Manufacturing method for molded tampons

Abstract

To provide a method for shaping an absorbent tampon blank into a shaped tampon pledget.SOLUTION: A method includes the following steps: introducing a tampon blank having a front portion and a rear portion into a press; compressing the front portion of the tampon blank with a pressing surface of a front portion of a composite penetrating die; compressing the rear portion of the tampon blank with the pressing surface of the rear portion of the composite penetrating die for forming a compressed shaped tampon pledget; partially disengaging the rear portion of the composite penetrating die to release the rear portion of the compressed shaped tampon pledget; partially disengaging the front portion of the composite penetrating die; discharging the compressed shaped tampon pledget from the press to a transfer device; and fully disengaging the front of the composite penetrating die and the back of the composite penetrating die.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to intravaginal tampons such as absorbents for menstrual tampons for feminine hygiene. Specifically, the present invention relates to a press machine for manufacturing such a tampon having a through die with a formed pressing surface, a tampon produced thereby, and a finger tampon having a molding profile providing a variable cross-section.

Background Art

[0002] Intravaginal tampons have been used for decades. There are two types of tampons in the market, namely 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] Finger tampons can be inserted by hand without an applicator. They have a smooth and even surface, but the compression column created by the press jaws in the tampon pre-set to generate the rigidity required for finger insertion may be uncomfortable for some consumers. Applicator tampons may not have this rigidity problem, but they require the use of an applicator and generate additional waste.

[0004] It is also important to consider that the position of the tampon can change while in place in response to the wearer's activities, such as moving, doing sports, or even coughing. This can cause discomfort and even leakage if the new position of the tampon is not a good fit.

[0005] Leakage prevention and wearing comfort are two important advantages for consumers.

[0006] To meet these requirements, molded tampons have been proposed. These existing molded products are claimed to more precisely conform to the wearer's anatomical structure, thus providing better protection against bypass leakage, reducing discomfort, and staying more efficiently in place within the vagina.

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

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 20140265026(A1) by Eveready Battery Company discloses a tampon having a helically molded longitudinal groove, and a press jaw for molding the tampon.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 8574210(B2) by Ontex Hygieneartikel Deutschland discloses a tampon having a longitudinal groove and a press jaw for forming it.

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

[0011] European Patent No. 2900467(A1) by Kimberly-Clark Worldwide discloses a press jaw for tampon formation. This press jaw is designed to reduce the area of ​​the compression surface that is in contact with the tampon as the press machine moves inward.

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

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

[0014] European Patents 1680062(A1), 1686941(A1), 1485053(B1), 1485054(B1), and 1485055(B1) by Procter & Gamble disclose a tampon having a meandering outer surface. This tampon has an insertion end region, an extraction end region, and a central region. The insertion end region has an insertion end fiber density. The extraction end region has an extraction end region fiber density. The central region has a central region fiber density. The fiber density of the insertion end region is greater than that of the central region. The disclosed molded tampons have various average fiber density regions. Groove patterns are not considered, and tampons with non-circular cross-sections are not disclosed.

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

[0016] U.S. Patent No. 20040199137(A1) by Peter J.B. Lamb discloses a tampon comprising an elongated absorbent body with a non-circular profile in the end view. U.S. Patent No. 20040199137(A1) further discloses a tampon having an angular orientation with respect to its longitudinal axis. Neither a groove pattern nor a curved profile of the outer surface along the longitudinal length is disclosed.

[0017] U.S. Patent No. 8474114(B2) by Ruggli Projects discloses a molding process for completing a process for manufacturing a tampon made of absorbent material. At least one groove is embossed on the outer surface by radially compressing at least one region of the tampon extending along its outer surface, the groove plane extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the tampon. The cross-sectional outer and outer profiles are not considered. The longitudinal groove pattern is not disclosed.

[0018] U.S. Patent No. 5,370,633(A) by Josue J. Villalta discloses an anatomically molded tampon. The main body has a pair of lateral ridges connected to an intermediate wall that forms an external structure resembling the capital letter H. One end of the tampon contains an outwardly open cavity for snugly receiving the cervix and restricting tampon movement. Its cross-section remains the same along the tampon leg length. Specific cross-sectional and external profiles are disclosed. Groove patterns are not mentioned.

[0019] Some of the embodiments described above describe presses for manufacturing tampons with different profiles or groove configurations, but these tampons have a conventional cylindrical shape.

[0020] Furthermore, the above embodiments cannot provide indicators regarding the press machine configuration necessary to achieve tampons with complex longitudinal or radial shapes. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0021] Despite all molded tampons being proposed in prior art, the need to address key consumer concerns—namely, comfort and leak prevention—still remains. [Means for solving the problem]

[0022] This invention is proposed to solve these problems by providing a molded tampon that conforms to the anatomical structure of women and exhibits good fluid absorption characteristics.

[0023] Molded tampons having an elliptical cross-section on at least a portion of their longitudinal profile can provide a better fit to the wearer's anatomical structure and, therefore, increase wearer comfort without impairing fluid absorption properties.

[0024] In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a press for forming an absorbent tampon blank into a molded tampon legit. The press comprises a central cavity arranged and configured to accommodate an absorbent tampon blank having a front portion and a rear portion. The main longitudinal axis of the press passes through the center of the central cavity, and a plurality of through dies are arranged radially around the main longitudinal axis. Each through die has a pressing surface on at least a portion of its side surface facing the central cavity. The press comprises at least one cam for operating the plurality of through dies. Furthermore, the plurality of through dies include at least one through die having a pressing surface having a first molding longitudinal profile, and at least one through die having a pressing surface having a second molding longitudinal profile.

[0025] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for forming a tampon, comprising the steps of: introducing a tampon blank into a press machine according to the present disclosure; activating a first group of through dies; activating a second group of through dies; partially disengaging the first group of through dies to a transfer position; enabling the front portion of a compressed tampon legite to pass through the partially disengaged group of through dies; partially disengaging the second group of through dies; and discharging the compressed tampon legite from the press machine to a conveying device.

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

[0027] Therefore, the present invention relates to a molded tampon having a groove pattern and a combination of external shapes that vary in the radial and longitudinal directions.

[0028] In a first aspect, a molded tampon according to the present invention has a longitudinal axis, an insertion portion having an insertion tip, and a withdrawal portion having a withdrawal tip, the insertion portion and the withdrawal portion converging through a central portion, and each portion being provided with a plurality of grooves. The contour of the insertion portion in the axial cross-sectional plane is an ellipse having a major axis and a minor axis, the major axis being unequal to the minor axis, the major axis and the minor axis and the maximum axial cross-section, and the contour of the insertion portion being curved in at least one longitudinal cross-sectional plane, and the grooves on the insertion portion extending from the central portion to the insertion tip and being fused at the dome-shaped insertion tip.

[0029] [[ID=X12]]In a second aspect, the shape of the tampon according to the present invention provides a guiding insertion to facilitate its accurate and comfortable placement.

[0030] In a third aspect, the tampon according to the present invention has a higher inflation portion on the insertion portion of the tampon pre-set, so that most of the absorption occurs in a region where the vagina is less sensitive, increasing the comfort of the consumer during wear.

[0031] In a fourth aspect, the tampon according to the present invention is flexible and provides increased comfort during wear despite its structural strength required to be stable during insertion by finger.

[0032] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by examining the following description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] [[ID=3X1]] [Figure 1] Side views of three embodiments of a through die. For each embodiment, a pair of dies is shown. Each embodiment has a different molding profile. [Figure 2] This is a radial view of a press machine equipped with eight through-dies. A radial view means that it follows a plane perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis. [Figure 3] A perspective view of a press machine including eight through-dies and a compression tampon. The through-dies are in an open configuration. For clarity, the grooves have been omitted from the tampon. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 3, where the through-die is in a closed configuration. For clarity, two through-dies have been omitted so that the tampon is visible. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a split composite through-die. The front is on the right side of the figure, and the rear is on the left side. The pressing surface is facing upwards. [Figure 6A] This is a perspective view of eight composite through-dies arranged radially in an open configuration. [Figure 6B] This is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 6A, showing only the front part of the composite through-die. [Figure 6C] This is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 6A, showing only the rear portion of the composite through-die. [Figure 7A] This is a perspective view of eight composite through-dies arranged radially in a closed configuration. [Figure 7B] This is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 7A, showing only the front part of the composite through-die. [Figure 7C] This is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 7A, showing only the rear portion of the composite through-die. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a composite through-die that engages with a tampon. Both the front and rear of the composite through-die are in a closed configuration, creating a substantially continuous groove made of two segments. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the two rear parts of the composite through-die that engages with the tampon. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the front of two adjacent composite through-dies and the rear of one composite through-die, positioned to generate branched grooves on the outer surface of an absorbent tamp pump legite. The rear of the composite through-die is shown in the front of the drawing and is colored gray. [Figure 11] This is a diagram of a series of six tampons according to one embodiment of the present invention. The tampons are identified by the letters A through G from left to right in the diagram. [Figure 12] This is a side view of a packaged tampon. [Figure 13] This is a front view of an unpackaged tampon with the pull-out string extending from it. [Figure 14] This figure shows an axial cross-sectional view of the insertion portion of the tampon according to the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows an axial cross-sectional view of the pull-out portion of the tampon according to the present invention. [Figure 16] This diagram shows an overlay of axial cross-sectional views of the insertion portion and the withdrawal portion of the tampon according to the present invention. [Figure 17] This diagram shows a perspective view of a tampon according to the present invention. Its insertion tip faces backward and downward, and its withdrawal end is at the front. The withdrawal string protruding from the withdrawal end is also shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] When used in this specification and in the claims, The term "formed longitudinal profile" and its variations relate to the configuration of the edges of an object, considered along the longitudinal axis of a press machine. "Formed" means that the edges of an object are not straight along their entire length. They may be curved several times in some cases. In other words, a formed profile may include concave or convex curves, either alone or in conjunction with one or more curves. It may also include one or more straight sections in relation to one or more curved sections. The term "tampon blank" and its variations refer to uncompressible tampon material. The term "pregit" and its variations refer to pads or compression cloths made of absorbent materials such as fibers designed to absorb bodily fluids. "Tampon pregit" or "absorbent tampon pregit" refers to compressed absorbent material after the tampon blank has been compressed in a press machine. The term "groove" and its variations refer to indentations on the surface of the tamp press. For clarity, the grooves may be "through grooves" extending at least 0.7 mm (or 10% of its radius, whichever is greater) into the tamp press, or they may be "shallow grooves," i.e., indentations on the surface that do not have significant penetration into the tamp press body (0.7 mm or less, or 10% or less of its radius). The areas between the grooves may take the form of ribs. The term "adjacent" and its variations refer to elements that are arranged side by side but not in contact with each other. It is preferable that the tips not be in contact with each other, as this can generate friction and heat and be detrimental to the proper operation of the press machine at high speeds. The term "tip" and its variations refer to the end of the pressing surface according to its narrow longitudinal dimension. The term "branching" and its variations refer to a branching point that divides a line into two parts, or a branching point that forms a "Y" shape. The term "radial plane" and its variations refer to a plane perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of a press machine. The term "partially disengaging" a group of through-dies means that the dies remain engaged with the forward portion of the compression tamp pump legite, but the discharge device, such as a discharge rod, can be retracted in a manner sufficient to allow the compression tamp pump legite to be pushed out of the press without the discharge device coming into contact with the through-dies. The longitudinal axis XX of the molded tampon is defined as the axis passing through the center of the insertion end and the withdrawal end. The axial cross-section is defined as a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX, as shown in Figures 14 to 16. The longitudinal section is defined as a plane containing the longitudinal axis. An ellipse can be mathematically defined as a closed conic section formed by a flattened circle and an inclined plane that does not cut the base of the cone. The outline of the ellipse may be as shown in Figure 14. The term "maximum axial cross-section" of the insertion portion is defined as the axial cross-section at which the outer circumference of the insertion portion reaches its maximum value. The term "minimum diameter" refers to the distance between two points corresponding to the intersection of the minor axis of an ellipse and the contour of the ellipse. The term "maximum diameter" refers to the distance between two points corresponding to the intersection of the major axis of the ellipse and the ellipse's contour. Furthermore, "Large side" refers to the side parallel to the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the insertion portion as defined above.

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

[0036] By having a molded longitudinal profile on the pressing surface of the through-die, it becomes possible to manufacture tampon legits with a molded profile. When several different longitudinal profiles are used, it becomes possible to create tampon legits with complex longitudinal profiles and potentially non-circular cross-sections on at least a portion of the tampon legit. These molded tampons are thought to provide improved comfort to the user by having a shape that is more conformed to the vaginal structure compared to straight cylindrical tampons.

[0037] Figure 1 shows three pairs of through dies 100a, 100b, and 100c, each having three different molding profile embodiments of the pressing surface pairs, with their pressing surfaces 102a, 102b, and 102c.

[0038] Multiple through-dies can be arranged around the main longitudinal axis XX of opposing sets of through-dies. In this configuration, at least one opposing set of through-dies may be arranged to have opposing pressing surfaces that are 180° apart along the main longitudinal axis.

[0039] In certain embodiments, at least one opposing set of through dies may be arranged to have two pressing surfaces facing one pressing surface, or alternatively, one pressing surface that moves toward the gap between the other two pressing surfaces, and the opposing set of through dies may include an even or odd number of through dies.

[0040] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, three opposing sets of through dies are shown arranged radially around the central cavity 104 of the press machine 100. The first opposing set of two through dies 100a has a large maximum gap between the opposing pressing surfaces 102a, the second opposing set of four through dies 100b has an intermediate maximum gap between the opposing pressing surfaces 102b, and the third opposing set of two through dies 100c has a small maximum gap between the opposing pressing surfaces 102c (as shown in Figure 1).

[0041] Figure 4 corresponds to Figure 3, and the through-die engages with the tamping leg 106 along the longitudinal axis XX. For clarity, two through-dies are omitted from Figure 4.

[0042] Preferably, at least one opposing set of through dies may have an even number of through dies. In a more preferred configuration, at least one opposing set of through dies may have at least four through dies arranged around a main longitudinal axis.

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

[0044] In a preferred configuration, groups of opposing pressing surfaces within a set of opposing through-dies may be identical. In a more preferred configuration, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the pressing surfaces of opposing sets of through-dies may have axial symmetry. In other words, in a preferred configuration, the pressing surfaces of opposing sets of through-dies may have at least one plane of symmetry, preferably two.

[0045] In a second embodiment of the present invention, a press machine for forming an absorbent tampon blank incorporates longitudinally divided through-dies to create a group of composite through-dies. The composite through-die has two parts, a front part and a rear part. The front parts of the composite through-dies are grouped together and referred to as the front group. The rear parts of the composite through-dies are grouped together and referred to as the rear group.

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

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

[0048] The use of composite through-dies allows for different through-dies to shape the front and rear portions of the tampon blank, and these can operate in a non-simultaneous manner, thus enabling the production of complex molded tampons. This may be relevant when the central cavity has limited space and only offers the possibility of operating a limited number of pressure surfaces simultaneously.

[0049] Referring to Figure 5, one embodiment of a composite through-die comprising a front section 200 and a rear section 202 is shown. As shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, all composite through-die front sections 200a to 200h constitute a front group (or composite through-die front group) as shown in Figure 6B. Thus, all composite through-die rear sections 202a to 202h constitute a rear group (or composite 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-described configuration of the through-die allows the front and rear groups to be operated independently. This particular configuration enables greater freedom in the operation of the press machine according to the present invention, which can be achieved, for example, by a first cam that operates the front group and a second cam that operates the rear group.

[0051] In one embodiment, all through-dies may be composite through-dies.

[0052] In one embodiment, at least two composite through-die fronts, for example, 200c and 200g, are identical. In this case as well, the composite through-die fronts may be arranged in opposing sets.

[0053] In one embodiment, the press machine according to the present invention may also comprise at least two identical composite through-die rears, for example, 202a and 202e. In this case as well, the composite through-die rears may be arranged in opposing sets.

[0054] In one embodiment, the press machine has at least two composite through-dies, each having rear and front pressing surfaces arranged to produce a substantially continuous groove made of two segments on the outer surface of an absorbent tamp press. The tips of the two pressing surfaces are adjacent at a connection point.

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

[0056] The connection point can be located approximately in the center of the tampon blank. The center refers to 25% to 75% of the length of the tampon leg, preferably 40% to 60% of the length of the tampon leg, and the length is considered along the longitudinal axis.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the press machine has a plurality of composite through-die rears having pressing surfaces that are not parallel to the main longitudinal axis, preferably arranged in a spiral pattern. This configuration increases the length of the groove, thereby increasing the path for any fluid along the tampon and thus reducing the risk of leakage.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the front of all composite through-dies may have a pressing surface parallel to the main longitudinal axis. This configuration reduces the discharge force required to remove the press from the press.

[0059] In another embodiment, the press according to the present invention may have at least two adjacent composite through-dies having front and rear pressing surfaces that do not have a connection point. Thus, the at least two composite through-dies may have front and rear pressing surfaces that do not create substantially continuous grooves on the outer surface of the tamp press legite.

[0060] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, two composite through-die rear portions 202' facing each other across the longitudinal axis XX engage with the tampon leg 206. The grooves 302 generated by the two composite through-die rear portions 202' are located on the rear portion 214a of the tampon 212 and have no 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] Referring to Figure 10, the pressing surfaces 102 of at least two adjacent composite through-die front sections 200' (also shown in Figures 8 and 9) and the pressing surface of one composite through-die rear section 202' (also shown in Figures 8 and 9) can be arranged on the outer surface of the absorbent tamp legite to generate a branched groove (shown in Figures 8 and 9) made up of three segments: rear groove segments 304 and two front groove segments 306. The inner tips of the three pressing surfaces are adjacent at the groove connection point 308 and at the location identified by the intersection 218. More specifically, the three through-dies: one through-die rear section 202' and two through-die front sections 200' are shown in the closed position. The pressing surface 102 extending between the tips 204 and 206 of the rear portion 202' of the composite through-die is positioned and configured to form the exit end portion 304 of the branch groove (see Figure 8), and the pressing surface 102 extending between the two tips 208 and 210 of the front portions 200' of the two associated composite through-die is positioned and configured to form the insertion end portion 306 of the branch groove (see Figure 8).

[0062] The press machine according to the present invention may comprise at least two sets of composite through dies, each having pressing surfaces that generate at least two of the branched grooves on the outer surface of an absorbent tamp press.

[0063] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the press machine may comprise at least two, preferably four, preferably six, and most preferably eight composite through-die fronts having a pressing surface having a forming longitudinal profile.

[0064] Furthermore, the press machine according to the present invention may have a composite through-die front section equipped with a pressing surface having at least two different forming longitudinal profiles.

[0065] More specifically, the longitudinal profile of the pressed surface may be curved to create a concave profile on the pressed surface.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a press machine in which the connection point of two pressing surfaces of a composite through die is arranged to produce a substantially continuous groove made of two segments, and the three pressing surfaces of a composite through die are arranged to produce a branched groove made of three segments, but not all of them are located in the same radial plane.

[0067] Alternatively, the present invention may relate to a press machine in which the connection point of two pressing surfaces of a composite through-die is arranged to produce a substantially continuous groove made of two segments, and the three pressing surfaces of a composite through-die are arranged to produce a branched groove made of three segments, all of which are contained within the same radial plane.

[0068] The location of the connection points of different grooves that may exist on the tampon leg can affect the tampon's flexibility. In certain situations, it may be advantageous to provide a tampon with improved flexibility, that is, a tampon that can bend along its longitudinal axis. This type of tampon is thought to provide the wearer with enhanced comfort.

[0069] A method for manufacturing a molded tampon regit according to the present disclosure may include the steps of: introducing a tampon blank into a press machine according to the present disclosure; activating a first group of through dies to compress the tampon blank with a first set of pressing surfaces; activating a second group of through dies to compress the tampon blank with a second set of pressing surfaces; partially disengaging one of the groups of through dies to move the corresponding pressing surface to a transfer position, thereby allowing the front portion of the compressed tampon regit to pass through the partially disengaged group of through dies; partially disengaging the second group of through dies; and discharging the resulting compressed tampon regit from the press machine to a conveying device.

[0070] A preferred method for manufacturing a molded tampon according to the present invention may include the steps of: introducing a tampon blank into a press machine according to the present disclosure; operating the front part of the composite through-die to compress the front portion of the plaid with the pressing surface of the front part of the composite through-die; operating the rear part of the composite through-die to compress the rear portion of the plaid with the pressing surface of the rear part of the composite through-die; partially disengaging the rear part of the composite through-die to release the rear portion of the plaid from the pressing surface of the rear part of the composite through-die; partially disengaging the front part of the composite through-die; discharging the compressed tampon plaid from the press machine to a conveying device; and completely disengaging the front part of the composite through-die and the rear part of the composite through-die.

[0071] The composite through-die front section of the present invention can be operated in a non-simultaneous manner. In other words, not all through-die front sections engage with the tampon blank at the same time. The space within the central cavity is limited, and in some configurations, it may not be possible to fully engage all through-dies with the tampon at the same time. In this case, some of the through-dies must be disengaged at least partially before the other through-dies can compress the tampon blank. The same configuration may occur with respect to the through-die rear section. That is, the composite through-die rear section can be operated in a non-simultaneous manner.

[0072] In yet another embodiment, the present invention can refer to a molded physiological tampon manufactured by the press described in this disclosure.

[0073] As shown in Figure 11, the molded tampon 10 is an elongated, compressed fibrous plaid extending from a rounded insertion portion 12 to a pull-out portion 14 having a pull-out string 16 extending therefrom. These can be sealed in primary packaging 18 having a fragile line or tear line 20 to allow the packaging paper 20 to be opened for removal of the sealed tampon 10. The series of tampon diagrams show exemplary tampon rotations over approximately 180°, illustrating the molding and variation of the 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 packaging 18. The tear line 20 for opening the packaging is indicated by a black curve. Tampons C, D, E, and G are unpackaged. Each tampon has a pull-out string 16 located below the pull-out portion 14 of each unpackaged tampon 10.

[0074] Figure 12 is a side view of the packaged tampon 10, showing the side profile of the insertion portion 12. Figure 13 is a front view of the tampon 10, showing a larger profile of the insertion portion 12. The tampons 10 in Figures 12 and 13 have multiple longitudinally extending grooves 22, with ribs 24 positioned between them. Figure 12 shows a truncated groove 22', and Figure 13 shows a branched groove 22''. The combination of the branched groove 22'' and the truncated groove 22' allows for the compression described above to provide the unique elliptical cross-section of the insertion portion 12 of the tampon 10.

[0075] The outer elliptical shape shown in Figure 14 represents the outer circumference of the tampon insertion portion 12. The eight lines perpendicular to the outer circumference of the ellipse represent the positions of the grooves 22 on the insertion portion 12.

[0076] The circle shown in Figure 15 represents the outer circumference of the tampon pull-out portion 14. The eight lines perpendicular to the outer circumference of the circle represent the positions of the grooves 22 on the pull-out portion 14.

[0077] Figure 6 is a superposition of Figures 4 and 5. The cross-section of the circular extension portion 14 is at the center, and the insertion portion 12 extends outward on the side. The longitudinal axes of the two portions are aligned. The positions of the grooves 22 on both the insertion portion and the extension portion are represented by lines perpendicular to either the elliptical or circular outer circumference, and are grouped to indicate the positions of the branch groove 22'' and the truncated groove 22'.

[0078] The present invention discloses a molded 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 having a plurality of grooves, and the profile of the insertion portion 12 in the axial cross-sectional plane is substantially elliptical with a major axis and a minor axis, the major axis being not equal to the minor axis. The insertion portion 12 has a maximum axial cross-section, and the profile 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, and they converge toward the dome-shaped insertion tip 28.

[0079] This specific molding profile is thought to conform to the anatomical structure of the vagina, providing better placement of the tampon within the vaginal cavity, as well as easier insertion. If the consumer changes position during insertion, placement, or while wearing the tampon leg, the tampon automatically rotates along its longitudinal axis to match the vaginal wall structure. This can provide the user with improved placement and improved comfort compared to conventional tampons. Improved placement can also reduce the risk of leakage.

[0080] Furthermore, this particular shape of the tampon according to the present invention can create a higher inflatable insertion portion at the top of the tampon leg, so that the majority of absorption can occur in less sensitive areas of the vagina, increasing the comfort of wear for the consumer.

[0081] In another embodiment of the molded tampon according to the present invention, both longitudinal sides 40 of the contour of the pull-out portion 14, following the longitudinal cross-sectional plane, are substantially parallel.

[0082] In other words, in this embodiment, the tampon pull-out portion can have a contour of any shape in the 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 molded tampon according to the present invention, the contour of the pull-out portion according to the axial cross-sectional plane is substantially circular.

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

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

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

[0087] More precisely, the shoulder portion can be located between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4 of the length of the tampon's longitudinal axis.

[0088] More precisely, the shoulder portion can be located at 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the length of the tampon's longitudinal axis.

[0089] The shoulder portion may also be located at 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the length of the tampon's longitudinal axis, where 1 / 3 refers to the first 1 / 3 of the tampon length starting from the insertion tip 28.

[0090] In one preferred embodiment, the shoulder portion can be substantially located at the center of the longitudinal axis of the tampon.

[0091] These specific ratios between the length of the insertion portion and the length of the withdrawal portion are thought to create a molded tampon that fits particularly well to the anatomical structure of the vagina, helps prevent leakage, and increases the comfort of wearing the molded tampon.

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

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

[0094] In a particular embodiment of the molded tampon according to the present invention, the length of the minor axis of the maximum 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] These ratios between the diameter of the insertion portion 12 and the diameter of the withdrawal portion 14 make it possible to create a molded tampon 10 that fits particularly well to the anatomical structure of the vagina, helps prevent leakage, and increases the comfort of wearing the molded tampon 10.

[0096] In another specific embodiment of the molded tampon according to the present invention, the minimum diameter of the maximum 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 along 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 along the axial cross-section.

[0099] In another configuration of the molded tampon 10 according to the present invention, the maximum diameter of the maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion 12 may be larger than the diameter of the withdrawal portion 14 along the axial cross-section.

[0100] In another embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the minimum diameter to the maximum diameter of the maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion 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, and preferably 1:1.7 to 1:2.0.

[0101] These ratios between the minimum and maximum diameters are one of the parameters that define the elliptical shape of the axial cross-section of the insertion portion 12. These diameter ratios are thought to conform well to the anatomical structure of the vagina, helping to prevent leakage and increasing the comfort of wearing the molded tampon 10.

[0102] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least two, preferably at least four, of the grooves 22 present on the insertion portion 12 are offset from the grooves 22 present on the withdrawal portion 14.

[0103] This configuration makes it possible to create discontinuities, for example, differences in the groove patterns between the insertion portion and the withdrawal portion, which involve the truncated grooves 22' and branched grooves 22'' of the overall groove pattern at the shoulder position. This is thought to contribute to the longitudinal flexibility of the tampon according to the present invention and therefore increase the comfort of wearing it for the user.

[0104] In certain embodiments of the present invention, at least four grooves present on the insertion portion may be contained within a first set of at least two longitudinal cross-sectional planes, and at least four grooves present on the withdrawal portion may be contained within a second set of at least two longitudinal cross-sectional planes, and these at least four longitudinal cross-sectional planes may be different from one another.

[0105] In other words, the first set of longitudinal section planes as defined above does not have to include grooves located on the pull-out portion. The second set of longitudinal section planes as defined above does not have to include grooves located on the pull-out portion.

[0106] This particular setup may involve discontinuities in the groove pattern at the shoulder area. This is thought to contribute to the longitudinal flexibility of the tampon according to the present invention and thus increase the user's wearing comfort.

[0107] In another embodiment of the present invention, the number of grooves on the insertion portion is 3 to 12, preferably 6 to 10, and more preferably 8.

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

[0109] In certain configurations, the number of grooves on the insertion portion may be the same as the number of grooves on the extraction portion.

[0110] Alternatively, the number of grooves on the insertion portion may differ from the number of grooves on the extraction portion.

[0111] In one preferred embodiment, the number of grooves on the insertion portion may be 4, and the number of grooves on the withdrawal portion may be 4.

[0112] In another preferred configuration of the present invention, the number of grooves on the insertion portion may be 8, and the number of grooves on the withdrawal portion may be 8.

[0113] The grooves 22 can be generated by the finger tampon manufacturing process when the tampon pledged is compressed by the press jaws, as described above. This compression generates the column strength necessary to give the tampon pledged longitudinal rigidity, allowing it to be inserted into the vaginal cavity by finger. The grooves 22 are also thought to help guide 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] Therefore, the number of grooves 22 may reflect differences in the rigidity of each part of the tampon, or differences in the fluid absorption characteristics of each part. The grooves may also be a distinctive feature of the tampon legacy, creating a pattern that can be recognized by consumers and help distinguish it from competing tampons.

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

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

[0117] In a particular configuration of the present invention, each of the four grooves 22 on the insertion portion 12 can converge into a single groove 22 on the withdrawal portion 14, passing 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 insertion portion each converge into one groove 22'' on the withdrawal portion 14, passing through a shoulder portion 42 located on the central portion 26.

[0119] In other words, the groove pattern on the molded tampon can present at least one pair of branched 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 twice to provide one or more pairs of branched grooves 22''.

[0120] It should be noted that the term "converging" refers to the direction of the grooves, not the depth of the grooves. The surface appearance of the converging grooves of the molded 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, and the converging grooves may not be as deep at the shoulder as they are at the insertion or withdrawal section.

[0121] An embodiment of the branched groove according to the present invention can be seen in Figure 13.

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

[0123] Furthermore, a molded tampon may have one or two symmetrical branched grooves on each side of the tampon.

[0124] This very specific structure may be involved in the discontinuity of the groove pattern at the shoulder position. It is thought to contribute to the longitudinal flexibility of the tampon according to the present invention. Longitudinal flexibility means that this particular groove pattern can create an ankle at approximately the shoulder position. This flexibility of the tampon legit may be an advantage for the consumer because it creates additional comfort without hindering the longitudinal column strength required for finger insertion.

[0125] In another embodiment, the two grooves on the withdrawal portion, which converge into the two pairs of grooves on the insertion portion, are located in a plane defined by two axes, namely the longitudinal axis and the elliptical minor axis of the maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion.

[0126] In other words, the branched groove or "Y"-shaped groove can be located on the large side surface of the molded tampon, as can be seen in Figure 13.

[0127] In certain embodiments, the present invention has at least one truncated groove 22' on the withdrawal portion 14 that does not converge to any groove on the insertion portion 12.

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

[0129] At least two cut-off grooves 22' on the pull-out portion 14 can be located in a plane defined by two axes, namely the longitudinal axis and the major axis of the ellipse of the cross-section of the maximum axial direction of the insertion portion.

[0130] Another possibility according to the present invention is that none of the grooves on the insertion portion have to be located in a plane defined by two axes, namely the longitudinal axis and the major axis of the ellipse of the cross-section of the insertion portion at its maximum axial position.

[0131] In an alternative configuration, none of the grooves on the insertion portion may be located within the plane defined by two axes, namely the longitudinal axis and the minor axis of the ellipse of the cross-section of the insertion portion's maximum axial direction.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present invention, the grooves 22 on the insertion portion 12 are distributed almost uniformly.

[0133] Similarly, the grooves 22 on the drawer portion 14 can also be distributed almost uniformly.

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

[0135] Alternatively, the grooves 22 on the insertion portion 12 may also be similarly unevenly distributed.

[0136] A uniform distribution of grooves 22 may be advantageous for achieving homogeneous compression of the fibers, but in some cases, the opposite (i.e., a non-uniform distribution) may be desirable to create different compression zones within the same tampon leg. This can affect the column strength of the tampon and its absorption characteristics (volume, rate).

[0137] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the fiber density of the insertion portion is greater than or equal to the fiber density of the extraction portion.

[0138] In a more specific configuration, the fiber density of the insertion portion may be 80% to 120% of the fiber density of the extraction portion. Alternatively, the fiber density of the insertion portion may be 120% to 200% of the fiber density of the extraction portion.

[0139] This homogeneity of fiber density along the length of the molded tampon leg according to the present invention can be achieved by modifying the amount of raw materials in the structure of the tampon blank before compression.

[0140] Having a homogeneous density allows for uniform fluid absorption along the tampon's ridges, but an insertion portion with a higher fiber density can contribute to a higher expansion portion at the top of the tampon. Therefore, most of the absorption occurs in less sensitive areas of the vagina, increasing the consumer's wearing comfort.

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

[0142] The above specifications and embodiments are provided 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 is included in the appended claims below.

[0143] [Implementation Method] (1) A press machine for forming an absorbent tampon blank into a molded tampon legit, the press machine comprising: a central cavity arranged and configured to accommodate an absorbent tampon blank having a front portion and a rear portion; a main longitudinal axis of the press machine passing through the center of the central cavity; a plurality of through dies, each through die having a pressing surface on at least a portion of the side surface of the through die facing the central cavity, and the plurality of through dies being arranged radially around the main longitudinal axis; and at least one cam for operating the plurality of through dies. Equipped with, At least one through die has a pressing surface having a first forming longitudinal profile, At least one through die has a pressing surface having a second forming longitudinal profile, Press machine. (2) The press machine according to Embodiment 1, wherein a plurality of through dies are divided in the longitudinal direction to form a group of composite through dies, the composite through die having two parts, a front part and a rear part, all of the front parts of the composite through die constitute a front group, and all of the rear parts of the composite through die constitute a rear group. (3) The press machine according to Embodiment 2, wherein the preceding group and the succeeding group are operated independently. (4) The press machine according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein all of the through dies are composite through dies. (5) A press machine according to any of embodiments 2 to 4, wherein at least two composite through-die fronts are identical.

[0144] (6) A press machine according to any of embodiments 2 to 5, wherein at least two composite through-die rear sections are identical. (7) The press according to any two embodiments 2 to 6, wherein at least two of the composite through-die have rear and front pressing surfaces arranged to produce a substantially continuous groove made of two segments on the outer surface of the absorbent tamp press legite, and the tips of the two pressing surfaces are adjacent at a connection point. (8) The press machine according to any one of embodiments 2 to 7, wherein the rear portions of the multiple composite through dies have pressing surfaces that are not parallel to the main longitudinal axis. (9) The press machine according to embodiment 8, wherein the pressing surfaces are arranged in a spiral shape. (10) A press machine according to any one of embodiments 2 to 9, wherein at least two adjacent composite through dies have front and rear pressing surfaces without a connection point.

[0145] (11) A press machine according to any of embodiments 2 to 10, wherein the pressing surfaces of at least two adjacent composite through-die fronts and the pressing surface of one composite through-die rear are arranged to generate a branched groove made of three segments on the outer surface of the absorbent tamp press legite, and the tips of the three pressing surfaces are adjacent at a connection point. (12) The press machine according to any two of the composite through-die fronts, wherein at least two of the front portions have pressing surfaces having a forming longitudinal profile. (13) The press machine according to any of embodiments 2 to 11, wherein at least four of the front portions of the composite through die have pressing surfaces having a forming longitudinal profile. (14) The press machine according to any of embodiments 2 to 11, wherein at least six of the front portions of the composite through die have pressing surfaces having a forming longitudinal profile. (15) The press machine according to any of embodiments 2 to 11, wherein at least eight of the front portions of the composite through die have pressing surfaces having a forming longitudinal profile.

[0146] (16) The two pressing surfaces of the composite through die, which are arranged to produce a substantially continuous groove made of two segments, and The three pressing surfaces of the composite through die are arranged to generate a branch groove made of three segments. The aforementioned connection points are not all contained within the same radial plane. A press machine according to Embodiment 7 or any embodiment dependent on Embodiment 7. (17) A method for manufacturing molded tamp presse, A step of introducing a tampon blank into a press machine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 16, A step of activating a first group of through-dies to compress the tampon blank with a first set of pressing surfaces, A step of activating a second group of through-dies to compress the tampon blank with a second set of pressing surfaces, A step of partially disengaging one of the groups of through-dies to move the corresponding pressing surface to a transfer position, thereby allowing the front portion of the compression tam pump legite to pass through the partially disengaged group of through-dies, A step of partially disengaging the second group of through-dies, The process involves discharging the resulting compressed tank pump residue from the press machine to a conveying device, including, method. (18) A method for manufacturing molded tamp presse, A step of introducing a tampon blank into a press machine according to Embodiment 2 or any of Embodiments 2, A step of operating the front part of the composite through-die to compress the front portion of the bridge with the pressing surface of the front part of the composite through-die, A step of operating the rear portion of the composite through-die to compress the rear portion of the bridge with the pressing surface of the rear portion of the composite through-die, A step of partially disengaging the rear portion of the composite through-die to release the rear portion of the composite through-die from the pressing surface, A step of partially disengaging the front portion of the composite through die, The process of discharging the compressed tampon legite from the press machine to a conveying device, A step of completely disengaging the front portion of the composite through-die and the rear portion of the composite through-die, including, method. (19) A molded tampon having a longitudinal axis, an insertion portion having an insertion tip, and an extraction portion having an extraction end, wherein the insertion portion and the extraction portion are connected via a central portion, and each portion is provided with a plurality of grooves, The contour of the insertion portion in the axial cross-sectional plane is elliptical, and the ellipse has a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the major axis is not equal to the minor axis, and a maximum axial cross-section. The contour of the insertion portion is curved in at least one longitudinal cross-sectional plane, The groove on the insertion portion extends from the central portion to the insertion tip and is fused at the dome-shaped insertion tip. Characterized by, Molded tampons. (20) The molded tampon according to Embodiment 19, wherein both sides of the longitudinal contour of the pull-out portion, following the longitudinal cross-sectional plane, are substantially parallel.

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

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

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

[0150] (36) A molded tampon according to Embodiment 22 or any embodiment dependent on Embodiment 22, wherein at least two pairs of grooves on the insertion portion each converge into one groove on the withdrawal portion through the shoulder portion located on the central portion. (37) Two grooves on the withdrawal portion that converge into the two pairs of grooves on the insertion portion, respectively, are two shafts: The aforementioned longitudinal axis, and The elliptical minor axis of the maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion Located within the plane defined by, A molded tampon according to any one of embodiments 19 to 36. (38) A molded tampon according to any one of embodiments 19 to 37, wherein at least one groove on the pull-out portion does not converge to any groove on the insertion portion. (39) A molded tampon according to any one of embodiments 19 to 38, wherein the grooves on the insertion portion are distributed substantially uniformly. (40) A molded tampon according to any one of embodiments 19 to 39, wherein the fiber density of the insertion portion is equal to or greater than the fiber density of the withdrawal portion.

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

Claims

1. A method for forming an absorbent tampon blank into a molded tampon legit, A step of introducing a tampon blank having a front portion and a rear portion into a press machine, wherein the press machine comprises a central cavity arranged and configured to accommodate the tampon blank, the central cavity having a main longitudinal axis passing through the press machine; a plurality of through dies, each having a pressing surface on at least a portion of the side surface of the through die facing the central cavity, the plurality of through dies being arranged radially around the main longitudinal axis; and at least one cam for operating the plurality of through dies. Each of the plurality of through dies is divided in the longitudinal direction along the main longitudinal axis to create the front part and the rear part of the composite through die. Of the plurality of through dies, at least the first through die has a pressing surface having a first forming longitudinal profile, The process involves having at least one of the plurality of through dies, the second through die, having a pressing surface with a second forming longitudinal profile, A step of operating the front part of the composite through-die to compress the front portion of the tampon blank with the pressing surface of the front part of the composite through-die, A step of operating the rear portion of the composite through-die to compress the rear portion of the tampon blank with the pressing surface of the rear portion of the composite through-die, thereby forming the compressed molded tampon legite. A step of partially disengaging the rear portion of the composite through-die to release the rear portion of the compressed molding tampon legite from the pressing surface of the rear portion of the composite through-die, A step of partially disengaging the front portion of the composite through die, A step of discharging the compressed molded tam pump legite from the press machine to a conveying device, A step of completely disengaging the front portion and the rear portion of the composite through-die, Includes, All of the front portions of the composite through-die constitute a front group, and all of the rear portions of the composite through-die constitute a rear group. A method in which the aforementioned prior group and the aforementioned subsequent group operate independently.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein each through die has a first portion that is straight and parallel to the main longitudinal axis, and a second portion that is curved with respect to the main longitudinal axis and creates a concave profile on the pressing surface.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein all of the through-dies are composite through-dies.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the front portions of at least two of the composite through-dies are identical.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rear portions of at least two of the composite through-die are identical.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the front and rear pressing surfaces of at least two of the composite through-dies have an inner tip and an outer tip, respectively, and are arranged to generate a continuous groove made of two segments on the outer surface of the forming tamp press legite, and the inner tip of the front pressing surface and the inner tip of the rear pressing surface are adjacent at a connection point.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pressing surfaces at the rear of the plurality of composite through dies are not parallel to the main longitudinal axis.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the pressing surfaces, which are not parallel to the main longitudinal axis, are arranged in a spiral shape.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least two adjacent composite through-dies have the front and rear pressing surfaces without a connection point.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pressing surfaces of the front portions of two adjacent composite through-dies and the pressing surface of the rear portion of one composite through-die each have an inner tip and an outer tip, and are arranged on the outer surface of the forming tamp pump legite to generate a branch groove made of three segments, and the inner tips of the two front pressing surfaces and the inner tip of the rear pressing surface are adjacent at a connection point.

11. The method according to claim 6, wherein the connection points are not all located in the same radial plane.

Images