US3875615A - Device and method for forming tampon - Google Patents

Device and method for forming tampon Download PDF

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Publication number
US3875615A
US3875615A US400620A US40062073A US3875615A US 3875615 A US3875615 A US 3875615A US 400620 A US400620 A US 400620A US 40062073 A US40062073 A US 40062073A US 3875615 A US3875615 A US 3875615A
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United States
Prior art keywords
plunger
sack
chamber
tubular
vacuum
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US400620A
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English (en)
Inventor
Delmar R Muckenfuhs
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Procter and Gamble Co
Original Assignee
Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Procter and Gamble Co
Priority to US400620A priority Critical patent/US3875615A/en
Priority to PH16251A priority patent/PH10891A/en
Priority to GB40718/74A priority patent/GB1483089A/en
Priority to DE19742445020 priority patent/DE2445020A1/de
Priority to CA209,816A priority patent/CA1010836A/en
Priority to IT53149/74A priority patent/IT1019361B/it
Priority to AU73587/74A priority patent/AU7358774A/en
Priority to LU70983A priority patent/LU70983A1/xx
Priority to IE1970/74A priority patent/IE40401B1/xx
Priority to CH1289974A priority patent/CH580960A5/xx
Priority to AT765274A priority patent/AT348112B/de
Priority to SE7411980A priority patent/SE411655B/xx
Priority to NO743435A priority patent/NO133689C/no
Priority to NL7412569A priority patent/NL7412569A/xx
Priority to DK500074AA priority patent/DK135094B/da
Priority to FI2779/74A priority patent/FI277974A/fi
Priority to FR7432217A priority patent/FR2244448B1/fr
Priority to BE148890A priority patent/BE820336A/xx
Priority to BR7969/74A priority patent/BR7407969D0/pt
Priority to JP49110383A priority patent/JPS5745186B2/ja
Priority to ES430400A priority patent/ES430400A1/es
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3875615A publication Critical patent/US3875615A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/20—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor
    • A61F13/2082—Apparatus or processes of manufacturing
    • A61F13/2085—Catamenial tampons

Definitions

  • the tampon comprises an aggregate composed of individual pieces of absorbent foam-like material loosely encased within a flexible fluid-permeable overwrap.
  • the overwrap is in the nature ofa tubular sack closed at its opposite ends. as by gathering the ends radially inwardly and fastening them to form end closures.
  • a withdrawal string is attached to one end of the overwrap to facilitate removal of the tampon subsequent to use.
  • the rosette shape is effected by displacing inwardly the distal end of the sack. i.e.. the end opposite the withdrawal string. to form a cavity in the overwrap. There is thus formed a tampon wherein the absorbent aggregate is encased by an overwrap having an exterior portion forming the exterior surface of the tampon and a re-entrant portion forming the surface of the cavity.
  • the rosette shape is advantageous because of its greater lateral spread when subjected to forces normal to the tampon's longitudinal axis and it also provides a larger periphery for a given amount of absorptive aggregate than a tampon without a cavity in the middle. e.g..
  • a cylindrical tampon Subsequent to the formation of the tampon into rosette shape. it is radially compressed and enclosed in a tube-type inserter by means of which it can be inserted into a vagina. as will be understood by those familiar with the tampon art.
  • the present invention is. however. concerned with the formation of the tampon structure into rosette shape. with particular reference to apparatus and procedures by means of which the tubular sack and its contents may be uniformly formed into rosette shape in an essentially automatic and continuous fashion. thereby facilitating the mass production of the tampons.
  • a device is pro vided which will automatically form a rosette shaped tampon from a closed tubular sack or overwrap containing absorptive aggregate.
  • the device being adapted for use either in a semiautomatic production line in which the tampons are manually fed into the device and manually recovered upon ejection from the device. or as a component of an automated production line wherein the tampons are automatically fed to the device and automatically recovered upon ejection for subsequent processing operations.
  • the device is provided with a cylindrical holding chamber into which the tubular sacks are inserted one at a time.
  • Means are provided to draw a vacuum on the lower portion at least of the holding chamber.
  • An axially movable tubular plunger projects upwardly through the closed bottom of the chamber. the plunger having an open upper end. its lowermost end being connected to valve means for selectively connecting the plunger to a source of vacuum and to a source of air under pressure. Vacuum is initially drawn on the plunger so that it will engage and grip the undersurface of the tubular sack.
  • Pneumatic cylinders are arranged to reciprocate the plunger upon actuation of the device.
  • the plunger first moving downwardly to guide the sack into fully seated position within the chamber and then reversing direction to fold the sack into rosette shape and then eject it from the chamber.
  • the plunger also preferably contains a spring-biased ejector rod which is displaced upwardly by air under pressure to engage the rosette and assist in its removal from the tubular plunger upon ejection from the holding chamber subsequent to the forming operation.
  • the invention further contemplates the sizing and shaping of the tubular sack and its contents to insure substantially uniform distribution of the aggregate within the overwrap upon the inward displacement of the distal end of the sack to form it into a rosette.
  • the vacuum acts to expand the tubular wall surface of the overwrap outwardly into contact with the wall surface ofthe holding chamber.
  • the vacuum so-drawn also acts upon the enclosed aggregate. drawing it outwardly toward the expanded wall surface of the sack. Since the vacuum acts uniformly about the periphery of the sack. a core of aggregate is effectively formed.
  • the rosette will be symmetrically formed with the contained aggregate substantially uniformly distributed between its interior and exterior surfaces.
  • FIG. I is a side elevational view of a forming device in accordance with the invention. the device being in its initial or first position of use.
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating the device in its second position of use in which the plunger is in its lowermost position.
  • FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 but with the plunger in its third or ejection position and with its ejector rod extended.
  • FIG. 4 is an elevational view taken from the right side of FIG. 1 with the plunger in its initial position.
  • FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a tampon structure in its initial sack-like configuration with the overwrap partially cut away to illustrate the enclosed aggregate.
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the holding chamber taken along the line 66 of FIG. 4 illustrating the initial placement of the sacklike tampon structure therein.
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating the tampon structure in its fully seated position within the holding chamber.
  • FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are also enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional views similar to FIG. 6 illustrating successive stages in the formation of the tampon structure into rosette shape and its ejection from the device.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tampon structure upon discharge from the device.
  • the device comprises a table or similar work surface which is mounted on a vertical support II by means of brackets 12.
  • the nature of the support 11 does not constitute a limitation on the invention. its sole purpose being to provide a suitable supporting frame for the device.
  • An elongated mounting arm l3 projects downwardly from the underside of the table. the arm having a plate 14 bolted thereto to which horizontally disposed mounting bracket I5 is fixedly secured.
  • Bracket 15 mounts the holding chamber. which is generally indicated at l6, the holding chamber 16 projecting upwardly through an opening 17 in the table 10.
  • the holding chamber 16 has an outer annular sleeve l8 closed at its lower end by a base 19, and a vacuum conduit 20 projects laterally from one side of the outer sleeve 18.
  • An inner annular sleeve 21 lies concentrically within and spaced from the outer sleeve IS. the inner sleeve projecting downwardly through base 19 into bracket 15 where it seats against surface 22 which defines a bottom wall for the holding chamber.
  • the inner sleeve projects upwardly beyond the upper edge of the outer sleeve IS. the annular space 23 between the inner and outer sleeves being closed by a cap member 24. If desired.
  • a sizing sleeve 25 may be inserted in the upper end of the inner sleeve 21, the sizing sleeve preferably terminating short of the spaced apart perforations 26 which extend throughout the periphery of the lower portion of the inner sleeve 2] to define an annular array of vacuum ports between the interior of the inner sleeve and the annular space 23.
  • the interior of the inner sleeve will define a vacuum chamber 27.
  • a tubular plunger 28 projects upwardly through the bracket 15 and base 19 of the holding chamber 16, the plunger being slidably journaled in mounting bracket 15 by means of a bearing member 29 which also acts as a gasket to effectively seal the bottom of the vacuum chamber 27 against the exchange of atmosphere.
  • the plunger 28 is also slidably journaled in a lower mounting bracket 30 secured to the lowermost end of the plate 14.
  • the tubular plunger is provided with a suitable fitting 31 by means of which it may be alternatively connected to a source of vacuum or air under pressure. indicated diagrammatically by the double headed arrow V/P. as by means of a three-way valve indicated diagrammatically at 32.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the retracted position of the rod in which its uppermost end lies within the confines of the tubular plunger 28, preferably slightly below its uppermost end.
  • the ejector rod 33 is normally biased to its lowermost or retracted position by means of spring 36 extending between the lowermost end of the ejector rod and a mounting pin 37 extending between and secured to the opposite sides of the plunger. The force of the spring 36 is such that it will be expanded to permit the ejector rod to move upwardly within the plunger to its extended position when air under pressure is introduced into the tubular plunger 28 through valve 32.
  • a first actuating bracket 38 is slidably mounted on the tubular plunger 28 intermediate its opposite ends.
  • the bracket 38 having a first arm 39 to which the vertically disposed pneumatic cylinder 40 is secured.
  • the pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod 41 secured to the undersurface of mounting bracket 15.
  • a second arm 42 projects from first actuating bracket 38 in the opposite direction and mounts a second pneumatic cyl inder 43 having a piston rod 44 secured to the depending arm 45 of a second actuating bracket 46 which is fixedly secured to the plunger 28.
  • the pin 35 which limits the axial movement of ejector rod 33 may project outwardly through second actuating bracket 46 to fixedly secure it to the plunger 28.
  • a limit switch 47 is mounted on the plate 14 toward its lowermost end.
  • the switch 47 having a contact arm 48 mounting a cam roller 49 adapted to be engaged by the cam member 50 secured to first actuating bracket 38.
  • the limit switch 47 is operatively connected by circuit means 47a to a five-way valve SI, as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 3 which actuates piston rod 44 of pneumatic valve 43, the valve acting to selectively supply air under pressure to the opposite ends of cylinder 43 to move piston rod 44 in opposite directions.
  • a limit switch 52 also mounted on plate 14. has a contact arm 53 mounting cam roller 54 positioned to be contacted by cam member 55 secured to second actuating bracket 46.
  • Limit switch 52 is operatively connected by circuit means 52:: to five-way valve 56. as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 4. which actuates the piston rod 4] of pneumatic cylinder 40.
  • limit switch 52 actuates three-way valve 32 through circuit means 52b. also diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 4. to introduce air under pressure into plunger 28.
  • FIG. 1 In the initial or starting position. the parts are in the position illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein it will be seen that the upper end of tubular plunger 28 projects upwardly within chamber 27. preferably well into the area of sizing sleeve 25. It is at this juncture that a tampon structure in tubular form is inserted into the upper end of chamber 27.
  • the tampon structure is illustrated in FIG. 5, the structure comprising a tubular sack 0r overwrap 57 containing an aggregate 58 of individual and separate pieces of absorbent foam-like material.
  • the aggregate 58 is loosely encased within the overwrap 57 and a withdrawal string 59 is securely attached to one end of the overwrap 57.
  • the construction of the tampon structure as such does not constitute a limitation on the present invention. although preferably it will be constructed in accordance with the teachings of the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Application Ser. No. 358.733. filed May 9, I973 and entitled Catamenial Aggregate Absorbent Body.” now US. Pat. No. 3.815.601. issued June II. 1974.
  • the tampon structure will be loosely placed in the chamber 27 with its distal end 60 seated on the open upper end of tubular plunger 28. If the tampon structure includes a gathered end closure 61 at its distal end, it is preferred that such gathered portion be inserted in the open upper end of the tubular plunger 28 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • the initial placement of the tampon structure may be by hand or by mechanical means.
  • the three-way valve 32 is positioned to cause a vacuum to be drawn on tubular plunger 28, thereby causing the open upper end of the plunger to effectively engage and grip the distal end 60 of the tam pon structure, including the gathered end 61, if such end is present.
  • the vacuum will be drawn on the plunger 28 prior to the placement of the tampon structure, although the vacuum sources may be activated subsequent to the initial placement of the tampon structure. being activated simultaneously with the initiation of movement of the tubular plunger 28. It is also preferred that no vacuum be drawn on chamber 27 until movement of the plunger is initiated.
  • suitable actuating means indicated for purposes of illustration as start button 62, will be actuated to initiate the sequential operation of the device.
  • valve 63 which is connected to start button 62 through circuit means 62:: as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 3, will be opened to draw a vacuum on chamber 27, through conduit 20, and at the same time start switch 62, acting through circuit means 62/; diagrammatically shown in FIG. 4, will cause air under pressure to be introduced into pneumatic cylinder through valve 56 to cause piston rod 41 to be extended.
  • the piston rod 41 acting to move the entire pneumatic cylinder assembly 40 downwardly; and since the cylinder 40 is mounted on arm 39 forming a part of first actuating bracket 38 which is operatively connected to the tubular plunger 28 through arm 42, piston rod 44, and arm 45 of the second actuating bracket 46 which is pinned to the tubular plunger.
  • the plunger 28 will be moved downwardly, the parts assuming the position illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings.
  • Such movement causes the tampon structure to be drawn downwardly into the lower portion of vacuum chamber 27, the primary pulling force being the vacuum drawn on the chamber 27, with the tubular plunger 28 acting to guide and center the sack during its downward movement.
  • the perforations 26 in the inner sleeve 2l act to expand the tubular overwrap 57 of the tampon structure radially outwardly so as to bring its tubular wall surface into contact with the inner surface of the inner sleeve 21, which is preferably cylindrical.
  • the relatively limp and flexible tubular sack is squared-up into essentially symmetrical cylindrical configuration, assuming the condition illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • the tubular wall surface of the sack to conform to the cylindrical wall surface of the inner sleeve.
  • the vacuum ports acting through the porous overwrap 57, also act to draw the pieces of aggregate 58 radially outwardly into contact with the overwrap, thereby forming the aggregate into an essentially annular core which insures substantially uniform distribution of the aggregate throughout the periphery of the overwrap.
  • Such action also lessens the density of the aggregate at the center of the core and effectively promotes the formation of a hollow cavity, indicated at 64, extending longitudinally through the center of the tampon structure.
  • valve 56 to be turned on so as to reverse the direction of travel of piston rod 41 of pneumatic cylinder 40.
  • Cylinder 40 thus travels upwardly relative to piston rod 41 carrying with it first actuating bracket 38 and pneumatic cylinder 43. Consequently. the cylinder 43 which is mounted on first actuating bracket 38 is also traveling upward as its piston rod 44 is being extended. This results in movement of the parts toward the ejection position.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates this action.
  • the tubular plunger 28 As the tubular plunger 28 starts its upward movement toward the ejection position. it initially acts to fold the distal end 60 of the overwrap inwardly into the cavity 64 defined centrally within the tampon structure.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates this action.
  • the distal end of the tampon structure is carried upwardly.
  • ap proximately the lower one-half of the wall surface of the overwrap 57 is progressively peeled away from the bottom and wall surface of inner sleeve 21 and folded inwardly and upwardly by the plunger 28.
  • the plunger vacuum remains on during this operation and consequently the upper end of the plunger is in positive cngagement with the distal end of the tampon structure. Vacuum is also maintained in the chamber 27, resulting in an essentially smooth and uniform peeling away of the lower portion of the overwrap from the wall surface of the inner sleeve 21.
  • the inward folding of the distal end of the tampon structure continues until contact is made with the opposite end of the tampon structure.
  • the end carrying the withdrawal string 59 whereupon formation of the rosette is completed as the folded tampon structure is carried upwardly through sizing sleeve 25 and, as the plunger reaches the top of its stroke, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the rosette shaped tampon is completely removed from the confines of chamber 27 but remains seated on the plunger 28.
  • the folding of the tampon structure results in formation of a rosette having an exterior portion 57a and an interior or reentrant portion 57b.
  • Limit switch 52 after a suitable time delay. acts through circuit means 521' diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 3 to actuate control valve Sl for cylinder 43 to reverse the direction of movement of piston rod 44. As the piston rod 44 is retracted. it acts through the sec ond actuating bracket 46 to lower the plunger 28 to its initial starting position. which is the position illustrated in FIG. I.
  • the actuation of three-way valve 32 to cause air under pressure to elevate ejector rod 33 will be of extremely short duration 4 on the order of one second whereupon the valve 32 will be returned on its vacuum position.
  • the air under pressure in the tubular plunger is shut-off.
  • the ejector rod will return to its lower or inoperative position under the influence of spring 36.
  • the limit switch 52 will also serve this purpose, acting to close valve 63 through circuit means 52d also diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 3. Desirahly. the vacuum to the chamber 27 will remain off until the next operating cycle of the device is initiated by actuation of the start switch 62.
  • the magnitude of the vacuum drawn on the tubular plunger 28 and the vacuum chamber 27 will be chosen in accordance with the requirements of use and will be dependent upon the porosity of the overwrap of the tampon structure and nature of the enclosed aggregate. consistent with the objectives of maintaining the upper end of the plunger in gripping engagement with the tampon structure during the forming operations and effecting the radial expansion of the tubular wall surface of the tampon structure and the outward displacement of the enclosed aggregate to facilitate the inward displacement of the distal end of the overwrap.
  • the completely formed tampon structure as ejected from the device is seen in FIG. ll. Essentially, it has a generally cylindrical body defined by exterior portion 57a and a generally conical re-entrant portion defined by the interior portion 57b.
  • the structure is now ready for subsequently processing such as radial contraction and the insertion of the structure into a tube type inserter.
  • the instant invention provides means and a method for uniformly and accurately forming an initially tubular sack into an essentially symmetrical rosette shape. including substantially uniform distribution ofthe enclosed aggregate throughout the annular space between the exterior and reentrant portions of the rosette shaped overwrap.
  • pneumatic cylinders can be reversed end to end and that the ejector rod can be actuated by other than pneumatic means. as for example. a solenoid.
  • the device may be used without an ejector rod, relying on the air under pressure to remove the formed rosette from the plunger. If desired. the air under pressure may be eliminated and the rosette removed from the plunger either manually or by external means forming a part of an automated unit.
  • a device for forming a rosette shaped tampon or like article comprising an annular chamber having an open top and a closed bottom for receiving a flexible tubular sack containing particulate material to be formed into rosette shape. means for drawing a vacuum on said chamber. a tubular plunger extending axially upwardly through the bottom of said chamber. said plunger being of a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of said annular chamber, means mounting said plunger for axial movement relative to said chamber. means operatively connecting said tubular plunger to a vacuum source. and actuating means for sequentially effecting relative movement between said plunger and said chamber from a first position of use in which the upper end of the plunger lies within said chamber at a point remote from its closed bottom.
  • the device claimed in claim 1 including tampon ejecting means operatively connected to said tubular plunger.
  • tam pon ejecting means includes a source of air under pressure, and valve means for selectively switching said plunger from vacuum to pressure.
  • said tampon ejecting means includes an ejector rod contained within said tubular plunger, and actuating means for extending said ejector rod beyond the upper end of said plunger when said plunger is in its third position of use.
  • the device claimed in claim 5 including means for returning said ejector rod from its extended position.
  • stop means comprises an elongated slot in said ejector rod and a pin extending through said slot and in engagement with said tubular plunger.
  • the actuating means for sequentially effecting relative movement between said plunger and said chamber includes a first plunger moving means operative to move said plunger from its first to its second position of use.
  • said first plunger moving means is a reversible plunger moving means which, when reversed. acts to move said plunger from its second position of use toward its third position of use. and means operatively connected to said plunger moving means to reverse its movement.
  • actuating means for sequentially effecting relative movement between said plunger and said chamber also includes a second plunger moving means operative to move said plunger from its second toward its third position of use.
  • said first plunger moving means is a reversible plunger moving means which. when reversed, acts to move said plunger from its second toward its third position of use. and means operatively connected to said plunger moving means to reverse its movement.
  • said plunger actuating means also including a second plunger moving means also operative to move said plunger from its second position of use toward its third position.
  • said first plunger means upon being reversed. effectively acting to return said plunger to its first position of use and said second plunger means effectively acting to complete movement of said plunger to its third position of use.
  • said second plunger moving means also comprises a reversible plunger moving means which. when reversed. acts to move said plunger from its third position of use to its first position of use, and means operatively connected to said second plunger moving means to reverse its movement.
  • the means mounting said plunger for axial movement relative to the chamber includes a first actuating bracket operatively connected to said plunger, said first plunger moving means comprising a first fluid cylinder having a piston rod movable from a retracted to an extended position. said first fluid cylinder and piston rod extending between and connected to said first actuating bracket at one end and to a fixed support at the other end, whereby movement of said piston rod from one position to the other effects movement of said plunger from its first to second positions of use.
  • said first actuating bracket is axially movable relative to said plunger. and wherein said plunger mounting means includes a second actuating bracket fixedly secured to said plunger for axial movement therewith. said plunger actuating means including means connecting said first actuating bracket to said second actuating bracket. whereby said first actuating bracket is operatively connected to said plunger through said second actuating bracket.
  • the means connecting said first actuating bracket to said second actuating bracket comprises a second fluid cylinder having a piston rod movable from a retracted to an extended position, said second fluid cylinder and piston rod extending between and connected at one end to said first actuating bracket and at the other end to said second actuating bracket.
  • first and second valve means for selectively introducing fluid under pressure into the opposite ends of said first and second cylinders to extend and retract their respective piston rods, and start switch means operatively con' nected to said first valve means to actuate said first fluid cylinder and piston rod to move said plunger from its first to its second position of use.
  • the device claimed in claim 18 including a first limit switch means operatively connected to said sec ond valve means to actuate the piston rod of said second fluid cylinder to move said plunger from its second position of use toward its third position of use. said first limit switch means being positioned to be actuated as said plunger reaches its second position of use.
  • the device claimed in claim 20 including a second limit switch means operatively connected to said second valve means to actuate the piston rod of said second fluid cylinder to move said plunger from its third to its first position of use, said second limit switch means being positioned to be actuated as said plunger reaches its third position of use.
  • annular chamber is defined by an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve surrounding said inner sleeve in spaced relation thereto to define an annular space therebetween, said annular space being closed at its top and bottom, the lower portion of said inner sleeve being perforated throughout its periphery, and wherein the means for drawing a vacuum on said chamber comprises a vacuum conduit in communication with said annular space.
  • valve means connected to said vacuum conduit to control the vacuum drawn on said chamber. start switch means to initiate movement of said plunger from its first toward its second position of use, said start switch means being operatively connected to said valve means to open said vacuum conduit to draw vacuum on said chamber upon initiation of movement of said plunger toward its second position of use.
  • the device claimed in claim 23 including additional switch means operatively connected to said valve means to close said vacuum conduit upon movement of said plunger to its third position of use.
  • a method for forming a rosette shaped tampon or like article from a flexible closed tubular sack having an elongated tubular body containing a particulate material which comprises the steps of expanding the tubular body of the sack radially outwardly and maintaining the tubular body in the radially expanded condition, and while so expanded, deflecting an end of the sack inwardly along the longitudinal axis of the sack until approximately one-half of its tubular body is folded inwardly to form an exterior portion and a re-cntrant inner portion.
  • the method claimed in claim 26 including the step of displacing the enclosed particulate material toward the expanded tubular body of the sack to promote the formation of a centrally disposed longitudinal cav ity into which the end of the sack is displaced.
  • the method claimed in claim 26 including the steps of providing a cylindrical chamber having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the tubular body of the sack when in radially expanded condition, inserting the sack into the chamber in unexpanded condition. and effecting radial expansion of its tubular body while contained within the chamber.
  • the method claimed in claim 30 including the steps of initially inserting the sack only partially within said chamber, and thereafter applying vacuum to the sack to draw it completely into said chamber.
  • the method claimed in claim 30 including the steps of deflecting the end of the sack inwardly while contained with said chamber and thereafter ejecting the folded sack from the cylinder from the end of the cylinder opposite the folded end of the sack.
  • the method claimed in claim 32 including the steps of providing a plunger axially movable within the chamber along the longitudinal axis of said chamber. and effecting the folding of the sack and its ejection from said chamber by axial movement of the plunger in one direction.
  • the plunger is a hollow tube having an open end in engagement with the end of the sack being folded. including the step of drawing a vacuum on the sack through the plunger during the folding and ejection steps.
  • a device for forming a tubular sack into rosette shape comprising a chamber having an annular wall surface and a closed bottom. a tubular plunger extending upwardly through the center of said chamber, actutit ating means for effecting axial movement of said plunger relative to said chamber from a lower to an upper position, and means for releasably holding a tubular sack inserted in said chamber in contact with its annular wall surface, whereby upon axial movement of said plunger from its lower to its upper position, the lowermost half of the sack will be folded inwardly and upwardly to form it into rosette shape.
  • the device claimed in claim 37 including ejecting means for removing the sack from the tubular plunger subsequent to its formation into rosette shape.
  • said ejecting means includes means for introducing air under pressure into said tubular plunger for discharge through the upper end thereof.
  • said ejecting means also includes an ejector rod in said tubular plunger mounted for axial movement from a retracted to an extended position. said rod being movable from the retracted to the extended position by the air under pressure introduced into said tubular plunger.
  • the device claimed in claim 37 including means for drawing a vacuum on said tubular plunger.
  • the device claimed in claim 37 including means for selectively drawing a vacuum on said tubular member and for introducing air under pressure into said tubular member.
  • actuating means for said tubular plunger includes means for moving said plunger from an intermediate position to the lower position and return, and also means for moving said plunger from the intermediate to the upper position and return, said last named means coacting to jointly move said plunger from the lower to the upper position.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
US400620A 1973-09-25 1973-09-25 Device and method for forming tampon Expired - Lifetime US3875615A (en)

Priority Applications (21)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US400620A US3875615A (en) 1973-09-25 1973-09-25 Device and method for forming tampon
PH16251A PH10891A (en) 1973-09-25 1974-09-06 Device and method for forming tampon
GB40718/74A GB1483089A (en) 1973-09-25 1974-09-18 Device and method for forming tampon
DE19742445020 DE2445020A1 (de) 1973-09-25 1974-09-20 Verfahren und vorrichtung zum formen eines rosettenfoermigen tampons
IT53149/74A IT1019361B (it) 1973-09-25 1974-09-23 Dispositivo per formare tamponi e metodo relativo
AU73587/74A AU7358774A (en) 1973-09-25 1974-09-23 Tampon
CA209,816A CA1010836A (en) 1973-09-25 1974-09-23 Device and method for forming tampon
FR7432217A FR2244448B1 (es) 1973-09-25 1974-09-24
CH1289974A CH580960A5 (es) 1973-09-25 1974-09-24
AT765274A AT348112B (de) 1973-09-25 1974-09-24 Verfahren und vorrichtung zum formen eines rosettenfoermigen tampons
LU70983A LU70983A1 (es) 1973-09-25 1974-09-24
NO743435A NO133689C (es) 1973-09-25 1974-09-24
NL7412569A NL7412569A (nl) 1973-09-25 1974-09-24 Werkwijze en inrichting voor het vervaardigen van een tampon en tampon vervaardigd volgens de werkwijze.
DK500074AA DK135094B (da) 1973-09-25 1974-09-24 Fremgangsmåde og apparat til fremstilling af en rosetformet tampon.
FI2779/74A FI277974A (es) 1973-09-25 1974-09-24
IE1970/74A IE40401B1 (en) 1973-09-25 1974-09-24 Device and method for forming tampon
SE7411980A SE411655B (sv) 1973-09-25 1974-09-24 Sett och anordning att astadkomma en klockformad tampong eller liknande produkt
BE148890A BE820336A (fr) 1973-09-25 1974-09-25 Procede et dispositif pour produire des tampons periodiques en forme de rosette
BR7969/74A BR7407969D0 (pt) 1973-09-25 1974-09-25 Dispositivo para modelagem de um tampao e saco tubular em formato de roseta e o respectivo processo
JP49110383A JPS5745186B2 (es) 1973-09-25 1974-09-25
ES430400A ES430400A1 (es) 1973-09-25 1974-09-25 Procedimiento y dispositivo para la fabricacion de tampo- nes.

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US400620A US3875615A (en) 1973-09-25 1973-09-25 Device and method for forming tampon

Publications (1)

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US3875615A true US3875615A (en) 1975-04-08

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Family Applications (1)

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US400620A Expired - Lifetime US3875615A (en) 1973-09-25 1973-09-25 Device and method for forming tampon

Country Status (21)

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US (1) US3875615A (es)
JP (1) JPS5745186B2 (es)
AT (1) AT348112B (es)
AU (1) AU7358774A (es)
BE (1) BE820336A (es)
BR (1) BR7407969D0 (es)
CA (1) CA1010836A (es)
CH (1) CH580960A5 (es)
DE (1) DE2445020A1 (es)
DK (1) DK135094B (es)
ES (1) ES430400A1 (es)
FI (1) FI277974A (es)
FR (1) FR2244448B1 (es)
GB (1) GB1483089A (es)
IE (1) IE40401B1 (es)
IT (1) IT1019361B (es)
LU (1) LU70983A1 (es)
NL (1) NL7412569A (es)
NO (1) NO133689C (es)
PH (1) PH10891A (es)
SE (1) SE411655B (es)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4006515A (en) * 1974-12-10 1977-02-08 The Procter & Gamble Company Apparatus for forming tampons and assembling same in inserters
US20070112320A1 (en) * 1999-10-07 2007-05-17 Playtex Products, Inc. Rapid expansion tampon pledget
US20080065041A1 (en) * 2006-08-16 2008-03-13 Mihai Alin Stan Process for producing folded and compressed tampons
US20080110005A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-15 Steven Ray Gilbert System and method for an expandable pushrod mold seal
US20220218535A1 (en) * 2021-01-08 2022-07-14 Anne's Day Ltd Tubular tampon and method of manufacturing same

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1586568A (en) * 1976-06-03 1981-03-18 Unilever Ltd Manufacture of tampons

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3131435A (en) * 1958-11-10 1964-05-05 Kimberly Clark Co Manufacture of cellulosic products
US3606643A (en) * 1966-01-06 1971-09-21 Mayfield Lab Inc Multi-phase linear flow machine for making tampons

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3131435A (en) * 1958-11-10 1964-05-05 Kimberly Clark Co Manufacture of cellulosic products
US3606643A (en) * 1966-01-06 1971-09-21 Mayfield Lab Inc Multi-phase linear flow machine for making tampons

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4006515A (en) * 1974-12-10 1977-02-08 The Procter & Gamble Company Apparatus for forming tampons and assembling same in inserters
US4067087A (en) * 1974-12-10 1978-01-10 The Procter & Gamble Company Method of forming tampons and assembling same in inserters
US20070112320A1 (en) * 1999-10-07 2007-05-17 Playtex Products, Inc. Rapid expansion tampon pledget
US8585668B2 (en) 1999-10-07 2013-11-19 Playtex Products, Llc Rapid expansion tampon pledget
US20080065041A1 (en) * 2006-08-16 2008-03-13 Mihai Alin Stan Process for producing folded and compressed tampons
US7735203B2 (en) * 2006-08-16 2010-06-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Process for producing folded and compressed tampons
US20080110005A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-15 Steven Ray Gilbert System and method for an expandable pushrod mold seal
US7736572B2 (en) * 2006-11-10 2010-06-15 The Procter & Gamble Company System and method for an expandable pushrod mold seal
US20220218535A1 (en) * 2021-01-08 2022-07-14 Anne's Day Ltd Tubular tampon and method of manufacturing same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK500074A (es) 1975-05-12
DE2445020A1 (de) 1975-04-03
GB1483089A (en) 1977-08-17
FR2244448B1 (es) 1978-11-24
JPS5745186B2 (es) 1982-09-27
LU70983A1 (es) 1975-06-16
NO133689B (es) 1976-03-08
IE40401L (en) 1975-03-25
CH580960A5 (es) 1976-10-29
DK135094C (es) 1977-09-26
IT1019361B (it) 1977-11-10
NO743435L (es) 1975-04-21
ATA765274A (de) 1978-06-15
PH10891A (en) 1977-09-30
AT348112B (de) 1979-01-25
BE820336A (fr) 1975-03-25
NL7412569A (nl) 1975-03-27
DK135094B (da) 1977-03-07
ES430400A1 (es) 1976-10-01
NO133689C (es) 1976-06-16
SE7411980L (es) 1975-03-26
SE411655B (sv) 1980-01-28
IE40401B1 (en) 1979-05-23
AU7358774A (en) 1976-03-25
FI277974A (es) 1975-03-26
FR2244448A1 (es) 1975-04-18
JPS5060090A (es) 1975-05-23
CA1010836A (en) 1977-05-24
BR7407969D0 (pt) 1975-09-16

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