Adjustable tampon inserter

A tampon inserter is disclosed of the type comprising an outer cylindrical insertion tube containing a compressed tampon in its proximal end and an inner plunger or piston axially movable within the outer tube for ejecting the tampon out of the proximal end of the insertion tube into the vagina. The outer insertion tube which is rotatable about the plunger is provided with (a) an outwardly extending annular ring to control the depth of insertion of the inserter and (b) an inwardly directed key or finger which depending upon the degree of rotation of the insertion tube about the plunger will extend into one of a plurality of elongated slots of various lengths positioned in the walls of the inner plunger which (slots) control the length of travel of the plunger and thereby provide a means for varying the depth of insertion of the tampon.

In the tampon field the most widely used inserter comprises an outer 
cylindrical insertion tube having a tampon compressed in its proximal end 
and an inner plunger or piston axially movable within the outer tube for 
ejecting the tampon out of the proximal end of the insertion tube into the 
vagina. In some instances the outer insertion tubes are provided with 
fixed annular rings which can be used to control the depth of insertion of 
the tampon by being engaged by the fingers of the user. Although such 
annular rings in some instances provide good results they are not entirely 
satisfactory because, as is well known, women vary in size and the depth 
of insertion of the tampon varies, often causing pain and discomfort and 
by-pass. The present invention is concerned with providing tampon 
inserters which have improved means for varying and controlling the depth 
of insertion of the tampon. 
One object of the present invention is to provide tampon inserters of the 
cylinder-plunger type which have improved means for controlling the depth 
of insertion of the tampon. 
Another object is to provide such an inserter which can be economically 
produced.

Broadly the above objects are achieved with an inserter comprising an outer 
cylindrical insertion tube having a space in its proximal end for 
receiving a compressed tampon and an inner plunger or piston axially 
movable within the outer tube for ejecting the tampon into the vagina. The 
outer insertion tube is rotatable around the plunger and is provided with 
(a) a fixedly attached outwardly extending annular ring and (b) an 
inwardly directed key or finger which depending on the degree of rotation 
of the insertion tube about the plunger will extend into one of a 
plurality of elongated slots of varying lengths provided in the walls of 
the plunger which (slots) control the length of travel of the plunger and 
thereby provide means for varying and controlling the depth of insertion 
of the tampon. 
Referring to the drawing and particularly FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the inserter 
10 which, for example, may be made from polyethylene comprises an outer 
insertion tube 12 having a proximal opening 14 and a distal opening 16. 
The proximal opening 14 is partially closed by a plurality of inwardly 
directed tapering flexible flaps 18. As best shown in FIG. 3, said 
proximal end of the insertion tube 12 is adapted to receive a compressed 
tampon 20. When axial pressure is applied to the tampon 20 the tips of the 
flaps 18 are adapted to move outwardly to provide an enlarged opening for 
ejection of the tampon 20. In the distal end of the inserter 12 there is 
positioned a cylindrical plunger or piston 22 which telescopically fits 
inside the distal opening 16 of the insertion tube 12 and is axially 
movable therein. In addition to being axially movable, the plunger 22 is 
of such cross section that the insertion tube 12 may be circumferencially 
rotated about the plunger 22. On the outer surface of the insertion tube 
12 there is provided a fixedly attached, outwardly extending annular ring 
24 which is adapted to be engaged by the vulva or fingers of the user. 
Although the ring 24 is shown to be positioned intermediate the proximal 
and distal ends of the insertion tube 12, it should be understood that it 
can be positioned at either end of said tube 12 provided it does not 
interfere with the outward movement of the flaps 18. Attached to the lower 
portion of the insertion tube there is provided a fixedly attached 
inwardly extending finger or key 26. The key 26 has sufficient flexibility 
so as to permit said insertion tube 12 to be rotated about the piston 22 
and to permit said key 26 to be inserted into any one of a plurality of 
elongated axially aligned slots 28 positioned in the walls of the plunger 
22. On the lower external surface of the insertion tube 12 there are 
provided a plurality of axially aligned ridges 30 which serve as finger 
grips to assist the user in rotating the insertion tube 12 about the 
plunger. Although it is not shown a circumferential channel may also be 
provided in the wall of the plunger which (channel) connects with the 
plurality of elongated slots 28 and is adapted to receive the key 26 and 
thus facilitate the rotation of the insertion tube 12 about the plunger 
22. 
As best shown in FIG. 3, the proximal end of the plunger 22 is provided 
with an outwardly extending annular lip 34 which is adapted to engage an 
inwardly extending annular shoulder 36 on the insertion tube 12 and 
thereby prevent said plunger 22 and insertion tube 12 from being 
accidentally separated. 
The operation of the inserters 10 within the scope of the present invention 
is quite simple and can best be illustrated by reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 
and 6. As shown in FIG. 4 a woman with a large frame would rotate the 
insertion tube 12 until the key 26 was positioned in the longest slot 28 
(numbered 1) which, as shown, permits the longest travel of the plunger 
22. Similarly women of intermediate and slight build would respectively 
rotate the insertion tube until the key 26 was positioned in slots 28 
(numbered 2 and 3) which would permit progressively shorter travel 
distances of the plunger. As can be appreciated once the user found the 
proper setting, she could consistently insert the tampon 20 at the proper 
depth each time.