Abstract: The tampon applicator assembly includes a tampon applicator section, an outer housing section, and a plunger section. The combined tampon applicator section and plunger section function as a conventional plunger-type tampon applicator. The outer housing section includes a sleeve with a proximal portion and a distal portion. The (distal) insertion end of the tampon applicator section essentially fits inside the proximal portion of the sleeve, and the distal portion of the sleeve is designed to accommodate a feminine hygiene product, such as a pad, a disposable wipe, a towelette disposal mitt, a simple disposal bag, and other products associated with menstruation.

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: An interlabial absorbent article configured for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer includes a generally liquid permeable cover sheet, a generally liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the cover sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a water vapor transmission rate that is at least about 20% of a water vapor transmission rate of the cover sheet. The cover sheet and said back sheet may have a contact angle mismatch of less than about 25%. The absorbent material may have a density greater than water. Upon being flushed, the article has an initial neutral buoyancy and subsequently sinks within about 7 days from being flushed.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes a flexible absorbing rod body, an elastic band, and a flap. The absorbing rod body has a longitudinal first side adapted to block a vaginal opening, and a longitudinal second side opposite to the first side. The elastic band is disposed longitudinally at the second side of the absorbing rod body, and applies a contracting force to the second side so that the first side is curved. The flap projects from the second side of the absorbing rod body, and is adapted to facilitate handling of the sanitary napkin.

Abstract: A method for making a tampon including providing a tampon pledget, and providing a compression/stabilization mold. The method includes moving the tampon pledget into the compression/stabilization mold via a transfer member, wherein the compression/stabilization mold is in an open position, and laterally compressing the tampon pledget in the compression/stabilization mold by closing the compression/stabilization mold to form a stabilized tampon. An apparatus for making a tampon and a tampon made by the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an interlabial pad, with which anisotropy is provided in regard to the degree of freedom of the surface side sheet that forms the face that contacts the labia of a wearer, so that the interlabial pad will not fall off readily. An interlabial pad 20, fitted on by being sandwiched partially or wholly between labia, the interlabial pad 20 comprising: a vestibular floor contacting region 22A, contacting a vestibular floor of a wearer, and an inner wall contacting region 22B, contacting a inner walls of the labia of the wearer; the degree of freedom of the respective fibers that form the vestibular floor contacting region 22A is adjusted to be higher than the degree of freedom of the fibers that form the inner wall contacting region 22B.

Abstract: In a packaged feminine care absorbent article and method of applying such an article to a wearer, an absorbent article includes an absorbent structure and a shell, with the absorbent structure configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region. The shell is configured for supporting the absorbent structure and has adhesive on a body-facing surface thereof for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. The absorbent article has a packaged configuration and a use configuration, at least a portion of the absorbent article being in overlapping relationship with another portion of the absorbent article in the packaged configuration, and with these respective portions being free from overlapping relationship in the use configuration. The article may be adhered to the wearer while in its packaged configuration and then converted to its use configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad which is attached between female labia, especially to the pad which can be used together with the sanitary napkin, which has a good sealing efficiency with the labia deepest portion when the user moves and can prevent the chance that the leak of the menstrual blood or the dropping off of the pad is occurred. Further the interlabial pad comprises the absorbing sheet portion facing to the body side upon wearing the pad and the support sheet portion backing the absorbing sheet portion.

Abstract: A tampon suitable for feminine hygiene and/or medical purposes is disclosed having a longitudinal body provided with a dome-shaped insertion end and a withdrawal end, from which withdrawal end a withdrawal cord extends. The tampon has compressed absorbent fibrous material and has an outer circumferential surface which is at least partially provided with longitudinal grooves that are separated from each other by longitudinal ribs. The path of the grooves and ribs of the tampon in the longitudinal direction are inclined and correspond to a continuous curved line that has only one point of inflection defining one convex part and one concave part that preferably does not show a maximum or a minimum.

Abstract: An interlabial pad can maintain a state of constant contact with the inner walls of the labia and prevent leakage and falling away, regardless of changes in the position of the wearer. According to an interlabial pad having a pair of strip-shaped areas extending toward the side-edges along the center axis from the center axis and a low flexural rigidity part in the region including at least the side-edge out of the strip-shaped area, a state of constant contact with the inner walls of the labia can be maintained and leakage and falling away can be prevented, regardless of changes in position of the wearer.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes: a napkin body having a liquid-absorbent layer for absorbing and retaining liquid; and a projection projecting from a body surface of the napkin body. The projection has an apex and a pair of side wall portions formed of a liquid-permeable material. The apex is spaced apart from the body surface of the napkin body and extends along a longitudinal centerline of the napkin body. The side wall portions connect at the apex and diverge toward the body surface of the napkin body. The apex and the side wall portions are different in stiffness. The side wall portions have a space therebetween and are permitted to deform and approach each other.

Abstract: An interlabial pad fits a vaginal opening and a vestibule floor without a gap with the vaginal opening or the vestibule floor. The pad prevents leakage of menstrual blood from a gap and prevents dropping out of the pad when the pad is worn between labia. The interlabial pad is provided with an absorbent body for absorbing and holding body fluid, has a central axis, and is worn with at least one portion held by labia minora, between the labia, so that at least one portion close to the central axis when worn touches the vestibule floor inside the labia of the wearer, and is also provided with a rear portion low compression rigidity structure, so that a rear portion that is positioned to the rear of the wearer and, when worn, touches the body of the wearer first, has low compression rigidity in comparison to a front portion positioned to the front.

Abstract: A tampon having at least one physical discontinuity is provided. The physical discontinuity, or physical discontinuities, are located in the compressed absorbent member and may be made in the tampon pledget before the pledget is compressed into the absorbent member. The physical discontinuities partially isolate a portion, or portions, of the tampon from the rest of the tampon. The partial isolation of a portion of the tampon reduces the amount of menses absorbed by that portion, which could be transported to the rest of the tampon through wicking. The concentration of menses absorption in a portion allows that portion have a higher level of expansion than the rest of the tampon to prevent menses from leaking out of the vaginal opening.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis and is in fluid communication with at least one flexible panel.

Abstract: A tampon has a generally uniform fiber distribution along its length, an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and a longitudinal axis. A finger recess having a depth of at least about 5 mm is formed into the withdrawal end. Nonetheless, a column strength of at least about 10 Newtons (N) can still be achieved. The tampon can be formed by winding an absorbent fibrous web around a winding mandrel; transferring the blank into a press; inserting a forming mandrel into one end of a tampon blank while the tampon blank is positioned in the press; moving a plurality of press jaws toward a central longitudinal press axis to compress the tampon blank and to form a compressed tampon having a finger recess formed into the one end of the tampon; and ejecting the compressed tampon from the press.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles comprising an absorbent material and a degradable thermoplastic polymer composition comprising an aliphatic polyester and an antimicrobial composition. The antimicrobial composition includes an antimicrobial component and an enhancer component. The aliphatic polyester and antimicrobial composition are formed into webs by melt extrusion, such as nonwovens and films, that are incorporated into disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable infant diapers, adult incontinence articles, feminine hygiene articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners and tampons, personal care wipes and household wipes to provide odor control, control of microbial growth, and control of microbial toxin production.

Abstract: Tampons having a three-dimensional apertured overwrap. The tampons can include a compressed absorbent member having an inner region and an exterior surface. The compressed absorbant member has one or more absorbent materials. A fluid pervious overwrap covers at least a portion of the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The fluid pervious material of the overwrap is a nonwoven material having three-dimensional apertures therein. A process for making a tampon is also provided.

Abstract: A tampon suitable for feminine hygiene and/or medical purposes having a longitudinal body provided with a dome-shaped insertion end and a withdrawal end, from which a withdrawal cord extends is disclosed. The tampon is made of compressed absorbent fibrous material and has an outer circumferential surface which is at least partially provided with longitudinal grooves that are separated from each other by longitudinal ribs. The path of the grooves and the ribs in the longitudinal direction of the tampon correspond to a continuous curved line that has only one point of inflection defining one convex part and one concave part, and that preferably does not show a maximum and/or a minimum.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon comprises a compressed absorbent member having an inner region and an exterior surface, the compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. An overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The overwrap comprises an apertured fluid pervious material that is hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic relative to the compressed absorbent member. The fluid pervious overwrap therefore tends to remain free of fluid as the fluid is preferentially partitioned into the absorbent member.

Abstract: A novel absorbent tampon suitable for insertion into a body cavity has a substantially elongate, compressed primary absorbent structure having a first end, a second end disposed opposite thereof, and a density of at least about 0.3 g/cm3. The tampon also includes a secondary absorbent structure secured to and extending from the first end of the primary absorbent structure and extending toward the second end of the primary absorbent structure. Preferably, the secondary absorbent structure is disposed about the primary absorbent structure and forms the outer circumferential surface of the tampon. The secondary absorbent structure is capable of extending outwardly from the primary absorbent structure upon the absorption of fluid into the tampon to increase the cross-sectional area of the tampon in the body cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the tampon has sufficient column strength for digital insertion (insertion without an applicator) into a vaginal canal.

Abstract: An interlabial pad with reduced leakage of body fluids is provided by enabling direct absorption and retaining of body fluids at a predetermined site. Disclosed is an interlabial pad having a body fluid absorption capacity. The interlabial pad includes a body fluid outlet contacting region to contact a ostium vaginae and/or urethral meatus in the state of application. At least the body fluid outlet contacting region has a highly absorbing and retaining region having an elevated body fluid absorption capacity to immediately absorb the discharged body fluids, and an elevated body fluid retaining capacity to retain the absorbed body fluids.

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 process and apparatus for producing a stabilized product from a pledget, including the steps of providing a pledget and a transfer member, and pushing the compressed pledget into a stabilization mold with the transfer member as the transfer member advances to a loading position. The transfer member is retracted to a stabilizing position. The compressed pledget is stabilized while the compressed pledget is maintained in compression by the transfer member and the stabilization mold to form a stabilized tampon.

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 gives no discomfort to the female wearer in the body motions of the wearer. The interlabial pad of the present invention is characterized by having a structure and/or shape which allows the pad to make right and left phase shifts easily, even when a shearing force is exerted on the interlabial pad by the wearer's body motion, that is, a structure and/or shape which reduces the friction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad which is used by being fitted between labia of a user for absorbing the menstrual blood, and provides an interlabial pad which can surely absorb even a high-speed, large-volume menstrual blood, flowing down the body along inner labial walls. An interlabial pad (14) is devised to provide an protruded area (14b) in a part of a flat area (14a), having an absorbing function, and the ratio of the protruded area (14b) and the flat area (14a) is controlled accurately.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sanitary product for use by women for the absorption of menstrual fluid and such like. The product comprises a plug and a pad joined by a sheath (4). The plug is substantially cylindrical so that is fits comfortably in a vaginal cavity. The pad remains outside the vaginal cavity, but has an absorbent layer on an inward side proximal to the plug and a liquid impermeable layer on an outward side. The sheath comprises a tube of absorbent material for drawing excess menstrual fluid from the plug to the pad and has a layer of liquid impermeable material on its inside surface. It extends from an outward end of the plug, proximal to the pad, both to and through the pad. In use, a wearer can insert a finger into the sheath from the outward side of the pad assist with insertion of the plug into the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The tampon is comprised of compressed fibrous material. The outer surface of the tampon has a plurality of first surfaces and a plurality of second surfaces. Each of the first surfaces has a distal end and a proximal end. Each of the second surfaces has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end of the first surface contacts the proximal end of the second surface to form a proximal vertex. The distal end of the first surface contacts the distal end of the second surface to form a distal vertex.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sanitary tampon including an absorber including: an absorbent layer made of an absorbent fibrous material; and a hydrophobic liquid-permeable layer covering the absorbent layer. The absorber is formed firstly into a flat shape and then into a column shape. The absorbent layer forming the flat absorber is formed with a plurality of small recesses which open in the surface of the absorbent layer and extend into the absorbent layer.

Abstract: An inter-labial pad which can be inserted easily to a point of insertion is provided. An inter-labial pad 1 having an absorbent body for absorbing a body fluid is covered with a cover sheet, wherein a top portion 10 to be in contact with the depth of labia when the inter-labial pad 1 is put between the labia is provided. The top portion 10 has a shape different between the forward end 10a coming in contact with the forward of the labia and the backward end 10b coming in contact with the backward of the labia upon attachment, with the backward end being in a sharp shape and of narrow width and sharp angle. Thus, the inter-labial pad 1 can be inserted easily from a sharp backward end 10b easily to the labia.

Abstract: A vaginal cleaning device includes an elongated applicator including an axial support post having a front end and a rear end, a head with a rear surface connected to the front end of the axial support post; a circular disk disposed around the rear end of the axial support post; and a flexible absorbent material disposed around the axial support post between the head and the circular disk. The device has an elongated handle with a front end connected to the rear end of the elongated applicator, a hollow tube with a front open end and a rear open end, disposed around the elongated applicator, and a removable lid on the front open end of the hollow tube. Also disclosed is a method of using the personal vaginal cleaning device.

Abstract: In an inter-labia pad comprising an absorbing body for absorbing bodily fluid and a cover material for covering the absorbing body, the cover material has a human body-side face that faces the labia of a wearer and an absorbing body-side face that faces the absorbing body. The absorbing body includes a labia-following layer and a bodily liquid-storing layer. The labia-following layer, together with the cover material, deforms in accordance with the shape of the wearer's labia, and the bodily liquid storing-layer is in contact with the labia-following layer so that bodily liquid can move from the labia-following layer to the liquid-storing layer. The pad can be reliably fit to subtle shapes of the wearer's urethral opening, private parts, etc.; therefore the pad provides excellent appearance, and prevents bodily liquid from leaking without giving the wearer sense of discomfort.

Abstract: An absorbent article (40), such as a labial pad, configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The absorbent article (40) may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an interlabial pad with which the fitting point can be found with ease and without damaging the interior of the labia in the fitting process. By equipping a transmitting region 20, which transmits the feel of a finger to a wearer's body in the thickness direction of an interlabial pad, on the entirety or a part of a belt-shaped region that spans the longitudinal direction central axis of the interlabial pad and extends in the longitudinal direction, an interlabial pad 10, with which the fitting point can be found with ease and without damaging the interior of the labia, can be provided.

Abstract: A tampon disposal system for efficiently and sanitarily removing and disposing of a soiled tampon. The tampon disposal system includes a housing having at least one wall, an inner cavity, a plurality of perforated edges and a cleansing wipe that is enclosed within the housing. Removal of the perforated edges from the housing creates an opening along each perforation thereby exposing the inner cavity of the housing and the cleansing wipe positioned therein. Upon removal of the cleansing wipe, the string attached to a soiled tampon is insertable through the openings of the housing whereby removal and disposal of the tampon can be achieved in a relatively sanitary and efficient manner.

Abstract: A vaginal cleaning device is disclosed, which includes an axial support post having a head disposed at the front end and a circular disk around the rear end, a tubular applicator body disposed around the post between the head and the disk, an applicator extension and a handle. Further disclosed is a vaginal cleaning device which includes a hollow axial support post having a head disposed at the front end, a circular disk around the rear end, a plurality of apertures around the body of the hollow axial support post, a tubular applicator body disposed around the post between the head and the disk, a hollow applicator extension and a fluid supply means connected to the applicator extension. A fluid can be delivered through the hollow applicator extension and the hollow axial support post into the tubular applicator body for cleaning the vagina.

Abstract: A multiple-layered tampon applicator that has at least one modification to one or more inner layers that form the applicator. As a result, enhanced aesthetics, enhanced functionality, or both are achieved in the applicator.

Abstract: An interlabial absorbent article is provided for disposition primarily within the vestibule of a female wearer. The article includes a liquid permeable top sheet, a polymeric film back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the top sheet and back sheet. The polymeric film back sheet is also liquid permeable such that the article may be disposed at generally any orientation within the wearer's vestibule and absorb bodily fluids at any such orientation.

Abstract: An intravaginal device having an overwrap containing an enclosed material, and a withdrawal string passing through a portion of the overwrap formed into a loop, the withdrawal string enabling a user to remove the intravaginal device after use.

Abstract: An absorbent device for insertion into a vaginal cavity, the absorbent device having an absorbent body and an indicator structure arranged and configured within the absorbent body, the indicator structure having a resilient member maintained in a strained configuration by a restraint; wherein the resilient member is capable of reverting to a relaxed configuration upon the weakening of the restraint and the restraint weakens upon exposure to moisture.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene that has an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The tampon is made of compressed fibrous material. The outer surface of the tampon includes a plurality of raised portions. Each of the raised portions includes a first width dimension x and a second width dimension y. The first width dimension x is greater than the second width dimension y.

Abstract: An anal region pantyliner, has an impervious outer layer, an absorbent middle layer, and a liquid-permeable bodymost layer. It is preferably held in place against an undergarment by removable adhesive. It absorbs anal leakage and fits both male and female anatomy. A unique feature of one embodiment is a pear-like shape having a wide area covering the buttocks and a narrow part extending forward between the legs, terminating short of the genital area comfortable for both males and females. An alternate female version continues forward to cover the vaginal or urethral region. The preferred embodiment is thicker in the crotch area, having an absorbent pad situated retro-scrotally along the center and an additional inter-buttock absorbent ridge. An alternate embodiment has an absorbent dam situated retro-scrotally. Another alternate embodiment is flat, being of uniform thickness.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an interlabial pad, with which a wearer will hardly feel a sensation of using the interlabial pad, even when a wearer moves and pressure from the exterior is applied to the interlabial pad. An interlabial pad 10, with which a wearer will hardly feel a sensation of using the interlabial pad, can be provided by equipping a crease-spanning region 2 of the interlabial pad 10 with a pressure dispersion means 11, which, in repulsion to pressures that are applied from the vestibular floor to the crease-spanning region 2 of the interlabial pad 10 in accompaniment to movements of the wearer, prevents the direct transmission of the pressures to the vestibular floor.

Abstract: A device for introducing an object into a vagina includes finger mounting means whereby the device is mountable on a user's finger, and a holder which protrudes from the finger mounting means and which is insertable into a user's vagina, the holder being configured to hold an object whilst being inserted into the user's vagina and then release the object once positioned inside the vagina.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent articles which have a first absorbent article and a second absorbent article. The first absorbent article has i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a first identifier having a first surface area. The first identifier is disposed on the first absorbent article and corresponds to a first absorbency. The second absorbent article has i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a second identifier having a second surface area. The second identifier is disposed on the second absorbent article and corresponds to a second absorbency. The first surface area of the first absorbent article is different than the second surface area of the second absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided having an absorbent core with an absorbent pledget adhered to the body-facing side of the core between the core and the body-facing surface of the article. The pledget has a greater structural stiffness and a reduced surface area relative to the core. The absorbent article has a fluid permeable coverstock including a bi-component fiber. An hourglass-shaped absorbent pledget is disposed between the core and the coverstock. The pledget includes airlaid material adhered to the body-facing side of the absorbent core. The pledget further includes a three-dimensional apertured film mounted to the airlaid material, which engages the coverstock. The absorbent core is configured to fold about the hourglass shape of the pledget and resist undesired deformity of the absorbent article. The coverstock includes adhesive-coated elastic members disposed adjacent the longitudinal sides. The longitudinal sides are folded about a backsheet to enclose the core and pledget.

Abstract: An array of disposable tampon applicators which have a first tampon applicator and a second tampon applicator. The first tampon applicator has i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a first identifier having a first surface area. The first identifier is disposed on the first tampon applicator and corresponds to a first absorbency. The second tampon applicator has i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a second identifier having a second surface area. The second identifier is disposed on the second tampon applicator and corresponds to a second absorbency. The first surface area of the first tampon applicator is different than the second surface area of the second tampon applicator.

Abstract: Kits of feminine hygiene products are disclosed. In particular, kits which may be used as learner kits are disclosed. Such kits preferably include at least an absorbent tampon having an absorbency of less than or equal to about 6 grams according to the syngina test. Also included are a backup feminine hygiene article such as a pantiliner, sanitary napkin, or absorbent interlabial device. Other optional components such as a mirror, finger cover, glove, lubricant, bonus product, an instruction booklet, may also be included in the kit. Also disclosed are non-absorbent training tampons which may be used to assist a new tampon user in getting the feel for proper tampon insertion technique.

Abstract: An absorbent article (40) such as a labial pad configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The absorbent article (40) may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection or both. The absorbent article (40) has an absorbent (66) which may include one of various means formed on at least the upper surface thereof.

Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon is disclosed comprising an overwrap with both a masking region and a wicking region. The compressed absorbent member of the tampon has an inner region, an exterior surface, and an insertion end opposed to a withdrawal end. The overwrap comprises a masking region and a wicking region. The wicking region of the overwrap covers at least a portion of the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member proximal to the withdrawal end of the compressed absorbent member. The masking region surrounds at least a portion of the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member proximal to the insertion end of the compressed absorbent member.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The tampon has compressed fibrous material. The outer surface of the tampon has a plurality of recessed portions. Each of the recessed portions has a length dimension, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first side wall has a proximal end, an opposed distal end, and a wall dimension extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The second side wall has a proximal end, an opposed distal end, and a wall dimension extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal ends of the first and second side walls intersect one another to form a vertex. The wall dimension of the first wall varies as measured along at least a portion of said length dimension.