Tampon with elastomeric ring and covered absorbent pad

Abstract

A tampon configured to be disposed in a vaginal opening adjacent to a cervical os includes an elastomeric ring defining a central aperture in which an absorbent pad is supported between permeable layers of a covering to permit passage of bodily fluids. The covering may be isotropic, exhibiting tensile and elongation properties with little directional variation. The ring may have a protruding section within the recess. User-perceptible indicators arranged 180 degrees apart on the ring identify preferred locations for a user to grasp and deform the ring to compact the tampon into an hourglass shape for insertion. A method for fabricating one or more tampons includes placing covering precursor layers with extension portions and alignment features within a molding apparatus with absorbent pad material between the covering precursor layers, supplying molten material to a mold cavity, and trimming the extension portions.

Description

TAMPON WITH ELASTOMERIC RING AND COVERED ABSORBENT PADCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION (S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 719,408 filed on November 12, 2024, wherein the entire contents of the foregoing application are hereby incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The field of the disclosure relates to a feminine hygiene device and, more particularly, to an intravaginal device comprising a tampon for absorbing and collecting bodily fluids and other vaginal discharge, as well as methods for making and using such a device.BACKGROUND

[0003] Cervical pads, such as menstrual napkins and tampons, are feminine products that are used to absorb blood, vaginal discharge, and other bodily fluids. Conventional cervical pads, including menstrual napkins, tampons, and non-absorbent collection reservoirs, often leak during active use. Further, traditional cervical pads are designed so that they cannot be used during sexual intercourse or other sexual contact.

[0004] Insertable cervical pads including elastomeric rings supporting absorbent pads between membrane layers have been developed to permit use during sexual contact. However, prior devices of this nature may be challenging to insert into and / or remove from a vaginal opening, may be unduly messy to extract, may entail manufacturing challenges, and / or may exhibit a sub-optimal balance between bulkiness and absorbency.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Aspects disclosed herein include a tampon that is configured to be disposed in a vaginal opening adjacent to a cervical os for absorbing and collecting vaginal discharge and other body fluids, particularly during menses. In this regard, the tampon may also be referred to as a “cervical pad.” In exemplary aspects, the tampon includes an elastomeric ring that defines a central aperture to support an absorbent pad for collecting and absorbing bodily fluids. The elastomeric ring is substantially reduced in width versus in diameter or length to be substantially flat or “horizontal” for convenient insertion and placement adjacent to a cervical os. The ring being elastomeric allows the tampon to be deformed under application ofcompressive force for easy insertion into a vaginal opening and then, after force is released, reformed to its original or substantially original shape within the vaginal canal. In exemplary aspects, to support the absorbent pad, the elastomeric ring has an outer surface that forms a perimeter of the elastomeric ring, and an inner surface that is displaced from the outer surface in a first, horizontal direction to define (i.e., surround) the central aperture. The tampon also includes a covering that is substantially planar and extends in the first, horizontal direction and is attached to the elastomeric ring, wherein the covering is pervious to liquid and comprises a first layer and a second layer that are stacked in a second, vertical direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction, wherein portions of the first and second layer define a cavity therebetween. The first and / or second layers allow passage of vaginal discharge therethrough (e.g., by embodying pervious material layers and / or including fenestrations (i.e., apertures). An absorbent pad is disposed in a cavity formed between the first layer and the second layer of the covering to position the absorbent pad within the central aperture of the elastomeric ring. In this manner, when the elastomeric ring is disposed in a vaginal opening, bodily fluid can pass through the first and / or second layers of the covering to reach the absorbent pad disposed within the cavity of the covering to be collected and absorbed.

[0006] In an exemplary aspect, the elastomeric ring of the tampon has a protruding section that is arranged along the inner surface of the elastomeric ring and extends radially inward toward a geometric center of the elastomeric ring along the first, horizontal direction. The protruding section has a maximum thickness in the second, vertical direction that is less than 50 percent of the maximum thickness of the elastomeric ring. A peripheral portion of the covering may be embedded within the elastomeric ring. The protruding section may be arranged to contact the covering, with a portion of the covering being embedded in the protruding portion in certain embodiments. The inner surface may be concave and may define a recess extending into the elastomeric ring in a direction toward the outer surface, with at least a portion of the protruding section arranged within the recess. The protruding section may be centered within the recess in the second, vertical direction, optionally bisecting the recess into upper and lower recess portions, and the protruding section may be continuous around an entirety of the inner surface. The protruding section (optionally in combination with the recess) may allow a user to grasp the protruding section on opposite sides between a thumb and finger and with a force opposing each other to grab the elastomeric ring. If provided, the recess may receive one or more fingertips or fingernails of a user (e.g., by pressing in a radially outward direction), thereby increasing frictional engagement and permitting the user to pick and removethe elastomeric ring when it is time to remove the tampon from a vaginal canal. Presence of this recess may avoid challenges that would otherwise by presented by trying to remove a smooth (and potentially wet / slippery) elastomeric ring devoid of a recess defined therein. Additionally, the protruding section may include one or more generally horizontal surfaces to which the first layer and the second layer may be attached, permitting more secure attachment of the first and second layers to the elastomeric ring.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect, user-perceptible indicators (e.g., visual and / or tactile indicators, such as regions of different color, different texture, surface indentations, and / or surface protrusions) are placed on the elastomeric ring to provide indication to a user of the tampon of optimal areas of the ring to grasp and squeeze toward one other to collapse the ring in order to prepare the tampon to be inserted into a vaginal opening. For example, the ring may be desired to be squeezed into an hourglass shape to still provide sufficient stiffness to allow comfortable penetration of a vaginal opening, with the width of the compressed or squeezed ring being similar to that of a large-sized tampon plastic inserter (e.g., a width of 1” or less). Placing user-perceptible indicators on the ring to indicate a preferred grasp location for squeezing and collapsing the ring in a preferred radial direction may be particularly advantageous if the tampon (e.g., the elastomeric ring and / or the covering) is not isotropic. For example, the covering may not be isotropic in that the covering may have different tensile and elongation properties in different radial directions due to the nature of the covering. That is, if the first layer and second layer of the covering are made of fabric, the tensile and elongation properties of the fabric may be different in a machine fabrication direction and a cross-machine fabrication direction. This means that if the tampon is constructed such that both the first and second layers of the covering are aligned in the same direction, there will be a natural direction to squeeze the ring that requires less force and other directions to squeeze the ring that requires more force. Separately, or additionally, the elastomeric ring may not be isotropic in that the elastomeric ring may have different tensile and elongation properties in different radial directions, whether due to different dimensions, different material(s), and / or different manufacturing conditions used for different portions of the elastomeric ring. Thus, the user-perceptible indicators can be located on the elastomeric ring at positions 180 degrees apart from one another such that an imaginary line definable between the two indicators represents a direction that requires less force to squeeze and collapse the elastomeric ring (whether due to isotropic character of the elastomeric ring, the covering, or both the elastomeric ring and the covering).

[0008] In another exemplary aspect, the covering of the tampon may be made of fabric layers constructed to be substantially isotropic (i.e., transversely or radially isotropic) so that the covering does not have markedly different tensile and elongation properties between a machine fabrication direction and a cross-machine fabrication direction. Restated, the covering has tensile and elongation properties that are substantially the same in response to transverse forces applied in different radial directions of the elastomeric ring. In this manner, the force required to squeeze and collapse the ring may be substantially the same in any radial direction of the ring. This may avoid the need or desire to provide markers on the ring, as discussed above. A substantially isotropic fabric may be non-woven. One example of such a non-woven fabric is a fabric including elastomer-containing threads such as Lycra. Another example of a substantially isotropic non-woven fabric is circular knitted nylon, like that used to make pantyhose.

[0009] In another exemplary aspect, the covering of the tampon may include an outwardly-facing apertured film that includes a plurality of tapered openings, with each tapered opening having an increased width at an outer surface of the covering, and a reduced width in an interior of the covering proximate to the cavity. The increased width openings at outer surface of the covering may assist with fluid collection, and the tapering of the openings promotes flow of fluid toward the cavity (and absorbent pad therein) while inhibiting reverse flow of fluid from the cavity toward the outer surface of the covering. Use of such an apertured film with tapered openings can reduce fluid runoff that is on the surface of the covering when the tampon is removed from the vaginal canal and / or assist in retaining higher viscosity mucus that may not penetrate the covering to be received by the absorbent pad.

[0010] In another exemplary aspect, the absorbent pad of the tampon can be provided with horizontal variation in density, such that its density is greater in a central region of the pad (e.g., in or adjacent to the center of the elastomeric ring) than in a peripheral region of the pad that is adj acent to the inner wall of the elastomeric ring. This can allow the pad to be more absorbent in the central region of the pad without having to increase the density of the entire pad. This provides a desired tradeoff between pad absorbency and thickness and bulk of the tampon. The thickness of the absorbent pad may not be as much of a concern after the tampon is inserted and force is removed from the elastomeric ring its uncompressed state, but a thicker absorbent pad can increase the bulkiness of the tampon when the elastomeric ring is squeezed, causing the pad to compress on itself. For example, the different areas of density of the absorbent pad may be provided as a substantially continuous density gradient in the first, horizontal directionof the tampon, or with non-continuous, distinct (e.g., stepwise) changes in density in between the central and peripheral regions of the absorbent pad in the first, horizontal direction of the tampon.

[0011] In another exemplary aspect, the absorbent pad of the tampon can be provided with vertical variation in density, such that its density is greater in an internal area of the pad (e.g., farther from the covering) than in an outer area of the pad (e.g., closer to the covering). This can allow the pad to be more absorbent in the internal, centralized area of the pad without having to increase the density of the entire pad along its entire thickness in the second, vertical direction. This provides a desired tradeoff between pad absorbency and thickness and bulk of the tampon. The thickness of the absorbent pad may not be as much of a concern after the tampon is inserted and force is removed from the elastomeric ring its uncompressed state, but a thicker absorbent pad can increase the bulkiness of the tampon when the elastomeric ring is squeezed, causing the pad to compress on itself. For example, the different areas of density of the absorbent pad may be provided as a density gradient in the second, vertical direction of the tampon, or with non-continuous, distinct changes in densities in between in the second, vertical direction of the tampon. For example, the different areas of density of the absorbent pad may be provided as a substantially continuous density gradient in the second, vertical direction of the tampon, or with non-continuous, distinct (e.g., stepwise) changes in density in between the central and peripheral regions of the absorbent pad in the second, vertical direction of the tampon.

[0012] In another exemplary aspect, a method for fabricating at least one tampon is provided, with the method comprising multiple steps. One step includes applying a first precursor layer of first covering layer material over at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion defined in a first mold body portion of a molding apparatus, wherein the first precursor layer comprises at least one first extension portion extending laterally beyond the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion, and the at least one first extension portion comprises at least one first extension portion alignment feature configured to cooperate with at least one mold body alignment feature of the first mold body portion to promote alignment between the first precursor layer and the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion. Another step includes for each first ring-shaped cavity of the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion, applying an absorbent pad material over the first precursor layer. Another step includes applying a second precursor layer of second cover layer material over the absorbent pad material of each ringshaped cavity and over the first precursor layer, wherein the second precursor layer comprisesat least one second extension portion extending laterally beyond the at least one first ringshaped cavity portion, and the at least one second extension portion comprises at least one second extension portion alignment feature configured to cooperate with the at least one mold body alignment feature to promote alignment between the second precursor layer and the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion. Another step includes arranging a second mold body portion of the molding apparatus over the first mold body portion, with the first precursor layer, the absorbent pad material, and the second precursor layer arranged therebetween, with the second mold body portion defining at least one second ring-shaped cavity portion configured to be paired with the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion. Another step includes supplying molten elastomeric material to the molding apparatus to be received by the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion and the at least one second ring-shaped cavity portion, and to contact portions of the first precursor layer and the second precursor layer, and permitting the elastomeric material to solidify to form at least one elastomeric ring with portions of the first covering layer material and portions of the second covering layer material embedded within the at least one elastomeric ring. Another step includes trimming the at least one first extension portion and the at least one second extension portion along or proximate to a position coinciding with a perimeter of the at least one elastomeric ring. In certain embodiments, the trimming of the at least one first extension portion and the at least one second extension portion may be performed before, or may be performed after, the supplying of the molten elastomeric material to the molding apparatus. In certain embodiments, each elastomeric ring of the at least one elastomeric ring comprises a geometric center, an outer surface forming a perimeter of the elastomeric ring, and an inner surface that is displaced from the outer surface in a first, horizontal direction and that is arranged between the outer surface and the geometric center, the inner surface defining a central aperture, wherein a protruding section is arranged along the inner surface and extends radially inward toward the geometric center along the first, horizontal direction, and the protruding section has a maximum thickness in the second, vertical direction that is less than 50 percent of a maximum thickness of the elastomeric ring. In certain embodiments, for each elastomeric ring of the at least one elastomeric ring, a portion of the first cover layer material and a portion of the second cover layer material are embedded in the protruding section. In certain embodiments, the method may be used to fabricate multiple tampons, wherein: the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion comprises a plurality of first ring-shaped cavity portions, the at least one second ring-shaped cavity portion comprises a plurality of second ring-shaped cavity portions, the at least one first extension portioncomprises a plurality of first extension portions, the at least one second extension portion comprises a plurality of second extension portions, the at least one mold body alignment feature comprises a plurality of mold body alignment features, the at least one first extension portion alignment feature comprises a plurality of first extension portion alignment features, the at least one second extension portion alignment feature comprises a plurality of second extension portion alignment features, and the at least one elastomeric ring comprises a plurality of elastomeric rings.

[0013] In another aspect, any two or more of the foregoing aspects (and / or other features described herein) may be combined for additional advantage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS

[0014] Figure l is a schematic diagram of a tampon (of a type incorporating an elastomeric ring and an absorbent pad, such as shown in Figures 2A-2B) positioned in a vaginal canal adjacent to a cervical os.

[0015] Figures 2A and 2B are upper perspective and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of an exemplary tampon that has an absorbent pad disposed in a cavity formed between first and second layers of a covering attached to an elastomeric ring.

[0016] Figures 3A and 3B are top plan and upper perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary tampon in a non-deformed state, wherein the tampon has an absorbent pad disposed in a cavity formed between first and second layers of a covering attached to an elastomeric ring, and the elastomeric ring has user-perceptible indicators positioned 180 degrees apart from one another.

[0017] Figure 3C is a top plan view of the tampon in Figures 3A and 3B in a deformed state.

[0018] Figure 4A is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a first elastomeric ring having a recess-defining concave inner surface and a protruding section within the recess, with the elastomeric ring being useable as part of a tampon as disclosed herein.

[0019] Figure 4B is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a second elastomeric ring having a recess-defining concave inner surface and a protruding section within the recess, with the elastomeric ring being useable as part of a tampon as disclosed herein.

[0020] Figure 4C is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a third elastomeric ring having a recess-defining concave inner surface and a protruding section within the recess, with the elastomeric ring being useable as part of a tampon as disclosed herein.

[0021] Figure 4D is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary tampon having an absorbent pad disposed in a cavity formed between first and second layers of a covering attached to an elastomeric ring according to Figure 4A.

[0022] Figure 5A is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of one elastomeric ring having inner surface with a protruding section extending therefrom, the inner surface being devoid of a recess, with the elastomeric ring being useable as part of a tampon as disclosed herein.

[0023] Figure 5B is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of another elastomeric ring having inner surface with a protruding section extending therefrom, the inner surface being devoid of a recess, with the elastomeric ring being useable as part of a tampon as disclosed herein.

[0024] Figure 5C is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary tampon having an absorbent pad disposed in a cavity formed between first and second layers of a covering attached to an elastomeric ring according to Figure 5 A.

[0025] Figure 6A is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary isotropic tampon having an elastomeric ring devoid of user-perceptible indicators according to one embodiment being deformed into an hourglass shape (to prepare the tampon for insertion into a vaginal opening) by application of a compressive force to an elastomeric ring between fingers and a thumb of a user.

[0026] Figure 6B is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary non-isotropic tampon including user-perceptible indicators on an elastomeric ring thereof according to one embodiment, with the tampon being deformed into an hourglass shape by application of a compressive force between fingers and a thumb of a user to the elastomeric ring at positions corresponding to the user-perceptible indicators, indicating optimal areas of the elastomeric ring enable the ring to be collapsed with a reduced amount of compressive force.

[0027] Figure 7A is a perspective view of an absorbent pad having horizontal variation in pad density including a high-density central region surrounded by a lower-density peripheral region, the absorbent pad being useable with a tampon as disclosed herein.

[0028] Figure 7B is a perspective view of an absorbent pad having a vertical variation in pad density, including a disc-shaped high-density absorbent layer sandwiched between first and second lower-density absorbent layers each having an annular shape.

[0029] Figure 8A is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary tampon showing a three-layer absorbent pad exhibiting vertical variation in density disposed between first and second layers of a covering.

[0030] Figure 8B is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary tampon showing a five-layer absorbent pad exhibiting vertical variation in density disposed between first and second layers of a covering.

[0031] Figures 9A and 9B are magnified top views of apertured films each defining tapered openings, and being useable in a covering of a tampon according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 9C is a magnified schematic side cross-section view of an apertured film (e.g., according to Figure 9A) useable in a covering of a tampon according to an exemplary embodiment, the apertured film including tapered openings each having an increased width at one (e.g., outer) surface, and a reduced width at another (e.g., interior) surface.

[0033] Figure 10A is a top plan view of a first (e.g., lower) mold body portion of a molding apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, the first mold body portion including four ring-shaped cavity portions and multiple mold body alignment features.

[0034] Figure 10B is a top plan view of a first precursor layer of a first covering layer material including multiple extension portions and multiple extension portion alignment features, and configured to be received by the first mold body portion of Figure 10 A.

[0035] Figure 10C is a top plan view of the first precursor layer of Figure 10B received by the first mold body portion of Figure 10A.

[0036] Figure 10D is a top plan view of the items of Figure 10C, following application of absorbent pad material at four locations over the first precursor layer of Figure 10B.

[0037] Figure 10E is a top plan view of the items of Figure 4D, following application of a second precursor layer of a second covering layer material over the absorbent pad material and the first precursor layer (of Figure 10C).

[0038] Figure 1 OF is a top plan view of an intermediate structure (produced using the layers described in Figure 10E) within the first mold body portion of Figure 10A, following formation of four elastomeric rings embedding peripheral portions of the first and second precursor layers.

[0039] Figure 10G is a top plan view of the intermediate structure shown in Figure 10F following removal from the first mold body portion.

[0040] Figure 10H is a top plan view of four tampons formed from the intermediate structure of Figure 10G, following trimming of extension portions of the first and second precursor layers to a position along or proximate to outer surfaces of elastomeric rings of the tampons.

[0041] Figure 101 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a molding apparatus including a first and second mold body portions, with a trimming edge disposed proximate to outer edges of mold cavity portions defined in the mold body portion.

[0042] Figure 11A is an exploded perspective view of a tampon precursor structure including an elastomeric ring, an absorbent pad, a first covering layer having a first extension portion with extension portion alignment features, and a second covering layer having a second extension portion with extension portion alignment features.

[0043] Figure 11B is an exploded perspective view of a tampon produced from the precursor structure of Figure 11 A following removal (e.g., by trimming) of the first and second extension portions.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] With reference now to the drawing figures, several exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are described. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

[0045] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary tampon 100 (of a type incorporating an elastomeric ring and an absorbent pad, such as shown in Figures 2A-2B) configured to be disposed in and span a vaginal opening 102 adjacent to a cervical os 104. The tampon 100 is configured to be removably inserted into the vaginal opening 102 by a user, and is configured to absorb and collect vaginal discharge and other body fluids, particularly during menses.

[0046] Figures 2A and 2B are top perspective and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of the tampon 100. Figure 2B is a side cross-sectional view of the tampon 100 in Figure 1A taken along section line Ai-Af. The tampon 100 includes an elastomeric ring 106 that defines a central aperture 108, wherein a covering 112 is arranged within the central aperture 108 and retains an absorbent pad 110 therein, with the absorbent pad 110 being configured to collect and absorb bodily fluids. The elastomeric ring 106 can be fabricated of any material that is elastomeric or has an elastomeric property (e.g., silicone or other thermoplastic elastomers as non-limiting examples), preferably a soft, smooth, and / or colored polymeric material that is approved for internal or in vivo use as a Class II FDA device. The elastomeric ring 106 in this example may be fabricated as a single piece from a mold, and can be of sufficient hardness to easily be inserted and removed from a vaginal channel (in certain embodiments, the durometer may be in a range of 75-80). The elastomeric ring 106 includes an outer surface 115 forming aperimeter thereof, and includes an inner surface 114 that is displaced from the outer surface 115 in a first, horizontal direction (i.e., the X-direction as shown in Figures 2A and 2B), with the inner surface 114 being arranged between the outer surface 116 and a geometric center C of the elastomeric ring 106. The inner surface 114 and the outer surface 115 may each have a circular shape when viewed from above or below, and both extend (e.g., in the Z-direction as shown in Figures 2A and 2B) between a first (e.g., upper) edge 116(1) and a second (e.g., lower) edge 116(2) of the elastomeric ring 106. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the elastomeric ring 106 may have an annular shape.

[0047] The elastomeric ring 106 is sufficiently flexible to permit the elastomeric ring 106 (and thereby the tampon 100) to be deformed (e.g., compressed) under application of compressive force (e.g., by squeezing between fingers of a user) to permit the tampon 100 to be easily inserted into a vaginal opening (e.g., 102 in Figure 1). After the tampon 100 is inserted into a vaginal opening and positioned as desired, compressive force applied to the elastomeric ring 106 can then be released so that the elastomeric ring 106 is restored to its original form and shape.

[0048] The covering 112 and the absorbent pad 110 are arranged in the central aperture 108 (shown in Figure 2 A), with the covering 112 being pervious to liquid and supporting the absorbent pad 110. One advantage of providing the covering 112 is that it forms the cavity 120 to protect the absorbent pad 110 and prevent any contamination from the absorbent pad 110 (e.g., material flake off) from entering a vaginal canal into which the tampon 100 is inserted. In certain embodiments, the covering 112 can be attached to the inner surface 114 of the elastomeric ring 106. The covering 112 can be attached to the inner surface 114 at any suitable position between the first edge 116(1) and the second edge 116(2). If the covering 112 is attached to the elastomeric ring 106 at a position approximately midway between the first and second edges 116(1), 116(2), such positioning may facilitate manipulation and / or grasping of the elastomeric ring 106 by finger(s) of a user from either side of the covering 112 when removing the tampon 100 from the user’s body. As shown in Figure 2B, the covering 112 includes a first layer 118(1) (e.g., a first fabric layer) and a second layer 118(2) (e.g., a second fabric layer) that are stacked in a vertical direction, wherein at least portions of the first layer and the second layer form a cavity 120 therebetween. The first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) do not extend past the first (e.g., upper) and second (e.g., lower) edges 116(1), 116(2) in the Z-axis direction the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) are pervious to liquid to permit liquid to be received by theabsorbent pad 110 in the cavity 120. In certain embodiments, the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) embody liquid-pervious material layers (such as fabric). In certain embodiments, the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) comprise impermeable material layers that are fenestrated (e.g., perforated) to allow passage of liquid.

[0049] The absorbent pad 110 is disposed in the cavity 120 sandwiched between the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) of the covering 112 to position and support the absorbent pad 110 within the central aperture 108 of the elastomeric ring 106. In this manner, when the elastomeric ring 106 is disposed in a vaginal opening, bodily fluid can pass through the first and / or second layers 118(1), 118(2) of the covering 112 to reach the absorbent pad 110 disposed therein to be collected and absorbed. In certain embodiments, the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) and the absorbent pad 110 are generally planar structures (with reduced thickness relative to the elastomeric ring 106) so that the tampon 100 has thinner dimension in the Z-axis direction as compared to the X- and Y-axis dimensions.

[0050] With continuing reference to the tampon 100 in Figures 2 A and 2B, the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) of the covering 112 both being pervious in this example allows the tampon 100 to be positioned in the vaginal opening bi-directionally with either of the first or second pervious layer 118(1), 118(2) disposed adjacent to a cervical os. This is based on, in this example and as shown in Figure 2B, the tampon 100 being symmetrical about a central horizontal plane Pi perpendicular to a vertical axis Ci defined by the elastomeric ring 106, wherein the central horizontal plane Pi extends through a geometric center C of the elastomeric ring 106, and is halfway between the first (e.g., upper) edge 116(1) and the second (e.g., lower) edge 116(2). Since both the first layer 118(1) and the second layer 118(2) are pervious to liquid, either the first layer 118(1) or the second layer 118(1), 118(2) of the covering 112 is disposed adjacent to a cervical os, bodily fluid can pass therethrough to reach the absorbent pad 110 retained in the cavity 120 bounded by the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2). This allows for an easier use of the tampon 100. For example, if only one of the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) of the covering 112 were pervious, a user would have to understand which side of the covering 112 is pervious and then orient the tampon 110 with that pervious side positioned adjacent to the cervical os. In the exemplary tampon 100, the user does not have to understand which side (i.e., upper or lower side) of the tampon 100 has the pervious layer, since both have a pervious layer (i.e., the pervious first and second layers 118(1), 118(2), respectively). The user can position the tampon 100 in a vaginal canal with either side positioned adjacent to the cervical os.

[0051] Also, with reference to the exemplary tampon 100 in Figures 2A and 2B, to further support the tampon 100 being bi-directionally positionable within a vaginal canal, the covering 112 of the tampon 100 is positioned, at least in part, along a plane that is vertically positioned between the first (e.g., upper) edge 116(1) and the second (e.g., lower) edge 116(2) of the elastomeric ring 106. In this manner, at least portions of the elastomeric ring 106 will extend (upward and downward, in the vertical or Z-direction) beyond surfaces 122(1), 122(2) of the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) of the covering 112 to form a respective collection chamber 124(1), 124(2) on each side of the elastomeric ring 106. Each collection chamber 124(1), 124(2) is substantially cylindrical in shape, including an open volume bounded vertically by the covering 112 and laterally by a portion of the inner surface 114 of the elastomeric ring 106 (i.e., the portion of the inner surface 114 that extends beyond outer surfaces 122(1), 122(2) of the respective first and second layers 118(1), 118(2)). Presence of the collection chamber 124(1), 124(2) may further aid in collection of bodily fluids within the area of the central aperture 108 of the elastomeric ring 106, which fluids will then pass through either the first or second layer 118(1), 118(2) (depending on the orientation of the tampon 100) of the covering 112 to reach the absorbent pad 110. In certain embodiments, the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) of the covering 120 may also be able to absorb (or otherwise retain, such as by surface tension or capillary action) bodily fluids, separate from absorption of fluid by the absorptive pad 110.

[0052] In one example, and with reference to Figure 2B, the elastomeric ring 106 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape with a height Hi (in the Z-direction) that is greater than a width Wi (in the X-direction) thereof, so that it is easier to pinch or squeeze the elastomeric ring 106 for manipulation and insertion into a vaginal opening while elastomeric ring 106 will maintain a substantially flat configuration (e.g., as shown in Figures 3B, 5A, and 5B). In one example, a height Hi of the elastomeric ring 106 is between 0.3 and 0.5 inches, and an undeformed outer diameter (labeled DI in Figure 3A) of the elastomeric ring 106 is 2.5 inches, wherein the outer diameter may be compressed to a width of no greater than 1 inch. The foregoing dimensions are selected to permit convenient insertion of the elastomeric ring 106 (as part of a tampon disclosed herein) into a vaginal canal and placed adjacent to a cervical os. The elastomeric ring 106 in this example may be designed to collapse on itself on the sides to which the compressive force is applied, while elongating outward on the sides to force is not being applied (as shown in Figure 3B), but with resistance to out-of-plane banding or twisting.

[0053] In the exemplary tampon 100 of Figures 2A and 2B, to prevent or reduce the tearing or compromising of the structural integrity of the absorbent pad 110 when the elastomeric ring 106 is deformed (e.g., deformed in a manner as shown in Figure 3C, or in Figures 5A-5B) to insert the tampon 100 into a vaginal opening, the absorbent pad 110 is floatingly disposed in the cavity 120 between the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) of the covering 112. In other words, the absorbent pad 110 in this example is not fixedly attached to the first or second pervious layers 118(1), 118(2), but rather simply disposed within the cavity 120 in such a manner that relative movement is possible between the absorbent pad 110 and the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2). Restated, the absorbent pad 110 is floating in the cavity 120 unattached to either the first or second pervious layers 118(1), 118(2) and the elastomeric ring 106.

[0054] Although providing absorbent pad 110 floatingly disposed in the cavity 120 between the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) can prevent or reduce tearing of the absorbent pad 110 when force is applied to the elastomeric ring 106, in certain embodiments, an absorbent pad 110 may be attached to the elastomeric ring 106 such that the absorbent pad 110 is not floating during the manufacturing of the tampon 100 so that position of the absorbent pad 110 is controlled. However, even if a tear occurs in an absorbent pad 110, it may remain completely useful for its intended purpose of absorbing fluids while encased between the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2).

[0055] The covering 112 of the tampon 100 may be configured to stretch up to 40% in any direction without the covering 112 tearing (or with only limited tearing). The first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) may comprise respective first and second fabric layers that are pervious to bodily fluids. For example, the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) may comprise cotton fabric, including a woven, jersey knit cotton. The first and / or second layers 118(1), 118(2) could also comprise a natural material or synthetic material, such as rayon, polyester, nylon, polyethylene, as examples. Such natural or synthetic material could be woven material, such as a knit, or non-woven material. An advantage of a knit is that it allows the cavity 120 to extend when pulled in different directions and then return to its non-extended, non-deformed state when the pulling force is removed. In certain examples, the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) may be made of a materials that are substantially isotropic, to cause the covering 112 to have tensile and elongation properties that are substantially the same in response to forces applied in different radial directions of the elastomeric ring 106, wherein examples of such materials include non-woven materials, such as fabric containing elastomer-containing threadssuch as Lycra, or circular knitted fabric such a circular knitted nylon. The first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) may also include at least one of an extensible non-woven polyolefin and an extensible non-woven polyester. In some examples, the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) may be made of non-isotropic materials having different mechanical properties in different (e.g., transverse or radial) directions thereof.

[0056] The cavity 120 that is formed between the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) for supporting the absorbent pad 110 may be bounded by the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) and the inner surface 114 of the elastomeric ring 106. Alternatively, the cavity 120 that is formed between the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) may be defined fully or completely by the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2), with portions of the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) (i.e., portions peripherally outside of the area of the absorbent pad 110) being sewn or otherwise bonded to each other (e.g., by glue or mechanical bonding) within the central aperture 108 of the elastomeric ring 106. To further support the flow of fluid through the first and / or second layers 118(1), 118(2), the first and / or second layers 118(1), 118(2) may also be fenestrated. The first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) could also be of the same size, and thus would also be of the same surface area, to provide symmetrical first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) as installed in the elastomeric ring 106 of the tampon 100.

[0057] As noted above, the absorbent pad 110 comprises an absorbent material, and is configured to collect and hold vaginal fluid until such time that the tampon 100 is removed. The absorbent pad 110 can be chosen from different materials and material combinations to achieve the desired absorbency volume. For example, the absorbent pad 110 may include cotton, including a non-woven, spunlace cotton (e.g., 100% non-woven, spunlace cotton). Spunlace cotton is not biaxially stretchable and the absorbent pad 110 desirably retains its shape and structure within the cavity 120, so that the covering 106 bounding the cavity 120 can protect a spunlace cotton absorbent pad 110. In one example, the absorbent pad 110 can be floatingly arranged in the cavity 120 (between first and second layers 118(1), 118(2)) without being permanently attached, bonded, or otherwise tethered to the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) and / or the elastomeric ring 106. The absorbent pad 110 is designed to be floating in the cavity 120 formed by the first and second pervious layers 118(1), 118(2) of the covering 102 as discussed above. This is so that the absorbent pad 110 can move within the cavity 120, for example, if the elastomeric ring 106 is pinched or squeezed. Thus, as shown in Figure 3 A, the diameter D3 of the absorbent pad 110 can be less than the diameter D4 of the central aperture 108 of the elastomeric ring 106. The size and / or diameter D3 of the absorbent pad 110 that isretained in the cavity 120 formed by the covering 102 can also be adjusted based on the desired absorbency to be achieved.

[0058] Note that while the tampon 100 in the foregoing figures included an elastomeric ring 106 that is circular in shape, the disclosure is not limited to use of circular elastomeric rings. The term “ring” does not imply and is not limited to a perfect circular shape or a substantially circular shape. For example, the elastomeric ring 106 could have an elliptical or oval shape rather than circular shape. Such a shape may be desired, for example, to compensate for situations such as if the material of the covering 112 exhibited stretch or extendibility that is not substantially equal in all directions, or if the tampon would be subject to stretch-related damage if the elastomeric ring were not biased to certain stretch directions. The shape of the elastomeric ring 106 could be designed so that the covering 112 is attached to the elastomeric ring 106 such that short diameter is positioned in a direction such that the covering 112 is less extendible. In this example, squeezing of the elastomeric ring 106 would exhibit less distortion if the squeezing takes place along the narrower diameter of the elastomeric ring 106.

[0059] In certain embodiments, a tampon as disclosed herein includes an elastomeric ring having user-perceptible indicators (e.g., visual and / or tactile indicators) to provide indication to a user of the tampon of optimal areas of the ring to grasp and squeeze toward one other to collapse the ring in order to prepare the tampon to be inserted into a vaginal opening. User-perceptible indicators may include regions of different color, different texture, surface indentations, and / or surface protrusions. For example, the covering may not be isotropic in that the covering may have different tensile and elongation properties in different radial directions due to the nature of the covering. That is, if the first layer and second layer of the covering are made of fabric, the tensile and elongation properties of the fabric may be different in a machine fabrication direction and a cross-machine fabrication direction. This means that if the tampon is constructed such that both the first and second layers of the covering are aligned in the same direction, there will be a natural direction to squeeze the ring that requires less force and other directions to squeeze the ring that requires more force. Separately, or additionally, the elastomeric ring may not be isotropic in that the elastomeric ring may have different tensile and elongation properties in different radial directions, whether due to different dimensions, different material(s), and / or different manufacturing conditions used for different portions of the elastomeric ring. Thus, the user-perceptible indicators can be located on the elastomeric ring at positions 180 degrees apart from one another such that an imaginary line definable between the two indicators represents a direction that requires less force to squeezeand collapse the elastomeric ring (whether due to isotropic character of the elastomeric ring, the covering, or both the elastomeric ring and the covering).

[0060] Figures 3A to 3C show an exemplary tampon 100’ that is substantially identical to the tampon 100 shown in Figures 2A and 2B, but with addition of user-perceptible indicators 130(1), 130(2) arranged 180 degrees apart on the elastomeric ring 106. The user-perceptible indicators 130(1), 130(2) may include symbols or shapes that depart from an otherwise uniform character of the elastomeric ring, optionally including regions having a different color, height (whether raised or recessed), and / or texture relative to a remainder of the elastomeric ring. Figures 3A and 3B are top plan and upper perspective views, respectively, of the tampon in 100’ a non-deformed state, while Figure 3C is a top plan view of the tampon 100’ in a deformed state. The elastomeric ring 106 may be deformed for insertion of the tampon 100 into a vaginal opening, such as by application of compressive forces Fi, F2 to the elastomeric ring 106 as shown in Figures 3B and 3C. The compressive forces Fi, F2 may be applied to the elastomeric ring at locations corresponding to the user-perceptible indicators 130(1), 130(2), as shown in Figures 3B and 3C. Application of the compressive forces Fi, F2 results in production of reactive forces F3, F4 that are applied outwardly to the elastomeric ring 106, wherein the elastomeric ring 106 is configured to deform from a circular shape having the initial outer diameter DI (shown in Figure 3 A) to an oval shape with a deformed diameter D2 (shown in Figure 3C), with the deformed diameter D2 of the oval shape being greater than the initial outer diameter DI of the circular shape of the elastomeric ring 106. The reactive forces F3, F4 are translated to the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) of the covering 112 attached to the elastomeric ring 106. However, such forces F3, F4 are not directly translated to the absorbent pad 110, because the absorbent pad 110 is floating between the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2). But as discussed in examples below, the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) may be fabricated of material(s) that allow the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) to stretch and absorb force imparted to them when the elastomeric ring 106 is deformed (e.g., directionally compressed) with no or lower risk of tearing of the first and second layers 118(1), 118(2). This allows the absorbent pad 110 to be chosen from a material(s) that is based on the desired collection and absorption properties, without such properties having to be compromised to avoid or reduce tearing.

[0061] In some examples, a tampon may include an elastomeric ring having a concave inner surface that defines a recess extending into the elastomeric ring in a direction toward the outer surface, wherein a protruding section is arranged within at least a portion of the recessand extends radially inward toward a geometric center of the elastomeric ring along the first, horizontal direction. The protruding section may be centered within the recess in the second, vertical direction, optionally bisecting the recess into upper and lower recess portions, and the protruding section may be continuous around an entirety of the inner surface. Portions of the recess may receive one or more fingertips of a user, with the concave inner surface permitting a user to contact the protruding section to allow easy grasping of the elastomeric ring, such as for removal from a vaginal canal. In some examples, a protruding section bisects the recess in the second, vertical direction, to form first and second recess portions. In some examples, the protruding section extends radially inward past the inner surface of the elastomeric ring in a direction toward the geometric center of the elastomeric ring. In some examples, the covering is attached to the protruding section, such as by attaching the first layer of the covering to an upper edge of the protruding section and by attaching the second layer of the covering to a lower edge of the protruding section.

[0062] Figures 4A to 4C are side cross-sectional views of portions of elastomeric rings 206A, 206B, 206C useable with tampons as disclosed herein, each having a concave inner surface 214A, 214B, 214C defining a recess 232A, 232B, 232C and a protruding section 240A, 240B, 240C within the recess 232A, 232B, 232C, but having different cross-sectional shapes. Each elastomeric ring 206A, 206B, 206C includes an outer surface 215 A, 215B, 215C forming a perimeter thereof, and includes a first (e.g., upper) edge 216A, 216B, 216C and a second (e.g., lower) edge 217A, 217B, 217C that extend between the outer surface 215 A, 215B, 215C and the inner surface 214A, 214B, 214C, with each elastomeric ring 206A, 206B, 206C having a height Hi and a width Wi. Each protruding section 240 A, 240B, 240C includes a tip 241 A, 241B, 241C and (e.g., upper and lower) edges 242A, 242B, 242C. Each protruding section 240A, 240B, 240C may be aligned with a central plane Pi of corresponding elastomeric rings 206A, 206B, 206C, and may the segregate (e.g., bisect) the corresponding recess 232A, 232B, 232C into an upper recess portion 232A’, 232B’, 232C’ and a lower recess portion 232A”, 232B”, 232C”. Each recess 232A, 232B, 232C has a recess depth Ji, and each protruding section 240A, 240B, 240C has a thickness Ti.

[0063] As shown in Figures 4A to 4C, recesses and protruding sections of various sizes and shapes relative to a remainder of an elastomeric ring may be provided. In some examples, a recess depth Ji may be in a range of 15% to 65%, or 20% to 60%, or 25% to 50%, or 30% to 45%, or 35% to 45%, or at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or less than 70%, or less than 60%, or less than 50%, or less than 40%, or less than30%, or less than 20% (or any subrange of the foregoing ranges limited by the previously-recited endpoints) of a nominal width Wi of an elastomeric ring. In some examples, a thickness Ti of a protruding section may be in a range of 10% to 50%, or 10% to 40%, or 10% to 25%, or 15% to 35%, or 15% to 20%, or 20% to 30% (or any subrange of the foregoing ranges limited by the previously-recited endpoints) of a nominal height Hi of an elastomeric ring. Shape and dimensions of a recess and protruding section may be adjusted to permit manipulation (e.g., grasping or pinching) of an elastomeric ring by one or more fingers of a user, while permitting secure attachment of a covering member, and while balancing considerations such as maintaining torsional integrity (e.g., in a relaxed state and / or in a compressed state).

[0064] In Figure 4A, the recess 232A defined in the inner surface 214A has a maximum depth that is about 40% of a nominal width Wi of the elastomeric ring 206A. Additionally, the protruding section 240 A has thickness Ti that initially decreases, then increases, and decreases again going in a direction generally from the outer wall 215 A toward the tip 241 A of the protruding section 240A, such that a cross-sectional shape of a portion of the protruding section 240A is quasi-circular, wherein the tip 241A of the protruding section 240A extends radially inward beyond a plane definable by the inner surface 214A along nominal width Wi portions of the elastomeric ring 206A (i.e., upper and lower portions of the elastomeric ring 206A that are above and below the recess 232A, respectively).

[0065] In Figure 4B, the recess 232B defined in the inner surface 214B has a maximum depth that is about 60% of a nominal width Wi of the elastomeric ring 206B. Additionally, the protruding section 240B has thickness Ti that is substantially constant over a majority of a length of the protruding section (going in a direction generally from the outer wall 215B toward the tip 24 IB of the protruding section 240B), and is narrowed near the tip 24 IB, wherein the tip 24 IB extends radially inward to a position that is substantially coplanar with a plane definable by the inner surface 214B along nominal width Wi portions of the elastomeric ring 206B (i.e., upper and lower portions of the elastomeric ring 206B that are above and below the recess 232B, respectively). A potential advantage of the constant thickness cross-sectional shape of the protruding section 240B is that it may confer extra length to edges 242B to promote secure attachment of a covering (e.g., first and second layers 118(1), 118(2) as described previously herein in connection with Figure 2B).

[0066] In Figure 4C, the recess 232C defined in the inner surface 214C has a maximum depth that is about 55% of a nominal width Wi of the elastomeric ring 206B. Additionally, the protruding section 240C has thickness Ti that initially decreases, then increases, and decreasesagain going in a direction generally from the outer wall 215C toward the tip 241C of the protruding section 240C, such that a cross-sectional shape of a portion of the protruding section 240C is quasi-oval, wherein the tip 241C of the protruding section 240A extends radially inward to a position that is substantially coplanar with a plane definable by the inner surface 214C along nominal width Wi portions of the elastomeric ring 206C (i.e., upper and lower portions of the elastomeric ring 206C that are above and below the recess 232C respectively).

[0067] Figure 4D is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary tampon 200 incorporating an elastomeric ring 206 according to the design of Figure 4A, with the tampon 200 including an absorbent pad 210 disposed in a cavity 220 formed between first and second layers of 218(1), 218(2) of a permeable covering 212 that is attached to a protruding section 240 arranged at least partially within a recess 232 defined in an inner surface 214 of the elastomeric ring 206. As shown, the protruding section 240 extends radially inward (i.e., in a direction from the outer surface 215 that forms a perimeter of the elastomeric ring 206 toward a geometric center C of the tampon 200) along central plane Pl, and segregates (e.g., bisects) the recess 232 into upper and lower recess portions 232’, 232”. The first layer 218(1) is attached along an upper edge of the protruding section 240, and the second layer 218(2) is attached along a lower edge of the protruding section 240, wherein such attachment may be made by any suitable method disclosed herein (e.g., adhering (e.g., with glue), sewing, mechanical bonding, etc.). In some examples, the first and second layers 218(1), 218(2) may be embedded within the protruding section 240 and within a portion of the elastomeric ring 206, such as may be accomplished by overmolding. As shown, portions of the elastomeric ring 206 will extend (upward and downward, in the vertical direction) beyond the first and second layers 218(1), 218(2) of the covering 212 to form a respective collection chamber 224(1), 224(2) on each side (upper and lower sides) of the elastomeric ring 206. The previously discussed features and details of the elastomeric ring 106, its covering 112, and integrated absorbent pad 110 of the tampon 100 according to Figures 2A-2B and 3A-3C can also be applied to the corresponding items (e.g., elastomeric ring 206, covering 212, and absorbent pad 210) of the tampon 200 of Figure 4D.

[0068] In some examples, a tampon may include an elastomeric ring having an inner surface without a recess, but including a protruding section that extends radially inward from the inner surface toward a geometric center of the elastomeric ring along the first, horizontal direction. In some examples, an aspect ratio and dimensions of the protruding section may be selected to provide an appropriate balance between flexibility and dimensional stability of a tampon structure. In some examples, a maximum thickness of the protruding section may beless than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or less than 10%, or within a range of 10% to 50%, or within a range of 15% to 40%, of a maximum height of the elastomeric ring. The protruding section may be centered along the inner surface in the second, vertical direction, and the protruding section may be continuous around an entirety of the inner surface. In some examples, the covering is contacting, attached to, and / or embedded in the protruding section, such as by overmolding the elastomeric ring along peripheral portions of the first and second covering layers. In some examples, the protruding section may be centered along the inner surface, and the covering may be centered on the protruding section (e.g., with an upper portion of the protruding section overlying a portion of the first layer of the covering, and with a lower portion of the protruding section underlying the second layer of the covering), with a portion (e.g., peripheral portion) of the covering extending through the protruding section and embedded within an interior of the elastomeric ring. In certain examples, peripheral portions of the first layer of the covering and the second layer of the covering may extend within and through substantially an entire width of the elastomeric ring, with portions of the first and second layers of the covering being trimmed near or along a position coincident with the outer surface of elastomeric ring.

[0069] Figures 5A and 5B are side cross-sectional views of portions of elastomeric rings 256A, 256B useable with tampons as disclosed herein, each having an inner surface 264A, 264B (not being a recess defining concave surface, in contrast to the examples of Figures 4A-4C) with a protruding section 290A, 290B, but having different cross-sectional shapes. Each elastomeric ring 256A, 256B includes an outer surface 265A, 265B forming a perimeter thereof, and includes a first (e.g., upper) edge 266A, 266B and a second (e.g., lower) edge 267A, 267B that extend between the outer surface 265A, 265B and the inner surface 264A, 264B, with each elastomeric ring 256A, 256B having a height Hi and a width Wi. Each protruding section 290A, 290B includes a tip 291 A, 291B, (e.g., upper and lower) edges 292A, 292B, a maximum thickness Ti, and a length Ki. Each protruding section 290A, 290B may be aligned with a central plane Pi of the corresponding elastomeric ring 256A, 256B and may the bisect the inner surface 264A, 264B. In some examples, the maximum thickness Ti of each protruding section 290 A, 290B may be less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or less than 10%, or within a range of 10% to 50%, or 10% to 40%, or 10% to 25%, or 15% or 40%, or 15% to 35%, or 15% to 20%, or 20% to 30% (or any subrange of the foregoing ranges limited by the previously-recited endpoints) of the height Hi of the corresponding elastomeric ring 256A, 256B. Shape and dimensions of each protruding section 290A, 290Bmay be adjusted to permit manipulation of an elastomeric ring 256A, 356B by one or more fingers of a user, while permitting secure attachment of a covering member, and while balancing considerations such as maintaining dimensional stability and torsional integrity (e.g., in a relaxed state and / or in a compressed state). Figure 5A shows a protruding section 290A having a truncated triangular cross-sectional shape, while figure 5B shows a protruding section 290B having a semi-oval cross-sectional shape.

[0070] Figure 5C is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary tampon 250 having incorporating an elastomeric ring 206 according to the design of Figure 5 A, with the tampon 250 including an absorbent pad 260 disposed in a cavity 270 formed between first and second layers of 268(1), 268(2) of a permeable covering 262 that is attached to a protruding section 290 of an inner surface 264 of the elastomeric ring 266. As shown, the protruding section 290 extends radially inward (i.e., in a direction from the outer surface 265 that forms a perimeter of the elastomeric ring 256 toward a geometric center C of the tampon 250) along central plane Pi, and bisects the inner surface 264. The first and second layers 268(1), 268(2) include peripheral portions 268(1)’, 268(2)’ that are embedded within the protruding section 290 and the elastomeric ring 256, with an upper portion of the protruding section 290 overlying the first layer 268(1), and with a lower portion of the protruding section 290 underlying the second layer 268(2). As shown, portions of the elastomeric ring 256 will extend (upward and downward, in the vertical direction) beyond the first and second layers 268(1), 268(2) of the covering 262 to form a respective collection chamber 274(1), 274(2) on each side (upper and lower sides) of the elastomeric ring 256. The previously discussed features and details of the elastomeric ring 106, its covering 112, and integrated absorbent pad 110 of the tampon 100 according to Figures 2A-2B and 3A-3C can also be applied to the corresponding items (e.g., elastomeric ring 256, covering 262, and absorbent pad 260) of the tampon 250 of Figure 5C.

[0071] As noted previously herein, a tampon as disclosed herein may be deformed by a user into an hourglass shape (to prepare the tampon for insertion into a vaginal opening) by application of a compressive force to an elastomeric ring between fingers and a thumb of a user. In one example, if the tampon is substantially isotropic (e.g., includes a covering of isotropic material as well as an isotropic elastomeric ring) and exhibits equal resistance to compressing in all radial directions, then the user may choose any suitable opposing points (e.g., points 180 degrees apart) along a perimeter of an elastomeric ring thereof, apply a thumb to one point while applying one or more fingers to an opposing point, and squeeze the elastomeric ring to apply a compressive force thereto, to cause the elastomeric ring to bedeformed into an hourglass shape. With the tampon deformed (i.e., compacted) to an hourglass shape, the user may insert the deformed tampon into the user’s vaginal opening, place the tampon with the permeable covering proximate to a cervical os, and release the tampon, permitting the elastomeric ring to expand to a relaxed state and to be retained in place in a vaginal canal. If the tampon includes an elastomeric ring having a recess-defining inner surface with a protruding section within the recess (e.g., as shown in Figure 4D), then when it is time to remove the tampon positioned in a vaginal canal, in one example the user may insert one or more fingertips (or fingernails) into the recess and engage the elastomeric ring (e.g., by pressing in a radially outward direction) to increase frictional engagement and permit the user to pick and remove the elastomeric ring from the vaginal canal.

[0072] Figure 6A is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary isotropic tampon 100 (e.g., according to the design shown in Figures 2A and 2B) having an elastomeric ring 106 devoid of user-perceptible indicators being deformed into an hourglass shape to prepare the tampon 100 for insertion into a vaginal opening, by application of a compressive force to the elastomeric ring 106 between fingers 182 and a thumb 181 of a user. As shown, the elastomeric ring 106 includes an outer surface 115 forming a perimeter thereof, and includes an inner surface 114 surrounding a cavity containing an absorbent pad (110 in Figure 2B) within a permeable covering (112 in Figure 2B) that comprises a first layer 118(1) and a second layer (118(2) in Figure 2B).

[0073] In another example, if the tampon is non-isotropic (e.g., includes a non-isotropic covering and / or a non-isotropic elastomeric ring), then the elastomeric ring may include user-perceptible indicators at opposing positions 180 degrees apart identifying preferred locations for a user to grasp and squeeze the elastomeric ring. In such a case, the user may apply a thumb to the elastomeric ring at one point coinciding with a first user-perceptible indicator, the user may apply one or more fingers to the elastomeric ring at another point coinciding with a second user-perceptible indicator, and squeeze the elastomeric ring to apply a compressive force thereto, to cause the elastomeric ring to be deformed into an hourglass shape. With the tampon deformed (i.e., compacted) to an hourglass shape, the user may insert the deformed tampon into the user’s vaginal opening, place the tampon with the permeable covering proximate to a cervical os, and release the tampon, permitting the elastomeric ring to expand to a relaxed state and to be retained in place in a vaginal canal. If the tampon includes an elastomeric ring having a recess-defining inner surface with a protruding section within the recess (e.g., as shown in Figure 4D), then when it is time to remove the tampon positioned in a vaginal canal, in oneexample the user may insert one or more fingertips (or fingernails) into the recess and engage the elastomeric ring (e.g., by pressing in a radially outward direction) to increase frictional engagement and permit the user to pick and remove the elastomeric ring from the vaginal canal.

[0074] Figure 6B is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary isotropic tampon 100’ (e.g., according to the design shown in Figures 3A to 3C) having an elastomeric ring 106 with user-perceptible indicators 130(1), 130(2) being deformed into an hourglass shape to prepare the tampon 100” for insertion into a vaginal opening, by application of a compressive force to the elastomeric ring 106 between fingers 182 and a thumb 181 of a user. The user-perceptible indicators 130(1), 130(2) are arranged 180 degrees apart from one another and identify preferred locations for a user to grasp and squeeze the elastomeric ring 106. As shown, the elastomeric ring 106 includes an outer surface 115 forming a perimeter thereof, and includes an inner surface 114 surrounding a cavity containing an absorbent pad (110 in Figure 2B) within a permeable covering (112 in Figure 2B) that comprises a first layer 118(1) and a second layer (118(2) in Figure 2B).

[0075] In one example, an absorbent pad of a tampon can be provided with horizontal variation in density, such that its density is greater in a central region of the pad (e.g., in or adjacent to the center of the elastomeric ring) than in a peripheral region of the pad that is adjacent to the inner wall of the elastomeric ring. This can allow the pad to be more absorbent in the central region of the pad without having to increase the density of the entire pad, thereby providing a desired tradeoff between pad absorbency and thickness and bulk of the tampon.

[0076] One example of a pad structure including horizontal variation in density is shown in Figure 7A, which shows an absorbent pad 310 having a high-density central region 312 (optionally overlapping with a geometric center 311 of a tampon (not shown)) surrounded by a lower-density peripheral region 314, with the absorbent pad 310 being useable with a tampon as disclosed herein. The lower-density peripheral region 314 has an annular shape, extending from an inter-region transition 313 to a peripheral edge 315 of the pad 310. In some examples, the absorbent pad 310 has a non-continuous (e.g., stepwise change) density gradient at the transition region 313, from a higher first density in the central region 312 to a lower second density in the peripheral region 314. In some examples, the absorbent pad 310 has a substantially continuous density gradient (e.g., gradual change in density) at the transition region 313, from a higher first density in the central region 312 to a lower second density in the peripheral region 314.

[0077] In one example, an absorbent pad of a tampon can be provided with a vertical variation in density, such that its density is greater in an internal area of the pad (e.g., farther from the covering) than in an outer area of the pad (e.g., closer to the covering). This can allow the pad to be more absorbent in the internal, centralized area of the pad without having to increase the density of the entire pad along its entire thickness in the vertical direction, thereby providing a desired tradeoff between pad absorbency and thickness and bulk of the tampon. In some examples, an absorbent pad includes a first density region proximate to a covering, the absorbent pad includes a second density region distal from the covering, and the second density region has a density greater than a density of the first density region. Restated, a lower density region (e.g., layer) of an absorbent pad may be closer to a covering than a high density region (e.g., layer) thereof. In some examples, an absorbent pad has a non-continuous density gradient from the first density region to the second density region. In some examples, an absorbent pad has a continuous density gradient from the first density region to the second density region. In some examples, a high density region may be sandwiched between two or more lower density regions of an absorbent pad, wherein the sandwiching (e.g. outer) regions or layers of lower density may have the same densities or different densities.

[0078] One example of a pad structure including vertical variation in density is shown in Figure 7B, which shows an absorbent pad 320 having a high-density central region (central layer) 328 (optionally overlapping with a geometric center 321 of a tampon (not shown)) sandwiched between lower-density upper and lower regions (upper and lower layers) 326, 330. As shown, the upper and lower layers 326, 330 may be annular in shape, each having a peripheral edge 325 and an inner edge 324 bounding a central opening 323. Presence of the central opening 323 defined through the upper and lower layers 326, 330 reduces thickness and bulk of the absorbent pad 320 in a central region thereof, and also causes a horizontal variation in average density of the absorbent pad 320 (i.e., providing a higher average pad density in a central region where only the central layer 328 is present, and providing a lower average pad density in a peripheral region where the central layer 328 is sandwiched between the upper and lower layers 326, 330. A first transition 327 is provided between the central layer 328 and the upper layer 326, and a second transition 329 is provided between the central layer 328 and the lower layer 330. In one example, the first transition 327 and the second transition 329 each embody substantially continuous (e.g., gradual) density gradients from the central layer 328 to the surrounding layers 326, 330. In one example, the first transition 327 and the secondtransition 329 each embody substantially non-continuous (e.g., stepwise) density gradients from the central layer 328 to the surrounding layers 326, 330.

[0079] Further examples of absorbent pad structures having vertical variation in density are shown in Figures 8A and 8B, each showing portions of pad structures arranged between first and second layers of a permeable covering of a tampon as disclosed herein.

[0080] Figure 8A is a side cross-sectional view of a portion 332 of an exemplary tampon showing a three-layer absorbent pad 320’ exhibiting vertical variation in density disposed between first and second layers 318(1), 318(2) of a covering 312. The absorbent pad 320’ includes upper, central, and lower layers 326, 328, 330, with the central layer 328 having a higher density than each of the upper and lower layers 326, 330. Transitions 327, 329 are provided between the adjacent layers 326, 328, 330. In one example, the first transition 327 and the second transition 329 each embody substantially continuous (e.g., gradual) density gradients from the central layer 328 to the surrounding layers 326, 330. In one example, the first transition 327 and the second transition 329 each embody substantially non-continuous (e.g., stepwise) density gradients from the central layer 328 to the surrounding layers 326, 330.

[0081] Figure 8B is a side cross-sectional view of a portion 332 of an exemplary tampon showing a five-layer absorbent pad 342 exhibiting vertical variation in density disposed between first and second layers 318(1), 318(2) of a covering 312. The absorbent pad 320’ includes first (upper), second, third (central), fourth, and fifth (lower) layers 352, 354, 356, 358, 360, with the third (central) layer 356 having the highest density, the second and fourth layers 354, 358 having a medium density, and with the first (upper) and fifth (lower) layers 352, 360 having a relatively low density, the higher density than each of the upper and lower layers 326, 330. Transitions 353, 355, 357, 359 are provided between the adjacent first to fifth layer 352, 354, 356, 358, 360. In one example, the transitions 353, 355, 357, 359 each embody substantially continuous (e.g., gradual) density gradients between adjacent paired layers 352, 354, 356, 360. In one example, the transitions 353, 355, 357, 359 each embody non-continuous (e.g., stepwise) density gradients between adjacent paired layers 352, 354, 356, 360.

[0082] In some examples, the covering of the tampon (e.g., first and second layers 118(1), 118(2), 218(1), 218(2), 318(1), 318(2) according to Figures 2A-2B, 4D, 6A-6B, and 8A-8B) may include an outwardly-facing apertured film that includes a plurality of tapered openings, with each tapered opening having an increased width at an outer surface of the covering, and a reduced width in an interior of the covering proximate to the cavity. The increased width openings at outer surface of the covering may assist with fluid collection, and the tapering ofthe openings promotes flow of fluid toward the cavity (and absorbent pad therein) while inhibiting reverse flow of fluid from the cavity toward the outer surface of the covering. Use of such an apertured film with tapered openings can reduce fluid runoff that is on the surface of the covering when the tampon is removed from the vaginal canal and / or assist in retaining higher viscosity mucus that may not penetrate the covering to be received by the absorbent pad. Various methods for forming apertured films with tapered openings have been developed. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,456,570 (of which the contents are hereby incorporated by reference herein) discloses extrusion of a polymer melt onto a perforated screen (which may be subject to rotation), wherein vacuum is applied to form a pressure differential sufficient to cause apertures in the film in specific regions defined by the perforated screen. A similar process is capable of forming laminates by feeding nonwoven material onto the extruded polymer melt just prior to perforation and vacuum application.

[0083] Figures 9 A and 9B are magnified top views of apertured films 418, 428 each defining tapered openings 420, 430, and being useable in a coverings of tampons as disclosed herein. In Figure 9A, the tapered openings 420 are substantially circular in shape, whereas in Figure 9B the tapered openings 430 exhibit variation in shape but are predominantly shaped as pointed ovals.

[0084] Figure 9C is a magnified schematic side cross-section view of an apertured film 418 (e.g., according to Figure 9A) useable in a covering of a tampon according to an exemplary embodiment. The apertured film 418 film includes tapered openings 420 each having an increased width Ai at a first (e.g., outer) surface 421, and a reduced width A2 at an opposing second (e.g., interior) surface 422. When integrated into a tampon as disclosed herein, the apertured film 418 would be placed with the first surface 421 facing outward and the second surface 422 facing a cavity and absorbent pad. The tapered openings 420 may assist with fluid collection, and inhibit with reverse flow of fluid from a cavity and absorbent pad.

[0085] As noted previously herein, in some examples one or more tampons may be fabricated by a method that includes overmolding at least one elastomeric ring over structures for forming, for each tampon, an absorbent pad material arranged between liquid-permeable covering layers. According to such a method, covering precursor layers may include extension portions with alignment features that are configured to interact with alignment features of a molding apparatus, wherein for each elastomeric ring to be formed, molten elastomeric material may be supplied to a corresponding mold cavity, and either or after solidification of the elastomeric material, extension portions of the covering precursor layers may be trimmed(e.g., to prevent covering material from extending beyond an outer peripheral surface of an elastomeric ring).

[0086] Figures 10A to 10H illustrate structures and steps used to fabricate multiple tampons employing an overmolding process, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0087] Figure 10A is a top plan view of a first (e.g., lower) mold body portion 440-1 of a molding apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, the first mold body portion 440-1 including an upper surface 445 defining four ring-shaped cavity portions 442A-442D and associated liquid supply channels 443 (which may be arranged in any location and configuration), with multiple mold body alignment features 444A-444D optionally embodying upwardly projecting pins. The first mold body portion 440-1 may be divided into four quadrants 441A-441D each having one ring-shaped cavity portion 442A-442D and four mold body alignment features 444A-444D. The mold body alignment features 444A-444D may be used to receive extension portion alignment features of first and second precursor layers of first and second covering layer materials, as will be described below. The first mold body portion 440-1 is intended to be mated with a corresponding second mold body portion (e.g., 440-2 shown in Figure 101) having corresponding ring-shaped cavity portions, with the mold body portions in combination being configured to form four ring-shaped cavities permitting the simultaneous fabrication of four tampons as described herein using an overmolding process.

[0088] Figure 10B is a top plan view of a first precursor layer 518’ of a first covering layer material including four generally circular areas 518A-518D connected by multiple extension portions 545AB, 545BC, 545CD, 545 AD (all surrounding a central opening 511). Each extension portion 545AB, 545BC, 545CD, 545AD has multiple extension portion alignment features 544A-544D arranged as circular apertures (holes) configured to cooperate with the mold body alignment features 444A-444D (of the first mold body portion 440-1 shown in Figure 10A). In some examples, the first precursor layer 518’ may be produced by die cutting or another suitable cutting or shaping process.

[0089] Figure 10C is atop plan view ofthe first precursor layer 518’ ofFigure 10B received by the first mold body portion 440-1 of Figure 10A. As shown, the mold body alignment features 444A-444D are received by the extension portion alignment features 544A-544D of the first precursor layer 518’, to promote alignment between the first precursor layer 518’ and the mold body portion 440-1 , particularly between the four generally circular areas 518 A- 518D of first covering layer material and the ring-shaped cavity portions 442A-442D of the mold body portion 440-1 to ensure that peripheral portions of each generally circular area 518A-518D overlap a corresponding ring-shaped cavity portion 442A-442D for proper incorporation of first covering layer material into elastomeric material when supplied to the molding apparatus incorporating the mold body portion 440-1 to form tampons each comprising an elastomeric ring. As shown, the extension portions 545AB, 545BC, 545CD, 545AD of the first precursor layer 518’ span between different ring-shaped cavity portions 442A-442D of the first mold body portion 440-1.

[0090] Figure 10D is a top plan view of the items of Figure 10C, following application of absorbent pad material portions 510A-510D centered at four corresponding locations over the four generally circular areas 518A-518D of first covering layer material of the first precursor layer 518’. In certain examples, the absorbent pad material portions 510A-510D may be placed by a robotic pick-and-place apparatus, and / or by inserting the absorbent pad material portions 510A-510D through apertures of temporary jig (not shown) configured to overlie the first precursor layer 518’. Each absorbent pad material portion 510A-510D may be generally circular in shape or another suitable shape, with a small diameter or smaller width than the generally circular areas 518A-518D of the first precursor layer 518’.

[0091] Figure 10E is a top plan view of the items of Figure 4D, following application of a second precursor layer 618’ of a second covering layer material over the absorbent pad material portions 510A-510D and the first precursor layer 518’. The second precursor layer 618’ includes four generally circular areas 618A-618D connected by multiple extension portions 645AB, 645BC, 645CD, 645AD (all surrounding a central opening). Each extension portion 645 AB, 645BC, 645CD, 645 AD has multiple extension portion alignment features 644A-644D arranged as circular apertures (holes) configured to cooperate with the mold body alignment features 644A-644D of the first mold body portion 440-1.

[0092] With the first and second precursor layers 518’, 618’ and the absorbent pad material portions 510A-510D received by the first mold body portion 440-1, a corresponding second mold body portion (e.g., 440-2 shown in part in Figure 101) may be closed over the first mold body portion 440-1 to define four circular cavities each configured to receive molten elastomeric material, in order to encapsulate peripheral portions of the generally circular areas 518A-518D, 618A-618D of the first and second precursor layer 518’, 618’. After the molten elastomeric material is cooled, it will solidify into four elastomeric rings corresponding in shape to the circular cavities. Any elastomeric material remaining in liquid supply channels 443 potentially attached to the elastomeric rings may be trimmed or otherwise removed. In some examples, the extension portions 545AB, 545BC, 545CD, 545AD, 645AB, 645BC,645CD, 645AD of the first and second precursor layers 518’, 618’ may be trimmed prior to introduction of molten elastomeric material (e.g., using a trimming edge arranged between proximal faces of mold body portions around each circular cavity) into a molding apparatus, or the extension portions 545AB, 545BC, 545CD, 545 AD, 645AB, 645BC, 645CD, 645 AD of the first and second precursor layers 518’, 618’ may be trimmed from elastomeric rings after molding is complete.

[0093] Figure 1 OF is a top plan view of an intermediate structure (produced using the layers described in Figure 10E) arranged within the first mold body portion 440-1 (e.g., after removal of a corresponding second mold body portion) following formation by molding of four elastomeric rings 505A-505D embedding peripheral portions of the generally circular areas 518A-518D of the first precursor layer 518’ and peripheral portions of the generally circular areas 618A-618D of the second precursor layer 618’, with each elastomeric ring 505A-505D including absorbent pad material (e.g., 510A-510D shown in Figure 10D) between covering material layers corresponding to areas 518A-518D, 618A-618D of the first and second precursor layers 518’, 618’. The extension portions 545AB, 545BC, 545CD, 545AD, 645AB, 645BC, 645CD, 645AD of the first and second precursor layers 518’, 618’ remain connected between the four elastomeric rings 505A-505D.

[0094] Figure 10G is a top plan view of the intermediate structure shown in Figure 10F following removal from the first mold body portion, with the extension portions 545AB, 545BC, 545CD, 545AD, 645AB, 645BC, 645CD, 645AD of the first and second precursor layers 518’, 618’ connected between the four elastomeric rings 505A-505D. To separate the four elastomeric rings 505A-505D (each including absorbent pad material between covering material layers), the extension portions 545AB, 545BC, 545CD, 545AD, 645AB, 645BC, 645CD, 645AD of the first and second precursor layers 518’, 618’ may be trimmed by any suitable cutting process.

[0095] Figure 10H is a top plan view of four tampons 500A-500D formed from the intermediate structure of Figure 10G, following trimming of extension portions 545 AB, 545BC, 545CD, 545AD, 645AB, 645BC, 645CD, 645AD of the first and second precursor layers 518’, 618’ along or proximate to outer surfaces of elastomeric rings 505A-505D of the tampons 500A-500D.

[0096] Figure 101 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a molding apparatus 430 including a first and second mold body portions 440-1, 440-2. Each mold body portion 440-1, 440-2 includes a proximal face 445, 445’ and defines at least one circular cavity portion 442,442’ bounded by an inner (e.g., radially inner) surface 452, 452’ and an outer (e.g., radially outer) surface 451, 451’. The first mold body portion 440-1 includes a trimming edge 499 projecting upward from the proximal face 445 (by height H2, which may be in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, a range of 0.1 to 0.4 mm, or a range of 0.05 to 0.2 mm, or any other suitable range defined by combinations of the preceding values) and configured to engage the proximal face 445’ of the second mold body portion 440-2, with the trimming edge 499 being configured to cut portions of any covering layer material (e.g., of a first covering layer 518 and a second covering layer 618 as described previously) that may extend in a horizontal direction through a mold cavity composed of the circular cavity portions 442, 442’. As shown, the trimming edge 449 is laterally offset from mold cavity (displaced laterally from the outer surfaces 451, 451’) by a distance D2. In some examples, D2 may be in a range of less than 1.5 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.25 mm, between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm, between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, or any other suitable range defined by combinations of the preceding values. In use, the trimming edge 499 may be used to trim excess portions of first and second covering layers arranged between the mold body portions 440-1, 440-2 prior to supplying molten elastomeric material to the cavity defined by the circular cavity portions 442, 442’ during an overmolding process used to fabricate at least one tampon as described herein.

[0097] Although Figures 10B- 10G each showed four extension portions of precursor layers of covering material for producing four tampons via a single overmolding process, any suitable number of one or more tampons and one or more extension portions may be used in certain examples.

[0098] Figure 11 A is an exploded perspective view of components of a tampon precursor structure that may be fabricated by an overmolding process, including an elastomeric ring 555, an absorbent pad 560, a first covering layer 568 having a first extension portion 545 with extension portion alignment features 544, and a second covering layer 668 having a second extension portion 645 with extension portion alignment features 644. The extension portions 545, 645 may be removed (e.g., trimmed) after overmolding of the elastomeric ring around peripheral portions of the first and second covering layers 568, 668. Figure 1 IB is an exploded perspective view of components of a tampon produced from the precursor structure of Figure 11 A following removal (e.g., by trimming) of the first and second extension portions 545, 645 of Figure 11 A.

[0099] The foregoing description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0100] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0101] It is to be further understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A tampon, comprising:an elastomeric ring comprising a geometric center, an outer surface forming a perimeter of the elastomeric ring, and an inner surface that is displaced from the outer surface in a first, horizontal direction and that is arranged between the outer surface and the geometric center, the inner surface defining a central aperture, and the elastomeric ring having a maximum thickness in a second, vertical direction orthogonal to the first, horizontal direction;a covering fixed to the elastomeric ring with at least a portion of the covering being positioned within the central aperture, the covering being pervious to liquid and comprising a first layer and a second layer stacked in the vertical direction, wherein at least portions of the first layer and the second layer define a cavity therebetween; andan absorbent pad positioned within the cavity;wherein a protruding section is arranged along the inner surface and extends radially inward toward the geometric center along the first, horizontal direction, and the protruding section has a maximum thickness in the second, vertical direction that is less than 50 percent of the maximum thickness of the elastomeric ring.

2. The tampon of claim 1, wherein a peripheral portion of the covering is embedded within the elastomeric ring.

3. The tampon of claim 2, wherein a portion of the covering is embedded within the protruding section.

4. The tampon of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner surface is concave and defines a recess extending into the elastomeric ring in a direction toward the outer surface, and at least a portion of the protruding section is arranged within the recess.

5. The tampon of claim 4, wherein the protruding section bisects the recess in the second, vertical direction.

6. The tampon of claim 4, wherein the protruding section extends radially inward past the inner surface toward the geometric center.

7. The tampon of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the covering is arranged in contact with the protruding section.

8. The tampon of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first layer comprises a first pervious material layer, and the second layer comprises a second pervious material layer.

9. The tampon of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:a first user-perceptible indicator arranged at a first position on the elastomeric ring; anda second user-perceptible indicator arranged at a second position on the elastomeric ring that is approximately 180 degrees apart from the first position;wherein the first user-perceptible indicator and the second user-perceptible indicator provide indication of preferred areas for a user to grasp the elastomeric ring to collapse the elastomeric ring.

10. The tampon of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the covering is substantially isotropic, with tensile and elongation properties that are substantially the same in response to forces applied in different directions.

11. The tampon of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first layer and the second layer comprises an outwardly-facing apertured film that comprises a plurality of tapered openings, each opening of the plurality of openings has an increased width distal from the cavity, and each opening of the plurality of openings has a reduced with proximate to the cavity.

12. The tampon of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent pad comprises a central region and a peripheral region, the peripheral region being closer than the central region to the inner surface, wherein a central region of the absorbent pad has a first density, the peripheral region of the absorbent pad has a second density, and the first density is greater than the second density.

13. The tampon of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:the absorbent pad comprises a first vertical region adjacent to a center radial axis of the elastomeric ring in the second, vertical direction;the absorbent pad comprises a second vertical region adjacent to the first circularshaped edge in the second, vertical direction; andthe absorbent pad has a first density in the first vertical region and a second density in the second vertical region than is greater than the first density.

14. The tampon of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent pad is floatingly positioned within the cavity.

15. The tampon of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protruding section is continuous around an entirety of the inner surface.

16. A method for fabricating at least one tampon, the method comprising:applying a first precursor layer of first covering layer material over at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion defined in a first mold body portion of a molding apparatus, wherein the first precursor layer comprises at least one first extension portion extending laterally beyond the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion, and the at least one first extension portion comprises at least one first extension portion alignment feature configured to cooperate with at least one mold body alignment feature of the first mold body portion to promote alignment between the first precursor layer and the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion;for each first ring-shaped cavity of the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion, applying an absorbent pad material over the first precursor layer;applying a second precursor layer of second cover layer material over the absorbent pad material of each ring-shaped cavity and over the first precursor layer, wherein the second precursor layer comprises at least one second extension portion extending laterally beyond the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion, and the at least one second extension portion comprises at least one second extension portion alignment feature configured to cooperate with the at least one mold body alignment feature to promote alignment between the second precursor layer and the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion;arranging a second mold body portion of the molding apparatus over the first mold body portion, with the first precursor layer, the absorbent pad material, and the second precursor layer arranged therebetween, with the second mold body portion defining at least one second ring-shaped cavity portion configured to be paired with the at least one first ringshaped cavity portion;supplying molten elastomeric material to the molding apparatus to be received by the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion and the at least one second ring-shaped cavity portion, and to contact portions of the first precursor layer and the second precursor layer, and permitting the elastomeric material to solidify to form at least one elastomeric ring with portions of the first covering layer material and portions of the second covering layer material embedded within the at least one elastomeric ring; andtrimming the at least one first extension portion and the at least one second extension portion along or proximate to a position coinciding with a perimeter of the at least one elastomeric ring.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the trimming of the at least one first extension portion and the at least one second extension portion is performed after the supplying of the molten elastomeric material to the molding apparatus.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the trimming of the at least one first extension portion and the at least one second extension portion is performed before the supplying of the molten elastomeric material to the molding apparatus.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein:the at least one first ring-shaped cavity portion comprises a plurality of first ringshaped cavity portions;the at least one second ring-shaped cavity portion comprises a plurality of second ring-shaped cavity portions;the at least one first extension portion comprises a plurality of first extension portions; the at least one second extension portion comprises a plurality of second extension portions;the at least one mold body alignment feature comprises a plurality of mold body alignment features;the at least one first extension portion alignment feature comprises a plurality of first extension portion alignment features;the at least one second extension portion alignment feature comprises a plurality of second extension portion alignment features;the at least one elastomeric ring comprises a plurality of elastomeric rings; and the at least one tampon comprises a plurality of tampons.

20. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein each elastomeric ring of the at least one elastomeric ring comprises a geometric center, an outer surface forming a perimeter of the elastomeric ring, and an inner surface that is displaced from the outer surface in a first, horizontal direction and that is arranged between the outer surface and the geometric center, the inner surface defining a central aperture, wherein a protruding section is arranged along the inner surface and extends radially inward toward the geometric center along the first, horizontal direction, and the protruding section has a maximum thickness in the second, vertical direction that is less than 50 percent of a maximum thickness of the elastomeric ring.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein for each elastomeric ring of the at least one elastomeric ring, a portion of the first cover layer material and a portion of the second cover layer material are embedded in the protruding section.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein for each elastomeric ring of the at least one elastomeric ring, the inner surface is concave and defines a recess extending into the elastomeric ring in a direction toward the outer surface, and at least a portion of the protruding section is arranged within the recess.

24. A tampon producible by the method of any one of claims 16 to 18.

25. A tampon, comprising:an elastomeric ring comprising a geometric center, an outer surface forming a perimeter of the elastomeric ring, and an inner surface that is displaced from the outer surface in a first, horizontal direction and that is arranged between the outer surface and the geometric center, the inner surface defining a central aperture;a covering attached to the elastomeric ring with at least a portion of the covering being positioned within the central aperture, the covering being pervious to liquid and comprising a first layer and a second layer stacked in a second, vertical direction orthogonal to the first, horizontal direction, wherein at least portions of the first layer and the second layer define a cavity therebetween;an absorbent pad positioned within the cavity;a first user-perceptible indicator arranged at a first position on the elastomeric ring; anda second user-perceptible indicator arranged at a second position on the elastomeric ring that is approximately 180 degrees apart from the first position;wherein the first user-perceptible indicator and the second user-perceptible indicator provide indication of preferred areas for a user to grasp the elastomeric ring to collapse the elastomeric ring.

26. The tampon of claim 25, wherein the elastomeric ring is configured to deform to an hourglass shape when a force is applied inwards at the first user-perceptible indicator and the second user-perceptible indicator towards the central aperture.

27. The tampon of claim 26, wherein the elastomeric ring is configured to deform to a width less than or equal to one inch when a force is applied inwards at the first user-perceptible indicator and the second user-perceptible indicator towards the central aperture to deform the elastomeric ring to the hourglass shape.

28. The tampon of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein a line definable between the first user-perceptible indicator and the second user-perceptible indicator is substantially orthogonal to a direction of least tensile strength of the covering.

29. The tampon of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the covering is non-isotropic, with different tensile and elongation properties in different directions.

30. The tampon of claim 29, wherein:the first layer comprises a first fabric layer having a first machine fabrication direction and a first cross-machine fabrication direction, wherein the first fabric layer has tensile andelongation properties that differ between the first machine fabrication direction and the first cross-machine fabrication direction; andthe second layer comprises a second fabric layer having a second machine fabrication direction and a second cross-machine fabrication direction, wherein the second fabric layer has tensile and elongation properties that differ between the second machine fabrication direction and the second cross-machine fabrication direction.

31. The tampon of claim 30, wherein:the first fabric layer comprises a first non-woven fabric layer; andthe second fabric layer comprises a second non-woven fabric layer.

32. A tampon, comprising:an elastomeric ring comprising a geometric center, an outer surface forming a perimeter of the elastomeric ring, and an inner surface that is displaced from the outer surface in a first, horizontal direction and that is arranged between the outer surface and the geometric center, the inner surface defining a central aperture;a covering attached to the elastomeric ring, the covering at least partially positioned within the central aperture, the covering being previously to liquid and comprising a first layer and a second layer stacked in a second, vertical direction orthogonal to the first, horizontal direction, wherein at least portions of the first layer and the second layer define a cavity therebetween;an absorbent pad positioned within the cavity;wherein the covering is substantially isotropic, with tensile and elongation properties that are substantially the same in response to transverse forces applied in different directions.

33. The tampon of claim 32, wherein the first layer and the second layer are substantially isotropic.

34. The tampon of claim 32, wherein:the first layer comprises a first fabric layer;the second layer comprises a second fabric layer; andthe first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are substantially isotropic.

35. The tampon of claim 34, wherein:the first fabric layer comprises a first non-woven fabric layer; andthe second fabric layer comprises a second non-woven fabric layer.

36. The tampon of claim 35, wherein:the first non-woven fabric layer comprises a first elastomer comprising first threads;andthe first non-woven fabric layer comprises a second elastomer comprising second threads.

37. The tampon of claim 36, wherein:the first elastomer comprises Lycra; andthe second elastomer comprises Lycra.

38. The tampon of claim 35, wherein:the first non-woven fabric layer comprises a first circular knitted nylon; and the second non-woven fabric layer comprises a second circular knitted nylon.

39. A tampon, compri sing :an elastomeric ring comprising a geometric center, an outer surface forming a perimeter of the elastomeric ring, and an inner surface that is displaced from the outer surface in a first, horizontal direction and that is arranged between the outer surface and the geometric center, the inner surface defining a central aperture;a covering attached to the elastomeric ring, the covering at least partially positioned within the central aperture, the covering being pervious to liquid and comprising a first layer and a second layer stacked in a second, vertical direction orthogonal to the first, horizontal direction, wherein at least portions of the first layer and the second layer define a cavity therebetween;an absorbent pad positioned within the cavity;wherein at least one of the first layer and the second layer comprises an outwardly-facing apertured film that comprises a plurality of tapered openings, each opening of the plurality of openings has an increased width distal from the cavity, and each opening of the plurality of openings has a reduced with proximate to the cavity.

40. A tampon, comprising:an elastomeric ring comprising a geometric center, an outer surface forming a perimeter of the elastomeric ring, and an inner surface that is displaced from the outer surface in a first, horizontal direction and that is arranged between the outer surface and the geometric center, the inner surface defining a central aperture;a covering attached to the elastomeric ring, the covering at least partially positioned within the central aperture, the covering being pervious to liquid and comprising a first layer and a second layer stacked in a second, vertical direction orthogonal to the first, horizontal direction, wherein at least portions of the first layer and the second layer define a cavity therebetween; andan absorbent pad positioned within the cavity, the absorbent pad comprising a central region and a peripheral region, the peripheral region being closer than the central region to the inner surface, wherein a central region of the absorbent pad has a first density, the peripheral region of the absorbent pad has a second density, and the first density is greater than the second density.

41. The tampon of claim 40, wherein the central region overlaps the geometric center of the elastomeric ring.

42. The tampon of any one of claims 40 or 41, wherein the absorbent pad has a non-continuous density gradient from the first density in the central region to the second density in the peripheral region.

43. The tampon of any one of claims 40 or 41 , wherein the absorbent pad has a substantially continuous density gradient from the first density in the central region to the second density in the peripheral region.

44. A tampon, comprising:an elastomeric ring comprising a geometric center, an outer surface forming a perimeter of the elastomeric ring, and an inner surface that is displaced from the outer surface in a first, horizontal direction and that is arranged between the outer surface and the geometric center, the inner surface defining a central aperture;a covering attached to the elastomeric ring, the covering at least partially positioned within the central aperture, the covering being liquid pervious to liquid and comprising a first layer and a second layer stacked in a second, vertical direction orthogonal to the first, horizontal direction, wherein at least portions of the first layer and the second layer define a cavity therebetween; andan absorbent pad positioned within the cavity, the absorbent pad comprising a density that is non-uniform with respect to position in the second, vertical direction.

45. The tampon of claim 44, wherein the absorbent pad comprises a first density region proximate to the covering, the absorbent pad comprises a second density region distal from the covering, and the second density region has a density greater than a density of the first density region.

46. The tampon of claim 45, wherein the absorbent pad has a non-continuous density gradient from the first density region to the second density region.

47. The tampon of claim 45, wherein the absorbent pad has a continuous density gradient from the first density region to the second density region.

48. The tampon of claim 44, wherein:the absorbent pad comprises a first density region proximate to the first layer, a third density region proximate to the second layer, and a second density region between the first density region and the second density region; anda density of the second density region is greater than a density of the first density region, and is greater than a density of the third density region.

49. The tampon of claim 48, wherein the density of the first density region is equal to the density of the second density region.

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