Patent ID: 8556845
Filing Date: 2013-10-15
Classification: A61F,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A tampon applicator having three non-integral components, the three non-integral components comprising: an insertion tip having a first end and a second end that is opposite said first end, said insertion tip having a plurality of pre-formed petals that taper toward said first end, said insertion tip having an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface and said outer surface forming an end surface therebetween at said second end; a barrel having an insertion tip end and a plunger end, said plunger end having a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of said insertion tip end, said barrel having an innermost surface and an outermost surface with an outermost diameter, said innermost surface and said outermost surface forming a barrel end surface therebetween at said insertion tip end, said barrel end surface having a connector ring extending therefrom, said connector ring having a diameter less than said outermost diameter of said barrel, said second end of said insertion tip forming a female connecting portion and said connector ring forming a male connecting portion to fit in said female connecting portion, said inner surface of said insertion tip contacts and surrounds at least a portion of said connector ring and said end surface of said insertion tip abuts said barrel end surface so that said outer surface of said insertion tip forms a continuous surface flush with said outermost surface of said barrel when said insertion tip is connected to said barrel, said insertion tip end of said barrel being sized to receive an absorbent pledget therethrough before being connectable to said insertion tip, said barrel and said insertion tip being non-integral; and a plunger having a forward end and a rearward end opposite said forward end, said forward end of said plunger being connected to said plunger end of said barrel.