The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 04, 2011
Filed:
May. 25, 2005
Jessica E. Lemay, Paramus, NJ (US);
Dane R. Jackson, Bloomingdale, NJ (US);
Michael L. Miller, Dover, DE (US);
Wayne D. Melvin, Camden, DE (US);
Jessica E. LeMay, Paramus, NJ (US);
Dane R. Jackson, Bloomingdale, NJ (US);
Michael L. Miller, Dover, DE (US);
Wayne D. Melvin, Camden, DE (US);
Playtex Products, Inc., Westport, CT (US);
Abstract
There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed. This separate component may then be connected to the barrel component either before or after an absorbent pledget is loaded into the barrel component.