US5569177A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tampon applicator
Assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
•
Filing: 1995-02-28
•
Granted: 1996-10-29
•
Expires: 2015-02-28
Abstract
Abstract A tampon applicator is disclosed which includes first and second telescopically assembled members. The first member is designed to house an absorbent tampon. The first member has first and second spaced apart ends and is formed from at least two separate and distinct layers. An insertion tip is integrally formed on the first end of the first member and extends outwardly therefrom. The insertion tip is constructed from at least one of the two distinct layers and has a thickness which is less than that of the first member. The second member is telescopically mounted in the second end of the first member and is adapted to expel the tampon through the insertion tip as it is pushed into the first member.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald G. Fox
- 👤 Tammy J. Rentmeester
- 👤 Steven J. Nielsen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 10:49
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/20; A61F13/26; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S604/00; Y10S604/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
A tampon applicator comprising: a) an elongated cylindrical tube capable of housing an absorbent tampon, said tube having an outside diameter and first and second spaced apart ends, and said tube having at least two distinct layers formed from at least two different materials with one of said layers being a film layer; b) an insertion tip integrally formed on said tube from an interior layer, said interior layer being a film layer, said insertion tip extending outward from said first end and having a thickness which is less than that of said tube, and said insertion tip having an outside diameter which is less than the outside diameter of said tube; and c) a second member telescopically mounted in said second end of said tube, said second member adapted to expel said tampon through said insertion tip as it is pushed into said tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
A tampon applicator comprising: a) an elongated cylindrical tube capable of housing an absorbent tampon, said tube having an outside diameter and first and second spaced apart ends, and said tube having at least two distinct layers formed from at least two different materials with one of said layers being a film layer; b) an insertion tip integrally formed on said tube from an interior layer, said interior layer being a film layer, said insertion tip extending outward from said first end and having a thickness which is less than that of said tube, and said insertion tip having an outside diameter which is less than the outside diameter of said tube; and c) a second member telescopically mounted in said second end of said tube, said second member adapted to expel said tampon through said insertion tip as it is pushed into said tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The tampon applicator of claim 1 wherein said tube has a central longitudinal axis and said insertion tip has an apex aligned with said central longitudinal axis and a plurality of perforations extending from said apex toward said first end of said tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
124 words
A tampon applicator comprising: a) an elongated cylindrical tube capable of housing said absorbent tampon, said tube having an outside diameter and first and second spaced apart ends, and said tube including an outer layer, a middle layer and an inner layer, with said middle layer being a film layer; b) an insertion tip integrally formed on said tube and extending outward from said first end, said insertion tip being formed from said middle layer and said insertion tip having an outside diameter which is less than the outside diameter tube; and c) a second member telescopically mounted in said second end of said tube, said second member adapted to expel said tampon through said insertion tip as it is pushed into said tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
124 words
A tampon applicator comprising: a) an elongated cylindrical tube capable of housing said absorbent tampon, said tube having an outside diameter and first and second spaced apart ends, and said tube including an outer layer, a middle layer and an inner layer, with said middle layer being a film layer; b) an insertion tip integrally formed on said tube and extending outward from said first end, said insertion tip being formed from said middle layer and said insertion tip having an outside diameter which is less than the outside diameter tube; and c) a second member telescopically mounted in said second end of said tube, said second member adapted to expel said tampon through said insertion tip as it is pushed into said tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The tampon applicator of claim 3 wherein said tube has a central longitudinal axis and said insertion tip has an apex aligned with said central longitudinal axis and a plurality of perforations extending from said apex toward said first end of said tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The tampon applicator of claim 1 wherein said tube has at least two interior layers and an exterior layer with one of said interior layers being a film layer, and said insertion tip is formed from said film layer.
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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) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-04-29 | 2000-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-10-29 | 2004-04-29 | 2004-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-10-29 | 2008-04-29 | 2008-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |