Compact tampon applicator with improved interlock

Abstract

A shortened tampon applicator of the telescoping tube type employs an ejector tube to store a tampon at its distal end and an outer tube disposed by a slip fit thereover. Directionally-locking inward flaps fixed within the distal end of said outer tube engage the distal end of the tampon stored in the ejector tube thus securing the latter relative to said outer tube while permitting only distal expulsion therefrom. The ejector tube advantageously has inwardly biased short stubby fingers at its distal end which catch behind the proximal end of the tampon. Preferably, the applicator tubes are both molded form soft plastic and have an improved restraining means for interlocking the two tubes. This means comprises a stopping ring and a shorter adjacent inner stabilizing ring positioned to project from the inner surface of the outer tube at its proximal end and an axially overlapping a third ring of ribs positioned around the outer surface of the ejector tube near its distal end. The positioning and shape of the stabilizing third ring relative to the other two rings serve to decrease wobble and to increase the tube interlock strength, among other advantages.