reduce the damage to the surface of the insertion end 35 by the petal sections of the outer tube 3 that may occur during the ejection step. Such damage to the surface of the insertion end 35 can cause loosening and loss of fibrous material from the insertion end 35 during the ejection step. This can be particularly important because the insertion end 35 may often be less compressed than the rest of the tampon 23 and may often not be provided with any sheath on its surface and thus may be more susceptible to damage to the outer surface when using this assembly.

[0058] The grooves 31 may extend all the way to the distal tip 16 of the tapered insertion end 35, or they may only extend partially to the tapered insertion end 35 and end before reaching the distal tip 36 of the insertion end 35. For example, the grooves 31 may gradually tapered at its depth and / or width towards the distal tip 36 of the tapered insertion end 35. In general, the grooves 31 need not extend to the distal end 36 of the tapered insertion end 35, since it is directed to the central opening 8 in the outer tube 3 and usually does not come in contact with the petal sections 5 during the ejection stage. Furthermore, it can be beneficial for vaginal insertion that the distal portion 36 of the insertion end 35 is smooth.

[0059] The absorbent fibrous material suitable for use in a tampon may consist of any absorbent material having acceptable absorbency and properties associated with a modulus of elasticity such that it is suitable for absorbing and / or retaining fluid. The absorption structure can be produced in many sizes and shapes, as well as from many different fluid-absorbing materials. Of course, it is desirable to use absorbent materials having a minimum content of foreign soluble materials, since the product can be retained in the body for a long time. Retained soluble foreign materials could cause a safety hazard if they are toxic, irritating or delicate. A representative, non-limiting list of useful materials includes cellulosic materials such as regenerated cellulose, cotton, wood pulp, creped cellulose rolls, tissue rolls and laminates, peat moss, as well as chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulose fibers; synthetic materials such as polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, absorption foams, e.g. flexible flexible polyurethane foam, absorbent sponges, super-absorbent polymers, absorbent gelling materials; formed fibers such as capillary channel fibers and branched fibers; synthetic fibers or any equivalent material or combinations of materials or mixtures thereof.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the absorption capacity of the tampon may be further improved by choosing a more absorbent material. When using a material that absorbs more, the tampons are smaller in volume, thus allowing easier insertion, and especially when the tampon is not soaked, removing the tampon. Thus, the fibrous material suitable for use in a tampon may contain more absorbent materials, such as, for example, open bubble foam. The use of more absorbent material will also reduce the risk of leaking and bypassing the tampon by the fluid.

[0061] The tampon may optionally be provided with one or more surface markings. The marking may be done by any means, including printed using ink, or by means of embossing. The marking may contain any elements, including alphanumeric symbols, graphic illustrations, designs and / or photographic illustrations. The marking may for example be information such as expiry date, absorption properties, instructions for use or warnings. When information is attached to the tampon, it provides information. The marking may also be of an advertising nature. The label may contain a product message directed to users or user groups. For example, it may contain images, designs, graphic or alphanumeric elements intended to be targeted to a selected group of users through an aesthetic message and / or association with a specific lifestyle (e.g. cartoon, logo, etc.).

[0062] The tampon may optionally have one or more colors. The colors can be printed as mentioned above or impregnated to the material. The color may indicate the expiry date, the absorption capacity, the size or other information about the product. Color can be intended to draw the attention of a selected group of users through an aesthetic message and / or association with a specific lifestyle.

[0063] The tampon may optionally be provided with a chemical indication that it can significantly change color. Such an indication may, for example, show a certain medical condition. A chemical indicator may react with one or more substances in body fluids to indicate an abnormal condition. For example, the chemical indicator may change color when the user is in a specific state, e.g. in the case of anemia (by detecting iron / hemogiobin concentration), diabetes (by detection of glucose), stage of the menstrual cycle (by detection of hormones), presence of diseases transmitted (by detecting antibodies to, for example, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis A, B or C, herpes, HIV, Chlamydia infection, etc.)

[0064] In one embodiment, the surface of the tampon 23 may be at least partially provided with a fluid-permeable casing. This sheath makes the surface smoother, which reduces the friction that occurs between the surface of the tampon and the respective structure 15 of the applicator 1 when using this assembly. By reducing friction, the sheath makes it easier to withdraw the ejection tube 12 and reduces the likelihood of the tampon 23 moving forward during the "adjusting" step. Furthermore, the cover also protects the underlying fibrous material 23 from being damaged by the respective structures of the applicator 1 when using this assembly. This reduces the likelihood that the fibers will be released from the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 when using the assembly, and thus reduces the likelihood of loss of tampon material. Thus, the use of the sheath more to assist in solving problems associated with prior art assemblies.

[0065] In one embodiment, the casing may be used on the raw tampon before it is compressed to insert grooves 31 into the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23. Therefore, the areas on the raw tampon provided with the cover will be radially compressed to make grooves 31, and hence the sheath will cover the surfaces of both grooves 31 and ribs 32 of the tampon. In this embodiment, the contact between the tampon 23 and the corresponding structures of the applicator 1 is reduced during use of the assembly, due to the presence of grooves 31 on the outer surface of the tampon 23. Furthermore, the sheath reduces friction between the circumferential surface of the ribs 32 (i.e., surface areas 29 tampon, which come into contact with the appropriate structures of the applicator 1) and the corresponding structures of the applicator 1 when using this assembly. What's more, the sheath also protects the tampon surface from releasing fibrous material.

[0066] The sheath typically does not reduce the absorption capacity, suction ability or expansion of the tampon 23. The use of tampon sheaths is well known in the art, as are the appropriate materials for making such sheaths, and methods for providing such tampons. Exemplary disclosure of these aspects can be found in US 4,816,100. For example, the sheath may consist of an applied nonwoven cover material, made of tangled, at least in part, thermoplastic heat-sealable fibers or a perforated plastic film, such as three-dimensional perforated film or the like. To maintain the absorbency and expandability of the tampon, said sheath may preferably extend or it may be a flexible fluid-permeable sheath.

[0067] Usually, the sheath is not used at the insertion end 35 of the tampon to provide better access of the menstrual secretion to said insertion end 35.

[0068] In another embodiment, the tampon 23 further comprises a radially raised, circumferentially extending portion 37, which is located adjacent the insertion end 35. The maximum outer diameter of said radially raised portion 37 is greater than the maximum outer diameter 30 of the central section 27 of the tampon 23, or also at least part of the central section 37 adjacent to said radially raised portion 37. For example, the maximum outer diameter of said radially raised portion 37 may be between 0.1 mm and 5 mm more than the maximum outer diameter of the middle section 27 adjacent to said portion 37. This radially raised portion 37 is usually made during compression of the absorbent material to form a tampon. Thus, the raw tampon is compressed less radially where the radially raised portion 37 is to be located. The axial width of the radially raised portion may be e.g. between about 0.5 mm and about 7 mm. Thus, the circumferentially extending radially raised portion 37 can be

-16 the continuous radially raised ring or can also be formed by a multitude of circumferentially aligned, radially raised projections.

[0069] The radially raised portion 37 of the tampon 23 is thus configured to overlap radially 10 on the distal inner surface of the outer tube 3. Thus, the radially raised portion 37 of the tampon 23 is adapted to engage or lock with the projections 10 on the outer tube 3, whereby the tampon 23 is prevented from moving forward 21 when the ejection tube 12 is withdrawn from the outer tube 3 over the tampon 23 stored therein.

[0070] Furthermore, when the assembly is ready for use, the tampon 23 can be positioned at the distal end 13 of the ejection tube 12 in such a way that the inwardly bending fingers 14 of the ejection tube 12 abut against the proximal rim 25 of the radially raised portion 37 of the tampon 23 and define an opening that has a smaller diameter than said radially raised portion 37 (as in Figures 3A and 3B). In this configuration, the radially raised portion 37 and the insertion end 35 of the tampon protrude from the distal opening of the ejection tube 12, while the remaining portion of the tampon is positioned inside the ejection tube 12. The coupling of the fingers 14 on the proximal rim 25 of the radially raised portion 37 prevents the tampon from re-entering 23 to the ejection tube 12, and thus maintains the correct positioning of the tampon 23 within the assembly.

[0071] In one embodiment, the grooves 31 can extend to the radially raised portion 37, and further through this portion 37 to the insertion end 35. In this case, the orientation of the tampon 23 in the assembly will preferably be such that the projections 10 of the outer tube 3 they are not placed inside the grooves 31, as this would weaken the coupling between the projections 10 and the radially raised part 37. To avoid orientation problems e.g. the number of protrusions 10 may be at least one greater than the number of grooves 31, or the grooves 31 may be spiral or helical, or the thickness of the inwardly directed protrusions 10 in the circumferential direction may be greater than the width of the grooves 31 on the tampon 23.

[0072] In one embodiment, the radially raised portion 37 of the tampon 23 is continuous with the tapered insertion end 35. For example, this radially raised portion 37 may have the largest maximum outer diameter at its proximal rim 25, and said diameter may further gradually decrease in the rearward direction 22, Here the periphery closer to the radially raised portion 37 takes the form of a rounded base of the enlarged tampon head 23. Such a tampon would have a "mushroom shape", which means that the tampon 23 may have the shape of a mushroom. The enlarged head may be, for example, quasi-spherical or may be axially elongated or flattened.

[0073] Alternatively, the radially raised portion 37 may maintain a relatively uniform maximum outer diameter over a significant axial length, e.g. 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and may further extend into the tapered insertion end 35. Such a tampon would have a "rivet shape" and this means that the tampon 23 may have a rivet shape. The insertion end may be e.g. quasi-spherical or may be axially elongated or flattened.

[0074] Tampon 23 may take equal dimensions and sizes. For example, the length of the tampon may be in the range between 20 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 35 mm and 60 mm, and even more preferably up to a maximum of 55 mm. For example, the weight of the tampon 23 may range between about 1.5 g and 6.5 g.

[0075] Accordingly, in the light of the above description, an embodiment includes an assembly comprising:

- a compact tampon applicator 1, made of at least partly flexible material, such as plastic, and also comprising an ejection tube 12 and an outer tube 3 dimensioned so that it fits tightly and telescopically on said ejecting tube 12, and having a distal discharge end 4, stop elements 2 between said tubes 3, 12 for preventing detachment of said ejection tube 12 from said outer tube 3 in the forward direction 21, as well as one or more inwardly extending projections 10 made along the inner circumference adjacent the distal end 4 of the outer tube, and

- a tampon 23 having a longitudinal body defining a tapered insertion end 35, discharge end 24, a central section 27 extending therebetween, a longitudinal axis 28 and an outer surface 29, said tampon 23 having the following features:

- consists essentially of compressed absorbent fibrous material;

- its length is between about 35 mm and about 60 mm,

- its weight is between about 1.5 g and about 6.5 g as well

- the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 comprises at least three radially pressed longitudinal grooves 31 defining adjacent longitudinal ribs 32, the outer circumferential surface of the ribs 32 defining the maximum outer diameter 30 of the tampon in cross section, between about 8 mm and about 18 mm, wherein said longitudinal grooves 31 define areas on the outer surface 29 having a smaller cross-sectional diameter than said maximum outer diameter of the tampon 23, whereby the contact between the outer surface 29 of the tampon 23 and the ejection tube 12 and / or the outer tube 3 is reduced.

In a further aspect, there is provided the use of the subject assembly consisting of a compact tampon and tampon applicator for discharging said tampon. The tampon is especially a tampon used during menstruation and can be led inside the body cavity, especially the vaginal cavity. Thanks to this, the tampon can be placed inside the said cavity.