Patent · US Expired

Tampon applicator

US4536178A · kind A · utility

113Cited by

18References

14Claims

0Family size

Assignee

International Playtex, Inc. · US

Inventors

Bernard M. Lichstein · Elizabeth, US
Michael D. Handler · Bethel, US

Key dates

Filing date	Nov 10, 1983
Grant date	Aug 20, 1985
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Nov 10, 2003

Classification

Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
CPC primaryA61F13/26
WIPO fieldMedical technology
WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A tampon applicator includes a tubular barrel adapted to house a tampon therein and accommodate a slidable, tubular plunger which is adapted to push the tampon within the barrel out of the forward end of the barrel into a vagina. The barrel includes a rear portion having two diametrically opposed, substantially flattened surfaces with gripping ribs thereon and an angled transitional shoulder which has a reduced diameter relative to the front portion of the barrel. The flattened surface and the angled shoulder form a thumb and finger hold which enables a user to securely and comfortably maneuver and position the applicator and tampon therein.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.