Patent Publication Number: US-2022218535-A1

Title: Tubular tampon and method of manufacturing same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/135,247, filed Jan. 8, 2021, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to feminine hygiene products, and more particularly to tampons and methods of manufacturing tampons. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Tampons and other feminine hygiene products have worked for many years to absorb and block menstrual fluids conveniently. After absorbing sufficient amounts of fluid, most tampons begin to expand, eventually resulting in the need to remove and/or replace the tampon with another tampon or product. Tampons are typically made by folding or rolling rectangular strips of absorbent material into a blank and then compressing the blank into a cylindrical shape. A withdrawal string can be attached for removal, and an applicator may or may not be used as well. The tampon can then be wrapped and packaged for sale, which may include assembly into an applicator. 
     Due to their typical structural nature, all of the absorbent material in most tampons does not become fully saturated and the tampons do not expand uniformly during typical use. Reduced absorption and uneven expansion can result in inefficiencies, discomfort, and leakage. Furthermore, the absorbent material in most tampons can be partially or even fully unshielded, which can result in the messy and sometimes unsafe shedding of fibers in some cases. 
     Although traditional ways of designing and manufacturing tampons have worked well in the past, improvements are always helpful. In particular, what is desired are improved tampons that are safer and more comfortable to use through reduced fiber loss, enhanced absorption, and more uniform expansion, as well as ways for manufacturing such tampons. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide improved tampons that are safer and more comfortable to use, among other benefits. The disclosed features, apparatuses, systems, and methods provide improved tampon products and tampon manufacturing solutions that involve tampon products having reduced fiber loss, enhanced absorption, and more uniform expansion. These advantages can be accomplished at least in part by forming tubular shaped tampons that include an outer surface area as well as an inner surface area, and by using multiple sets of machine prongs in the manufacturing process to readily form such tampon products. 
     In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a tampon can include an absorbent body, a protective sleeve, and a string. The absorbent body can be formed of a fluid absorbent material and can define a cylindrical shape having an exterior surface, a hollow interior, an interior surface, and first and second opposing distal ends. The protective sleeve can surround the absorbent body at both the exterior surface and interior surface and can be porous to allow fluid to enter the absorbent body but prevent absorbent body material from passing through the protective sleeve. The absorbent body and protective sleeve can combine to define an overall tubular structure having an inner hollow region. The string can be coupled to the protective sleeve and absorbent body to facilitate removal of the tampon after use. Added stitching and/or the string can hold the protective sleeve in place against the absorbent body. 
     In various detailed embodiments, the protective sleeve can wrap continuously around both distal ends of the absorbent body. This can involve stitching to fasten extended ends of the protective sleeve together once the sleeve has wrapped around the absorbent body. Alternatively, this can involve a first end of the protective sleeve being tucked beneath another portion of the protective sleeve at the interior surface of the absorbent body at the first distal end of the absorbent body and a second end of the protective sleeve extending past the interior surface of the absorbent body at the second distal end of the absorbent body. The string can extend from a top outer surface of the protective sleeve through the protective sleeve, a top portion of the absorbent body, an inner surface of the protective sleeve, the hollow region, another inner surface of the protective sleeve, a bottom portion of the absorbent body, and out from a bottom outer surface of the protective sleeve. In various arrangements, the absorbent material can be cotton, which can be compressed. The protective sleeve can be a thin sheet of nonwoven cotton fiber fabric. 
     In further embodiments of the present disclosure, various methods of creating a tampon are provided. Pertinent method steps can include forming an absorbent body defining a cylindrical shape having an exterior surface, a hollow interior, an interior surface, and first and second opposing distal ends, the absorbent body having a fluid absorbent material, enclosing the absorbent body within a protective sleeve at the exterior surface, interior surface, and both distal ends, the protective sleeve being porous to allow fluid to enter the absorbent body but prevent absorbent body material from passing through the protective sleeve, wherein the absorbent body and protective sleeve combine to define an overall tubular structure having an inner hollow region and a first diameter, and coupling a string to the protective sleeve. 
     In various detailed embodiments, additional steps can include compressing the overall tubular structure to a second diameter that is less than the first diameter and/or applying a coating to an outer surface of the overall tubular structure. Forming the absorbent body can include cutting a fluid absorbent material, which can be cotton, to a specific length and width, rolling the cut fluid absorbent material around a first set of elongated machine prongs, and removing the first set of elongated machine prongs. 
     Enclosing the absorbent body within the protective sleeve can include rolling a porous sheet around the absorbent body, wherein the porous sheet extends beyond both distal ends of the absorbent body at a length that exceeds the length of the absorbent body, pinching together a first distal end of the porous sheet that extends beyond the first distal end of the absorbent body, pushing the pinched together first distal end of the porous sheet through the hollow interior and past the second distal end of the absorbent body, stitching together the protective sleeve ends that extend past the absorbent body, and trimming away any excess protective sleeve material past the stitch. 
     In alternative arrangements, a stitch can be foregone in favor of pinching together a second distal end of the porous sheet that extends beyond the second distal end of the absorbent body, and pushing the pinched together second distal end of the porous sheet through the hollow interior and past the first distal end of the absorbent body, wherein pushing the second distal end of the porous sheet tucks the first distal end of the porous sheet between the porous sheet and the absorbent body. Pinching together the first distal end of the porous sheet and pushing the pinched together first distal end can be performed by a second set of elongated machine prongs. The steps of removing the first set of elongated machine prongs and pushing the pinched together first distal end by a second set of elongated machine prongs can be performed simultaneously. Pinching together the second distal end of the porous sheet and pushing the pinched together second distal end can be performed by the first set of elongated machine prongs. 
     Coupling the string to the protective sleeve can include needle punching an end of the string through a top outer surface of the protective sleeve, pushing the string through the protective sleeve, a top portion of the absorbent body, an inner surface of the protective sleeve, the hollow region, another inner surface of the protective sleeve, a bottom portion of the absorbent body, and out from a bottom outer surface of the protective sleeve, and coupling the end of the string to a remaining portion of the string that has not passed through the protective sleeve. Coupling the end of the string can include passing the end of the string through a loop in the remaining portion of the string. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional apparatuses, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed apparatuses, systems and methods for tubular shaped tampons and methods of manufacturing same. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the disclosure by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates in side perspective view an example finished tubular shaped tampon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a flowchart of an example method of creating a tampon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of cutting an absorbent body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of rolling the cut absorbent body around machine prongs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of rolling a porous sheet around the rolled absorbent body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of enclosing the absorbent body within the porous sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates in diagrammatic view a subprocess step of beginning to enclose an absorbent body wrapped around an elongated rod within a porous sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates in diagrammatic view a subprocess step of pinching closed a first distal end of the porous sheet with a set of machine prongs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates in diagrammatic view subprocess steps of removing the elongated rod and pushing the pinched closed distal end of the porous sheet into the hollow region of the absorbent body with the set of machine prongs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates in diagrammatic view a subprocess step of pushing the pinched closed first distal end of the porous sheet fully through the hollow region and past the opposite distal end of the absorbent body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4E  illustrates in diagrammatic view a subprocess step of fully removing the elongated rod and set of machine prongs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates in front elevation view an example partially formed tubular shaped tampon prior to string coupling and compression according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates in side elevation view the example partially formed tubular shaped tampon of  FIG. 5A  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates in top cross-section view the example partially formed tubular shaped tampon of  FIG. 5A  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5D  illustrates in side perspective view the example partially formed tubular shaped tampon of  FIG. 5A  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of stitching together the ends of the porous sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates in front elevation view an example partially formed and stitched tubular shaped tampon prior to string coupling and compression according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates in side elevation view the example partially formed and stitched tubular shaped tampon of  FIG. 7A  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7C  illustrates in top cross-section view the example partially formed and stitched tubular shaped tampon of  FIG. 7A  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7D  illustrates in side perspective view the example partially formed and stitched tubular shaped tampon of  FIG. 5A  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of coupling a string to the absorbent body and porous sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates in side elevation view an example partially formed, stitched, and string coupled tubular shaped tampon prior to compression according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates in top cross-section view the example partially formed, stitched, and string coupled tubular shaped tampon of  FIG. 9A  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of primary compressing the absorbent body and porous sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of secondary compressing the absorbent body and porous sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10C  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of extracting the absorbent body and porous sheet from a compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10D  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of applying a coating to the outer surface of the porous sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10E  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of inserting a finished tubular shaped tampon into an applicator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10F  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of inserting a plunger into the applicator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart of an example detailed method of manufacturing a tubular shaped tampon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates in diagrammatic view an alternative process step of enclosing the absorbent body within the porous sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates in diagrammatic view an alternative process step of coupling a string to the absorbent body and porous sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13A  illustrates in diagrammatic view an alternative subprocess step of beginning to enclose an absorbent body wrapped around a first set of machine prongs within a porous sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13B  illustrates in diagrammatic view an alternative subprocess step of pinching closed a first distal end of the porous sheet with a second set of machine prongs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13C  illustrates in diagrammatic view alternative subprocess steps of removing the first set of machine prongs and pushing the pinched closed distal end of the porous sheet into the hollow region of the absorbent body with the second set of machine prongs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13D  illustrates in diagrammatic view an alternative subprocess step of pushing the pinched closed first distal end of the porous sheet fully through the hollow region and past the opposite distal end of the absorbent body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13E  illustrates in diagrammatic view an alternative subprocess step of fully removing the first set of machine prongs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13F  illustrates in diagrammatic view an alternative subprocess step of pinching closed a second distal end of the porous sheet with the first set of machine prongs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13G  illustrates in diagrammatic view alternative subprocess steps of removing the second set of machine prongs and pushing the second pinched closed distal end of the porous sheet into the hollow region of the absorbent body with the first set of machine prongs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13H  illustrates in diagrammatic view an alternative subprocess step of pushing the pinched closed second distal end of the porous sheet fully through the hollow region and past the opposite distal end of the absorbent body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13I  illustrates in diagrammatic view an alternative subprocess step of removing both sets of machine prongs to leave a fully enclosed absorbent body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13J  illustrates in diagrammatic view an alternative subprocess step of attaching a string through the absorbent body and porous sheet combination according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14A  illustrates in front elevation view an example alternative partially formed and string coupled tampon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14B  illustrates in side perspective view the example alternative partially formed and string coupled tampon of  FIG. 14A  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14C  illustrates in side elevation view the example alternative partially formed and string coupled tampon of  FIG. 14A  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14D  illustrates in top cross-section view the example partially formed and string coupled tampon of  FIG. 14A  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary applications of apparatuses, systems, and methods according to the present disclosure are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the disclosure. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details provided herein. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it is understood that these examples are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     The present disclosure relates in various embodiments to features, apparatuses, systems, and methods for tubular shaped tampons and manufacturing such tubular shaped tampons. The disclosed embodiments can include the tampon products, as well as the methods of creating the tampon products. In particular, the disclosed embodiments can utilize different sets of machine prongs to form an absorbent material into a cylindrical or tubular shape, fully enclose the cylindrically shaped absorbent body within a protective sleeve, and couple a string to the protective sleeve and absorbent body such that the string can serve as an extraction device to facilitate removal of the tampon after use. Added stitching and/or the string can serve to hold the protective sleeve in place against the absorbent body. 
     Although various embodiments disclosed herein discuss tampons for use with an applicator, it will be readily appreciated that the disclosed features, apparatuses, systems, and methods can similarly be used for any relevant tampon or other feminine hygiene product with or without an applicator. For example, the disclosed methods can be used to form a tubular shaped tampon that may be inserted without an accompanying applicator. Furthermore, although different sets of machine prongs are described for the methods of manufacturing the disclosed tubular shaped tampons, it will be appreciated that any other elongated component or components can be similarly used to form the disclosed tampon products. Other applications, arrangements, and extrapolations beyond the illustrated embodiments are also contemplated. 
     It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide improved tampons that are safer and more comfortable to use, among other benefits. The disclosed features, apparatuses, systems, and methods provide improved tampon products and tampon manufacturing solutions that involve tampon products having reduced fiber loss, enhanced absorption, and more uniform expansion. The disclosed tampons provide unique tubular structures that result in safer and more comfortable usage. Increased safety results from fully enclosing absorbent material within a protective sleeve such that little to no fiber loss can possibly occur during use. 
     While existing tampon products have fibrous absorbent material that is either fully exposed or at least exposed at a distal end or tip, the disclosed tampons fully wrap an absorbent material core within a protective sleeve. Increased comfort results from the enhanced absorbency, more uniform expansion, and reduced leakage that occur during use. While existing tampons absorb fluids inefficiently and expand unevenly, the disclosed tampons absorb fluids efficiently and expand evenly, resulting in greater comfort and less leakage. This is due to the tubular and cupped shape of the tampon, which is formed by pinching shut a back end of the tubular shaped tampon and holding it shut by stitching and/or a string attachment. With this shape, the front end of the tampon opens up like a cup as it starts to absorb fluid, which allows fluid to be more uniformly absorbed along the outer and inner surfaces of the tampon. 
     Starting with  FIG. 1 , an example finished tubular shaped tampon is illustrated in side perspective view. Tampon  100  can include a distal front end  102 , distal back end  104 , and inner hollow region  106 . One or both distal ends  102 ,  104  can include a tapered region  108 . Tampon  100  can include an overall tubular structure  110  and a string  140 , which may be coupled at or proximate to distal back end  104 . As set forth in greater detail below, overall tubular structure  110  can be formed from an absorbent body and a protective sleeve. The absorbent body can be formed of a fluid absorbent material defining a cylindrical shape having an exterior surface, a hollow interior, an interior surface, and first and second opposing distal ends. The protective sleeve can surround the absorbent body at both the exterior surface and interior surface, as well as at both distal ends. The protective sleeve can be porous to allow fluid to enter the absorbent body but prevent absorbent body material from passing through the protective sleeve. The string  140  can be coupled to the protective sleeve, the absorbent body, or both, and can facilitate removal of the tampon after use. 
     Moving next to  FIG. 2 , a flowchart of an example method  200  of creating a tampon is provided. It will be appreciated that method  200  is a relatively high level process, and that various details are not provided at this point. After a start step  202 , an absorbent body with a hollow interior is formed at process step  204 . This can involve forming an absorbent body defining a cylindrical shape having an exterior surface, a hollow interior, an interior surface, and first and second opposing distal ends. The absorbent body can have a fluid absorbent material, such as, for example, natural organic cotton. Hemp and/or other suitable natural fiber materials may be mixed with the organic cotton in some arrangements. This can be accomplished, for example, by way of the process detailed below in  FIGS. 3A-3B . 
     At following process step  206 , the absorbent body can be enclosed within a protective sleeve. This can include enclosing the absorbent body within a protective sleeve at the exterior surface, interior surface, and both distal ends of the absorbent body. The protective sleeve can be porous to allow fluid to enter the absorbent body but prevent absorbent body material from passing through the protective sleeve, and the absorbent body and protective sleeve combine to define an overall tubular structure having an inner hollow region and a first diameter. This can be accomplished, for example, by way of the processes detailed below in  FIGS. 3C-3D and 4A-4E . 
     At the next process step  208 , a string can be coupled to the protective sleeve. The string can be used as a removal feature during use of the finished tampon product. In various arrangements, coupling the string to the protective sleeve can include punching an end of the string through a top outer surface of the protective sleeve, pushing the string through the protective sleeve, a top portion of the absorbent body, an inner surface of the protective sleeve, the hollow region, another inner surface of the protective sleeve, a bottom portion of the absorbent body, and out from a bottom outer surface of the protective sleeve, and then coupling the end of the string to a remaining portion of the string that has not passed through the protective sleeve. The string may or may not help to hold the protective sleeve in place against the absorbent body, and the string may or may not help to hold shut a compressed back distal end of the overall structure. In some embodiments stitching may be added to the protective sleeve to accomplish one or both of these functions, as detailed below. 
     At subsequent process step  210 , the overall structure can be compressed. This can involve a primary compression phase that involves laterally compressing the product to create a more compressed and uniform elongated lateral shape and/or a secondary compression phase that involves applying an axial compression force to compress the product to a desired length. This can be accomplished, for example, by way of the processes detailed below in  FIGS. 10A-10C . 
     At the next optional process step  212 , a coating can be applied to the outer surface of the finished tampon product. This can be, for example, a coating that serve as a pain reducer. In some arrangements, the optional coating can include a cannabidiol oil component. This can be accomplished, for example, by way of the process detailed below in  FIG. 10D . 
     At the following optional process step  214 , the finished tampon product can be inserted into an applicator. This can involve inserting the finished tampon product into an applicator, and then inserting a plunger into the applicator. The tampon string can extend out the back end of the applicator and may travel through a hollow interior of a plunger shaft. This can be accomplished, for example, by way of the processes detailed below in  FIGS. 10E-10F . The method then ends at end step  216 . 
     Starting with  FIGS. 3A-3D , the start of an overall tampon manufacturing process is shown in a series of progressing diagrammatic views.  FIG. 3A  illustrates in diagrammatic view  301  a process step of cutting an absorbent body. Absorbent body material source  350  can include material that forms the bulk of absorbent material in a final tampon product. Such material can be, for example, natural organic cotton, which may be layered in a large industrial roll. In some arrangements, hemp mixed with natural organic cotton may also be used. Other natural fibrous materials are also contemplated for absorbent body material source  350 . A cutter  360  can be used to cut unrolled material from absorbent body material source  350  into an absorbent material layer  352  of desired dimensions, such as a specific thickness, length and width. Operations of unrolling material from the absorbent body material source  350  and cutting the material to the desired dimensions can be automated, such as by standard industrial manufacturing processes using robotically controlled equipment. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates in diagrammatic view  302  a process step of rolling the cut absorbent body material around machine prongs. As shown, an end of absorbent material layer  352  can be pinched between a first set of machine prongs  370 , which can include individual prongs  371 ,  372 . These prongs  371 ,  372  can be formed from any suitable manufacturing material, such as, for example, a medical grade metal or other material. The first set of machine prongs  370  can then be rotated such that a rolled absorbent material  354  is formed around the prongs. Prongs  371 ,  372  can be dimensioned such that an appropriately sized internal hollow region is formed in the center of the rolled absorbent material  354  when the prongs are removed therefrom. Alternatively, a single rod can be used in lieu of a set of machine prongs  370  for rolling the cut absorbent body. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates in diagrammatic view  303  a process step of rolling a porous sheet around the rolled absorbent body. Porous sheet material source  351  can provide a porous sheet material that is then rolled around the rolled absorbent material  354 . This can also be accomplished by rotating the first set of machine prongs as the porous sheet material is placed against the rolled absorbent material  354 , which can result in a rolled porous sheet material  355  being formed around the rolled absorbent material. The porous sheet material can be, for example, a nonwoven natural organic cotton that has been pressure treated for strength, and the porous sheet can have a thickness of about 4 mils. Other materials and thicknesses are also possible. In particular, the rolled porous sheet material  355  can form a protective sleeve that allows fluid to pass therethrough to enter the rolled absorbent material  354  but prevents fiber and other absorbent body material from passing through the protective sleeve. 
       FIG. 3D  illustrates in diagrammatic view  304  a process step of enclosing the absorbent body within the porous sheet. While diagrammatic view  303  above is shown from an end cross-section view, diagrammatic view  304  of  FIG. 3D  depicts the same arrangement from a side cross-section view. Again, a rolled absorbent material  354  has been formed around machine prongs  371 ,  372 , and a rolled porous sheet material  355  has been formed around the rolled absorbent material  354 . As shown, the rolled porous sheet material  355  can have a length that is significantly longer than the length of the rolled absorbent material  354 . In various arrangements, the rolled porous sheet material  355  can extend past both distal ends of the rolled absorbent material  354  a distance that exceeds the length and half the height of the rolled absorbent material  354 . This excess rolled porous sheet material  355  can then be manipulated to fully encapsulate the rolled absorbent material  354  at all surfaces to arrive at partially formed tubular shaped tampon  300 . 
     The process shown in  FIG. 3D  is expanded in  FIGS. 4A-4E , which provide a detailed breakdown of one way of enclosing the absorbent body within the porous sheet in a series of progressing diagrammatic views.  FIG. 4A  illustrates in diagrammatic view  401  a subprocess step of beginning to enclose an absorbent body wrapped around an elongated rod within a porous sheet.  FIG. 4A  can correlate to the first portion of  FIG. 3D  above, with a porous sheet material  355  rolled around an absorbent material  354 , which is in turn can be rolled around machine prongs or alternatively an elongated rod  379 . Again, the length of porous sheet material  355  can be substantially greater than the length of absorbent material  354 , with the ends of the porous sheet material  355  extending significantly beyond both distal ends of the absorbent material  354 . In one non-limiting example for purposes of illustration, the length of absorbent material  354  can be about 5 cm and the length of porous sheet material  355  can be about 14 cm, and porous sheet material  355  can be arranged such that it extends past the absorbent material by 2 cm on a back end thereof and by 7 cm on a front end thereof. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates in diagrammatic view  402  a subprocess step of pinching closed a first distal end of the porous sheet with a set of machine prongs. Set of machine prongs  375 , which can include prongs  376 ,  377 , can be used to pinch together one end of the porous sheet material  355  that extends past a front distal end of the absorbent material  354  to form pinched porous sheet end  356 . Set of machine prongs  375  can be formed from a medical grade metal or other material. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates in diagrammatic view  403  subprocess steps of removing the elongated rod and pushing the pinched closed distal end of the porous sheet into the hollow region of the absorbent body with the set of machine prongs. Elongated rod  379  can be removed from the hollow interior region of absorbent material  354 , and set of machine prongs  375  can then be inserted into the hollow region while still holding together pinched porous sheet end  356 . This can result in porous sheet material  355  wrapping around from the top and bottom of the absorbent material  354  to cover the front distal end of the absorbent material  354  and also the inner surfaces of the absorbent material  354  along the hollow interior region. 
       FIG. 4D  illustrates in diagrammatic view  404  a subprocess step of pushing the pinched closed first distal end of the porous sheet fully through the hollow region and past the opposite distal end of the absorbent body. As set of machine prongs  375  extends fully through the internal hollow region of the bulk absorbent material, the porous sheet can fully line the interior surfaces of the internal hollow region. Upon full extension, the distal end of the porous sheet can be released from set of machine prongs  375  to become unpinched together porous sheet end  357 , which can extend past the back distal end of the bulk absorbent material. Set of machine prongs  375  can open slightly to facilitate this release, or the porous sheet can simply slide out from the grasp of the machine prongs due to the porous sheet being fully extended. 
       FIG. 4E  illustrates in diagrammatic view  405  a subprocess step of fully removing the elongated rod and set of machine prongs. Elongated rod  379  can be fully removed from both the bulk absorbent material and the extended back distal end of porous sheet  355  and set of machine prongs  375  can also be removed from the internal hollow region of the bulk absorbent material. This can then result in partially formed tubular shaped tampon  300 , which can also be referred to as a “blank.” 
     Moving next to  FIGS. 5A-5D , an example partially formed tubular shaped tampon prior to string coupling and compression is shown in front elevation, side elevation, top cross-section, and side perspective views respectively. Partially formed tubular shaped tampon  300 , which again can be referred to as a “blank,” can represent the foregoing finished tampon  100  at an intermediate stage of the manufacturing process. In particular, partially formed tubular shaped tampon  300  can represent the “blank” structure formed by the processes detailed in  FIGS. 3A through 4E  above. Partially formed tubular shaped tampon  300  can be an overall tubular structure  310  that includes absorbent body  320  surrounded by protective sleeve  330 . Partially formed tubular shaped tampon  300  can also include an inner hollow region  306  and tapered regions  308  at front distal end  302  and back distal end  304 . While the loose distal ends of protective sleeve  330  are shown in  FIG. 4E  (i.e., ends of porous sheet  355 ), these have not been shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D  for purposes of simplicity in illustration. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step  305  of stitching together the ends of the porous sheet. Partially formed tubular shaped tampon  300  can have loose distal ends  355   a ,  355   b ,  355   c ,  355   d  of porous sheet material  355 , which loose distal ends all extend past the back distal end of the absorbent material  354  after the processes detailed in  FIGS. 4A-4E . In order to completely enclose and lock in the tubular shaped absorbent material  354 , loose distal ends  355   a ,  355   b ,  355   c ,  355   d  can all be stitched together, such as by stitching  680 . 
     Partially formed and stitched tubular shaped tampon  600  can be formed by taking partially formed tubular shaped tampon  300 , pinching or compressing shut the back distal end where loose distal ends  355   a ,  355   b ,  355   c ,  355   d  extend past the absorbent material, and applying stitching  680  to hold the back distal end shut. Stitching  680  can be an chain stitch, for example, which can be applied using any suitable automated manufacturing stitching process. Excess porous sheet material beyond stitching  680  can then be trimmed away. In various embodiments, stitching  680  can be formed from an organic cotton material. Partially formed and stitched tubular shaped tampon  600  then forms an overall cupped shape where the front distal end can be inserted such that fluids can flow into the internal cavity and expand the tampon more uniformly during use. 
     Continuing with  FIGS. 7A-7D , an example partially formed and stitched tubular shaped tampon prior to string coupling and compression is shown in front elevation, side elevation, top cross-section, and side perspective views respectively. Partially formed stitched tubular shaped tampon  600  can represent the foregoing finished tampon  100  at another intermediate stage of the manufacturing process that is further along than partially formed tubular shaped tampon  300  above. In particular, partially formed stitched tubular shaped tampon  600  can represent the stitched structure formed by the process set forth in  FIG. 6  above. Partially formed stitched tubular shaped tampon  600  can be an overall cupped tubular structure  610  that includes absorbent body  620  surrounded by protective sleeve  630 . Partially formed stitched tubular shaped tampon  600  can also include an inner hollow region  606  and a back distal end that has been pinched together and stitched shut with stitching  680 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates in diagrammatic view a process step of coupling a string to the absorbent body and porous sheet. As noted above, partially formed stitched tubular shaped tampon  600  can be pinched shut at its back end as part of the stitching process to fully enclose the absorbent material within the protective sleeve. String  840  can then be punched through all layers of the compressed back distal end and coupled to itself to arrive at partially formed, stitched, and string coupled tubular shaped tampon  800 . String  840  can be coupled in a variety of different ways. In some embodiments, string  840  can be attached by needle punching string  840  through a top hole in the protective sleeve and pushing the string through all materials until it exits at a bottom hole in the protective sleeve. This can involve pushing the string through a top outer surface of the protective sleeve, a top portion of the absorbent body, an inner surface of the protective sleeve, the hollow region, another inner surface of the protective sleeve, a bottom portion of the absorbent body, and out from a bottom outer surface of the protective sleeve. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrates in side elevation and top cross-section views respectively an example partially formed, stitched, and string coupled tubular shaped tampon prior to compression. In various arrangements, the exiting end of string  840  can be coupled to a remaining portion of the string that has not passed through the protective sleeve. This can involve, for example, passing the end of the string  840  through a loop in the remaining portion of the string. Alternatively, the end of the string  840  can form a loop or a knot on the remaining portion of the string. Still further, a clamp or wrap can be used to hold the end of string  840  against the remaining portion of string. Other ways of affixing or coupling the string  840  to hold it in place are also possible, as will be readily appreciated. 
     Transitioning back to  FIGS. 10A-10F , remaining process steps for forming a finished tampon product will now be described.  FIG. 10A  illustrates in diagrammatic view  307  a process step of primary compressing the absorbent body and porous sheet. Partially formed, stitched, and string coupled tubular shaped tampon  800  can be compressed at a primary compression stage to create a more compact and uniform elongated lateral shape. A lateral precompression force  1082  can be applied along all lateral exterior surfaces to arrive at an overall cylindrical shape having a diameter that is less than the diameter of partially formed, stitched, and string coupled tubular shaped tampon  800 . In various arrangements, this reduced diameter can be sufficient to place the resulting partially formed tampon product into an axial compressor for a secondary compression stage. 
       FIG. 10B  illustrates in diagrammatic view  308  a process step of secondary compressing the absorbent body and porous sheet in a compressor to form a finished tampon product. Compressor  1083  can have an internal cavity that is sized and shaped to contain the primary compressed partially formed tampon product formed above. After insertion into the cavity of compressor  1083 , an axial compression force can be applied to compress the partially formed tampon product to a desired length, resulting in a finished tampon product having a desired length and diameter. 
       FIG. 10C  illustrates in diagrammatic view  309  a process step of extracting the absorbent body and porous sheet from a compressor. Finished tampon product  100  can then be extracted from the internal cavity of compressor  1083  and may then be ready for packaging or use. Alternatively, further optional steps may be taken with respect to finished tampon product  100 . In some embodiments, a “regular” sized finished tampon product  100  can have a ribbon length of about 140-160 mm, a ribbon width of about 50 mm, a nonwoven length of about 100-120 mm, a nonwoven width of about 140 mm, and a post-compression diameter of about 14-16 mm (with a pre-compression diameter of about 21.5-23.5 mm). In other embodiments, a “super” sized finished tampon product  100  can have a ribbon length of about 220-260 mm, a ribbon width of about 50 mm, a nonwoven length of about 110-150 mm, a nonwoven width of about 140 mm, and a post-compression diameter of about 10-12 mm (with a pre-compression diameter of about 24-26 mm). Other sizes and dimensions are also possible, and it will be readily appreciated that the examples provided here for purposes of illustration are not limiting in any way with respect to the sizes and dimensions that finished tampon product  100  can have. 
       FIG. 10D  illustrates in diagrammatic view  310  an optional process step of applying a coating to the outer surface of the porous sheet. Optionally, a coater may be used to apply a coating  1086  to the outer surface of the porous sheet, and thus the exterior surface of the finished tampon product. Such an optional coating can be, for example, a coating that can include a cannabidiol oil, which can increase pain relief during tampon use. 
       FIG. 10E  illustrates in diagrammatic view  311  an optional process step of inserting a finished tubular shaped tampon into an applicator. Finished tampon product  100 , which may or may not have a coating, can be inserted into applicator  1090  to form tampon applicator combination  1092 . 
       FIG. 10F  illustrates in diagrammatic view  312  an optional process step of inserting a plunger into the applicator to form a finished tampon and applicator product. An applicator plunger  1094  can be inserted into the tampon applicator combination  1092  to form tampon applicator plunger combination  1096 . As will be readily appreciated, the tampon product can be arranged such that the string extends out the back end of the applicator and may travel through a hollow interior of plunger shaft  1095 . 
     For each of the foregoing process and subprocess steps in  FIGS. 3A-3D, 4A-4E, 6, 8 , and  10 A- 10 F, it will be readily appreciated that some or all steps may be performed automatically using suitable manufacturing machinery and production techniques. Various manufacturing components can be robotic and can be operated through the use of appropriate software. 
     Turning next to  FIG. 11 , a flowchart of an example method  1100  of manufacturing a tubular shaped tampon is provided. After a start step  1102 , a fluid absorbent material can be cut to specific dimensions at process step  1104 . This can correspond that which is shown in  FIG. 3A  above and the accompanying description. 
     At the next process step  1106 , the cut material can be rolled around a first set of machine prongs. This can correspond that which is shown in  FIG. 3B  above and the accompanying description. At subsequent process step  1108 , a porous sheet can be rolled around the absorbent body. This can correspond that which is shown in  FIG. 3C  above and the accompanying description. 
     At the next process step  1110 , a first end of the porous sheet can be pinched together with a second set of machine prongs. This can correspond that which is shown in  FIG. 4B  above and the accompanying description. 
     At subsequent process step  1112 , the first set of machine prongs can be removed, and at process step  1114  the pinched first end of the porous sheet can be pushed through the hollow body with the second set of machine prongs. Steps  1112  and  1114  can be performed simultaneously and can correspond that which is shown in  FIGS. 4C-4E  above and the accompanying description to arrive at a “blank” formation in the tampon manufacturing process. 
     At the next process step  1116 , the back end of the absorbent body can be pinched together to form an overall cupped shape in the original tube shaped blank, and at the following process step  1118 , the loose distal ends of the porous sheet can be stitched together. These steps can correspond that which is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7A-7D  above and the accompanying description. 
     At the following process step  1120 , a string end can be punched through the porous sheet, and at the next process step  1122 , the string can be pushed through the porous sheet and absorbent body portions to exit at the opposite side of the overall tubular structure. At subsequent process step  1124 , the end of the string can be coupled to a remaining string portion. These steps can correspond to that which is shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9A-9B  above and the accompanying description. 
     At the following process step  1126 , the overall structure can be compressed. This can involve a primary compression phase (lateral) and a secondary compression stage (axial) to compress the overall structure both laterally and axially. This can also involve removing a finished tampon product from a compressor. This can correspond to that which is shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C  above and the accompanying description. 
     At the next optional process step  1128 , a coating can be applied to the outer surface of the overall structure. This can be, for example, a cannabinoid oil applied by a coater. At the following optional process step  1130 , the finished tampon can be inserted into an applicator. This can involve inserting the tampon product, with or without a coating, into an applicator, and may also include inserting a plunger into the applicator after the tampon product. This can correspond to  FIGS. 10D-10F  above and the accompanying description. The method then ends at end step  1132 . 
     It will be appreciated that the foregoing methods  200  and  1100  may include additional steps not shown, and that not all steps are necessary in some embodiments. For example, additional steps may include formation of material sources, details regarding applicator components, and/or packaging a finished tampon product. Furthermore, the order of steps may be altered as desired, and one or more steps may be performed simultaneously. Other method steps, orders, and details may also be used to arrive at the disclosed tampon products. 
     While the foregoing example tampons and methods of making same have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that there may be other embodiments and variations in ways of making tubular shaped tampon products. It is specifically contemplated that all such variations for tubular or overall cup shaped tampon products and methods of making same be included herein. In one alternative embodiment, the protective sleeve can be double pushed through the hollow internal region of the absorbent material such that stitching may not be necessary to fully enclose the absorbent material and hold the protective sleeve in place. Various details of such an alternative arrangement follow. 
     Transitioning to  FIGS. 12A through 14D , an alternative way of enclosing the absorbent material in a protective sleeve will now be provided.  FIG. 12A  illustrates in diagrammatic view  1201  an alternative process step of enclosing the absorbent body within the porous sheet, which results in alternative partially formed tubular shaped tampon  1200 . Details of how this can be accomplished are set forth below in  FIGS. 13A-13J  and the accompanying description.  FIG. 12B  illustrates in diagrammatic view an alternative process step of coupling a string to the absorbent body and porous sheet, which results in alternative partially formed string coupled tubular shaped tampon  1300 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS. 13A-13J , a detailed breakdown of an alternative way of enclosing the absorbent body within the porous sheet is shown in a series of progressing diagrammatic views.  FIG. 13A  illustrates in diagrammatic view  1301  a subprocess step of beginning to enclose an absorbent body wrapped around a first set of machine prongs within a porous sheet.  FIG. 13A  can correlate to the first portion of  FIG. 3D  above, with a porous sheet material  355  rolled around an absorbent material  354 , which is in turn rolled around machine prongs  371 ,  372 . The length of porous sheet material  355  can be substantially greater than the length of absorbent material  354 , with the ends of the porous sheet material  355  extending significantly beyond both distal ends of the absorbent material  354 . 
       FIG. 13B  illustrates in diagrammatic view  1302  a subprocess step of pinching closed a first distal end of the porous sheet with a second set of machine prongs. A second set of machine prongs  375 , which can include prongs  376 ,  377 , can be used to pinch together one end of the porous sheet material  355  that extends past a back distal end of the absorbent material to form pinched porous sheet end  356 . Second set of machine prongs  375  can be identical or substantially similar to first set of machine prongs  370 , such as by being formed from a medical grade material. 
       FIG. 13C  illustrates in diagrammatic view  1303  subprocess steps of removing the first set of machine prongs and pushing the pinched closed distal end of the porous sheet into the hollow region of the absorbent body with the second set of machine prongs. First set of machine prongs  370  can be removed from the hollow interior region of absorbent material  354 , and second set of machine prongs  375  can then be inserted into the hollow region while still holding together pinched porous sheet end  356 . This can result in porous sheet material  355  wrapping around from the top and bottom of the absorbent material  354  to cover the back distal end of the absorbent material and also the inner surfaces of the absorbent material along the hollow interior region. 
       FIG. 13D  illustrates in diagrammatic view  1304  a subprocess step of pushing the pinched closed first distal end of the porous sheet fully through the hollow region and past the opposite distal end of the absorbent body. As second set of machine prongs  375  extends fully through the internal hollow region of the bulk absorbent material, the porous sheet can fully line the interior surfaces of the internal hollow region. Upon full extension, the distal end of the porous sheet can be released from the second set of machine prongs  375  to become unpinched together porous sheet end  357 , which can extend past the front distal end of the bulk absorbent material. The second set of machine prongs  375  can open slightly to facilitate this release, or the porous sheet can simply slide out from the grasp of the machine prongs due to the porous sheet being fully extended. 
       FIG. 13E  illustrates in diagrammatic view  1305  a subprocess step of fully removing the first set of machine prongs. First set of machine prongs  370  can be fully removed from both the bulk absorbent material and the extended front distal end of porous sheet  355  while the second set of machine prongs  375  remains within the internal hollow region of the bulk absorbent material.  FIG. 13F  illustrates in diagrammatic view  1306  a process step of pinching closed a second distal end of the porous sheet with the first set of machine prongs. Once fully removed, first set of machine prongs  370  can then be opened, moved forward, and then closed to pinch together the front distal end of the porous sheet to form a second pinched together porous sheet end  358 . 
       FIG. 13G  illustrates in diagrammatic view  1307  subprocess steps of removing the second set of machine prongs and pushing the second pinched closed distal end of the porous sheet into the hollow region of the absorbent body with the first set of machine prongs. Similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 13C  above, second set of machine prongs  375  can be removed from the internal hollow region while first set of machine prongs  370  is inserted into the hollow region while holding together second pinched together porous sheet end  358 . Due to the nature of the materials involved, the porous sheet initially lining the bulk absorbent material can tend to remain in place while the first set of machine prongs  370  pushes through another layer of the porous sheet to reline the internal hollow region. This can occur due to naturally higher friction between the fibrous absorbent material and fibrous porous sheet, and the naturally lower friction between the porous sheet and the smooth metal machine prongs. The unpinched together porous sheet end  357  can be neatly tucked under the second layer of porous sheet being pushed back through the internal hollow region by the first set of machine prongs  370 . 
       FIG. 13H  illustrates in diagrammatic view  1308  a subprocess step of pushing the pinched closed second distal end of the porous sheet fully through the hollow region and past the opposite distal end of the absorbent body. Similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 13D  above, the second set of machine prongs  375  can be fully removed from the hollow internal region while the first set of machine prongs pushes the second layer of porous sheet material through the internal hollow region until a second unpinched together porous sheet end  359  extends past the back distal end of the bulk absorbent material. 
       FIG. 13I  illustrates in diagrammatic view  1309  a subprocess step of removing both sets of machine prongs to leave a fully enclosed absorbent body. Both sets of machine prongs  370 ,  375  can then be fully removed from the bulk absorbent material and porous sheet to result in partially formed tubular shaped tampon  1200 . As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing description, partially formed tubular shaped tampon  1200  can include bulk absorbent material formed into a tubular shape, with a porous sheet fully encapsulating the bulk absorbent material along all surfaces. 
       FIG. 13J  illustrates in diagrammatic view  1310  a process step of attaching a string through the absorbent body and porous sheet combination. To hold the porous sheet in place against the bulk absorbent material at its back distal end, a string can be attached to arrive at alternative partially formed string coupled tubular shaped tampon  1300 . This string can also function as a removal device after actual use of the finished tampon product. As noted above, the back distal end of partially formed tubular shaped tampon  1200  can be compressed as part of the string coupling process. Not only does this help to form a more secure attachment of the string to the partially formed tampon product, but it also shapes the back distal end of the tampon product to limit fluid flow through the internal hollow region. As such, menstrual fluids can flow into the internal hollow region via the front distal end of the finished tampon product during use, but are prevented from freely flowing out the back distal end of the finished tampon product due to the flattening of the back distal end and holding it shut with the string coupling. 
       FIGS. 14A-14D  illustrate the alternative partially formed and string coupled tampon in front elevation, side perspective, side elevation, and top cross-section views respectively. Alternative partially formed and string coupled tubular shaped tampon  1300  can represent an alternative version of the foregoing finished tampon  100  at a particular stage of the manufacturing process. String  1340  can be coupled in a manner identical or substantially similar to the string coupling processes disclosed above. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 14A-14D , back distal end  1304  of partially formed string coupled tubular shaped tampon  1300  can be squeezed together or flattened as part of the string coupling process. This can result in limiting the amount of fluids that can pass through the back distal end  1304  toward the string  1340  during use of the finished tampon product. As shown in the front elevation view from front distal end  1302  in  FIG. 14A , overall tubular structure  1310  can be flattened from a fully round or tubular shape  1310  at the front distal end to a flattened shape with extending side bulges  1312  and flow blocking regions  1314  at the back distal end. Inner hollow region  1306  is thus flattened from a round shape at the front distal end to a narrow slit  1316  at the back distal end of partially formed and string coupled tubular shaped tampon  1300 . String  1340  can also function to maintain this flattened shape when tightly applied. 
     Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described disclosure may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.