Technical Field

The present invention relates to packaging to improve the hygiene of using items stored therein.

Background

There is a need for improved packaging for sanitary items which can also assist with disposal of the item once the item has been used. This is particularly true of sanitary items, such as those which are soiled in use; for example, sanitary towels, tampons, wound dressings and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Tampons are often provided with plastic or cardboard applicator devices; however, these applicators are non-recyclable, and the applicator devices must be disposed of after use, creating additional waste. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the volume of waste produced when using tampons. One method of reducing this waste is to use tampons which are inserted using only the fingers (i.e. ‘digital insertion’); however, a problem with digital insertion is that a finger is brought into direct contact with the vagina as the tampon is inserted. This can be messy and is also unhygienic, which is a reason why many women avoid using digital tampons. Women may also prefer the smoother ‘plastic feel’ of an applicator, which may discourage them from using a digital tampon, which typically lacks this. Therefore, there is a need to improve the packaging of digital tampons in a way that solves this problem.

Disposal bags for sanitary items are known; however, it is not convenient for users to carry separate disposal bags in addition to unused sanitary items. Furthermore, when disposing of a used item, one hand of the user is occupied by the potentially saturated or contaminated item, and therefore the user will struggle to open traditional disposal bags using only one hand to open a bin, a bag or use a toilet paper wrap. Therefore, manual disposal of such items is currently inconvenient and unhygienic, and there is a need for improved packaging to overcome this problem. Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided packaging comprising an elongate flexible tube having a first portion terminating in a first end and a second portion terminating in a second end; wherein the tube is open or openable at the first end; wherein the second portion of the flexible tube contains the unused tampon; the tube being substantially impermeable to water, and wherein the elongate flexible tube is contained within, or forms part of, a first pouch; and a second pouch is detachably connected to the first pouch by means of a frangible connection; wherein the second pouch is for receiving a used tampon; wherein the second pouch is substantially impermeable to water; and the second pouch has a mouth, which is arranged to be capable of manipulation by a single hand of a user between a mouthopen position and a mouth-closed position.

The invention also provides a method of using such packaging, comprising;

(i) everting the first end of the tube over and around the second portion of the tube to form a double layer of the tube around the unused tampon; or (ii) gathering the first portion of the tube towards the second portion of the tube; and using a finger to digitally insert the tampon into a vagina; wherein the tube acts to prevent contact between the finger and the vagina, the method further comprising: separating the first pouch from the second pouch by breaking the frangible connection; opening the mouth of the second pouch with a single hand and placing a used item therein; opening the first pouch; and using the unused item.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the packaging.

Figure 2 shows how the mouth of the second pouch may be manipulated by a single hand of a user. Figure 3 shows a view of the digital insertion packaging and a method of using the digital insertion packaging.

Figure 4 shows a step by step method for using the digital insertion packaging in conjunction with a single piece applicator.

Figure 5 shows a step by step method for using packaging having a digital insertion means and a disposal pouch.

Figure 6 shows two forms of the packaging, the first for accommodating a single piece applicator and tampon, and the second for accommodating a tampon only.

Figure 7 shows a detailed step by step method for using packaging having a digital insertion means and a disposal pouch.

Detailed Description

Digital insertion packaging

The present invention provides packaging comprising an elongate flexible tube having a first portion terminating in a first end and a second portion terminating in a second end; wherein the tube is open or openable at the first end; wherein the second portion of the flexible tube contains an unused tampon; the tube being substantially impermeable to water. The elongate flexible tube is contained within, or forms part of, a first pouch and a second pouch is detachably connected to the first pouch by means of a frangible (e.g. perforated) connection. The first pouch is for containing the unused tampon and the second pouch is for receiving the used tampon which is substantially impermeable to water. The second pouch further has a mouth, wherein in use, the mouth is arranged to be capable of manipulation by a single hand of a user between a mouthopen position and a mouth-closed position. The second pouch may additionally have any of the features described elsewhere herein.

In some such embodiments, the tube is capable of assisting the digital insertion of a tampon. For example, the tube is arranged to act as a barrier between the finger of a user and the vagina during digital insertion of the tampon contained therein. In some such embodiments the first end of the tube is reversible to evert the first portion of the tube over and around the second portion of the tube, to form a double layer of the tube around the unused tampon. Suitably, the tampon is arranged such that the base of the tampon from which the tampon string emerges abuts the second end of the tube.

The packaging of the invention may allow insertion of the tampon with reduced contact between the tampon and the user’s skin, resulting in improved hygiene. Such packaging would make using a digitally insertable tampon a more desirable choice for users. When the first pouch comprises such means, it is not necessary for the tampon to be provided with a separate applicator device; this would mean that less waste is generated; furthermore, the cost of manufacturing, and consequently the cost to the enduser is reduced. The elongate flexible tube of the packaging can be used to assist insertion of a tampon with a single part applicator. When used with a single part applicator, the single part applicator comprises an elongate rigid body abutting the end of the tampon, the single part applicator having substantially the same diameter as the tampon. The packaging described herein therefore assists insertion of a tampon, such that a two-part applicator is not necessary; this would mean that less waste is generated; furthermore, the cost of manufacturing, and consequently the cost to the end-user is reduced.

In some embodiments, the first pouch is arranged to assist the digital insertion of a tampon into the vagina of a user, when the first pouch is detached from the second pouch. Assisting the digital insertion of a tampon is, in some cases, possible because the first pouch comprises a “sheath” in the form of an elongate flexible tube, which can be used as a barrier between the finger of a user and the vagina during digital insertion of a tampon contained therein.

In some embodiments, the first pouch comprises an elongate flexible tube having a first portion terminating in a first end and a second portion terminating in a second end; wherein the tube is open at the first end; wherein the second portion of the flexible tube contains the unused tampon. Suitably, the tube is substantially impermeable to water. Since the tube is impermeable to water it may be used as a barrier between the finger of the user and their vagina during insertion of the tampon. In some embodiments, the second portion of the tube has a length sufficient to accommodate a tampon. The length of the first portion of the tube may, in some embodiments be substantially the same length as the second portion of the tube. In some embodiments, the first portion of the tube may be shorter in length than the second portion of the tube; this is particularly the case when the tampon is provided with a single piece applicator.

In some embodiments, the elongate flexible tube of the first pouch is conveniently folded into the first pouch to be contained therein during storage. For example, the first portion of the tube is flattened and folded alongside the second portion of the tube. The pliable material of the tube allows the first portion of the tube to cup the second portion of the tube and the tampon (and in some cases the applicator) contained therein. This allows the tube to be easily contained within the first pouch prior to use. When a second (e.g. disposal) pouch is attached to the first pouch by the frangible connection, the second pouch can then be wrapped around the first pouch and secured (for example, using an easily breakable seal); this results in discreet and convenient packaging which is easily portable, whilst having all the functionality described herein.

In some embodiments the tube is formed integrally of the first pouch. However, the tube may alternatively be contained within a separate first pouch. In some embodiments, the tube is retained within the first pouch by means of a frangible seal. In use, the seal may be broken or tom open by the user and the tube containing the tampon within the second portion is removed. The first portion of the tube is unfolded from around the second portion of the tube, and the tube is manipulated into a substantially straight position. This position then allows the tube to be further manipulated to perform its role in acting as a barrier between the finger and vagina during digital insertion of the tampon.

In some embodiments the elongate flexible tube is openable at the first end by means of a frangible (e.g. perforated) seal. In further embodiments the elongate flexible tube comprises an openable (e.g. frangible) seal at a position between the first and second ends (e.g. bisecting the tube), such that the tampon is enclosed between the second end of the tube and the openable seal between the first and second ends. For example, the openable seal may be a frangible seal which substantially bisects the tube to form a cavity between the openable seal and the second end of the tube. In such embodiments, the tip of the tampon is orientated towards the openable seal between the first and second ends. In use, the first portion of the tube is everted over and around the tampon to form a double layer of tube around the tampon, and the tip of the tampon abuts the openable seal between the first and second ends. The openable seal between the first and second ends is thereby exposed at a top/front end of the digital insertion packaging, and in such embodiments provides the leading edge to be inserted into the vagina. When the user inserts the tampon and packaging into the vagina, the user places pressure on the base of the tampon (or single piece applicator, when present) and pulls the first portion of the tube further towards the base of the tampon (or single piece applicator, when present); this action presses the tip of the tampon into the openable seal to open the openable seal and allows the tampon to enter the vagina. The openable seal between the first and second ends can ensure that the tampon remains within the tube during the initial insertion phase, until pressure is applied by the user to push the tampon through the openable seal and into the vagina. An advantage of such an arrangement is that the tampon remains enclosed within, in a substantially sterile portion of the packaging until the tampon is inserted into the vagina. The presence of an openable seal between the first and second ends (as described above) also increases the ease with which the user can place tension on the everted inner surface of the tube during insertion of the tampon.

In some embodiments, the first end of the elongate flexible tube comprises gripping means situated on an inner surface of the tube. When present, such means can facilitate insertion of the tampon by increasing the friction between the fingers of the user on the first portion of the elongate flexible tube when the tube is everted around the tampon. In use, the first portion of the tube is everted and forms a double layer of the tube around the tampon, exposing the gripping means to the fingers of the user. The user holds the gripping means and a separate finger (or thumb) exerts pressure on the base of the tampon; by this action the first portion of the tube is drawn further towards the base of the tampon (or single piece applicator, if present) and the tampon emerges from the tube into the vagina. In some embodiments, the gripping means comprises, for example, a ridge or ridges of material, a ‘tacky’ substance, or an adhesive substance.

In some embodiments the first pouch comprises means for containing a tampon string, such that when the first pouch is opened the string is exposed, whilst the tampon remains enclosed within the elongate flexible tube. In some embodiments the string extends through an opening at the second end of the tube, the opening having a diameter sized to accommodate the string. Suitably, the string can extend through the opening whilst the remainder of the tampon remains substantially enclosed within the tube. In some embodiments, the first pouch is arranged to release the string when the connection between the first pouch and the second pouch is broken; for example, a frangible connection between the first pouch and the second pouch may extend around the first pouch, such that when the connection between the first and second pouches is broken, the first pouch is opened to release the string. In other words, the string is arranged to be released by breaking the connection between the first and second pouches. In such embodiments, when the first pouch is separated from the second pouch, the string is released and hangs freely from the opening at the second end of the tube. In some embodiments, the first pouch is arranged such that the string is substantially extended by the action of opening the first pouch. For example, the end of the string furthest from the tampon may be releasably secured within a seam of the first pouch, the string remaining within the seam until after the tampon is inserted. Once the tampon has been inserted, the user removes the packaging which pulls the string into an extended position and releases the string from the seam to hang freely. These arrangements allow the string to remain substantially sterile during storage, but to be released and extended prior to, during or after insertion of the tampon.

In use, the first pouch is detached from the second pouch (when present); a method of using the digital insertion packaging then comprises opening the first pouch to expose the first and second portions of the elongate flexible tube; and either (i) everting the first end of the tube over and around the second portion of the tube to form a double layer of the tube around the unused tampon; or

(ii) gathering the first portion of the tube towards the second portion of the tube; and using a finger to digitally insert the tampon into a vagina; wherein the tube acts to prevent contact between the finger and the vagina.

In exemplary embodiments, the first portion of the tube is everted over and around the second portion of the tube to form a double layer of the tube around the unused tampon; doing this exposes the tip of the unused tampon. In embodiments, wherein there is an openable seal between first and second ends of the tube, the tip of the tampon abuts the openable seal and the openable seal acts as the leading portion of the packaging as it is inserted into the vagina. In such embodiments, the tampon is inserted into the vagina tip first, either exposed, or covered by the openable seal between the first and second ends of the tube. By applying finger pressure to the base of the tampon (i.e. the opposite end from the tip), the tampon may be inserted into the vagina. Because of the position of the tube, everted around the tampon, as the tampon is entering the vagina under finger pressure, the first portion of the tube continues to evert and encircle the finger, thus acting as a sheath to prevent contact between the finger and the vagina. As pressure is applied and the tampon is inserted, the first portion of the tube continues to evert around the tampon and the tampon finally emerges from the tube into the vagina. In embodiments where there is an openable seal between the first and second ends of the tube, the tip of the tampon abuts the openable seal upon initially entering the vagina. The first portion of the tube (everted) is pulled towards the base of the tampon whilst pressure is applied to the base of the tampon, this causes the tampon to press against the openable seal, such that the tampon opens the openable seal (e.g. the tampon breaks the frangible seal) and exits from the tube into the vagina.

In other embodiments, the first portion of the tube is gathered towards the second portion of the tube exposing the tip of the tampon (or the openable seal, when present). As above, by applying finger pressure to the base of the tampon (i.e. the opposite end from the tip), the tampon is inserted into the vagina. Because the tube is gathered around the tip of the tampon, when the tampon enters the vagina, the gathered tube is straightened out by this action and the tube encircles the user’ s finger, thus acting as a sheath to prevent contact between the finger and the vagina.

Once the tampon is in position in the vagina, the tube is removed and disposed of.

Whilst the packaging of the present invention may mean that using a separate applicator is unnecessary, the packaging may also be used to assist insertion of a tampon using a simplified single piece applicator. Most tampon applicators in current usage consist of a two-part plastic or cardboard tube, with a first tube being removably received by a second tube of greater diameter. However, when using the packaging described herein, it is possible for a simplified single piece applicator to be used. Therefore, in some cases, the first pouch with elongate flexible tube, as described herein, can be used in conjunction with a simplified applicator. When an applicator is included, it may be a single piece applicator; suitably, such an applicator would comprise a rigid member having substantially the same diameter as the tampon. In some embodiments, the single piece applicator is arranged within the second portion of the tube to abut the end (e.g. base) of the tampon. However, in some cases no separate applicator is provided with the tampon.

As previously mentioned, in some such embodiments the first end of the tube is reversible to evert the first portion of the tube over and around the second portion of the tube, to form a double layer of the tube around the unused tampon. Suitably, the inner surface of the tube is substantially sterile. When the first portion of the tube is everted around the tampon, the substantially sterile inner surface of the tube is positioned to an external face of the packaging. The substantially sterile inner surface of the tube thus provides a contact surface of the digital insertion packaging with the vagina. Consequently, the contact surface for the packaging with the vagina is kept substantially sterile prior to use. In order to allow the tube of the first pouch to assist with digital insertion of a tampon the tube may be shaped to make it easier to evert the first portion of the tube over and around the second portion of the tube.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first end of the tube has a diameter greater than the second portion of the tube. Such an arrangement may assist with everting the first portion of the tube around the second portion of the tube. In some embodiments, the first portion of the tube has a substantially conical shape. The substantially conical shape may assist with everting the first portion of the tube around the second portion of the tube.

However, it is not always necessary for the first portion of the tube to overlap with the second portion of the tube. In some embodiments, when the first pouch has been detached from the second pouch, the first portion of the tube is arranged to be gathered towards the second portion of the tube, so that the second portion of the tube is gathered at the tip of the tampon exposing the tip of the tampon through the opening at the first end of the tube. Such an arrangement can allow the packaging to act as a shield to protect the finger when the tampon is digitally inserted.

In some embodiments, the tube comprises lubricious material; in other words, a low friction material. Using such a material in the tube increases the ease with which the tampon may be inserted, and may also result in a smoother ‘plastic feel’ application, preferred by many women. In some embodiments the tube comprises a biodegradable (e.g. compostable) material; suitably the material has a soft/smooth ‘plastic feel’ and/or does not crease to create hard folds in the material. Ideally the material is impermeable to water.

Pouch Operable by a Single Hand

The packaging of the invention, in some cases, is for accommodating a sanitary item. Suitably, an unused item is contained within a first pouch of the packaging. Prior to unpackaging the unused item the user may wish to dispose of the item they are currently using. The packaging of the invention permits them to do this conveniently, since the packaging has a first pouch and a second pouch, wherein the first pouch contains the unused item and the second pouch is for receiving a used item; the first pouch is detachable from the second pouch by means of a frangible (e.g. perforated) connection; and the second pouch is substantially impermeable to water. Conveniently, the second pouch has a mouth, which is arranged to be capable of manipulation by a single hand of a user between a mouth-open position and a mouth-closed position. This allows the user to hold the used item in one hand whilst opening the second pouch.

The packaging may be for use with a sanitary item which the user wears and must change once the item becomes soiled. This could include sanitary towels, tampons, wound dressings, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a face mask or gloves.

In some instances of the invention, the user is assisted in opening the second pouch by mouth manipulation means located on opposite outside faces of the pouch, for manipulating the mouth between the mouth-open position and the mouth-closed position.

In some cases, the mouth manipulation means comprises a first loop situated on a first outside face of the second pouch and a second loop situated on a second outside face of the second pouch, through which one or more fingers or a thumb of a user can pass, to manipulate the mouth between the mouth-open position and the mouth-closed position.

In one embodiment, the first and second loops are formed as an integral part of the container (e.g. a continuation of it). In another embodiment, the first and second loops are sealed to an outside wall of the container during manufacture. The first and second loops may either comprise the same material as that of the container or comprise or consist of a different material.

In some embodiments, the mouth manipulation means (e.g. loops) are sized and shaped suitably for receipt of a user’s thumb and/or finger (e.g. thumb in a first loop and index finger in a second loop). Suitably, the profile of the finger-receipt each loop is shaped to mirror the flattened / ovular end profile of a user’s thumb or finger. For example, the loop profile (i.e. the aperture, which the loop defines) is slightly elongate for example, defining a generally ovular, parallelogram or rectangular loop profile. In one embodiment, each loop is arranged such that it may adopt both a ‘storage’ configuration, in which the loop profile is closed (e.g. lies flat) and an ‘in use’ configuration, in which the loop profile is open (e.g. to define the desired profile for finger and/or thumb receipt). This conveniently allows the loops to lie flat to optimise the packaging for storage, and then open to adopt a desired loop profile in use.

Conveniently, in some embodiments of the invention, the user may seal the second pouch shut after placing the used item therein. It is possible to do this, because in these embodiments, a seal is provided on at least one internal boundary of the mouth, such that when the mouth is manipulated to the mouth-closed position, the second pouch can be sealed closed. In some such embodiments, the seal is formed of a layer of adhesive. Examples of suitable adhesives include rosin-based adhesives, terpene- based adhesives or bio-polymer-based adhesives. In other embodiments the pouch may comprise a material which is self-sealing and so does not require addition of a separate adhesive. Sealing the pouch shut allows for hygienic disposal of a used item, such as a tampon, sanitary towel, wound dressing or PPE. As an example, the pouch can be used to easily seal and dispose of a saturated tampon, which discourages the user from flushing the used tampon down a toilet. In some embodiments, the seal is substantially liquid tight. Thus, in a typical use, once the used item has been placed in the second pouch, the mouth is closed, and the seal applied, preventing leakage from the pouch. In one embodiment, two boundaries of the mouth can be brought together with a single hand to form a seal.

The seal may be formed by any known methods, for example, using an adhesive applied on at least one internal boundary (e.g. edge) of the mouth. Alternatively, different materials that mesh together can be provided on the opposing internal boundaries of the mouth. For example, a hook and loop arrangement may be used, where the material on the internal boundary consists of miniature plastic hooks with looped material located on the opposite internal boundary. Alternatively, a tongue and groove arrangement may be used, where a strip having a tongue is provided along one internal boundary of the mouth, and a strip having a corresponding groove provided along the opposing internal boundary of the mouth.

In some embodiments, the seal is arranged to be reversible (i.e. it may be sealed and then subsequently unsealed). In other embodiments, the seal is arranged such that once sealed the mouth cannot be reopened without tearing the second pouch. This embodiment may be employed in a ‘tamper proof form of the packaging, which is designed for receipt of the used item and permanent sealing of the item within the second pouch; in this case, subsequent removal of the item would be by severing open (or otherwise damaging the integrity of) the second pouch.

In some embodiments the packaging may be provided folded around the item contained therein; for example, the second pouch may be conveniently wrapped around the first pouch prior to use.

As noted above, in addition to the second pouch, the packaging also comprises a first pouch containing the unused item. In some embodiments, the unused item is a sanitary towel, wound dressing, tampon or PPE. In exemplary embodiments, the item is a tampon. By providing packaging having first and second pouches, wherein the second pouch is for receiving the used item, the user does not have to carry separate means for disposing of the item once it has been used. This improves the convenience of the disposal means for the user. When the disposal means, (i.e. the second pouch), is attached to the packaging housing the unused item (i.e. the first pouch), the user is more likely to have a disposal means readily available, since they will already be carrying an unused item in the same packaging.

The user operates the packaging of the invention by separating the first pouch from the second pouch by breaking (e.g. tearing) the frangible connection; opening the mouth of the second pouch with a single hand and placing a used item therein; opening the first pouch; and using the unused item.

Conveniently, in some embodiments, the user will insert one or more fingers and a thumb into mouth manipulation means (e.g. loops) which are adjoined to opposite outside faces of the second pouch. This allows the user to use only one hand to open the second pouch, which is advantageous, since the user’s opposite hand holds the used and/or contaminated item and is occupied by inserting the item into the second pouch. This reduces the likelihood that the used or contaminated item will come into contact with the user’s skin or clothing during disposal, thus improving the hygiene of replacing the item.

In some embodiments the second pouch comprises a plastic polymeric material (e.g. polythene) or a treated (e.g. waxed) paper material. The container may, in some embodiments, be formed from a biodegradable (e.g. compostable) material, which is however still impermeable to liquid, to prevent leakage from the used item during disposal. The second pouch is substantially impermeable to water, however in some embodiments, the pouch is also impermeable to odors. The second pouch may additionally be provided coated in a perfume to mask any odor which may be caused by the used item.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims. The invention will be further explained with reference to some specific and nonlimiting embodiments, which are shown in the figures.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of packaging 101 comprising a first pouch 102 and a second pouch 103; an unused item (for example, a tampon) is stored in the first pouch 102. Prior to use the second pouch 103 is wrapped around the first pouch 102. When opening the packaging 101, the user unrolls the second pouch 103 from around the first pouch 102. The user then opens the second pouch 103 with a single hand, using mouth manipulation means 104 and places a used item therein. The user then detaches the first pouch from the second pouch by breaking a frangible connection 105 in order to use the unused item stored in the first pouch.

Figure 2 shows how the mouth 201 of the second pouch may be manipulated by a single hand of a user. The user inserts a finger 202 into mouth manipulation means 203 a on a first outside surface 206a of the second pouch and a thumb 204 into a second mouth manipulation means 203b on a second outside surface 206b. The mouth 201 is then opened by the user applying outward force to the mouth manipulation means.

Figure 3 shows a view of the digital insertion packaging. Elongate flexible tube 301 has a first portion 302 and a second portion 303, and an unused tampon 304 is contained within the second portion 303. The first portion 302 of the tube 301 is everted over and around the second portion 303 of the tube 301, to form a double layer of the tube 301 around the tampon 304, which places the clean inner surface of the tube to the outside, ready for contact with the user’s body. The tube 301 containing the tampon 304 is then inserted into a vagina 305. Finger pressure is applied to the base of tampon 304 whilst the tube 301 acts as a sheath, preventing contact between the finger and vagina 305. Once the tampon 304 is in place, the tube 301 is removed from the vagina 305.

Figure 4 shows how insertion packaging as described herein may be used with a single piece applicator. In this example, the elongate flexible tube 401 is unfolded so that a first portion 402 is extended from a second portion 403. An unused tampon and single piece applicator is contained within the second portion 403. The first portion 402 of the tube 401 is everted over and around the second portion 403, to form a double layer of the tube 401 around the tampon, which places the clean inner surface of the tube to the outside of the insertion packaging, ready for contact with the user’s body. The tube 401 containing the tampon and single piece applicator is then inserted into a vagina. Finger/thumb pressure is applied to the base of single piece applicator whilst the everted first portion of the tube 403 is drawn towards the base of the single piece applicator; Once the tampon is in place, the tube 401 and single piece applicator is removed from the vagina.

Figure 5 shows a step-by-step method for using packaging having dual functionality as a digital insertion packaging and disposal pouch. In step 1 the packaging is opened, and the second pouch is unrolled from the first pouch (as also shown in figure 1). In step 2, the second pouch is opened by a single hand of a user (as shown in detail in figure 2) and a used tampon is placed inside. In step 3 the frangible connection between the first and second pouch is broken by the user and the first pouch is separated from the second pouch; although the user may choose to separate the first and second pouches prior to opening the second pouch (i.e. before step 2). In step 4, the first pouch is opened, and the elongate flexible tube is unfolded (for example, as shown in figures 3 and 4). In step 5, the first portion of the tube is everted over and around the second portion of the tube to form a double layer of the tube around the tampon (for example, as shown in figures 3 and 4). In step 6, the tube containing the tampon is inserted into the vagina under finger/thumb pressure to the base of the tampon, with the tube acting as a sheath to prevent contact between the finger and the vagina (for example, as shown in figures 3 and 7 4). In step 7, the tube is added to the second pouch with the used tampon to be disposed of hygienically.

Figure 6 shows the packaging 604 when sized to accommodate a single piece applicator 601 in addition to a tampon 602. The applicator 601 abuts the base of the tampon 602. The first pouch 604 is sized to accommodate the increased length which results from the inclusion of an applicator 601. The second pouch 605 is also increased in size. Figure 6 also shows the packaging when sized to house a tampon 602 without an applicator piece. When no applicator piece is used, the first pouch 606 may be shorter in length. The second pouch 607, may also be of a reduced size.

Figure 7 shows a further view of how the second pouch and digital insertion packaging may be used together as elements of packaging for a tampon. In an exemplary method of use, in step 1 the packaging is provided as wrapped around the tampon. In step 2 the user unrolls the second pouch. In step 3 the user may open the second pouch with a single hand and dispose of a used tampon therein. The user may then detach a first pouch from the second pouch (as shown in step 4), the first pouch comprising an elongate flexible tube containing an unused tampon. In steps 5 to 8 the user can unfold a first portion of the tube and evert the first portion over and around a second portion of the tube containing the unused tampon; step 8 shows how the wearer may be assisted in doing this by the presence of gripping means which are present on the inside surface of the tube. In steps 9 to 11, the tube containing the tampon is inserted into the vagina under finger pressure to the base of the tampon, with the tube acting as a sheath to prevent contact between the finger and the vagina. In steps 12 and 13, the everted tube may be added to the second pouch with the used tampon, to be disposed of hygienically.