Patterned tampon

Abstract

A tampon including a compressed pledget of absorbent material. The tampon has a body portion and a longitudinal axis, wherein the tampon includes at least one patterned impression with one or more design elements oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein at least one design element is formed by contact with at least one corresponding pattern including at least one lead in portion. An apparatus for making the tampon is also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tampon comprising a compressed pledget of absorbent material, the tampon having a body portion and a longitudinal axis, wherein the tampon comprises at least one patterned impression comprising one or more design elements with a portion of the design element oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein at least one design element is formed by contact with at least one corresponding mold pattern comprising at least one lead in portion. 
     
     
         2 . The tampon of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more design elements comprise at least one of the following: a concave-shape or a convex-shape, a combination concave and convex shape, lines, chevrons, rain drops, peanuts, waves, dimples, concentric circles, cross-hatching, stars, polygons, triangles, rings, lines, rectangles, petals, ellipsoids, tear drops, letters, or waves. 
     
     
         3 . The tampon of  claim 1 , comprising a width to thickness ratio of approximately 1.0:1.0 to approximately 1.8:1.0. 
     
     
         4 . The tampon of  claim 1 , wherein the height or depth of the patterned impression is between approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 4.0 mm. 
     
     
         5 . The tampon of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one lead in portion comprises a length between approximately 1 to 3 times the height or depth of the pattern. 
     
     
         6 . The tampon of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one corresponding mold pattern further comprises at least one trailing portion.