Patent · US Active

Method for assembling a tampon applicator

US8887368B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
5References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 7, 2013
Grant dateNov 18, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 7, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/49908
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

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