Tampon applicator

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a tampon applicator that overcomes the above-described difficulties.
More particularly, it is an object of this invention to provide a tampon applicator which is compact and of reduced size.
It is another object of this invention to provide a tampon applicator which is simple in construction and convenient and easy to use.
It is still another object of this invention in an alternative preferred embodiment to provide a tubular tampon applicator of the telescoping type which is capable of positioning a tampon intravaginally with greater accuracy and reliability, without frictional irritation, and yet without increasing the standard size of the tube.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, a tampon applicator includes an ejector tube adapted to store a tampon therein.
An outer tube is slidably disposed over the ejector tube.
The outer tube is adapted to pass the tampon through its distal end during an ejection operation.
Directionally locking inward projections are associated with the outer tube for engaging the tampon to prevent its movement in the rearward direction.
Thus, when the ejector tube is partially withdrawn from the outer tube so as to be positioned behind the tampon, the projections fix the tampon relative to the outer tube.
However, when the ejector tube is forced back into the outer tube so as to eject the tampon therefrom, the projections permit the forward displacement and expulsion of the tampon.
In a further preferred embodiment of this invention, the ejector tube has fingers at its distal end.
These are adapted to slide over the tampon upon withdrawal of the ejector tube and automatically to close inwardly behind the tampon sufficiently to engage the end of the latter.
Also projections preferably may comprise inclined ramps formed on, and attached to, the inside of the outer tube at or near its distal end.
These projections extend through open-ended slots between the fingers of the ejector tube so as to engage the tampon