Abstract: A tampon having a protective finger sheath is disclosed along with a method of forming the tampon. The tampon is constructed from an absorbent having a first end and a second end. An L-shaped cover having a leg, a foot and a central longitudinal axis is aligned with the absorbent such that the foot is aligned adjacent to the second end of the absorbent. Both the absorbent and the cover are rolled or wound up along a central longitudinal axis of the absorbent-cover combination into a cylindrically-shaped softwind which is compressed into an absorbent pledget. The absorbent pledget has a predetermined diameter, an insertion end and a trailing end, and a flexible sheath which extends outward from the trailing end. The flexible sheath is sized to receive a user's finger and prevent soiling of the finger during insertion of the absorbent pledget into a body cavity. The flexible sheath also enables the absorbent pledget to be removed from the body cavity in a clean and easy manner.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of forming a tampon is which can be comfortably withdrawn from a body cavity. The method includes the steps of cutting an individual absorbent member from an absorbent strip. Each absorbent member is then shaped to form an elongated absorbent having an outer periphery. A liquid-permeable cover is secured to the outer periphery of the elongated absorbent to form a softwind. The softwind has a first end and a second end and is folded on itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another. The softwind contains two folds therebetween which divide the softwind into first, second and third portions. A withdrawal string is secured to the second portion of the softwind and then the softwind is compressed into a cylindrically shaped pledget. The pledget has an insertion end and a trailing end and the insertion end located adjacent to the second portion.

Abstract: A tampon having a protective finger sheath is disclosed along with a method of forming the tampon. The tampon is constructed from an absorbent having a first end and a second end. An L-shaped cover having a leg, a foot and a central longitudinal axis is aligned with the absorbent such that the foot is aligned adjacent to the second end of the absorbent. Both the absorbent and the cover are rolled or wound up along a central longitudinal axis of the absorbent-cover combination into a cylindrically shaped softwind which is compressed into an absorbent pledget. The absorbent pledget has a predetermined diameter, an insertion end and a trailing end, and a flexible sheath which extends outward from the trailing end. The flexible sheath is sized to receive a user's finger and prevent soiling of the finger during insertion of the absorbent pledget into a body cavity. The flexible sheath also enables the absorbent pledget to be removed from the body cavity in a clean and easy manner.

Abstract: A tampon is disclosed which provides for a comfortable withdrawal from a body cavity by allowing a portion of the tampon to collapse upon itself during withdrawal. The tampon includes an absorbent and a liquid-permeable cover. The cover at least partially surrounding the absorbent and together they form a softwind having a first end and a second end. The softwind is folded upon itself at three spaced apart locations to form an M-shaped profile. The folded softwind has first, second and third portions integrally joined together. A withdrawal string is attached to the second portion of the softwind to assist in providing a comfortable removal of the tampon from a body cavity. The softwind is then compressed into a cylindrically shaped pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end with the insertion end located adjacent to the second portion. The pledget is capable of being comfortably removed from a body cavity by pulling on the withdrawal string.

Abstract: An applicator is disclosed for inserting a substance into a body cavity. The applicator is especially useful for inserting a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The applicator 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. The exterior surface of the tubular member is coated with a compostable coating. The coating is comprised 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.

Abstract: A tampon is disclosed which is useful in preventing premature leakage of body fluid from a woman's vagina especially during her menstrual period. The tampon includes an absorbent and a resilient member. The resilient member is positioned on or within the absorbent and both members are rolled or formed into an elongated softwind having a first end and a second end. The softwind is folded upon itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The softwind is compressed into an elongated pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end. The resilient member is capable of expanding at least a portion of the pledget so as to prevent premature leakage of body fluid when inserted into a woman's vagina. The tampon further includes a withdrawal string for removing the tampon from a woman's vagina. The withdrawal string is attached to the first and second ends of the softwind.

Abstract: A method of forming a catamenial tampon is disclosed wherein the tampon is useful in preventing premature leakage of body fluid from a woman's vagina and in providing better utilization of the absorbent during use. The method includes the steps of assembling a resilient member and an absorbent to form a structure having a central longitudinal axis X--X. The resilient member can be either aligned with or offset from the central longitudinal axis X--X. The absorbent and the resilient member are rolled or folded up into an elongated softwind which has a first end and a second end. The softwind is folded upon itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The softwind is then compressed into a pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end. A withdrawal string is secured to the pledget to form a tampon. The withdrawal string facilitates removal of the tampon from the woman's vagina.