Encapsulated tampon with an applicator
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Corporation
InventorThomas P. Van Iten
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An encapsulated catamenial tampon is disclosed which can easily and comfortably be inserted into a woman's vagina. The tampon includes an absorbent having a withdrawal string attached thereto. The absorbent is retained in a dissolvable capsule having a cylindrically-shaped base member and a semi-spherically shaped cap member. The base member houses at least a portion of the absorbent and contains a first end and a second end. The first end is completely open while the second end has an opening formed there in through which the withdrawal string passes. The cap member slightly overlaps the first end of the base member to enclose the absorbent. Both the base and cap members have a plurality of openings formed therethrough which decrease the surface area of the capsule to allow the capsule to dissolve quickly.
Claims8
An encapsulated catamenial tampon with an applicator, said combination consisting of:
- a) an absorbent;
- b) a withdrawal string attached to said absorbent and having an opposite end with a knot formed therein;
- c) a dissolvable capsule enclosing said absorbent and providing means for inserting said absorbent into a body cavity, said capsule having a cylindrically-shaped base member and a semi-spherically-shaped cap member, said base member housing at least a portion of said absorbent and having first and second ends, said first end being completely open and said second end having an opening formed therein through which said withdrawal string passes, said cap member slightly overlapping said base member to enclose said absorbent, and both said base member and said cap member having a plurality of openings formed therethrough which decrease the surface area of said capsule to allow said capsule to dissolve quickly;
- and
- d) a single elongated applicator tube having a cup-shaped flange formed on one end which contacts said second end of said base member, said applicator tube being sized relative to a length of said withdrawal string and having an opposite end with a notch formed therein for retention of said withdrawal string when said knot is positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of said tube, said applicator tube being held snug against said capsule to facilitate positioning of said capsule in the body cavity.
An encapsulated catamenial tampon with an applicator, said combination consisting of:
- a) an absorbent;
- b) a withdrawal string attached to said absorbent and having an opposite end with a knot formed therein;
- c) a dissolvable capsule enclosing said absorbent and providing means for inserting said absorbent into a body cavity, said capsule having a cylindrically-shaped base member and a lipstick-shaped cap member, said base member housing at least a portion of said absorbent and having first and second ends, said first end being completely open and said second end having an opening formed therein through which said withdrawal string passes, said cap member slightly overlapping said base member to enclose said absorbent, and both said base and cap members having a plurality of openings formed therethrough which decrease the surface area of said capsule to allow said capsule to dissolve quickly;
- and
- d) a single elongated applicator tube having a cup-shaped flange formed on one end which contacts said second end of said base member, said applicator tube being sized relative to a length of said withdrawal string and having an opposite end with a notch formed therein for retention of said withdrawal string when said knot is positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of said tube, said applicator tube being held snug against said capsule to facilitate positioning of said capsule in the body cavity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.