CA2477223A1 - Multiple-component tampon applicator - Google Patents

Multiple-component tampon applicator Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2477223A1
CA2477223A1 CA002477223A CA2477223A CA2477223A1 CA 2477223 A1 CA2477223 A1 CA 2477223A1 CA 002477223 A CA002477223 A CA 002477223A CA 2477223 A CA2477223 A CA 2477223A CA 2477223 A1 CA2477223 A1 CA 2477223A1
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
applicator
fingergrip
barrel
plastic
combinations
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.)
Granted
Application number
CA002477223A
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French (fr)
Other versions
CA2477223C (en
Inventor
Jessica E. Lemay
Dane R. Jackson
Michael L. Miller
Wayne D. Melvin
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Playtex Products LLC
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Individual
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Family has litigation
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Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2477223A1 publication Critical patent/CA2477223A1/en
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Publication of CA2477223C publication Critical patent/CA2477223C/en
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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
    • 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
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S604/00—Surgery
    • Y10S604/904—Tampons
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
    • Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
    • Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
    • Y10T156/1002—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina
    • Y10T156/1036—Bending of one piece blank and joining edges to form article
    • Y10T156/1038—Hollow cylinder article

Abstract

There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator (10) formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip (16) may be formed such that i t is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. (12 ). Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel componen t with an absorbent pledget, petals (18) may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip (19) component having petals may be formed. This separate component may then be connected to the barrel component either before or aft er an absorbent pledget is loaded into the barrel component.

Claims (116)

1. A multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components selected from the group consisting of a barrel, a fingergrip, a plunger, and an insertion tip, wherein said at least three separate components are formed independently from one another, prior to forming said applicator.
2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein one or more of said at least three separate components are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
3. The applicator of claim 1, wherein two or more of said at least three separate components are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
4. The applicator of claim 1, wherein three or more of said at least three separate components are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
5. The applicator of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least three separate components are coated with a material selected from the group consisting of cellophane, cellulose, epoxy, lacquer, nitrocellulose, nylon, plastic, polyester, polylactide, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, wax, and any combinations thereof.
6. The applicator of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least three separate components is said barrel, and wherein said barrel is formed from cardboard.
7. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said barrel has a forward end and a rearward end opposite said forward end.
8. The applicator of claim 7, wherein said barrel further comprises three to eight petals disposed on said forward end.
9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least three separate components is said fingergrip, and wherein said fingergrip is formed from pulp molded paper.
10. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said fingergrip has a forward end, a rearward end, and an axially extending channel.
11. The applicator of claim 10, wherein said fingergrip has a reduced cross-sectional area from that of said barrel, and wherein a cross sectional area of said fingergrip at said forward end is larger than a cross-sectional area at said rearward end of said fingergrip.
12. The applicator of claim 10, wherein said channel has a cross-sectional area adapted to accommodate said plunger.
13. The applicator of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least three separate components is said fingergrip, and wherein said fingergrip further comprises at least one gripping structure.
14. The applicator of claim 13, wherein said at least one gripping structure is circumferentially disposed around said fingergrip.
15. The applicator of claim 13, wherein said at least one gripping structure is selected from the group consisting of one or more abrasive materials, embossments, grooves, high wet coefficient of friction materials, lances, pressure sensitive adhesives, protuberances, slits, treads, and any combinations thereof.
16. The applicator of claim 13, wherein said at least one gripping structure is formed in a shape selected from the group consisting of arc, circle, concave, cone, convex, diamond, line, oval, polygon, rectangle, rib, square, triangle, and any combinations thereof.
17. The applicator of claim 13, wherein said at least one gripping structure is raised, depressed, or a combination thereof.
18. An applicator having three separate components, the three separate components comprising:
a barrel having petals pre-formed on an insertion end of said barrel prior to loading said barrel with an absorbent pledget;
a fingergrip having a reduced cross-sectional area; and a plunger having a reduced cross-sectional area;
wherein said barrel, fingergrip and plunger are formed as the three separate components, prior to forming the applicator.
19. The applicator of claim 18, wherein one or more of said three separate components are individually formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
20. The applicator of claim 18, wherein two or more of said three separate components are individually formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
21. The applicator of claim 18, wherein at least one of said three separate components is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of cellophane, cellulose, epoxy, lacquer, nitrocellulose, nylon, plastic, polyester, polylactide, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, wax, and any combinations thereof.
22. The applicator of claim 18, wherein said barrel is formed from cardboard.
23. The applicator of claim 18, wherein said fingergrip has a forward end, a rearward end, and an axially extending channel.
24. The applicator of claim 23, wherein said reduced cross-sectional area of said fingergrip at said forward end is larger than a cross-sectional area at said rearward end of said fingergrip.
25. The applicator of claim 23, wherein said channel has a cross-sectional area adapted to accommodate said plunger.
26. The applicator of claim 18, wherein said fingergrip further comprises at least one gripping structure.
27. The applicator of claim 26, wherein said at least one gripping structure is circumferentially disposed around said fingergrip.
28. The applicator of claim 26, wherein said at least one gripping structure is selected from the group consisting of one or more abrasive materials, embossments, grooves, high wet coefficient of friction materials, lances, pressure sensitive adhesives, protuberances, slits, treads, and any combinations thereof.
29. The applicator of claim 26, wherein said at least one gripping structure is formed in a shape selected from the group consisting of arc, circle, concave, cone, convex, diamond, line, oval, polygon, rectangle, rib, square, triangle, and any combinations thereof.
30. The applicator of claim 26, wherein said at least one gripping structure is raised, depressed, or a combination thereof.
31. An applicator having three separate components, the three separate components comprising:
a barrel having a fingergrip integrally formed thereon;
an insertion tip; and a plunger, wherein said barrel, insertion tip, and plunger are formed as the three separate components prior to forming the applicator.
32. The applicator of claim 31, wherein one or more of said three separate components are individually formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
33. The applicator of claim 31, wherein two or more of said three separate components are individually formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
34. The applicator of claim 31, wherein at least one of said three separate components are coated with a material selected from the group consisting of cellophane, cellulose, epoxy, lacquer, nitrocellulose, nylon, plastic, polyester, polylactide, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, wax, and any combinations thereof.
35. The applicator of claim 31, wherein said insertion tip comprises three to eight petals.
36. The applicator of claim 31, wherein said fingergrip further comprises at least one gripping structure.
37. The applicator of claim 36, wherein said at least one gripping structure is circumferentially disposed around said fingergrip.
38. The applicator of claim 36, wherein said at least one gripping structure is selected from the group consisting of one or more abrasive materials, embossments, grooves, high wet coefficient of friction materials, lances, pressure sensitive adhesives, protuberances, slits, treads, and any combinations thereof.
39. The applicator of claim 36, wherein said at least one gripping structure is formed in a shape selected from the group consisting of arc, circle, concave, cone, convex, diamond, line, oval, polygon, rectangle, rib, square, triangle, and any combinations thereof.
40. The applicator of claim 36, wherein said at least one gripping structure is raised, depressed, or a combination thereof.
41. An applicator having four separate components, the four separate components comprising:
an insertion tip;

a barrel;
a fingergrip; and a plunger, wherein said insertion tip, barrel, fingergrip, and plunger are formed as the four separate components prior to forming the applicator.
42. The applicator of claim 41, wherein one or more of said four separate components are individually formed from material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
43. The applicator of claim 41, wherein two or more of said four separate components are individually formed from material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
44. The applicator of claim 41, wherein three or more of said four separate components are individually formed from material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
45. The applicator of claim 41, wherein at least one of said four separate components are coated with a material selected from the group consisting of cellophane, cellulose, epoxy, lacquer, nitrocellulose, nylon, plastic, polyester, polylactide, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, wax, and any combinations thereof.
46. The applicator of claim 41, wherein said insertion tip comprises three to eight petals.
47. The applicator of claim 41, wherein said fingergrip has a forward end, a rearward end, and an axially extending channel.
48. The applicator of claim 47, wherein said fingergrip has a reduced cross-sectional area from that of said barrel, and wherein a cross-sectional area of said fingergrip at said forward end is larger than a cross-sectional area at said rearward end of said fingergrip.
49. The applicator of claim 48, wherein said channel has a cross-sectional area adapted to accommodate said plunger.
50. The applicator of claim 41, wherein said fingergrip further comprises at least one gripping structure.
51. The applicator of claim 50, wherein said at least one gripping structure is circumferentially disposed around said fingergrip.
52. The applicator of claim 50, wherein said at least one gripping structure is selected from the group consisting of one or more abrasive materials, embossments, grooves, high wet coefficient of friction materials, lances, pressure sensitive adhesives, protuberances, slits, treads, and any combinations thereof.
53. The applicator of claim 50, wherein said at least one gripping structure is formed in a shape selected from the group consisting of arc, circle, concave, cone, convex, diamond, line, oval, polygon, rectangle, rib, square, triangle, and any combinations thereof.
54. The applicator of claim 50, wherein said at least one gripping structure is raised, depressed, or a combination thereof.
55. A method of making an applicator having three separate components comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a barrel having a forward end and a rearward end;
(b) forming a fingergrip having a forward end, a rearward end, and an axially extending channel between said forward end and said rearward end;
(c) forming a plunger having a forward end and a rearward end; and (d) connecting said forward end of said fingergrip with said rearward end of said barrel.
56. The method of claim 55, further comprising, following step (d), a step of inserting said forward end of said plunger into said channel of said rearward end of said fingergrip.
57. The method of claim 55, further comprising, prior to step (d), a step of inserting said rearward end of said plunger into said channel of said forward end of said fingergrip.
58. The method of claim 55, further comprising, prior to step (a), a step of pre-forming three to eight petals on said forward end of said barrel.
59. The method of claim 55, wherein one or more of said three separate components are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
60. The method of claim 55, wherein two or more of said three separate components are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
61. The method of claim 55, wherein at least one of said three separate components is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of cellophane, cellulose, epoxy, lacquer, nitrocellulose, nylon, plastic, polyester, polylactide, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, wax, and any combinations thereof.
62. The method of claim 55, wherein said forward end of said fingergrip has an external cross-sectional area slightly larger than an internal cross-sectional area of said rearward end of said barrel, and wherein said fingergrip and said barrel are connectably secured by interference fit.
63. The method of claim 55, wherein said forward end of said fingergrip has an internal cross-sectional area slightly smaller than an external cross-sectional area of said rearward end of said barrel, and wherein said fingergrip and said barrel are connectably secured by interference fit.
64. The method of claim 55, wherein said forward end of said fingergrip further comprises one or more internal tabs, ridges, slots, and any combination thereof, for securably connecting said fingergrip to said barrel.
65. The method of claim 55, wherein said forward end of said fingergrip further comprises one or more external tabs, ridges, slots, and any combination thereof, for securably connecting said fingergrip to said barrel.
66. The method of claim 55, wherein said rearward end of said barrel further comprises one or more internal tabs, ridges, slots, and any combination thereof, for securably connecting said barrel to said fingergrip.
67. The method of claim 55, wherein said rearward end of said barrel further comprises one or more external tabs, ridges, slots, and any combination thereof, for securably connecting said barrel to said fingergrip.
68. The method of claim 55, wherein said fingergrip is formed from heat-shrinkable material having a diameter larger than a diameter of said barrel, and wherein said heat-shrinkable material is shrunk to securably fit over an outside surface of said barrel.
69. The method of claim 68, wherein said heat-shrinkable material is further shrunk at said rearward end of said fingergrip to form a reduced cross-sectional area.
70. A method of making an applicator having three separate components comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a barrel having a forward end and a rearward end;
(b) forming an insertion tip having a forward insertion end and a rearward end;
(c) forming a plunger having a forward end; and (d) connecting said rearward end of said insertion tip with said forward end of said barrel.
71. The method of claim 70, further comprising, after step (d), a step of inserting said forward end of said plunger into said rearward end of said barrel.
72. The method of claim 70, further comprising, prior to step (d), a step of inserting said rearward end of said plunger into said forward end of said barrel.
73. The method of claim 70, wherein one or more of said three separate components are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
74. The method of claim 70, wherein two or more of said three separate components are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
75. The method of claim 70, wherein at least one of said three separate components is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of cellophane, cellulose, epoxy, lacquer, nitrocellulose, nylon, plastic, polyester, polylactide, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, wax, and any combinations thereof.
76. The method of claim 70, wherein said forward insertion end of said insertion tip comprises three to eight petals.
77. The method of claim 70, wherein said rearward end of said barrel has a fingergrip integrally formed thereon.
78. The applicator of claim 77, wherein said fingergrip further comprises at least one gripping structure.
79. The applicator of claim 78, wherein said at least one gripping structure is circumferentially disposed around said fingergrip.
80. The applicator of claim 78, wherein said at least one gripping structure is selected from the group consisting of one or more abrasive materials, embossments, grooves, high wet coefficient of friction materials, lances, pressure sensitive adhesives, protuberances, slits, treads, and any combinations thereof.
81. The applicator of claim 78, wherein said at least one gripping structure is formed in a shape selected from the group consisting of arc, circle, concave, cone, convex, diamond, line, oval, polygon, rectangle, rib, square, triangle, and any combinations thereof.
82. The applicator of claim 78, wherein said at least one gripping structure is raised above, depressed below, or a combination thereof, a surface of said barrel.
83. The method of claim 78, wherein said fingergrip has a reduced cross-sectional area than that of said forward end of said barrel.
84. The method of claim 70, wherein said forward end of said barrel comprises one or more tabs, ridges, slots, and any combination thereof, for securably connecting said barrel to said insertion tip.
85. The method of claim 70, wherein said rearward barrel end of said insertion tip comprises one or more tabs, ridges, slots, and any combination thereof, for securably connecting said insertion tip to said barrel.
86. A method of making an applicator comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a barrel having an forward end and a rearward end;
(b) forming a fingergrip having a forward end, a rearward end, and an axially extending channel between said forward end and said rearward end; and (c) inserting said fingergrip and said barrel into a heat former, wherein said barrel and said fingergrip are fused into a unitary fingergrip barrel portion.
87. The method of claim 86, further comprising, after step (b), a step of applying adhesive to said forward end of said fingergrip.
88. The method of claim 86, further comprising, after step (b), a step of applying adhesive to said rearward end of said barrel.
89. The method of claim 86, wherein said fingergrip and said barrel are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
90. The method of claim 86, wherein at least one of said barrel and fingergrip is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of cellophane, cellulose, epoxy, lacquer, nitrocellulose, nylon, plastic, polyester, polylactide, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, wax, and any combinations thereof.
91. The applicator of claim 86, wherein said fingergrip further comprises at least one gripping structure.
92. The applicator of claim 91, wherein said at least one gripping structure is circumferentially disposed around said fingergrip.
93. The applicator of claim 91, wherein said at least one gripping structure is selected from the group consisting of one or more abrasive materials, embossments, grooves, high wet coefficient of friction materials, lances, pressure sensitive adhesives, protuberances, slits, treads, and any combinations thereof.
94. The applicator of claim 91, wherein said at least one gripping structure is formed in a shape selected from the group consisting of arc, circle, concave, cone, convex, diamond, line, oval, polygon, rectangle, rib, square, triangle, and any combinations thereof.
95. The applicator of claim 91, wherein said at least one gripping structure is raised above, depressed below, or a combination thereof, a surface of said barrel.
96. A method of making an applicator having four separate components comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a barrel having a forward end and a rearward end;
(b) forming a fingergrip having a forward end, a rearward end, and an axially extending channel between said forward end and said rearward end;
(c) forming an insertion tip having a forward insertion end and a rearward end;
(d) forming a plunger having a forward end;
(e) connecting said forward end of said fingergrip with said rearward end of said barrel;
(f) connecting said rearward end of said insertion tip to said forward end of said barrel; and (g) inserting said forward end of said plunger into said channel of said fingergrip.
97. The method of claim 96, wherein one or more of said four separate components are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
98. The method of claim 96, wherein two or more of said four separate components are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
99. The method of claim 96, wherein three or more of said four separate components are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, and any combinations thereof.
100. The method of claim 96, wherein at least one of said four separate components is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of cellophane, cellulose, epoxy, lacquer, nitrocellulose, nylon, plastic, polyester, polylactide, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, wax, and any combinations thereof.
101. The method of claim 96, wherein said forward insertion end of said insertion tip comprises three to eight petals.
102. The applicator of claim 96, wherein said fingergrip further comprises at least one gripping structure.
103. The applicator of claim 102, wherein said at least one gripping structure is circumferentially disposed around said fingergrip.
104. The applicator of claim 102, wherein said at least one gripping structure is selected from the group consisting of one or more abrasive materials, embossments, grooves, high wet coefficient of friction materials, lances, pressure sensitive adhesives, protuberances, slits, treads, and any combinations thereof.
105. The applicator of claim 102, wherein said at least one gripping structure is formed in a shape selected from the group consisting of arc, circle, concave, cone, convex, diamond, line, oval, polygon, rectangle, rib, square, triangle, and any combinations thereof.
106. The applicator of claim 102, wherein said at least one gripping structure is raised above, depressed below, or a combination thereof, a surface of said barrel.
107. The method of claim 96, wherein said forward end of said fingergrip has an external cross-sectional area slightly larger than that of an internal cross-sectional area of said rearward end of said barrel, and wherein said fingergrip and said barrel are connectably secured by interference fit.
108. The method of claim 96, wherein said forward end of said fingergrip has an internal cross-sectional area slightly smaller than an external cross-sectional area of said rearward end of said barrel, and wherein said fingergrip and said barrel are connectably secured by interference fit.
109. The method of claim 96, wherein said forward barrel end of said fingergrip further comprises one or more external tabs, ridges, slots, or any combination thereof, for securably connecting said fingergrip to said barrel.
110. The method of claim 96, wherein said forward barrel end of said fingergrip further comprises one or more internal tabs, ridges, slots, or any combination thereof, for securably connecting said fingergrip to said barrel.
111. The method of claim 96, wherein said rearward end of said barrel further comprises one or more external tabs, ridges, slots, or a combination thereof, for securably connecting said barrel to said fingergrip.
112. The method of claim 96, wherein said rearward end of said barrel further comprises one or more internal tabs, ridges, slots, or a combination thereof, for securably connecting said barrel to said fingergrip.
113. The method of claim 96, wherein said forward end of said barrel further comprises one or more tabs, ridges, slots, or any combination thereof, for securably connecting said barrel to said insertion tip.
114. The method of claim 96, wherein said rearward end of said insertion tip further comprises one or more tabs, ridges, slots, or any combination thereof, for securably connecting said insertion tip to said barrel.
115. The method of claim 96, wherein said fingergrip is formed from heat-shrinkable material having a diameter larger than a diameter of said barrel, and wherein said heat-shrinkable material is shrunk to securably fit over an outside surface of said barrel.
116. The method of claim 115, wherein said heat-shrinkable material is further shrunk at said rearward end of said fingergrip to form a reduced cross-sectional area.
CA2477223A 2002-02-22 2003-02-10 Multiple-component tampon applicator Expired - Fee Related CA2477223C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/081,528 US6923789B2 (en) 2002-02-22 2002-02-22 Multiple-component tampon applicator
US10/081,528 2002-02-22
PCT/US2003/004000 WO2003071983A2 (en) 2002-02-22 2003-02-10 Multiple-component tampon applicator

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2477223A1 true CA2477223A1 (en) 2003-09-04
CA2477223C CA2477223C (en) 2010-04-27

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2477223A Expired - Fee Related CA2477223C (en) 2002-02-22 2003-02-10 Multiple-component tampon applicator

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EP (1) EP1482883A4 (en)
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MXPA04008146A (en) 2004-11-26
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US6923789B2 (en) 2005-08-02
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CN1638706A (en) 2005-07-13
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US20080004563A1 (en) 2008-01-03
KR20040088512A (en) 2004-10-16

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