Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene has an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The tampon has compressed fibrous material. The outer surface of the tampon has a plurality of recessed portions. Each of said recessed portions has a length dimension, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first and second side walls intersect one another to form a vertex. The first and second side walls have an angle (?) therebetween. The angle alpha (?) varies as measured along at least a portion of the length dimension.

Abstract: A tampon applicator including an insertion member adapted to house an absorbent tampon and receive a plunger. The insertion member has an outer surface and a fingergrip region disposed about the outer surface. The fingergrip region includes an indention region having a depth dimension X. The indention region includes raised portions has a height dimension Y, the height dimension Y being less than or equal to the depth dimension X.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial product and an individual wrapping body provided with a form for securing a finger, and a manufacturing method therefor, and provides an interlabial pad individual wrapping container which can be used as a suitable operation member when fixing or unfixing the interlabial pad. Two left hand fingers are inserted in the finger insertion openings (13A, 13B) formed by the belt body (12) attached to the wrapping container (1), to separate the wrapping container (1) into the sections (1A) and (1B) along the separation part (15) by opening these fingers to the left and right, and in this state as it is, the insertion work is carried out for fixing the interlabial pad (2) held on a right hand fingertip between labia.

Abstract: A compressed tampon having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, a radial axis, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the tampon has a plurality of recessed portions. Each of the recessed portions comprises a length dimension, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first side wall and the second side wall both have proximal ends, opposed distal ends, and wall dimensions extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal ends of the first and second side walls intersect one another to form a vertex. The recessed portion has a depth dimension as measured parallel to the radial axis from an imaginary line connected by the distal end of the first side wall and the distal end of the second side wall to the vertex. The depth dimension varies as measured along at least a portion of the length dimension.

Abstract: A tampon comprising and elongated absorptive member, housing an elongated expandable member having a hollow cavity, which is expandable on insertion of air. Optionally, at least one non-absorptive member is arranged in a spaced relationship about the outside surface of the tampon material, the non-absorptive members causing a spacing between the absorptive member and vagina wall. This increases the comfort at the interface of the tampon with the vaginal walls.

Abstract: A body fluid management device used with an absorbent article is disclosed. The body fluid management device has a body facing surface and an opposite surface facing the absorbent article when used with the absorbent article. The body fluid management device comprises a first attachment means provided on the body facing surface for attachment to the body of the wearer to cover the genitalia area of the wearer and an acquisition layer disposed between the body facing surface and the opposite surface. At least a portion of the body facing surface is fluid pervious and at least a portion of the opposite surface is fluid pervious such that fluid passes through the body fluid management device from the body facing surface toward the opposite surface.

Abstract: An interlabial pad to be fitted to the labia providing an interlabial pad with flap portions that can maintain the retention state in the interlabial space irrespective of the quantity of body fluid discharge such as menstrual blood. A mini-sheet piece (3) is attached to the opposite side face to the body side face (2b) of the interlabial pad (2) in such a way that a pad of it protrudes from both side edges of the interlabial pad (2) forming flap portions (4A) and (4B). Adhesives (6A) and (6B) are applied to the body side face of the flap portions (4A) and (4B). The interlabial pad (2) is retained in the interlabial space and the flap portions (4A) and (4B) are affixed to the surface of the labia majora to fit the interlabial pad with the flap portions (1).

Abstract: A sanitary napkin has a strip that extends rearwardly to reside in the intergluteal crevice. The pad is sized and configured to fit snugly against the wearer's body without penetrating the vaginal orifice. The strip provides improved body contact thus providing similar protection with a smaller pad and a discretion benefit to the user. The invention provides various alternative mechanisms for varying the length of the strip by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates an arrangement and a process for making the arrangement that comprises a tampon, an applicator unit, and a uniformly shaped film cap. The tampon has a withdrawal end opposed to an insertion end, the insertion end having a top portion. The applicator unit contains at least a portion of a tampon and has a bottom side opposed to a topside. The film cap is uniformly shaped and covers at least a portion of the top portion of the tampon and attaches to at least a portion of the applicator unit. The arrangement is obtainable by a process comprising the steps of attaching the planar film to the applicator and shaping and or stretching the planar film to create a film cap.

Abstract: An absorbent article (40) such as a labial pad configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The labial pad may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, and has at least one tab (94) extending outward from the periphery thereof.

Abstract: Digital tampons are disclosed which are capable of radially expanding into a non circular cross-sectional shape upon exposure to a wet environment, typically in use condition, so as to reduce bypass leakage. The inventions also relates to tampon blanks and a process of producing the tampons.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The tampon has a compressed fibrous material. The outer surface of the tampon has a first raised portion adjacent to a second raised portion. The first raised portion has a first width dimension and the second raised portion has a second width dimension The first width dimension is greater than said second width dimension.

Abstract: A combination tampon/panty shield that is inserted and removed without the need for the user's hands or fingers contacting the vagina. The combination tampon/panty shield includes a panty shield portion including the moisture proof outer layer provided with two exterior pockets and a centrally located finger insertion cavity extending inward through an in inner absorbent layer adhesively bonded to a backside of the moisture proof outer layer and a tampon extending upward from the inner absorbent layer and having a portion of the finger insertion cavity extending into a bottom tampon portion thereof.

Abstract: Shaped tampons having varying perimeters are provided. Tampons disclosed comprise a mass of absorbent material formed into a self-sustaining shape comprising an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and a center region. The center region has at least one perimeter which is less than a largest insertion end perimeter and is less than a withdrawal end perimeter. The shaped tampons may also have varying average fiber density regions. The shaped tampons may be wrapped in tightly conforming wrappers which optionally aid in maintaining the self-sustaining shape prior to use. Optionally, the shaped tampons may utilize tampon applicators which enable a user to visually see the shape of the tampon prior to use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article in the form of a sanitary napkin, a panty liner or an incontinence protector and comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a liquid-permeable top sheet (2), a liquid-impermeable backing sheet (3), and an absorbent body (1) enclosed between the top and backing sheets, wherein the rear portion of the article includes a longitudinally extending ridge-shaped elevation (9) that projects out from that side of the article that contains the top sheet. According to the invention a central string of material (8) extends in the rear portion of the article and the absorbent body (1) between the top sheet (2) and the backing sheet (3) in the rear portion of the article extends around the long sides of said string. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such an article.

Abstract: This invention absorbs excess menstrual flow when an intra-vaginal tampon becomes saturated during periods of heavy flow. A system of two small-size soft absorbent cloths, placed externally in the user's crotch and held in place by the female anatomy, absorbs all the excess flow. First, the multi-layer Large Cloth Assembly, inserted between and held in place by the vaginal lips at the opening of the vagina, absorbs fluid which would otherwise run down the inside of the legs when the user stands. Second, the folded Small Cloth placed on the skin between the opening of the vagina and the anus, secured in place by the buttocks closing around it, absorbs fluid which would otherwise leak through the crack between the buttocks, particulary when the body is horizontal. Disposal of both cloths is by a toilet flush. The invention has been effective in clinical trials, is medically safe, simple and hidden from view, comfortable, low cost, and adapted to any anatomy.

Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body includes an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, wherein the absorbency zone includes absorbent material; an application zone adjacent the proximal end and spaced apart from the distal end; and a therapeutic agent positioned substantially within the application zone. A method produces a device for delivering a therapeutic agent. The method includes manufacturing a tampon having a body with a distal end, a proximal end, an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, and an application zone adjacent the proximal end; and locating a therapeutic agent substantially within the application zone.

Abstract: A tampon is provided having an applicator barrel adapted to house a pledget, and especially a radially expanding pledget, and receive a telescoping plunger that is adapted to expel the pledget from the barrel. The applicator barrel has a fingergrip area with at least one set of diametrically opposed, substantially flattened surfaces, convex surfaces, concave surfaces, or any combination thereof. These surfaces have at least one gripping structure to enhance the gripping characteristics of the applicator, allowing the user to securely hold the applicator during insertion and removal and during expulsion of the pledget from the barrel.

Abstract: An absorbent article (40) such as a labial pad configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The labial pad may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, and has at least one tab (94) extending from the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A sani-supplement device is disclosed, comprising an elongated body having a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion. The elongated body comprises an absorbent material. The top and middle portions are sized to be inserted into the crevice of the buttocks. The lower portion is placeable adjacent to the vagina, perhaps separated therefrom by a sanitary napkin. Alternatively, the lower portion may be placed directly against the vagina. In an alternate embodiment, the lower end region has a width larger than the width of the top and middle portions. A method is also disclosed for providing supplemental control over bodily fluids and/or other matter, comprising the steps of inserting the top and middle portion of the device into the crevice of the buttocks while leaving a lower portion of the sani-supplement hanging freely.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent pad for being used with a sanitary tampon, which includes a pad body having liquid absorbency. The pad body has front and rear faces, and a string receiving portion. The string receiving portion passes through from the front face to the rear face so that a string extending from the tampon can be inserted into the string receiving portion.

Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon having increased leakage protection and ability to readily absorb fluid while not aggressively adhering to tissue. This is accomplished with a tampon comprising a compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. The compressed absorbent member of the tampon has an inner region and an exterior surface. The fluid wicking overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member, substantially permeates the inner region of the compressed absorbent member and extends beyond the withdrawal end to form a skirt portion. A method of making a tampon of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tampon showing improved leakage protection through improved expansion characteristics is disclosed. The tampons disclosed demonstrate these improved expansion characteristics particularly in the width dimension without introducing new drawbacks. Preferred tampons are described which are compressed to an initial size comparable to current tampons, but which expand to a width exceeding that achieved by current tampons. Such increased expansion is preferably accomplished without an increase in the total absorbency of the tampon. Tampons of various absorbencies are disclosed having increased total expansion in the width direction compared to current tampons. Additionally, tampons of various absorbencies which expand to a greater degree in the width direction under pressure are also disclosed. Tampons of various absorbencies which expand at a rate exceeding that achieved previously are also disclosed.

Abstract: Shaped tampons having varying volumes are provided. A tampon which is formed into a self-sustaining shape has an outer surface, which is substantially serpentine. The tampon also has continually changing volume. The shaped tampons may also have varying average fiber density regions. The shaped tampons may be wrapped in tightly conforming wrappers which optionally aid in maintaining the self-sustaining shape prior to use. Optionally, the shaped tampons may utilize tampon applicators which enable a user to visually see the shape of the tampon prior to use.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided in the form of a sanitary napkin, a panty liner or an incontinence protector, having an elongated body that includes an expansion element for permitting the body to expand in a direction generally transversely to the elongated body. The elongated body is flat and has a liquid-permeable sheet that is intended to face toward the wearer's body, a liquid-impermeable sheet that is intended to face towards a wearer's garment, and an absorbent layer disposed between the liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet. The liquid-impermeable sheet may include a fastener for enabling the absorbent article to be releasably fastened to the garment. The expansion element may include a pleat which extends only partially along the elongated body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catamenial tampon with a joined skirt portion. The tampon includes an absorbent material having a first surface opposed to the second surface and an insertion end opposed to a withdrawal end. The overwrap covers at least a portion of the first surface and the second surface proximal to the withdrawal end of the absorbent material. The overwrap extends beyond the withdrawal end of the first surface of the absorbent material to define a first skirt portion. The overwrap also extends beyond the withdrawal end of the second surface of the absorbent material to define a second skirt portion. The first skirt portion is joined to the second skirt portion proximal to the withdrawal end of the absorbent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pre-expanded tampon pledget formed from cellulosic absorbent fibers. The fibers are not tightly compressed, thus, the pledget has a reduced fiber density. As a result, a softer, more pliable pledget is formed that not only increases user comfort during use, but also affords a user with comparable and/or increased leakage protection over conventional tampons or tampon pledgets.

Abstract: A process and system for maintaining a position of a feminine-care treatment (86) includes a providing of an operative quantity of at least one feminine-care treatment material (86), and a depositing of the treatment material into a vulva-vaginal area of a recipient, female user. A maintenance article, such as provided by an interlabial device (40), is placed into an interlabial space of the user. The maintenance article (40) is configured to operatively impede an undesired movement of the treatment material (86) from the vulva-vaginal area when the interlabial device is placed in the interlabial space of the user. In a particular aspect, the maintenance article (40) can include a liquid-permeable topsheet layer (62), and a pliable core (66) which operatively joined to the topsheet layer (62).

Abstract: A drug or diagnostic agent) is delivered intravaginally or to the interlabial space by positioning an interlabial device, such as an absorbent pad, between the labia. The pad is retained between the labia to deliver an active agent, or allow a reaction with a diagnostic agent. Alternatively, the pad is applied after medication is administered, to help reduce discomfort to the subject, or loss of medication. The active agent may be carried by the pad itself, or in an intravaginal extension of the pad, or separately in a suppository or other dosage form. In particular examples, the pad has a smaller minor portion superimposed on a larger major portion, and the smaller minor portion is inserted as a leading edge between the labia of the subject to facilitate interlabial insertion. In another example, the pad is placed interlabially after insertion of an agent into the vagina.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an interlabial pad, with which an absorbent body does not become lopsided while the interlabial pad is fitted on and yet with which it is unlikely for a foreign-object sensation to be felt while the interlabial pad is fitted on. The present invention provides an interlabial pad comprising: an absorbent body, absorbing liquids; and a cover body, covering the abovementioned absorbent body in an enclosing manner; and wherein the abovementioned absorbent body comprises fiber aggregates in which the fiber directions are oriented randomly, and with the fiber aggregates, the flexural rigidities as Gurley bending resistances are in the range from 25 mg to 130 mg and the ratio of flexural rigidities in two mutually orthogonal directions is in the range from 0.5 to 2.0.

Abstract: An interlabial pad, which can be discarded by flushing down a toilet and yet with which neither the functions and comfort during use of the interlabial nor the functions of a septic tank are damaged, is provided. The interlabial pad comprises: an absorbent body absorbing liquids; and a cover body covering the absorbent body in an enclosing manner and comprising a liquid permeable surface side sheet and a liquid impermeable back face side sheet. The cover body is arranged from a plurality of small sheet pieces and the small sheet pieces that are adjacent each other are mutually overlapped and form seam parts. The abovementioned seam parts are set so as to become weakened in physicochemical strength upon permeation of water and separate into the plurality of small sheet pieces when the interlabial pad is discarded by being flushed down a toilet.

Abstract: Provided is an interlabial pad that can be closely fixed to the interlabial space, having a structure to realize better contact with user's body irrespective of personal differences of labia providing secure and hygienic fit.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner or a female incontinence napkin, is intended to be carried in the crotch part of the wearer inside her underwear, has a generally elongate shape and includes two long sides, two short sides, two end-portions, a center portion located between the end-portions, a liquid-permeable casing sheet that is intended to lie proximal to the wearer's body in use, a liquid-impermeable casing sheet that is intended to lie distal form the wearer's body in use, and further includes between the layers, as seen in a direction from the liquid-permeable casing sheet towards the liquid-impermeable casing sheet, a drainage layer, an absorption layer, and a hump-forming element which forms together with the drainage layer and the absorption layer a hump that projects out from the plane of the napkin on that side of the napkin which is intended to lie proximal to the wearer in the use.

Abstract: An elastic absorbent article such as a sanitary towel, a panty liner or an incontinence pad includes an inner layer and an outer layer which are elastic and an intermediate absorption body which is non-elastic. The absorption body is connected to at least one of the inner and outer layers only in a central and small region and in that the region is visibly marked on the inner layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad with a high prevention effect of menstrual blood leak, which can be easily fitted between female labia. An object is to provide an interlabial pad which can decrease leak generated on the right and left hand side of the body side and achieve a sure and sanitary wearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial product and an individual wrapping body provided with a form for securing a finger, and a manufacturing method therefor, and provides an interlabial pad individual wrapping container which can be used as a suitable operation member when fixing or unfixing the interlabial pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad can be sealed and attached to the female labia, which has a structure in capable of easily achieving a sealing attachment into the female labia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad that is worn by female wearers, placed in intimate contact and supported between the labia, which provides an interlabial pad that gives no discomfort to the female wearer in the body motions of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates an interlabial pad to be fitted to the labia providing an interlabial pad with flap portions that can maintain the retention state in the interlabial space irrespective of the quantity of body fluid discharge such as menstrual blood.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an interlabial pad easy to wear between the labia and provides an interlabial pad of a structure allowing to wear between the labia of a woman easily and appropriately.

Abstract: An applicator system for delivering an object into mammalian body cavity and a method for delivering the object are disclosed. The applicator includes a tubular insertion member having a perimeter and an expulsion member, which is slideably fitted within the insertion member and linearly-biased. The expulsion member extends out of the gripper end of the insertion member and is restrained proximate the outer surface of the insertion member. The perimeter of the folded applicator about both the insertion and expulsion members is of similar length to that of the insertion member. The method includes the steps of releasing the expulsion member from restraint such that it extends rearwardly from the insertion member, inserting the insertion member into the body cavity, applying force on the expulsion member, expelling the object into the body cavity, and removing the insertion portion of the applicator.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon in the form of a soft, conformable, hollow bag which is capable of being inserted digitally or through the use of a unique applicator. The tampon has an outer surface, an inner surface, a head portion and a trailing portion. The inner surface of the tampon defines an interior of the tampon wherein the head portion is closed and the trailing portion defines an opening into the interior of the tampon. The tampon may have a shape modulus of compression of less than 0.05 pounds force. The tampon preferably includes a removal string, which can be attached to the inside or outside surface of the tampon.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interlabial pad, which includes an absorber (13) and comprises an absorbing sheet portion (14a), which faces against the body side in wearing the pad and a support sheet portion (14b), which backs the absorber (14a). The absorber (14a) comprises of a pair of absorbing sheet bodies (16) which are divided along the substantial center line of the interlabial pad 14, the absorbing sheet (16) and the impermeable support sheet (12) are bonded with each other on the peripheral edge portion (15) of the interlabial pad (14) to form a void portion (18) between the absorbing sheet body (16) and the support sheet (12) through which the menstrual blood can flow into. Thereby the menstrual blood flowing down along the inner wall of the labia can be rapidly transferred into the absorber and the shape fitness (fitting ability) of the pad in labia can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an individual wrapping body for wrapping an interlabial pad in which the number of live microorganism is suppressed and an exterior container for enclosing two or more of the individual wrapping bodies. An object is to provide an individual wrapping body capable of preventing microorganism from entering to female genital from outside and maintaining the state of equilibrium of indigenous microorganism. The individual wrapping body comprises an interlabial pad and an individual wrapping container for covering and enclosing the whole portion of the interlabial pad. A processing for suppressing the number of live microorganism is applied to the interlabial pad and, by the processing, the number is suppressed to be 100 or less even a period of 6 months after the manufacture. Also, provided is a package for surrounding two or more of the individual wrapping bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad which is attached between female labia, especially to the pad which can be used together with the sanitary napkin, which has a good sealing efficiency with the labia deepest portion when the user moves and can prevent the chance that the leak of the menstrual blood or the dropping off of the pad is occurred. Further the interlabial pad comprises the absorbing sheet portion facing to the body side upon wearing the pad and the support sheet portion backing the absorbing sheet portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interlabial pad which can be worn by closely fitted between the labia with high adhesion to the inner thigh of a user, and can be used irrespective to the depth of the labia of the user having a configuration by which a sure and sanitary wearing can be achieved. A sheet body including an absorbent body is provided to have a dual structure of a main sheet body (2) and a sub-sheet body (6). A long convex area (3) formed by bending the main sheet body (2) is provided on the body side surface of the main sheet body (2) so as to be inserted in between the labia. Furthermore, the interlabial pad is formed to be in a state capable of double changeover by providing two finger insertion openings for holding the interlabial pad on a fingertip when wearing the interlabial pad (1). A first finger insertion opening (19A) is formed between the main sheet body (2) and the sub-sheet body (6) and a second finger insertion opening (19B) is formed between the sub-sheet body (6) and a mini sheet piece (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad which is used by being fitted between labia of a user for absorbing the menstrual blood, and provides an interlabial pad which can surely absorb even a high-speed, large-volume menstrual blood, flowing down the body along inner labial walls. An interlabial pad (14) is devised to provide an protruded area (14b) in a part of a flat area (14a), having an absorbing function, and the ratio of the protruded area (14b) and the flat area (14a) is controlled accurately.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad that can be easily fixed to the interlabial space and a wrapping body wherein a wrapping container contains the same providing an interlabial pad with a structure make secure and hygienic fixing to the interlabial space of females easier and a independent wrapping body to contain thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad that is worn by female wearers, placed in intimate contact and supported between the labia, which provides an interlabial pad that causes no discomfort to the female wearer in the body motions of the wearer. The interlabial pad of the present invention is characterized by having bending elements which allows the interlabial pad to follow the changes in form flexibly even when a force is exerted on the interlabial pad by the wearer's body motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad which is attached between female labia, especially to the pad which can be used together with the sanitary napkin, further to a wrapping body where said interlabial pad is contained individually in a wrapping container, and the present invention provides an interlabial pad in capable of rapidly directing the menstrual blood which flows down along the inner wall of labia to an absorbent body and in capable of improving the shape fitness (fitness ability) within labia.