Abstract: An applicator is disclosed for inserting a substance into a body cavity. An apparatus for coating paper and a method of forming the paper into an applicator are also disclosed. The applicator is especially useful for inserting a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The applicator includes a tubular member formed from at least one layer of paper and has an interior and an exterior surface. The tubular member is capable of holding the substance which is to be inserted. At least one of the surfaces of the tubular member is coated with a water-insoluble coating which is comprised of from between about 95 to about 98 percent by weight of a polymeric material and from between about 2 to about 5 percent by weight of a slip agent. The coating provides the tubular member with a dry coefficient of kinetic friction ranging from between about 0.35 to about 0.56 and a wet coefficient of kinetic friction ranging from between about 0.78 to about 1.06.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for crimping, pleating and forming a tip on a hollow tube. The apparatus includes a first punch having a tubular section sized to receive the tube and having a configured tip with a plurality of elongated grooves formed therein. The first punch also contains a shoulder formed at an opposite end of the tubular section which acts as a stop for the tube. The first punch and tube are mateable with a first die. The first die includes a base having a plurality of blades extending axially outward therefrom. Each blade is designed to engage with one of the grooves formed on the first punch and causes the tip of the tube to be crimped therebetween. After an end of the tube has been crimped, it is transformed into a plurality of pleats and configured into a semi-spherically shaped tip having a central aperture formed therethrough. This is accomplished using a second punch having a tubular section sized to receive the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for reducing the force required to expel a catamenial tampon from a tampon applicator. The tampon applicator is also disclosed. The tampon applicator includes a first member which is capable of housing an absorbent tampon. The first member has an inside diameter, first and second spaced apart ends, and an insertion tip formed adjacent to the first end. The insertion tip at least partially closes the first end of the first member and facilitates insertion of the tampon applicator into a woman's vagina. The insertion tip is opened, expanded and reclosed prior to positioning the tampon in the first member. This action allows the insertion tip to be reopened with a minimum amount of expulsion force. The apparatus includes a first punch having an outside diameter which is sized slightly less than the inside diameter of the first member. This enables the first punch to slide within the first member from the second end toward the first end.

Abstract: A method of forming a tube is disclosed which has the strength and stiffness required for a tampon applicator tube and which can rapidly disintegrate in water. A method including the steps of directing a web of paper, a web of adhesive film and a web of superabsorbent material on to a mandrel. Wrapping said webs on the mandrel to form a laminate, and then heating the laminate to form a seal between the various layers to produce a finished tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a tampon tube that is formed of a series of layers of paper, adhesive sealing means and superabsorbent material. The method of formation generally is to provide each of these materials in a sheet form and wind the tube convolutely with heat sealing during winding.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a generally rectangular blank of absorbent material. Adjacent one strip of the rectangular sheet is placed a generally continuous line of adhesive. The rectangular blank is then wound and compressed to form a tampon. As the tampon is compressed the adhesive fuses one end of the wound tampon. The blank is provided with a string prior to winding that is also adhesively connected to the tampon. As the tampon expands in the vagina it will open at the insertion end but not expand significantly at the withdrawal end. Therefore this tampon is easier to withdraw but expands readily at the insertion end to prevent leakage. The tampon also resists telescoping during withdrawal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coated paper outer tube for a tube tampon providing low friction inner and outer surfaces after the tube has been formed by convolutely winding.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for forming a wound cellulosic tampon in the shape of a truncated cone by winding a flat cellulosic web while a portion of the web which forms the outer surface of the pledget of the tampon is in contact with a tapered receptacle. The wound tampon resists telescoping during withdrawal after use.