US3628533A - Domed-tipped applicator for catamenial tampons - Google Patents
Domed-tipped applicator for catamenial tampons Download PDFInfo
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- US3628533A US3628533A US29942A US3628533DA US3628533A US 3628533 A US3628533 A US 3628533A US 29942 A US29942 A US 29942A US 3628533D A US3628533D A US 3628533DA US 3628533 A US3628533 A US 3628533A
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- applicator
- tampon
- tubular member
- segments
- domed
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- 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
Definitions
- ABSTRACT A segmented, domed-tipped, tubular applicator for the insertion of catsmenial tampons intravaginally is provided with sinusoidal curvilinear ribs positioned centrally and extending axially and radially on the inner surface of each of the dome segments to spread the segments apart and permit the tampon to be expelled from the applicator.
- tampons are generally elongated and cylindrical in shape and are made by compressing absorbent material, usually fibrous, into the desired form. Such tampons due to their compression, are relatively rigid and form stability and may therefore be introduced into the vaginal cavity by digital means. However, it is more common to position them in the vaginal cavity with devices called applicators. These are devices usually packaged assembled with tampons to provide a complete unit ready for use.
- Tampon applicators in general use consist of an inner and outer tube arranged in telescopic fashion with the inner tube longitudinally moveable in the outer tube. A tampon is positioned in one end of the outer tube and is expelled therefrom by moving the inner tube in the outer tube in the direction of the tampon. Because of the nature of their use, most tampon applicators have been made of paper, cardboard, plastic or similar materials so that they could be discarded after but a single use.
- the forward end of the outer tube presents a blunt cutoff surface which is the portion first introduced into the vagina. Being blunt, initial insertion of the catamenial tampon applicator was often painful to the extent of discomfort. To alleviate this discomfort, it has been proposed to form a tampon applicator with a tapered forward end either by forming a series of pleats in the tubular member or by slitting a previously domed forward end into a series of triangularly shaped segments, in either instance permitting the tapered forward end to open up upon expulsion of the tampon from the tubular applicator.
- a domed-tipped applicator for catamenial tampons which comprises a first tubular member containing a tampon and a second tubular member telescoped for slideable engagement within the first tubular member.
- the second tubular member is adapted to expel the tampon from the forward end of the first tubular member upon urging the second tubular member in a forward direction.
- a plurality of substantially triangularly shaped segments are provided which are integral at their respective bases with the forward end of the first tubular member.
- the segments have their respective apices converging forwardly to a position where they are radially spaced from one another to define an opening having a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the first tubular member.
- Guide means are disposed on the inner surface of each of the triangularly shaped sections for pivoting the triangular segments radially outwardly to a position where the diameter of the opening defined by the apices is at least equal to the internal diameter of the first tubular member prior to the forward end of the tampon reaching the apices upon expulsion of the tampon from the applicator.
- FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the tampon applicator of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a view of the tampon applicator from the forward domed end thereof;
- FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view taken approximately along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a segmental perspective view of one of the dome segments of the tampon applicator showing the interior surface thereof;
- FIG. 5 is a segmental, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the forward domed end of the tampon applicator showing in phantom lines the opening thereof upon expulsion of the tampon from the applicator.
- a tampon applicator designated generally by the numeral 10, consists of an outer tubular member 12 and an inner tubular member M positioned telescopically for slideable movement within the outer tube.
- the rearward end of the outer tube 12 consists of a finger-gripping section 16 of reduced diameter, the internal diameter of the inner tube 14 thereby providing a bearing surface for slideably engaging the inner tube 14.
- the fingergripping section 16 has a series of longitudinally spaced concentric ridges 18 to increase frictional engagement with the fingers when gripped.
- a plurality of circumferentially spaced, substantially triangularly shaped segments 20 having their apices converging forwardly to be radially spaced from one another to define an opening 22 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer tube 12. While four such segments are shown, a greater or lesser number can be used.
- a catamenial tampon 24 Positioned forwardly of the inner tubular member 14 and contained within the outer tubular member 12, is a catamenial tampon 24 which, upon forward movement of the inner tubular member 14 within the outer tubular member 12, is adapted to be expelled from the forward, domed end of the applicator 10 in a manner more fully explained hereinafter.
- the tampon 24 can be made of :any of the well-known materials which are highly absorbent such as comminuted woodpulp fibers, bleached sulfite creped wadding, regenerated cellulosic fibers, cotton staple, polymeric or cellulosic foams, etc. Usually, such tampons are provided in densified compressed form and, upon being wetted with men strual fluids in use, will expand to provide for maximum fluid absorption. Also, for removal subsequent to use, the tampon 24 is provided with the usual withdrawal strings 26 which, when the tampon is packaged in the applicator 10, extend through the interior of the inner tubular member 14.
- the triangularly shaped segments 20 forming the forward domed end of the applicator 10 are shown in somewhat greater detail, particularly the interior surfaces thereof which are provided with the novel structure of the present invention.
- a rib 30 formed integrally with the segment 20.
- the ribs 30 present curvilinear inner edges 32 which, relative to the central axis of the applicator 10, are substantially sinusoidal.
- the triangularly shaped segments 20 assume a domed configuration with their apices spaced radially from one another to define the small opening 22 at the forward end of the applicator.
- the ribs 30 extend radially inwardly and the curvilinear sinusoidal edges 32 define a bearing surface that is smaller in area then the area of inner surfaces of the triangular-shaped segments 20.
- the ribs 30 depend radially inwardly from the innner surface of the triangularly shaped segment 29 and have a sinusoidal configuration at their inner edges 32, the radial distance from the central axis of the applicator 10 to any point on the bearing surface of the ribs 30 in less than the radial distance to the inner surface of the triangularly shaped segments 20.
- the inner tubular member 14 When it is desired to expel the tampon 24 from the applicator 10, the inner tubular member 14 is urged forwardly within the outer tubular member 12 until the inner end of the former abuts against the rearward end of the tampon 24. Continued forward movement of the inner tubular member 14 urges the tampon 24 forwardly also. As the forward end of the tampon 24 reaches the base of the domed forward portion of the outer tubular member 12, the curvilinear; sinusoidal edges 32 of the ribs 30, i.e., the bearing surfaces, are engaged by the forward end of the tampon 24.
- the tampon 24 engages only the bearing surfaces 32 of the ribs 30, which are much smaller in surface area than the surface area of the inner surfaces of the converging triangularly shaped segments 20, a substantial reduction in frictional forces is encountered upon urging the segments 20 to pivot outwardly to permit expulsion of the tampon from the domed end of the applicator.
- the ribs 30 present a sinusoidal curvilinear inner edge, the apices of the triangularly shaped segments 20 do not contact any surface of the tampon 24 upon its expulsion.
- the guide means 30 provided in domedtipped tampon applicators according to the present invention substantially reduce expulsion values encountered in such ap plicators as have been provided heretofore as well as prevent shredding and roughening of materials from the surfaces of the tampons as has occurred when the tampons were used directly to urge opening of triangularly shaped or pleated segments of prior domed tipped applicators.
- a domed tipped applicator for catamenial tampons comprising:
- a second tubular member telescoped for slideable engagement within said first tubular member and adapted to expel said tampon from the forward end of said first tubular member;
- guide means disposed on the inner surface of each of said triangularly shaped segments for pivoting said segments radially outwardly to a position where the diameter of said opening defined by said apices is at least equal to the internal diameter of said first tubular member prior to the forward end of said tampon reaching said apices upon expulsion of said tampon from said applicator.
- said guide means comprises a rib centrally disposed and extending axially and radially on the inner surface of each of said triangular segments.
Abstract
A segmented, domed-tipped, tubular applicator for the insertion of catamenial tampons intravaginally is provided with sinusoidal curvilinear ribs positioned centrally and extending axially and radially on the inner surface of each of the dome segments to spread the segments apart and permit the tampon to be expelled from the applicator.
Description
United States Patent [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,4l3.480 12/1946 Winter [72] Inventor Michael Loyer South Somerville, NJ. 29,942
[21] 128/263 [221 FM 3,204,635 9/1965 Vossetal. 128/263 [45] Patented Dec. 21,1971
. h J 3,347,234 10/1967 VOSS............ 128/263 [73] Assgnee 3,358,686 12/1967 Asaka... 128/263 Primary Examiner-Robert W. Michell [54] DGMED-TIPPED APPLICATOR FOR Assistant Examiner-J. H. Wolfe CATAMENIAL TAMPONS Attorneys-W. Frederick Mayer, Jr. and Robert L. Minier 4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.
ABSTRACT: A segmented, domed-tipped, tubular applicator for the insertion of catsmenial tampons intravaginally is provided with sinusoidal curvilinear ribs positioned centrally and extending axially and radially on the inner surface of each of the dome segments to spread the segments apart and permit the tampon to be expelled from the applicator.
[51] Int. [50] Field 0! gamma BNVENTOR Mama [0X59 ATTORNEY DOMED-TIPPED APPLICATOR FOR CATAMENIAL TAMPONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to applicators and more particularly, to applicators for introducing catamenial tampons into the vaginal cavity.
Commercial catamenial tampons are generally elongated and cylindrical in shape and are made by compressing absorbent material, usually fibrous, into the desired form. Such tampons due to their compression, are relatively rigid and form stability and may therefore be introduced into the vaginal cavity by digital means. However, it is more common to position them in the vaginal cavity with devices called applicators. These are devices usually packaged assembled with tampons to provide a complete unit ready for use.
Tampon applicators in general use consist of an inner and outer tube arranged in telescopic fashion with the inner tube longitudinally moveable in the outer tube. A tampon is positioned in one end of the outer tube and is expelled therefrom by moving the inner tube in the outer tube in the direction of the tampon. Because of the nature of their use, most tampon applicators have been made of paper, cardboard, plastic or similar materials so that they could be discarded after but a single use.
In tampon applicators generally used heretofore, the forward end of the outer tube presents a blunt cutoff surface which is the portion first introduced into the vagina. Being blunt, initial insertion of the catamenial tampon applicator was often painful to the extent of discomfort. To alleviate this discomfort, it has been proposed to form a tampon applicator with a tapered forward end either by forming a series of pleats in the tubular member or by slitting a previously domed forward end into a series of triangularly shaped segments, in either instance permitting the tapered forward end to open up upon expulsion of the tampon from the tubular applicator.
It has been found, however, that such tapering of the forward end of the tubular applicators, while greatly reducing the discomfort of insertion, increased substantially the force required to expel the tampon from the applicator. In other words, the expulsion value" was increased beyond the level acceptable to the consumer. In addition, the apices of the dome segments or the forward end of the pleats tended to roughen up the fibers on the surface of the tampon as the latter spread apart the domed tip of the applicator tube upon expulsion thereof from the forward end.
I have now provided a segmented, domed-tipped applicator which overcomes the above disadvantages and shortcomings of prior domed-tipped applicators by providing means for reducing expulsion values and for preventing the shredding of fibers from the tampon upon expulsion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a domed-tipped applicator for catamenial tampons which comprises a first tubular member containing a tampon and a second tubular member telescoped for slideable engagement within the first tubular member. The second tubular member is adapted to expel the tampon from the forward end of the first tubular member upon urging the second tubular member in a forward direction. A plurality of substantially triangularly shaped segments are provided which are integral at their respective bases with the forward end of the first tubular member. The segments have their respective apices converging forwardly to a position where they are radially spaced from one another to define an opening having a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the first tubular member. Guide means are disposed on the inner surface of each of the triangularly shaped sections for pivoting the triangular segments radially outwardly to a position where the diameter of the opening defined by the apices is at least equal to the internal diameter of the first tubular member prior to the forward end of the tampon reaching the apices upon expulsion of the tampon from the applicator.
The above and other features and advantages of the tampon applicators of the present invention will be even more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description thereof when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the tampon applicator of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a view of the tampon applicator from the forward domed end thereof;
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view taken approximately along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a segmental perspective view of one of the dome segments of the tampon applicator showing the interior surface thereof; and
FIG. 5 is a segmental, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the forward domed end of the tampon applicator showing in phantom lines the opening thereof upon expulsion of the tampon from the applicator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now particularly to FIGS. I through 3, a tampon applicator, designated generally by the numeral 10, consists of an outer tubular member 12 and an inner tubular member M positioned telescopically for slideable movement within the outer tube. The rearward end of the outer tube 12 consists of a finger-gripping section 16 of reduced diameter, the internal diameter of the inner tube 14 thereby providing a bearing surface for slideably engaging the inner tube 14. The fingergripping section 16 has a series of longitudinally spaced concentric ridges 18 to increase frictional engagement with the fingers when gripped.
At the forward end of the outer tubular member 12 and formed integrally therewith are a plurality of circumferentially spaced, substantially triangularly shaped segments 20 having their apices converging forwardly to be radially spaced from one another to define an opening 22 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer tube 12. While four such segments are shown, a greater or lesser number can be used.
Positioned forwardly of the inner tubular member 14 and contained within the outer tubular member 12, is a catamenial tampon 24 which, upon forward movement of the inner tubular member 14 within the outer tubular member 12, is adapted to be expelled from the forward, domed end of the applicator 10 in a manner more fully explained hereinafter.
The tampon 24 can be made of :any of the well-known materials which are highly absorbent such as comminuted woodpulp fibers, bleached sulfite creped wadding, regenerated cellulosic fibers, cotton staple, polymeric or cellulosic foams, etc. Usually, such tampons are provided in densified compressed form and, upon being wetted with men strual fluids in use, will expand to provide for maximum fluid absorption. Also, for removal subsequent to use, the tampon 24 is provided with the usual withdrawal strings 26 which, when the tampon is packaged in the applicator 10, extend through the interior of the inner tubular member 14.
Now, referring particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5, the triangularly shaped segments 20 forming the forward domed end of the applicator 10 are shown in somewhat greater detail, particularly the interior surfaces thereof which are provided with the novel structure of the present invention. 0n the interior surface of each of the triangularly shaped segments ZOand extending longitudinally and radially, is a rib 30 formed integrally with the segment 20. The ribs 30 present curvilinear inner edges 32 which, relative to the central axis of the applicator 10, are substantially sinusoidal.
When the applicator 10 is in a relaxed state, i.e., prior to the tampon 24 being expelled therefrom, the triangularly shaped segments 20 assume a domed configuration with their apices spaced radially from one another to define the small opening 22 at the forward end of the applicator. The ribs 30 extend radially inwardly and the curvilinear sinusoidal edges 32 define a bearing surface that is smaller in area then the area of inner surfaces of the triangular-shaped segments 20. Also, because the ribs 30 depend radially inwardly from the innner surface of the triangularly shaped segment 29 and have a sinusoidal configuration at their inner edges 32, the radial distance from the central axis of the applicator 10 to any point on the bearing surface of the ribs 30 in less than the radial distance to the inner surface of the triangularly shaped segments 20.
When it is desired to expel the tampon 24 from the applicator 10, the inner tubular member 14 is urged forwardly within the outer tubular member 12 until the inner end of the former abuts against the rearward end of the tampon 24. Continued forward movement of the inner tubular member 14 urges the tampon 24 forwardly also. As the forward end of the tampon 24 reaches the base of the domed forward portion of the outer tubular member 12, the curvilinear; sinusoidal edges 32 of the ribs 30, i.e., the bearing surfaces, are engaged by the forward end of the tampon 24. While the tampon 24 is moving forwardly through the segmented domed portion of the applicator, the bearing surfaces 32 of the ribs 30 are gradually lifted radially outwardly, thereby also moving the segments 30 radially outwardly until the diameter of the opening 22 defined by the apices of the triangular segments 30 becomes at least equal to or preferably slightly larger then the internal diameter of the outer tubular member 12 (FIG.
Because the tampon 24 engages only the bearing surfaces 32 of the ribs 30, which are much smaller in surface area than the surface area of the inner surfaces of the converging triangularly shaped segments 20, a substantial reduction in frictional forces is encountered upon urging the segments 20 to pivot outwardly to permit expulsion of the tampon from the domed end of the applicator. Similarly, because the ribs 30 present a sinusoidal curvilinear inner edge, the apices of the triangularly shaped segments 20 do not contact any surface of the tampon 24 upon its expulsion.
Thus it is seen that the guide means 30 provided in domedtipped tampon applicators according to the present invention substantially reduce expulsion values encountered in such ap plicators as have been provided heretofore as well as prevent shredding and roughening of materials from the surfaces of the tampons as has occurred when the tampons were used directly to urge opening of triangularly shaped or pleated segments of prior domed tipped applicators.
I claim:
1. A domed tipped applicator for catamenial tampons comprising:
a. a first tubular member containing a tampon;
b. a second tubular member telescoped for slideable engagement within said first tubular member and adapted to expel said tampon from the forward end of said first tubular member;
0. a plurality of substantially triangularly shaped segments integral at their respective bases with the forward end of said first tubular member and having their respective apices converging forwardly and being radially spaced from one another to define an opening having a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of said first tubular member; and
d. guide means disposed on the inner surface of each of said triangularly shaped segments for pivoting said segments radially outwardly to a position where the diameter of said opening defined by said apices is at least equal to the internal diameter of said first tubular member prior to the forward end of said tampon reaching said apices upon expulsion of said tampon from said applicator.
2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said guide means comprises a rib centrally disposed and extending axially and radially on the inner surface of each of said triangular segments.
3. The applicator of claim 2 wherein said rib presents an inner edge that defines a sinusoidal curvilinear surface for bearing against said tampon upon expulsion thereof from said applicator.
4. The applicator of claim 3 wherein the surface area of the 3 35 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PatentNo. 3, ,533 Dated December 21,1971
Inventor(s) Michael Loyer It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:
- In Column 1, line 26, "to the extent of discomfort" should I read ----to the extent of causing discomfort----.
In Column 2, lines 28-30, the internal diameter of the inner tube 1 thereby providing a. bearing surface for slideably engaging the inner tube 1 should read the internal diameter 66 which is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner tube l thereby providing a. bearing surface for slideably engaging the inner tube 1 In Column 3, line 3, "29" should read ----20----.
In Column 3, line 6, "in less" should read is less Signed and sealed this 6th day of June 1972.
(SEAL) Attest:
EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOT'EI'SCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents
Claims (4)
1. A domed tipped applicator for catamenial tampons comprising: a. a first tubular member containing a tampon; b. a second tubular member telescoped for slideable engagement within said first tubular member and adapted to expel said tampon from the forward end of said first tubular member; c. a plurality of substantially triangularly shaped segments integral at their respective bases with the forward end of said first tubular member and having their respective apices converging forwardly and being radially spaced from one another to define an opening having a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of said first tubular member; and d. guIde means disposed on the inner surface of each of said triangularly shaped segments for pivoting said segments radially outwardly to a position where the diameter of said opening defined by said apices is at least equal to the internal diameter of said first tubular member prior to the forward end of said tampon reaching said apices upon expulsion of said tampon from said applicator.
2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said guide means comprises a rib centrally disposed and extending axially and radially on the inner surface of each of said triangular segments.
3. The applicator of claim 2 wherein said rib presents an inner edge that defines a sinusoidal curvilinear surface for bearing against said tampon upon expulsion thereof from said applicator.
4. The applicator of claim 3 wherein the surface area of the inner edge of said rib is less than the surface area of the inner surface of its triangularly shaped segment.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US2994270A | 1970-04-20 | 1970-04-20 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US3628533A true US3628533A (en) | 1971-12-21 |
Family
ID=21851702
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US29942A Expired - Lifetime US3628533A (en) | 1970-04-20 | 1970-04-20 | Domed-tipped applicator for catamenial tampons |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3628533A (en) |
Cited By (42)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3766921A (en) * | 1971-08-18 | 1973-10-23 | Procter & Gamble | Proximal apex tampon |
| US3830236A (en) * | 1973-02-28 | 1974-08-20 | Kimberly Clark Co | Applicator tube for inserting hygienic media |
| US3895634A (en) * | 1973-10-18 | 1975-07-22 | Rapid American Corp | Tampon inserter |
| JPS5447298U (en) * | 1977-09-08 | 1979-04-02 | ||
| US4269187A (en) * | 1978-11-02 | 1981-05-26 | Kao Soap Co., Ltd. | Tampon |
| US4286595A (en) * | 1979-09-27 | 1981-09-01 | Johnson & Johnson Products, Inc. | Compact tampon applicator assembly |
| US4361150A (en) * | 1980-04-07 | 1982-11-30 | Voss Joseph A | Extruded plastic hygienic applicator |
| EP0066213A1 (en) * | 1981-05-29 | 1982-12-08 | Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien | Applicator for the hygienic insertion of a tampon |
| FR2521424A1 (en) * | 1982-02-12 | 1983-08-19 | Sonoco Products Co | PADDING INTRODUCTION DEVICE |
| US5389067A (en) * | 1992-05-20 | 1995-02-14 | Playtex Family Products Corporation | Tampon applicator and method of making same |
| US5746710A (en) * | 1994-08-22 | 1998-05-05 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon applicator having a semi-spherically shaped pleated tip |
| US5782793A (en) * | 1994-08-22 | 1998-07-21 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon applicator having a semi-spherically shaped pleated tip |
| US5792096A (en) * | 1994-08-22 | 1998-08-11 | Kiberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon applicator having an improved pleated tip |
| US6045526A (en) * | 1999-02-05 | 2000-04-04 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Insertion device with laser engraved finger grip and method of making same |
| US6416488B1 (en) | 1998-08-12 | 2002-07-09 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator with taped finger grip |
| US6432076B1 (en) * | 1999-11-19 | 2002-08-13 | Uni-Charm Corporation | Applicator for tampons |
| US6478764B1 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 2002-11-12 | Uni-Charm Corporation | Applicator for sanitary tampon |
| US6511452B1 (en) | 2001-09-21 | 2003-01-28 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator with improved fingergrip |
| US20040054317A1 (en) * | 2002-09-12 | 2004-03-18 | Playtex Products, Inc | Ergonomic tampon applicator |
| USD492033S1 (en) | 2003-04-04 | 2004-06-22 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator assembly |
| US20040199100A1 (en) * | 2003-04-04 | 2004-10-07 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator assembly having an improved plunger and methods of making |
| US20040199102A1 (en) * | 2003-04-04 | 2004-10-07 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator assembly |
| US20040199101A1 (en) * | 2003-04-04 | 2004-10-07 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Barrel for a tampon applicator assembly and methods of forming |
| US20050038373A1 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2005-02-17 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Process for making an applicator with a locking mechanism comprising a plurality of slits |
| US20050038372A1 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2005-02-17 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Applicator with a locking mechanism comprising a plurality of slits |
| US20050070839A1 (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2005-03-31 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator |
| US20050215939A1 (en) * | 2002-02-22 | 2005-09-29 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Multiple-component tampon applicator |
| US7081110B2 (en) | 2003-07-17 | 2006-07-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Applicator having an indented fingergrip with raised portions |
| US7226436B2 (en) | 2004-03-08 | 2007-06-05 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Cardboard tampon applicator with optical enhancing material coated on inner layers |
| US20070244440A1 (en) * | 2006-03-28 | 2007-10-18 | Cook Incorporated | Medical device with expandable tip |
| US20080005884A1 (en) * | 2003-06-20 | 2008-01-10 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator barrels having gripping structures and methods of forming |
| US20080228128A1 (en) * | 2007-03-14 | 2008-09-18 | Nancy Karapasha | Applicator having an intermittent gripping structure |
| US20090192436A1 (en) * | 2008-01-24 | 2009-07-30 | Nancy Karapasha | Applicator having plunger with gripping elements |
| 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 |
| US8444590B2 (en) | 2002-06-21 | 2013-05-21 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tapered tampon applicator with petals and taper ratio |
| US20130172778A1 (en) * | 2011-12-29 | 2013-07-04 | Express Scripts, Inc. | Methods and systems for medical home testing |
| US8613718B2 (en) | 2004-11-19 | 2013-12-24 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Tampon applicator |
| US20140370513A1 (en) * | 2012-01-31 | 2014-12-18 | Ge Healthcare Uk Limited | Biological sample collection |
| US9192522B2 (en) | 2003-05-02 | 2015-11-24 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Tampon assembly having shaped pledget |
| USD772409S1 (en) | 2015-11-09 | 2016-11-22 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc | Applicator with telescoping plunger |
| USD787673S1 (en) | 2015-11-09 | 2017-05-23 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc | Telescoping plunger |
| US9820890B2 (en) | 2006-06-12 | 2017-11-21 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc. | Tampon assembly providing proper bodily placement of pledget |
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| US2413480A (en) * | 1944-04-07 | 1946-12-31 | Sanitary Tampon Corp | Tampon applicator |
| US3204635A (en) * | 1963-03-21 | 1965-09-07 | Voss | Hygienic devices |
| US3347234A (en) * | 1964-08-05 | 1967-10-17 | Joseph A Voss | Hygienic devices |
| US3358686A (en) * | 1964-07-15 | 1967-12-19 | Anne Co Ltd | Tampon container |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| US2413480A (en) * | 1944-04-07 | 1946-12-31 | Sanitary Tampon Corp | Tampon applicator |
| US3204635A (en) * | 1963-03-21 | 1965-09-07 | Voss | Hygienic devices |
| US3358686A (en) * | 1964-07-15 | 1967-12-19 | Anne Co Ltd | Tampon container |
| US3347234A (en) * | 1964-08-05 | 1967-10-17 | Joseph A Voss | Hygienic devices |
Cited By (79)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3766921A (en) * | 1971-08-18 | 1973-10-23 | Procter & Gamble | Proximal apex tampon |
| US3830236A (en) * | 1973-02-28 | 1974-08-20 | Kimberly Clark Co | Applicator tube for inserting hygienic media |
| US3895634A (en) * | 1973-10-18 | 1975-07-22 | Rapid American Corp | Tampon inserter |
| JPS5447298U (en) * | 1977-09-08 | 1979-04-02 | ||
| JPS5631221Y2 (en) * | 1977-09-08 | 1981-07-24 | ||
| US4269187A (en) * | 1978-11-02 | 1981-05-26 | Kao Soap Co., Ltd. | Tampon |
| US4286595A (en) * | 1979-09-27 | 1981-09-01 | Johnson & Johnson Products, Inc. | Compact tampon applicator assembly |
| US4361150A (en) * | 1980-04-07 | 1982-11-30 | Voss Joseph A | Extruded plastic hygienic applicator |
| EP0066213A1 (en) * | 1981-05-29 | 1982-12-08 | Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien | Applicator for the hygienic insertion of a tampon |
| US4412833A (en) * | 1981-05-29 | 1983-11-01 | Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien | Tampon applicator |
| FR2521424A1 (en) * | 1982-02-12 | 1983-08-19 | Sonoco Products Co | PADDING INTRODUCTION DEVICE |
| US5389067A (en) * | 1992-05-20 | 1995-02-14 | Playtex Family Products Corporation | Tampon applicator and method of making same |
| US6024716A (en) * | 1992-05-20 | 2000-02-15 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator and method of forming same |
| US5746710A (en) * | 1994-08-22 | 1998-05-05 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon applicator having a semi-spherically shaped pleated tip |
| US5782793A (en) * | 1994-08-22 | 1998-07-21 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon applicator having a semi-spherically shaped pleated tip |
| US5792096A (en) * | 1994-08-22 | 1998-08-11 | Kiberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Tampon applicator having an improved pleated tip |
| US20020177801A1 (en) * | 1998-08-12 | 2002-11-28 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator with taped finger grip |
| US6830554B2 (en) | 1998-08-12 | 2004-12-14 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator with taped finger grip |
| US6416488B1 (en) | 1998-08-12 | 2002-07-09 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator with taped finger grip |
| US6045526A (en) * | 1999-02-05 | 2000-04-04 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Insertion device with laser engraved finger grip and method of making same |
| US6478764B1 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 2002-11-12 | Uni-Charm Corporation | Applicator for sanitary tampon |
| US6432076B1 (en) * | 1999-11-19 | 2002-08-13 | Uni-Charm Corporation | Applicator for tampons |
| CN101259062B (en) * | 1999-11-19 | 2011-01-12 | 尤妮佳股份有限公司 | Applicator for tampon |
| AU775785B2 (en) * | 1999-11-19 | 2004-08-12 | Uni-Charm Corporation | Applicator for tampons |
| US6890324B1 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2005-05-10 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator |
| US20050070839A1 (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2005-03-31 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator |
| EP2612639A2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2013-07-10 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator |
| EP2612640A2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2013-07-10 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator |
| US6511452B1 (en) | 2001-09-21 | 2003-01-28 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator with improved fingergrip |
| US20050215939A1 (en) * | 2002-02-22 | 2005-09-29 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Multiple-component tampon applicator |
| US8556845B2 (en) | 2002-02-22 | 2013-10-15 | Playtex Products, Llc | Multiple-component tampon applicator |
| US8444590B2 (en) | 2002-06-21 | 2013-05-21 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tapered tampon applicator with petals and taper ratio |
| US9421135B2 (en) | 2002-09-12 | 2016-08-23 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc. | Ergonomic tampon applicator |
| US9662249B2 (en) | 2002-09-12 | 2017-05-30 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc. | Ergonomic tampon applicator |
| WO2004024193A3 (en) * | 2002-09-12 | 2004-07-15 | Playtex Products Inc | Ergonomic tampon applicator |
| US9737443B2 (en) | 2002-09-12 | 2017-08-22 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc | Ergonomic tampon applicator |
| WO2004024193A2 (en) | 2002-09-12 | 2004-03-25 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Ergonomic tampon applicator |
| US20040054317A1 (en) * | 2002-09-12 | 2004-03-18 | Playtex Products, Inc | Ergonomic tampon applicator |
| US8337478B2 (en) | 2002-09-12 | 2012-12-25 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Ergonomic tampon applicator |
| US7727208B2 (en) * | 2002-09-12 | 2010-06-01 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Ergonomic tampon applicator |
| US20100204636A1 (en) * | 2002-09-12 | 2010-08-12 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Ergonomic tampon applicator |
| US8372027B2 (en) | 2003-04-04 | 2013-02-12 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator assembly |
| US7044928B2 (en) | 2003-04-04 | 2006-05-16 | Platex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator assembly having an improved plunger and methods of making |
| US20040199101A1 (en) * | 2003-04-04 | 2004-10-07 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Barrel for a tampon applicator assembly and methods of forming |
| US20040199102A1 (en) * | 2003-04-04 | 2004-10-07 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator assembly |
| US7704242B2 (en) | 2003-04-04 | 2010-04-27 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Barrel for a tampon applicator assembly and methods of forming |
| US20040199100A1 (en) * | 2003-04-04 | 2004-10-07 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator assembly having an improved plunger and methods of making |
| US20100164139A1 (en) * | 2003-04-04 | 2010-07-01 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Barrel for a tampon application assembly and methods of forming |
| USD492033S1 (en) | 2003-04-04 | 2004-06-22 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator assembly |
| US8221375B2 (en) | 2003-04-04 | 2012-07-17 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Barrel for a tampon application assembly and methods of forming |
| US10105266B2 (en) | 2003-05-02 | 2018-10-23 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc. | Tampon assembly having a shaped pledget |
| US10383776B2 (en) | 2003-05-02 | 2019-08-20 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc | Tampon assembly having a shaped pledget |
| US10105267B2 (en) | 2003-05-02 | 2018-10-23 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC> | Tampon assembly having a shaped pledget |
| US9192522B2 (en) | 2003-05-02 | 2015-11-24 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Tampon assembly having shaped pledget |
| US20110140308A1 (en) * | 2003-06-20 | 2011-06-16 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator barrels having gripping structures and methods of forming |
| US7798986B2 (en) | 2003-06-20 | 2010-09-21 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator barrels having gripping structures and methods of forming |
| US7918004B2 (en) | 2003-06-20 | 2011-04-05 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator barrels having gripping structures and methods of forming |
| US20080005884A1 (en) * | 2003-06-20 | 2008-01-10 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Tampon applicator barrels having gripping structures and methods of forming |
| US8539660B2 (en) | 2003-06-20 | 2013-09-24 | 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 |
| US7081110B2 (en) | 2003-07-17 | 2006-07-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Applicator having an indented fingergrip with raised portions |
| US20070156081A1 (en) * | 2003-07-17 | 2007-07-05 | Nancy Karapasha | Applicator having an indented fingergrip with raised portions |
| US20070293809A1 (en) * | 2003-07-17 | 2007-12-20 | Nancy Karapasha | Applicator having an indented fingergrip with raised portions |
| US20050038373A1 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2005-02-17 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Process for making an applicator with a locking mechanism comprising a plurality of slits |
| US20050038372A1 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2005-02-17 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Applicator with a locking mechanism comprising a plurality of slits |
| US7226436B2 (en) | 2004-03-08 | 2007-06-05 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Cardboard tampon applicator with optical enhancing material coated on inner layers |
| US8613718B2 (en) | 2004-11-19 | 2013-12-24 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Tampon applicator |
| US20070244440A1 (en) * | 2006-03-28 | 2007-10-18 | Cook Incorporated | Medical device with expandable tip |
| US11564850B2 (en) | 2006-06-12 | 2023-01-31 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc | Tampon assembly providing proper bodily placement of a pledget |
| US10575994B2 (en) | 2006-06-12 | 2020-03-03 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc | Tampon assembly providing proper bodily placement of pledget |
| US9820890B2 (en) | 2006-06-12 | 2017-11-21 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc. | Tampon assembly providing proper bodily placement of pledget |
| US20080228128A1 (en) * | 2007-03-14 | 2008-09-18 | Nancy Karapasha | Applicator having an intermittent gripping structure |
| US20090192436A1 (en) * | 2008-01-24 | 2009-07-30 | Nancy Karapasha | Applicator having plunger with gripping elements |
| US8801628B2 (en) * | 2011-12-29 | 2014-08-12 | Express Scripts, Inc. | Methods and systems for medical home testing |
| US20130172778A1 (en) * | 2011-12-29 | 2013-07-04 | Express Scripts, Inc. | Methods and systems for medical home testing |
| US9382577B2 (en) * | 2012-01-31 | 2016-07-05 | Ge Healthcare Uk Limited | Biological sample collection |
| US20140370513A1 (en) * | 2012-01-31 | 2014-12-18 | Ge Healthcare Uk Limited | Biological sample collection |
| USD787673S1 (en) | 2015-11-09 | 2017-05-23 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc | Telescoping plunger |
| USD772409S1 (en) | 2015-11-09 | 2016-11-22 | Edgewell Personal Care Brands, Llc | Applicator with telescoping plunger |
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