Abstract: The invention relates to drug delivery devices for insertion into the vagina, rectum or nasal cavity comprising a body, a layer of fluid-impermeable material on at least part of said body and one or more pharmaceutical agents disposed on the surface of the material remote from said body, wherein said body comprises absorbent material. The devices exploit the highly vascularised nature of the vaginal, nasal and rectal mucosal tissue to deliver pharmaceutical agents to localised areas and/or into underlying tissues.

Abstract: An interlabial absorbent article is provided for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer. The article includes a liquid permeable top sheet, a polymeric film back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the top sheet and back sheet. The polymeric film back sheet is also liquid permeable such that the article may be disposed at generally any orientation within the wearer's vestibule and absorb bodily fluids at any such orientation.

Abstract: An interlabial absorbent article configured for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer includes a generally liquid permeable cover sheet, a generally liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the cover sheet and the back sheet. A time-delayed water soluble adhesive combination joins the cover sheet and back sheet together with the absorbent material sandwiched therebetween. The adhesive combination is configured so as to maintain structural integrity of the article for a time period of at least about two hours after the article is immersed in water by being flushed while ensuring that the article breaks up within about 24-72 hours after flushing.

Abstract: What is new about safes the invention I want patented is, no one has ever put the kotex with wings? and a tampon togehter as one product!

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tampon having an absorbent structure and a multilayered cover substantially enclosing the absorbent structure. The cover has an outer layer capable of retaining liquid and an inner layer disposed between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. The inner layer creates a controlled interruption of fluid flow between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. This interruption allows the outer layer retains sufficient liquid to minimize vaginal wall drying prior to saturation of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: Catamenial tampons having particularly desired expansion force characteristics are shown. The tampons comprise a mass of absorbent material which is fluid expanding. The tampons exert an X Dimension Force of at least about 400 grams, and a Z Dimension Force of less than about 200 grams. Alternatively, the ratio of the X Dimension Force to the Z Dimension Force is from about 10 to about 50.

Abstract: The invention is directed to method and system for folding pads. In one aspect, the system includes a conveyor for conveying a series of pads, one after another, to a folding station. A folding apparatus at the folding station folds each pad along said major axis as the pad is conveyed in a forward direction. The folding apparatus includes a hold-down member adapted to contact a center section of each pad extending generally parallel to said major axis as the pad is conveyed forward. The folding apparatus also includes a pair of folders on opposite sides of the hold-down member adapted to contact side sections of the pad on opposite sides of said major axis as the pad is fed forward and as it is held down by the hold-down member to fold the side sections of the pad to positions facing one another. The pads may be used as feminine protection pads.

Abstract: A Feminine Hygiene Perineum Device insertable into the perineal space of the female to prevent that the bodily fluids secreted from a user slip through the perineal space rearwardly. Said device, comprising at least an absorbent core system, having a predetermined shape, length, and width to substantially fill and comfortably fit into said perineal space, whereby preventing that the bodily fluids secreted from a user slip through the perineal space. The Feminine Hygiene Perineum Device will improve the collection of bodily fluids such as, but not limited to, menstrual fluids, urine, and vaginal discharges left unabsorbed by feminine hygiene devices.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an absorbent interlabial device. The absorbent interlabial device has a body contacting surface, a garment facing surface opposing the body contacting surface, an interior region, and a periphery region which surrounds the interior region. The body contacting surface is liquid permeable. The absorbent interlabial device comprises an absorbent member disposed between the garment facing surface and the body contacting surface. The absorbent member has a body facing surface and a garment facing surface opposing the body facing surface. The absorbent interlabial device has a convex portion on the body contacting surface in the interior region, and a concave portion on the garment facing surface in the interior region. The convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a face-to-face relationship. The invention is also directed to a method for making such an absorbent interlabial device.

Abstract: An absorbent article to absorb and/or contain human female bodily excretions from the genitalia for placement in the inner crotch portion of an undergarment or insertable into the interlabial space of a human female wearer; and with separate or integral cosmetic human female crotch enhancer volume which is at least partially or wholly positioned on or within any combination of body facing side, garment facing side and/or absorbent volume of the absorbent article and which gives the simulated appearance of exaggerated contours and curves associated with the human female external genitalia without or with the simulated appearance of exaggerated pudendal cleft associated with the human female external genitalia and/or without or with the simulated pubic hair to provide the human female wearer with subtle understated sexual expression and/or subtle non-verbal communication.

Abstract: An intravaginal disposable article, e.g., useful as a sanitary protection device. The intravaginal disposable article has a primary structure and a liquid-sensitive signaling element in liquid communication with the primary structure. The liquid-sensitive signaling element is capable of expanding significantly after exposure of the signaling element to a saturating amount of 0.9 wt-% saline solution.

Abstract: A sani-supplement device is disclosed which comprises an elongated body which is comprised of a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion. The elongated body is comprised of an absorbent material. The top portion and the middle portion are adapted in size and share so as 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. As an alternative the lower portion may be placed directly against the vagina. In an alternate embodiment, the lower end region has a width which is larger than the width of the top portion and the middle portion. A method is also disclosed for providing supplemental control over a flow of bodily fluids and/or other matter which comprises the steps of inserting the top and middle portion of the sani-supplement device into the crevice of the buttocks while leaving a lower portion of the sani-supplement hanging freely.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon comprises a compressed absorbent member having an inner region and an exterior surface, the compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. An overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The overwrap comprises an apertured fluid pervious material that is hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic relative to the compressed absorbent member. The fluid pervious overwrap therefore tends to remain free of fluid as the fluid is preferentially partitioned into the absorbent member.

Abstract: Absorbent interlabial devices are disclosed. Preferably, the absorbent interlabial device has a liquid pervious topseet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The device preferably also has a grasping tab joined to the backsheet. The tab preferably has at least a first zone and a second zone where the stiffness of the first zone is greater than the stiffness of the second zone. Preferably, the tab is made up of multiple layers. These layers are preferably laminated to each other in the first zone and are not laminated to each other in the second zone.

Abstract: A nonwoven web and method of preparing a novel nonwoven web of synthetic fiber are disclosed. An aqueous solution amide crosslinked synthetic precursor polymer is extruded under defined conditions through a plurality of die orifices to form a plurality of threadlines. The threadlines are attenuated with a defined primary gaseous source to form fiber under conditions of controlled macro scale turbulence and under conditions sufficient to permit the viscosity of each threadline, as it leaves a die orifice and for a distance of no more than about 8 cm, to increase incrementally with increasing distance from the die, while substantially maintaining uniformity of viscosity in the radial direction, at a rate sufficient to provide fiber having the desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage. The attenuated threadlines are dried with a defined secondary gaseous source. The resulting fibers are deposited randomly on a moving foraminous surface to form a substantially uniform web.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an absorbent interlabial device. The absorbent interlabial device has a body contacting surface, a garment facing surface opposing the body contacting surface, an interior region, and a periphery region which surrounds the interior region. The body contacting surface is liquid permeable. The absorbent interlabial device comprises an absorbent member disposed between the garment facing surface and the body contacting surface. The absorbent member has a body facing surface and a garment facing surface opposing the body facing surface. The absorbent interlabial device has a convex portion on the body contacting surface in the interior region, and a concave portion on the garment facing surface in the interior region. The convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a face-to-face relationship. The invention is also directed to a method for making such an absorbent interlabial device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article designed and configured to fit between the labia. The article employs a plurality of stacked, layered elements and provides for collection of bodily fluids and solids typically left unabsorbed by conventional interlabial products. The material used for absorbent purposes includes gum karaya, a plant extract, sometimes in combination with undyed compressed cotton and/or cellulose. Further embodiments include acrylic polymer to enhance the absorbent properties of gum karaya.

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

Abstract: A compound sanitary napkin including a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a flexible backsheet and an absorbent core between the topsheet and backsheet. The secondary absorbent member includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious barrier sheet joined to the topsheet and an optional absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the barrier sheet. The primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member are joined together to form a unitary structure. The primary absorbent member has a contoured shape wherein the width of the primary absorbent member in a central region is greater than the width of both transverse end.

Abstract: An absorbent sanitary article with posterior guide ridge member is provided for effectively absorbing and retaining bodily fluid in the septum region of a wearer. The absorbent sanitary article with posterior guide ridge member has a bodycontacting surface for providing comfort against body skin and throughwhich bodily fluids will pass. An absorbency core provides some measure of bodily fluid absorbency. A barrier layer is included in order to prevent bodily fluids retained by the absorbency core from penetrating through the present invention and soiling adjacent undergarments. An outer layer imparts a degree of comfort and softness, as well as providing a vapor permeable sheathe. An integrally formed guide ridge is provided in order to be guidably received within a septum region of the wearer to prevent soilage of undergarments and to provide the wearer with a greater sense of dryness.

Abstract: This invention discloses digital tampons comprising a substantially cylindrical mass of compressed fibers, the tampons having a fibrous core substantially surrounding the central axis of the tampons and an uneven number of 7 or 9 ribs which extend radially outwards from the core.

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: 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 notch (100) generally formed in the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A body-contacting surface or topsheet for absorbent articles or devices that is comfortable when it is placed in contact with hydrous body tissues is disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment, the topsheet is a non-absorbent, moderately hydrophilic to substantially hydrophobic nonwoven web. The topsheet can have a critical surface tension of less than or equal to about 45 dynes/cm. In one embodiment, the nonwoven web has been mechanically modified so that it is extensible in an amount greater than equal to about 30% under a force of 50 grams, and undergoes a caliper change of greater than or equal to about 30% under a pressure of 1,000 Pa after being subjected to a pressure of 250 Pa. The topsheet is placed on absorbent devices such as sanitary napkins, tampons, pantiliners, interlabial devices, incontinence devices, bandages, and other types of articles.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin has a strip that extends rearwardly to reside in the intergluteal crevice. The pad fits snugly against the body without penetrating. Because the strip provides improved body contact, similar protection is achieved with a smaller pad, thus providing a discretion benefit to the wearer.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is locally formed with a protuberance in a transversely middle zone of the diaper between urethral meatus and anus of a diaper wearer, and the diaper thus formed is capable of preventing loose passage discharged thereon form flowing toward the front side of the wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent article insertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer comprising an absorbent storage core and a body-contacting vaginal discharge receiving layer overlaying the storage core. The body-contacting vaginal discharge receiving layer is compressible and is adjustable to conform to the inner labial surface texture to fill in channels within the inner labia which transport and collect bodily discharges. The absorbent storage core and the body-contacting vaginal discharge layer are placed into communication by needle punching.

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: 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: A compound sanitary napkin including a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member, the primary absorbent member having a length and a width and the secondary absorbent member has a length and a width. The primary absorbent member includes an absorbent core and a liquid pervious topsheet superposed on the absorbent core. The secondary absorbent member includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious barrier sheet joined to the topsheet and an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the barrier sheet. The primary absorbent member has a contoured shape wherein the width of the primary absorbent member in a central region is narrower than the width at least one transverse end region.

Abstract: A tampon comprising an elongated absorptive area and an elongated element within the absorptive area which is expandable on insertion of air. This increases the comfort at the interface of the tampon with the vagina walls. Optionally, a plurality of nonabsorptive elements are located on the outside surface of the tampon material, the nonabsorptive elements causing a spacing between the absorptive elements and vagina wall.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a multi-layer material having a front section, a back section and an intermediate section connecting the front section and the back section, wherein the multi-layer material comprises a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. At least one resilient fluid-filled chamber is disposed in the absorbent layer or between at least a portion of the absorbent layer and the backsheet. A body-fitting mechanism is provided which is activatable by application of a force to the resilient fluid-filled chamber.

Abstract: Absorbent articles containing an additive are disclosed. The absorbent articles include an effective amount of an inhibitory compound, such as thiolactomycin or thiomalonate, to substantially inhibit the production of TSST-1 by Gram positive bacteria.

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: 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: 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: The present invention relates to a tampon having an absorbent structure and a multilayered cover substantially enclosing the absorbent structure. The cover has an outer layer capable of retaining liquid and an inner layer disposed between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. The inner layer creates a controlled interruption of fluid flow between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. This interruption allows the outer layer retains sufficient liquid to minimize vaginal wall drying prior to saturation of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a tampon body having a distal end; and a dosage form affixed to the distal end of the tampon body, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent, and wherein the dosage form comprises a plurality of layers. Also, a method for manufacturing a medicated tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the method including manufacturing a tampon body having a distal end; producing a dosage form having a plurality of layers, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent; and affixing the dosage form to the distal end of the tampon body.

Abstract: An absorbent device configured for partial disposition within the vestibule of a wearer, and adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the device including a fluid-absorbent body having an application region for projection within the vestibule; and a formulation including a therapeutic agent positioned substantially within the application region. Also, a method for producing an absorbent device configured for partial disposition within the vestibule of a wearer, and adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the method including manufacturing an absorbent device having a fluid-absorbent body having an application region for projection within the vestibule; and locating a formulation including the therapeutic agent substantially within the application region.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin has an absorbent core convexly curved upward and the absorbent core is provided on its lower side with a pad adapted to hold a curved shape of the absorbent core. The pad is formed on its upper side with a plurality of projections and continuous troughs so that the projections are bonded to the lower side of the absorbent core and the troughs form a continuous tunnel between the absorbent core and the pad. The pad thus formed improves a breathability of the sanitary napkin during its use.

Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon having a non-aggressive fluid wicking overwrap, which aids in fluid acquisition while not aggressively adhering to tissue is disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed comprising a central absorbent member, an outer absorbent member, and a central rising member for urging the central absorbent member toward the body of the user when compressed laterally inward by the legs of the user. The article is able to achieve good center-fill performance when in use and maintain excellent body fit. Also disclosed is a lateral wicking barrier for inhibition of wicking from the central regions of the article to an outlying outer absorbent member. The combination of a wicking barrier isolating the central absorbent member from the longitudinal sides of the article and a central rising member urging the central absorbent member toward the body yields an article with excellent absorbency and leakage protection.

Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon having a non-aggressive fluid wicking overwrap, which aids in fluid acquisition while not aggressively adhering to tissue is presented. This tampon comprises a generally elongated absorbent member and an overwrap substantially covering the exterior surface of the generally elongated absorbent member, wherein the overwrap is fluid wicking and has an Agar Shear Force of no more than about 90 grams per inch of material width.

Abstract: An absorbent sanitary protection device, designed so as to be worn intralabially, includes an absorption body with a first surface which is intended to face a wearer during use and a second surface which is intended to face away from the wearer during use. The absorption body of the sanitary protection device is made from a preformed, dehydrated hydrogel and is in the shape of a spoon with a cup-shaped portion arranged on the first surface and an elongate handle-shaped portion which, by way of the preforming, includes a portion which, on wetting, swells and forms a raised portion on the first surface of the protection device.

Abstract: Disclosed are occluders and methods of their use. The occluders comprise shape-memory polymeric materials which, when heated above their crystalline melting temperatures, may be deformed from a first configuration into a second configuration. The occluder is then held in the deformed shape until it cools to a temperature below its crystalline melting temperature (Tm) whereby it holds the deformed shape of the second configuration by virtue of the recrystallization of the polymeric occluder material. Upon reheating the occluder above its Tm, the occluder will resume its original shape. In this manner, an occluder which has been deformed to reduce its diameter may be inserted into and positioned within a target lumen in the body and then allowed to warm to body temperature whereby it resumes its original diameter and results in the occlusion of the lumen. The occluders, according to preferred embodiments, may be used for reversible sterilization of mammals, among other surgical and non-surgical uses.

Abstract: Disclosed is an individually packaged body fluid absorbent article including: a body fluid absorbent article including an absorbent body to be inserted into the vagina of a user; and a bag in which the body fluid absorbent article is individually packaged. Instructions for use of the body fluid absorbent article are indicated on the bag.

Abstract: A tampon formed of a substantially cylindrical mass of compressed fibers substantially enclosed in a fluid-permeable cover has improved ability to prevent early leakage. This tampon has a stability of at least about 15 N, and is capable of radially expanding upon exposure to a humid environment. The radius increases by at least about 10% after 15 minutes to 90% relative humidity at 40° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a main body portion having longitudinally opposed front and rear edges; and a surface structure having an ability to absorb and retain a liquid. The surface structure extends longitudinally of the main body portion and is fixed on a body surface of the main body portion through a bond. The bond extends longitudinally of the main body portion to have longitudinally opposed front and rear edges. The surface structure is longitudinally sectionalized into a front portion having the bond therein and a rear free portion extending beyond the rear edge of the bond toward the rear edge of the main body portion. A width of the rear free portion is smaller than a width of the main body portion and also smaller than a width of the front portion of the surface structure.

Abstract: Products comprise a plurality tampons of varied absorbent capacity, tailored to meet the needs of different segments of women based on their menstrual flow. Consumer product lines comprise different types of multi-packs tailored to meet the menstrual flow needs of different segments of women based on their menstrual flow. Modularized multi-packs are presented as a way to efficiently produce different multi-packs.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having excellent body fit, center-fill fluid handling performance, and good leakage control in that flow from the center of the article to the longitudinal sides thereof is hindered by a wicking barrier. The article comprises a lower absorbent member, an horizontal wicking barrier over the lower absorbent member, and a central absorbent section forming a medial hump over the horizontal wicking barrier. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging a central portion to deflect vertically upward. In one embodiment, longitudinal upward projections on the horizontal wicking barrier also help control the deformation of the article for good body fit.