answers: 1920
context: Kotex Kotex is a brand of feminine hygiene products, which includes the Kotex maxi, thin and ultra thin pads, the Security tampons, and the Lightdays pantiliners. Most recently, the company has added U by Kotex to its line of feminine hygiene products. Kotex is owned and managed by Kimberly-Clark, a consumer products corporation active in more than 80 countries. The modern, commercial, disposable pads seem to have started in the late nineteenth century with the Hartmann company in Germany, and Johnson & Johnson in the United States. In the United States, Kotex was launched in 1920 by Kimberly-Clark to make </s> items, angiography and endoscopy products, and custom surgical procedure trays. The company also offers Original Equipment Manufacturer(OEM) services, including electronics, plastics, textiles, converting, sterilization, metals fabrication, packaging and assembly, and distribution. As of 2010, DeRoyal reported that it held more than 70 U.S. patents. The company traces its origin to 1973, when founder Autry O. V. "Pete" DeBusk started producing a protective boot he had invented to protect orthopedic casts from dirt and damage. The company quickly expanded during the 1970s to include divisions in patient care, surgical, and patient protection products. DeRoyal continued to expand its domestic manufacturing operations </s> inside a football helmet. The Michigan Wolverines Football team used a prototype and Schutt Sports hired Schnieder and started mass-producing the AirTm Helmet in the early 1970s. Many veteran players still preferred the old web suspended Riddell TK-2 because it was generally lighter and more breathable. Interior helmet pads were then developed that were lighter and did not need to be filled with air or fluid by both the Schutt and Riddell sports companies. And because of safety they were soon preferred by all positions . In late 1976, because of concern for safety, four point chin straps were required
question: when were kotex pads introduced to the market