Soft, flexible composition and method for making same
First Claim
1. A tampon applicator having a barrel and a plunger, the barrel comprising:
- a thermoplastic resin; and
a thermoplastic elastomer in an amount sufficient to adjust elasticity so that the modulus of elasticity of the barrel is less than about 169 psi.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
There is provided a composition comprising a unique polymeric compound that provides a soft, flexible product. There is also provided a unique polymeric tampon applicator that is soft and flexible. When used as a tampon applicator barrel, the barrel 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, an antioxidant, and even a pigment. There is also provided a method for making the polymeric compound that will be formed into a product, such as 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. There is thus provided a method of making a soft, polymeric tampon applicator or tampon applicator barrel.
92 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A tampon applicator having a barrel and a plunger, the barrel comprising:
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a thermoplastic resin; and
a thermoplastic elastomer in an amount sufficient to adjust elasticity so that the modulus of elasticity of the barrel is less than about 169 psi. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
an ethylene copolymer; and
a mineral oil.
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19. The tampon applicator of claim 18, wherein the barrel further comprises stearyl erucamide.
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20. The tampon applicator of claim 19, wherein the barrel further comprises an antioxidant.
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21. A tampon applicator barrel having a soft, flexible body for comfort and ease of insertion into the vagina comprising:
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a low density polyethylene;
at least three styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, each styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer having percentage by weight of styrene different than that of the other two block copolymers;
a compatibilizer/flow modifier; and
a plasticizer. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A tampon applicator barrel having a soft, flexible body for comfort and ease of insertion into the vagina comprising:
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a low density polyethylene;
at least three styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, each styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer having percentage by weight of styrene different than that of the other two block copolymers;
an alpha olefin compatibilizer/flow modifier;
a plasticizer;
a plurality of antioxidants; and
a slip/mold release agent. - View Dependent Claims (32)
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Specification