Epoxy coated tampon applicator having a pierce-through fingergrip
AssigneePlaytex Products, Inc.
InventorDane R. Jackson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An applicator barrel is disclosed that is adapted for insertion into a body cavity. The applicator barrel has a pierce-through fingergrip area and an outer surface that is coated with an epoxy layer. Also disclosed is a method for forming such an applicator barrel, and tampon assemblies constructed with same.
Claims25
A tampon assembly comprising:
- an applicator barrel having a forward end and a rear end, said applicator barrel being formed of a paper-based product having an outer surface coated with a cured layer of UV-curable epoxy resin, said outer surface having a fingergrip area adjacent said rear end, said fingergrip area having a plurality of outward extending deformations that rupture said paper-based product of said applicator barrel but do not penetrate through said cured layer.
An applicator barrel for insertion into a body cavity, the applicator barrel being formed of a paper-based product, an outer surface of said applicator barrel being coated with a cured layer of UV-curable epoxy resin, said outer surface having a fingergrip area formed of a plurality of outward extending deformations that rupture the paper-based product of said applicator barrel but do not penetrate through said cured layer.
A method of forming an applicator barrel including a fingergrip area, said applicator barrel being adapted for insertion into a body cavity, said method comprising:
- forming a blank from a paper-based product;
- coating a first side of said blank with UV-curable epoxy resin;
- curing said epoxy resin by exposing the coated first side to UV light or radiation to form a cured layer;
- winding said blank to form an applicator barrel on which said first side coated with said cured layer forms an exterior surface;
- and
- piercing said paper based material a plurality of times from inside said barrel through said first side to form a plurality of outward extending deformations that rupture said paper based product of said applicator barrel but do not penetrate through said cured layer, in an area corresponding to the fingergrip area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.