Sean J Mcnamara

US Patent:

6524269, Feb 25, 2003

Filed:

May 4, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/848365

Inventors:

Sean P. McNamara - Annandale VA 22003

International Classification:

A61F 1320

US Classification:

604 12, 604 14, 604 15, 604904, 604363

Abstract:

A lubricated tampon applicator having a sanitary wrapper. The applicator comprises a tubular body having a lubrication cell near its insertion end. The lubrication cell is scored to preferentially fail first at the interior cell membrane, and then the exterior cell membrane as the tampon is expelled from the applicator. The tampon has a lesser circumference about the leading portion than the trailing portion, thereof. In another embodiment the cell is a cage having a scored inner membrane and a leading surface of discrete petals. The cage is covered by an elastic membrane which is turned inward at the central axis and extends through an opening formed by the petals, flares radially outward, and seals against the inner membrane. The sanitary wrapper contains a portion for maintaining the applicator tip coated with lubricant. An adhesive bonds the wrapper to the applicator, effectively containing the lubricant.