WO2002058609A2 - Catamenial tampon employing composite yarn as withdrawal cord - Google Patents
Catamenial tampon employing composite yarn as withdrawal cord Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2002058609A2 WO2002058609A2 PCT/US2002/002330 US0202330W WO02058609A2 WO 2002058609 A2 WO2002058609 A2 WO 2002058609A2 US 0202330 W US0202330 W US 0202330W WO 02058609 A2 WO02058609 A2 WO 02058609A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- continuous string
- withdrawal
- tampon
- composite yarn
- absorbent member
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D02—YARNS; MECHANICAL FINISHING OF YARNS OR ROPES; WARPING OR BEAMING
- D02G—CRIMPING OR CURLING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, OR YARNS; YARNS OR THREADS
- D02G3/00—Yarns or threads, e.g. fancy yarns; Processes or apparatus for the production thereof, not otherwise provided for
- D02G3/22—Yarns or threads characterised by constructional features, e.g. blending, filament/fibre
- D02G3/36—Cored or coated yarns or threads
- D02G3/367—Cored or coated yarns or threads using a drawing frame
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A61F13/34—Means for withdrawing tampons, e.g. withdrawal strings
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D02—YARNS; MECHANICAL FINISHING OF YARNS OR ROPES; WARPING OR BEAMING
- D02G—CRIMPING OR CURLING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, OR YARNS; YARNS OR THREADS
- D02G3/00—Yarns or threads, e.g. fancy yarns; Processes or apparatus for the production thereof, not otherwise provided for
- D02G3/22—Yarns or threads characterised by constructional features, e.g. blending, filament/fibre
- D02G3/34—Yarns or threads having slubs, knops, spirals, loops, tufts, or other irregular or decorative effects, i.e. effect yarns
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to catamenial tampons. More specifically, the present invention relates to catamenial tampons which employ a composite yarn as a withdrawal cord. The present invention also relates to a composite yarn having fleeces intermittently joined thereto and a method for making the same.
- tampons A wide variety of absorbent catamenial tampons have long been known in the art. Most currently commercially available tampons include a tampon blank and a withdrawal cord joined to the tampon blank. Such tampons are made by compressing the tampon blank into a substantially cylindrical form. Tampon blanks of a variety of types and constructions have been described in the art. Prior to compression, the blank may be rolled, spirally wound, folded, or assembled as a rectangular pad of absorbent material. Tampons made from a generally rectangular blank of absorbent material have been popular and successful in the market.
- the absorbent catamenial tampons now in use typically comprise absorbent tampon blanks which are compressed to a generally cylindrical form about three-eighths to one-half inch (about 1.0 cm to 1.3 cm) in diameter and from about 2 cm to 7 cm in length.
- These absorbent tampon blanks are usually formed from batts larger in size than the vaginal orifice, which are then compressed to the size (with a corresponding increase in rigidity) indicated above in order to facilitate insertion.
- these compressed tampons are expected to re-expand toward their original pre-compressed size, and to eventually become large enough to effectively cover the vaginal cavity against fluid leakage.
- the Publication WO 00/61052 discloses numerous configurations of such a secondary absorbent material including those in which the secondary absorbent material is attached to or is part of a portion of the withdrawal cord, especially that portion of the withdrawal cord which is closest to the primary absorbent member of the tampon.
- a catamenial tampon including a withdrawal cord with a secondary absorbent member that can be integrated with the remainder of the tampon easily at high manufacturing speeds.
- a composite yarn that can be employed in such a catamenial tampon as well as other products, and a need for a method for making such a composite yarn.
- the present invention is directed to a catamenial tampon, comprising: a primary absorbent member; and a withdrawal cord having a withdrawal portion and an attachment portion.
- the attachment portion is joined to the primary absorbent member.
- the withdrawal cord includes a composite yarn which includes a continuous string, and a secondary absorbent member joined to a part of the continuous string.
- the continuous string which has the secondary absorbent member joined thereto is woven according to a predetermined weaving manner after being provisionally twisted, thereby forming the attachment portion and the withdrawal portion.
- the present invention is directed to a composite yarn having thinner portions and thicker portions which are alternatively disposed.
- the composite yarn comprises: a continuous string; and a plurality of fleeces intermittently joined to the continuous string.
- the continuous string which has the plurality of fleeces intermittently joined to thereto is woven according to a predetermined weaving manner after being provisionally twisted, thereby forming the thinner portions and thicker portions.
- the present invention is directed to a method of making a composite yarn having thinner portions and thicker portions which are alternatively disposed.
- the method comprises the steps of: supplying a continuous string; intermittently joining a plurality of fleeces to the continuous string; provisionally twisting the continuous string which has the plurality of fleeces intermittently joined to thereto; and weaving the twisted continuous string according to a predetermined weaving manner.
- the foregoing answers the need for a catamenial tampon including a withdrawal cord with a secondary absorbent member that can be integrated with the remainder of the tampon easily at high manufacturing speeds.
- the foregoing also answers the need for a composite yarn that can be employed in such a catamenial tampon as well as other products, and a need for a method for making such a composite yarn.
- Fig. 1 is a front view of a catamenial tampon which is one preferred embodiment of the present invention
- Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a typical tampon blank prior compression into the tampon shown in Fig. 1 ;
- Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a composite yarn which will be used for the withdrawal cord of the tampon shown in Fig. 1 ;
- Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a preferred apparatus for making a preferred composite yarn;
- Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of yarn loops which are woven with a tubular weaver having one needle
- Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of yarn loops which are woven with a tubular weaver having two needles
- Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of one preferred example of a resultant composite yarn produced from the apparatus shown in Fig. 4;
- Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of one preferred embodiment of the front rollers shown in Fig. 4 which are supplied with two continuous strings;
- Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of the front rollers shown in Fig. 4 which are supplied with three continuous strings.
- joind and “joining” encompass configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another by affixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.
- tampon refers to any type of absorbent structure which is inserted into the vaginal canal or other body cavities for the absorption of fluid therefrom.
- tampons are constructed from an absorbent material which has been compressed in either the radial direction, the axial direction, or both in order to provide a tampon which is of a size and stability to allow insertion within the vagina or other body cavity.
- a tampon which has been so compressed is referred to herein as a "self-sustaining" form. That is, the degree of compression applied to the absorbent material of the tampon blank is sufficient so that in the subsequent absence of the external forces, the resultant tampon will tend to retain its general shape and size.
- this self-sustaining form need not, and preferably does not persist during actual use of the tampon. That is once the tampon is inserted and begins to acquire fluid, the tampon will begin to expand and can lose its self-sustaining form.
- blade or "tampon blank” are intended to be interchangeable and refer to a construction of absorbent material prior to the compression of such construction into a tampon as described above. Tampon blanks are sometimes referred to as a softwind, and the term “blank” is intended to include such a term as well.
- vaginal cavity is intended to be synonymous and refer to the internal genitalia of the human female in the pudendal region of the body.
- vaginal cavity is intended to refer to the space located between the introitus of the vagina (sometimes referred to as the sphincter of the vagina) and the cervix and is not intended to include the interlabial space, including the floor of vestibule.
- the externally visible genitalia generally is not included within the term "vaginal cavity”.
- Fig. 1 is a front view of a catamenial tampon 40 which is one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the tampon 40 includes a primary absorbent member (sometimes also referred to as the "absorbent core") 41 and a withdrawal cord 42 which is joined to the primary absorbent member 41.
- the primary absorbent member 41 of the tampon 40 has an insertion end 43 and a withdrawal end 44.
- the withdrawal cord 42 includes (or is formed by) a composite yarn which includes a continuous string 61 and a secondary absorbent member 64 joined to a part of the continuous string 61.
- the primary absorbent member 41 can be compressed into a generally cylindrical configuration in the radial direction, the axial direction, or in both the radial and axial directions. While the primary absorbent member 41 is preferably compressed into a substantially cylindrical configuration as shown in Fig. 1 , other shapes are also possible. These can include shapes having a cross section which can be described as rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, semi-circular, or other suitable shapes.
- the primary absorbent member 41 of the tampon 40 can be formed from any suitable tampon blank.
- a preferred example of the primary absorbent member 41 is a tampon blank 45 which is shown in Fig. 2.
- the withdrawal portion 51 includes the continuous string 61 and the secondary absorbent member 64 joined to the continuous string 61.
- the secondary absorbent member 64 and the continuous string 61 extend into the tampon blank
- the withdrawal cord 42 is joined to the tampon blank 45 through the attachment portion 52.
- the withdrawal cord 42 is joined to the tampon blank 45 prior to the compression of the blank 45 to a self-sustaining form (i.e., the formation of the absorbent member 41 ).
- the withdrawal cord 42 can be joined to the tampon blank 45 simultaneously with the compression of the blank 45.
- the withdrawal cord 42 is preferably not compressed; or, if compressed, is not compressed to the same degree as the primary absorbent member 41.
- the tampon blank 45 which will be compressed to form the primary absorbent member 41 can have any suitable shape, size, material, and structure.
- the blank 45 is a batt of absorbent material which is in a chevron shape.
- tampon blank 45 shown in Fig. 2 generally has a chevron shape, other shapes such as rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, and hemispherical shapes are also acceptable.
- the blank 45 can be formed by a unitary member structure or a laminate structure which includes discrete layers.
- the layers can include different materials (or same materials if desired). For example, one layer includes primarily rayon, while another layer (or layers) includes primarily cotton.
- the blank 45 comprises outer layers
- the blank 45 can comprise a folded structure, can be rolled, can comprise a "petal" structure or any other of the structures which are known in the art with respect to tampon blanks.
- the tampon blank 45 can be constructed from a wide variety of liquid- absorbing materials commonly used in absorbent articles such as rayon, cotton, or comminuted wood pulp which is generally referred to as airfelt.
- suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat moss; foam; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures of these.
- Preferred absorbent materials comprise cotton, rayon (including tri-lobal and conventional rayon fibers, and needle punched rayon), folded tissues, and woven or nonwoven materials of synthetic and/or natural fibers.
- the tampon blank 45 can include a single or combination of such materials.
- the blank 45 can include a uniform material of a unitary material of rayon or cotton, or a blended material of rayon and cotton.
- superabsorbent materials such as superabsorbent polymers or absorbent gelling materials can be incorporated into the tampon 40.
- the tampon blank 45 is formed of a soft absorbent material such as rayon, cotton (including either long fiber cotton or cotton linters) or other suitable natural or synthetic fibers or sheeting.
- the materials for the blank 45 can be either a fabric, web, or batt that is formed by any suitable process known in the art such as airlaying, carding, wetlaying, hydroentangling, or other known techniques.
- the rayon material used in the tampon blank 45 can be any suitable type typically used in disposable absorbent articles known in the art. Any suitable cotton material can also be used in the tampon blank 45.
- Suitable cotton material includes, long fiber cotton, short fiber cotton, cotton linters, T-fiber cotton, card strips, and comber cotton.
- such cotton materials should be a scoured & bleached cotton absorbent with a glycerin finish, a leomin finish, or other suitable finish.
- the outer layer 46 is a batt formed by a rayon material which is available from Acordis Fibers Ltd. as Galaxy rayon, while the intermediate layer 47 is a batt formed by a cotton material which is available from Acordis Fibers Ltd.
- the absorbent material of the tampon blank 45 can be surrounded with a liquid permeable overlap material, if desired.
- Suitable overlap materials can comprise rayon, cotton, bicomponent fibers, or other natural or synthetic fibers known in the art.
- the tampon blank 45 can be any suitable size and thickness suitable for compression into a tampon having a size which facilitates insertion.
- a size similar to those of conventional currently available tampons has been found to work well.
- a typical size for such blanks can be about 9 cm in length and about 4.5 cm in width.
- One preferred range for the overall basis weight is from about 150 g/m2 to about 750 g/m2.
- blanks 28 which are shorter and wider than the ranges given above can also be desirable in order to facilitate width- wise expansion of the tampon in use.
- the withdrawal cord 42 is for removal of the tampon 40 after use.
- the withdrawal cord 42 is joined to at least the primary absorbent member 41 and extends beyond the withdrawal end 44.
- the withdrawal cord 42 can be attached in any suitable manner known in the art including a stitching attachment, an adhesive attachment, or a combination thereof.
- the withdrawal cord 42 is attached to the primary absorbent member 41 by stitching the attachment portion 52 onto the tampon blank 45 (i.e., the primary absorbent member 41 ) as shown in Fig. 2. Any stitching manner known in the art can be used.
- the withdrawal cord 42 is stitched onto the tampon blank 45 according to the stitching manner called "Double Ring Stitching" which is described in the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) No. B 9070.
- the whole part of the secondary absorbent member 64 of the withdrawal cord 42 may be stitched onto the tampon blank 45 by a thread 48.
- one part of the secondary absorbent member 64 of the withdrawal cord 42 is stitched onto the tampon blank 45 by the thread 48, while the other part (i.e., the un-stitched part, which has a length of, for example, about 1 inch (2.54 cm)) of the secondary absorbent member 64 goes outside the tampon blank 45 for a better absorption for fluids which may be squeezed out of the tampon blank 45 or the primary absorbent member 41.
- the whole of the withdrawal portion 51 of the withdrawal cord 42 may be stitched in addition to the attachment portion 52. Any suitable thread known in the art can be used for stitching.
- the attachment portion 52 of the withdrawal cord 42 can be joined to any suitable location on the tampon 40.
- the attachment portion 52 of the withdrawal cord 42 is joined to the tampon blank 45 so that the withdrawal portion 51 extends freely beyond the withdrawal end 44.
- the withdrawal cord 42 is flexible.
- the withdrawal cord 42 is preferably absorbent at the location of the attachment to the primary absorbent member 41 (i.e., at the attachment portion 52).
- the secondary absorbent member 64 is also preferably absorbent, however, the rest of the withdrawal cord 42 in the withdrawal portion 51 is preferably non-absorbent.
- non-absorbent refers to a structure that does not retain a significant portion of deposited fluid in its structure.
- the entire withdrawal cord 42 can be made non-absorbent, if desired.
- the materials comprising the withdrawal cord can be inherently non-wettable or hydrophobic, or they can be treated to provide such properties. For example, a coating of wax can be applied to the withdrawal cord 42 to decrease or eliminate its absorbency.
- the withdrawal cord 42 does not necessarily need to be non-wicking, even if a non-absorbent withdrawal cord is desired.
- the withdrawal cord 42 does not need to have uniform properties throughout its length.
- the attachment portion 52 of the withdrawal cord 42 can be absorbent while the withdrawal portion 51 can be non-absorbent.
- Other properties such as wicking ability, hydrophilicity, density, capillary size, width, thickness, and the like can also vary along the length of the withdrawal cord 42.
- the withdrawal cord 42 is provided with a wicking mechanism to preferentially direct or wick acquired fluid toward the body of the primary absorbent member 41.
- a driving force is produced by a hydrophilicity gradient.
- Other examples of the wicking mechanisms include a density gradient, a capillary gradient, and an osmotic driving force.
- Capillary channel fibers can optionally be incorporated into the withdrawal cord 42 in order to provide the driving force for acquired fluid described herein.
- a preferred wicking mechanism which preferentially directs acquired fluid toward the body of the primary absorbent member 41 is disclosed in the International Publication No. WO 00/61052.
- the density of material which comprises the withdrawal cord 42 is lower than the density of the primary absorbent member 41.
- the withdrawal cord 42 is preferably not compressed during formation of the tampon 40.
- the tampon blank 45 is typically compressed and heat conditioned in any suitable conventional manner. Pressures and temperatures suitable for this purpose are well known in the art. Typically, the blank 45 is compressed in both the radial and axial direction using any means well known in the art.
- Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a composite yarn 60 which will be preferably used in the tampon 40 shown in Fig. 1 , i.e., the composite yarn 60 is used as the withdrawal cord 42 of the tampon 40 after being cut at an appropriate length.
- the composite yarn 60 is described in detail hereinafter as well as its manufacturing processes.
- the composite yarn 60 has thinner portions 1 and thicker portions 2 which are provided alternatively and intermittently along the lengthwise axis LA of the composite yarn 60.
- the thicker portion 2 will be used as the secondary absorbent member 64 of the withdrawal cord 42 in a catamenial tampon.
- the composite yarn 60 comprises a continuous string 61 which forms the thinner portions 1 , and fleeces 62 which are joined intermittently to the continuous string 61 to form the thicker portions 2.
- the fleeces 62 are the materials for the secondary absorbent member 64.
- continuous string refers to a string which continuously passes through a composite yarn along the lengthwise axis in the whole length of the composite yarn.
- the continuous string may include a single continuous string, or if desired, a plurality of continuous strings.
- thinner portion refers to a portion of a composite yarn which has a smaller diameter than other portions.
- thinner portion refers to a portion of a composite yarn which has a greater diameter than other portions.
- the length LG1 of the thinner portions 1 and the length LG2 of the thicker portions 2 are properly selected so that those can have appropriate lengths for the withdrawal portions 51 and the attachment portions 52 of the withdrawal cords 42 by cutting.
- the length LG1 of the thinner portion 1 is from about 70 mm to about 200 mm
- the length LG2 of the thicker portion 2 is from about 30 mm to about 70 mm.
- the diameter ratio of the thinner portion 1 to the thicker portion 2 is at least about 1.5, and preferably from about 2 to about 4. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter ratio of the thinner portion 1 to the thicker portion 2 is in the rage of from about 2.5 to about 3.
- the continuous string 61 may be formed by any material and string formation method known in the art. Suitable materials include synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester; natural fibers such as cotton; and regenerated fibers such as rayon. In a preferred embodiment, the continuous string 61 is made of cotton. A preferred continuous string material includes 6 or 7 plies of bleached cotton which is finished with a repellent material such as a wax.
- the fleeces 62 i.e., the materials for the secondary absorbent member 64
- a can 11 contains a sliver 12.
- a bobbin 13 contains a spun yarn which is wound therein and will constitute the continuous string 61.
- a three-lines drafting machine 15 includes front rollers 16, middle rollers 17, and back rollers 18. The middle rollers 17 and back rollers 18 are designed to operate in tandem at a predetermined draft ratio.
- a preliminary twist hollow spindle 19 is situated below the front rollers 16.
- a tubular weaver 20 includes a needle 21 and a guide bar 22 which is driven by a motor 23.
- a preferred tubular weaver is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open (Kokai) Publication No. H2000-212865.
- a resultant composite yarn 25 which has thinner portions and thicker portions will be wound after take-up rollers 24. .
- the sliver 12 which is supplied from the can 11 is drawn at a predetermined draft ratio between the back rollers 18 and the middle rollers 17.
- the sliver 12 is then drawn by the front rollers 16 which rotate at a higher speed than the middle rollers 17. Since the middle rollers 17 and the back rollers 18 stop their rotations simultaneously at a given cycle, a fleece which is between the front rollers 16 and the middle rollers 17 is cut in the given cycle, whereby fleeces 62 having a given length are intermittently supplied to the front rollers 16.
- the continuous string 61 which is wound on the bobbin 13 is also supplied to the front rollers 16. The intermittently supplied fleeces having a given length is then joined to the continuous string 61 intermittently by the front rollers 16.
- the continuous string 61 having the fleeces 62 intermittently joined thereto (hereinafter referred to as "intermediate member") is then preliminarily twisted in order to increase the strength of the resultant composite yarn 60.
- the preliminary twist may be performed, for example, with a V-shaped guide (not shown in Fig. 4) which is attached at the outlet of the hollow spindle 19, by looping the continuous string 61 having the fleeces 62 intermittently joined thereto once around the V-shaped guide.
- the twisted intermediate member is then promptly woven in a predetermined weaving manner.
- Preferred predetermined weaving manners include a traversal weaving manner, a horizontal weaving manner and a tubular weaving manner.
- the predetermined weaving manner is a tubular weaving manner, which is performed by using a tubular weaver having from one to four needles, for example.
- Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of yarn loops which are woven with a tubular weaver having one needle.
- Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of yarn loops which are woven with a tubular weaver having two needles.
- the twisted intermediate member is woven according to the loop structure depicted in Fig. 5.
- the resultant woven member i.e., a composite yarn 60
- Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of one example of the resultant composite yarn 60.
- An apparatus which is preferably used to produce a preferred composite yarn is available from Ozeki Techno K.K. (Aichi, Japan) under Code No. ON- 1001 KNIT SPIN.
- the apparatus shown in Fig. 4 is used for making a composite yarn which employs a single continuous string 61.
- the apparatus shown in Fig. 4 can be modified for making a composite yarn which employs a plurality of continuous strings.
- an additional bobbin(s) which contains an additional spun yarn is provided (not shown in Figs.)
- Such an additional bobbin(s), together with the bobbin 13, will supply the plurality of continuous strings to the front rollers 16 in parallel.
- two continuous strings 61a and 61 b are supplied to the front rollers 16 in parallel as shown in Fig. 8.
- the front rollers 16 include an upper roller 16a and a lower roller 16b.
- the two continuous strings 61a and 61b which are kept at a predetermined distance (e.g., about 4 mm) by a guide (not shown in Figs.) are supplied to the front rollers 16 together with the fleeces 62 which are intermittently supplied such that the two continuous strings 61a and 61b sandwich the fleeces 62 as shown in Fig. 8.
- the intermediate member is preliminarily twisted by the preliminary twist spindle 19 such that the two continuous strings 61a and 61b hold the fleeces 62 in a spiral manner as shown in Fig. 8.
- three continuous strings 61a, 61 b and 61c are supplied to the front rollers 16 in parallel as shown in Fig. 9.
- the front rollers 16 include an upper roller 16a and a lower roller 16b.
- the three continuous strings 61a, 61b and 61c which are kept at a predetermined distance each other (e.g., about 4 mm) by a guide 26 are supplied to the front rollers 16 together with the fleeces 62 which are intermittently supplied such that the three continuous strings 61a, 61b and 61c surround the fleeces 62 as shown in Fig. 9.
- the intermediate member is preliminarily twisted by the preliminary twist spindle 19 such that the three continuous strings 61a, 61b and 61c hold the fleeces 62 in a spiral manner as shown in Fig. 9.
- the composite yarn 60 produced from the above manufacturing processes is cut at an appropriate interval to produce withdrawal cords 42 which will be used in tampons 40 of the present invention.
- the thinner portion 1 is used as the withdrawal portion 51 of the withdrawal cords 42, while the thicker portion 2 is used as the attachment portion 52.
- the composite yarn 60 is cut right after the thicker portion 2 of the yarn 60 (which will become the attachment portion 52 of the withdrawal cords 42) is joined to the primary absorbent member 41.
- a catamenial tampon which includes a secondary absorbent member can be manufactured quickly and inexpensively.
- the withdrawal cord can be integrated with the remainder of the tampon easily at high manufacturing speeds.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IL15630902A IL156309A0 (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2002-01-24 | Catamenial tampon employing composite yarn as withdrawal cord |
MXPA03006355A MXPA03006355A (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2002-01-24 | Catamenial tampon employing composite yarn as withdrawal cord. |
CA002433654A CA2433654A1 (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2002-01-24 | Catamenial tampon employing composite yarn as withdrawal cord |
JP2002558944A JP2004528870A (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2002-01-24 | Menstrual tampons that use composite yarn as a draw-out cord |
EP02702088A EP1372555A2 (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2002-01-24 | Catamenial tampon employing composite yarn as withdrawal cord |
US10/624,016 US20040019317A1 (en) | 2001-09-14 | 2003-07-21 | Catamenial tampon employing composite yarn as withdrawal code |
US11/893,039 US20080015489A1 (en) | 2001-09-14 | 2007-08-14 | Catamenial tampon employing composite yarn as withdrawal cord |
US11/891,883 US20080010963A1 (en) | 2001-09-14 | 2007-08-14 | Catamenial tampon employing composite yarn as withdrawal cord |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2001/002358 WO2002058614A1 (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2001-01-25 | Catamenial tampon employing composite yarn as withdrawal code |
USPCT/US01/02358 | 2001-01-25 | ||
US32214101P | 2001-09-14 | 2001-09-14 | |
US60/322,141 | 2001-09-14 |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/624,016 Continuation US20040019317A1 (en) | 2001-09-14 | 2003-07-21 | Catamenial tampon employing composite yarn as withdrawal code |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2002058609A2 true WO2002058609A2 (en) | 2002-08-01 |
WO2002058609A3 WO2002058609A3 (en) | 2002-12-12 |
WO2002058609A8 WO2002058609A8 (en) | 2003-10-30 |
Family
ID=26680404
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2002/002330 WO2002058609A2 (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2002-01-24 | Catamenial tampon employing composite yarn as withdrawal cord |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1372555A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2004528870A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2433654A1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL156309A0 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA03006355A (en) |
PE (1) | PE20021106A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002058609A2 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2005025474A1 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-03-24 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent tampon comprising a secondary absorbent member attached to the outer surface |
WO2007010467A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent tampon comprising a visually distinct withdrawal member |
JP2007535375A (en) * | 2004-04-30 | 2007-12-06 | ザ プロクター アンド ギャンブル カンパニー | Tampon with multiple strips or strings |
JP2007537024A (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2007-12-20 | ジョンソン・アンド・ジョンソン・コンシューマー・カンパニーズ・インコーポレイテッド | Intravaginal device with fluid transfer plate and manufacturing method |
JP2007537023A (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2007-12-20 | ジョンソン・アンド・ジョンソン・コンシューマー・カンパニーズ・インコーポレイテッド | Intravaginal device with fluid transfer plate |
JP2007537019A (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2007-12-20 | ジョンソン・アンド・ジョンソン・コンシューマー・カンパニーズ・インコーポレイテッド | Method of using an intravaginal device with a fluid transfer plate |
WO2015088945A1 (en) * | 2013-12-10 | 2015-06-18 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Feminine hygiene device with withdrawal member |
US9326897B2 (en) | 2011-03-24 | 2016-05-03 | Unicharm Corporation | Applicator-type tampon with strand member having a hook unit |
WO2020131348A1 (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2020-06-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method and apparatus for making tampons |
WO2020131773A1 (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2020-06-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Tampons and methods for making tampons |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP4949691B2 (en) * | 2006-02-01 | 2012-06-13 | ユニ・チャーム株式会社 | Manufacturing system and manufacturing method for sheet-like structure |
JP4949690B2 (en) * | 2006-02-01 | 2012-06-13 | ユニ・チャーム株式会社 | Manufacturing system and manufacturing method for sheet-like structure |
Citations (5)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US3101714A (en) * | 1962-07-03 | 1963-08-27 | Penksa Stanley | Tampon devices |
CH376224A (en) * | 1960-01-26 | 1964-03-31 | Kobler & Co | Menstrual tampon |
WO1999033428A1 (en) * | 1997-12-30 | 1999-07-08 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Textured tampon string |
JP2000212865A (en) * | 1999-01-20 | 2000-08-02 | Ozeki Techno Kk | Production of bulky yarn |
WO2000061052A1 (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2000-10-19 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Tampon with enhanced leakage protection |
-
2002
- 2002-01-24 EP EP02702088A patent/EP1372555A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-01-24 CA CA002433654A patent/CA2433654A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-01-24 MX MXPA03006355A patent/MXPA03006355A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-01-24 JP JP2002558944A patent/JP2004528870A/en not_active Ceased
- 2002-01-24 WO PCT/US2002/002330 patent/WO2002058609A2/en active Application Filing
- 2002-01-24 IL IL15630902A patent/IL156309A0/en unknown
- 2002-01-25 PE PE2002000057A patent/PE20021106A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH376224A (en) * | 1960-01-26 | 1964-03-31 | Kobler & Co | Menstrual tampon |
US3101714A (en) * | 1962-07-03 | 1963-08-27 | Penksa Stanley | Tampon devices |
WO1999033428A1 (en) * | 1997-12-30 | 1999-07-08 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Textured tampon string |
JP2000212865A (en) * | 1999-01-20 | 2000-08-02 | Ozeki Techno Kk | Production of bulky yarn |
WO2000061052A1 (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2000-10-19 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Tampon with enhanced leakage protection |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 2000, no. 11, 3 January 2001 (2001-01-03) & JP 2000 212865 A (OZEKI TECHNO KK), 2 August 2000 (2000-08-02) cited in the application * |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2005025474A1 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-03-24 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent tampon comprising a secondary absorbent member attached to the outer surface |
JP2007535375A (en) * | 2004-04-30 | 2007-12-06 | ザ プロクター アンド ギャンブル カンパニー | Tampon with multiple strips or strings |
JP4902530B2 (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2012-03-21 | ジョンソン・アンド・ジョンソン・コンシューマー・カンパニーズ・インコーポレイテッド | Intravaginal device with fluid transfer plate |
JP2007537023A (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2007-12-20 | ジョンソン・アンド・ジョンソン・コンシューマー・カンパニーズ・インコーポレイテッド | Intravaginal device with fluid transfer plate |
JP2007537019A (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2007-12-20 | ジョンソン・アンド・ジョンソン・コンシューマー・カンパニーズ・インコーポレイテッド | Method of using an intravaginal device with a fluid transfer plate |
JP4902531B2 (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2012-03-21 | ジョンソン・アンド・ジョンソン・コンシューマー・カンパニーズ・インコーポレイテッド | Intravaginal device with fluid transfer plate and manufacturing method |
JP4902529B2 (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2012-03-21 | ジョンソン・アンド・ジョンソン・コンシューマー・カンパニーズ・インコーポレイテッド | Method of using an intravaginal device with a fluid transfer plate |
JP2007537024A (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2007-12-20 | ジョンソン・アンド・ジョンソン・コンシューマー・カンパニーズ・インコーポレイテッド | Intravaginal device with fluid transfer plate and manufacturing method |
WO2007010467A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent tampon comprising a visually distinct withdrawal member |
US9326897B2 (en) | 2011-03-24 | 2016-05-03 | Unicharm Corporation | Applicator-type tampon with strand member having a hook unit |
WO2015088945A1 (en) * | 2013-12-10 | 2015-06-18 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Feminine hygiene device with withdrawal member |
WO2020131348A1 (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2020-06-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method and apparatus for making tampons |
WO2020131773A1 (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2020-06-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Tampons and methods for making tampons |
CN113164290A (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2021-07-23 | 宝洁公司 | Method and apparatus for producing tampons |
CN113164290B (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2023-03-03 | 宝洁公司 | Method and device for producing tampons |
US11779494B2 (en) | 2018-12-17 | 2023-10-10 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method and apparatus for making tampons |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2002058609A8 (en) | 2003-10-30 |
WO2002058609A3 (en) | 2002-12-12 |
IL156309A0 (en) | 2004-01-04 |
CA2433654A1 (en) | 2002-08-01 |
PE20021106A1 (en) | 2003-02-16 |
JP2004528870A (en) | 2004-09-24 |
MXPA03006355A (en) | 2004-12-02 |
EP1372555A2 (en) | 2004-01-02 |
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