Tampon with enhanced leakage protection

Abstract

This invention relates to absorbent tampons. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved absorbent tampon having improved leakage performance. Tampons, having a primary absorbent member and a mass of secondary absorbent material are disclosed. The mass of secondary absorbent material is preferably located generally proximate the withdrawal end of the primary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member is preferably compressed to a degree greater than the secondary absorbent material.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A catamenial tampon for use within the vaginal space of a female wearer, said tampon comprising: 
 a primary absorbent member having an insertion end and a withdrawal end;    a mass of secondary absorbent material proximate said withdrawal end of said primary absorbent member; and wherein    said primary absorbent member is compressed to a degree greater than said secondary absorbent member.    
     
     
         2 . The tampon of  claim 1  further comprising a withdrawal mechanism attached to said primary absorbent member and extending beyond at least said withdrawal end, wherein said mass of secondary absorbent material is substantially axially centered about said withdrawal mechanism.  
     
     
         3 . The tampon of  claim 1  further comprising a withdrawal mechanism attached to said primary absorbent member and extending beyond at least said withdrawal end, wherein said mass of secondary absorbent material is joined to said withdrawal mechanism.  
     
     
         4 . The tampon of  claim 1  wherein said mass of secondary absorbent material is joined to said withdrawal end of said primary absorbent member.  
     
     
         5 . The tampon of  claim 1  wherein said tampon comprises a gap between said withdrawal end of said primary absorbent member and said mass of secondary absorbent material.  
     
     
         6 . The tampon of  claim 1  wherein said mass of secondary absorbent material comprises a plurality of discrete pieces of absorbent material.  
     
     
         7 . The tampon of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of said mass of secondary absorbent material is provided with a driving mechanism to direct absorbed fluid toward said primary absorbent member of said tampon.  
     
     
         8 . The tampon of  claim 1  wherein said mass of secondary absorbent material comprises a nonwoven web attached to said withdrawal end of said primary absorbent member.  
     
     
         9 . The tampon of  claim 1  wherein said primary absorbent member and said mass of secondary absorbent material are configured such that said primary absorbent member and mass of said secondary absorbent material reside entirely within said vaginal space during use without extending outwardly therefrom.  
     
     
         10 . The tampon of  claim 1  wherein said primary absorbent member has a first diameter and said mass of secondary absorbent material has a second diameter, said first diameter is larger than said second diameter.  
     
     
         11 . The tampon of  claim 1  wherein said primary absorbent member is compressed to a substantially cylindrical self-sustaining form.