Claims
- 1. An applicator for inserting an object into a body cavity, comprising:
a) a tubular insertion member having an insertion end, an oppositely disposed trailing end and a trailing end outer diameter; and b) a gripping member affixed to the tubular insertion member trailing end and extending beyond the trailing end in a direction away from the insertion end, having a maximum outer diameter greater than the maximum coplanar trailing end outer diameter, a minimum outer diameter that is at least equal to the maximum coplanar trailing end outer diameter, and a leading end directed toward the insertion end of the tubular insertion member and a trailing edge disposed distal the insertion end of the tubular insertion member, as assembled
- 2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the gripping member has two raised areas separated longitudinally by an intermediate area having an outer diameter less than that of each of the raised areas.
- 3. The applicator of claim 2 wherein the gripping member comprises curvilinear transitions between the intermediate area and the two raised areas.
- 4. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the gripping member abuts the trailing end of the tubular insertion member.
- 5. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the gripping member comprises a fitting arranged and configured to extend from an inner portion of the gripping member toward the insertion end of the tubular insertion member, as assembled.
- 6. The applicator of claim 5 wherein the fitting extends from the leading end of the gripping member.
- 7. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the gripping member comprises at least one feature capable of encircling a user's finger during use.
- 8. A method for making an applicator, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a tubular insertion member having a trailing end and a trailing end outer diameter; b) affixing a gripping member to the trailing end, the gripping member having a maximum outer diameter greater than the maximum coplanar trailing end outer diameter, a minimum outer diameter that is at least equal to the maximum coplanar trailing end outer diameter and a length to diameter ratio of at least 0.5.
- 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the tubular insertion member comprises paperboard.
- 10. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of affixing the gripping member comprises advancing the gripping member toward and rotating the gripping member with respect to the tubular insertion member.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/602,950, filed on Jun. 23, 2000, entitled “Applicator for Catamenial Device Having Improved Gripper End” (Attorney Docket PPC-732), the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
Continuation in Parts (1)
|
Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
09602950 |
Jun 2000 |
US |
Child |
09891065 |
Jun 2001 |
US |