US4041948A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Digital tampon
Assignee: Johnson and Johnson
•
Filing: 1976-07-26
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Granted: 1977-08-16
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Expires: 1996-07-26
Abstract
Abstract A digital tampon is provided which is sufficiently rigid to allow for digital insertion but which subsequently, during use, loses its rigidity to provide comfort when worn and when removed. The tampon comprises a rigidifying element extending longitudinally and disposed centrally with respect to the axis of the tampon. The element is chosen to have a dry resistance to compression sufficiently high enough to allow insertion and a wet resistance to compression, less than the dry resistance, and sufficiently low enough to allow the tampon to expand when wet and be comfortable in use and during removal.
Inventors
- 👤 Eric Flam
- 👤 Doris Phyliss Partyka
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 19:26
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/20; A61F13/2051
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
In a catamenial tampon of the type comprising a generally cylindrical absorbent body and adapted for digital insertion, the improvement which comprises: providing therein an at least partially absorbent rigidifying element extending longitudinally and disposed centrally with respect to the axis of said tampon; said element consisting of a material having a dry resistance to compression sufficient to allow insertion and a wet resistance to compression less than the dry resistance and sufficiently low enough to allow said tampon to expand and be comfortable in use.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
In a catamenial tampon of the type comprising a generally cylindrical absorbent body and adapted for digital insertion, the improvement which comprises: providing therein an at least partially absorbent rigidifying element extending longitudinally and disposed centrally with respect to the axis of said tampon; said element consisting of a material having a dry resistance to compression sufficient to allow insertion and a wet resistance to compression less than the dry resistance and sufficiently low enough to allow said tampon to expand and be comfortable in use.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The catamenial tampon of claim 1 wherein said rigidifying element has a dry column strength of at least 1.5 kg.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The catamenial tampon of claim 2 wherein said rigidifying element has a wet column strength of less than 0.5 kg.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The catamenial tampon of claim 1 wherein said rigidifying element is a hollow thin-walled tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The catamential tampon of claim 4 wherein said hollow tube is at least partially sealed with a hydrophilic absorbent.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The catamenial tampon of claim 5 wherein said hydrophilic absorbent expands upon being wetted and said hollow tube is provided with means for allowing said expansion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The catamenial tampon of claim 6 wherein said means for allowing expansion comprises at least one longitudinally extending slit cut through the wall of said hollow tube.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The catamenial tampon of claim 1 wherein said rigidifying element is cardboard.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
FR348707A
Cited
US2328795A
Cited
US2676594A
Cited
US3298369A
Cited
US3358686A
Cited
US3340874A
Cited
USRE28674E
Cited
US3865108A
Cited
US3986511A
Cited
US3971378A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-08-15 | 1981-02-14 | 1981-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-15 | 1985-02-14 | 1985-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-15 | 1989-02-14 | 1989-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |