Tampon

Nov. 7, 1939.

2,178,704

V E. ROBINSON

TAMPON

Filed March 12, 1936

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Patented Nov. 7, 1939

2,178,704

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

2,178,704 TAMPON

Vera E. Robinson, Chicago, Hl.

Application March 12, 1936, Serial No. 68,480

Claims. (Cl. -128—285)

This invention relates to a sanitary napkin of the type which, for the sake of adapting it for use internally, is made in the form of a tampon, and for rendering it more convenient in packag5 ing and more readily insertable, is initially reduced materially in transverse dimension, but of an inherent nature that causes it to react tq moisture encountered in use and enlarge itself into close conformity with the cavity in which it 10 is used, and at the same time enable it to take up and contain a greater volume of the secretion that has to be absorbed.

Objects, of the present invention are to increase expansibility and consequent absorbent 15 capacity of such an article to an extent that will make it available for all parts of the menstrual period; to render it more conformable in use and wholly free from abrasive harshness; and to enable it to be more cheaply produced and more 20 accurately calibrated as to size, density, expansibility and absorptive capacity.

The invention proceeds upon the principle of using, for the absorptive body of the tampon, fiber preferably cellulosic in origin; in loose con23 dition that renders it not only compressible but resilient and more expansible and absorbent in use; and defining the shape of said body of fiber and the dimensions to which it expands through means of an element on the surface of said body 30 less expansible than said mass, for instance, by confining the body of fibrous material in a sack which, on the one hand, does not detract from its capacity of absorption and, on the other hand, lends itself successfully to compression in35 cident to initial reduction of dimensions as well as the resilient reaction causing expansion of the body to its full absorptive dimensions when released by dissolution of the solvent.

In the accompanying drawing, in which the 40 preferred embodiment of the invention is shown by way of illustration: ^J

Figure 1 represents the tampon in one form in which it may be used, namely, with an enclosing capsule of soluble material that holds it in its ⁴⁵ initial condensed form.

Figure 2 represents the article in substantially the form which it assumes as a result of encounter with moisture in use.

Figure 3 is a view of the body portion of Figure ^5U 2 with one-half of the confining sack removed.

Figure 4 is a view of the parts shown in Figure 2, subjected to condensation by a method which includes depression radially inward in S5 planes defining segments of the spheroidal body, to bring the body approximately to dimensions desirable for packaging and insertion.

Figure 5 is an end view of Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows segregated the two halves of one type of a capsule adapted to be used. 5

Figure 7 shows the capsule members of Figure 6 assembled; and

Figure 8 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 but showing in modified form a capsule with one ₍end open and exposing the body to absorptive 10 action simultaneously with the solvent action upon its capsule.'

In Figure 1 is shown the body of a tampon i which, in this illustration, is encased in a soluble capsule that insures sterilization and con- 15 venient packaging and handling in the merchandising stage and facilitates application to use. The compressible, resilient and absorbent fibrous body 2 is enclosed in its confining jacket and expanded to dimensions permitted by its so said jacket after release from its soluble capsule or other retentive influence. The cord 3 serves as the means by which the tampon is removed after it has served its purpose. In Figure 3, 4 represents a short fibered, non-felted, compressi- 25 ble and resilient filler, for instance, absorbent cellulose, introduced into the reticulated gauzelike jacket 2 in quantity sufficient to distend the jacket to the full dimensions desired and at the same time leaving the body of fibrous filler at 30 such density as will render it highly absorptive, cause it to conform to the space in which it is confined without harshness or abrasive effect, and insure high capacity in its intended functions. 35

In order to introduce into a protective and condensing capsule I a body consisting of the compressible and resilient, non-felted short fibers 4 with their flexible dimensioning, absorptionpromoting and confining jacket 2, such jacketed 40 body will preferably be forced through a condensing funnel arranged to present it to the capsule as the body emerges from the funnel; and this funnel will preferably be provided with internal ribs in position which will cause develop- 45 ment in the body 2 of inwardly extending radial creases or grooves 2α (Figure 4) in positions corresponding to confines of segments of a spheroid. In this method of applying the forces of condensation, readily soluble adhesive may be 50 applied to the surface of the net sufficient to cause the body to remain under condensation and retain the body in favorable condition for use without a capsule and free to expand when its creases are released by dissolution of the adhe- 55

2,178,704 sive. Or this method of condensing facilitates introduction into a capsule if that be the means chosen for retaining it in condensed form.

The form of capsule shown in Figures 6 and g 7 consists of two half-shells telescoping one within the other, made of gelatinous or other known readily soluble substance, several of which are well known as vehicles or containers of medicaments or internally applied remedies; the tele10 scoping edges of such half-shells being adhered together by suitable known solvents or adhesives.

If preferred, a conventional form of capsule may be used, consisting of, two substantially cylindrical members telescoping at meeting mar15 gins in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the capsule, particularly if the end of one member of this capsule be cut out in such manner that, while confining the body against premature expansion, will leave the end of the body 2Q in position to absorb moisture and by resultant expansion promote or quicken the release of the capsule as it is weakened by its own absorption of moisture even in advance of complete dissolution.