Device for the insertion of a vaginal element

Abstract

Device for the placement of a vaginal element. Device (1) for the placement of a vaginal element (100), the device having an outlet and comprising: - a tubular body (20) having a distal opening (21) and a proximal opening (22), - a plunger (40) having a proximal end and received at least partially into the tubular body (20) through the proximal opening (22) of the body, the plunger being configured to move between a deployed position and a contracted position, and - a deformable organ (30) disposed inside the tubular body (20), immobile relative to the tubular body, the plunger (40) having an internal space (45) open towards the outlet of the device (11), configured to receive the deformable organ (30) in the deployed position, the plunger (40) being configured to deform the deformable organ (30) to allow the vaginal element (100) to be drawn through the outlet (11) of the device (1). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for the placement of a vaginal element technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for the placement of a vaginal element, in particular intravaginal and / or in the fornix. Previous technique

[0002] It is known to use devices for placing elements in the vagina or cervix for prevention, diagnosis, or treatment, such as an element comprising a therapeutic agent, a tampon, or a contraceptive.

[0003] US patent 4,356,817 relates to a device for inserting a vaginal pessary. The device comprises a resilient, deformable diaphragm having an inner surface in fluidic communication with a deformable chamber containing a fluid. Deformation of the chamber reverses the orientation of the diaphragm in order to unload the pessary.

[0004] Patent application CN105395307 discloses an applicator for inserting a tubular condom into the vagina. The applicator comprises an outer tube and an inner tube. The tubular condom has an outer ring and an inner ring. When the inner tube is moved toward the bottom of the outer tube, the outer ring pushes the inner ring toward the back of the vagina to partially unload it. The outer ring remains in the applicator when the applicator is withdrawn from the vagina.

[0005] Patent application EP 2 108 348 discloses an applicator containing a pad, allowing the insertion of the pad, comprising a plunger in a cylinder. The plunger has tabs designed to house the device.

[0006] Patent application EP 1 639 974 discloses a stamp having a deformable packaging when pressed by the finger for stamp insertion.

[0007] US patent 10,918,515 discloses a vaginal ring applicator comprising a piston engaged telescopically in a body.

[0008] There is a need to facilitate the insertion and placement of a vaginal device. There is also a need to improve comfort and the feeling of security during the insertion and placement of such a vaginal device.

[0009] The invention aims to meet all or part of these needs. Description of the invention

[0010] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for the placement of a vaginal element, the device having an outlet and comprising: - a tubular body having a distal opening and a proximal opening, - a pusher having a proximal end and received at least partially into the tubular body through the proximal opening of the body, the pusher being configured to move between a deployed position in which the proximal end of the pusher is at a maximum distance from the proximal opening of the tubular body and a contracted position in which the proximal end of the pusher is at a minimum distance from the proximal opening of the tubular body, and - a deformable member disposed inside the tubular body, at least part of the deformable member being stationary relative to the tubular body, the pusher having an internal space open towards the outlet of the device, the internal space being configured to receive the deformable member partially or entirely within the internal space in the deployed position, the pusher being configured to deform the deformable organ when the pusher moves from the deployed position to the contracted position and allow the vaginal element to be drawn through the outlet of the device.

[0011] The invention reduces the size of the device, thereby facilitating its handling during use. Specifically, the presence of an internal space within the plunger allows part of the vaginal element to be accommodated within the plunger when deployed, thus limiting the dimensions of the positive element in the deployed position. In particular, the plunger is engaged in the tubular body in a telescopic manner.

[0012] The invention can be configured, in particular, to multiply the movement of the vaginal element by the movement of the plunger when the plunger moves from the deployed position to the contracted position. The movement can be a translational movement. The movement of the plunger can, for example, be of a length X, the movement of the vaginal element being a multiple of X, for example 2X or 4X. The multiplication of the movement of the vaginal element by the movement of the plunger can, in particular, be an even number, for example two, or even four. The invention thus makes it possible to further reduce the size of the device, while still achieving sufficient movement of the vaginal element.

[0013] The deformable element can be fixed, in particular at one or both of its ends, to the tubular body. The fixing can be achieved by adhesion, pressure or friction.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention allows for precise guidance of the vaginal element during its training, thereby facilitating its insertion. Insertion of a vaginal element refers to the placement of the vaginal element into the human body, specifically into the vagina, including the area around the cervix, the fornix.

[0015] By "proximal" or "rear," those skilled in the art understand the side of the device furthest from the vagina when the device is in use. By "distal" or "anterior," those skilled in the art understand the side of the device closer to the vagina when the device is in use.

[0016] The pusher may comprise a gripping portion and a receiving portion. In particular, the gripping portion and the receiving portion may be located on opposite sides with respect to the proximal opening of the tubular body in the deployed position. The pusher may pass through the tubular body. The pusher may pass through the distal opening of the tubular body in the deployed position. In another embodiment, the pusher may pass only through the proximal opening of the tubular body in the deployed position. It may not pass through the distal opening of the tubular body in the deployed position.

[0017] The gripping portion of the pusher may include a ridge. Preferably, the diameter of the pusher at the ridge may be greater than the diameter of the rest of the pusher. This prevents the gripping portion from entering the tubular body in the contracted position.

[0018] The gripping portion may include a through channel communicating on one side with the interior space of the plunger and on the other with the exterior of the plunger. This prevents the formation of a void behind the deformable element, particularly when the latter is in the form of a pouch. The through channel may have a proximal opening leading to a rear surface of the plunger, at the proximal end of the plunger. The rear surface may have vents, for example in the form of radial grooves communicating with the through channel. These vents may open onto a radial surface of the plunger.

[0019] The receiving portion of the pusher may include a wall defining the internal space. In particular, the pusher may press on the deformable member by its distal end(s) during its movement from the deployed position to the contracted position.

[0020] The device is deformable, in particular, near the outlet. For example, the device may include flexible flaps, for example made of a soft material, near the outlet. This facilitates the insertion and exit of the vaginal element through the outlet. The device can be substantially closed at its distal end by the flexible flaps in the deployed position. The flexible flaps can be spread apart by the plunger in the contracted position. In one embodiment, the device may include a deformable material, in particular silicone, near the outlet. For example, the device may include a cap-like portion near the outlet, having an opening, such as a hole in the bottom of the cap, through which the vaginal element can pass by deforming it.

[0021] The device may include a casing configured to surround, at least partially, and in particular completely, the deformable organ. The casing may include a distal opening defining the outlet of the device. In particular, the casing and the tubular body may overlap over a non-zero distance along a longitudinal axis of the device.

[0022] The device may include a sleeve in which the tubular body is at least partially received. The sleeve is, in particular, arranged adjacent to the casing. The sleeve is, in particular, made of silicone.

[0023] In the presence of the casing, the length of the pusher is, for example, between 40 mm and 80 mm, in particular between 35 and 75 mm. A ratio between the length of the tubular body and the length of the pusher is, for example, between 1 / 3 and 1 / 2.

[0024] The deformable organ may be in the form of a pouch, in particular a sachet. The pouch may have a peripheral portion connected to the body of the pouch. The pouch may be fixed at least partially, if at all, to the tubular body. In particular, the pouch may be fixed to an external surface of the tubular body. The body of the pouch may be received at least partially, in particular entirely, within the inner space of the plunger in the deployed position of the device. The vaginal element is configured to be received at least partially within the inner space of the plunger, in contact with the body of the pouch, before being discharged through the outlet of the device.

[0025] In one embodiment, the deformable member may comprise a strip, in particular a strip. The ends of the strip may be fixed to the tubular body. In particular, only the ends or a section of the strip near its ends are fixed to the tubular body.

[0026] In the deployed position, at least a portion of the strip, for example at least 1 / 3, for example nearly half the length of the strip, can be received within the space inside the pusher. The length of the strip should be understood as the total length of the strip measured between the two ends, by traversing the strip from one end to the other along a longitudinal direction.

[0027] The wall of the pusher may have two slots extending along a longitudinal axis of the device. In particular, the strip may be fixed to the tubular body such that the slots in the wall of the pusher are located respectively on opposite longitudinal sides of the strip. In particular, the slots are not obstructed by the strip.

[0028] The two slots can be arranged symmetrically around the longitudinal axis of the device. Each slot can have a width defined by the spacing between two edges of the slot; the width can be non-zero, for example between 3 and 6 mm. In particular, each slot may have a length between 35 and 45 mm. The length of the slots may be identical, and in particular less than, or equal to, the depth of the internal space measured along the longitudinal axis of the device. The ratio between a slot length and a pusher length may be between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4, in particular between 1 / 3 and 2.

[0029] In the case of a strip, the ratio between the length of the pusher and a length of the tubular body can be, in particular, between 0.8 and 1.2, for example between 0.9 and 1.1, in particular the pusher and the tubular body having substantially the same length. The exit of the device can be defined by the distal opening of the tubular body.

[0030] In the case of a strip, the length of the device in the deployed position can be between 10 and 16 mm, or even between 11 and 14 mm, better between 12 and 13 mm, being for example on the order of 12 mm.

[0031] The vaginal element may be a contraceptive device, for example a vaginal ring, tampon, suppository or ovule, for example containing an antifungal agent, a lubricant, a moisturizing cream, or a hormonal gel, a diaphragm or cervical cap, ointment, condom, urinary incontinence device, menstrual cup (“collection cup”), inflation device or any device for blocking fluids, delivering medication, and / or facilitating normal functions or assisting healing. The vaginal element may be a vaginal ring, in particular one impregnated with a contraceptive agent. In particular, those skilled in the art understand that a vaginal element also includes an element configured to be inserted around or into the cervix.

[0032] The vaginal element can be introduced into the tubular body through the device's outlet in the contracted position. For example, the vaginal element is configured to press against a central portion of the deformable organ. The deformable organ can be in contact with the distal end(s) of the pusher wall during the pusher's movement from the contracted to the deployed position. In particular, the device is configured to fully receive the vaginal element into the tubular body or the casing in the deployed position.

[0033] In one variant, the deformable member can be in the form of a flexible cup.

[0034] In one variant, the deformable member can be a metal strip in the shape of U. In particular, the metal strip can have a sufficiently thin thickness, notably less than 0.5 mm to ensure the flexibility of the strip.

[0035] In one variant, the deformable organ can be in the form of a string with a gondola, for example of sling style.

[0036] The deformable member can be made of a plastic material, in particular a polymer such as PE, HDPE, LDPE, PET, PP, PA, Nylon, PTFE (Teflon), polyimide (Kapton), a textile such as hemp or polyester, or even a metal such as steel, for example, with a thickness thin enough to ensure its flexibility. In the latter case, the deformable element can be a metal strip.

[0037] The tubular body may comprise at least one material selected from the following list: a synthetic material such as a polymer, in particular PP, PS, PE, HDPE, LDPE, PC, POM, PEEK, PMMA, a composite material such as carbon fiber, and a natural material such as wood, in particular bamboo, mahogany, ebony, or oak. The flexible flaps may be made of the same material as the rest of the tubular body, for example, with a thinner profile. In one embodiment, the flexible flaps may be made of a different material than the rest of the tubular body.

[0038] The pusher may comprise at least one material selected from the following list: a synthetic material such as a polymer, in particular PP, PS, PE, HDPE, LDPE, PC, POM, PEEK, PMMA, a composite material such as carbon fiber, and a natural material such as wood, in particular bamboo, mahogany, ebony, or oak. Preferably, the pusher is molded in one piece. The pusher is preferably rigid or may be slightly flexible in the wall.

[0039] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to an assembly comprising a vaginal element and a device for the placement of a vaginal element, a device as described above.

[0040] The vaginal element may be chosen from a contraceptive, a tampon, a vaginal ring, a suppository or an ovule, for example containing an antifungal agent, a lubricant or a moisturizing cream or a hormonal gel, a diaphragm, an ointment, a condom, a device against urinary incontinence, a menstrual cup (“collection cup”) or an inflation device, this list not being exhaustive.

[0041] The depth of the internal space, measured along the longitudinal axis of the device, is notably greater than 1 / 3 of the longitudinal dimension of the vaginal element. The longitudinal dimension of the vaginal element refers to its dimension along a longitudinal axis of the device when the vaginal element is fully inserted inside the tubular body in the deployed position.

[0042] In the case of a strip, the vaginal element can, in particular, protrude from the space through slots in the plunger when it is received in the inner space of the plunger. This saves space on the diameter of the applicator.

[0043] In the deployed position, the vaginal element is configured to be received in the inner space of the pusher over at least a part of its length, for example over at least 1 / 4 of its length, in particular at least 1 / 3 of its length, for example at least 1 / 2 of its length.

[0044] In particular, the vaginal element is a vaginal ring. The depth of the internal space is, for example, greater than 1 / 3 of the longitudinal dimension of the vaginal ring. A central portion of the pouch or strip body is also configured to be received in the internal space of the plunger in the deployed position. For example, in the case of a strip, at least 1 / 4 of the total length of the strip, in particular at least 1 / 3 of its length, in particular at least 1 / 2 of its length, can be received in the internal space of the plunger in the deployed position. This central portion of the pouch or strip body is also configured to at least partially receive the vaginal element in the deployed position. Brief description of the drawings

[0045] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, the non-limiting examples of its implementation, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing on which:

[0046] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of a device according to the invention in the deployed position.

[0047] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the device of [Fig. 1] when the pusher approaches the contracted position,

[0048] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a schematic, partial longitudinal sectional view of the device of [Fig. 1] in the contracted position,

[0049] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a perspective view of the deformable organ, the tube tubular and pusher of a device according to the invention.

[0050] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a device according to the invention.

[0051] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a schematic view of a rear surface of a pusher of a device according to the invention.

[0052] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is an exploded and schematic view of a device according to the invention.

[0053] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the device of the [Fig.7].

[0054] [Fig. 9] Figures 9a to 9c are perspective views of the tubular tube and the push button of the device in [Fig.7].

[0055] [Fig. 10] Figures 10a to 10c are schematic and partial longitudinal section views of the device in [Fig. 7].

[0056] [Fig. 11] Figures 11a to 11c are perspective views of the device of [Fig. 7].

[0057] [Fig. 12] Figures 12a and 12b are schematic longitudinal section views of a device according to the invention. Detailed description

[0058] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate an example of a device 1 for inserting a vaginal element 100, which is a vaginal ring 101 in the illustrated example. The device comprises a plunger 40 movable within a tubular body 20. The plunger 40 is engaged telescopically within the tubular body 20, through a proximal opening 22 in the tubular body 20. The movement between the plunger 40 and the tubular body 20 is a translation along a longitudinal axis X of the device.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the tubular body 20 has a distal opening 21 defining the outlet 11 of the device and through which the vaginal element 100 is introduced or ejected, as detailed below. The tubular body 20 has flexible flaps 25 near the distal opening 21, for example, 2, 3, 4 or more. As illustrated, without the vaginal element 100 in the distal opening 21, the tubular body 20 can be substantially closed at the distal opening 21 by the flexible flaps. The tubular body 20 may have an internal diameter r that decreases near the distal opening 21, particularly at the flexible flaps 25, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. The internal diameter r of the tubular tube 20 is notably smaller than the diameter R of the plunger 40.

[0060] The pusher 40 has a proximal end 91 and a distal end 90. The pusher 40 has a gripping part 41 on the side of the proximal end 91 and a receiving part 49 on the side of the distal end 90. The receiving part 49 has a wall 43 defining an internal space 45.

[0061] The pusher 40 may have at least one protrusion (not shown) on the wall 43, in order to prevent the pusher from exceeding the deployed position and protruding the tubular body 20 through the proximal opening 22.

[0062] The gripping part 41 of the pusher 40 includes in particular a ridge 47 near its proximal end 91. A diameter R of the pusher 40 is for example greater at the level of the ridge 47 than a diameter of the rest of the pusher 40 in order to prevent the proximal end 91 of the pusher 40 from entering the body 20 in the contracted position, which makes it easier to handle the device 1.

[0063] In the deployed position as illustrated in [Fig. 1], the vaginal element 100 is configured to be received entirely within the body 20. At least a portion of the vaginal element 100 may be received within the internal space 45. In particular, in the case of a vaginal ring 101, the internal space 45 may be configured to receive at least 1 / 3 of the longitudinal dimension of the ring 101 in the deployed position. Specifically, in the deployed position, the grasping portion 41 and the receiving portion 49 of the plunger are located on opposite sides of the proximal opening 22 of the tubular body 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger 40 is minimally retracted into the tubular body 20 in the deployed position.

[0064] The device 1 also includes a deformable element 30, which is a strip 73 in the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. The deformable element 30 is fixed at its ends 35 to the tubular body 20. A central section 38 of the strip 73 is entirely received within the internal space 45 in the deployed position. This central section 38 is, in particular, U-shaped and sandwiched between the wall 43 of the plunger 40 and the vaginal element 100 in the deployed position. The length of the central section 38 may be more than one-third of the length of the strip 73, for example, almost half the length of the strip 73.

[0065] The wall 43 may have two slits 44 extending along the longitudinal axis X of the device. The vaginal element 100 may protrude from the internal space 45 through slits 44, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. This allows for a space saving depending on the diameter of the device. In particular, the slits 44 may be arranged symmetrically around the longitudinal axis of the plunger 40. Specifically, the slits 44 are located respectively on opposite longitudinal sides of the strip 73. The strip 73 is arranged so that the slits 44 are not obstructed by the strip 73.

[0066] Each slot 44 has two edges 48. The spacing between these two edges 48 defines the width d of the slot 44, which can be between 3 and 6 mm. In particular, each slot 44 can have a length l, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], of between 35 and 45 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the length l of the slot is equal to the depth of the internal space 45 along the longitudinal axis of the device. In a variant, the length l can be strictly less than the depth of the internal space 45. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the ratio between the length l of the slot 44 and a length L of the pusher 40 is, for example, between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4, preferably between 1 / 3 and 1 / 2.

[0067] The pusher 40 may have at least one lug 46 on its outer surface, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], in particular to prevent the pusher from exceeding the deployed position and completely extending the tubular body 20 through the proximal opening 22. The lug(s) 46 also prevent rotation of the pusher 40 relative to the tubular body. In particular, the lug(s) are arranged near the slots 44 along a longitudinal axis of the device. The lug(s) may be located radially between the edges 48 of the slots.

[0068] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], during its movement from the deployed position to the contracted position, for example when a user pushes the pusher 40 in direction A relative to the tubular body 20, the proximal end 91 of the pusher 40 approaches the proximal opening 22 of the tubular body 20 and the distal end 90 of the pusher 40 approaches the device outlet, namely the distal opening 21 of the tubular body 20 in the illustrated embodiment. During this movement, the pusher 40 presses against the strip 73 by its distal end 90 to deform the strip. 73. In particular, the length of the central section 38 received in the internal space 45 decreases. The ring 101 is carried by the central section 38 of the band 73 through the distal opening 21 of the body 20.

[0069] As illustrated in [Fig. 5], when the plunger 40 is moved a distance X or X', the ring 101 is moved a distance twice 2X or 2X' relative to the distance X, X' traveled by the plunger 40. Thus, the distance traveled by the vaginal element is doubled compared to the distance traveled by the plunger. The length L of the plunger 40 can be substantially equal to that F of the tubular body 20. The grasping portion 41 of the plunger E can have a sensible length E equal to half the length F of the tubular body 20. The length F of the tubular body is, in particular, slightly greater than the longitudinal dimension D of the vaginal element.

[0070] When the pusher 40 reaches the contracted position as illustrated in [Fig.3], the pusher 40 is fully retracted into the tubular body 20. Only a portion of the gripping part 41 comprising the ridge 47 is located outside the tubular body 20. The central section 38 of the strip 73 is completely outside the internal space 45 of the pusher 40.

[0071] To introduce the vaginal element 100 into the device 1, the device is first placed in the contracted position shown in [Fig. 3]. The plunger 40 is fully inserted into the tubular body 20, thus spreading the flexible flaps 25 to facilitate the insertion of the vaginal element 100 into the device 1 through the distal opening 21 of the tubular body 20. The vaginal element 100 comes into contact with the central section 38 of the strip 73.

[0072] Next, the vaginal element 100, for example pushed by the user towards the proximal opening 22 in direction B as illustrated in [Fig. 2], presses against the central section 38 of the strip 73 to deform it. The deformation of the strip 73 moves the pusher 40 towards the deployed position. In particular, the length of the central section 38 received in the internal space 45 increases. Part of the vaginal element 100 enters, along with the central section 38 of the strip 73, into the internal space 45 of the pusher 40. When the vaginal element 100 enters the body 20 completely, the device reaches the deployed position.

[0073] The gripping portion 41 may include a through channel 61, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. In particular, the channel 61 communicates with the outside via a rear opening 62 and with the interior space 45 of the pusher 20 via its front opening 63. The presence of the channel 61 is particularly advantageous when the deformable element is in the form of a pouch, as it makes the area behind the pouch airtight. To avoid resistance due to compression and vacuum during the movement of the deformable element, It is necessary to connect the internal space 45 to the outside of the device via the through channel 61. To prevent the channel 61 from becoming blocked when the user pushes the back of the push button, for example by placing their finger on a rear surface 66 of the push button 40, the rear surface 66 of the push button may have vents 94, in particular vents with a shape sufficiently rough so that the finger cannot block them. These vents 94 are, for example, in the form of radial grooves connected to the channel 61 and opening onto a radial surface 95 of the push button 40 to allow the channel 61 to remain in communication with the outside, as can be seen in Figures 7 and 8.

[0074] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a variant of a device 1 according to the invention, in which the deformable organ element 30 is in the form of a bag 83. The bag 83 comprises a peripheral part 31 and a bag body 32 received at least partially in the internal space 44 of the pusher 40. The pusher 40 is engaged in the tubular body 20, through the proximal opening 22 and the distal opening 21 of the body 20.

[0075] The device may also include a tubular sleeve 70 around the tubular body 20. As illustrated in Figures 9a to 9c, the tubular body 20 has a proximal portion 26 with a diameter constriction. The sleeve 70, in particular made of silicone or a rubber material, may be positioned around this portion 26 to improve the grip of the device. The pouch 83 may be attached, for example by adhesive, to the tubular body 20 at its peripheral portion 31. In one embodiment, the pouch 83 may be held in place on the tubular body 20 by pressure or friction between the sleeve 70 and the body 20. In another embodiment, the sleeve 70 may be formed as a single unit with the tubular body 20.

[0076] The device may further include a sleeve 80 in which the tubular body 20 is partially engaged. In one embodiment, the pouch 83 may also be held in place on the tubular body 20 by pressure or friction between the body 20 and the sleeve 80. The sleeve 80 has an opening 81 defining the outlet 11 of the device 1. In the contracted position of the device as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the receiving portion 49 of the pusher 40 is fully received within the sleeve 80. The sleeve 80 may, in particular, be held in place by friction on the tubular body 20. The sleeve 70 and the sleeve 80 may, in particular, be arranged side by side along the longitudinal axis of the device. The tubular body 20 is, in particular, completely covered by the sleeve 70 and the sleeve 80.

[0077] The pusher 40 has an annular protrusion 74 configured to engage with stops 24 of the tubular body 20 located behind the distal opening 22. As illustrated in Figures 10a to 10c, the tubular body 20 has a narrowing of the inner diameter at the stops 24. In particular, an inner diameter of the tubular tube 20 at the stops 24 is smaller than an outer diameter of the Pusher 40. During the movement of the ring ejection device from its deployed to its contracted position, the annular protuberance 74 abuts against the distal end of the tubular body 20 as it approaches the contracted position, requiring an increase in the supporting force. When the annular protuberance 74 has passed the stops 24, the resistance force decreases abruptly, causing an acceleration in the speed of the pusher 40. This facilitates the expulsion of the vaginal organ. Upon reaching the contracted position, the pusher 40 strikes the tubular body 20, and a sound is emitted, confirming that the device has reached the end of its movement.

[0078] The tubular body 20 can be flexible at the abutment areas. In particular, the tubular body 20 has slots 27 extending along the longitudinal axis of the device. These slots 27 are open towards the proximal opening 22.

[0079] Figures 1a to 11c illustrate the movement of the vaginal element. The envelope 80 is not shown in these figures in order to better illustrate the deformation of the pouch 83 and the movement of the ring 101.

[0080] In the deployed position shown in Figure 1a, the ring 101 is entirely located inside the device. In particular, the body of the bag 83 can be fully received inside the internal space 45. The ring 101 is received, more than 1 / 3, in particular substantially halfway, into the body of the bag 83 inside the internal space 45.

[0081] During the movement of the pusher 40 towards the contracted position in the tubular body 20, the pusher pushes the pouch 83 by its distal end 90 and deploys the body 32 of the pouch 83. In particular, the tension propagates to a central part of the body 32 of the pouch 82 in contact with the ring 101. This central part of the body 32 of the pouch 82 pushes the ring 101 through the distal opening 21 of the tubular body 20.

[0082] In particular, the ring 101 moves twice the movement of the pusher 40. Thus, the pusher assembly and the deformable element form a multiplication mechanism similar to that of a pulley.

[0083] In the contracted position shown in Figure 1, the ring is ejected from the device. The pouch 83 is fully deployed. The pusher 40 reaches the end of its path and abuts against the tubular body 20.

[0084] It should be noted that the deployed position of the device 1 may depend on the longitudinal dimension of the vaginal element 100. The vaginal element 100 may or may not be in contact with the bottom of the internal space 45 depending on the dimension of the vaginal element 100. The dimension of the internal space can be adapted according to the associated vaginal element 100. In particular, the length l of the internal space is greater than 1 / 3 of the longitudinal dimension D of the vaginal element 100 along the X-axis.

[0085] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described. For example, in Figures 12a and 12b, the device comprises a first deformable organ 301 and a second deformable organ 302, pushed respectively by a first pusher 401 and a second pusher 402. The movement of the vaginal element is multiplied by 4 with respect to the movement of the pusher 401, by doubling the number of the multiplication mechanism.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for the placement of a vaginal element (100), the device having an outlet and comprising: - a tubular body (20) having a distal opening (21) and a proximal opening (22), - a plunger (40) having a proximal end and received at least partially into the tubular body (20) through the proximal opening (22) of the body, the plunger being configured to move between an extended position in which the proximal end of the plunger (40) is at a maximum distance from the proximal opening (22) of the tubular body (20) and a contracted position in which the proximal end of the plunger (40) is at a minimum distance from the proximal opening (22) of the tubular body (20), and - a deformable organ (30) disposed inside the tubular body (20), at least a part of the deformable organ being immobile relative to the tubular body,the plunger (40) having an internal space (45) open towards the outlet of the device (11), the internal space being configured to partially or fully receive the deformable organ (30) in the internal space (45) in the deployed position, the plunger (40) being configured to deform the deformable organ (30) when the plunger (40) moves from the deployed position to the contracted position and to allow the vaginal element (100) to be drawn through the outlet (11) of the device (1).

2. Device according to claim 1, configured to multiply the movement of the vaginal element with respect to the movement of the pusher when the pusher (40) moves from the deployed position to the contracted position, in particular by an even number, for example 2, or even 4, or even 8.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, the pusher (40) comprising a gripping part (41) and a receiving part (49), the receiving part (49) comprising a wall (43) defining the internal space (45).

4. Device according to the preceding claim, the wall (43) having two slots (44) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) of the device, the two slots (44) in particular being arranged symmetrically around the longitudinal axis of the device.

5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, the gripping part (41) of the pusher having a bead (47), a diameter R of the pusher (40) being greater at the bead (47) than a diameter of the rest of the pusher (40).

6. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the gripping part comprising a channel (61) in communication with the internal space (45) and with the outside of the device.

7. Device according to the preceding claim, the deformable member (30) being fixed, at its ends (35), to the tubular body (20).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the deformable member (30) being in the form of a sachet.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the deformable member (30) comprising a strip, in particular the ratio between the length of the pusher (40) and a length of the tubular body (20) being between 0.8 and 1.2, for example between 0.9 and 1.1, in particular the pusher (40) and the tubular body (20) having substantially the same length.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, a length of the device (1) in deployed position being between 10 and 16 mm, or even between 11 and 14 mm, better between 12 and 13 mm, being for example on the order of 13 mm.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the device comprising flexible flaps (25), for example of a flexible material, near the outlet (11).

12. Assembly comprising a vaginal element (100) and a device (1) for the placement of a vaginal element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. Together according to the preceding claim, the vaginal element (100) being selected from: a contraceptive, a tampon, a vaginal ring, a suppository or an ovule, in particular comprising an antifungal agent, a lubricant or a moisturizing cream or a hormonal gel, a diaphragm, an ointment, a condom, a device against urinary incontinence, a menstrual cup (“collection cup”), an inflation device.

14. Together according to the preceding claim, the vaginal element (100) being a vaginal ring (101).

15. Together according to any one of claims 13 to 15, the depth of the internal space (45) being greater than 1 / 3 of the longitudinal dimension of the vaginal element (100).

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