Abstract: In a tampon applicator, an elongated barrel has an interior chamber for housing a tampon therein, a grip region generally adjacent an outer end of the barrel, a tip region generally adjacent an inner end of the barrel, and a central region extending longitudinally between the grip region and the tip region. A plunger extends into the barrel at the outer end thereof and is moveable relative to the barrel to expel the tampon from the barrel at its inner end. The outer surface of the barrel at the grip region has a different coefficient of friction than at the central region of the barrel. In other embodiments the coefficient of friction of the barrel outer surface at the central region is different from the coefficient of friction at the tip region.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a first major surface which forms a body-facing surface of the absorbent article, and a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface which forms a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The article includes an absorbent core positioned between the first major surface and the second major surface. The article also includes at least one barrier structure having an inward-facing side and an outward-facing side, and at least one liquid shrinkable string. The at least one barrier structure is disposed on the first major surface, and the inward-facing side of the at least one barrier structure is attached to the absorbent article. In addition, a first portion of the at least one liquid shrinkable string is attached to the at least one barrier structure.

Abstract: An absorbent article for preventing leakage is provided, the article including an absorbent assembly having an absorbent assembly perimeter, and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent a portion of the perimeter, wherein the leakage warning element includes a dimension change member adapted to dimensionally change upon liquid contact to produce a transition in the absorbent article between an activated state and an un-activated state, thereby producing a physical sensation indicating a fullness level of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent article also provides an absorbent assembly having an absorbent assembly perimeter and a leakage warning element including a stored energy device and a dimension change member, the dimension change member disposed along a portion of the perimeter, wherein the dimension change member is adapted to break upon liquid contact to produce a transition in the leakage warning element from an un-activated state to an activated state.

Abstract: An absorbent article for preventing leakage is provided, the article including an absorbent assembly having an absorbent assembly perimeter, and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent a portion of the perimeter, wherein the leakage warning element includes a dimension change member adapted to dimensionally change upon liquid contact to produce a transition in the absorbent article between an activated state and an un-activated state, thereby producing a physical sensation indicating a fullness level of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent article also provides an absorbent assembly having an absorbent assembly perimeter and a leakage warning element including a stored energy device and a dimension change member, the dimension change member disposed along a portion of the perimeter, wherein the dimension change member is adapted to break upon liquid contact to produce a transition in the leakage warning element from an un-activated state to an activated state.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a first major surface which forms a body-facing surface of the absorbent article, and a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface which forms a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The article includes an absorbent core positioned between the first major surface and the second major surface. The article also includes at least one barrier structure having an inward-facing side and an outward-facing side, and at least one liquid shrinkable string. The at least one barrier structure is disposed on the first major surface, and the inward-facing side of the at least one barrier structure is attached to the absorbent article. In addition, a first portion of the at least one liquid shrinkable string is attached to the at least one barrier structure.

Abstract: In a tampon applicator, an elongated barrel has an interior chamber for housing a tampon therein, a grip region generally adjacent an outer end of the barrel, a tip region generally adjacent an inner end of the barrel, and a central region extending longitudinally between the grip region and the tip region. A plunger extends into the barrel at the outer end thereof and is moveable relative to the barrel to expel the tampon from the barrel at its inner end. The outer surface of the barrel at the grip region has a different coefficient of friction than at the central region of the barrel. In other embodiments the coefficient of friction of the barrel outer surface at the central region is different from the coefficient of friction at the tip region.