Slow-release device for progesterone

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a device for the slow release of progesterone in an animal, said device including a body (1) at least partially impregnated with progesterone; two flexible extensions (2) extending from one extremity of the body (1) and curving away from one another at opposite extremities to the body, in which each of the two flexible extensions (2) has an eyelet (6) in the portion close to the outward-curving extremities, and in which the eyelets (6) of the two flexible extensions are axially aligned with one another when the flexible extensions are in an extended position; a removable tube (3) coupled to the extremity of the body opposite the flexible extensions (2); a cable (4) that passes through the inside of the body (1) and the inside of the tube (3), with a first extremity close to the flexible extensions (2) being connected to a pin (5) that can be coupled to the eyelets (6) and a second free extremity extending outside the body (1) and outside the tube (3) on the side opposite the flexible extensions (2); in which the pin (5) can be coupled to the aligned eyelets (6) when the flexible extensions (2) are in the extended position; and in which the pin (5) can be actuated by the cable and uncoupled from the eyelets (6), when the flexible extensions (2) are unlocked and assume a curved position.

Description

[0001] The present invention refers to a device for slow release of progesterone for veterinary use mainly used for estrus synchronization protocols.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Devices for low release of progesterone of veterinary use intended in estrus synchronization are already known, comprising a body with material impregnated with progesterone followed by two or more flexible extensions to support the internal walls of the animal vagina. Typically, these devices are applied to the animal body with the aid of an applicator tube and a plunger. The device is inserted into this applicator tube, which therefore has a larger diameter than the device itself. Then, the tube is inserted into the animal's vaginal canal to a depth close to the position wherein the device should remain, close to the cervix. Then, a plunger is pressed inside the applicator tube, pushing the device out of the applicator tube. When the device for slow release of progesterone comes out of the applicator tube, its flexible extensions tend to abut against the animal vaginal canal wall, fixing the device into the desired position. Thus, the applicator tube and the plunger are removed from inside the animal body.

[0003] Usually, this same tube is used to apply another device for slow release of progesterone to another animal. This is because, due to its dimensions and its resistant material, the cost of the tube is considerable and should not be neglected. However, before its reuse it is necessary to wash and sanitize this tube. This does not, however, guarantee the complete sterilization of the tube, remaining a risk of contamination of other animals. In addition, the washing procedure is laborious and costly.

[0004] Additionally, due to their large dimensions, these applicator tubes can hurt the animal body, also increasing the risk of infections.

[0005] United States patent application US 6663608 B2 discloses an intra vaginal device which is of a variable geometry and which includes a silicone matrix impregnated with progesterone, the confirmation and content of the progesterone impregnated matrix being such as to optimise effectiveness with a lower initial loading of progesterone.

[0006] Mexican patent application MX 2017002461 A discloses an intravaginal device with an engageable progesterone active tube comprising a support injected into a Y-shaped inert polymeric material having adhesive symmetrical tabs in an opposite arrangement with each other and an interlocking distal appendix interposed by a body wherein the progesterone-containing tubular section is inserted for subsequent application in the vagina of an animal.

[0007] United State patent application US 9555225 A discloses an intraruminal sustained release capsule which is capable of delivering a sustained release dose of a first medicament to an animal, as well as either or both of a dump dose of a second medicament or mineral, and an exit dose of a third medicament or mineral. The capsule can have a dissolvable overcap molded from plasticized starch enabling a dump dose of medicament to be held between the overcap and one end of the capsule. A piston within the body of the capsule can be modified to enable it to accommodate an exit dose of medicament within its hollow interior which is aligned with an aperture at the end of the capsule which enables release of the medicaments to the rumen. After insertion of the capsule in the animal the overcap (if present) dissolves and separates from the capsule to release the dump dose of medicament. The sustained release medicament is then dispensed via the apertured end, followed by the release of the exit dose of medicament (if present).OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the existing problems in the prior art, a device for slow release of progesterone was developed which objectives are to allow application to the animal with no need to use a large reusable applicator with a plunger, and with no need to wash the applicator, with less risk of causing injury to the animal, which allows greater precision of application and positioning within the animal body.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The objects of the present invention are achieved by means of a device for slow release of progesterone in an animal comprising a body impregnated with progesterone, two flexible extensions extending from one end of the body, and which ends opposite the body curve in spaced apart, each of the two flexible extensions comprising an eyelet in the portion near the ends curving away from each other, the eyelets of the two flexible extensions being axially aligned with each other with the flexible extensions in an extended position; a removable tube coupled to the end of the body opposite the flexible extensions; a cable that passes through the inside of the body and the inside of the tube, with a first end close to the flexible extensions being connected to a pin coupled to the eyelets, and a second free end extending out of the body and tube on the side opposite the flexibles extensions; the pin being coupled to the eyelets aligned with the flexible extensions in the extended position; and the pin being actuated by cable and decoupled from the eyelets, with the flexible extensions being unlocked and in a curved position.

[0010] The invention is as defined in claim 1, with preferential embodiments in claims 2-5.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] For better understanding, the features and advantages of the present invention will be showed and described together with their respective figures. Figure 1 is a top view of the already known device for slow release of progesterone with a reusable applicator tube. Figure 2 is a top view of the device for slow release of progesterone according to the present invention being applied to the animal without using a reusable applicator. Figure 3 represents a perspective view of the device for slow release of progesterone according to the present invention with the flexible extensions extended and locked. Figure 4 represents a perspective view of the device for slow release of progesterone with the flexible extensions open. Figure 5 represents a front view of the flexible extensions of the device for slow release of progesterone in the locked position. Figure 6 represents a top perspective view of the flexible extensions of the device for slow release of progesterone in the locked position with a pin inside the eyelets; Figure 7 represents a lower perspective view of the flexible extensions of the device for slow release of progesterone in the locked position with a pin inside the eyelets; Figure 8 represents an exploded perspective view of the device for slow release of progesterone which body is consisted of a removable part impregnated with progesterone separated from the support, with the flexible extensions open; Figure 9 represents a perspective view of the device for slow release of progesterone according to figure 8, with the flexible extensions extended and locked. Figure 10 represents a perspective view of the device for slow release of progesterone with the removable part coupled to the support and with the flexible extensions open. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] As can be seen in the attached figures, the device for slow release of progesterone, object of the present invention, consists of a device for slow release of progesterone in an animal comprising a body 1 at least partially impregnated with progesterone, followed by two flexible extensions 2 extending from one end of the body. When in the non-tensioned position of these flexible extensions, their ends opposite the body curve away from each other, as can be seen in figure 2. However, since they are made of flexible material, these flexible extensions 2 can be tensioned and extended, being parallel to each other, as illustrated in figure 2.

[0013] Each of the two flexible extensions comprises an eyelet 6 in the portion close the ends curving away. The eyelets 6 at both ends are axially aligned with each other when the flexible extensions are in the extended position, so that the two eyelets intersect concentrically when the flexible extensions 2 are extended and aligned with the body 1.

[0014] The device also comprises a removable tube 3 attached to the end of the body opposite the flexible extensions, as illustrated in figure 3, and a cable 4 passing through the inside of the body 1, better illustrated in figure 4. This cable also passes through the inside of the tube 3 at the application time of the device for slow release of progesterone to the animal body, as shown in figure 3. The removable tube preferably has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the body 1 impregnated with progesterone.

[0015] The end of the cable 4 close to the flexible extensions is connected to a pin 5 intended to be coupled to the eyelets 6. The opposite end of the cable is a free end extending out of the body 1 and tube 3 on the side opposite the extensions. This free end will be used to pull the device for slow release of progesterone out of the animal body after use.

[0016] In a first position of the device, the flexible extensions 2 are tensioned and stretched, with the eyelets 6 aligned. The pin 5 is then coupled inside the two aligned eyelets, as shown in figures 3 and 5. In this position, the flexible extensions 2 are in the tensioned and extended position, parallel to each other, which facilitates the device application inside the vagina of the animal.

[0017] The device application to the animal body is performed with the flexible extensions 2 tensioned and stretched, introducing the applicator device on the side of the flexible extensions inside the animal vaginal canal, and pushing the device inwards to the ideal depth, for example, close to the cervix, with the aid of the removable tube 3. A part of the handle 4 remains exposed outside the animal vagina even after the device is introduced.

[0018] Then, after the device is correctly positioned, the cable is activated, pulling it out of the removable tube 3 until pin 5 is detached from the eyelets 6, unlocking the flexible extensions 2. At that moment, the flexible extensions 2 are detached, and their extremities tend to return to the curved position away from each other, supporting each other and exerting pressure inside the animal body responsible for fixing the device in the ideal position.

[0019] After the flexible extensions 2 are unlocked and the device is subsequently secured, the removable tube 3 is detached from the body 1 by pulling it lightly, so that the free end of the handle 4 remains exposed outside the animal vagina. This allows the device to be removed simply after the end of the estrus synchronization procedure, simply by pulling the device out of the animal vagina by the free end of the cable 4.

[0020] Removable tube 3 is preferably made of disposable, lightweight and low-cost material and cannot be used with other devices for slow release of progesterone, thus reducing the overall cost of the product and the risk of contamination.

[0021] Body 1 can be made as a single piece with openings, as shown in figures 3 and 4.

[0022] Alternatively, and as shown in figures 8 and 9, the body 1 can be comprised of a support 12 and a detachable piece 11 impregnated with progesterone coupled around the support 12. The removable piece is preferably a cylinder made of polymeric material. Because this part 11 is removable, this allows it to be discarded and replaced with a similar new removable part 11. In this way, the device for slow release of progesterone according to the present model can be easily reused several times, being only necessary to sterilize it and replace the removable part 11 with a new part.

[0023] This embodiment of the body 1 is particularly advantageous, since the device can be partially reused, cleaning the support 12 with flexible extensions 2 and using a new removable tube 3 and a new removable part 11 impregnated with progesterone.

[0024] In addition, in any of the alternatives shown in the present model, there is no need to previous wash and sanitize any additional equipment for application of the device to the animal. The risk of injury to the animal is also reduced with this new model of device for slow release of progesterone. This is because the state-of-the-art applicator presses, by means of a plunger, the device impregnated with progesterone against the animal vaginal wall, therefore, if care is not taken with the applied force and depth, injuries can be caused. In addition, the applicator tube used in the state of the art has dimensions larger than the device itself, which can also cause injuries when it is introduced into the animal vagina.

[0025] The present invention reduces this risk, since the application of the device is performed by guiding the device itself inside the vaginal canal with the aid of the removable tube that is also part of the device, therefore, with no need to apply a force of plunger against the animal to release the body with progesterone. In addition, the removable tube 3 has dimensions smaller than the progesterone-impregnated body itself, and smaller than the state-of-the-art applicator tubes, which also contributes to reducing the risk of injury.

[0026] Furthermore, the embodiment of the device according to the present model, which is handled and guided directly by the removable tube, being exempt of large tubes and plungers, allows for the person applying the device inside the animal body to have a greater sensitivity in the application, consequently having a better idea of the depth at which the device is being applied, and better precision in its positioning.

Claims

1. A device for slow release of progesterone in an animal comprising: a body (1) at least partially impregnated with progesterone; two flexible extensions (2) extending from one end of the body (1), and which ends opposite the body curve away from each other, and a cable (4), characterized by each of the two flexible extensions (2) comprising an eyelet (6) in the portion near the ends curving away, the eyelets (6) of the two flexible extensions being axially aligned with each other, with the flexible extensions in an extended position; a removable tube (3) coupled to the end of the body opposite the flexible extensions (2); the cable (4) passesing through the inside of the body (1) and the inside of the tube (3), with a first end close to the flexible extensions (2) being connected to a pin (5) coupled to the eyelets (6), and a second free end extending outside the body (1) and the tube (3) on the side opposite the flexible extensions (2); the pin (5) being coupled to the aligned eyelets (6), with the flexible extensions (2) in the extended position; and the pin (5) being actuated by the cable and uncoupled from the eyelets (6), wherein the flexible extensions (2) are unlocked and assume a curved position.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the removable tube (3) is made of a disposable material.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the removable tube (3) has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the body (1) impregnated with progesterone.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the body is comprised of a support (12) and a removable part (11) impregnated with progesterone, coupled to the support.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the body (1) is comprised of a single piece.

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