US 7,320,673 B2
Tampon applicator having a rupturable membranous cap
Diana Lynne Gann, Lebanon, Ohio (US); and Thomas Ward Osborn, III, Clifton, Ohio (US)
Assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio (US)
Filed on Mar. 03, 2004, as Appl. No. 10/791,976.
Prior Publication US 2005/0197616 A1, Sep. 08, 2005
Int. Cl. A61F 13/30 (2006.01); A61F 13/28 (2006.01); A61F 13/32 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 604—14  [604/12; 604/15; 604/385.18; 604/904] 9 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A feminine hygiene product, comprising:
a) a tampon comprising an outer tampon perimeter, a withdrawal end opposed to an insertion end, said insertion end comprising a top portion and
b) a tampon applicator comprising a rupturable membranous cap permanently associated with a tampon holder tube,
said tampon holder tube comprising a hollow interior portion, an interior surface, an exterior surface, an outer perimeter, a longitudinal axis, a first end dimensioned for insertion into the vaginal cavity, and a second end positioned oppositely to said first end,
said tampon being housed in said tampon holder tube within said hollow interior portion of said tampon holder tube and substantially aligned with said longitudinal axis of said tampon holder tube in a pre-expelled position,
said rupturable membranous cap covering at least a portion of said insertion end of said tampon, whereby during expulsion of said tampon from said tampon holder tube, said tampon contacts said rupturable membranous cap, thereby reorienting said tampon into a direction substantially non-aligned to said longitudinal axis of said tampon holder tube.