CA2123106A1 - Sanitary tampon - Google Patents
Sanitary tamponInfo
- Publication number
- CA2123106A1 CA2123106A1 CA002123106A CA2123106A CA2123106A1 CA 2123106 A1 CA2123106 A1 CA 2123106A1 CA 002123106 A CA002123106 A CA 002123106A CA 2123106 A CA2123106 A CA 2123106A CA 2123106 A1 CA2123106 A1 CA 2123106A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tampon
- applicator
- sanitary
- inner tube
- outer 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.)
- Abandoned
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
- A61F13/263—Means for inserting tampons, i.e. applicators with reduced length before use, e.g. with folding rod
-
- 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
- A61F13/2051—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor characterised by the material or the structure of the inner absorbing core
-
- 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
The present invention relate to a sanitary tampon comprising a compact applicator and a tampon (3) of compressed absorbent material stored within the applicator, the applicator having an inner tube (1) and an outer tube (2) slidably disposed over the inner tube (1). The outer tube (2) has a distal discharge end (4) for insertion into the body of the user. The tampon (3) is solid and substantially cylindrical in shape and is constructed such that at least a part of the body (11) of the tampon (3) adjacent the proximal end (13) sits at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator so that when the inner tube (1) is withdrawn past the proximal end (13) of the tampon (3) to prime the applicator for use, the proximal end (13) of the tampon will urge itself against the inner surface of the outer tube (2) and when the inner tube (1) is pushed back into the outer tube (2) to expel the tampon, the tampon is hindered from re-entering the distal end (6) of the inner tube (1).
Description
_ W093/08779 2123106 Pl'/GB92/Olg80 ~ANSTARY TAMPON
, .
The present invention relates to sanitary ta~pons which compri-e an applicator for placing a, tampon in position within the body of a u~er of the tampon It is known to provide applicators in which an outer tube for storing a tampon therein has a distal discharge end for insertion into the body and the tampon is ejected by slidably moving an inner tube ~-' within the outer tube In order to provide less bulky applicators, a -number of arrangements have been proposed in whic~
the inner tube is initia}ly receiveA telescopically ~'-within the outer tube and must be partially withdrawn ' before the dispensing operation Such an arrangement i~ known a~ a ~co-pact applicator" However, it has -~
been found in compact applicators that once the inner tuke has been partially withdrawn and the applicator i8 primed for use, t~e inner tube will often pas back between the ta~pon and the inner surfaoe of the outer tube w~én the user pushes the inner tube , ~nwards to d1~charge the~tampon into the body When th~8 occur-, the inner tub will 8i~ply relocate it-~lf b tw- n th~ta~pon~and th~ outer tube without d~ch~rging~,tb ,,t~ pon - this rf~ct is often , r-f-rred to as ~re-tub~ng~' , , ' In Int-rnat~onal patent application No PC$/GB
90/01651 (WO 91/06272), the applicant~ proposed a ta~pon applicator which aimed to overcome the problem of ~re-tubing~ However, this applicator made use of 35 ' a complex slot and protruding tab arrangement between the inner and outer tubes In order to manufacture 2~2~106 the applicator, complicated tooling is requir~d and the fact tbat the inner tube has to be placed in a ~pecific orientation within the outer tube ma~es auto~ated as~bly difficult. A further --S characteri~tic of tbi~ applicator i~ that if the usertries to discharge the tampon from the outer tube without fir~t partially withdrawing the inner tube to prime the applicator for use, the inner tube can be freed from the outer tube by dicengaging the tab lo which i~ intendcd to lock the inner and outer tubes together. If the inner tube is then partially withdrawn fro~ the outer tube, there is no ~eans to prevent co~plete withdr~wal. The~e problems can be inconvenient. Therefore, aucce~ful operation relies heavily on the u~e of reading and understanding the instructions provided.
US Patent No. 4,726,805 also describes tampon applicators which are intended to overcome the proble~ of ~re-tu~ingn. Tbe applicators are ~ade ~ro~ a defor~able/flexible material ~uch as a theroofor~ing pla~tic to ensure that the product functions correctly. accordingly, the pla~tic applicator~ do not provide environ~entally friendly ~nd conv ni-nce of disposal advantages such a~
biod-gr~d bility and flus~ability. Further d~ant~q-~ a~-oclated with the plactic ~pplicator ~re th~t the co t~ of ~oulding quipoent are very high resulting in a higher unit c06t for the applicator.
The pre-ent invention, therefore, seeks to overco~e the di~dvantages of the prior art applicator~ by providing ~ simpler, user friendly product whicb is still able to overcome the typical problems encountered by users.
` ~ 2123106 According to the present invention there is provided a sanitary tampon comprising a compact applicator and a tampon of compressed absorbent S material stored within the applicator, the applicator having an inner tube and an outer tube slidably ~
disposed over the inner tube, the outer tube having a ;
distal discharge end for insertion into the body of -the user wherein the tampon is solid and substantially cylindrical in shape, characterised in that the tampon is constructed such that at least a part of the body of the tampon adjacent the proximal end always sits at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator so that when the inner tube is 15 withdrawn past the proximal end of the tampon to -~
prime the applicator for use, the proximal end of the tampon will urge itself against the inner surface of the outer tube and when the inner tube is pushed back into the outer tube to expel the tampon, the tampon ~s hindered from re-entering the distal end of the inner tube. -The advantage with such a tampon applicator is that the tampon itself is able to prevent "re-tubing" `
so that the construction of the~inner and outer tubes can be kept as simple as possible. This avoids the need for special machinery to cut, orientate and assemble tubes with elaborate slots or tabs.
Furthermore, because the finished product is streamlined in appearance, it is particuarly atractive to the user. -,~
Preferably, the outer surface of the tamponbody is provided with a projection which causes the body of the tampon to sit at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.
3ST~TU7E SHEE~T
W093/On79 PCT/GB92/01980 2 1 2 3 1 0 6 -- 4 i!-- r .~
Preferably, the tampon body is curved below the distal end.
Prefer~bly, the tampon body is slanted with-respect to its distal end.
Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the tampon body is not coincident with that of the tampon head.
Preferably, the outer surface of the tampon body is provided with an indentation.
Preferably, the distal end of the tampon has an enlarged head, part of which sits coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.
Preferably, the widest part of the enlarged head sits firmly within the distal end of the outer tube to anchor the head such that the axis of the tampon body is not coaxial with that of the applicator. - y`
..
Preferably, the outer and inner tubes are provlded with means to limit withdrawal of the inner tube from the outer tubè.
`Pref ~bly, the-proximal end of the outer tube is cupp d inwaraly ~nd the outer surface of the distal end of the inner tube is provided with a rim - 30 which abuts the proximal end of the outer tube to limit withdraw~l.
Preferably, the distal end of the inner tube is cupped inwardly.
Preferably, the proximal end of the tampon is $ ,. ....
r ~_~ W093/ ~ 79' ~21~231106 ~ ~ PCT/GB92/01980 'S
enl~rged.
Preferably, the length of the applicator before preparation for use is substantially no greater t-han the length of the tampon.
Preferably, the tampon comprises a compressed fibrous cellulosic absorbent material.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which;
Figure 1 depicts a sanitary tampon according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention when the tampon is in its stored position;
Figure 2 depicts the sanitary tampon in Figure 1 when the inner tube of the application has been withdrawn to pri~e the applicator for use; -Figure 3 depicts ~eparately the tampon which is stored in the applicator in Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a view of the interior of the sanitary tampon in Figure l;
Figure S is a view of the interior of the sanitary tampon in Figure 2;
Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 depict further ~ bodi~ents of a tampon w~ich could be uced with the applicator ~n F1gure 1 Figure 1 depicts a ~anitary tampon which comprises an applicator havinq an inner tube 1 and an outer tube 2 and a tampon 3 of compressed absorbent material stcred within the applicator. The inner and outer tubes 1, 2 are constructed by spirally winding layers of paper and bonding the layers with a suitable adhesive. The outer tube 2 has an open f' ~123106 suitable adhesive. The outer tube 2 has an open distal end 4 which is inserted into the body of the user and an open proximal end 5. The inner tube 1 also has an open distal end 6 (see Figure 4) and àn open proximal end 7. A series of circumferential grooves 8, 9 are provided on the proximal end of the outer and inner tubes respectively to facilitate gripping of the applicator by a user.
The inner and outer tubes can be manufactured in paper, cardboard or plastic depending on end requirements.
If one refers to Figure 4 which depicts the `
lS interior of the applicator in Figure 1, it is clear ~^
that the inner tube 1 is cupped inwardly at its distal end 6 and is provided with a circumferential rim 10 on its outer surface. In addition, the proximal end S of outer tube 2 is cupped inwardly.
20 The cupping of the inner and outer tubes and rim 10 `
-will be~explained in detail with respect to the operation of the tampon applicator.
Figure 3 depicts a pref~erred embodiment of a tampon 3 which can be used in the applicator depicted in Figure l.~ The tampon 3 is constructed such that it is~asymmetrical having a nib lSa on one side of the body 11 of the tampon just below the enlarged head-12. The tampon 3 is also provided with a withdrawal cord 14. The tampon 3 has an enlarged head 12 comprisinq a rounded-tip 12a and a tapered portion 12b the widest part of thè tampon being the -region where the tip 12a and tapered portion 12b meet. The widest part of the head 12 is a firm fit in the applicator and will sit substantially coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis of TE S~E~T
;.
'-`` 2123106 the applicator. The enlarged head 12 will act as a limiting means to prevent the tampon from being pulled into the outer tube 2 when the inner tube 1 is withdrawn to prime the applicator for use.
It can be seen that when the tampon 3 is stored within the inner tube 1 the nib 15a will cause the proximal end 13 of the tampon 3 to be urged against the inside of inner tube 1 and thus the tampon body will sit at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator. In order that the asymmetry of the tampon body functions as required, the angle at which the tampon body sits with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator should be between 1 and 3 preferably 2.S. The widest part of the enlarged head 12 of the tampon 3 will act to anchor the tampon at its distal end thereby further urging the proximal end 13 into contact with the inner tube 1 .
~
The tampon 3 can be made in any conventional ~;
manner, i.e by compressing a flat pad or a spirally wound constru~tion. Preferably, the tampon 3 is made from a compressed fibrous cellulosic absorbent material.
~i~ure 5 depicts the tampon and applicator when - the inner tube 1 has been~partially withdrawn from -the outer tube 2 to prime the applicator for use.
The cupping on the proximal end 5 of the outer tube 2 and the rim 10 on the inner tube'1 will ensure that the inner tube 1 is not completely withdrawn from the outer tube 2. When the distal end 6 of the inner tube 1 is pulled past the proximal end 13 of tampon 3, the asymmetric construction of tampon 3 will urge the proximal end 13 against the inner surface of ITU~ EEl~
.
outer tube 2. In this way, when the inner tube 1 is pushed back into the outer tube 2 to expel the tampon 3, the proximal end 13 of the tampon will not re-enter the distal end 6 of the inner tube 1. The S cupping of the distal end 6 of the inner tube 1 also ensures that "re-tubing" does not occur. A further embodiment of the present invention could comprise a tampon having an enlarged proximal end 13 to further ensure that "re-tubing" is unlikely.
1 0 ~,"~," .",~
Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 depict further embodiments of tampons which would sit at an angle within the applicator.
In Figure 6 the body 11 is forn;ed at an angle to the head 12 of the tampon. In Figure 7 the head 12 is offset from the longitudinal axis of the body ~-`
11. In Figure 8 the body 11 is curved with respect to the head 12. Figure 9 depicts a tampon having an -indentation lSb. This indentation is formed during compression of the tampon and the induced asymmetry will cause the resulting tampon body 11 to sit at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator when the head 12 is held in the outer tube. Each construction will sit at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator adjacent the proximal end 13 thus~urging the tampon into contact with the inner surface of the inner tube l or outer tube 2 when the inner tube is withdrawn. 8y sitting at an angle the risk of the proximal end 13 "re-tubing" in the distal end 6 of the inner tube 1 is minimal, particularly if the distal end 6 of inner tube l is cupped inwardly and the proximal end 13 of the tampon is slig~tly - enlarged.
Thus, it can be seen that the problem of :
"re-tubing" is overcome simply by constructing the ITUTE SHEEr W093/ ~ 79 PCT/GB92/O
~r~
_ g ~
tampon in a particular manner without the need for a complicated construction of inner and outer tubes.
Clearly, the relative dimensions of the tampon, the inner tube and the outer tube will have to be cho~en carefully to ensure s~ooth operation of the applicator. It is envisaged that the length of the applicator before preparation for use could be substantially no greater than that of the tampon itself thereby further increasing its discreteness, lo ease of carrying and aesthetic appeal.
-. " ` ~ . ~
, .
The present invention relates to sanitary ta~pons which compri-e an applicator for placing a, tampon in position within the body of a u~er of the tampon It is known to provide applicators in which an outer tube for storing a tampon therein has a distal discharge end for insertion into the body and the tampon is ejected by slidably moving an inner tube ~-' within the outer tube In order to provide less bulky applicators, a -number of arrangements have been proposed in whic~
the inner tube is initia}ly receiveA telescopically ~'-within the outer tube and must be partially withdrawn ' before the dispensing operation Such an arrangement i~ known a~ a ~co-pact applicator" However, it has -~
been found in compact applicators that once the inner tuke has been partially withdrawn and the applicator i8 primed for use, t~e inner tube will often pas back between the ta~pon and the inner surfaoe of the outer tube w~én the user pushes the inner tube , ~nwards to d1~charge the~tampon into the body When th~8 occur-, the inner tub will 8i~ply relocate it-~lf b tw- n th~ta~pon~and th~ outer tube without d~ch~rging~,tb ,,t~ pon - this rf~ct is often , r-f-rred to as ~re-tub~ng~' , , ' In Int-rnat~onal patent application No PC$/GB
90/01651 (WO 91/06272), the applicant~ proposed a ta~pon applicator which aimed to overcome the problem of ~re-tubing~ However, this applicator made use of 35 ' a complex slot and protruding tab arrangement between the inner and outer tubes In order to manufacture 2~2~106 the applicator, complicated tooling is requir~d and the fact tbat the inner tube has to be placed in a ~pecific orientation within the outer tube ma~es auto~ated as~bly difficult. A further --S characteri~tic of tbi~ applicator i~ that if the usertries to discharge the tampon from the outer tube without fir~t partially withdrawing the inner tube to prime the applicator for use, the inner tube can be freed from the outer tube by dicengaging the tab lo which i~ intendcd to lock the inner and outer tubes together. If the inner tube is then partially withdrawn fro~ the outer tube, there is no ~eans to prevent co~plete withdr~wal. The~e problems can be inconvenient. Therefore, aucce~ful operation relies heavily on the u~e of reading and understanding the instructions provided.
US Patent No. 4,726,805 also describes tampon applicators which are intended to overcome the proble~ of ~re-tu~ingn. Tbe applicators are ~ade ~ro~ a defor~able/flexible material ~uch as a theroofor~ing pla~tic to ensure that the product functions correctly. accordingly, the pla~tic applicator~ do not provide environ~entally friendly ~nd conv ni-nce of disposal advantages such a~
biod-gr~d bility and flus~ability. Further d~ant~q-~ a~-oclated with the plactic ~pplicator ~re th~t the co t~ of ~oulding quipoent are very high resulting in a higher unit c06t for the applicator.
The pre-ent invention, therefore, seeks to overco~e the di~dvantages of the prior art applicator~ by providing ~ simpler, user friendly product whicb is still able to overcome the typical problems encountered by users.
` ~ 2123106 According to the present invention there is provided a sanitary tampon comprising a compact applicator and a tampon of compressed absorbent S material stored within the applicator, the applicator having an inner tube and an outer tube slidably ~
disposed over the inner tube, the outer tube having a ;
distal discharge end for insertion into the body of -the user wherein the tampon is solid and substantially cylindrical in shape, characterised in that the tampon is constructed such that at least a part of the body of the tampon adjacent the proximal end always sits at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator so that when the inner tube is 15 withdrawn past the proximal end of the tampon to -~
prime the applicator for use, the proximal end of the tampon will urge itself against the inner surface of the outer tube and when the inner tube is pushed back into the outer tube to expel the tampon, the tampon ~s hindered from re-entering the distal end of the inner tube. -The advantage with such a tampon applicator is that the tampon itself is able to prevent "re-tubing" `
so that the construction of the~inner and outer tubes can be kept as simple as possible. This avoids the need for special machinery to cut, orientate and assemble tubes with elaborate slots or tabs.
Furthermore, because the finished product is streamlined in appearance, it is particuarly atractive to the user. -,~
Preferably, the outer surface of the tamponbody is provided with a projection which causes the body of the tampon to sit at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.
3ST~TU7E SHEE~T
W093/On79 PCT/GB92/01980 2 1 2 3 1 0 6 -- 4 i!-- r .~
Preferably, the tampon body is curved below the distal end.
Prefer~bly, the tampon body is slanted with-respect to its distal end.
Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the tampon body is not coincident with that of the tampon head.
Preferably, the outer surface of the tampon body is provided with an indentation.
Preferably, the distal end of the tampon has an enlarged head, part of which sits coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.
Preferably, the widest part of the enlarged head sits firmly within the distal end of the outer tube to anchor the head such that the axis of the tampon body is not coaxial with that of the applicator. - y`
..
Preferably, the outer and inner tubes are provlded with means to limit withdrawal of the inner tube from the outer tubè.
`Pref ~bly, the-proximal end of the outer tube is cupp d inwaraly ~nd the outer surface of the distal end of the inner tube is provided with a rim - 30 which abuts the proximal end of the outer tube to limit withdraw~l.
Preferably, the distal end of the inner tube is cupped inwardly.
Preferably, the proximal end of the tampon is $ ,. ....
r ~_~ W093/ ~ 79' ~21~231106 ~ ~ PCT/GB92/01980 'S
enl~rged.
Preferably, the length of the applicator before preparation for use is substantially no greater t-han the length of the tampon.
Preferably, the tampon comprises a compressed fibrous cellulosic absorbent material.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which;
Figure 1 depicts a sanitary tampon according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention when the tampon is in its stored position;
Figure 2 depicts the sanitary tampon in Figure 1 when the inner tube of the application has been withdrawn to pri~e the applicator for use; -Figure 3 depicts ~eparately the tampon which is stored in the applicator in Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a view of the interior of the sanitary tampon in Figure l;
Figure S is a view of the interior of the sanitary tampon in Figure 2;
Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 depict further ~ bodi~ents of a tampon w~ich could be uced with the applicator ~n F1gure 1 Figure 1 depicts a ~anitary tampon which comprises an applicator havinq an inner tube 1 and an outer tube 2 and a tampon 3 of compressed absorbent material stcred within the applicator. The inner and outer tubes 1, 2 are constructed by spirally winding layers of paper and bonding the layers with a suitable adhesive. The outer tube 2 has an open f' ~123106 suitable adhesive. The outer tube 2 has an open distal end 4 which is inserted into the body of the user and an open proximal end 5. The inner tube 1 also has an open distal end 6 (see Figure 4) and àn open proximal end 7. A series of circumferential grooves 8, 9 are provided on the proximal end of the outer and inner tubes respectively to facilitate gripping of the applicator by a user.
The inner and outer tubes can be manufactured in paper, cardboard or plastic depending on end requirements.
If one refers to Figure 4 which depicts the `
lS interior of the applicator in Figure 1, it is clear ~^
that the inner tube 1 is cupped inwardly at its distal end 6 and is provided with a circumferential rim 10 on its outer surface. In addition, the proximal end S of outer tube 2 is cupped inwardly.
20 The cupping of the inner and outer tubes and rim 10 `
-will be~explained in detail with respect to the operation of the tampon applicator.
Figure 3 depicts a pref~erred embodiment of a tampon 3 which can be used in the applicator depicted in Figure l.~ The tampon 3 is constructed such that it is~asymmetrical having a nib lSa on one side of the body 11 of the tampon just below the enlarged head-12. The tampon 3 is also provided with a withdrawal cord 14. The tampon 3 has an enlarged head 12 comprisinq a rounded-tip 12a and a tapered portion 12b the widest part of thè tampon being the -region where the tip 12a and tapered portion 12b meet. The widest part of the head 12 is a firm fit in the applicator and will sit substantially coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis of TE S~E~T
;.
'-`` 2123106 the applicator. The enlarged head 12 will act as a limiting means to prevent the tampon from being pulled into the outer tube 2 when the inner tube 1 is withdrawn to prime the applicator for use.
It can be seen that when the tampon 3 is stored within the inner tube 1 the nib 15a will cause the proximal end 13 of the tampon 3 to be urged against the inside of inner tube 1 and thus the tampon body will sit at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator. In order that the asymmetry of the tampon body functions as required, the angle at which the tampon body sits with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator should be between 1 and 3 preferably 2.S. The widest part of the enlarged head 12 of the tampon 3 will act to anchor the tampon at its distal end thereby further urging the proximal end 13 into contact with the inner tube 1 .
~
The tampon 3 can be made in any conventional ~;
manner, i.e by compressing a flat pad or a spirally wound constru~tion. Preferably, the tampon 3 is made from a compressed fibrous cellulosic absorbent material.
~i~ure 5 depicts the tampon and applicator when - the inner tube 1 has been~partially withdrawn from -the outer tube 2 to prime the applicator for use.
The cupping on the proximal end 5 of the outer tube 2 and the rim 10 on the inner tube'1 will ensure that the inner tube 1 is not completely withdrawn from the outer tube 2. When the distal end 6 of the inner tube 1 is pulled past the proximal end 13 of tampon 3, the asymmetric construction of tampon 3 will urge the proximal end 13 against the inner surface of ITU~ EEl~
.
outer tube 2. In this way, when the inner tube 1 is pushed back into the outer tube 2 to expel the tampon 3, the proximal end 13 of the tampon will not re-enter the distal end 6 of the inner tube 1. The S cupping of the distal end 6 of the inner tube 1 also ensures that "re-tubing" does not occur. A further embodiment of the present invention could comprise a tampon having an enlarged proximal end 13 to further ensure that "re-tubing" is unlikely.
1 0 ~,"~," .",~
Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 depict further embodiments of tampons which would sit at an angle within the applicator.
In Figure 6 the body 11 is forn;ed at an angle to the head 12 of the tampon. In Figure 7 the head 12 is offset from the longitudinal axis of the body ~-`
11. In Figure 8 the body 11 is curved with respect to the head 12. Figure 9 depicts a tampon having an -indentation lSb. This indentation is formed during compression of the tampon and the induced asymmetry will cause the resulting tampon body 11 to sit at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator when the head 12 is held in the outer tube. Each construction will sit at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator adjacent the proximal end 13 thus~urging the tampon into contact with the inner surface of the inner tube l or outer tube 2 when the inner tube is withdrawn. 8y sitting at an angle the risk of the proximal end 13 "re-tubing" in the distal end 6 of the inner tube 1 is minimal, particularly if the distal end 6 of inner tube l is cupped inwardly and the proximal end 13 of the tampon is slig~tly - enlarged.
Thus, it can be seen that the problem of :
"re-tubing" is overcome simply by constructing the ITUTE SHEEr W093/ ~ 79 PCT/GB92/O
~r~
_ g ~
tampon in a particular manner without the need for a complicated construction of inner and outer tubes.
Clearly, the relative dimensions of the tampon, the inner tube and the outer tube will have to be cho~en carefully to ensure s~ooth operation of the applicator. It is envisaged that the length of the applicator before preparation for use could be substantially no greater than that of the tampon itself thereby further increasing its discreteness, lo ease of carrying and aesthetic appeal.
-. " ` ~ . ~
Claims (15)
1. A sanitary tampon comprising a compact applicator and a tampon (3) of compressed absorbent material stored within the applicator, the applicator having an inner tube (1) and an outer tube (2) slidably disposed over the inner tube (1), the outer tube (2) having a distal discharge end (4) for insertion into the body of the user wherein the tampon (3) is solid and substantially cylindrical in shape, characterised in that the tampon (3) is constructed such that at least a part of the body of the tampon adjacent the proximal end (13) always sits at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator so that when the inner tube (1) is withdrawn past the proximal end (13) of the tampon (3) to prime the applicator for use, the proximal end (13) of the tampon (3) will urge itself against the inner surface of the outer tube (2) and when the inner tube (1) is pushed back into the outer tube (2) to expel the tampon (3), the tampon (3) is hindered from re-entering the distal end (6) of the inner tube (1).
2. A sanitary tampon as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the outer surface of the tampon body (11) is provided with a projection (15a) which causes the body (11) of the tampon (3) to sit at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.
3. A sanitary tampon as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the tampon body (11) is curved below the distal end (12).
4. A sanitary tampon as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the tampon body (11) is slanted with respect to its distal end (12).
5. A sanitary tampon as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the longitudinal axis of the tampon body (11) is not coincident with that of the tampon head (12).
6. A sanitary tampon as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the outer surface of the tampon body (11) is provided with an indentation (15b).
7. A sanitary tampon as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the distal end of the tampon-has an enlarged head (12), part of which sits coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.
8. A sanitary tampon as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the widest part of the enlarged head (12a) sits firmly within the distal end (4) of the outer tube (2) to anchor the head (12) such that the axis of the tampon body (11) is not co-axial with that of the applicator.
9. A sanitary tampon in any preceding claim wherein the outer (2) and inner tubes are provided with means (5,10) to limit withdrawal of the inner tube (1) from the outer tube (2).
10. A sanitary tampon as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the proximal end (5) of the outer tube (2) is cupped inwardly and the outer surface of the distal end (6) of the inner tube (l) is provided with a rim (10) which abuts the proximal end (5) of the outer tube (2) to limit withdrawal.
11. A sanitary tampon as claimed in any
11. A sanitary tampon as claimed in any
11. A sanitary tampon as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the distal end (6) of the inner tube (1) is cupped inwardly.
12. A sanitary tampon as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the proximal end (13) of the tampon (3) is enlarged.
13. A sanitary tampon as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the length of the applicator before preparation for use is substantially no greater than the length of the tampon (3).
14. A sanitary tampon as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tampon (3) comprises a compressed fibrous cellulosic absorbent material.
15. A sanitary tampon substantially as herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9123524.2 | 1991-11-06 | ||
| GB919123524A GB9123524D0 (en) | 1991-11-06 | 1991-11-06 | Sanitary tampon |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2123106A1 true CA2123106A1 (en) | 1993-05-13 |
Family
ID=10704141
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002123106A Abandoned CA2123106A1 (en) | 1991-11-06 | 1992-10-29 | Sanitary tampon |
Country Status (14)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5554108A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0611297B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH07500746A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE135191T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU667321B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9206725A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2123106A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69209085T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2085042T3 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI942081A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB9123524D0 (en) |
| HK (1) | HK1007099A1 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO302795B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993008779A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (39)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4446226A1 (en) * | 1993-12-24 | 1995-06-29 | Alfred Von Der Lehr | Anal tampon |
| US20010045575A1 (en) | 1998-05-01 | 2001-11-29 | Mark Ashby | Device and method for facilitating hemostasis of a biopsy tract |
| US6358223B1 (en) * | 1999-06-18 | 2002-03-19 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Tampon applicator |
| US6254566B1 (en) * | 1999-06-18 | 2001-07-03 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Tampon with a tampon applicator |
| US6332878B1 (en) | 1999-09-02 | 2001-12-25 | Moonstruck, Llc | Devices and methods for capturing and containing menstrual flow |
| US6479728B1 (en) | 1999-09-15 | 2002-11-12 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent structure with angularly orientated absorbent members |
| US6436328B1 (en) * | 1999-09-15 | 2002-08-20 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Method for forming an absorbent structure |
| US6984219B2 (en) * | 1999-09-23 | 2006-01-10 | Mark Ashby | Depth and puncture control for blood vessel hemostasis system |
| US6572577B1 (en) | 2000-06-23 | 2003-06-03 | Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. | Applicator for catamenial device having improved gripper end |
| US6423025B1 (en) | 2000-06-30 | 2002-07-23 | Herve Buzot | Catamenial applicator having a fingergrip |
| US8187625B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2012-05-29 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Cross-linked gelatin composition comprising a wetting agent |
| US6673032B2 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2004-01-06 | Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. | Applicator having improved gripper end |
| US7008440B2 (en) * | 2001-11-08 | 2006-03-07 | Sub-Q, Inc. | System and method for delivering hemostasis promoting material to a blood vessel puncture site by fluid pressure |
| US6932805B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2005-08-23 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Shaped tampon |
| US20040010220A1 (en) * | 2002-06-21 | 2004-01-15 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator with improved fingergrip and method of making same |
| US7727208B2 (en) | 2002-09-12 | 2010-06-01 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Ergonomic tampon applicator |
| US7955353B1 (en) | 2002-11-04 | 2011-06-07 | Sub-Q, Inc. | Dissolvable closure device |
| US8317821B1 (en) | 2002-11-04 | 2012-11-27 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Release mechanism |
| US7455680B1 (en) * | 2002-11-04 | 2008-11-25 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Apparatus and method for inhibiting blood loss |
| US8197434B2 (en) | 2003-05-02 | 2012-06-12 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon assembly having shaped pledget |
| US9192522B2 (en) | 2003-05-02 | 2015-11-24 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Tampon assembly having shaped pledget |
| US7798986B2 (en) * | 2003-06-20 | 2010-09-21 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator barrels having gripping structures and methods of forming |
| US7887525B2 (en) | 2003-06-26 | 2011-02-15 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Coating composition with color and/or optical components and a tampon applicator coated therewith |
| US20050096621A1 (en) * | 2003-11-04 | 2005-05-05 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Substantially serpentine shaped tampon with varying density regions |
| US7875043B1 (en) | 2003-12-09 | 2011-01-25 | Sub-Q, Inc. | Cinching loop |
| US7226436B2 (en) | 2004-03-08 | 2007-06-05 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Cardboard tampon applicator with optical enhancing material coated on inner layers |
| US20060004320A1 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2006-01-05 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Applicator with low placement indicia on the plunger |
| US8197231B2 (en) | 2005-07-13 | 2012-06-12 | Purity Solutions Llc | Diaphragm pump and related methods |
| US20070021709A1 (en) * | 2005-07-22 | 2007-01-25 | Bertulis Eugenia M | Tampon applicator having a multi-directional rim |
| US20070021708A1 (en) * | 2005-07-22 | 2007-01-25 | Bertulis Eugenia M | Tampon applicator having a multi-directional rim |
| US7815594B2 (en) | 2006-06-12 | 2010-10-19 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon assembly providing proper bodily placement of a pledget |
| US20080077106A1 (en) * | 2006-09-22 | 2008-03-27 | Ryo Minoguchi | Tampon having an asymmetric insertion end and a finger pocket |
| US20090192436A1 (en) * | 2008-01-24 | 2009-07-30 | Nancy Karapasha | Applicator having plunger with gripping elements |
| WO2010024398A1 (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2010-03-04 | ユニ・チャーム株式会社 | Applicator for tampon |
| AT507987B1 (en) | 2009-02-23 | 2015-12-15 | Ruggli Projects Ag | TAMPON APPLICATOR ARRANGEMENT |
| US9610392B2 (en) | 2012-06-08 | 2017-04-04 | Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. | Medical fluid cassettes and related systems and methods |
| USD798447S1 (en) | 2014-12-01 | 2017-09-26 | University Of Central Lancashire | Vaginal dilator |
| USD852359S1 (en) * | 2018-03-14 | 2019-06-25 | Lacey Lund | Self-lubricating tampon applicator |
| USD852360S1 (en) * | 2018-03-14 | 2019-06-25 | Lacey Lund | Self-lubricating tampon applicator |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2854978A (en) * | 1956-07-24 | 1958-10-07 | Ortho Pharma Corp | Applicator |
| US3791385A (en) * | 1972-10-16 | 1974-02-12 | A Davis | Catamenial device and applicator thereof |
| US4286595A (en) * | 1979-09-27 | 1981-09-01 | Johnson & Johnson Products, Inc. | Compact tampon applicator assembly |
| US4726805A (en) * | 1986-06-26 | 1988-02-23 | Tambrands Inc. | Tampon applicator |
| GB2204491B (en) * | 1987-05-13 | 1992-04-01 | Tambrands Ltd | Improvements in tampon applicators |
| AU3667889A (en) * | 1988-06-30 | 1990-01-04 | Tambrands Limited | Improvements in 2-piece tampon applicators |
| GB8924290D0 (en) * | 1989-10-27 | 1989-12-13 | Tambrands Ltd | Improvements in 2-piece tampon applicators |
-
1991
- 1991-11-06 GB GB919123524A patent/GB9123524D0/en active Pending
-
1992
- 1992-10-29 DE DE69209085T patent/DE69209085T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-10-29 CA CA002123106A patent/CA2123106A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-10-29 AT AT92922497T patent/ATE135191T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-10-29 ES ES92922497T patent/ES2085042T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-10-29 AU AU27942/92A patent/AU667321B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1992-10-29 JP JP5508237A patent/JPH07500746A/en active Pending
- 1992-10-29 US US08/240,669 patent/US5554108A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-10-29 EP EP92922497A patent/EP0611297B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-10-29 WO PCT/GB1992/001980 patent/WO1993008779A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1992-10-29 BR BR9206725A patent/BR9206725A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1994
- 1994-05-05 FI FI942081A patent/FI942081A/en unknown
- 1994-05-05 NO NO941661A patent/NO302795B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1998
- 1998-06-24 HK HK98106422A patent/HK1007099A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NO941661L (en) | 1994-07-05 |
| ES2085042T3 (en) | 1996-05-16 |
| FI942081A (en) | 1994-07-05 |
| GB9123524D0 (en) | 1992-01-02 |
| WO1993008779A1 (en) | 1993-05-13 |
| HK1007099A1 (en) | 1999-04-01 |
| JPH07500746A (en) | 1995-01-26 |
| AU667321B2 (en) | 1996-03-21 |
| FI942081A0 (en) | 1994-05-05 |
| EP0611297B1 (en) | 1996-03-13 |
| DE69209085T2 (en) | 1996-08-01 |
| ATE135191T1 (en) | 1996-03-15 |
| EP0611297A1 (en) | 1994-08-24 |
| AU2794292A (en) | 1993-06-07 |
| BR9206725A (en) | 1995-10-24 |
| US5554108A (en) | 1996-09-10 |
| DE69209085D1 (en) | 1996-04-18 |
| NO941661D0 (en) | 1994-05-05 |
| NO302795B1 (en) | 1998-04-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |