Patent ID: 6024716
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A tampon applicator comprising:a cylindrical cardboard barrel having a main cylindrical body with a longitudinal central axis and a rear end, and having a dome-shaped forward end opposite the rear end, the barrel having individual cardboard fibers;an ejector tube having a first end that is adapted to be slidably retained by the rear end of the main cylindrical body,the main body having a circumferential groove adjacent the dome-shaped forward end, wherein the dome-shaped forward end and a portion of the main cylindrical body have a plurality of individual petals separated by a plurality of slits that extend from the dome-shaped forward end, past the groove to a terminus of slits,wherein the individual petals have a base region at the groove, and wherein the individual petals have been bent back and forth to break bonds, creating a weakened area at the base region, prior to formation of the dome-shaped forward end.