Tampon with enhanced leakage protection

#This invention relates to absorbent tampons. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved absorbent tampon having increased leakage protection. This is accomplished with a tampon comprising a primary absorbent member and a mass of secondary absorbent material disposed proximate the withdrawal end of the primary absorbent member.

#A wide variety of absorbent catamenial tampons have long been known in the art. Most currently commercially available tampons are made from a tampon pledget which has been compressed into a substantially cylindrical form. Tampon pledgets of a variety of types and constructions have been described in the art. Prior to compression, the pledget may be rolled, spirally wound, folded, or assembled as a rectangular pad of absorbent material. Tampons made from a generally rectangular pledget of absorbent material have been popular and successful in the market.

#The absorbent catamenial tampons now in use typically comprise absorbent members which are compressed to a generally cylindrical form about three-eighths to one-half inch (about 1.0 cm to 1.3 cm) in diameter and from about 2 cm to 7 cm in length. In order to provide the desired total absorbency, these absorbent members are usually formed from batts larger in size than the vaginal orifice, which are then compressed to the size (with a corresponding increase in rigidity) indicated above in order to facilitate insertion. As fluid is absorbed, these compressed tampons are expected to re-expand toward their original pre-compressed size, and to eventually become large enough to effectively cover the vaginal cavity against fluid leakage or bypass. While it has been found that these compressed tampons perform their intended function tolerably well, even the best of them do not always re-expand sufficiently, or fast enough, to provide good coverage against leakage.

#While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a front view of a tampon of the present invention incorporating a primary absorbent member and a mass of secondary absorbent material.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view a typical tampon pledget prior to compression into the primary absorbent member of a tampon of the present invention.

#This present invention is directed to an improved absorbent tampon having increased leakage protection. It has been found during development of the present invention that there are several potential mechanisms beyond simple bypass flow which may contribute to tampon leakage. Without wishing to be bound by theory, some of these mechanisms may be explained by the following observations. It has been found that many current tampons show stains on the withdrawal cord associated with incidents of tampon leakage. Therefore, the withdrawal cord of many current tampons may be offering an “escape” route for menses present at the base of the vagina.

#During a tampon change, some residual menses may be left near the introitus of the vagina. This may be fluid which was previously absorbed, but which subsequently “squeezed out” of the tampon as it was withdrawn through the sphincter of the vagina. Such residual fluid, particularly if located near the introitus (i.e. in the lower vaginal vault) may not be effectively absorbed by the replacement tampon. This is particularly true of many current tampons which are typically inserted somewhat more deeply within the vaginal canal. These mechanisms, as well as bypass described above, and other leakage mechanisms are addressed by the development of the present invention.

#FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of such an absorbent tampon, tampon 20. The present invention, however, is not limited to a structure having the particular configuration shown in the drawings.