Abstract: An applicator for a tampon is provided. The applicator has an inner tube and an outer tube and the inner tube is slideable within the outer tube. The applicator has a forward end, and the inner surface of the outer tube has an annular protrusion near to the rear end of the outer tube. The internal diameter of the outer tube is smaller rearward of the annular protrusion than forward of the annular protrusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical instrument, and more particularly, to a balloon infuser. The balloon infuser includes an upper cover (10) in which a scale mark (13) including linear scales is displayed, a lower cover (20) fixed to a lower side of the upper cover (10), a flexible expandable member (70) located inside the upper cover (10) and in which contents are accommodated, and an elevation part (30) elevated according to an expansion degree of the expandable member (70) and having a scale indication line (34) on one surface thereof, the scale indication line (34) indicating the scale mark (13).

Abstract: There are disclosed a tank having a structure which achieves both a burst strength and a fatigue strength, and a manufacturing method of the tank. In order to realize this, in a tank comprising a liner, and an FRP layer including a hoop layer and a helical layer formed by winding fibers around the outer periphery of the liner, at least an innermost helical layer is formed as a smooth helical layer. When the smooth helical layer, i.e., a helical layer which does not have any unevenness or which has only little unevenness is formed, the unevenness can be prevented from being transferred to the hoop layer adjacent to the helical layer. When structural bends (undulations) of the fibers of the hoop layer are suppressed, a fatigue strength of the fibers themselves can be enhanced.

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 tampon applicator having an outer member adapted to house a tampon and receive an inner member. The outer member includes a fingergrip region having an indentation region that extends inwardly from the outer surface of the outer member. The indentation region has a depth dimension that is measured from the outer surface of the outer member to a lowest point of the indentation region. The indentation region comprises a first raised portion and a second raised portion, each of which having a height dimension that is measured from an individual raised portion's base to an individual raised portion's highest point, wherein the height dimension is less than the depth dimension. The first raised portion is a different size and a different shape as compared to the second raised portion.

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 disclosure provides a lubricious polymeric composition that includes polymer and one or more lubricants. Articles formed from the lubricious polymeric composition possess enhanced softness, flexibility and lubricity. The present disclosure also provides a method for making an article formed from a lubricious polymeric composition having polymer and one or more lubricants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon for feminine hygiene, with a tapered introductory end, a withdrawal end provided with a withdrawal means and a longitudinal axis, comprising a longitudinally extending absorbent body made from compressed fiber material, the absorbent body being densified more intensely in the region of the longitudinal axis and forming a fiber column, from which longitudinal ribs extend radially outward and flank longitudinal ribs in pairs. The tapered introductory end being formed by the fiber column, the longitudinal grooves and longitudinal ribs is provided with collecting grooves and collecting ribs to collect menstrual secretions, wherein the collecting grooves are open axially to the front and radially outward and wherein the collecting ribs flank the collecting grooves in pairs. The invention provides for an increased absorption capacity of the tampon in relation to the weight of the fiber material per tampon.

Abstract: A tampon applicator which has an elongate insertion member having a length extending from an insertion end to a gripper end opposite. The gripper end has a grip region dimensioned to substantially accept a user's grip. The grip region has a plurality of corrugations, a first transition portion, and a second transition portion. Each corrugation has a trough and a ridge. The first transition portion is substantially adjacent the gripper end and a second transition portion is disposed toward the insertion end.

Abstract: A tampon applicator according to the present invention includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube includes an outer-tube tip end portion having a locking portion and an outer-tube rear end portion having a protrusion. The protrusion is capable of passing by the locking portion from the outer-tube rear end portion side to the outer-tube tip end portion side. When the protrusion is positioned on the outer-tube tip end portion side of the locking portion, the locking portion locks the protrusion to prevent the inner tube from returning to the outer-tube rear end portion side of the locking portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lubricious polymeric composition that includes polymer and one or more lubricants. Articles formed from the lubricious polymeric composition possess enhanced softness, flexibility and lubricity. The present disclosure also provides a method for making an article formed from a lubricious polymeric composition having polymer and one or more lubricants.

Abstract: A tampon having an auxiliary patch. The tampon can include a compressed absorbent member having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and a body disposed between the insertion end and the withdrawal end. The compressed absorbent member can have an exterior surface. In addition, the tampon can include an auxiliary patch that can partially cover the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The tampon can also include an overwrap.

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: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad can be sealed and attached to the female labia, which has a structure in capable of easily achieving a sealing attachment into the female labia. A sheet body (2) is provided on an opposite side to a body side of the interlabial pad (1) to form a pair of the fingertip insert openings (3,4) on both side portions, the wearer inserts two finger into the fingertip insert opening (3,4) and catches the sheet body 2 by the two finger, thereby the interlabial pad (1) can be folded in substantially mountain folded shape along the vertically axial center line and can be attached to the labia (9) in keeping a condition of forming a raised area (5) on the body side surface of the pad.

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 method of forming a barrel for a tampon applicator assembly including molding a barrel then forming a rearward taper region in an area of the barrel is provided. The method includes molding a first portion of the barrel in a first mold part and a second portion of the barrel in a second mold part, the first and second mold parts meeting at a maximum outer dimension of the first portion, ejecting the barrel from the first and second mold parts, and forming a flared region in an area of the second portion.

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: A vacuum device for removing a lodged mass or bolus from the throat of a choking victim. The device includes a pump for creating a vacuum chamber communicating with a mouthpiece having a frangible membrane. A resilient striker fractures the membrane to generate a substantially instantaneous vacuum to the mouthpiece to dislodge the mass. In one embodiment, the membrane is substituted by a manually displaceable sealing member, which is resealed after use of the device by movement of a vacuum-generating plunger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad can be sealed and attached to the female labia, which has a structure in capable of easily achieving a sealing attachment into the female labia. A sheet body (2) is provided on an opposite side to a body side of the interlabial pad (1) to form a pair of the fingertip insert openings (3,4) on both side portions, the wearer inserts two finger into the fingertip insert opening (3,4) and catches the sheet body 2 by the two finger, thereby the interlabial pad (1) can be folded in substantially mountain folded shape along the vertically axial center line and can be attached to the labia (9) in keeping a condition of forming a raised area (5) on the body side surface of the pad.

Abstract: A delivery device is provided including a first member having an interior surface, a receiving end, and an insertion end, wherein the insertion end is open; a tampon body positioned within the first member, wherein the tampon body has a proximal tampon body end and a distal tampon body end; and a second member slidably coupled to the interior surface of the first member at the receiving end. The device also includes a dosage form, wherein the dosage form is coupled to the distal tampon body end; and a protective tube including an open attachment end, an open protective tube second end opposite the attachment end, and a protective tube inner surface including an engagement mechanism enabling the protective tube to be coupled to the receiving end of the first member at the attachment end of the protective tube.

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 tampon applicator which includes an ejector tube, an outer tube dimensioned to fit closely and telescopically over said ejector tube and having a distal discharge end, and a restraining means between said tubes for preventing the disassembly of said ejector tube from said outer tube in the proximal direction is disclosed. The restraining means includes a circumferentially-extending raised means and a set of at least three adjacent circumferentially-extending raised rings.

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: The invention provides a closure device (1) for sealing an incision channel leading through a vessel wall and into the vessel. The closure device (1) comprises a haemostatic material (3), which is contained in the distal end of an elongated insertion assembly (2). The insertion assembly (2), which comprises a stationary part (4) and a retractable part (5) being slidably movable with regard to each other, is adapted to be attached to an introducer (7) being in position in the incision channel, so that the insertion assembly (2) can be slid along the introducer (7) until the distal end of the insertion assembly (2) is in contact with the vessel wall, where the haemostatic material (3) is delivered in the incision channel by a retracting movement of the retractable part (5).

Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components including a barrel, a plunger, a fingergrip, an insertion tip. The at least three separate components are formed independently from one another, prior to forming the applicator. 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. Methods for making a multiple component tampon applicator are also provided.

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: 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: An osmotic beneficial agent delivery system includes an implantable osmotic delivery device and a catheter for delivery of the beneficial agent from the delivery device to a delivery location. The beneficial agent delivery system includes a catheter and a docking station which are implanted in the patient with a distal end of the catheter positioned at a delivery site. The catheter and docking station are left in place while an implant containing the beneficial agent is removably connected to the catheter at the docking station and can be replaced as needed. The docking station provides a connection between a catheter and the implant allowing the implant to be replaced periodically while the catheter and the docking station remain in place.

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 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: 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: The invention is directed to an introducer which is formed of a relatively rigid tubular member having an inner lumen and an elongated slot in the distal portion of the introducer. The introducer is particularly suitable for introducing an elongated channel forming device having radially extending arms for limiting the depth of penetration into a guiding or delivery catheter. By pulling the channel forming member into the inner lumen of the introducer, the radially extending arms are bent or folded forwardly into the inner lumen and they remain in this position until they extend out the distal end of the guiding or delivery catheter.

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 present invention relates to an insertion device formed of a tubular element capable of substantially containing an insertable element. The tubular element has an insertion end and a gripper end. The gripper end has a plurality of finger-accepting apertures. These apertures are dimensioned to accept a portion of a user's finger. This device is particularly useful in a tampon applicator tube which has a high-gloss outer surface.

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 tampon applicator assembly of compact type is provided comprising an outer tube, an inner tube slidably nested therein and a tampon stored inside of the inner tube. A small portion of the tampon protruding from a proximal end of the inner tube. The inner tube has to be partially withdrawn from the outer tube in the distal direction until the proximal end of the inner tube will be placed behind the distal end of the tampon. To prevent distal movement of the tampon relative to the outer tube during the partial withdrawal the outer tube comprises a holding means. The holding means comprises at least one set of circumferentially located stiff cogs fixed to the inner surface of the outer tube. Each cog has at least one biting edge pressed against the side surface of the protruding portion of the tampon when the applicator is completely assembled.

Abstract: An inner sleeve (12) and an outer sleeve (11) of a tampon applicator provided especially for feminine hygiene form a one-part injection moulding in order to simplify production and assembly. The rear end of the outer sleeve (11) and the front end of the inner sleeve (12) are connected by means of a predetermined breaking point (13). The predetermined breaking point (13) is destroyed due to axial pressure, so that the inner sleeve (12) can be pushed into the outer sleeve (11).

Abstract: A nasal pack inserter apparatus having a barrel member with a throughgoing lumen providing an inlet and an outlet for a plunger reciprocally mounted therein. The barrel member defines rib means projecting into the throughgoing lumen defining a track for the plunger which is configured to fit in the track when inserted into the lumen. The plunger member has a thumb piece on one end and a pusher tip on the other end to transport a nasal pack provided with a withdrawal thread through the lumen into a nasal cavity. The withdrawal thread of the nasal pack is positioned within a channel formed in the plunger body to prevent fouling of the same within the barrel lumen.

Abstract: A tampon applicator is disclosed for inserting tampons into a woman's vagina. The tampon applicator is an elongated, tubular member made from an injection moldable or extrudable material. The tampon applicator comprises a water-dispersible thermoplastic polyester containing an ionic metal salt substituent. The tampon applicator is constructed from a water-dissipatable polymer having carbonyloxy-linking groups in a linear molecular structure. The polymer comprises a reaction product of at least one difunctional dicarboxylic acid, at least one diol, and at least one difunctional sulfomonomer containing at least one metal sulfonate group attached to an aromatic nucleus having the functional group carboxyl. The tampon applicator is water dispersible, compostable, dimensionally stable, and substantially nonsticky when contacted by mucous membranes or other moist human tissue.

Abstract: A tampon applicator has an outer cylindrical member for containing a tampon and an inner arcuate member which is arranged to lie between the inner surface of the outer member and the tampon and to be slidably moved within the outer member to act as a piston for ejecting the tampon. One end of the inner member is adapted to engage the tampon and has a shoulder region. The outer member is provided with a first inward projection to engage the tampon and prevent rearward movement thereof and at least one second inward projection intermediate the first projection and the rear end of she cylindrical member to engage the shoulder region of the inner member and prevent complete withdrawal of she inner member from the outer member. The inward projections comprises at least one flap for example a pair of flaps or an inwardly deformed arcuate strip.

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: In accordance with the present invention, a swab for use in laparoscopy is provided. The swab comprises an outer, generally tubular shank with a handle or gripping end and a working end. An inner shaft is slidably received in the shank and has a working end and a gripping end. A changeable, disposable absorbent tip is operably connected to the working end of the shaft. The swab includes a biasing means at the gripping ends of the shank and shaft for urging the absorbent tip toward the gripping ends.

Abstract: A curved tampon applicator and a process for forming the applicator and assembling an absorbent tampon into the applicator is disclosed. The curved tampon applicator can facilitate placement of an absorbent tampon into a woman's vagina. The curved tampon applicator contains first and second arcuately shaped tubular members telescopically joined together. The first member has a stepped outer configuration with an enlarged portion designed to contain an absorbent tampon joined to a finger-grip portion. The enlarged portion is formed on a centerline having a first radius of curvature. The second member is formed on a centerline having a radius of curvature which is different from the first radius of curvature. The second member is sized and configured to slide within the finger-grip portion while being restricted from rotating therein. The second member contains at least one flared end which is sized to prevent separation of the second member from the first member.

Abstract: A tampon has an accommodation barrel and an absorbent material housed within the accommodation barrel. The accommodation barrel in this tampon includes a flexible cylindrical sheet portion and a rigid cylindrical portion connected to the flexible cylindrical sheet portion. A front end portion of the flexible cylindrical sheet portion is connected with one end of a take-out device having a length longer than the accommodation barrel for removal of the accommodation barrel while the absorbent material remains positioned as inserted into a vagina.

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. The barrel has a pair of opposed tongues formed from portions of the wall of the outer barrel which are partially cut and deflected inwardly. The openings in the wall of the barrel provide effective means for holding the barrel during the insertion process. The tongues project into the interior of the plunger, through a pair of elongate slots in the wall of the plunger, so that the tongues are in position behind the tampon. The applicator is readied for being used by retraction of the plunger rearwardly to cause the tampon, which is restrained by the tongues, to be ejected from the plunger into the barrel. The tongues also serve to prevent the plunger from separating from the barrel. The front of the plunger collapses inwardly to form an effective tampon contacting surface for engaging the rear of the tampon in a manner which permits the plunger to push the tampon out of the barrel.

Abstract: The applicator for inserting a pessary into the uterus, which pessary comprises a chain combined with a distal coil screwable into the base of the uterus. The applicator has an inner shaft, which received the chain in its leading end, installed in an outer shaft and with its leading end securing the nearer of the coil in a formlocked or forcelocked manner, as well as a handle at the opposite end of the shaft whose rotation and axial displacement allow screwing the coil out of the outer shaft and into the base of the uterus to the extend of its longitudinal dimension. The outer and inner shafts are withdrawable from the uterus with respect to the screwed-in coil and chain which are to be released, after completion of the application.