Patent ID: 6171426
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: A61F,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of making a tampon applicator member comprising the following steps:a) unwinding a rolled sheet-like material having a first surface and a second surface;b) applying a flowable material to the first surface of the sheet-like material to form a plurality of discrete coated zones;c) transforming the flowable material into a solid polymeric layer in the discrete coated zones;d) slitting the sheet-like material to form a plurality of individual sheet-like webs of material, wherein a first surface of each individual web, corresponding to the first surface of the sheet-like material, has an uncoated portion adjacent a first side edge, and a coated portion;f) separating an individual web into a plurality of applicator blanks, having a longitudinal axis which is substantially greater than a transverse axis and wherein a first surface of each blank, corresponding to the first surface of the individual sheet-like web, has an uncoated portion adjacent a first side edge, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a coated portion;g) applying an adhesive to the uncoated portion of the first surface of an applicator blank;h) forming the applicator blank around a forming mandrel that is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blank, leaving the first surface outwardly disposed;i) superposing a second side edge of the applicator blank, opposite the first side edge, over the first side edge to substantially overlap the uncoated portion of the first surface of the blank and to adhere the second surface of the blank, corresponding to the second surface of the sheet-like web, to the first surface of the blank to form a longitudinal seam, thereby forming the applicator member having an exposed, outwardly disposed surface.