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: 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 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 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: A tampon pledget that expands without the aid of moisture or menses. The tampon pledget has a plurality of high resiliency, non-absorbent materials and a plurality of absorbent materials. The tampon pledget has improved comfort as compared to conventional fully compressed tampon pledgets. The tampon pledget preferably has all of its non-absorbent and absorbent materials enclosed in a coverstock. The coverstock may be inverted or turned inside out, prior to filling the coverstock with the plurality of non-absorbent and absorbent materials. The coverstock insertion end, removal end, or both are pleated to further enhance comfort during use. A removal string may be secured to the inverted and pleated coverstock, above the removal end seal, by a top loop slipknot.

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: A formulation effective in reducing the pH in a menstruating vagina or in a tampon inserted therein to below pH 5.5, comprising (a) 3–80% by weight of a solid organic acid polymer; (b) 92–15% by weight of a solid organic acid; and (c) 5–30% of a wetting agent. Also disclosed is a delivery system for releasing an active agent comprising: (a) a deposition comprising the active agent; and (b) a polymeric support on which the deposition is deposited. The delivery system is especially useful in a catamenial tampon for insertion in a human vagina which comprises (a) an inner core comprising an absorbent material; (b) an outer layer comprising a liquid permeable material; and (c) the delivery system.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antiseptic tampon and a method of preparing it, which method consists of introducing metered quantities of a liquid mixture of antiseptic product and hydrophobic excipient into individual sheaths (14) for packaging tampons, then introducing standard tampons (22) into said sheaths (14) so that their lower ends are immersed in the mixture of antiseptic product and excipient, and then closing and sealing said sheaths (14).

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene has 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 said recessed portions has a length dimension, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first and second side walls intersect one another to form a vertex. The first and second side walls have an angle (?) therebetween. The angle alpha (?) varies as measured along at least a portion of the length dimension.

Abstract: A tampon applicator including an insertion member adapted to house an absorbent tampon and receive a plunger. The insertion member has an outer surface and a fingergrip region disposed about the outer surface. The fingergrip region includes an indention region having a depth dimension X. The indention region includes raised portions has a height dimension Y, the height dimension Y being less than or equal to the depth dimension X.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial product and an individual wrapping body provided with a form for securing a finger, and a manufacturing method therefor, and provides an interlabial pad individual wrapping container which can be used as a suitable operation member when fixing or unfixing the interlabial pad. Two left hand fingers are inserted in the finger insertion openings (13A, 13B) formed by the belt body (12) attached to the wrapping container (1), to separate the wrapping container (1) into the sections (1A) and (1B) along the separation part (15) by opening these fingers to the left and right, and in this state as it is, the insertion work is carried out for fixing the interlabial pad (2) held on a right hand fingertip between labia.

Abstract: A compressed tampon having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, a radial axis, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the tampon has a plurality of recessed portions. Each of the recessed portions comprises a length dimension, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first side wall and the second side wall both have proximal ends, opposed distal ends, and wall dimensions 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 recessed portion has a depth dimension as measured parallel to the radial axis from an imaginary line connected by the distal end of the first side wall and the distal end of the second side wall to the vertex. The depth dimension varies as measured along at least a portion of the length dimension.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent articles. The array has a first absorbent article and a second absorbent article. The first absorbent article is enclosed in a first tampon applicator having 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 first identifier is disposed on the first absorbent article. A second absorbent article is enclosed in a second tampon applicator having 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 is different than the second surface area.

Abstract: Digital tampons are disclosed which are capable of radially expanding into a non circular cross-sectional shape upon exposure to a wet environment, typically in use condition, so as to reduce bypass leakage. The inventions also relates to tampon blanks and a process of producing the tampons.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The tampon has a compressed fibrous material. The outer surface of the tampon has a first raised portion adjacent to a second raised portion. The first raised portion has a first width dimension and the second raised portion has a second width dimension The first width dimension is greater than said second width dimension.

Abstract: Shaped tampons having varying perimeters are provided. Tampons disclosed comprise a mass of absorbent material formed into a self-sustaining shape comprising an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and a center region. The center region has at least one perimeter which is less than a largest insertion end perimeter and is less than a withdrawal end perimeter. The shaped tampons may also have varying average fiber density regions. The shaped tampons may be wrapped in tightly conforming wrappers which optionally aid in maintaining the self-sustaining shape prior to use. Optionally, the shaped tampons may utilize tampon applicators which enable a user to visually see the shape of the tampon prior to use.

Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components including a barrel, a plunger, a fingergrip, an insertion tip. The at least three separate components are formed independently from one another, prior to forming the applicator. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Methods for making a multiple component tampon applicator are also provided.

Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body includes an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, wherein the absorbency zone includes absorbent material; an application zone adjacent the proximal end and spaced apart from the distal end; and a therapeutic agent positioned substantially within the application zone. A method produces a device for delivering a therapeutic agent. The method includes manufacturing a tampon having a body with a distal end, a proximal end, an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, and an application zone adjacent the proximal end; and locating a therapeutic agent substantially within the application zone.

Abstract: A sani-supplement device is disclosed, comprising an elongated body having a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion. The elongated body comprises an absorbent material. The top and middle portions are sized to be inserted into the crevice of the buttocks. The lower portion is placeable adjacent to the vagina, perhaps separated therefrom by a sanitary napkin. Alternatively, the lower portion may be placed directly against the vagina. In an alternate embodiment, the lower end region has a width larger than the width of the top and middle portions. A method is also disclosed for providing supplemental control over bodily fluids and/or other matter, comprising the steps of inserting the top and middle portion of the device into the crevice of the buttocks while leaving a lower portion of the sani-supplement hanging freely.

Abstract: A tampon is provided having an applicator barrel adapted to house a pledget, and especially a radially expanding pledget, and receive a telescoping plunger that is adapted to expel the pledget from the barrel. The applicator barrel has a fingergrip area with at least one set of diametrically opposed, substantially flattened surfaces, convex surfaces, concave surfaces, or any combination thereof. These surfaces have at least one gripping structure to enhance the gripping characteristics of the applicator, allowing the user to securely hold the applicator during insertion and removal and during expulsion of the pledget from the barrel.

Abstract: A tampon pledget having a top end, a bottom end, a first side end, a second side end, and a central portion between the first side end and the second side end. A first cord and a second cord are attached to the central portion. The first cord and the second cord lie in parallel planes.

Abstract: A tampon, particularly for feminine hygiene, includes an absorbent body and a variably perforated or apertured cover. The absorbent body has an introduction end, a withdrawal end, and a longitudinal main portion therebetween. The cover includes a fluid-impervious plastic material in the form of a resilient three-dimensional web having a multiplicity of perforations. The perforations are varied over the length of the tampon so that a differentiated expansion of the tampon while absorbing fluid is achievable. Preferably, the degree of perforations of the cover increases towards the withdrawal end of the tampon at least over a portion of its length.

Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon having increased leakage protection and ability to readily absorb fluid while not aggressively adhering to tissue. This is accomplished with a tampon comprising a compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. The compressed absorbent member of the tampon has an inner region and an exterior surface. The fluid wicking overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member, substantially permeates the inner region of the compressed absorbent member and extends beyond the withdrawal end to form a skirt portion. A method of making a tampon of the present invention is also disclosed.

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 invention relates to a tampon, in particular for feminine hygiene, with an introduction end, with a recovery end, from which a withdrawal string extends, with a first region which extends from the introduction end in the direction of the recovery end and comprises a first material, and with a second region which is located near the recovery end of the tampon and comprises a second material, the first material having a higher absorbency and a higher hydrophilicity than the second material, and, essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tampon, at least over part of the extend of said tampon along its longitudinal axis, the diameter of the second region being at least as large as the mean diameter of the first region, and, during the absorption of fluid, the second region expanding at least essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tampon.

Abstract: A tampon assembly having a barrel, a plunger, and a pledget is provided. The plunger is slidably received in the barrel. The pledget is in the barrel between the insertion tip and the plunger so that a force applied on the plunger can expel the pledget from the barrel. The barrel has a plurality of petals defining an insertion tip, which has a first taper ratio of more than about 0.3 to less than 1.0. The pledget has a shaped tip that is disposed in the insertion tip.

Abstract: Shaped tampons having varying volumes are provided. A tampon which is formed into a self-sustaining shape has an outer surface, which is substantially serpentine. The tampon also has continually changing volume. The shaped tampons may also have varying average fiber density regions. The shaped tampons may be wrapped in tightly conforming wrappers which optionally aid in maintaining the self-sustaining shape prior to use. Optionally, the shaped tampons may utilize tampon applicators which enable a user to visually see the shape of the tampon prior to use.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that includes a fluid permeable top sheet and a transfer layer disposed adjacent the top sheet. A first layer is disposed adjacent the transfer layer. The first layer includes an absorbent composite having a first density. A second layer is disposed adjacent the first layer and includes an absorbent having a second density. The first density is greater than the second density such that a ratio of fluid retained by the first layer relative to fluid retained by the second layer is greater than 1.0. A fluid impermeable back sheet is disposed adjacent to the second layer. The ratio is desirably approximately 3.0. Alternatively, the absorbent article includes the first layer having an absorbent composite with a basis weight ranging from approximately 150 grams per square meter to 170 grams per square meter. The second layer includes an absorbent having a basis weight ranging from approximately 130 grams per square meter to 150 grams per square meter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pre-expanded tampon pledget formed from cellulosic absorbent fibers. The fibers are not tightly compressed, thus, the pledget has a reduced fiber density. As a result, a softer, more pliable pledget is formed that not only increases user comfort during use, but also affords a user with comparable and/or increased leakage protection over conventional tampons or tampon pledgets.

Abstract: A drug or diagnostic agent) is delivered intravaginally or to the interlabial space by positioning an interlabial device, such as an absorbent pad, between the labia. The pad is retained between the labia to deliver an active agent, or allow a reaction with a diagnostic agent. Alternatively, the pad is applied after medication is administered, to help reduce discomfort to the subject, or loss of medication. The active agent may be carried by the pad itself, or in an intravaginal extension of the pad, or separately in a suppository or other dosage form. In particular examples, the pad has a smaller minor portion superimposed on a larger major portion, and the smaller minor portion is inserted as a leading edge between the labia of the subject to facilitate interlabial insertion. In another example, the pad is placed interlabially after insertion of an agent into the vagina.

Abstract: Provided is an interlabial pad that can be closely fixed to the interlabial space, having a structure to realize better contact with user's body irrespective of personal differences of labia providing secure and hygienic fit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad with a high prevention effect of menstrual blood leak, which can be easily fitted between female labia. An object is to provide an interlabial pad which can decrease leak generated on the right and left hand side of the body side and achieve a sure and sanitary wearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial product and an individual wrapping body provided with a form for securing a finger, and a manufacturing method therefor, and provides an interlabial pad individual wrapping container which can be used as a suitable operation member when fixing or unfixing the interlabial pad.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an interlabial pad easy to wear between the labia and provides an interlabial pad of a structure allowing to wear between the labia of a woman easily and appropriately.

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.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon in the form of a soft, conformable, hollow bag which is capable of being inserted digitally or through the use of a unique applicator. The tampon has an outer surface, an inner surface, a head portion and a trailing portion. The inner surface of the tampon defines an interior of the tampon wherein the head portion is closed and the trailing portion defines an opening into the interior of the tampon. The tampon may have a shape modulus of compression of less than 0.05 pounds force. The tampon preferably includes a removal string, which can be attached to the inside or outside surface of the tampon.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interlabial pad, which includes an absorber (13) and comprises an absorbing sheet portion (14a), which faces against the body side in wearing the pad and a support sheet portion (14b), which backs the absorber (14a). The absorber (14a) comprises of a pair of absorbing sheet bodies (16) which are divided along the substantial center line of the interlabial pad 14, the absorbing sheet (16) and the impermeable support sheet (12) are bonded with each other on the peripheral edge portion (15) of the interlabial pad (14) to form a void portion (18) between the absorbing sheet body (16) and the support sheet (12) through which the menstrual blood can flow into. Thereby the menstrual blood flowing down along the inner wall of the labia can be rapidly transferred into the absorber and the shape fitness (fitting ability) of the pad in labia can be improved.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene or medical purposes comprising a nonwoven cover having at least one, outwardly directed, smooth surface and substantially enclosing a liquid absorbing core wherein the nonwoven cover comprises at least partly thermoplastic, heat-sealable fibers and pressed to the final shape of the tampon. Before the tampon blank is covered with the nonwoven covering web, said web was subject to the use of heat and pressure during the manufacturing of the tampon as to smooth out at least the outer surface of the nonwoven covering web, whilst maintaining the structure of the nonwoven covering web and the absorbency of the tampon. Thereby, it is achieved that the tampon can also be more easily and more comfortably introduced into and withdrawn from a body cavity before and after the days of stronger menstruation or at the occurance of only less vaginal exudation as garment protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to drug delivery devices for insertion into the vagina, rectum or nasal cavity comprising a body, a layer of fluid-impermeable material on at least part of said body and one or more pharmaceutical agents disposed on the surface of the material remote from said body, wherein said body comprises absorbent material. The devices exploit the highly vascularised nature of the vaginal, nasal and rectal mucosal tissue to deliver pharmaceutical agents to localised areas and/or into underlying tissues.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon pledget or tampon applicator that is covered by a wrapper having microcapsules thereon. Alternatively, the microcapsules may simply be disposed on the tampon pledget or tampon applicator. The microcapsules may contain a lubricant or a fragrance or a combination of both. The microcapsules may be ruptured prior to inserting the tampon pledget or tampon applicator and the resultant free-flowing lubricant and/or fragrance is spread on the tampon pledget, tampon applicator, or a combination thereof. The lubricant increases the ease and comfort of inserting and positioning the tampon pledget or tampon applicator. The amount of lubricant desired may be controlled by varying the pressure applied to the microcapsules. Thus, the number of microcapsules ruptured can be controlled by varying the pressure applied.

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 apertured film cover for an absorbent article is disclosed. The cover has an additive combination comprising a diol and a surfactant applied thereto. The additive combination provides surprisingly improved fluid transfer across the cover. It can also provide a benefit by reducing frictional forces during the manufacture of a tampon.

Abstract: Disclosed are flushable tampon applicators which comprise a combination of thermoplastic materials that readily disintegrate in water such as toilet water for improved disposal and reduced environmetal concerns regarding the destruction of these applicators. The flushable tampon applicators comprise a combination of high molecular weight polyethylene oxides, low molecular weight polyethylene glycols, and biodegradable polymers, wherein this combination of water-dispersible and biodegradable thermoplastic polymers provide flushable tampon applicators that are readily disposed of and that are smooth, soft, flexible, and non-sticky or non-slimy to the touch before and during use.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an absorbent interlabial device. The absorbent interlabial device has a body contacting surface, a garment facing surface opposing the body contacting surface, an interior region, and a periphery region which surrounds the interior region. The body contacting surface is liquid permeable. The absorbent interlabial device comprises an absorbent member disposed between the garment facing surface and the body contacting surface. The absorbent member has a body facing surface and a garment facing surface opposing the body facing surface. The absorbent interlabial device has a convex portion on the body contacting surface in the interior region, and a concave portion on the garment facing surface in the interior region. The convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a face-to-face relationship. The invention is also directed to a method for making such an absorbent interlabial device.

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: A formulation effective in reducing the pH in a menstruating vagina or in a tampon inserted therein to below pH 5.5, comprising (a) 3-80% by weight of a solid organic acid polymer; (b) 92-15% by weight of a solid organic acid, and (c) 5-30% of a wetting agent. Also disclosed is a delivery system for releasing an active agent comprising: (a) a deposition comprising the active agent; and (b) a polymeric support on which the deposition is deposited. The delivery system is especially useful in a catamenial tampon for insertion in a human vagina which comprises (a) an inner core comprising an absorbent material; (b) an outer layer comprising a liquid permeable material; and (c) the delivery system.

Abstract: There is provided a fibrous absorbent article for absorbing body fluids. The article includes a fibrous material suitable for absorbing the body fluids, and a molecular sieve disposed within the fibrous material to reduce odors from the body fluids. The molecular sieve is a natural zeolite of the clinoptilolite or chabasite species having an exchangeable cation.