US3683759A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for shaping tube ends
Assignee: Kimberly Clark Corp
•
Filing: 1970-12-10
•
Granted: 1972-08-15
•
Expires: 1990-12-10
Abstract
Abstract A method is disclosed for the fabrication of tampon applicator tubes in which the forward ends of thin-walled tube blanks are crimped to provide a plurality of longitudinal fold lines, folded and compressed to form a plurality of pleats, exercised to weaken the fold lines to facilitate ejection of the tampon and refolded under compression to form a pleated, generally conically shaped forward tube end having a relatively smooth exterior surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph A Voss
- 👤 Carl W Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 21:56
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C31/00; B29C31/002; A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/20; A61F13/2082; A61F13/2085; A61F13/26; A61F13/266; B29L; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/753
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for shaping the end portion of a tube comprising: crimping said end portiOn to provide a plurality of longitudinally disposed folds; folding and compressing said crimped end portion into a plurality of pleats, thereby forming said tube end into a generally conical shape; penetrating said folded forward end of said tube with male die means to at least partially unfold said forward end; and, refolding and compressing said forward end portion into said pleated, generally conical shape.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for shaping the end portion of a tube comprising: crimping said end portiOn to provide a plurality of longitudinally disposed folds; folding and compressing said crimped end portion into a plurality of pleats, thereby forming said tube end into a generally conical shape; penetrating said folded forward end of said tube with male die means to at least partially unfold said forward end; and, refolding and compressing said forward end portion into said pleated, generally conical shape.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method, as defined in claim 1, in which: said forward end portion is unfolded progressively in successive stages.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method, as defined in claim 1, in which: said tube end is substantially fully unfolded in a single operation by positioning said male die means within said tube and moving said die means forwardly to penetrate said forward end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method, as defined in claim 1, which includes: forming a small, centrally oriented aperture in said forward end portion of said tube during the refolding step.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2639646A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-15 | 1976-02-14 | 1976-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-15 | 1980-02-14 | 1980-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-15 | 1984-02-14 | 1984-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |