US4755166A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-fingered tampon applicator combination
Assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
•
Filing: 1986-12-18
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Granted: 1988-07-05
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Expires: 2006-12-18
Abstract
Abstract The invention is generally accomplished by providing a tampon-applicator combination wherein the tampon is a generally elongated tampon having a series of grooves in the surface. An applicator is provided that has a handle and a series of prongs corresponding to the number of grooves in the tampon. The prongs are placed in the grooves of the tampon and hold the tampon for insertion into the vagina. The prongs do not resist withdrawal from the grooves when the applicator is removed from the vagina, leaving the tampon in place.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul E. Olmstead
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:10
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/20; A61F13/26; A61F13/266; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S604/00; Y10S604/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
45 words
A tampon and inserter combination comprising an elongate compressed tampon, a withdrawal string attached to said tampon, at least three longitudinal grooves in said tampon and an inserter comprising at least three prongs resting in said grooves and an insertion handle joined to said prongs.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
45 words
A tampon and inserter combination comprising an elongate compressed tampon, a withdrawal string attached to said tampon, at least three longitudinal grooves in said tampon and an inserter comprising at least three prongs resting in said grooves and an insertion handle joined to said prongs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
10 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said handle is curved.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said inserter comprises three prongs.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said tampon has a rounded forward end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
10 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said prongs are curved.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein the depth of said grooves is substantially equal to the thickness of said prongs.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said prongs are arcuate and said tampon is of greatest thickness in its middle portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said prongs are spread when said tampon is inserted in said applicator.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of tampon insertion comprising providing an elongate tampon provided with at least three longitudinal grooves, an inserter having at least three prongs resting in said grooves and an insertion handle joined to said prongs, holding said handle, inserting said tampon and the forward portion of said inserter into the vagina and withdrawing said inserter.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of tampon insertion comprising providing an elongate tampon provided with at least three longitudinal grooves, an inserter having at least three prongs resting in said grooves and an insertion handle joined to said prongs, holding said handle, inserting said tampon and the forward portion of said inserter into the vagina and withdrawing said inserter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said handle is curved.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said inserter comprises three prongs.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said tampon has a rounded forward end.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said prongs when resting in said grooves have their outer surface about even with the outer tampon surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the depth of said grooves is substantially equal to the thickness of said prongs.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
43 words
A device for insertion of articles into body cavities comprising an elongate article provided with at least three longitudinal grooves on its surface and an inserter comprising at least three prongs resting in said grooves and an insertion handle joined to said prongs.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
43 words
A device for insertion of articles into body cavities comprising an elongate article provided with at least three longitudinal grooves on its surface and an inserter comprising at least three prongs resting in said grooves and an insertion handle joined to said prongs.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
48 words
A tampon and inserter combination comprising an elongate compressed absorbent tampon, a withdrawal string attached to said tampon, at least three longitudinal grooves in said tampon and an inserter comprising at least three flexible prongs resting in said grooves and a flexible insertion handle joined to said prongs.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
48 words
A tampon and inserter combination comprising an elongate compressed absorbent tampon, a withdrawal string attached to said tampon, at least three longitudinal grooves in said tampon and an inserter comprising at least three flexible prongs resting in said grooves and a flexible insertion handle joined to said prongs.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-07-05 | 1992-01-04 | 1992-07-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-07-05 | 1996-01-04 | 1996-07-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-07-05 | 2000-01-04 | 2000-07-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |