US3674026A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tampon insertion device
Assignee: Kimberly Clark Corp
•
Filing: 1970-12-28
•
Granted: 1972-07-04
•
Expires: 1990-12-28
Abstract
Abstract A tampon insertion device which comprises the combination of a tapered or round-nosed tampon having a detachable inserter rod seated in its base, and an outer protective tube having a tapered insertion-aiding forward end. The trailing end of the protective tube is closed off by a snap-in, pressure fit, or adhesively attached cap which functions as a closure, guide, and lock for the insertion rod.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward E Werner
- 👤 Edward G Wollangk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:55
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/20; A61F13/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
An insertion aiding device for a tampon of the type having an inserter rod detachably fitted into the base thereof and equipped with the usual withdrawal string, said device comprising a tampon-enclosing tubular element with a substantially closed tapered forward end portion of a construction capable of opening Radially as axial force is applied against the interior thereof and a trailing end closed off by a disc-shaped member, said member having a first centrally disposed aperture for reception of said inserter rod and a second marginally disposed aperture interrupting the outer periphery of said member, said withdrawal string extending through said second aperture, and the front portion of said rod extending through said member in detachable engagement with the base of said tampon.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
An insertion aiding device for a tampon of the type having an inserter rod detachably fitted into the base thereof and equipped with the usual withdrawal string, said device comprising a tampon-enclosing tubular element with a substantially closed tapered forward end portion of a construction capable of opening Radially as axial force is applied against the interior thereof and a trailing end closed off by a disc-shaped member, said member having a first centrally disposed aperture for reception of said inserter rod and a second marginally disposed aperture interrupting the outer periphery of said member, said withdrawal string extending through said second aperture, and the front portion of said rod extending through said member in detachable engagement with the base of said tampon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said first aperture is circular and said rod is of matching circular cross-section and capable of rotation therein while being in non-rotatable engagement with said tampon base.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 2 wherein the free end of said rod has touch sensitive means adapted to indicate the axial disposition of said tampon with respect to said touch sensitive means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said first aperture is of non-circular configuration and said rod is of matching non-circular configuration in cross-section and non-rotatable therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 4 wherein a narrow channel connects said first aperture with said second aperture.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said first aperture is comprised of flexible segments to frictionally engage said rod.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1 wherein a narrow channel connects said first aperture to said second aperture.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 1 wherein a portion of said rod disposed within said tubular element and adjacent said member is of larger cross-section than the diameter of said first aperture.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 4 wherein a portion of said rod disposed within said tubular element and adjacent the interior face of said member is provided with protuberances which temporarily prevent rearward displacement of said rod.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 9 wherein a second portion of said rod disposed outside said tubular element and adjacent the exterior face of said member is provided with protuberances which temporarily prevent forward displacement of said rod.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 4 wherein the free end of said rod has touch sensitive means adapted to indicate the axial disposition of said tampon with respect to said touch sensitive means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said tubular element comprises a paperboard tube and the tapered forward end portion is comprised of abutting dovetail folds.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 12 wherein said disc-shaped member and is pressure-fitted inside the trailing end of said tube.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 12 wherein said disc-shaped member is adhesively bonded to the trailing end of said tube.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said tubular element is comprised of flexible plastic and the tapered forward end portion is comprised of multiple adjoining petal-like segments.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 15 wherein the inner wall adjacent the trailing end of said tubular element and the interior face portion of said disc-shaped member have cooperating portions which mate to provide a snap-fit.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
64 words
The device of claim 15 wherein the inner wall adjacent the trailing end of said tubular element is provided with an annular raised portion and said disc-shaped member is provided with an annular ledge portion on one face of less diameter than said member, said ledge being provided with an annular groove adjacent said face, said rib and said groove being in mated engagement.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 16 wherein said disc-shaped member is connected to the trailing end of said tubular element by a flexible hinge.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 17 wherein said disc-shaped member is connected to the trailing end of said tubular element by a flexible hinge.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 15 wherein said disc-shaped member is adhesively bonded to the trailing end of said tubular element.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-04 | 1976-01-03 | 1976-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-04 | 1980-01-03 | 1980-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-04 | 1984-01-03 | 1984-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |