US3807399A - Tampon applicator - Google Patents

Tampon applicator Download PDF

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Publication number
US3807399A
US3807399A US00284773A US28477372A US3807399A US 3807399 A US3807399 A US 3807399A US 00284773 A US00284773 A US 00284773A US 28477372 A US28477372 A US 28477372A US 3807399 A US3807399 A US 3807399A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
applicator
fins
internal diameter
diameter
tube
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00284773A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
R Morman
R Noyes
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kimberly Clark Corp
Original Assignee
Kimberly Clark Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kimberly Clark Corp filed Critical Kimberly Clark Corp
Priority to US00284773A priority Critical patent/US3807399A/en
Priority to CA158,432A priority patent/CA1006061A/en
Priority to IT32662/72A priority patent/IT979663B/it
Priority to NL7216751A priority patent/NL7216751A/xx
Priority to DE2260940A priority patent/DE2260940A1/de
Priority to JP47123893A priority patent/JPS5016108B2/ja
Priority to GB5713572A priority patent/GB1415358A/en
Priority to FR7244010A priority patent/FR2170431A5/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3807399A publication Critical patent/US3807399A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/20—Tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons; Accessories therefor
    • A61F13/26—Means for inserting tampons, i.e. applicators

Definitions

  • the inner ejector element is a tube of small diameter with a plurality of exterior parallel fins uniformly spaced around the tube circumference and extending longitudinally thereof.
  • a line circumscribing the external edges of these exterior fins is of a diameter significantly larger than the internal diameter of the opening at the trailing end of the outer tube but no larger than the internal diameter of the remaining portion of the outer tube so that when the two elements are fitted together the fin edges are in firm but slidable engagement with the rear opening of the outer tube.
  • Inserter devices for catamenial tampons and the like comprising a pair of telescopically associated tube-like elements of flexible plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene or the like are known.
  • flexible plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene or the like
  • the use of conventional locking devices between telescoping tubes such as matched indentations or punched out portions as used with prior art paper tubes is not practical.
  • other interlocking means have been found necessary when plastic tubes are-used. Most of these means are incorporated into the tube structure when first molded. A number of these interlocking means rely on mated male and female portions, while others depend on closefrictional association of the adjoining surfaces.
  • the difference between the internal diameter of the rear opening in the inwardly tapered portion of the outer tube and the external diameter of the barrel portion of the inner tube provides an interference fit which retains the two tubes in firm frictional engagement, yet because of the flexibility of the plastic permits the tubes to be easily telescoped together when longitudinal force is applied against the rear of the inner tube. While this arrangement serves to accommodate to some degree the ordinary variations in dimensions which occur in the molding operation of the two tubes, a still wider tolerance is considered desirable both to facilitate fabrication and to cut down on the number of rejection of parts which may occur due to failure to meet minimal dimensional variations.
  • the present invention is directed to cooperating tubular structures which assure that a firm frictional engagement between the tubular elements is provided even though a wider tolerance in dimensioning is permitted, while still providing a smooth and easy telescoping action between the tubes.
  • the applicator of this invention comprises a pair of telescoping tube-like structures of flexible plastic.
  • the outer tube is preferably of right cylinder construction, but may have a slight barely discernible forward taper or draw for ease in molding.
  • a short interior portion at the trailing end of the outer tube is tapered down in diameter to provide the rear opening of the tube with an internal diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of the remaining major portion of the tube.
  • the inner ejector element comprises a central cylinder of significantly smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of the outer tube rear opening. Spaced around and protruding from the periphery of this smaller diameter tubeare a plurality of external substantially parallel fins extending longitudinally of the element.
  • a line circumscribing the external edges of these fins has a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the rear opening in the outer tube, but of less diameter than the internal diameter of the remaining portion of the outer tube.
  • the circumscribed diameter is substantially constant for the length of the element.
  • a forward portion of each fin is preferably tapered to give the finned tube a somewhat truncated conical forward end which for assembly purposes permits easy insertion of the inner element into the rear opening of the outer tube as well as serving to avoid binding when a tampon of the like contained in the outer tube is being ejected.
  • the rear opening in the outer tube flexes and is radially distorted slightly out of round by the larger diameter dimensions of the fins.
  • the distortion or deformation of the rear opening is readily permitted because of the spaces between fins.
  • the slight deformation of the rear opening in the outer tube serves to hold the inner element firmly where contact is made with the fin edges yet permits easy telescoping of the two tubular elements when longitudinal forces are applied.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view partly in longitudinal section of an applicator assembly in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged rear view of an outer tube of the type shown of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged and somewhat idealized section taken through line 3-3 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 shows a modification of the FIG. 3 structure in which three fins are shown in the inner element instead of five.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another modification of the applicator in accordance with this invention, showing outer and inner elements before assembly.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the outer and inner elements of FIG. 5 in assembled condition.
  • FIG. 7 is a section of another embodiment of the inner tube showing four fins.
  • FIG. 8 is a section similar to FIG. 4 except that the fins are tapered in cross section.
  • FIG. I there is shown an applicator structure comprising an outer plastic element 10 with an inner plastic element 12 partially telescoped therein.
  • the outer element 10 which comprises a thin-walled tube is shown in section to reveal a tampon body 14 in light frictional contact with the interior wall 15 of the tube.
  • the usual withdrawal string 16 is attached to the rear of tampon l4 and extends through a tubular central portion of inner element 12 to protrude from the trailing end as shown.
  • the tube ofouter element 10 has a substantially uniform diameter throughout its length but purposefully tapers down at 18 near its trailing end to provide an opening 20 at the rear end of the tube which opening is of smaller internal diameter than the internal diameter of the major portion of the tube.
  • Outer element 10 may also be provided with a conventional reinforcing ring 11 at its trailing end to help in grasping the tube during use.
  • Inner element 12 is shown in full side view in FIG. 1 and in transverse section in FIG. 3 as taken at 3-3 of FIG. 1.
  • Inner element 12 comprises a tubular central section 22 ofsignificantly smaller diameter than opening 20 and a plurality of longitudinally extending and substantially parallel fins 24 spaced around the circumference thereof.
  • the forward end of fins 24 of element 12 are preferably tapered as shown at 25 to permit easy entry into opening 20.
  • the rear end of element 12 may also be provided with a reinforcing ring 23.
  • a circular line circumscribing the top edges 26 of fins 24 has a diameter larger than the internal diameter of the rear opening 20 in the outer tubular element 10, and preferably slightly less than the internal diameter of the remaining portion of the outer tube.
  • This circumscribed diameter of the fins is substantially constant for the full length of the element except where the forward end is tapered at 25 as described above.
  • the arcuate segments 28 which define opening 20 may be deformed until they are almost straight without causing binding between the elements, a large variance in the defined diameters between the outer and inner elements is possible. Accordingly, the die designer for these elements may allow for a wide range of tolerance in arriving at the die dimensions needed for good functionability.
  • a wall thickness of the outer tube was about 0.020 inch and the rear ring thickness was about 0.070 inch.
  • the inner diameter of the'major portion of the outer tube was about 0.560 inch and the inner diameter of rear opening 20 of the outer element 10 was about 0.550 inch.
  • the circumscribed diameter of ribs 24 in element 12 was about 0.5572 inch making the circumscribed diameter of the inner element about 0.0072 inch or 7.2 mils larger than the inner diameter of rear opening 20 in the outer tube.
  • FIG. 4 there is shown an inner element with only 3 ribs 240.
  • span 28a between points of distortion is considerably longer.
  • static holding power between the two elements There is a small reduction in static holding power between the two elements, and dynamic force required to telescope the tubes is reduced a bit more.
  • FIG. 7 there is shown in cross section an inner element with four fins. It will be noted in this construction, and any construction with an even number of fins, the effective diameter is much greater because the fins are exactly opposite each other. Accordingly, an evennumbered fin construction would fit much tighter than an odd-numbered fin construction with the same circumscribed diameter, since the latter has a space diametrically opposite each fin. The odd-numbered construction, therefore, is preferred because it is possible to allow much greater tolerance in dimension variations between the circumscribed diameter and the diameter of the opening in the end of the outer tube.
  • ribs 24c are shown as being tapered in cross section with edges 260 being considerably narrower. This construction seems to grab the outer element better and insures against axial rotation between the two elements, while still permitting easy telescoping action as described earlier.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 there is. shown a construction in which outer element 40 has a substantially closed for ward tip made up of flexible petals of juxtaposed triangular segments 45; the rest of the structure being the same as the outer element of FIG. 1.
  • tubular portion 43 is shown as being forwardly tapered instead of being a substantially cylindrical tube as in FIG. I.
  • Fins 44 are otherwise the same as in FIG. 1 being substantially parallel and having a'substantially constant circumscribed diameter from the end of the frontal taper to the trailing ring section of the element.
  • FIG. 5-6 embodiment varies from the FIG. I embodiment primarily in the closed end structure of the outer tube. This structure permits the manufacturer to include within the outer element a loosely fitting tampon rather than a tampon with the required frictional fit shown in FIG. 1. Medicaments may also be disposed in the closed end outer tube if desired-since closed petals 45 will serve to contain the contents.
  • outer element is shown as being substantially a right cylinder tube, in fabricating such tubes it is the practice to put in a slight, but hardly noticeable, taper or draw to permit ready removal from the forming dies.
  • the outer element when the outer element is made of a firm and only slightly resilient plastic, and the inner element is made of a soft, highly flexible plastic, almost all of the deformation will take place in the inner element in the area where the inner element is in contact with the rear opening of the outer element. In this case there will be substantially no deformation in the outer element as in the preferred structures previously described.
  • the desired firm but slidable frictional engagement of the two elements is obtained.
  • a firmer plastic suchas polypropylene, high density polyethyl- 6 ene, rigid polyvinyl chloride or polystyrene may be used for the outer element, and a low density polyethylene may be used for the inner element.
  • the outer element should be made from a plastic which is sufficiently flexible to permit the described petals to open easily when a tampon is ejected.
  • plastics characterized by varying density, hardness, and flexibility are comtemplated for use in the invention.
  • materials such as high and low density polyethylene, polypropylene, soft and firm polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polyester, polyacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol and the like may be used for either or for both elements.
  • An applicator consisting of a pair of telescopically associated flexible plastic tubular elements and comprising: an outer tubular element having a major longitudinal portion of substantially uniform internal diameter and a trailing end portion in which the internal diameter is reduced to define a rear opening having an internal diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of said major portion of said outer element; an inner element comprising a tubular structure of substantially smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of said rear opening; a plurality of substantially evenly spaced and parallelly disposed fins protruding from the surface of the tubular structure of said inner element and extending longitudinally for substantially the full length thereof; the diameter of a line circumscribing the top edges of said fins for the full length thereof except for a minor tapered frontal portion being larger than the internal diameter of said rear opening but no larger than the internal diameter of said major portion of said outer element, whereby at least one of said elements is caused to be radially distorted at the mutual area of contact when said inner element is telescopically associated with said outer element, said distortion being present as long as

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
US00284773A 1971-12-09 1972-08-30 Tampon applicator Expired - Lifetime US3807399A (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00284773A US3807399A (en) 1971-12-09 1972-08-30 Tampon applicator
CA158,432A CA1006061A (en) 1971-12-09 1972-12-01 Tampon applicator
IT32662/72A IT979663B (it) 1971-12-09 1972-12-07 Dispositivo di inserimento di tam poni igienici comprendente elemen ti tubolari telescopici
DE2260940A DE2260940A1 (de) 1971-12-09 1972-12-08 Tamponapplikator
NL7216751A NL7216751A (xx) 1971-12-09 1972-12-08
JP47123893A JPS5016108B2 (xx) 1971-12-09 1972-12-09
GB5713572A GB1415358A (en) 1971-12-09 1972-12-11 Tampon applicator
FR7244010A FR2170431A5 (xx) 1971-12-09 1972-12-11

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US20647971A 1971-12-09 1971-12-09
US00284773A US3807399A (en) 1971-12-09 1972-08-30 Tampon applicator

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3807399A true US3807399A (en) 1974-04-30

Family

ID=26901391

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00284773A Expired - Lifetime US3807399A (en) 1971-12-09 1972-08-30 Tampon applicator

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US3807399A (xx)
JP (1) JPS5016108B2 (xx)
CA (1) CA1006061A (xx)
DE (1) DE2260940A1 (xx)
FR (1) FR2170431A5 (xx)
GB (1) GB1415358A (xx)
IT (1) IT979663B (xx)
NL (1) NL7216751A (xx)

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4536178A (en) * 1983-11-10 1985-08-20 International Playtex, Inc. Tampon applicator
US4822332A (en) * 1988-03-31 1989-04-18 Tambrands Inc. Device for delivering an object to a cavity
US5158535A (en) * 1986-04-23 1992-10-27 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Curved tampon applicator and a process for forming the applicator and for assembling an absorbent tampon into said applicator
US5267953A (en) * 1986-04-23 1993-12-07 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Curved tampon applicator and a process for forming the applicator and for assembling an absorbent tampon into said applicator
US5437628A (en) * 1993-11-10 1995-08-01 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Curved tampon applicator having an improved fingergrip
US5497542A (en) * 1993-12-27 1996-03-12 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Method of assembling an inner tube into an outer tube
US5501063A (en) * 1994-09-06 1996-03-26 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Apparatus and method of reducing the force to expel a tampon from a tampon applicator and the applicator itself
US5571540A (en) * 1994-09-06 1996-11-05 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Apparatus for crimping, pleating and forming a tip on a hollow tube
US5614230A (en) * 1994-12-29 1997-03-25 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Apparatus for forming a curl on an end of a tubular member
US5681894A (en) * 1995-05-22 1997-10-28 Playtex Products, Inc. Soft, flexible tampon applicator and method for making same
US5743852A (en) * 1996-04-15 1998-04-28 Johnson; William T. M. Speculums
US5986000A (en) * 1995-05-22 1999-11-16 Playtex Products, Inc. Soft, flexible composition and method for making same
USD492033S1 (en) 2003-04-04 2004-06-22 Playtex Products, Inc. Tampon applicator assembly
US20040199100A1 (en) * 2003-04-04 2004-10-07 Playtex Products, Inc. Tampon applicator assembly having an improved plunger and methods of making
US20050070839A1 (en) * 2001-06-28 2005-03-31 Playtex Products, Inc. Tampon applicator
US20060079924A1 (en) * 2003-07-24 2006-04-13 Femspec Llc Apparatus for accessing a body cavity and methods of making same
US20070156081A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2007-07-05 Nancy Karapasha Applicator having an indented fingergrip with raised portions
US8613718B2 (en) 2004-11-19 2013-12-24 The Procter & Gamble Company Tampon applicator
US10342712B1 (en) * 2014-07-31 2019-07-09 Samantha A. McCrory Disposable feminine-hygiene product

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5373424B2 (ja) * 2009-02-13 2013-12-18 ロート製薬株式会社 膣錠等挿入物挿入用アプリケータ

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2476956A (en) * 1943-06-18 1949-07-26 Personal Products Corp Applicator
US3124134A (en) * 1964-03-10 gardner
US3347234A (en) * 1964-08-05 1967-10-17 Joseph A Voss Hygienic devices
US3699962A (en) * 1970-10-28 1972-10-24 Kimberly Clark Co Tubular plastic inserter for tampons

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3124134A (en) * 1964-03-10 gardner
US2476956A (en) * 1943-06-18 1949-07-26 Personal Products Corp Applicator
US3347234A (en) * 1964-08-05 1967-10-17 Joseph A Voss Hygienic devices
US3699962A (en) * 1970-10-28 1972-10-24 Kimberly Clark Co Tubular plastic inserter for tampons

Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4536178A (en) * 1983-11-10 1985-08-20 International Playtex, Inc. Tampon applicator
US5158535A (en) * 1986-04-23 1992-10-27 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Curved tampon applicator and a process for forming the applicator and for assembling an absorbent tampon into said applicator
US5267953A (en) * 1986-04-23 1993-12-07 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Curved tampon applicator and a process for forming the applicator and for assembling an absorbent tampon into said applicator
US4822332A (en) * 1988-03-31 1989-04-18 Tambrands Inc. Device for delivering an object to a cavity
US5437628A (en) * 1993-11-10 1995-08-01 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Curved tampon applicator having an improved fingergrip
US5497542A (en) * 1993-12-27 1996-03-12 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Method of assembling an inner tube into an outer tube
US5519930A (en) * 1993-12-27 1996-05-28 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Apparatus and method of assembling an inner tube into an outer tube
US5501063A (en) * 1994-09-06 1996-03-26 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Apparatus and method of reducing the force to expel a tampon from a tampon applicator and the applicator itself
US5571540A (en) * 1994-09-06 1996-11-05 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Apparatus for crimping, pleating and forming a tip on a hollow tube
US5614230A (en) * 1994-12-29 1997-03-25 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Apparatus for forming a curl on an end of a tubular member
US5681894A (en) * 1995-05-22 1997-10-28 Playtex Products, Inc. Soft, flexible tampon applicator and method for making same
US5986000A (en) * 1995-05-22 1999-11-16 Playtex Products, Inc. Soft, flexible composition and method for making same
US5743852A (en) * 1996-04-15 1998-04-28 Johnson; William T. M. Speculums
US20050070839A1 (en) * 2001-06-28 2005-03-31 Playtex Products, Inc. Tampon applicator
US6890324B1 (en) 2001-06-28 2005-05-10 Playtex Products, Inc. Tampon applicator
USD492033S1 (en) 2003-04-04 2004-06-22 Playtex Products, Inc. Tampon applicator assembly
US20040199100A1 (en) * 2003-04-04 2004-10-07 Playtex Products, Inc. Tampon applicator assembly having an improved plunger and methods of making
US7044928B2 (en) 2003-04-04 2006-05-16 Platex Products, Inc. Tampon applicator assembly having an improved plunger and methods of making
US20070156081A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2007-07-05 Nancy Karapasha Applicator having an indented fingergrip with raised portions
US20060079924A1 (en) * 2003-07-24 2006-04-13 Femspec Llc Apparatus for accessing a body cavity and methods of making same
US8613718B2 (en) 2004-11-19 2013-12-24 The Procter & Gamble Company Tampon applicator
US10342712B1 (en) * 2014-07-31 2019-07-09 Samantha A. McCrory Disposable feminine-hygiene product

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2260940A1 (de) 1973-06-14
GB1415358A (en) 1975-11-26
JPS4865797A (xx) 1973-09-10
CA1006061A (en) 1977-03-01
IT979663B (it) 1974-09-30
JPS5016108B2 (xx) 1975-06-10
FR2170431A5 (xx) 1973-09-14
NL7216751A (xx) 1973-06-13

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