An array of feminine care products having a first applicator and a second applicator. Each of the first applicator and second applicator having a barrel portion having an insertion end and a grip end disposed opposite the insertion end of the barrel portion; and a plunger slidingly engaged with the barrel portion. The first applicator comprises a first color. The second applicator comprises a second color. Each of the first applicator and the second applicator comprises an onset crystallization temperature. The onset crystallization temperature of the first applicator and the onset crystallization temperature of the second applicator differ by less than 0.4 degrees Celsius and the opacity of each of the first applicator and the second applicator is greater than 41%.

A method of designing a feminine hygiene applicator is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a first applicator; obtaining onset crystallization temperature for the first applicator; obtaining a second applicator; obtaining L*, a*, b* values for the second applicator; configuring a third applicator comprising an onset crystallization temperature which is within 3 percent of the onset crystallization temperature of the first applicator; configuring the third applicator to have an L* value within 20 percent of the L* value for the second applicator; configuring the third applicator to have an a* value within 20 percent of the a* value for the second applicator; and configuring the third applicator to have a b* value within 20 percent of the b* value for the second applicator.

A tampon product including an applicator with a hollow barrel portion and an ejection plunger within the barrel portion, is disclosed. One or both of the barrel portion and the ejection plunger may have a cylindrical form and be formed of a paper, and have a coating applied to the paper, wherein the coating is not predominately constituted by a material derived from petroleum. The coated paper barrel portion and/or ejection plunger may be manufactured to as to exhibit a static Relative Sliding Resistance Coefficient (CSR) no greater than 0.250 and/or a kinetic CSR no greater than 0.210, for purposes of smooth manufacturing. In combination or alternatively, the coated paper barrel portion and/or ejection plunger may be manufactured to as to exhibit a static Gripping Slip Resistance Coefficient (CGSR) no less than 0.190 and/or a kinetic CGSR no less than 0.170, for purposes of consumer satisfaction.

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.

An apparatus for equipping tampon applicators with tampons includes an encircling guide arrangement with an entry point, at which the tampon applicators are fed into the apparatus. The apparatus furthermore includes an exit point, at which equipped tampon applicators are discharged. The apparatus furthermore includes an equipping unit arranged between the entry point and the exit point and designed for equipping tampon applicators with tampons. A multiplicity of guide units which are guided on the guide arrangement serves for transporting the tampon applicators on the guide arrangement. A guide unit conveys tampon applicators on such apparatus, and a method equips tampon applicators with tampons.

A feminine care product having an applicator comprising a barrel portion and a plunger slidingly engaged, wherein the barrel portion comprises an insertion end, a grip end, an insertion portion, a grip portion, and a first L* value of between 5 and 30.

A device and a method for manufacturing said device, the device comprising an applicator member and a flexible retention web (1) intended to be introduced into a vaginal cavity (17), said web being equipped with a means (7) for removal and being made from an a traumatic material whereof the dimensions are adapted so as to be able to retain and/or slow down bodily discharges of small quantity, characterized in that: —the applicator member comprises a body (8) that is at least partially hollow defining an internal storage volume (9), said body having a proximal end (10) on the one hand, and on the other hand, a distal end (11) intended to be inserted into the vaginal cavity of a user, said distal end having an open section emerging in the internal volume, —the web comprises a central zone (13) housed in the internal volume, and at least one peripheral zone (14) protruding from the body so as to cover at least the distal end of the body.

A method for altering the appearance of molded articles is described herein. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of articles; feeding a first article to a conveyor; transporting the first article to a treatment station; activating an activatable colorant of the first article by exposing the first article to at least one energy source, thereby causing a color change in the first article; manipulating the exposure of the first article to create a first discernable pattern in the first article; feeding a second article to the conveyor; transporting the second article to the treatment station; activating an activatable colorant of the second article by exposing the second article to the at least one energy source, thereby causing a color change in the second article; and manipulating the exposure of the second article to create a second discernable pattern in the second article.

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.

Disclosed are reusable tampon applicators, methods of use, and methods of manufacture thereof. A reusable tampon applicator comprises a cylindrical body, and a pusher for pushing a tampon through the cylindrical body during tampon application. The cylindrical body comprises a base opening at a distal end for inserting the tampon into a straight barrel connected to a convex apex at a proximal end. The convex apex comprises a slit opening for the tampon to pass through during tampon application. The slit opening extends from the proximal end to the distal end to form a full slit on a first lateral side of the cylindrical body; it further extends from the proximal end towards the distal end to form a partial slit on a second lateral side. Such reusable tampon applicators provide a hygienic and eco-friendly alternative to disposable tampon applicators.