A flushable tampon applicator product includes an outer tube for housing a tampon; an inner tube, at least a portion of which extends into the outer tube, wherein the outer tube includes an outer, body-contacting surface, wherein the inner tube is moveable relative to the outer tube and configured to expel a tampon from the outer tube, and wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube comprises a thermoplastic composition including partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), a plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube is a molded part; and a wrapper material configured for storage under high and low moisture storage conditions, the wrapper material having a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.05 g/100 in2/day.

A water-dispersible injection-moldable composition includes partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow index of 5-180. The hydrophobic polymeric component can be a colorant within an ethylene matrix or polyethylene. The composition is flushable according to Guidance Document for Assessing the Flushability of Nonwoven Consumer Products (INDA and EDANA, 2006); Test FG 522.2 Tier 2—Slosh Box Disintegration Test. The PVOH has a hydrolysis of 87% to 89%.

The present invention provides an applicator improved so that the entirety of the tampon may be reliably inserted into vagina. A raised portion is located on an exterior surface of an inner tube in the vicinity of a rear end thereof and put in a slidable contact with a part of an interior surface of an outer tube. The raised portion has an outer shape having a width dimension gradually increasing rearward from an apex located on a front end.

The present invention provides an applicator improved so that the entirety of the tampon may be reliably inserted into vagina. A raised portion is located on an exterior surface of an inner tube in the vicinity of a rear end thereof and put in a slidable contact with a part of an interior surface of an outer tube. The raised portion has an outer shape having a width dimension gradually increasing rearward from an apex located on a front end.

A tampon applicator, including: a vaginal insertion tube intended to house the tampon to be used, and a plunger which is mounted coaxially in one end of the tube and which is used to push and release the tampon through a second end of the tube. According to tan embodiment, the applicator can be re-used and the insertion tube includes a side window through which a tampon can be inserted into the tube, before each use of the applicator by the user.

A tampon applicator, including: a vaginal insertion tube intended to house the tampon to be used, and a plunger which is mounted coaxially in one end of the tube and which is used to push and release the tampon through a second end of the tube. According to tan embodiment, the applicator can be re-used and the insertion tube includes a side window through which a tampon can be inserted into the tube, before each use of the applicator by the user.

An applicator for a tampon is provided. The applicator has an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is slideable within the outer tube. The applicator has a forward end and a rear end, and the inner tube has at least one inwardly protruding flange.

An applicator for a tampon is provided. The applicator has an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is slideable within the outer tube. The applicator has a forward end and a rear end, and the inner tube has at least one inwardly protruding flange.

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.

A tampon product including a tampon within an applicator assembly is disclosed. The applicator assembly includes a barrel portion joined to a gripping portion, imparted with features that improve utility and convenience for the user. In one example the gripping portion has a rearward edge defining differing first and second lengths. In another example the gripping portion has a lateral outer cross section profile that is substantially oval-shaped, ovoid-shaped, elliptical or stadium-shaped and has major and minor axes, each perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, along first and second lateral perpendicular directions, wherein following absorption of fluid the tampon will expand laterally to a first lateral dimension to a greatest extent along a first lateral direction, and to a lesser second lateral dimension along a second lateral direction 90 degrees from the first lateral direction, wherein the first lateral direction is substantially parallel to one of the major and minor axes.