DE1919847A1 - Tampon applicator and device and method for its manufacture - Google Patents

Description

"Tampon applicator and the device and method for its manufacture."

The invention is generally concerned with improved tampon applicators, and more particularly, relates to an improved one Tube construction used for these devices and a method and apparatus for making these tubes.

In U.S. Patents 3,204,635 and 3,358,354 is already An improved monthly flow tampon applicator has been described which utilizes an outer tube having a pointed tip and an inner taapon discharge tube which slides within the outer tube. aside from that a method for shaping the front ends of these tubes can be found in the above publications. That ripped up The end of the outer tube makes it easier to push the applicator into the vagina and consists of a large number of dovetail-shaped slits, which one slightly closes from the inside Form an opening structure, whereby the user can eject the tampon without excessive force. The inner one The tampon ejection tube has a front part that touches the tampon

Patent Attorney Dlpl.-Ing. Martin Licht, Dlpl.-Wlrfich.-Ing, Axel Hantmann, Dipl.-Phys. Sebastian Herrmann

I MÖNCHEN 3, THIII3IINSTIASII 33 - Tttefon, 211303 Talcgramm address Upatll / MOnAw Bayer. Vtrtlntbwtk MSndttit, Zwvlft ». OtUr-vwt-Mllttr-IUi «, Xfo.-Nr. Bt34t9 · PeirtcMck-KoAKi MUdUn No. 1433 »7

Off · * «« «Hrei MTINTANWAiT OR. MINHOlD SCHMIOT

_ ₂ _ Ib 19847

smaller diameter ends in a similar way is constructed like the front end of the outer tube by

it consists of several folded sectors. -

In copending United States patent application 69O 001 a automatic applicator tube forming unit described. With the help of this apparatus, the front end of the tube is first folded and then with the help of a suitably designed mold that creates tightly contiguous folds, pressed into its final shape. In making the outer tampon applicator tube is the compressed front end of the tube to weaken the folds on a trial basis " folded. This is done by opening the front end of the tube to its essentially original, cylindrical shape by successively inserting larger and larger ones Thorns being stretched into the front end of the tube. On the other hand, the tube can also be expanded in a single step. In this case, the mandrel doing the stretching becomes rather advanced from the inside through the front end of the tube,

DoEne than that one or more / are used from the outside. To

the stretching compresses the front end of the tube back together so that it acquires its final pointed shape. The folding, unfolding, and repeated folding stress the kinks, leaving a substantially non-standing, limp "Hinge or hinge is created. As a result, the front end of the tube does not tend to reopen and only offers a small resistance as soon as the tampon is moved through the front end during the ejection process.

The elasticity of the material that makes up the outer tube Of course, there is an essential factor, not just in terms of wrinkling, but also because it is desirable from the point of view of the consumer that the axial force or thrust, the is necessary to pry open the front end and expel the tampon, is limited to a minimum. More precisely

909047/0621 or.g.nal inspected

_ ₃ _. VJ-19847

says that means that the required axial force or the required axial pressure should, if possible, be around 500 g or less. Furthermore, it cannot be allowed that any paper residue, any dirt or other residues of any kind when opening the front end Foreign bodies that have detached themselves from the creases of the folds reach the vagina either directly or through the tampon.

Furthermore, it can be seen that a thin-walled outer one Tube is highly desirable because in this way the overall diameter of the applicator can be minimized while the tampon can assume a maximum size in it. The result is a product that has a pleasing appearance, is easy to insert and at the same time contains a tampon which has the greatest liquid absorbency and the desired elasticity or has a resilience to facilitate the formation of the folded front end and its opening.

By attaching a ring to the Musseren tube, next to its rear end, as described in US patent 5 3 * 71 suggested, the outer tube can be reinforced, in order to avoid the gripping pressure during the application of the applicator resulting deformation to a minimum. The ring is also used for a safe grip of the applicator so that it can be appropriately aligned during insertion. In the above US patent application 690 00i describes a device for automatically attaching the rings to the outer tubes.

Certain tampon applicators currently available are Made of plastic material, such as polyethylene, because these applicator tubes are more stable than those made from Materials such as paper are made, they have disadvantages that make their use decidedly less popular do. For example, plastic applicators are on a

§09847 / 0521 originally inspected

fully sanitary way, e.g. flushing a water Toilet cannot be moved away. Furthermore, plastic applicators have thicker walls than paper applicators and can therefore, they are bulky and, like all open-ended applicators, are often difficult to insert.

The manufacture of multilayer tubes by helically winding overlapping strips of paper onto one fixed mandrel is known. However, certain problems arise when winding very thin strips of paper will. Thus, the tension of the strips as they are being wound onto the mandrel must be precisely controlled to thereby ensure the uniformity of the end product. Furthermore, a to high tension will cause the strips to tear or the winding machine to come to a complete standstill. That's why it is desirable that each strip of paper be under a relatively low, constant tension.

Since the paper strips are wound under tension, between the innermost surface of the tube and the The mandrel creates significant frictional forces as the tube rotates around the mandrel and advances over the mandrel. These can too Torsional deformation and tearing of the tube. Although various liquid oils, e.g. petroleum lubricating oil, commonly used as lubricants for the helical one If tube winding are used, these lubricants are not suitable for winding thin strips of paper, as they depend on the Paper can be completely absorbed and cause discoloration of the paper during storage. In addition comes that petroleum-based lubricating oil is an agent that accelerates the growth of bacteria and therefore does not as a lubricant for winding tampon applicator tubes suitable.

ORIGINAL INSPECTED

§09847 / 0521

-5- "C! 9847

The object of the invention is to provide improved tubes made of layers and improved methods and facilities for making these tubes.

According to the invention, a laminate is therefore produced, consisting of a thin inner layer and an outer layer Paper with a smooth, essentially non-absorbent outer coating and an unpainted surface as well with an intermediate layer between the inner and outer layer, which is made of an uncoated, blotting paper-like, short fiber and porous paper.

In addition, the invention provides a method of production an applicator tube for hygienic means proposed, which is characterized in that a strip material on a mandrel is wound, advancing along the mandrel, and that the surface of the strip material, which contacts the mandrel before the strip material arrives at the mandrel, is provided with a lubricant consisting of Lycopodium powder.

According to the invention, a device for the production of tubes for applicators for the application of hygienic agents is provided, which is characterized by the following elements: a stationary mandrel, a device that is operatively connected to the mandrel for the helical winding of strip material onto the mandrel, a device for applying a liquid adhesive on the tape material, provided with a spout-forming element for receiving the adhesive, which has a slot device, such that the tape material can migrate through the slot device and the spout-forming device, and a device connected to the spout-forming device, Adhesive applying device under pressure whereby all surfaces of the tape material are exposed to the adhesive. This glue feeder

9 0 9 8 A 7/0 B 2 1 originally inspected

19847

is oriented with respect to the slitting device so that the adhesive is directed directly against an edge of the strip material. Furthermore, the device according to the invention for producing the applicator tubes with two opposing, spaced-apart wiping surfaces for Remove excess adhesive from the surfaces of the tape material after the tape material has passed the Has left the spout forming device, these wiping surfaces on the surfaces of the strip material uniform, create the same adhesive thickness.

In general, the invention is concerned with the production of a thin-walled tube construction consisting of layers or plies, which forms a tube supply, of which applicator devices for hygienic means, for example Tampon applicators, can be made. A three-layer construction is used with a thin outer layer which is opaque and very white in color, has high strength and rigidity as well as an extremely smooth, coated outer surface. The tubular The construction also has an inner layer that is thinner and less strong than the outer layer, but does not break easily from repeated folding. Between the outer and the inner layer and connected to these two layers is an intermediate layer of uncoated, short-fiber blotting paper, which is thicker and much less firm than the inner or outer layer and a very can withstand little folding. The intermediate layer is also characterized by a relatively low one Density and high porosity, so that it is quickly and completely through during the manufacture of the tube structure impregnate and moisten the connecting adhesive.

The composite structure described above is suitable yourself! «special as basic or supply material for one outer applicator tube of the type described in the United States patent 3 204 635 as it is the shaping of the folded

9090Λ7 / 052 1

ORiGiNAL INSPECTED

"<." 9847

End facilitates while they the axial force required to open the folded end when ejecting the tampon limited to a minimum. The inner layer also serves to remove any glue particles and paper debris or by the intermediate layer during the unfolding of the front end to capture and hold lustful fibers, if the tampon is expelled to prevent these particles and fibers from reaching the tampon and vagina.

The inner applicator tube can also be supplied from a supply of tubes be produced, which has the layer structure described above. By gluing the different layers together With a water-soluble glue, the applicator can be cleaned in a sanitary way, e.g. with the help of a water rinse Toilet, completely dissolvable.

In the method according to the invention for producing the described applicator tubes consisting of layers. becomes tape material at constant speed from reels of betrayal peeled off and sica overlapping and offset to one another wound helically around a fixed mandrel. In addition, a lubricant in the form of Lykopoäisapwfcrer is applied applied to the surface of the strip material that touches and runs on the surface of the fixed dome.

for

Furthermore, this process / the manufacture of the applicator supply tube also includes the process step of applying liquid adhesive to all surfaces of the blotting-sheet-like strip material that forms the middle layer, as well as the process step of removing excess adhesive from the strip surfaces in order to thereby achieve uniform adhesive thicknesses on both surfaces and to avoid slipping between adjacent strips during the winding process, thereby ensuring the production of a uniform product. In order to increase the certainty that the adhesive layer thicknesses on the surfaces of the intermediate strip are uniform and the same, the tape path between the point at which excess adhesive is removed _/ and the mandrel is rotated by 180 °.

1519847

According to the invention, a device is also created with which the strip material under constant, low tension is fed to the tube winder. Generally speaking, the tape feeder includes a rotatable platform in the form of a relatively high inertia turntable on which a supply roll of tape material is supported. Furthermore, the device is provided with a friction brake, which is connected to the surface, for example the outer circumference, the rotating platform is in contact. The tape feeder is equipped with a tape tension sensor equipped, which gives the friction brake a force that corresponds to the belt tension. As soon as the belt tension increases, the friction brake is pushed away from the surface of the rotating platform, thereby reducing the frictional force. The force resulting from the belt tension is kept in balance by a compressive force, that of the friction brake and seeks to move the friction brake towards the surface of the rotating platform. From it the result is a simple mechanical feedback system that precisely maintains the voltage at the level required by the Pressure force is determined, which is provided in a simple form by a weight connected to the friction brake will.

According to one embodiment of the subject matter of the invention, a tube winding device is created with means for Application of liquid adhesive is provided on the tape material which is wrapped around the mandrel. In general, they point Adhesive application means on a chamber or pouring tray through which the tape material is passed. The liquid glue, which has been heated to reduce its viscosity, is fed to the pouring bowl under pressure. All surfaces of the Tapes are exposed to the adhesive in the shell and therefore the tape quickly becomes soaked and completely impregnated. The adhesive application means also contain two

ORIGINAL INSPECTED

§09847 / 0521

opposing, spaced, rounded wiping surfaces between which the tape material passes after it has left the pouring bowl, and the Remove excess adhesive from the surfaces of the tape so that uniform, even thicknesses of adhesive are left on the tape. The wiping surfaces can be circular Have cross-section whose radius is at least about 3 mm.

Furthermore, the device according to the invention can be equipped with a device for dispensing dosed quantities of lycopodium powder onto the surface of the pin that is in contact with the fixed mandrel Strip material are provided. This dispenser is equipped with a container that holds a powder supply and which is provided in its lower part with a funnel-shaped section which converges downwards towards an opening through which the powder can run out. The outer circumference of a cylindrical wheel that is mounted in a cylindrical cavity below the funnel-shaped part, stands with the opening at the lower end of the funnel-shaped part in connection and is rotated by a motor so that lycopodium powder is removed from the container and delivered to the strip material which passes just below the lower end of the curved cylinder circumference. The gap between the outer surfaces of the cylinder and the cylindrical cavity in which if the cylinder rotates, it is uniform and approximately 0.05 mm in size, so that precisely dosed quantities of lycopodium powder are dispensed.

Exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are shown schematically in the drawing, to which the following description refers. In the drawing show:

Figure 1 «ine longitudinal sectional view of a tampon applicator, FIG. 2 is a perspective, partially broken away view of the applicator tube from FIG. 1,

0'0Seu / 0621 _0WG1N AU inspected

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged part of the longitudinal sectional view of FIG.

FIG. K shows a plan view of part of the tube winding device for producing the applicator shown in FIGS. 1 to 3,

Figure 5 is an end view of part of the device of Figure k _t . ■

Figure 6 shows an enlarged part of the k in FIG plan view shown,

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged part of the plan view shown in FIG. K , the strip material used to manufacture the tube being omitted,

Figure 8 is a perspective ament of a device for the strip material feed to a tube winding device below essentially constant, low voltage,

Figure 9 is a plan view of the device shown in Figure 8,

FIG. 10 is a partially exploded, schematic, perspective view of an adhesive application device,

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of part of the adhesive application device shown in FIG. 10,

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of a dispenser for a powdered lubricant and FIG

FIG. 13 is an end sectional view of the dispensing device shown in FIG.

Although the following description relates to applicators for inserting tampons, other hygienic or medical means can of course also be used, for example supermarkets, with the help of those dealt with here Bring applicators to the intended location.

In Figure 1, a tampon applicator 10 is shown. Of the Applicator 10 has a longitudinal axis 12 and is provided with an outer tube 14, an inner, tapon discharge tube 16, the

is arranged in the rear part of the outer tube Ik so that it can be pushed in and out, and is provided with a tampon 18 which is located in the front end of the outer tube Ik .

The outer tube Ik has a relatively thin, layered wall structure, which is described in detail below, and a front, pointed end 20 which facilitates the insertion of the outer tube Ik into the vagina and speeds up the insertion process without the user feels pain or is irritated. The shape of the front outer end of the tampon 18 is adapted to the pointed configuration of the interior of the front end 20 of the tube Ik .

A reinforcement and gripping ring 22 is mounted on the outer surface of the outer tube Ik in accordance with the teachings described in U.S. Patent 3,347,234. The rear end of the tube 14 and the ring 22 are flush so that a relatively large surface area is created and the sharp rear edge of the tube 14 is eliminated.

The front end 20 of the outer tube 14 bBdt ';, made up of a series of overlapping, closely abutting folds, the structure and design of which are detailed in the aforementioned US Pat are described. Briefly, the front end of the outer tube 14 is initially crimped or partially folded and then compressed into a conical shape that completely receives the tube end. Next, the folded end is "used" ¹¹ , ie, folded open and closed, in order to weaken the fold lines and thereby reduce the axial force required to eject the tampon during the insertion process. This "use" creates an im creates a substantial slack joint and almost completely eliminates the tendency of the material that

909647/0521 ORIe ₁ NAL _INSP oted

- 12 - ' ¹ - ^1R847

to return the folded front end to its original shape. The ultimate goal is a completely "dead" soft fold. Generally speaking, this "use" is essentially achieved by completely unfolding or expanding the completely collapsed tube end and then collapsing it again and pressing it into an approximately conical shape. During this final step, a pin attached to the center of the mold is used to create a small opening 2k in the tip of the tubes Ik to facilitate subsequent unfolding during use by ensuring that the folds are removed be arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis 12 of the tube.

The above conditions make a tubing material necessary that can quickly become the desired tapered shape assumes without "jumping back", that is, to move back or have an undesirable elasticity and from which a tube end can be produced that can be opened with minimal effort while the tampon is being ejected.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer tube Ik is shown to have a composite layer structure, with an outer layer 26, a middle layer 28 and an inner layer 30 being present. As will be described in detail later, the tube Ik is produced by continuously winding three paper strips 26a, 28a and 30a, which are thereby overlapping. This winding takes place helically on a mandrel with the aid of a movable belt wrapped around the mandrel. This creates helical butt joints 32, 3k and 36 in layers 26, 28 and 30. According to an exemplary embodiment of the outer tube Ik , the bands or strips 26a, 28a and 30a, which form the layers 26, 28 and 30, are approximately 29 mm wide. As the diameters of the layers become larger and larger towards the outside of the tube,

ORIGINAL INSPECTED

909847/0521

IS 19847

the middle band 28a is now _{about 0.4 mm wider than the inner band 30a 1} and the outer band 26a is about 0.4 mm wider than the middle band 28a to ensure that the edges of the bands meet.

The width of the strip of material is of less importance. For a given width, the adjustments are which must be carried out when winding, known to the person skilled in the art. One factor that needs to be considered is that Width of the drive belt that wraps the tape around the mandrel. The width of the belt and the bands are preferably the same so that the entire width of the band is under the action of pressure.

Much of the strength of the tube comes from the use of three rather than just two layers or plies. It will be appreciated that in the case of only a two layer construction on a given butt joint there is only a single layer of paper to create structural strength. Some construction weakness could of course be avoided if the butt joint gaps were reduced to substantially zero.

However, the presence of a very small gap between the adjacent tape edges must be assumed because from a practical point of view it is impossible to reduce the gap to zero along the entire length of the joint.

It is also important that the tapes used for the three layers overlap each other and be wound staggered to each other. This creates the spiral butt joint of any layer shifted in relation to the butt joint of any other layer, i.e. it comes out of alignment with this other layer. This arrangement gives maximum strength in the tube wall.

9Ö9847 / 0S21 originally inspected

The outer layer 26 of the tube 14 is made of high quality, opaque paper of a thickness of approx Range between 0.08 and 0.1 mm manufactured. The outer surface of the outer layer 26 is finished with a smooth, not wettable coating 38 is provided. The coating can be made of clay exist, as it is typically used in the production of high quality packaging to this To give packaging a shiny appearance. Alternatively, a silicon coating can also be used. The role of the coating 38 is to provide the outer surface to give the tube 12 an extremely smooth, slippery structure, which is not absorbent. The outer layer 26 can also be characterized as a layer that has a high Whitening and high strength combined with greater rigidity than the middle and inner layers 28 and 30.

Layer 26 is comprised of a fiber structure comprising approximately 76% laminated hardwood kraft and 24 % bleached softwood kraft. The basis weight of the paper forming the outer layer 26 is greater than or equal to
a density of approximately 973 kg / m.

Paper forming layer 26 is 83 to 88 g / a ²

As already mentioned, the folding strength is of the outer tube 14 forming material is important, because the leading end 20 must not only be easily brought into the desired tapered Fora, but also under the effect of a small axially directed tampon discharge force of preferably about 450 g or less, it must be easy to open. In the example discussed here, the folding strength of the outer paper layer in the machine direction, measured in the number of double folds up to a break, is approximately 75 double folds and in the cross direction to the machine approximately 48 double folds. (The folding duration values for the outer layer 26 and the middle and inner layers 28 and 30 were obtained using an MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

, 909847/0521 originally inspected

Papierfait endurance test machine determined by the Tinius Olsen Testing Machine Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The experiments were carried out in accordance with the ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) Standard D-643 performed.

Since all layers are wound helically, lie the folding lines in the pointed front end of the finished applicator tube, which are directed approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 12 are parallel neither to the machine direction nor transversely to that direction. The actual folding strength will be therefore lie somewhere between the machine fold strength and the cross machine fold strength and will approximate taken as the average of the two strengths. However, it should be noted that the finished Tube in which all three layers are connected to one another by a suitable adhesive, no long-term folding properties which can easily be derived from the corresponding properties of the individual layers before they are interrelated be glued, have it calculated. Thus, the convolution duration value serves the sole purpose of special identification and description by physical properties of the material used for the individual layers will, beer these will be glued together.

According to the Sheffield Slipperiness Test, the outer coating 38 on the outer layer 26 gave 8.4 units for the airflow, which means an extremely smooth surface. In this experiment, the coating 38 is made of glazed clay. In contrast, the unglazed inner surface of the outer layer 26 resulted in 84.2 Sheffield flow units.

The middle layer 28 of the outer tube 1h consists of uncoated, relatively thick, short-fiber, blotting paper-like paper, of relatively poor quality. On-

7/0521 ^0RlölNAt

Due to the shortness of the fibers present in this layer, an essential feature of this layer is that it can withstand only very slight folds. The approximate fiber composition for this layer is: 7 % bleached softwood kraft paper, 6 % bleached hardwood kraft paper and 87 % ground wood, which consists of a very short fiber. The approximate distribution of the fiber lengths in the middle layer 28 is as follows: 76% short (0.0 to 1.0 mm), 21 % medium length (1.0 to 2.5 mm) and 3% long (2.5 up to 4.0 mm).

In the present example, the basis weight of the middle layer 28 is about 75 »5 g / m 2 with a density of about 557 kg / m 2. This relatively low density indicates the high porosity, which makes the middle layer particularly liquid-absorbent. The caliber or thickness of the middle layer 28 falls in the range of about 0.127 to 0.152 mm in the example discussed here. As noted, the folding time or life is extremely short as it only requires 7.4 double folds to break in the machine direction and four double folds to break in the cross machine direction using the MIT paper folding endurance test machine as noted above became. If both surfaces of the paper tape used for the middle layer 28 are provided with adhesive and can dry off, then the duration of the folding is considerably reduced and is on average only one double fold until it breaks. Thus, it can be assumed that in the end product, as a result of the unfolding and folding, the middle layer 28 is likely to have broken at the fold lines.

Another very important property of the paper forming the middle layer 28 is its tensile strength. at the manufacturing technique described in detail later

909847/0521

- 17 -! '- Ί9847

for the tampon applicator tube base material, the tapes forming layers 26, 28 and 30 are moved by means of a movable one The belt surrounding the mandrel is drawn and looped around a stationary mandrel. It is important that each Tape is held under a constant, low tension so that tubes of consistently high quality are produced and the winding machine can work properly. While the strips forming the outer and inner layers 26 and 30 do not add any special problems with regard to the risk of breakage during winding, as their strength is relatively high, is the middle layer tape material due to its relative poor quality highly susceptible. The tensile strength of the paper when dry, that is for the middle layer 28 is approximately 2.5 kg / cm wide in the machine direction and 1.34 kg / cm wide in the cross machine direction. The tensile strength when wet after soaking water for 30 seconds is in Machine direction 0.42 kgf / cm width. The above values are based on tensile tests carried out in accordance with ASTM Standard D828-60 became.

According to one embodiment, the inner layer can have a glazed fabric with a thickness between 0.05 and 0.076 mm. The fiber type is essentially 100 % bleached softwood kraft paper with a paper basis weight of 45 »6 g / m and a density of about 810 kg / m. The inner layer 30 serves not only to increase the strength of the end product, but also to trap debris in the form of particles or dust that has become detached from the middle layer 28 during deployment. It is therefore necessary that the inner layer 30 have a flex life long enough to eliminate the possibility of breakage at the kink lines. The innerlayer material with the properties described above can withstand 993 double folds before breaking in the machine direction and 471 double folds in the cross machine direction.

ORIGINAL INSPECTED

909847/0521

IVi 9847

The inner layer fabric is with a glazed outside which hangs from the middle layer 28 and has a Sheffield smoothness of 94 airflow units fairly is smooth. The unglazed inner surface of inner layer 30 is somewhat rougher, so that the Sheffield Smoothness Test is 225 air units results. The dry strength, determined according to ASTM Standard D828-60, is 3.28 kgf / cm width in the machine direction and 2.12 kg / cm width in the cross machine direction. The Gurley Stiffness Test performed on this paper yielded 33.52 stiffness units in the machine direction and 31.52 stiffness units in the cross machine direction.

The above values relating to the paper for the individual layers relate to specific examples. Changes in the various parameters can of course be allowed. For example, there are deviations in relation to the Basis weight, thickness and densities of 25% pounds are acceptable.

During the manufacture of the applicator tubes, the band 28a forming the middle layer 28 is used in a manner to be described below ■ provided with a liquid adhesive. The tape 28a absorbs due to its blotting paper properties the glue quickly and complete. The adhesive is preferably such that it becomes very brittle when it dries, so that it breaks easily and little or no additional opening of the pointed tip end of the tube 14 as the tampon is expelled Resistance supplies. This adhesive is also preferably water-soluble in order to allow complete and rapid dissolution to allow the applicator device in the water. Thus, the layers 26, 28 and 30 quickly dissolve and soften, as they soak up water, the subsequent dissolution of the paper prevents the pipes and sewer systems from moving clog and clog. A commercially available adhesive that fulfills the above requirements is the adhesive No. 2706, manufactured and sold by the Swift * Company of

909847/0521 originally inspected

; 9847

Chicago, Illinois. This adhesive is brightly colored and based on dextrin. At room temperature it is proportionate viscous, its viscosity being about 50 poise. However, when heated, its viscosity is lower considerably less.

The inner tube 16 can be made from a three-layer tube base material exist and include an outer layer 40, a middle layer 42 and an inner layer 44, which are similar to the Layers of the outer tube 14 are constituted. The standards to which the inner tube 16 must conform are obvious not as severe as those to which the outer tube 14 must conform, which facilitates the shaping of the leading end 20 and the end 20 must be unfolded with minimal resistance during ejection of the tampon. The related however, the three-layer construction described with the tube 14 not only results in a similarly constructed tube l6 with high strength, but also facilitates the shaping of the folded front end 17 of smaller diameter, the / individual in said U.S. Patent 3,358,354 and U.S. Patent Application 690 001 is described. The use of an inner tube l6, which has the construction described, including a smooth outer cover, also helps with the force required to eject the tampon to a minimum because the tube 16 slides easily in the outer tube 14 with minimal frictional drag.

The reinforcement ring 22 is preferably made of tubular base material that is heavier than that for the outer ones and inner tubes 14 and 16 are used. The annular tube base material can, according to one embodiment, 3 layers 46, 48 and 50 of hard, unfinished paper of about 0.15 mm thick. This construction not only offers considerable reinforcement but also a good grip surface for the finger. The ring in the example in question is 4.75 mm long and its rear edge is arranged so that

ORIGINAL INSPECTED 9090Λ7 / 0521

TSI9847

it is flush with the rear end of the outer tube Ik , whereby an otherwise sharp edge is eliminated by creating a relatively large surface on which the finger, which is used to advance the inner tube 16 during the torch ejection, comes to rest.

A tube winding machine 51 of known type is shown in FIGS. K to 13, in which a plurality of paper tapes are wound helically around a stationary mandrel with the aid of an endless, movable belt which is looped around the mandrel. The belt contacts the tapes to wind them into a continuous tube which advances along the mandrel and is then cut into the desired lengths.

The machine 51 usually includes a winder 52, a device generally indicated by the reference numeral 5k for supplying tape material to the winder 52 under constant, low tension, an adhesive applicator 56, a lubricant dispenser 58 and a pipe cutter 60.

As can be seen specifically from FIGS. K to 7, the tubular winding device 52 contains a mandrel 62 of circular cross-section, which is carried by a chuck 6k in a horizontally cantilevered manner. The chuck 64 is attached to a shaft 66 which is carried by two posts 68 which extend upwardly from a base plate 70.

A tensioned drive belt 72 helically surrounds the mandrel 62, as best shown in the enlarged Views of Figures 6 and 7 can be seen. As already mentioned, the width of the belt 72 is preferably the same the width of the tapes to be wound, so that the tapes are under pressure over their entire width.

ORlGlNAt IMSPEGTED 098.47 / 0.521

? 1

-9847

The belt 72 is drawn around a drive pulley 74 at each end, which is driven by an electric motor 76 via a suitable transmission 78 is driven. The pulley 74, the motor 76 and the transmission 78 are on a support plate 80 mounted, which are positioned alongside two horizontally aligned guide shafts that are vertically aligned 82, which are carried by a middle, upright body 84, can move horizontally. The waves 82 terminate at their outer ends in end plates 83 · The upstanding body 84 is with the help of a fastening device 86 attached to base plate 70 from a single screw and nut. By loosening the fastening device 86, the belt drive mechanism can be rotated to the appropriate angular position with respect to the mandrel 62. For swaddling for applicator tubes of the type described here, an angle of about 35 ° has been found to be suitable, although this angle can be changed according to the special requirements.

The position of the support plates 80 along the guide shafts 82 and, accordingly, the tension of the belt 72 can also be adjusted By means of lead screws 88 supported at their opposite ends by the central body 84 and the end plates 83. The lead screw spindles 88 are screwed into the support plates 80, and by means of one at the outer end of each lead screw 88 attached handwheel 90, the desired translational movement of the support plate 80 is brought about.

If the tube base material denoted by the reference numeral 92, which is formed by the belt 72, moves forward along the mandrel 62, namely to the right as seen in Figure 4, then between the tube base material 92 and the mandrel significant frictional forces or drag forces occur. In the event that the wall of the tubes is very thin, like this

ORIGfNAL INSPECTED

909847/0521

'. '9847

is the case with the tubes described herein, twisting and tearing of the tubes can result. In order to eliminate this problem, the mandrel 62 is undercut, ie provided with a smaller diameter part 62a, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, so that along this part only a slight, intermittent Touch takes place. According to an embodiment of a mandrel used to form the tube base material for the outer tube Ik , the larger diameter of the dome is 14.6 mm, while the undercut part now has a diameter of 13.9 mm.

Although the tube winding machine 51 is described in detail in connection with the manufacture of the tube base material for the outer tube ik , the manufacture of the base material for the inner tube 16 and the reinforcement ring 22 is of course carried out in essentially the same way,

During the manufacture of the basic tube material for the outer tube Ik , the three strips 26a, 28a and 30a are conveyed simultaneously and continuously with the aid of the belt 72 on the mandrel 62. The belt 26a forms the outer layer 26 of the finished tube ik, the belt 28a the middle layer 28 and the belt 30a the inner layer 30 inner tape 30a is fed from the side opposite tapes 26a and 28a to avoid interference between adhesive applicator 56 and lubricant dispenser 58.

The various tapes are wound onto mandrel 62 in an overlapped and staggered manner. Not suitable The devices shown are intended to guide and maintain the transfer between the individual belts.

9 O 9 8 47/052 1 ^origin al

- 23 - KΊ9847

lapping provided. The size of the overlap is less important as long as the butt joint is in any layer not aligned with the butt joint in the final product. The amount of overlap between the outer layer and the middle Layer can be the same size as between the middle layer and the inner layer, but it can also be different differ. Typically, for 2.80 cm wide tapes, the overlap can be between 0.63 and 1.27 cm.

The tension of the bands 26a, 28a and 30a is from the standpoint of the tubes produced with uniform strip thickness, uniform diameter and the same quality are of essential importance. It is essential that the tapes 26a, 28a and 30a are wound onto the mandrel under a substantially constant, low tension will. For the tape material described it was found that tension forces between 2.7 and 3.6 kp in the outer Band 26a from 0.17 to 0.23 kg in the middle band 28a and from about 0.9 kg in the inner band 30a is found to be satisfactory prove. These values apply to a relative humidity of approximately 25%. Significant changes in the tension result from changes in humidity. That is why the tubes described here are normally rolled into one Room wrapped with controlled humidity, so that the required tensions or tension forces are precisely determined and let it be sustained.

The device 5 ^ with which the strip material is fed to the mandrel under constant, low tension will now be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Each tape can be conveyed through one of these devices 5k , wherein the individual feed device can be adjusted in such a way that it generates the tension necessary for the respective tape being supplied.

The tape feed device 5 ^ consists of a base plate, which is carried on a suitable frame 102 and one in a bearing, not shown, which is on the base plate 100

ORIGiNAt INSPECTED 9098Λ7 / 0521

is arranged, freely rotatable spindle 104 carries. At the spindle 104 is a rotating turntable 106 in the form of a circular, relatively heavy metal plate attached. A part the spindle 104 protrudes from the horizontal turntable 106 out at the top and serves to accommodate a tape material delivery roll 108. The delivery roll 108 is keyed onto the spindle 104 so that the spindle 104, the turntable 106 and the Mefer roll 108 turn together. The mass of the turntable 106 is relative when compared to the mass of delivery roll 108 large, and once the turntable has been brought up to speed it shows an effort to maintain a constant angular velocity regardless of changes in the diameter of the unwinding supply roll 108 and independent of high frequency fluctuations in the supply roll tension.

On frame 102 is at location 110 and adjacent to the outer perimeter 106a of the turntable 106 attached an arm 112 which carries a friction brake 114 at one end, which with the Outer periphery 106a is in contact. The friction brake 114 has a small shoe 116 made of rubber or another high coefficient of friction material, that of a fastener attached to arm 112 118 is worn. The fastening device 118 enables lateral adjustments whereby the shoe 116 can be adjusted with respect to the arm 112. The pivot point 110 of the arm 112 is relatively close to the end of the arm that holds the frictional drag device or friction brake 114 carries, so that there is a significant mechanical advantage.

On the other end of the arm 112 is an upstanding, freely rotatable roller 120 mounted around which the tape material is wrapped. The task of the role 120 is the To feel the tension of the band material and this tension force to be transferred to the long end of the arm 112.

9 0 9 8 47/0521 originally inspected

^inl 9847

In addition, a device is provided with which the arm counter to the force exerted on the arm by the belt tension can be pressed. This printing device can be in any

be constructed in a suitable manner, if only the one acting on the arm Compressive force is essentially constant. A simple way to achieve this is shown in Figures 8 and 9, where a weight 122 is used for this, which hangs from the end of a wire 124 which is looped around a tensioning roller 126. The wire 124 is on the arm 112 by means of a pin 128 attached, which protrudes from the end of the arm. A stop 129 attached to the frame 102 limits the outward movement of the Arm 112.

The strip material leaving the roll 120 runs around a second roll 130. The roll 130 is mounted on a block 132, so that it can rotate freely, and is adjustable along a rod 134 which extends between two spaced apart, support arms 136 carried by the frame 102 tensions. Once the position of the role has been chosen, it can be turned into be fixed in position with respect to the frame by means of a clamping screw screwed into the block 132, thereby that the clamping screw is tightened against the rod 134.

During the operation of the strip material supply device 54, the brake shoe 116 is pressed against the periphery 106a, and Depending on the tension of the belt, it may be stronger or less strong. For example, if the tape tension increases, causes with greater unwind resistance in the supply roll, arm 112 becomes clockwise about the fulcrum 110 is drawn against the force emanating from the weight 122 in order to thereby reduce the frictional force of the brake shoe II6. The force required to unwind the feed roll and thus the tension of the strip material decrease until the Balance is restored. On the other hand, should the belt material tension decrease, that of the pressure force emanating from the weight 122 to increase the clamping force

inspected

. "6- ¹ T-'9847

overcome, and moves the arm 112 counterclockwise, causing the shoe 116 with greater force against the perimeter 106a is printed, which increases the tension of the tape Has. When the device is in equilibrium, a small frictional force is transmitted to the turntable periphery 106a, and the forces exerted on the arm by tension and weight are equal to but opposite in magnitude directed. It can be seen that the friction brake device when covering short-term fluctuations or high-frequency Fluctuations in belt tension is not as effective, but it does have a great effect in regulating tension with long-term fluctuations or low-frequency fluctuations, since the rotating mass of the turntable has the high-frequency Smooths out fluctuations.

The adhesive application device shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 56 impregnates the center tape 28a with a liquid adhesive and creates on both sides of the tape uniform, uniform coatings of adhesive. The glue applicator 56 includes a platform 150 mounted on a matching frame, not shown, which is provided with an elongated, rectangular opening 152 is provided in its central part. An adhesive reservoir 154 stands with opening 152 in FIG Connection and depends from the platform 150. The platform is surrounded on all sides by a fence 156, the prevents adhesive from splashing over the edge of platform 150. On the platform 150 is within the of the Fence 156 in the demarcated space a vertical support body 158 attached, which carries a discharge channel 159 which, according to an embodiment, has a horizontally protruding pipe 160. The upper half of the tube 160 is cut off over part of the length of the tube, so that a step 162 is formed will. The inner wall of the tube 160 may be provided with a plastic liner 164 to facilitate cleaning of the tube facilitate. A cap 166, which is roughly cylindrical in shape and ait central, horizontally oriented, opposed

90984 7/05 21 originally inspected

arranged seat strands 168 is provided, encloses the Robr l6o during operation and completes the flow channel arrangement 159. The middle visual tape material 28a runs through the slots 168 so that it hits all Sides of the adhesive supplied to the inside of the tube I60 is exposed.

A conduit 170 containing a pump 172 connects the bottom of the adhesive reservoir 154 with a tube 174 that the body 158 carries and that with the interior of the tube I60 communicates. The adhesive from the reservoir is thus circulated to the tube 160, and any Overflowing amount of adhesive runs back down through the opening 152 into the reservoir 154. It should be noted that that the plane of the tape 28a is substantially parallel to the flow of adhesive present in the spout, i.e. the Adhesive flows directly against one edge of the tape. This eliminates any possibility of a part of the tape bulges or otherwise bends in the trough due to the force transmitted by the adhesive stream.

The viscosity of the adhesive must be chosen so that it quickly penetrates the tape material 28a and completely moisturizes it. This then has the consequence that as little time as possible is lost with this process and a relatively high belt speed can be maintained. Swift & Company Adhesive No. 2706, referred to above, is an adhesive that has a high viscosity at room temperature but is decidedly less viscous when heated. An adhesive temperature between 66 and 71 ^° C. has proven to be particularly advantageous. At lower temperatures the adhesive is too viscous, while chemical degradation of the adhesive begins at higher temperatures. The reduced toughness or viscosity of the adhesive not only provides complete, rapid through-

0984 7/0521 ORtGtNAt INSPECTED

impregnation of the middle band material safely, but leaves rock the adhesive effect of the adhesive arise more quickly, so that the winding device can run at a higher speed. Complete impregnation of the tape material by the adhesive ensures that the desired ultimate brittleness is created in the finished tube. Even if the tape material including the edges is not completely impregnated, the result is an inferior end product. Show up then small flags of non-stick paper protruding from the pointed front end 20 of the outer tube 14 after the tube has been opened by the expelled tampon

fe, and the smooth outer surface of the pointed end the tube will be destroyed. Furthermore, the inner and outer bands 30a and 26a with respect to the middle band 28a slip if the tape does not stick when it is wound onto the mandrel, thereby affecting the winding process. The belt 72 only contacts the outer band 26a, if the adhesive does not have sufficient adhesion, hatching takes place between this layer and the other layers. Keeping the adhesive at a low viscosity will also greatly reduce the force required to pass through the middle layer 28a to pull the scraper mechanism to be described. this is particularly important for the middle band, which is

W NEN state has a low strength and is even weaker when it is soaked.

The temperature of the adhesive is controlled with the aid of a heat exchanger 176 which surrounds the pipeline 170 below the pump 172. A pump 1 $ 2 supplies hot water through a closed circuit 178 of a storage tank and a heater unit 180 through the heat exchanger 176 pumped through. A temperature sensor 184 that is in contact with the adhesive at a location that is nearby of the inlet into the pipe i60 is connected to a Thermostatsteuereretem 185, the operation of the heating in

909847 / 0-5 21

of the unit 180 regulates. A temperature meter 188 for observing the temperature of the adhesive is on line 170 in FIG connected near the temperature sensor 184. A bypass line 190 which runs parallel to that from the heat exchanger 176 and the combination of the series-connected pump 172 is used to regulate the adhesive flow used for the tube l60. For this purpose there is a first tap 192 in the pipeline 170 and in the bypass line 190 a second cock 194. By adjusting the cocks 190 and 192, the flow coming from the pump 172 can be divided so that the desired amount of glue is delivered to the pipe 160.

During the operation of the device described so far, the discharge channel 153 is pressurized by the pump 172 standing adhesive, so that the adhesive fills substantially the entire interior of the trough, thereby both surfaces and both edges of the strip material 28a to be completely wetted. In a practical embodiment, the pressure prevailing at the discharge channel should be like this be high that the inside of the Aueflußschalen is filled and Bubble formation in the gutter is avoided, which are too dry. Spots on the belt 28a would result.

After the tape material 28a exits the tube 160, excess glue is removed from both sides of the tape with the aid • A scraper mechanism 200 removed. The stripping mechanism 200 has a lower, vertically aligned plate arrangement 202 with an upper, horizontally aligned, rounded edge 204 and an upper plate arrangement 206, which lies in the same plane as the lower plate assembly 202 and is separated from it by a distance. Di upper flat 206 has a · lower, horizontal, rounded «edge 208, which is essentially equal to the edge · 20% of the lower plate and parallel to it. The rounded edges 204 and 208

preferably have a circular cross-section, as shown in FIG shown, and have a radius of at least 3 »2 mm. The lower and upper panels 202 and 206 are similarly constructed, assembled units. For example, if the If the upper plate 206 is viewed - the lower plate 202 is essentially identical - it can be seen from FIG. 11 that that a metal core 210 is inserted between two easy-to-clean plaat plates 212, which consist of three layers, The existing structure is held together by suitable fasteners 214.

This is best seen from the perspective view of Figure As can be seen., the plate 202 is carried between side blocks 216, while the plate 206 in similar Way is arranged between the blocks 218. Two vertical posts 219 attached to platform 150 extend through existing in panels 216 and 218 vertical holes. The correct distance between the rounded edges of the panels is provided by spacers 220 that sit between blocks 216 and 218. The plate 206 is pressed down by a weight 222. This weight is by far adjacent Openings for receiving the posts 219 are provided. The weight 222 is necessary because the adhesive that builds up on the entry side of the stripping mechanism 200 tends to to lift the top plate.

The rounded wiping surfaces ensure a uniform covering of the same thickness on both surfaces. If a comparatively sharp-edged plate or knife blade were used, as has been done in the past, then the tape material would tend to be against one or both blades. to walk, where the glue would almost completely be breathed by the ä © r Fläek. With rounded edges, let me know. & mt j® <? sr Piüefe® of the band material a hydraulic MeIl aas, ä®r tiastrebt is the band material centering between ä @ m Alis xu during its passage.

5C »m7 / $ 521 owe» «* -

The dismantling of the stripping mechanism 200 too. Cleaning purposes is simply lifted off the weight 222, the upper Plate 206 and lower plate 202 from the posts.

For example, in the case of a strip material with a thickness of 0.15 ma is the distance between the rounded edges 204 and 208 of the two plates kept to at least 0.18mm, around a layer of adhesive on each face of the tape material from C, 0i3 BW to generate. Weim the tape material 28a the mandrel is achieved, the adhesive has sufficient bond strength that the inner and outer tapes 30a and 26a are quickly attached to one another be liable. The thickness of the adhesive layer is slightly less than 0.013 nm when the tape reaches the mandrel and because of the evaporation. After the stirrer is completely dry, the approximate wall thickness can be measured corresponds to the total thickness of the individual layers, the presence not detect of glue. The correct bond strength of the adhesive can be determined through tests. Factors to consider, as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, include the ambient temperature and humidity, the rocking speed and the distance between the mandrel and the glue application unit.

With regard to the distance between the outlet of the discharge trough 143 and the inlet of the stripping mechanism 200 leaves determine that sufficient separation must be provided so that the adhesive completely penetrates the tape material can be sucked in before the stripping mechanism 200 is reached. With increasing working speeds this distance must become larger and larger. For example, at a belt speed of around 15 m / min, there is a separation distance of about 20 cm is sufficient.

As already mentioned, the correct operation of the weighing device / you will be of the quality of the end product the thickness of the adhesive applied to the surfaces of the center tape 28a. The condition that the adhesive

- Ji -

Fabric sticks or has partially become stuck as soon as the tape 28a reaches the mandrel 62, assumes that the exit point of the stripping mechanism 200 from the mandrel 62 is sufficiently far away. At a belt speed of 15 m / min, this distance can be around 1.2 m. It has been found, however, that in the embodiment of the device in which the tape is level as it travels through the spout 159, into the stripping mechanism 200, and to the mandrel 62, the adhesive tends to settle to some extent on the to accumulate lower surface of the tape. This can result in accidental slippage between the center tape 28a and the inner tape 30a if the adhesive present on the lower surface of the tape 28a has not had a chance to set to the extent necessary. On the other hand, the depleted layer of adhesive on top of tape 28a causes that layer of adhesive to dry or set fairly quickly, creating random dry spots with little or no bond between the center and outer tapes. This results in a tube of uneven quality and too much scrap of tube base material. This problem has now been eliminated by the middle band was fitted 28a between the stripper 200 and the mandrel 62 having a rotation or twist through 180 °, as is indicated in FIG k by the reference numeral 226th The twist acts to prevent the build-up of adhesive by gravity on one surface at the expense of the other surface, since each surface faces upward for part of its travel to the mandrel and downward for the remainder.

With minor changes that are immediately apparent to the specialist, the spout 159 and the stripping mechanism 200 can be aligned vertically. In this case it works

909847/0 5-21

Band 28a, that of the supply roll in the vertical direction is brought in, through the AusfIuDrinne and the stripping mechanism without twisting, and only between the Abstreifτ Mechanism and the horizontal mandrel 62 a rotation of 90 ° is required. Excess adhesive runs off the vertically oriented portion of the tape, leaving adhesive coatings of substantially on both sides of the tape remain of the same and uniform thickness.

Because of the frictional forces created between the stationary mandrel 62 and the rotating inner layer 30 of the tubular base material 92, the mandrel surface must be constant and lubricated in a controlled manner to allow the inner layer to more easily hit the mandrel surface slide. Without some lubrication, the tension on the ligaments and that of the Belt 72 force applied to the molded tube base result in twisting and tearing of the tubing. One way of overcoming this problem has already been mentioned, namely a reduced size of part of the mandrel 62 To give diameter. However, the inner band must be provided with a certain amount of lubricant to prevent that the tube ruptures before it reaches the file of the mandrel of reduced diameter. According to an advantageous Formation of the subject invention it has been found that lycopodium powder is an excellent lubricant for the Winding the tubes represents that for hygiene appl.tkatoren be used. However, this powder is so fine-grained that it flows like a liquid of low viscosity, difficulties arise in measuring their flow.

According to the invention, therefore, a lycopodia powder dispensing device 230 is created, which is shown in FIGS. The dispenser 230 consists of a cylindrical container 232 containing a supply 23h of lycopodium powder. The lower part of the leaves 232 is with a

Funnel part 236 provided, which at its lower end in a Opening 238 ends. Below the funnel part 236 there is a cylindrical dispensing wheel 250 with a smooth outer surface 241 which is in communication with the powder supply 234 via the opening 238. The wheel 240 is fixedly mounted on a shaft 242 which is driven by an electric motor 244 so that the wheel 240 moves in the direction of movement of the belt 30a rotates. Ibi operating status of the delivery or Distributor runs the motor 244 so that the wheel rotates at a speed at which at a given belt speed the appropriate amount of lubricant powder from the Wheel circumference 241 is detected. A plate 246 provided with guides 248 mounted on top of the plate carries and guides the belt 30a past the outer circumference 241 of the wheel 240. The wheel 240 rotates in one Cavity 250 formed in funnel portion 236 and is shaped so that it adapts very closely to the shape of the wheel. Between the wall of the cavity 250 and the outer surfaces of the wheel 240 must maintain a uniform gap of relatively close tolerance a gap width of approximately 0.05 mm leads to satisfactory results.

The tube cutting device 60 does not form part of the subject invention and may have any suitable shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a cutting blade 260 is set in rotation by a motor 262 which is mounted on a movable base plate 264. The movable base plate 264 is supported so they DA® in alternating orthogonal directions in timed relation to the speed of the formed RiSferengruitilaai® rials 92, which is discharged from the Bora 62, performs movements aimultase way ws. The base plate 264 is reciprocated by means nieat shown in the longitudinal direction and forth "ü.te" alae in a direction parallel mn ärnm Bora 62- _£. eatl & Eäg star aiaf si

ORIGINAL INSPECTED

Guide rods 266 attached to a slide 268. The slide 268, in turn, is mounted so that it can move to and fro laterally, ie in a direction perpendicular to the mandrel axis, along the guide rods 270, which are carried by a stationary base plate 272. The slide 268 is moved by means of a hydraulic cylinder / piston device 274, the extending piston rod 276 of which is connected to the slide 268. The cutting process takes place as soon as the carriage 268 is pulled to the side and thereby moves the cutting blade 260 transversely to the path of movement of the tube base material discharged from the mandrel 62, while the tube is simultaneously moved in the longitudinal direction at the discharge speed of the tube base material, so that a straight cut results. However, the person skilled in the art is also familiar with other cutting devices, including multiple cutters, which simultaneously make several cuts distributed over the length of the pipe and which can be used for the case described above.

909847/0521

Claims (26)

Patent application: "Tampon applicator and device and Process for its manufacture. ^11th PATENT CLAIMS ft) A method of manufacturing a sanitary agent applicator tube, in which the tape material is wrapped around a mandrel and advanced along the mandrel, characterized in that the surface of the tape material (30a) which contacts the mandrel (62) before the tape material contacts the mandrel achieved, is acted upon with a lubricant consisting of lycopodium powder. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the band material consists of three bands (26a, 28a and 30a) which are continuously conveyed and helically around the mandrel (62) are wound into a three-layer tube (14, 16), the inner layer (30) of which slides on the mandrel and the is provided with a middle layer (28) and an outer layer (26), the bands (26a, 28a, 30a) facing one another overlapping and offset from one another around the butt joint in any layer out of alignment with the butt joint in another layer, and where- 909847/0521 Patent attorneys Dipl.-Ing. Martin Licht, Dipl.-Wirtsch.-Ing. Axel Hansmann, Dipl.-Phys. Sebastian Herrmann hot the lycopodium powder (234) on the surface of the inner Layer (30a) is applied, which slides on the mandrel (62). 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that a liquid adhesive is applied to the opposite surfaces of the tape (28) forming the inner layer (28a), and that from both surfaces of this tape excess adhesive is removed in order to produce an even adhesive thickness on these surfaces. 4. The method according to claim 3 $, characterized in that the mandrel (62) is aligned horizontally and that the middle layer (28) forming tape (28a) at the point at which excess adhesive is removed, lies horizontally, and that the movement path of the tape (28a) forming the middle layer between the point (200) at which the excess adhesive is removed and the mandrel (62) is rotated through 180 °. 5. Device for the production of applicator tubes for hygienic products, with a fixed mandrel, with the mandrel in operational connection with part for helically winding tape material onto the mandrel and with a device for applying liquid adhesive to the tape material, characterized by a discharge channel (159 ) for receiving the adhesive, in which there is a slot (168) through which the tape material (28a) can pass; means (170, 172, 174) connected to the spout (159) for supplying adhesive under pressure with all surfaces of the tape material exposed to the adhesive and the adhesive applicator (56) oriented with respect to the slot (168) so that the adhesive is directed against the edges of the tape material; and by two opposing, spaced apart stripping surfaces (202, 206) for removing excess adhesive from the surfaces of the tape material (28a) after it has left the trough (159) _t and for creating it INSPECTED 1 \ i 9847 a uniform, identical adhesive layer on the surfaces of the tape material. 6 Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the wiping surfaces (202, 206) are rounded, wherein the radius of the rounding (20 * t, 208) is at least 3 mm. 7 · Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the outflow gutter DAT (159) consists of a horizontally disposed tube (l6 ₀₎ whose one end is closed and at the other end of the adhesive supply device '(174) is connected, and that' the slot (168) consists of two central, horizontally aligned, opposite slit parts in the wall of the tube (160). 8. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the adhesive application device (56) has a reservoir (154) with an adhesive supply, which is used to accommodate superfluous Serves adhesive, which runs out of the spout (159) and with the help of the wiping surfaces (202, 206) of the Tape (28a) that is removed to the glue applicator also includes a line (i70) in which a pump (172) is switched on, the reservoir (154) and the spout (159) connects, and that the line (170) with a "Device (176) is provided which heats the adhesive in the line (170) to a selected temperature. 9. Device according to one of claims 5 Ms 8, characterized by means (60) for the continuous Ätaahme des formed tubular base material (92) from the bora (62), the mandrel (62) having a reduced bureta eater quality (62>) is provided, which is directly from the Aostrittseite the winding device (52) to the end of the dorsal part extends to thereby pass between the molded tube the frictional forces occurring on the mandrel are much feerafczsoetaea. ORI INSPECTED 9 C * 3 fc '= - ■? # · 0 b 2 ϊ 19847 10. The device according to one of claims 5 to 9 »characterized in that the device (52) for helical winding has a device (5 ¹ O for strip material supply under ie essentially constant tension, which is provided with a turntable (l06) on the a band material supply roll (108) is carried so that a friction brake (1140) is present which is in contact with a surface (106a) of the turntable (106) and to which a sensor device (112) for the band tension is connected, which acts on the friction brake (11A) transmits a corresponding force so that when the belt tension increases, the friction brake is moved away from the surface (lO6a) of the turntable (iO6) in order to reduce the frictional force occurring between the friction brake and the turntable, and that a tensioning device (122) with the friction brake ( 114) is connected, which the friction brake in the direction of the surface (106a) of the turntable, opposite to the tape chip nungstast - and force application device (il2) moved. 11. The nail device one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the device (52) for helically winding the strip material has a supply roll (108) containing the strip material, a movable belt (72) looped around the mandrel (62), the strip material pulls off the supply roll and winds it helically around the mandrel, a base plate (100), a horizontal, circular turntable (106) which is rotatably mounted on the base plate (100) and holds the strip material supply roll (108) in place, a horizontal arm ( ll2), which is pivotably mounted on the base plate (lOO) in the middle of the arm ends, means (114) fastened to one end of the arm (li2) and which can be brought into frictional contact with the outer circumference (lO6a) of the turntable (lO6) and strive to brake the turntable during rotation, a vertically arranged roller (l20) around which the band material can be looped and which is close to the other arm INSPECTED 09847/0521 - Sr- end is rotatably mounted in order to move the friction brake (114) away from the circumference of the turntable (106) by the tension of the band material, as well as means (122) which are connected to the other end of the arm (112) and serve to the To bring the friction brake into contact with the circumference (106a) of the turntable, namely against the force exerted by the arm (112) through the band material via the roller (120), whereby the friction brake (lik) of the turntable (106 ) is moved away in order to reduce the frictional force, and when the belt tension drops, the friction brake is moved in the direction of the turntable in order to increase the frictional force, while the turntable (106) has a relatively large inertial force, making it independent of high-frequency deviations in the belt tension maintains a constant angular velocity. 12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the clamping device has a weight (122). 13. Device according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized characterized in that the device (230) for dispensing metered amounts of lubricant onto the surface of the with the mandrel (62) strip material (30a) coming into contact with lycopodium powder dispenses and has a container (232) lying vertically, which holds a supply of lycopodium powder and in the lower part of which a body (236) is arranged, the upper Part of a downwardly converging, funnel-shaped cavity forms and the lower part of which defines a cavity (250) in the form of a cylindrical segment which is in communication with the funnel-shaped cavity; that in the lower Cavity (250) a cylindrical wheel (2 * tO) is rotatably mounted, that between the walls of the lower cavity (250) and the outer Uefangsflachen located in the lower cavity Part of the cylindrical wheel (240) has a uniform gap of approximately 0.05 mm that the cylindrical wheel ORIGINAL INSPECTED 909847/05 21 - 919847 with a motor (244) in connection, which makes it rotate offset, and that means (246, 248) are provided with which the strip material at the lower end of the curved surface of the cylindrical wheel (240) can be guided past. 14. Layered material, characterized by a thin inner layer (30), an outer layer (26) consisting of a paper with a smooth, substantially non-absorbent outer coating and an uncoated surface, and a middle layer (28) between the inner and the outer layer is arranged and consists of an uncoated, blotting-sheet-like, short-fiber, porous paper. 15 · Layered material according to claim 14, characterized in that that the outer layer (26) is thicker than the inner layer (30) that the middle layer (28) is thicker than the inner layer and the outer layer, and that the inner, outer and middle layers consist of ribbons (26a, 28a, 30a), with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubes formed from them * - Construction (92) are aligned helically, overlap one another, offset from one another and through a Adhesive bonded together. 16. Layered material according to claim 15 »characterized in that that the inner layer (30) consists of a single sheet with a large permanent folding capacity, that the outer Layer (26) has a permanent foldability which is less than that of the inner layer, and that the middle layer (28) is glued to the inner and outer layers and has a permanent folding capacity that is much smaller than that of the inner and also the outer layer, but has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the inner or the outer layer. ORIGINAL INSPECTED _ _r _ - ·: -! 9847 17. A layered material according to claim 16, characterized in that the inner, outer and middle layers (30, 28, 26) in the form of wound tapes (30a, 28a, 26a) are connected to one another by adhesive. 18. Layered material according to one of claims lh to 17), characterized in that the inner, outer and middle layers form a tube (Ih ₁ l6), the front end (20) of which has closely spaced folds, which this end has an approximately pointed shape give, and that the pointed front end (20) can be easily unfolded to allow a sanitary agent to be expelled from the tube (1h) . 19 · Layered material according to claim 18, characterized by a second tube (l6), which is arranged coaxially and displaceably in the first tube (lh) so that it can be pushed in and out, which is used to get out of the first tube ( lh) to expel a hygienic agent and which has a folded, retracted front end for expelling the hygienic agent. 20. A layered material according to claim 14, characterized in that the inner layer (30) consists of substantially 100% bleached softwood kraft paper and has a thickness between 0.05 and 0.08 mm, that the outer layer (26) consists of approximately 76 % bleached hardwood kraft paper and about 2h% bleached softwood kraft paper and a thickness between about 0.08 and 0, 1 mm and that the middle layer (28) consists of approximately 7 % bleached softwood kraft paper, approximately 6 % bleached hardwood kraft paper and approximately 87 % ground wood and has a thickness between about 0.13 and 0.15 mm. 21. A layered material according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the force required to expel the sanitary agent from the front end (20) of the first tube (1h) is approximately 450 g or less. ORIGINAL INSPECTED 909847/0521 i ^c! 9847 22. Layered material according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by a ring (22) connected to the outer surface of the first tube (14) at its rear end from a multi-layered construction. 23. Layered material according to one of claims Ik to 19, characterized in that the outer layer (26) is at least as thick as the inner layer (30). 24. A layered material according to any one of claims 14 to 19 » characterized in that the outer layer (26) has a thickness which is up to about twice as great as the inner layer (30). 25. Layered material according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the paper of the outer layer (26) contains a greater proportion of bleached hardwood kraft paper and contains a smaller proportion of bleached softwood kraft paper, and that the inner layer (30) consists of essentially bleached softwood kraft paper. 26. A layered material according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the coating of the smooth, coated surface of the outer layer (26) is selected from the group made of silicon and alumina. 27- layered material according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the paper of the middle layer (28) consists of a larger part of ground wood and a smaller part Part is made of bleached kraft paper, which is selected from the flu, which is made up of hardwood kraft paper, softwood kraft paper and mixtures of these ingredients. 28, layered material according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the paper of the outer layer (26) 9098 U / 05 2 1 contains at least 75 % bleached hardwood kraft paper and a minor amount of bleached softwood kraft paper that the inner layer (30) consists of. paper containing essentially bleached hardwood kraft paper, and that the paper of the middle layer (28) contains at least 85 % ground wood and a minor amount of a mixture of bleached hardwood kraft paper and bleached hardwood kraft paper. 29 · Layered material according to one of Claims Ik to 19, characterized in that the inner layer consists of paper which has a glazed and an unglazed surface, the glazed surface being located next to the middle layer (28). ORIGINAL INSPECTED 909847/0521 Blank page