A tampon applicator assembly

CAP APPLIER SET

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to tampon applicator assemblies and is particularly directed to the type of assemblies which are provided in a compact, discrete and conveniently small form.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most commercially available sets for introducing intravaginally catamenial tampons comprise a tampon disposed within a tampon applicator consisting of a pair of telescopic tubes.

In assemblies comprising a non-compact plug applicator, a plug is disposed in an outer tube which is combined with an ejector tube adapted to slide out the outer tube cap. The ejector tube is smaller in diameter than the outer tube and is telescopically positioned therein so that by moving the ejector tube to one end of the outer tube, the plug can be ejected from the opposite end. 0 Outer tube is, by necessity, longer than the cap and, to ensure complete ejection of the cap from the outer tube, the ejector tube is generally also longer than the outer tube. Consequently, the total length of these sets is always more than twice the length of the plug. Reducing the size of assemblies and their corresponding commercial packaging provided an incentive to develop compact tampon applicators.

In assemblies comprising a compact tampon applicator such as EP-B1-0355396, the ejector tube is fitted completely or almost completely within the outer tube although the buffer is stored at the distal end of the ejector tube. Practically, the ejector tube is armed when it is substantially withdrawn proximally from its stored position in the outer tube (leaving the cap behind) until the distal end of the ejector tube is positioned to engage the proximal end of the stored cap. . In a subsequent ejection step, the ejector tube is returned into the outer tube, thereby expelling the plug from the opposite end of the outer tube.

To prevent displacement of the cap in conjunction with the ejector tube during the arming phase, the outer tube typically includes a means for engaging the distal end of the cap.

Nevertheless, when the ejector tube is being withdrawn, close collaboration between the outer surface of the plug and the opposite inner surface of the ejector tube may occasionally overlap this engagement, leading to displacement of the plug. Because hygiene requirements make it impossible for the user to further manipulate the assembly to reposition the tampon, displaced tampon assemblies are unusable and need to be discarded. Therefore, a small portion of existing sets is broken and has to be discarded, which can lead to annoyance for consumers, especially in situations where no other sets are at hand.

In addition, the ejector tube of compact tampon applicators usually includes flexible distal strips. When the ejector tube is being removed, these strips push the outer surface of the cap. Accordingly, the surface or edges of these strips may occasionally scrape material from the outer surface of the plug, leading to undesirable loss of material. Furthermore, the outer tube of compact tampon applicators similarly includes inwardly flexible distal petal sections. These petal sections press the outer surface of the tampon as it is being ejected from the applicator. Therefore, the surface or edges of the petal sections may also retain material from the outer surface of the plug, leading to additional and unwanted material loss.

The present invention solves the above problems of buffer displacement during the arming phase and loss of buffer material during the arming and ejection phases in assemblies comprising compact tampon applicators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an assembly comprising: a compact plug applicator comprising an ejector tube, an outer tube sized to fit snugly and telescopically onto said ejector tube and having a distal discharge end, retaining means between said tubes to prevent said tube ejector disengages said outer tube in the proximal direction and one or more inward projections formed along the inner circumference adjacent the distal end of the outer tube, and a buffer characterized in that said buffer:

comprise a compressed absorbent fibrous material having a length between 35 mm and 60 mm, having a weight between 1.5 g and 6.5 g, and having a longitudinal body defining an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a central section which extends between the two, a longitudinal axis and an outer surface, and the outer surface of the plug comprising at least two longitudinal grooves defining adjacent longitudinal ribs, wherein the circumferential outer surface of the ribs defines the maximum outer diameter of the plug in cross section between 8 mm and 18 mm and wherein said longitudinal grooves define areas on the outer surface having a smaller diameter in cross section than the maximum outer diameter. The contact between the outer surface of the plug and the ejector tube and / or the contact between the outer surface of the plug and the outer tube is reduced.

This will reduce the total amount of contact between the outer surface of the tampon and the respective applicator structures during use. Reducing contact between the outer surface of the plug and the inner surface and strips of the ejector tube can decrease overall friction and therefore advantageously minimize the likelihood of the plug being moved proximally during the arming step, and facilitate the easiest removal of the ejector tube during the arming step. In addition, reducing contact between the outer surface of the tampon and the inner surface and / or edges of the strips and petal sections may decrease the total friction and therefore advantageously minimize the rupture of the tampon surface by said structures. loss of buffer material displaced by said petal strips or sections during the frame and ejection phases.

Other features of an assembly according to the invention are subject to the attached dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a compact tampon applicator suitable for use in the assembly of the present invention. The applicator is in the cocked position, ie, ejector tube 12 is substantially all of which is withdrawn from tube 3.

Figure 2A illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a tampon suitable for use in the assembly of the present invention. The plug is coquel-shaped and is provided with circumferentially opened longitudinal grooves.

Figure 2B illustrates a section through the center section of a plug suitable for use in the assembly of the present invention.

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

Figure 3Β illustrates a detail of the distal end of the assembly of Figure 3A.

Figure 4 illustrates a front front view of a partially ejected plug of the outer tube 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is further explained by referring to Figures 1 to 4, which illustrate preferred but not limiting embodiments of the present assembly and parts thereof, ie, a compact tampon applicator 1 and a tampon 23.

The present assembly defines a proximal end 19 and a distal end 20. As used herein, the term proximal end 19 refers to those portions of the assembly and parts thereof which are furthest from a wearer's body when the tampon 23 is being placed within a body cavity, eg, a vaginal cavity. . The term distal end 20 refers to those portions of the assembly and parts thereof that are closest to a wearer's body when the plug is being placed. Accordingly, the terms proximal and proximal, or distally or distally, as used herein, specify that a given portion or structure of the assembly or parts thereof is relatively closer to, respectively, the proximal end 19 or distal end 20 of the same. whole or parts thereof. Similarly, the terms proximal direction 21 or distal direction 22 refer to directions for the proximal end 19 or distal end 20 of the assembly or parts, respectively.

As disclosed herein, the term tampon applicator refers to a tampon applicator 1 comprising an ejector tube 12 adapted to store a tampon 23 and an outer tube 3 sized to fit snugly and telescopically over the tube. 12 ejector. The outer tube 3 is configured to pass the plug 23 through an opening 8 at its distal end 4 during an ejection operation. When an assembly comprising a compact tampon applicator 1 and a tampon 23 is prepared for use by a consumer, the tampon 23 is stored at the distal end 13 of the ejector tube 12 and the ejector tube 12 is seated completely, or almost completely, inside. of the outer tube 3. Practically, the ejector tube 12 is provided to be practically removed in a proximal direction 21 from its stored position in the outer tube 3, while the plug is left behind at the distal end 4 of the outer tube 3, until the end 13 distal from the ejector tube 12 is positioned to engage the proximal end 24 of the stored cap 23. Accordingly, compact tampon applicators typically include means 10 for securing the tampon 23 stored at the distal end 4 of the outer tube 3 to prevent its displacement in the proximal direction 21 during withdrawal of the ejector tube 12 from the outer tube 3. In addition, compact tampon applicators 1 usually include retention means 2, e.g. a locking retaining means for preventing the outer and ejector tubes 3 from disengaging during the arming phase. After the ejector tube 12 has been armed, it is returned in the distal direction 22 back to the outer tube 3, thereby expelling the cap 23 from the distal end 4 of the outer tube 3.

cylindrical outer tube 3 has at its distal end 4 a plurality, 1. e. 2 or more, eg, 2 to 15, preferably 2 to 8, more preferably 2 to 6 and more preferably 4 of conventional petal sections 5 which are separated from each other by respective slots 6. Petal sections 5 are relatively flexible and are usually forced into a substantially arched and closed configuration to form a rounded tip 7 with 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. These outer tubes 3 are preferably constructed of any suitable smooth plastic material, eg polyethylene, and may be e.g. g., molded (eg injection molding) or prepared from extruded tubing. The opposite proximal end 9 of the outer tube 3 is opened.

outer tube 3 of applicator 1 further includes a plurality, 1. e. 2 or more eg_r 2 to 15, preferably 2 to 8, more preferably 2 to 6, and more preferably 4, inward projections 10 formed along the inner circumference adjacent the proximal end of the petal sections 5. For example, one or more of these inward projections 10 may be arranged approximately at the base of each respective petal section 5. The inward projections 10 serve to engage the insertion end 35 of a plug 23 which can be stored at the distal end 13 of an ejector tube 12, thereby preventing axial movement of the plug in proximal direction 21 during the framing of tube 12 ejector. Therefore, the inward projections 10 are often inclined towards the distal end 4 so as to securely lock a plug 23 and prevent its movement in the proximal direction (similar to how a spring nut operates by unidirectional engagement). tightening). These projections 10 may have various shapes known in the art, e.g., may have tabs disposed in an inward direction generally perpendicular to the axis of the outer tube 3 and preferably inclined towards their distal discharge end 4. In Figures 1 and 3, the projections 10 have a substantially rectangular triangular profile, extending the hypotenuse (ie the longest side) at an acute angle from the inner wall of the outer tube 3 towards the central opening 8, one of the collars (re, one of the shorter sides) facing the distal end 4 of the outer tube 3 and the other collet being the side in contact with the inner surface of the outer tube 3. Projections may be relatively thin in the circumferential direction, with thicknesses varying, eg from 0.2 mm to 5 mm, which may save raw material. Alternatively, a circumferential continuous ring may be provided instead of a plurality of inward projections 10. The outer tube 3 of the present applicator 1 may further comprise an outwardly directed circumferential lip 11 at its proximal end 9. The outer proximal surface of the outer tube 3 may optionally be provided with an edged or serrated surface which provides a firmer grip when this portion of the outer tube 3 is gripped between the fingers.

The cylindrical (or inner) ejector tube 12 functions as a hollow plunger to eject a plug 23 positioned within the distal end 4 of the outer tube 3. The ejector tube 12 may be constructed of any suitable smooth plastic material, eg polyethylene, and may be eg molded (eg injection molded) or prepared from extruded tubing. The ejector tube 12 is sized to slide easily within the outer tube 3 with minimal clearance between the two. 0 The ejector tube 12 is also preferably slightly longer than the outer tube 3, to ensure complete ejection and proper insertion of the cap 23. Being hollow, the ejector tube also allows proper placement of a string 26. normally attached to the withdrawal end 24 of the plug. The distal end 13 of the ejector tube 12 is typically formed of a plurality, ie, 2 or more, e.g. 2 to 15, preferably 2 to 8, more preferably 2 to 6 and more preferably 4, of strips 14 which are separated from one another by slots or openings 15 through which the inward projections 10 of the outer tube 3 may extend to engage the plug 23 disposed therein. As with the petal sections 5 of the outer tube 3, the strips 14 are slightly forced into a closed configuration. These strips 14 tend to be considerably shorter than the petal sections 5 of the outer tube 3, eg, to provide a stronger structure. The ejector tube 12 may also be functional without these strips 14 if the cap is sufficiently large to fit snugly within the outer tube 3 to ensure a positive engagement by an unmodified distal end 13 of the ejector tube 12 against end 24. buffer 23 during the ejection step.

The ejector tube 12 also includes at its proximal end 17 an outwardly directed circumferential retaining lip 16. The lip 16 controls the insertion range of the ejector tube 12 into the outer tube 3 of the applicator 1. The lip 16 of the ejector tube 12 will abut the retaining lip 11 of the outer tube 3 when the ejector tube 12 is fully inserted into the inner tube 3 outer. The inner proximal portion of the ejector tube 12 may optionally be provided with an edged or serrated surface 18 which provides a firmer grip when a finger is inserted into the ejector tube.

The compact plug applicator 1 of the present assembly further comprises retaining means 2 for preventing the outer tube 3 and ejector 12 from disassembling when the ejector tube 12 is partially withdrawn during the arming step. Typically, the retaining means is formed by raised structures extending circumferentially on the distal outer surface of the ejector tube 12 and the proximal inner surface of the outer tube 3. These structures may be e.g. g., rings, ribs or protrusions.

For example, a stop ring may project radially inwardly from the inner surface of the outer tube 3 near its proximal end 9 and another ring or a plurality of circumferentially aligned protrusions may project radially outwardly from the outer surface of the tube 12 ejector near its distal end 13. The height of these structures is such that they are radially spaced from the opposite surface of the tube 3, 12 beyond which they are provided when the ejector tube 12 is inserted into the outer tube 3 and when it is being withdrawn proximally most of the route. However, the structures radially overlap and will eventually engage when the ejector tube 12 is sufficiently withdrawn from the outer tube 3, thus preventing complete removal and disassembly of the applicator 1.

Essentially any retention means known in the art may be used in the compact tampon applicator of the present assembly. For example, these encompass any of the retaining means described in EP-B1-0355396 on page 9, line 1, to page 11, line 31 under the heading Previous Pipe Connections. Additionally, they also encompass the retention means disclosed in EP-B1-0355396, in particular on page 8, line 1 through line 57 under the heading Enhanced Pipe Interconnection, which comprised a pair of two raised rings on the inner surface of the pipe. outer tube 3 at its proximal end 9, the opposite slopes of which defined an intermediate valley, and another raised ring-like structure on the other distal surface of the ejector tube 12. When the ejector tube 12 was withdrawn from the outer tube 3 in the proximal direction 21, the ring-like structure on the ejector tube 12 was engaged (1. e. Interconnected) inside the valley in the outer tube 3, which prevented the disassembly of the tubes. external and ejector. In the interlocked position, all ring-like surfaces in the ejector tube 12 were closely engaged with the opposite surfaces of the outer tube 3 valley. This advantageously restricted lateral movement (oscillation) of the ejector tube 12 relative to the outer tube 3 in the interconnected position further reduces the likelihood of disassembly. Still further, they also encompass the retention means disclosed in European patent application EP05447042.2 filed on 24.02.2005 and published on 30.08.2006 under No. EP-A1-1695680 (EPC Article 54.3), which comprises means 2a circumferentially extending lifts typically provided on the outer distal surface of the ejector tube 12 and an assembly of at least three circumferentially extending adjacent rings 2b, 2c, 2d, typically provided on the inner distal surface of the outer tube 3. Two of the raised rings 2b, 2c defined an intermediate valley that could engage with the raised means 2a with a degree of freedom, while at least one ring 2d provided an extra means to restrict lateral movement or oscillation of the ejector tube 12. relative to the outer tube 3. The presence of an additional ring 2d advantageously eliminated the need (present in the retaining means of EP-B1-0355396) for exact complementarity between the valley surfaces formed by the two other raised rings 2b, 2c and the surfaces of the raised means 2a.

When the present set of a compact plug applicator 1 and a plug 23 is prepared for use, the ejector tube 12 is disposed within the outer tube 3 and on a stored plug 23 (as shown in Figure 3A and 3B). The distal ends 13 or strips 14 of the ejector tube 12 may adjoin the projections 10 inwards or the projections 10 into the outer tube 3 may also project through the slots 15 separating the strips 14 of the ejector tube 12 to engage the cap 23. The flexible strips 14 of the ejector tube 12 may be flexibly biased outwardly by the cap 23 carried. This allows the strips 14 and the remainder of the ejector tube 12 to pass through the plug 23 which is attached to the outer tube 3 by the inward projections 10 during partial withdrawal of the ejector tube 12. Then, because of the rigid flexibility of the strips 14, when the ejector tube 12 is sufficiently withdrawn, the strips 14 will flex inward to a smaller diameter than the cap. Accordingly, when the ejector tube 12 is moved axially in the distal direction 22, the plug will be engaged at its proximal end 24 by the strips 14 and pushed out of the discharge distal end 4 of the outer tube 3.

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

The invention provides an improved assembly comprising a compact tampon applicator 1 and a tampon 23. The assembly of the present invention provides reduced tampon surface breakage and reduced tampon loss during the arming and ejection steps as well as easier removal. ejector tube 12 and decreased likelihood of buffer displacement during the arming step. The present invention achieves these advantages by providing an assembly comprising a plug 23 with its outer surface modified to reduce the total amount of contact and / or friction between said outer surface 29 of the plug 23 and applicator structures 1 during use of the set .

Accordingly, an assembly is provided comprising:

a compact tampon applicator 1, and a tampon 23 with a longitudinal body defining an insertion end 35, an withdrawal end 24, a central section 27 extending between them, a longitudinal axis 28, and an outer surface 29 .

The plug 23 has a longitudinal body defining a distal insertion end 35, a proximal withdrawal end 24 and a central section 27 extending therebetween. The plug further defines a longitudinal axis 28 and an outer surface 29. 0 tampon 23 or at least the central section 27 of tampon 23 may be essentially cylindrical in shape, meaning that of simple geometric shapes, forming a cylindrical envelope may more closely approximate the overall shape of tampon 23 or at least of its shape. central section 27.

As used herein, the term outer buffer surface 29 refers primarily to the surface defined by the central section 27 of the buffer 23. The term outer surface 29 encompasses the total surface of the buffer 23 or more specifically to its central section 27, regardless of distance. radial surface of said longitudinal axis 28. For this reason, outer surface 29 includes both surfaces defined by areas of radial depression (ie

defined by adjacent rib regions 32).

grooves 31) and the surface to such areas (ie,

Prior art assemblies comprised essentially cylindrical shaped plugs with a uniform outer surface. For this reason, circumferences of cross-section through the outer surface of such plugs were circular or substantially circular. A circular circumference is one defined by a center and a uniform radius. Although circular circumference deviations may have occurred in these tampons, such deviations were extremely limited and occurred, e.g. g. due to the nature of the tampon material and due to production imperfections rather than intentional design.

A groove 31 represents a distinct radial depression area on the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 which can be at least in part defined by its length, width, depth and orientation. Typically, the length of a groove 31 is greater than its width.

Accordingly, an assembly is provided comprising:

- a compact tampon applicator 1, and

a plug 23 having a longitudinal body defining an end 35, a withdrawal end 24, a central section extending between the two 27, a longitudinal axis 28 and an outer surface 29, wherein said outer surface 29 of the plug 23 comprises at least two radially pressed grooves 31.

Therefore, in a cross section through a region of the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 comprising a groove 31 (see Figure 2B), said groove is defined by a smaller radius than the adjacent outer surface 29. Buffer 23 will have a smaller diameter in such groove 31. Therefore, the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 defined by a groove 31 will be radially spaced from the respective applicator structures 1 which may contact the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 during use of the assembly and will therefore not contact them. structures. Therefore, providing grooves 31 on the surface 29 of the plug 23 will reduce the total contact between the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 and the respective applicator structures 1 during use of the assembly, thereby reducing the total friction and advantageously decreasing the probability. displacement of the plug during the arming step, facilitating easy removal of the ejector tube 12 during the arming step and reducing rupture of the outer surface 29 of the cap 23 and loss of buffer material during the arming and ejection steps.

For example, buffer 23 may comprise between 2 and 50 grooves 31, preferably between 2 and 20, more preferably between 4 and 12 and more preferably about 8 grooves 31. Exemplary buffers may comprise 2 , 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 grooves. Buffer 23 may have an even or odd number of grooves 31. An even number may be preferred due to production requirements.

The proportion of the outer surface 29 defined by the ridges 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 up to 95% or up to 80% or up to 70% or up to 60% of the total outer surface 29 of buffer 23, including any ranges defined by a combination of any limits below or above those listed above.

Groove depth 31 is maximum where the radius in cross section is minimum. The maximum depth of the grooves 31 may range from 0.2 to 10 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 8 mm, more preferably from 1 mm to 6 mm and even more preferably from 2 mm to 6 mm. .

The circumferential width of the grooves 31 may vary, eg from 0.1 mm to 1 cm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm.

In one embodiment, the grooves 31 may be longitudinal, ie extending over at least a portion of the length of the outer surface 29 of the plug 23. In the broadest meaning, a longitudinal groove 31 may be any, in the direction of its length is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 28 of the cap 23. A longitudinal orientation of the grooves 31 may be advantageous because such grooves 31 may shrink the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 capable of contacting the respective applicator structures 1 along a given length of the plug 23.

In one embodiment, the grooves 31 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the plug. Therefore, such grooves 31 will be oriented essentially in the direction of movement of the ejector tube 12 during the arming phase and the cap 23 during the ejection step. Such grooves 31 can therefore homogeneously shrink the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 capable of contacting the respective applicator structures 1 over a given length of the plug.

In a further embodiment, the longitudinal grooves 31 may be spiral or helical in 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 capable of contacting the respective applicator structures 1 during use. In addition, such grooves 31 will cover a larger circumferential area of ​​the outer surface 29 of the plug 23. This reduces the hypothesis (which may exist with grooves parallel to the longitudinal axis, as exemplified by groove 31a in Figure 4) that a groove would be aligned with grooves 15, 6 which separate strips 14 or petal sections 15 and would, for example, therefore, do not contribute to reducing contact between the outer surface 29 of the plug 12 and the petal strips 14 or sections 5 of the applicator 1 during use of the assembly. With spiral or helical grooves 31, even when a particular groove 31 is aligned with the slots 15, 6 of an assembly position, it will align with the petal strips 14 or sections 15 when the ejector tube 12 is being withdrawn or when the cap 23 is being ejected during use.

Spiral or helical grooves 31 may extend over various portions of the circumference of the plug. For example, such grooves may extend over at least 10 °, 20 °, 30 °, 40 °, 50 °, 60 °, 70 °, 80 °, 90 °, 100 °, 120 °, 130 °, 140 °, 150 ° or more than 150 ° of the circumference of the cap, eg, about 80 ° to 120 °, or 80 ° to 150 °.

In a preferred embodiment, longitudinal grooves 31 extend between the insertion end 35 and the withdrawal end 24 of the plug. This means that such grooves 31 will extend along the full length of the plug 23 or its central portion 27. This will advantageously reduce the total contact between the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 and the respective applicator structures 1 over the full length of the plug 23 or its central portion 27 during use of the assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, when the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 comprises two or more longitudinal grooves 31, they may be circumferentially spaced at regular intervals, ie, at circumferentially regular angular intervals. This will advantageously reduce the total contact between the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 and the respective applicator structures 1 also around the circumference of the plug 23 during use of the assembly.

Preferably, the distal edges 14a of the ejector tube strips 14 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 such that these edges 14a, 5a do not capable of entering the grooves 31 and contacting the surface within the grooves 31. The width and number of the grooves 31 and the size and number of the strips 14 and petal sections 5 may be selected such that during use of the assembly, the surface and / or distal sides and edges of the strips 14 and petal sections 5 will contact a plug surface comprising at least one groove 31. This will minimize contact between said strips 14 and petal sections 5 and the outer surface 29 of the plug 23.

Preferably, the orientation of the plug 23 in the assembly will be such that the projections 10 of the outer tube 3 are not lodged within the grooves 31, as this would compromise the engagement between the projections 10 and the distal portion of the plug 23. To avoid orientation problems, eg_r the number of protrusions 10 may be at least one more than the number of grooves 31 or the grooves 31 may be spiral or helical or the thickness of the inward projections 10 in the circumferential direction may be greater than the width of the grooves 31 of buffer 23.

It will be understood that a groove 31 also defines adjacent regions of the outer surface 29 having a larger radius in cross section. For example, a groove 31 may define two adjacent ribs 32 which are radially relatively protruding than said groove 31. Similarly, two closely spaced grooves 31, eg parallel grooves, define one relatively more rib 32 therebetween. protruding radially.

The circumferential surface of these relatively radially protruding regions of the outer surface 29 will define the maximum outer diameter 30 of the plug cross section. If the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 is provided with radially pressed longitudinal grooves 31, said grooves 31 define adjacent longitudinal ribs 32 and the circumferential surface of the ribs 32 defines the maximum outer diameter 30 of the plug 23 or its central section 27 in section. transverse Such maximum outer diameter 30 of the plug 23 or its central section 27 may typically range from 5 mm to 25 mm, preferably from 8 mm to 18 mm, more preferably from 10 mm to 16 mm. The circumferential surface of the ribs 32 will contact the respective applicator structures 1 during use of the assembly.

Preferably, the maximum outer diameter 30 of the cap 23 approximates the diameter of the ejector tube 12 such that a contact is obtained between at least a portion of the outer surface 29 of the cap 23 and the inner surface of the tube 12. ejector. This contact helps maintain proper positioning of the cap 23 within the ejector tube 12. In general, the inner surface of the ejector tube 12 that is configured to contact the cap is smooth, i. e., essentially without sharp projections or depressions.

The maximum outer diameter 30 of the plug 23, or its central portion 27, may be essentially uniform in the longitudinal direction or may vary. For example, the plug portion near the withdrawal end 24 may have a maximum maximum outside diameter 30 than the remainder of the central section 27. Such expressly proximal tampon 23 may decrease the risk of body fluid leakage when tampon 23 is placed in the vagina. When the maximum outer diameter 30 of the cap 23 or its central section 27 varies in the longitudinal direction, the change may be gradual.

In one embodiment, the density of absorbent material may be essentially the same across the cross section of the plug 23.

In another embodiment, the plug 23 may comprise a central core 33 of highly compressed absorbent fibrous material from which longitudinal ribs 32 extend radially outwardly. In one embodiment, the longitudinal ribs 32 may be at least partially relatively uncompressed compared to said core 33. The diameter of said core in cross section may be, eg, up to 5 mm.

Accordingly, in a non-limiting example, a plug 23 suitable for the present assembly may be a generally cylindrical, central, compressed fiber core 33 of highly compressed fibrous material and further comprise radially outwardly extending longitudinal ribs 32 from there. of said core 33 and separated in the middle by longitudinal grooves 31. Longitudinal grooves 31 and ribs 32 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis (i.e. e., straight) or may extend spiral or helix in the axial direction. There may also be other shapes, eg, extending sinusoidally in the axial direction. The longitudinal ribs 32 may be at least partially relatively uncompressed compared to the fiber core 33 and may preferably have, in particular near their circumferential surface, a soft fibrous structure. The longitudinal ribs 32 may extend outwardly at equal circumferential angular intervals from the core 33 between the insertion end 35 and the withdrawal end 24 of the plug 23. In addition to reducing the outer surface 29 of the cap 23 which contacts the respective applicator structures 1 during use of the assembly, the provision of grooves 32 also increases the total outer surface 29 of the cap 23 compared to a cap having a uniform outer surface without grooves 31. This can advantageously increase the absorbency and expandability of the plug 23 and thereby reduce the risk of leakage. 0 The tampon 23 may preferably expand in width (ie, adopt an increased diameter in cross section) by absorbing fluid, eg menstrual fluid. Providing longitudinal grooves 31 defining longitudinal ribs 32 may facilitate such width expansion as is known in the art.

For example, processes for providing an essentially cylindrical base plug with grooves 31, eg, longitudinal grooves 31, are well known in the art. Such processes and apparatus for use with these processes are disclosed, eg, in WO 02/078586, EP 0422660, US 2002/0157222, US 5592725, US 5895408, EP 1108408, US 2003/0208180, WO 00/53141 and EP 0639363 .

In general, such processes involve several steps. First, by providing an essentially cylindrical base plug with a circumferential surface, said base plug is usually formed by winding a length of a continuous fibrous web. Thereafter, said base plug is inserted into a press comprising press forks including penetrating segments and pressing shoulders and the base buffer is simultaneously pressed to the press forks in strip-shaped sections of the circumferential surface into which the penetrating segments penetrate. at the cylindrical base to form ridges 31 defining ribs 32 and the pressing shoulders press the circumferential surface of the resulting ribs 32. 0 radial length of the penetrating segments determines the depth of the grooves 31, the thickness of the penetrating segments controls the width of the grooves 31 and the shape of the penetrating segments controls the shape of the grooves 31 in cross section. Depending on the radial length of the penetrating segments, simultaneously pressing a number of grooves 31 along the circumference of the base plug can generate a highly compressed core 33 of absorbent material from which relatively uncompressed ribs 32 radially extend outwardly. Optionally, the core 33 may be compressed to a lesser extent in the area of ​​the withdrawal end 24 of the plug 23 than in its remaining area to produce a less compressed proximal portion of a larger diameter. This can prevent leakage of body fluids when the cap is placed. Thereafter, the plug preform as obtained by the above pressing may be subjected to additional radical pressure on its outer circumference to finalize the circumferential surface of the ribs 32. In known processes, the circumferential surface of the plug preform ribs 32 is often pressed such that the grooves 31 are eventually closed forming essentially channels and the final plug 23 acquires an essentially smooth cylindrical outer surface. It may be preferable for the preform ribs 32 to be pressed only to the extent that the grooves 31 remain open along the outer circumference of the cap 23, thereby reducing the outer surface area 29 of the cap 23 capable of contacting the respective applicator structures. 1 while using the set. Also, it may be preferred that the penetrating segments used to form the present grooves 31 are thicker than those commonly used so that wider grooves 31 are obtained and further pressing of the ribs 32 does not lead to the closure of such wider grooves. In addition, the constricted insertion end 35, eg, a rounded or dome-shaped insertion end 35, may be formed by further pressing. The circumferentially extending radially raised portion 37 may also be provided, eg, by pressing the base plug and / or the radially less buffer preform on this portion. Optionally, the base plug may be provided with a liquid permeable coating such that it is pressed simultaneously with the grooves.

A suitable process for producing grooved plugs 31 defining intermediate ribs 32, the pressing apparatus and the resulting plugs for use in the present assembly are described in a previously filed, non-public patent application EP 04447289.2. An exemplary embodiment of such buffers is shown in Figure 2B. Such plugs comprise at least three grooves 32 defined by grooves 31, characterized in that at least one rib in cross section has a median 34 at least partially divergent from its radius 38. As used herein to describe such plugs, the term rib radius refers to the radial straight line that begins at the center of the plug's cross section and goes in the direction of its circumference through the point where the rib median crosses an imaginary circle. formed by the inner ends of the grooves. The radius of a rib 38 and the median of a rib are illustrated in Figure 2B.

The present tampon 23 further usually comprises a withdrawal string 26 attached to its withdrawal end 24 to facilitate withdrawal of the tampon 23 after use. The drawstring 26 may preferably be flexible, hydrophobic and strong enough in tension to resist breaking during product removal. It may be made of any of the materials of the art used for withdrawal twine 26. It must be long enough. It can be a single string, a ribbon, or a plurality of twines. Materials, which have worked well as the withdrawal string 26, are hydrophobic cotton twine, a hydrophobic polyester twine or a mixture thereof. Polyester can make the string stronger. The drawstring 26 may be attached to the buffer in any manner well known to those skilled in the art.

The present cap 23 optionally comprises a constricted insertion end 35, ie, an insertion end with a smaller diameter in cross-section than the diameter of the central section 27 of the cap 23. The diameter of the insertion end 35 may be the same. larger adjacent the central section 27 of the plug and may further decrease gradually in the distal direction 22. For example, the constricted insertion end 35 may be conical or rounded, and may preferably have a rounded dome shape. Because the insertion end 35 is the first portion of the tampon 23 to enter the vagina when the tampon is ejected from the applicator 1, the provision of a constricted insertion end 35 provides for easier insertion of the tampon 23, as the end 35 insertion may be performed during the forming of the plug 23.

gradually the tissue surrounding it and therefore less friction. Additionally, the constricted insertion end 35 may enable the tampon to be inserted deeper into the vagina, 1., closer to the cervix, which may advantageously promote wetting of the tampon, since the origin of the fluid is being collected is deep in the vagina. Caps with constricted insertion ends 35, in particular a rounded or dome-shaped insertion end 35, are therefore generally preferred by the consumer. The constriction or rounding of the insertion end 35 is usually compression of the absorbent material to. As an example, the axial length of the constricted insertion end 35, e.g. e.g., a rounded or dome-shaped insert end 35 may range from about 2 mm to about 25 mm.

In one embodiment, the grooves 31 provided on the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 may extend over the constricted insertion end 35. The grooves 31 may reduce contact between the surface of the constricted insertion end 35 of the plug and the petal sections 5 of the outer tube 3 during the ejection step. 0 Reduced contact may advantageously decrease the rupture of the surface of the insertion end 35 by the petal sections of the outer tube 3 that may occur during the ejection step. Such rupture of the surface of the insertion end 35 may result in release and loss of fibrous material from the insertion end 35 during the ejection step. This may be particularly important because the insertion end 35 may often be less compressed than the rest of the plug and may often not be provided with any coating on its surface and therefore may be more susceptible to rupture of its surface. external use of the assembly.

The grooves 31 may extend all the way to the distal end 36 of the constricted insertion end 35 or may only partially extend over the constricted insertion end 35 and terminate before reaching the distal end 36 of the insertion end 35. For example, the grooves 31 may taper in their depth and / or width toward the distal end 36 of the constricted insertion end 35. In general, the grooves 31 need not extend to the distal end 36 of the constricted insertion end 35 as it faces the central opening 8 in the outer tube 3 and usually does not contact the petal sections 5 for the ejection step. In addition, it may be preferable for injection into the vagina for the distal portion 36 of the insertion end 35 to be smooth.

Absorbent fibrous material usable in the tampon may consist of any absorbent material having acceptable absorbency and elastic modulus properties that are capable of absorbing and / or retaining liquid. The absorbent structure can be produced in a wide variety of sizes and shapes and a wide variety of materials. It is, of course, desirable to use absorbent materials having minimal soluble extraneous material content, as the product may be retained in the body for a considerable period of time. Soluble foreign materials retained could pose a safety hazard if they were toxic, irritant or sensitive. A representative, non-limiting list of useful materials includes cellulosic materials such as vegetable silk, cotton, wood pulp, crepe cellulose interlining, tissue paper laminates and packaging, bog and chemically hardened, modified or crosslinked cellulosic fibers; synthetic materials such as polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, absorbent foams, e.g. a resilient flexible polyurethane foam, absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gel materials; formed fibers, such as capillary channel fibers and multi-limb fibers; synthetic fibers, or any equivalent material or combinations of materials or mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent capacity

<td>of</td><td>plug. Per</td>

<td>at the</td><td>buffer can</td>

<td>how</td><td>eg foam</td>

of the present buffer can be further improved by selecting more absorbent material. When a more absorbent material is used, the buffers are less bulky, thus facilitating easier insertion and, especially when the buffer is not saturated, the withdrawal therefore the usable fibrous material comprises more absorbent materials such as e.g. open cell. The use of more absorbent material will further reduce the risk of leakage and diversion.

A plug may optionally be provided with one or more surface markings.

One provided by any means by means of marking inks may be including prints. A marking may or in incrustation comprise any features including numeric alpha, graphic illustrations, patterns and / or photographic illustrations. A marking may be, for example, information such as expiration date, absorbent capacity, instructions for use, precautionary statements. When the tampon is endowed with information, it is an information carrier. A tag can also be advertising. A tag may provide the user or user groups with attraction to the product. For example, it may comprise images, patterns, graphics, or alpha numerals designed to appeal to the thinking of a user group through aesthetic appearance and / or lifestyle association (eg, designs, logos, etc.).

A tampon may optionally be provided in one or more colors. Colors may be printed as above or impregnated in the material. A color may indicate an expiration date, absorbent capacity, size or other product information. A color can be designed to appeal to a user group's way of thinking through aesthetic appearance and / or lifestyle association.

A tampon may optionally be provided with a chemical indicator that is capable of indicative color change. This indicator may show, for example, a medical problem. A chemical indicator may react within one or more agents in body fluids to indicate an abnormality. For example, a chemical indicator may change color when a subject suffers from anemia (detecting iron / hemoglobin density), diabetes (detecting glucose), position in the menstrual cycle (detecting hormones), the presence of sexually transmitted diseases (detecting antigens for, for example, gonorrhea, syphilis,

<td>hepatitis A, B or C,</td><td>herpes, HIV,</td><td>chlamydia)</td><td>etc.</td><td></td>

<td>In a form of</td><td>realization,</td><td colspan="2">the surface</td><td>of cap 23 can</td>

<td>be at least</td><td>partially,</td><td>gifted</td><td>with</td><td>a coating</td>

permeable to liquids. The coating provides a smoother surface which reduces friction between the plug surface 29 and the respective applicator structures 1 during use of the assembly. By reducing friction, the liner facilitates easier removal of ejector tube 12 and decreases the likelihood of proximal displacement of cap 23 during the arming step. In addition, the coating also protects the underlying fibrous material of the plug 23 against rupture by the respective applicator structures 1 during use of the assembly. This decreases the chance of releasing fibers from the outer surface 29 of the plug 23 during use of the assembly and thereby reduces the likelihood of buffer material loss. Therefore, the provision of coating further helps to solve the problems of prior art assemblies.

In one embodiment, the liner may be provided in the base plug before it is pressed to insert the grooves 31 onto the outer surface 29 of the plug 23. Therefore, the areas on the base plug provided with the liner will be radially pressed to forming the ridges 31 and, as a result, the coating will cover the surfaces of both the ridges 31 and the buffer ribs 32. In this embodiment, contact between plug 23 and respective applicator structures 1 is reduced during use of the assembly due to the presence of grooves 31 on the outer surface of plug 23. In addition, the coating reduces friction between the circumferential surface. ribs 32 (ie, areas of the cap surface 29 that do not come into contact with the respective applicator structures 1) and the respective applicator structures 1 during use of the assembly. Additionally, the coating also protects the surface of the tampon against the release of fibrous material.

Coating typically does not decrease the absorption, suction capacity, or expandability of buffer 23. Use of coatings in buffers is well known in the art, as are suitable materials for such coatings and methods for providing buffers with such coatings. An exemplary disclosure of these aspects can be found in US 4816100. For example, the coating may consist of an air-exposed nonwoven cover material made from at least partially thermoplastic matting, heat-holding fibers or a perforated plastic film such as a three-dimensional orifice film or the like. In order to maintain the absorbent capacity and expandability of the tampon, said coating may preferably be an elastic coating or a liquid permeable elastic coating.

Usually, the lining is not provided at the insertion end 35 of the tampon to provide better menstruation access to said insertion end 35.

In another embodiment, the plug 23 further comprises a circumferentially extending radially raised portion 37 which is provided proximally 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 cap 23, or at least part of the central section 37 proximally 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 larger than the maximum outer diameter 30 of central section 37 proximally to said portion 37. Radially raised portion 37 is usually formed. during compression of the absorbent material to form the buffer. Therefore, the base plug is less radially compressed where the radially raised portion 37 will be located. The axial width of the radially raised portion may be, eg, between about 0.5 mm and about 7 mm. Therefore, the circumferentially extending radially raised portion 37 may be a continuous radially raised ring or may be formed of a plurality of circumferentially aligned radially raised projections.

The radially raised portion 37 of the plug 23 is thus configured to radially overlap the projections 10 on the inner distal surface of the outer tube 3. Therefore, the radially raised portion 37 of the cap 23 is adapted to engage or interconnect with projections 10 on the outer tube 3, thereby preventing displacement of the cap 23 in the proximal direction 21 during withdrawal of the ejector tube 12 from the tube. 3 external on the stored buffer 23.

In addition, when the assembly is ready for use, the plug 23 may be disposed at the distal end 13 of the ejector tube 12 so that the inwardly flexible strips 14 of the ejector tube 12 abut the proximal limit 25 of portion 37. radially raised cap 23 and define an opening having 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 plug insertion end 35 protrude from the distal opening of the ejector tube 12, while the remainder of the plug is disposed within the ejector tube 12. Engaging the strips 14 with the proximal limit 25 of the radially raised portion 37 prevents the plug 23 from re-entering the ejector tube 12 and thereby maintains proper positioning of the plug 23 within the assembly.

In one embodiment, the grooves 31 may extend over the radially raised portion 37 and further through this portion 37 over the insertion end 35. In this case, the orientation of the plug 23 in the assembly will preferably be such that the projections 10 of the outer tube 3 are not located within the grooves 31, as this would compromise the engagement between the projections 10 and the portion. 37 radially high. To avoid orientation problems, e.g. g., the number of protrusions 10 may be at least one more than the number of grooves 31 or the grooves 31 may be spiral or helical or the thickness of inward projections 10 in the circumferential direction may be greater than the width of the cap grooves 23.

In one embodiment, the radially raised portion 37 of the plug 23 is continuous with the constricted insertion end 35. For example, the radially raised portion 37 may have the largest maximum outer diameter at its proximal limit 25 and said diameter may further gradually decrease in the distal direction 22. Here, the proximal limit 25 of the radially raised portion 37 would form a base of a round enlarged head of the cap 23. Such a cap would have a mushroom shape, e.g. e., tampon 23 may be mushroom shaped. The enlarged head may be, eg, almost spherical or may be axially extended or flattened.

Alternatively, the radially raised portion 37 may maintain a relatively uniform maximum outer diameter over a particular axial length, eg, 0.5 mm to 5 mm and may then continue at a constrained insertion end 35. Such a tampon would have a rivet shape, re, the tampon 23 could be a rivet shape. The insertion end may be, eg, nearly spherical or may be axially extended or flattened.

A plug 23 may have various dimensions and sizes. For example, the length of the plug 23 may range from 20 mm to 70 mm, preferably from 35 mm to 60 mm and more preferably up to 55 mm. For example, the weight of buffer 23 may range from about 1.5 g to 6.5 g.

Accordingly, in view of the above description, in one embodiment there is provided an assembly comprising:

a compact tampon applicator 1 made of at least partially flexible material such as plastic and comprising an ejector tube 12, an outer tube 3 sized to fit closely and telescopically onto said ejector tube 12 and having one end 4 distal discharge means retaining means 2 between said pipes 3, 12 to prevent said ejector tube 12 from dismounting from said outer tube 3 in the proximal direction 21 and one or more inward projections 10 formed along the inner circumference adjacent the distal end 4 of the outer tube, and

a plug 23 having a longitudinal body defining a constrained insertion end 35, a withdrawing end 24, a central section extending between the two 27, a longitudinal axis 28, and an outer surface 29, wherein said plug 23 It has the following characteristics:

- consists essentially of compressed absorbent fibrous material,

- has a length between about 35 mm and about 60 mm,

- has a weight between about 1,5 g and about 6,5 g, and

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

In another aspect, it is provided, for use of the present set of a compact tampon applicator and a tampon, to discharge said tampon. The tampon is in particular a catamenial tampon and may be discharged into a body cavity, in particular the vaginal cavity. Thereby, the plug may be placed within said cavity.