GB2064326A

GB2064326A - Tampons

Info

Publication number: GB2064326A
Application number: GB7942643A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1979-12-11
Filing date: 1979-12-11
Publication date: 1981-06-17

Abstract

A tampon 11 is a body of highly fluid absorbent material. A pull string 17 extends from one end of the body. A string 18a extends from the other end of the body. The pull string 17 facilitates removal of the tampon from the vagina. The string 18a is at the insert end of the tampon 11, and before the tampon is inserted into the vagina, if that string is grasped and disposed radially over the insert end and then rotated about the circumference of the tampon, the insert end will be caused to radially expand to leave an axial recess or cavity 22, which will be conical in shape, centrally in that end. Into that conical recess or cavity can be inserted a vaginal tablet or other medication which will be thus applied, when the tampon is inserted into the vagina, to the vagina and/or cervix. In one alternative embodiment, the pull string 17 and the string 18a may constitute one and the same string. In another embodiment, instead of the string 18a, there may be provided in the insert end of the tampon body, an axial recess which facilitates the generation of the conical recess or cavity, actual generation being effected by inserting an appropriately shaped member into the axial recess and rotating that member so as to radially expand the insert end. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Tampons This invention relates to tampons.

According to the invention there is provided a tampon comprising a generally cylindrical body of highly fluid absorbent material, a pull string extending from one end of said body, and means to facilitate the generation of a recess or cavity in the other end of said body.

The tampon of the invention may be truly cylindrical but preferably is formed substantially frustoconical to assist withdrawal of the tampon from the vagina. Preferably also, the means to facilitate the generation of the recess or cavity would be such that the depth of such recess or cavity when formed would be at most as deep as approximately one half the length of the tampon.

A catamenial tampon is known which comprises a rolled, tightly compressed, mass of cotton or other highly moisture absorbent material of uniform diameter throughout its length and provided with a pull string at one end. Such a tampon is tightly compacted at its insert end and, as such, resists seating or otherwise retaining of a vaginal tablet, capsule, a pill, or any other form of medication at the insert end. Also, because of its uniform diameter, the tampon tends, upon swelling with moisture, to expand uniformly and become difficult to, and even resist, removal from the vagina. This pull-out procedure can be painful or even harmful when it drags out or herniates the vaginal mucosa.

As said, a preferred tampon in accordance with the invention is frusto-conical, the greatest diameter of the tampon being at the insert end thereof. Thereby, upon the tampon swelling with absorption of moisute or blood, it will conform substantially to the natural circumference and taper of the vagina wall and cervix and tend to fit itself to the vaginal contour. Although the diameter of the frusto-conical tampon at the insert end is greater than at the tail end, the tampon can be easily and effectively inserted into the vagina by a doctor or by the user.

However, when medication is indicated, it may be most practical to have the tampon inserted into the vagina by a doctor or gynecologist. In one preferred embodiment, the means to facilitate the generation of a recess or cavity, whether the tampon be truly cylindrical or frusto-conical, comprises a string which extends centrally from the insert end of the tampon. Before insertion of the tampon into the vagina, the string is grasped and disposed radially over the insert end and then rotated about the circumference of the tampon so as to cause the insert end to expand or "flower" out in a mannerto leave the axial centre of the tampon hollow or substantially hollow.

Into this hollow can be placed a vaginal tablet, a pill, capsule, or other medication, such as a powder, a cream or deodorant. Now, when the tampon is properly inserted toward the roof of the vagina and/orto the cervix level and upper vaginal canal, all regions of the vagina and/or cervix can be effectively treated locally. Also, if desired, the tail end of the tampon can be "flowered" outwardly by similar manipulation ofthe pull string normally provided in the tampon.

In order that the invention may be well understood there will now be described some embodiments thereof, given by way of example, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cylindrical tampon embodying the invention; Figure 2 is a similar view of a frusto-conical tampon embodying the invention; Figure 3 is a view of a tampon strip prior to its being rolled to form the Figure 1 tampon; Figure 4 is a view of a tampon strip prior to its being rolled to form the Figure 2 tampon; Figures 5, 6 and 7 each illustrate different modes for attaching a cavity generating string and a pull string to the strip; Figure 8 is an end elevational view of the insert end of the Figure 1 and 2 tampons; Figure 9 is an axial sectional view of the Figure 2 tampon prior to "flowering";; Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary axial sectional view of the "flowered" insert end of a tampon; Figure 11 is a schematic view showing the "flowered" tampon arranged within the vagina; Figure 12 is a similar view showing the tampon wetted and expanded; Figure 13 is an axial sectional view of the insert end of another form of tampon; Figure 14 is an enlarged axial sectional view of the tampon insert end shown in Figure 13, after being expanded or "flowered"; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a substantially rectangular shaped layer of fluid absorbent material used to form the tampon shown in Figure 16; Figure 16 is a perspective view of the tampon referred to in the Figure 15 description; Figure 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of tampon; Figure 18 is a viewofanotherform of tampon prior to being finally compressed;; Figure 19 is a view of the tampon formed from the structure shown in Figure 18; Figure 20 illustrates the preliminary formation of another form of tampon; Figure 21 is illustrative of the tampon formed from Figure 20 structure; Figure 22 shows the Figure 21 tampon expanded at its insert end; and Figure 23 is a modification of the Figure 21 tampon.

Referring first to the illustration of representative tampons embodying features of the invention and shown particularly in Figures 1 to 12 of the accompanying drawings, atampon 11 (Figure 1) isfabricated from a strip 12 (Figure 3) of cotton or equivalent moisture absorbent material, whereas a tampon 13 (Figure 2) is fabricated from a strip 14 (Figure 4) or like material. Specifically, the strips 12, 14 each have an end portion 15, 1 5a respectively, that is of a length commensurate with the length of the tampon ultimately formed.These end portions 15, 1 5a may constitute a third or perhaps as much as one-half of the length of the respective strips 12, 14, and they are folded over on to the adjacent portion of the respective strips 12, to provide a double thickness of material. A string is then stitched, as shown at 16, across the width of the folded area, inwardly of the fold, in a manner to leave a free end string portion 17 extending downwardly therefrom. The folded area of the respective strips 12, 14 also has a second string stitched to one-half of the folded area, as at 18, with a free end portion 18a of the string extending upwardly beyond the upper edge of the strip.

The strip 12 is of uniform width so that the tampon 11 formed by rolling the strip is cylindrical; whereas the strip 14, which has an inclined bottom edge 19, when rolled, produces a frusto-conical tampon 13; that is, one that increases in diameter as its insert end is approached. This frusto-conical shape is much to be desired from the standpoint of a proper self-adjusting fit in the vagina 21 which is of reduced diameter at the entrance end. Thus, when the frusto-conical tampon is in place in the vagina (Figure 11) it conforms substantially to the shape of the vagina, and is thereby more easily retained in place, especially after absorbing moisture and swelling, as shown in Figure 12.

The protruding string portion 17 constitutes a means to be grasped for pulling the tampon from the vagina. The other protruding string 1 8a constitutes an instrument to expand the insert end of the tampon radially. Such expansion, effected by grasping the string portion 18a and carrying it into a radial position (Figure 8) and then rotating it circumferentially, results in the creation of a deep cavity or recess 22 (Figure 10) on the insert end of the tampon.

Such a deep cavity is most desired when it becomes necessary to apply medication to the vagina and/or cervix. It tends to retain the medication in position within the vagina.

If the string portion comparable to the string 18a, is stitched to the tampon strip over the entire width of the strip, only a very shallow cavity can be generated, and only after considerable manipulation to effect loosening of the tampon material sufficiently to permit its spreading outwardly radially. However, because of the frequent need for application of large amounts of medication, the creation of a relatively deep wide flaring cavity 22 having maximum capacity is preferred. Obviously, with slight modification, the strings 17, 18a, for example, can be one, as illus- trated in Figures 15, 20, 22 and 23.

The tampon described may be inserted and withdrawn by the user. However, should medication or the like be indicated or required, the expanded tampon structure can be, and preferably is, placed in the vagina by a physician or gynecologist using a vaginal speculum and a good light.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 each illustrate different attachments for the string on the insert end of either the Figure 1 or Figure 2 tampon. In Figure 5, the string lab is stitched, as at 1 & to the upper half ofthe folded end portion of the strip. In Figure 6, the string 18d is secured midway between the edges of the strip by but one ortwo stitches 18e, and in Figure 7, both the pull string 17a and the expansion string 18f are secured to the strip by being looped therearound as shown at 17b and 18g.

Figures 13 and 14 disclose an axial sectional view of the upper or insert end of a modified form of tampon, whether cylindrical or frusto-conical. Here, an axial recess 23 of considerable depth is formed in the insert end of the tampon. Before insertion of the tampon into the vagina, a stick 24 of a size and shape to fit the recess is inserted thereinto and rotated circumferentially while being urged outwardly radially so as to loosen the surrounding fibres of the tampon and expand the insert end outwardly radially, as shown in Figure 14, after which the stick is removed and medication, if needed, is placed in the recesses tampon end and the tampon then inserted into the vagina.

The tampon illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 embodies essentially the basic structure of a tampon commercially known as "Tampax", with the exception that cavity forming means in the form of a manipulation string lab is secured substantially midway between the ends of a substantially rectangular piece 25 of fluid absorption material which is subse quently rolled and compacted to form a tampon 26, having the string lab projecting from the axial centre thereof so as to be manipulatable to generate a deep wide cavity in the insert end.

Figure 17 is representative of a tampon commercially known as "Kotax". It is fabricated from a rolled thickness of fluid absorbent material and has a pull string 17c attached to its outside end by being looped through a radial aperture 27. The manipulation string 181 is secured at one end to the tampon a considerable distance inwardly from the insert end to facilitate generation of a medication cavity.

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate a tampon of the character commercially known as "Meds" or "Pursettes" equipped with the novel manipulatable string 18k. Specifically, this type of tampon is fabricated from a length of compressed fluid absorbent material folded mid-way between its ends to provide two tightly closed halves 28 with a pull string 17d looped over its medial fold portion. The manipulatable string 18k is secured to one of the halves, as at 29, to afford the unsecured area of the closed tampon havles to be expanded upon circular rotation of the string 18k to produce a cavity 30.

Figures 20, 21 and 22, disclose a tampon structure 31 corresponding generally to one known commercially as "Playtex". Here the tampon is formed from two or more layers 32 of moisture absorbent material (Figure 20) which is drawn into a cup-shape and then tightly compressed into a cylindrical form (Figure 21). The usual pull string 17e extends from its external end and a manipulatable string 18m, both connected to the tampon at 33, normally lies in the axial centre of the compressed tampon. Upon movement of the string 18m circularly while urging it outwardly radially, a cavity 34 (Figure 22) is generated in the insert end.

The Figure 23 structure is similar to that shown in Figures 21,22 and like numerals identify corresponding parts. Here the bottom or outer layer 35 of absorbent material is substantially smaller than the inner layer 36 so that the compressed tampon will have a single thickness wall at its insert end which is expandable upon manipulation of a string lab.

When the tampons illustrated become wetted they will swell up and expand to substantially occupy the vaginal canal as shown for example in Figure 12.

However, because of the frusto-conical shape of some of the disclosed tampons such tampons will not slip out readily before becoming wetted, but may be withdrawn after wetting and swelling, without scratching or otherwise causing herniation of the vaginal mucosa and much discomfort.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail, it will be understood that the description thereof is intended to be illustrative, as details of the individual tampons may be modified or changed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tampon comprising a generally cylindrical body of highly fluid absorbent material, a pull string extending from one end of said body, and means to facilitate the generation of a recess or cavity in the other end of said body.

2. Atampon comprising a generally cylindrical body made up of a highly fluid absorbent material having a flat insert end and an outer end, wherein said fluid absorbent material constitutes a strip having one of its ends folded over upon itself, said strip being rolled upon itself with the folded over end innermost, a string attached to the folded innermost end to extend axially from the axial centre of the body beyond both ends thereby to form beyond the outer end a pull string and beyond the insert end a manipulatable memberforgenerating a conical recess in the flat end of the body, the attachment of the string to the folded portion permitting generation of said recess without moving the string axially through the body.

3. A tampon comprising a generally cylindrical body made up a rolled elongated strip of highly fluid absorbent material with a folded over inner end, said tampon having an insert end and an outer end, a string extending axially through the body and secured to said folded over inner end to hold the string axially within the body between its ends, one end of said string extending beyond the outer end and constituting a pull string, and the other end of said string extending beyond the insert end far enough to constitute means manually manipulatable to generate an axially disposed concave recess in said insert end.

4. A tampon comprising a generally cylindrical body of highly fluid absorbent material, said body having an insert end and an outer end, a pull string extending axially from the outer end of said body, a string extending outwardly from the axial centre of the insert end of said body, said strings being secured to the body along its axis, and the string on the insert end being extended far enough beyond the body to be manipulated against the secured axial position to generate a substantially conical axially disposed recess in said insert end.

5. A tampon comprising a generally cylindrical body made up of highly fluid absorbent material having an insert end and an outer end, a pull string extending from the outer end of said body, and a manipulatable string attached to the body a substantial distance inwardly from the insert end and extending axially beyond the insert end manipulatable for generating an axial recess in the said insert end of the body.

6. Atampon comprising a generally cylindrical body made up of a strip of highly fluid absorbent material having its innermost end folded over upon itself, said body having an outer end and an insert end, a pull string secured to the folded end ofthe strip and extending beyond the outer end of said body, and a manipulatable string stitched to the said folded end of the strip along not more than one-half of the width of the strip and closely adjacent to the pull string.

7. Atampon comprising a generally cylindrical body made up of a strip of highly fluid absorbent material having its innermost end folded over upon itself, said body having an outer end and an insert end, a pull string secured to the folded end of the strip and extending beyond the outer end of said body, and a manipulatable string spot stitched to the strip at a point substantially midway between its edges and closely adjacent to the pull string securement.

8. A tampon comprising at least one layer of highly fluid absorbent material, a pull string and cavity forming means centrally secured to the layer, the pull string extending outwardly from one face of the material, the cavity forming means extending from the other face of the material, and said layer being folded cup-shaped and compressed to form a cylindrical body to substantially embrace the cavity forming means.

9. Atampon comprising a flat body composed of one or more layers of highly moisture absorbent material, a pull string connected to said layer substantially at the centre thereof and extending from one end thereof, a cavity forming means connected to said layer inwardly of an edge thereof and extending from said edge, said layer being folded over upon itself into substantially a cup-shaped form and compressed to substantially enclose the cavity forming means.

10. Atampon comprising a generally cylindrical body of highly fluid absorbent material, a pull string extending from one end of said body, and cavity forming means associated with the body inwardly of the other end thereof and extending from the said other body end, said body comprising a compressed mass of said material.

11. A tampon as claimed in claim 10, wherein the compressed mass comprises a substantially rectangular piece of said material.

12. Atampon as claimed in claim 10, wherein the compressed mass comprises at least one layer of said material having the pull string and cavity forming means centrally secured thereto, said layer being formed substantially cup-shaped to embrace the cavity forming means prior to being compressed.

13. A tampon as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cylinder-like body has a radial aperture at one end and the pull string is threaded therethrough.

14. Atampon as claimed in claim 10, wherein the compressed mass of material comprises an elongated semi-circular length of compressed material folded over upon itself and having the pull string connected thereto at the fold, and the cavity forming means is attached to one folded over portion inwardly of the free end thereof.

15. A tampon comprising a generally cylindrical body made up of highly fluid absorbent material said body having at least one substantially flat end, a manipulatable member connected to the flat end capable of generating a conical recess therein, and a pull string extending beyond the other end of said body.

16. Atampon as claimed in claim 15, wherein the highly absorbent material constitutes a strip rolled upon itself to form the body.

17. Atampon as claimed in claim 15, wherein the highly absorbent material constitutes a strip of such material rolled upon itself to form the body, and the manipulatable member is connected to the body along its axis.

18. Atampon as claimed in claim 15, wherein the highly absorbent material constitutes a strip of such material rolled upon itself to form the body, and the pull string and the manipulatable member constitute opposite ends of a string stitched to the strip.

19. A tampon as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means to facilitate the generation of a recess or cavity comprises a string extending from said other end of said body.

20. Atampon as claimed in claim 19, wherein the two strings constitute one and the same string.

21. Atampon as claimed in claim 1,wherein said means to facilitate generation of a recess or cavity comprises an axial recess formed in said other end of said body.

22. Any of the tampons substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.