Patents by Inventor Suzanne E. Downs

Suzanne E. Downs has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Composition and coating for a disposable tampon applicator and method of increasing applicator flexibility
    Patent number: 5954683
    Abstract: There is provided a water dissolvable tampon applicator comprising a first polyvinyl alcohol, a second polyvinyl alcohol having a lower percent hydrolysis than said first polyvinyl alcohol, a plasticizer. Preferably, the first polyvinyl alcohol is polyvinyl alcohol 98% hydrolyzed ultra low viscosity, the second polyvinyl alcohol is polyvinyl alcohol 88% hydrolyzed ultra low viscosity, and the third polyvinyl alcohol is polyvinyl alcohol 88% hydrolyzed low viscosity. The applicator also includes a plasticizer and an antioxidant. The applicator further includes a water insoluble coating that holds moisture. The water insoluble coating is preferably a vinylidene chloride copolymer, and can be used on any polyvinyl alcohol tampon applicator. In another preferred embodiment, the applicator is exposed to humidity prior to application of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Suzanne E. Downs, Robert Jay Axelrod