The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming tampons, which comprises a plurality of processing drums 2, 4, 5.1, 5.2 for forming a tampon from band-form material. It also comprises at least one transfer station 7 for continuously transferring a preform from a first processing drum 2, 4, 5.1, 5.2 to a second processing drum 4, 5.1, 5.2. The invention also relates to a method for forming a tampon from band-form material, wherein transfer from a first processing drum to a second processing drum takes place by means of a continuously rotating transfer wheel.

The present disclosure describes a tampon article, a composite fibrous web, and a method of making same. Such an article includes an outer carrier component including an inner surface that defines an internal void. Including an absorbent component elongate along an axis and is disposed in the internal void. The absorbent component includes an outer surface that extends about the axis and faces the inner surface. The absorbent component further includes a composite fibrous web of staple cellulosic fibers and a meltspun web of filaments entangled with the web of staple cellulosic fibers. The composite fibrous web can be in a compressed configuration in the internal void such that at least portion of the outer surface of the absorbent component is defined by the meltspun web of filaments. The tampon can include a withdrawal cord coupled to the absorbent component.

A tampon and delivery system for a pharmaceutical, holistic or medicinal component, includes: (1) a tampon having a generally cylindrical shape including a leading end and a cylindrical outer surface; (2) an outer delivery sheath applied to at least a portion of the cylindrical outer surface of the tampon, distal from the leading end (and preferably leaving the leading end exposed), where the outer delivery sheath comprises a formulation including (a) a water soluble polymer film carrier and (b) a pharmaceutical, holistic or medicinal component; and (3) an applicator containing the tampon and applied delivery sheath. Methods for preparation of the delivery system and methods of use are also disclosed.

An apparatus for manufacturing an intravaginal tampon for feminine hygiene includes a tampon press having a plurality of elongate press dies disposed about central press axis to form a press cavity and a cylindrical carrier having a diameter less than that of the predetermined finished diameter. The elongate press dies include a plurality of longitudinal penetrating dies, each having a pressing face notch disposed proximate a first end thereof and an end notch disposed on an edge perpendicular to the pressing face at the opposite second end thereof that cooperate with corresponding notches in an adjacent penetrating die.

A polymer composition comprising an organic polymer and a mica containing effect pigment, e.g., a pearlescent pigment comprising mica, well suited for producing molded articles, in particular, for molding articles comprising thin sections and or delicate features, such as a hollow interior defined by a thin wall or structural features susceptible to tear or other damage and the like, is provided as are a method for preparing molded articles comprising the polymer composition and articles comprising the polymer composition, including, for example, an article used to deliver a medical or personal care component such as a tampon applicator, and a method for preparing molded articles comprising the polymer composition. Optionally, articles of the present disclosure have a varying translucency or opacity about a dimension of the article.

A polymer composition comprising an organic polymer and a mica containing effect pigment, e.g., a pearlescent pigment comprising mica, well suited for producing molded articles, in particular, for molding articles comprising thin sections and or delicate features, such as a hollow interior defined by a thin wall or structural features susceptible to tear or other damage and the like, is provided as are a method for preparing molded articles comprising the polymer composition and articles comprising the polymer composition, including, for example, an article used to deliver a medical or personal care component such as a tampon applicator, and a method for preparing molded articles comprising the polymer composition. Optionally, articles of the present disclosure have a varying translucency or opacity about a dimension of the article.

The invention relates to a vaginal insertion assembly and methods of manufacturing it, which comprises a flexible retention web made by an atraumatic material intended to be introduced into the vaginal cavity with the aid of an applicator, said web comprising removal means and a shorter web flap F1 obtained by strangling the web in a site P, and being arranged into the applicator such that the web becomes more rigid and makes it less penetrable.

The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for making tampons including primary and secondary absorbent members. During assembly, primary absorbent members, a continuous length of secondary absorbent members, and a continuous cord are advanced in a machine direction. Leading edges of the primary absorbent members are separated from each other in the machine direction by a pitch distance. Discrete secondary absorbent members are cut from the continuous length of secondary absorbent members. Leading edges of the discrete secondary absorbent members are also separated from each other in the machine direction by the pitch distance. The continuous cord is positioned on a first surface of the secondary absorbent members. And a second surface of a secondary absorbent member is positioned in contact with and in a facing relationship with a primary absorbent member. A thread is sewn through the continuous cord, the secondary absorbent member, and the primary absorbent member.

A substantially biodegradable and water soluble tampon applicator comprising: a plunger and a barrel, said plunger being of a predetermined length, and having a first end and a second end, said second end being a predetermined distance from said first end, said plunger being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a first diameter at said first end and a second diameter at said second end, wherein said first diameter tapers downwards to said second diameter, proximate said first end, said plunger further comprises a first mating portion, said barrel having a first end and a second end, said second end being a predetermined distance from said first end, said barrel being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a diameter greater than the first diameter of said plunger, proximate said first end of said barrel, there is provided a second mating portion to matingly engage said first mating portion of said plunger to maintain said plunger in relation to said barrel in a first position, proximate said first end of said barrel, adjacent said second mating portion, said barrel further comprises a fingergrip.

A method and apparatus for manufacturing a tampon packaging where the packaging is manufactured separately from the tampon. A first transversal end is overlapped with a second transversal end of a strip of heat-sealable film. The first transversal end is heat sealed to the second transversal end of the heat-sealable film, thereby forming a tube of film.