Applicator having improved gripper end

A method for forming a gripping member for use on a tubular insertion member of an applicator for inserting an object into a body cavity, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) forming a substantially tubular mold cavity between a first mold plate and a second mold plate, the mold cavity having features of increased thickness at a first end and at a second end and at least one notch-forming insert in the mold cavity disposed at one of the first and second ends;
• b) injecting molten plastic material into the mold cavity;
• c) cooling the plastic material in the mold cavity to form the gripping member having a first end and a second end corresponding to the first and second ends of the mold cavity and at least one flex-enhancing notch corresponding to the at least one notch-forming insert in the mold cavity;
• and
• d) opening the mold and ejecting the gripping member whereby the at least one notch allows the end associated therewith to flex sufficiently to permit separating the mold plates and stripping the gripping member.