Tampon press and shaped tampon

Abstract

To provide a shaped tampon.SOLUTION: There is provided a shaped tampon having a longitudinal axis, an insertion portion having an insertion tip, and a withdrawal portion having a withdrawal end, wherein the insertion portion and the withdrawal portion are connected via a central portion, each portion comprising a plurality of grooves, wherein the profile of the insertion portion in an axial cross-sectional plane is an ellipse shape, wherein the ellipse has a major axis, a minor axis, and the maximum axial cross-section, wherein the major axis is not equal to the minor axis, wherein the profile of the insertion portion is curved in at least one longitudinal cross-sectional plane, and wherein the grooves on the insertion portion extend from the central portion to the insertion tip and merge at the dome-shaped insertion tip.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to intravaginal tampons, such as absorbents for menstrual tampons for feminine hygiene. In particular, the present invention relates to a press for manufacturing such tampons having a penetrating die with a shaped pressing surface, tampons made therewith, and finger tampons having a shaped profile providing a variable cross-section. [Background technology]

[0002] Intravaginal tampons have been in use for several decades. Two types of tampons exist on the market: finger tampons and tampons that require an applicator. Typically, finger tampons are formed by radial compression of a blank by a set of jaws, and applicator tampons are formed by molding a blank. Both types of tampons have a generally cylindrical shape, and both have advantages and disadvantages.

[0003] Digital tampons can be inserted by hand without an applicator. They have a neat, smooth surface, but the compression columns created by the press jaws in the tampon pledget to create the stiffness necessary for digital insertion can be uncomfortable for some consumers. Applicator tampons may not have this stiffness problem, but they require the use of an applicator and create additional waste.

[0004] It is also important to consider that the position of the tampon may change while in place depending on the wearer's activity, such as moving, playing sports, or even coughing, which can cause discomfort and even leakage if the new position of the tampon is not compatible.

[0005] Leak prevention and wearing comfort are two important advantages for the consumer.

[0006] To meet these requirements, shaped tampons have been proposed. These existing shaped products claim to more accurately conform to the wearer's anatomy and therefore provide better protection against bypass leakage, reduce discomfort, and generally stay in place more efficiently within the vagina.

[0007] European Patent No. 1267782(B1) to Procter & Gamble Company discloses a cylindrical tampon that expands radially into an oval cross-sectional shape when exposed to a moist environment. The tampon is wound onto an oval cross-sectional blank which is compressed into a cylindrical tampon by press jaws.

[0008] US Patent No. 20140265026(A1) to Eveready Battery Company discloses a tampon having a spirally shaped longitudinal groove and press jaws for shaping the tampon.

[0009] US Patent No. 8,574,210 (B2) to Ontex Hygieneartikel Deutschland discloses a tampon having a longitudinal groove and press jaws for shaping it.

[0010] European Patent No. 1759678(A1) by Ontex Hygieneartikel Deutschland discloses a tampon having a longitudinal groove and press jaws for forming a mushroom-shaped tampon.

[0011] European Patent No. 2900467(A1) to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide discloses press jaws for forming tampons that are designed to reduce the area of ​​the compression surface in contact with the tampon as the press moves inward.

[0012] US Patent No. 9,622,919 (B2) by Johnson & Johnson GmbH discloses a process for forming a shaped tampon by a radial forming process starting from an intermediate blank. The semi-finished tampon pledget is pressed into a mold to obtain its final shape by expansion. Several alternative shapes are disclosed. The compressed pledget can include grooves, but US Patent No. 9,622,919 (B2) does not mention the effect of controlled expansion on the grooves.

[0013] EP 2712594(B1), EP 2712595(B1), and EP 2712596(B1) by Johnson & Johnson GmbH disclose tampons with deep intersecting grooves. The grooves can be continuous in EP 2712595(B1), separate in EP 2712596(B1), or represent 150% of the pledget length in EP 2712594(B1). EP 2712594(B1) further discloses an embodiment with a post-processing step in which the grooves are formed with a finishing die or calender roller. The disclosed tampons are cylindrical and have a circular cross section. Also disclosed is a tampon press machine with several sets of adjacent jaws that pass through the same press space during production. The press jaws are provided with two sets of piercing dies, each set having a piercing surface corresponding to the groove segment shape.

[0014] Procter & Gamble's EP 1680062(A1), EP 1686941(A1), EP 1485053(B1), EP 1485054(B1), and EP 1485055(B1) disclose tampons having a serpentine shaped exterior surface. The tampons have an insertion end region, a withdrawal end region, and a central region. The insertion end region has an insertion end fiber density. The withdrawal end region has a withdrawal end region fiber density. The central region has a central region fiber density. The insertion end region fiber density is greater than the central region fiber density. The disclosed shaped tampons have regions of varying average fiber density. Groove patterns are not discussed, and tampons having non-circular cross sections are not disclosed.

[0015] U.S. Patent No. 8,684,987 (B2) to Procter & Gamble discloses a self-orienting tampon having a non-circular cross-section. The tampon includes a self-supporting fluid-expanded and compressed absorbent pledget having one or more absorbent materials. The tampon has a width, a thickness, and a length. The width may be greater than the thickness, and the aspect ratio of the width to the thickness may be greater than about 1.4:1 and less than about 2.0:1. Neither a groove pattern nor a curvature profile of the outer surface along the longitudinal length is disclosed.

[0016] US Patent No. 20040199137(A1) by Peter JBLamb discloses a tampon including an elongated absorbent body that is non-circular in profile in end view. US Patent No. 20040199137(A1) further discloses the tampon having an angular orientation relative to its longitudinal axis. Neither a groove pattern nor a curvature profile of the outer surface along the longitudinal length is disclosed.

[0017] US Patent No. 8,474,114 (B2) by Ruggli Projects discloses a method of molding steps that complete the process for manufacturing a tampon made of absorbent material. At least one groove is embossed on the outer circumferential surface by radially compressing at least one region of the tampon extending along the outer circumferential surface of the tampon, the groove plane extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the tampon. Cross-sectional perimeter and outer surface profile are not discussed. A longitudinal groove pattern is not disclosed.

[0018] US Patent No. 5,370,633(A) to Josue J. Villalta discloses an anatomically shaped tampon. The main body has a pair of side ridges connected to an intermediate wall that form an exterior configuration resembling a capital H. One end of the tampon contains an outwardly opening cavity for snugly receiving the cervix and limiting the movement of the tampon. The cross section remains the same along the tampon pledget length. A specific cross section and exterior surface profile is disclosed. No groove pattern is mentioned.

[0019] Although some of the above examples describe presses for producing tampons with different profiles or groove configurations, these tampons have a conventional cylindrical shape.

[0020] Furthermore, the above examples fail to provide guidance regarding press configurations necessary to achieve tampons having complex longitudinal or radial shapes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0021] Despite all the shaped tampons proposed in the prior art, there remains a need to address the primary concerns of consumers: wearing comfort and avoidance of leakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0022] The present invention is proposed to solve these problems by providing a shaped tampon that conforms to the female anatomy and exhibits good fluid absorption properties.

[0023] It has been found that a shaped tampon having a shaped longitudinal profile and an elliptical cross-section over at least a portion of its length can provide a better fit to the wearer's anatomy, thus increasing the wearer's comfort without compromising fluid absorption properties.

[0024] In one aspect, the present invention discloses a press for forming an absorbent tampon blank into a shaped tampon pledget. The press comprises a central cavity arranged and configured to receive an absorbent tampon blank having a front portion and a rear portion. A main longitudinal axis of the press passes through a center of the central cavity, and a plurality of penetrating dies are radially arranged about the main longitudinal axis. Each penetrating die has a pressing surface on at least a portion of its side facing the central cavity. The press comprises at least one cam for actuating the plurality of penetrating dies. Further, the plurality of penetrating dies includes at least one penetrating die having a pressing surface with a first shaped longitudinal profile and at least one penetrating die having a pressing surface with a second shaped longitudinal profile.

[0025] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for forming a tampon including introducing a tampon blank into a press according to the present disclosure, actuating a first group of piercing dies, actuating a second group of piercing dies, partially disengaging the first group of piercing dies to a transfer position, allowing a front portion of a compressed tampon pledget to pass through the partially disengaged group of piercing dies, partially disengaging the second group of piercing dies, and ejecting the compressed tampon pledget from the press to a delivery device.

[0026] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a shaped tampon obtained by a press according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Thus, the present invention is directed to a shaped tampon having a groove pattern and a combination of radially and longitudinally varying exterior shapes.

[0028] In a first aspect, a shaped tampon according to the present invention has a longitudinal axis, an insertion portion having an insertion tip, and an withdrawal portion having an withdrawal end, the insertion portion and the withdrawal portion converging through a central portion, each portion comprising a plurality of grooves; The contour of the insert portion in the axial cross-sectional plane is an ellipse, the ellipse having major and minor axes, the major axis not equal to the minor axis, and a maximum axial cross-section, the contour of the insert portion is curved in at least one longitudinal cross-sectional plane, and a groove on the insert portion extends from the central portion to the insert tip and merges at the dome-shaped insert tip.

[0029] In a second aspect, the shape of the tampon according to the present invention provides guided insertion to facilitate accurate and comfortable placement thereof.

[0030] In a third embodiment, the tampon according to the present invention has a higher expansion portion above the insertion portion of the tampon pledget, so that the majority of the absorption occurs in the less sensitive area of ​​the vagina, increasing the wearing comfort for the consumer.

[0031] In a fourth aspect, the tampon according to the present invention is flexible and offers increased wearing comfort despite its structural strength which needs to be stable during digital insertion.

[0032] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of three embodiments of a through die, one pair of dies being shown for each embodiment, each embodiment having a different forming profile. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a radial view of a press with eight penetrating dies, where radial view means according to a plane perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a press containing eight piercing dies and compressed tampons. The piercing dies are in an open configuration. For clarity, grooves have been omitted from the tampons. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 3, with the piercing dies in a closed configuration. For clarity, two of the piercing dies have been omitted to allow the tampon to be seen. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view of a split composite pierce die, the front part being on the right side of the figure and the rear part being on the left side of the figure, with the pressing surface facing upwards. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of eight composite penetrating dies arranged radially in an open configuration. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 6A, showing only the front portion of the composite piercing die. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6B is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 6A, showing only the rear portion of the composite piercing die. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of eight composite piercing dies arranged radially in a closed configuration. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 7A, showing only the front portion of the composite piercing die. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7B is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 7A, showing only the rear portion of the composite piercing die. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of a compound piercing die engaging a tampon, both the front and rear portions of the compound piercing die being in a closed configuration to create a substantially continuous groove made of two segments. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two rear portions of a composite piercing die engaging a tampon. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of the front of two adjacent composite penetrating dies and the rear of one composite penetrating die arranged to create divergent grooves on the outer surface of an absorbent tampon pledget, the rear of the composite penetrating die being represented in the front of the drawing and colored gray. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram of a series of six tampons according to one embodiment of the present invention, the tampons being identified by the letters A through G from left to right of the diagram. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a side view of a packaged tampon. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a front view of the tampon in an unwrapped configuration with a withdrawal string extending therefrom. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 depicts an axial cross-sectional view of an insertion portion of a tampon according to the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 represents an axial cross-sectional view of the withdrawal portion of a tampon according to the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 represents a superposition of axial cross-sectional views of the insertion and withdrawal portions of a tampon according to the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 depicts a perspective view of a tampon according to the present invention, with its insertion tip facing backward and downward and its withdrawal end at the front. Also depicted is its withdrawal string protruding from the withdrawal end. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] As used in this specification and claims: The term "formed longitudinal profile" and variations thereof refer to the configuration of an object's edge as considered along the longitudinal axis of the press. "Molded" means that the edge of the object is not straight along its entire length. It may be curved, possibly several times. In other words, the molded profile may contain a concave or convex curve, either alone or in succession with one or more curves. It may also contain one or more straight portions in conjunction with one or more curved portions. The term "tampon blank" and variations thereof refer to uncompressed tampon material. The term "pledget" and variations thereof refer to a pad or compress of absorbent material such as fibers designed to absorb bodily fluids. "Tampon pledget" or "absorbent tampon pledget" refers to the compressed absorbent material after compression of a tampon blank in a press. The term "groove" and variations thereof relate to indentations in the surface of the tampon pledget. For clarity, the grooves may be "through grooves" that extend at least 0.7 mm (or 10% of its radius, whichever is greater) into the tampon pledget, or they may be "shallow grooves", i.e. primarily surface indentations without significant penetration (0.7 mm or less, 10% of radius or less) into the body of the tampon pledget. The areas between the grooves may take the form of ribs. The term "adjacent" and variations thereof refer to elements that are positioned side by side but are not in contact with one another. It is preferable to have the tips not in contact with one another as this creates friction and heat and can be detrimental to the proper operation of the press at high speeds. The term "tip" and variations thereof refer to the ends of the pressing surfaces along their narrow longitudinal dimension. The term "bifurcated" and variations thereof refer to a bifurcation, such as a line that divides into two parts or a "Y" shape. The term "radial plane" and variations thereof refer to a plane perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of the press. The term "partially disengaging" the penetrating die group means that the dies remain engaged with a forward portion of the compressed tampon pledget, but can retract in a sufficient manner to allow an ejection device, e.g., an ejection rod, to push the compressed tampon pledget out of the press without the ejection device contacting the penetrating dies. The longitudinal axis XX of the shaped tampon is defined as the axis passing through the centre of the insertion tip and the withdrawal end. The axial cross section is defined as a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX shown in FIGS. The longitudinal cross section is defined as the plane that contains the longitudinal axis. An ellipse can be mathematically defined as a closed conic section formed by an inclined plane that is shaped like a flattened circle and does not cut the base of the cone. The outline of an ellipse may be as shown in Figure 14. The term "maximum axial cross-section" of an insert is defined as the axial cross-section at which the circumference of the insert reaches its maximum value. The term "minimum diameter" is the distance between the two points corresponding to the intersection of the minor axis of an ellipse with the contour of the ellipse. The term "maximum diameter" is the distance between the two points corresponding to the intersection of the major axis of the ellipse with the contour of the ellipse. By "major side" is meant the side parallel to the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the insert as defined above.

[0035] In one embodiment, a press for forming an absorbent tampon blank into a shaped tampon pledget has a central cavity, a main longitudinal axis of the press passing through the center of the central cavity, a plurality of penetrating dies arranged radially about the main longitudinal axis, and at least one cam for actuating the plurality of penetrating dies. The central cavity is arranged and configured to receive an absorbent tampon blank having a front portion and a rear portion. Each penetrating die has a pressing surface on at least a portion of its side facing the central cavity. At least one penetrating die has a pressing surface having a first shaped longitudinal profile and at least one penetrating die has a pressing surface having a second shaped longitudinal profile. The front portion corresponds to an insertion tip of the tampon pledget and the rear portion corresponds to a withdrawal end of the tampon pledget. The first shaped longitudinal profile and the second shaped longitudinal profile may be different.

[0036] Having a shaped longitudinal profile on the pressing surface of the penetrating die allows for the manufacture of tampon pledgets with shaped profiles. When several different longitudinal profiles are used, it is possible to create tampon pledgets with complex longitudinal profiles and potentially non-circular cross sections on at least a portion of the tampon pledget. These shaped tampons are believed to provide improved comfort to the user by having a shape that is more closely matched to the vaginal anatomy compared to straight cylindrical tampons.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows three pairs of penetrating dies 100a, 100b, 100c having their pressing faces 102a, 102b, 102c with three different forming profile embodiments of the pressing face pairs.

[0038] The plurality of through dies may be arranged about a major longitudinal axis XX of opposing sets of through dies, in which configuration at least one of the opposing sets of through dies may be arranged to have opposing pressing faces arranged at 180° according to the major longitudinal axis.

[0039] In certain embodiments, at least one opposing set of penetrating dies can be arranged to have two pressing surfaces opposed to one pressing surface, or alternatively, to have one pressing surface moving toward a gap between the other two pressing surfaces, and the opposing set of penetrating dies can include an even or odd number of penetrating dies.

[0040] 2 and 3, three opposing sets of through dies are depicted radially disposed about a central cavity 104 of the press 100. A first opposing set of two through dies 100a has a large maximum gap between opposing press faces 102a, a second opposing set of four through dies 100b has an intermediate maximum gap between opposing press faces 102b, and a third opposing set of two through dies 100c has the smallest maximum gap between opposing press faces 102c (as shown in FIG. 1).

[0041] Figure 4 corresponds to Figure 3, in which the piercing dies engage the tampon pledget 106 along the longitudinal axis XX. For clarity, the two piercing dies have been omitted from Figure 4.

[0042] Preferably, at least one opposing set of through dies can have an even number of through dies, and in a more preferred arrangement, at least one opposing set of through dies can have at least four through dies arranged about the major longitudinal axis.

[0043] A press according to the present invention can have an even number of opposing sets of through dies. In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 1-4, the press can have at least three different opposing sets of through dies.

[0044] In a preferred arrangement, within an opposing set of through dies, the groups of opposing press surfaces may be identical. In a further preferred arrangement, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the press surfaces of an opposing set of through dies may have axial symmetry. In other words, in a preferred arrangement, the press surfaces of an opposing set of through dies may have at least one plane of symmetry, preferably two planes of symmetry.

[0045] In a second embodiment of the present invention, a press for forming absorbent tampon blanks incorporates a longitudinally split through die to create a group of compound through dies. The compound through dies have two parts, a front part and a rear part. The front parts of the compound through dies are grouped together and referred to as the front group. The rear parts of the compound through dies are grouped together and referred to as the rear group.

[0046] The front group is positioned and configured to shape the insertion end of the tampon.

[0047] The rear group is positioned and configured to form the withdrawal end of the tampon.

[0048] The use of a compound piercing die allows the creation of complex shaped tampons, since the piercing dies shaping the front and rear parts of the tampon blank can be different and can operate in a non-simultaneous manner, which can be relevant when the central cavity has limited space and offers only the possibility of operating a limited number of pressing surfaces at the same time.

[0049] Referring to Figure 5, an embodiment of a compound through die is shown, comprising a front portion 200 and a rear portion 202. As shown in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C, all compound through die front portions 200a-200h constitute a front group (or compound through die front group) as shown in Figure 6B. Accordingly, all compound through die rear portions 202a-202h constitute a rear group (or compound through die rear group) as shown in Figure 6C. Figure 6A discloses how the front and rear groups can be arranged along the longitudinal axis.

[0050] The above-mentioned configuration of the through die allows the front and rear groups to be actuated independently. This particular configuration allows more freedom in the operation of the press according to the invention and can be achieved, for example, by a first cam actuating the front group and a second cam actuating the rear group.

[0051] In one embodiment, all of the piercing dies may be compound piercing dies.

[0052] In one embodiment, at least two of the composite through die fronts, e.g., 200c and 200g, are identical. Again, the composite through die fronts may be arranged in opposing sets.

[0053] In one embodiment, a press according to the invention can also include at least two compound through die rears that are identical, for example 202a and 202e. Again, the compound through die rears can be arranged in opposing sets.

[0054] In one embodiment, the press has at least two of the compound piercing dies having rear and front pressing surfaces arranged to create a substantially continuous groove made of two segments on the outer surface of the absorbent tampon pledget, the leading edges of the two pressing surfaces being adjacent at a connection point.

[0055] 5, in this embodiment, two tips 204, 206 of the front composite piercing die 200 and two tips 208, 210 of the rear composite piercing die 202 are shown. Each pressing surface has two types of tips, the outer tips 206, 208 of the front and rear parts respectively, and the inner tips 204, 210. The tips considered in this embodiment to form a substantially continuous groove are the two inner tips 204, 210, since they act on the tampon blank and define the connection points of the subsequent grooves.

[0056] The connection point can be located approximately in a central portion of the tampon blank, by which is meant 25% to 75% of the length of the tampon pledget, preferably 40% to 60% of the length of the tampon pledget, the length being considered along the longitudinal axis.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the press has multiple composite piercing die rears with pressing surfaces that are not parallel to the major longitudinal axis, and preferably the pressing surfaces are arranged in a helical fashion. This configuration increases the length of the grooves, thereby increasing the path of any fluid along the tampon, thus reducing the risk of leakage.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, all of the composite piercing die fronts may have pressing faces parallel to the major longitudinal axis, which may reduce the ejection force required to remove the pledget from the press.

[0059] In another embodiment, a press according to the present invention can have at least two adjacent composite piercing dies having front and rear pressing surfaces that do not have connection points, and therefore the at least two composite piercing dies can have front and rear pressing surfaces that do not produce a substantially continuous groove on the outer surface of the tampon pledget.

[0060] 8 and 9, two compound piercing die rear parts 202' facing each other across the longitudinal axis XX engage the tampon pledget 206. The grooves 302 created by the two compound piercing die rear parts 202' are located on the rear portion 214a of the tampon 212 and do not have continuity with any grooves located on the front portion of the tampon. They simply terminate at the central portion 216 of the tampon 212.

[0061] 10, the pressing surfaces 102 of at least two adjacent composite through die front portions 200' (also shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) and the pressing surface of one composite through die rear portion 202' (also shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) can be arranged to generate a bifurcated groove (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) made of three segments: a rear groove segment 304 and two front groove segments 306 on the outer surface of the absorbent tampon pledget. The inner extremities of the three pressing surfaces are adjacent at the groove connection points 308 and at locations identified by the intersection points 218. More specifically, the three through die: one through die rear portion 202' and two through die front portions 200' are shown in the closed position. The pressing surface 102 extending between the tips 204 and 206 of the composite through die rear portion 202' is arranged and configured to form the withdrawal end portion 304 of the branched groove (see FIG. 8), and the pressing surface 102 extending between the two tips 208 and 210 of the two associated composite through die front portions 200' is arranged and configured to form the insertion end portion 306 of the branched groove (see FIG. 8).

[0062] A press according to the present invention can include at least two sets of compound piercing dies arranged to have their pressing surfaces generate at least two of the diverging grooves on the outer surface of the absorbent tampon pledget.

[0063] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the press may comprise at least two, preferably four, preferably six, and most preferably eight, composite penetrating die fronts having pressing faces with shaped longitudinal profiles.

[0064] Furthermore, a press according to the invention may have a compound through die front with a pressing surface having at least two different formed longitudinal profiles.

[0065] More specifically, the shaped longitudinal profile of the pressing surface may be curved to produce a concave profile on the pressing surface.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a press in which the connection points of two pressing surfaces of a compound penetrating die are arranged to generate a substantially continuous groove made of two segments, and the three pressing surfaces of the compound penetrating die are arranged to generate diverging grooves made of three segments, not all contained in the same radial plane.

[0067] Alternatively, the invention may relate to a press in which the connection points of two pressing surfaces of a compound penetrating die are arranged to generate a substantially continuous groove made of two segments, and the three pressing surfaces of a compound penetrating die are arranged to generate diverging grooves made of three segments, all contained in the same radial plane.

[0068] The location of the connection points of different grooves that may be present on the tampon pledget can affect the flexibility of the tampon. In certain circumstances, it may be advantageous to provide a tampon with improved flexibility, i.e., a tampon that can bend along its longitudinal axis. This type of tampon is believed to provide improved comfort to the wearer.

[0069] A method for manufacturing a shaped tampon pledget according to the present invention can include the steps of introducing a tampon blank into a press according to the present disclosure, actuating a first group of piercing dies to compress the tampon blank with a first set of pressing surfaces, actuating a second group of piercing dies to compress the tampon blank with a second set of pressing surfaces, partially disengaging one of the groups of piercing dies to move a corresponding pressing surface to a transfer position thus allowing a front portion of the compressed tampon pledget to pass through the partially disengaged group of piercing dies, partially disengaging the second group of piercing dies, and ejecting the resulting compressed tampon pledget from the press to a conveying device.

[0070] A preferred method for producing a shaped tampon according to the present invention can include the steps of introducing a tampon blank into a press according to the present disclosure, actuating the front composite penetrating die to compress a front portion of the pledget against the pressing surface of the front composite penetrating die, actuating the rear composite penetrating die to compress a rear portion of the pledget against the pressing surface of the rear composite penetrating die, partially disengaging the rear composite penetrating die to release the rear portion of the pledget from the pressing surface of the rear composite penetrating die, partially disengaging the front composite penetrating die, ejecting the compressed tampon pledget from the press to a conveying device, and completely disengaging the front composite penetrating die and the rear composite penetrating die.

[0071] The composite penetrating die front of the present invention can be operated in a non-simultaneous manner. In other words, not all the penetrating die fronts engage the tampon blank at the same time. The space in the central cavity is limited, and in some configurations it may occur that not all the penetrating dies can be fully engaged with the tampon at the same time, in which case some of the penetrating dies need to be at least partially disengaged before other penetrating dies can compress the tampon blank. The same configuration may occur for the penetrating die rear. That is, the composite penetrating die rear can be operated in a non-simultaneous manner.

[0072] In yet another embodiment, the present invention can refer to a shaped catamenial tampon produced with the press described in this disclosure.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 11, shaped tampons 10 are elongated compressed fibrous pledgets extending from a rounded insertion portion 12 to an withdrawal portion 14 having a withdrawal string 16 extending therefrom. They may be enclosed in a primary package 18 having a line of weakness or tear line 20 to permit opening of a wrapper 20 for removal of the enclosed tampon 10. The series of tampon diagrams show rotation of an exemplary tampon through approximately 180 degrees to illustrate the shaping and change in cross-sectional dimensions around the tampon. Tampons A, B, C, E, F, and G show the larger side of their insertion portion. Tampon D shows the smaller side of its insertion portion. Tampons A, B, and F are packaged in primary package 18. The tear line 20 to open the package is indicated by the dark curved line. Tampons C, D, E, and G are unpackaged. The withdrawal string 16 from each tampon is located beneath the withdrawal portion 14 of each unwrapped tampon 10, respectively.

[0074] FIG. 12 is a side view of a packaged tampon 10, showing the side profile of the insertion portion 12. FIG. 13 shows a front view of the tampon 10, showing the larger profile of the insertion portion 12. The tampon 10 of FIGS. 12 and 13 has a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves 22 with ribs 24 disposed therebetween. FIG. 12 shows truncated grooves 22' and FIG. 13 shows bifurcated grooves 22''. The combination of bifurcated grooves 22'' and truncated grooves 22' allows for compression as described above to provide the unique elliptical cross-section of the insertion portion 12 of the present tampon 10.

[0075] 14 represents the outer oval shape of the tampon insertion portion 12. The eight lines perpendicular to the oval perimeter represent the locations of the grooves 22 on the insertion portion 12.

[0076] 15 represents the circumference of the tampon withdrawal portion 14. The eight lines perpendicular to the circular circumference represent the locations of the grooves 22 on the withdrawal portion 14.

[0077] Figure 6 is a superposition of Figures 4 and 5. The cross section of the circular pull-out portion 14 is at the center, and extending outwardly on the side is the insert portion 12. The longitudinal axes of the two portions are aligned. The locations of the grooves 22 on both the insert and pull-out portions are represented by lines perpendicular to either the elliptical or circular circumference, and are grouped to show the locations of the diverging grooves 22'' and the truncated grooves 22'.

[0078] The present invention discloses a shaped tampon having a longitudinal axis, an insertion portion having an insertion tip, and an withdrawal portion having a withdrawal end, the insertion portion and the withdrawal portion being connected through a central portion, each portion comprising a plurality of grooves, the contour of the insertion portion 12 in an axial cross-sectional plane being substantially elliptical with a major axis and a minor axis, the major axis not being equal to the minor axis. The insertion portion 12 has a maximum axial cross-section, and the contour of the insertion portion 12 is curved in at least one longitudinal cross-sectional plane. The grooves 22 on the insertion portion 12 extend from the central portion 26 to the insertion tip 28, where they converge towards the dome-shaped insertion tip 28.

[0079] This particular shaped profile is believed to conform to the anatomy of the vagina, providing better placement of the tampon within the vaginal cavity as well as easier insertion. During insertion, placement, and if the consumer changes position while wearing the tampon pledget, the tampon automatically rotates along its longitudinal axis to match the vaginal wall configuration. This can provide improved placement for the user and improved comfort over prior art tampons. Improved placement can also reduce the risk of leakage.

[0080] This particular shape of the tampon according to the present invention also allows for a higher expansion insert at the top of the tampon pledget, so that most of the absorption can occur in the less sensitive areas of the vagina, increasing the wearing comfort for the consumer.

[0081] In another embodiment of a shaped tampon according to the invention, the two longitudinal sides 40 of the contour of the withdrawal portion 14 according to the longitudinal cross-sectional plane are substantially parallel.

[0082] In other words, in this embodiment, the withdrawal portion of the tampon can have a contour of any shape in an axial cross-sectional plane, but this contour remains constant as the axial cross-sectional plane under consideration moves along the longitudinal axis.

[0083] In another embodiment of the shaped tampon according to the invention, the profile of the withdrawal portion according to the axial cross-sectional plane is substantially circular.

[0084] In this embodiment, the withdrawal portion of the tampon can have a circular contour in an axial cross-sectional plane, but this contour circumference changes as the axial cross-sectional plane under consideration moves along the longitudinal axis. For example, the withdrawal portion of the tampon can have an hourglass shape, a tapered shape, or a hemispherical shape.

[0085] In a preferred configuration, the withdrawal portion may be substantially cylindrical.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment of a shaped tampon according to the present invention, the central portion 28 includes a shoulder 42 where the insertion portion 12 and the withdrawal portion 14 transition.

[0087] More precisely, the shoulder can be located 1 / 4 to 3 / 4 of the length of the longitudinal axis of the tampon.

[0088] Even more precisely, the shoulder can be located between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 of the length of the longitudinal axis of the tampon.

[0089] The shoulder may also be located ⅓ to ½ of the length of the tampon's longitudinal axis, where ⅓ refers to the first third of the tampon's length starting from insertion tip 28 .

[0090] In one preferred embodiment, the shoulder can be substantially centered about the longitudinal axis of the tampon.

[0091] These particular ratios between the length of the insertion portion and the length of the withdrawal portion are believed to create a shaped tampon that conforms particularly well to the vaginal anatomy and helps prevent leakage and increases the comfort of wearing the shaped tampon.

[0092] In a preferred configuration, the maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion may be located between the central portion 26 and 10 mm from the insertion tip 28 along the longitudinal axis.

[0093] Alternatively, in another preferred configuration of the invention, the maximum axial cross section of the insertion portion 12 can be located 1 mm to 10 mm from the insertion tip 28 along the longitudinal axis.

[0094] In a particular embodiment of a shaped tampon according to the present invention, the length of the minor axis of the largest axial cross section of the insertion portion 12 is less than or equal to the diameter of the withdrawal portion 14 according to the axial cross section.

[0095] It is believed that these ratios between the diameter of the insertion portion 12 and the diameter of the withdrawal portion 14 can create a shaped tampon 10 that conforms particularly well to the vaginal anatomy and can help prevent leakage and increase the comfort of wearing the shaped tampon 10.

[0096] In another particular embodiment of a shaped tampon according to the present invention, the minimum diameter of the largest axial cross section of the insertion portion 12 may be at least equal to the diameter of the withdrawal portion 14 according to the axial cross section.

[0097] More specifically, the minimum diameter of the maximum axial cross section of the insertion portion 12 may be equal to the diameter of the withdrawal portion 14 according to the axial cross section.

[0098] Alternatively, the minimum diameter of the maximum axial cross section of the insertion portion 12 may be smaller than the diameter of the withdrawal portion 14 according to the axial cross section.

[0099] In another configuration of a shaped tampon 10 according to the present invention, the maximum diameter of the largest axial cross section of the insertion portion 12 may be greater than the diameter of the withdrawal portion 14 according to the axial cross section.

[0100] In another embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the minimum diameter to the maximum diameter of the largest axial cross section of the insertion part 12 according to the axial cross section is in the range of 1:1 to 1:4, advantageously 1:1.5 to 1:2.5, preferably 1:1.7 to 1:2.0.

[0101] These ratios between the minimum and maximum diameters are among the parameters that define the elliptical shape of the axial cross-section of the insertion portion 12. These diameter ratios are believed to provide a good fit with the vaginal anatomy, help prevent leakage, and can increase the comfort of wearing the shaped tampon 10.

[0102] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least two, and preferably at least four, of the grooves 22 present on the insert portion 12 are offset from the grooves 22 present on the pull-out portion 14 .

[0103] This configuration allows for the creation of discontinuities, e.g. differences in the groove pattern between the insertion and withdrawal portions involving truncated grooves 22' and divergent grooves 22'' in the overall groove pattern at the shoulder locations, which is believed to contribute to the longitudinal flexibility of the tampon according to the present invention and thus increase the wearing comfort for the user.

[0104] In certain embodiments of the invention, the at least four grooves present on the insert portion can be included within a first set of at least two longitudinal cross-sectional planes and the at least four grooves present on the pull-out portion can be included within a second set of at least two longitudinal cross-sectional planes, which can be different from one another.

[0105] In other words, the first set of longitudinal cross-sectional planes, as defined above, may not include any grooves located on the drawer portion, and the second set of longitudinal cross-sectional planes, as defined above, may not include any grooves located on the drawer portion.

[0106] This particular set-up may involve a discontinuity in the groove pattern at the shoulder location, which is believed to contribute to the longitudinal flexibility of the tampon according to the present invention and thus increase the wearing comfort for the user.

[0107] In another embodiment of the invention, the number of grooves on the insert is between 3 and 12, advantageously between 6 and 10, more preferably 8.

[0108] In another embodiment of the invention, the number of grooves on the pull-out portion is between 3 and 12, advantageously between 6 and 10, more preferably 8.

[0109] In certain configurations, the number of grooves on the insert portion may be the same as the number of grooves on the pull-out portion.

[0110] Alternatively, the number of grooves on the insert portion may be different than the number of grooves on the pull-out portion.

[0111] In one preferred embodiment, the number of grooves on the insert portion may be four and the number of grooves on the pull-out portion may be four.

[0112] In another preferred configuration of the invention, the number of grooves on the insert portion may be eight and the number of grooves on the pull-out portion may be eight.

[0113] The grooves 22 can be created by the digital tampon manufacturing process when the tampon pledget is compressed by the press jaws as described above. This compression creates the necessary column strength to provide longitudinal rigidity to the tampon pledget, allowing it to be digitally inserted into the vaginal cavity. The grooves 22 are also believed to help direct menstrual fluid and prevent leakage. The number of grooves 22 can be determined by the manufacturing process and the diameter of the tampon 10.

[0114] Thus, the number of grooves 22 may reflect differences in stiffness of each portion of the tampon, or differences in fluid absorption characteristics of each portion. Grooves may also be a distinctive feature of the tampon pledget and can create a pattern that is recognized by consumers and help distinguish it from competitors' tampons.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least two grooves 22 on the insert portion 12 each converge to one groove 22 on the pull-out portion 14 and transition from one radial angle α1 to another radial angle α2 through a shoulder located on the central portion 26 (as shown in FIG. 6) to form an offset groove.

[0116] In other words, there can be at least two grooves 22 that extend longitudinally through both insertion portions 12, shoulders 42, and withdrawal portions 14 from one end of the tampon pledget to the other.

[0117] In a particular configuration of the present invention, each of the four grooves 22 on the insert portion 12 may converge into one groove 22 on the pull-out portion 14 through a shoulder located on the central portion 26 .

[0118] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least two pairs of grooves 22 ″ on the insert portion each converge to one groove 22 ″ on the pull-out portion 14 through a shoulder 42 located on the central portion 26 .

[0119] In other words, the groove pattern on the shaped tampon can present at least one pair of diverging grooves 22'' having a "Y" shape. Two grooves on the insertion portion can converge into one groove on the withdrawal portion. This pattern can be repeated at least two times to provide one or more pairs of diverging grooves 22''.

[0120] Please note that the term "converging" refers to the direction of the grooves, not to the depth of the grooves. The surface appearance of converging grooves of a shaped tampon according to the present invention may be continuous, but the actual depth of the grooves on each section may be the same or different, with the converging grooves not being as deep at the shoulders as at the insertion or withdrawal sections.

[0121] An embodiment of a bifurcated groove according to the invention can be seen in FIG.

[0122] In a particular configuration of the present invention, the at least two branching grooves may be symmetrical, one on each side of the shaped tampon.

[0123] Additionally, a shaped tampon can have two symmetrical branching grooves, one on each side of the tampon.

[0124] This very specific structure may involve discontinuity of the groove pattern at the shoulder location, which is believed to contribute to the longitudinal flexibility of the tampon according to the present invention. By longitudinal flexibility, we mean that this specific groove pattern can create ankles approximately at the shoulder location. This flexibility of the tampon pledget may be an advantage to the consumer, as it creates additional comfort but does not impede the longitudinal column strength required for digital insertion.

[0125] In another embodiment, two grooves on the pull-out portion that respectively converge to two pairs of grooves on the insert portion lie in a plane defined by two axes, namely the longitudinal axis of the largest axial cross-section of the insert portion and the ellipse minor axis.

[0126] In other words, the bifurcated groove or "Y" shaped groove can be located on the large side of the shaped tampon, as can be seen in FIG.

[0127] In certain embodiments, the present invention has at least one truncated groove 22 ′ on the pull-out portion 14 that does not converge to any grooves on the insert portion 12 .

[0128] In a preferred configuration, at least two grooves 22 ′ on the pull-out portion 14 do not converge to any grooves 22 on the insert portion 12 .

[0129] At least two truncated grooves 22' on the pull-out portion 14 may lie in a plane defined by two axes: the longitudinal axis of the largest axial cross-section of the insert portion and the major axis of the ellipse.

[0130] Another possibility according to the invention is that none of the grooves on the insert part lie in a plane defined by two axes, namely the longitudinal axis of the maximum axial cross section of the insert part and the ellipse major axis.

[0131] In another configuration, none of the grooves on the insert may lie in a plane defined by two axes: the longitudinal axis of the largest axial cross section of the insert and the ellipse minor axis.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present invention, the grooves 22 on the insert portion 12 are approximately evenly distributed.

[0133] The grooves 22 on the pull-out portion 14 may likewise be generally evenly distributed.

[0134] The term "substantially uniform" should be understood as regular or equal spacing between each pair of adjacent grooves, with a margin of error of 0.2 mm, preferably 0.1 mm.

[0135] Alternatively, the grooves 22 on the insert 12 may be non-uniformly distributed as well.

[0136] Although a uniform distribution of grooves 22 can be advantageous to achieve homogeneous compression of the fibers, in some cases the opposite (i.e., a non-uniform distribution) may be desirable to create different compression zones within the same tampon pledget, which can affect the column strength of the tampon and its absorption characteristics (capacity, rate).

[0137] In certain embodiments of the invention, the fiber density of the insert portion is equal to or greater than the fiber density of the withdrawal portion.

[0138] In a more specific configuration, the fiber density of the insert portion may be 80% to 120% of the fiber density of the pull-out portion, or alternatively, the fiber density of the insert portion may be 120% to 200% of the fiber density of the pull-out portion.

[0139] This uniformity of fiber density along the length of a shaped tampon pledget according to the present invention can be achieved by modifying the amount of raw material within the structure of the tampon blank prior to compression.

[0140] Having a homogenous density can provide uniform fluid absorbency along the pledget of the tampon, while an insert portion having a higher fiber density can contribute to a higher expansion portion at the top of the tampon, so that most of the absorption occurs in the less sensitive area of ​​the vagina, increasing wear comfort for the consumer.

[0141] The present invention also relates to the use of a shaped tampon according to any of the above disclosed embodiments for collecting physiological fluids.

[0142] The above specification and embodiments are presented to aid in a complete and non-limiting understanding of the invention disclosed herein. Since many variations and embodiments of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

[0143] [Embodiment] (1) A press for forming an absorbent tampon blank into a shaped tampon pledget, said press comprising: a central cavity arranged and configured to receive an absorbent tampon blank having a front portion and a rear portion; a main longitudinal axis of said press passing through a center of said central cavity; a plurality of penetrating dies, each penetrating die having a pressing surface on at least a portion of a side of said penetrating die facing said central cavity, said plurality of penetrating dies being radially disposed about said main longitudinal axis; and at least one cam for actuating said plurality of penetrating dies. Equipped with At least one through die has a pressing surface with a first shaped longitudinal profile; At least one through die has a pressing surface having a second shaped longitudinal profile; Press machine. (2) A press as described in embodiment 1, wherein a plurality of the through dies are divided longitudinally to create a group of composite through dies, the composite through dies having two portions, a front portion and a rear portion, the front portions of all of the composite through dies constituting a front group and the rear portions of all of the composite through dies constituting a rear group. (3) The press of claim 2, wherein the front group and the rear group are independently operated. (4) The press of any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein all of the through dies are compound through dies. (5) A press according to any one of embodiments 2 to 4, wherein at least two of the composite penetrating die fronts are identical.

[0144] (6) A press according to any one of embodiments 2 to 5, wherein at least two of the composite through die rear sections are identical. (7) A press as described in any one of embodiments 2 to 6, wherein at least two of the composite piercing dies have rear and front pressing surfaces arranged to generate a substantially continuous groove made of two segments on the outer surface of the absorbent tampon pledget, and the tips of the two pressing surfaces are adjacent at a connection point. (8) The press according to any one of embodiments 2 to 7, wherein the plurality of composite through die rear portions have pressing surfaces that are not parallel to the main longitudinal axis. (9) The press machine according to embodiment 8, wherein the pressing surface is arranged in a spiral shape. (10) The press of any one of embodiments 2 to 9, wherein at least two adjacent composite penetrating dies have front and rear pressing surfaces that have no connection points.

[0145] (11) A press machine as described in any one of embodiments 2 to 10, wherein the pressing surfaces of at least two adjacent composite penetrating die fronts and the pressing surface of one composite penetrating die rears are arranged to generate a branched groove made of three segments on the outer surface of the absorbent tampon pledget, and the tips of the three pressing surfaces are adjacent at a connection point. (12) The press of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein at least two of the composite through die fronts have pressing surfaces with shaped longitudinal profiles. (13) The press of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein at least four of the composite through die fronts have pressing surfaces with shaped longitudinal profiles. (14) The press of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein at least six of the composite through die fronts have pressing surfaces with shaped longitudinal profiles. (15) The press of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein at least eight of the composite through die fronts have pressing surfaces with shaped longitudinal profiles.

[0146] (16) the two pressing surfaces of the compound piercing die arranged to produce a substantially continuous groove made of two segments; and the three pressing surfaces of the compound penetrating die arranged to generate a diverging groove made of three segments. the connection points of are not all contained in the same radial plane; A press according to any one of claims 7 to 7. (17) A method for producing a shaped tampon pledget, comprising the steps of: Introducing a tampon blank into a press according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments; activating a first group of piercing dies to compress the tampon blank with a first set of pressing surfaces; activating a second group of piercing dies to compress the tampon blank with a second set of pressing surfaces; partially disengaging one of said groups of penetrating dies to move said corresponding pressing surface to a transfer position, thus allowing a forward portion of a compressed tampon pledget to pass through said partially disengaged group of penetrating dies; partially disengaging the second group of through dies; discharging the resulting compressed tampon pledget from the press into a conveying device; Including, method. (18) A method for producing a shaped tampon pledget, comprising the steps of: Introducing a tampon blank into a press according to embodiment 2 or any embodiment dependent thereon; actuating the composite through die front section to compress the pledget front portion against the pressure surface of the composite through die front section; activating the rear composite through die section to compress the rear portion of the pledget with the pressure surface of the rear composite through die section; partially disengaging the composite through die rear section to release the pledget rear portion from the pressing surface of the composite through die rear section; partially disengaging the composite through die front portion; discharging the compressed tampon pledget from the press into a conveying device; completely disengaging the composite through die front and the composite through die rear; Including, method. (19) A shaped tampon having a longitudinal axis, an insertion portion having an insertion tip, and an withdrawal portion having a withdrawal end, said insertion portion and said withdrawal portion being connected through a central portion, each portion having a plurality of grooves; the contour of the insert in an axial cross-sectional plane is an ellipse, the ellipse having major and minor axes, the major axis not being equal to the minor axis, and a maximum axial cross-section; the profile of the insertion portion is curved in at least one longitudinal cross-sectional plane; the groove on the insert portion extends from the central portion to the insert tip and merges at the dome-shaped insert tip; Characterized in that Shaped tampons. (20) The shaped tampon of embodiment 19, wherein both longitudinal sides of said contour of said withdrawal portion according to a longitudinal cross-sectional plane are substantially parallel.

[0147] (21) The shaped tampon according to embodiment 19 or 20, wherein said profile of said withdrawal portion according to an axial cross-sectional plane is substantially circular. (22) The shaped tampon of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein said central section includes a shoulder where said insertion section and said withdrawal section transition. (23) The shaped tampon of any of embodiments 19-22, wherein said maximum axial cross-section of said insertion portion is located along said longitudinal axis between said central portion and 10 mm from said insertion tip. (24) The shaped tampon of any one of embodiments 19-23, wherein a minimum diameter of said maximum axial cross-section of said insertion portion is less than or equal to a diameter of said withdrawal portion along an axial cross-section. (25) The shaped tampon of any of embodiments 19 to 24, wherein the ratio of the minimum diameter to the maximum diameter of the largest axial cross section of the insertion portion along an axial cross section is in the range of 1:1 to 1:4.

[0148] (26) The shaped tampon of embodiment 25, wherein the ratio of said minimum diameter to said maximum diameter of said largest axial cross section of said insertion portion along an axial cross section is in the range of 1:1.5 to 1:2.5. (27) The shaped tampon of embodiment 26, wherein the ratio of said minimum diameter to said maximum diameter of said largest axial cross section of said insertion portion along an axial cross section is in the range of 1:1.7 to 1:2.0. (28) The shaped tampon of any one of embodiments 19-27, wherein at least two of said grooves present on said insertion portion are offset from said grooves present on said withdrawal portion. 29. The shaped tampon of claim 28, wherein at least four of said grooves present on said insertion portion are offset from said grooves present on said withdrawal portion. (30) The shaped tampon of any of embodiments 19-29, wherein the number of grooves on said insertion portion is 3-12 and the number of grooves on said withdrawal portion is 3-12.

[0149] (31) The shaped tampon of embodiment 30, wherein the number of grooves on said insertion portion is 6-10. (32) The shaped tampon of embodiment 30 or 31, wherein the number of grooves on the insertion portion is 8. (33) The shaped tampon of any of embodiments 30 to 32, wherein the number of grooves on said withdrawal portion is 6 to 10. (34) The shaped tampon of any of embodiments 30-33, wherein the number of grooves on said withdrawal portion is 8. (35) The shaped tampon according to embodiment 22 or any embodiment dependent thereon, wherein at least two grooves on the insertion portion each converge into one groove on the withdrawal portion through the shoulder located on the central portion.

[0150] (36) A shaped tampon according to embodiment 22 or any embodiment dependent thereon, wherein at least two pairs of grooves on the insertion portion each converge into one groove on the withdrawal portion through the shoulder located on the central portion. (37) Two grooves on the pull-out portion, which respectively converge to two pairs of grooves on the insert portion, are aligned along two axes: the longitudinal axis, and The minor axis of the ellipse of the maximum axial cross section of the insertion portion lies in a plane defined by The shaped tampon according to any one of embodiments 19 to 36. (38) The shaped tampon of any of embodiments 19-37, wherein at least one groove on said withdrawal portion does not converge to any groove on said insertion portion. (39) The shaped tampon of any one of embodiments 19-38, wherein said grooves on said insertion portion are substantially uniformly distributed. (40) The shaped tampon of any one of embodiments 19 to 39, wherein the fiber density of said insertion portion is equal to or greater than the fiber density of said withdrawal portion.

[0151] (41) Use of a shaped tampon according to any one of embodiments 19 to 40 for collecting physiological fluids.

Claims

1. A shaped tampon having a longitudinal axis, an insertion portion having an insertion tip, and an withdrawal portion having an withdrawal end, said insertion portion and said withdrawal portion being connected through a central portion, each portion including a plurality of grooves; the contour of the insert in an axial cross-sectional plane is an ellipse, the ellipse having a major axis, a minor axis, and a maximum axial cross-section, the major axis not being equal to the minor axis; - the profile of the insertion portion is curved in at least one longitudinal cross-sectional plane; - A shaped tampon, wherein the groove on the insertion portion extends from the central portion to the insertion tip and is fused at a dome-shaped insertion tip.

2. 2. The shaped tampon of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal sides of said contour of said withdrawal portion according to a longitudinal cross-sectional plane are substantially parallel.

3. 3. A shaped tampon according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said contour of said withdrawal portion according to an axial cross-sectional plane is substantially circular.

4. The shaped tampon of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said central portion includes a shoulder where said insertion portion and said withdrawal portion transition.

5. The shaped tampon of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said maximum axial cross-section of said insertion portion is located along said longitudinal axis between said central portion and 10 mm from said insertion tip.

6. A shaped tampon according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the minimum diameter of said maximum axial cross section of said insertion portion is less than or equal to the diameter of said withdrawal portion according to an axial cross section.

7. 7. The shaped tampon of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ratio of the minimum diameter to the maximum diameter of said largest axial cross section of said insertion portion according to an axial cross section is in the range of 1:1 to 1:

4.

8. 8. The shaped tampon of claim 7, wherein a ratio of said minimum diameter to said maximum diameter of said largest axial cross section of said insertion portion according to an axial cross section ranges from 1:1.5 to 1:2.

5.

9. 9. The shaped tampon of claim 8, wherein a ratio of said minimum diameter to said maximum diameter of said largest axial cross section of said insertion portion along an axial cross section ranges from 1:1.7 to 1:2.

0.

10. The shaped tampon of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least two of said grooves present on said insertion portion are offset from said grooves present on said withdrawal portion.

11. 11. The shaped tampon of claim 10, wherein at least four of said grooves present on said insertion portion are offset from said grooves present on said withdrawal portion.

12. The shaped tampon of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the number of said grooves on said insertion portion is between 3 and 12 and the number of said grooves on said withdrawal portion is between 3 and 12.

13. The shaped tampon of claim 12, wherein the number of said grooves on said insertion portion is between 6 and 10.

14. 14. The shaped tampon of claim 12 or 13, wherein the number of said grooves on said insertion portion is eight.

15. A shaped tampon according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the number of said grooves on said withdrawal portion is between 6 and 10.

16. The shaped tampon according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the number of said grooves on said withdrawal portion is eight.

17. 5. The shaped tampon of claim 4, wherein at least two of said grooves on said insertion portion each converge into one of said grooves on said withdrawal portion through said shoulders located on said center portion.

18. 5. The shaped tampon of claim 4, wherein at least two pairs of said grooves on said insertion portion each converge into one said groove on said withdrawal portion through said shoulder located on said center portion.

19. The two grooves on the pull-out portion converging to the two pairs of grooves on the insert portion respectively are aligned along two axes: the longitudinal axis, and The minor axis of the ellipse of the maximum axial cross section of the insertion portion lies in a plane defined by The shaped tampon according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The shaped tampon of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein at least one of said grooves on said withdrawal portion does not converge to any groove on said insertion portion.

21. The shaped tampon of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said grooves on said insertion portion are substantially uniformly distributed.

22. The shaped tampon of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the fiber density of said insertion portion is equal to or greater than the fiber density of said withdrawal portion.

23. Use of a shaped tampon according to any one of claims 1 to 22 for collecting physiological fluids.

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