Patent ID: 7722588
Filing Date: 2010-05-25
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A tampon comprising an absorbent structure substantially enclosed by a cover wherein (1) the cover comprises fluid-impervious plastic material in the form of a resilient three-dimensional web exhibiting a fiber-like appearance and tactile impression, (2) the fluid-impervious plastic material comprises a laminate having at least three layers: a first outer layer comprising a blend of at least two thermoplastic polymeric components, a continuous phase of a first thermoplastic polymeric component that exhibits a first melting point temperature and a dispersed phase of an immiscible, second thermoplastic polymeric component that exhibits a second melting point temperature, less than the first melting point temperature, such that when the web is heated to a temperature between the first melting point temperature and the second melting point temperature, the second thermoplastic polymeric component is capable of forming an adhesive bond; a second outer layer, opposite the first outer layer; and at least one intermediate layer, disposed between the first and second outer layers; and (3) the web has first and second surfaces, the first surface defining a plane having a multiplicity of apertures therein and being defined at least in part by one of the first and second layers, each of the apertures being defined by a multiplicity of intersecting fiber-like elements interconnected to one another substantially in the plane of the first surface, the web as defined by each of the fiber-like elements exhibiting a cross-section comprising a base portion in the plane of the first surface and a sidewall portion joined to each edge of the base portion, the sidewall portions extending generally in the direction of the second surface of the web, the sidewall portions being interconnected to one another intermediate the first and the second surfaces of the web to form interconnected sidewall portions terminating substantially concurrently with one another in a plane defined by the second surface.