Abstract: A tampon applicator having a housing adapted to accommodate a tampon and a plunger telescopically slidable into the housing at one end thereof to urge the tampon out of the housing at its other end. The plunger is characterized in having a bendably flexible portion so as to enable the plunger to be folded into parallel arrangement with the housing, thereby presenting a compact configuration convenient for packaging and transportation. When required for use, the plunger may unfold, either automatically or manually, to a substantially rectilinear configuration, substantially coaxial with the housing. Once unfolded, the plunger is inserted into the housing a similar manner to existing tampon applicators having a rigid plunger.

Abstract: A pinch clamp for enabling a collapsible tube to be pinched so as to prevent fluid from flowing within a lumen in the tube. The clamp is mountable onto the tube in a lateral direction and is adapted for use with tubes having diameters within a predetermined range. Means are provided for preventing the clamp from disengaging from the tube when in the unclamped position.