Applicator for catamenial device having improved gripper end

Abstract

The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member has an outer diameter greater than that of the insertion member. An interface is created due to this size differential, which provides a visual or tactile cue of applicator insertion depth, and thereafter object positioning within the body cavity. The gripping member comprises at least one raised area on its outwardly disposed surface, providing resistance to movement of the user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the insertion member. Longitudinal forces are created during both the insertion step of use, as well as the expulsion step delivering the contained object from the insertion member into the body cavity.

What is claimed is:  
     
         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.