Patent · US Expired

Soft, flexible composition and method for making same

US6756434B1 · kind B1 · utility

12Cited by
2References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 25, 2000
Grant dateJun 29, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 30, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC08L53/02
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

There is provided a composition comprising a unique polymeric compound that provides a soft, flexible product. There is also provided a unique polymeric tampon applicator that is soft and flexible. When used as a tampon applicator barrel, the barrel 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, an antioxidant, and even a pigment. There is also provided a method for making the polymeric compound that will be formed into a product, such as 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. There is thus provided a method of making a soft, polymeric tampon applicator or …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.