WO2010117309A1 - Lubricated tampon having invertible flaps for facilitated insertion and removal - Google Patents
Lubricated tampon having invertible flaps for facilitated insertion and removal Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2010117309A1 WO2010117309A1 PCT/SE2009/050356 SE2009050356W WO2010117309A1 WO 2010117309 A1 WO2010117309 A1 WO 2010117309A1 SE 2009050356 W SE2009050356 W SE 2009050356W WO 2010117309 A1 WO2010117309 A1 WO 2010117309A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- invertible
- tampon
- flaps
- flap
- fold line
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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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
- A61F13/2051—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
- A61F13/2022—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the shape
- A61F13/2031—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the shape having depressions or elevations, e.g. dots, lines
-
- 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
- A61F13/2022—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the shape
- A61F13/2034—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the shape having grooves or ribs, having a main axis in the longitudinal direction
-
- 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
- A61F13/2022—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the shape
- A61F13/2037—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the shape having grooves or ribs, having a main axis in the radial direction
-
- 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
- A61F13/2071—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the material or the structure of the outer layer
-
- 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
- A61F13/2074—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor impregnated with hydrophobic, hydrophilic, skin enhancers, medicinal etc. substances
-
- 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
- A61F13/26—Means for inserting tampons, i.e. applicators
-
- 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
- A61F13/26—Means for inserting tampons, i.e. applicators
- A61F13/28—Means for inserting tampons, i.e. applicators with lubricating means
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A61F13/51—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers
- A61F13/511—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin
- A61F13/512—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin characterised by its apertures, e.g. perforations
Definitions
- Lubricated tampon having invertible flaps for facilitated insertion and removal
- the present invention relates to a tampon comprising an elongated absorption body at least partly enclosed in a liquid permeable cover, which tampon has an insertion end and a withdrawal end and further comprises at least one withdrawal string extending from the withdrawal end.
- Menstrual tampons for intra-vaginal use have been known and used for a very long time. Since tampons are worn internally, they are considered to be discrete and mostly very comfortable to wear, lacking the occluding plastic backing of external protection devices such as sanitary napkins. However, during days of light menstrual flow or when changing the tampon after a short period of use, removal of the tampon may cause severe discomfort or even pain. This is due to the tampon absorbing menstrual discharge as well as humidity from the mucous membranes on the vaginal wall. When the tampon is being removed, it tends to adhere to the vaginal wall giving rise to increased friction and making it hard to extract. Moreover, the dried-out mucous membranes make it almost impossible or at least very difficult and uncomfortable to insert a new tampon to replace the one that has been removed.
- lubricating agents provided on the surface of the tampon may easily migrate onto and/or into a packaging enclosing the tampon before use.
- lubricating agents on the surface of the tampon complicates the production process and puts particular demands on handling and packaging of the tampons.
- US 2005/0143708 discloses a tampon comprising a withdrawal aid, which is attached to and extends from the insertion end of the tampon.
- the withdrawal aid is positioned in a first position before use of the tampon and in the insertion state of the tampon. In the first position, the withdrawal aid covers at least parts of the length of the absorption body and acts as a spacing means, creating a distance between the mucous membranes on the user's vaginal wall and the absorption body.
- the withdrawal aid will move from the first position to a second position in which it extends away from the absorption body.
- the withdrawal aid will move from the first position to the second position by inverting or peeling away from the absorption body. Thereby, removal of the tampon is facilitated and chafing and abrasion of the mucous membranes are reduced.
- one object of the present invention is to provide an improved tampon, which tampon comprises an elongated absorption body at least partly enclosed in a liquid permeable cover, which tampon has an insertion end and a withdrawal end and further comprises at least one withdrawal string extending from said withdrawal end.
- said liquid permeable cover comprises a plurality of first invertible flaps and/or a plurality of second invertible flaps
- said first invertible flap is constituted by a portion of said cover and comprises a first inner surface and an opposite first outer surface, whereby said first invertible flap is partly detached from the remainder of said cover by means of a first slit system provided in said cover and is connected with the remainder of said cover via a first fold line, whereby said first invertible flap is delimited by said first fold line and said first slit system, said first fold line extending along a line between a first start point and a first end point, said first slit system comprising at least one slit and extending along a first curve starting from said first start point and ending in said first end point, said first curve bulging away from said first fold line towards said withdrawal end, whereby said first slit system and said first fold line are provided such that said first invertible flap is arranged to be moved between a first initial position and a first inverted position during withdrawal of said tampon out of the vagina of a user so as to aid said withdrawal, whereby said first invertible flap is
- Figure 1 a is a side view of a first embodiment of a tampon according to the invention when the first invertible flaps are positioned in a first initial position;
- Figure 1 b is a cross-sectional view according to line Ib-Ib in figure 1 a;
- Figure 1 c is an enlarged view of a first invertible flap of the tampon in figure 1 a;
- Figure 1 d is a side view of the first embodiment of the tampon when the first invertible flaps are positioned in a first inverted position;
- Figure 1 e is an enlarged view of a first invertible flap of the tampon in figure 1 d;
- Figure 1 f is an enlarged view of a first invertible flap with an alternative first curve
- Figure 1 g is an enlarged view of a first invertible flap with an alternative first curve
- Figure 1 h corresponds to figure 1 d but with a lubricating agent on the first inner surfaces of the first invertible flaps;
- Figure 1 i is an enlarged view of a first invertible flap with an alternative first slit system
- Figure 1j is an enlarged view of two first invertible flaps having a common point
- Figure 1 k is an enlarged view of two first invertible flaps with different orientations of the first fold lines;
- Figure 2a is a side view of a second embodiment of a tampon according to the invention when the second invertible flaps are positioned in a second initial position;
- Figure 2b is an enlarged view of a second invertible flap of the tampon in figure 2a;
- Figure 2c is a side view of the second embodiment of the tampon when the second invertible flaps are positioned in a second inverted position;
- Figure 2d is an enlarged view of a second invertible flap of the tampon in figure 2c;
- Figure 2e is an enlarged view of a second invertible flap with an alternative second curve;
- Figure 2f corresponds to figure 2c but with a lubricating agent on the second inner surfaces of the second invertible flaps;
- Figure 2g is an enlarged view of a second invertible flap with an alternative second slit system
- Figure 2h is an enlarged view of two second invertible flaps having a common point
- Figure 2i is an enlarged view of two second invertible flaps with different orientations of the second fold lines
- Figure 3 is a side view of a third embodiment of the tampon according to the invention.
- Figure 1 a shows a side view of a first embodiment of a tampon 1 according to the invention and figure 1 b shows a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the tampon 1 according to line Ib-Ib in figure 1 a.
- the tampon 1 comprises an elongated absorption body 2 enclosed in a liquid permeable cover 3.
- the cover 3 minimizes linting from the absorption body 2.
- the absorption body 2 has a generally cylindrical shape.
- the absorption body 2 may alternatively have any other suitable shape, such as e.g. conical, pointed, cup-shaped, banana-shaped or the like.
- the tampon 1 has an insertion end 4 and a withdrawal end 5.
- the insertion end 4 may have any suitable shape, such as e.g. rounded (fig. 1 a), blunt (not shown) or pointed (not shown).
- the withdrawal end 5 may have any suitable shape, such as e.g. blunt (fig. 1 a), rounded (not shown) or pointed (not shown).
- the absorption body 2 is completely enclosed in the cover 3 (fig. 1 a).
- the absorption body 2 may alternatively be only partly enclosed in the cover 3.
- the cover 3 may be arranged to cover only the length of the absorption body 2 leaving one or both of the insertion end 4 and the withdrawal end 5 free from cover material.
- the absorption body 2 may be covered by the cover 3 only at, or in parts near, the insertion end 4 and/or the withdrawal end 5.
- the absorption body 2 is at least partly enclosed in the cover 3.
- the tampon 1 comprises also two withdrawal strings 6 extending from the withdrawal end 5.
- the tampon 1 may alternatively comprise any other suitable number of withdrawal strings 6 than two withdrawal strings, e.g. one withdrawal string or three withdrawal strings.
- the tampon 1 comprises at least one withdrawal string 6.
- the tampon 1 is provided with longitudinally extending compressed grooves 7 that aid liquid distribution along the length of the tampon 1. The provision of such compressed grooves is common in the art, but they may optionally be omitted.
- the absorption body 2 is a mass of absorbent fibres that has been compressed into a roughly cylindrical shape (fig. 1 b).
- the absorption body 2 may be constructed by any conventional method.
- the absorption body 2 may alternatively be constructed by rolling a layer of absorbent material to a roughly cylindrical shape and thereafter compressing the cylindrical shape (not shown). Examples of methods of constructing the tampon will be further described below.
- Suitable absorbent materials for the absorption body 2 are cellulose fibres such as rayon, cotton and cellulose fluff pulp.
- the absorption body 2 may also comprise a binder such as thermoplastic fibres. Polymeric gelling materials, also known as superabsorbents, can be used as well as bacteria inhibiting agents.
- the cover 3 comprises an inner surface 8 facing the absorption body 2 and an outer surface 9 facing away from the absorption body 2 (fig. 1 b).
- the cover 3 may be any suitable non-abrasive liquid permeable material.
- the cover 3 is a nonwoven material which may be a spunbonded, carded or spunlaced web made of polypropylene, polyethylene, viscose, bicomponent fibers or any other suitable fibrous material.
- perforated plastic films, cast or knitted nettings or similar porous materials may also be used.
- the cover 3 may be constituted by one or more material layers.
- the cover 3 may be a laminate.
- the cover 3 may have different friction characteristics on the inner surface 8 and the outer surface 9.
- the inner surface 8 may be smoother than the outer surface 9.
- the withdrawal strings 6 are made from a material having high tensile strength and are firmly attached to the remainder of the tampon 1 by being wound internally in the absorption body 2 or by being welded, glued or sewn to the absorption body 2 and/or to the liquid permeable cover 3.
- the liquid permeable cover 3 comprises a plurality of first invertible flaps 10. All first invertible flaps 10 are similar in the first embodiment and figure 1c shows an enlarged view of one of the first invertible flaps 10. In the following, one first invertible flap 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to figures 1 a and 1 c.
- the first invertible flap 10 is constituted by a portion of the cover 3 (i.e. the first invertible flap 10 is formed by a part of the cover 3) and comprises a first inner surface 1 1 and an opposite first outer surface 12.
- the first inner surface 1 1 of the first invertible flap 10 constitutes a part of the inner surface 8 of the cover 3 and the first outer surface 12 of the first invertible flap 10 constitutes a part of the outer surface 9 of the cover 3.
- the first invertible flap 10 is partly detached from the remainder of the cover 3, i.e. one or more border parts of the first invertible flap 10 are detached from (non-connected with) the remainder of the cover 3.
- the detachment is obtained by means of a first slit system 13 provided in the cover 3.
- the first invertible flap 10 is connected with the remainder of the cover 3 via a first fold line 14.
- the first invertible flap 10 is delimited by the first fold line 14 and the first slit system 13, i.e. the first invertible flap 10 is completely surrounded by the first fold line 14 and the first slit system 13.
- the first fold line 14 extends along a line between a first start point 15 and a first end point 16. Furthermore, the first slit system 13 extends along a first curve starting from the first start point 15 and ending in the first end point 16.
- the first slit system 13 is constituted by one slit extending from the first start point 15 to the first end point 16 along the first curve. The first curve bulges away from the first fold line 14 towards the withdrawal end 5.
- the first curve is U-shaped.
- the slit constituting the first slit system 13 is also U-shaped.
- the first curve may alternatively have any other suitable shape. This will be further described below.
- slit is herein intended to denote an essentially one-dimensional through going opening in a layer of material, whereby the opening extends from a start point to an end point along a curve and has a depth which depends on the thickness of the cover material and the manner in which the slit is executed in the material.
- the slit comprises two interfaces. When no external forces are present, the two interfaces may be in contact with one another and close the opening in the same way as if the slit were not present, but with the difference that the bonds which otherwise hold the layer of material together are absent in the section of the layer of material in which the slit is present.
- the produced flap or parts of the produced flap e.g.
- the slit is manufactured by rupturing the bonds in the layer of material over the distance required for the extent of the slit.
- the bonds may be ruptured, for example, by producing an incision in the layer of material by means of slitting, cutting or in some other way. This is entirely true in a theoretical model, although in practical reality material will disappear on a micrometric scale as a consequence of, for example, blunt tools, etc.
- the loss of material must not be confused with the loss of material when making holes, where the opening is not one-dimensional, but rather two-dimensional, due to the requirement in the case of holes for material to be removed in such a way that a permanent opening is formed, where corresponding interfaces are not able to make contact with one another if the layer of material is not influenced by external forces.
- the slit may be made in the cover by means of a through going incision in the cover perpendicular to surfaces of the cover in a plane state, but it may also be made in the cover by means of a through going incision at an angle to the surfaces of the cover in a plane state.
- curve is herein intended to include both curves comprising two or more linear sections extending in different directions, such as e.g. V-shaped curves or W-shaped curves, and non-linear curves, such as e.g. U-shaped curves. In addition, the curve may be wavy.
- the first slit system 13 and the first fold line 14 delimiting the first invertible flap 10 are provided such that the first invertible flap 10 is arranged to be moved between a first initial position (figs. 1 a and 1 c) and a first inverted position (figs. 1 d-e) during withdrawal of the tampon 1 out of the vagina of a user so as to aid the withdrawal. More specifically, the first slit system 13 and the first fold line 14 delimiting the first invertible flap 10 have such an extension and orientation that the first invertible flap 10 is arranged to be moved between a first initial position and a first inverted position during withdrawal of the tampon 1 out of the vagina of a user.
- the first invertible flap 10 is shaped and oriented by means of the first slit system 13 and the first fold line 14 such that the first invertible flap 10 is arranged to be moved between a first initial position and a first inverted position during withdrawal of the tampon 1 out of the vagina of a user.
- the first invertible flap 10 is arranged to be moved between the first initial position and the first inverted position by being folded around the first fold line 14.
- the first invertible flap 10 is positioned in the first initial position before use of the tampon 1 (figs. 1 a and 1 c). In the first initial position, the first inner surface 1 1 of the first invertible flap 10 faces the absorption body 2 and the first outer surface 12 of the first invertible flap 10 faces away from the absorption body 2. However, the first invertible flap 10 is arranged to be moved to the first inverted position (figs. 1 d-e) during withdrawal of the tampon 1 out of the vagina of a user. In the first inverted position, the first inner surface 1 1 of the first invertible flap 10 faces away from the absorption body 2 and the first outer surface 12 faces the absorption body 2.
- the first outer surface 12 of the first invertible flap 10 is at least partly in contact with the outer surface 9 of the cover 3 and an opening corresponding to the shape of the first invertible flap 10 is formed in the cover 3, whereby the absorption body 2 is exposed by means of the opening.
- the slit of the first slit system 13 of the first embodiment comprises two interfaces.
- the two interfaces may be in contact with each other in the first initial position.
- the two interfaces may alternatively not be in contact, or only be partly in contact, with each other in the first initial position due to the fact that the produced first invertible flap 10 or parts thereof is/are moved slightly outwards from the remainder of the cover 3 and/or due to the fact that the free edges of the produced first invertible flap 10 are bent away from the remainder of the cover 3 by means of the utilized method and/or tool for providing the first slit system 13.
- the expression that "the first inner surface faces the absorption body in the first initial position" is herein intended to include that the complete first inner surface faces the absorption body, or that the main part of the first inner surface faces the absorption body but that one or more free edge portions of the first invertible flap is/are bent away from the remainder of the cover due to influences by the production method and/or tool. Furthermore, in case the first invertible flap or parts thereof is/are moved slightly outwards from the remainder of the cover due to the production method and/or tool, the first inner surface is regarded as facing the absorption body.
- the first slit system 13 and the first fold line 14 delimiting the first invertible flap 10 have such an extension and orientation that the first invertible flap 10 is arranged to be moved between a first initial position and a first inverted position during withdrawal of the tampon 1 out of the vagina of a user.
- the first fold line 14 extends in a direction orthogonal, or at least essentially orthogonal, to the longitudinal direction L of the tampon 1 in order to contribute to the assurance that the first invertible flap 10 is moved from the first initial position to the first inverted position during withdrawal of the tampon 1 .
- the direction in which the first fold line 14 extends may be varied, but it may only be varied to extend in such a direction that it contributes to the assurance that the first invertible flap 10 is moved from the first initial position to the first inverted position during withdrawal of the tampon 1.
- the shape of the first curve, along which the first slit system 13 extends is U-shaped.
- the shape of the first curve may be varied, but it may only have such a shape that it contributes to the assurance that the first invertible flap 10 is moved from the first initial position to the first inverted position during withdrawal of the tampon 1 .
- the first curve may be V-shaped (fig. 1 f), square-shaped (not shown), shaped like a toilet lid (not shown), balloon-shaped (not shown) or W-shaped (fig. 1 g).
- the first invertible flap 10 is not torn from the cover 3 at the first fold line 14 during withdrawal of the tampon 1 out of the vagina of a user.
- This may be ascertained by the extension and orientation of the first fold line 14 and the first slit system 13.
- this may also be ascertained by the first fold line 14 being reinforced by being attached to the absorption body 2.
- the first fold line 14 may be fused or melted together with the absorption body 2.
- the first fold line 14 may be reinforced by means of an additional strip of material, e.g. cover material or any other surface material, attached over the first fold line 14 on the outer surface 9 of the cover 3.
- the tampon 1 may in alternatives comprise one or more additional materials sandwiched between the cover 3 and the absorption body 2. Then the first fold line 14 may be reinforced by being attached to the outermost additional material.
- the first fold line 14 may be at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, most preferably at least 3 mm.
- the first invertible flap 10 may have an area of at least 1 mm 2 , preferably at least 4 mm 2 , most preferably at least 9 mm 2 in a plane state.
- the first invertible flap 10 may have the size of a cilia.
- the first embodiment of the tampon 1 shown in figures 1 a-e is delivered to a user with all first invertible flaps 10 being positioned in the first initial position.
- the first invertible flaps 10 are kept in the first initial position due to their orientation.
- the first invertible flaps 10 will be moved from the first initial position to the first inverted position by inverting or peeling away from the absorption body 2.
- the user pulls at one or both of the withdrawal strings 6.
- the pulling action causes the tampon 1 to move in the direction of the applied force. Since the friction between the first inner surfaces 1 1 of the first invertible flaps 10 and the absorption body 2 is less than the friction between the first outer surfaces 12 of the first invertible flaps 10 and the user's vaginal wall, the first outer surfaces 12 of the first invertible flaps 10 will cling to the vaginal wall. Thereby, the pulling force will also cause the first invertible flaps 10 to gradually invert during withdrawal of the tampon 1 . Finally, the first invertible flaps 10 are completely inverted as shown in figures 1 d-e.
- the first invertible flaps 10 will act as spacing means, creating a distance between the mucous membranes on the user's vaginal wall and the remainder of the cover 3. In this manner, the first invertible flaps 10 act as removal aids, greatly facilitating the withdrawal of the tampon 1 and minimising the risk of causing abrasion, chafing or other friction-induced discomforts that may otherwise arise when a tampon is being withdrawn.
- the tampon 1 may be easily and comfortably withdrawn from the vagina even when only partially saturated with menstrual fluid.
- the inner surface 8 and the outer surface 9 of the cover 3 may have different friction characteristics.
- the first inner surface 1 1 of the first invertible flaps 10 is smoother than the first outer surface 12 of the first invertible flaps 10.
- the differing friction characteristics contribute to the inversion of the first invertible flaps 10 during withdrawal of the tampon 1 out of the vagina of a user.
- the differing friction characteristics imply that after inversion, the smoother first inner surface 1 1 will be in contact with the user's vaginal wall instead of the first outer surface 12, whereby the friction between the tampon 1 and the user's vaginal wall will be reduced and further withdrawal will be facilitated.
- all first invertible flaps 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 are similar.
- all first invertible flaps 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 need not be similar, but one or more first invertible flaps 10 may differ from one or more other first invertible flaps 10 by being varied in accordance with one or more of the above described variations.
- the first curve of one or more of the first invertible flaps 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 may have another shape than the first curve of one or more other first invertible flaps 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10.
- the first curve of one or more first invertible flaps 10 may be V-shaped, whereas the first curve of one or more other first invertible flaps 10 may be U-shaped.
- the first curve of at least one first invertible flap 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 may be V-shaped and/or the first curve of at least one first invertible flap 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 may be U-shaped.
- all first curves may only have such a shape that they contribute to the assurance that the first invertible flaps 10 are moved from the first initial position to the first inverted position during withdrawal of the tampon 1 .
- first fold line 14 of one or more of the first invertible flaps 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 may have a different length and/or a different orientation than the first fold line 14 of one or more other first invertible flaps 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10.
- first fold line 14 of one or more first invertible flaps 10 may extend in a direction at least essentially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (L) of the tampon 1
- first fold line 14 of one or more other first invertible flaps 10 may extend in any other direction.
- the first fold line 14 of at least one first invertible flap 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 may extend in a direction at least essentially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tampon 1 .
- all first fold lines 14 extend in such a direction that they contribute to the assurance that the first invertible flaps 10 are moved from the first initial position to the first inverted position during withdrawal of the tampon 1 .
- one or more of the first invertible flaps 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 may have a different area (size) than one or more other first invertible flaps 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10.
- the cover 3 comprises first invertible flaps 10 having different areas (sizes)
- the smaller first invertible flaps 10 may be completely inverted prior to the larger first invertible flaps 10.
- first invertible flaps 10 of different sizes may aid withdrawal to different degrees at different stages of the withdrawal.
- the first fold line 14 of one, some or all first invertible flaps 10 may be reinforced in accordance with the above.
- the first fold line 14 of at least one first invertible flap 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 may be reinforced in accordance with the above.
- all first invertible flaps 10 are designed such that they are arranged to be moved between the first initial position and the first inverted position during withdrawal of the tampon 1 so as to aid the withdrawal.
- one or more lubricating agents may be provided on at least parts of the first inner surface 1 1 of one or more of the first invertible flaps 10.
- the first inner surface 1 1 of at least one first invertible flap 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 may be at least partly provided with at least one lubricating agent.
- the lubricating agent may be selected from the group consisting of: pectin, hyaluronic acids, glycerides, waxes such as silicone waxes, plant waxes and paraffin wax, and polyvinyl alcohol.
- first invertible flaps 10 Different lubricating agents may be provided on different first invertible flaps 10.
- first invertible flaps 10 When the tampon 1 is extricated, the first invertible flaps 10 will become inverted such that the first inner surface 1 1 of all first invertible flaps 10 faces away from the absorption body 2. This implies that the first inner surface 1 1 of all first invertible flaps 10 will become exposed to the user's vaginal wall. Lubricating agent(s) on any or all of the first inner surfaces 1 1 will then come in contact with the user's vaginal wall. Thereby withdrawal of the tampon 1 will be facilitated and some lubrication of the mucous membranes in the vagina will be provided, thus facilitating insertion of a new tampon.
- Figure 1 h shows the first embodiment of the tampon 1 shown in figure 1 d, but with a lubricating agent provided on the first inner surface 1 1 of all first invertible flaps 10.
- the lubricating agent is schematically illustrated with dots in figure 1 h.
- a controlled release of the lubricating agent(s) may be achieved.
- the lubricating agent(s) is/are released during withdrawal of the tampon 1 when the first invertible flaps 10 are inverted.
- the lubricating agent(s) may also migrate through the cover 3 to the vaginal wall during use of the tampon 1 (i.e. when the tampon 1 is in the inserted state). The migration may be activated by e.g. heat and/or humidity.
- lubricating agents may easily migrate onto and/or into a packaging enclosing the tampon when the lubricating agents are positioned on the outer surface of the tampon is substantially avoided. Furthermore, the above mentioned complications in the production process associated with the positioning of the lubricating agents on the outer surface of the tampon are also substantially avoided.
- the lubricating agent(s) may be contained in microcapsules.
- Microencapsulation is used for a variety of personal care applications and the technology currently permits the encapsulation of both water-soluble and water-insoluble material.
- microcapsules are made using silica or cellulose.
- the microcapsules may be constructed such that the lubricating agent(s) is/are encapsulated in the microcapsules until the tampon is withdrawn and the encapsulation broken by tensile forces and/or frictional forces. Alternatively, the encapsulation may be broken by heat and/or humidity.
- the first inner surface 1 1 of at least one first invertible flap 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 may be at least partly provided with at least one active agent.
- the active agents may be selected from the group consisting of: odour controlling agents, perfumes, lactic acid producing organisms, pain control agents, sedatives and mixtures 5 thereof. In the case of perfumes or odour control agents, the effect may be advantageous for the user as well as for prohibiting unwanted odour from the used and discarded tampon.
- the active agent(s) By positioning one or more active agents on the first inner surface 1 1 of one or more first invertible flaps 10, it is possible to obtain a controlled release of the active agent(s).
- the active agent(s) is/are released during withdrawal when the first invertible 10 flaps 10 are inverted.
- the active agent(s) may be encapsulated until the tampon is withdrawn and the encapsulation broken by tensile forces and/or frictional forces. Alternatively, the encapsulation may be broken by humidity and/or heat.
- the lubricating agent(s) and/or the active agent(s) may be provided on the first inner 15 surface 1 1 of one or more first invertible flaps 10 due to the fact that the inner surface 8 of the cover 3 is completely or partly provided with the lubricating agent(s) and/or the active agent(s) or due to the fact that the outer surface of the absorbent body 2 is completely or partly provided with the lubricating agent(s) and/or the active agent(s).
- the lubricating agent(s) and/or the active agent(s) may be provided on the first inner surface 1 1 of one or more first invertible flaps 10 due to the fact that the outermost additional layer is provided with the lubricating agent(s) and/or the active agent(s).
- lubricating agent(s) and/or the active agent(s) may be positioned between the cover 3 and the absorption body 2 or between the cover 3 25 and an additional material covering the absorption body 2.
- the first embodiment or any of the alternatives described above may be varied in that the first slit system 13 of at least one first invertible flap 10 is constituted by more than one slit.
- the first slit system 13 of at least one first invertible flap 10 is constituted by more than one slit.
- the first slit system 13 of at least one first invertible flap is constituted by more than one slit.
- 30 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 may be constituted by two first slits 17 and a first interruption 18 between the two first slits 17 (fig. 1 i). Then each of the two first slits 17 and the first interruption 18 extends along respective parts of the respective first curve.
- the first interruption 18 is constituted by a non-slitted portion of the cover 3 and is arranged to be broken during withdrawal of the tampon 1 out of the vagina of a user so as
- the first slit system 13 of at least one first invertible flap 10 may be constituted by more than two first slits, whereby one first interruption is positioned between each pair of consecutive first slits (not shown). 5 Then each first slit and first interruption extends along a respective part of the respective first curve, and each first interruption is constituted by a non-slitted portion according to the above.
- the first slit system 13 of at least one first invertible flap 10 of the plurality of first invertible flaps 10 may be constituted by at least two first slits and a first interruption between each pair of consecutive first slits, whereby 10 each first slit and each first interruption extends along a respective part of the respective first curve and whereby each first interruption is constituted by a non-slitted portion of the cover according to the above.
- first end point 16 of the first slit system 13 of one first 15 invertible flap 10 may also constitute the first start point 15 of the first slit system 13 of another first invertible flap 10.
- first fold line 14 of the first invertible flap 10 may extend in any direction in which it contributes to the assurance that the first invertible flap 20 10 is moved from the first initial position to the first inverted position during withdrawal of the tampon 1 .
- first fold line 14 of different first invertible flaps 10 may extend in different directions. One such example is shown in figure 1 k.
- Figure 2a shows a second embodiment of the tampon 1 according to the invention.
- the 25 second embodiment of the tampon 1 according to the invention corresponds to the first embodiment shown in figures 1 a-e except for concerning the first invertible flaps 10.
- the second embodiment of the tampon 1 does not comprise the first invertible flaps 10, but comprises instead a plurality of second invertible flaps 20.
- the liquid permeable cover 3 comprises a plurality of second invertible flaps 20. All second invertible flaps 20 are similar in the second embodiment and figure 2b shows an enlarged view of one second invertible flap 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20. In the following one of the second invertible flaps 20 of the second embodiment will be described with
- the second invertible flap 20 is constituted by a portion of the cover 3 (i.e. the second invertible flap 20 is formed by a part of the cover 3) and comprises a second inner surface 21 and an opposite second outer surface 22.
- the second inner surface 21 of the second invertible flap 20 constitutes a part of the inner surface 8 of the cover 3 and the second 5 outer surface 22 constitutes a part of the outer surface 9 of the cover 3.
- the second invertible flap 20 is partly detached from the remainder of the cover 3, i.e. one or more border parts of the first invertible flap 20 are detached from (non-connected with) the remainder of the cover 3.
- the detachment is obtained by means of a second slit 10 system 23 provided in the cover 3.
- the second invertible flap 20 is connected with the remainder of the cover 3 via a second fold line 24.
- the second invertible flap 20 is delimited by the second fold line 24 and the second slit system 23, i.e. the second invertible flap 20 is completely surrounded by the second fold line 24 and the second slit system 23.
- the second fold line 24 extends along a line between a second start point 25 and a second end point 26. Furthermore, the second slit system 23 extends along a second curve starting from the second start point 25 and ending in the second end point 26. In the second embodiment shown in figures 2a-b, the second slit system 23
- the 20 is constituted by one slit extending from the second start point 25 to the second end point 26 along the second curve.
- the second curve bulges away from the second fold line 24 towards the insertion end 4.
- the second curve is V-shaped.
- the slit constituting the second slit system 23 is also V-shaped.
- the second curve may alternatively have any other suitable shape. This will be further described
- the second slit system 23 and the second fold line 24 delimiting the second invertible flap 20 are provided such that the second invertible flap 20 is arranged to be moved between a second initial position (figs. 2a-b) and a second inverted position (figs. 2c-d) during
- the second slit system 23 and the second fold line 24 delimiting the second invertible flap 20 have such an extension and orientation that the second invertible flap 20 is arranged to be moved between a second initial position and a second inverted position during insertion of the tampon 1 into the vagina of a user.
- the second invertible flap 20 is arranged to be moved between a second initial position and a second inverted position during insertion of the tampon 1 into the vagina of a user.
- 35 20 is shaped and oriented by means of the second slit system 23 and the second fold line 24 such that the second invertible flap 20 is arranged to be moved between a second initial position and a second inverted position during insertion of the tampon 1 into the vagina of a user.
- the second invertible flap 20 is arranged to be moved between the second initial position and the second inverted position by being folded around the second fold line 24.
- the second invertible flap 20 is positioned in the second initial position before use of the tampon 1 (figs. 2a-b).
- the second inner surface 21 of the second invertible flap 20 faces the absorption body 2 and the second outer surface 22 of the second invertible flap 20 faces away from the absorption body 2.
- the second invertible flap 20 is arranged to be moved to the second inverted position (figs. 2c-d) during insertion of the tampon 1 into the vagina of a user.
- the second inner surface 21 of the second invertible flap 20 faces away from the absorption body 2 and the second outer surface 22 of the second invertible flap 20 faces the absorption body 2.
- the second outer surface 22 of the second invertible flap 20 is at least partly in contact with the outer surface 9 of the cover 3 and an opening corresponding to the shape of the second invertible flap 20 is formed in the cover 3, whereby the absorption body 2 is exposed by means of the opening.
- the slit of the second slit system 23 of the second embodiment comprises two interfaces.
- the two interfaces may be in contact with each other in the second initial position.
- the two interfaces may alternatively not be in contact, or only be partly in contact, with each other in the second initial position due to the fact that the produced second invertible flap 20 or parts thereof is/are moved slightly outwards from the remainder of the cover 3 and/or due to the fact that the free edges of the produced second invertible flap 20 are bent away from the remainder of the cover 3 by means of the utilized method and/or tool for providing the second slit system 23.
- the expression that "the second inner surface faces the absorption body in the second initial position" is herein intended to include that the complete second inner surface faces the absorption body, or that the main part of the second inner surface faces the absorption body but that one or more free edge portions of the second invertible flap is/are bent away from the remainder of the cover due to influences by the production method and/or tool. Furthermore, in case the second invertible flap or parts thereof is/are moved slightly outwards from the remainder of the cover due to the production method and/or tool, the second inner surface is regarded as facing the absorption body.
- the second slit system 23 and the second fold line 24 delimiting the second invertible flap 20 have such an extension and orientation that the second invertible flap 20 is arranged to be moved between a second initial position and a second inverted position during insertion of the tampon 1 into the vagina of a user.
- the second fold line 24 extends in a direction orthogonal, or at least essentially orthogonal, to the longitudinal direction L of the tampon 1 in order to contribute to the assurance that the second invertible flap 20 is moved from the second initial position to the second inverted position during insertion of the tampon 1 .
- the direction in which the second fold line 24 extends may be varied, but it may only be varied to extend in such a direction that it contributes to the assurance that the second invertible flap 20 is moved from the second initial position to the second inverted position during insertion of the tampon 1 .
- the shape of the second curve, along which the second slit system 23 extends is V-shaped.
- the shape of the second curve may be varied, but it may only have such a shape that it contributes to the assurance that the second invertible flap 20 is moved from the second initial position to the second inverted position during insertion of the tampon 1 .
- the second curve may be U- shaped (fig. 2e), square-shaped (not shown), shaped like a toilet lid (not shown), balloon- shaped (not shown) or W-shaped.
- the second invertible flap 20 is not torn from the cover 3 at the second fold line 24 during insertion of the tampon 1 into the vagina of a user.
- This may be ascertained by the extension and orientation of the second fold line 24 and the second slit system 23.
- this may also be ascertained by the second fold line 24 being reinforced by being attached to the absorption body 2.
- the second fold line 24 may be fused or melted together with the absorption body 2.
- the second fold line 24 may be reinforced by means of an additional strip of material, e.g. cover material or any other surface material, attached over the second fold line 24 on the outer surface 9 of the cover 3.
- the tampon 1 may in alternatives comprise one or more additional materials sandwiched between the cover 3 and the absorption body 2. Then the second fold line 24 may be reinforced by being attached to the outermost additional material.
- the second fold line 24 may be at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, most preferably at least 3 mm.
- the second invertible flap 20 may have an area of at least 1 mm 2 , preferably at least 4 mm 2 , most preferably at least 9 mm 2 in a plane state.
- the second invertible flap 20 may have the size of a cilia.
- the second embodiment of the tampon 1 shown in figures 2a-d is delivered to a user with all second invertible flaps 20 being positioned in the second initial position.
- the second invertible flaps 20 will be moved from the second initial position to the second inverted position by inverting or peeling away from the absorption body 2.
- the tampon 1 when inserting the tampon 1 , the tampon 1 is pushed into the vagina.
- the pushing action causes the tampon 1 to move in the direction of the applied force. Since the friction between the second inner surfaces 21 of the second invertible flaps 20 and the absorption body 2 is less than the friction between the second outer surfaces 22 of the second invertible flaps 20 and the user's vaginal wall, the second outer surfaces 22 of the second invertible flaps 20 will cling to the vaginal wall. Thereby, the pushing force will also cause the second invertible flaps 20 to gradually invert during insertion of the tampon 1 . Finally, the second invertible flaps 20 are completely inverted as shown in figures 2c-d.
- the second invertible flaps 20 will act as spacing means, creating a distance between the mucous membranes on the user's vaginal wall and the remainder of the cover 3.
- the second invertible flaps 20 act as insertion aids, further facilitating the insertion of the tampon 1 and minimising the risk of causing abrasion, chafing or other friction-induced discomforts that may otherwise arise when a tampon is being inserted.
- dried-out mucous membranes make it difficult and uncomfortable to insert a new tampon to replace another tampon that has been removed.
- the tampon 1 may easily and comfortably be inserted into the vagina of a user.
- the inner surface 8 and the outer surface 9 of the cover 3 may have different friction characteristics.
- the second inner surface 21 of the second invertible flaps 20 is smoother than the second outer surface 22 of the second invertible flaps 20.
- the differing friction characteristics contribute to the inversion of the second invertible flaps 20 during insertion of the tampon 1 into the vagina of a user.
- the differing friction characteristics imply that after inversion, the smoother second inner surface 21 will be in contact with the user's vaginal wall instead of the second outer surface 22, whereby the friction between the tampon 1 and the user's vaginal wall will be reduced and further insertion will be facilitated.
- all second invertible flaps 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20 are similar.
- all second invertible flaps 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20 need not be similar, but one or more second invertible flaps 20 may differ from one or more other second invertible flaps 20 by being varied in accordance with one or more of the above described variations.
- the second curve of one or more of the second invertible flaps 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20 may have another shape than the second curve of one or more other second invertible flaps 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20.
- the second curve of one or more second invertible flaps 20 may be V-shaped, whereas the second curve of one or more other second invertible flaps 20 may be U-shaped.
- the second curve of at least one second invertible flap 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20 may be V-shaped and/or the second curve of at least one second invertible flap 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20 may be U- shaped.
- all second curves may only have such a shape that they contribute to the assurance that the second invertible flaps 20 are moved from the second initial position to the second inverted position during insertion of the tampon 1 .
- the second fold line 24 of one or more of the second invertible flaps 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20 may have a different length and/or a different orientation than the second fold line 24 of one or more other second invertible flaps 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20.
- the second fold line 24 of one or more second invertible flaps 20 may extend in a direction at least essentially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (L) of the tampon 1 , whereas the second fold line 24 of one or more other second invertible flaps 20 may extend in any other direction.
- the second fold line 24 of at least one second invertible flap 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20 may extend in a direction at least essentially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tampon 1 .
- all second fold lines 24 extend in such a direction that they contribute to the assurance that the second invertible flaps 20 are moved from the second initial position to the second inverted position during insertion of the tampon 1 .
- one or more of the second invertible flaps 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20 may have a different area (size) than one or more other second invertible flaps 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20.
- second invertible flaps 20 may aid insertion of the tampon 1 to different degrees at different stages of the insertion.
- the second fold line 24 of one, some or all second invertible flaps 20 may be reinforced in accordance with the above.
- the second fold line 24 of at least one second invertible flap 20 may be reinforced in accordance with the above.
- all second invertible flaps 20 are designed such that they are arranged to be moved between the second initial position and the second inverted position during insertion of the tampon 1 so as to aid the insertion.
- one or more lubricating agents may be provided on at least parts of the second inner surface 21 of one or more of the second invertible flaps 20.
- the second inner surface 21 of at least one second invertible flap 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20 may be at least partly provided with at least one lubricating agent.
- the lubricating agent may be selected from the group consisting of: pectin, hyaluronic acids, glycerides, waxes such as silicone waxes, plant waxes and paraffin wax, and polyvinyl alcohol.
- pectin pectin
- hyaluronic acids hyaluronic acids
- glycerides waxes such as silicone waxes, plant waxes and paraffin wax
- polyvinyl alcohol polyvinyl alcohol
- the second invertible flaps 20 will become inverted such that the second inner surface 21 of all second invertible flaps 20 faces away from the absorption body 2. This implies that the second inner surface 21 of all second invertible flaps 20 will become exposed to the user's vaginal wall. Lubricating agent(s) on any or all of the second inner surfaces 21 will then come in contact with the user's vaginal wall. Thereby insertion of the tampon 1 will be facilitated and some lubrication of the mucous membranes in the vagina will be provided, thus also facilitating withdrawal of the tampon 1 .
- Figure 2f shows the second embodiment of the tampon 1 shown in figure 2c, but with a lubricating agent provided on the second inner surface 21 of all second invertible flaps 20.
- the lubricating agent is schematically illustrated with dots in figure 2f .
- the lubricating agent(s) may be contained in microcapsules as described above in association with the first embodiment.
- the microcapsules may be constructed such that the lubricating agent(s) is/are encapsulated in the microcapsules until the tampon is inserted and the encapsulation broken by tensile forces and/or frictional forces. Alternatively, the encapsulation may be broken by humidity and/or heat.
- the second inner surface 21 of at least one second invertible flap 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20 may be at least partly provided with at least one active agent.
- the active agents may be selected from the group consisting of: odour controlling agents, perfumes, lactic acid producing organisms, pain control agents, sedatives and mixtures thereof.
- the active agent(s) is/are released during insertion when the second invertible flaps 20 are inverted.
- the active agent(s) may be encapsulated until the tampon is inserted and the encapsulation broken by tensile forces and/or frictional forces. Alternatively, the encapsulation may be broken by humidity and/or heat.
- the lubricating agent(s) and/or the active agent(s) may be provided on the second inner surface 21 of one or more second invertible flaps 20 due to the fact that the inner surface 8 of the cover 3 is completely or partly provided with the lubricating agent(s) and/or the active agent(s) or due to the fact that the outer surface of the absorbent body 2 is completely or partly provided with the lubricating agent(s) and/or the active agent(s).
- the lubricating agent(s) and/or the active agent(s) may be provided on the second inner surface 21 of one or more second invertible flaps 20 due to the fact that the outermost additional layer is provided with the lubricating agent(s) and/or the active agent(s).
- the second embodiment or any of the alternatives described above may be varied in that the second slit system 23 of at least one second invertible flap 20 is constituted by more than one slit.
- the second slit system 23 of at least one second invertible flap 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20 may be constituted by two second slits 27 and a second interruption 28 between the two second slits 27 (fig. 2g). Then each of the two second slits 27 and the second interruption 28 extends along respective parts of the respective second curve.
- the second interruption 28 is constituted by a non-slitted portion of the cover 3 and is arranged to be broken during insertion of the tampon 1 into the vagina of a user so as to enable folding of the respective second invertible flap 20 around the second fold line 24.
- the second interruption 28 the respective second invertible flap 20 is securely kept in the second initial position before use of the tampon 1 .
- the second slit system 23 of at least one second invertible flap 20 may be constituted by more than two second slits, whereby one second interruption is positioned between each pair of consecutive second slits (not shown).
- each second slit and second interruption extends along a respective part of the respective second curve, and each second interruption is constituted by a non-slitted portion according to the above.
- the second slit system 23 of at least one second invertible flap 20 of the plurality of second invertible flaps 20 may be constituted by at least two second slits and a second interruption between each pair of consecutive second slits, whereby each second slit and each second interruption extends along a respective part of the respective second curve and whereby each second interruption is constituted by a non-slitted portion of the cover.
- the second end point 26 of the second slit system 23 of one second invertible flap 20 may also constitute the second start point 25 of the second slit system 23 of another second invertible flap 20.
- the second fold line 24 of the second invertible flap 20 may extend in any direction in which it contributes to the assurance that the second invertible flap 20 is moved from the second initial position to the second inverted position during insertion of the tampon 1 .
- the second fold line 24 of different second invertible flaps 20 may extend in different directions. One such example is shown in figure 2i.
- FIG 3 shows a third embodiment of the tampon 1 according to the invention.
- the third embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment shown in figures 1 a-e, but comprises also a plurality of second invertible flaps 20 according to the second embodiment shown in figures 2a-d.
- the third embodiment is a combination of the first and second embodiments.
- the third embodiment of the tampon 1 comprises a plurality of first invertible flaps 10 and a plurality of second invertible flaps 20.
- all of the first invertible flaps 10 are similar and correspond to the first invertible flaps 10 of the first embodiment.
- all of the second invertible flaps 20 are similar and correspond to the second invertible flaps 20 of the second embodiment.
- the first invertible flaps 10 may be varied in accordance with the variations described in conjunction with the first embodiment and the second invertible flaps 20 may be varied in accordance with the variations described in conjunction with the second embodiment.
- the first inner surface 1 1 of one or more of the first invertible flaps 10 and/or the second inner surface 21 of one or more of the second invertible flaps 20 may be at least partly provided with one or more lubricating agents.
- the third embodiment of the tampon 1 shown in figure 3 is delivered to a user with all first invertible flaps 10 being positioned in the first initial position and all second invertible flaps 20 being positioned in the second initial position.
- the first invertible flaps 10 are kept in the first initial position due to their orientation.
- the second invertible flaps 20 will gradually invert to the second inverted position as shown in figures 2c-d.
- the first invertible flaps 10 will gradually invert from the first initial position to the first inverted position as shown in figures 1 d-e.
- the third embodiment of the tampon 1 comprises means for both aiding insertion and withdrawal.
- the second invertible flaps 20 act as insertion aids, further facilitating the insertion of the tampon 1 and minimising the risk of causing abrasion, chafing or other friction-induced discomforts that may otherwise arise when a tampon is being inserted as described above in conjunction with the second embodiment.
- the first invertible flaps 10 act as removal aids, greatly facilitating the withdrawal of the tampon 1 and minimising the risk of causing abrasion, chafing or other friction- induced discomforts that may otherwise arise when a tampon is being withdrawn as described above in conjunction with the first embodiment.
- first invertible flaps 10 and/or second invertible flaps 20 spread over most of the cover 3.
- first invertible flaps 10 and/or the second invertible flaps 20 may alternatively be concentrated to only one or more specific parts of the cover 3.
- the first invertible flaps 10 may be concentrated to a part of the cover 3 in the vicinity of the withdrawal end 5 or to the half of the cover 3 being located nearest the withdrawal end 5
- the second invertible flaps 20 may be concentrated to a part of the cover 3 in the vicinity of the insertion end 4 or to the half of the cover 3 being located nearest the insertion end 4.
- first invertible flaps 10 and/or the second invertible flaps 20 may be positioned in any suitable pattern on the cover 3 or in a random pattern.
- different parts of the cover 3 may comprise first invertible flaps 10 having different shapes and/or sizes.
- first invertible flaps 10 in a part of the cover 3 in the vicinity of the withdrawal end 5 may be smaller than first invertible flaps 10 in a part of the cover 3 in the vicinity of the insertion end 4.
- different parts of the cover 3 may comprise second invertible flaps 20 having different shapes and/or sizes.
- second invertible flaps 20 in a part of the cover 3 in the vicinity of the insertion end 4 may be smaller than second invertible flaps 20 in a part of the cover 3 in the vicinity of the withdrawal end 5.
- the tampon 1 comprises only one cover, i.e. the cover 3.
- one or more additional layers of cover material or any other material could be sandwiched between the cover 3 and the absorption body 2.
- the absorption body 2 is not exposed when the first invertible flaps 10 or the second invertible flaps 20 are positioned in the first inverted position and the second inverted position, respectively, but the outermost additional layer is then exposed.
- the tampon 1 according to the invention may comprise a plurality of first invertible flaps 10 and/or a plurality of second invertible flaps 20.
- the phrase "a plurality of flaps" is herein intended to mean two or more flaps.
- the tampon 1 according to the invention may be constructed by any conventional method.
- the tampon 1 may be manufactured by compressing a mass of absorbent fibres to form the absorption body 2 and thereafter surrounding the absorption body 2 with the cover material.
- the tampon 1 according to the invention may be constructed by positioning a layer of absorbent material on a layer of cover material and then rolling the two layers into a roll. This uncompressed roll is known as a "softwind". The softwind is then compressed such that the tampon is formed. It is also possible to first roll a layer of the absorbent material into a roll and then wrap a layer of the cover material around it. The roll is thereafter compressed.
- the absorption body may be formed by crossing two absorption elements on each other and drawing a string through the absorption elements, where after the absorption elements are gathered together by means of pulling the string.
- the absorbent material may be filled in a bag, which then is compressed.
- the first slit systems 13 and the second slit systems 23 are preferably formed in the cover 3 before application of the cover 3 around the absorption body 2. However, they may also be formed in the cover 3 after application of the cover 3 around the absorption body 2 by means of e.g. laser technique.
- the tampon 1 according to the invention may be a digital (non-applicator) tampon or an applicator tampon.
- Embodiments comprising second invertible flaps 20 are especially advantageous to provide as digital tampons.
- Embodiments comprising first invertible flaps 10 are advantageous to provide as digital tampons or as applicator tampons.
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- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Dermatology (AREA)
- Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2009344210A AU2009344210B2 (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2009-04-06 | Lubricated tampon having invertible flaps for facilitated insertion and removal |
PCT/SE2009/050356 WO2010117309A1 (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2009-04-06 | Lubricated tampon having invertible flaps for facilitated insertion and removal |
RU2011144824/12A RU2477992C1 (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2009-04-06 | Lubricated tampon having turned over flappers for easy insertion and removal |
EP09843126.5A EP2416748B1 (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2009-04-06 | Lubricated tampon having invertible flaps for facilitated insertion and removal |
US13/262,859 US8882734B2 (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2009-04-06 | Lubricated tampon having invertible flaps for facilitated insertion and removal |
CN200980158083.4A CN102348443B (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2009-04-06 | Lubricated tampon having invertible flaps for facilitated insertion and removal |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/SE2009/050356 WO2010117309A1 (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2009-04-06 | Lubricated tampon having invertible flaps for facilitated insertion and removal |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2010117309A1 true WO2010117309A1 (en) | 2010-10-14 |
Family
ID=42936421
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/SE2009/050356 WO2010117309A1 (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2009-04-06 | Lubricated tampon having invertible flaps for facilitated insertion and removal |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8882734B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2416748B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102348443B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2009344210B2 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2477992C1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010117309A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2013093675A1 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2013-06-27 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon method of manufacture |
WO2013093657A1 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2013-06-27 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon |
US20140005627A1 (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2014-01-02 | Mary Lou McDaniel | Tampon |
CN104394818A (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2015-03-04 | 金伯利-克拉克环球有限公司 | Tampon method of manufacture |
BE1021292B1 (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2015-10-23 | Ontex Bvba | TAMPON PROVIDED WITH LONGITUDINAL GROOVES AND IMPRESSION |
USD834189S1 (en) * | 2016-07-29 | 2018-11-20 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon |
EP3714852A1 (en) * | 2019-03-25 | 2020-09-30 | Chung-Sing Lin | Tampon with membrane |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT513070B1 (en) * | 2012-07-06 | 2014-04-15 | Ruggli Projects Ag | everyday tampon |
JP6057648B2 (en) * | 2012-09-28 | 2017-01-11 | ユニ・チャーム株式会社 | Absorbent articles |
KR101726672B1 (en) * | 2016-12-28 | 2017-04-13 | 이영진 | Toilet-Disposable Sanitary Tampon For Inserting Into The Body |
US11083634B2 (en) * | 2017-08-15 | 2021-08-10 | Binyarco Llc | Method and device for packing a body cavity and delivering a medicament to a subject |
CN109124818A (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2019-01-04 | 佛山科学技术学院 | A kind of easy to operate pig vas deferens |
CN109124816A (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2019-01-04 | 佛山科学技术学院 | A kind of vas deferens for swine artificial insemination |
CN109124817A (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2019-01-04 | 佛山科学技术学院 | A kind of pig vas deferens with lubricating fluid |
USD977632S1 (en) | 2020-02-26 | 2023-02-07 | Tampro Inc. | Tampon |
USD1039690S1 (en) | 2020-09-01 | 2024-08-20 | Tampro Inc. | Tampon |
AU2022248199A1 (en) * | 2021-03-30 | 2023-10-26 | Ampa Medical Aps | Absorbent insert devices for collecting liquid and semi-liquid intestinal waste inside the intestine of a human |
CN113499190A (en) * | 2021-08-11 | 2021-10-15 | 浙江天晴制造科技集团有限公司 | Tampon with built-in easy-to-push catheter and preparation method thereof |
USD1046123S1 (en) | 2023-04-28 | 2024-10-08 | Tampro Inc. | Tampon |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2056283A (en) * | 1979-07-23 | 1981-03-18 | Kimberly Clark Co | Tampon |
US20050080393A1 (en) * | 2003-02-24 | 2005-04-14 | Nini Policappelli | Comfortable tampon |
WO2005051270A2 (en) * | 2003-11-21 | 2005-06-09 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Tampon |
US20050143708A1 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2005-06-30 | Sca Hygiene Products Ab | Tampon |
US20060258971A1 (en) * | 2005-03-31 | 2006-11-16 | Chase David J | Novel tampon applicator |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2219886A (en) | 1939-10-26 | 1940-10-29 | Henry F Blomme | Fishing tackle |
DE19753665C2 (en) | 1997-12-03 | 2000-05-18 | Johnson & Johnson Gmbh | Tampon for feminine hygiene or medical purposes and process for the production thereof |
US6582389B2 (en) | 2000-12-20 | 2003-06-24 | Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. | Applicator for delivering bulky devices |
ITBO20030783A1 (en) | 2003-12-23 | 2005-06-24 | New Age Const And Engineeri Ng S P A | LATERAL TERMINAL ANASTOMOSIS DEVICE. |
SE0303559D0 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2003-12-30 | Sca Hygiene Prod Ab | A tampon |
US20070135787A1 (en) | 2005-12-14 | 2007-06-14 | Maria Raidel | Extensible absorbent layer and absorbent article |
CN101472544A (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2009-07-01 | Sca卫生产品股份公司 | Absorption product |
-
2009
- 2009-04-06 CN CN200980158083.4A patent/CN102348443B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-04-06 EP EP09843126.5A patent/EP2416748B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2009-04-06 RU RU2011144824/12A patent/RU2477992C1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2009-04-06 WO PCT/SE2009/050356 patent/WO2010117309A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-04-06 AU AU2009344210A patent/AU2009344210B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2009-04-06 US US13/262,859 patent/US8882734B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2056283A (en) * | 1979-07-23 | 1981-03-18 | Kimberly Clark Co | Tampon |
US20050080393A1 (en) * | 2003-02-24 | 2005-04-14 | Nini Policappelli | Comfortable tampon |
WO2005051270A2 (en) * | 2003-11-21 | 2005-06-09 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Tampon |
US20050143708A1 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2005-06-30 | Sca Hygiene Products Ab | Tampon |
US20060258971A1 (en) * | 2005-03-31 | 2006-11-16 | Chase David J | Novel tampon applicator |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of EP2416748A4 * |
Cited By (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR101536090B1 (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2015-07-10 | 킴벌리-클라크 월드와이드, 인크. | Tampon method of manufacture |
RU2612930C2 (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2017-03-13 | Кимберли-Кларк Ворлдвайд, Инк. | Tampon |
WO2013093675A1 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2013-06-27 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon method of manufacture |
EP2793780A4 (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2015-08-12 | Kimberly Clark Co | Tampon method of manufacture |
CN104080429A (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2014-10-01 | 金伯利-克拉克环球有限公司 | Tampon method of manufacture |
US8916015B2 (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2014-12-23 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon method of manufacture |
AU2012356248B2 (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2017-06-22 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon |
AU2012356265B2 (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2015-03-19 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon method of manufacture |
WO2013093657A1 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2013-06-27 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon |
RU2619033C2 (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2017-05-11 | Кимберли-Кларк Ворлдвайд, Инк. | Method for tampon manufacturing |
US20130160259A1 (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2013-06-27 | Mary Lou McDaniel | Tampon Method Of Manufacture |
EP2793778A4 (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2015-08-19 | Kimberly Clark Co | Tampon |
US9393160B2 (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2016-07-19 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon with contact elements |
CN104394818A (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2015-03-04 | 金伯利-克拉克环球有限公司 | Tampon method of manufacture |
US20140005627A1 (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2014-01-02 | Mary Lou McDaniel | Tampon |
BE1021292B1 (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2015-10-23 | Ontex Bvba | TAMPON PROVIDED WITH LONGITUDINAL GROOVES AND IMPRESSION |
USD1004080S1 (en) | 2016-07-29 | 2023-11-07 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon |
USD834189S1 (en) * | 2016-07-29 | 2018-11-20 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon |
EP3714852A1 (en) * | 2019-03-25 | 2020-09-30 | Chung-Sing Lin | Tampon with membrane |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2009344210A1 (en) | 2011-08-18 |
AU2009344210B2 (en) | 2014-10-09 |
CN102348443B (en) | 2014-07-09 |
US20120053544A1 (en) | 2012-03-01 |
US8882734B2 (en) | 2014-11-11 |
EP2416748A1 (en) | 2012-02-15 |
EP2416748A4 (en) | 2013-05-22 |
EP2416748B1 (en) | 2014-05-21 |
RU2477992C1 (en) | 2013-03-27 |
CN102348443A (en) | 2012-02-08 |
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