Method of and apparatus for wrapping tampons
US5471820A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C66/71
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Digital tampons carrying strings are surrounded in tubular envelopes while being confined in and advancing with upright cylindrical carriers. The envelopes are formed around the carriers so that their lower ends extend beyond the lower ends of the respective carriers. The lower ends of successive envelopes are closed by providing them with at least partially overlapping panels. Prior to being separated from the respective carriers, the closed ends of the envelopes are deformed by heated profiled tools which provide the outer sides of the closed ends with centrally located recesses surrounded by smooth ring-shaped portions. The strings are automatically curled along the marginal portions at the upper sides of the respective closed ends in response to downward movement of the tampons in their carriers not later than in the course of the deforming step. The tampons are thereupon advanced downwardly so that they strip the tubular envelopes off the respective carriers, and the upper ends of the envelopes are closed or closed and sealed during advancement beyond the stripping station.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.