A menstrual tampon includes a sponge structure having a prewetted natural material, a special tampon form, and an outer fluid-impervious layer. The tampon also includes an applicator for easy insertion of a tampon, but can be used without an applicator, and a string or ring for convenient removal.

A feminine needs container may comprise an elongated member having a hollow compartment, a clothing attachment member coupled to the elongated member and configured to removably attach to a garment, wherein the hollow compartment is configured to receive and store at least one feminine needs product. The elongated member can be removably attachable to the garments via the clothing attachment member such that the feminine needs container may be concealed from public view and carried hands-free without the need for a larger bag/purse to carry them.

An apparatus for dispensing a product, including a housing having a storage rack for holding a first dispensable product; a weight movably positioned within the rack and configured to exert a downward force on the first dispensable product; a magnet affixed to the weight; a sensor plate having a sensor affixed thereto; a coin assembly having a first coin slot configured to receive a coin; and a pushbutton configured to cause the coin assembly to move from a first position to a second position; wherein the magnet is configured to substantially align with the sensor once the first dispensable product has been completely dispensed from the housing, the magnet and sensor being configured to activate an indicator light on the outside of the housing; and wherein the housing is configured to dispense the first dispensable product when the coin assembly is within the second position.

A tampon insertion device for inserting a tampon from a tampon applicator into a vaginal canal. The tampon insertion device having: a casing having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior; an actuator located in the interior of the casing, the actuator adapted for movement within the interior of the casing; and a handle having a passageway extending through a portion thereof, wherein the passageway is sized and configured to receive the casing therethrough, with a portion of the casing positioned within the passageway such that movement of the handle with respect to the casing causes a corresponding movement of the actuator within the casing. A method of inserting a tampon is also provided.

This invention relates to a feminine hygiene apparatus, system, and kit that is made of natural absorbent material for the absorption of uterine fluid. The natural absorbent material is has a substantially parallelepiped geometry and configured into a truncated hexahedron shape. The apparatus could be positioned in pelvic cavity below the opening of cervix on both left and right side of vaginal wall into the vaginal fornices. The apparatus could be cleaned, sterilized and reused. Moreover, the apparatus does not produce irritations and discomfort during use as well as it permits sexual intercourse while being present in the vaginal canal.

A feminine hygiene product wrapper, comprising a front panel having a closed side lengthwise edge, an open side lengthwise edge, a bottom widthwise edge, and a top widthwise edge; a back panel having a closed side lengthwise edge, an open side lengthwise edge, a bottom widthwise edge, and a top widthwise edge; and an expandable side panel having a lengthwise extending first side edge, a lengthwise extending second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge, wherein the lengthwise extending first side edge is attached to the open side lengthwise edge of the front panel, and the lengthwise extending second side edge is attached to the open side lengthwise edge of the back panel.

A flexible reclosable package contains disposable and compressed consumer products. The package has a hexahedral shape with a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, a left side panel and a right side panel. A hooded portion defines the top panel, a portion of the front panel, a portion of the first right side panel portion and a portion of the first left side panel portion. A pleated portion is provided adjacent to the hooded portion and extends from a first side panel seam to a second side panel seam. A first line of weakness, which is not visible from the exterior of the package when the package closed, is provided in the pleated portion. The flexible reclosable package can be converted from a closed configuration to an open configuration upon opening the package along the line of weakness.

An apparatus for dispensing a product, including a housing having a storage rack for holding a first dispensable product; a weight movably positioned within the rack and configured to exert a downward force on the first dispensable product; a magnet affixed to the weight; a sensor plate having a sensor affixed thereto; a coin assembly having a first coin slot configured to receive a coin; and a pushbutton configured to cause the coin assembly to move from a first position to a second position; wherein the magnet is configured to substantially align with the sensor once the first dispensable product has been completely dispensed from the housing, the magnet and sensor being configured to activate an indicator light on the outside of the housing; and wherein the housing is configured to dispense the first dispensable product when the coin assembly is within the second position.

A process of forming a shaped, dimensionally stable tampon includes the steps of: radially compressing a tampon blank to form a dimensionally stable intermediate pledget having an intermediate pledget diameter and a longitudinal axis; placing the intermediate pledget into a hollow carrier and inserting the intermediate pledget and hollow carrier into a mold; urging the intermediate pledget into the mold via a ram bearing on an end of the intermediate pledget contained within the hollow carrier and withdrawing the hollow carrier from the mold to permit the exposed end of the intermediate pledget to substantially fill the mold and to form the shaped, dimensionally stable tampon; removing the shaped, dimensionally stable tampon from the mold; and enclosing the shaped, dimensionally stable tampon in a primary package that conforms to the shape thereof. The mold has an access opening through which the hollow carrier can be withdrawn.

A process of forming a shaped, dimensionally stable tampon includes the steps of: radially compressing a tampon blank to form a dimensionally stable intermediate pledget having an intermediate pledget diameter and a longitudinal axis; placing the intermediate pledget into a hollow carrier and inserting the intermediate pledget and hollow carrier into a mold; urging the intermediate pledget into the mold via a ram bearing on an end of the intermediate pledget contained within the hollow carrier and withdrawing the hollow carrier from the mold to permit the exposed end of the intermediate pledget to substantially fill the mold and to form the shaped, dimensionally stable tampon; removing the shaped, dimensionally stable tampon from the mold; and enclosing the shaped, dimensionally stable tampon in a primary package that conforms to the shape thereof. The mold has an access opening through which the hollow carrier can be withdrawn.