EP2488138A1

EP2488138A1 - Applicator for inserting an elongated object into a human or animal body orifice

Info

Publication number: EP2488138A1
Application number: EP10766213A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Conroy; Axel Hammen
Original assignee: Marlafin AG
Current assignee: Marlafin AG
Priority date: 2009-10-14
Filing date: 2010-10-13
Publication date: 2012-08-22
Also published as: MX2012004231A; JP2013507202A; IL219084A0; US20120226216A1; CN102655832A; WO2011044707A1; RU2012114479A; CH701982A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator (1) for inserting an elongated object into a human or animal body orifice, comprising a one-piece, elongated applicator body (2). An accommodating area (5) for the object is arranged at a first end (3), and a handle area (6) is arranged at the second area (4). The accommodating area (5) is hollow and is open at the first end (3). At least one slit (9) open at the first end (3) extends from said end (3) in the wall of the accommodating area (5) in order to accommodate a flexible retracting means arranged on an object to be inserted by means of the applicator.

Description

Applicator for inserting an elongate object into a human or animal body orifice

The invention relates to an applicator for inserting an elongate object into a human or animal body opening, comprising a one-piece, elongated applicator body, with a first end having a

A receiving area for the object and a second end with a handle portion, wherein the receiving portion is hollow and open at the first end to enclose the object over part of its length and wherein in the receiving area at least one stop surface is present to the

To limit insertion depth of the article in the receiving area when inserting the article into the applicator and to exert an axial force on the article when inserting the article into the body opening. Such applicators, which do not require an ejector axially displaceable in the applicator, are

for example, for inserting tampons for the

But also may be used to introduce diagnostic or therapeutic devices. Their function is based on the fact that the

Friction between the object and the body tissue is greater than the friction between the object and the body

Pick-up area of the applicator, so that the object upon retraction of the applicator after insertion detaches from the applicator and remains in the body opening.

In patent EP800375B1 is such an applicator

described, which is destined, together with so

sold digital tampons, the User has the option to use the tampons with or without the aid of the applicator.

Tampons, but also the mentioned diagnostic or

Therapeutic devices are usually at their in

Insertion direction rear end with a flexible

Traction means, such as a thread for retraction

Provided tampons or object. In case of.

Diagnostic or therapeutic devices may be the

Traction means also lines, for the transmission of energy and / or signals included.

For tampon applicators, with in the applicator

Tampon be delivered, is the

Retraction thread usually passed through the interior of the applicator and protrudes at the rear end. The

Document US2355628 shows such a tampon-applicator combination. It's obvious that it's for a person to put a tampon themselves in such an applicator

would be difficult to thread the return thread into the applicator as shown in the document.

In the above-mentioned applicator according to EP80.0375B1, a tampon is shown with a Rückzusfaden, see for example in Figure 3 or 9, wherein the thread at the rear end of the tampon is arranged so that its free end hardly protrudes from the end of the tampon. It is not

ensures that the end of the thread protrudes from the body opening after insertion of the tampon and can be easily detected for the purpose of retracting the tampon.

You can imagine a tampon with one

To use the withdrawal thread in an applicator of the type shown in EP800375B1, the thread should be passed over the deflected at the front edge of the receiving area and led backwards so that one end of this thread always protrudes from the body. However, this would have the disadvantage that the thread would have to be formed considerably longer than if it were guided through the interior of the applicator. In a relatively thick and / or rigid retraction means, for example, if lines are housed therein as mentioned above, would be a deflection around the front edge of the applicator

difficult and so redirected withdrawal means would interfere with the insertion of the object.

Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the object to propose an applicator, which is designed so that the person who introduces the object can use this object itself in the applicator and that during and after insertion of the article in a body opening one end of the

Retraction agent remains outside the body. Another object of the invention is to provide a

Applicator to propose the introduction of a

Object with a relatively thick and / or stiff

Retreatment is suitable. Another task of

The invention consists in proposing an applicator suitable for introducing an article with a relatively short retraction means. Finally, it is still an object of the invention to show an applicator which is reusable.

These objects are achieved according to the invention in that at least one slot open in the wall of the receiving area from the first end into the wall of the receiving area

Longitudinal direction of the applicator body extends. This solution has the advantage that an object to be introduced into a body opening with the applicator is inserted into the body

Pick-up area of the applicator can be inserted, that at the rear end of the ^' object attached

Retraction means is placed in the slot, such that one end of the retraction means always remains outside the body opening. By guiding the Rückzugssmitteid through the slot, the outer circumference of the receiving area remains free, so that the retraction means can not interfere with insertion.

According to one embodiment, the slot extends in

Longitudinal direction of the applicator body over the

Stop surface. This ensures that a at the rear end of a used in the applicator 1

Object attached flexible withdrawal means can be performed without too much deflection on the outside of the applicator.

According to further embodiments, the slot has over its length either a constant width or starting from the first end of an increasing width. This will

prevents the insertion of the applicator in a body opening body tissue from the open end of the slot detected and subsequently in the further advancement of the

Applicator is trapped in the slot.

Another embodiment provides that the

Outer diameter of the receiving area, starting from the first end towards the second end increases to a maximum, preferably this maximum is between the first end and the stop surface. This measure causes the opening edge of the receiving area 5 to the lateral surface of a received in him and

appropriately sized object applies and this in the recording area holds. In addition, this embodiment prevents the opening edge of the receiving area from interfering with the insertion of the applicator. Another embodiment is characterized in that the applicator body, starting from the receiving area in

Direction to the second end is tapered. Such a

Designed applicator is easy to handle and slightly retract after insertion. In addition, a can

Retreatment at each stage of the introduction and the

Retraction of the applicator without disturbing run on the outside of the tapered area.

According to a further embodiment, the grip area is formed by an extension at the second end of the applicator body. This extension is useful for inserting and retracting the applicator.

After an additional embodiment is in the

Extension arranged a recess open towards the outer edge of the extension. This allows the inclusion of the flexible retraction means of an object used in the applicator so that it is held during insertion and does not hang disturbing.

In another embodiment, the stop surface is disposed on at least one inwardly projecting recess in the wall of the applicator body. The recess can be designed so that form so-called dirt corners and the applicator is thus easy to clean.

According to an alternative embodiment, the

Stop surface an annular surface on the inside of a circumferential step in the wall of the applicator body. This applicator body is easy to manufacture and also provides the advantage of easy and thorough cleaning with the appropriate rounding of the step transitions.

According to another alternative embodiment, the stop surface is formed on a longitudinal rib projecting inwardly from the wall of the applicator body. Preferably, a plurality of longitudinal ribs on the inner circumference of

Applicator body arranged. The production of this

Applicator is relatively simple in terms of tools.

Yet another embodiment provides that the

Applicator body is hollow over its entire length and the slot extends over the entire length of the applicator body. This embodiment combines the advantages of easy insertion of a flexible retraction means and the central guidance of this retraction means in

Applicator.

Finally, according to another embodiment, the applicator body is made of plastic and is preferably produced by injection molding. This makes the applicator easy to clean and can be reused

Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a side view of a first one

Embodiment of an inventive applicator, a comparison with Figure 1 rotated by 90 degrees side view of the same applicator, a longitudinal section of the first

Embodiment, a view from above of the first

Embodiment, a perspective view of the first

Embodiment, a side view of a second

Embodiment of an inventive applicator, a relation to Figure 6 rotated by 90 degrees side view of the applicator of Figure 6, a longitudinal section of the second

Embodiment, a perspective view of the applicator according to Figures 6 to 8, a side view of a third

Embodiment of an inventive applicator, a relation to Figure 10 rotated by 90 degrees side view of the applicator of Figure 10, a longitudinal section of the third

Embodiment, Figure 13 is a top view of the third

Embodiment, Figure 14 is a perspective view of the third

Embodiment and

FIG. 15 shows a particular embodiment of the grip area which in all embodiments of the invention

Applicator can be applied.

In all drawing figures described below, like reference numerals are used for like parts. The

Figures 1 to 5 show a first embodiment of an inventive applicator 1 in different views. The applicator 1 consists of an elongated

Applicator body 2, which is made in one piece,

for example, plastic injection molding. The applicator body 2 has a first end 3, which is arranged at the top in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5. On the opposite side of the applicator body 2 has a second end 4. At the first end 3 begins a receiving area 5 for a to be introduced with the applicator in a body opening

Subject, for example, a tampon for the

Monthly hygiene of the woman. The receiving portion 5 extends from the first end 3 to three stop surfaces 7. The latter are at the upper end of wells or

Indentations 8 are formed, which are arranged at angular intervals of 120 degrees and from the wall of the

Applicator body 2 extend inwards. As the figures show, the wall of the receiving area is not

hollow cylindrical, but slightly cambered.

As a result, the opening edge of the receiving area is directed slightly inwards and interferes less during insertion. In the Wall of the applicator body, a slot 9 is arranged, which is open at the first end 3 and in the longitudinal direction of the applicator 1 to over the stop surfaces 7 also

extends, as is ^' particularly clear in Figure 2

recognize. At the second end 4 of the applicator body 2 is expanded and forms a handle portion 6, the

especially helpful in retracting the applicator after inserting an article. FIGS. 6 to 9 show a second exemplary embodiment 1 'of the applicator according to the invention. It can be clearly seen that the outer contour of this

Applicator 1 'differs from the outer contour of the applicator of Figures 1 to 5. At the point designated by the reference numeral 10, the applicator body is stepped, so that forms an annular stop surface 7 on the inside.

Figures 10 to 14 show a third embodiment 1 '' of the applicator. The outer contour of this applicator 1 '' here corresponds to that of the example according to Figures 1 to 5. However, in this example, a plurality of the inner circumference at the end of the receiving area 5 distributed longitudinal ribs 11 are provided, pointing to the first end

End faces the stop surfaces 7 are formed.

Finally, FIG. 15 shows in a perspective, fragmentary illustration a particular embodiment of the grip region 6 at the second end 4 of the applicator body. A recess 12, which is open at the edge of the grip area, allows the retention means to be accommodated in the applicator

used article, for example, the thread of a tampon. In this case, the recess 12 is advantageous, as shown in the figure, widened inwards, so that a therein pickled withdrawal agent is not easily recovered from the

Recess 12 falls out.

The handling is the same for all described examples 1, 1 'and 1 "of the applicator and will be described below with reference to a commercially available tampon, for example. A tampon is taken out of its packaging and the

Retraction thread is stretched so that it hangs down loosely. Then the tampon with its back end, to which the withdrawal thread is attached, up to the

Stop surfaces 7 inserted into the receiving area 5 of the applicator, at the same time the withdrawal thread in the

Slot 9 is placed. If in the grip area 6 a

Recess is provided according to Figure 12, .The withdrawal thread can be loosely inserted into this, so that the thread is guided along the outside of the applicator body and does not interfere with the subsequent insertion. Due to the slightly inwardly opening edge at the open end of the receiving area 5 of the tampon in the applicator

held and can now be introduced into the vagina. As soon as the tampon is in place, the applicator can be withdrawn, with the tampon retained by the elasticity of the vagina and the friction between the tampon and the surrounding mucosa at that location. After complete retraction of the applicator of the open front slot 9 and - if available - and the outwardly open recess 12 releases the withdrawal thread immediately. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 x ^' , ^' 1 ''^' , applicator

Body ·

first end

second end

reception area

grip area

stop surface

deepening

slot

collection

rib

recess

Claims

claims

An applicator (1; 1 '; 1' ') for inserting an elongated object into a human or animal

A body opening, comprising a one-piece, elongate applicator body (2), having a first end (3) with a receiving area (5) for the object and a second end (4) with a grip area (6), wherein the

Receiving area (5) hollow and at the first end (3) is open, üm the object over part of its length

and in the receiving area (5) at least one stop surface (7) is present to the

Insertion depth of the object into the receiving area (5) when inserting the object into the applicator (1; 1 ¹ ; 1 '') to limit and to exert an axial force on the object when inserting the object into the body opening, characterized in that extending from the first end (3) in the wall of the receiving area (5) at least one slot (9) open at said end (3) in the longitudinal direction of the applicator body (2).

2. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the slot (9) in the longitudinal direction of the Applikatorkörpers

(2) extends beyond the stop surface (7).

3. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slot (9) over its length has a constant width.

4. Applicator according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the slot (9) over its length, starting from the first end (3) has an increasing width.

5. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer diameter of the receiving area (5) starting from the first end (3) in

Direction to the second end (4) increases to a maximum, preferably this maximum between the first end (3) and the stop surface (7).

6. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator body (2) starting from the on ahmebereich (5) in the direction of the second end (4) is tapered.

7. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grip region is formed by an extension (6) at the second end of the applicator body.

8. An applicator according to claim 7, characterized in that in the extension (6) to the outer edge of the

Extension (6) towards open recess (12) is arranged.

9. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, ^• characterized in that the stop surface (7)

at least one inwardly projecting recess (8) in the wall of the applicator body (2) is arranged.

10. Applicator according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the stop surface (7) is an annular surface on the inside of a peripheral step (10) in the wall of the applicator body.

11. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the stop surface is formed on one of the wall of the Applikatorkörpers inwardly projecting longitudinal rib (11).

12. An applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator body (2) is hollow over its entire length and the slot (9) extends over the entire length of the Applikatorkörpers (2).

13. An applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator body (2) consists of plastic and is preferably produced by injection molding.