Multipurpose applicators

Claim 2

An applicator which comprises an outer tube, a grippable base extending downwardly from said outer tube and having a smaller cross section than said outer tube and an inner ejecting means coaxially located within said outer tube and having a plunger element, said plunger element having at least one handle means hinged thereto at a point adjacent the bottom oF said base and movable into a first position for sliding said plunger element within said outer tube and movable into a second position when the plunger element is retracted in said outer tube so that said handle means is laterally spaced in relation to the axis of the outer tube and including capping means to cover said outer tube opening when said handle is in said second position.

Claim 3

An applicator as recited in claim 1 wherein said handle means includes locking means to engage said outer tube opening when said handle is in said second position.

Claim 4

An applicator as recited in claim 1 wherein said plunger element includes a polymeric foam member which is extended from the outer tube of said applicator by sliding the plunger element through said outer tube.

Claim 5

An applicator as recited in claim 1 wherein said capping means hermetically seals the end of said outer tube.

Claim 6

An applicator as recited in claim 1 wherein said outer tube and said inner ejecting means are shaped so that said inner ejecting means may be mounted within said outer tube is slidable non-rotatable engagement with said outer tube.

Claim 7

An applicator as recited in claim 5 in which said ejecting means mounted within said outer tube in slidable, non-rotational engagement within said outer tube by means of a deformed surface on said ejecting means which mates with a correspondingly deformed surface on the interior of said outer tube.

Claim 8

An applicator as recited in claim 3 wherein said polymeric foam member is mounted on an axially disposed stem on said plunger element.

Claim 9

An applicator as recited in claim 1 wherein said plunger element is sized so that it sealingly engages the interior wall of said outer tube to permit ejection of liquids, semisolids or solids from the applicator.

Claim 10

An applicator as recited in claim 1 wherein said outer tube is constricted below the plunger element so as to provide a stop for said plunger element.

Claim 11

An applicator for the introduction of liquid, semi-solid or solid substances into a body cavity, said applicator comprising an outer tube, a grippable base extending downwardly from said outer tube and having a smaller cross section than said outer tube and an inner ejecting means coaxially located within said outer tube and having a plunger element, said plunger element having at least one handle means hinged thereto at a point adjacent the bottom of said base and movable into a first position for sliding said plunger element within said outer tube and movable into a second position when the plunger element is retracted in said outer tube so that said handle means is laterally spaced in a substantially parallel relation to the axis of the outer tube and including capping means to cover said outer tube opening when said handle is in said second position.

Claim 12

An applicator for the introduction of liquid, semi-solid or solid substances into a body cavity, said applicator comprising an outer tube, a grippable base extending downwardly from said outer tube and having a smaller cross section than said outer tube and an inner ejecting means coaxially located within said outer tube and having a plunger element, said plunger element having at least one handle means hinged thereto at a point adjacent the bottom of said base and movable into a first position for sliding said plunger element within said outer tube and movable into a second position when the plunger element is retracted in said outer tube so that said handle means is laterally spaced in a substantially parallel relation to the axis of the outer tube and including capping means to cover said outer tube opening when said handle is in said second position.

Claim 13

An applicator as recited in claim 10 wherein said handle means includes a locking means to engage said outer tube opening when said handle is in said second position.

Claim 14

An applicator as recited in claim 10 wherein said plunger element includes a polymeric foam member which is extended from the outer tube of said applicator by sliding the plunger element through said outer tube.

Claim 15

An applicator as recited in claim 10 wherein said capping means hermetically seals the end of said outer tube.

Claim 16

An applicator as recited in claim 10 wherein said outer tube and said inner ejecting means are shaped so that said inner ejecting means may be mounted within said outer tube in slidable non-rotatable engagement within said outer tube.

Claim 17

An applicator as recited in claim 14 wherein said ejecting means is mounted within said outer tube in slidable, non-rotational engagement within said outer tube by means of a deformed surface on said ejecting means which mates with a correspondingly deformed surface on the interior of said outer tube.

Claim 18

An applicator as recited in claim 12 wherein said polymeric foam member is mounted on an axially disposed stem on said plunger element.

Claim 19

An applicaTor as recited in claim 10 wherein said plunger element is sized so that it sealingly engages the interior wall of said outer tube to permit ejection of liquids, semi-solids or solids into a body cavity.

Claim 20

An applicator as recited in claim 17 that is adapted to be inserted into the vagina and includes a pre-measured dose of a contraceptive composition.

Claim 21

An applicator as recited in claim 16 wherein said polymeric foam is impregnated with a liquid or semi-solid medicinal composition.