US2353174A - Method of and apparatus for inserting plugs into applicators - Google Patents

Description

y 1944. J. R. M LAUGHLIN 2,353,174

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR INSERTING PLUGS INTO APPLICATORS Filed July 15, 1940 INVENTOR. JOHN R. MCLAUGHLIN.

Q 7 ATTORNEY Patented July 11, 1944 METHOD @F AND AWARA'JIUS FOR INSERT- ING. PLUGS INT-35s) .FiLPLICATQRS Jlolm a. McLaughlin, New Brunswick, n.1, a;- signor, by mesne assignments, to Tampan Incorporated, New llorh, N. ill, a corporation of Delaware Application duly in, will, Serial No. 345,605

' catamenial devices within applicators-on a large ll. Claims.

This invention relates to a method of and ap paratus for inserting tampons or plugs into applicators and more particularly for assembling a self =-contained internal catamenial device and applicator therefor of the tampon type covered by United States Letters Patent No. 1,926,900, although it may be employed for equal advantage It contemplates more especially the provision of an improved method oi and apparatus for conveniently effecting the incorporation of a preformed self-sustaining tampon, plug or a catamenial device into an applicator so that these can be combined in a continuity of production opera= tions with a minimum expenditure of time, labor and expense.

Internal catamenial devices are usually provided with a drawing member. preferably though not essentially comprising a flexible cord such as a string which is sewed or otherwise associated.

with the cotton body of the catamenialdevice.

The withdrawing cord or string usually protrudes through the projecting extremity of the applicator production basis has been found possible as a step in continuity of production operations by effecting the passage of air currents through the applicators for the purpose of drawing the string members therein and thereupon following with the catamenial device which is forced in the applicator in the same direction of the preceding string movement without influencing the displacement of the latter.

One object of the present invention is to provicle an improved method of assembling self-sus-= so that it. will extend for its full length and present no obstruction to the removal of the applicator for the insertion of the contents preferably though not essentially comprising a catamenial device. Because the body of the catamenial device is self -sustaining and form-retaining, it presents no particular problem in incor-- poration such as the contents of an applicator consisting of one or more hollow tubes.

The formation of the flexiblecord or string in the applicator so that it will assume its proper position prior to the insertion of the body of the catamenial device, is not quite so readily accomplished without resort to novel expcdients for arranging of this operation. It has been found that the withdrawing cord or flexible string member should first be inserted in the applicator for taining and form-retaining tampons or plugs into applicators in a continuity of production operations.

Another object is to provide improved means for enabling the assemb y of internal self-sustaining tampons, plugs or catamenial devices provided with string withdrawing members so that they may be readily inserted as a component element of applicators used in the insertion thereof.

Still another object is to provide a simple, inexpensive and improved catamenial device and applicator assembling means so that one can be incorporated into the other without entailing any appreciable time, labor, or expense.

A further object is to provide an improved method of incorporating a catamenial device,- in an applicator so that the withdrawing string of the former will be drawn into the latter through the presence of air currents to facilitate the'step oi packing the applicator with the catamenial device.

A still further object is to provide improved means for causing air currents to pass through applicator tubes preparatory to the packing thereof with catamenial devices of the internal type.

Still a further object is to subject tubular ap-' plicators to the influence of an air injector so that the withdrawing string of catamenial devices of the internal type will be readily incorporated therewith preparatory to packing the catamenial devices therein.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following description of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a. sectional view in elevation of an assembled applicator and catamenial device or the for the structure being shown in section to clarify the showing.

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the device shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional view in elevation taken substantially along line IV-IV of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a side view in elevation of an air injector nozzle valve element shown in assembled position in Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a side view in elevation of an air injector valve body which threadedly receives the nozzle shown in Figure 5.

Figure '7 is a perspective view of-a table serving as a. mount for a plurality of air injectors disposed adjacent a conveyor belt to render parts of the catamenial devices available to the opening that is in the injector in the assembly operation.

The apparatus selected for illustration exemplifies a method of assembling tampons, plugs or catamenial devices within applicators in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The teachings of the present invention are preferably though not essentially utilized in packing an applicator I comprising, in this instance, a cylindrical interior tube II prepared from cardboard or other suitable material to render such self-sustaining and form-retaining. This cardboard tube II is telescopically received within an outer cylindrical tube I2 constructed from the same material to provide a diameter that is somewhat larger than the external diameter of the interior tube I I to permit free relative telescopic displacement therebetween,

Initially, the interior tube II is fractionally displaced within the outer tube I2 to provide space above the interior tube II for the reception of a compressed tampon, plug or catamenial device I3 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is self-sustaining and form-retaining independent of the interior and outer tubes III2, respectively. As shown, the plug or tampon such as the catamenial device I3 is provided with a flexible withdrawing cord or string I4 that is suitably connected to the catamenial device I3 by sewing or any other expedient as commercial practice may dictate. The flexible withdrawing string I4 extends through the interior of the inner tube I I so that itsextremity I5 projects externally therefrom prior to insertion of, the catamenial device I3 by resort to the applicator III2.

To efliciently accomplish the assembly of the catamenial device I3 within the applicator I II2 so that the withdrawing string I4 projects through the free extremity of the inner tube II, a plurality of applicator supporting nozzles I6 are mounted at uniform spaced intervals in a table II in one or more elongated series, in this instance two, proximate to the side edges I8 and IQ of th table II. The spacing of the tube supporting nozzles I6 in a straight series along the table I! is determined by the space required for attendants to be stationed adjacent each nozzle I6 for resort thereto in expediting the assembly of cord attached tampons such as catamenial devices I3 within applicators III2,

In the present embodiment, the table II is provided with an endless conveyor belt 26 that exfor linear displacement circumferentially between and along the straight series of tube supporting nozzles I6 provided in both sides 2| and 22 of the table II. The endless belt 20 is driven by any suitable power source such as an electric motor (not shown) to bring a constant supply of selfsustaining and form-retaining catamenial devices I3 within the reach of each attendant assigned to a tube supporting nozzle I6. To this end, the table II is supported at the desired elevation from the floor by means of corner standards 23 so that the tube supporting nozzles I6 will be conveniently accessible to the attendant to perform the continuity of operations that result in the final product (Figure 1).

The tube supporting nozzles I6 comprise, in this instance, a cylindrical elongated body 24 provided with a hollow inner bore 25 extending therethrough from end to end. The upper end of the nozzle 16 is externally tapered as at 26 so that the open ridges 21 are somewhat smaller than the internal diameter of the inner applicator tube II which is disposed thereover In conjunction with the outer applicator tube I2 in telescopic association therewith. The tapered exterior 26 of the extreme upper region of the nozzle I6 terminates downwardly in a peripheral shoulder 28 that rests against the top surface of the table II so that the cylindrical body 24 of somewhat lesser external diameter will project through correspon in ly sized vertical bores 26 provided in the sides 2I22 of the table I! to receive tube supporting nozzles I6 therethrough (Figure 4) As shown, the lower portion of the nozzle body 24 is externally threaded as at 30 to project below the table top I! for fixed engagement therewith by means of a suitable fastener nut 3I in threaded engagement with the correspondingly threaded lower nozzle top exterior 30. A suitably dished washer 32 is interposed between the bottom surface of the table top I1 and the fastener nut 3| to tightly mount the nozzle I6 in the table I! by drawing the nozzle body 24 downwardly through the bore 29 in the table II against the peripheral shoulder 28 in the nozzle I6. The straight series of linearly spaced nozzles I6 are so mounted in the table top I! along both sides 2I and 22 thereof to provide sources of air movement to pull the string I4 through the applicator tends along a longitudinal median line thereof II-I2 when placed over the nozzle I6 as will appear more fully hereinafter.

To provide the downward movement of air within the interior 25 of the tube supporting nozzle I6, air injectors 33 are operatively connected to the lower threaded extremity 30 of the tube supporting nozzle I6. To this end, the air injector bodies 33 are each provided with an internal bore 34 sized and threaded to serve as a complement of the lower threaded extremity II of the tube supportingnozzle I6 for engagement therewith. The internally threaded bore 34 of the air injector 33 communicates with a somewhat smaller internal bore 35 provided entirely therethrough to present a lower open end 36 through which air is discharged for escape.

Immediately below the bore 34 and in communication with the communicating bore 35 there is provided a. transverse bore 31 that is threaded to receive a correspondingly externally threaded air injector 38. The externally threaded air injector 38 terminates in a reduced axial tubular projection 39 provided with an air bleeder hole 40 in the wall thereof to communicate with an interior bore H of the injector 3|. The injector 38 threadedly engages correspondingly threaded transverse bore 31 so that the injector 38 may be engaged therein so that the reduced extension 39 thereof is disposed within the bore 35 of the air injector body 33.

The injector 38 is threaded therein so that the air vapor opening 40 projects downwardly and axially within the bore 35 of the air injector body 33 and in this position it is held against movement by means of a lock nut 32 which engages the fiat recessed portion 43 over the transverse port 3i! (Figures 4 and 6). Compressed air under pressure within the range of twenty to thirty pounds is piped through the bleeder opening 36 of the injector 38 by means of pipe lines M having suitable coupler nuts provided in the extremities, thereof to engage correspondingly sized and threaded nipples 4% that are threadedly connected to the exterior-1y threaded bleeder iniectors til.

As a result, the entire group of tube support= ing nozzles l6 mounted on the table ll may be supplied with compressed air from a common source for injection through the lower bore 35 of the valve body 33 to cause a down draft of air through the inner passage 25 of the nozzle it. This effectively creates a current of air moving downwardly through the bores 25 of the tube mounting nozzle l6 so that the string withdrawing members ll of the catamenial devices l3 will be inclined to be pulled therethrough when placed over or within eflective drawing range of the nozzles i8.

This is eflected in a continuity of operations by depositing on the conveyor belt large quantitles of catamenial devices l3 with their withdrawing strings it connected therewith. These are deposited from the apparatus that is used to convert strip cotton into preformed self-sustanning catamenial plugs so that they may be available to the attendant stationed adjacent each of the tube supporting nozzles it. Each of these attendants are provided with a supply of applicators ii-ii? already in their proper telescopic association so that the lower end of the inner tube H can be readily displaced over the externally tapered ridges 21 of the nozzles l6 and simultaneously therewith the same attendant places the catamenial devices H with their withdrawing string ii in the vicinity of the upper end of the outer tube I2 so that the string M will be pulled therein and through the applicator tubes l2--ii and into the interior bore 25 of the tube supporting nozzle iii.

The down draft of air in the inner bore 25 of the nozzle i6 causes a similar movement of air through the interiors of the applicator tubes E-ii, and the string i4 is withdrawn therethrough for downward displacement therein. This is followed by either manually or pneumatically forcing the catamenial plug [3 into the interior of the outer tube I! so that it engages'th e upper edge of the inner tube I l to serve as a stop therefor. It is preferable that the tampon or plug be manually or mechanically forced into the applicator in that pneumatic displacement of the plug would require an appreciable suction action not ordinarily considered a practicable substitute for manual or mechanical displacement. In this position, the catamenial plug i3 is disposed entirely within the outer'appl'icator tube l2 except for the enlarged rounded head 41 which serves as a shield to protect the organs against abrasions from the edge of the outer applicator tube 12.

The catamenial plug 13 is sized to correspond in length with the spaces between the outer applicator tube [2 and above the inner applicator tube H. Upon efiecting the packing of the telescopically associated applicator tubes with the eatamenial devices it as described supra, the assembled unit U til-i3 with the string I6 extends through the interior thereof. In this pofition the extremity it of the withdrawing string projects beyond the free eatremity of the applicator tube H, and the elements iii-411 433 are in their final assembled relation preparatory to individual Wrapping and packaging.

It will be observed that a very simple, inexpensive, and effective method and apparatus of packing applicators for catamenia-l devices of the internal type has been provided and that this can be accomplished in a continuity of operations conforming to the production of the individual elements for conversion into a complete catamenial unit of the internal type together with the insertion applicator therefor. While the teachings illustrated and described herein have been confined to catamenial devices, it should be noted that such may be equally applied to devices of analogous types intended for other purposes. The term catamenial devices should be construed to refer to any structure conforming to the general types of elements rather than any specific uses attributable thereto in this preferred illustration.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention herein specifically described without departing from the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages or features thereof, and nothing herein shall be construed as limitations of the invention, its concept or structural embodiment as to the whole or any part thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A method of assembling a tampon with an attached string in a tubular elongated applicator which consists in creating a suction effect in the applicator, then subjecting the tampon string to the suction effect within the applicator to cause the string to be displaced through the interior of said applicator from one, extremity thereof without initial access from the other extremity, and

then forcing'the tampon by exerting a pressure influence thereon into said applicator in the direction of string displacement to complete the projection of the string from the other extremity of said applicator.

- 2. A method of assembling a self-sustaining tampon with an attached flexible string in a tubular elongated applicator which consists in causing the string to be displaced through the interior of said applicator from one extremity thereof by passing air currents therethrcugh, and then pushing the tampon into said applicator in the direction of string displacement to complete the projection of the string from the other extremity of said applicator with the tampon substantially within the applicator.

3. A method of incorporating a self-sustaining member with an attached flexible cord into another self-sustaining member which consists in causing an air current to pass through the latter member, and then placing the former member adjacent said latter member to effect the displacement of said cord therein under the influence of the current passing therethrough, and then forcing the. former self-sustaining member into the latter member in the direction of cord displacement until one member is completely within the other member with said cord extending therethrough.

4. In a device of the character described, the combination with an elongated hollow tube defining a passageway open at both ends, means for rigidly supporting said tube, means for causing an air current to pass through said tube in one direction, and a free extremity on said elongated tube to tightly receive a tubular applicator thereon to serve as an air passage extension thereof with the air current passing unidirectionally therethrour'h for incorporation of a string connected tampon therein.

5. In a device f the character described, the combination with an elongated hollow tube defining a passageway open at both ends, air injector means connected to said tube for communication with the interior thereof for causing an air current to pass through said tube in one direction, and a tapered free extremity on said elongated tube to tightly receive a tubular applicator thereon to serve as an air passage extension thereof for incorporation of a string connected tampon therein.

6. In a device of the character described, the combination with an elongated hollow tube defining a passageway open at both ends, air in- Jector means adjustably connected to said tube for communication with the interior thereof for causing an air current to pass through said tube in one direction, and a tapered vertically upward projecting extremity on said elongated tube to tightly receive a tubular applicator thereon to serve as an air passage extension thereof for incorporation of a string connected tampon therein.

'7. In a device of the character described, the combination with an elongated hollow tube defining a passageway open at both ends, means for .rigidly supporting said tube, air injector means adjustably connected to the lower portion of said tube for communication with the interior thereof for causing an air current to pass through said tube in one direction, and a free extremity on the upper portion of said elongated tube to tightly receive a tubular applicator thereon to serve as an air passage extension thereof for incorporation of a string connected tampon therein.

8. A method of assembling string attached tam- 1 predetermined path, then subjecting the string portion of the tampon to the air currents passing through said elongated tubes to displace the strings thereof through said tubes, then displacing the tampons into said tubes in the direction of string displacement, and then continuing the displacement of said assembled tampon, string and applicator along said predetermined path of movement for discharge purposes.

9. A method of assembling string attached tampon and applicator units which consists in conveying a plurality of string attached self -sustaining tampons along a predetermined path, then passing air currents unidirectionally through tubular elongated tubes, then bringing string attached tampons and tubes with effective drawing range of the air currents passing through said tubes to displace the strings therethrough, then displacing the tampons into the tubes in the direction of string displacement to fully occupy the interior thereof, and then discharging the assembled tampons, strings and tubes from said path for removal therefrom.

10. A method of assembling string attached tampon and applicator units which consists in conveying a plurality of string attach'ed tampons along a predetermined path, then subjecting tubular elongated tubes to air current at a plurality of stations for eifecting the passage of air unidirectionally thercthrough, then bringing string attached tampons to said stations within effective range of the air current passing through said tubes to effect string displacement therethrough, then forcing the body of the connected tampons into said tubes under mechanical pressure to fully occupy theinterior thereof with the attached string projecting therefrom, and then conveying the assembled tampons, attached strings and applicators from said stations and along said predetermined path for discharge purposes.

11. A method of assembling string attached tampon and applicator units which consists in conveying a plurality of string attached self-sustaining tampons along a predetermined path, then providing tubes at a plurality of stations, then bringing said string attached tampons and tubes within close range of each other at said stations, then pulling the tampon strings through said tubes, then pushing the tampon bodies into said tubes in the direction of string displacement, and then transferring the assembled tampon, string and applicator tube from each station to the predetermined path for displacement from said stations to a point of discharge.

JOHN R. McLAUGHLIN.

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