U.S. patent application number 12/657315 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for pre-expanded tampon pledget.
This patent application is currently assigned to PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Jefffrey Brown, Dane R. Jackson, Suzanne Pauley, Karla E. Williams.
Application Number | 20100160886 12/657315 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21726120 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100160886 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jackson; Dane R. ; et
al. |
June 24, 2010 |
Pre-expanded tampon pledget
Abstract
A pre-expanded tampon pledget is formed from cellulosic
absorbent fibers. The fibers are not tightly compressed, thus, the
pledget has a reduced fiber density. As a result, a softer, more
pliable pledget is formed that not only increases user comfort
during use, but also affords a user with comparable and/or
increased leakage protection over conventional tampons or tampon
pledgets.
Inventors: |
Jackson; Dane R.;
(Boomingdale, NJ) ; Williams; Karla E.; (Westwood,
NJ) ; Pauley; Suzanne; (Charlotte, NC) ;
Brown; Jefffrey; (Charlotte, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES N.J. RUGGIERO;OHLANDT, GREELEY, RUGGIERO & PERLE, L.L.P.
10th FLOOR, ONE LANDMARK SQUARE
STAMFORD
CT
06901-2682
US
|
Assignee: |
PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.
|
Family ID: |
21726120 |
Appl. No.: |
12/657315 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10975615 |
Oct 28, 2004 |
7678095 |
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12657315 |
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10007433 |
Dec 3, 2001 |
6814722 |
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10975615 |
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09519096 |
Mar 6, 2000 |
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10007433 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/374 ;
604/385.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 604/904 20130101;
A61F 13/2051 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/374 ;
604/385.17 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/20 20060101
A61F013/20 |
Claims
1. A pre-expanded tampon pledget having a density about 0.01 g/cc
to about 0.31 g/cc and an absorbency about 6 grams to about 9
grams.
2. The pre-expanded pledget of claim 1, wherein the tampon pledget
comprises a cellulosic fiber.
3. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 1, wherein said
absorbency is achieved without the use of a transfer layer.
4. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 1, wherein the tampon
pledget has a volume about 7 cc to about 12 cc.
5. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 2, wherein said
cellulosic fiber is present in the tampon pledget in an amount
about 1.6 grams to about 2.4 grams.
6. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 1, wherein the tampon
pledget has a diameter in an initial condition about 0.5 inches to
about 0.8 inches.
7. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 1, wherein the tampon
pledget has a cross-pad construction.
8. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 1, wherein the tampon
pledget has a radial construction.
9. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 1, wherein the tampon
pledget has a flat pad construction.
10. A pre-expanded tampon pledget having a density about 0.01 g/cc
to about 0.32 g/cc and an absorbency about 9 grams to about 12
grams.
11. The pre-expanded pledget of claim 10, wherein the tampon
pledget comprises a cellulosic fiber.
12. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 10, wherein said
absorbency is achieved without the use of a transfer layer.
13. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 10, wherein the tampon
pledget has a volume about 9 cc to about 14 cc.
14. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 11, wherein said
cellulosic fiber is present in the tampon pledget in an amount
about 2.25 grams to about 2.75 grams.
15. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 10, wherein the tampon
pledget has a diameter in an initial condition about 0.65 inches to
about 0.8 inches.
16. A pre-expanded tampon pledget having a density about 0.01 g/cc
to about 0.35 g/cc and an absorbency about 12 grams to about 15
grams.
17. The pre-expanded pledget of claim 16, wherein the tampon
pledget comprises a cellulosic fiber.
18. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 16, wherein the tampon
pledget has a volume about 10 cc to about 15 cc.
19. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 17, wherein said
cellulosic fiber is present in the tampon pledget in an amount
about 3 grams to about 3.5 grams.
20. The pre-expanded tampon pledget of claim 16, wherein the tampon
pledget has a diameter in an initial condition about 0.65 inches to
about 0.8 inches.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/975,615, filed Oct. 28, 2004, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/007,433, filed Dec. 3, 2001, which is
a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/519,096
filed on Mar. 6, 2000. The contents of each of U.S. application
Ser. No. 10/975,615, filed Oct. 28, 2004, U.S. application Ser. No.
10/007,433, filed Dec. 3, 2001, and U.S. application Ser. No.
09/519,096 filed on Mar. 6, 2000, are incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an improved
tampon or tampon pledget. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a pre-expanded tampon pledget. The pre-expanded tampon
pledget has a reduced fiber density, yet provides comparable or
improved leakage protection and performance compared to similar
commercial compressed tampon pledgets.
[0003] Tampon pledgets are typically compressed either during
manufacture or prior to placement in a tampon applicator. These
tampon pledgets normally have their fibers compressed to enable
easy ejection of the tampon pledget from the applicator and, more
importantly, easy insertion of the tampon pledget in the vagina. In
such a tampon pledget, the pledget's fibers will expand
significantly upon initial contact with moisture. Once expanded,
the tampon pledget will eventually conform to the body's contours
to provide leakage protection. Conventionally, more fibers have
been included in tampon pledgets, thereby increasing density
(fibers per unit volume), in order to achieve better leakage
protection. Such an increase in fibers normally results in a more
tightly compressed, harder tampon pledget, which may cause user
discomfort during insertion into the vagina.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,543,098 to Wolfe et al. discloses a
multi-layered tampon pledget. The outer or transfer layer of the
pledget is made from a web having thermoplastic fibers, which is
integrated with a nonwoven thermoplastic fibrous cover. The inner
layer includes a thermoplastic fiber such as one made from
polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, nylon fibers or blends. The
inner layer may optionally contain a non-thermoplastic fiber such
as rayon, superabsorbent rayon, cellulosic fiber or blends of these
fibers. Wolfe discloses that the density of the multi-layered
pledget is preferred to be between about 0.15 and 0.25 g/cc. Wolfe
also discloses that the absorbency for the multi-layered pledget is
approximately 4 grams absorbed per gram weight of absorbent.
Generally, the pledget itself weighs about 2.7 grams and it is
preferred that at least 15% of the pledget weight is microfiber.
Wolfe discloses that at levels below 15%, the pledget acts more
like a sponge than a tampon.
[0005] Heretofore, there has been a lack of appreciation of the
benefits of providing a tampon pledget that is less dense and,
thus, has fewer fibers per unit volume. In addition, there has been
a lack of appreciation that lower density or fewer fibers per unit
volume achieves comparable and/or improved leakage protection over
conventional tampon pledgets.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure provides a tampon pledget with a
reduced fiber density.
[0007] The present disclosure provides such a pledget that is
pre-expanded, prior to its use.
[0008] The present disclosure provides such a tampon pledget with
improved leakage protection.
[0009] The present disclosure provides such a pre-expanded pledget
formed from cellulosic fiber.
[0010] The present disclosure provides such a tampon pledget that
is softer and more comfortable during use.
[0011] The present disclosure provides such a tampon pledget having
increased cost benefits as a result of a reduction in fiber used to
form the pledget.
[0012] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a pre-expanded
tampon pledget formed from cellulosic absorbent fibers. The fibers
are not tightly compressed, thus, the pledget has a reduced fiber
density. As a result, a softer, more pliable pledget is formed that
not only increases user comfort during use, but also affords a user
with comparable and/or increased leakage protection over
conventional tampons or tampon pledgets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of absorbency versus
density for both the pre-expanded tampon pledgets of the present
invention and prior art commercial tampon pledgets.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The tampon pledget of the present invention is called a
pre-expanded tampon pledget. As used in this application,
pre-expanded means that the tampon or tampon pledget in its initial
condition, such as just prior to use, has an expanded or larger
diameter and volume, yet it has a reduced fiber density. However,
when fully expanded after absorption of fluid, the pre-expanded
tampon pledget has about the same diameter as a conventional tampon
pledget.
[0015] The pre-expanded pledget of the present invention is formed
from cellulosic fibers. Conventional cellulosic fibers can be used.
Such suitable cellulosic fibers include, for example, rayon,
cotton, pulp, or any combinations thereof. Preferably, the rayon
fiber has a denier of about 1.1 to about 3.
[0016] The pre-expanded pledget of the present invention has an
absorbency between about 6 grams to about 18 grams, as tested per
the Federal Register .sctn.801.430. More specifically, absorbencies
can be further defined pursuant to federal regulations as
follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Regular 6 to 9 grams of absorbency; Super 9 to 12
grams of absorbency; Super Plus 12 to 15 grams of absorbency; Ultra
15 to 18 grams of absorbency.
[0017] The pre-expanded tampon pledget of the present invention can
be crimped or compressed to a certain extent. However, the
pre-expanded tampon pledget of the present invention has a diameter
in its initial condition from about 0.5 inches to about 1.75 inches
varying with the absorbency range of the pre-expanded pledget.
[0018] By enlarging the diameter of the pre-expanded pledget of the
present invention, while maintaining the same amount of fiber, the
tampon pledget is less dense. The lower density, in turn, provides
for more efficient fiber absorbency, thus allowing the use of less
fiber. The amount or weight of cellulosic fiber used in the pledget
is reduced over conventional tampons or tampon pledgets, as those
set forth in FIG. 1 herein. The pre-expanded pledget has about 1.1
grams to about 4.5 grams of cellulosic fibers, which essentially
amounts to the total weight of the pledget. The amount of fibers
present varies with the absorbency range of the pledget.
[0019] The pre-expanded pledget of the present invention has a
volume about 8 cubic centimeters (cc) to about 60 cc, varying with
the absorbency range of the pledget. The increased volume is due to
the increased diameter of the pledget, as set forth above. It has
been determined that the volume of the pre-expanded pledget must be
sufficiently increased, otherwise, there is substantially no
improvement or increase in leakage protection observed.
[0020] To maximize its benefits, the pre-expanded tampon pledget of
the present invention has a reduction in fiber density. The
pre-expanded pledget has a density from about 0.01 g/cc to about
0.39 g/cc, varying with the absorbency range of the pledget. In
addition, the cellulosic fiber present in the pre-expanded pledget
is much less compressed than the fiber in conventional tampon
pledgets. Preferably, the fiber in the pre-expanded tampon pledget
may be as much as about three times less compressed than the fiber
in conventional tampon pledgets. Despite the much lower fiber
density, as well as less compression, the pre-expanded tampon
pledget unexpectedly provides increased protection against
leakage.
[0021] In addition, the reduced fiber density in the pre-expanded
pledget of the present invention creates larger pathways/pores for
the fluid to enter and move through the tampon. This eliminates the
need for any transfer layer, which leads to further cost savings
and manufacturing efficiencies.
[0022] The pre-expanded tampon pledget of the present invention is
also softer and more flexible due to the lower fiber density.
Accordingly, the pre-expanded tampon pledget affords a user
increased comfort during insertion and during wear. Also, the
initial, pre-expanded condition of the tampon pledget of the
present invention can make the pledget conform more quickly to the
user's anatomy since less moisture is needed to contact the pledget
to cause the expansion.
[0023] An important aspect of the present invention is that the
pre-expanded pledget is formed from conventional cellulosic fibers,
and therefore, can be constructed using conventional methods and
equipment known in the art. Suitable methods of construction
include, for example, cross-pad, flat pad, or rolled/radial
construction.
[0024] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
pre-expanded pledget has an absorbency about 6 to about 9 grams.
Preferably, the diameter of the pledget in this absorbency range,
in its initial condition, is about 0.5 inches to about 0.8 inches.
More preferably, the diameter is about 0.6 inches to about 0.7
inches.
[0025] The pre-expanded pledget in this absorbency range has
cellulosic fiber in an amount about 1.6 grams to about 2.4 grams.
Preferably, to improve the benefits of the pre-expanded pledget,
the fiber is present in an amount about 1.85 grams to about 2.15
grams. The pre-expanded pledget of this embodiment has a volume of
about 7 cc to about 12 cc. More preferably, the volume is about 8
cc to about 11 cc.
[0026] The pre-expanded pledget of this embodiment has a density
about 0.01 g/cc to about 0.31 g/cc. Preferably, the density is
about 0.15 g/cc to about 0.29 g/cc. More preferably, the density of
the pre-expanded tampon pledget is about 0.17 to about 0.25
g/cc.
[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the pre-expanded pledget has an absorbency between about 9 to about
12 grams. Preferably, the diameter of the pledget in this
absorbency range, in its initial condition, is about 0.65 inches to
about 0.8 inches. More preferably, the diameter is about 0.7 to
about 0.75 inches.
[0028] The pre-expanded pledget in this absorbency range has
cellulosic fiber in an amount about 2.25 grams to about 2.75 grams.
Preferably, to improve the benefits of the pre-expanded pledget,
the fiber is present in an amount about 2.4 grams to about 2.6
grams. The pre-expanded pledget of this embodiment has a volume
about 9 cc to about 14 cc. More preferably, the volume is about 9
cc to about 11 cc.
[0029] The pre-expanded pledget of this embodiment has a density
about 0.01 g/cc to about 0.32 g/cc. Preferably, the density is
about 0.15 g/cc to about 0.30 g/cc. More preferably, the density of
the pre-expanded tampon pledget is about 0.17 to about 0.25
g/cc.
[0030] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the pre-expanded pledget has an absorbency between about 9 to about
12 grams. Preferably, the diameter of the pledget, in its initial
condition, is about 1.25 inches to about 1.75 inches. More
preferably, the diameter is about 1.4 to about 1.6 inches.
[0031] This pre-expanded pledget has cellulosic fiber in an amount
about 1.1 grams to about 1.7 grams. Preferably, to improve the
benefits of the pre-expanded pledget, the fiber is present in an
amount about 1.3 grams to about 1.5 grams.
[0032] The pre-expanded pledget of the present invention has a
volume about 40 cc to about 60 cc. More preferably, the volume is
about 45 cc to about 55 cc.
[0033] The pre-expanded pledget of this embodiment has a density
about 0.01 g/cc to about 0.05 g/cc. Preferably, the density of the
pre-expanded tampon pledget is about 0.02 to about 0.035 g/cc.
[0034] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the pre-expanded pledget has an absorbency about 12 to about 15
grams. Preferably, the diameter of the pledget in this absorbency
range, in its initial condition, is about 0.65 inches to about 0.8
inches. More preferably, the diameter is about 0.7 to about 0.75
inches.
[0035] The pre-expanded pledget in this absorbency range has
cellulosic fiber in an amount about 3 grams to about 3.5 grams.
Preferably, to improve the benefits of the pre-expanded pledget,
the fiber is present in an amount about 3.15 grams to about 3.25
grams.
[0036] The pre-expanded pledget of this embodiment has a volume
about 10 cc to about 15 cc. More preferably, the volume is about 11
cc to about 13 cc.
[0037] The pre-expanded pledget of this embodiment has a density
about 0.01 g/cc to about 0.35 g/cc. Preferably, the density is
about 0.20 g/cc to about 0.33 g/cc. More preferably, the density of
the pre-expanded tampon pledget is about 0.24 to about 0.30
g/cc.
[0038] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the pre-expanded pledget has an absorbency between about 15 to
about 18 grams. Preferably, the diameter of the pledget in this
absorbency range is about 0.65 inches to about 0.8 inches. More
preferably, the diameter is about 0.7 to about 0.75 inches.
[0039] The pre-expanded pledget in this absorbency range has
non-thermoplastic fiber in an amount about 3.5 grams to about 4.5
grams. Preferably, to improve the benefits of the pre-expanded
pledget, the fiber is present in an amount about 3.8 grams to about
4.2 grams.
[0040] The pre-expanded pledget of the present invention has a
volume about 10 cc to about 15 cc. More preferably, the volume is
about 11 cc to about 13 cc.
[0041] The pre-expanded pledget of this embodiment has a density
about 0.01 g/cc to about 0.39 g/cc. Preferably, the density is
about 0.25 g/cc to about 0.35 g/cc. More preferably, the density of
the pre-expanded tampon pledget is about 0.30 g/cc to about 0.35
g/cc.
[0042] In short, by enlarging the tampon pledget's diameter
(pre-expanded) and reducing the amount of fiber present in the
pre-expanded pledget, the density is greatly decreased, yet leakage
protection is unexpectedly improved.
[0043] Another important aspect of the present invention is that
the above-described pre-expanded pledget and all described
properties are achieved without the use of thermoplastic and/or
synthetic fibers, without the effect of a transfer layer, and
without the effect of a coverstock. This attributes to the reduced
cost and ease associated with making the pre-expanded pledget of
the present invention since conventional cellulosic fibers and
methods of construction can be employed.
[0044] While not necessary, the pre-expanded pledget can be used
with a coverstock. The coverstock can be any conventional
coverstock. By way of example, the coverstock can be made of mono-
or multi-component fibers of polyester, polypropylene,
polyethylene, or any combinations thereof. The density of the
coverstock will be approximately 0.3 g/cc. Also, the coverstock can
entirely cover or partially cover the tampon pledget. However, the
coverstock should not impinge upon the pre-expanded state of the
tampon pledget.
[0045] In addition, the pre-expanded pledget can also include
synthetic or thermoplastic based fibers. These fibers may be, for
example, mixed or layered with the non-thermoplastic fibers
described above so as to impart some resiliency and/or wet collapse
resistance. These thermoplastic fibers form a matrix/lattice, which
hold and separate the absorbent, non-thermoplastic fibers so as to
provide a substantial wet environment support. These fibers can be
of any type known in the art as long as the fibers do not
significantly decrease in modulus when wet or hinder the absorption
of fluid to the absorbent cellulosic fibers. Suitable fibers
include, for example, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene,
acrylic, nylon, polyurethane, polyvinyl, acetate, glass, or any
combinations thereof. These fibers have a denier between about 1.1
to about 30, and more preferably 6 to 15 denier.
[0046] Tests have demonstrated the performance of the tampon
pledget made in accordance with the present invention. The graph
shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a syngyna test of commercial tampons
versus the pre-expanded tampon pledgets of the present invention of
various diameters.
[0047] The several more preferred embodiments of pre-expanded
tampon pledgets of the present invention are designated as Delta
Regular (R), Super Regular (R), Omega Super (S), PNT Super (S),
Super Plus (S+), and Omega Ultra (ULT). These pledgets have the
following properties:
TABLE-US-00002 Fiber Diameter Length Volume Density Tampon Pledget
Weight (g) (inches) (inches) (cc) (g/cc) Delta Regular 1.9 0.67
1.75 10.1 0.185 Super Regular 2.05 0.62 1.75 8.7 0.237 PNT Super
1.4 1.5 1.75 50.7 0.028 Omega Super 2.50 0.73 1.75 12.0 0.208 Omega
Super Plus 3.15 0.73 1.75 12.0 0.262 Omega Ultra 3.95 0.73 1.75
12.0 0.329
[0048] The commercial products tested include three Regular (R),
Super (S) and Super Plus (S+) for products under the following
trademarks/names: Compak, Satin Touch, Comfort Shape, Plastic,
Originals, and Solos, all of which are sold by Tampax; Silk Glide,
Gentile Glide, Portables, and experimental designs, such as,
Regular (*R), Super (S), and Delta (ULT), all of which are
distributed by Playtex Products, Inc.; OB Free Regular (R), Super
(S), Super Plus (S+), and Ultra (ULT), all four of which are sold
by Personal Products Company; and Kotex Security Regular (R), Super
(S) and Super Plus (S+), all three of which are sold by Kimberly
Clark Corp. It should be noted that all Personal Products Company,
Kimberly Clark Corp. and Playtex Products, Inc. Silk Glides
products have coverstocks. However, the coverstocks should not
effect the data provided above.
[0049] FIG. 1 is a plot of density versus absorbency. The density
numbers are dry numbers. As shown in the plot, the pre-expanded
tampon pledgets of the present invention have a reduced density
compared to those commercial tampons tested in their respective
absorbency ranges. Thus, the improved absorbency, despite a reduced
density, of the pre-expanded pledgets of the present invention is
further illustrated.
[0050] As a result, a softer, more pliable pledget is formed that
not only increases user comfort during use, but also affords a user
with comparable and/or increased leakage protection over
conventional tampons or tampon pledgets.
[0051] Various modifications may be made as will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Thus, it will be obvious to one of
ordinary skill in the art that the foregoing description is merely
illustrative of certain preferred embodiments of the present
invention, and that various obvious modifications can be made to
these embodiments.
* * * * *