Patent US4266546A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4266546A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wrapped folded tampons
Assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
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Filing: 1980-02-25
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Granted: 1981-05-12
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Expires: 2000-02-25
Abstract
Abstract A tampon which is designed to be folded, has foldable absorbent material, a fluid pervious outerwrap which is overlapped at its edge and a withdrawal string that encircles the tampon at the overlapped edge of the wrap. After folding, the string and overlapped edge are on the outside surface of the tampon.
Inventors
- 👤 David R. Roland
- 👤 Edward G. Wollangk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:34
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/20; A61F13/34; A61F13/2051; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S604/00; Y10S604/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
A tampon comprising a foldable absorbent material having a long axis and a short axis; a fluid pervious outer wrap disposed around the absorbent core with the long axis oriented edges of the wrap being overlapped and sealed; a withdrawal string attached to the outer wrap at the overlapped edges; the tampon being folded across the short side with the withdrawal string and the overlapping wrap disposed on the outer surface of the tampon.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
74 words
A tampon comprising a foldable absorbent material having a long axis and a short axis; a fluid pervious outer wrap disposed around the absorbent core with the long axis oriented edges of the wrap being overlapped and sealed; a withdrawal string attached to the outer wrap at the overlapped edges; the tampon being folded across the short side with the withdrawal string and the overlapping wrap disposed on the outer surface of the tampon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tampon according to claim 1 in which the string is positioned between the overlapped edges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The tampon according to claim 1 wherein the string is adhesively attached.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The tampon according to claim 1 wherein the adhesive is heat activatable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tampon according to claim 1 wherein the withdrawal string and the wrap are heat fusible.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tampon according to claim 1 wherein the wrap extends beyond the edge of the absorbent and the wrap and string are adhered in the extended portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The tampon according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent material is rectangular before folding.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tampon according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent material is arcuate in cross section along one surface of the short axis.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The tampon according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent material contains superabsorbent.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-05-11 | 1984-11-10 | 1985-05-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-05-11 | 1988-11-10 | 1989-05-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-05-11 | 1992-11-10 | 1993-05-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |