U.S. patent application number 13/401434 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-31 for applicator member and flexible retention web device.
This patent application is currently assigned to BTAMPON IP. The applicant listed for this patent is Bernard CHAFFRINGEON, Richard GUETTY. Invention is credited to Bernard CHAFFRINGEON, Richard GUETTY.
Application Number | 20130030392 13/401434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45976426 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130030392 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHAFFRINGEON; Bernard ; et
al. |
January 31, 2013 |
APPLICATOR MEMBER AND FLEXIBLE RETENTION WEB DEVICE
Abstract
A device and a method for manufacturing said device, the device
comprising an applicator member and a flexible retention web (1)
intended to be introduced into a vaginal cavity (17), said web
being equipped with a means (7) for removal and being made from an
atraumatic material whereof the dimensions are adapted so as to be
able to retain and/or slow down bodily discharges of small
quantity, characterized in that: the applicator member comprises a
body (8) that is at least partially hollow defining an internal
storage volume (9), said body having a proximal end (10) on the one
hand, and on the other hand, a distal end (11) intended to be
inserted into the vaginal cavity of a user, said distal end having
an open section emerging in the internal volume, the web comprises
a central zone (13) housed in the internal volume, and at least one
peripheral zone (14) protruding from the body so as to cover at
least the distal end of the body.
Inventors: |
CHAFFRINGEON; Bernard;
(Granges-Paccot, CH) ; GUETTY; Richard; (Miribel,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CHAFFRINGEON; Bernard
GUETTY; Richard |
Granges-Paccot
Miribel |
|
CH
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
BTAMPON IP
Capellen
LU
|
Family ID: |
45976426 |
Appl. No.: |
13/401434 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61557055 |
Nov 8, 2011 |
|
|
|
61445851 |
Feb 23, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/286 ; 28/118;
604/363; 604/372; 604/377; 604/385.17; 604/385.18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/2057 20130101;
A61F 13/26 20130101; A61F 13/206 20130101; A61F 13/28 20130101;
A61F 13/2097 20130101; A61F 13/2065 20130101; A61F 13/2085
20130101; A61F 13/2077 20130101; A61F 13/2062 20130101; A61F 13/34
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/286 ;
604/385.17; 604/372; 604/377; 604/363; 604/385.18; 28/118 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/20 20060101
A61F013/20; D04H 1/22 20060101 D04H001/22; A61M 35/00 20060101
A61M035/00; A61F 13/34 20060101 A61F013/34; A61F 13/53 20060101
A61F013/53; A61L 15/50 20060101 A61L015/50 |
Claims
1. A device comprising an applicator member and a flexible
retention web intended to be introduced into a vaginal cavity, said
web being equipped with a means for removal and being made from an
atraumatic material whereof the dimensions are adapted so as to be
able to retain and/or slow down bodily discharges of small
quantity, wherein: the applicator member comprises a body that is
at least partially hollow defining an internal storage volume, said
body having a proximal end on the one hand, and on the other hand,
a distal end intended to be inserted into the vaginal cavity of a
user, said distal end having an open section emerging in the
internal volume, the web comprises a central zone housed in the
internal volume, and at least one peripheral zone protruding from
the body so as to cover at least the distal end of the body.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the applicator member
is made in the form of a tubular body.
3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the distal end is made
in the form of a substantially conical segment so as to have a
reduced passage section relative to the diameter of the body, and
in that the segment is designed so as to have a radial
elasticity.
4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the web
is made from a material chosen from amongst the group formed by a
nonwoven textile, polyvinyl acetate, cotton, an organic material, a
plant material, or a biodegradable material.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the web is designed
such that it can convey at least one therapeutic or non-therapeutic
agent, for example having healing, lubricating, anticoagulant, or
antioxidant properties.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the web is made in a
substantially rectangular, square, oval or circular shape.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the web comprises at
least two flaps folded onto each other.
8. The device according to claim 7, wherein each of the two flaps
is extended by a removal means.
9. The device according to claim 1, wherein a removal means is
attached to the central zone of the web, and in that the body of
the applicator member is hollow.
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the removal means is
disposed along the transverse axis.
11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the web incorporates
at least one fluid barrier made using a hydrophobic material, of
the Vaseline or beeswax type, for example.
12. A method for manufacturing a device according to claim 1,
wherein it comprises the following steps: cutting a web in a band,
depositing and fastening, on the web, at least one string, for
example of the chain stitch type, forming a removal means, the
length of the string being chosen to be greater than the largest
length of the web so that the string protrudes on either side of
the web, depositing the applicator member along part of the web, so
that, on the one hand, the proximal end protrudes from the web, and
on the other hand, the distal end rests on the web, folding the web
around a transverse axis, and folding the web on the applicator
member, inserting the central zone of the web into the internal
volume of the applicator member using an insertion member.
13. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein a
single string is deposited and secured substantially along the
median longitudinal axis of the web.
14. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein a
string is deposited and secured along each of the two longitudinal
edges of the web.
15. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein the
applicator member is deposited so that its distal end is situated
substantially at mid-length of the web.
16. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein a notch
is cut into each of the two longitudinal edges of the web at the
transverse axis.
17. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein at
least one therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent is injected on the
central zone of the web through at least one conduit and an
injection opening of the insertion member.
18. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein, before
insertion of the central zone of the web into the internal volume,
a therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent, of the capsule,
suppository, cream, or dry vaginal suppository type, for example,
is positioned between the central zone of the web and the insertion
member.
19. The manufacturing method according to claim 18, wherein the
length of the web is chosen so that, after complete insertion of
the applicator member into the vaginal cavity, part of the central
zone of the web as well as the agent remain in the internal
volume.
20. A method for manufacturing a device according to claim 9,
wherein it comprises the following steps: cutting a web in a band,
depositing and fastening, in the central zone, at least one string,
forming a removal means, inserting the free ends of each string
into the body of the applicator member, inserting the central zone
of the web into the internal volume of the applicator member by
pulling on the free ends of each string, and/or potentially by
pushing using an insertion member.
21. The manufacturing method according to claim 20, wherein a notch
is cut into each of the two longitudinal edges of the web at the
transverse axis.
22. The manufacturing method according to claim 20, wherein the
removal means is attached to the central zone along the transverse
axis.
23. The manufacturing method according to claim 20, wherein at
least one therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent is injected on the
central zone of the web through at least one conduit and an
injection opening of an insertion member.
24. The manufacturing method according to claim 20, wherein after
insertion of the central zone of the web into the internal volume,
one arranges a therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent, of the
capsule, suppository, cream, or dry vaginal suppository type, for
example, on said central zone.
25. The manufacturing method according to claim 24, wherein the
length of the web is chosen so that, after total insertion of the
applicator member into the vaginal cavity, part of the central zone
of the web as well as the agent remain in the internal volume.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for
absorbing discharges of bodily fluids, for example menstrual flows
and cervical mucus, and/or discharges related to the intromission
of at least one therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent in a vaginal
cavity.
[0002] Many hygiene articles exist, especially for absorbing
menstrual flows, for example period tampons and/or bands that are
folded and/or rolled up using techniques well known by those
skilled in the art to form bodies that are able to dilate once they
have been placed, with or without applicators, in the vaginas of
the users.
[0003] This type of device is commonly used regardless of the
volume of secretions to be absorbed and is generally designed in
such a way as to be able to retain a moderate or even substantial
flow (from 6 to 18 g), so that it is suitable for the greatest
possible number of people.
[0004] However, users who produce bodily discharges of small
quantity, i.e. less than 6 g, are faced with the fact that the
inserted tampon is not appropriate for the volume of their
secretions. The contact of the rough and more or less dilated
tampon against the dry wall of the vagina results in pain, local
irritation, and thus causes trauma to the person using it. This
sensation of discomfort is all the more pronounced when the tampon
is being removed. Moreover, independently of the question of user
comfort, it should be noted that the use of such large amounts of
material for absorbing small volumes of discharge runs counter to
the generally accepted environmental policy of reducing the amounts
of waste material.
[0005] To improve tampons of this kind, document U.S. Pat. No.
6,177,608 discloses a tampon comprising an absorbent core and a
permeable cover which is disposed around the core and which is
provided with strips which form funnels that can be spread out from
the core in such a way as to obstruct a free space formed between
the outer surface of the tampon and the wall of the vagina. This
makes it possible in particular for the fluid received by the
funnels to converge toward the absorbent core.
[0006] Moreover, document WO 03/051257 provides a flexible tampon
comprising a substantially flat absorptive central core arranged
between two protective permeable layers. Such a tampon is intended
to be used in place of a traditional tampon and is distinguished by
the fact that it can be folded around the user's finger so as to be
introduced gently into the vaginal cavity.
[0007] This principle for the design of a tampon has nevertheless
been anticipated for some time by document U.S. Pat. No. 1,884,089,
which proposes the production of a sanitary article in the form of
a disc made of a highly compressed absorbent material so as to
absorb standard volumes or even copious volumes of bodily
discharges. This disc is folded around the finger and introduced
into the vaginal cavity with the finger, and a string forming a
means of removal is securely attached to the center of the disc.
However, the zone of attachment of the string to the disc
constitutes a hard spot that may damage the wall of the vagina
during the use or removal of the disc. The same applies to document
WO 03/051257, where the attachment of the string to the tampon also
creates a hard spot.
[0008] Patent application EP 2 276 441 discloses a retention web
making it possible to resolve all of the abovementioned drawbacks,
this web more particularly being intended for users who produce
small volumes of bodily secretions.
[0009] The present invention in particular aims to propose one
alternative embodiment and use of such a web. Out of a concern for
clarity and concision, most of the compatible technical features
between the web according to EP 2 276 441 and the web according to
the present invention will not be mentioned explicitly in this
patent application, but it must be understood that they are
incorporated overall by reference.
[0010] The present invention consists of a device comprising an
applicator member and a flexible retention web intended to be
introduced into a vaginal cavity, said web being equipped with a
means for removal and being made from an atraumatic material
whereof the dimensions are adapted so as to be able to retain
and/or slow down bodily discharges of small quantity, characterized
in that: [0011] the applicator member comprises a body that is at
least partially hollow defining an internal storage volume, said
body having a proximal end on the one hand, and on the other hand,
a distal end intended to be inserted into the vaginal cavity of a
user, said distal end having an open section emerging in the
internal volume, [0012] the web comprises a central zone housed in
the internal volume, and at least one peripheral zone protruding
from the body so as to cover at least the distal end of the
body.
[0013] Thus, a device according to the invention may, if necessary,
be a catemenial and/or sanitary device intended to replace a
traditional tampon, and/or a medical device capable of delivering
at least one therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent in the vaginal
cavity of a user.
[0014] Within the meaning of the present invention, it should be
understood that the expression "small quantity" means that the web
is solely intended to retain bodily discharges in volumes much
lower than those normally collected by traditional tampons,
especially during menstruation. To this end, the web is designed to
have no excess thickness of unnecessary material.
[0015] Such a web is therefore particularly adapted to afford
exceptional usage comfort to a user who produces small amounts of
bodily discharge, for example as a result of regular use of a
contraceptive, or whose menstrual flow is limited, particularly at
the end of the cycle. The web may have more or less absorbent
qualities, depending on the desired use. Certain discharges, for
example cervical mucus, will tend more to be deposited on the
surface of the web, and to be kept there due to their viscosity. It
must be understood that the retention phenomenon of the discharges
on the web may apply, even in the case where the web is made from a
material with little or no absorbency, by forming an adapted relief
on the surface of the web so as to slow down the speed of
propagation of the discharges toward the outlet of the vaginal
cavity.
[0016] A device according to the invention will be particularly
adapted in the following situations: [0017] At the end of menstrual
periods, when the flow is light (less than 6 g), [0018] In case of
low- or medium-intensity metrorrhagia, for example upon changing
contraceptive pills or after placing an intrauterine contraceptive
device, [0019] In women with physiological leukorrhea, [0020] After
sexual relations to collect the sexual secretions.
[0021] Preferably, the applicator member is made in the form of a
tubular body.
[0022] Also preferably, the distal end is made in the form of a
substantially conical segment so as to have a reduced passage
section relative to the diameter of the body, and the segment is
designed so as to have a radial elasticity.
[0023] Advantageously, the web is made from a material chosen from
amongst the group formed by a nonwoven textile, polyvinyl acetate,
cotton, an organic material, a plant material, or a biodegradable
material.
[0024] Also advantageously, the web is designed such that it can
convey at least one therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent, for
example having healing, lubricating, anticoagulant, or antioxidant
properties. To that end, the therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent
may for example be made in the form of: [0025] a substance
impregnated in the web, [0026] a capsule, a suppository, a cream,
or a dry vaginal suppository supported by the web.
[0027] Preferably, the web is made in a substantially rectangular,
square, oval or circular shape.
[0028] When one wishes to deliver a pharmaceutical or
non-pharmaceutical substance, the web will be designed so that it
can maintain a maximum quantity of substance on the surface of the
web, during as long a period of time as possible, with the aim of
obtaining optical contact of the substance with the mucosa to be
treated, and therefore a better exchange between them. In fact,
given its small thickness and its particular texture, this web
coated with the substance will hug the internal relief of the
vaginal cavity as well as possible. Such a result cannot be
obtained with an absorbent web that attracts and captures the
substance in the thickness thereof, as such a web results in
creating an unwanted adsorption phenomenon and has a smaller
deformation capacity and therefore adaptation capacity to the
internal relief of the vaginal cavity.
[0029] Also preferably, the web comprises at least two flaps folded
onto each other.
[0030] Advantageously, each of the two flaps is extended by a
removal means.
[0031] Alternatively, a removal means is attached to the central
zone of the web, and the body of the applicator member is hollow.
Preferably, the removal means is disposed along the transverse
axis.
[0032] According to one alternative embodiment, the web
incorporates at least one fluid barrier made using a hydrophobic
material, of the Vaseline or beeswax type, for example.
[0033] The present invention also relates to a method for
manufacturing a device according to the invention, characterized in
that it comprises the following steps: [0034] cutting a web in a
band, [0035] depositing and fastening, on the web, at least one
string, for example of the chain stitch type, forming a removal
means, the length of the string being chosen to be greater than the
largest length of the web so that the string protrudes on either
side of the web, [0036] depositing the applicator member along part
of the web, so that, on the one hand, the proximal end protrudes
from the web, and on the other hand, the distal end rests on the
web, [0037] folding the web around a transverse axis, and folding
the web on the applicator member, [0038] inserting the central zone
of the web into the internal volume of the applicator member using
an insertion member.
[0039] It must be understood that these steps are not necessarily
carried out in this chronological order. As an example, the removal
means may in some cases be incorporated after deposition of the
applicator member.
[0040] According to a first alternative embodiment, a single string
is deposited and secured substantially along the median
longitudinal axis of the web.
[0041] According to a second alternative embodiment, a string is
deposited and secured along each of the two longitudinal edges of
the web.
[0042] Preferably, the applicator member is deposited so that its
distal end is situated substantially at mid-length of the web.
[0043] Advantageously, a notch is cut into each of the two
longitudinal edges of the web at the transverse axis. This makes it
possible to limit the risks of injury or irritation due to the
friction of the web at its transverse folding axis with the vaginal
wall of the user.
[0044] According to another alternative embodiment, at least one
therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent is injected on the central
zone of the web through at least one conduit and an injection
opening of the insertion member.
[0045] According to another alternative embodiment, before
insertion of the central zone of the web into the internal volume,
a therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent, of the capsule,
suppository, cream, or dry vaginal suppository type, for example,
is positioned between the central zone of the web and the insertion
member.
[0046] Furthermore, the length of the web may be chosen so that,
after complete insertion of the applicator into the vaginal cavity,
part of the central zone of the web as well as the agent remain in
the internal volume. A pouch containing the agent will thus be
formed in the internal volume. After removal of the applicator
member, this pouch will remain present in the vaginal cavity, and
will allow the agent to remain fully in contact with the zone to be
treated. Furthermore, this pouch will make it possible to collect
at least part of the future discharges, in particular due to the
decomposition of the agent.
[0047] More generally, it must also be understood that such a pouch
may advantageously be formed, even when no therapeutic or
non-therapeutic agent will be delivered. In fact, in such a
scenario, this pouch will make it possible to collect at least part
of the bodily discharges delivered by the user.
[0048] The present invention also relates to another method for
manufacturing a device according to the invention, characterized in
that it comprises the following steps: [0049] cutting a web in a
band, [0050] depositing and fastening, in the central zone, at
least one string forming a removal means, [0051] inserting the free
ends of each string into the body of the applicator member, [0052]
inserting the central zone of the web into the internal volume of
the applicator member by pulling on the free ends of each string,
and/or potentially by pushing using an insertion member.
[0053] It must be understood that these steps are not necessarily
carried out in that chronological order.
[0054] As a result, the removal means thus secured on the web allow
the user to pull on that removal means to safely and easily extract
the web from the vaginal cavity.
[0055] Preferably, a notch is cut into each of the two longitudinal
edges of the web at the transverse axis.
[0056] So as to still further optimize this manufacturing and
assembly method, the removal means is positioned in the direction
of the width of the web, and is preferably attached to the central
zone along the transverse axis.
[0057] According to one alternative embodiment, at least one
therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent is injected on the central
zone of the web through at least one conduit and an injection
opening of an insertion member.
[0058] According to still another alternative embodiment, after
insertion of the central zone of the web into the internal volume,
one arranges a therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent, of the
capsule, suppository, cream, or dry vaginal suppository type, for
example, on said central zone.
[0059] Also advantageously, the length of the web is chosen so
that, after total insertion of the applicator member into the
vaginal cavity, part of the central zone of the web as well as the
agent remain in the internal volume.
[0060] The invention will be better understood using the detailed
description provided below in light of the appended drawing, in
which:
[0061] FIGS. 1 to 6 are diagrammatic perspective views illustrating
the successive steps of manufacturing a device according to a first
embodiment of the invention;
[0062] FIG. 7 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a
device according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0063] FIG. 8 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a
device according to another alternative embodiment of the
invention;
[0064] FIGS. 9, 10 on the one hand, and FIG. 11 on the other hand,
are respectively longitudinal cross-sectional and perspective views
illustrating the successive intromission steps of a device
according to another alternative embodiment of the invention;
[0065] FIGS. 12 to 16 are diagrammatic perspective views
illustrating the successive steps of manufacturing a device
according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0066] FIGS. 17 to 21 are diagrammatic side views illustrating the
successive intromission steps of a device according to the
invention in a vaginal cavity of a user;
[0067] FIGS. 22 to 24 are diagrammatic perspective views
illustrating the successive steps of manufacturing a device
according to a third embodiment of the invention;
[0068] FIGS. 25 to 27 are diagrammatic longitudinal cross-sectional
views illustrating the successive steps during the removal of a
device according to the invention from a vaginal cavity;
[0069] FIGS. 28 to 30 are diagrammatic longitudinal cross-sectional
views illustrating the successive steps for releasing an agent, of
the dry vaginal suppository type for example, equipping a specific
applicator member;
[0070] FIG. 31 is a detailed view of the body of the applicator
member shown in FIG. 28;
[0071] FIG. 32 is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of a
component body of another device according to the invention.
[0072] In the following detailed description of the figures defined
above, identical elements or elements performing identical
functions may keep the same references so as to simplify the
understanding of the invention.
[0073] The method for manufacturing a device according to a first
embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, comprises
the following steps.
[0074] First, a web 1 with an adapted length, typically a length
smaller than 20 cm, is cut into a band 2. The shape of that band 2
is preferably similar to that used to produce traditional tampons.
There is therefore no need to develop a specific substitution
technology to produce the web 1. The web 1 is therefore made in the
form of a rectangular body having two large sides each making up a
longitudinal edge 3.
[0075] In FIG. 2, a notch 4 is cut into each of the two
longitudinal edges 3 of the web 1, at a median transverse axis 5
dividing said web 1 into two flaps 6, 6' with substantially equal
dimensions.
[0076] In FIG. 3, a string 7 forming a chain stitch is deposited
and secured along the median longitudinal axis of the web 1. This
string 7 has a larger length than that of the web 1, so as to
protrude on either side of the web 1. Thus, this string 7 forms the
means for removing the web 1.
[0077] Of course, this step for depositing and securing the string
7 could alternatively be made before cutting out the notches 4.
[0078] In FIG. 4, an applicator member made in the form of a
tubular body 8 delimiting a hollow internal volume 9 is deposited
on the web 1. This body 8 comprises a side wall having a proximal
end 10 and a distal end 11. The applicator member is disposed so
that, on the one hand, its proximal end 10 protrudes from the web
1, and on the other hand, its distal end 11 rests on the flap 6 and
is situated slightly withdrawn from the transverse axis 5.
[0079] Then, and as shown in FIG. 5, the flap 6' is folded around
the transverse axis 5 and folded down on the applicator member.
[0080] Lastly, an insertion member, made in the form of an
insertion shaft 12, is used to make the central zone 13 of the web
1 penetrate into the internal volume 9 of the body 8. Of course, to
that end an insertion shaft 12 is used whereof the diameter is
smaller than that of the body 8.
[0081] In so doing, the peripheral zone 14 surrounding the central
zone 13 of the web 1 remains outside the body 8, and covers at
least part of the external side wall of the body 8 at its distal
end 11.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 7, the insertion shaft 12 can comprise at
least one conduit 15 and an injection orifice 15' making it
possible to inject a therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent, for
example of the liquid, gel, particulate, micro-particulate, etc,
type. Thus, during insertion of the central zone 13 into the
internal volume 9 using the insertion shaft 12, it is in parallel
possible to inject such an agent on at least part of said central
zone 13.
[0083] Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 8, the insertion shaft
12 can be used to slide a therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent 16,
of the capsule, suppository, cream, or dry vaginal suppository
type, for example, into the internal volume 9 so as to position it
in contact with the central zone 13.
[0084] Alternatively, and as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the device
differs from that covered by FIG. 8 inasmuch as the web 1 is
longer. In so doing, during use, when the applicator member 8 abuts
at the back of the vaginal cavity (not shown), part of the central
zone 13 of the web 1 remains in the internal volume 9 and defines a
pouch 30 therein in which the agent 16 remains housed. After
removing the applicator member 8, and as shown diagrammatically in
FIG. 11, this pouch makes it possible to keep the agent 16 in
contact with the zone to be treated at the back of the vaginal
cavity.
[0085] Furthermore, this pouch 30 makes it possible to collect part
of the discharges that are produced, in particular due to the
decomposition of the agent 16.
[0086] The method for manufacturing a device according to a second
embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, differs
from the first embodiment only as regards the step for integrating
the removal means.
[0087] More specifically, and as illustrated in FIG. 15, after
having folded the flap 6' down on the flap 6, a string 7, of the
chain stitch type, is deposited and loosely bent along each of the
two longitudinal edges 3 of the web 1.
[0088] In this embodiment, the strings 7 thus also form lateral
connecting means of the flaps 6, 6', so that the distal end 11 of
the body 8 cannot be laterally extracted from the web 1.
[0089] The method for manufacturing a device according to a third
embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, differs
from the previous two embodiments primarily as regards the step for
incorporating the removal means.
[0090] More specifically, and as shown in FIG. 22, a string 7 is
disposed on the web 1 at the transverse axis 5. It should be noted
that this string 7 can be secured on the surface of the web 1, or
in the thickness of the web 1 if that thickness is sufficient. The
attachment of the string 7 to the web 1 can be obtained by welding,
ultrasound welding, sewing, weaving, knotting (lasso or choker
type), adhesion, or any means allowing an effective connection and
allowable with the expected usage of the device.
[0091] The web 1 is then positioned on the distal end 11, as shown
in FIG. 23, while taking care to insert the string 7 into the
hollow body 8 of the applicator member.
[0092] It then suffices to pull on the two ends of the string 7 to
cause an optimal insertion of the central zone 13 of the web 1 into
the body 8, as shown in FIG. 24. Alternatively, or additionally, an
insertion member 12 may be used to insert said central zone 13 into
the body 8.
[0093] FIGS. 17 to 21 show the successive intromission steps of a
device according to the invention in a vaginal cavity 17 of a
user.
[0094] In FIG. 17, the user has grasped the device by the proximal
end 10 of the body 8, and introduces the distal end 11 opposite the
vaginal wall 18.
[0095] In FIG. 18, the distal end 11 has started to penetrate the
vaginal cavity 17 after the vaginal wall 18 has moved away. In so
doing, the vaginal wall 18 exerts an annular pressure on the
peripheral zone 14 of the web 1 disposed around the distal end 11.
This pressure being substantial enough to pinch the peripheral zone
14 on the distal end 11, the thrust exerted by the user on the
applicator member, so as to force the latter to translate along the
vaginal cavity 17, thereby causes the unrolling of the web 1 by
extraction of the central zone 13 of the web 1 from the internal
volume 9. During this unrolling of the web 1, it is very
interesting to note that no friction is generated between the web 1
and the vaginal wall 18 since the web 1 does not translate. This
therefore makes it possible to greatly decrease the risk of lesions
or irritations of the vaginal wall 18.
[0096] When the web 1 is completely unrolled, i.e. when the central
zone 13 of the web 1 is therefore completely dislodged from the
internal volume 9, the web 1 accompanies the translation of the
applicator member until the web 1 is disposed suitably within the
vaginal cavity 17 (FIG. 20). The friction surface between the web 1
and the vaginal wall 18 is therefore minimal during this step.
[0097] It should be noted that the method for manufacturing a
device according to the third embodiment makes it possible to
obtain specific crucial advantages.
[0098] First, the string 7 being housed in the body 8, as a result
the string 7 no longer engages in friction with the vaginal wall 18
during the sliding of the applicator member. For the same reason,
there is no risk of the string 7 remaining stuck between the
applicator member and the user's fingers.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 21, the user then need only remove the
applicator member through a reverse translation movement. The web 1
remains in place in the vaginal cavity 17.
[0100] The user then need only pull on the removal means 7 to
remove the web 1 when necessary.
[0101] FIGS. 25 to 27 specify how the web 1, obtained according to
the third embodiment of the invention, is removed from the vaginal
cavity 17.
[0102] In FIG. 25, the web 1 is shown as introduced into the
vaginal cavity 17. Unlike all of the known tampon systems, the
attachment zone of the string 7 to the web 1 is then as deep as
possible in the vaginal cavity 17.
[0103] During the removal, and as shown in FIG. 26, the central
zone 13 of the web 1 gradually moves backward due to the pulling
force exerted on the string 7. The web 1 is thus invaginated during
the removal step.
[0104] In FIG. 27, the flaps 6, 6' gradually unstick from the
vaginal wall 18 during the removal of the central zone 13, thereby
limiting the irritations due to the removal forces. In fact, in the
known tampon systems, the attachment zone of the string 7 being
situated near the outlet orifice of the vaginal cavity 17, it
results that the removal forces applied on the tampon are shearing
forces, sources of irritation of and sometimes damage to the
vaginal wall 18.
[0105] It is preferable to provide an attachment of the string 7 on
only part of the width of the web 1, so that the backward movement
of the central zone 13 causes a gradual unsticking of the
longitudinal edges 3 toward the back and center of the web 1.
Furthermore, this removal movement will make it possible to capture
the discharges and secretions inside the invaginated web 1,
consequently making the removal act more clean and comfortable for
the user, since stains will not come into direct contact with the
outside of the vaginal cavity 17.
[0106] FIGS. 28 to 30 are longitudinal diagrammatic cross-sectional
views illustrating the successive steps of freeing an agent 16, of
the dry vaginal suppository type for example, equipping a specific
applicator member. More specifically, this applicator member has a
distal end 11 made in the form of a substantially conical segment:
[0107] having a passage section whereof the diameter is smaller
than that of the body 8. As a result, this conical segment allows
better intromission without hurting the vaginal wall 18, [0108]
being designed so as to have a radial elasticity. It is thus
possible to slide or introduce an agent 18 easily into the pouch 30
owing to the radial flexibility of the conical segment.
[0109] This conical segment facilitates the manipulation of the
device by the user as it makes it possible to keep the agent 16 in
the pouch 30, even in the case of a wrong movement by the user.
[0110] A tubular release member 40 having a conical pushing end 41
is slid inside the body 8. During the sliding of the release member
40 into the body 8, the pushing end 41 comes into contact with the
central zone 13 and the agent 16, driving the latter until it is
freed outside the pouch 30.
[0111] As shown in detail in FIG. 31, the body 8 advantageously has
a reduced thickness of material at the conical segment of the
distal end 11 relative to the rest of said body 8, and the distal
end 11 has a bead 50.
[0112] In this way, the conical segment has an increased
deformation capacity allowing it to conform naturally to the
geometry of the vaginal cavity during the intromission of the
device, and the presence of the bead 50 at the end makes it
possible to avoid excessive radial crushing of the conical segment
during the intromission. In so doing, it is thus possible to still
further reduce any risk of untimely injury of the vaginal wall by
friction.
[0113] Furthermore, the substantially circular geometry in
cross-section of the bead 50 greatly facilitates the unrolling of
the web 1 during the intromission. The forces to be applied on the
web to cause it to unroll can therefore be greatly reduced.
[0114] Such a type of body 8 is particularly appropriate to deliver
an agent 16.
[0115] Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 32, a body 8 of another
device according to the invention can be made so as to have a
globally cylindrical general shape.
[0116] As previously described, the body 8 advantageously has a
reduced material thickness at the distal end 11 relative to the
rest of said body 8, and the distal end 11 has a bead 50.
[0117] In general, and so as to facilitate the placement of the web
1 in the vaginal wall, it may be advantageous to use a web 1
having, on the one hand, a "velvet"-type surface intended to come
into contact with the vagina during intromission and favoring
adhesion between the web 1 and the vaginal wall, and on the other
hand, another smooth surface with exemplary sliding so as to
decrease the resistance or friction with the distal end 11 of the
body 8.
[0118] Although the invention has been described relative to
specific embodiments, it is of course in no way limited thereto and
comprises all technical equivalents of the described means as well
as combinations thereof if they are within the scope of the
invention.
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