A device includes a shell including a proximal end and a distal end of the shell. The device also includes a plunger within the shell. The plunger can include a flexible stop at a proximal end of the plunger and a distal end. The device can further include an absorptive unit configured to absorb fluid within a vaginal cavity. The absorptive unit can be affixed to the distal end of the plunger. The absorptive unit can include an absorptive element affixed to a frame structure configurable to reversibly transition between a compressed and uncompressed configuration. The absorptive unit can also include a tether coupled to the absorptive unit via the frame structure. The tether can extend through the proximal end of the plunger. Related methods of use are also described.

A tampon product is disclosed including a tampon applicator designed to expel in a controlled manner a tampon. The tampon applicator is designed in a two-piece construction including a barrel and a plunger. Both the barrel and the plunger can be formed from a single layer of a single polymer material. The tampon applicator, for instance, can include a grip region that not only facilitates injection molding but also has characteristics that have been found well suited for being held and manipulated by a user.

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.

A device includes a shell including a proximal end and a distal end of the shell. The device also includes a plunger within the shell. The plunger can include a flexible stop at a proximal end of the plunger and a distal end. The device can further include an absorptive unit configured to absorb fluid within a vaginal cavity. The absorptive unit can be affixed to the distal end of the plunger. The absorptive unit can include an absorptive element affixed to a frame structure configurable to reversibly transition between a compressed and uncompressed configuration. The absorptive unit can also include a tether coupled to the absorptive unit via the frame structure. The tether can extend through the proximal end of the plunger. Related methods of use are also described.

The present invention is directed to delivery device for deploying an insertable into an orifice guided by digit, the delivery device comprising: insertable orientation means adapted to orient the insertable in a deployment orientation and digit orientation means adapted to orient a portion of at least one digit in a navigation orientation, the insertable orientation means and the digit orientation means adjoined across a partition with a partition cross-section, and the deployment orientation and the navigation orientation arranged for digit guided deployment of the insertable into the orifice. Also disclosed is a method of deploying an insertable into an orifice guided by digit, using the delivery device of the present invention. The delivery device and method of the present invention are well suited to deploying tampons into the vaginal cavity.

A device for joining multi-part tampon applicators, in particular three-part tampon applicators, which include at least one outer cylinder and a first inner cylinder, includes at least one joining station with at least one receiving finger for receiving one outer cylinder and one first inner cylinder each, as well as a first inner cylinder supply for loading the at least one receiving finger with at least one first inner cylinder and an outer cylinder supply for loading the at least one receiving finger with at least one outer cylinder. The device further includes a processing station for joining the at least one outer cylinder to the at least one first inner cylinder, and the at least one joining station is arranged radially on a circular disk, in particular so that the at least one receiving finger is oriented essentially radially. A method joins multi-part, in particular three-part, tampon applicators.

A device includes a shell including a proximal end and a distal end of the shell. The device also includes a plunger within the shell. The plunger can include a flexible stop at a proximal end of the plunger and a distal end. The device can further include an absorptive unit configured to absorb fluid within a vaginal cavity. The absorptive unit can be affixed to the distal end of the plunger. The absorptive unit can include an absorptive element affixed to a frame structure configurable to reversibly transition between a compressed and uncompressed configuration. The absorptive unit can also include a tether coupled to the absorptive unit via the frame structure. The tether can extend through the proximal end of the plunger. Related methods of use are also described.

The present disclosure relates to a gastrointestinal delivery device of a chitosan dressing, where the delivery device is capable of stop bleeding, in particular in connection with TURP procedures. The delivery device may be used in all gastrointestinal bleeding applications and can be used with a biocompatible, foldable, thin profile, chitosan dressing. Various aspects of the device and its uses are provided herein.

Disclosed are menstrual cup applicators and methods of their use. Some applicators include a holder having a proximal end defining a first opening and a distal end defining a second opening, wherein the holder defines a channel extending between the first and second openings, the channel having a longitudinal axis and being configured to receive a menstrual cup, and a plunger having a shaft that is receivable by the first opening such that the shaft is movable within the channel along the longitudinal axis. In some applicators, the channel is bounded at the distal end by points on the holder that are positioned to facilitate containment of a menstrual cup within the channel. In some applicators, a maximum transverse dimension of the second opening is at least 1.5 times a maximum transverse dimension of the first opening.

A method for forming structures of cellulose fiber, and in one particular example, for forming structures with features that have facing, near-parallel or parallel walls or surfaces. In one particular but non-limiting example, nearly-cylindrical or cylindrical tampon applicator components molded of cellulose fiber, as an alternative to plastic, is present.