Tampon applicator assembly
US8728022B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F13/263
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tampon applicator assembly with an insertion end and a rear end containing a tampon made from absorbent material and an applicator comprising an outer tube and an inner tube able to slide in it in a telescopic arrangement, and the outer tube has at its insertion end at least two integrally formed, inwardly directed closure portions, and the tampon protrudes out from the insertion end of the inner tube by means of its insertion end and is completely accommodated inside the outer tube. The internal surface of the outer tube is smooth-walled from the closure portions to at least half the length of the outer tube without any inwardly extending projections. This assembly is extremely simple to manufacture. During use, the tampon is pushed forward by pushing the inner tube forward in the outer tube until it forces the closure portions of the outer tube outwards and protrudes out of the outer tube by an amount. When the inner tube is then pulled back, the tampon is held firmly in its pushed-forward position by the closure portions of the outer tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.