US3805786A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tampon applicator combination
Assignee: Kimberly Clark Corp
•
Filing: 1973-03-28
•
Granted: 1974-04-23
•
Expires: 1993-03-28
Abstract
Abstract The combination in which an absorbent tampon in compressed selfsustaining form and having a detachable inserter rod seated in its base is frictionally engaged with an outer inserter tube having a tapered insertion-aiding forward end. The tampon is of substantially uniform diameter which is not greater than the inner diameter of the tube, except for the presence of at least one small protuberance on its circumference. The protuberance is of sufficient magnitude to provide the tampon body at the point of the protuberance with a diameter slightly greater than the inner diameter of the tube, and is adapted to provide sufficient frictional resistance to prevent disassociation of the tampon and the tube during shipping and handling while permitting easy ejection and radial orientation when the combination is used for tampon insertion.
Inventors
- 👤 L Bernardin
- 👤 M Radl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:12
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/20; A61F13/2051
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
In the combination of an absorbent tampon compressed to selfsustaining cylindrical form and having one end of an insertion stick detachably seated in an axial cavity at the base thereof with an insertion-aiding tube having a substantially closed tapered front end adapted to open outwardly when said tampon is ejected therethrough; the structure wherein said tampon is of substantially uniform overall diameter which diameter is no greater than the inner diameter of said tube; wherein said tampon has at least one knob-like protuberance on the circumference thereof at which protuberancE the transverse dimension is greater than the inner diameter of said tube; and wherein said protuberance is adapted to cooperate with the inner wall of said tube to provide sufficient frictional resistance to prevent disassociation of said tampon and said tube while permitting sliding movement of said tampon within said tube when suitable forces are exerted on the free end of said insertion stick to rotate said tampon within said tube or longitudinally eject said tampon from said tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
169 words
In the combination of an absorbent tampon compressed to selfsustaining cylindrical form and having one end of an insertion stick detachably seated in an axial cavity at the base thereof with an insertion-aiding tube having a substantially closed tapered front end adapted to open outwardly when said tampon is ejected therethrough; the structure wherein said tampon is of substantially uniform overall diameter which diameter is no greater than the inner diameter of said tube; wherein said tampon has at least one knob-like protuberance on the circumference thereof at which protuberancE the transverse dimension is greater than the inner diameter of said tube; and wherein said protuberance is adapted to cooperate with the inner wall of said tube to provide sufficient frictional resistance to prevent disassociation of said tampon and said tube while permitting sliding movement of said tampon within said tube when suitable forces are exerted on the free end of said insertion stick to rotate said tampon within said tube or longitudinally eject said tampon from said tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein the overall diameter of the tampon is slightly less than the inner diameter of the tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein the tampon has a multiplicity of said protuberances spaced around its circumference.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein the tampon has two diametrically opposed protuberances.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein the tampon has three circumferentially spaced protuberances.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said tube is comprised of flexible plastic.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The combination of claim 6 wherein said tube is comprised of polyethylene.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said tube is comprised of paperboard.
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) | 1977-04-22 | 1977-10-22 | 1978-04-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-04-22 | 1981-10-22 | 1982-04-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-04-22 | 1985-10-22 | 1986-04-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |