JP2009532120A - Applicator device - Google Patents

Abstract

A tampon applicator having an improved locking mechanism is provided.
An applicator device capable of accommodating an insertable element is a plunger member slidably engaged with an insertion member, the plunger member having an insertion end and a gripper end. Including. The gripper end of the plunger member consists of a locking mechanism having a diameter larger than the diameter of the plunger member. The insertion member also includes a locking mechanism that can engage a locking mechanism of the plunger member that can prevent the plunger member from being pulled out.
[Selection] Figure 2A

Description

Disclosure details

(Field of the Invention)
The present invention relates generally to an applicator having a locking / snapping mechanism and capable of receiving an insertable element, and in particular, the insertable element is suitably deployed. Related to a tampon applicator that gives the user a tactile perceptual cue indicating that it has been fully released, for example.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As is known in the art, an applicator is used to contain an object intended to be inserted into a body cavity, such as a tampon, and to release the object into an intended orifice. . Typically, the applicator includes an insertion member and a plunger. An object to be released from the applicator, such as a tampon, is positioned in the insertion member. The insertion member has a first end for inserting a tampon and a second end for receiving a plunger. To use the applicator, the user properly positions the first end, grasps the insertion member, and pushes the plunger into the insertion member toward the first end to insert the tampon. . Various applicators use visual marks to determine when the contents of the applicator have been completely released.

  Various locking mechanism configurations have been proposed to facilitate handling of the applicator and to improve applicator insertion. One approach is a tampon applicator as disclosed in US Pat. No. 2,587,717, where the locking mechanism is a locking ear punched inwardly in the barrel, and a plunger. And a plunger having a locking handle that faces inward and enters the inside of the plunger. Locking occurs when both handles engage each other and the plunger is prevented from being removed due to the barrel locking handle grabbing the open area created by the plunger locking handle. Another approach is a tampon applicator as disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,347,234, which includes an applicator with means for stabilizing the position of the inner tube by the outer tube. This stabilizer means may be in the form of a small detent or flap that extends downward and forward from the outer tube. This detent prevents the inner tube from being pulled backwards from the outer tube, but does not prevent the inner tube from moving forward relative to the outer tube.

  Although these designs work well for their intended purpose, there remains a need for tampon applicators with improved locking mechanisms. Accordingly, the design of the present invention is an applicator with an improved locking mechanism comprised of an insertion member, a plunger member, and a compatible locking mechanism for each member, the locking mechanism being It is believed to provide an applicator that improves the user's insertion experience and gives the user a visual cue when locked.

  Citation of any document in this specification shall not be construed as an admission that the document is prior art to the present invention.

[Summary of the Invention]
An applicator device capable of accommodating an insertable element includes an insertion member having an insertion end and an opposite gripper end, and is insertable into the gripper end of the insertion member, and the insertion end and opposite side A plunger having a plurality of gripper ends and a locking mechanism including at least one plunger locking element and at least one insertion member locking element. The plunger has a first position substantially accommodated in the insertion member with the insertion end of the plunger positioned toward the insertion end of the insertion member, and a first position substantially withdrawn from the insertion member. It can slide between the two positions in the insertion member. At least one plunger locking element and at least one insertion member locking element can engage when the plunger is placed in the first position. In one embodiment, the at least one plunger locking element is spaced from the gripper end of the plunger and the at least one insertion member locking element is spaced from the gripper end of the insertion member. In another embodiment, the at least one plunger locking element is positioned proximate to the plunger gripper end and the at least one insertion member locking element is positioned proximate to the insertion member gripper end. It has been.

  A method of inserting an element into a body cavity includes the steps of inserting an applicator into the body cavity, sliding the applicator plunger into the insertion member, and a device insertable from the insertion end of the applicator. And releasing into the body cavity and withdrawing the applicator from the body cavity by withdrawing the plunger of the applicator. An applicator comprising: an insertion member having an insertion end and an opposite gripper end; and a plunger insertable into the gripper end of the insertion member and having an insertion end and an opposite gripper end. And a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes at least one plunger locking element and at least one insertion member locking element. At least one plunger locking element engages at least one insertion member locking element. Again, the plunger is substantially withdrawn from the insertion member, with the first position generally contained within the insertion member, with the insertion end of the plunger positioned toward the insertion end of the insertion member. Between the second positions in the insertion member. Preferably, detecting the engagement of the at least one plunger locking element and the at least one insertion member locking element allows the user to confirm proper deployment of the insertable device within the body cavity. To do. Engagement of the at least one plunger locking element and the at least one insertion member locking element continues while the plunger is withdrawn so as to also remove the insertion member.

  An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Detailed Description of the Invention
The term “applicator” as used herein and in the claims refers to a mechanism or instrument that facilitates the insertion of a tampon or other structure into the outer orifice of a mammal. The term includes, but is not limited to, any known, hygienic designed applicator that can receive a tampon and can be used to insert a tampon. Tubes and plungers, as well as small applicators, applicators for delivering drugs to an area for disease prevention or treatment, spectroscopes that contain a micro camera at the tip connected by an optical fiber, any design Speculums, tendons, tubes for examining the ear canal, narrow hollow pipes for guiding surgical instruments, and the like.

  As used herein and in the claims, the term “tampon” is intended to absorb fluid from the vaginal canal or other body cavities, to aid wound healing, or to deliver active agents or fluids such as drugs. And any type of absorbent structure that is inserted into the vaginal canal or other body cavity. The tampon can be compressed into a generally cylindrical configuration in the radial direction, axially along the longitudinal axis, or both radially and axially. The tampon can be compressed into a generally cylindrical configuration, although other shapes are possible. These other shapes may include rectangles, triangles, trapezoids, semi-circles, constricted shapes, serpentine shapes, or shapes with cross sections that may be referred to as other suitable shapes. The tampon has an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a length, a width, a longitudinal axis, and a radial axis. The length of the tampon may be measured from the insertion end to the withdrawal end along the longitudinal axis.

  As used herein and in the claims, the term “rigidity” and related terms refer to the longitudinal stability of the device. Usually specified as a unit of stiffness is the force (N / cm) required to compress an element by a specific length in the length direction.

  As used herein and in the claims, the term “hole” and variations thereof are openings in the surface of the tubular insertion device, at the edges of the openings, at least at the front and rear of the openings. Means an opening that forms a break in the tube-forming material at the edge. Thereby, the holes are relatively abrupt, finger-accepting edges that accept the fingers to frictionally resist movement of the user's fingers in response to longitudinal forces on the device. I will provide a.

  Although the present invention generally relates to an applicator device having a tubular insertion member, the following detailed description specifically refers to a locking tampon applicator for ease of understanding. Those skilled in the art include applicators for other intravaginal devices such as collection cups, expandable fillings or cups, and the like; incontinence devices; suppositories; nasal packing; Other applications of the present invention will be recognized, but not limited thereto.

  The present invention relates to an applicator for delivering a substance into a body cavity, comprising an elongated insertion member and a plunger member having a locking mechanism for at least partial insertion into the body cavity. The elongated insertion member has an insertion end and an opposite gripper end. The plunger member has an insertion end and an opposite gripper end.

  Referring to the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like elements, and FIG. 1 shows an applicator 10 comprising a tubular insertion member 12 having an insertion end 14 and a gripper end 16, wherein FIG. 1 depicts an applicator 10 suitable for housing an insertable device 18 for use with the device. The insertion end 14 may include a plurality of inwardly curved petals 20 that form a generally closed insertion end, the gripper end 16 being used for an applicator. It may have a structure 22 for enhancing a person's grip. The applicator 10 also includes a plunger member 24 having an insertion end 26 that can be inserted into the tubular insertion member 12 and that can compress the device 18. The plunger member 24 terminates at a gripper end 28 opposite the insertion end 26 that is manipulated to move the insertion end 26 within the tubular insertion member 12. be able to. The insertion end 26 of the plunger member 24 is arranged and configured to be slidably introduced into the tubular insertion member 12 through the gripper end 16 of the tubular insertion member 12.

  The applicator 10 or other tubular device of the present invention can have the form of a tube or a cross-section useful for containing an object to be inserted. The shape of the insertable device 18 to be accommodated often indicates the shape of the tubular insertion member 12, although deviations from this general rule may be made. Accordingly, the tubular insertion member 12 can exhibit many cross-sectional shapes including, but not limited to, circular, elliptical, polygonal (eg, trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular) and the like. For example, a cylindrical tampon may be housed in a rectangular insert, a trapezoid tampon (such as the tampon disclosed in Van Iten et al. US Pat. No. 5,350,371), and a cup tampon (Bailey U.S. Pat. No. 2,330,257, etc.) may be housed in a generally cylindrical insert. In addition, the insertion member 12 may be substantially elongated, curved, or flexible, or the insertion member 12 may exhibit other shapes that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Good. The particular form itself is not critical to the practice of the invention. In addition, the edge (both complete and incomplete) of the tubular device may be a standard flat edge that coincides with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular device. .

  The applicator device of the present invention may be made of materials known to those skilled in the art. In general, the applicator may be made of plastic or paper. Plastic materials include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polycaprolactone, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, cellophane, US Pat. No. 5,910, Dabi et al. (Incorporated herein by reference). PHBVs such as those disclosed in US Pat. No. 520, starch based polymers including those disclosed in Dabi et al. US Pat. No. 5,910,520, and the like, but are not limited to these. The expulsion member may be formed as a solid element or a tubular element.

  Paper materials include, but are not limited to, cardboard, cardboard, cup stock, paper, and the like. The paper may be a single layer of material, or it may be a plurality of laminated layers to provide multiple benefits for the various layers. The laminated paper material can include plastic, wax, silicone, lubricant, and the like surface layers or coatings that increase comfort for the user during insertion and withdrawal. Can be useful to do. The plastic coating can include, but is not limited to, the plastic materials listed above. The laminated paper material can also include additional layers such as adhesive layers, tie layers, and the like.

  An example of such a surface layer is disclosed in Blanchard US Pat. No. 6,171,426. A representative non-limiting list of useful materials to be used as the surface layer includes waxes, cellophanes, polyolefins, polyesters, epoxy resins, and the like. The surface layer can also include heat stabilizers, pigments, fragrances, surfactants, antimicrobial agents, drugs, and the like.

  Typical dimensions for each of the tubular insert member and the plunger member include a length of about 50 mm to about 100 mm, a diameter of about 8 mm to about 16 mm, and a thickness of about 0.4 mm to about 0.6 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the plunger member is smaller than the diameter of the tubular insertion member, allowing a telescoping arrangement of these two members.

  The tubular insert of the applicator provided by the present invention is preferably substantially closed before the substance contained in the tubular insert is expelled. Alternatively, the insertion end of the applicator may be somewhat open, i.e. the diameter along the length of the tubular insertion member is approximately equal to the diameter of the insertion end. Procter & Gamble, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio, currently sells an open-ended tampon applicator under the trade name TAMPAX® washable applicator tampon.

  For the purpose of facilitating insertion and removal of the applicator 10 from the body, a locking mechanism 30 is provided to fix the insertion member and the plunger together for removal. The mechanism includes at least one plunger locking element 32 and at least one insertion member locking element 34. Each of these locking elements may be remote from the gripper ends of their corresponding members, for example, at least one plunger locking element 34 is located in the central portion of the plunger 24 or of the plunger 24 It may be located close to the insertion end 26. Instead, in the preferred embodiment, at least one plunger locking element 32 is positioned proximate the gripper end 28 of the plunger 24. Such an arrangement engages at least one insert member locking element 34 proximate the gripper end 16 of the insert member 12.

  Useful locking mechanisms can include any one or more of the following.

  The system (FIG. 2), wherein the plunger member 24a has a raised ring 32a with a taper lead 40a on the outer diameter of the plunger member near the finger grip end 28. This raised ring 32a is a system that can move over at least one elastic element, for example, an elastic member or spring wire forming a chord inside the insertion member. More specifically, FIG. 2B shows the insertion member 12a with the locking mechanism 34a in a relaxed position without the plunger member 24a. FIG. 2C shows this type of engaged locking mechanism with the insertion member locking mechanism 34a in the extended position distorted by the plunger member 24a after passing the plunger member locking mechanism 32a. ing.

  The system (FIG. 3), wherein the plunger member 24b has a raised ring 32b with a tapered outlet 40b on the outer diameter of the plunger member near the finger grip end 28, The raised ring 32b is capable of moving beyond at least one inner raised ring 34b on the inner surface of the insertion member 12b. The plunger member 24b and the insertion member 12b are held together by the interference between the inner raised portion and the outer raised portion. Of course, a raised ring with a tapered outlet may be placed on the inner surface of the insertion member with a corresponding ring provided on the outer surface of the plunger.

  A detent system can also be used.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the plunger member 24c has a spring-loaded raised detent element 32c that extends beyond the outer diameter of the plunger member near the finger grip end 28; The insertion member 12c has a coupling groove or gap 34c on its inner surface and houses the detent element 32c. The plunger member 24c and the insertion member 12c are held together by the interference between the spring-detent element 32c and the groove 34c.

  In another example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the plunger member 24 is one or more protrusions in the form of a ring or point on the outer surface of the plunger member near the gripper end 28. 32e and 32f. When assembled, the protrusions 32e, 32f can be coupled with corresponding grooves 34e, 34f on the inner surface of the insertion member 12 to hold the insertion member 12 and the plunger member 24 together for withdrawal. Such an arrangement may provide an opportunity to orient the insertable device 18 within the applicator and deliver the insertable device 18 to the body cavity in the desired orientation. In this embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the raised protrusion 32f can be rotated to align with the coupling recess or gap 34f on the inner surface of the insert 12. One or more of these raised features may have a tapered lead-out surface, such as the lead-out surface 40f of the protrusion 32f, which is in first contact with the other element of the connecting structure. Help guide these elements, passing each other. FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view along line BB in FIG. 6A as viewed toward the gripper end 16 of the insertion member 12. This figure shows a plurality of fins 42 extending from the inner surface of the insertion member 12 to stabilize the plunger member 24 within the insertion member 12.

  A similar system, for example as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, includes one or more raised elements on both the insertion member 12 and the plunger member 24. Specifically, the plunger member 24g has a raised ring 32g with a tapered outlet 40g on the outer surface of the plunger member near the gripper end 28, as shown in FIG. It can move into and beyond the inner raised ribs 34g on the inner surface of the member 12g. Instead, as shown in FIG. 7B, the plunger member 24h has a plurality of raised rings 32h on its outer surface, and the insertion member 12h has a plurality of peripheral grooves 34h. In another variation shown in FIG. 7C, the insert member groove 34h can be replaced with a plurality of raised rings 34i to interact with the plunger member ring 34i as previously described (one The raised rings of the elements are generally stable in the gap between the rings of connecting elements). An axial orientation is not necessary for proper functioning of these embodiments.

  The foregoing describes the elements in the plunger or barrel, and those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the individual coupling elements can be transferred from the plunger to the barrel and from the barrel to the plunger. .

  The elastic outer lip system (FIG. 8) uses a plunger member 24j, which has a plunger member 24j having an outer diameter at its gripper end 28, which is inserted into the insertion member 12j. It is larger than the outer diameter portion of the gripper end portion 16. However, the outer lip 32j of the gripper end 28 of the plunger member has a smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter of the gripper end 16 of the insert member. Thus, the outer lip 32j of the plunger member extends over the gripper end 16 of the insertion member, and this outer lip 32j engages the outer rim 34j of the insertion member 12j to engage the plunger member 24j and the insertion member 12j. Hold together.

  The interference fit system (FIG. 9) uses a plunger member 24 having a tapered shaft portion 32k and the outer diameter of the plunger member 24k as the tapered shaft portion 32k approaches the gripper end 28 of the plunger member. The part can be increased. When the plunger member 24k is pushed into the insertion member 12, the plunger member 24k and the insertion member are caused by interference between the tapered shaft portion 24k of the plunger member 24k and the inner diameter portion 34k of the gripper end portion 16 of the insertion member. 12 are held together.

  A thread system is shown in FIG. The plunger member 24m has a thread 32m, and the insertion member 12m has a thread 34m. The plunger member 24m and the insertion member 12m are held together by screwing the two members 12m and 24m together.

Insertion end connection system (FIGS. 11 and 12):
In one embodiment, plunger member 24n has an enlarged diameter at insertion end 26n and gripper end 28n. When the plunger member 24n is fully inserted into the insertion member 12, the expanded insertion end flange 32n can fit into the recess 34n at the base of the petal 20 of the insertion member.

  In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the plunger member 24o again has an enlarged diameter at the insertion end 26o and the gripper end 28o. The plunger member 24o of this embodiment is longer than the plunger member 24n of the previous embodiment, and when the plunger member 24o is fully inserted into the insertion member 12, the enlarged insertion end flange 32o. Can extend beyond the petal 20 of the insertion member. Once the enlarged plunger insertion end 26o extends beyond the petal 20, the petals 20 return toward their natural rounded position to hold the plunger member 24o and the insertion member 12 together. be able to.

・ Joint detent system:
In one embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the plunger member 24p includes a plurality of holes 32p arranged proximate its gripper end 28. These holes 32p may be arranged in various patterns, and in one particular embodiment, these holes 32p are arranged along a helical path on the tube of the plunger member. The insertion member 12p has at least one flexible detent 34p that is directed toward the longitudinal axis of the insertion member 12p and toward the insertion end 14 of the insertion member. Extend. When the plunger member 24p is pushed into the insertion member 12p, the flexible detent 34p bends. When a removal force is applied to the plunger member 24p, the flexible detent 34p is arranged and configured to extend into the at least one hole 32p to prevent the plunger member 24p from being pulled out. .

  O Hook and Loop (Fig. 14)-Plunger member 24q has a barbed hook 32q on its outer surface near its gripper end 28, and insert member 12q has a snug open loop 34q. Have. When the plunger member 24q is pushed into the insertion member 12q, the hook 32q moves past the loop 34q. When the plunger member 24q is pulled out, the hook 32q grasps the loop 43q to prevent the plunger member 24q from being pulled out.

  Barrel Tang (Fig. 15)-Plunger member 24r has at least one slot 32r near its gripper end 28. The insertion member 12r has at least one protrusion 34r, and this protrusion 34r is biased toward the longitudinal axis of the insertion member 12r and toward the insertion end 14. When assembled, the non-slotted portion of plunger member 24r pushes at least one protrusion 34r. However, when the plunger member 24r is used to release the insertable device 18 and is fully inserted into the insertion member 12r, the at least one protrusion 34r is aligned with the at least one slot 32r. Thus, at least one protrusion 34r can be provided in at least one slot 32r. Thereby, both the plunger member 24r and the insertion member 12r are held.

  In another embodiment, detents and receiving holes are used (FIG. 16). At least one detent 32s extends from the plunger member gripper end 28 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plunger member 24s. At least one detent 32s has an enlarged lateral dimension 44s distal to the attachment to the gripper end 28 of the plunger member. At least one hole 34s in the gripper end 16 of the insertion member is aligned with at least one detent 32s, and at least one detent 32s is fully inserted during insertion of the plunger member 24s into the insertion member 12s. And has a transverse dimension 46s arranged and configured to cooperate. The at least one detent 32s and the hole 34s are deformed to allow the enlarged lateral dimension 44s to fully enter the at least one hole 34s to hold the plunger member 24s and the insertion member 12s together. .

  O Toggle (FIG. 17) —The insertion member 12t has a hinged toggle 34t that pivots into the detent or recess 32t of the plunger member 24t. When the plunger member 24t is fully inserted into the insertion member 12t to hold the plunger member 24t in place, the raised portion 48t is detented 32t toward the insertion end 26 of the plunger member. Away from.

  One piece (FIG. 18) —The insertion member 12u and the plunger member 24u can be molded together and joined by a thin portion 30u as shown in FIG. 18A. When the plunger member 24u is inserted into the insertion member 12u, the thin portion 30u extends and then folds over the thin portion 30u itself, as shown in FIG. 18B. When the plunger member 24u is fully inserted into the insertion member 12u, the elongated thin portion 30u becomes straight and returns to a reduced diameter, as shown in FIG. 18C. Thereby, both the insertion member 12u and the plunger member 24u are held.

  In use, the plunger member 24 is arranged and configured for slidable movement within the insertion member 12. The locking mechanism 30 includes at least one plunger locking element 32 and at least one insertion member locking element 34. When the plunger locking element 32 and the insert member locking element 34 are engaged, the user senses the engagement or at least recognizes full engagement of the members 12, 24 by resistance to further movement. Can do. This allows the user to see when the insertable device 18 has been completely released. The locking mechanism 30 also holds the plunger member 24 completely inside the insertion member 12 so that the plunger member 24 and the insertion member 12 are separated while the applicator 10 is removed from the user's body. prevent. Although the particular tube configuration is not critical, a locking mechanism 30 provided at least on a portion of the insertion member 12 can be made to prevent the locking mechanism 30 from separating the insertion member 12 and the plunger member 24.

  Again, the insertion member 12 is sized and configured to accommodate an insertable element, such as an absorbent tampon 18. The insertion member 12 should have a substantially smooth outer surface, which will facilitate the insertion of the insertion member 12 into, for example, a female vagina. If this outer surface is smooth and / or slippery, the insertion member 12 will easily slide into the female vagina without scratching the internal tissue of the vagina. The insert member 12 may be coated to provide the insert member 12 with high slip characteristics. Wax, polyethylene, a combination of wax and polyethylene, cellophane, clay, mica, and other lubricants are representative coatings that can be applied to the insert member 12 to facilitate comfortable insertion.

  The applicator of the present invention can be formed by first providing an insertion member 12 having an insertion end 14 and a gripper end 16. Next, a plunger member 24 having an insertion end 26 and a gripper end 28 is provided. A radially extending protrusion 32 may be formed proximate to the gripper end 28 of the plunger member. In some embodiments, this protrusion 32 may be formed proximate to the insertion end 26 of the plunger member.

  The foregoing specification and embodiments have been presented to aid in a complete and non-limiting understanding of the invention disclosed herein. Since many variations and embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Embodiment
(1) In an applicator device that can accommodate an insertable element,
a. An insertion member having an insertion end and an opposite gripper end;
b. A plunger insertable into the gripper end of the insertion member and having an insertion end and an opposite gripper end;
c. A locking mechanism including at least one plunger locking element and at least one insertion member locking element;
Including
(1) The plunger has a first position substantially accommodated in the insertion member in a state where the insertion end portion of the plunger is placed toward the insertion end portion of the insertion member; Slidable in the insertion member between a second position substantially withdrawn from the insertion member;
(2) the at least one plunger locking element and the at least one insertion member locking element are arranged and configured to engage when the plunger is placed in the first position; Applicator device.
(2) In the applicator device according to Embodiment 1,
The at least one plunger locking element is remote from the gripper end of the plunger;
The applicator device, wherein the at least one insertion member locking element is remote from the gripper end of the insertion member.
(3) In the applicator device according to Embodiment 1,
The at least one plunger locking element is positioned proximate to the gripper end of the plunger;
The applicator device, wherein the at least one insertion member locking element is positioned proximate to the gripper end of the insertion member.
(4) In the applicator device according to Embodiment 1,
The applicator device, wherein the at least one insertion member locking element is located on an inner surface of the insertion member.
(5) In the applicator device according to Embodiment 1,
The applicator device, wherein the at least one plunger locking element includes a raised element.

(6) In the applicator device according to Embodiment 5,
The applicator device, wherein the raised elements include radial protrusions.
(7) In the applicator device according to Embodiment 1,
The applicator device, wherein the at least one plunger locking element includes a recess.
(8) In the applicator device according to Embodiment 1,
The applicator device, wherein the at least one insertion member locking element includes a raised element.
(9) In the applicator device according to Embodiment 8,
The applicator device, wherein the raised elements include radial ledges.
(10) In the applicator device according to Embodiment 1,
The applicator device, wherein the at least one insertion member locking element includes a recess.

(11) In a method for inserting an element into a body cavity,
a. Inserting an applicator into the body cavity, the applicator comprising:
i. An insertion member having an insertion end and an opposite gripper end;
ii. A plunger insertable into the gripper end of the insertion member and having an insertion end and an opposite gripper end; and
iii. A locking mechanism comprising at least one plunger locking element and at least one insertion member locking element;
Including
The plunger has a first position substantially accommodated in the insertion member, with the insertion end of the plunger being placed toward the insertion end of the insertion member, and the insertion member. Slidable within the insertion member between a second position substantially withdrawn from
Steps,
b. Sliding the plunger of the applicator into the insertion member to engage the at least one plunger locking element with the at least one insertion member locking element;
c. Releasing an insertable device from the insertion end of the applicator into the body cavity;
d. Withdrawing the applicator from the body cavity by withdrawing the plunger of the applicator;
Including a method.
(12) In the method according to embodiment 11,
Detecting engagement of the at least one plunger locking element and the at least one insertion member locking element, thereby communicating to the user that the insertable device has been properly deployed in the body cavity;
Further comprising a method.
(13) In the method according to embodiment 11,
The method wherein the at least one plunger locking element and the at least one insertion member locking element remain engaged while the plunger is withdrawn.

FIG. 1A is a side view of an applicator according to the present invention including a tubular insertion member and a plunger member disposed therein. FIG. 1B is a partial side view of the applicator of FIG. 1A after the plunger member is fully inserted into the insertion member. 2A is a longitudinal section through the device according to FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the device along line 2-2 of FIG. 2A. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the device along line 2-2 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7C is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a partially cut away longitudinal section view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the insertion end and gripper end of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the insertion end and gripper end of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13A is a side view of an alternative plunger member of the present invention. FIG. 13B is a view of the gripper end of an alternative insertion member of the present invention. FIG. 14A is a side view of an alternative plunger member of the present invention. FIG. 14B is a view of the gripper end of an alternative insertion member of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17A is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of one stage in which a plunger member is inserted into an insertion member, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17A is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of another stage in which a plunger member is inserted into an insertion member, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18A is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of one stage in which a plunger member is inserted into an insertion member, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18B is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of another stage in which a plunger member is inserted into an insertion member, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18C is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of yet another stage in which a plunger member is inserted into an insertion member, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (13)

In an applicator device capable of accommodating an insertable element,
a. An insertion member having an insertion end and an opposite gripper end;
b. A plunger insertable into the gripper end of the insertion member and having an insertion end and an opposite gripper end;
c. A locking mechanism including at least one plunger locking element and at least one insertion member locking element;
Including
(1) The plunger has a first position substantially accommodated in the insertion member in a state where the insertion end portion of the plunger is placed toward the insertion end portion of the insertion member; Slidable in the insertion member between a second position substantially withdrawn from the insertion member;
(2) the at least one plunger locking element and the at least one insertion member locking element are arranged and configured to engage when the plunger is placed in the first position; Applicator device. The applicator device according to claim 1.
The at least one plunger locking element is remote from the gripper end of the plunger;
The applicator device, wherein the at least one insertion member locking element is remote from the gripper end of the insertion member. The applicator device according to claim 1.
The at least one plunger locking element is positioned proximate to the gripper end of the plunger;
The applicator device, wherein the at least one insertion member locking element is positioned proximate to the gripper end of the insertion member. The applicator device according to claim 1.
The applicator device, wherein the at least one insertion member locking element is located on an inner surface of the insertion member. The applicator device according to claim 1.
The applicator device, wherein the at least one plunger locking element includes a raised element. The applicator device according to claim 5,
The applicator device, wherein the raised elements include radial protrusions. The applicator device according to claim 1.
The applicator device, wherein the at least one plunger locking element includes a recess. The applicator device according to claim 1.
The applicator device, wherein the at least one insertion member locking element includes a raised element. The applicator device according to claim 8,
The applicator device, wherein the raised elements include radial ledges. The applicator device according to claim 1.
The applicator device, wherein the at least one insertion member locking element includes a recess. In a method of inserting an element into a body cavity,
a. Inserting an applicator into the body cavity, the applicator comprising:
i. An insertion member having an insertion end and an opposite gripper end;
ii. A plunger insertable into the gripper end of the insertion member and having an insertion end and an opposite gripper end; and
iii. A locking mechanism comprising at least one plunger locking element and at least one insertion member locking element;
Including
The plunger has a first position substantially accommodated in the insertion member, with the insertion end of the plunger being placed toward the insertion end of the insertion member, and the insertion member. Slidable within the insertion member between a second position substantially withdrawn from
Steps,
b. Sliding the plunger of the applicator into the insertion member to engage the at least one plunger locking element with the at least one insertion member locking element;
c. Releasing an insertable device from the insertion end of the applicator into the body cavity;
d. Withdrawing the applicator from the body cavity by withdrawing the plunger of the applicator;
Including a method. The method of claim 11, wherein
Detecting engagement of the at least one plunger locking element and the at least one insertion member locking element, thereby communicating to the user that the insertable device has been properly deployed in the body cavity;
Further comprising a method. The method of claim 11, wherein
The method wherein the at least one plunger locking element and the at least one insertion member locking element remain engaged while the plunger is withdrawn.

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