Designer tampon applicator plunger and withdrawal string

• US 6,676,625 B2
• Filed: 06/05/2001
• Issued: 01/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Joella M. Bernard
• Original Assignee: Joella M. Bernard
• Inventors: Bernard, Joella M
• Primary Examiner(s): RUHL, DENNIS WILLIAM
• Application Number:
  US09/875,672
• Publication Number:
  US 20020183681A1
• Time in Patent Office: 952 Days
• Field of Search: 604/11-18, 604/904
• US Class Current: 604/15
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/26 Means for inserting tampons , i.e. applicators
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/34 Means for withdrawing tampons , e.g. withdrawal strings
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/8497 having decorations or indicia means

Abstract

A designer tampon applicator, plunger and withdrawal string is disclosed. The disclosed invention decreases the embarrassment and removes the stigma of menstruation by converting a feminine hygiene product requiring maximum discretion into a high-fashion accessory suitable for public display and personal or intimate adornment. The disclosed invention also allows use of a larger tampon pledget providing greater absorption of and a more effective barrier to menstrual flow. Furthermore, the designer withdrawal string provides a highly visible reminder a tampon is in place and very effective means of removing the tampon.

Claims

1. A tampon applicator device comprising:

(a) a tampon pledget;

(b) an elongated tube capable of holding the tampon pledget, said tube having;

i) an outer surface; and

ii) first and second spaced apart ends;

(c) a plunger having an outer periphery, said plunger being telescopically mounted in the first end of the tube; and

(d) a tassel member extending from the tampon pledget, comprising;

i) a cord member comprising at least one cord, said cord member having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the tampon pledget; and

ii) a skirt extending from the second end of the cord member; and

(e) a mold interposed between the cord member and the skirt.

2. The tampon applicator device of claim 1, wherein the mold is covered by rolling a fine cord thereon.

3. The tampon applicator device of claim 1, wherein the mold is covered with yarn.

4. The tampon applicator device of claim 1, wherein the mold is painted.

5. The tampon applicator device of claim 1, wherein the mold is a knot.

6. The tampon applicator device of claim 1, wherein the mold comprises one or more mold pieces being threaded along the cord.

7. A tampon applicator device comprising:

(a) a tampon pledget;

(b) an elongated tube capable of holding the tampon pledget, said tube having;

i) an outer surface; and

ii) first and second spaced apart ends;

(c) a plunger having an outer periphery, said plunger being telescopically mounted in the first end of the tube; and

(d) a tassel member extending from the tampon pledget, comprising;

i) a cord member comprising at least one cord, said cord member having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the tampon pledget; and

ii) a skirt extending from the second end of the cord member; and

(e) a decorative pattern on the outer surface and the outer periphery; and

(f) a mold interposed between the cord member and the skirt.

8. The tampon applicator device of claim 7, wherein the mold is covered by rolling a fine cord thereon.

9. The tampon applicator device of claim 7, wherein the mold is covered with yarn.

10. The tampon applicator device of claim 7, wherein the mold is painted.

11. The tampon applicator device of claim 7, wherein the mold is a knot.

12. The tampon applicator device of claim 7, wherein the mold comprises one or more mold pieces being threaded along the cord.