Patent ID: 7780892
Filing Date: 2010-08-24
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A process for forming at least one embossed gripping structure on a tampon applicator barrel, the tampon applicator barrel having an external barrel surface and a finger grip surface adjacent the external barrel surface, the tampon applicator barrel having a tubular wall surrounding an inner volume, the process comprising the steps of: positioning a mandrel in the tampon applicator barrel, the mandrel having an outer surface sized to be positioned in the inner volume and having a plurality of individual protrusions aligned circumferentially in a row about the outer surface of the mandrel; forming a plurality of individual embossments on the finger grip surface, the plurality of individual embossments each being a protrusion entirely above the external barrel surface of the tampon applicator barrel, the plurality of individual embossments being formed by the plurality of individual protrusions of the mandrel, wherein the plurality of individual embossments results in an axially weakened region in the tampon applicator barrel at the plurality of individual embossments; and applying an axial force to a plunger-receiving end of the tampon applicator barrel to fold the plurality of individual embossments back upon themselves at the weakened region thereby forming at least one raised gripping structure that has a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a substantially planar top portion between the first sidewall and the second sidewall formed by the tubular wall.