RICHARD J LINDSAY
Engineering in North Brookfield, MA
License number
Massachusetts 23769
Issued Date
Oct 23, 1970
Expiration Date
Jun 30, 2008
Type
Mechanical Engineer
Address
Address
North Brookfield, MA 01535
Professional information
Tampon Applicator
US Patent:
5279541, Jan 18, 1994
Filed:
Nov 6, 1992
Appl. No.:
7/973072
Inventors:
Max Frayman - Longmeadow MA
Richard J. Lindsay - North Brookfield MA
E. Russell Sprague - Palm City FL
Richard J. Lindsay - North Brookfield MA
E. Russell Sprague - Palm City FL
Assignee:
Tambrands Inc. - White Plains NY
International Classification:
A61F 1320
US Classification:
604 14
Abstract:
An improved tampon applicator for insertion of a tampon into a body cavity is provided, including a paper tampon holder tube having an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity and including a plurality of contiguous segments separated by slits, and a plunger, telescopically and slidably mounted in the holder distal to the expulsion end and adapted to expel the tampon from the holder when pushed manually into the holder. As the tampon is expelled, the segments bend open at a hinge region. The segments of the improved applicator bend outwardly during expulsion with significantly reduced applied force, improving user comfort. In one aspect, the tampon holder includes a plurality of small cuts extending circumferentially from the slits through the paper in the vicinity of the hinge region. The cuts reduce the width of the petal segments, and thereby reduce the bending moment and rigidity at the hinge region.