US 6,206,867 B1Granted

Tampon with flexible panels

AssigneeThe Procter & Gamble Company

InventorsThomas W. Osborn, III, Jerry E. Carstens

Life of this patent

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Abstract

This invention relates to catamenial tampons, and more particularly to an improved tampon which has a compressed core portion and at least one flexible panel for improved coverage of the interior of the vaginal cavity and for directing fluid toward the tampon core. The tampon of the present invention combines the advantages of an absorbent material compressed to a self-sustaining form with an absorbent portion which is uncompressed and relatively flexible. This tampon has a central absorbent core having a first (insertion) end, a second (withdrawal) end disposed opposite the first end, and a side surface which extends between the first end and the second end. The central absorbent core is constructed from an absorbent material which has been compressed to a self-sustaining form. The tampon also includes at least one flexible panel which is joined to the central absorbent core along at least a portion of the side surface of the core. The flexible panel extends outwardly from the core away from this point of attachment.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A catamenial tampon having a length oriented in an axial direction said tampon comprising:

a central absorbent core having a first end, a second end disposed opposite said first end, and a side surface extending between said first end and said second end, wherein said first end corresponds to an insertion end of said tampon, said side surface being oriented in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinally-extending central axis, said central absorbent core being constructed from an absorbent material compressed to a self-sustaining form;
at least one flexible panel joined to said central absorbent core along at least a portion of said side surface, said at least one flexible panel extending outwardly from said central absorbent core to a free end, said at least one flexible panel having a length oriented in said axial direction, and having a width extending from said side surface to said free end and oriented in a direction perpendicular to said length, and having a thickness oriented in a direction perpendicular to both said length and said width wherein said width of said at least one flexible panels exceeds said thickness of said at least one flexible panel wherein said at least one flexible panel has a first density and said central absorbent core has a second density said second density being greater than said first density;
and and a withdrawal cord joined to said tampon and extending therefrom.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/287,994Filed 8 Apr 1999 · continuation in part
Priority: 29 Jul 1998
Granted: 27 Mar 2001
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

A61F 13/2051
Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor: characterised by the material or the structure of the inner absorbing core
A61F 13/537
Having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad: characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or…
A61F 2013/15373
Dimensions: calliper, i.e. thickness
A61F 2013/15382
Calliper, i.e. thickness: reduced thickness

Family

Application09/124,407Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 29 Jul 1998
Application09/124,351Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 29 Jul 1998
Application09/177,221Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 22 Oct 1998
US 6,095,998 AParent of this continuation-in-part
US 2001/0014784 A1Published application
US 6,302,861 B2Related patent
US 6,358,235 B1Related patent
US 6,206,867 B1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.