09.17.02
A tampon applicator has been patented. The applicator features a cylindrical applicator barrel with a central longitudinal axis and a front end with triangular segments that are bent forward and inward with respect to the longitudinal axis of the barrel forming a dome. Each segment has an inner and outer surface and opposite side edges that are separate from the side edges of the article’s adjacent segments. Also on one item is a base where the segment is joined to the barrel, a plurality of lines of weakness provided on the inner surface and a hinge line running in the circumferential direction of the applicator barrel. The hinge line is offset from the base of segments toward the segment tips, the lines of weakness are offset from the hinge line toward the segment tips and the lines of weakness consist of lines extending substantially in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis over part of the length of each segment. The applicator also contains a telescopically-disposed plunger within the barrel.