Compactly assembled tampon applicator
US5531674A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S604/904
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tampon applicator assembly of the compact type is provided comprising an outer tube, an inner tube slidably nested therein and a tampon stored inside of the inner tube. A small portion of the tampon is protruding from a proximal end of the inner tube. The inner tube has to be partially withdrawn from the outer tube in the distal direction to prepare the applicator for use. To prevent significant distal displacement of the tampon relative to the outer tube during the partial withdrawal, the outer tube comprises a holding means. The holding means comprises a set of circumferentially located pivotable clamp dogs at the location of the protruding portion of the tampon. Each clamp dog fixed to the inner surface of the outer tube by a spring hinge keeping a catching edge of the clamp dog constantly pressed against the tampon. If a longitudinal force is applied to the tampon in the distal direction the tampon jams itself. The tampon can be easily expelled through a proximal discharge end of the outer tube by the force applied to the tampon in the proximal direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.