Abstract: A device for placement and removal of a menstrual cup according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes an outer component and an inner component. The outer component extends along a longitudinal axis between first proximal and distal ends. The outer component includes a peripheral wall, a first interior region, and a protrusion. The peripheral wall includes an interior surface. The first interior region is at least partially defined by the peripheral wall. The protrusion extends from the interior surface toward the longitudinal axis. In certain aspects, the outer component includes an upper portion and a lower portion removably coupled to the upper portion. The inner component extends between a second proximal and distal ends. The inner component is disposed at least partially within the first interior region. The inner component is slidable along the longitudinal axis with respect to the outer component.

Abstract: The present invention makes reference to a reusable tampon applicator, comprising a hollow cylindrical body with a first end having an opening and a second convex end, a gripping portion located on the first end, a slit formed by a first slit section extending from the second convex end along the surface of the cylindrical body, and a second slit section extending symmetrically towards the first slit section from the second end. The reusable tampon applicator also includes a plunger which is inserted into the hollow cylindrical body through the opening of the first end, where the first slit section has a length greater than the length of the second slit section, and furthermore, the slit section located at the second convex end describes an oval, wherein a tampon is inserted within the cylindrical body.

Abstract: Two cylindrical parts (2, 3) are provided which are able to be coupled to each other with an axial sliding movement, of which, a first outer part (2) includes securing means (21) for the menstrual cup (4) to be placed, and a second inner part (3), which includes pushing means (31) which deploy the menstrual cup (4) from the securing means (21). The outer part (2) has an inner through hollow (22) suitable for receiving the inner part (3) in a fitted manner. The securing means (21) are made up of corresponding elastic arms which emerge parallel from the distal end (2a) of said part (2). The proximal end (2b) of the external part (2) has a smooth section (23). The appendages (31) of the inner part (3) have a perimeter edge and a length. The inner part (3) has an inner perforation (34) for inserting a thread-like element of the menstrual cup (4) as extraction means (4a).

Abstract: Disclosed are reusable tampon applicators, methods of use, and methods of manufacture thereof. A reusable tampon applicator comprises a cylindrical body, and a pusher for pushing a tampon through the cylindrical body during tampon application. The cylindrical body comprises a base opening at a distal end for inserting the tampon into a straight barrel connected to a convex apex at a proximal end. The convex apex comprises a slit opening for the tampon to pass through during tampon application. The slit opening extends from the proximal end to the distal end to form a full slit on a first lateral side of the cylindrical body; it further extends from the proximal end towards the distal end to form a partial slit on a second lateral side. Such reusable tampon applicators provide a hygienic and eco-friendly alternative to disposable tampon applicators.

Abstract: Methods, device and system for providing a sensor insertion assembly including an inserter housing, an introducer including a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a shaft portion comprising a channel and a distal end, the shaft portion extending downwardly from an edge of the body portion, the shaft portion including a holding member disposed along a length of the channel, the holding member configured to substantially releasably retain a sensor, an on-body electronics unit, wherein the introducer is configured for insertion of the sensor through an aperture in the on-body electronics unit prior to insertion through skin and a drive mechanism included in the inserter housing and operatively coupled to the introducer, wherein the drive mechanism drives the introducer and retained sensor through the skin are provided.

Abstract: A tampon applicator includes an outer tube for containing at least a part of an absorber therein, a first inner tube and a second inner tube. The second inner tube is telescopically received within the first inner tube. The first inner tube and the second inner tube are connectable to each other during use to push out the absorber from the outer tube. At least a part of the first inner tube and at least a part of the second inner tube overlap with each other in an overlap region outside the outer tube. A color difference between the outer tube and the overlap region is higher than a color difference between the overlap region and the second inner tube.

Abstract: A cannula (1) for dispensing fluid products, particularly for vaginal and rectal applications, comprises: a tubular body (2) for containing a fluid product (P), having a first extremity (2a), at which a dispenser opening (3) is formed, and a second open extremity (2b), opposed to the first extremity (2a). A cover cap (4) is fitted onto the tubular body (2) to close the dispenser opening (3). A closing body (5) associated with the tubular body (2) closes the second extremity (2b). The closing body comprises a first element (6) and a second element (7) made in a single body piece and joined along tearable connection means (8, 9, 10). The second element (7) removable by tearing off the first element (6) to act as a anti-tampering seal. The first element (6) is a cylinder partially insertable through the second extremity (2b) to function as a sliding piston inside the tubular body (2) once the second element (7) has been torn off.

Abstract: A device and method for creating a connection with the left ventricle of a heart are provided. A seal member capable of moving between a folded position and an open position is attached to the end of a conduit. An introducer capable of moving between a first and second position allows for the expansion of the seal member into an open position. A clamp component is positioned outside of the heart to provide an axial clamping force with the wall of the heart so that a seal is created between the seal member and the wall of the heart.

Abstract: A release mechanism (100, 100a) for releasing a medical implant (105) from an insertion device (110), comprising a body (10) having a proximal end (12) and a distal end (14), wherein between the proximal end and the distal end (12, 14) an actuator (16, 16a) is provided, wherein for generating a selective relative displacement between the first and second insertion elements (72; 74) of the insertion device (110), the actuator (16, 16a) has a first and at least a second direction of motion (18; 20), wherein in the first direction of motion (18), the first and second insertion elements (72; 74) can be displaced relative to one another in the longitudinal direction (18), and wherein in the at least second direction of motion (20), the actuator (16, 16a) effects a movement transversely to the longitudinal direction (18).

Abstract: A wrapped sanitary product comprises a wrapper and a sanitary product that provides for discreet storage and removal of a sanitary product, and/or discreet placement of a soiled sanitary product into a vacated wrapper to be discreetly disposed thereafter. The wrapper is formed such that an interior space is created to store a sanitary product. The wrapper has a storage configuration, and accessible configuration, and a second storage configuration. The wrapper has a port that provides access to the interior space and the sanitary product therein. The wrapper has a flap that can comprise a sticker or a tab, or both. The flap is sealed to the wrapper in a storage configuration, is at least partially removable from the wrapper in an accessible configuration, and is reclosable to the wrapper in a second storage configuration.

Abstract: A tampon applicator assembly is described which has a compact tampon applicator and a tampon having a longitudinal body defining an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a central section extending there between, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the tampon has at least one area of radial depression.

Abstract: Provided is a tampon applicator having one or more insertion indicators to gauge and/or control the insertion depth of a tampon. The one or more insertion indicators may be located on the tampon applicator barrel, plunger, tampon, removal string, or any combinations thereof. As a result of the one or more insertion indicators, a woman can adjust the insertion depth of the tampon to her body's requirements ensuring leakage protection, comfort, or both.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tampon applicator package assembly having a tampon applicator and a cap having a closed end and an open end. The tampon applicator has a barrel for housing a pledget and a plunger. The plunger has an end portion that is a cap cover that connects to a remainder of the plunger and mates with the cap at the open end to provide a seal with the cap that completely encloses the tampon applicator in the cap. Also disclosed is an assembly having a tampon applicator, a cap having both a closed end and open end, and a cap cover for covering the open end of the cap. When the cap cover is placed on the open end, the open end is sealed and the tampon applicator is completely enclosed in the cap.

Abstract: A pull-activated applicator includes a barrel, a pledget, a finger grip, and a deployment element. The pledget includes a withdrawal string and is located within the barrel. The barrel, the pledget, and the deployment element are configured such that application of a force to the deployment element in a first direction deploys the pledget and withdrawal string from the barrel in a second direction generally opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A sanitary product for use by women for the absorption of menstrual fluid, having a plug and a pad joined by a sheath. The plug is substantially cylindrical so that is fits comfortably in a vaginal cavity. The pad remains outside the vaginal cavity, but has an absorbent layer on an inward side proximal to the plug and a liquid impermeable layer on an outward side. In use, a wearer can insert a finger into the sheath from the outward side of the pad to assist with insertion of the plug into the vaginal cavity. A string is provided that extends inside the sheath from the outward end of the plug to aid removal of the product. A line of weakness extends along the major axis of the pad, about which the pad is disposed to fold in use.

Abstract: A substantially biodegradable and water soluble tampon applicator comprising: a plunger and a barrel, said plunger being of a predetermined length, and having a first end and a second end, said second end being a predetermined distance from said first end, said plunger being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a first diameter at said first end and a second diameter at said second end, wherein said first diameter tapers downwards to said second diameter, proximate said first end, said plunger further comprises a first mating portion, said barrel having a first end and a second end, said second end being a predetermined distance from said first end, said barrel being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a diameter greater than the first diameter of said plunger, proximate said first end of said barrel, there is provided a second mating portion to matingly engage said first mating portion of said plunger to maintain said plunger in relation to said barrel in a first position, proximate said f

Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed.

Abstract: A magazine for chain components of a chain with radiation sources comprises a housing as well as a first means for receiving chain components that is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing and has recesses for receiving the chain components, a tension spring for driving the means for receiving the chain components, a sprocket being coupled in a pivotal manner to the means for receiving the chain components and being mounted in a pivotal position in the housing, and an ejector for ejection of the radiation sources. Furthermore, the magazine comprises an ejection lever which is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing, whereby, in a first position, the ejection lever engages the sprocket, and in a second position it blocks the ejector.

Abstract: An article comprising a drive cable suitable for high-speed operation in an anatomy having small-radii bends is disclosed. The drive cables disclosed herein include one or more physical adaptations that enable them to be “tuned” to avoid large amplitude vibrations during operation.

Abstract: A device and method for creating a connection with the left ventricle of a heart are provided. A seal member capable of moving between a folded position and an open position is attached to the end of a conduit. An introducer capable of moving between a first and second position allows for the expansion of the seal member into an open position. A clamp component is positioned outside of the heart to provide an axial clamping force with the wall of the heart so that a seal is created between the seal member and the wall of the heart.

Abstract: A device for delivering a medicated product into a bodily cavity includes a barrel member having a dispensing end, a proximal end, which is positioned opposite the dispensing end, and a bore, which extends through the barrel member. The bore is sized and shaped so as to receive a medicated product therein and includes an opening formed in the dispensing end of the barrel member. The opening is sized and shaped so as to permit a medicated product received in the bore to be dispensed therethrough. The applicator is also provided with a plunger member movably extending through the bore of the barrel member for dispending a medicated product from the bore through the opening. The barrel member includes at least one substantially flexible section located between the dispending end and the proximal end such that the barrel member is bendable about the flexible section.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved tampon applicator having a grip area which provides the user better gripping ability. The grip area may be an area between two ridges on the outer tube of the applicator. In the alternative or in addition to the ridges, the grip area may be a raised pattern which is raised by a distance of between about 0.10 mm and about 0.75 mm. The present invention also provides an improved petal design for a tampon applicator. In this embodiment of the present invention, the petals are separated from each other on all sides by a non-linear gap and the gap is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tampon applicator.

Abstract: The tampon applicator assembly includes a tampon applicator section, an outer housing section, and a plunger section. The combined tampon applicator section and plunger section function as a conventional plunger-type tampon applicator. The outer housing section includes a sleeve with a proximal portion and a distal portion. The (distal) insertion end of the tampon applicator section essentially fits inside the proximal portion of the sleeve, and the distal portion of the sleeve is designed to accommodate a feminine hygiene product, such as a pad, a disposable wipe, a towelette disposal mitt, a simple disposal bag, and other products associated with menstruation.

Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tampon applicator barrel having a fingergrip with one or more gripping structures that have an acute edge for improved gripping. Preferably, the one or more gripping structures are one or more embossed ring-like structures. The present invention also provides a method for forming the one or more gripping structures on the applicator barrel. The method preferably includes forming at least one embossed ring-like gripping structure on the barrel such that the radial compressive strength of the applicator barrel is not compromised.

Abstract: A treatment assembly is positioned along an AV-fistula and couples therapeutic energy to an adjacent area due to a material response to an applied energy field from a remotely located energy source. The treatment assembly may be delivered into the fistula through a hemodialysis needle, or may be secured to the fistula graft itself and implanted therewith in a patient. A cover provides a shield between an anastomosis area and blood flow. Another AV-fistula includes a valved reservoir that receives a fluid agent from a hemodialysis needle while moving the needle into or from the fistula; the agent leaks from the reservoir into the fistula lumen. Another valved fistula is adjustable between an open condition and closed conditions during and between hemodialysis treatments, respectively. Another AV-fistula has a bladder reservoir coupled to a second refillable fluid reservoir and is adapted to locally deliver a therapeutic agent into the fistula lumen.

Abstract: An applicator for introducing a therapeutic substance into a body cavity of a subject in need of the therapeutic substance is provided. The applicator has the look and feel of a conventional tampon applicator but delivers a therapeutic substance. Generally, the applicator has a first outer member having a shape suitable for insertion into a body cavity of a mammal and has a dispensing end and a second end distal to the dispensing end. A second inner member is coaxially and slidably housed within the first member such that one end of the second inner member is within the first member. The applicator of the present invention also has at least one aperture located in a side wall of the outer member. The aperture is located on the side wall of the outer member between the dispensing end and the second end of the outer member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact intravaginal device applicator assembly having a longitudinal axis comprises an elongated barrel with an insertion end and an opposite gripper end; an intravaginal device and a plunger with a restraint.

Abstract: A treatment assembly is positioned along an AV-fistula and couples therapeutic energy to an adjacent area due to a material response to an applied energy field from a remotely located energy source. The treatment assembly may be delivered into the fistula through a hemodialysis needle, or may be secured to the fistula graft itself and implanted therewith within a patient. A cover provides a shield between an anastomosis area and blood flow. Another AV-fistula includes a valved reservoir that receives a fluid agent from a hemodialysis needle while moving the needle into or from the fistula; the agent leaks from the reservoir into the fistula lumen. Another valved fistula is adjustable between an open condition and closed conditions during and between hemodialysis treatments, respectively. Another AV-fistula has a bladder reservoir coupled to a second refillable fluid reservoir and is adapted to locally deliver a therapeutic agent into the fistula lumen.

Abstract: The tampon applicator assembly includes a tampon applicator section, an outer housing section, and a plunger section. The combined tampon applicator section and plunger section function as a conventional plunger-type tampon applicator. The outer housing section includes a sleeve with a proximal portion and a distal portion. The (distal) insertion end of the tampon applicator section essentially fits inside the proximal portion of the sleeve, and the distal portion of the sleeve is designed to accommodate a feminine hygiene product, such as a pad, a disposable wipe, a towelette disposal mitt, a simple disposal bag, and other products associated with menstruation.

Abstract: A pre-fill vaginal applicator comprising a tubular barrel having an open end and a dispensing end provided with at least one dispensing opening formed therein. A selectively removable closure, such as a snap cap or threaded cap, closes the dispensing end of the barrel. A resilient piston is selectively slidably positioned in the barrel and has an outer surface which is in sealing contact with the inner surface of the barrel to define a medication reservoir between the piston and dispensing end of the barrel. An elongated plunger is adapted to be inserted into the open end of the barrel so that the inner end thereof may be detachably connected to the piston. After the plunger has been connected to the piston, inward movement of the plunger causes the piston to force medication from the medication reservoir outwardly through the dispensing opening. Outward movement of the plunger with respect to the piston causes the plunger to disconnect from the piston.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for in vitro testing of catamenial tampon-and-applicator systems are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an in vitro receptacle for accepting tampons deployed during the testing procedure. The in vitro receptacle comprises a sleeve with a tampon-deflecting zone, representing an in vivo vaginal channel with a frontal area of a cervix.

Abstract: An applicator for insertion of cargo into a body cavity is provided. The applicator includes an applicator body having a number of walls and at least one breach. Greater flexibility in the applicator body is achieved due to the breach. This flexibility of the applicator body enables cargo to be desirably held in a holding space of the applicator body until it is to be inserted into the body cavity. During insertion, a plunger engages the cargo and pushes it from the applicator body. The flexibility of the applicator body walls facilitates the movement of the cargo. The breach can be located or formed in various positions including along intersections of applicator body walls, intermediate applicator body walls, as an open wall, as well as continuously along substantially the entire length of the applicator body. In one embodiment, the applicator is configured to securely hold the applicator body and the plunger together.

Abstract: A system for treating atrial fibrillation includes a stent and a delivery catheter for carrying the stent to a treatment site. The stent is self-expanding, for example, being formed of a shape memory alloy, and is configured to lodge against the interior wall of a pulmonary vein. The stent may be formed as a loop, helix, progressively wound helix or other suitable shape, and in one embodiment has an exposed proximal portion including an ablation region that contacts and subtends a circumference of the vein, or contacts endocardial wall tissue along a circumferential path at the ostium. The proximal portion is attached to an energy delivery line in the catheter to energize the stent and ablate tissue in the circumferential region, forming a lesion to block conduction across the ostium or preventing trigger signals originating in the pulmonary vein from initiating or sustaining fibrillation in the atrium.

Abstract: A device for taking a sample from the human or animal body comprising a casing tube (2) in which there is longitudinally movably arranged a swab carrier (1) whose distal end is provided with a swab (4), and a displacement device (3) which is arranged at the proximal end of the device and by the actuation of which the swab (4) can be extended from the casing tube (2) or completely retracted thereinto, wherein the swab carrier (1) comprises at least a distal carrier portion (10) and a tubular proximal carrier portion (11), which are releasably connected together by way of a coupling portion (12) which is introduced into the proximal carrier portion (11) and which extends in the distal direction into a first opening (13) at the proximal end of the distal carrier portion (10), and wherein the coupling portion (12) locks the carrier portions relative to each in their longitudinal direction in such a way that the connection thereof is releasable by pulling the distal end of the coupling portion (12) in the proximal

Abstract: An applicator system for delivering an object into a mammalian body cavity is disclosed. The applicator includes a tubular insertion member arranged and configured to contain the object and a linearly-biased expulsion member having a first end slideably fitted within the tubular insertion member. The tubular insertion member has an insertion end and a gripper end, opposite thereof. The expulsion member extends out of the gripper end of the tubular insertion member, and terminates in a second end. The applicator also includes an expulsion member restraint capable of restraining the second end of the expulsion member proximate an outer surface of the insertion end of the tubular insertion. The expulsion member is bent when so restrained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon applicator having a cylindrical outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, which is displaceable therein, is provided with an axial longitudinal slit and encloses a tampon. A tongue-shaped retention element is integrally connected to the outer sleeve so as to be bendable and projects through the longitudinal slit of the inner sleeve into the latter, and lies against the rear end of the tampon. When the inner sleeve is withdrawn out of the outer sleeve, the tampon is held in place by the retention element and transferred into the outer sleeve. The retention element is provided with one part of a locking mechanism (detent plate), the other part of which is formed by one of the two sleeves (longitudinal edges of the longitudinal slit of the inner sleeve. The aforesaid locking parts interact in such a way that the retention element is locked in its engaged position bent into the inner sleeve.

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: A method is provided for the repair of a bone defect in a patient which employs a bone growth-stimulating composition derived from healthy cancellous bone.

Abstract: An insertion device is provided for inserting material having an enlarged head portion into a body cavity.

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: The hypodermic syringe for implanting objects in the bodies of birds, fish, animals, and humans consists of a barrel, a canula attached to one end of the barrel, and a plunger that can be moved back and forth within the barrel. A user implants an object by placing the object inside the canula, making an incision with the canula, and then pushing on the plunger thereby causing the object to move from the canula through the incision and into the body. The canula is designed to securely hold an implant object in a fixed position within the canula from the moment of insertion into the canula until the moment of implantation. The canula is also provided with a window that permits a user to observe the presence of an object and, in the case of objects that are electronic identification tags, to read the data stored in a tag with electromagnetic readers. The plunger is intended to provide the user with the same "feel" as a conventional fluid-injection-type hypodermic syringe.

Abstract: An insertion device is provided for inserting material into a body cavity is, the material having an enlarged head portion, including an elongate, tubular holder, shaped for insertion into the body cavity and having an expulsion end which is dimensioned to fit over the head portion of the material and adapted to open to allow the material to be expelled therethrough; an elongate, tubular plunger, adapted to hold telescopically at least a portion of the material to be inserted, dimensioned to fit telescopically and slidably within the holder and to be movable from a telescoped position within the holder to an extended position in which one distal end of the plunger is withdrawn from the distal holder, and adapted, in the extended position, to expel the material from the device when pushed manually into the holder; and a retaining structure, interposed between the plunger and the holder and disposed at the expulsion end to engage the head portion of the material and prevent it from moving with the plunger when

Abstract: Medical instrument for implantation of radioactive seeds in a body, the instrument including an elongated support rod and an elongated stylet rod spaced apart from and parallel to the support rod, and being held in that relationship by a stop block and a slide block spaced apart from each other and longitudinally slidable with respect to both the support rod and the stylet rod. The stop block is attached to the support rod and the slide block is clampable to each of the support rod and the stylet rod. A seed cartridge with transverse spaced passageways and a central longitudinal through bore receives, stores, and discharges a plug of spaced radio-active seeds by the stylet rod through a connectible hollow elongated implantation needle through which the plug may be implanted in body tissue.

Abstract: A one-piece needle guide for use with a medical ultrasonic scanning apparatus to guide a needle. The needle guide includes a body which is adapted to be releasably secured to the scanning apparatus. A tubular channel extends the length of the body on its upper surface. The channel is for engaging and guiding the needle in proper alignment with the scanning apparatus. A pair of flexible lips form the shape of the channel and are adapted to secure the needle in a slidable manner. The flexibility of the lips allow the needle to be removed from the body.

Abstract: The trajectory of a surgical instrument or tool used for a stereotactic medical procedure is controlled by a passive apparatus having two pivots into which the tool may be inserted. The pivots, which serve as end effectors, are placed at points along a selected trajectory. The pivots are mounted to members attached to carriages. The carriages allow movement in a plane, whereas the members may move perpendicular to the plane. Indicia allow the pivots to be moved to a desired point and fasteners then secure the pivots in place, while allowing the pivots free rotation relative to two perpendicular axes.

Abstract: A two piece compactly packaged application for a tampon which includes a discrete first member and a discrete second member, the first and the second members being of comparable length. The first and the second members are initially packaged in a side by side manner. The applicator also includes a plurality of spaced apart tabs on either the first member or the second member for retaining one of the first and the second members in the other of the first and the second members when the members are assembled together in their operative position. The method assembly of the applicator includes grasping one of the first and the second members, manually aligning the first and the second members and axially moving the first and the second members together so that the first and the second members slide relative to each other and are maintained telescopically in operative position.

Abstract: A polymer article and a method for making the polymer article. The polymer article includes a hydrophobic polymer substrate and a block copolymer. The block copolymer has at least first and second blocks. The first block is more hydrophobic than the second block. The molecules of the block copolymer are secured into the surface of said substrate by means of the first block and at least a portion of the second block, outwardly extends from the surface of the substrate into the environment.The method for making the polymer article, comprising a block copolymer and a hydrophobic substrate, comprises the steps of: (a) forming a solution of a block copolymer and a solvent which will solubilize said block copolymer and swell said substrate. The block copolymer has at least a first and second block.

Abstract: A sanitary tampon applicator comprises an outer sleeve to accommodate a tampon and an inner sleeve slidably telescoped into the outer sleeve to extrude the tampon through a front open end of the outer sleeve, the inner sleeve comprising a first inner sleeve member and a second inner sleeve member slidably inserted into the former and a rear end of the former and a front end of the latter are automatically interlocked by pulling the later rearwards in use of the tampon.

Abstract: A compact and short tampon applicator is formed of an outer barrel which surrounds a tampon-holding inner tubular plunger which is slidable within the outer barrel. A portion of the wall of the plunger defines a pair of hinged panels which snap into the interior of the plunger in response to an inwardly directed radial force. This inward force is supplied by a tab on the barrel, once the plunger has been retracted sufficiently out of the barrel to register the hinged panels with the tab. The applicator is readied for use by retracting the plunger rearwardly behind the tampon, sufficiently to cause the hinged panels to engage the tab on the inner surface of the barrel to snap into the plunger. After insertion of the barrel into the catamenial canal, the plunger is pressed inward, back into the barrel, to enable its inwardly snapped panels to engage the rear of the tampon and to eject the tampon through the front of the barrel.