Patent ID: 7596929
Filing Date: 2009-10-06
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A continuous process for hermetically packaging a tampon in a moisture-proof manner which resists inadvertent opening and maintains the package integrity, thereby preventing damage and contamination to the tampon, comprising the step of: forming a continuous web of heat-sealable thermoplastic material into a flexible first wrapper which entirely encloses the tampon; continuously moving the web in a forward direction; heating and pressuring portions of the web periphery surrounding the tampon sufficient to form hermetic longitudinal seals and hermetic cross seals such that the tampon is entirely surrounded by the hermetically sealed plastic web in a hermetically sealed package, the hermetic seals being formed by applying pressure at sealing zones located at opposed edges on the package and heating the sealing zones to a temperature and for a time sufficient to form longitudinal and cross seals that are hermetic around the entire periphery of the package, the hermetic seals being formed in a continuous manner as the web is moved forward, and at least one of the hermetic longitudinal seals and cross-seals being peelable; and applying negative pressure to the tampon within the package in the range of about 8-20 inches of Mercury; wherein a hermetically sealed individually wrapped tampon is produced which is under negative pressure sufficient to retain the tampon snugly within the package without crushing or misshaping the tampon.