WO2001043680A1 - Tampon having an oval form after expansion and process for producing the same - Google Patents
Tampon having an oval form after expansion and process for producing the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001043680A1 WO2001043680A1 PCT/US2000/033208 US0033208W WO0143680A1 WO 2001043680 A1 WO2001043680 A1 WO 2001043680A1 US 0033208 W US0033208 W US 0033208W WO 0143680 A1 WO0143680 A1 WO 0143680A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- tampon
- blank
- press
- ribs
- covering material
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- 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
- A61F13/2051—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the material or the structure of the inner absorbing core
- A61F13/206—Tampons made of rolled-up material
-
- 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
- A61F13/2051—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the material or the structure of the inner absorbing core
-
- 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 present invention relates to compressed, radially-expanding fibrous digital tampons for vaginal use as well as to a process of making the same These digital tampons expand into a non-circular shape upon exposure to a wet environment, typically upon exposure to vaginal/menstrual fluids during use
- vaginal tampons are manufactured from absorbent fibers, such as rayon, cotton, or a mixture of both fibers
- absorbent fibers such as rayon, cotton, or a mixture of both fibers
- the volume of absorbent fibers necessary to provide sufficient absorption capacity must be highly compressed to form a substantially circular tampon of sufficiently small size to allow comfortable insertion into the body
- the compression must be adequate to provide the tampon with axial stability such that the circular shape is maintained until the insertion is completed
- Such compression for digital vaginal tampons is typically provided as radial compression As a result the tampon when first inserted into the body is often compressed into a relatively non-conformable form with a relatively high initial density
- WO 97/23185 discloses the use of appropriate fibre mixtures providing rapid expansion properties to a compressed tampon, like mixtures of non-limbed fibres together with multi-limbed regenerated cellulose fibers
- consumer needs have not been fully satisfied
- digital tampons that would reduce or even prevent bypass leakage (early on and during use) while delivering effective absorption capacity
- a digital vaginal tampon made of a cylindrical mass of compressed fibers and having the ability of radially expanding in a non-circular shape, preferably an ellipsoidal shape, upon exposure to a wet environment, provides a better adaptation to the non-circular morphology of the vagina thereby reducing bypass leakage while exhibiting effective absorption capacity
- the tampons herein when flared by the user before digital insertion in the vagina have the tendency to take an ellipsoidal shape at the withdrawal flared end, thereby facilitating finger grip for digital insertion
- the present invention encompasses a digital tampon for feminine hygiene or medical purposes comprising a substantially cylindrical mass of compressed fibers, the tampon being capable of radially expanding into a non-circular shape upon exposure to a wet environment, so that the ovahty coefficient of the tampon measured at the end point of the EDANA syngma method, referred to as OC (expanded tampon) is higher than 10
- the present invention also relates to a tampon blank obtainable by winding essentially upon itself a portion of length of nonwoven material which has a width approximately corresponding to the length of the tampon, preferably in presence of a fluid permeable covering material, so that the ova ty coefficient of the tampon blank, referred to as OC(tampon blank), is higher than 10
- the present invention also encompasses a process for producing a digital tampon according to the present invention in which a tampon blank as defined above is shaped by winding up a nonwoven material, preferably in presence of a fluid permeable covering material, the tampon blank is then pressed radially to form a tampon preform which has a central approximately cylindrical fibre core and longitudinal ribs which extend radially outwards from the fiber core
- the tampon blank is pressed radially relative to a longitudinal axis, which axis is offset from the mid-axis of the tampon blank This radial compression is such that the resulting preform is then allowed to expand into its final shape, preferably inside a cylindrical pipe, so that the outer surface of the tampon forms a soft cylindrical surface of at least slightly bigger diameter than the tampon preform
- Figure 1 to Figure 4 show steps for producing a tampon blank according to the present invention
- Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic view of a tampon blank according to the present invention
- Figure 6 shows a cross-section view of a tampon blank of Figure 5, taken along line l-l,
- Figure 7 shows a longitudinal mid-section view of the tube 44 disposed before the preforming press 36 (cf Figure 10), this tube (also called arm) serves the function of transporting the tampon blank to the preforming press while shaping the tampon blank in a non-circular cross-sectional shape
- Figure 8 shows an ellipsoidal cross section of the tube 44 taken along line B-B in Figures 7 or 10
- Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a tampon according to the present invention
- Figure 9a shows a cross-section view of a tampon of Figure 9, taken along
- Figure 10 shows an apparatus for producing the tampon according to Figure 9 in a longitudinal section
- Figure 11 shows a cross-section through a pressed tampon preform along line V-V in Figure 10
- Figure 12 shows a cross-section through a ready-pressed tampon along line VI-VI in Figure 10
- Figure 13 shows a view of the exit side of a preforming press 36 for the preform, with closed asymmetric press jaws
- Figure 14 shows a diagrammatic view of a preforming press 36 in the opened state with a tampon blank arranged in it, offset from the mid axis of the press
- Figure 15 shows an intermediate closing movement of the press jaws
- Figure 16 shows diagrammatic view of a press 36 in the closed state with a tampon blank arranged in it
- Figure 17 shows a top view of two press jaws of the preforming press 36 in Figure 13 located next to one another, in a partially cut-away, enlarged representation
- Figure 18 shows a view of a plurality of press jaws in the closed state, which illustrates the influence of an interspace on one side of each press jaw on the fibre material of the preform
- Figure 19 shows a side view of a press jaw in the direction of the arrow X in Figure 17 and its fastening to fastening arms of the preforming press
- Figure 20 shows a longitudinal mid-section view of the guiding cone 48 disposed after the preforming press 36 (cf Figure 10)
- Figure 21 shows an elevation view of the expansion pipe 56 disposed after the guiding cone 36 in Figure 10
- the digital vaginal tampons of the present invention comprises a substantially cylindrical mass of compressed fibers, said tampons having the ability to radially expand in a non-circular cross-sectional shape, preferably an ellipsoidal shape, upon exposure to a wet environment, typically upon contact with menstrual discharge during use
- the tampons have a substantially circular cross-section (before vaginal use) but are capable of radially expanding into a non-circular cross-sectional shape upon exposure to a wet environment (during vaginal use)
- This property has the advantage in use that the tampon radially expands more adequately to conform with the vaginal morphology of a women which is rather a flattened cavity than a circular cavity
- the present invention also relates to tampon blanks and to a process of manufacturing the tampons of the present invention As used herein the term 'radially expand' relates to the expansion of the tampons herein in use conditions These t
- the tampon blank, the tampon and expanded tampon (typically the tampon during use condition) can be defined as having a central axis a minor diameter and a major diameter, the major diameter of the tampon blank/tampon/expanded tampon being measured perpendicular to said central axis at an angle of 90° from the minor diameter
- the minor diameter stands for A and the major diameter for B
- the minor diameter is defined as the narrowest diameter of respectively the tampon blank or tampon/expanded tampon
- the minor diameter will be suitably measured with the use of a Tampon Gauge with a calliper that is accurate to 0 1 mm
- a suitable tampon gauge for use herein is Mitutuyo Digimatic Scale Unit #572-213, 0-300mm
- the tampon/expanded tampon or tampon blank is turned at an angle of 90° to measure the major diameter, which typically corresponds to the widest diameter of respectively the tampon/expanded tampon or tampon blank
- the minor and major diameters considered herein are the ones taken on a given cross section of respectively the tampon blank, tampon or expanded tampon
- the diameters considered can be taken on the top, middle or bottom or any other positions on the tampon core (as opposed to the head which preferably further undergoes the formation of the elongated insertion end) provided that the diameters on the same position are compared to each other
- these measurements can be taken at any position of its length provided the minor and major diameters on a same position are compared to each other
- an ovahty coefficient referred to as OC which is a measure of the cross-sectional shape can be defined for respectively the tampon blank, tampon and expanded tampon, as defined by the following equation
- the tampons herein are defined by their ovahty coefficient measured at the end point of the Edana syngina method, herein referred to as OC (expanded tampon)
- OC expanded tampon
- the OC is of more than 10, preferably more than 13, more preferably from 15 to 40, more preferably from 16 to 35, even more preferably from 18 to 30 and most preferably from 20 to 28
- the 'end point' of the EDANA syngina method is defined by the first drop of syngina fluid that exits the syngina apparatus when following the EDANA syngina method
- the tampons according to the present invention having the radial expansion characteristics as described herein when exposed to a wet environment have the ability to reduce or even prevent bypass leakage
- By 'bypass leakage' is meant the phenomenon in which menstruation fluid can escape between the body walls and the tampon
- the tampons herein have the ability in use to radially expand in a non-circular shape, preferably an ellipsoidal shape, i e , a radial expansion which more adequately conform to the vagina anatomy and therefore helps reducing bypass leakage or even prevent it
- the surface area of the circumference of a non-circular (e g , ellipsoidal shape) expanded tampon according to the present invention upon exposure to a wet environment is bigger than those of a similar tampon (i e , a tampon having same fiber weight, bulk density (weight of tampon per volume) and stability) that radially expands in a circular cross-sectional shape (a
- the tampons herein comprise a substantially cylindrical mass of compressed fibers
- the tampons herein are made from nonwoven material/fibers which may be made of natural fibres such as cotton, wood pulp, jute and the like and/or processed fibres as regenerated cellulose, cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate, rayon, polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefin, polyamine, polyamide, polyacrylonitnle, and the like
- Other fibres in addition to the above fibres may be included to add desirable characteristics to the digital tampons
- the tampon fibres are rayon or cotton and more preferably rayon
- the fibres may have any useful cross-section Preferred cross-sections include multi-limbed and non-limbed Multi-limbed, regenerated cellulosic fibres have been commercially available for a number of years These fibres are known to possess increased specific absorbency over non-limbed fibres One commercial example of these fibres is the Galaxy® viscose rayon fibres available from A
- the tampons herein include from 20% to 100% of multi-limbed fibres Indeed these multi-limbed fibres are believed to accelerate the radial expansion properties of the tampons herein upon exposure to a wet environment and thus contribute to the benefit of the present invention by further reducing the occurrence of early bypass leakage
- the fibres may be a mixture of multi-limbed fibres and non-limbed fibres
- the tampons herein include from 20% to 100% of multi-limbed fibres and from 80% to 0% of the non-limbed fibers More preferably the tampons herein include from 25% to 100% of multi-limbed fibres and from 75% to 0% of the non-limbed fibers What ever the fibers used herein or mixtures of fibers used herein they are preferably blended to a substantially uniform mixture of fibers
- These fiber blending operations are known to those skilled in the art
- the fibers can be continuously metered into a saw-tooth opener
- the blended fibers can be transported, e g
- Useful covering materials are those known to those skilled in the art They may be selected from an outer layer of fibers which are fused together (such as by thermobonding), a nonwoven fabric, an apertured film or the like Preferably the covering material has a hydrophobic finish Suitable materials for use herein include polyester/polyethylene bicomponent structure and polyethylenesulfonic acid/polyethylene bicomponent structure
- Figure 9 shows a tampon 10 for feminine hygiene formed from a tampon blank 12 which is shaped by winding up a nonwoven material 1 , preferably in presence of a fluid permeable covering material 2
- the tampon comprises a fluid-permeable covering material 2 such that the cylindrical mass of compressed fibers is substantially enclosed by the covering material
- a covering material 2 which is a nonwoven covering material which is at least partly composed of thermoplastic material is sealed onto the part of the nonwoven material 1 which forms the circumferential surface of the tampon 10, using heat and pressure, the fluid covering material 2 being preferably longer than the circumference of the tampon blank 12
- the thermoplastic non-woven covering material 2 is connected to the nonwoven material 1 by means of parallel weld lines at various distance from one another Other attachment patterns may be used, such as discontinued dots, etc
- FIG. 1 A preferred process for producing the tampon blank herein is illustrated in Figures 1 to 4
- a calendered nonwoven material which typically consists of a mixture of natural or cellulosic fibres and which has a width corresponding to the length of the tampon 10
- the nonwoven material is weakened transversely to its longitudinal direction in each case by so- called weak points 5, for example by being perforated, between sections of length which are needed for the production of the tampon 10
- a continuously fed fluid permeable covering material 2 ( Figure 2) is cut into a covering material section, whose length exceeds the circumference of the tampon blank 12
- the covering material 2 is then fastened, for example by sealing or needling, onto the outside of a region of the material 1 which is located at the rear in the direction of the movement x of the material 1 and in front of the weak points 5, with the exertion of heat and pressure
- the arrangement of the covering material 2 on the upper side of the nonwoven material 1 is in this case provided such that
- the tampon blank 12 has a non-circular cross-section along its entire length as defined hereinafter by the OC(tampon blank) This can be achieved by winding up the nonwoven material 1 , preferably including the covering material 2 directly in a tube that has the desired non- circular cross-sectional shape or by winding up these materials in a circular- shaped tube and then transporting the resulting blank in another tube (see 44 in Figure 10) having the desired non-circular cross-sectional shape, preferably an ellipsoidal shape
- a tube 44 also called arm serves the function of transporting the tampon blank in the press while giving to the blank the desired non-circular cross-sectional shape
- Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a preferred tube 44 for use herein, especially Figure 8 illustrates the cross sectional ellipsoidal shape of tube 44
- Figure 5 shows a tampon blank according to the present invention having been shaped by the tube 44 of Figure 10, before entering the preforming press 36
- the minor diameter is the one taken along line
- the resulting tampon blank before being pressed radially in the preforming press has an ovahty coefficient according to equation defined herein Major diameter - minor diameter * -I oo minor diameter
- OC stampon blank
- the resulting tampon has the improved expansion characteristic described herein before Indeed the tampon blanks as described herein as well as the process of producing tampons as described herein are preferred embodiments to provide the tampons according to the present invention But it is understood that the tampons of the present invention are not intended to be limited to those obtainable by the process described herein starting from a tampon blank as described herein Those skilled in the art would be able to use alternative process features to arrive to the tampons of the present invention having the desired improved expansion characteristics upon exposure to a wet environment
- a retrieval string 6 is typically laid around the nonwoven material 1 transversely to the longitudinal direction of the latter, and if necessary, subsequently knotted at its free end
- the tampon 10 is generally provided with a retrieval string 6
- the tampon blank 12 which is of a non-circular circumferential shape (preferably el ptically shaped) is then fed to a press which typically comprises at least 4 identical press jaws arranged in a star shape
- the number of jaws can be even or uneven, preferably 6 to 9 and more preferably 7 to 9
- the circumferential surface of the tampon blank is pressed radially over at least 4, preferably 6 to 9, and most preferably 7 to 9 portions mutually adjacent in the circumferential direction of the tampon blank into a tampon preform 42 which has a central approximately cylindrical fibre core 62 and longitudinal ribs 64 which extend radially outwards from the fibre core
- the tampons herein have an uneven number of ribs, this feature is believed to further participate to the non-circular expansion properties of the tampons herein when exposed to a wet environment and thus such an execution is believed to further reduce by pass leakage
- the resulting preform 42 is allowed to expand radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the preform thereby forming the final form of the tampon in such a way that the outer ends 182 of the longitudinal ribs 64 form a soft cylindrical surface of slightly bigger diameter than the diameter of the preform 42
- This expansion process which results in a final tampon having a cylindrical surface of bigger diameter than those of the preform further contributes to the expansion feature of the tampon when exposed to a wet environment, thereby further reducing or preventing bypass-leakage in use conditions
- the expansion step of the present process confers more conformability and a less dense outer end surface of the ribs of the tampon as opposed to a process wherein after compression of the preform the ribs are exposed to a low uniform pressure radial relative to the longitudinal axis of the preform to result in a tampon with a cylindrical surface of smaller diameter than the diameter of the preform
- the longitudinal ribs have the tendency to touch each
- Figure 12 shows an enlarged cross-sectional representation of the fibre structure of the tampon according to the invention It is possible to see clearly the central fibre core 62, from which extend outwards the longitudinal ribs 64 touching one another not only at their outer ends 182 but also along most of their facing side 183
- the process according to the present invention guarantees a fibre core 62 having a high fibre compression despite the expansion phase after the compression phase
- the digital tampons herein have a stability also called longitudinal crush resistance of at least 15N, preferably at least 20N and more preferably at least 30N
- the diameter of the tampon according to the invention is between 8 and 18mm in its final form
- Figure 10 illustrates an apparatus for producing a digital tampon 10 according to Figure 9 It comprises a preforming press 36 having an entry side 38 and an exit side 40 and serves for pressing the tampon blank 12 to obtain a tampon preform 42
- the preforming press 36 is equipped with press jaws 58 which are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the press axis A and are movable radially relative to the press axis A
- press jaws 58 In the closed state of the press jaws 58, the end faces of the latter form an essentially cylindrical, stepped pressing surface, by means of which one of a plurality of directly adjacent sectors S of the entire circumferential surface of a tampon blank is loaded respectively for the purpose of pressing a longitudinal groove 180 and a directly adjacent longitudinal rib 64 ( Figure 11 )
- the preforming press 36 is preceded by a tube 44 having a pushing means 46
- the tube is arranged so as to be movable to and for coaxially relative to the axis of the preforming press 36 and serves for shaping the tampon blank with a circumferencial shape which is non-circular as defined herein before (see Figures 7 and 8)
- the pushing means serves for pushing a respective tampon blank into the opened preforming press 36, the front of the tampon blank being at the front in the pushing-in direction corresponds to the insertion end of the resulting tampon and the rear of the tampon blank being at the end of the pushing-in direction corresponds to the withdrawal end of the resulting tampon
- the apparatus comprises, further, a guiding cone 48 which allows to guide the preform tampons from the press to the expansion pipe 56
- This cone 48 is arranged coaxially relative to the press axis A of the preforming press 36 and is provided with an inlet orifice 136 and an outlet
- the guiding cone 48 is followed by the cylindrical expansion pipe 56 ( Figure 21 ) with an inlet orifice 168 and an outlet orifice 176
- the diameter of the expansion pipe is uniform through its entire length and is bigger than the diameter of the tampon preform coming out of the preforming press This allows expansion of the preform after the press 36 so that the outer ends of the longitudinal ribs form a soft circumferential surface of bigger diameter This expansion process further contributes to maintain as much of the oval 'shape memory' of the tampon blank as possible
- the cylindrical expansion pipe can have a circular cross-section or a non-circular cross section typically an ellipsoidal cross section In one embodiment of the present invention this expansion pipe further supports the oval 'shape memory' for the tampon blank by having a non-circular cross-section and preferably an ellipsoidal cross section
- the tampon will be pressed co-axially to allow the formation of the tapered tip (machinery not shown in drawings)
- the tapered tip machine not shown in drawings
- a counter-ram (not shown) which is moved up against the withdrawal end of the tampon 10 at the moment when a first ram is moved up against the insertion end of the tampon 10
- Rams/counter-rams of this type are known in the art, and therefore there is no need to represent the driving elements for the rams
- the length of the head L is made of at least 50%, preferably more than 55%, more preferably from 60% to 150% and most preferably from 65% to 90% of the diameter D of the tampon (see Figure
- D is the diameter of the tampon taken at its middle (i e , at equal distance from the extremities of both the withdrawal end and the insertion end)
- L is the length of the head/elongated tip insertion end taken from its extremity up to the point where the diameter of the tampon starts to decrease as compared to the diameter D taken in the middle of the tampon
- the preforming press 36 with eight press jaws 58 is shown on a larger scale in its closed position in Figure 13 All the press jaws 58 are identical in respect of their shape and dimensions Furthermore, the press jaws 58 are arranged so as to be movable synchronously into the closed or open position radially and concentrically relative to the press axis A ( Figure 10) It is believed that the tampon blank in the press undergoes an overcompression, so that the circumferential length of the press orifice formed by the closed press jaws 58 is bigger than the circumference of the tampon blank taken at the outer ends of the ribs (see also the cross-section of the preform 42 Figure 11 )
- the use of 7 to 9 press jaws 58, in conjunction with pressing heads 60 (Figure 17) of specific dimension, results in the best possible proportion by volume in a central fibre core 62 ( Figure 1 1 ) and in the longitudinal ribs 64 of the preform 42 which extend radially from the fibre core 62
- the desired tampon size the
- each press jaw 58 has a fastening foot 66 which is fastened radially relative to the press axis A, on guide batons 88, 90 arranged parallel at a distance from one another, by fastening means (not shown), such as screws, and merges radially inwards into a T-profile 68
- fastening means such as screws
- a longitudinal mid-axis M of each press jaw 58 which is directed radially relative to the press axis A, passes through the longitudinal centre of a vertical T-leg 70 of the T-profile 68
- the vertical leg 70 of this T-profile 68 forms, at the inner end, a pressing head 60 having a narrow, rectangular and plane end pressing surface 72
- a pressing shoulder 74 extends from the pressing head 60 transversely relative to this eccentrically in an anti-clockwise direction and is set back radially outwards relative to the pressing surface 72 of the pressing head 60 by an amount corresponding approximately to the radial distance between the outer surface of the longitudinal rib 64 and the outer circum
- the press core diameter W is determined in that, on the one hand, the necessary absorbency of the tampon 10 is maintained and, on the other hand, the desired stability is achieved According to Figures 13 and 18, in the closed state of the preforming press 36, the smallest lateral distance Y between adjacent pressing jaws 58 is defined in that, during pressing, no fibre material 84 is cut and the preform 42 maintains the necessary shape As emerges more clearly from Figure 18, for this purpose there is an interspace X which, furthermore, is intended to prevent the tampon 10 from being pushed out
- the interspace X the width of which amounts, for example, to 0 45 mm, is limited respectively by mutually opposite longitudinal sides of adjacent press jaws 58
- a longitudinal side of each press jaw 58 said longitudinal side being at the front in the clockwise direction, forms a sliding face 80, opposite which a longitudinal side, at the rear in the clockwise direction, of a press jaw 58 arranged respectively in front in the clockwise direction is located, parallel and at a distance, in the
- Figures 17 and 18 show that a pressing-shoulder portion 92 in the form of a cylindrical cutout connects the actual pressing shoulder 74 to the lateral flank 76 of each pressing head 60, in order to give the longitudinal rib 64 of the preform 42 a round, smooth shape also on the side facing away from the interspace X
- the pressing shoulders 74 of all the press jaws 58 have a concave shape and, for example, a radius of curvature of approximately 6 4 mm
- FIG 13 illustrates that the radial parting planes or planes of symmetry T, parallel to the press axis A, between respective adjacent press jaws 58 intersect the press shoulders 74 perpendicularly at their centre and respectively form the centre of the press-jaw distance Y
- An end of each pressing shoulder 74 located in the anti-clockwise direction in Figure 17 forms a shoulder edge 94 which merges at an obtuse angle into the supporting face 82 of each associated press jaw 58
- the supporting face 82 of each press jaw 58 extends parallel to the sliding face 80 and longitudinal mid-axis M of the respective press jaw 58 adjacent in the anti-clockwise direction and engages respectively into a lateral cutout 96 of this press jaw 58
- This cutout 96 which is accordingly provided respectively on the side of each press jaw 58 located at the front in the clockwise direction, is partially cut into the vertical T-leg 70, extending along the longitudinal mid-axis M of each press jaw 58, of each press jaw 58, in the form of the sliding face 80
- each press jaw 58 projects, with its side 106 facing the guiding cone 48, beyond an associated end 108 of the pressing shoulder 74, the function of said end 108 being explained further below
- the fastening foot 66 of each press jaw 58 has two rear fastening bores 110, 112 ( Figure 13) which are arranged at an equal distance from the longitudinal mid-axis M of each press jaw 58 in a plane parallel to a rear edge 114 of the fastening foot 66
- the guide batons 88, 90 are each provided with three bores which are located coaxially opposite one another in pairs and which are aligned essentially with the fastening bores 110, 112, 116 in the fastening foot 66 of each press jaw
- Figure 19 shows only two coaxial bores 118, 120 in the guide batons 88, 90, which are assigned to the bore 116 in the fastening foot 66 of each press jaw 58
- the bore 116 in the fastening foot 66 is offset axially by an amount "X" in the direction of the pressing heads 60 relative to the bores 118, 120 of the guide batons 88, 90
- a helical tension pin 122 is inserted, according to Figure 13, into the bores 116, 1 18, 120 of each of the press jaws 58
- This helical tension pin 122 extends over the entire length of the bores 1 16, 118, 120 and thereby ensures an identical setting-up state of all the press jaws 58
- the helical tension pins 122 at the same time allow a resilient compensation against possible lateral transverse forces which act on the press jaws 58 In the closed state of the preforming press 36, under working pressure, an identical and centric closing diameter of the press jaw 58 is always achieved thereby, this contributing to
- the preform 42 After the preform 42 has been pressed, it is guided via the guiding cone 48 into the expansion pipe 56 where it expands in the final shape of the tampon with a diameter being at least slightly bigger than the diameter of the preform 42 coming out of the preforming press 36 Thereafter the tapered tip is formed Two rams thereby exert an oppositely directed axial pressure on the tampon 10 which is consequently provided with the rounded elongated tip 15 for the insertion end 17 of the tampon 10 and with the finger recess for the withdrawal end 18 of the tampon
- the press jaws 58 and in particular the pressing shoulder 74 could be adapted so that they ensure that at least the fibre material located in the region of the withdrawal end of the tampon 10 has an overall lower compaction than the remaining fibre material of the tampon Consequently, the retrieval string 6 of the tampon 10 can be embedded into a less compacted fibre material at the withdrawal end of the tampon 10 and can more easily be detached by hand from this fibre composite, with a finger recess thereby being formed or widened/flared In addition, a higher speed or expansion of the fibre material, which counteracts a leakage shortly after starting to use the tampon, is achieved in the region of the withdrawal end of the tampon
- a series of fibrous webs were formed by mixing multi-limbed regenerated cellulosic staple fibers (Galaxy® fibers, 3 3 denier, rayon fibers available from Acordis, England) and non-limbed fibers (Danufil® fibers, 3 6 denier, rayon fibers available from Hoechst Kehlheim, Germany) at a fiber ratio of Galaxy® Danufil® of 70 30
- the resulting blend was carded to obtain fibrous webs
- These webs were then used to manufacture compressed radially- expanding tampons according to the present invention starting from tampon blanks having an ovahty coefficient (OC(tampon blank)) as defined herein of 13
- the tampons obtained have 8 ribs
- the minor and major diameters at the middle of tampon samples to be tested were measured before (on the so called tampon) and after exposure to the EDANA syngina method (on the so called expanded tampon)
- the minor diameter was defined as the narrowest diameter of the tampon/expanded tampon
- the major diameter was measured by a 90° turn of the tampon/expanded tampon after the minor diameter was identified and measured
- These diameters were measured with a Tampon Gauge (with a calliper that is accurate to 0 1 mm), namely a Mitutuyo Digimatic Scale Unit #572-213, 0-300mm Table 1 herein after reports the major and minor diameter values for the middle of the tampon samples tested and corresponding expanded tampons (i e , at the end point of the EDANA syngina method), the weight of the tampon samples to
- the tampon samples were exposed to the EDANA syngina method according to ⁇ DANA agreed test method 350 0-99' This test was strictly followed The end point of the EDANA syngina method was defined by the first drop of syngina liquid that exits the syngina apparatus
- the syngina fluid used is a sodium chloride solution as defined in the EDANA syngina method with colorant FD&C #40 (from Phylam products Co)
- the condoms used a Durex tampon No X211 1 T thin Starch The condoms were stored in a closed container until used
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP00984012A EP1267782B1 (en) | 1999-12-14 | 2000-12-08 | Tampon having an oval form after expansion and process for producing the same |
AU20692/01A AU2069201A (en) | 1999-12-14 | 2000-12-08 | Tampon having an oval form after expansion and process for producing the same |
US10/149,877 US6953456B2 (en) | 1999-12-14 | 2000-12-08 | Tampon having an oval form after expansion and process for producing the same |
MXPA02005203A MXPA02005203A (en) | 1999-12-14 | 2000-12-08 | Tampon having an oval form after expansion and process for producing the same. |
CA002396475A CA2396475C (en) | 1999-12-14 | 2000-12-08 | Tampon having an oval form after expansion and process for producing the same |
JP2001544622A JP2003516806A (en) | 1999-12-14 | 2000-12-08 | Fingertip tampon and manufacturing method thereof |
AT00984012T ATE542506T1 (en) | 1999-12-14 | 2000-12-08 | TAMPON EXPANDABLE TO AN OVAL SHAPE AND ITS PRODUCTION PROCESS |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP99124778.4 | 1999-12-14 | ||
EP99124778A EP1108407A1 (en) | 1999-12-14 | 1999-12-14 | Tampon having an oval form after expansion and process for producing the same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2001043680A1 true WO2001043680A1 (en) | 2001-06-21 |
Family
ID=8239590
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/033208 WO2001043680A1 (en) | 1999-12-14 | 2000-12-08 | Tampon having an oval form after expansion and process for producing the same |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP1108407A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003516806A (en) |
AR (1) | AR026774A1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE542506T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2069201A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2396475C (en) |
DE (1) | DE20022800U1 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA02005203A (en) |
PE (1) | PE20010718A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001043680A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2345431A2 (en) | 2002-06-11 | 2011-07-20 | Basf Se | Method for producing esters from polyalcohols |
US8353890B2 (en) | 2002-09-26 | 2013-01-15 | Johnson & Johnson Gmbh | Tampon for feminine hygiene and process and apparatus for manufacturing the same |
US11007090B2 (en) | 2015-12-31 | 2021-05-18 | Johnson & Johnson Gmbh | Method of winding up tampon material |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE20002337U1 (en) * | 2000-02-10 | 2000-04-20 | Hysalma Hygiene Sales Und Mark | tampon |
JP3907468B2 (en) * | 2001-12-13 | 2007-04-18 | 花王株式会社 | tampon |
DE102005037065A1 (en) * | 2005-08-05 | 2007-02-08 | Ruggli Projects Ag | Method for producing a tampon made up in a protective cover |
DE102007025783A1 (en) * | 2007-06-01 | 2008-12-04 | Ruggli Projects Ag | Tampon and method of making a tampon |
US20090281474A1 (en) * | 2008-05-07 | 2009-11-12 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon pledget having improved expansion and process for producing same |
JP2010264131A (en) * | 2009-05-15 | 2010-11-25 | Uni Charm Corp | Tampon, and method for manufacture of the same |
EP3400918B1 (en) * | 2017-05-10 | 2021-04-07 | Ontex BV | Improved tampon withdrawal system and method for the fabrication thereof |
WO2021058755A1 (en) | 2019-09-27 | 2021-04-01 | Johnson & Johnson Gmbh | Tampon press and shaped tampon |
US11918443B2 (en) | 2019-09-27 | 2024-03-05 | Johnson & Johnson Gmbh | Apparatus for forming a catamenial tampon |
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US3068867A (en) * | 1959-01-02 | 1962-12-18 | Kimberly Clark Co | Cellulosic product |
DE1815541A1 (en) * | 1968-12-19 | 1970-07-02 | Schickedanz Ver Papierwerk | Tampons having various profile shapes eg - oval or rectangular |
US3674030A (en) * | 1967-07-19 | 1972-07-04 | Sponcel Ltd | Catamenial tampons or the like |
US3710420A (en) * | 1969-07-19 | 1973-01-16 | A Yamauchi | Method for forming themain body of a catamenial tampon |
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JPS56112244A (en) * | 1979-09-20 | 1981-09-04 | Uni Charm Corp | Tampon for treating menses |
JPS628754A (en) * | 1985-07-03 | 1987-01-16 | 花王株式会社 | Tampon |
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US5599393A (en) * | 1995-04-25 | 1997-02-04 | Macmillan Bloedel Limited | Metering rod coaters |
US6237003B1 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2001-05-22 | Platinum Technology Ip, Inc. | Method and apparatus for supporting dynamic run-time object definition in a relational database management system |
-
1999
- 1999-12-14 EP EP99124778A patent/EP1108407A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2000
- 2000-12-08 MX MXPA02005203A patent/MXPA02005203A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-12-08 JP JP2001544622A patent/JP2003516806A/en active Pending
- 2000-12-08 WO PCT/US2000/033208 patent/WO2001043680A1/en active Application Filing
- 2000-12-08 DE DE20022800U patent/DE20022800U1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-12-08 AT AT00984012T patent/ATE542506T1/en active
- 2000-12-08 AU AU20692/01A patent/AU2069201A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-12-08 CA CA002396475A patent/CA2396475C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-12-08 EP EP00984012A patent/EP1267782B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-12-12 AR ARP000106566A patent/AR026774A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-12-14 PE PE2000001341A patent/PE20010718A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3068867A (en) * | 1959-01-02 | 1962-12-18 | Kimberly Clark Co | Cellulosic product |
US3674030A (en) * | 1967-07-19 | 1972-07-04 | Sponcel Ltd | Catamenial tampons or the like |
DE1815541A1 (en) * | 1968-12-19 | 1970-07-02 | Schickedanz Ver Papierwerk | Tampons having various profile shapes eg - oval or rectangular |
US3710420A (en) * | 1969-07-19 | 1973-01-16 | A Yamauchi | Method for forming themain body of a catamenial tampon |
EP0546256A1 (en) * | 1991-11-26 | 1993-06-16 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Catamenial tampon |
WO1994015564A1 (en) * | 1992-12-30 | 1994-07-21 | Tambrands, Inc. | Tampon |
WO1997023185A1 (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1997-07-03 | Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. | Tampon having improved early expansion characteristics |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2345431A2 (en) | 2002-06-11 | 2011-07-20 | Basf Se | Method for producing esters from polyalcohols |
EP2345432A2 (en) | 2002-06-11 | 2011-07-20 | Basf Se | Method for producing esters from polyalcohols |
US8353890B2 (en) | 2002-09-26 | 2013-01-15 | Johnson & Johnson Gmbh | Tampon for feminine hygiene and process and apparatus for manufacturing the same |
US8403879B2 (en) | 2002-09-26 | 2013-03-26 | Johnson & Johnson Gmbh | Tampon for feminine hygiene and process and apparatus for manufacturing the same |
EP1542633B2 (en) † | 2002-09-26 | 2014-05-21 | Johnson & Johnson GmbH | Tampon for feminine hygiene and process and apparatus for manufacturing the same |
US11007090B2 (en) | 2015-12-31 | 2021-05-18 | Johnson & Johnson Gmbh | Method of winding up tampon material |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1108407A1 (en) | 2001-06-20 |
AU2069201A (en) | 2001-06-25 |
MXPA02005203A (en) | 2002-11-07 |
CA2396475A1 (en) | 2001-06-21 |
ATE542506T1 (en) | 2012-02-15 |
JP2003516806A (en) | 2003-05-20 |
EP1267782A1 (en) | 2003-01-02 |
DE20022800U1 (en) | 2002-08-22 |
EP1267782B1 (en) | 2012-01-25 |
AR026774A1 (en) | 2003-02-26 |
CA2396475C (en) | 2007-04-10 |
PE20010718A1 (en) | 2001-08-04 |
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