Patent ID: 6283952
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of forming a tampon intended for digital insertion, said tampon having an axial dimension oriented in an axial direction, a radial dimension oriented in a radial direction, an insertion end dimensioned for insertion into a body cavity, a withdrawal end, and a cord attached thereto for withdrawal from the cavity, said method comprising the steps of:(a) rolling a length of compressible absorbent material into a rolled layered pledget with one end corresponding to the withdrawal end and another end corresponding to the insertion end,(b) displacing radially central layers of the absorbent material from the withdrawal end of the pledget towards the insertion end, to produce an increase in fiber density in at least some locations along an axially-extending central region of the tampon as compared to fiber density in regions radially outside of the central region,(c) radially compressing the pledget, and(d) forming an indentation in said withdrawal end of said pledget, wherein said withdrawal end is shaped to permit the user to apply an axial force thereto for inserting said tampon.