Abstract: A curved tampon applicator and a process for forming the applicator and assembling an absorbent tampon into the applicator is disclosed. The curved tampon applicator can facilitate placement of an absorbent tampon into a woman's vagina. The curved tampon applicator contains first and second arcuately shaped tubular members telescopically joined together. The first member has a stepped outer configuration with an enlarged portion designed to contain an absorbent tampon joined to a finger-grip portion. The enlarged portion is formed on a centerline having a first radius of curvature. The second member is formed on a centerline having a radius of curvature which is different from the first radius of curvature. The second member is sized and configured to slide within the finger-grip portion while being restricted from rotating therein. The second member contains at least one flared end which is sized to prevent separation of the second member from the first member.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming tampons is disclosed, as well as the tampon itself. The apparatus includes a mechanism and the method includes the step of advancing and cutting a cover strip and an absorbent ribbon into predetermined lengths. A portion of the absorbent ribbon is then overlapped by the cover strip and both are radially wound into a cylinder having a length equal to at least two tampons. The cylinder is then compressed and cut into two or more single length pledgets. The single length pledgets are heat set before a withdrawal string is attached to form a finished tampon. The tampon itself can be made with tucked or untucked ends.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a generally rectangular blank of absorbent material. Adjacent one strip of the rectangular sheet is placed a generally continuous line of adhesive. The rectangular blank is then wound and compressed to form a tampon. As the tampon is compressed the adhesive fuses one end of the wound tampon. The blank is provided with a string prior to winding that is also adhesively connected to the tampon. As the tampon expands in the vagina it will open at the insertion end but not expand significantly at the withdrawal end. Therefore this tampon is easier to withdraw but expands readily at the insertion end to prevent leakage. The tampon also resists telescoping during withdrawal.

Abstract: A compact tube applicator is provided in which a nesting telescoping inner tube has slits on its leading edge to receive the tampon pledget and a ring positioned around the trailing end, the trailing end being narrower in diameter than the leading end when the inner tube is pulled backward, the tampon is expelled through the leading ends of the two tubes by the inwardly compressive forces provided by the ring.

Abstract: Inner and outer convolutely wound cardboard tubes of a tampon applicator are formed with a different number of ply windings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coated paper outer tube for a tube tampon providing low friction inner and outer surfaces after the tube has been formed by convolutely winding.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided which contains an absorbent core layer which is overlayed on its top and bottom surface with a secondary layer of reduced absorbency. The secondary layer has abutting faces adjacent each other on the bottom sides of the napkin. Adhesive is applied to a strip of nonwoven material which is positioned above the parallel faces of the bottom layer to maintain the napkin configuration.

Abstract: A water dispersible heat activatable adhesive includes a polyethyloxazoline, a compatible water dispersible adhesive and an anti-blocking agent to prevent premature adhesion. This adhesive is particularly beneficial as a coating for flushable tampon tubes.

Abstract: An outer tampon tube is provided with a finger gripping section on one end formed by a series of spaced circumferentially disposed slits, each slit being equidistant from the tube ends and indentations extending radially from the slits formed by crease lines extending from the bottom of the tube to the slits.

Abstract: A water dispersible heat activatable adhesive includes a polyethyloxazoline, a compatible water dispersible adhesive and an anti-blocking agent to prevent premature adhesion. This adhesive is particularly beneficial as a coating for flushable tampon tubes.

Abstract: A composition comprising a poly(vinyl halide) resin and a member selected from copper carbonate, cobalt carbonate or mixtures thereof is provided that gives off only a small amount of smoke during combustion.