CA2095393C - Tampon applicator and method for forming same - Google Patents
Tampon applicator and method for forming sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA2095393C CA2095393C CA002095393A CA2095393A CA2095393C CA 2095393 C CA2095393 C CA 2095393C CA 002095393 A CA002095393 A CA 002095393A CA 2095393 A CA2095393 A CA 2095393A CA 2095393 C CA2095393 C CA 2095393C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- forward end
- dome
- bending
- radial direction
- petals
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/20—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor
- A61F13/26—Means for inserting tampons, i.e. applicators
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S604/00—Surgery
- Y10S604/904—Tampons
Abstract
A method for forming a tampon applicator having a dome shaped forward end is disclosed, in which the requisite ejection force for discharging the pledget from the applicator is reduced by radially bending the petals forming the domed tip about their base prior to final fabrication of the dome-shaped petal tip. Several orders of the sequential steps for bending the petals are disclosed. The resultant tampon applicator has weakened fibers at the base of its petals to provide a desired significant reduction of the pledget ejection force.
Description
. ' ~095393 TAMPON APPLICAT~R AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME
This invention relates to telescoping-type applicators which have a dome shaped forward end and are intended for the storaye and ejection of tampons, and to the method of producing such applicators to optimize the force required for the user to conveniently eject the tampon pledget from the applicator.
Backqround of the Invention Tampon applicators which include a pair of telescoping cylinders are well known in the art. For e~ample, ~erger, U.S. Patent 3,895,634, assigned to the assignee of the subject application, and Voss IJ.S. Patent 3,433,225 typically show such applicators in which the pledget is initially ~stored in the forward end of a cylindrical barrel.
A lesser diameter plunger is telescopingly contained within the rear end of the barrel, such that the forward end of the plunger abuts the rear encl of the pledget. Advantagec)usly, the forward end of the barrel, which is inserted irl the vagina prior to tampon injectionr includes a smooth, dome-shaped end for user comfort. ~hen the user then urges the plunger against the rear end of the pledget~ the pledget is moved forwardly in the barrel, opening up the petals which form the dome-shape forward end of the barrel, as lhe pledget is ejected from the barrel. Following the full ejection of the tampon pledget, the petals then return towards their original closed position so as to cc)mfortably remove the applicator from the body orifice. Such tampon applicators are conventionally manufactured either of a 209~93 suitable plastic compositi,c)n, which is typicallv injectif)n molded, or from cardboard. In view o,f envi.ronmental concer-ns, cardboard applicators, whi,ch are wat,er degradable or water dispensable are increasingly desirable. The force necessary to eject the tampon from a plastic appli,cator can be controlled by the composition and thickness of the plastic material, whi1e maintaining the necessarv structural integrity for the barrel. For examp]e, in the aforementioned Berger U.S. Patent 3,89~,634 the cro.ss-sectional wall thickness of the tubular portion of the barrel, mem~er and petals forming the dome-shaped insertion tip are different, to provide a rel.atively high strength side wall for the main bodv portic)n of the barrel and a relatively flexibl,e and supple i,nsertion tip. This provides the requi,site stabi,litv for the barrel proper and an acceptable tampon ejection force. Achieving these desirab1.e characterisl,ics in a cardboard app],icator is somewhat more difficult dlle to the limited degree to which the characteristics of the ~ardboard may he varied, as opposed to modifying the composition of the plastic, and the relative stiffness Qf cardboard layers which are of suffi.cient thickness to provide the requisite structural integrit~ for t,he harrel.
Variol,lS techniques have previc)llslv been proposecl for modifying the forward end of such dome-shaped cardboard applicators which have petal defining slit.s to appropri.ately adjust the pledget ejection force. For e~ample Wiegner, et al. U.S. Pa~ent 4,412,833 and Beasta]l et al. T . S . Patent 4,0~7,239 provide an indented circumferential grc)ove ~which 209~393 _ 3 can take the form of slot.~ or perforatic)ns in Beastall) at the end of the slits located at the base of the dome-shaped tip to provide a hinge region for the bendillg of the petals.
Such a hinge had also been disclosed in aforementioned Voss et al. U.~. Patent 3,433,225. Whitehead U.S. Patent 4,5~8,531 and Dec~er U.S. Patent 4,453~9~5 show a .series of transverse score or relief lines along the length of the cardboard petals in a tampon applicator to facilitate their bellding int- a roulld tip.
While such prior techniques have been found to aid in the formation of the dome tip and lower or ot}lerwise control the ejection force of the tampon pledget, they are less than fullv satisfactory in appropriatelv optimizing the ejection force, while maintaining all the other desirable tam~on applicator characteristics. Further, recc)gnizillg that some variations are to he e,Ypected in the mass production of tampon applicators it is desirable to provide for anticipated manufacturing tolerances to assure that appropriate ejectic)n forces will still be maintainec~ within the anticipated range of produc~t variations.
Summarv of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, during the manufacture of the barrel, the petals forming the dome tip are rev~rse bent at their base reglon in a direction ~jt;her than that required to thereafter form the dome tip. It has been determined that this will provide a significant reduction in the ejection force for their subsequent opening, while maintaining the structural rigidity of the 20~53q3 _ 4 tampon barrel, petal tip stability and the other requisite applicator characteristics.
According to a preferred method employed for fabricating the tampon applicator in accordance with my invention, the cylindrical tube is first formed with the petals in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical tube such that the forward end of the cylindrical tube is completely open. The petals are then bent radially inward towards the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, typically approximately 30 degrees. The petals are then bent radially outward in the opposite direction outside of the cylindrical volume defined by the cylindrical tube and beyond their original disposition, approximately an additional 30 degrees. The petals are then again moved inwardly towards the longitudinal axis, beyond the initial bending, and shaped to form the curved dome tip. During this reverse bending, there will be weakening of the cardboard at the base region of the petals. It is believed that such weakening occurs from the breaking of the fiber bonds between cardboard fibers at the petal base region. It has been observed that in a typical applicator fabricated according to this method, wherein the petals are first bent inwardly and then outwardly prior to the forming of the dome tip, the reduction of ejection force may be on the order of 25 percent.
My method may be employed both in conjunction with, or without, a circumferential hinge groove at the base region of the petal. Where the groove is provided, the reduction in . __ A~
20q53q3 ejection force contributed by the groove is additive to that achieved by the petal bending of the instant invention, so as to further reduce the ejection force towards the desired magnitude.
My invention may also be practiced in conjunction with that disclosed in Klesius, Canadian Patent 2,095,390 issued September 24, 1996, and assigned to the assignee of the instant application, in which the petals are sprayed with a desired amount of moisture prior to final forming of their dome-shaped tip in order to provide increased petal stability during applicator storage.
In accordance with an alternative method for practicing the instant invention, after the cylindrical tube is formed with the individual petals extending forwardly so that the tube is completely open, the petals are then curved inwardly to form the dome-shaped end. Thereafter, the petals are moved radially outward of the volume defined by the cylindrical tube such that they make an angle of approximately 30 degrees from their original disposition. The petals are then moved inwardly to again form the dome-shaped tip. While this alternative technique requires a more extensive initial step, and thereby may be somewhat more expensive to practice, it too will provide fiber weakening and hence a reduction in tampon ejection force.
Still another alternative method, which involves less steps and, correspondingly may provide a lesser magnitude of cardboard weakening and reduction in ejection force may be , A ~ !
209~393 practiced. This alternative techni~lle involves first bending the petals outward from their original position, parallel to the longi~udinal a~is of the barrel, and the~
bending the petals in the reverse direction inwardlv to form the dome-shaped tip.
A common theme present in a]l the methods for practicing my invention is the bending of the petals at their base region prior to the final formation of the dome tip. Thi.s sufficiently weakens the petals at their base region to obtain the requisite reduction in tampon pledget ejection force. Such weakening is achieved in conjunction with the other parameters of a particular cardboard applicator size so that the applicator possesses all the requisite parameters for acceptable performance.
It is accordingly a principal object of my invention to provide a method for forming a tampon applicator tube having a dome-shaped forward end, in which the required force for ejecting the tampon pledget is controllinglv reduced a desired amount.
A further object is to provide such a method for forming a tampon applicator tube in which the petals are reverse bent about their base region prior to final fabrication of the dome-shaped tip.
Another object of my invention is to provide a cardboard tampon applicator having a dome-shaped tip in which the cardboard fibers at the base region of the petals forming the dome-shape are weakened at their base region bv prior inward and outward radial movement of the petals with such fiber weakening providing a .significallt reduction of the ejection force subsequently required to open the petals forming the dome-shaped closure and expe] the pledget frc~m the forward end of the barrel.
These as well as other objects of mv inventi(~)n will llOW
be further described and illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Brief Description of Drawinqs Figure 1 is a side view of an assembled tampon applicator including the pledget contained therein constructed in accordance with my invention.
Figure ~ is a cross-sect;ional view of the tampon applicator assembly sllown in Figure l.
Figure 3 is an end view of the tampon applicator assembly in the direction of arrows 3-3 as shc)wll in Figure 1.
Figure 4 shows a cardboard blank which ma~ be used to form a pair of convolute]y wound applicator barrels which are thereafter treated in accordance with my invention.
Figure 5 shows one of the barrels formed from the blank of Figure ~ with the peta]s in the fully open condition prior to forming the cdome-shape, as shown in Figllres 1-3.
Figures 6A-~C show a preferred method of practicing my invention for sequentially rorming the dome-shaped tip of the applicator from the initial condition shown in Figure ~.
Figures 7A-7C S}lOW some of the steps of an alternative method for sequentially forming the dome-shaped applicator from the initial conditic)n shown in Fiqure 5.
Figures 8A and 8B sequentially sh(-iws some of the steps of a third embodiment of the method for fvrnling the dome-shaped applicator fronl the cvlindrical harrel shown in Figure 5.
Figure 9 shows the procdllction tool which may tvpicallv be used to thereafter transform the petals from the condition shown in Figure 5 to that shown in Figure hA.
Figure 10 shows the productioll tool wllich may t~7picall~
be used to transform the petals from the condition shown in Figure 6A to that in 6B.
Figure 11 shows the production toc?ling for forming the petals into the dome-shaped tip.
Fiyure 12 refers to the second embodiment and particularly how the peta]s 25 of the initiall~ formed dome-shaped tip are then outwardly bent.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring initiall~to Figures 1-3 the tampon assemblv 10 includes a cylindrical tube which forms a barrel 20. A
plunger 30 is telescopingly contained hithin the rear end portion of the barrel 20. A tampon pledget 40, which ~av partake of various known prior art pledget constrllctions such a.s for examp].e that shown in aforementiolled Berger U.S.
Patenl 3 895 634, is initiallv positjc?ne~l within the main cvlindrical bodv of the assembled harrel member 20. A
withdrawal string 42 extends outwardlv through the central portion of the plunger 30 for subseqllent removal of the pledget from the user s bodv after ejection from the g applicator assembly, and removal of the applicator from the user's body. The forward end 31 of the plunger typically abuts the rear end 43 of the pledget for moving the pledget forward, in the conventional manner so as to eject the pledget 40 from the forward end of the barrel.
The barrel 20 includes a dome shaped forward end 24 which is provided for more comfortable insertion of the applicator.
The dome end is typically shown as comprising six individual petals 25 which are curved inwardly at their base region.
Although six petals are shown a different number of petals may be employed, as is well known in the art. To aid in such inward folding a circumferential groove, shown as 27 is preferably provided around the inward surface at the petal base region.
The groove 27, which is preferably embossed on the blank 50 (see Figure 4), while it is in the flat state may preferably be formed by a pair of complementary mandrels (not shown), which contact opposite surfaces of the blank. One such mandrel includes a circumferential projection corresponding to the groove to be formed at the base region. The other has a complementary circumferential recess. The coaction of the two mandrels crush the fibers at the petal base region, thereby providing a hinge point to facilitate inward bending of the petals to their required dome configuration. Alternatively, the groove may be formed on the outside of the cylindrical barrel, or the groove may be omitted, with the requisite reduction in expulsion force being obtained by the appropriate characteristics of the cardboard, in conjunction with the ~, - ,~
A~;i.
20~5~3 initial bending of the petals at their base region 26 in accordance with my invention.
It is preferable for the radial slits 28 between the sides of the petals to extend somewhat below the base region 26 of the petals, and the circumferential groove 27 at the base region.
Advantageously, this allows for tolerances with respect to anticipated manufacturing variations in the location of the groove. The circumferential groove 27 is not below the terminus of the radial slit 28. This displacement X, as shown in Figure 4 (and as also shown in Figure 4 of the aforementioned Patent No. 2,095,390), between the groove 27 and lower terminus of slit 28, provides a region to facilitate the radially bending of the petals 25.
A finger grip section 29 is advantageously provided at the rear end of the barrel so as to facilitate the user's grasping and maintaining the applicator during pledget ejection, particularly if the outer surface of the applicator is made smooth, to aid in comfortable applicator insertion. As is well known in the art, the fingergrip may be formed by a plurality of score lines, such as for example, typically shown in aforementioned Wiegner et al. U.S. Patent 4,412,833, or Jaycox U.S. Patent 3,696,812. Although eight score lines are shown in Figure 1, other numbers may be used, depending upon such factors as the thickness and smoothness of the cardboard forming the barrel 20.
Reference is now made to Figure 4 which shows a blank ., A;~' 20~53q3 ll 50 used to fabricate a preferred form of the barrel 20 in accordance with my invention. A pair of barrels 20 will be convolutely wound from blank 50. However spiral wound barrels may also be employed in conjunction with my invention. For economical purposes, it is advantageous to first form the blank 50 of a length to fabricate two barrels 20. That is, the blank 50 which is naturally twice the length of a single barrel, includes the petals 25 at each of its ends. In a preferred embodiment fabricated in accordance with our invention, the blank 50 forming the barrel, as well as the plunger 30, are made of a laminated paper/paper board stock. The radially inward laminates provide the requisite form and rigidity. The outermost layer is selected to provide appropriate smoothness and whiteness. Typically the inner plies may additively be in the order of 0.0135 to 0.0180 inches thick, with the outer ply being a wax coated paper stock in the order of 0.0018 inches thick. As is well known in the art, a thicker ply would typically be used for larger diameter size tampon pledgets, which likewise include a somewhat greater diameter barrel. The circumferential groove 27 is preferably embossed on the blank while it is in the flat state. Groove 27, is typically 0.02 inches wide, and 0.004-0.010 inches deep. This circumferential groove 27 may typically be 0.020-0.030 inches above the terminus of radial slit 28 as shown by the distance X in Figure 4.
To form the barrel, the blank 50 is rolled into a cylinder and the opposite ends 52-54 which overlap are glued _ . _ ' 'f ' A'~
2095~9~
together. The unit is then cut along mid-section 55 to provide two identical barrels 20 in which the petals 25 e~tend forwardly in alignment with the longitudindl axis 15 of the barrel. In accordance with the typical prior art harrel formation, the forward end 2~ of the barrel 20 would then only be presented against the petal forming tool 60 as shown in Figure 11 which includes an inwardly concave surface 62 corresponding to the dome-shaped ti.p. In some situatic)ns, the tool 60 may be heated typically to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is particularly desirable if the outer coating of the barrel includes a thermc)-sellsitive material, as is disclosed in ~hitehead, IJ.S. Patent 4,508,531, to aid in forming the tip. During tip formation an inner mandrel 51, which may not be independently heal-ed, is inserted within the barrel 20. Mandrel 51 has a forward curved end which is complementary to the concavity 63 of the heated forming tool 60.
In accor~ance with my invention, additional intermediary steps are provided between the fabrication of the barrel from its condi.tion shown in Figure 5 to its dome-shape as shown in Figures 1-3.
In accordance with one preferred method of practicing my invention, the petal tips sequentially go through the steps shown in Figures 5, 6A, 6R and 6C. The cylinclrical barrel with open petals 25 as shown in Figure 5 is first presented to the forming tool 64 shown in Figure 9. Forming tool 64 includes an inner concave surface 65 into which the petals 25 are ~)nly partially inserted so thev are bent inwardly, but not closed, to the co~ditic)n shown in Figllre 6A. Typically the inward hending petals, as shown bv angle A, may be in the order of 30 degrees. The forhard end c)f the barrel 20 is then presented to forming tool 66 as shc)hn in Figure 10. Fc)rming tool 66 includes an outwardlv cone shape forming surface 67 which is -inserted h-ithin the open end of the barrel so as t--> outward~y deflect the petals 25 outside of the cylindrical colume defined by the cylindrical tube or barrel 20, as shown in Figure 6B. Tvpically, the angle B, through which the petals are reversed :in the opposite direction may also be in the order of 30 degrees.
Naturally, other magnitllde.sc)f inward and outward deflection of the petals 25 may be practiced, according to the characteristics of the cardboard forming the harrel 20, whether the circumferential hinge 27 is included the dimensions of the barrel and petals and the desirecl final ejection pressure.
The forward end of the barrel is then formed into the final dome-shape as by toc)ls 51 and 60 generally corresponding to that shown in Figure 11. Tool 60 incllldes inward concave surfaces 61, which are preferablv heated (typically in the order of 35n degrees Fahrenheit), which curves the individual peta]s 25 to partake of the configuration shown in 6C which, corresponds to the dome-shaped forward end of the harre] 20 in the completed assembly 10, shown in Figures 1-3. The pledget 40 and plunger 30 are then inserted through the rear of the barrel 20 to prc)vide the complete operat;ve assembly. The assemblv ~ 14 209~3~3 is then typically wrapped in an individually sealed pac~age, as for e~ample shown in Ingersoll et al. U.S.
patent 4 617 781 assignecl to the assignee of the instant application.
Thlls it will be seen in referring to the sequential steps of Figures 5 6A, 6B and 6C that there is a radially inward and olltward bending of the individua] petals 25 about their base region 26 prior to the final fabrication of the dome shaped tip. It has been determined, as will be discussed below, that such bending of the petals will provide a significant reduction in the force required to thereafter eject the tampon pledget 40 througll the dome shaped forward end 24 of the applicator barrel 20. It is believed that this reduction results from the breaking of bonds between the individual cardboard fibers at the base region 26 of the petals 25. This breaking of the fiber bonds weakens the fibers with the effect of such weakening being generally additive to the weakening of the fibers achieved by their crushing to form the circumferential hinge groove 2~.
Reference is now made to another sequential method for practicing my invention which sequentially fclllc)ws the steps shown in ~igures 5, 6C 12 and ll. The open forward end 24 of the open barrel 20, as shown in Figure 5 is first formed to the dome tip as shown in Figure 6C such as by tools 51 and 60 shown in Figure 11. The petals 25 are then opened outwardly to the condition shown in Figure 12. This may be performed as shown in Figure 12 by a spherica] shape 2~5393 _ 15 mandrel 69 which is inserted within the barrel 20 from the rear end so as to move the petals 25 outwardly. The mandrel 69 is then removed and the petals reverse formed inwardly to the condition shown in Figure 11. As was the situation with respect to the method discussed in conjunction with Figures 6A-6C, this alternative method likewise radially bends the petals 25 in both directions about their base region prior to final tip fabrication, with this embodiment including the step of first preforming the petals into the dome-shape. This alternative embodiment also provides for petal weakening, and hence a reduction in ejection force.
Still a further, and simpler method is shown in the alternative embodiment, of Figures 8A and 8B. According to this embodiment the petals of the barrel are modified from the condition shown in Figure 5 to an outward bending as shown in Figure 8A, (which generally corresponds to Figures 7A and 6B).
This outward bending may be accomplished by a tool such as 66 shown in Figure 10. The petals are then moved inwardly to form the dome-shaped configuration shown in Figure 8B, such as by tools 51 and 60 of Figure 11. If desired, an intermediate step may be included of first bending the petals inwardly, such as generally corresponding to the condition of Figures 6A or 7C, before their final shaping to the dome configuration. Further, by suitably varying the conical shape of tool 66 the angle C of outward deflection as shown in Figure 8A may be increased, from the 30 degrees shown by angle B in Figure 6B, due to the lesser number of steps, in order to achieve the requisite degree of A
20953~3 petal weakening and reduction in ejection force.
The particular method selected, and e~tent of petal deflection prior to forming, naturally depends upon the character;stics of the particlll.ar cardboard stock selected for forming the barrel, the measured ejection force without incorporating the steps of my invention, whether or not a circumferential groove is provided at the base region of the petals and the desired degree of ejection reduction.
I have measured the reductic)n in ejection force achieved by the preferred method of Figures 6A-6C~ both with and without the circumferential groove 27. Each test comprised 20 barrels. In order to account for aging after initia] manufacture, four tampon assemb].ies l0 from each test cell were tested at the ti.me of initial manufacture, and on each of four successive days. The ejection force measured in ounces, was measured on a top loading spring balance. The measurement was achieved hy an individual grasping the ful]y assembled tampon a~ssembly 10 of Figure 1, in its intended manner, with the thumb and index finger being along the finger grip 29. The assembly was held in a vertical position with the outwardly e~tending plunger end 33 placed on top of the balance. A slow downward moti--)n was then applied to the barrel until the tampon pledget 40 was ejected from the barrel 20 by the resistance of the scale balance. The ma~imum scale reading was then recorded as the pledget ejection force.
With the circumferental groove 27 the measured average ejection force without the practice of my invention was 18.g ._ 17 ollnces, whereas the average ejectiol1 force measured in ~-ith the practice of my invention was 12.2 ounces. Hence, a reduction of ejection force of 6.2 ounce.s, or slight.ly ahove 33 percent was obtained according to the preferred method of this invention.
The same test was also run with barrel.s 20 which did not include the groove 27 to provide a petal. hinge. A
comparable reduction in ejection force was achieved wi.th the practice of my invention. The measured ejection force without my invèntion averaged 21.0 ounces, and with my invention 15.1 oullces. Hence a differential of 5.9 ounces, or appro~imately 28 percent wa.s obtained. It should be further noted that a reduction of ejection force achieved bv the petal bending method of the instant invention is generally in addition to ~,hat achi,eved by the groove 27 at the hase region of the petal,s 25.
~ ince a sufficiently low ejection force to convenienl,ly discharge the pledget from the applicator is a very desirable consumer requirement, my invention advantageously provides an effective method for achieving the requisite ejection force. Further, it should be appreciated that by varying the steps, as shown hy the different methods disclosed, as well as the degree of petal bending, the reduction of ejection force can he adjusted according to the characteristics of the cardboard forming the applicator and size of the barrel 20 and petals 25.
Other modifications of the present invention wi]l be obvious to those skilled i.n the art i.n the foregoing 209~393 teachings. Moreover, while the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and particular details thereof it is nc)t intended that these details be constr~led as limiting the scope of the inve~tion, which is defined by the following claims.
This invention relates to telescoping-type applicators which have a dome shaped forward end and are intended for the storaye and ejection of tampons, and to the method of producing such applicators to optimize the force required for the user to conveniently eject the tampon pledget from the applicator.
Backqround of the Invention Tampon applicators which include a pair of telescoping cylinders are well known in the art. For e~ample, ~erger, U.S. Patent 3,895,634, assigned to the assignee of the subject application, and Voss IJ.S. Patent 3,433,225 typically show such applicators in which the pledget is initially ~stored in the forward end of a cylindrical barrel.
A lesser diameter plunger is telescopingly contained within the rear end of the barrel, such that the forward end of the plunger abuts the rear encl of the pledget. Advantagec)usly, the forward end of the barrel, which is inserted irl the vagina prior to tampon injectionr includes a smooth, dome-shaped end for user comfort. ~hen the user then urges the plunger against the rear end of the pledget~ the pledget is moved forwardly in the barrel, opening up the petals which form the dome-shape forward end of the barrel, as lhe pledget is ejected from the barrel. Following the full ejection of the tampon pledget, the petals then return towards their original closed position so as to cc)mfortably remove the applicator from the body orifice. Such tampon applicators are conventionally manufactured either of a 209~93 suitable plastic compositi,c)n, which is typicallv injectif)n molded, or from cardboard. In view o,f envi.ronmental concer-ns, cardboard applicators, whi,ch are wat,er degradable or water dispensable are increasingly desirable. The force necessary to eject the tampon from a plastic appli,cator can be controlled by the composition and thickness of the plastic material, whi1e maintaining the necessarv structural integrity for the barrel. For examp]e, in the aforementioned Berger U.S. Patent 3,89~,634 the cro.ss-sectional wall thickness of the tubular portion of the barrel, mem~er and petals forming the dome-shaped insertion tip are different, to provide a rel.atively high strength side wall for the main bodv portic)n of the barrel and a relatively flexibl,e and supple i,nsertion tip. This provides the requi,site stabi,litv for the barrel proper and an acceptable tampon ejection force. Achieving these desirab1.e characterisl,ics in a cardboard app],icator is somewhat more difficult dlle to the limited degree to which the characteristics of the ~ardboard may he varied, as opposed to modifying the composition of the plastic, and the relative stiffness Qf cardboard layers which are of suffi.cient thickness to provide the requisite structural integrit~ for t,he harrel.
Variol,lS techniques have previc)llslv been proposecl for modifying the forward end of such dome-shaped cardboard applicators which have petal defining slit.s to appropri.ately adjust the pledget ejection force. For e~ample Wiegner, et al. U.S. Pa~ent 4,412,833 and Beasta]l et al. T . S . Patent 4,0~7,239 provide an indented circumferential grc)ove ~which 209~393 _ 3 can take the form of slot.~ or perforatic)ns in Beastall) at the end of the slits located at the base of the dome-shaped tip to provide a hinge region for the bendillg of the petals.
Such a hinge had also been disclosed in aforementioned Voss et al. U.~. Patent 3,433,225. Whitehead U.S. Patent 4,5~8,531 and Dec~er U.S. Patent 4,453~9~5 show a .series of transverse score or relief lines along the length of the cardboard petals in a tampon applicator to facilitate their bellding int- a roulld tip.
While such prior techniques have been found to aid in the formation of the dome tip and lower or ot}lerwise control the ejection force of the tampon pledget, they are less than fullv satisfactory in appropriatelv optimizing the ejection force, while maintaining all the other desirable tam~on applicator characteristics. Further, recc)gnizillg that some variations are to he e,Ypected in the mass production of tampon applicators it is desirable to provide for anticipated manufacturing tolerances to assure that appropriate ejectic)n forces will still be maintainec~ within the anticipated range of produc~t variations.
Summarv of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, during the manufacture of the barrel, the petals forming the dome tip are rev~rse bent at their base reglon in a direction ~jt;her than that required to thereafter form the dome tip. It has been determined that this will provide a significant reduction in the ejection force for their subsequent opening, while maintaining the structural rigidity of the 20~53q3 _ 4 tampon barrel, petal tip stability and the other requisite applicator characteristics.
According to a preferred method employed for fabricating the tampon applicator in accordance with my invention, the cylindrical tube is first formed with the petals in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical tube such that the forward end of the cylindrical tube is completely open. The petals are then bent radially inward towards the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, typically approximately 30 degrees. The petals are then bent radially outward in the opposite direction outside of the cylindrical volume defined by the cylindrical tube and beyond their original disposition, approximately an additional 30 degrees. The petals are then again moved inwardly towards the longitudinal axis, beyond the initial bending, and shaped to form the curved dome tip. During this reverse bending, there will be weakening of the cardboard at the base region of the petals. It is believed that such weakening occurs from the breaking of the fiber bonds between cardboard fibers at the petal base region. It has been observed that in a typical applicator fabricated according to this method, wherein the petals are first bent inwardly and then outwardly prior to the forming of the dome tip, the reduction of ejection force may be on the order of 25 percent.
My method may be employed both in conjunction with, or without, a circumferential hinge groove at the base region of the petal. Where the groove is provided, the reduction in . __ A~
20q53q3 ejection force contributed by the groove is additive to that achieved by the petal bending of the instant invention, so as to further reduce the ejection force towards the desired magnitude.
My invention may also be practiced in conjunction with that disclosed in Klesius, Canadian Patent 2,095,390 issued September 24, 1996, and assigned to the assignee of the instant application, in which the petals are sprayed with a desired amount of moisture prior to final forming of their dome-shaped tip in order to provide increased petal stability during applicator storage.
In accordance with an alternative method for practicing the instant invention, after the cylindrical tube is formed with the individual petals extending forwardly so that the tube is completely open, the petals are then curved inwardly to form the dome-shaped end. Thereafter, the petals are moved radially outward of the volume defined by the cylindrical tube such that they make an angle of approximately 30 degrees from their original disposition. The petals are then moved inwardly to again form the dome-shaped tip. While this alternative technique requires a more extensive initial step, and thereby may be somewhat more expensive to practice, it too will provide fiber weakening and hence a reduction in tampon ejection force.
Still another alternative method, which involves less steps and, correspondingly may provide a lesser magnitude of cardboard weakening and reduction in ejection force may be , A ~ !
209~393 practiced. This alternative techni~lle involves first bending the petals outward from their original position, parallel to the longi~udinal a~is of the barrel, and the~
bending the petals in the reverse direction inwardlv to form the dome-shaped tip.
A common theme present in a]l the methods for practicing my invention is the bending of the petals at their base region prior to the final formation of the dome tip. Thi.s sufficiently weakens the petals at their base region to obtain the requisite reduction in tampon pledget ejection force. Such weakening is achieved in conjunction with the other parameters of a particular cardboard applicator size so that the applicator possesses all the requisite parameters for acceptable performance.
It is accordingly a principal object of my invention to provide a method for forming a tampon applicator tube having a dome-shaped forward end, in which the required force for ejecting the tampon pledget is controllinglv reduced a desired amount.
A further object is to provide such a method for forming a tampon applicator tube in which the petals are reverse bent about their base region prior to final fabrication of the dome-shaped tip.
Another object of my invention is to provide a cardboard tampon applicator having a dome-shaped tip in which the cardboard fibers at the base region of the petals forming the dome-shape are weakened at their base region bv prior inward and outward radial movement of the petals with such fiber weakening providing a .significallt reduction of the ejection force subsequently required to open the petals forming the dome-shaped closure and expe] the pledget frc~m the forward end of the barrel.
These as well as other objects of mv inventi(~)n will llOW
be further described and illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Brief Description of Drawinqs Figure 1 is a side view of an assembled tampon applicator including the pledget contained therein constructed in accordance with my invention.
Figure ~ is a cross-sect;ional view of the tampon applicator assembly sllown in Figure l.
Figure 3 is an end view of the tampon applicator assembly in the direction of arrows 3-3 as shc)wll in Figure 1.
Figure 4 shows a cardboard blank which ma~ be used to form a pair of convolute]y wound applicator barrels which are thereafter treated in accordance with my invention.
Figure 5 shows one of the barrels formed from the blank of Figure ~ with the peta]s in the fully open condition prior to forming the cdome-shape, as shown in Figllres 1-3.
Figures 6A-~C show a preferred method of practicing my invention for sequentially rorming the dome-shaped tip of the applicator from the initial condition shown in Figure ~.
Figures 7A-7C S}lOW some of the steps of an alternative method for sequentially forming the dome-shaped applicator from the initial conditic)n shown in Fiqure 5.
Figures 8A and 8B sequentially sh(-iws some of the steps of a third embodiment of the method for fvrnling the dome-shaped applicator fronl the cvlindrical harrel shown in Figure 5.
Figure 9 shows the procdllction tool which may tvpicallv be used to thereafter transform the petals from the condition shown in Figure 5 to that shown in Figure hA.
Figure 10 shows the productioll tool wllich may t~7picall~
be used to transform the petals from the condition shown in Figure 6A to that in 6B.
Figure 11 shows the production toc?ling for forming the petals into the dome-shaped tip.
Fiyure 12 refers to the second embodiment and particularly how the peta]s 25 of the initiall~ formed dome-shaped tip are then outwardly bent.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring initiall~to Figures 1-3 the tampon assemblv 10 includes a cylindrical tube which forms a barrel 20. A
plunger 30 is telescopingly contained hithin the rear end portion of the barrel 20. A tampon pledget 40, which ~av partake of various known prior art pledget constrllctions such a.s for examp].e that shown in aforementiolled Berger U.S.
Patenl 3 895 634, is initiallv positjc?ne~l within the main cvlindrical bodv of the assembled harrel member 20. A
withdrawal string 42 extends outwardlv through the central portion of the plunger 30 for subseqllent removal of the pledget from the user s bodv after ejection from the g applicator assembly, and removal of the applicator from the user's body. The forward end 31 of the plunger typically abuts the rear end 43 of the pledget for moving the pledget forward, in the conventional manner so as to eject the pledget 40 from the forward end of the barrel.
The barrel 20 includes a dome shaped forward end 24 which is provided for more comfortable insertion of the applicator.
The dome end is typically shown as comprising six individual petals 25 which are curved inwardly at their base region.
Although six petals are shown a different number of petals may be employed, as is well known in the art. To aid in such inward folding a circumferential groove, shown as 27 is preferably provided around the inward surface at the petal base region.
The groove 27, which is preferably embossed on the blank 50 (see Figure 4), while it is in the flat state may preferably be formed by a pair of complementary mandrels (not shown), which contact opposite surfaces of the blank. One such mandrel includes a circumferential projection corresponding to the groove to be formed at the base region. The other has a complementary circumferential recess. The coaction of the two mandrels crush the fibers at the petal base region, thereby providing a hinge point to facilitate inward bending of the petals to their required dome configuration. Alternatively, the groove may be formed on the outside of the cylindrical barrel, or the groove may be omitted, with the requisite reduction in expulsion force being obtained by the appropriate characteristics of the cardboard, in conjunction with the ~, - ,~
A~;i.
20~5~3 initial bending of the petals at their base region 26 in accordance with my invention.
It is preferable for the radial slits 28 between the sides of the petals to extend somewhat below the base region 26 of the petals, and the circumferential groove 27 at the base region.
Advantageously, this allows for tolerances with respect to anticipated manufacturing variations in the location of the groove. The circumferential groove 27 is not below the terminus of the radial slit 28. This displacement X, as shown in Figure 4 (and as also shown in Figure 4 of the aforementioned Patent No. 2,095,390), between the groove 27 and lower terminus of slit 28, provides a region to facilitate the radially bending of the petals 25.
A finger grip section 29 is advantageously provided at the rear end of the barrel so as to facilitate the user's grasping and maintaining the applicator during pledget ejection, particularly if the outer surface of the applicator is made smooth, to aid in comfortable applicator insertion. As is well known in the art, the fingergrip may be formed by a plurality of score lines, such as for example, typically shown in aforementioned Wiegner et al. U.S. Patent 4,412,833, or Jaycox U.S. Patent 3,696,812. Although eight score lines are shown in Figure 1, other numbers may be used, depending upon such factors as the thickness and smoothness of the cardboard forming the barrel 20.
Reference is now made to Figure 4 which shows a blank ., A;~' 20~53q3 ll 50 used to fabricate a preferred form of the barrel 20 in accordance with my invention. A pair of barrels 20 will be convolutely wound from blank 50. However spiral wound barrels may also be employed in conjunction with my invention. For economical purposes, it is advantageous to first form the blank 50 of a length to fabricate two barrels 20. That is, the blank 50 which is naturally twice the length of a single barrel, includes the petals 25 at each of its ends. In a preferred embodiment fabricated in accordance with our invention, the blank 50 forming the barrel, as well as the plunger 30, are made of a laminated paper/paper board stock. The radially inward laminates provide the requisite form and rigidity. The outermost layer is selected to provide appropriate smoothness and whiteness. Typically the inner plies may additively be in the order of 0.0135 to 0.0180 inches thick, with the outer ply being a wax coated paper stock in the order of 0.0018 inches thick. As is well known in the art, a thicker ply would typically be used for larger diameter size tampon pledgets, which likewise include a somewhat greater diameter barrel. The circumferential groove 27 is preferably embossed on the blank while it is in the flat state. Groove 27, is typically 0.02 inches wide, and 0.004-0.010 inches deep. This circumferential groove 27 may typically be 0.020-0.030 inches above the terminus of radial slit 28 as shown by the distance X in Figure 4.
To form the barrel, the blank 50 is rolled into a cylinder and the opposite ends 52-54 which overlap are glued _ . _ ' 'f ' A'~
2095~9~
together. The unit is then cut along mid-section 55 to provide two identical barrels 20 in which the petals 25 e~tend forwardly in alignment with the longitudindl axis 15 of the barrel. In accordance with the typical prior art harrel formation, the forward end 2~ of the barrel 20 would then only be presented against the petal forming tool 60 as shown in Figure 11 which includes an inwardly concave surface 62 corresponding to the dome-shaped ti.p. In some situatic)ns, the tool 60 may be heated typically to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is particularly desirable if the outer coating of the barrel includes a thermc)-sellsitive material, as is disclosed in ~hitehead, IJ.S. Patent 4,508,531, to aid in forming the tip. During tip formation an inner mandrel 51, which may not be independently heal-ed, is inserted within the barrel 20. Mandrel 51 has a forward curved end which is complementary to the concavity 63 of the heated forming tool 60.
In accor~ance with my invention, additional intermediary steps are provided between the fabrication of the barrel from its condi.tion shown in Figure 5 to its dome-shape as shown in Figures 1-3.
In accordance with one preferred method of practicing my invention, the petal tips sequentially go through the steps shown in Figures 5, 6A, 6R and 6C. The cylinclrical barrel with open petals 25 as shown in Figure 5 is first presented to the forming tool 64 shown in Figure 9. Forming tool 64 includes an inner concave surface 65 into which the petals 25 are ~)nly partially inserted so thev are bent inwardly, but not closed, to the co~ditic)n shown in Figllre 6A. Typically the inward hending petals, as shown bv angle A, may be in the order of 30 degrees. The forhard end c)f the barrel 20 is then presented to forming tool 66 as shc)hn in Figure 10. Fc)rming tool 66 includes an outwardlv cone shape forming surface 67 which is -inserted h-ithin the open end of the barrel so as t--> outward~y deflect the petals 25 outside of the cylindrical colume defined by the cylindrical tube or barrel 20, as shown in Figure 6B. Tvpically, the angle B, through which the petals are reversed :in the opposite direction may also be in the order of 30 degrees.
Naturally, other magnitllde.sc)f inward and outward deflection of the petals 25 may be practiced, according to the characteristics of the cardboard forming the harrel 20, whether the circumferential hinge 27 is included the dimensions of the barrel and petals and the desirecl final ejection pressure.
The forward end of the barrel is then formed into the final dome-shape as by toc)ls 51 and 60 generally corresponding to that shown in Figure 11. Tool 60 incllldes inward concave surfaces 61, which are preferablv heated (typically in the order of 35n degrees Fahrenheit), which curves the individual peta]s 25 to partake of the configuration shown in 6C which, corresponds to the dome-shaped forward end of the harre] 20 in the completed assembly 10, shown in Figures 1-3. The pledget 40 and plunger 30 are then inserted through the rear of the barrel 20 to prc)vide the complete operat;ve assembly. The assemblv ~ 14 209~3~3 is then typically wrapped in an individually sealed pac~age, as for e~ample shown in Ingersoll et al. U.S.
patent 4 617 781 assignecl to the assignee of the instant application.
Thlls it will be seen in referring to the sequential steps of Figures 5 6A, 6B and 6C that there is a radially inward and olltward bending of the individua] petals 25 about their base region 26 prior to the final fabrication of the dome shaped tip. It has been determined, as will be discussed below, that such bending of the petals will provide a significant reduction in the force required to thereafter eject the tampon pledget 40 througll the dome shaped forward end 24 of the applicator barrel 20. It is believed that this reduction results from the breaking of bonds between the individual cardboard fibers at the base region 26 of the petals 25. This breaking of the fiber bonds weakens the fibers with the effect of such weakening being generally additive to the weakening of the fibers achieved by their crushing to form the circumferential hinge groove 2~.
Reference is now made to another sequential method for practicing my invention which sequentially fclllc)ws the steps shown in ~igures 5, 6C 12 and ll. The open forward end 24 of the open barrel 20, as shown in Figure 5 is first formed to the dome tip as shown in Figure 6C such as by tools 51 and 60 shown in Figure 11. The petals 25 are then opened outwardly to the condition shown in Figure 12. This may be performed as shown in Figure 12 by a spherica] shape 2~5393 _ 15 mandrel 69 which is inserted within the barrel 20 from the rear end so as to move the petals 25 outwardly. The mandrel 69 is then removed and the petals reverse formed inwardly to the condition shown in Figure 11. As was the situation with respect to the method discussed in conjunction with Figures 6A-6C, this alternative method likewise radially bends the petals 25 in both directions about their base region prior to final tip fabrication, with this embodiment including the step of first preforming the petals into the dome-shape. This alternative embodiment also provides for petal weakening, and hence a reduction in ejection force.
Still a further, and simpler method is shown in the alternative embodiment, of Figures 8A and 8B. According to this embodiment the petals of the barrel are modified from the condition shown in Figure 5 to an outward bending as shown in Figure 8A, (which generally corresponds to Figures 7A and 6B).
This outward bending may be accomplished by a tool such as 66 shown in Figure 10. The petals are then moved inwardly to form the dome-shaped configuration shown in Figure 8B, such as by tools 51 and 60 of Figure 11. If desired, an intermediate step may be included of first bending the petals inwardly, such as generally corresponding to the condition of Figures 6A or 7C, before their final shaping to the dome configuration. Further, by suitably varying the conical shape of tool 66 the angle C of outward deflection as shown in Figure 8A may be increased, from the 30 degrees shown by angle B in Figure 6B, due to the lesser number of steps, in order to achieve the requisite degree of A
20953~3 petal weakening and reduction in ejection force.
The particular method selected, and e~tent of petal deflection prior to forming, naturally depends upon the character;stics of the particlll.ar cardboard stock selected for forming the barrel, the measured ejection force without incorporating the steps of my invention, whether or not a circumferential groove is provided at the base region of the petals and the desired degree of ejection reduction.
I have measured the reductic)n in ejection force achieved by the preferred method of Figures 6A-6C~ both with and without the circumferential groove 27. Each test comprised 20 barrels. In order to account for aging after initia] manufacture, four tampon assemb].ies l0 from each test cell were tested at the ti.me of initial manufacture, and on each of four successive days. The ejection force measured in ounces, was measured on a top loading spring balance. The measurement was achieved hy an individual grasping the ful]y assembled tampon a~ssembly 10 of Figure 1, in its intended manner, with the thumb and index finger being along the finger grip 29. The assembly was held in a vertical position with the outwardly e~tending plunger end 33 placed on top of the balance. A slow downward moti--)n was then applied to the barrel until the tampon pledget 40 was ejected from the barrel 20 by the resistance of the scale balance. The ma~imum scale reading was then recorded as the pledget ejection force.
With the circumferental groove 27 the measured average ejection force without the practice of my invention was 18.g ._ 17 ollnces, whereas the average ejectiol1 force measured in ~-ith the practice of my invention was 12.2 ounces. Hence, a reduction of ejection force of 6.2 ounce.s, or slight.ly ahove 33 percent was obtained according to the preferred method of this invention.
The same test was also run with barrel.s 20 which did not include the groove 27 to provide a petal. hinge. A
comparable reduction in ejection force was achieved wi.th the practice of my invention. The measured ejection force without my invèntion averaged 21.0 ounces, and with my invention 15.1 oullces. Hence a differential of 5.9 ounces, or appro~imately 28 percent wa.s obtained. It should be further noted that a reduction of ejection force achieved bv the petal bending method of the instant invention is generally in addition to ~,hat achi,eved by the groove 27 at the hase region of the petal,s 25.
~ ince a sufficiently low ejection force to convenienl,ly discharge the pledget from the applicator is a very desirable consumer requirement, my invention advantageously provides an effective method for achieving the requisite ejection force. Further, it should be appreciated that by varying the steps, as shown hy the different methods disclosed, as well as the degree of petal bending, the reduction of ejection force can he adjusted according to the characteristics of the cardboard forming the applicator and size of the barrel 20 and petals 25.
Other modifications of the present invention wi]l be obvious to those skilled i.n the art i.n the foregoing 209~393 teachings. Moreover, while the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and particular details thereof it is nc)t intended that these details be constr~led as limiting the scope of the inve~tion, which is defined by the following claims.
Claims (16)
1. A method of forming a tampon applicator including a cylindrical cardboard tube having a longitudinal central axis and a dome-shaped forward end, the dome-shaped forward end being formed from a plurality of individual petals that are concave with respect to the longitudinal axis and separated from each other by a plurality of slits, said tube being adapted to contain a pledget that can be ejected through the dome-shaped forward end, said method comprising:
(a) forming a cylindrical cardboard tube having a main cylindrical body with a longitudinal central axis and a forward end;
(b) positioning a plurality of individual petals on the forward end, in alignment with the central axis of the cylindrical tube, whereby the forward end of the cylindrical tube is completely open;
(c) initially bending each of the plurality of individual petals, at a base region, in a first radial direction with respect to the longitudinal central axis;
(d) subsequently bending each of the plurality of individual petals, at the base region, in a second radial direction, opposite the first radial direction; and (e) curving each of the plurality of individual petals, previously bent in the first radial direction and the second radial direction, radially inward from the base region to form said dome-shaped forward end, wherein bending of each of the plurality of individual petals in the first radial direction and the second radial direction causes at least some fibers of the cardboard at the base region to be broken, thereby reducing an ejection force needed to open the dome-shaped forward end and eject the pledget from the tampon applicator.
(a) forming a cylindrical cardboard tube having a main cylindrical body with a longitudinal central axis and a forward end;
(b) positioning a plurality of individual petals on the forward end, in alignment with the central axis of the cylindrical tube, whereby the forward end of the cylindrical tube is completely open;
(c) initially bending each of the plurality of individual petals, at a base region, in a first radial direction with respect to the longitudinal central axis;
(d) subsequently bending each of the plurality of individual petals, at the base region, in a second radial direction, opposite the first radial direction; and (e) curving each of the plurality of individual petals, previously bent in the first radial direction and the second radial direction, radially inward from the base region to form said dome-shaped forward end, wherein bending of each of the plurality of individual petals in the first radial direction and the second radial direction causes at least some fibers of the cardboard at the base region to be broken, thereby reducing an ejection force needed to open the dome-shaped forward end and eject the pledget from the tampon applicator.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the initial bending in the first radial direction is in a radially inward direction, the subsequent bending in the second radial direction is in a radially outward direction, and the curving of each of said plurality of individual petals includes a final bending in a radially inward direction.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the initial bending of each of the plurality of individual petals in the radially inward direction is of a significantly lesser extent than the final bending in the radially inward direction.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical cardboard tube is a convolutely wound cardboard tube.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the initial bending of each of the plurality of individual petals is on the order of 30 degrees.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the subsequent bending of each of the plurality of individual petals is on the order of 30 degrees.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the initial bending in the first radial direction and the subsequent bending in the second radial direction is on the order of 30 degrees.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein a circumferential inner groove is formed at the base region of the plurality of individual petals prior to the initial bending, the groove acting as a hinge for the initial and subsequent bending of the plurality of individual petals.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the cylindrical cardboard tube is a convolutely wound cardboard tube.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the initial bending in the first radial direction is in a radially inward direction, the subsequent bending in the second radial direction is in a radially outward direction, and the curving of each of said plurality of individual petals includes a final bending in a radially inward direction.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein each of the initial bending in the first radial direction and the subsequent bending in the second radial direction is on the order of 30 degrees.
12. A method of forming a tampon applicator including a cylindrical cardboard tube having a longitudinal central axis and a dome-shaped forward end, the dome-shaped forward end being formed from a plurality of individual petals that are concave with respect to the longitudinal axis and separated from each other by a plurality of slits, said tube being adapted to contain a pledget that can be ejected through the dome-shaped forward end, said method comprising:
(a) forming a cylindrical cardboard tube having a main cylindrical body with a longitudinal central axis and a forward end;
(b) positioning a plurality of individual petals on the forward end, in alignment with the central axis of the cylindrical tube, whereby the forward end of the cylindrical tube is completely open;
(c) initially bending each of the plurality of individual petals, at a base region, in a radially inward direction with respect to the longitudinal central axis;
(d) subsequently bending each of the plurality of individual petals, at the base region, in a radially outward direction; and (e) curving each of the plurality of individual petals, previously bent in the first radial direction and the second radial direction, in a radially inward direction from the base region to form said dome-shaped forward end, wherein bending of each of the plurality of individual petals in the first radial direction and the second radial direction causes at least some fibers of the cardboard at the base region to be broken, thereby reducing an ejection force needed to open the dome-shaped forward end and eject the pledget from the tampon applicator.
(a) forming a cylindrical cardboard tube having a main cylindrical body with a longitudinal central axis and a forward end;
(b) positioning a plurality of individual petals on the forward end, in alignment with the central axis of the cylindrical tube, whereby the forward end of the cylindrical tube is completely open;
(c) initially bending each of the plurality of individual petals, at a base region, in a radially inward direction with respect to the longitudinal central axis;
(d) subsequently bending each of the plurality of individual petals, at the base region, in a radially outward direction; and (e) curving each of the plurality of individual petals, previously bent in the first radial direction and the second radial direction, in a radially inward direction from the base region to form said dome-shaped forward end, wherein bending of each of the plurality of individual petals in the first radial direction and the second radial direction causes at least some fibers of the cardboard at the base region to be broken, thereby reducing an ejection force needed to open the dome-shaped forward end and eject the pledget from the tampon applicator.
13. A tampon applicator comprising:
a cylindrical cardboard barrel having a main cylindrical body with a longitudinal central axis and a rear end, and having a dome-shaped forward end opposite the rear end;
an ejector tube having a first end that is adapted to be slidably retained by the rear end of the main cylindrical body, the main cylindrical body having a circumferential groove adjacent the dome-shaped forward end, wherein the dome-shaped forward end and a portion of the main cylindrical body have a plurality of individual petals separated by a plurality of slits that extend from the dome-shaped forward end, past the groove to a terminus of the slits, wherein a base region is formed from the groove to the terminus of the slits, and wherein the forward end has been bent back and forth prior to formation of the dome-shaped forward end.
a cylindrical cardboard barrel having a main cylindrical body with a longitudinal central axis and a rear end, and having a dome-shaped forward end opposite the rear end;
an ejector tube having a first end that is adapted to be slidably retained by the rear end of the main cylindrical body, the main cylindrical body having a circumferential groove adjacent the dome-shaped forward end, wherein the dome-shaped forward end and a portion of the main cylindrical body have a plurality of individual petals separated by a plurality of slits that extend from the dome-shaped forward end, past the groove to a terminus of the slits, wherein a base region is formed from the groove to the terminus of the slits, and wherein the forward end has been bent back and forth prior to formation of the dome-shaped forward end.
14. The tampon applicator of claim 13, wherein the cylindrical cardboard barrel is convolutely wound.
15. The tampon applicator of claim 13, wherein said base region has adjacent cardboard fibers in which the cardboard fiber bonds therebetween are broken prior to formation of the dome-shaped forward end.
16. A tampon applicator comprising:
a first member capable of housing an absorbent tampon, said first member having an inside diameter, and first and second spaced apart ends; and an insertion tip formed adjacent to and at least partially closing said first end, said insertion tip having been opened, expanded and reclosed prior to positioning said absorbent tampon therein.
a first member capable of housing an absorbent tampon, said first member having an inside diameter, and first and second spaced apart ends; and an insertion tip formed adjacent to and at least partially closing said first end, said insertion tip having been opened, expanded and reclosed prior to positioning said absorbent tampon therein.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US88611492A | 1992-05-20 | 1992-05-20 | |
| US886,114 | 1992-05-20 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2095393A1 CA2095393A1 (en) | 1993-11-21 |
| CA2095393C true CA2095393C (en) | 1997-12-30 |
Family
ID=25388406
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002095393A Expired - Lifetime CA2095393C (en) | 1992-05-20 | 1993-05-03 | Tampon applicator and method for forming same |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US5389067A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2095393C (en) |
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| US5569177A (en) * | 1994-08-22 | 1996-10-29 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Tampon applicator |
| CA2143083A1 (en) * | 1994-08-22 | 1996-02-23 | Steven James Nielsen | Tampon applicator having a semi-spherically shaped pleated tip |
| US5693009A (en) * | 1994-08-22 | 1997-12-02 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon applicator with multilayered tip |
| US5782793A (en) * | 1994-08-22 | 1998-07-21 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon applicator having a semi-spherically shaped pleated tip |
| US5547701A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1996-08-20 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Method of forming a paper applicator containing a water insoluble coating |
| WO1996040031A2 (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1996-12-19 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Apparatus and method of forming a paper applicator containing a compostable coating and the article itself |
| US5984888A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1999-11-16 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Applicator and coating |
| US5611859A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-03-18 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Apparatus for coating a strip of paper |
| US5795320A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-08-18 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Paper applicator containing a compostable coating |
| US5601530A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-02-11 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Paper applicator containing a water-insoluble coating |
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| US6572577B1 (en) * | 2000-06-23 | 2003-06-03 | Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. | Applicator for catamenial device having improved gripper end |
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| US6652477B2 (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2003-11-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Tampon applicator with petals |
| US8756791B2 (en) | 2001-10-17 | 2014-06-24 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Tampon applicator |
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| US6923789B2 (en) * | 2002-02-22 | 2005-08-02 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Multiple-component tampon applicator |
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| EP1832265A3 (en) * | 2002-06-21 | 2012-10-31 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator with improved fingergrip and method of making same |
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| US20090192436A1 (en) * | 2008-01-24 | 2009-07-30 | Nancy Karapasha | Applicator having plunger with gripping elements |
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| US9339419B2 (en) * | 2008-07-15 | 2016-05-17 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon applicator |
| JP5314984B2 (en) * | 2008-09-29 | 2013-10-16 | ユニ・チャーム株式会社 | Tampon manufacturing apparatus and tampon manufacturing method |
| US9107775B2 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2015-08-18 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Tampon pledget with improved by-pass leakage protection |
| US8662370B2 (en) * | 2010-04-08 | 2014-03-04 | Hidehisa Thomas Takei | Introducer system and assembly for surgical staplers |
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| US9642642B2 (en) * | 2013-09-20 | 2017-05-09 | Kok Hoo LIM | Guide tip introducer and method to create thereof |
| US10111786B2 (en) | 2015-04-10 | 2018-10-30 | First Quality Hygienic, Inc. | Tampon applicator including beveled portion |
| KR102241687B1 (en) * | 2019-04-22 | 2021-04-19 | 인제대학교 산학협력단 | Device to assist inserting of circular stapler |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3358354A (en) * | 1963-03-21 | 1967-12-19 | Voss | Methods of making hygienic devices |
| US3204635A (en) * | 1963-03-21 | 1965-09-07 | Voss | Hygienic devices |
| US3433225A (en) * | 1965-12-22 | 1969-03-18 | Joseph A Voss | Hygienic devices and methods of making the same |
| US3568577A (en) * | 1967-12-12 | 1971-03-09 | Joseph A Voss | Applicators for catamenial devices |
| US3572339A (en) * | 1968-05-10 | 1971-03-23 | Joseph A Voss | Reinforced hygienic medium applicator tubes |
| US3683915A (en) * | 1969-12-15 | 1972-08-15 | Kimberly Clark Co | Catamenial devices and methods of making the same |
| US3628533A (en) * | 1970-04-20 | 1971-12-21 | Johnson & Johnson | Domed-tipped applicator for catamenial tampons |
| US3683759A (en) * | 1970-12-10 | 1972-08-15 | Kimberly Clark Co | Method for shaping tube ends |
| SE390944B (en) * | 1973-04-24 | 1977-01-31 | Ziristor Ab | PACKAGING CONTAINER |
| US3895634A (en) * | 1973-10-18 | 1975-07-22 | Rapid American Corp | Tampon inserter |
| US4361150A (en) * | 1980-04-07 | 1982-11-30 | Voss Joseph A | Extruded plastic hygienic applicator |
| US4479791A (en) * | 1980-07-28 | 1984-10-30 | Tampax Incorporated | Tampon applicator |
| DE3121364A1 (en) * | 1981-05-29 | 1982-12-16 | Henkel KGaA, 4000 Düsseldorf | "APPLICATOR FOR THE HYGIENIC INSERTION OF A TAMPON" |
| US4453925A (en) * | 1982-02-12 | 1984-06-12 | Sonoco Products Company | Tampon insertion device |
| US4508531A (en) * | 1982-12-06 | 1985-04-02 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Convolutely wound paper tampon tube |
| GB2132484B (en) * | 1982-12-23 | 1986-07-02 | Tampax Ltd | Tampon applicator |
| US4617781A (en) * | 1984-12-12 | 1986-10-21 | International Playtex, Inc. | Polypropylene wrap end seals and process for making same |
| US4650459A (en) * | 1985-10-21 | 1987-03-17 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Convolutely wound paper tampon tube |
| US4726805A (en) * | 1986-06-26 | 1988-02-23 | Tambrands Inc. | Tampon applicator |
| US4755164A (en) * | 1986-12-23 | 1988-07-05 | Hauni Richmond, Inc. | Method of and apparatus for making applicators of pledgets and the like |
| US5290501A (en) * | 1992-05-20 | 1994-03-01 | Playtex Family Products Corporation | Method of forming cardboard tampon applicators having a dome-shaped forward tip |
-
1993
- 1993-05-03 CA CA002095393A patent/CA2095393C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-12-22 US US08/173,142 patent/US5389067A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1997
- 1997-11-21 US US08/976,527 patent/US6024716A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2095393A1 (en) | 1993-11-21 |
| US5389067A (en) | 1995-02-14 |
| US6024716A (en) | 2000-02-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |