Abstract: A method is presented for forming a tampon applicator. The method includes providing an applicator comprising an outer member and an inner member. Each of the outer member and the inner member comprise cellulosic material. The method further includes loading the outer member into a compression device. The method further includes compressing the outer member to form a grip region. The grip region comprises greater than four faces that are circumferentially formed about the outer member. The method further includes unloading the outer member comprising the grip region and a barrel region from the compression device.

Abstract: A tampon product is presented that includes an applicator including an outer member and an inner member slidably engaged with the outer member. The outer member includes an outer surface surrounding a longitudinal applicator axis, a barrel region, and a grip region. The grip region comprises greater than four circumferentially formed faces. One or more layers defining the applicator include cellulosic material.

Abstract: A tampon product is provided including an applicator comprising an outer member and an inner member slidably engaged with the outer member. The outer member comprises an outer surface and a barrel region. The outer member comprises two or more layers, where an outer layer of the two or more layers forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the outer member. The outer layer comprises cellulosic material. At least a portion of the outer surface of the outer member has a first color, where the first color has an L* value of less than 65 and a gloss level of greater than 5.

Abstract: A tampon including a pledget, a wicking member disposed in direct contact with the pledget, and a withdrawal cord is disclosed. The wicking member is non-coaxially arranged with respect to the withdrawal cord.

Abstract: A tampon including a pledget, a wicking member disposed in direct contact with the pledget, and a withdrawal cord is disclosed. The wicking member is non-coaxially arranged with respect to the withdrawal cord.

Abstract: A tampon having an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The tampon includes a primary absorbent, disposed toward the insertion end, a secondary absorbent, and a withdrawal member. The secondary absorbent may have a mean length from the primary absorbent and at least three segments each having a mean segment mass. The mean segment mass may be selected such that the secondary absorbent tapers as the secondary absorbent material extends from the primary absorbent. The primary absorbent including at least one of rayon fibers and cotton fibers and having improved fluid handling due to dynamic expansion of the tampon at a relatively reduced dry tampon mass.

Abstract: A tampon having an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The tampon includes a primary absorbent, disposed toward the insertion end, a secondary absorbent, and a withdrawal member. The secondary absorbent may have a mean length from the primary absorbent and at least three segments each having a mean segment mass. The mean segment mass may be selected such that the secondary absorbent tapers as the secondary absorbent material extends from the primary absorbent. The primary absorbent including at least one of rayon fibers and cotton fibers and having improved fluid handling due to dynamic expansion of the tampon at a relatively reduced dry tampon mass.

Abstract: A tampon having an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The tampon includes a primary absorbent, disposed toward the insertion end, a secondary absorbent, and a withdrawal member. The secondary absorbent may have a mean length from the primary absorbent and at least three segments each having a mean segment mass. The mean segment mass may be selected such that the secondary absorbent tapers as the secondary absorbent material extends from the primary absorbent.

Abstract: A tampon having an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The tampon includes a primary absorbent, disposed toward the insertion end, a secondary absorbent, and a withdrawal member. The secondary absorbent may have a mean length from the primary absorbent and at least three segments each having a mean segment mass. The mean segment mass may be selected such that the secondary absorbent tapers as the secondary absorbent material extends from the primary absorbent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for making tampons including primary and secondary absorbent members. During assembly, primary absorbent members, a continuous length of secondary absorbent members, and a continuous cord are advanced in a machine direction. Leading edges of the primary absorbent members are separated from each other in the machine direction by a pitch distance. Discrete secondary absorbent members are cut from the continuous length of secondary absorbent members. Leading edges of the discrete secondary absorbent members are also separated from each other in the machine direction by the pitch distance. The continuous cord is positioned on the secondary absorbent members. And a secondary absorbent member is positioned in contact with a primary absorbent member. A thread is combined with the continuous cord, the secondary absorbent member, and the primary absorbent member.

Abstract: A tampon product including an applicator with a hollow barrel portion and an ejection plunger within the barrel portion, is disclosed. One or both of the barrel portion and the ejection plunger may have a cylindrical form and be formed of a paper, and have a coating applied to the paper, wherein the coating is not predominately constituted by a material derived from petroleum. The coated paper barrel portion and/or ejection plunger may be manufactured to as to exhibit a static Relative Sliding Resistance Coefficient (CSR) no greater than 0.250 and/or a kinetic CSR no greater than 0.210, for purposes of smooth manufacturing. In combination or alternatively, the coated paper barrel portion and/or ejection plunger may be manufactured to as to exhibit a static Gripping Slip Resistance Coefficient (CGSR) no less than 0.190 and/or a kinetic CGSR no less than 0.170, for purposes of consumer satisfaction.

Abstract: A tampon product including an applicator with a hollow barrel portion and an ejection plunger within the barrel portion, is disclosed. One or both of the barrel portion and the ejection plunger may have a cylindrical form and be formed of a paper, and have a coating applied to the paper, wherein the coating is not predominately constituted by a material derived from petroleum. The coated paper barrel portion and/or ejection plunger may be manufactured to as to exhibit a static Relative Sliding Resistance Coefficient (CSR) no greater than 0.250 and/or a kinetic CSR no greater than 0.210, for purposes of smooth manufacturing. In combination or alternatively, the coated paper barrel portion and/or ejection plunger may be manufactured to as to exhibit a static Gripping Slip Resistance Coefficient (CGSR) no less than 0.190 and/or a kinetic CGSR no less than 0.170, for purposes of consumer satisfaction.

Abstract: The disclosed tampon may include a pledget having a rearward end; a wicking member having a trailing portion trailing the rearward end and having a rearward edge; and a withdrawal cord with an attached portion attached to the pledget and a free portion trailing the rearward edge. In an opened condition the pledget has a pair of side edges and a pledget width, and includes fibrous absorbent material and an outer cover of a first section of nonwoven web at least partially covering the absorbent material, the trailing portion of the wicking member including at least four layers of nonwoven web, at least one of which is an extension of the first section of nonwoven web. The wicking member may have a width substantially equal to the pledget width; and the trailing portion may have a length of at least about 10 mm and no greater than about 60 mm.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for making tampons including primary and secondary absorbent members. During assembly, primary absorbent members, a continuous length of secondary absorbent members, and a continuous cord are advanced in a machine direction. Leading edges of the primary absorbent members are separated from each other in the machine direction by a pitch distance. Discrete secondary absorbent members are cut from the continuous length of secondary absorbent members. Leading edges of the discrete secondary absorbent members are also separated from each other in the machine direction by the pitch distance. The continuous cord is positioned on the secondary absorbent members. And a secondary absorbent member is positioned in contact with a primary absorbent member. A thread is combined with the continuous cord, the secondary absorbent member, and the primary absorbent member.

Abstract: A tampon applicator assembly is disclosed. The applicator assembly may include a barrel portion, a grip portion and an ejection plunger configured to slide coaxially within one or both the barrel portion and the grip portion. One or more of the barrel portion, grip portion and ejection plunger may be molded from a molding composite comprising cellulose fibers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for making tampons including primary and secondary absorbent members. During assembly, primary absorbent members, a continuous length of secondary absorbent members, and a continuous cord are advanced in a machine direction. Leading edges of the primary absorbent members are separated from each other in the machine direction by a pitch distance. Discrete secondary absorbent members are cut from the continuous length of secondary absorbent members. Leading edges of the discrete secondary absorbent members are also separated from each other in the machine direction by the pitch distance. The continuous cord is positioned on the secondary absorbent members. And a secondary absorbent member is positioned in contact with a primary absorbent member. A thread is combined with the continuous cord, the secondary absorbent member, and the primary absorbent member.

Abstract: A tampon applicator assembly is disclosed. The applicator assembly may include a barrel portion, a grip portion and an ejection plunger configured to slide coaxially within one or both the barrel portion and the grip portion. One or more of the barrel portion, grip portion and ejection plunger may be molded from a molding composite comprising cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A tampon including a pledget, a wicking member disposed in direct contact with the pledget, and a withdrawal cord is disclosed. The wicking member is non-coaxially arranged with respect to the withdrawal cord.

Abstract: A tampon including a pledget, a wicking member disposed in direct contact with the pledget, and a withdrawal cord is disclosed. The wicking member is non-coaxially arranged with respect to the withdrawal cord.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for making tampons including primary and secondary absorbent members. During assembly, primary absorbent members, a continuous length of secondary absorbent members, and a continuous cord are advanced in a machine direction. Leading edges of the primary absorbent members are separated from each other in the machine direction by a pitch distance. Discrete secondary absorbent members are cut from the continuous length of secondary absorbent members. Leading edges of the discrete secondary absorbent members are also separated from each other in the machine direction by the pitch distance. The continuous cord is positioned on the secondary absorbent members. And a secondary absorbent member is positioned in contact with a primary absorbent member. A thread is combined with the continuous cord, the secondary absorbent member, and the primary absorbent member.