Abstract: This invention relates to an individually wrapped absorbent article. The absorbent article has first and second ends, first and second sides, and first and second major surfaces. The second major surface of the absorbent article has a garment attachment adhesive secured thereto. A release strip is removably secured to the garment attachment adhesive to prevent premature contamination of the garment attachment adhesive before the absorbent article is secured to an undergarment. The absorbent article is wrapped in a wrapper having first and second ends, first and second sides, and first and second major surfaces. A first major surface of the wrapper is positioned adjacent to the release strip with the first and second ends of the wrapper extending beyond the first and second ends, respectively, of the absorbent article. In addition, the first and second sides of the wrapper extend beyond the first and second sides, respectively, of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of precisely preloading a bearing onto a shaft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base plate and a support mounted to and extending upward from the base plate. The support is capable of supporting a shaft. The shaft has a shoulder, a tapered surface adjacent to the shoulder and a threaded portion adjacent to the tapered surface. A shim is positioned on the shaft adjacent to the shoulder and a bearing is positioned adjacent to the shim. The bearing has an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of roller elements positioned therebetween. The bearing is preloaded onto the shaft by a lock nut which is secured to the threaded portion of the shaft and which contacts the inner race of the bearing. The apparatus further includes a motor mounted to the base plate and an output shaft which is axially aligned with and connectable to the outer race of the bearing. The motor is capable of rotating the outer race of the bearing at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: An intergrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article and method of wrapping are disclosed providing an absorbent configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman, and folded and enclosed in a liquid-impermeable baffle. In one aspect, the liquid-impermeable baffle has a first side on one side of the baffle width and a second side on the other side of the baffle width, opposite the first side, wherein the first side and the second side are sealed along their length to form side seals, such that the sides and the seals form the integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article enclosure of the present invention. In one aspect, a first perforation strip on the first side seal and a second perforation strip on the second side seal make it convenient for opening the individually wrapped absorbent article package of the present invention.

Abstract: Feminine sanitary protection packaging is disclosed which includes a combination vaginal insert or insert applicator and an absorbent pad of a sanitary napkin or panty liner configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman. In one aspect, the panty liner or an ultrathin pad is longitudinally C-wrapped to form a C-wrapped combination panty liner or ultrathin pad and vaginal insert or insert applicator. A pouch is positioned around the longitudinally C-wrapped combination. The pouch provides a means for transporting and disposing of the combination packaging. In one aspect, the vaginal insert includes a tampon or a vaginal suppository. In another aspect, the vaginal insert applicator includes a tampon applicator or a vaginal suppository applicator. In one aspect, the sanitary napkin includes an ultrathin pad or maxipad. In still another aspect, the pouch is sealed and optionally can be perforated on at least one closed end for ease in opening.

Abstract: An applicator article and method are disclosed for inserting a substance into a body cavity. The applicator article and method are especially useful for inserting a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The applicator article includes a tubular member formed from at least one layer of paper which has an exterior surface. The tubular member is capable of holding the substance which is to be inserted. An exterior surface coating of the tubular member includes a compostable coating composed of at least 85 percent by weight of a polymeric material, at least 10 percent by weight of additives, and up to about 5 percent by weight of a residual monomer. In one embodiment, a plurality of layers form the exterior surface coating. In one embodiment, the exterior surface coating has a thickness varying in dimension from the insertion end to the opposite external base end.

Abstract: A knife apparatus and method are disclosed for cutting a plurality of articles from a sheet or web of material. The knife can be formed in or secured to the outer surface of a rotary die cutter. The knife includes a first cutting member having a first end, and second and third cutting members joined to the first end of the first cutting member. The second and third cutting members are arranged relative to one another to form an arcuate section which intersects with the first cutting member to form a general wishbone configuration. A unique knife profile enables two adjacently arranged articles to be cut simultaneously from a sheet or web of material with zero clearance between at least a portion of the outer peripheries of the two articles.

Abstract: Feminine sanitary protection packaging is disclosed which includes a combination vaginal insert or insert applicator and an absorbent pad of a sanitary napkin or panty liner configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman. In one aspect, the sanitary napkin or panty liner is rolled laterally to form a laterally rolled combination sanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insert or insert applicator. A pouch is positioned around the laterally rolled combination. The pouch provides a means for transporting and disposing of the combination packaging. In one aspect, the vaginal insert includes a tampon or a vaginal suppository. In another aspect, the vaginal insert applicator includes a tampon applicator or a vaginal suppository applicator. In one aspect, the sanitary napkin includes an ultrathin pad or maxipad. In still another aspect, the pouch is sealed and optionally can be perforated on at least one closed end for ease in opening.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed which exhibits improved fluid management. The article includes an absorbent having first and second oppositely aligned surfaces and a longitudinally extending central axis. A bicomponent cover is positioned over the first surface of the absorbent and includes a first and a second material. The first material has openings formed therein and is aligned along the longitudinally extending central axis of the absorbent. The second material is nonapertured and is secured to, or positioned adjacent to, the outer periphery of the first material. The first and second materials cooperate to enclose the absorbent. Positioned between the first material and the first surface of the absorbent is a separation means. The separation means directs fluid from the body downward, in the z direction, away from the bicomponent cover, and outward in the x and y directions to provide a more efficient use of the absorbent material.

Abstract: A tampon applicator is disclosed which includes first and second telescopically assembled members. The first member is designed to house an absorbent tampon. The first member has first and second spaced apart ends and is formed from at least two separate and distinct layers. An insertion tip is integrally formed on the first end of the first member and extends outwardly therefrom. The insertion tip is constructed from at least one of the two distinct layers and has a thickness which is less than that of the first member. The second member is telescopically mounted in the second end of the first member and is adapted to expel the tampon through the insertion tip as it is pushed into the first member.