CA1295093C - Curved grippable tampon applicator - Google Patents
Curved grippable tampon applicatorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1295093C CA1295093C CA000534592A CA534592A CA1295093C CA 1295093 C CA1295093 C CA 1295093C CA 000534592 A CA000534592 A CA 000534592A CA 534592 A CA534592 A CA 534592A CA 1295093 C CA1295093 C CA 1295093C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- applicator
- tampon
- section
- cross
- tube
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/20—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor
- A61F13/26—Means for inserting tampons, i.e. applicators
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S604/00—Surgery
- Y10S604/904—Tampons
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The invention provides an arcuate tampon applicator having an inner and outer tube. Both the inner and outer tube have an oval cross section at the finger-gripping area.
Further, the outer tube is provided with a gripping section at the outer end that both provides a place for the user to grip and provides a narrow cross section to prevent the withdrawal of the inner tube that has an expanded end portion. The tampon assembly of the invention further is provided with petals on the forward end that aid in providing easy insertion of the device into the vagina. In the preferred form the applicator has a curve corresponding to the arc of a circle having a radius of between about 8 and about 10 inches. Further, the oval is that formed by an elipse of between 15° and about 45°.
The invention provides an arcuate tampon applicator having an inner and outer tube. Both the inner and outer tube have an oval cross section at the finger-gripping area.
Further, the outer tube is provided with a gripping section at the outer end that both provides a place for the user to grip and provides a narrow cross section to prevent the withdrawal of the inner tube that has an expanded end portion. The tampon assembly of the invention further is provided with petals on the forward end that aid in providing easy insertion of the device into the vagina. In the preferred form the applicator has a curve corresponding to the arc of a circle having a radius of between about 8 and about 10 inches. Further, the oval is that formed by an elipse of between 15° and about 45°.
Description
CURVED GRIPPABLE TAMPON APPLICATOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This lnvention relates to an improvement in tampon applicators. It particularly relates to a pair of tele-scoping elements having a tampon disposed in the forward portion of the outer element. The outer element is provided with a gripping means in an oval cross section to aid the user in holding of the device during insertion of the tampon.
Also the forward end of the outer element has petals to aid in the insertion of the tampon.
PRIOR ART
There are a variety of catamenial tampon appLicators on the market. Many of these devices comprise telescoping elements in which the outer element is a tubular member adapted to contain the tampon and the inner element comprises a pusher member for expelling the tampon. The pusher member may be in the form of a tube or may be solid, such as a stick. The devices on the market are generally designed such that the axis of both the tube and pusher is straight when the members are in an operating position.
It has been proposed in United States Patent 3,765,417 -~
Crockford - that a tampon applicator be formed having telescopin~ elements in an arcuate shape. Further, it is disclosed therein that the elements may have an oval cross section in both the inner and outer tube. The arc of the 30 ~ radius of the tampon of Crockford is disclosed as between about 4 to about 6 inches. This tampon applicator has a disadvantage that the extreme curvature may make the product hazardous, inconvenient or difficult to handle and to insert with such a sharp a curve. A further disadvantage is that the lncreased possibility that a sharply curved tampon having petals on the end would have the petals close upon the flesh ~-~ of the vagina after insertion of the tampon. This is a ~ ~.
, .
.. , . . : :, - , .:
-` 3LZ~S~93 greater problem for a curved petal end product in that it may actually scratch the vaginal walls, not just the tissue of the labia minora.
There remains a need for an improved tampon that is convenient and comfortable to insert, provides good gripping during insertion and is inexpensive but reliable.
The present invention design relates to a combination including an arcuate applicator for tampons and a preformed arcuate tampon disposed therein. The applicator includes a pair to tubular~members in telescopic association and including an outer member adapted to contain a tampon in the leading end thereof, the tampon having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of said outer member. An inner member is disposed in the trailing end of the outer member and adapted to eject the tampon from the outer member by a telescoping movement therein. A longitudinal axis of each of the outer and inner members describe an arc of the same radius, the radius being in the range of about 8 to about 10 inches. The outer tube is provided at its trailing end with a gripping means which has a reduced cross-sectional area from the leading end, the gripping means having an oval cross-section.
In a specific embodiment of the invention, the oval is that formed by an ellipse of between 15 and about 45. The barrel end on the section that holds the tampon may be round or oval in cross-section and if oval, the oval is that formed by an ellipse of between 15 and about 45.
BRBF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
Figure 1 is a sectional view of an outer tube in accordance with the invention.
Figure 2 is the end view of the outer tube of the invention.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the outer tube of Figure 1 on section line 3-3.
~ ,~
. .
~5(~93 ~3--Figure 4 is a cross sectional view on line 4-4 of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a side sectional view of the inner tube of the applicator assembly of the invention.
Figure 6 is an end view of the inner tube of figure 5.
Figure 7 is a sectional view of the applicator of the invention.
Figure 8 is a sectional view of the applicator of the invention in the position where the tampon is ejected from the applicator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The tampon applicator of the invention has numerous advantages over the prior practices and applicators. The applicator of the invention is compact and easy to use, Further, the curve is such that it is percelved as comfort-able during insertion and ejection of the tampon. The oval cross section of the finger grip section ma~ces it easy to hold with the curve in the best position for insertion. The radius of curvature is such that it is comfortable to use and not perceived as hazardous. The combination of the movable inner tube and gripping portion allows easy one-hand insertion by a technique such as that used to eject the material from a syringe. These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description of the invention below.
Illustrated in Figure l, in cross sectional view, is the outer tampon tube of the tampon applicator of the invention.
The tube 10 is~provided with petals 12. While illustrated with five petals, it is also possible that a differing number of petals could be utilized. Five petals are preferred because an odd number of petals would pre~ent collapse at ; 180~ or a flattening of the applicator which could cause additional pinching or scratching. The outer tube is provided with gripping portion 1~. Gripping portion 14 is provided with ridges 16 that aid in gripping the tube be~ween '~
' -- , .
` _4_ 1~9S~93 the fingers during insertion. While shown with ridges, the tube also could be provided with other gripping means such as raised pro~uberences, bumps or a gnarled pattern. The mid portion of the wall of the outer tube 18 is formed of as thin a material as possible. Preferred thickness is about .015 inches for low cost formation with minimum use of plastic.
However, any desired wall thickness may be used. The thickness of the gripping portion 14 is somewhat thicker being preferably about 0.035 inches for strength to support gripping while the inner tube is sliding within the gripping portion. The overall dimensions of the outer tube are between about 2-1/2 and about 3 inches long. Preferably the length is about 2-3/4 inches for ease of insertion and discreet storage. The width of the~wider portion 18 may be between about 1/2 and about 3/4 inches. The preferred height diameter is about 0.6 inches to provide a tube of adequate volume while not being so large as to make insertion of the tampon applicator uncomfortable.
As illustrated in Figure 2, the petals 12 do not meet in the center and have spaces between them. This design allows for easier ejection of the tampon as well as not pinching of the vagina when the petals come towards each other again after tampon ejection from the tube. Generally there is about 1/4 inch diameter circular opening between the petals, although a lesser degree of openness may be employed depending upon the tube-forming process. Figure 3 illustrates the oval cross section of the gripping portion 14 of the outer tube. The oval generally is an elipse of between about 15 and about 45. Preferably the elipse is about 30 for qood qripping and also providing a cross section resulting in a strong tube. By a 30 elipse it is meant that its cross-setion is the way a circle would be viewed when turned 30 from the viewing eye. The wider portion of the tube 18 may also be oval in cross-sectional configuration although this is not necessary. A circular cross section would also be suitable for the wider portion of ~ the outer tube. It is ~particularly desirable that the ::
::
' ..
_5~ 5a g 3 gripping portion be eliptical in order to provide a tactile method of the user maintaining the curve in the proper orientation for insertion. This also prevents the inner tube from rotating 180 out of phase with the outer tube which would make expulsion of the pledget very difficult. Other methods of preventing this from happening could include round tubular sections with slots or other mechanisms similar to a key in a lock.
Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the inner tube 26 of a tampon applicator in accordance with the invention. The tube 26 has a gently curved shape and an oval cross section as illustrated in Figure 6. The tube wall thickness is as thin as possible for a tube that will be strong enough to allow insertion of the tampon. Generally a lS wall thickness of about 0~01 inch is sufficient for a tube of high density polyethylene or polypropylene. The tube has a smooth oval cross section through the body portion 28 and a flared end 30. The flared end 30 serves to prevent with-drawal of the inner tube from the applicator. Correspond-ingly the bottom end may be flared to prevent the inner tubefrom being separated from the outer tube during tampon expulsion. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional illustration of the tampon applicator of the invention 40. The assembly is comprised of outer tube 10 and inner tube 26. The tube has a radius of curvature on its centerline of about 8 inches and contains tampon 42. The inner tube 26 is prevented from withdrawal through the gripping portion 16 by the flared end 30 that rests against shoulder 44 of outer tube 10. Figure 8 illustrates the applicator assemblv 40 in the position where the tampon has been ejected. The ejection is accomplished by grasping the gripping portion 14 between two fingers and utilizing the thumb at end 46 of inner tube 26 to displace ;~; the inner tube such that end 46 is flush with the outer end 48 of gripping portion 14. The motion is similar to that utilized in ejecting material from a syringe. The oval cross ~ section allows the user to orientate the applicator by feel :
, . ~ , . . .
~- -6 1~5093 for ease of insertion and holding during use. The inner tube corresponds in length to the length of outer tube lO such that the tampon 42 is substantially completely ejected from the outer tube 10 through the open petals 12. After ejection of the tampon 42 the applicator 40 is withdrawn from the vagina and disposed of.
The material of the assembly tubes may be any desirable material that is strong enough to support the gripping and ejection activities. The preferred material is a plastic that may be formed in a thin wall flexible form. Typical of such plastics are polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins. A preferred material is low density or linear low density polyethylene as this may be formed into thin wall tubes, is low in cost and easily molded. It is possible that different materials may be used for the inner ~nd outer tubes. Another s~itable material in the event th~t a flushable applicator was desired would be a cardboard convolutely wound tube held together with a water-soluble adhesive. Such an applicator tube is shown in U.S. Patent 4,S22,967 - Sheldon et al.
The tampon utilized for ejection from the tampon assembly of this invention may be any suitable construction.
Generally, the tampons held within the preferred applicator have an absorbent property of between about 4 and 16 cc's as measured with syndate in a syngyna. The tampons preferrably have a cross section corresponding to the cross section of the outer tube. If the leading end of the tube is oval in cross section, as preferred, then it is preferred that the tampon also be oval.
The amount of curve of a tampon may be anv desired amount that ~is comfortable to hold and insert. Generally it has been found to be preferred with this invention that the curve of the applicator be the arcuate portion of a circle formed with about an 8 to about a 10 inch radius, as this is most comfortable to use. This is preferred as less of a ~; .
-7- ~2~5~3 curve is not noticeable or help~ul and more of a curve is viewed by the user as being possibly hazardous and uncomfortable to use. This preferred amount of curve also allows tampons if desired to be formed straight and not curved which lowers costs.
The means for preventing withdrawal of the inner tube from the grip portion of the outer tube may be any desired way. The flared inner tube is easy to form and effective and therefore preferred. However, other known methods of preventing withdrawal of the inner tube could be utilized.
While the device is illustrated for tampon insertion, it is also possible that the device could be utilized for insertion of treated tampons or medications. Other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is only intended to be limited by the scope of the claims.
r -' '' ''', ' ' : ' ~ ' ,, ,' : .
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This lnvention relates to an improvement in tampon applicators. It particularly relates to a pair of tele-scoping elements having a tampon disposed in the forward portion of the outer element. The outer element is provided with a gripping means in an oval cross section to aid the user in holding of the device during insertion of the tampon.
Also the forward end of the outer element has petals to aid in the insertion of the tampon.
PRIOR ART
There are a variety of catamenial tampon appLicators on the market. Many of these devices comprise telescoping elements in which the outer element is a tubular member adapted to contain the tampon and the inner element comprises a pusher member for expelling the tampon. The pusher member may be in the form of a tube or may be solid, such as a stick. The devices on the market are generally designed such that the axis of both the tube and pusher is straight when the members are in an operating position.
It has been proposed in United States Patent 3,765,417 -~
Crockford - that a tampon applicator be formed having telescopin~ elements in an arcuate shape. Further, it is disclosed therein that the elements may have an oval cross section in both the inner and outer tube. The arc of the 30 ~ radius of the tampon of Crockford is disclosed as between about 4 to about 6 inches. This tampon applicator has a disadvantage that the extreme curvature may make the product hazardous, inconvenient or difficult to handle and to insert with such a sharp a curve. A further disadvantage is that the lncreased possibility that a sharply curved tampon having petals on the end would have the petals close upon the flesh ~-~ of the vagina after insertion of the tampon. This is a ~ ~.
, .
.. , . . : :, - , .:
-` 3LZ~S~93 greater problem for a curved petal end product in that it may actually scratch the vaginal walls, not just the tissue of the labia minora.
There remains a need for an improved tampon that is convenient and comfortable to insert, provides good gripping during insertion and is inexpensive but reliable.
The present invention design relates to a combination including an arcuate applicator for tampons and a preformed arcuate tampon disposed therein. The applicator includes a pair to tubular~members in telescopic association and including an outer member adapted to contain a tampon in the leading end thereof, the tampon having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of said outer member. An inner member is disposed in the trailing end of the outer member and adapted to eject the tampon from the outer member by a telescoping movement therein. A longitudinal axis of each of the outer and inner members describe an arc of the same radius, the radius being in the range of about 8 to about 10 inches. The outer tube is provided at its trailing end with a gripping means which has a reduced cross-sectional area from the leading end, the gripping means having an oval cross-section.
In a specific embodiment of the invention, the oval is that formed by an ellipse of between 15 and about 45. The barrel end on the section that holds the tampon may be round or oval in cross-section and if oval, the oval is that formed by an ellipse of between 15 and about 45.
BRBF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
Figure 1 is a sectional view of an outer tube in accordance with the invention.
Figure 2 is the end view of the outer tube of the invention.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the outer tube of Figure 1 on section line 3-3.
~ ,~
. .
~5(~93 ~3--Figure 4 is a cross sectional view on line 4-4 of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a side sectional view of the inner tube of the applicator assembly of the invention.
Figure 6 is an end view of the inner tube of figure 5.
Figure 7 is a sectional view of the applicator of the invention.
Figure 8 is a sectional view of the applicator of the invention in the position where the tampon is ejected from the applicator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The tampon applicator of the invention has numerous advantages over the prior practices and applicators. The applicator of the invention is compact and easy to use, Further, the curve is such that it is percelved as comfort-able during insertion and ejection of the tampon. The oval cross section of the finger grip section ma~ces it easy to hold with the curve in the best position for insertion. The radius of curvature is such that it is comfortable to use and not perceived as hazardous. The combination of the movable inner tube and gripping portion allows easy one-hand insertion by a technique such as that used to eject the material from a syringe. These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description of the invention below.
Illustrated in Figure l, in cross sectional view, is the outer tampon tube of the tampon applicator of the invention.
The tube 10 is~provided with petals 12. While illustrated with five petals, it is also possible that a differing number of petals could be utilized. Five petals are preferred because an odd number of petals would pre~ent collapse at ; 180~ or a flattening of the applicator which could cause additional pinching or scratching. The outer tube is provided with gripping portion 1~. Gripping portion 14 is provided with ridges 16 that aid in gripping the tube be~ween '~
' -- , .
` _4_ 1~9S~93 the fingers during insertion. While shown with ridges, the tube also could be provided with other gripping means such as raised pro~uberences, bumps or a gnarled pattern. The mid portion of the wall of the outer tube 18 is formed of as thin a material as possible. Preferred thickness is about .015 inches for low cost formation with minimum use of plastic.
However, any desired wall thickness may be used. The thickness of the gripping portion 14 is somewhat thicker being preferably about 0.035 inches for strength to support gripping while the inner tube is sliding within the gripping portion. The overall dimensions of the outer tube are between about 2-1/2 and about 3 inches long. Preferably the length is about 2-3/4 inches for ease of insertion and discreet storage. The width of the~wider portion 18 may be between about 1/2 and about 3/4 inches. The preferred height diameter is about 0.6 inches to provide a tube of adequate volume while not being so large as to make insertion of the tampon applicator uncomfortable.
As illustrated in Figure 2, the petals 12 do not meet in the center and have spaces between them. This design allows for easier ejection of the tampon as well as not pinching of the vagina when the petals come towards each other again after tampon ejection from the tube. Generally there is about 1/4 inch diameter circular opening between the petals, although a lesser degree of openness may be employed depending upon the tube-forming process. Figure 3 illustrates the oval cross section of the gripping portion 14 of the outer tube. The oval generally is an elipse of between about 15 and about 45. Preferably the elipse is about 30 for qood qripping and also providing a cross section resulting in a strong tube. By a 30 elipse it is meant that its cross-setion is the way a circle would be viewed when turned 30 from the viewing eye. The wider portion of the tube 18 may also be oval in cross-sectional configuration although this is not necessary. A circular cross section would also be suitable for the wider portion of ~ the outer tube. It is ~particularly desirable that the ::
::
' ..
_5~ 5a g 3 gripping portion be eliptical in order to provide a tactile method of the user maintaining the curve in the proper orientation for insertion. This also prevents the inner tube from rotating 180 out of phase with the outer tube which would make expulsion of the pledget very difficult. Other methods of preventing this from happening could include round tubular sections with slots or other mechanisms similar to a key in a lock.
Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the inner tube 26 of a tampon applicator in accordance with the invention. The tube 26 has a gently curved shape and an oval cross section as illustrated in Figure 6. The tube wall thickness is as thin as possible for a tube that will be strong enough to allow insertion of the tampon. Generally a lS wall thickness of about 0~01 inch is sufficient for a tube of high density polyethylene or polypropylene. The tube has a smooth oval cross section through the body portion 28 and a flared end 30. The flared end 30 serves to prevent with-drawal of the inner tube from the applicator. Correspond-ingly the bottom end may be flared to prevent the inner tubefrom being separated from the outer tube during tampon expulsion. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional illustration of the tampon applicator of the invention 40. The assembly is comprised of outer tube 10 and inner tube 26. The tube has a radius of curvature on its centerline of about 8 inches and contains tampon 42. The inner tube 26 is prevented from withdrawal through the gripping portion 16 by the flared end 30 that rests against shoulder 44 of outer tube 10. Figure 8 illustrates the applicator assemblv 40 in the position where the tampon has been ejected. The ejection is accomplished by grasping the gripping portion 14 between two fingers and utilizing the thumb at end 46 of inner tube 26 to displace ;~; the inner tube such that end 46 is flush with the outer end 48 of gripping portion 14. The motion is similar to that utilized in ejecting material from a syringe. The oval cross ~ section allows the user to orientate the applicator by feel :
, . ~ , . . .
~- -6 1~5093 for ease of insertion and holding during use. The inner tube corresponds in length to the length of outer tube lO such that the tampon 42 is substantially completely ejected from the outer tube 10 through the open petals 12. After ejection of the tampon 42 the applicator 40 is withdrawn from the vagina and disposed of.
The material of the assembly tubes may be any desirable material that is strong enough to support the gripping and ejection activities. The preferred material is a plastic that may be formed in a thin wall flexible form. Typical of such plastics are polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins. A preferred material is low density or linear low density polyethylene as this may be formed into thin wall tubes, is low in cost and easily molded. It is possible that different materials may be used for the inner ~nd outer tubes. Another s~itable material in the event th~t a flushable applicator was desired would be a cardboard convolutely wound tube held together with a water-soluble adhesive. Such an applicator tube is shown in U.S. Patent 4,S22,967 - Sheldon et al.
The tampon utilized for ejection from the tampon assembly of this invention may be any suitable construction.
Generally, the tampons held within the preferred applicator have an absorbent property of between about 4 and 16 cc's as measured with syndate in a syngyna. The tampons preferrably have a cross section corresponding to the cross section of the outer tube. If the leading end of the tube is oval in cross section, as preferred, then it is preferred that the tampon also be oval.
The amount of curve of a tampon may be anv desired amount that ~is comfortable to hold and insert. Generally it has been found to be preferred with this invention that the curve of the applicator be the arcuate portion of a circle formed with about an 8 to about a 10 inch radius, as this is most comfortable to use. This is preferred as less of a ~; .
-7- ~2~5~3 curve is not noticeable or help~ul and more of a curve is viewed by the user as being possibly hazardous and uncomfortable to use. This preferred amount of curve also allows tampons if desired to be formed straight and not curved which lowers costs.
The means for preventing withdrawal of the inner tube from the grip portion of the outer tube may be any desired way. The flared inner tube is easy to form and effective and therefore preferred. However, other known methods of preventing withdrawal of the inner tube could be utilized.
While the device is illustrated for tampon insertion, it is also possible that the device could be utilized for insertion of treated tampons or medications. Other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is only intended to be limited by the scope of the claims.
r -' '' ''', ' ' : ' ~ ' ,, ,' : .
Claims (13)
1. In combination, an arcuate applicator for tampons and a preformed arcuate tampon disposed therein;
said applicator comprising a pair of tubular members in telescoping association including an outer member adapted to contain a tampon in the leading end thereof, the tampon having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of said outer member, and an inner member disposed in the trailing end of said outer member and adapted to eject said tampon from said outer member by a telescoping movement therein, the longitudinal axis of each of said outer and inner members describing an arc of the same radius, said radius being in the range of about 8 to about 10 inches; and wherein said outer tube is provided with a gripping means at its trailing end, wherein said gripping means has a reduced cross-sectional area from said leading end and wherein said gripping means has an oval cross-section.
said applicator comprising a pair of tubular members in telescoping association including an outer member adapted to contain a tampon in the leading end thereof, the tampon having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of said outer member, and an inner member disposed in the trailing end of said outer member and adapted to eject said tampon from said outer member by a telescoping movement therein, the longitudinal axis of each of said outer and inner members describing an arc of the same radius, said radius being in the range of about 8 to about 10 inches; and wherein said outer tube is provided with a gripping means at its trailing end, wherein said gripping means has a reduced cross-sectional area from said leading end and wherein said gripping means has an oval cross-section.
2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said inner tube is flared at its leading end.
3. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said outer tube is provided with petals at said leading end.
4. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said tampon is straight prior to insertion into said outer tube.
5. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said inner and said outer tube are substantially the same length.
6. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said gripping means is provided with surface protrusions to provide a means to aid gripping.
7. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the inner tubes are formed of high density polyethylene and the outer tubes are formed of linear low density polyethylene.
8. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the oval of said gripping means is a 15° to 40° elipse.
9. The applicator of claim 3 wherein there are an odd number of petals.
10. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said gripping means forms an oval that is an elipse of between about 15°
and about 45°.
and about 45°.
11. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said leading end has an oval cross section.
12. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said tampon is straight.
13. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said leading end has a round cross section.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US85504886A | 1986-04-23 | 1986-04-23 | |
| US855,048 | 1986-04-23 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1295093C true CA1295093C (en) | 1992-02-04 |
Family
ID=25320208
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000534592A Expired - Lifetime CA1295093C (en) | 1986-04-23 | 1987-04-13 | Curved grippable tampon applicator |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5158535A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0243250B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2561922B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1295093C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3767907D1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX172002B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11612519B2 (en) | 2020-06-08 | 2023-03-28 | Productos Familia S.A. | Reusable tampon applicator |
Families Citing this family (55)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5153971A (en) * | 1991-11-26 | 1992-10-13 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Method of forming a curved tampon |
| CA2061606C (en) * | 1991-11-26 | 2002-09-17 | Thomas Peter Van Iten | A catamenial tampon |
| ZA933133B (en) * | 1992-05-15 | 1994-10-05 | Akzo Nv | Application for introducing a cream-type substance into a woman's vagina |
| US5308316A (en) * | 1992-12-28 | 1994-05-03 | Edward Weck Incorporated | Encoscopic kitner |
| US5395308A (en) * | 1993-09-24 | 1995-03-07 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Thermoplastic applicator exhibiting accelerated breakup when immersed in water |
| US5437628A (en) * | 1993-11-10 | 1995-08-01 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Curved tampon applicator having an improved fingergrip |
| CA2122941A1 (en) * | 1993-12-27 | 1995-06-28 | Robert Henry Sengstock | Apparatus and method of assembling an inner tube into an outer tube |
| US5433912A (en) * | 1994-03-03 | 1995-07-18 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Process for injection molding arcuately-shaped hollow articles |
| CA2127144A1 (en) * | 1994-04-15 | 1995-10-16 | Tammy Jo Rentmeester | Tampon having a protective finger sheath and a method of forming |
| US5671755A (en) * | 1994-06-29 | 1997-09-30 | Uromed Corporation | Assembly and method for controlling urinary incontinence in humans |
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-
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- 1987-04-09 JP JP62087889A patent/JP2561922B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-04-13 MX MX006032A patent/MX172002B/en unknown
- 1987-04-13 CA CA000534592A patent/CA1295093C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-04-16 EP EP87400872A patent/EP0243250B1/en not_active Expired
- 1987-04-16 DE DE8787400872T patent/DE3767907D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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1990
- 1990-06-14 US US07/537,677 patent/US5158535A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11612519B2 (en) | 2020-06-08 | 2023-03-28 | Productos Familia S.A. | Reusable tampon applicator |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE3767907D1 (en) | 1991-03-14 |
| JPS6311153A (en) | 1988-01-18 |
| EP0243250A1 (en) | 1987-10-28 |
| US5158535A (en) | 1992-10-27 |
| MX172002B (en) | 1993-11-29 |
| EP0243250B1 (en) | 1991-02-06 |
| JP2561922B2 (en) | 1996-12-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |