Garrett J Cavanaugh

US Patent:

53485343, Sep 20, 1994

Filed:

Nov 6, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/973156

Inventors:

Gina M. Tomaszewski - Monson MA
Garrett Cavanaugh - Three Rivers MA

Assignee:

Tambrands Inc. - White Plains NY

International Classification:

A61F 1320

US Classification:

604 14

Abstract:

An improved tampon applicator for insertion of a tampon into a body cavity is provided, including a paper tampon holder tube having an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity and including a plurality of contiguous segments separated by slits, and a plunger, telescopically and slidably mounted in the holder distal to the expulsion end and adapted to expel the tampon from the holder when pushed manually into the holder. As the tampon is expelled, the segments bend open at a hinge region. The segments of the improved applicator bend outwardly during expulsion with significantly reduced applied force, improving user comfort. In one aspect, the tampon holder includes a plurality of small cuts extending circumferentially from the slits through the paper in the vicinity of the hinge region. The cuts reduce the width of the petal segments, and thereby reduce the bending moment and rigidity at the hinge region. In another aspect, the tampon holder includes a zone of indentation, preferably a plurality of score lines, disposed on the inside of the tampon holder tube in the vicinity of the hinge region.