DE102014004403A1 - Tampon, in particular for feminine hygiene - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tampon, in particular for feminine hygiene, with a wound core (2) of a strip-shaped core material (2a), wherein around the wound core (2) a jacket (3) of strip-shaped jacket material (3a) is provided on its lateral surface (4) has an expansion region (5).

Description

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to a tampon, in particular for feminine hygiene, with a wound core of a band-shaped core material.

State of the art

In the prior art, a large variety of tampons is known, which find particular use in women's hygiene. These tampons usually have a wound core, around which an envelope is provided as the last layer. This coating should serve as a protective layer and at the same time improve the handling of the tampon. The wrapping is wound during the manufacturing process and comprises a wide variety of materials.

The tip of the tampon is shaped so that a simple application, especially in women's hygiene, can be ensured. Further, at the lower end of the tampon, a cord is attached, which can serve as a handle, for example, in the disposal.

These prior art tampons operate satisfactorily but may be inflexible to use and, in addition, leaks may occur which make the use of the tampon difficult or unsatisfactory for the user.

The problem underlying the invention

The invention has for its object to provide a tampon, especially for feminine hygiene, which ensures a reliable application.

Inventive solution

The solution of the problem is achieved by a tampon, especially for feminine hygiene, with the features of claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with each other, are the subject of the dependent claims.

The tampon according to the invention has a wound core of a band-shaped core material, wherein a jacket of band-shaped jacket material is provided around the wound core. According to the present invention, the jacket has an expansion region on its lateral surface. Through the expansion area of the shell, a controlled expansion of the core material can be ensured during use of the tampon. The liquid penetrates through the jacket to the interior of the tampon, namely to the core, which then expands accordingly. Due to the expansion pressure of the now wet core, the expansion area may yield, and the core causes the tampon body to bulge corresponding to the expansion area. Thus, a high tightness during use can be ensured. The expansion region extends in strips over the lateral surface of the substantially cylindrical tampon, wherein the height of the strip is less than the total height of the tampon. Consequently, the tampon body can expand at a defined height and consequently bulge.

It has been found to be particularly advantageous that the expansion region begins at about 4 mm below the tampon tip and stops at about 4 mm from the end of the tampon. Ie. the height of the expansion area on the lateral surface of the cylindrical tampon can be between 1 to 2.5 cm, whereby approx. 1.5 cm have given very good results.

The expansion area on the lateral surface of the tampon ensures that a bulging of the lateral surface occurs during use, essentially in the middle region of the cylindrical tampon. The bulge causes the cylindrical tampon body has its maximum diameter substantially at half height or length. This is ensured by the dedicated expansion area on the outer surface of the tampon.

When using the tampon, the bulge in the expansion area causes a substantially fluid-tight use can be ensured. Thus, bodily fluids (such as menstrual blood) can not escape to the outside and, at the same time, the ingress of fluids, such as in the pool, is also effectively prevented.

Thus, a tampon can be provided which has a secure and in particular fluid-tight function. Furthermore, the expansion area causes increased comfort, since it can adapt to the anatomical conditions readily.

According to the invention, the expansion area may comprise a display means which can signal the expansion of the tampon in the expansion area. As a display means color areas can be provided, the color and or change form to indicate usage. According to the invention, all possible indicating means can be used which indicate the expansion of the expansion area to a user and / or user.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

According to one embodiment of the invention, the expansion region of the jacket is strip-shaped, in particular in the manner of a hollow cylinder jacket surface, formed over the jacket surface of the jacket. Consequently, a bulge of the tampon body may occur during use, which at about half height or length has the largest diameter. Depending on the formation of the expansion area, a defined formation of the bulge can be ensured.

It is preferable that the expansion area is formed integrally in the cladding material and / or made by weakening the band-shaped cladding material at a predetermined height. The fact that the expansion area is already implemented in the jacket material, a simple production of the tampon can be ensured. The expansion region can be provided by material weakening or weakening of the band-shaped jacket material. For example, the material may be stretched in the expansion area, so that the material density in this area is reduced, and then the material can be cut to the desired width. In the edge regions, the band-shaped material has a relatively high density and in the expansion region, which is arranged between the edge regions, the density is reduced, so that the expansion of the tampon core can be provided in a defined manner during use.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the expansion region is formed by means of a drape of the band-shaped jacket material. In this embodiment, the jacket material may have a fold in the expansion region. In the fold area, the two materials, i. H. Sheath material and core material, not fastened or welded. After the tampon is rolled up with the help of the winding fork, the fold area of the jacket area rests on the core material, but without specific fastening or welding. Thus, the expansion of the core defined in the expansion area of the cladding material can be provided.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the band-shaped core material has an inhomogeneous density distribution over its width. Accordingly, after rolling up of the tampon with the aid of the winding fork, an asymmetrically inhomogeneous tampon core can be formed, which has its maximum diameter in the expansion region.

It is preferred that the jacket material and the core material have a fastening region, in particular a welding region, for joining the two materials together, wherein the fastening region, in particular the welding region, has a fastening surface between the materials which according to the expansion region does not make direct contact between the jacket material and the jacket Has core material. Thus, the two materials are unwelded or without weld or weld area, one above the other, so that the tampon core can expand unhindered in the expansion area. Instead of a welding process, for example, a ironing or ironing of the materials take place, wherein in the expansion region only an unattached superimposition of the two strip-shaped materials is present.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the core has three density regions corresponding to the inhomogeneous density distribution of the band-shaped core material. Thus, an absorbent core can be provided which can very quickly direct and store liquids into its interior. Furthermore, the defined expansion of the core in the expansion region of the lateral surface can be ensured.

The tampon has a liquid storage area with the highest material density compared to the outer sealing areas, wherein the liquid storage area is covered by the expansion area of the jacket material. The tampon core has three density areas, with the highest density area formed below the expansion area. Ie. the expansion area encases the density area with the highest density in the central area of the substantially cylindrical tampon. Thus, this expansion of the core can be defined and controlled in this region of the tampon, so that a secure and dense application is ensured during use. The tampon can thus adapt to the anatomical conditions of the user in its expansion area or expansion area.

The liquid storage area may be formed in the manner of an ellipsoid. Thus, the three density regions of the inhomogeneous core can be formed inexpensively, and this shape has been distinguished as being particularly storable. Rather, the ellipsoid also has a fast reaction time when taking up liquids during use, making the tampon much faster than that Tampons from the prior art works. Ie. The liquid is very quickly conducted into the interior of the tampon core and stored safely. By virtue of this ellipsoidal shape, the expansion region can extend exactly in the side vertex region, so that a fluid-tight shaping of the tampon can be provided. The expansion area accordingly has a bulge, which arises in the region of the main apex during use and thus can adapt optimally to the anatomical conditions.

It is preferred that the liquid storage region in the form of an ellipsoid has the highest material density in the region of its main vertex. Thus, the liquid can be quickly dissipated into the interior of the tampon core there and rather in this area, a rapid expansion or bulging of the tampon arise.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the liquid storage region designed as an ellipsoid has a first and a second main vertex, wherein the first main vertex is arranged in the insertion region of the tampon and the second main vertex is arranged in the handling region of the tampon. As a result, the production of the tampon can be automated and made cost-effective.

It is preferred that the width of the core material corresponds to the length of the tampon. Thus, the manufacturing process can be kept simple. After winding the tampon no further processing of the tampon blank is necessary because the necessary length is already guaranteed.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantageous embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing, to which the invention is not limited.

They show schematically:

1 the basic manufacturing method of a tampon according to the present invention,

2 a perspective view of a tampon according to the present invention,

3 the tampon core representation in a schematic view,

4 a tampon which has come in contact with liquid in use as a schematic representation, and

5a . 5b . 5c different attachments of the jacket material on the core material also as a schematic representation.

Detailed description based on an embodiment

In the following description of two preferred embodiments of the present invention, like reference characters designate like or similar components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawings may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various forms.

1 shows the basic manufacturing method of a tampon according to the present invention. The tampon 1 becomes essentially a band-shaped core material 2a and a band-shaped jacket material 3a by means of a winding fork 20 rolled up or rolled up. The tampon blank thus obtained is then shaped by means of a press (not shown) and then packaged in a protective film.

The wound core material 2a defines the main component of the tampon, namely the core 2 which should essentially store the fluids in its interior during use. To the core material 2 In addition, the jacket material 3a wound up, the coat or protective jacket 3 of the tampon 1 provides. The jacket is also fluid-permeable, the same material as the core 2 include, or else another to the core 2 different material. A function of the coat 3 is among other things also the Kermanterial 2a In addition, no fibers can get out of the core 2 leave during use. These are from the coat 3 retained so that a hygienic use can be guaranteed.

The jacket material 3a according to one embodiment of the invention is in a mounting area 14 with the nuclear material 2a interconnected, in particular welded, although other fastening techniques are conceivable. The attachment area includes a mounting surface 15 where the two materials 2a . 2 B lie over each other or overlap. The mounting surface 15 defines the contact surface of both materials, and according to one embodiment of the invention, the surface is not homogenous in the width of the band-shaped materials, but has a discontinuous area where the materials simply overlap without there being any Welding or the like is done. This broken area is consistent with an expansion area 5 on the lateral surface 4 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The expansion area 5 on the lateral surface 4 ensures a defined expansion of the tampon core 2 during use, so that the tampon as such can adapt to the anatomical conditions. The expansion area 5 on the lateral surface 4 will automatically arise when winding the tampon, so that a simple and inexpensive production can be ensured.

The expansion area 5 can be integral in the sheath material 3a can be implemented, but also the use of two materials can be imagined. Ie. the expansion area 5 is elongate, band-shaped over the length of the jacket material 3a formed and indeed from a second, for example, expandable material component, which, however, is liquid-permeable.

During the production of the tampon 1 with the help of the winding fork 20 the strip-shaped expansion area is automatically on the lateral surface 4 placed so that the tampon 1 a defined expansion area 5 receives, in which the tampon core 2 can expand in a controlled manner. The winding fork 20 has an axis A, which at the end of the axis of the wound tampon 1 equivalent.

The tampon blank is after winding by means of the fork 20 pressed into its final cylindrical shape in a suitable press. Accordingly, the expansion area runs 5 on the lateral surface 4 strip-shaped essentially at half the height of the cylindrical tampon body, so that in this area the maximum expansion or expansion of the tampon core 2 can be provided.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the strip-shaped expansion region 5 Display means which allow a user the location of the maximum extent of the tampon core 2 displays. The display means may be colored, for example, or even conceivable is a structured form, for example by knobs or the like. Also conceivable is the formation of grooves or elevations which provide, for example, a simple handle in addition to the display.

In 2 Figure 4 is a perspective view of a finished tampon according to the present invention. As mentioned above, the axis A now corresponds to the winding fork 20 now the major axis of the substantially cylindrical tampon body 1 , The tampon 1 includes a handle area 11 on which a string or the like is provided. The insertion area 11 or the tampon tip is used for easy use of the tampon and should be designed as slippery as possible.

The length L of the tampon 1 now corresponds to the width of the band-shaped materials 2a and 3a and corresponds substantially to the height of the Zylindrischen tampon body 2 , The expansion area 5 runs according to an embodiment of the invention on the lateral surface 4 of the tampon 1 , and has a predetermined height H, which in turn defines the maximum extent of the tampon core. It has been found that the height H of the expansion region is approximately half the length L (or height) of the cylindrical tampon body 1 should correspond. Very good results have been achieved even at a ratio H = 0.8 × L, ie the height of the expansion area 5 on the lateral surface 4 extends to approx. 80% of the cylindrical surface.

When used, thus, the tampon core 2 according to the expansion area 5 expand and thus develop a fluid-tight property, while rapid fluid intake by dissipation of these into the interior of the tampon core 2 ,

3 shows a schematic representation of the formed as ellipsoid tampon core according to the present invention. The ellipsoid essentially serves as a liquid storage area 6b and gets through the lateral surface 4 or the coat 3 jacketed.

The tampon 1 also has two outer density areas 6a and 6c , which are in the handling area 11 or in the insertion area 10 are located. The outer density ranges 6a and 6c have a lower material density compared to the liquid storage area 6b essentially serve to discharge fluids to the interior of the tampon core 2 , Because the material density of these outer areas 6a and 6c lower, therefore, the handle and the introduction of the tampon 1 especially easy and pleasant happened.

The tampon core or core 2 is formed according to this embodiment of the invention as an ellipsoid, and has an inhomogeneous density profile along the axis of the cylindrical tampon body 1 on. According to one embodiment of the invention, the core material density is in the region of the main vertex 9a . 9b of the ellipsoid about 20% and in the area of the minor vertex 8a . 8b about 80%. Thus, in the area of Nebensccheitel 8a . 8b the highest material density of the core 2 can be ensured, and thus the liquid storage area 6b be made especially receptive. Furthermore, the fluid intake during use can be done very quickly, so that the tampon 1 As such, it may be liquid-tight and quickly receptive.

In the area of the secondary summit 8a and 8b of the core 2 is according to the present invention, the expansion area 5 provided a defined and predetermined expansion of the core 2 during use of the tampon 1 guaranteed.

4 shows a schematic view of a tampon according to the present invention, which has come in contact with liquid. The core 2 of the tampon 1 has quickly absorbed the liquid passing through the mantle 3 has been derived inside. The core according to the present invention may be below the expansion range 5 the lateral surface 4 expand and in a predetermined width or height H of the cylindrical tampon body 1 to experience its maximum expansion. Consequently, in addition to the rapid fluid intake an anatomical bulge of the nucleus 2 , which has turned out in use to be particularly comfortable to wear. Rather, the Flüssigketsbarriere can be ensured particularly effective and dense.

The extent of the tip of the tampon is shown only schematically and may be different or be formed in the actual use. The 4 is intended only schematically the technical effect of the expansion area 5 according to the present invention, in which a defined and predetermined expansion of the tampon core 2 can be guaranteed. The expansion area 5 on the lateral surface 4 makes sure that in it the largest bulge of the lateral surface 4 takes place, essentially in the area of the secondary vertices, the tampon core formed as an ellipsoid 2 ,

The 5a . 5b and 5c show schematically the attachment area between jacket material 3a and nuclear material 2a , Around the expansion area 5 According to one embodiment of the invention, according to one embodiment of the invention, a drape may be provided 15a be provided. There are the two materials 2a and 2 B no direct contact, and they are not welded together or fixed by means of an alternative technique.

Another alternative to providing the expansion area 5 is the stretching or the material weakening of the jacket material 3a according to the expansion area 5 , shown in 5b , Also, the use of another material component, the in 5c can also be imagined.

According to these embodiments, the attachment area 14 below the expansion area 5 no immediate welding or attachment of the two materials 2a and 3a on. Ie. Similar to a broken weld, the materials are 2a and 3a loosely on top of each other so that during use of the tampon the core 2 in this area 5 may have its maximum bulge.

Thus, a tampon can be provided which has a secure and in particular fluid-tight function. Furthermore, the expansion area causes increased comfort, since it can adapt to the anatomical conditions readily.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

tampon

2

core

2a

nuclear material

3

coat

3a

jacket material

4

lateral surface

5

expansion area

6

6a

Outer density area

6b

Liquid storage area

6c

Outer density area

8a and 8b

First and second side vertex of the liquid storage area designed as ellipsoid

9a and 9b

First and second major vertex of the liquid storage area formed as an ellipsoid

10

insertion

11

Handle area

14

Fastening area, in particular welding area

15

Mounting surface, in particular immediate contact surface

15a

Drape or interrupted weld or attachment point

20

Wrap fork for tampon production

H

Height of the expansion area

B

Width of the core material

L

tampon length

Claims (10)

Tampon, in particular for feminine hygiene, with a wound core ( 2 ) of a strip-shaped core material ( 2a ), characterized in that around the wound core ( 2 ) a coat ( 3 ) of strip-shaped jacket material ( 3a ) is provided, which on its lateral surface ( 4 ) an expansion area ( 5 ) having. Tampon according to claim 1, characterized in that the expansion area ( 5 ) of the jacket ( 3 ) strip-shaped, in particular in the manner of a hollow cylinder jacket surface, over the lateral surface ( 4 ) of the jacket ( 3 ) is trained. Tampon according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the expansion area ( 5 ) in the jacket material ( 3a ) is integrally formed and / or by material weakening of the band-shaped jacket material ( 3a ) is made at a predetermined height (H). Tampon according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the expansion area ( 5 ) by means of a drape of the strip-shaped jacket material ( 3a ) is trained. Tampon according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band-shaped core material ( 2a ) has an inhomogeneous density distribution over its width (B). Tampon according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jacket material ( 3a ) and the nuclear material ( 2a ) a fastening area ( 14 ), in particular a welding area ( 14 ), for joining together both materials, wherein the attachment area ( 14 ), in particular the welding area ( 14 ), a mounting surface ( 15 ) between the materials corresponding to the expansion area ( 5 ) no direct contact between the jacket material ( 3a ) and the nuclear material ( 2a ) having. Tampon according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core ( 2 ) according to the inhomogeneous density distribution of the strip-shaped core material ( 2a ) three density ranges ( 6a . 6b . 6c ) having. Tampon according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tampon ( 1 ) a liquid storage area ( 6b ) with the highest material density compared to the outer sealing areas ( 6a . 6c ), wherein the liquid storage area ( 6b ) of the expansion area ( 5 ) of the jacket material is sheathed. Tampon according to claim 6, characterized in that the liquid storage area ( 6b ) is formed in the manner of an ellipsoid. Tampon according to claim 9, characterized in that the ellipsoidal liquid storage area ( 6b ) in the area of its secondary vertices ( 8a . 8b ) has the highest material density.

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