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  Cardboard tampon applicator with surface modifications to inner layersRelated Patent Categories: Surgery, Means For Inserting Fibrous Or Foraminous Resident Packing, Receptor, Or Medicament Carrier Into Body Orifice, With Lubricating MeansThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070179429. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/075,169, filed on Mar. 8, 2005 entitled "Cardboard Tampon Applicator with Optical Enhancing Material Coated on Inner Layers," now pending, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/551,109, filed Mar. 8, 2004. The aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to a multiple-layered tampon applicator. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multiple-layered tampon applicator with a modified inner layer(s), which results in improved functionality and aesthetics. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] There exist numerous applications that require a product to possess both highly functional properties in conjunction with highly aesthetic properties. This is especially true with consumer products, where the consumer is not only concerned with how well the particular product functions, but also how the product looks and feels. [0006] In particular, feminine hygiene products, such as tampons, are subject to above-identified constraints, making it extremely difficult to make a product that is highly functional, yet meets the aesthetic demands of the consumer. [0007] Through consumer studies, it has been determined that tampon applicator color, texture and finish can alter a user's perception of insertion ease and comfort of said applicator. This includes, but is not limited to, impartation of pigment, modification of surface texture, coefficient of friction, surface contact points, and visual effects due to reflection of light. [0008] With regard to tampon applicators, it is widely known that they are generally formed from either a molded thermoplastic material, such as plastic, or a paper laminate, such as cardboard or paperboard. [0009] Liquid coated paper laminate applicators are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,833 to Weigner et al. is directed to an applicator formed of a high-gloss paper that can be coated with a degradable, dispersible or water soluble polymer, such as a modified polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride or polyvinyl alcohol. U.S. Pat. No. 4,508,531 to Whitehead provides an applicator with a heat-sensitive coating, such as polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene) or a heat sensitive adhesive. U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,888 to Nielson et al. is directed to a paper applicator article having multiple paper layers and a compostable coating on the exterior surface. [0010] However, neither the liquid nor film coatings applied to the prior art cardboard tampon applicators described above have permitted the combination of the formation of the desired glossy finish, retention of applicator circularity, reduction in friction, and sufficient biodegradability, let alone while further providing enhanced aesthetics to the applicator. Further, some prior art liquid coatings are more expensive, and require the use of organic solvents, leading to higher manufacturing cost and consumer cost. [0011] The present invention overcomes the difficulties in providing additional aesthetic properties and/or additional functional properties to a tampon applicator without compromising the desired functional properties associated with the outer or exterior surface of the tampon applicator. This is accomplished by modifying at least one inner layer of material that forms the multiple-layer applicator. As a result, a highly functional product having enhanced aesthetics and or functionality is efficiently produced without compromising any of the desired functional properties associated with the exterior surface. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-layered tampon applicator with one or more inner layers having one or more modifications. [0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a tampon applicator where the one or more modifications provide enhanced aesthetics to the applicator. [0014] It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a tampon applicator where the one or more modifications provide enhanced functional properties to the tampon applicator. [0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a tampon applicator where the one or more modifications provide a combination of enhanced aesthetics and enhanced functionality to the tampon applicator. [0016] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated from a tampon applicator according to the present invention. The multiple-layered tampon applicator has at least one modification to one or more inner layers that form the applicator. As a result, enhanced aesthetics, enhanced functionality, or both are achieved. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multiple-layer tampon applicator according to the present invention; and [0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a multiple-layer tampon applicator having an inner layer modification that forms a fingergrip according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0019] The multiple-layered tampon applicator of the present invention, as a result of one or more inner layer modifications, possess, for example, improved visual/aesthetic properties, improved surface characteristics and/or improved perception of insertion comfort. Continue reading... Full patent description for Cardboard tampon applicator with surface modifications to inner layers Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Cardboard tampon applicator with surface modifications to inner layers patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Cardboard tampon applicator with surface modifications to inner layers or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Tissue engineered cerebrospinal fluid shunt Next Patent Application: Illuminated infusion cannula Industry Class: Surgery ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Cardboard tampon applicator with surface modifications to inner layers patent info. 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