You can freely build on How the modern internal menstrual tampon was invented

What this patent covers

The patent describes a catamenial device, which is a medical term for a menstrual product. It consists of a compressed cylinder of absorbent material, such as cotton, designed to be inserted into the vaginal canal to absorb menstrual flow. The invention includes a tubular applicator that allows the user to insert the absorbent core hygienically without direct contact, which was a significant shift from external pads of the era.

What is now free to use

All 0 claims of US 1964911 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover external sanitary napkins or pads

• Does not cover non-absorbent menstrual cups or discs

• Does not cover chemical or pharmaceutical treatments for menstruation

• Does not cover digital tampons that are inserted manually without an applicator

Who is building on this today

Procter & Gamble and Edgewell Personal Care continue to dominate this space, refining the materials and applicator designs based on the original mechanical principles established by Haas.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Individual. US Patent 1964911. Catamenial device. Granted 1934, expired 1953. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.