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US006685788B2
(12) United States Patent (io) Patent No.: US 6,685,788 B2
Linares et al. (45) Date of Patent: Feb. 3,2004
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
EP 0418791 A 3/1991
EP 0966941 A2 12/1999
GB 2166656 A 5/1986
WO PCT/US00/12165 5/2000
WO PCT/US00/12169 5/2000
Primary Examiner—Sam Chuan Yao
(57) ABSTRACT
The present invention relates to methods ol making applicators lor inserting materials into body cavities. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member having an insertion end and a gripper end opposite thereol. The gripper end has an indentation with a shoulder on each end ol the indentation. The shoulder most proximal the insertion end provides resistance to finger slip during the step ol inserting the applicator into a body cavity. Whereas the shoulder most proximal the gripper end provides resistance to finger slip during the step ol expelling material substantially contained by the applicator. The shoulder most proximal the gripper end also provides secure handling ol the applicator while removing the applicator from the body alter the expulsion step has been completed.
5 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
