Time indicator tampon
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A tampon comprising:
- an absorbent pledget, having a proximal end and a distal end; and
a time-lapse indicator coupled to or associated with the absorbent pledget, the time-lapse indicator comprising a sensory material at least partially surrounded by, embedded in, covered by, or coated with a release-retarding material that protects the sensory material and prevents its release until after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, wherein the release-retarding materal comprises a pH sensitive polymer that begins dissolving or disintegrating after being exposed to a pH of 3.0 to 8.0.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tampon comprising an absorbent pledget and a time-lapse indicator associated therewith is provided. The time-lapse indicator includes a sensory material surrounded by, embedded in, covered by, or coated with a release-retarding material that protects the sensory material and prevents its release, until after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The time-lapse indicator is located on or in the tampon or tampon removal string, or, optionally, the tampon packaging. After the time-lapse indicator is activated and a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the sensory material is released and alerts the user that it is time to change the tampon.
22 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A tampon comprising:
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an absorbent pledget, having a proximal end and a distal end; and a time-lapse indicator coupled to or associated with the absorbent pledget, the time-lapse indicator comprising a sensory material at least partially surrounded by, embedded in, covered by, or coated with a release-retarding material that protects the sensory material and prevents its release until after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, wherein the release-retarding materal comprises a pH sensitive polymer that begins dissolving or disintegrating after being exposed to a pH of 3.0 to 8.0. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A tampon comprising:
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an absorbent pledget, having a proximal end and a distal end; and a time-lapse indicator coupled to the absorbent pledget, the time-lapse indicator comprising a signal layer sandwiched between first and second protective layers, wherein at least one of the first and second protective layers is adjacent to the absorbent pledget, and wherein the signal layer comprises a sensory material at least partially surrounded by, embedded in, covered by, or coated with a release-retarding material that protects the sensory material and prevents its release until after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A tampon comprising:
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an absorbent pledget, having a proximal end and a distal end; and a tampon removal string coupled to the absorbent pledget, wherein the string comprises one or more fibers surrounded by, embedded in, covered by, or coated with a time-lapse indicator, the time-lapse indicator comprising a sensory material and a release-retarding material that protects the sensory material and prevents its release until after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification