Tampon applicator
US4726805A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 1986 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F13/263
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A shortened tampon applicator of the telescoping tube type employs an ejector tube to store a tampon in its distal end and an outer tube disposed by a slip fit thereover to thus shorten the overall length of the tampon and applicator assembly. Directionally-locking inward flaps fixed within the distal end of said outer tube engage the distal end of the tampon stored in the ejector tube thus securing the latter relative to said outer tube while permitting only distal expulsion therefrom. The ejector tube preferably has inwardly biased flexible portions at its distal end which serve to catch behind the proximal end of the tampon. In the preferred version, the inwardly biased portions are unique undulations at the blunt distal end of the ejector tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.