Disposable device for transferring an active liquid into a body cavity

#The present invention relates to the transfer or circulation of an active liquid into or in a body cavity of the human body or of an animal, particularly in contact with the mucous membrane of said cavity.

#The term “body cavity” is to be understood as meaning any bodily cavity, particularly an elongate one, which can be accessed externally for various purposes, particularly clinical, therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic, but also for cosmetic or personal hygiene purposes. By way of an example of such a cavity, mention may be made of the woman's vagina extending from the vulva to the neck of the uterus, into which an active liquid is to be transferred or in which an active liquid is to be circulated, in contact with the mucous membranes or tissues of said cavity.

#In consequence, the term “active liquid” is to be understood as meaning any liquid or fluid for treatment, either locally via a topical route, or systemically and in general comprising a liquid or fluid phase in which a treatment agent is distributed in solution or in suspension. This treatment agent is chosen from the group consisting of wetting agents, agents for solubilizing and fluidizing particularly a bodily fluid or liquid present in the body cavity, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic agents, cosmetic or personal hygiene agents, antiseptics, bactericides, fungicides and spermicides (in the case of the woman's vagina cavity for example).

#The present invention is now described by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the schematic appended drawing in which:

#FIG. 1 depicts a disposable device according to the invention, in position in a body cavity, and just after it has been inserted into the latter by pushing, this being according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is an axial section through a device according to the invention, the latter having symmetry of revolution about an axis;

#FIGS. 2 to 4 respectively depict three other embodiments of the present invention, still in axial section;

#According to FIG. 1, a disposable device according to the invention is referenced by the numerical reference 1. In general, it allows an active liquid as previously defined to be dispensed or released into a body cavity denoted by the numerical reference 2. This device has an intrinsic and overall consistency which is relatively firm but soft and stiff or strong enough to allow it to be inserted into the cavity by pushing, without altering the structure of said device, particularly without dissociating its various components and/or rupturing any liquid-containing capsule that may be contained inside said device (cf. embodiment according to FIG. 4).

#The device according to the invention essentially comprises two components assembled together permanently, namely:

#a central element 3 at the source of at least part of the active liquid as previously defined;