Abstract: A method of forming a barrel for a tampon applicator assembly including molding a barrel then forming a rearward taper region in an area of the barrel is provided. The method includes molding a first portion of the barrel in a first mold part and a second portion of the barrel in a second mold part, the first and second mold parts meeting at a maximum outer dimension of the first portion, ejecting the barrel from the first and second mold parts, and forming a flared region in an area of the second portion.

Abstract: Tampons comprising an asymmetric insertion end are provided. The tampon can comprise a substantially symmetrical absorbent mass having an insertion end and a withdrawal end, wherein the insertion end is asymmetric around an X axis of the tampon. A method of improving placement of a tampon in a vagina of a female is also provided.

Abstract: An interlabial pad capable of reducing the likelihood of falling-off of the pad and leakage of bodily exudates is provided. Making the compression repulsive force from the portion contacting near the vestibule floor to be greater than the compression repulsive force from the portion contacting near the anterior ends of the labia minora pudenda allows a manufacturer to provide an interlabial pad capable of reducing the likelihood of falling-off of the pad and leakage of bodily exudates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad that is worn by female wearers, placed in intimate contact and supported between the labia, which provides an interlabial pad that causes no discomfort to the female wearer in the body motions of the wearer. The interlabial pad of the present invention is characterized by having bending elements which allows the interlabial pad to follow the changes in form flexibly even when a force is exerted on the interlabial pad by the wearer's body motion.

Abstract: A method of capturing bodily fluid in a mammalian body includes inserting the fluid management device into the mammalian body and transporting bodily fluid. The bodily fluid is transferred via at least one fluid transport element that is capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element. The fluid transport element may substantially envelop the fluid storage element, and it may be attached to the withdrawal end of the fluid storage element, on at least one longitudinal side of the fluid storage element, to itself proximate the withdrawal end of the fluid storage element, and/or to the withdrawal string.

Abstract: A tampon that has a body including a first end, a second end, a center portion, a longitudinal axis and a radial axis. The body includes a plurality of cords or strips joined at the first end, the second end, the center portion or both the first and second ends. The plurality of strips and cords being selected from the group being selected from the group consisting of, films, woven materials, absorbent foams, superabsorbent polymers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A body portion has opposed ends spaced centrally by a length. The body portion has opposed concave sides. The concave sides are spaced by a minimum width when measured at the midpoint of the length. The body portion has planar upper and lower surfaces. A vertically oriented projection extends upwardly from the upper surface of the body portion. The body portion has a lower edge centrally positioned on the longitudinal axis of the body portion. The projection has an upper edge centrally positioned above the longitudinal axis of the body portion. The projection has a forward end in a generally triangular configuration. The projection has a rearward end in a generally triangular configuration. The forward end has a thickness greater than the thickness of the rearward end.

Abstract: A tampon that has an absorbent body that absorbs a bodily fluid and that is to be inserted into a body cavity along a central axis of the absorbent body, wherein a leading end part in an inserting direction of the absorbent body includes a recessed part including a position of the central axis.

Abstract: A contoured and shaped feminine sanitary device (10) comprising a substantially fluid-impermeable bottom layer (26), a substantially fluid-absorbent core (24), and a substantially fluid-permeable top layer (28), with at least one raised area (18) and at least one of back or front extensions (14,16) for facilitating and enhancing fluid absorption in certain areas and during certain activities.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon including an absorbent body that absorbs liquid. The absorbent body is characterized in that it includes on its outer surface a colored portion that is colored with a colorant and a non-colored portion that is not colored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin whose securing means includes a “braid” of absorbent material. The braid structure maximizes absorbency, while minimizing bulk and thus allows the pad to be comfortably held in place during use, in much the same way that the popular underwear are held.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device (or an apparatus) and a method for providing information about body fluids. The device is for measuring a body fluid discharged from a body of a user by putting a first disposable absorbent article having a predetermined absorbent capacity to a fluid discharging portion of the user. The device comprises means for inputting an amount of the body fluid which is absorbed by the first absorbent article through observation; and means for calculating the total amount of the body fluid which was discharged by the user based on the input and the predetermined absorbent capacity of the first absorbent article.

Abstract: A tampon showing improved leakage protection through improved expansion characteristics is disclosed. The tampons disclosed demonstrate these improved expansion characteristics particularly in the width dimension without introducing new drawbacks. Preferred tampons are described which are compressed to an initial size comparable to current tampons, but which expand to a width exceeding that achieved by current tampons. Such increased expansion is preferably accomplished without an increase in the total absorbency of the tampon. Tampons of various absorbencies are disclosed having increased total expansion in the width direction compared to current tampons. Additionally, tampons of various absorbencies which expand to a greater degree in the width direction under pressure are also disclosed. Tampons of various absorbencies which expand at a rate exceeding that achieved previously are also disclosed.

Abstract: The covering member includes an inner side surface being in contact with the absorber and an outer side surface to come into contact with a vaginal wall when in use. The covering member contains a hydrophobic fiber with a low affinity to water and a hydrophilic fiber with a high affinity to water. In the outer side surface, an abundance ratio of the hydrophobic fiber is higher than an abundance ratio of the hydrophilic fiber.

Abstract: This application is directed to methods and kits for preventing the spread of sexually transmitted microorganisms among individuals. The present method is for the application of a medicament comprising an irrigant to an area of the body having, or which may have, a lesion resulting from, for example, a viral, bacteria or fungal infection, thereby damaging the microorganism within the lesion and preventing the organism from infecting human cells.

Abstract: A cell phone based tampon monitoring system features a tampon with a sensor in it, a sensor hub in a wired signal connection with the sensor and in a wireless signal connection with a cell phone. Software installed on the cell phone initially identifies the sensor hub upon connection of a fresh tampon, communicates with the sensor hub via a secondary wireless port of the cell phone, processes the received signals, and utilizes the cell phone's user interfaces to privately inform the tampon user and/or telephone forward logged sensor data to a remote third party device. By utilizing conventional cell phones, women may simply and privately monitor their currently inserted tampon and get timely forecasts and alerts. Through ongoing use, a wealth of information about menstruation cycle and other related health issues may be utilized by women and/or their doctors without having to carry along any extra device.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon or similar device or product in which there is disposed at least one surface active agent. A broad feature of the present invention provides a fibrous absorbent article for absorbing body fluids made up of a fibrous material defining a structure suitable for absorbing the body fluids, and disposed in or on the structure, an effective amount of at least one surface active agent, so as to adsorb malodor associated with these bodily fluids.

Abstract: An absorber for a tampon, which is generated by compressing and molding a laminate member 10A including a liquid permeable surface member 1 and an absorptive member 2, the absorptive member 10A before the compression and molding is comprised: of a first region A which is a region at a side to be first inserted into a vaginal opening in a case where the absorber 10 for the tampon is divided into two sections in a longitudinal direction; and a second region B which is a region at a side to be first removed from the vaginal opening in a case where the absorber for the tampon is divided into two sections in a longitudinal direction; and an area of the first region A is smaller than an area of the second region B.

Abstract: An applicator having an enhanced grip portion. The applicator can include a barrel portion having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and a barrel exterior surface, the barrel exterior surface being a barrel color, a grip portion positioned opposite the insertion end having a grip exterior surface, and a plunger having a plunger exterior surface. The applicator can further include gripping indicia disposed substantially on the grip exterior surface. The gripping indicia can include visual indicia and/or tactile indicia.

Abstract: A method of capturing bodily fluid intravaginally providing an intravaginal device that has a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis and is in fluid communication with at least one fluid transport element. The method involves providing at least one fluid transport element that is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element and positioned within a human vagina.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent body for an absorbent article includes a conveying mechanism for conveying a continuous absorbent sheet, a slitting mechanism configured so that a plurality of slitting blades are pressed against the absorbent sheet conveyed by the conveying mechanism, the slitting blades extending in a predetermined direction, a cutting mechanism for cutting the absorbent sheet against which the slitting blades are pressed and forming the absorbent body, and a stretching mechanism arranged upstream of the cutting mechanism and for stretching, in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction, the absorbent sheet against which the slitting blades are pressed, and forming slits in the absorbent sheet.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for absorbing anal leakage, such as fecal material, blood or flatulence. The method includes positioning an intergluteal absorbent pad external to the anal orifice of a subject such that the pad is retained between the buttocks, and any discharge from the anus is absorbed by the absorbent material of the pad. The pad can have a variety of shapes, including major and minor portions that are portions of spheres or ellipsoids, or which are elongated and have cross-sections that are circular or ellipsoid. The smaller minor portion of the pad is positioned against the anal orifice to minimize pressure exerted in this sensitive area, while the larger major portion is retained in the less sensitive intergluteal space. Insertion and retention of the pad adjacent to the anus helps alleviate symptoms of the hemorrhoids, absorbs leakage, and can also be used as a reservoir to administer medication.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is constituted of napkin main body composed of a top sheet, a liquid-impermeable bottom sheet, and an absorber interposed therebetween; and a napkin sub-body joined to the upper layer of the napkin main body and similarly composed. The napkin sub-body is constituted of a front portion that is joined to the napkin main body at a bleeding port-corresponding region and a back portion that is positioned behind the front portion and can be divided into right and left parts at a dividing line formed along the longitudinal direction from the back end of the center in the width direction of the sanitary napkin such that, to provide hip-holding flaps, the divided right and left parts can spread outward in the width direction of the napkin main body from the boundary between the front portion and the back portion at which the base end of the dividing line is located.

Abstract: A tampon having an auxiliary patch. The tampon can include a compressed absorbent member having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and a body disposed between the insertion end and the withdrawal end. The compressed absorbent member can have an exterior surface. In addition, the tampon can include an auxiliary patch that can partially cover the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The tampon can also include an overwrap.

Abstract: In a body adhering absorbent article, an absorbent structure is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. A shell supports the absorbent structure at the vaginal region and has an adhesive on a body-facing surface thereof for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. A placement aid is disposed on at least one of the absorbent structure and the shell, and is configured for sensory perception by a wearer of the article upon placement of the article on the wearer to facilitate positive alignment of the absorbent article in a target placement region of the wearer with the absorbent structure disposed adjacent the wearer's vaginal region.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene that has an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a central portion between the insertion end and the withdrawal end, a length, a longitudinal axis, a radial axis, and an outer surface. The tampon is made of compressed fibrous material. The outer surface of the insertion end has a plurality of longitudinal grooves which are offset from the plurality of longitudinal grooves located in the withdrawal end.

Abstract: A tampon is described which includes a generally elongated body. The elongated body includes an insertion end, a withdrawal end and a central portion extending therebetween. The withdrawal end is constricted. The constricted withdrawal end includes one or more radially pressed grooves.

Abstract: A tampon is described which includes an elongated absorbent core and an outer cover. The tampon can include an elongated absorbent core, an upper insertion end, a lower withdrawal end, and an outer cover. The outer cover has a multiplicity of perforations. The degree of perforation in an upper cylindrical segment of said outer cover is larger than the degree of perforation of a lower cylindrical segment of said outer cover. The upper cylindrical segment is located in the upper part of said outer cover.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and disposable pant like garments are disclosed. In particular, absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and pants having an improved barrier cuff structure for improved fit are described. The placement of a barrier cuff structure having a tackdown point near the waistband of the article tends to “pull down” the waistband and may cause sagging. Intermediate tackdown bonds are disclosed to achieve the containment benefits of a barrier cuff structure without sacrificing fit characteristics of the article. The intermediate tackdown may be intermediate one or both of the longitudinal ends of the barrier cuff strip and the lateral side edges of the strip. Additionally, the relationship of forces, angles, and design characteristics of aspects of the articles and sagging are disclosed.

Abstract: Tampons having a zoned apertured overwrap. The tampons can include a compressed absorbent member having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and a body disposed between the insertion end and the withdrawal end. The body can have a perimeter disposed substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and an exterior surface. The tampons can further include an overwrap covering at least a portion of the exterior surface. The overwrap can have a first zone and a second zone, the first zone having a plurality of apertures of a first diameter and the second zone having a plurality of apertures of a second diameter. In addition, the first zone and the second zone can be spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon, having essentially a cylindrical shape, which includes at least three ribs defined by grooves, characterized in that at least one rib or groove, in transverse cross-section, has a median at least partially diverging from the radius and to a process for manufacturing a tampon. The invention further relates to a press for manufacturing a tampon by pressing the absorbing material radially, with press jaws including penetrating segments for penetrating the absorbing material and pressing shoulders, characterized in that the median of at least one penetrating segment diverges from the radius of that penetrating segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent article which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.

Abstract: An applicator for intravaginal devices includes an elongate handle, an insertion sleeve, and an intravaginal device support member. The elongate handle has an open first end that defines a cavity extending into the handle. The insertion sleeve extends from the open first end of the handle; it is arranged and configured to slide into the cavity of the handle and to accommodate an intravaginal device; and it has associated therewith a trigger. The intravaginal device support member is disposed in the cavity of the handle; it is operatively connected to the handle; and it has a bearing surface disposed proximate the open first end of the handle. The applicators are useful to ensure that intravaginal devices are placed in the appropriate position to be effective.

Abstract: A disposable intralabial urinary incontinence article having a resilient and liquid impermeable exostructure captures bodily exudates. The exostructure has a top surface and an internal space adapted to receive fluids. At least a portion of the exostructure is a flange that rests at least partially outside the labia. The exostructure also has a neck extending from the top surface that at least partially occupies the vestibular region and rests proximate the vestibule floor. The neck has a fluid receiving opening which is in communication with the internal space. The neck is configured so the fluid receiving opening is positioned generally adjacent the urethral meatus to direct urine into the internal space. The internal space may include an absorbent and the article may include a clitoral guide to aid positioning of the article within the vestibule.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, a second portion and a first portion. This absorbent article has a topsheet which has a first major surface that forms a body-facing surface. In addition, the absorbent article has a backsheet which has a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface. The second major surface of the backsheet forms a garment facing surface of the absorbent article. On the second portion of the top sheet on the first major surface, a body adhesive is applied. In the first portion of the absorbent article, a garment attachment device for attaching the absorbent article to an undergarment of a user is present.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad can be sealed and attached to the female labia, which has a structure in capable of easily achieving a sealing attachment into the female labia. A sheet body (2) is provided on an opposite side to a body side of the interlabial pad (1) to form a pair of the fingertip insert openings (3,4) on both side portions, the wearer inserts two finger into the fingertip insert opening (3,4) and catches the sheet body 2 by the two finger, thereby the interlabial pad (1) can be folded in substantially mountain folded shape along the vertically axial center line and can be attached to the labia (9) in keeping a condition of forming a raised area (5) on the body side surface of the pad.

Abstract: A dosage cap assembly is provided for use with an applicator assembly, the dosage cap assembly including a tip including an outer surface, an attachment end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a tip cavity, wherein the attachment end of the tip includes an engagement mechanism. The dosage cap assembly also includes a cap having an inner surface defining a cap cavity, the inner surface generally conforming to the outer surface of the tip; and a dosage form disposed within the tip cavity.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon pledget that includes one or more enhanced features that result in the pledget exhibiting increased bypass leakage prevention. These enhanced features may include, but are not limited to, geometry, absorption, and any combinations thereof. There is also provided one or more methods for constructing a tampon pledget having increased bypass leakage protection.

Abstract: A flexible retention web designed to be introduced into a vaginal cavity, said web being provided with means of removal and being made of a non-expandable or minimally expandable atraumatic material, the dimensions of which are designed in such a way as to be able to retain and/or slow down bodily discharges of small quantity.

Abstract: A tampon applicator having an annular gripping element and a dilating element connected to the annular gripping element. The dilating element has a plurality of longitudinal members delimited by a plurality of longitudinal slots. The dilating element is configured with a conical section and a neck section, the conical section being between the annular gripping element and the neck section.

Abstract: The present invention provides coating composition according to the present invention. The coating composition is a low extractables composition that imparts properties, such as, for example, low friction, high gloss, color and/or pearlescence to a substrate coated with the composition of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, a tampon applicator includes the coating composition of the present invention.

Abstract: An absorbent article having an absorbent structure sized and configured for insertion at least partially within the vestibule of a female wearer. The absorbent structure has a saturation capacity as determined by a Saturation Capacity and Retention Capacity Test of at least about 15 grams/gram, a retention capacity as determined by the Saturation Capacity and Retention Capacity Test of at least about 3 grams/gram, and an intake time for a first insult of the absorbent structure as determined by an Intake and Rewet Test of no more than about 30 seconds.

Abstract: A Feminine Hygiene Pad Comprising having a wide forward portion which is at least one and half times the length of a narrow rear, tail-like portion.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon pledget that includes one or more enhanced features that result in the pledget exhibiting increased bypass leakage prevention. These enhanced features may include, but are not limited to, geometry, absorption, and any combinations thereof. There is also provided one or more methods for constructing a tampon pledget having increased bypass leakage protection.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene device. The absorbent core can have a first compressibility in an unaltered state, wherein at least a portion of the absorbent core that is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core has a second compressibility in an altered state. The second compressibility can be greater than the first compressibility. The portion of the absorbent core having the second compressibility can be a portion of the absorbent core from which absorbent material has not been completely removed. The feminine hygiene device has an elastic member generally aligned with the core longitudinal axis and spanning at least a portion of the absorbent core that has a preferentially weakened zone of compression. A portion of the absorbent core that is generally aligned with the core longitudinal axis can comprise structural features selected from the group consisting of slits, corrugations, nodules, and tufts.

Abstract: An applicator for a feminine hygiene device. The applicator includes an insertion member that can have an outer surface, an insertion end, a withdrawal end opposite the insertion end, and a barrel region adapted to house the feminine hygiene device. In addition, the insertion member can have an indentation region extending inwardly from the outer surface and disposed between the barrel region and withdrawal end, and a shoulder region disposed between the barrel region and the indentation region. In certain embodiments, the indentation region can include one or more gripping formations protruding from the indentation region, the one or more gripping formations extending from the indentation region over at least a portion of the shoulder region.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element. The invention also includes methods and apparatus useful in the production of an intravaginal device.

Abstract: A sanitary pad for tween girls for use under a swimsuit. The sanitary pad includes a body having a size and shape conforming to a genital area of an average tween girl and is inconspicuous while being worn by the tween under her swimsuit. The body has a waterproof outer layer, an inner lining and a peripheral edge. The waterproof outer layer has a removable backing covering an adhesive such that upon removal of the backing, the body is removably adherably positionable in the swimsuit and remains in place during vigorous swimming activities and play, whether in or out of the water. The inner lining is capable of absorbing menstrual fluid. A vaginal plug is positioned on the inner lining so as to align comfortably at the opening of the tween's vagina.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon for feminine hygiene, with a tapered introductory end, a withdrawal end provided with a withdrawal means and a longitudinal axis, comprising a longitudinally extending absorbent body made from compressed fiber material, the absorbent body being densified more intensely in the region of the longitudinal axis and forming a fiber column, from which longitudinal ribs extend radially outward and flank longitudinal ribs in pairs. The tapered introductory end being formed by the to fiber column, the longitudinal grooves and longitudinal ribs is provided with collecting grooves and collecting ribs to collect menstrual secretions, wherein the collecting grooves are open axially to the front and radially outward and wherein the collecting ribs flank the collecting grooves in pairs. The invention provides for an increased absorption capacity of the tampon in relation to the weight of the fiber material per tampon.