Patent ID: 6524269
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A lubricated tampon system having an applicator comprising:a) a cylindrical casing having a front end and a rear end and a generally constant circumference; b) a generally cylindrical tampon having a front end and a rear end, said tampon being located within said cylindrical casing and tapering inwardly from the rear end to the front end from a point about one-quarter of the way from said rear end, thus defining an annular void between said tampon and said cylindrical casing in the vicinity of said front end of said cylindrical casing; c) an insertion plunger slidable through said rear end of said cylindrical casing and extending therein to a point adjacent said rear end of said tampon; d) a retrieval string attached to the rear end of said tampon; and e) a lubrication cell containing a lubricant and a compressible gas and located at said front end of said casing and attached around said circumference, thereof, said lubrication cell comprising: 1) a front hemispheric membrane having an outer side and an inner side and a perimeter, and projecting forward of the front end of said casing and having a series of scores on said inner side, thereof, so configured as to selectively fail at a first pressure level applied in an outward direction from said cylindrical casing; and 2) a rear hemispheric membrane having an inner side and an outer side and a perimeter, and projecting forward of said casing front end and sealed around its perimeter to the perimeter of said front membrane and having a series of scores on said inner side, thereof, relative to said cylindrical casing, said front membrane and said rear membrane forming said lubrication cell, said scores being so configured as to allow integral failure of said rear membrane at a second pressure applied in an outward direction from said cylindrical casing, said second pressure being less than said first pressure.