Abstract: The application of active ingredients, exemplified by GML, to absorbent fibers, such as rayon fibers, used in tampon manufacture at very low levels has been found to maintain efficacy in the inhibition of the production of toxic shock syndrome toxin one (TSST-1) produced by S. aureus without overtly killing the microorganism to achieve the desired reduction while avoiding undesired test results that suggest the presence of “impurities” in some jurisdictions.

Abstract: A composition of matter includes a flexible substrate and a coating disposed on the substrate. The coating comprises about 10-60 wt-% of a waxy compound and about 90-40 wt-% of a diluent. The coating forms a stable liquid mixture at a temperature between about 35° C. and about 100° C., has a liquefaction temperature of at least about 30° C., and has a contact angle with a flat surface of the substrate of less than about 35° when measured at a temperature of 60° C.

Abstract: The application of active ingredients, exemplified by GML, to absorbent fibers, such as rayon fibers, used in tampon manufacture at very low levels has been found to maintain efficacy in the inhibition of the production of toxic shock syndrome toxin one (TSST-1) produced by S. aureus without overtly killing the microorganism to achieve the desired reduction while avoiding undesired test results that suggest the presence of “impurities” in some jurisdictions.

Abstract: A composition of matter includes a flexible substrate and a coating disposed on the substrate. The coating comprises about 10-60 wt-% of a waxy compound and about 90-40 wt-% of a diluent. The coating forms a stable liquid mixture at a temperature between about 35° C. and about 100° C., has a liquefaction temperature of at least about 30° C., and has a contact angle with a flat surface of the substrate of less than about 35° when measured at a temperature of 60° C.

Abstract: An applicator includes a barrel having an outer surface, an insertion end, and an opposed gripper end; a fluid lubricant disposed in fluid communication with a portion of the outer surface of the barrel; and optionally a plunger arranged and configured to be moveable within the barrel to expel an insertable device from the barrel and into a body cavity. Methods of delivering an insertable device into a body cavity may include the steps of moving a plunger into an insertion member to dispense fluid lubricant to the outer surface of the insertion member; the step of inserting an insertion member portion having encapsulated lubricant on an outer surface thereof into a body cavity thereby rupturing the capsule; and/or the steps of moving a plunger into an insertion member, rupturing a reservoir containing fluid lubricant, moving the fluid lubricant toward the outer surface of the insertion member, and inserting the insertion member into the body cavity.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering an insertable device into a body cavity includes (a) a barrel having an insertion end and an opposed gripper end, (b) a lubricant carrier operatively linked to the barrel (c) a fluid lubricant in fluid communication with lubricant carrier, and optionally (d) a plunger arranged and configured to be moveable within the barrel to expel the insertable device from the barrel and into a body cavity. The barrel is arranged and configured to contain the insertable device. The applicator may be included in a packaged applicator system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tampon having an absorbent structure and a multilayered cover substantially enclosing the absorbent structure. The cover has an outer layer capable of retaining liquid and an inner layer disposed between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. The inner layer creates a controlled interruption of fluid flow between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. This interruption allows the outer layer retains sufficient liquid to minimize vaginal wall drying prior to saturation of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making applicators for inserting materials into body cavities. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member having an insertion end and a gripper end opposite thereof. The gripper end has an indentation with a shoulder on each end of the indentation. The shoulder most proximal the insertion end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of inserting the applicator into a body cavity. Whereas the shoulder most proximal the gripper end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of expelling material substantially contained by the applicator. The shoulder most proximal the gripper end also provides secure handling of the applicator while removing the applicator from the body after the expulsion step has been completed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making applicators for inserting materials into body cavities. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member having an insertion end and a gripper end opposite thereof. The gripper end has an indentation with a shoulder on each end of the indentation. The shoulder most proximal the insertion end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of inserting the applicator into a body cavity. Whereas the shoulder most proximal the gripper end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of expelling material substantially contained by the applicator. The shoulder most proximal the gripper end also provides secure handling of the applicator while removing the applicator from the body after the expulsion step has been completed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member has an outer diameter greater than that of the insertion member. An interface is created due to this size differential, which provides a visual or tactile cue of applicator insertion depth, and thereafter object positioning within the body cavity. The gripping member comprises at least one raised area on its outwardly disposed surface, providing resistance to movement of the user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the insertion member. Longitudinal forces are created during both the insertion step of use, as well as the expulsion step delivering the contained object from the insertion member into the body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member has an outer diameter greater than that of the insertion member. An interface is created due to this size differential, which provides a visual or tactile cue of applicator insertion depth, and thereafter object positioning within the body cavity. The gripping member comprises at least one raised area on its outwardly disposed surface, providing resistance to movement of the user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the insertion member. Longitudinal forces are created during both the insertion step of use, as well as the expulsion step delivering the contained object from the insertion member into the body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tampon having an absorbent structure and a multilayered cover substantially enclosing the absorbent structure. The cover has an outer layer capable of retaining liquid and an inner layer disposed between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. The inner layer creates a controlled interruption of fluid flow between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. This interruption allows the outer layer retains sufficient liquid to minimize vaginal wall drying prior to saturation of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: An absorbent device having an absorbent structure substantially free of modified cellulosic fibers having carboxyalkyl substituted cellulosic regions and having at least one surface substantially covered by an outer layer, and an outer portion comprised of modified cellulosic fibers having modified cellulosic fibers having carboxyalkyl substituted cellulosic regions, wherein the outer portion forms a layer on the at least one surface of the absorbent portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member has an outer diameter greater than that of the insertion member. An interface is created due to this size differential, which provides a visual or tactile cue of applicator insertion depth, and thereafter object positioning within the body cavity. The gripping member comprises at least one raised area on its outwardly disposed surface, providing resistance to movement of the user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the insertion member. Longitudinal forces are created during both the insertion step of use, as well as the expulsion step delivering the contained object from the insertion member into the body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member has an outer diameter greater than that of the insertion member. An interface is created due to this size differential, which provides a visual or tactile cue of applicator insertion depth, and thereafter object positioning within the body cavity. The gripping member comprises at least one is raised area on its outwardly disposed surface, providing resistance to movement of the user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the insertion member. Longitudinal forces are created during both the insertion step of use, as well as the expulsion step delivering the contained object from the insertion member into the body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member has an outer diameter greater than that of the insertion member. An interface is created due to this size differential, which provides a visual or tactile cue of applicator insertion depth, and thereafter object positioning within the body cavity. The gripping member comprises at least one raised area on its outwardly disposed surface, providing resistance to movement of the user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the insertion member. Longitudinal forces are created during both the insertion step of use, as well as the expulsion step delivering the contained object from the insertion member into the body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making applicators for inserting materials into body cavities. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member having an insertion end and a gripper end opposite thereof. The gripper end has an indentation with a shoulder on each end of the indentation. The shoulder most proximal the insertion end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of inserting the applicator into a body cavity. Whereas the shoulder most proximal the gripper end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of expelling material substantially contained by the applicator. The shoulder most proximal the gripper end also provides secure handling of the applicator while removing the applicator from the body after the expulsion step has been completed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making applicators for inserting materials into body cavities. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member having an insertion end and a gripper end opposite thereof. The gripper end has an indentation with a shoulder on each end of the indentation. The shoulder most proximal the insertion end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of inserting the applicator into a body cavity. Whereas the shoulder most proximal the gripper end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of expelling material substantially contained by the applicator. The shoulder most proximal the gripper end also provides secure handling of the applicator while removing the applicator from the body after the expulsion step has been completed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making applicators for inserting materials into body cavities. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member having an insertion end and a gripper end opposite thereof. The gripper end has an indentation with a shoulder on each end of the indentation. The shoulder most proximal the insertion end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of inserting the applicator into a body cavity. Whereas the shoulder most proximal the gripper end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of expelling material substantially contained by the applicator. The shoulder most proximal the gripper end also provides secure handling of the applicator while removing the applicator from the body after the expulsion step has been completed.

Abstract: Vaginal epithelium drying is substantially reduced or prevented by reducing the capillary suction pressure of a tampon in early use. This is accomplished by modifying the capillary suction pressure of the surface of the tampon by using hydrophobic components in the tampon, such as hydrophobic fibers and/or hydrophobic cover material. Other means of obtaining a lower capillary suction pressure include increasing the denier of the fibers in the tampon's absorbent core and/or decreasing the density of the tampon.