U.S. patent application number 10/991938 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-31 for tampon applicator.
This patent application is currently assigned to Playtex Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Edgett, Keith, Jackson, Dane R., Siracusa, Paul A..
Application Number | 20050070839 10/991938 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25402514 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050070839 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jackson, Dane R. ; et
al. |
March 31, 2005 |
Tampon applicator
Abstract
A tampon is provided having an applicator barrel adapted to
house a pledget, and especially a radially expanding pledget, and
receive a telescoping plunger that is adapted to expel the pledget
from the barrel. The applicator barrel has a fingergrip area with
at least one set of diametrically opposed, substantially flattened
surfaces, convex surfaces, concave surfaces, or any combination
thereof. These surfaces have at least one gripping structure to
enhance the gripping characteristics of the applicator, allowing
the user to securely hold the applicator during insertion and
removal and during expulsion of the pledget from the barrel.
Inventors: |
Jackson, Dane R.;
(Bloomingdale, NJ) ; Siracusa, Paul A.; (Florida,
NY) ; Edgett, Keith; (Ramsey, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES N. J. RUGGIERO, ESQ.
OHLANDT, GREELEY, RUGGIERO & PERLE, L.L.P.
10th FLOOR
ONE LANDMARK SQUARE
STAMFORD
CT
06901-2682
US
|
Assignee: |
Playtex Products, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
25402514 |
Appl. No.: |
10/991938 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10991938 |
Nov 18, 2004 |
|
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09894042 |
Jun 28, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 604/904 20130101;
A61F 13/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/011 |
International
Class: |
A61F 013/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A tampon applicator comprising: a barrel adapted to house a
pledget therein and to receive a plunger therein, said barrel
having a fingergrip area adapted to partially house and engage said
plunger, said fingergrip area having at least one substantially
flattened surface with at least one gripping structure other than a
rib, wherein said fingergrip area has a reduced diameter relative
to said barrel, wherein said at least one substantially flattened
surface and said at least one gripping structure provide gripping
ability to overcome ejection forces applied to said barrel by said
pledget and/or said plunger.
2. The tampon applicator of claim 1, wherein said fingergrip area
comprises at least one pair of diametrically opposed, substantially
flattened surfaces.
3. The tampon applicator of claim 1, wherein said fingergrip area
comprises an odd number of substantially flattened surfaces, and
wherein at least one of said substantially flattened surfaces is
diametrically opposed to a pair of adjoined substantially flattened
surfaces.
4. The tampon applicator of claim 1, wherein said fingergrip area
further comprises at least two angled shoulder surfaces.
5. The tampon applicator of claim 4, wherein said at least one
substantially flattened surface is at least two substantially
flattened surfaces, and wherein each of said at least two angled
shoulder surfaces corresponds to a separate one of said
substantially flattened surfaces on said fingergrip area.
6. The tampon applicator of claim 1, wherein said at least one
gripping structure is selected from the group consisting of:
embossments, protuberances other than ribs, slits, grooves,
louvers, perforations, lances, abrasive media, high wet coefficient
of friction material, pressure sensitive adhesive, and any
combinations thereof.
7. The tampon applicator of claim 1, wherein said at least one
gripping structure is raised above said at least one substantially
flattened surface.
8. The tampon applicator of claim 1, wherein said at least one
gripping structure is depressed below said at least one
substantially flattened surface.
9. The tampon applicator of claim 1, wherein said at least one
gripping structure is aligned with an outer surface of said at
least one substantially flattened surface.
10. The tampon applicator of claim 1, wherein said at least one
gripping structure has a position selected from the group
consisting of: tilted towards an outer surface, tilted away from an
outer surface, and any combination thereof, of said at least one
substantially flattened surface.
11. The tampon applicator of claim 1, wherein said fingergrip area
and said plunger have substantially the same cross-sectional
shape.
12. The tampon applicator of claim 11, wherein said cross-sectional
shape is selected from the group consisting of: rectangular,
square, triangular, or hexagonal.
13. A tampon applicator comprising: a barrel adapted to house a
pledget therein and to receive a plunger therein, said barrel
having a fingergrip area adapted to partially house and engage said
plunger, said fingergrip area having at least one convex surface
with at least one gripping structure other than a rib, wherein said
fingergrip area has a reduced diameter relative to said barrel,
wherein said at least one convex surface and said at least one
gripping structure provide gripping ability to overcome ejection
forces applied to said barrel by said pledget and/or said
plunger.
14. The tampon applicator of claim 13, wherein said fingergrip area
comprises at least one pair of diametrically opposed, convex
surfaces.
15. The tampon applicator of claim 13, wherein said fingergrip area
comprises an odd number of convex surfaces, and wherein at least
one of said convex surfaces is diametrically opposed to a pair of
adjoined convex surfaces.
16. The tampon applicator of claim 13, wherein said fingergrip area
further comprises at least two angled shoulder surfaces.
17. The tampon applicator of claim 16, wherein said at least one
convex surface is at least two convex surfaces, and wherein each of
said at least two angled shoulder surfaces corresponds to a
separate one of said convex surfaces on said fingergrip area.
18. The tampon applicator of claim 13, wherein said at least one
gripping structure is selected from the group consisting of:
embossments, protuberances other than ribs, slits, grooves,
louvers, perforations, lances, abrasive media, high wet coefficient
of friction materials, pressure sensitive adhesives, and any
combinations thereof.
19. A tampon applicator comprising: a barrel adapted to house a
pledget therein and to receive a plunger therein, said barrel
having a fingergrip area adapted to partially house and engage said
plunger, said fingergrip area having at least one concave surface
with at least one gripping structure other than a rib, wherein said
fingergrip area has a reduced diameter relative to said barrel,
wherein said at least one concave surface and said at least one
gripping structure provide gripping ability to overcome ejection
forces applied to said barrel by said pledget and/or said
plunger.
20. The tampon applicator of claim 19, wherein said fingergrip area
comprises at least one pair of diametrically opposed, concave
surfaces.
21. The tampon applicator of claim 19, wherein said fingergrip area
comprises an odd number of concave surfaces, and wherein at least
one of said concave surfaces is diametrically opposed to a pair of
adjoined concave surfaces.
22. The tampon applicator of claim 19, wherein said fingergrip area
further comprises at least two angled shoulder surfaces.
23. The tampon applicator of claim 22, wherein said at least one
concave surface is at least two concave surfaces, and wherein each
of said at least two angled shoulder surfaces corresponds to a
separate one of said concave surfaces on said fingergrip area.
24. The tampon applicator of claim 19, wherein said at least one
gripping structure is selected from the group consisting of:
embossments, protuberances other than ribs, slits, grooves,
louvers, perforations, lances, abrasive media, high wet coefficient
of friction materials, pressure sensitive adhesives, and any
combinations thereof.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to catamenial insertion
devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
catamenial insertion device, such as a tampon applicator, having a
fingergrip area with at least one gripping structure.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] A catamenial insertion device or applicator normally has two
components, namely a barrel and a plunger that is adapted to
telescopically slide in the barrel. The material to be expelled,
such as an absorbent pledget, is positioned in the barrel of the
applicator. The barrel has a first end for ejection of the pledget,
and a second end for receipt of the plunger. To use the tampon
applicator, the consumer will position the ejection end
appropriately, grasp the barrel, and move or slide the plunger in
the barrel towards the ejection end of the barrel to expel the
pledget.
[0005] Tampon pledgets, and notably radially expanding pledgets,
due to their design, exert a pressure or friction force on the
inside wall of the applicator barrel. Thus, expulsion of the
pledget from the barrel requires an applicator with a gripping
configuration conducive to secure holding by the user with minimal
pressure being applied to the barrel. The significance of
minimizing pressure on the barrel of the applicator is that
deformation of the barrel is reduced. Such barrel deformation
causes significant friction amongst the pledget, barrel, and
plunger, thereby significantly impeding the expulsion of the
pledget from the barrel.
[0006] Various configurations for fingergrip areas on the barrel of
an applicator have been proposed to facilitate handling and
placement of the applicator, and expulsion of the pledget. One
approach is a tampon applicator having an integral fingergrip that
is formed by embossing an outside surface of the barrel of the
applicator. The embossed portion of the applicator barrel typically
takes the form of a series of raised circumferential rings or a
series of discrete raised dots aligned in several circumferential
rows. Examples of such fingergrips can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,045,526 to Jackson, 5,395,308 to Fox et al., 5,290,501 to
Klesius, 4,573,964 to Huffman; 4,573,963 to Sheldon; 4,891,042 to
Nelvin et al.; 4,412,833 to Wiegner et al.; 3,895,634 to Berger;
3,628,533 to Leyer; 2,922,423 to Rickard et al; 2,587,717 to
Fourness; and 2,489,502 to Ruth.
[0007] Another approach to the gripping problem is found in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,575,169 to Voss et al., which provides separate raised
elements that are applied to an outer tube of a tampon applicator
to provide a fingergrip. The elements can be formed of plastic,
rubber, ceramic, or other materials, and can either be affixed to
the outer tube by interference fit or by bonding.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,178 to Lichstein et al. discloses a
tampon applicator having flattened surfaces with a gripping
structure on the flattened surface. However, the gripping structure
disclosed is limited to rows of ribs.
[0009] Thus, there is a need for a tampon applicator with a
distinct fingergrip area having at least one gripping structure,
other than ribs, that allows a consumer to easily grip the
applicator or applicator barrel and expel the pledget with ease,
especially overcoming the increased expulsion forces associated
with a radially expanding pledget in the barrel. SUMMARY OF THE
INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a tampon
applicator or applicator barrel having a distinct fingergrip area
with at least one gripping structure.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide
such a tampon applicator barrel where the fingergrip area is
substantially flattened.
[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
such a tampon applicator barrel in which the substantially
flattened fingergrip area results in a finger and a thumb hold that
enables the user to overcome the expulsion force exerted on the
applicator barrel.
[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide such a tampon applicator barrel where the at least one
gripping structure is selected from the group consisting of
embossments, protuberances other than ribs, slits, grooves,
louvers, perforations, lances, abrasive media, high wet coefficient
of friction material, pressure sensitive adhesive, or any
combinations thereof.
[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a tampon applicator barrel where the at least one gripping
structure may be raised, depressed, tilted, aligned with the outer
surface of the barrel, or any combinations thereof.
[0015] These and other objects of the present invention will be
appreciated from a tampon having an applicator barrel adapted to
house a pledget, and especially a radially expanding pledget, and
to receive a plunger that is adapted to expel the pledget from the
barrel. The applicator barrel has a fingergrip area with at least
one set of diametrically opposed, substantially flattened, convex,
or concave surfaces. These surfaces have at least one gripping
structure to enhance the gripping characteristics of the
applicator. The fingergrip area with at least one gripping
structure allows the user to hold securely the applicator during
insertion and removal, and more importantly, during expulsion of
the pledget from the barrel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the tampon
applicator according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another fingergrip
embodiment of the tampon applicator according to the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another fingergrip
embodiment of the tampon applicator according to the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another fingergrip
embodiment of the tampon applicator according to the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the tampon
applicator of FIG. 1 having gripping structures according to the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 Is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
tampon applicator of FIG. 1 having gripping structures according to
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
tampon applicator of FIG. 1 having gripping structures according to
the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
tampon applicator of FIG. 1 having a concave fingergrip area
according to the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
tampon applicator of FIG. 1 having a convex fingergrip area
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Referring to the drawings and, in particular, FIG. 1, there
is shown a tampon applicator or inserter generally represented by
reference-numeral 10. Tampon applicator 10 houses and carries a
tampon pledget 12 having a removal string 14. Tampon applicator 10
has a barrel 16 and a plunger 18 telescopically engageable with the
barrel.
[0026] The plunger 18 is adapted to eject the pledget 12 from the
barrel 16 out of the ejection end 20 of the barrel into the vagina
of a user. The barrel 16 has a central body 17 that is preferably
tubular and is adapted to house and carry the pledget 12 therein.
The barrel 16 has a forward or ejection end 20, and an opposite,
rear or plunger-receiving end 32.
[0027] The ejection end 20 of barrel 16 can be open or can have a
dome shape. The ejection end 20 preferably has a hemispherical,
dome-shaped tip 22. The tip 22 may include a plurality of petals
24, which are preferably formed by a plurality of slits 26. The
petals 24 are flexible, enabling the pledget 12 to be ejected
therethrough when the plunger 18 is pressed against the top of the
pledget 12 within the barrel 16.
[0028] The plunger-receiving end 32 of barrel 16 has a decreased or
tapered width or diameter relative to central body 17 of the
barrel, which serves as a transition between the body and the
rearmost plunger edge 28. Receiving end 32 can have one or more
substantially flattened surfaces, which form the fingergrip area.
Preferably, receiving end 32 has one or more pairs of diametrically
opposed, substantially flattened surfaces. In one embodiment of the
present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, receiving end 32 has one
pair of diametrically opposed, substantially flattened surfaces 30,
which form a generally rectangular fingergrip area.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, receiving end 32 has two pairs of
diametrically opposed, substantially flattened surfaces 30, which
have a reduced diameter from central body 17 to plunger edge 28.
The two pairs of substantially flattened surfaces form a generally
square cross-section. Plunger 18 is also shown as having a
generally square cross-section.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, receiving end 32 has three pairs of
diametrically opposed, substantially flattened surfaces 30, which
have a reduced diameter from central body 17 to plunger edge 28.
The three pairs of diametrically opposed, substantially flattened
surfaces 30 form a generally hexagonal cross-section, which results
in superior gripping ability. Plunger 18 is also shown as having a
generally hexagonal cross-section.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 4, applicator 10 of the present invention
has three substantially flattened surfaces 30 formed on receiving
end 32. The three substantially flattened surfaces have a reduced
diameter from central body 17 to plunger edge 28 and form a
generally triangular fingergrip area. Plunger 18 is also shown as
having a generally triangular cross-section.
[0032] It should be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the number of pairs of diametrically opposed,
substantially flattened surfaces depicted in FIGS. 1 through 3, or
the number of substantially flattened surfaces depicted in FIG. 4.
Applicator 10 can be formed with any number of substantially
flattened surfaces, pairs of diametrically opposed, substantially
flattened surfaces, or any combinations thereof suitable for
forming a fingergrip area on the receiving end of the barrel.
[0033] By forming a fingergrip area on the receiving end 32 of
barrel 16, where there is no pledget housed, a more rigid
construction results. This rigidity is further enhanced due to the
fact that the plunger also has a reduced diameter. As a result, the
walls of the barrel between the receiving end 32 and the plunger
edge 28 are substantially thick, and thus rigid. The rigidity not
only results in a stronger construction, it reduces and/or
eliminates deformation of the barrel, and subsequently reduces
frictional forces amongst the barrel, plunger, and pledget during
use. This reduction in frictional forces results in a greater ease
of insertion of the applicator and expulsion of the pledget from
the barrel of the applicator into the vagina.
[0034] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
FIG. 5, receiving end 32 of applicator 10 has-one pair of
diametrically opposed, substantially flattened surfaces 30 and two
angled shoulder surfaces 34. The shoulder surfaces 34 form a finger
and/or thumb hold or grip.
[0035] The angled shoulders 34 transcend from the barrel 16 to the
flattened surfaces 30 and, thus, have a reduced diameter relative
to the ejection end 20. The angled surface of the shoulders 34 can
vary from almost 0.degree. to almost 90.degree. relative to the
length of the barrel 16. To further enhance grasping of the barrel
16, the two substantially flattened surfaces 30 are generally
decreasingly tapered from the angled shoulders 34 to the plunger
edge 28. Accordingly, the angled shoulder surfaces 34 of the
receiving end 32 provide an area on which the middle finger and
thumb of a user may push off or rest on during the grasping of the
applicator 10 and insertion of the applicator and pledget 12 into
the vagina of a user. It should be understood that while FIG. 5 is
depicted with two angled shoulders 34, applicator 10 could have at
least two angled shoulders 34. The number of angled shoulders can
correspond to the number of flattened surfaces formed on applicator
10.
[0036] In an alternative embodiment of the applicator of FIGS. 1
through 5 of present invention, at least one, and more preferably a
plurality, of gripping structures are disposed on the surfaces 30.
While these alternative embodiments are discussed below with
respect to FIG. 1, they can be equally applied to the fingergrip
area of FIGS. 2 through 5, 8, and 9.
[0037] The gripping structures may be, for example, one or more
embossments, protuberances other than ribs, slits, grooves,
perforations, lances, abrasive media, high wet coefficient of
friction material, pressure sensitive adhesive, or any combinations
thereof. The gripping structures may be raised above surfaces 30,
depressed below surfaces 30, constructed so as the top of the
gripping structure aligns with the outer surface of surfaces 30,
tilted towards or away from surfaces 30, or any combinations
thereof. The gripping structures may be patterned or arranged in
any configuration, and in any number suitable for creating an
enhanced gripping area for a user's fingers.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 6, by way of example, one embodiment of
the at least one gripping structure of the fingergrip area of
tampon applicator 10 of the present invention is shown having a
plurality of circular shaped gripping structures 38 disposed on
substantially flattened surfaces 30. These circular shaped gripping
structures may be raised above surfaces 30, depressed below
surfaces 30, through or virtually through surfaces 30, or a
combination thereof. Also, the gripping structures can be disposed
in any suitable pattern or number.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 7, by way of example, another embodiment
of the at least one gripping structure of tampon applicator 10 is
depicted having a series of wavy gripping structures 40 disposed
vertically across substantially flattened surfaces 30. The wavy
gripping structures can also be raised above surfaces 30, depressed
below surfaces 30, tilted towards and/or away from surfaces 30, or
a combination thereof, and may be present in any suitable pattern
or number.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 8, by way of example, another embodiment
of the at least one gripping structure of tampon applicator 10 is
depicted in which the surfaces 30 are formed with a concavity, thus
providing an additional finger and/or thumb forming hold that
conforms to a user's fingers.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 9, by way of example, another embodiment
of the at least one gripping structure of tampon applicator 10 is
depicted in which the surfaces 30 are formed with a convex outer
surface, thus providing an additional finger and/or thumb forming
hold.
[0042] It should be understood that the embodiments shown in FIGS.
6 through 9, as well as all of the gripping structure embodiments
described above, can be formed on the tampon applicator depicted in
FIGS. 2 through 5, as well.
[0043] The gripping structures may be created on surfaces 30 by any
method known in the art, such as, for example, molding, embossing,
laser engraving, taping, gluing, shearing, die punching, or any
combinations thereof. Thus, by providing the receiving end 32 of
the barrel 16 with a substantially flattened, and preferably also
tapered, configuration and with at least one gripping structure,
the receiving end serves as a superior grasping area, enabling the
tampon user to easily and comfortably control and expel pledget 12
into the vagina.
[0044] The receiving end 32 is shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 as
generally rectangular in cross-section to accommodate the flattened
surfaces 30 thereof. Alternative cross-sectional shapes may be
selected as long as such cross-sections accommodate the interior of
surfaces 30 of the receiving end 32. Further, it should be
understood that the cross-sectional areas of either end of the
receiving end 32 do not necessarily need to be the same. For
example, the examples shown in the figures have continued
decreasing cross-sections from one end to the other. In addition,
the cross-sections may reflect any concavities or convexities
provided on the outer flattened surfaces 30 of the receiving end
32, to form an additional finger and/or thumb hold.
[0045] The receiving end 32 is also constructed to receive and
axially engage the plunger 18 through an opening 29 therein.
Accordingly, the general cross-sectional configuration of the
receiving end 32 and the plunger edge 28, in particular, are
preferably similar or comparable to that of the plunger 18 to
accommodate smooth axial engagement between the barrel 16 and the
plunger 18. Further, as in the preferred embodiment, the corners of
the rectangular cross section of the receiving end 32 have some
radius of curvature, which reduces any untoward frictional contact
of the plunger 18 with the outer surfaces of the receiving end 32
and to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the applicator 10.
[0046] In another embodiment of the present invention, a curled lip
36 is provided on plunger 18, which provides a comfortable surface
for resting the index finger in pushing the plunger forward to
eject the pledget 12 from the barrel 16. The outer end of the
plunger 18 may have other collar-like members or configurations
such as an oval, circular cross-section or an arcuate finger rest
that function in a like manner as the curled lip 36.
[0047] The tampon pledget 12, and notably radially expanding tampon
pledgets, are capable of exerting forces on the applicator barrel
16, namely an inside surface of the applicator barrel. Such forces
make it difficult for a tampon user to expel the pledget 12 from
the applicator barrel 16.
[0048] With a radially expanding pledget, the expansion of the
pledget may be, by design, immediate upon release from a tampon
applicator, i.e. the expansion occurs entirely or primarily in its
dry state, without the need for moisture or menses, or it may be an
unintentional effect due to aging. Because of these
radial-expansion characteristics, an increased force is exerted on
the inside wall or surface of the applicator barrel 16. It has been
found that the force may be as high as several times that of a
conventional pledget that requires menses or moisture to expand. As
a result of this pressure, an increased expulsion force is required
to expel the pledget 12 from the barrel 16. Expulsion forces in the
magnitude of 2.5 pounds and greater have been measured for radially
expanding tampon pledgets. The high pledget expulsion force
requires an applicator with such a distinct fingergrip as provided
by the present invention, in order to hold the applicator without
the fear of deforming the applicator barrel 16 and further impeding
expulsion of the radially expanding pledget 12.
[0049] In summary, a woman can securely and comfortably grasp,
control and position a tampon applicator 10 in accordance with the
present invention, and expel a tampon pledget 12, especially a
radially expanding pledget, housed therein, as a result of the
fingergrip surface of the applicator 10, especially in conjunction
with the at least one gripping structure formed on flattened
surfaces 30.
[0050] Additionally, the gripping ability of a user can be further
enhanced by forming diametrically opposed finger and/or thumb holds
34. By placing the user's middle finger and thumb on the flattened
surfaces 30 of the rear portion 32 of the barrel 16 and set against
the angled shoulders 34 of the barrel 16, the user is able to
easily maneuver, control and position a tampon within her vagina,
and expel a pledget into her vagina, without any excess muscle
tension or strain that could result in deformation of the barrel
and/or plunger.
[0051] The foregoing specification and drawings are merely
illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit
the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. Variations and
changes, which are obvious to one skilled in the art, are intended
to be within the scope and nature of the present invention as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *