TAMPON APPLICATOR HAVING A SEMI-SPHERICALLY SHAPED PLEATED TIP

A tampon applicator is disclosed which has a semi-spherically shaped insertion tip for facilitating insertion of a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The tampon applicator includes a first member capable of housing an absorbent tampon. The first member has a central longitudinal axis and first and second ends. An insertion tip is integrally formed on the first end of the first member and extends outwardly therefrom. The insertion tip contains an aperture which extends therethrough and has a side wall which is aligned essentially parallel to the central longitudinal axis. The insertion tip contains a plurality of pleats arranged to form a semi-spherical configuration. The pleats are capable of expanding radially outwardly as the tampon is expelled from the first member. The applicator further includes a second member telescopically mounted in the second end of the first member. The second member is adapted to expel the tampon through the insertion tip as it is pushed into the first member. The tampon applicator is also disclosed in combination with a catamenial tampon.