IP Library Granted Patent US 8,475,425
Granted Patent B2
US 8,475,425 · App. 12/055,532 · Granted Jul 2, 2013

Tampon with clean appearance post use

Inventors: Margaret Henderson Hasse (Wyoming, OH); Steven Ray Gilbert (Fairfield, OH); James Earl Trout (West Chester Township, OH); Jared John Schaefer (Wyoming, OH)
Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,475,425
App. No.
12/055,532
Granted
Jul 2, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

A catamenial tampon comprises a compressed absorbent member having an inner region and an exterior surface, the compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. An overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The overwrap comprises an apertured fluid pervious material that is hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic relative to the compressed absorbent member. The fluid pervious overwrap therefore tends to remain free of fluid as the fluid is preferentially partitioned into the absorbent member.

Claims (17)

1. A catamenial tampon comprising:

a compressed absorbent member having an inner region and an exterior surface, the compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material;

an overwrap substantially covering the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member, the overwrap comprising a fluid pervious nonwoven material, the nonwoven material comprising a first portion having a plurality of apertures, the apertures being distinct from inherent pores or intersticies of the nonwoven material and being provided in a pattern of spaced apart openings, the nonwoven material comprising a second portion that is non-apertured, wherein a section of the overwrap extends beyond an end of the compressed absorbent member to form a skirt, and wherein the second portion of the nonwoven material is provided on the skirt.

2. A tampon according to claim 1 , wherein the overwrap is hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic.

3. A tampon according to claim 1 , wherein the pattern is regular.

4. A tampon according to claim 1 , wherein the pattern is non-repeating.

5. A tampon according to claim 1 , wherein the apertures are more than one size.

6. A tampon according to claim 1 wherein the apertures are more than one shape.

7. A tampon according to claim 1 , wherein the apertures have a diameter of from about 0.5 to about 2 mm.

8. A tampon according to claim 1 , wherein the apertures form an open area of from about 1% to about 25%.

9. A catamenial tampon comprising:

a compressed absorbent member having an inner region and an exterior surface, the compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material;

an overwrap substantially covering the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member, the overwrap comprising a fluid pervious nonwoven material, the nonwoven material comprising an apertured portion having a plurality of apertures, the apertures being distinct from inherent pores or intersticies of the nonwoven material and being two or more sizes, the nonwoven material comprising a second portion that is non-apertured, wherein a section of the overwrap extends beyond an end of the compressed absorbent member to form a skirt, and wherein the second portion of the nonwoven material is provided on the skirt.

10. A tampon according to claim 9 , wherein the overwrap is hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic.

11. A tampon according to claim 9 , wherein the apertures are more than one shape.

12. A tampon according to claim 9 , wherein the apertures have a diameter of from about 0.5 to about 2 mm.

13. A tampon according to claim 9 , wherein the apertures form an open area of from about 1% to about 25%.

Continuity (3)
Continuation 10653836 · Sep 3, 2003
Provisional Application 60408455 · Sep 5, 2002
Related Publication 20080177241A1 · Jul 24, 2008