Soft, flexible tampon applicator and method for making same
US5681894A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/139
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
There is provided a tampon applicator, particularly an applicator barrel, comprising a unique compound to provide a soft, flexible applicator barrel that is more comfortable and has improved ease of insertion. The polymeric compound primarily comprises a thermoplastic resin and a block copolymer that exhibit unique load, energy and modulus of elasticity properties. The polymeric compound should also include a plasticizer and a compatibilizer/flow modifier, and may include a slip/mold release agent, and antioxidants, and even a pigment. There is also provided a method for making the polymeric compound that will be formed into an applicator or applicator barrel in which all of the above ingredients, except for the thermoplastic resin, are combined and formed into soft pellets. The soft resin pellets are then dry blended with pellets of the thermoplastic resin. The mixture of the thermoplastic resin pellets and the soft resin pellets are then melted and injection molded into the desired shape of the applicator or applicator barrel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.