Abstract: A tampon has a generally uniform fiber distribution along its length, an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and a longitudinal axis. A finger recess having a depth of at least about 5 mm is formed into the withdrawal end. Nonetheless, a column strength of at least about 10 Newtons (N) can still be achieved. The tampon can be formed by winding an absorbent fibrous web around a winding mandrel; transferring the blank into a press; inserting a forming mandrel into one end of a tampon blank while the tampon blank is positioned in the press; moving a plurality of press jaws toward a central longitudinal press axis to compress the tampon blank and to form a compressed tampon having a finger recess formed into the one end of the tampon; and ejecting the compressed tampon from the press.

Abstract: A tampon suitable for feminine hygiene and/or medical purposes having a longitudinal body provided with a dome-shaped insertion end and a withdrawal end, from which a withdrawal cord extends is disclosed. The tampon is made of 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 the ribs in the longitudinal direction of the tampon correspond to a continuous curved line that has only one point of inflection defining one convex part and one concave part, and that preferably does not show a maximum and/or a minimum.

Abstract: A tampon applicator assembly is described which has a compact tampon applicator and a tampon having a longitudinal body defining an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a central section extending there between, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the tampon has at least one area of radial depression.

Abstract: A tampon having an improved aspect ratio is provided. The tampon includes a self-sustaining, fluid-expanding, compressed absorbent pledget having one or more absorbent materials. The tampon has a width, a thickness, and a length. The width can be greater than the thickness and an aspect ratio of the width to the thickness can be from greater than about 1.4:1 to less than about 2.0:1. Also provided is a method of positioning a tampon within a vagina of a woman.

Abstract: In a tampon having a body of an absorbent material, the body has at least one zone in which expansion and/or absorption by the body of the tampon is limited.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon pledget that expands without the aid of moisture or menses. The tampon pledget has a plurality of high resiliency, non-absorbent fibers and a plurality of absorbent fibers. The tampon pledget has improved comfort as compared to conventional fully compressed tampon pledgets.

Abstract: An interlabial pad with reduced leakage of body fluids is provided by enabling direct absorption and retaining of body fluids at a predetermined site. Disclosed is an interlabial pad having a body fluid absorption capacity. The interlabial pad includes a body fluid outlet contacting region to contact a ostium vaginae and/or urethral meatus in the state of application. At least the body fluid outlet contacting region has a highly absorbing and retaining region having an elevated body fluid absorption capacity to immediately absorb the discharged body fluids, and an elevated body fluid retaining capacity to retain the absorbed body fluids.

Abstract: The invention refers to a hygienic tampon (1), particularly for use in a woman's vaginal cavity, comprising an absorbent body (2) provided with at least one absorbent layer (3) and that defines a first inner surface (2?) and a second opposite outer surface (2?), the second outer surface (2?) being in contact with the wearer's body. The tampon (1) is shaped by applying substantially punctual force perpendicularly to said absorbent body (2) and comprises at least one string (4) positioned substantially on the inner surface (2?) of the absorbent body (2). The invention also describes a process for manufacturing said tampon (1).

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the insertion distance of an intravaginal article within a human vaginal cavity. The method uses a measuring device, which can be slidably attached to a withdrawal means of a vaginally inserted intravaginal article. The measuring device may be moved along the withdrawal means to a predetermined position, and then fixedly secured to the withdrawal means. The intravaginal article is then removed from the vaginal cavity and the insertion distance determined.

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: Tampons including an asymmetric insertion end and a finger pocket are provided. The tampon can include an absorbent mass having an insertion end and a withdrawal end, wherein the insertion end is asymmetric around an X axis of the tampon. The withdrawal end can include a finger pocket.

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: Tampons comprising an asymmetric insertion end are provided. The tampon can comprise a substantially symmetrical absorbent mass having an insertion end and a withdrawal end, wherein the insertion end is asymmetric around an X axis of the tampon. A method of improving placement of a tampon in a vagina of a female is also provided.

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 (4). 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. The sheath comprises a tube of absorbent material for drawing excess menstrual fluid from the plug to the pad and has a layer of liquid impermeable material on its inside surface. It extends from an outward end of the plug, proximal to the pad, both to and through the pad. 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.

Abstract: A digital tampon including an angled finger cover. The tampons can comprise an absorbent mass having an insertion end and a withdrawal end and an angled finger cover.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a stabilized tampon from a tampon pledget. The method includes the steps of providing a tampon pledget; providing a compression mold having disposed therein a plurality of fluid communication passages; moving the tampon pledget into the compression mold, the compression mold being in an open position; applying a force delivery means through the fluid communication passages to deform the tampon pledget into a pre-folded shape; and compressing the pledget in the compression mold by closing the compression mold into a closed position to form a folded, compressed tampon.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The tampon is comprised of compressed fibrous material. The outer surface of the tampon has a plurality of first surfaces and a plurality of second surfaces. Each of the first surfaces has a distal end and a proximal end. Each of the second surfaces has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end of the first surface contacts the proximal end of the second surface to form a proximal vertex. The distal end of the first surface contacts the distal end of the second surface to form a distal vertex.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene product which has a tampon and a tampon applicator. The tampon applicator has a rupturable membranous cap permanently associated with a tampon holder tube. The tampon holder tube has a hollow interior portion, an interior surface, an exterior surface, an outer perimeter, a longitudinal axis, a first end dimensioned for insertion into a vaginal cavity, and a second end positioned oppositely to the first end. The tampon is housed in the tampon holder tube within the hollow interior portion of the tampon holder tube and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tampon holder tube in a pre-expelled position. The rupturable membranous cap covers at least a portion of the tampon. During expulsion of the tampon from the tampon holder tube, the rupturable membranous cap reorients the tampon into a direction substantially non-aligned to the longitudinal axis of the tampon holder tube.

Abstract: An improved absorbent tampon is disclosed which comprises a high surface energy outer surface that is more desirable to menses than the surface of vaginal tissue during menstruation. Thus, the surface energy of the outer surface of the tampon is greater than the surface energy of the vaginal cavity surface during menstruation. This makes the outer surface of the tampon of the present invention more desirable in a sense to the menses than the vaginal cavity surface, therefore reducing the occurrence of bypass leakage. This is accomplished without relying on body pressure and capillary absorption both of which have limited effectiveness and can cause negative comfort issues with the wearer.

Abstract: An improved absorbent tampon is disclosed which comprises a high surface energy outer surface that is more desirable to menses than the surface of vaginal tissue during menstruation. Thus, the surface energy of the outer surface of the tampon is greater than the surface energy of the vaginal cavity surface during menstruation. This makes the outer surface of the tampon of the present invention more desirable in a sense to the menses than the vaginal cavity surface, therefore reducing the occurrence of bypass leakage. This is accomplished without relying on body pressure and capillary absorption both of which have limited effectiveness and can cause negative comfort issues with the wearer.

Abstract: A vaginal drug delivery system includes a device formed of porous material that holds a flowable therapeutic formulation. The device, preferably in a soft, prewetted state, is inserted into the vagina to reside typically at or near the cervix where it continuously releases the flowable therapeutic formulation through its outer surface which is in contact with the vaginal surfaces. In operation, the flowable therapeutic formulation migrates via capillary forces from a reservoir that is centrally located in the device and through a covering that envelopes the reservoir.

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: A vibrating tampon apparatus to provide relief from feminine menstrual cramps comprises a vibration element, a housing unit, and a tampon member. The vibration element provides a source of vibrations and is contained within the housing unit. The tampon member is fabricated of an absorbent material and covers at least a portion of the housing unit, while being held in place by retaining elements on the exterior of the housing unit. Electric power is supplied to the vibration element by a remote electric power source. The electrical connection between the electric power source and the vibration element is controlled remotely by a control unit that allows the apparatus to operate either momentarily, in a testing situation, or continually for the lifetime of the electric power source, which is for normal usage and cannot be interrupted by the user.

Abstract: An absorbent article (40), such as a labial pad, configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The absorbent article (40) may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both.

Abstract: An individual package is provided to allow a tampon with an applicator to be handled easily. An individual package includes: a tampon including an applicator having an external cylinder and an internal cylinder, and an absorbent body housed so as to be pushed out from the applicator; and a flat bag formed by a predetermined sheet member in a elongated shape. The flat bag includes an unsealable portion formed on one side of the flat bag so as to enable the tampon to be removed therefrom; and a lid portion which is openable and closable in a longitudinal direction of the flat bag. The lid portion is disposed so as to cover the unsealable portion.

Abstract: A tampon disposal system for efficiently and sanitarily removing and disposing of a soiled tampon. The tampon disposal system includes a housing having at least one wall, an inner cavity, a plurality of perforated edges and a cleansing wipe that is enclosed within the housing. Removal of the perforated edges from the housing creates an opening along each perforation thereby exposing the inner cavity of the housing and the cleansing wipe positioned therein. Upon removal of the cleansing wipe, the string attached to a soiled tampon is insertable through the openings of the housing whereby removal and disposal of the tampon can be achieved in a relatively sanitary and efficient manner.

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 raised portions. Each of the raised 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: An intravaginal device having an overwrap containing an enclosed material, and a withdrawal string passing through a portion of the overwrap formed into a loop, the withdrawal string enabling a user to remove the intravaginal device after use.

Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon is disclosed comprising an overwrap with both a masking region and a wicking region. The compressed absorbent member of the tampon has an inner region, an exterior surface, and an insertion end opposed to a withdrawal end. The overwrap comprises a masking region and a wicking region. The wicking region of the overwrap covers at least a portion of the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member proximal to the withdrawal end of the compressed absorbent member. The masking region surrounds at least a portion of the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member proximal to the insertion end of the compressed absorbent member.

Abstract: A tampon pledget that expands without the aid of moisture or menses. The tampon pledget has a plurality of high resiliency, non-absorbent materials and a plurality of absorbent materials. The tampon pledget has improved comfort as compared to conventional fully compressed tampon pledgets. The tampon pledget preferably has all of its non-absorbent and absorbent materials enclosed in a coverstock. The coverstock may be inverted or turned inside out, prior to filling the coverstock with the plurality of non-absorbent and absorbent materials. The coverstock insertion end, removal end, or both are pleated to further enhance comfort during use. A removal string may be secured to the inverted and pleated coverstock, above the removal end seal, by a top loop slipknot.

Abstract: Kits of feminine hygiene products are disclosed. In particular, kits which may be used as learner kits are disclosed. Such kits preferably include at least an absorbent tampon having an absorbency of less than or equal to about 6 grams according to the syngina test. Also included are a backup feminine hygiene article such as a pantiliner, sanitary napkin, or absorbent interlabial device. Other optional components such as a mirror, finger cover, glove, lubricant, bonus product, an instruction booklet, may also be included in the kit. Also disclosed are non-absorbent training tampons which may be used to assist a new tampon user in getting the feel for proper tampon insertion technique.

Abstract: A method of individually wrapping digital tampons having a withdrawal string attached thereto is disclosed. The method includes a multiplicity of transporting devices for transporting digital tampons in a machine direction and for holding withdrawal strings attached to the tampons such that the withdrawal strings do not interfere with the subsequent wrapping operations.

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: 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: 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: 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: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components including a barrel, a plunger, a fingergrip, an insertion tip. The at least three separate components are formed independently from one another, prior to forming the applicator. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Methods for making a multiple component tampon applicator are also provided.

Abstract: A tampon pledget having a top end, a bottom end, a first side end, a second side end, and a central portion between the first side end and the second side end. A first cord and a second cord are attached to the central portion. The first cord and the second cord lie in parallel planes.

Abstract: A tampon, particularly for feminine hygiene, includes an absorbent body and a variably perforated or apertured cover. The absorbent body has an introduction end, a withdrawal end, and a longitudinal main portion therebetween. The cover includes a fluid-impervious plastic material in the form of a resilient three-dimensional web having a multiplicity of perforations. The perforations are varied over the length of the tampon so that a differentiated expansion of the tampon while absorbing fluid is achievable. Preferably, the degree of perforations of the cover increases towards the withdrawal end of the tampon at least over a portion of its length.

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: The invention relates to a tampon, in particular for feminine hygiene, with an introduction end, with a recovery end, from which a withdrawal string extends, with a first region which extends from the introduction end in the direction of the recovery end and comprises a first material, and with a second region which is located near the recovery end of the tampon and comprises a second material, the first material having a higher absorbency and a higher hydrophilicity than the second material, and, essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tampon, at least over part of the extend of said tampon along its longitudinal axis, the diameter of the second region being at least as large as the mean diameter of the first region, and, during the absorption of fluid, the second region expanding at least essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tampon.

Abstract: A tampon assembly having a barrel, a plunger, and a pledget is provided. The plunger is slidably received in the barrel. The pledget is in the barrel between the insertion tip and the plunger so that a force applied on the plunger can expel the pledget from the barrel. The barrel has a plurality of petals defining an insertion tip, which has a first taper ratio of more than about 0.3 to less than 1.0. The pledget has a shaped tip that is disposed in the insertion tip.

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 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 absorbent device for insertion into a vaginal cavity, the absorbent device having an absorbent body; and an indicator structure arranged and configured within the absorbent body, the indicator structure having a resilient member having a first arm having a rough surface and a second arm, the first and second arms being maintained in a strained configuration by a restraint; wherein the restraint weakens upon exposure to moisture and the resilient member is capable of articulating to a relaxed configuration upon the weakening of the restraint in a movement in which the rough surface of the first arm traverses the second arm to generate vibration discernible to the user.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tampon (10). The tampon includes an elongate absorbent body (12) and at least one surface formation (34, 36, 38, 40) applied over an exterior surface of the absorbent body. The at least one surface formation is of a material different to the absorbent body and is configured to inhibit expansion of at least a portion of the absorbent body i-n use due to absorption of menses by the absorbent body, and/or to facilitate insertion and seating of the tampon in a vagina The invention extends to a tampon which includes an elongate absorbent body which is non-circular in outline in end view. The invention further extends to a tampon which has a particular correct angular orientation relative to its longitudinal axis, with which it is to be inserted into a vagina, the correct angular orientation being clearly visible to a user.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sanitary tampon including an absorber including: an absorbent layer made of an absorbent fibrous material; and a hydrophobic liquid-permeable layer covering the absorbent layer. The absorber is formed firstly into a flat shape and then into a column shape. The absorbent layer forming the flat absorber is formed with a plurality of small recesses which open in the surface of the absorbent layer and extend into the absorbent layer.

Abstract: An applicator for insertion of cargo into a body cavity is provided. The applicator includes an applicator body having a number of walls and at least one breach. Greater flexibility in the applicator body is achieved due to the breach. This flexibility of the applicator body enables cargo to be desirably held in a holding space of the applicator body until it is to be inserted into the body cavity. During insertion, a plunger engages the cargo and pushes it from the applicator body. The flexibility of the applicator body walls facilitates the movement of the cargo. The breach can be located or formed in various positions including along intersections of applicator body walls, intermediate applicator body walls, as an open wall, as well as continuously along substantially the entire length of the applicator body. In one embodiment, the applicator is configured to securely hold the applicator body and the plunger together.

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.