Back to results
US 7,740,787 B2Granted
Flexible carrier mold
AssigneeThe Procter & Gamble Company
InventorsWade Monroe Hubbard, Jr., Kevin Charles Strong, Michael John Mers-Kelly, Daniel Raymond Wiegele
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. When subjected to pressure the prongs of the carrier mold flex to completely or substantially close one end of the carrier mold. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided.
Claims10
A secondary sleeve and carrier mold combination comprising:
- (a) a secondary sleeve having
- (1) an inner surface, a pushrod end, and an evacuation end;
- (2) wherein the inner surface defines an inner space having a diameter;
- and
- (b) a carrier mold disposed within the secondary sleeve and having
- (1) an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a body, and at least two prongs, each prong having a proximal base and a distal end;
- (2) wherein the at least two prongs are separated by a discrete space;
- (3) wherein the inner surface defines an inner cavity for producing shaped tampons;
- and
- wherein the inner space of the secondary sleeve is capable of receiving the carrier mold and providing pressure to the at least two prongs of the carrier mold.
7 more elements
A method of producing a shaped tampon comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a carrier mold having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a body, and at least two prongs, each prong having a proximal base and a distal end;
- wherein the at least two prongs are separated by a discrete space;
- and wherein the inner surface defines an inner cavity having an open proximal end and an intermittently closed distal end;
- (b) providing a secondary sleeve having an inner surface, a pushrod end, and an evacuation end, wherein the inner surface defines an inner space that provides pressure to the at least two prongs;
- (c) inserting the carrier mold into the inner space of the secondary sleeve;
- (d) transferring a pledget into the carrier mold inner cavity;
- (e) providing a pushrod;
- (f) contacting the pushrod with the first end of the carrier mold;
- and
- (g) moving the carrier mold using the pushrod.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.