A Tampon, A Manufacturing Method For A Tampon, And A Manufacturing Apparatus For A Tampon

Abstract

A tampon has an absorbent body that absorbs liquid. On anouter surface of the absorbent body, the absorbent bodyincludes an applied portion to which an agent is applied andthat includes at least two applied layer. The at least twoapplied layer includes a first applied layer formed by applyinga first agent, and a second applied layer formed by applying asecond agent over the first applied layer, the first agentincluding active pharmaceutical ingredient and a first water-soluble carrier that carries the active pharmaceuticalingredient, the second agent including active pharmaceuticalingredient and a second water-soluble carrier that carries theactive pharmaceutical ingredient and has a melting point lowerthan that of the first water-soluble carrier.

Information

Applicants

Inventors

Specification

DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention
A tampon, a manufacturing method for a tampon, and a
manufacturing apparatus for a tampon

Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a tampon, a manufacturing
method for tampon, and a manufacturing apparatus for a tampon.
Background Art
[0002] Tampons including an absorbent body that absorbs
liquid such as menstrual blood has been well known. In some of
such tampons, an agent is applied onto an outer surface of the
absorbent body thereof.

Citation List
[Patent Literature]
[0003] [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2005-536237

Summary of the Invention
Technical Problem
[0004] There was a possibility that the agent does not
properly take effect while the foregoing tampon to which the
agent is applied is inserted in the vaginal cavity. Therefore,
a tampon having an agent that properly takes effect has been
demanded.
[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above
problems, and an advantage thereof is to provide a tampon
having an agent that properly takes effect while the tampon is
inserted in the vaginal cavity.
Solution to Problem
[0006] An aspect of the invention to achieve the above

advantage is
a tampon having an absorbent body that absorbs liquid,
including:
on an outer surface of the absorbent body,
an applied portion to which an agent is applied and
that includes at least two applied layers having
a first applied layer formed by applying a first
agent, and
a second applied layer formed by applying a second
agent over the first applied layer,
the first agent including an active
pharmaceutical ingredient and a first water-soluble carrier
that carries the active pharmaceutical ingredient,
the second agent including an active
pharmaceutical ingredient and a second water-soluble carrier
that carries the active pharmaceutical ingredient and has a
melting point lower than that of the first water-soluble
carrier.
[0007] Other features of this invention will become apparent
from the description in this specification and the attached
drawings.
Effects of the Invention
[0008] According to the invention, a tampon having an agent
that properly takes effect while the tampon is inserted in the
vaginal cavity is achieved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing components
of a tampon 10.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing components of the
tampon 10.
FIG. 3A is an external view of a tampon body 20. FIG. 3B is
a schematic diagram showing a state of an applied layer in an

applied portion 23.
FIG. 4 is an external view of an outer tube 40.
FIG. 5 is a view of the outer tube 40 shown in FIG. 4 from
its front end.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view take along line A-A in FIGS.
1 or 2.
FIG. 7 is a magnified view of FIG. 2.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the production flow of the
tampon body 20.
FIGS. 9A to 9D are schematic diagrams showing transition of
the tampon body 20 to a finished product.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a section of the
manufacturing apparatus 100 for the tampon 10, which
manufactures the tampon body 20.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram the manufacturing apparatus
shown in FIG. 10 viewed from above.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a pattern according to the other
embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a pattern according to the other
embodiment.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0010] At least the following matters will be made clear by
the description in the present specification and the
accompanying drawings.
[0011] A tampon having an absorbent body that absorbs
liquid, including:
on an outer surface of the absorbent body,
an applied portion to which an agent is applied and
that includes at least two applied layers having
a first applied layer formed by applying a first
agent, and
a second applied layer formed by applying a second
agent over the first applied layer,

the first agent including an active
pharmaceutical ingredient and a first water-soluble carrier
that carries the active pharmaceutical ingredient,
the second agent including an active
pharmaceutical ingredient and a second water-soluble carrier
that carries the active pharmaceutical ingredient and has a
melting point lower than that of the first water-soluble
carrier.
In such a case, a tampon having an agent that properly takes
effect while the tampon is inserted in the vaginal cavity is
achieved.
[0012] In such a tampon, desirably,
the second applied layer is a layer formed by applying the
second agent over the first applied layer such that the second
applied layer does not exceed a boundary of the first applied
layer.
In such a case, a tampon having an agent that more properly
takes effect while the tampon is inserted in the vaginal cavity
is achieved.
[0013] In such a tampon, desirably,
the absorbent body includes, on the outer surface thereof,
the applied portion to which the agent is applied and a non-
applied portion to which the agent is not applied, and
by the applied portion and the non-applied portion, a
pattern is formed on the outer surface.
This can definitely make the tampon appear attractive.
[0014] In such a tampon, desirably,
the first water-soluble carrier has a melting point higher
than body temperature, and
the second water-soluble carrier has a melting point lower
than or equal to body temperature.
In such a case, a tampon having an agent that properly takes

effect while the tampon is inserted in the vaginal cavity is
achieved more definitely.
[0015] A manufacturing method for a tampon having an
absorbent body that absorbs liquid, including:
obtaining the absorbent body by compressing and shaping an
absorbent-body material;
applying onto an outer surface of the absorbent body a
first agent that is melted and includes an active
pharmaceutical ingredient and a first water-soluble carrier
carrying the active pharmaceutical ingredient, the outer
surface having a temperature lower than or equal to a freezing
point of the first water-soluble carrier; and
applying over the first agent a second agent that is melted
and includes an active pharmaceutical ingredient and a second
water-soluble carrier that carries the active pharmaceutical
ingredient and has a melting point lower than that of the first
water-soluble carrier, the first agent having a temperature
lower than or equal to a freezing point of the second water-
soluble carrier.
In such a case, a manufacturing method for a tampon having
agents (the first agent and the second agent) that properly
take effect while the tampon is inserted in the vaginal cavity
is achieved.

[0016] A manufacturing apparatus for a tampon having an
absorbent body that absorbs liquid, including:
a compressing-shaping unit with which the absorbent body is
obtain by compressing and shaping an absorbent-body material;
and
an applying unit
that applies onto an outer surface of the absorbent
body a first agent that is melted and includes an active
pharmaceutical ingredient and a first water-soluble carrier
carrying the active pharmaceutical ingredient, the outer

surface having a temperature lower than or equal to a freezing
point of the first water-soluble carrier, and
that applies over the first agent the second agent that
is melted and includes a active pharmaceutical ingredient and a
second water-soluble carrier that carries the active
pharmaceutical ingredient and has a melting point lower than
that of the first water-soluble carrier, the first agent having
a temperature lower than or equal to a freezing point of the
second water-soluble carrier.
In such a case, a manufacturing apparatus for a tampon having
agents (the first agent and the second agent) that properly
take effect while the tampon is inserted in the vaginal cavity
is achieved.
[0017] === Configuration of Tampon ===
Firstly, the configuration of a tampon 10 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.
FIGS. 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views showing components of
a tampon 10. FIG. 1 shows the tampon 10 with its inner tube 50
shortened, and FIG. 2 shows the tampon 10 with its inner tube
50 elongated. FIG. 3A is an external view of a tampon body 20.
FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing a state of an applied
layer in an applied portion 23. FIG. 4 is an external view of
an outer tube 40. FIG. 5 is a view of the outer tube 40 shown
in FIG. 4 from its front end. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view
taken along A-A of FIGS. 1 or 2. FIG. 7 is a magnified view of
FIG. 2. In the following description, in a longitudinal
direction of the tampon 10, an end inserted into the vaginal
cavity is referred to as a front end and the opposite end is
referred to as a rear end.
[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tampon 10 of the
present embodiment includes the tampon body 20 as an example of
the absorbent body, and an applicator 30 having the outer tube
40 as an example of housing cylinder and the inner tube 50 as

an example of a pushing member.
[0019] The tampon body 20 is a thing to fill the vaginal
cavity and absorb liquid such as menstrual blood. This tampon
body 20 is formed by covering an absorbent main body (wool-like
body) made of rayon fiber, with a cover made of polyester
spunbond nonwoven fabric. The tampon body 20 is shaped
substantially like a bullet.
[0020] Further, an agent M is applied onto an outer surface
21 of the tampon body 20 (applied portions 23 to which the
agent M is applied are included) . This agent M is a light
brown colorant (a colored substance), and is a mixture of a
pine bark extract (flavangenol © manufactured by Toyo Shinyaku
Co., Ltd.) and a polyethylene glycol, the pine bark extract
being as an example of an active pharmaceutical ingredient that
is administered to inside of the vaginal cavity and performs
antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, antibiotic
activity, antiviral activity, antiallergic activity,
deodorization, vasodilation, inhibitory action on lipid
peroxidation etc, and the polyethylene glycol being as an
example of a water-soluble carrier that carries the pine bark
extract.
[0021] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, the applied
portion 23 includes at least two applied layers (in the present
embodiment, two applied layers; hereinafter referred to as a
first applied layer 24a and a second applied layer 24b) . The
second applied layer 24b is applied over the first applied
layer 24a (that is, the second applied layer 24b is located
outside the first applied layer 24a) . More specifically, the
second applied layer 24b is a layer formed by applying the
following second agent M2 over the first applied layer 24a such
that the second applied layer 24b does not exceed the
boundaries of the first applied layer 24a.

[0022] Further, all of the applied layers are a layer formed
by applying the mixture of the pine bark extract and the
polyethylene glycol. However, the polyethylene glycols of the
5first applied layer and the second applied layer are different
types of polyethylene glycols having a different melting point
(in other words, freezing point). That is, the agent M applied
onto the first applied layer 24a (hereinafter referred to as a
first agent Ml, for convenience) includes the pine bark extract
lOand a polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of 1540
(hereinafter referred to as the first polyethylene glycol) as
an example of the first water-soluble carrier. On the other
hand, the agent M applied onto the second applied layer
(hereinafter referred to as a second agent M2, for convenience)
15includes the pine bark extract and a polyethylene glycol with a
molecular weight of 1000 (hereinafter referred to as second
polyethylene glycol) as an example of the second water-soluble
carrier. The melting point (freezing point) of the first
polyethylene glycol is approximately 45°C, higher than body
20temperature (37°C). On the other hand, the melting point
(freezing point) of the second polyethylene glycol is
approximately 37°C, which is lower than the melting point of
the first polyethylene glycol and is lower than or equal to
body temperature.
25
[0023] In the present embodiment, the mixture ratio in the
first agent Ml of the pine bark extract and the first
polyethylene glycol is 1:4 (that is, the pine bark extract has
20 weight percent, the first polyethylene glycol 80 weight
30percent). The mixture ratio in the second agent M2 of the pine
bark extract and the second polyethylene glycol is 1:4 (that
is, the pine bark extract has 20 weight percent, the second
polyethylene glycol 80 weight percent). That is, the first
polyethylene glycol is a main ingredient of the first agent Ml,
35and the second polyethylene glycol is a main ingredient of the

second agent M2.
[0024] Further, the tampon body 20 according to the present
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, has a pattern on the outer
surface 21. In other words, the tampon body 20 includes on its
outer surface 21 the applied portions 23 to which the agent M
is applied and non-applied portions 25 to which the agent M is
not applied. Also, the pattern is formed on the outer surface
21 by the applied portions 23 and non-applied portions 25 (that
is, by the difference in color between the applied portions 23
and non-applied portions 25) . The pattern according to the
present embodiment is one that is formed by arranging
alternately regularly the applied portions 23 and non-applied
portions 25. Specifically, the pattern, as shown in FIG. 3A,
is one that is composed of rings (4 mm in width) lined up in
the longitudinal direction of the tampon body 20.
[0025] Onto the tampon body 20 according to the present
embodiment, a withdrawal string 22 as an example of a string is
stitched. This withdrawal string 22 is a cotton string. The
withdrawal string 22 extends from the rear end of the tampon
body 20, and is held by a user of the tampon while attempting
to remove the tampon body 20 out of the vaginal cavity.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the withdrawal string 22
passes inside the applicator 30 and extends somewhat beyond the
rear end of the applicator 30 (the inner tube 50). That is, a
part of the withdrawal string 22 exposes outside from the rear
end of the applicator 30 (the inner tube 50).
[0026] In the present embodiment, while the agent M is
applied to the tampon body 20 (the applied portions 23 are
included) , the agent M is not applied to an exposed portion 22a
of the withdrawal string 22 (the applied portions 23 are not
included). Further, the withdrawal string 22 does not include
any of the applied portions 23 (There is no applied portion 23

on the withdrawal string 22).
[0027] The applicator 30 is an assisting tool in order to
facilitate insertion of the tampon body 20 into the vaginal
cavity. The applicator 30 includes the outer tube 40 and the
inner tube 50, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0028] The outer tube 40 is for housing the tampon body 20.
The outer tube 40 is a cylinder that is injection-molded from
thermoplastic resin (in the present embodiment, polyethylene
resin), and has suitable flexibility. The outer tube 40 has a
transparency that allows the tampon body 20 housed in the outer
tube to be seen from outside (in other words, the pattern
formed on the tampon body 20) (for example, haze value of 90%
or less; in the present embodiment, 47%) . The outer tube 40
may or may not be colored; in the present embodiment, an entire
surface of the outer tube 40 is colored light pink.
[0029] Further, the outer tube 40 includes: a radially-large
portion 41 positioned on the front end side (in other words,
the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the outer
tube 40), and a radially-small portion 42 that has an internal
diameter smaller than that of the radially-large portion 41 and
is positioned on the rear end side, opposite the front end side
(in other words, the other end side in the longitudinal
direction of the outer tube 40) (the radially-large portion 41
is also larger than the radially-small portion 42 in external
diameter) . The front end section of the outer tube 40 is
larger than the rear end thereof in external diameter (internal
diameter). Thereby, an annular shoulder 47 is formed between
the radially-large portion 41 and radially-small portion 42.
[0030] The radially-large portion 41 is a portion of the
outer tube 40 and has a function mainly to house the tampon
body 20 inside thereof. Indeed, in the tampon 10 according to

the present embodiment, the tampon body 20 is housed in the
radially-large portion 41 only of the radially-large portion 41
and radially-small portion 42 (therefore, in the longitudinal
direction of the outer tube 40, the length of the radially-
large portion 41 is larger than that of the tampon body 20) .
The radially-large portion 41 is a portion that is inserted
into the vaginal cavity with housing the tampon body 20 therein
when the tampon 10 is used.
[0031] Further, the radially-large portion 41 (the outer
tube 40) includes an opening (hereinafter referred to as a
front-end opening 43) on its front end, and also includes a
plurality of petal portions 44 surrounding the front-end
opening 43 (in the present embodiment, 6) . Each of the
plurality of petal portions 44 is bent in the form of an arc
radially inwardly of the outer tube 40, as shown in FIG. 4.
Therefore, when inserting the outer tube 40 into the vaginal
cavity, the front end section of the outer tube 40 is
substantially hemisphere in shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
and the front-end opening 43 is substantially closed as shown
in FIG. 5. When the tampon body 20 is expelled from the front-
end opening 43 by the inner tube 50 described below, the front-
end opening 43 opens.
[0032] The radially-small portion 42 is a section that
provides a space in which of the outer tube 40 the following
inner tube 50 mainly moves (However, of course, the inner tube
50 moves not only inside the radially-small portion 42 but also
inside the radially-large portion 41). The radially-small
portion 42 is a portion that is held by a user when the tampon
10 is used.
[0033] Further, the radially-small portion 42 (the outer
tube 40) includes an opening (hereinafter referred to as a
rear-end opening 45) on the rear end as shown in FIG. 4, and

also includes an annular rib 46 that is formed slightly closer
to the front end than the rear-end opening 45 is.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7, the outer tube 40
5includes ribs (hereinafter referred to as a longitudinal ribs
54) on an inner surface 40a thereof (of the outer tube 40)
along the longitudinal direction of the outer tube 40. The
outer tube 40 according to the present embodiment includes the
longitudinal ribs 54 in at least an area that is closer to the
lOfront end from a center C in the longitudinal direction of the
outer tube 40 (see FIG. 1) . Also, in the present embodiment,
the outer tube 40 includes the longitudinal ribs 54, on only
the radially-large portion 41 of the radially-large portion 41
and the radially-small portion 42.
15
[0035] As shown in FIG. 6, 32 of the longitudinal direction
ribs 54 are arranged such that the ribs are equally spaced
along the inner circumferential direction of the inner surface
40a. In other words, the outer tube 40 (radially-large portion
2041) has three or more longitudinal direction ribs 54 that is
arranged such that the ribs 54 are equally spaced along the
inner circumferential direction of the inner surface 40a. In
the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction ribs 54 that
are adjacent to each other are not in contact with each other
25 (do not abut and touch each other) .
[0036] Each of the longitudinal direction ribs 54 is formed
straight from the front end of the radially-large portion 41 to
the rear end thereof, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. More
30specifically, the longitudinal direction ribs 54 according to
the present embodiment are disposed of the radially-large
portion 41 up to an rearmost end E2 thereof, but do not reach
an foremost end of the radially-large portion 41 . In other
words, the petal portions 44 do not have the longitudinal rib
3554, and the ribs 54 are disposed of the radially-large portion

41 up to an foremost end E1 thereof except for the petal
portions.
[0037] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the longitudinal rib 54
according to the present embodiment is a rib extending radially
of the radially-large portion 41, and the width of the rib
narrows as it gets closer radially to the center. As shown in
FIG. 7, the height h of the longitudinal rib 54 extending
radially of the radially-large portion 41 is smaller than the
difference of the internal diameters of the radially-large
portion 41 and radially-small portion 42 (internal diameter of
radially-large portion 41 R - internal diameter of radially-
small portion r = R-r) (h < R-r). In other words, the internal
diameter R-h of the radially-large portion 41 considering the
longitudinal ribs 54 (hereinafter referred to as, for
convenience, a rib-considered internal diameter) is larger than
the internal diameter r of the radially-small portion (r < R-
h) .
[0038] The tampon body 20 has an external diameter
substantially same as rib-considered internal diameter, and the
tampon body 20 is housed in the radially-large portion 41 of
the outer tube 40, with being in contact only with the
longitudinal rib 54 of the inner surface 40a and the
longitudinal rib 54, as shown in FIG. 6. In other words, the
outer surface 21 of the tampon body 20 is not in contact with
the inner surface 40a, and is in contact only with a radially-
extending front end section of the longitudinal ribs 54.
[0039] The inner tube 50 is for expelling the tampon body 20
from the front-end opening 43 outside the outer tube 40 by
moving in the outer tube 40. This inner tube 50 is inserted
into the outer tube 40, and is positioned closer to the rear
end in the outer tube 40 than the tampon body 20 is. The inner
tube 50 moves along the longitudinal direction of the outer

tube 40 and pushes the tampon body 20 towards the front-end
opening 43 from the rear. Thereby, the tampon body 20 pushes
aside each of the plurality of petal portions 44 radially
outwardly of the outer tube 40 (in other words, opens the
5front-end opening 43) and is expelled from the outer tube 40.
As mentioned above, the inner tube 50 has a function to expel
the tampon body 20 out of the outer tube 40 by moving the outer
tube 40.
10[0040] Further, the inner tube 50 according to the present
embodiment has a retractable configuration in order to make the
tampon 10 compact in size. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1,
when the inner tube 50 is shortened, the inner tube 50 is
shorter in length than the outer tube 40 so that the length of
15the tampon 10 is suitable for carrying. On the other hand, as
shown in FIG. 2, when the inner tube 50 is elongated, the
length of the inner tube 50 is sufficient to expel the tampon
body 20 outside the outer tube 40. As mentioned above, in
order to make the inner tube 50 retractable, in the present
20embodiment, the inner tube 50 has a dual structure.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner tube 50 of
the present embodiment includes a first inner tube 51, and a
second inner tube 52 that is slidably inserted into the first
inner tube 51.
25
[0041] The first inner tube 51 is a cylinder that is
injection-molded from plastic. The first inner tube 51 has an
external diameter that is slightly smaller than the internal
diameter of the radially-small portion 42 of the outer tube 40.
30Also, the first inner tube 51 is slidably inserted into the
radially-small portion 42, as shown in FIG. 1. On the outer
circumferential face of the front end section of the first
inner tube 51, an annular sword-guard portion 51a is formed.
This sword-guard portion 51a has an external diameter that is
35slightly smaller than the rib-considered internal diameter of

the radially-large portion 41 of the outer tube 40. Also, the
sword-guard portion 51a is stopped by connecting it to an inner
wall of the shoulder 47 so that the sword-guard portion 51a
prevents the inner tube 50 from falling off the rear-end
opening 45 of the outer tube 40. When the inner tube 50 expels
the tampon body 20 out of the outer tube 40, the inner tube 50
moves such that the outer circumferential face of the sword-
guard portion 51a comes into contact with the longitudinal ribs
54 of the radially-large portion 41. Further, at the rear end
section of an inner circumferential face of the first inner
tube 51, an annular projection 51b extending radially inwardly
of the first inner tube 51 are formed, as shown in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0042] The second inner tube 52 is a cylinder that is
injection-molded from thermoplastic resin. This second inner
tube 52 has an external diameter slightly smaller than the
internal diameter of the first inner tube 51. The second inner
tube 52 is inserted into the first inner tube 51 as shown in
FIG. 1 when the inner tube 50 is shortened. The second inner
tube 52 is connected to the rear end section of the first inner
tube 51 at the front end section of the second inner tube 52 as
shown in FIG. 2 when the inner tube 50 is elongated. On the
outer circumferential face of the front end section of the
second inner tube 52, are formed an arc-shaped sword-guard
portion 52a and a projection section 52b that is located closer
to the rear end than the sword-guard portion 52a is. The
height of the projection section 52b is lower as it gets close
to the rear end, as shown in FIG. 2. The space between the
sword-guard portion 52a and projection section 52b of the
second inner tube 52 is slightly larger than the thickness of
the annular projection 51b of the first inner tube 51.
[0043] When the second inner tube 52 is pulled towards the
rear end, the annular projection 51b of the first inner tube 51

is positioned between the sword-guard portion 52a and
projection section 52b of the second inner tube 52. At this
state, as shown in FIG. 2, the annular projection 51b is
stopped by connecting to the sword-guard portion 52a and
projection section 52b, and the first inner tube 51 connects to
the second inner tube 52.
[0044] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a flared portion
52c is formed on rear end section of the second inner tube 52.
The external diameter of the flared portion 52c is desirably at
least larger than the internal diameter of the first inner tube
51 and larger than or equal to the internal diameter of the
radially-small portion 42 of the outer tube 40.
[0045] === Effectiveness of Tampon 10 according to Present
Embodiment ===
As mentioned above, in the tampon 10 according to the present
embodiment, the tampon body 20 includes on the outer surface 21
the applied portion 23 to which the agent M is applied. The
applied portion 23 includes at least two applied layers. The
at least two applied layers are: the first applied layer 24a
formed by applying the first agent Ml; and the second applied
layer 24b formed by applying the second agent M2 over the first
applied layer 24a, the first agent Ml having the pine bark
extract as an example of an active pharmaceutical ingredient
and the first polyethylene glycol as an example of a first
water-soluble carrier that carries the pine bark extract, the
second agent M2 having the pine bark extract and the second
polyethylene glycol as an example of a second water-soluble
carrier that carries the pine bark extract and whose melting
point is lower than that of the first polyethylene glycol.
Thereby, the tampon 10 having the agents M that properly takes
effect while the tampon is inserted in the vaginal cavity is
achieved.

[0046] Regarding the foregoing, the description will be made
comparing the tampon 10 according to the present embodiment
(the present example) and a tampon according to comparative
example. Comparing the tampon 10 according to the present
embodiment to the tampon according to comparative example, the
tampon body 20 in both of them includes on its outer surface 21
the applied portions 23 to which the agent M is applied, and
also that the agent M is the mixture of the pine bark extract
and the polyethylene glycol. However, in the tampon according
to comparative example, the applied layer is a single layer,
and in the applied layer one type of polyethylene glycol alone
is mixed with the pine bark extract.
[0047] Consider the case where a polyethylene glycol having
a low melting point (for example, the foregoing second
polyethylene glycol whose melting point is lower than or equal
to body temperature) is selected. When storing a tampon in a
place where the temperature is high (a warehouse, for example),
the agent melts. This may cause a problem that the melted
agent is absorbed into or falls off the tampon body. When
using the tampon in which the foregoing absorption or falling
off has happened (that is, inserting the tampon into the
vaginal cavity), the amount of the agent adhering onto the
outer surface decreases. Therefore, the agent cannot be
transferred to the vaginal mucosa appropriately. That is, the
agent does not properly take effect when the tampon is inserted
into the vaginal cavity.
[0048] On the other hand, in the case where a polyethylene
glycol having high melting point (for example, the foregoing
first polyethylene glycol whose melting point is higher than
body temperature) is selected, the agent is less likely to melt
even when the tampon is inserted into the vaginal cavity.
Melting of the agent is considerably delayed (melting of the
agent is delayed until menstruation occurs, that is, until

water such as menstrual blood etc comes out sufficiently for
the polyethylene glycol to dissolve in the water; melting of
the agent is less likely to happen before menstruation). In
other words, the agent does not properly take effect when a
tampon is inserted into vaginal cavity (this makes the agent
less rapid-acting).
[0049] As mentioned above, in the tampon according to the
comparative example, regardless of the melting points, a
problem that the agent does not properly take effect when a
tampon is inserted into the vaginal cavity may arise.
[0050] As opposed thereto, in the present example, each
applied portion 23 has at least two applied layers. This makes
it possible to apply two types of agents (the first agent Ml
and the second agent M2) respectively to two applied layers
(the first applied layer 24a and the second applied layer 24b).
Also, the polyethylene glycols having two melting points can be
contained separately in the two types of the agents. That is,
as the present embodiment, the first polyethylene glycol having
a higher melting point than body temperature and the second
polyethylene glycol having a melting point lower than or equal
to body temperature can be contained separately in the first
agent Ml and the second agent M2. Further, the foregoing
problems is properly solved by placing the second applied layer
24b over the first applied layer 24a, the second applied layer
24b including the second polyethylene glycol having a lower
melting point, the first applied layer 24a including the first
polyethylene glycol having a higher melting point.

[0051] That is, even if storing the tampon 10 in a place
where the temperature is high (a warehouse, for example)
results in melting of the second polyethylene glycol having a
low melting point (the second agent M2), the frozen first
polyethylene glycol (the first agent Ml) in the first applied

layer 24a located inside prevents properly the melted second
polyethylene glycol (the second agent M2) in the second applied
layer 24b located outside from being absorbed into the tampon
body. This prevents the foregoing problems of absorption.
Also, even if melting of the second polyethylene glycol (the
second agent M2) causes the second polyethylene glycol of the
second applied layer 24b (the second agent M2) to fall off, the
first polyethylene glycol of the first applied layer 24a (the
first agent Ml) remains. This can make the degree of falling
off less than the comparative example in which one type of the
polyethylene glycol is used and it falls off. This makes it
possible to properly avoid the foregoing problem that the agent
M cannot be transferred properly to the vaginal mucosa due to
decreasing of the amount of the agent M adhering onto the outer
surface 21.
[0052] Further, when inserting the tampon 10 into the
vaginal cavity, the first polyethylene glycol (the first agent
Ml) is frozen, but the second polyethylene glycol (the second
agent M2) is melted because of body temperature. Therefore,
the second polyethylene glycol (the second agent M2) of the
first applied layer 24a located outside is immediately
transferred to the vaginal mucosa. That is, even before water
such as menstrual blood etc comes out sufficiently (for
example, before menstruation), the agent M properly takes
effect (the agent M can be more rapid-acting) because of action
of the second agent M2. In such a state as menstruation in
which water such as menstrual blood etc comes out sufficiently
and the first polyethylene glycol (the first agent Ml)
dissolves in the water, the agent M properly takes effect
because of action of the first agent Ml. That is, this enables
the agent M to take effect gradually and ideally.
[0053] As mentioned above, according to the present
embodiment, the tampon 10 having the agent M that properly

takes effect while the tampon is inserted in the vaginal cavity
is achieved.
[0054] Further, the second applied layer 24b according to
5the present embodiment is a layer formed by applying the second
agent M2 over the first applied layer 24a such that the second
applied layer 24b does not exceed the boundaries of the first
applied layer 24a. Therefore, if storing the tampon 10 in a
place where the temperature is high (a warehouse, for example)
lOresults in melting of the second agent M2, the first agent Ml
of the first applied layer 24a located inside prevents more
definitely the second agent M2 of the second applied layer 24b
located outside from being absorbed into the tampon body.
Therefore, the tampon 10 having the agent M that more properly
15takes effect while the tampon is inserted in the vaginal cavity
is achieved.
[0055] Further, in the present embodiment, on the outer
surface 21 of the tampon body 20, the tampon body 20 includes
20the applied portion 23 to which the agent M is applied and the
non-applied portion 25 to which the agent M is not applied.
Also, by the applied portions 23 and the non-applied portions
25, the pattern is formed on the outer surface 21. This makes
appearance of the tampon body 20 good, and can make the tampon
2510 appear attractive (this effect leads to make it less
reluctant to insert the tampon 10) . Further, the applied
portion 23 has at least two applied layers. The two applied
layers are: the first applied layer 24a formed by applying the
first agent Ml; and the second applied layer 24b formed by
30applying the second agent M2 over the first applied layer 24a,
the first agent Ml having the pine bark extract as an example
of active pharmaceutical ingredient and the first polyethylene
glycol as an example of the first water-soluble carrier that
carries the pine bark extract, the second agent M2 having the
35pine bark extract and the second polyethylene glycol as an

example of the second water-soluble carrier that carries the
pine bark extract and whose melting point is lower than that of
the first polyethylene glycol. As mentioned above, if the
agent M falls off the tampon body 20 while the tampon 10 is
5stored, this can make the degree of falling off less (even if
the second agent M2 falls off, the first agent Ml remains) .
Therefore, in the tampon 10 according to the present
embodiment, the pattern is less likely to distort and it can
definitely make the tampon 10 appear attractive.
10
[0056] Further, in the foregoing embodiment, the first
water-soluble carrier (the first polyethylene glycol) has a
higher melting point than body temperature, and the second
water-soluble carrier (the second polyethylene glycol) has a
15melting point lower than and equal to body temperature.
Therefore, the tampon 10 having the agent M that properly takes
effect while the tampon is inserted in the vaginal cavity is
achieved more definitely.
20 [0057] === Manufacturing Method for Tampon 10 ===
Next, a manufacturing method for manufacturing the foregoing
tampon 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the production flow of the tampon
body 20. FIGS. 9A to 9D are schematic diagrams showing the
25transition of the tampon body 20 to a finished product. FIG.
10 is a schematic diagram showing a section of the
manufacturing apparatus 100 for the tampon 10, which
manufactures the tampon body 20. FIG. 11 is a schematic
diagram of the manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 10
30viewed from above.
[0058] The manufacturing process of the tampon 10 is divided
into: a process in which the components of the tampon 10 (that
is, the tampon body 20, the outer tube 40, the first inner tube
3551, and the second inner tube 52) are manufactured, and a

process in which these components are assembled. This section
will describe the process in which the tampon body 20 (more
precisely, the tampon body 20 having the withdrawal string 22)
is manufactured.
5
[0059] The production flow of FIG. 8 starts with an
absorbent-body-material-forming step (step SI) . In this step,
firstly, the absorbent main body 62 (wool-like body) is covered
with a cover 64 (wrapped with the cover 64). Then, the
lOabsorbent main body 62 covered with the cover 64 is cut into a
predetermined shape and size. Thereby, an absorbent-body
material 60 is formed (that is, the base material of the tampon
body 20). in this step, the absorbent-body material 60
undergoes a process in which the withdrawal string 22 is
15stitched to the absorbent-body material 60 (FIG. 9A shows a
state of the absorbent-body material 60 after the step is
finished).
[0060] Next, the tampon body 20 is obtained by compressing
20and shaping the absorbent-body material 60 (compression-shaping
step of step S3).
[0061] FIGS. 10 and 11 shows a compressing-shaping drum 102
as an example of a compressing-shaping unit; the compressing-
25shaping drum 102 has a function to compress and shape the
absorbent-body material 60 (also, the tampon body 20 is
obtained thereby). Indeed, the compressing-shaping drum 102 is
a drum-shaped rotatable unit, and includes a plurality of
holding sections 102a (in the present embodiment, 8) positioned
radially. The absorbent-body material 60 is inserted
successively into the holding section 102a at a first position
P1 (FIG. 10) , and the inserted absorbent-body material 60
rotates and moves to a second position P2 (FIG. 10) in
conjunction with rotation of the compressing-shaping drum 102.
Then, While rotating and moving, the absorbent-body material 60

is compressed from the both side thereof in the holding section
102a (FIG. 9B shows a state of the absorbent-body material 60
being compressed).
[0062] Next, by heating the tampon body 20 that is obtained
by compressing and shaping the absorbent-body material 60 with
the compressing-shaping drum 102, the shape of the tampon body
20 is fixed (heating step of step S5).
[0063] FIGS. 10 and 11 shows a heating drum 104 as an
example of a heating unit; the heating drum 104 has a function
to heat the tampon body 20 that is obtained by compressing and
shaping the absorbent-body material 60 with the compressing-
shaping drum 102 (further, thereby the shape of the tampon body
20 is fixed) . Indeed, the heating drum 104 is a drum-shaped
rotatable unit whose temperature is controlled at 110 degree,
for example (a temperature between 100 and 180 degree is
preferable). The drum 104 includes many of holding sections
104a radially positioned. The tampon body 20 is transferred
successively at a second position P2 (FIG. 10) from the holding
section 102a of the compressing-shaping drum 102 to the holding
section 104a of the heating drum 104, by pushing of a pusher
(not shown) (the direction in which the pusher pushes the body
is shown with an arrow Al in FIG. 11) . Then, the tampon body
20 that is transferred to the holding section 104a rotates and
moves to the third position P3 (FIG. 10) in conjunction with
rotation of the heating drum 104. While rotating and moving,
the tampon body 20 is heated in the holding section 104a and
the shape of the tampon body 20 is fixed. The holding section
104a is a hole having a shape corresponding to the shape of the
tampon body 20 (the tampon body 20 fits in the hole) . Also,
the heat of the heating drum 104 is effectively conducted to
the tampon body 20. Further, at the same time when
transferring the tampon body 20 from the compressing-shaping
drum 102 to the heating drum 104, the tampon body 20 undergoes

a process in which the front end is formed in the shape of a
bullet. FIG. 9C shows a state of the tampon body 20 after the
heating step is finished.
[0064] Next, the tampon body 20 whose shape is fixed by the
heating drum 104 is cooled (cooling step of step S7).
[0065] FIGS. 10 and 11 shows a cooling drum 106 as an
example of a cooling unit; the cooling drum 106 has a function
to cool the tampon body 20 whose shape is fixed by the heating
drum 104. Indeed, the cooling drum 106 is a drum-shaped
rotatable unit whose temperature is controlled at 25°C for
example, and includes many of holding sections 106a positioned
radially. The tampon body 20 is transferred successively at a
third position P3 (FIG. 10) from the holding section 104a of
the heating drum 104 to the holding section 106a of the cooling
drum 106 by pushing of a pusher (not shown) (the direction in
which the pusher pushes the body is shown with an arrow A2 in
FIG. 11). Then, the tampon body 20 that is transferred to the
holding section 106a rotates and moves to a fourth position P4
(FIG. 10) in conjunction with rotation of the cooling drum 106.
While rotating and moving, the tampon body 20 is cooled in the
holding section 106a. In similar to the holding section 104a,
the holding section 106a is a hole having a shape corresponding
to the tampon body 20 (the tampon body 20 fits in the hole) ,
and is configured such that the tampon body 20 is cooled
effectively by the cooling drum 106.
[0066] The tampon body 20 that has rotated and moved to the
fourth position P4 (FIG. 10) is transferred successively at the
fourth position P4 from the holding section 106a of the cooling
drum 106 to a conveyor unit 108 (specifically, a conveyor belt
108a disposed of the conveyor unit 108) by pushing of a pusher
(not shown) (the direction in which the pusher pushes the body
is shown with an arrow A3 in FIG. 11). The conveyor belt 108a

is an endless conveyor belt for the tampon body; the conveyor
belt 108a holds the tampon body 20 such that the longitudinal
direction of the tampon body 20 is aligned in the width
direction of the conveyor belt 108a. The conveyor belt 108a
5conveys the tampon body 20 by rotating and moving. The
temperature of the conveyor belt 108a is controlled, for
example, at 25°C, the conveyor belt 108a also has a function as
a cooling unit that cools the tampon body 20. Indeed, the
tampon body 20 whose shape is fixed by the heating drum 104 is
lOcooled by the cooling units, first in the cooling drum 106 and
second in the conveyor belt 108a,.
[0067] Next, the melted first agent Ml is applied onto the
outer surface 21 of the tampon body 20, the first agent Ml
15having the pine bark extract and the first polyethylene glycol
that carries the pine bark extract ( first applying step of
step S9) . This first applying step is a step in which the
first applied layer 24a is formed.
20[0068] FIGS. 10 and 11 shows a first applying unit 110 as a
applying unit, and the first applying unit 110 has a function
to apply melted first agent Ml onto the outer surface 21 of the
tampon body 20. The first applying unit 110 includes a first
supplying unit 110a and a first transferring belt 110b.
25
[0069] The first supplying unit 110a is for supplying the
first transferring belt 110b with the melted first agent Ml.
In the present embodiment, this first supplying unit 110a melts
the first agent Ml and applies the melted first agent Ml to the
30first transferring belt 110b.
[0070] The first transferring belt 110b is for transferring
and applying the melted first agent Ml to the outer surface 21
while the belt being in contact with the outer surface 21 of
35the tampon body 20. In the present embodiment, this first

transferring belt 110b is an endless conveyor belt for an
agent, and conveys the first agent Ml by rotating and moving
with holding the first agent Ml applied by the first supplying
unit 110a. Then, the conveyed first agent Ml reaches a contact
position at which the first transferring belt 110b comes into
contact with the outer surface 21 of the tampon body 20 being
conveyed by the conveyor belt 108a, and the first agent Ml is
transferred and applied to the outer surface 21.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 10, when the first agent Ml is
applied to the outer surface 21, the tampon body 20 is
sandwiched between the first transferring belt 110b and the
conveyor belt 108a. In the present embodiment, the speeds in
the direction from left to right in FIG. 10 (hereinafter
referred to as merely a left-to-right direction) are controlled
such that the speed of the first transferring belt 110b is
greater than that of the conveyor belt 108a. Therefore, while
the tampon body 20 being sandwiched between the first
transferring belt 110b and the conveyor belt 108a, the tampon
body 20 rotates on the conveyor belt 108a and moves in the
left-to-right direction. Therefore (because of the rotation),
the first agent Ml is applied on the entire outer surface 21 of
the tampon body 20 circumference-wise.
[0072] As mentioned above, the tampon body 20 is cooled by
the cooling units whose temperature is controlled at 25°C,
first by the cooling drum 106 and second by the conveyor belt
108a. Therefore, the first applying unit 110 applies the
melted first agent Ml onto the outer surface 21 of the tampon
body 20, the outer surface 21 being cooled to approximately 25°
C by the cooling units. Further, because the melting point
(freezing point) of the first water-soluble carrier of the
first agent Ml (the first polyethylene glycol) is approximately
45°C as mentioned above, the melted first agent Ml freezes
rapidly (instantly) when the first agent Ml is applied onto the

outer surface 21 of the tampon body 20. As mentioned above, in
the cooling step of step S7, the cooling units cool the tampon
body 20 whose shape is fixed by the heating drum 104, such that
a temperature of the outer surface 21 becomes a temperature
lower than or equal to the freezing point of the first water-
soluble carrier of the first agent Ml (the first polyethylene
glycol) . Also, in the first applying step of step S9, the
first applying unit 110 applies the melted first agent Ml onto
the outer surface 21 of the tampon body 20, the outer surface
21 having a temperature lower than or equal to the freezing
point of the first water-soluble carrier (the first
polyethylene glycol) (that is, being cooled to a temperature
lower than or equal to the freezing point of the first water-
soluble carrier (the first polyethylene glycol)).

[0073] Next, a cooling medium is brought into contact with
the first agent Ml which is applied to the outer surface 21,
the cooling medium being cooled to a temperature lower than or
equal to the freezing point of the first water-soluble carrier
of the first agent Ml (the first polyethylene glycol) (in the
present embodiment, approximately 45°C) (the first cooling-
medium-contact step of step S11).
[0074] FIGS. 10 and 11 shows a first cool-air-blowing unit
112 as a first cooling-medium-contact unit that brings the
cooling medium into contact; the first cool-air-blowing unit
112 has a function to bring cool air into contact with the
first agent Ml that is applied to the outer surface 21 by the
first applying unit 110, the cool air having a function as a
cooling medium that is cooled to a temperature lower than or
equal to the freezing point of the first water-soluble carrier
of the first agent Ml ( first polyethylene glycol) . That is,
the first cool-air-blowing unit 112 brings the cooling medium
into contact with the first agent Ml by blowing cool air onto
the first agent Ml, the cool air being cooled to a temperature

lower than or equal to 45°C (in the present embodiment, 25°C).
[0075] Further, as mentioned above, the temperature of the
conveyor belt 108a is controlled at 25°C, the conveyor belt
108a is cooled, and further, the tampon body 20 rotates on the
conveyor belt 108a with being sandwiched between the first
transferring belt 110b and the conveyor belt 108a. Therefore,
the first agent Ml which is applied to the outer surface 21 is
brought into contact with the conveyor belt 108a instantly.
Therefore, the conveyor belt 108a also has a function as a
cooling medium that is cooled to a temperature lower than or
equal to the freezing point of the first water-soluble carrier
( first polyethylene glycol). In other words, the conveyor
unit 108 has a function as a first cooling-medium-contact unit
that brings the conveyor belt 108a into contact with the first
agent Ml applied to the outer surface 21, the conveyor belt
108a having a function as a cooling medium that is cooled to a
temperature lower than or equal to the freezing point of the
first water-soluble carrier (the first polyethylene glycol) .

[0076] As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the
melted first agent Ml is applied onto the outer surface 21 of
the tampon body 20, the outer surface 21 being cooled to a
temperature lower than or equal to the freezing point of the
first water-soluble carrier (the first polyethylene glycol).
In addition thereto, the cooling medium is brought into contact
with the first agent Ml applied to the outer surface 21, the
cooling medium being cooled to a temperature lower than or
equal to the freezing point to the first water-soluble carrier
(the first polyethylene glycol). Therefore, when the melted
first agent Ml is applied to the outer surface 21 of the tampon
body 20, the first agent Ml freezes more rapidly.
[0077] Next, the melted second agent M2 is applied over the
first agent Ml (the second applying step of step S13) , the

second agent M2 having the pine bark extract and the second
polyethylene glycol that carries the pine bark extract and
whose melting point is lower than that of the first
polyethylene glycol. The second applying step is a step in
which the second applied layer 24b is formed.
[0078] FIGS. 10 and 11 shows a second applying unit 120 as
an applying unit; the second applying unit 120 has a function
to apply the melted second agent M2 over the first agent Ml.
The second applying unit 120 includes a second supplying unit
120a and a second transferring belt 120b.
[0079] The second supplying unit 120a and the second
transferring belt 120b have the same configuration as the
foregoing first supplying unit 110a and first transferring belt
110b.
[0080] The second supplying unit 120a is for supplying the
second transferring belt 120b with the melted second agent M2.
In the present embodiment, this second supplying unit 120a
melts the second agent M2 and applies the melted second agent
M2 to the second transferring belt 120b.
[0081] The second transferring belt 120b is for transferring
and applying the melted second agent M2 to the outer surface 21
(the first applied layer 24a) while the belt being in contact
with the outer surface 21 of the tampon body 20 (specifically,
the first applied layer 24a on the outer surface 21). In the
present embodiment, this second transferring belt 120b is an
endless conveyor belt for an agent. The second transferring
belt 120b conveys the second agent M2 that is applied with the
second supplying unit 120a, by rotating and moving with holding
the second agent M2. Then, the conveyed second agent M2
reaches a contact position at which the second transferring
belt 120b comes into contact with the outer surface 21 (the

first applied layer 24a) of the tampon body 20 being conveyed
by the conveyor belt 108a, the second agent M2 is transferred
and applied to the first applied layer 24a. That is, the
second agent M2 is applied over the first agent Ml.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 10, when the second agent M2 is
applied over the first agent Ml, the tampon body 20 is
sandwiched between the second transferring belt 120b and the
conveyor belt 108a. In the present embodiment, the speeds in
the direction from left to right in FIG. 10 (hereinafter
referred to as merely a left-to-right direction) are controlled
such that the speed of the second transferring belt 120b is
greater than that of the conveyor belt 108a. Therefore, the
tampon body 20 rotates on the conveyor belt 108a and moves in
the left-to-right direction with being sandwiched between the
second transferring belt 120b and the conveyor belt 108a.
Therefore (because of the rotation), the second agent M2 is
applied onto the entire outer surface 21 of the tampon body 20
circumference-wise.

[0083] As mentioned above, in the first cooling-medium-
contact step of step S11, the cooling medium (cool air and
conveyor belt 108a) that is cooled to 25°C comes into contact
with the first agent Ml. Therefore, the second applying unit
120 applies the melted second agent M2 over the first agent Ml
that is cooled to approximately 25°C. Further, because the
melting point (freezing point) of the second water-soluble
carrier of the second agent M2 (the second polyethylene glycol)
is approximately 37 °C as mentioned above, the melted second
agent M2 freezes rapidly (instantly) when the second agent M2
is applied over the first agent Ml. As mentioned above, in the
first cooling-medium-contact step of step Sll, the first
cooling-medium-contact unit cools the first agent Ml to a
temperature lower than or equal to the freezing point of the
second water-soluble carrier of the second agent M2 (the second

polyethylene glycol). Also, in the second applying step of
step S13, the second applying unit 120 applies the melted
second agent M2 over the first agent Ml, the first agent Ml
having a temperature lower than or equal to the freezing point
of the second water-soluble carrier (the second polyethylene
glycol) (that is, being cooled to a temperature lower than or
equal to the freezing point of the second water-soluble carrier
(the second polyethylene glycol)).
[0084] Next, a cooling medium is brought into contact with
the second agent M2, the cooling medium cooled to a temperature
lower than or equal to the freezing point of the second water-
soluble carrier of the second agent M2 (the second polyethylene
glycol) (in the present embodiment, approximately 37°C) (the
second cooling-medium-contact step of step S15).
[0085] FIGS. 10 and 11 shows a second cool-air-blowing unit
122 as a second cooling-medium-contact unit that brings the
cooling medium into contact; the second cool-air-blowing unit
122 has a function to bring cool air into contact with the
second agent M2 which is applied over the first agent Ml by the
second applying unit 120, the cool air having a function as a
cooling medium that is cooled to a temperature lower than or
equal to the freezing point of the second water-soluble carrier
of the second agent M2 (the second polyethylene glycol). That
is, the second cool-air-blowing unit 122 brings the cooling
medium into contact with the second agent M2 by blowing cool
air onto the second agent M2, the cool air being cooled to a
temperature lower than or equal to 37°C (in the present
embodiment, 2 5°C).
[0086] Further, as mentioned above, the temperature of the
conveyor belt 108a is controlled at 25°C, the conveyor belt
108a is cooled, and further the tampon body 20 rotates on the
conveyor belt 108a with being sandwiched between the second

transferring belt 120b and the conveyor belt 108a. Therefore,
the second agent M2 comes instantly into contact with the
conveyor belt 108a. Therefore, the conveyor belt 108a also has
a function as a cooling medium that is cooled to a temperature
51ower than or equal to the freezing point of the second water-
soluble carrier (the second polyethylene glycol). In other
words, the conveyor unit 108 has a function as a second
cooling-medium-contact unit that brings the conveyor belt 108a
into contact with the second agent M2 applied over the first
lOagent Ml, the conveyor belt 108a having a function as a cooling
medium that is cooled to a temperature lower than or equal to
the freezing point of the second water-soluble carrier (the
second polyethylene glycol).
15[0087] As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the
melted second agent M2 is applied over the first agent Ml that
is cooled to a temperature lower than or equal to the freezing
point of the second water-soluble carrier (the second
polyethylene glycol). In addition thereto, the cooling medium
20comes into contact with the applied second agent M2, the
cooling medium being cooled to a temperature lower than or
equal to the freezing point of the second water-soluble carrier
(the second polyethylene glycol). Therefore, the melted second
agent M2 is applied over the first agent Ml, the second agent
25M2 freezes more rapidly. The second cooling-medium-contact
step is performed, and the manufacturing process of the tampon
body 20 is finished. FIG. 9D shows a state of the tampon body
20 after the second cooling-medium-contact step is finished.
30 [0088] As stated above, the manufacturing method
(manufacturing apparatus 100) for the tampon 10 according to
the present embodiment includes: compressing-shaping step
(compressing-shaping drum 102) in which the absorbent-body
material 60 is obtained by compressing and shaping the tampon
35body 20; the first applying step (applying unit) in which the

melted first agent Ml is applied onto the outer surface 21 of
the tampon body 20, the first agent Ml having the pine bark
extract and the first polyethylene glycol that carries the pine
bark extract, the outer surface 21 having a temperature lower
than or equal to the freezing point of the first polyethylene
glycol; and the second applying step (applying unit) in which
the melted second agent M2 is applied over the first agent Ml,
the second agent M2 having the pine bark extract and the second
polyethylene glycol that carries the pine bark extract and
whose melting point is lower than that of the first
polyethylene glycol, the first agent Ml having a temperature
lower than or equal to the freezing point of the second
polyethylene glycol. Thereby, the manufacturing method
(manufacturing apparatus 100) for the tampon 10 having agents M
(the first agent Ml and the second agent M2) that properly take
effect while the tampon is inserted in the vaginal cavity is
achieved.
[0089] Regarding the foregoing, the description will be made
comparing the manufacturing method (manufacturing apparatus
100) for the tampon 10 according to the present embodiment (the
present example) and two manufacturing methods (manufacturing
apparatus) for a tampon according to comparative example.
[0090] The first comparative example is a manufacturing
method (manufacturing apparatus) in which the first agent and
the second agent (hereinafter referred to merely as the agents)
are applied onto the outer surface of the tampon body prior to
compression and shaping the absorbent-body material. For
example, in the comparative example, after the agents are
applied onto a cover, the absorbent main body is covered with
the cover and the absorbent-body material is formed.
Thereafter, the formed absorbent-body material is compressed
and shaped to obtain the tampon body.

[0091] However, such a manufacturing method (manufacturing
apparatus) may cause the following problems. Indeed, because
the agents are applied onto the absorbent-body material prior
to compressing and shaping, the agents may falls off when the
absorbent-body material is compressed and shaped. In the case
of using such a tampon as the foregoing falling off has
happened (in other words, in the case of inserting such a
tampon into the vaginal cavity), the agents cannot be
transferred to the vaginal mucosa properly because the amount
of the agents adhering onto the outer surface decreases. That
is, the agent does not properly take effect when a tampon is
inserted into vaginal cavity. Also, the falling off may cause
a problem that the manufacturing apparatus becomes soiled with
the agent.

[0092] Further, in order to avoid this problem, a second
comparative example is a manufacturing method (manufacturing
apparatus) in which the tampon body is dipped into the agents
after obtaining the tampon body by compressing and shaping the
absorbent-body material. However, in such a manufacturing
method (manufacturing apparatus), when the tampon body is
dipped into the agents, the agents may be absorbed into the
tampon body. In the case of using such a tampon as the
foregoing absorption has happened (in other words, in the case
of inserting such a tampon into the vaginal cavity), the amount
of the agent adhering onto the outer surface decreases.
Therefore, the agent cannot be transferred to the vaginal
mucosa appropriately. As a result, that is, the agent does not
properly take effect when a tampon is inserted into the vaginal
cavity. Further, the absorption may cause a problem that the
tampon body becomes too large in size.
[0093] As mentioned above, in both of manufacturing methods
(manufacturing apparatuses) for a tampon according to the
comparative examples, the problem that the agents do not

properly take effect when the manufactured tampon is inserted
into the vaginal cavity may arise.
[0094] As opposed thereto, in the manufacturing method
(manufacturing apparatus 100) for the tampon 10 according to
the present embodiment, after obtaining the tampon body 20 by
compressing and shaping the absorbent-body material 60, the
agent M is applied to the outer surface 21 of the tampon body
20. Therefore, the falling-off problem will not arise. Also,
the melted first agent Ml is applied to the outer surface 21 of
the tampon body 20 having a temperature lower than or equal to
the freezing point of the first polyethylene glycol. The
melted second agent M2 is applied over the first agent Ml
having a temperature lower than or equal to the freezing point
of the second polyethylene glycol. Therefore, when the melted
first agent Ml and second agent M2 is applied, the first agent
Ml and second agent M2 freeze rapidly (instantly) on the outer
surface 21. As a result, the first agent Ml and second agent
M2 are not absorbed deeper than the outer surface 21 (in other
words, inside of the tampon body).
[0095] As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the
falling off or absorption is prevented. Therefore, the
foregoing problem that the agent M cannot be transferred
appropriately to the vaginal mucosa due to decreasing the
amount of the agent M adhering onto the outer surface 21 is
avoided properly. That is, the manufacturing method
(manufacturing apparatus 100) for the tampon 10 having the
agent M that properly takes effect while the tampon is inserted
in the vaginal cavity is achieved. Also, in the present
embodiment, the problem of the manufacturing apparatus soiled
with the agent caused by falling off or the problem of the
oversized tampon body caused by absorption is avoided properly.
Further, in the present embodiment, the falling off or
absorption is prevented. This allows a pattern to be formed

nicely on the outer surface 21.
[0096] === Other Embodiments ===
Above, based on the above embodiments, the tampon according
to the invention is described, but the above embodiments of the
invention are for facilitating understanding of the invention,
and are not limiting of the invention. The invention can of
course be altered and improved without departing from the gist
thereof, and equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.

[0097] Further, in the foregoing embodiment, the tampon 10
having the applicator 30 is provided as an example of a tampon,
but the invention is not limited thereto. A tampon without an
applicator can be employed.

[0098] Further, in the foregoing embodiment, a pattern that
is composed of rings lined up in the longitudinal direction of
the tampon body 20 is provided as an example of a pattern, but
the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a spotted
pattern shown in FIG. 12 or a checkerboard pattern shown in
FIG. 13 also can be employed. FIGS. 12 and 13 correspond to
FIG. 3A and are diagrams showing a pattern according to the
other embodiment.
[0099] Further, in the foregoing embodiment, the pine bark
extract is provided as an example of an active pharmaceutical
ingredient of the agent M, but the invention is not limited
thereto. For example, a plant extract such as red clover,
polygonum indigo extract, indirubin or the like can be
employed. In addition thereto, flavangenol ® is provided as an
example of a pine bark extract, but the invention is not
limited thereto. For example, pycnogenol ® which Nihon
SiberHegner K.K deals in or enzogenol ® which Valentine Company
Limited deals in can be employed.

[0100] Further, in the foregoing embodiment, polyethylene
glycol with a molecular weight of 1000 (with melting point at
approximately 37°C) is provided as an example of the second
water-soluble carrier, but the invention is not limited
thereto. For example, polyethylene glycol with a molecular
weight of 600 (with melting point at approximately 20°C) can be
employed.
[0101] The polyethylene glycol with molecular weight of 1000
is difficult to melt when the tampon 10 is stored, and is
superior because this makes it possible to properly prevent the
polyethylene glycol from absorption or falling off as mentioned
above. The polyethylene glycol with molecular weight of 600 is
easy to melt when inserting the tampon 10 into the vaginal
cavity, which makes the agent M more rapid-acting. In this
point, the polyethylene glycol with molecular weight of 600 is
superior.
Reference Signs List
[0102] 10 tampon, 20 tampon body (absorbent body),
21 outer surface, 22 withdrawal string, 22a exposed portion,
23 applied portion, 24a first applied layer, 24b second
applied layer,
non-applied portion, 30 applicator, 40 outer tube,
2540a inner surface, 41 radially-large portion, 42 radially-
small portion, 43 front-end opening,
44 petal portion, 45 rear-end opening, 46 annular rib, 47
shoulder,
50 inner tube, 51 first inner tube, 51a sword-guard portion,
51b annular projection,
52 second inner tube, 52a sword-guard portion, 52b
projection section, 52c flared portion,
54 longitudinal rib, 60 absorbent-body material, 62
absorbent main body, 64 cover,
100 manufacturing apparatus, 102 compressing-shaping drum,

102a holding section,
104 heating drum, 104a holding section, 106 cooling drum,
106a holding section, 108 conveyor unit, 108a conveyor belt,
110 first applying unit (applying unit), 110a first
supplying unit,
110b first transferring belt, 112 first cool-air-blowing
unit,
120 second applying unit (applying unit), 120a second
supplying unit,
120b second transferring belt, 122 second cool-air-blowing
unit,
C center, E1 foremost end, E2 rearmost end,
M agent, Ml first agent, M2 second agent

CLAIMS
1. A tampon having an absorbent body that absorbs liquid,
comprising:
on an outer surface of the absorbent body,
an applied portion to which an agent is applied and
that includes at least two applied layers having
a first applied layer formed by applying a first
agent, and
a second applied layer formed by applying a second
agent over the first applied layer,
the first agent including an active
pharmaceutical ingredient and a first water-soluble carrier
that carries the active pharmaceutical ingredient,
the second agent including an active
pharmaceutical ingredient and a second water-soluble carrier
that carries the active pharmaceutical ingredient and has a
melting point lower than that of the first water-soluble
carrier.

2. A tampon according to claim 1, wherein
the second applied layer is a layer formed by applying the
second agent over the first applied layer such that the second
applied layer does not exceed a boundary of the first applied
layer.
3. A tampon according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the absorbent body includes, on the outer surface thereof,
the applied portion to which the agent is applied and a non-
applied portion to which the agent is not applied, and
by the applied portion and the non-applied portion, a
pattern is formed on the outer surface.
4. A tampon according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
the first water-soluble carrier has a melting point higher

than body temperature, and
the second water-soluble carrier has a melting point lower
than or equal to body temperature.
5. A manufacturing method for a tampon having an absorbent
body that absorbs liquid, comprising:
obtaining the absorbent body by compressing and shaping an
absorbent-body material;
applying onto an outer surface of the absorbent body a
first agent that is melted and includes an active
pharmaceutical ingredient and a first water-soluble carrier
carrying the active pharmaceutical ingredient, the outer
surface having a temperature lower than or equal to a freezing
point of the first water-soluble carrier; and
applying over the first agent a second agent that is melted
and includes an active pharmaceutical ingredient and a second
water-soluble carrier that carries the active pharmaceutical
ingredient and has a melting point lower than that of the first
water-soluble carrier, the first agent having a temperature
lower than or equal to a freezing point of the second water-
soluble carrier.
6. A manufacturing apparatus for a tampon having an
absorbent body that absorbs liquid, comprising:
a compressing-shaping unit with which the absorbent body is
obtain by compressing and shaping an absorbent-body material;
and
an applying unit
that applies onto an outer surface of the absorbent
body a first agent that is melted and includes an active
pharmaceutical ingredient and a first water-soluble carrier
carrying the active pharmaceutical ingredient, the outer
surface having a temperature lower than or equal to a freezing
point of the first water-soluble carrier, and
that applies over the first agent the second agent that

is melted and includes a active pharmaceutical ingredient and a
second water-soluble carrier that carries the active
pharmaceutical ingredient and has a melting point lower than
that of the first water-soluble carrier, the first agent having
a temperature lower than or equal to a freezing point of the
second water-soluble carrier.

A tampon has an absorbent body that absorbs liquid. On an
outer surface of the absorbent body, the absorbent body
includes an applied portion to which an agent is applied and
that includes at least two applied layer. The at least two
applied layer includes a first applied layer formed by applying
a first agent, and a second applied layer formed by applying a
second agent over the first applied layer, the first agent
including active pharmaceutical ingredient and a first water-soluble
carrier that carries the active pharmaceutical
ingredient, the second agent including active pharmaceutical
ingredient and a second water-soluble carrier that carries the
active pharmaceutical ingredient and has a melting point lower
than that of the first water-soluble carrier.

Documents

Orders