MENSTRUAL TAMPON CASE

Abstract

Problem to be solved: protecting a menstrual tampon (2) from mechanical damage, from contamination and moisture, and the problem with carrying it discreetly. Solution to the problem: a case (1) for tampons (2) consisting of a rigid body, inside of which there is stored at least a single row of tampons (2) arranged in parallel, provided at the bottom closed end (4) with a dispensing means acting on the outer tampon (2) of the row of tampons (2) and is provided at the open top end (5) with a holder (6) for retaining the tampon (2) in the top end (5) for easy and gradual removal.

Claims

1. A case (1) for menstrual tampons (2), characterized in that it consists of a hollow body having a rigid housing (3) and two opposite ends (4, 5), the bottom end (4) of which is closed and towards which, inside the body, there is arranged at least one dispensing means acting towards the opposite end (5), the top end (5) is open and is provided with at least one holder (6) for retaining the menstrual tampon (2) in the top end (5), wherein the tampons (2) in the body of the case (1) are arranged parallel to one another into at least a single row and are in the area between the dispensing means and the open top end (5), wherein the dispensing means acts on the adjacent edge of the single row of parallel menstrual tampons (2).

2. A case according to claim 1, characterized in that the dispensing means consists of at least one spring (7) and at least one pressure base (8), wherein the spring (7) is arranged between the lower end (4) and the pressure base (8).

3. A case according to claim 2, characterized in that on the inner side of the housing (3) there is formed at least one guide ridge (9) while on the pressure base (8) there is formed at least one guide groove (10), wherein the guide ridge (9) fits into the guide groove (10).

4. A case according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder (6) for retaining the menstrual tampon (2) partially closes the top end (5) while extending above it, and that it also consists of at least one abutment surface (11) for abutting the menstrual tampon (2).

5. A case according to claim 4, characterized in that the holder (6) for retaining the menstrual tampon (2) extends above the top end (5) to a height corresponding to the size of 50% to 80% of the diameter of the menstrual tampon (2).

6. A case according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a removable or hinged lid (12) for covering the menstrual tampon (2) held in the top end (5).

7. A case according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made of at least one material from the group of plastic, wood, metal, or hard paper.

8. A case according to claim 1, characterized in that its outer surface is printable, or is adapted for gluing decorative items, or is carved or embossed.

9. A case according to claim 1, characterized in that the body of the case (1) has rounded edges.

Description

CLARIFICATION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention is more closely illustrated in the following drawings, wherein:

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the case without a lid,

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a partly transparent case with one spring,

[0023] FIG. 3 shows the case with a single spring in top view,

[0024] FIG. 4 shows a partly transparent case with two springs,

[0025] FIG. 5 shows the case with two springs from top view,

[0026] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view onto the case provided with a lid.

EXAMPLES OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0027] It is understood that the hereinafter described and illustrated specific examples of the realization of the invention are presented for illustrative purposes and not as a limitation of the examples of the realization of the invention to the cases shown herein. Experts who are familiar with the state of technology shall find, or using routine experimentation will be able to determine, a greater or lesser number of equivalents to the specific realizations of the invention which are specifically described here. These equivalents shall also be included into the scope of the patent claims.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows the case 1 without a lid 12. The case 1 is block-shaped with a bottom end 4 and top end 5 having a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The housing 3 of the body follows the curvature of the corners of the bottom and top ends 4 and 5. At the open top end 5 there is a holder 6 for retaining the tampon 2 in its area. The case 1 is made of plastic with dimensions of height, including the holder 6 for retaining the tampon 2, of 117.5 mm, width of 45 mm, and depth of 16 mm.

[0029] FIG. 2 depicts the case 1 with transparent part of the housing 3. Inside the case 1 there is depicted a row of tampons 2 with three pieces. The tampons 2 are extruded by the dispensing means, which consists of a spring 7 pressing against the bottom end 4 and the pressure base 8 pressing against the last tampon 2 of the row. The holder 6 for retaining the tampon 2 at the top end 5 prevents the entire row of tampons 2 from being pushed out all at once.

[0030] The holder 6 partly closes the top end 5 so that the tampons 2 are not pushed out all at once. The first tampon 2 of the row is stopped by the abutment surface H, which is highlighted in FIG. 3 for better illustration. The tampon 2 can only be drawn out by pulling in the direction of its cylindrical base. The case 1 is filled similarly, but in the opposite sense. The tampon 2 is inserted into the top end 5 below the holder 6, then is pressed against the abutment surfaces 11 and is fixed in place. When inserting the next tampon 2, the fixed tampon 2 is forced deeper into the case 1 (the force of the spring 7 is overcome) and the new tampon 2 is inserted into the row above it.

[0031] In another design (not shown), the tampons 2 need not be only in one row above each other. If the case 1 is wider in the area between the top end 5 and bottom end 4, an alternating double row of tampons 2 can be packed into the case 1, wherein the tampons 2 are arranged in one row at the top end 5.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows the case 1 with a partially transparent housing 3 which is provided with two oppositely arranged springs 7 loaded under the pressure base 8. To prevent the pressure base 8 from diverting from the horizontal plane, it is provided with guide grooves 10 into which the guide ridges 9 engage. The guide ridges 9 are located on the inner side of the housing 3. A more detailed view of an embodiment of the pressure base 8, the guide grooves 10, and the guide ridges 9 is shown in FIG. 5, where the tampon holder 6 is not shown. The guide ridges 9 also form an obstacle that prevents the tampons 2 from sliding inside the case 1.

[0033] FIG. 6 shows the case 1 with a removable lid 12. The lid 12 is made of the same material as the housing of the case 1.

[0034] In examples not shown here, the case 1 may be decorated with stickers, decorative sticky paper, or can be printed directly. In the case of wood or plastic material, the case 1 may be carved or embossed. The ends 4 and 5 may have a different shape than a rectangle, provided that the function of dispensing means and the tampon holder 6 remain respected. An oval shape, for example, may be considered.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0035] The menstrual tampon case according to the invention will find application especially in handbags, luggage, and in the pockets of women who need to carry tampons with them.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITIONS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

[0036] 1 case [0037] 2 menstrual tampon [0038] 3 hard housing [0039] 4 bottom end [0040] 5 top end [0041] 6 tampon holder [0042] 7 spring [0043] 8 pressure base [0044] 9 guide ridge [0045] 10 guide groove [0046] 11 supporting surface [0047] 12 lid