Soft, flexible tampon applicator and method for making same
First Claim
1. A tampon applicator barrel comprising:
- a thermoplastic resin; and
a block copolymer in amounts sufficient to adjust the elasticity of the tampon applicator so that the modulus of elasticity of the tampon applicator is less than about 42 psi, wherein said block copolymer comprises a plurality of three block copolymers.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
There is provided a tampon applicator, particularly an applicator barrel, comprising a unique compound to provide a soft, flexible applicator barrel that is more comfortable and has improved ease of insertion. The polymeric compound primarily comprises a thermoplastic resin and a block copolymer that exhibit unique load, energy and modulus of elasticity properties. The polymeric compound should also include a plasticizer and a compatibilizer/flow modifier, and may include a slip/mold release agent, and antioxidants, and even a pigment. There is also provided a method for making the polymeric compound that will be formed into an applicator or applicator barrel in which all of the above ingredients, except for the thermoplastic resin, are combined and formed into soft pellets. The soft resin pellets are then dry blended with pellets of the thermoplastic resin. The mixture of the thermoplastic resin pellets and the soft resin pellets are then melted and injection molded into the desired shape of the applicator or applicator barrel.
39 Citations
21 Claims
-
1. A tampon applicator barrel comprising:
-
a thermoplastic resin; and a block copolymer in amounts sufficient to adjust the elasticity of the tampon applicator so that the modulus of elasticity of the tampon applicator is less than about 42 psi, wherein said block copolymer comprises a plurality of three block copolymers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
Specification