Abstract: It is intended to provide a tampon wherein a string-shaped member is bonded to a cylindrical absorbent in the state of not being exposed on the absorbent surface. A tampon comprising an absorbent (2), which is obtained by molding a sheet member into a cylindrical shape, and a string-shaped member (4) which is bonded to the absorbent (2) and extends from one end of the absorbent (2). The string-shaped member (4) has a first string part which is bonded along the first direction of one face of the sheet member constituting the absorbent (2) and a second string part which extends from the sheet member. A first folding part is formed in one side of the second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction of the first string member, while a second folding part is formed in the other side of the second direction.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element. The invention also includes methods and apparatus useful in the production of an intravaginal device.

Abstract: A delivery tube assembly is provided, the delivery tube assembly including a delivery tube including a delivery tube attachment end, an open delivery tube second end opposite the delivery tube attachment end, an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a delivery tube cavity; and a dosage form including a therapeutic agent, wherein the dosage form is positioned within the delivery tube cavity. The assembly may also include an engagement mechanism positioned at the delivery tube attachment end. The assembly may also include a containment seal coupled to the delivery tube second end. The assembly may also include an inner containment seal positioned within the delivery tube cavity to seal the dosage form within the delivery tube cavity.

Abstract: There is provided a fibrous absorbent article for absorbing body fluids made up of a fibrous material defining a structure suitable for absorbing the body fluids, and disposed within the structure an effective amount, so as to reduce Staphylococcus aureus bacterial growth and neutralize TSS toxin-1 within the vagina, of one or more antimicrobial agents and one or more finishing agents.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent body in contact with a moisture activatable shrinking yarn in the form of a metering string. The metering string includes a hanging portion that is at least initially visible to a user when the absorbent article is in use. By observing the change in length of the hanging portion, a user wearing the absorbent article can determine how saturated the absorbent article has become. The metering string may be used with absorbent articles such as tampons and diapers.

Abstract: A digital tampon including a finger cover. The tampon can include an absorbent mass having an insertion end and a withdrawal end, a finger cover, and one or more withdrawal cords that can be joined to the finger cover at one or more joints. The finger cover can be at least partially disposed in the withdrawal end of the tampon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ergonomically improved tampon applicator having a plunger and a barrel. The barrel has four distinct sections, namely a finger grip section, a reverse taper section, a main body section, and an insertion tip section. The reverse taper section is tapered towards the fingergrip section and the main body section is tapered in an opposite direction towards the insertion tip section. A maximum diameter is formed where the reverse taper section and main body section meet on the barrel. The maximum diameter provides a sensory means to the user to alert the user when the applicator has been inserted at the proper depth in the vagina.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article designed to deliver the active ingredients to the various body cavities such vaginal, oral, nasal and rectal, further the article is designed in such a manner that it can be easily arranged and configured to fit into vaginal, oral, nasal, and rectal cavities.

Abstract: A packaged elongate intravaginal device has an overwrap substantially enclosing the device. The overwrap has a longitudinal overlap seam disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The seam includes one ply of overwrap material disposed at a first margin of a overwrap blank superposed on a second ply of overwrap material disposed at a second margin of the overwrap blank, opposite the first. The overwrap has a substantially continuous line of weakness that intersects a plane including the longitudinal axis of the packaged device at at least three unique locations. The line of weakness extends across the longitudinal overlap seam and includes weakness components superposed in each ply of the overlap seam, and the line of weakness is arranged and configured in a manner to permit the overwrap to remain as a unitary structure upon destruction of the line of weakness.

Abstract: A multilayered apertured film wrapping element for an absorbent article is disclosed. At least one outer layer of the fluid-impervious plastic material has a continuous phase of a thermoplastic polymeric component and an immiscible, dispersed phase of a thermoplastic polymeric component having a lower melting point. The wrapping element is useful in applications involving heat sealing and similar thermal processes in absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, diapers, bandages, tampons, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tampon (1) having an insertion end (11), a withdrawal end (14) and a tampon body in between whereby said tampon body essentially consists of liquid absorbing material and has an outer circumferential surface which is provided with longitudinal grooves (4, 4?) that are separated from each other by longitudinal ribs (3, 3?), wherein at least one tampon groove (4) is defined an outer longitudinal path (2) on the surface of the tampon that diverges from the longitudinal path of the groove below the surface of the tampon. It also relates to a press, press jaw and process for its manufacture.

Abstract: A method of capturing bodily fluid in a mammalian body includes inserting the fluid management device into the mammalian body and transporting bodily fluid. The bodily fluid is transferred via at least one fluid transport element that is capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element.

Abstract: An improved design for tampons comprising a first material positioned within a flexible inner wrap; the inner wrap is encased by a flexible, fluid permeable outerwrap with a second material positioned between the inner and outer wrap. Either the first or second material may be absorbent or non-absorbent. The first and second materials can take many physical forms including particles, fibers, agglomerates, powders, gels, foams, beads and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A tampon is proposed, with an insertion end and a rear end, made from a pressed absorbent strip (2) and a withdrawal string (3) running out of the rear end. In order to achieve short production times during manufacture of the tampon, the withdrawal string (3) is placed around the strip (2) in the shape of a loop 4, and the strip (2) is provided with a fold (16, 17) at each side of the loop (4). In terms of a method suitable for producing a tampon, the following steps are proposed: a) cutting the absorbent strip (2) to size, b) placing a withdrawal string (3) around the strip (2) in the shape of a loop (4), c) pressing the strip (2) between jaws (7) which can be moved towards one another forming a fold (16, 17) in the strip (2) on each side of the loop (4).

Abstract: A cover assembly is provided for use with an applicator assembly, the cover assembly including a dosage form cap including a therapeutic agent and a cap inner surface defining a cap cavity, wherein the attachment end of the dosage form cap includes an engagement mechanism. The cover assembly also includes a cover having a cover inner surface defining a cover cavity, the cover inner surface generally conforming to the cap outer surface of the dosage form cap. Also included is a method for providing a delivery device, the method including providing a sealed cover assembly to a consumer, wherein the cover assembly includes a dosage form cap and a cover having a cover inner surface defining a cover cavity, wherein the dosage form cap is disposed within the cover cavity. The method also includes instructing the consumer to combine the cover assembly with a tampon assembly obtained by the consumer.

Abstract: A method of forming a barrel for a tampon applicator assembly including molding a barrel then forming a rearward taper region in an area of the barrel is provided. The method includes molding a first portion of the barrel in a first mold part and a second portion of the barrel in a second mold part, the first and second mold parts meeting at a maximum outer dimension of the first portion, ejecting the barrel from the first and second mold parts, and forming a flared region in an area of the second portion.

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: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element. The invention also includes methods and apparatus useful in the production of an intravaginal device.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing system and a method for manufacturing sheet-like structures. The manufacturing system of sheet-like structures contains a loosened portion forming apparatus by which plural loosened portions, which are substantially U-shaped, are formed on a cord member, and plural linear portions, which connect each of the plural loosened portions, are formed substantially linearly; and a sewing apparatus by which each of the plural absorbing members and each of the plural linear portions are sewn with a thread member.

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: To provide a manufacturing system and a method for manufacturing sheet-like structures. The manufacturing system of sheet-like structures comprises a loosened portion forming apparatus which forms plural loosened portions, which are substantially U-shaped on a cord member, an arranging apparatus which inserts each of the plural loosened portions into each of the plural openings formed on a belt-like member and form plural linear portions in substantial linear form which connect each of the plural loosened portions respectively, a sewing apparatus which sews a belt-like member and each of the plural linear portions together with a thread member, and a belt-like member cutting apparatus which cuts a belt-like member in prescribed forms.

Abstract: A tampon having an improved finger pocket. The finger pocket can have a width that can be calculated by the equation DF=DT?(L1+L2), where DF is the width of the finger pocket, DT is the diameter of the tampon, L1 is the thickness of the steering lip on a first side and L2 is the thickness of a steering lip on a second side, and/or a ratio of the indentation width to the base diameter from about 1:1.1 to about 1:1.5. In certain embodiments, the base can have at least one steering lip adjacent the indention that can have a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm. A method for making a tampon having an improved finger pocket that can include forming a compressed pledget having an insertion end and a base, and compressing the base of the pledget with a heated compression member to form an improved finger pocket in the base.

Abstract: A production method for producing sanitary tampons implements a cord placement step of placing at least two continuous string-like cords in parallel on surfaces of at least two cotton pad pieces sequentially placed along a sewing line in a sewing direction of a sewing machine, a first cord sewing step of sewing the cord to one of two cotton pad pieces placed in an adjacent manner, a second cord sewing step of sewing the cord to the other of the two cotton pad pieces, and a cord switching step of switching the cords to be sewn to the cotton pad piece between the first cord sewing step and the second cord sewing step.

Abstract: A tampon has two pledgets or one pledget with an absorbent layer and a leak shield located therebetween. The pledgets or pledget with the absorbent layer and the leak shield are folded such that the leak shield covers a portion of the surface of at least one of the pledgets. Both pledgets or the one pledget with the absorbent layer have absorbencies that are each greater than an absorbency of the leak shield. In another embodiment of the tampon, the leak shield comprises a fluid impervious or fluid repellent material(s). In another embodiment of the tampon, the leak shield comprises of an absorbent or hydrophilic material. Yet in another embodiment, the leak shield comprises of multiple layers of materials that are hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent article having colored regions. The absorbent article has at least three colored regions. The colored regions are spaced apart from one another. Each colored region has a major axis. The major axis of each colored region converges towards a common focal region on the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene product is presented. The feminine hygiene product includes a body having a mass of compressed fibrous material, an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The body has an overall length L. The insertion end has a diameter A and the withdrawal end has a diameter B. In an initial state, diameter B is at least about equal to up to about ten percent greater than the diameter A. When exposed to a fluid, diameter B radially expands such that a ratio of diameter B to the diameter A is about 1.25 to 1. In one embodiment, the feminine hygiene product is a vaginal tampon and when exposed to a fluid, diameter B expands more rapidly than diameter A to substantially seal a bottom portion of a vaginal cavity and prevent bypass leakage.

Abstract: A tampon having an auxiliary patch. The tampon can include a compressed absorbent member having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and a body disposed between the insertion end and the withdrawal end. The compressed absorbent member can have an exterior surface. In addition, the tampon can include an auxiliary patch that can partially cover the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The tampon can also include an overwrap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible retention web designed to be introduced into a vaginal cavity, said web being provided with means of removal and being made of a non-expandable or minimally expandable atraumatic material, the dimensions of which are designed in such a way as to be able to retain and/or slow down bodily discharges of small quantity.

Abstract: In a tampon pledget, a quantity of moisture activated material is positioned in contact with, or adjacent to a layer of absorbent material used in forming the pledget. Upon contact with menses, the moisture activated material reacts in one of an endothermic and exothermic manner so that in use, the pledget, when forming part of a tampon can thermally alert a wearer when the pledget has reached its absorbent capacity.

Abstract: The present invention provides applicators for inserting feminine hygiene articles, such as and pessaries into a user's body.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene that has an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The tampon is made of compressed fibrous material. The outer surface of the tampon includes a plurality of recessed portions. Each of the recessed portions includes a first width dimension x and a second width dimension y. The first width dimension x is greater than the second width dimension y.

Abstract: A tampon comprising an absorbent core and a partially impermeable layer, where said absorbent core have a mantle area, an insertion end area, and a withdrawal end area is disclosed. The tampon further comprises an active layer, and said partially impermeable layer is arranged on at least a part of said mantle area, and said active layer is arranged on at least a part of said partially impermeable layer. The tampon will sustain a moistured surface layer, while at the same time excess fluid is distributed to the core of the tampon for storage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sanitary product for use by women for the absorption of menstrual fluid and such like. The product comprises a plug and a pad joined by a sheath. The plug is substantially cylindrical so that is fits comfortably in a vaginal cavity. The pad remains outside the vaginal cavity, but has an absorbent layer on an inward side proximal to the plug and a liquid impermeable layer on an outward side. In use, a wearer can insert a finger into the sheath from the outward side of the pad assist with insertion of the plug into the vaginal cavity. A string is provided that extends inside the sheath from the outward end of the plug to aid removal of the product. A line of weakness extends along the major axis of the pad, about which the pad is disposed to fold in use. This encourages the pad to fold around the plug to accommodate the plug during removal of the product, thus improving hygiene.

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. A sheet body (2) is provided on an opposite side to a body side of the interlabial pad (1) to form a pair of the fingertip insert openings (3,4) on both side portions, the wearer inserts two finger into the fingertip insert opening (3,4) and catches the sheet body 2 by the two finger, thereby the interlabial pad (1) can be folded in substantially mountain folded shape along the vertically axial center line and can be attached to the labia (9) in keeping a condition of forming a raised area (5) on the body side surface of the pad.

Abstract: A delivery device is provided including a first member having an interior surface, a receiving end, and an insertion end, wherein the insertion end is open; a tampon body positioned within the first member, wherein the tampon body has a proximal tampon body end and a distal tampon body end; and a second member slidably coupled to the interior surface of the first member at the receiving end. The device also includes a dosage form, wherein the dosage form is coupled to the distal tampon body end; and a protective tube including an open attachment end, an open protective tube second end opposite the attachment end, and a protective tube inner surface including an engagement mechanism enabling the protective tube to be coupled to the receiving end of the first member at the attachment end of the protective tube.

Abstract: Tampons having a zoned apertured overwrap. The tampons can include a compressed absorbent member having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and a body disposed between the insertion end and the withdrawal end. The body can have a perimeter disposed substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and an exterior surface. The tampons can further include an overwrap covering at least a portion of the exterior surface. The overwrap can have a first zone and a second zone, the first zone having a plurality of apertures of a first diameter and the second zone having a plurality of apertures of a second diameter. In addition, the first zone and the second zone can be spaced apart from one another.

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. A method and apparatus for making the tampon are also disclosed.

Abstract: Wrappers having one or more tabs are provided. The wrapper can have a first end, a second end, and a center portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The wrapper can include a first joined portion at the second end and a tab extending from the joined portion outwardly from the feminine device. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the withdrawal member can extend through the joined portion into the tab.

Abstract: A tampon pledget has an absorbent mass of material and a withdrawal string located at one end thereof. During use, the tampon pledget expands to take on a geometric configuration that approximates the shape of the vagina into which the tampon pledget is inserted. An anthroprometrically expandable tampon pledget has an absorbent mass of material that is defined by a first end having a first density, a second end having a second density, and a portion intermediate the first and second ends. The material expands at different rates upon being contacted by body fluids, thereby allowing the tampon pledget to conform to the shape of a vagina. A method of making an expandable tampon pledget includes the steps of providing an absorbent material, attaching a string thereto, and compressing the material into a cylindrical shape such that a density gradient is realized over a length of the compressed material.

Abstract: A tampon suitable for feminine hygiene and/or medical purposes is disclosed having a longitudinal body provided with a dome-shaped insertion end and a withdrawal end, from which withdrawal end a withdrawal cord extends. The tampon has compressed absorbent fibrous material and has an outer circumferential surface which is at least partially provided with longitudinal grooves that are separated from each other by longitudinal ribs. The path of the grooves and ribs of the tampon in the longitudinal direction are inclined and correspond to a continuous curved line that has only one point of inflection defining one convex part and one concave part that preferably does not show a maximum or a minimum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tampon pledget with one or more of the following properties: increased absorbency rate; high absorbent capacity and fluid retention; rapid expansion potential; and ease of ejection of the pledget from the applicator. Surprisingly, the one or more properties are achieved by using a modified dual cross-pad, folded, compressed tampon pledget design.

Abstract: A tampon comprising a pledget of absorbent material has a patterned impression in at least one end comprising one or more design elements. A method for making a tampon comprises compressing at least one end of a compressed pledget to form a patterned impression in the at least one end comprising one or more design elements is also provided. An apparatus for making a tampon with patterned impression in at least one end of a tampon is also disclosed.

Abstract: An array of tampons having one or more benefit indicators. The array includes a first tampon having a first tampon body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and an outer surface. The first tampon further includes a first visually perceptible benefit indicator. The array also includes a second tampon having a second tampon body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and an outer surface. The second tampon also includes a second visually perceptible benefit indicator.

Abstract: An applicator having a tampon disposed therein, the tampon including one or more benefit indicators. The applicator can include an insertion member, a grip portion, and a plunger. The tampon includes a tampon body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and an outer surface, and one or more visually perceptible benefit indicators. The one or more benefit indicators can be a first color and at least a portion of the applicator can be a second color. The first color and the second color can be coordinating and/or substantially matching.

Abstract: An interlabial pad fits a vaginal opening and a vestibule floor without a gap with the vaginal opening or the vestibule floor. The pad prevents leakage of menstrual blood from a gap and prevents dropping out of the pad when the pad is worn between labia. The interlabial pad is provided with an absorbent body for absorbing and holding body fluid, has a central axis, and is worn with at least one portion held by labia minora, between the labia, so that at least one portion close to the central axis when worn touches the vestibule floor inside the labia of the wearer, and is also provided with a rear portion low compression rigidity structure, so that a rear portion that is positioned to the rear of the wearer and, when worn, touches the body of the wearer first, has low compression rigidity in comparison to a front portion positioned to the front.

Abstract: A pre-fill vaginal applicator comprising a tubular barrel having an open end and a dispensing end provided with at least one dispensing opening formed therein. A selectively removable closure, such as a snap cap or threaded cap, closes the dispensing end of the barrel. A resilient piston is selectively slidably positioned in the barrel and has an outer surface which is in sealing contact with the inner surface of the barrel to define a medication reservoir between the piston and dispensing end of the barrel. An elongated plunger is adapted to be inserted into the open end of the barrel so that the inner end thereof may be detachably connected to the piston. After the plunger has been connected to the piston, inward movement of the plunger causes the piston to force medication from the medication reservoir outwardly through the dispensing opening. Outward movement of the plunger with respect to the piston causes the plunger to disconnect from the piston.

Abstract: A tampon compressed with a compression having a major component in a widthwise direction may have a plurality of creases extending along its length from its surface and penetrating no deeper than about 20% of the width of the tampon. A method for making a tampon may comprise compressing an uncompressed pledget in a compression machine and feeding the compressed pledget with a compression member into a tampon mold having a mold cavity for receiving the compressed pledget, the compressed pledget thickness being no more that about 20% different than the uncompressed pledget thickness and the tampon mold having a mold cavity thickness no more than about 10% different than the thickness of the compressed pledget. An apparatus for making a tampon is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tampon having at least one physical discontinuity is provided. The physical discontinuity, or physical discontinuities, are located in the compressed absorbent member and may be made in the tampon pledget before the pledget is compressed into the absorbent member. The physical discontinuities partially isolate a portion, or portions, of the tampon from the rest of the tampon. The partial isolation of a portion of the tampon reduces the amount of menses absorbed by that portion, which could be transported to the rest of the tampon through wicking. The concentration of menses absorption in a portion allows that portion have a higher level of expansion than the rest of the tampon to prevent menses from leaking out of the vaginal opening.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis and is in fluid communication with at least one flexible panel.

Abstract: The invention is a modified withdrawal string for a tampon. The modified withdrawal string is nonabsorbant or monofilament string. The string has one or more anchor filaments at one or more locations along its length. Other attachments are a closed circumference at the end of the withdrawal string as well as a zigzag near the attachment end section of the string. The string can be textured nonabsorbant string.