Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for delivering objects into a body cavity, having a pivotal finger grip tab to improve the ability of a user to maintain a secure grip on the applicator during use. Prior to use the tab can reside in a first position that is proximal the applicator outer surface. When a user is ready to insert the applicator into a body cavity, the tab is pivoted outwardly to a second position distal the applicator outer surface. The tab in its outwardly pivoted second position provides a surface for a user's finger and/or thumb to apply a force that is parallel to the length of the applicator instead of perpendicular (normal force) to the applicator. Thus minimizing the opportunity for applicator failure and resistance to material expulsion as a result of increased friction on the material itself or an optional expulsion member.

Abstract: A method of superhydrating an absorbable sponge for delivery to a body to facilitate hemostasis includes the step of subjecting the absorbable sponge to a high pressure fluid to hydrate the absorbable sponge. According to one method, a dry piece of absorbable sponge is placed in a delivery device. The absorbable sponge is then subjected to a high pressure fluid by injecting fluid into the delivery device to rapidly and completely hydrate the absorbable sponge in the delivery device. The high pressure fluid used for rapidly and completely hydrating the absorbable sponge is delivered at a pressure of about 5 psi or greater. The hydrated absorbable sponge may be delivered to a puncture site in a blood vessel to facilitate hemostasis of the puncture site.

Abstract: A method of hydrating a sponge material for delivery to a body. The method includes the steps of placing a dry piece of sponge in a container at a first pressure. A hydrating fluid is then introduced into the container to hydrate the sponge. The pressure within the container is changed between the first pressure and a second pressure. At least a portion of the hydrating fluid is removed from the sponge, and the sponge is delivered to a bodily site.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device for administering implants. The device is a syringe-like device having a plunger, an injection cannula, and an active substance container therebetween. The active substance container includes two retaining elements for preventing inadvertent dispensing of an implant. The retaining elements are flexible, and may be O-rings.

Abstract: An expandable bag catamenial tampon and spreading tampon applicators for such a tampon are disclosed. The catamenial tampon is in the form of a soft, conformable, hollow bag. The applicator is capable of inserting the tampon into the vaginal tract and spreading the tampon open within the vaginal cavity. The applicator has an applicator element with a leading end and a trailing end. The bag-like tampon is placed over the leading end of the applicator when the tampon is in a flaccid initial configuration which defines an initial width, and the applicator is used to spread the tampon to a greater deployed width. In one embodiment, the applicator comprises tube having an interior and a flexible material which has one end that is formed into a flexible and expandable loop. The flexible loop is slidably mounted within the tube. The flexible loop is contained inside the tube until it is desired to deploy the tampon.

Abstract: An applicator for a catamenial tampon which is capable of inserting a tampon into the vaginal tract and spreading the tampon open within the vaginal cavity is disclosed. In one embodiment, the applicator comprises tube having an interior and a flexible material which has one end that is formed into a flexible and expandable loop. The flexible loop is slidably mounted within the tube. The flexible loop is contained inside the tube until it is desired to deploy the tampon. When it is desired to deploy the tampon, the flexible loop with the tampon thereon is pushed out the expulsion end of the tube. The flexible loop expands laterally and spreads the tampon open within the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: An applicator for a catamenial tampon which is capable of inserting a tampon into the vaginal tract and spreading the tampon open within the vaginal cavity is disclosed. In one embodiment, the applicator comprises tube having an interior and a flexible material which has one end that is formed into a flexible and expandable loop. The flexible loop is slidably mounted within the tube. The flexible loop is contained inside the tube until it is desired to deploy the tampon. When it is desired to deploy the tampon, the flexible loop with the tampon thereon is pushed out the expulsion end of the tube. The flexible loop expands laterally and spreads the tampon open within the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: A method for providing side-to-side coverage of a tampon within a female user's vaginal cavity is provided. By use of a tampon applicator designed to provide directional expulsion and suitable tampons for use in the tampon applicator, a female user may achieve side-to-side coverage of a tampon within her vaginal cavity. Such directional expulsion causes a suitable tampon to expand against the sides and/or walls of a female user's vaginal cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators comprising an elongate insertion member having an insertion end and a gripper end opposite thereof, wherein the gripper end has an indentation with a shoulder on each end of the indentation. The shoulder most proximal the insertion end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of inserting the applicator into a body cavity. Whereas the shoulder most proximal the gripper end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of expelling material substantially contained by the applicator. The shoulder most proximal the gripper end also provides secure handling of the applicator while removing the applicator from the body after the expulsion step has been completed.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising a unique polymeric compound that provides a soft, flexible product. There is also provided a unique polymeric tampon applicator that is soft and flexible. When used as a tampon applicator barrel, the barrel is more comfortable and has improved ease of insertion. The polymeric compound primarily comprises a thermoplastic resin and a block copolymer that exhibit unique load, energy and modulus of elasticity properties. The polymeric compound should also include a plasticizer and a compatibilizer/flow modifier, and may include a slip/mold release agent, an antioxidant, and even a pigment. There is also provided a method for making the polymeric compound that will be formed into a product, such as an applicator or applicator barrel in which all of the above ingredients, except for the thermoplastic resin, are combined and formed into soft pellets. The soft resin pellets are then dry blended with pellets of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A suitable tampon with a tampon applicator for expelling the tampon to provide side-to-side coverage and inserting the tampon into a body cavity is provided. The tampon applicator has a tampon holder tube having interior and exterior surfaces, a longitudinal axis, a hollow portion and an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity. The tampon holder tube has a feature for separating and spreading a tampon apart during expulsion of the tampon. A plunger may also be telescopically and slidably mounted in the tampon holder tube distal to the expulsion end and adapted to directionally expel the tampon from the tampon holder tube when a user expels the tampon from the tampon holder tube.

Abstract: A tampon applicator has a barrel and a plunger telescopically mounted within the barrel. In a preferred embodiment, one or both of the barrel and plunger is made of a water dispersible material, and is exposed to a source of infrared radiation to minimize surface stickiness on initial contact with moisture. In an alternative embodiment, the barrel or plunger can be coated with a water dispersible material prior to exposure to infrared radiation.

Abstract: A method for lubricating a sealing member in a drug delivery device includes the steps of washing and rinsing the sealing members in hot deionized water following by drying the sealing members. The dried sealing members are tumbled with polymeric silicone and then irradiated at a target dose between 2.5 and 4.0 Mrads. The irradiated sealing members are then utilized in a variety of drug delivery devices including syringes, pre-filled syringes, drug cartridges, and needleless injector ampules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible applicator for inserting an article into a mammalian body cavity. The applicator has an elongate, hollow, structural member suitable for containing the insertable article, and an elongate expulsion member which is slidable within the structural member. The structural member has opposed inside and outside surfaces, and its length dimension is substantially greater than its width and height dimension. In addition, the structural member has a plurality of flex-enhancing elements which are arranged and configured to increase the lateral flexibility of the structural member.

Abstract: A disposable applicator for implanting medicaments of various kinds into the human body without exposure of either the user or the recipient to pathogens of the other, and without exposure of either to latex rubber proteins. Differing variants may be sized variously for infants, children and adults, with various stop means for preventing insertion beyond a desired distance. In addition, other variants are particularly suited for use by untrained personnel or by persons with physical conditions which restrict their range of motion. A particularly preferred variant is sufficiently flexible so as to conform to body contours, thereby neither destroying nor irritating possibly sensitive skin tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon applicator. The tampon applicator is intended to permit easier and safer handling of the tampon. For this purpose, the tampon comprises a hollow outer cylinder (10) with a delivery opening (12) for allowing to push out the tampon (2) which outer cylinder has an opening (14) in the cylinder wall which is located behind the rearward end (3) of the tampon (2) when the tampon (2) is in its initial position in the hollow outer cylinder (10) with its forward end adjacent the delivery opening (12). In addition, an elongated pusher element (20) is provided adapted to be insertable in and slidable through the opening (14) into the interior of the outer cylinder (10) in order to abut with its forward end portion against the rearward end (3) of the tampon (2).

Abstract: There is provided a biodegradable feminine hygienic interlabia pad which includes a biodegradable inner absorbent sliver made of cotton or rayon and a biodegradable outer cover also made of cotton or rayon. The edges of the outer cover are sewn together to form a hollow cylinder. There is also provided a method and apparatus for manufacturing the pads. A rope of absorbent material and a web of the outer covering are brought together in a die. The die in the form of a hollow tube and a tapered guide which causes the outer covering to enclose the absorbent material with the seam for the outer covering being on the inside of the pad. The die includes an opening for exposing the adjacent edges of the web so that the edges may be sewn together. Also adjacent panels are formed by sewing the pad itself.

Abstract: An applicator is disclosed that is adapted for insertion into a body cavity. The applicator has an outer surface that is coated with a nitrocellulose layer and an pierce-through fingergrip area. Also disclosed is a method for forming such an applicator, and tampon assemblies constructed with same.

Abstract: A tampon applicator member can be made from a roll of sheet-like material. A flowable material is applied to one surface of the sheet-like material and is transformed into a solid polymeric layer. The coated material is separated into a plurality of applicator blanks. A first surface of each blank, corresponding to the first surface of the individual sheet-like web, has an uncoated portion adjacent a first side edge, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a coated portion. An adhesive is applied to the uncoated portion of the first surface of a blank, and the blank is rolled to form a tubular member having a longitudinal seam. The seam has a first edge of the inner surface of the structural member superposed over and adhered to an uncoated opposite edge of the outer surface of the structural member.

Abstract: A hand-operated disposable device for controllably dispensing medications having a paste-like or cream-like consistency includes a transparent plastic container member having a cylindrical medication-holding bore, and a plunger member which slidably engages the bore. The bore has a series of annular grooves corresponding to incremental volumes of the bore, and the plunger has a lip which interacts with the grooves.

Abstract: A system for facilitating hemostasis of a puncture site in a blood vessel injects an absorbable sponge pledget in a hydrated state at an exterior of the blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis. The system includes a tract dilator for locating the puncture, an introducer, and a plunger. The introducer includes a staging chamber for receiving the absorbent sponge pledget and a delivery chamber having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the staging chamber into which a hydrated pledget passes. The pledget is hydrated and compressed within the introducer and then ejected with the plunger to the delivery site to facilitate hemostasis of the blood vessel puncture. The system delivers the absorbable sponge pledget over a guidewire to ensure the proper positioning of the pledget over the puncture. The implanted absorbable sponge once delivered expands rapidly to fill the target site and is absorbed by the body over time.

Abstract: An expandable bag catamenial tampon and spreading tampon applicators for such a tampon are disclosed. The catamenial tampon is in the form of a soft, conformable, hollow bag. The applicator is capable of inserting the tampon into the vaginal tract and spreading the tampon open within the vaginal cavity. The applicator has an applicator element with a leading end and a trailing end. The bag-like tampon is placed over the leading end of the applicator when the tampon is in a flaccid initial configuration which defines an initial width, and the applicator is used to spread the tampon to a greater deployed width. In one embodiment, the applicator comprises tube having an interior and a flexible material which has one end that is formed into a flexible and expandable loop. The flexible loop is slidably mounted within the tube. The flexible loop is contained inside the tube until it is desired to deploy the tampon.

Abstract: A method of forming a cardboard tampon applicator having a petal tip is disclosed, in which a permanent plasticizer, preferably a hydrophilic plasticizer, is applied to at least a portion of the petal tip. Tampon applicators formed by this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of introducing continuous lengths of filament into the body in surgical procedures in which it is desirable to place a significant amount of material into the body through a small portal. The material so introduced may serve to bulk a tissue or cavity of the body or to occlude a vas, as well as to introduce diagnostic or therapeutic agents into a site in the body. A device for implementing the method has a mechanism for feeding the filament through a conduit in such a manner that sufficient force is applied to the filament that it is forced into the desired site. In one embodiment, a system of reciprocating cannulae and synchronized grippers is used to supply the requisite force to the filament.

Abstract: Absorptive pads including catamenial tampons are provided which are characterized by O.sub.2 levels sufficiently reduced so as to reduce the introduction of air into the vaginal canal with a resulting reduction in the probability of production of toxic shock syndrome exotoxin during internal use of the pads.

Abstract: There is provided a supporting rim structure of an open-ended tampon applicator for firmly supporting a tampon pledget that has been assembled in the applicator. The applicator supports the pledget around an intermediate section between its insertion end and its rear portion so that the insertion end is exposed outside of the applicator and the rear portion is inside of the applicator. In particular, the rim structure firmly supports the pledget against an axial force subjected to the pledget by a forming tool that forms the insertion end of the pledget into a rounded, hemispherical shape and yet readily allows the pledget to eject from the applicator. The rim structure has a shape that tapers angularly inward from the body of the applicator to form a rigid brace that counters the axial force subjected by the forming tool. Thus, while preventing the insertion end of the pledget from receding back into the applicator, the rim structure allows the pledget to easily eject from the applicator.

Abstract: An applicator is provided that has a textured finger grip. The textured finger grip is formed by exposing the applicator barrel to a beam of a laser to form deformations in the applicator barrel surface. The textured properties of the laser engraved finger grip of the present invention are enhanced when protuberances are superimposed on laser engraved areas by conventional embossing techniques. In addition, it is disclosed that effects of conventional embossing techniques are improved by embossing over areas that have been previously been exposed to a beam of a laser. Processes for manufacturing applicator barrels having the aforementioned textured fingergrips are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for percutaneously sealing of an internal puncture site comprising a tissue portion having a puncture formed therethrough. A locating device is mounted for longitudinal movement relative to a guide wire towards and away from the puncture site. Delivery structure has a distal end portion and is mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the guide wire. A tubular puncture site engaging member has a distal end portion and is mounted exteriorly of the delivery structure for longitudinal movement relative to the guide wire. A supply of fluid thrombogenic material which will be capable of promoting clotting when delivered to the puncture site is provided. The delivery structure has a fluid passageway open to the distal end portion thereof and communicated to the supply of fluid thrombogenic material. The locating device and the puncture site engaging member are positioned with respect to one another such that they can be moved together towards the puncture site.

Abstract: A method for forming a tampon applicator having a dome shaped forward end is disclosed, in which the requisite ejection force for discharging the pledget from the applicator is reduced by bending the petals forming the domed tip about their base prior to final fabrication of the dome-shaped petal tip. Several orders of the sequential steps for bending the petals are disclosed. The resultant tampon applicator has weakened fibers at the base of its petal segments to provide a desired significant reduction of the pledget ejection force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible applicator for inserting an article into a mammalian body cavity. The applicator has an elongate, hollow, structural member suitable for containing the insertable article, and an elongate expulsion member which is slidable within the structural member. The structural member has opposed inside and outside surfaces, and its length dimension is substantially greater than its width and height dimension. In addition, the structural member has a plurality of flex-enhancing elements which are arranged and configured to increase the lateral flexibility of the structural member.

Abstract: A tampon reminder in the form of an adhesive sticker is disclosed. The user can remover the sticker and apply it to the users body, clothing, or a suitable object where it will serve to remind the user that the tampon is in use. The disclosed invention prevent tampons from being inadvertently left in place for an excessive time.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene storage unit includes a tampon section and a plunger section. Both sections are generally cylindrical and are coaxial to one another. The tampon section has a plunger end, an expulsion end, and a tampon compartment. The tampon compartment contains a tampon. The plunger section has a tampon end, a distal end, and at least one plunger compartment. The plunger section has a slightly smaller diameter than the tampon section. The plunger section is adapted to slide into the tampon section, expelling the tampon. The plunger compartment is adapted to contain a variety of menstrual products, such as a panty liner, a sanitary napkin, a moistened towelette, a tampon disposal bag, or a pharmaceutical composition for relief of menstrual symptoms.

Abstract: An applicator article and method are disclosed for inserting a substance into a body cavity. The applicator article and method are especially useful for inserting a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The applicator article includes a tubular member formed from at least one layer of paper which has an exterior surface. The tubular member is capable of holding the substance which is to be inserted. An exterior surface coating of the tubular member includes a compostable coating composed of at least 85 percent by weight of a polymeric material, at least 10 percent by weight of additives, and up to about 5 percent by weight of a residual monomer. In one embodiment, a plurality of layers form the exterior surface coating. In one embodiment, the exterior surface coating has a thickness varying in dimension from the insertion end to the opposite external base end.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising a unique polymeric compound that provides a soft, flexible product. There is also provided a unique polymeric tampon applicator that is soft and flexible. When used as a tampon applicator barrel, the barrel is more comfortable and has improved ease of insertion. The polymeric compound primarily comprises a thermoplastic resin and a block copolymer that exhibit unique load, energy and modulus of elasticity properties. The polymeric compound should also include a plasticizer and a compatibilizer/flow modifier, and may include a slip/mold release agent, an antioxidant, and even a pigment. There is also provided a method for making the polymeric compound that will be formed into a product, such as an applicator or applicator barrel in which all of the above ingredients, except for the thermoplastic resin, are combined and formed into soft pellets. The soft resin pellets are then dry blended with pellets of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: There is provided a water dissolvable tampon applicator comprising a first polyvinyl alcohol, a second polyvinyl alcohol having a lower percent hydrolysis than said first polyvinyl alcohol, a plasticizer. Preferably, the first polyvinyl alcohol is polyvinyl alcohol 98% hydrolyzed ultra low viscosity, the second polyvinyl alcohol is polyvinyl alcohol 88% hydrolyzed ultra low viscosity, and the third polyvinyl alcohol is polyvinyl alcohol 88% hydrolyzed low viscosity. The applicator also includes a plasticizer and an antioxidant. The applicator further includes a water insoluble coating that holds moisture. The water insoluble coating is preferably a vinylidene chloride copolymer, and can be used on any polyvinyl alcohol tampon applicator. In another preferred embodiment, the applicator is exposed to humidity prior to application of the coating.

Abstract: An applicator barrel is disclosed that is adapted for insertion into a body cavity. The applicator barrel has a pierce-through fingergrip area and an outer surface that is coated with an epoxy layer. Also disclosed is a method for forming such an applicator barrel, and tampon assemblies constructed with same.

Abstract: A tampon applicator is disclosed which includes first and second telescopically assembled members. The first member is designed to house an absorbent tampon. The first member has first and second spaced apart ends and is formed from at least two separate and distinct layers. An insertion tip is integrally formed on the first end of the first member and extends outwardly therefrom. The insertion tip is constructed from at least one of the two distinct layers and has a thickness which is less than that of the first member. The second member is telescopically mounted in the second end of the first member and is adapted to expel the tampon through the insertion tip as it is pushed into the first member.

Abstract: An absorbent article for absorption of bodily fluids is provided, including a layer of non-absorbent material defining a tunnel shaped loop and a central portion enclosed by the loop, and an absorbent material retained within the tunnel-shaped loop. The non-absorbent material includes a plurality of apertures through which fluid can flow to reach the absorbent material, and an overwrap material overlies the non-absorbent material to transport fluid over the surface of the non-absorbent material. Preferably the absorbent article is a tampon and the loop is ring shaped.

Abstract: There is provided a supporting rim structure of an open-ended tampon applicator for firmly supporting a tampon pledget that has been assembled in the applicator. The applicator supports the pledget around an intermediate section between its insertion end and its rear portion so that the insertion end is exposed outside of the applicator and the rear portion is inside of the applicator. In particular, the rim structure firmly supports the pledget against an axial force subjected to the pledget by a forming tool that forms the insertion end of the pledget into a rounded, hemispherical shape and yet readily allows the pledget to eject from the applicator. The rim structure has a shape that tapers angularly inward from the body of the applicator to form a rigid brace that counters the axial force subjected by the forming tool. Thus, while preventing the insertion end of the pledget from receding back into the applicator, the rim structure allows the pledget to easily eject from the applicator.

Abstract: In an instrument for inserting a suppository, which instrument comprises a tubular housing (31) with a first end adapted to receive said suppository between two tongues (30) and a second end through which a plunger (22) is inserted in the tube, which plunger has a first end having a circular cross section and two axially spaced circumferential flanges (26, 27) and a second end projecting from the second end of the tube (31). The first end of the tube has an inwardly extending shoulder (25) which engage between said flanges (26, 27) and the first end of the piston is by radial slots divided into an uneven number of sectors (29). The plunger (22) has between its first end and a press button (24) at its second end angular spaced radial walls (21) abutting the inner wall of the tube (31) and axial spaced disc shaped walls are provided having a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the tube (31).

Abstract: A device is proposed for inserting hemostatic material through a tissue channel and against the outside wall of a blood vessel of a patient, wherein the blood vessel wall has a puncture therein adjacent the tissue channel. The device includes a charge of hemostatic material and a hollow sheath adapted to pass through the tissue channel, the sheath having a cross sectional profile larger than the puncture. The device places the hemostatic material in the hollow sheath and advances the hemostatic material through the sheath to the outside of the vessel wall around the puncture.

Abstract: A packing device for use in endoscopic operative procedures is formed of an elongate strip of absorbent, preferably expandable material having a rigid, dry state of a size to permit passage through a narrow endoscopic portal to an internal operative site and having a soft wet state when body fluids are absorbed thereby such that the packing device exposes and isolates tissue to be treated and protects adjacent tissue at the operative site while, in the dry state, is sufficiently rigid to manipulate tissue. A method of packing an internal operative site during an endoscopically performed procedures includes inserting a rigid strip of absorbent, preferably expandable, material through a narrow endoscopic portal and positioning the strip of material at the operative site such that at least a portion of the strip of material absorbs body fluids to become soft and pliable.

Abstract: A tampon applicator is disclosed which includes first and second telescopically assembled members. The first member is designed to house an absorbent tampon. The first member has first and second spaced apart ends and is formed from at least two separate and distinct layers. An insertion tip is integrally formed on the first end of the first member and extends outwardly therefrom. The insertion tip is constructed from at least one of the two distinct layers and has a thickness which is less than that of the first member. The second member is telescopically mounted in the second end of the first member and is adapted to expel the tampon through the insertion tip as it is pushed into the first member.

Abstract: An environmentally-friendly tampon assembly of the type which includes an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve and an absorbent pledget has inner and outer sleeves which are fabricated from a biodegradable, flushable material such as paper. The outer sleeve has an inwardly extending tang for preventing movement of the pledget during retraction of the inner sleeve. The tang is also formed of biodegradable material, and may be formed of material which is from the same blank out of which the outer sleeve was formed. Six different methods of forming the outer sleeve and tang are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a wound in soft tissue includes an introducer trocar with a sharpened distal end and a hollow lumen. An elongated pin has a distal end, a proximal end and a central section. The pin is formed of compacted, hydrophilic, cross-linked collagen and introduced into the hollow lumen in a non-deployed state. An advancement member includes a distal end and is at least partially positioned in the hollow lumen. The advancement member advances the elongated pin out of the introducer trocar distal end and into a soft tissue structure in the pin's non-deployed state and across a wound in the soft tissue structure. The pin becomes deployed to a deployed state when the collagen in the pin begins to hydrolyze, anchoring the pin and the wound so that the wound can be healed quickly. This produces a maintenance of position for two non-continuous bodies of soft tissue relative to each other.

Abstract: Absorptive pads including catamenial tampons are provided which are characterized by O.sub.2 levels sufficiently reduced so as to reduce the introduction of air into the vaginal canal with a resulting reduction in the probability of production of toxic shock syndrome exotoxin during internal use of the pads.

Abstract: An insertion device 10 for inserting material 13 into a body cavity is provided. An elongate, tubular holder 12, shaped for insertion into the body cavity, is adapted to hold the material to be inserted. The holder 12 has a material expulsion end portion 14 and a plunger 20, which is telescopically and slidably mounted in the holder, which is adapted to expel the material from the holder when pushed manually into the holder. The holder, and preferably the plunger as well, comprises an outer paper layer 28 and a polymer layer 30, adhered to the paper layer on its outer surface, the layer having adequate water resistance to maintain its integrity during insertion into the body cavity.

Abstract: An applicator is disclosed for inserting a substance into a body cavity. The applicator is especially useful for inserting a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The applicator includes a tubular member formed from at least one layer of paper which has an exterior surface. The tubular member is capable of holding the substance which is to be inserted. The exterior surface of the tubular member is coated with a compostable coating. The coating is comprised of at least 85 percent by weight of a polymeric material, at least 10 percent by weight of additives, and up to about 5 percent by weight of a residual monomer.

Abstract: A tampon applicator is disclosed which has an improved pleated tip for facilitating insertion of a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The tampon applicator includes a first member capable of housing an absorbent tampon. The first member has a central longitudinal axis and first and second ends. An insertion tip is integrally formed on the first end of the first member and extends outwardly therefrom. The insertion tip includes a semi-spherical shaped portion and a frusto-conical shaped portion. The semi-spherical shaped portion has an aperture extending therethrough and the aperture has a side wall which is aligned essentially parallel to the central longitudinal axis. The frusto-conical shaped portion is situated between the semi-spherical shaped portion and the first end of the first member. The insertion tip contains a plurality of pleats which are capable of expanding radially outwardly as the tampon is expelled from the first member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suppository applicator for use in the application of a suppository. A suppository applicator consists of a cylinder formed with a longitudinal bore, a plunger slidingly disposed in the longitudinal bore such that the relative axial movement of the plunger in the bore causes a suppository to exit the bore. A first flange is disposed on the cylinder for providing a grip for assisting in the handling of the applicator. A second flange is disposed on the cylinder for limiting the depth of insertion of the applicator cylinder into a body cavity. A second flange is slidingly disposed on the cylinder in one embodiment. A second flange optionally consists of a first end tappered inward toward a second end. Optionally, rotation of said second flange causes translational movement of the flange along the cylinder. A means for releasably locking the second flange is provided.