Tampon applicator with improved fingergrip and method of making same

Abstract

The present invention provides a tampon applicator barrel having a fingergrip with one or more gripping structures that have an acute edge for improved gripping. Preferably, the one or more gripping structures are one or more embossed ring-like structures. The present invention also provides a method for forming the one or more gripping structures on the applicator barrel. The method preferably includes forming at least one embossed ring-like gripping structure on the barrel such that the radial compressive strength of the applicator barrel is not compromised.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A tampon applicator barrel comprising a body having at least one embossed gripping structure with at least one acute edge.  
     
     
         2 . The tampon applicator barrel of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one acute edge is formed between a substantially planar top portion and a substantially vertical sidewall depending from the substantially planar top portion.  
     
     
         3 . The tampon applicator of  claim 2 , wherein the substantially vertical side wall is tapered toward the substantially planar top portion from about 0° to about 20°.  
     
     
         4 . The tampon applicator barrel of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one embossed gripping structure has a height about 0.01 inches to about 0.1 inches.  
     
     
         5 . The tampon applicator barrel of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one embossed gripping structure has a width about 0.03 inches to about 0.1 inches.  
     
     
         6 . The tampon applicator barrel of  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises at least two embossed gripping structures.  
     
     
         7 . The tampon applicator barrel of  claim 6 , wherein the at least two embossed gripping structures are spaced such that at least one finger-accepting gripping surface is formed between the at least two embossed gripping structures.  
     
     
         8 . The tampon applicator barrel of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one finger-accepting gripping surface comprises at least one additional gripping structure.  
     
     
         9 . The tampon applicator barrel of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one additional gripping structure is selected from the group consisting of one or more abrasive materials, embossments, grooves, high wet coefficient of friction materials, lances, pressure sensitive adhesives, protuberances, slits, treads, and any combinations thereof.  
     
     
         10 . The tampon applicator barrel of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one additional gripping structure is formed in one or more shapes selected from the group consisting of arc, circle, concave, cone, convex, diamond, line, oval, polygon, rectangle, rib, square, triangle, and any combinations thereof.  
     
     
         11 . The tampon applicator barrel of  claim 1 , wherein the barrel is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of cellophane, cellulose, epoxy, lacquer, nitrocellulose, nylon, plastic, polyester, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, wax, and any combinations thereof.  
     
     
         12 . The tampon applicator barrel of  claim 1 , wherein the barrel is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink, paper, paper laminate, cardboard laminate, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.  
     
     
         13 . A process for forming at least one embossed gripping structure on a tampon applicator barrel comprising the steps of: 
 (a) forming at least one embossment above an external surface of the barrel, wherein a weakened region is formed on the barrel; and    (b) applying an axial force to a plunger-receiving end of the barrel, 
 wherein the at least one embossment folds back upon itself at the weakened region forming at least one raised gripping structure.  
   
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one embossment in step (a) is a plurality of individual embossments aligned circumferentially in substantially a row.  
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 13 , further comprising prior to step (a), the steps of loading a mandrel in the barrel, and contacting the barrel loaded with the mandrel with a pressure wheel, wherein the pressure wheel applies a downward force on the barrel surface.  
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one embossed gripping structure is at least one ring-like gripping structure.  
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 13 , wherein the barrel has an increased radial compressive strength at the one or more embossed raised gripping structures.  
     
     
         18 . A process for forming at least one embossed gripping structure and a tapered petal tip on a tampon applicator barrel comprising the steps of: 
 (a) forming at least one embossment above an external surface of the barrel, wherein a weakened region is formed on the barrel;    (b) loading the embossed barrel at a plunger-receiving end of the barrel with a mandrel;    (c) loading a petal tip of the embossed barrel into a petal former; and    (d) applying an axial pressure to a plunger-receiving end of the barrel, 
 wherein a substantially closed petal tip and at least one embossed gripping structure are formed on the barrel.  
   
     
     
         19 . The process of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one embossed gripping structure is at least one embossed ring-like gripping structure.  
     
     
         20 . The process of  claim 18 , wherein the substantially closed petal tip and the at least one embossed gripping structure are formed substantially simultaneously.