Abstract: The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent article which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.

Abstract: A package includes a tampon and applicator assembly and a wrapper for enclosing the tampon and applicator assembly. The wrapper is selectively configurable between a sealed configuration wherein the tampon and applicator assembly are sealingly enclosed in the wrapper and an opened configuration for allowing the tampon and applicator assembly to be removed from the wrapper. The wrapper has a front panel, a back panel, two side edges, two end edges, an interior space, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis. The front panel has, in the opened configuration of the wrapper, a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal components extending generally parallel to each other and longitudinally of the wrapper to define an opening in the wrapper. Each of the longitudinal components is spaced inward from the respective side edge.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent article which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved tampon applicator having a grip area which provides the user better gripping ability. The grip area may be an area between two ridges on the outer tube of the applicator. In the alternative or in addition to the ridges, the grip area may be a raised pattern which is raised by a distance of between about 0.10 mm and about 0.75 mm. The present invention also provides an improved petal design for a tampon applicator. In this embodiment of the present invention, the petals are separated from each other on all sides by a non-linear gap and the gap is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tampon applicator.

Abstract: A process for making a personalized container, such as an urn for ashes, a temporary coffin, or a box for memorabilia, that includes the steps of receiving instructions specifying a personalized panel to be disposed on the container; and disposing the personalized panel, typically by digital ink-jet printing, on a web such as paper, paperboard, film, laminate, or some combination thereof, in accordance with the received instructions. Generally the web, when printed, is continuous, and moving. In subsequent unit operations, the web is separated into web portions, each web portion comprising a personalized panel, with the web portion converted into a personalized container. The personalized container may employ other cues to help evoke memories of one absent, such as a recorded voice, or scent.

Abstract: An easy open package for personal care products which has sensory cues as to the location of the opening of a wrapper component. In addition, the present invention provides a wrapper component which has a gradient seal which allows the user to effectively open the wrapper without unnecessarily tearing the wrapper.

Abstract: A method for rapidly producing a prototype includes the steps of conducting an interview of a participant in a product development study; presenting an item for review; providing physical sets of alternatives for components of the item; eliciting preference values for the alternatives from the participant; inputting the preference values into a computer software program; producing a virtual ideal item based on the preference values using the computer software program; and presenting the virtual ideal item to the participant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easy open package for personal care products which has sensory cues as to the location of the opening of a wrapper component. In addition, the present invention provides a wrapper component which has a gradient seal which allows the user to effectively open the wrapper without unnecessarily tearing the wrapper.

Abstract: There is provided an intake/retention/transfer material for personal care products like feminine hygiene products, which is a heterogeneous composite containing between 5 and 25 weight percent of a superabsorbent or gelling material and having a density less than 0.17 g/cc. A more particular embodiment contains less than 20 weight percent and a still more particular embodiment contains 15 weight percent or less of a superabsorbent or gelling material. Also provided are absorbent articles which contain the class of intake/transfer materials mentioned above along with additional absorbent layers such that the absorption of a menses simulant provides fluid partitioning of less than 72% of fluid in the intake/transfer/retention composite. Additionally said composite should have retention capacity values greater than 2.7 g/g.