Removal string for tampon pledget

#The present invention is directed to a tampon string. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a tampon string that has a textured exterior surface. The textured exterior surface has varying thicknesses along its axial extent, and the variations in thickness occur at regular intervals. The textured tampon string especially with regular variations in thickness provides enhanced grippability and aesthetics. Moreover, the configuration of the textured tampon string increases the tensile strength of the string. Furthermore, the textured tampon string has, unexpectedly, been found to accept certain coatings that provide the string with a non-wicking ability.

#A tampon is provided with a string to facilitate removal of a tampon after use. The string is normally made of a single ply or multiple plies of yarn. Heretofore, the selection of the string has been a balance of two competing concerns. The first concern was that the string have a sufficiently large diameter as to be grippable by the user, and that the string withstand the pull force applied to remove the tampon from the body. The second, competing concern was that the user does not want to notice or feel the string when the tampon is in place. Accordingly, this second concern has normally been addressed by using a thinner, lighter and, thus, less strong string. The balancing of these competing concerns has proven difficult in practice.

#Thus, an improved tampon string is needed that provides enhanced grippability, has sufficient tensile strength, and yet is aesthetically acceptable to the user. Moreover, the improved tampon string should have an improved resistance to fluid wicking. This improved resistance to fluid wicking, also called the non-wicking ability of the string, further enhances the grippability of the string, as well as results in less or no staining of the user's undergarment.

#The present invention relates to a textured tampon string. The textured tampon string is a string used to remove a tampon from the body. Presently, the most commonly available tampon strings are twisted strings. A twisted tampon string can be formed of multiple strands or plies of yarn for increased strength. These yarns are commonly twisted in a single axis to form a simple twisted tampon string.

#The textured tampon string has one or more strands of yarn. Each strand of yarn has one or more filaments. Preferably, the textured string has more than one strand of yarn. The textured string has one of the following configurations, namely crocheted, cabled or braided or a combination of two or more thereof. In the more preferred embodiments, the string is either crocheted or cabled. In the most preferred embodiment, the string is crocheted.

#In the textured configurations, the individual strands of yarn in the multi-strand (more than one strand) textured tampon string remain in substantially continuous contact with one another along the entire extant or length of the tampon string. Also, the textured string of the present invention is thicker than an uncrocheted string of the same number of strands and type of yarn.