Abstract: There is provided a flow control element for use with a drinking cup cap having a first mating member in fluid communication with a spout aperture. The flow control element has a first stack and a first valve. The first stack has an upper portion that can be positioned to be removably sealed in or with the cap. The first valve is defined in a sidewall of the first stack and is configured to provide selective fluid communication with the spout aperture.

Abstract: Provided is a tampon applicator having one or more insertion indicators to gauge and/or control the insertion depth of a tampon. The one or more insertion indicators may be located on the tampon applicator barrel, plunger, tampon, removal string, or any combinations thereof. As a result of the one or more insertion indicators, a woman can adjust the insertion depth of the tampon to her body's requirements ensuring leakage protection, comfort, or both.

Abstract: A manual breast pump, including a housing; a funnel connected to the housing and forming a passage for breast milk; a cup for receiving a breast; a lid connected to an upper portion of the housing; a handle assembly connected to the lid; a substantially semi-circular finger grip connected to the housing; a piston movably connected to the handle assembly and reciprocally movable within the housing to create a negative pressure for the expression of breast milk from the breast; a flexible insert sealably secured to the cup and forming an isolated air volume between the cup and the flexible insert. A valve is removably connected to a lower portion of the housing; and a receptacle for receiving the breast milk, the receptacle being removably attached to a lower portion of the housing. The isolated air volume expands and contracts as the piston moves reciprocally within the housing, causing the flexible insert to move.

Abstract: A container for holding a fluid that includes a hollow body defining an inner volume and an elastomeric membrane that is integrally formed with the hollow body forming a unitary container having a vent area. The vent area vents the inner volume such that air is selectively permitted to flow into the inner volume through the vent area and the fluid contained in the inner volume is substantially prevented from flowing out of the inner volume through the vent area. The elastomeric membrane is co-molded with the hollow body.

Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel including a cardboard tube having a first end and a second end and at least one gripping structure defined from the cardboard tube proximate the second end is provided. The cardboard tube has a wall thickness of between about 0.015 and about 0.020 inches, while the gripping structure has a height of up to about 0.035 inches.

Abstract: There is provided a fibrous absorbent article for absorbing body fluids. The article includes a fibrous absorbent material suitable for absorbing the body fluids, and one or more all-natural, liquid malodor counteractant materials disposed within the fibrous material to absorb, neutralize, suppress, and/or eliminate odors associated with the body fluids. The one or more malodor counteractant materials is one or more of the following: glycerin, glycerin compound, aldehyde, natural oil, solution of soluble natural compound, natural plant and herb extract, naturally occurring deodorizing active, acid, base, oxidant, chelating agent, ester, masking agent, sensory receptor alterant, oxidizing agent, biological agent, surfactant, surface active polymer, and any mixtures thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon applicator apparatus and method for creating and scoring petals or petal tips of the tampon applicator. The apparatus has a holding element for the tampon applicator, a score device for forming a score line at the base of the petals, and two or more punch devices for creating a petal. There is also provided a vacuum for removing the portions of the tampon applicator that are punched out.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tampon applicator barrel having a fingergrip with one or more gripping structures that have an acute edge for improved gripping. Preferably, the one or more gripping structures are one or more embossed ring-like structures. The present invention also provides a method for forming the one or more gripping structures on the applicator barrel. The method preferably includes forming at least one embossed ring-like gripping structure on the barrel such that the radial compressive strength of the applicator barrel is not compromised.

Abstract: A manually actuated breast pump is provided. The breast pump has a breast cup, pump mechanism and a container. The components of the breast pump are easily assembled and disassembled to facilitate use, cleaning, manufacture and transport. The breast pump can apply a negative pressure, a positive pressure or both to a user's breast. The breast pump provides fluid isolation between the pressure source and the expressed milk.

Abstract: A breast cup for use with a breast pump for expressing breast milk is provided. The breast cup sealingly separates the air flow from the breast milk, provides a barrier against impingement of the flexible insert by the user's breast and provides a massaging member for facilitating expression of the breast milk.

Abstract: A method of injection molding produces a microcellular material. In this method, a polymer is melted and blended with a supercritical fluid to produce a single-phase polymer-gas solution. This solution is injected through a nozzle and into a mold. When injected through the nozzle, gas in the solution (from the supercritical fluid) emerges from the polymer, which then solidifies. In emerging from the solution, the gas causes the nucleation of cells that result in a microcellular structure. A foam material comprises a polymer having a microcellular structure formed by the nucleation of micro-cells. The micro-cells are formed by the dispersing of a supercritical fluid in a liquid solution of the polymer when the polymer is subjected to a pressure drop. A feminine hygiene device is fabricated from a foamed polymer.

Abstract: There is provided a flow control element for use with a drinking cup cap having a first mating member in fluid communication with a spout aperture. The flow control element has a first stack and a first valve. The first stack has an upper portion that can be positioned to be removably sealed in or with the cap. The first valve is defined in a sidewall of the first stack and is configured to provide selective fluid communication with the spout aperture.

Abstract: A container holding a supply of plastic, tubular stock for the incremental withdrawal of portions thereof, said container comprising a malodor counteractant.

Abstract: There is provided a drinking straw assembly. The assembly has a first straw portion and a housing that can be removably secured to the first straw portion. The housing has a housing cavity, and a valve that can be removably connected to the housing cavity. The valve is also adapted to receive a second straw portion.

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.