Patent ID: 7338462

Claim:
A tampon and a tampon applicator in combination for expulsion of said tampon into a vaginal cavity of a female user, comprising: said tampon applicator comprising a tampon holder tube and a plunger; said tampon holder tube comprising a hollow interior portion, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis, an outer perimeter, a first end dimensioned for insertion into said vaginal cavity, a second end positioned oppositely to said first end, a force controller positioned at said first end of said tampon holder tube, at least one side expulsion member positioned at said first end of said tampon holder tube, wherein said side expulsion member comprises a weakened region, said weakened region is selected from the group consisting of a groove, perforation, slot, T-cut, V-cut, and hinge; said tampon comprising an insertion end and a withdrawal end, a body comprising a first end, a center, and a second end; said body comprising a joined portion; said body comprising a plurality of absorbent strips joined at said joined portion; wherein said strips being selected from the group consisting of sheets, tissues, webs, nonwoven materials, films, woven materials, absorbent foams, superabsorbent polymers, and mixtures thereof, said tampon being housed within said hollow interior portion of said tampon holder tube in a pre-expelled position; and said plunger being slidably mounted in said hollow interior portion of said tampon holder tube, said plunger being adapted to expel said tampon through said force controller.