EP0243250A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Curved grippable tampon applicator
Assignee: Kimberly Clark Corp
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Filing: 1987-04-16
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2007-04-16
Abstract
Abstract The invention provides an arcuate tampon applicator having an inner (26) and outer tube (18). Both the inner (26) and outer tube (18) have an oval cross section at the finger-gripping area. Further, the outer tube (18) is provided with a gripping section (14) 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 (12) 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 10 inches. Further, the oval is that formed by an elipse of between 15° and about 45°.
Inventors
- 👤 Susan C. Paul
- 👤 Donald A. Sheldon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:43
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/20; A61F13/26; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S604/00; Y10S604/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
In combination, an arcuate applicator (40) for tampons and a preformed arcuate tampon (42) disposed therein ; said applicator comprising a pair of tubular members in telescoping association including an outer member (10) adapted ,to contain a tampon (42) in the leading end thereof and an inner member (26) 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 (14) at its trailing end, wherein said gripping means has a reduced cross-sectional area from said leading end and wherein said gripping means (14) has an oval cross section.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
In combination, an arcuate applicator (40) for tampons and a preformed arcuate tampon (42) disposed therein ; said applicator comprising a pair of tubular members in telescoping association including an outer member (10) adapted ,to contain a tampon (42) in the leading end thereof and an inner member (26) 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 (14) at its trailing end, wherein said gripping means has a reduced cross-sectional area from said leading end and wherein said gripping means (14) has an oval cross section.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The applicator of claim 1 wherein said inner tube (26) is flared (30) at its leading end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The applicator of claim 1 wherein said outer tube (10) is provided with petals (12) at said leading end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The applicator of claim 1 wherein said tampon (42)is straight prior to insertion into said outer tube (10).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The applicator of claim 1 wherein said inner and said outer tube (26, 10) are substantially the same length.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The applicator of claim 1 wherein said gripping means (14) is provided with surface protrusions (16) to provide a means to aid gripping.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The applicator of claim 1 wherein the inner tube (26) is formed of high density polyethylene and the outer tube (10) is formed of linear low density polyethylene.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The applicator of claim 1 wherein the oval of said gripping means (14) is a 15° to 40° elipse.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The applicator of claim 3 wherein there are an odd number of petals (12).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The applicator of claim 1 wherein said gripping means (14) forms an oval that is an elipse of between about 15° and about 45° .
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The applicator of claim 1 wherein said leading end has an oval cross section. .
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
11 words
The applicator of claim 1 wherein said tampon (42) is straight.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The applicator of claim 1 wherein said leading end has a round cross section.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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