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.

Abstract: A tampon applicator of the telescoping tube type including an ejector tube adapted to store a tampon in its distal end, a plurality of fingers formed in said distal end, an outer tube slip fit over the ejector tube, directionally-locking inward projections fixed within the distal end of said outer tube so as to pass between said fingers and engage a tampon carried therein thus securing the latter relative to said outer tube while permitting only distal expulsion therefrom. Said applicator charged with a tampon is packaged and stored in a telescopically collapsed position. It is activated for use by partial withdrawal of the ejector tube from the outer tube until the fingers of the ejector tube pass beyond the tampon and catch behind the proximal end of said tampon. The applicator is then used in the usual manner by telescopically collapsing the ejector tube into the outer tube, whereby the ejector tube serves as a plunger bearing against the proximal end of the tampon to expel the latter.