US20040167476A1 - Tamper evident needle guard for syringes - Google Patents
Tamper evident needle guard for syringes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040167476A1 US20040167476A1 US10/373,531 US37353103A US2004167476A1 US 20040167476 A1 US20040167476 A1 US 20040167476A1 US 37353103 A US37353103 A US 37353103A US 2004167476 A1 US2004167476 A1 US 2004167476A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- plunger
- locking mechanism
- needle
- cartridge
- proximal end
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 70
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 66
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 32
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 25
- 229940071643 prefilled syringe Drugs 0.000 description 10
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002483 medication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000035473 Communicable disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010069803 Injury associated with device Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003708 ampul Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940040591 biotech drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000881 depressing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
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- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960005486 vaccine Drugs 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/31—Details
- A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
- A61M5/31511—Piston or piston-rod constructions, e.g. connection of piston with piston-rod
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/31—Details
- A61M5/32—Needles; Details of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hub; Accessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the body; Devices for protection of needles
- A61M5/3205—Apparatus for removing or disposing of used needles or syringes, e.g. containers; Means for protection against accidental injuries from used needles
- A61M5/321—Means for protection against accidental injuries by used needles
- A61M5/3243—Means for protection against accidental injuries by used needles being axially-extensible, e.g. protective sleeves coaxially slidable on the syringe barrel
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/31—Details
- A61M5/32—Needles; Details of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hub; Accessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the body; Devices for protection of needles
- A61M5/3205—Apparatus for removing or disposing of used needles or syringes, e.g. containers; Means for protection against accidental injuries from used needles
- A61M5/321—Means for protection against accidental injuries by used needles
- A61M5/3243—Means for protection against accidental injuries by used needles being axially-extensible, e.g. protective sleeves coaxially slidable on the syringe barrel
- A61M5/3245—Constructional features thereof, e.g. to improve manipulation or functioning
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/31—Details
- A61M5/32—Needles; Details of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hub; Accessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the body; Devices for protection of needles
- A61M5/3205—Apparatus for removing or disposing of used needles or syringes, e.g. containers; Means for protection against accidental injuries from used needles
- A61M5/321—Means for protection against accidental injuries by used needles
- A61M5/3243—Means for protection against accidental injuries by used needles being axially-extensible, e.g. protective sleeves coaxially slidable on the syringe barrel
- A61M5/3271—Means for protection against accidental injuries by used needles being axially-extensible, e.g. protective sleeves coaxially slidable on the syringe barrel with guiding tracks for controlled sliding of needle protective sleeve from needle exposing to needle covering position
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/50—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests having means for preventing re-use, or for indicating if defective, used, tampered with or unsterile
- A61M5/5013—Means for blocking the piston or the fluid passageway to prevent illegal refilling of a syringe
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/50—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests having means for preventing re-use, or for indicating if defective, used, tampered with or unsterile
- A61M5/5013—Means for blocking the piston or the fluid passageway to prevent illegal refilling of a syringe
- A61M5/502—Means for blocking the piston or the fluid passageway to prevent illegal refilling of a syringe for blocking the piston
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/50—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests having means for preventing re-use, or for indicating if defective, used, tampered with or unsterile
- A61M5/5086—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests having means for preventing re-use, or for indicating if defective, used, tampered with or unsterile for indicating if defective, used, tampered with or unsterile
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/31—Details
- A61M5/3129—Syringe barrels
- A61M5/3137—Specially designed finger grip means, e.g. for easy manipulation of the syringe rod
- A61M2005/3139—Finger grips not integrally formed with the syringe barrel, e.g. using adapter with finger grips
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
- Y10T29/4984—Retaining clearance for motion between assembled parts
Abstract
A medicine injection device comprises a cartridge having a cartridge barrel and a plunger having a plunger shaft slidable within the cartridge barrel. The cartridge may have, e.g., a pre-filled medicine. The medicine injection device further comprises a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a cavity in which the cartridge barrel is disposed. The proximal end of the body may optionally form a finger grip. The medicine injection device further comprises a plunger locking mechanism attached to the proximal end of the body. The plunger locking mechanism comprises a member with an aperture slidably engaged with the plunger shaft. The locking mechanism is configured for preventing the plunger from being removed from the cartridge barrel. For example, the plunger shaft may include a locking stop, e.g., a flange, that engages with the aperture in an interference arrangement.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to safety systems for syringes or other medical cartridges, and more particularly to a holder for a syringe that prevents removing or otherwise tampering with the contents of the syringe.
- Medication is often dispensed using a medical cartridge, such as a syringe, having a barrel with a needle at one end and a plunger slidably inserted into the other end. Such cartridges are often referred to as “pre-filled syringes” because they may contain a specific dosage or volume of medication when they are initially provided, as compared to conventional syringes that are furnished empty and filled by the user.
- Alternatively, a medical cartridge may be used, such as a vial or an ampule, that includes a penetrable seal instead of a needle on one end of the barrel, and/or a piston rather than a plunger on the other end.
- Because of the threat of communicable disease, a number of syringes and adapters have been developed to prevent accidental needle sticks or inadvertent reuse of needle devices. Many of these devices, however, are not easy to use or are complicated to manufacture, resulting in a less effective disposable syringe or safety device.
- Another consideration with unit dose cartridges is that they are often made from glass, particularly cartridges for holding certain vaccines or biotech drugs where concern about microorganisms or other contaminants is most critical. Glass cartridges are very fragile and often break during transportation or use. Some existing adapters may not adequately protect the cartridge contained therein from such risks. Others provide greater protection for the cartridge, but may obstruct the professional's view of the cartridge when the device is being used, hampering monitoring of the medication being delivered.
- A further consideration with unit dose cartridges is that they are often filled with extremely expensive medications or drugs that sometimes cost as much as two thousand dollars per unit dose. The high cost of the medicine stored in these pre-filled syringes has created a valuable market for resale of the drugs and medications. Because of their value, individuals may be tempted to remove all or part of the expensive medication and replace it with a less expensive substitute.
- Accordingly, a device that prevents tampering, or provides evidence of tampering, with a substance inside a pre-filled syringe would be considered useful.
- The present inventions are directed to medicine injection devices, kits, and methods for preventing removal of a plunger from a cartridge.
- In accordance with one aspect of the present inventions, a medicine injection device comprises a cartridge having a cartridge barrel and a plunger having a plunger shaft slidable within the cartridge barrel. The cartridge may be pre-filled with a medicine or drug. In this case, the medicine injection device can be fully assembled by a single entity with the pre-filled cartridge, or may be supplied to a drug manufacturer in kit form with an empty cartridge that is then filled with medicine and then assembled by the drug manufacturer. The medicine injection device further comprises a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a cavity in which the cartridge barrel is disposed. The proximal end of the body may optionally form a finger grip.
- By way of non-limiting example, the cartridge can be a syringe that comprises a needle that extends from the cartridge barrel. In this case, the medicine injection device can further comprise a shield that is slidably attached to the body between a retracted position for exposing the needle, and an extended position for substantially covering the needle. The shield can optionally be biased to slide towards the extended position by, e.g., utilizing a spring mechanism. The medicine injection device may further comprise a frangible cap attached to the shield for preventing access to the needle.
- The medicine injection device further comprises a plunger locking mechanism attached to the proximal end of the body. The plunger locking mechanism comprises a member with an aperture slidably engaged with the plunger shaft. The locking mechanism is configured for preventing the plunger from being removed from the cartridge barrel. For example, the plunger shaft may include a locking stop, e.g., a flange, that engages with the aperture in an interference arrangement.
- In the preferred embodiment, the plunger locking mechanism comprises a flange through which the aperture extends. The flange is mounted in the proximal end of the body, e.g., within a recess formed within the lateral surfaces of an optional finger grip. In this case, the body comprises at least one pair of opposing tab slots, and the flange may comprise at least one pair of opposing tabs mated within the opposing tab slots. To facilitate assembly of the medicine delivery device, the aperture may be formed on an edge of the flange, such that the plunger shaft can be laterally received within the aperture.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present inventions, a method for assembling a medicine injection device comprises inserting a medical cartridge into a cavity of a body through a proximal end of the body. The method may include filling the medical cartridge with medicine.
- By way of non-limiting example, the cartridge can be a syringe that comprises a needle that extends from the cartridge barrel. In this case, the method can further comprise attaching a shield to the body, the shield being slidable between a retracted position for exposing the needle, and an extended position for substantially covering the needle. The shield can optionally be biased to slide towards the extended position by, e.g., utilizing a spring mechanism. The method can further comprise attaching a frangible cap to the shield for preventing access to the needle.
- The method further comprises attaching a plunger locking mechanism to the proximal end of the holder, wherein the plunger locking mechanism includes an aperture. The plunger locking mechanism may comprise a flange through which the aperture extends, in which case, the method may further comprise mounting the flange within the proximal end of the body. The preferred method may comprise mating at least one pair of opposing tabs within the proximal end of the body with at least one pair of opposing tabs of the flange. In the preferred method, the plunger shaft may be laterally received within the aperture, for example, if the aperture is formed on the edge of the flange.
- The method further comprises receiving the plunger shaft within the aperture of the plunger locking mechanism to prevent removal of the plunger from the medical cartridge, while allowing the plunger shaft to slide within the aperture. For example, the plunger may comprise a locking stop, e.g., a flange, on the plunger shaft that engages the aperture of the locking mechanism when an attempt is made to remove the plunger from the medical cartridge.
- For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medicine injection device constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present inventions;
- FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the medicine injection device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a plunger used with the syringe of the medicine injection device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a body used in the medicine injection device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the distal portion of the body of the medicine injection device of FIG. 4A;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a finger grip formed at the proximal end of the body of FIG. 4A;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plunger locking mechanism used in the medicine injection device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of the plunger locking mechanism of FIG. 6, particularly showing a plunger shaft received by the plunger locking mechanism;
- FIG. 8 is a plan view of a modified embodiment of the plunger locking mechanism of FIG. 6, particularly showing a plunger shaft received by the plunger locking mechanism;
- FIG. 9 is a plan view of another modified embodiment of the plunger locking mechanism of FIG. 6, particularly showing a plunger shaft received by the plunger locking mechanism;
- FIG. 10 is a plan view of another plunger locking mechanism used in the medicine injection device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the proximal end of the medicine injection device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a shield used in the medicine injection device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the medicine injection device of FIG. 1, particularly shown in a retracted state;
- FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of the proximal end of the medicine injection device of FIG. 13A;
- FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the medicine injection device of FIG. 1, particularly shown in an extended state;
- FIG. 14B is an enlarged view of an intermediate region of the medicine injection device of FIG. 14A;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the pre-assembled medicine injection device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 16 is a plan view of a pre-assembled plunger locking mechanism used in the medicine injection device of FIG. 1; and
- FIG. 17 is a plan view of another embodiment of a pre-assembled plunger locking mechanism used in the medicine injection device of FIG. 1.
- Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a
medicine injection system 5 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Theinjection system 5 comprises asyringe 90 and apassive needle guard 10 for holding thesyringe 90. Generally, thepassive needle guard 10 includes four parts, namely abody 20 for receiving and holding thesyringe 90, ashield 60 slidably attached to thebody 20, a plunger locking mechanism 12 (FIG. 2), and a frangible cap 80 (FIG. 2). Thebody 20,shield 60, and lockingmechanism 12 are generally molded from plastic, such as polypropylene, k-resin, or polycarbonate, and are preferably substantially clear and colorless to facilitate observation of thesyringe 90 received therein. Alternatively they may be translucent or opaque, and may be colored, such as a latex color or a flesh tone. - The preferred cartridge is a
pre-filled syringe 90 that generally has a substantially smooth-walledcylindrical barrel 92, a distal end orhub 94 including ahypodermic needle 95, a frangible needle cover orcap 80, a proximal end 93 (FIG. 15) having aflange 96, and aplunger 98 that is inserted into thebarrel 92 at theproximal end 93. Theflange 96 may have a sufficiently large width to provide a finger grip for thesyringe 90, or may simply be a small lip to facilitate manufacturing, for example, on a filling line. - As best seen in FIG. 3, the
plunger 98 includes ashaft 97 having athumb pad 99 on its proximal end and aflange 100 and a threadedtip 103 on its distal end. Theplunger 98 further comprises apiston 101 that includes a threaded bore (not shown) that is adapted to screw onto the threadedtip 103 of theplunger shaft 97 and abut against the distal surface of theflange 100. In a preferred embodiment, thesyringe 90 is filled with a predetermined dose of medication through theproximal end 93, and then theplunger 98 is slidably inserted into theproximal end 93 to substantially seal thebarrel 92. Alternatively, other syringes or cartridges may be provided that include a seal (not shown) on the distal end instead of adistal hub 94 andneedle 95. - Turning to FIGS. 4A, 4B and5, the
body 20 has opposing side rails 28 defining two elongate openings orwindows 36 extending at least partially between aproximal end 22 and adistal end 24 of thebody 20. The twoside rails 28 generally have a “C” shape defining acavity 26 extending axially from theproximal end 22 to thedistal end 24 of thebody 20. Alternatively, instead of the side rails 28, thebody 20 may include a substantially rectangular body having four side walls (not shown). If a four-walled body is provided, it may be desirable to provide one or more elongate openings or windows in one or more of the side walls, preferably in two walls on opposite sides of thebody 20. - The inside surfaces30 of the
rails 28 are preferably concave, conforming substantially to the outer diameter of a conventionalpre-filled syringe 90. Alternatively, guide rails, resilient ribs, and the like (not shown) may be provided on theinside surface 30 to facilitate insertion of a cartridge into thecavity 26 and/or to provide lateral support for a syringe received therein. U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,032, issued to Perez et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, discloses exemplary resilient rib structures that may be provided within thebody 20. The outer surfaces of the side rails 28 define a substantially rectangular cross-section for thebody 20, providing a substantially rigid structure for protecting thesyringe 90 received within thebody 20. Alternatively, outer surfaces of the side rails 28 may define other cross-sectional shapes, e.g., round or oval. - A substantially rigid collar32 (FIG. 4A) is molded on the
distal end 24 of the body, thecollar 32 preferably having a substantially annular shape. Thecollar 32 defines anopening 34 for allowing aneedle 95 and thefrangible cap 80 on the syringe 90 (best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2) received in thecavity 26 to extend distally beyond thebody 20. Theopening 34 preferably has a diameter smaller than thecavity 26, such that thedistal end 24 substantially retains the syringe inside thecavity 26 preventing distal movement. Alternatively, thedistal end 24 may be tapered or otherwise partially obstructed for engaging the distal end of thesyringe 90 and/or preventing distal movement of thesyringe 90. Stoptabs 38 may be molded directly on thedistal end 24 of thebody 20, preferably on two opposite sides of thedistal end 24, or alternatively, may be provided on a cantilever member (not shown), such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,366, issued to Mitchell, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. - A
finger grip 50 is molded on theproximal end 22 of thebody 20, and includes a pair of wing-like members orflanges 52 generally defining a “T” shape. Each wing-like member 52 includes a distal surface orfinger ledge 54, and an outergripping surface 56 extending proximally from the outer edge 54 a of thefinger ledge 54. The outergripping surface 56 may include a lip, grooves, or other irregularities (not shown) protruding radially from its proximal end or set in thesurface 56, for example, to facilitate a user holding thefinger grip 50. Lateral surfaces 55 extend proximally from thefinger ledges 54 between thegripping surfaces 56, thereby defining arecess 51 communicating with thecavity 26 in thebody 20. Alternatively, therecess 51 may be eliminated and/or thefinger grip 50 may be shortened, for example, to simply be a flat transverse flange for accommodating shorter syringes or cartridges (not shown). - A catch or
tab 48 may be molded or otherwise extend from one of and preferably both of the lateral surfaces 55 of thefinger grip 50. Alternatively, thecatch 48 may be provided on theproximal end 22 of thebody 20 adjacent the finger grip 50 (not shown). Thecatch 48 engages thetabs 76 on thelatch members 74 as described further below. - In a preferred embodiment, a locking mechanism is provided on the
finger grip 50 and/or on the proximal end of thebody 20 for engaging aflange 96 of the syringe 90 (best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2) received in thecavity 26, and thereby substantially securing the syringe within thebody 20. Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a plurality of lockingdetents 58 at least partially defining an aperture orslot 57 that are formed inlateral surfaces 55 of thefinger grip 50 for receiving theflange 96 therein. Alternatively, other locking mechanisms may be provided on theproximal end 22 of thebody 20, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,032, the disclosure of which has been previously incorporated herein by reference. In a further alternative, other known mechanisms may be used to secure a syringe within thebody 20, such as locking detents or a collet mechanism (not shown) on thedistal end 24 of thebody 20. - One or more sets of detent pockets may be molded into the
body 20 to facilitate securing the relative movement of theshield 60 andbody 20. In a preferred embodiment, a set of proximal detent pockets 40 is provided adjacent thefinger grip 50, and a set of distal detent pockets 42 is provided at a more distal location on thebody 20. Preferably, the proximal detent pockets 40 have sloping distal edges 40 a and substantially blunt proximal edges 40 b. The distal detent pockets 42 also have substantially blunt, and preferably oblique, proximal edges 42 b. - One or more sets of
tab openings 14 are molded into thebody 20 to facilitate securing theplunger locking mechanism 12 to thebody 20, as will be described in further detail below. In a preferred embodiment, thetab openings 14 are molded into the lateral surfaces 55 of thefinger grip 50. - Referring to FIGS. 2, 5 and6, in the illustrated embodiment, the
plunger locking mechanism 12 comprises asemi-rigid flange 110 mounted within therecess 51 of thefinger grip 50. The shape of theflange 110 conforms to the shape of therecess 51, such that it fits snugly within thefinger grip 50. Thelocking mechanism 12 further comprisestabs 112 that mate withcorresponding tab openings 14 on thefinger grip 50. Thelocking mechanism 12 further comprises anaperture 114 formed within theflange 110 for receiving theshaft 97 of theplunger 98. In the illustrated embodiment, theaperture 114 is formed on anedge 116 of theflange 110, such that theflange 110 has a C-shape. As will be described in further detail below, this facilitates the assembly process by allowing thelocking mechanism 12 to laterally receive theshaft 97 of theplunger 98. - The
aperture 114 is configured to allow theplunger 98 to slide within thecavity 26 of thebody 20, while preventing theplunger 98 from being entirely removed from thesyringe 90. Specifically, theflange 100 at the distal end of theplunger shaft 97 serves as a stop that engages with the sides ofaperture 114 in an interfering arrangement when an attempt is made to pull theplunger 98 out of thebody cavity 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of theplunger shaft 97 is less than the diameter of theplunger flange 100. Theaperture 114, which is semi-circular or oval, has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of theplunger shaft 97, thereby allowing theplunger 98 to slide relative thereto, but less than diameter of the plunger flange 100 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 7), thereby preventing theplunger 98 from being pulled through theaperture 114. Thus, theplunger locking mechanism 12 prevents the removal of theplunger 98 from thepre-filled syringe 90, thereby preventing access to the contents of thesyringe 90 via the open end of thesyringe 90 and the resultant tampering of medication or drugs in thesyringe 90. - It should be noted that although the aperture is semi-circular or oval, other cross-sectional shapes can be used. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates an
aperture 118 that has a cross-sectional profile in the shape of a cross, which matches the cross-sectional shape of theplunger shaft 97, thereby allowing it to slide relative thereto, while preventing thecircular plunger flange 100 from being pulled through it. In this case, theflange 110 can be twisted to allow lateral receipt of theplunger shaft 97 during assembly. It should also be noted that in certain arrangements, theapertures 114/118 need not be situated on theedge 116 of theflange 100. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates a closedcircular aperture 122. In this case, if theplunger flange 100 is removably attached to theplunger shaft 97, e.g., via a threaded engagement, theplunger shaft 97 can be axially received through theclosed aperture 122 before these components are attached to theplunger shaft 97. - Alternative embodiments of other plunger locking mechanisms and their arrangement with the
body 20 are contemplated by the present inventions. For example, FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate aplunger locking mechanism 16 that can be mounted within theslot 57 of thefinger grip 50. Thelocking mechanism 16 comprises aflange 124 and anaperture 126 formed through theflange 124. As with the previously describedaperture 114, theaperture 126 is configured to laterally receive theshaft 97 of theplunger 98. Theflange 124 comprises opposingtabs 128 that snugly fit within the opposingslots 57 between theflange 96 of the syringe 90 (when mounted within the slot 57) and the bluntdistal edges 58 b of the lockingdetents 58. Thus, theplunger locking mechanism 16 prevents the removal of theplunger 98 from thesyringe 90, thereby preventing access to the contents of thesyringe 90 via the open end of thepre-filled syringe 90 and the resultant tampering of medication or drugs in thepre-filled syringe 90. - Turning to FIG. 12, the
shield 60 is a tubular member adapted to slidably fit on thebody 20, preferably having a substantially rectangular interior shape that conforms to the exterior shape of thebody 20. Theshield 60 includes four side walls 61 a, 61 b, an open proximal end 62, and an opendistal end 63. Theshield 60 andbody 20 are slidable in relation to one another between an unguarded post, when theneedle 95 is exposed (FIG. 13A), and a guarded post, when theneedle 95 is substantially covered (FIG. 14A), as explained in further detail below. - One or more latch members or
fingers 74 extend proximally from theshield 60, preferably molded to each of theassembly tabs 72. Alternatively, thelatch members 74 may be made as separate pieces that are bonded or otherwise attached to theshield 60, for example, to the outside of theassembly tabs 72, using an adhesive and the like. Eachlatch member 74 includes an inwardly disposed catch ortab 76 located on an intermediate portion of thelatch member 74 between theassembly tab 72 and atip 78 of thelatch member 74. Thelatch members 74 are preferably provided from a substantially flexible material such that they are resiliently deflectable for deflecting the intermediate portion radially outward, and thereby disengaging thecatch 76 from themating catch 48 on thebody 20, but are biased to return inwards to promote engagement with the mating catches 48 on thebody 20, as described further below. - A plurality of
detent arms 70, preferably in opposing pairs, and a plurality ofdetents 71 are integrally molded directly onto or otherwise attached to the side walls 61 b. Thedetents 71 preferably have shapes corresponding substantially to the shapes of the detent pockets 40, 42 in thebody 20. Distal edges 71 a of thedetents 71 are preferably ramped to facilitate slidable engagement with the distal surfaces 40 a of the proximal detent pockets 40. Proximal edges 71 b (FIG. 14B) of thedetents 71 are substantially blunt, and preferably oblique, for positively engaging the proximal edges 42 b of the distal detent pockets 42 and locking theshield 60 in an extended position, as described further below. Additional information on detents and detent pockets for use with the present invention are described in the Mitchell patent referenced above. In addition, thedetent arms 70 may include indents (not shown) for controlling the flexural strength of thedetent arms 70, as thearms 70 may vary in size and thickness in embodiments adapted to accommodate a variety of syringes. - At least one wall61 a, and preferably the two opposite walls 61 a, include an elongate opening or
window 64 therethrough. Thewindows 64 may facilitate observation of thesyringe 90 received in thebody 20, and also provide a traveling slot for thestop tabs 38 on thebody 20. Thewindows 64 have aproximal edge 66 and adistal edge 68 defined by the wall 61 a that limit the relative movement of theshield 60 to thebody 20, as explained below. Alternatively, thewindows 64 may be divided by a cross-member (not shown) molded into the wall 61 a that extends transversely across thewindow 64 if it is desired to further limit movement of theshield 60. - Optionally, the side walls61 a, 61 b may include wings, a ring, or similar finger holds (not shown) extending radially from the
shield 60 to ease movement of theshield 60 in relation to thebody 20. In addition, the side walls 61 a, 61 b may provide a flat surface onto which a label may be applied, for example to identify the drug, medication, or other fluid contained within thepre-filled syringe 90 received within theguard 10, or an embossed pattern may be molded, possibly including a name or a logo. - The
shield 60 has adistal opening 65 through which thedistal hub 94 of thesyringe 90 andneedle 95 extend. Thedistal opening 65 is generally circular and has a diameter larger than that of theneedle 95 on thesyringe 90, and may be provided with a variety of diameters, for example, larger than thecartridge barrel 92 and/orhub 94, or configurations to facilitate use of thesyringe 90. For example, the diameter of theopening 65 may be sufficiently large to accommodate a luer adapter (not shown) or other alternative distal tip to be provided on thesyringe 90 or attached to thehub 94. Most preferably, theopening 65 has a diameter sufficiently small to minimize the risk of accidental sticks, for example, to prevent a finger from being directed into theshield 60 after use. - A spring mechanism (not shown) may be coupled to the
body 20 and theshield 60 to bias theshield 60 towards an extended position. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/566,224, filed May 5, 2000, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, describes various spring arrangements that can be incorporated into theguard 10. - Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the
cap 80 is frangibly attached to or otherwise extends from thedistal end 63 of theshield 60 to prevent access to the contents of thesyringe 90 and/or prevent exposing theneedle 95 of thesyringe 90. In a preferred embodiment, thecap 80 is attached by a weakened region 81 (shown in FIG. 2), which may be a perforated seam or otherwise a relatively thin region that extends from a distal end of thecap 80 to a proximal end of thecap 80. In the preferred embodiment, thecap 80 andshield 60 may be molded as a single piece with a weakened region 81 between them. In any event, the weakened region 81 preferably allows for quick, easy, and clean break away of thecap 80 from theshield 60, while preventing thecap 80 from being reattached to theshield 60. Thus, this arrangement will provide an immediate and easily recognizable indication that thecap 80 has been removed from the assembly, thereby preventing undetected access to the contents of thesyringe 90 and the resultant tampering of medication or drugs in thepre-filled syringe 90 via theneedle 95. - Referring to FIGS. 12, 13A and13B, the
passive needle guard 10 is generally provided to the user withbody 20,shield 60,plunger locking mechanism 12, and frangible cap 80 (not shown). In the retracted position, thetabs 76 on thelatch members 74 substantially engage the mating catches 48 on the body, thereby securing theshield 60 in the retracted position against the bias provided by a spring mechanism such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/724,657, filed Nov. 28, 2000, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. In addition, thedetents 71 may be received in the proximal detent pockets 40, thereby providing additional security to hold theshield 60 in the retracted position. Alternatively, the proximal detent pockets 40 may be used merely to receive thedetents 71 and thereby allow thedetent arms 70 to return to a relaxed state, rather than extending outward along the outer surface of thebody 20. In a further alternative, the proximal detent pockets 40 may not be needed and may be eliminated. - Referring to FIGS. 4A and 12, to assemble the
passive needle guard 10, thedistal end 24 of thebody 20 is inserted into the open proximal end 62 of theshield 60, with thewindow 36 in thebody 20 aligned with the side wall 61 a of theshield 60 having thewindow 64 therein. A spring (not shown) may be positioned within a passage and/or secured to thebody 20 andshield 60 in a conventional manner. As thebody 20 is inserted, thestop tab 38 engages a tapered interior edge (not shown) of theassembly tab 72 on theshield 60, allowing thestop tab 38 to pass under the side wall 61 a. After thestop tab 38 passes under the side wall 61 a, it may enter thewindow 64 where it may freely travel. - The
stop tab 38 andwindow 64 cooperate to allow theshield 60 to slidably move in relation to thebody 20, but substantially define the limits of their relative movement. Theshield 60 may slide proximally and distally until thestop tab 38 abuts adistal edge 68 and aproximal edge 66 of thewindow 64, respectively. Specifically, when thestop tab 38 engages thedistal edge 68 of thewindow 64, theshield 60 is in the retracted or unguarded position (FIG. 13A). When thestop tab 38 engages theproximal edge 66 of thewindow 64, the shield is in the extended or guarded position (FIG. 14A). - While the
stop tab 38 andwindow 64 cooperate to limit the movement of theshield 60, thecatches detents 71 and detent pockets 40, 42 on theshield 60 andbody 20 also cooperate to hold theshield 60 either in the retracted position or in the extended position. During assembly, thelatch members 74 may be deflected radially outwardly to avoid contact between thecatches 76 thereon and the mating catches 48 on thebody 20. Similarly, thedetent arms 70 may be deflected radially outwardly such that thedetents 71 do not engage the distal detent pockets 42 while theshield 60 is directed to the retracted position. - As best seen in FIGS. 13A and 13B, once the
shield 60 is fully retracted, thelatch members 74 and thedetent arms 70 are released, whereupon they resiliently return inward such that thecatches 76 on thelatch members 74 engage the mating catches 48 on thebody 20, and thedetents 71 engage the proximal detent pockets 40. In the retracted position, thestop tab 38 also abuts thedistal edge 68 of thewindow 64, thereby preventing further proximal movement of theshield 60. The slopingdistal edges 71 a of thedetents 71 engage the sloping distal edges 40 a of the proximal detent pockets 40 on thebody 20, thereby assisting the cooperating catches 48, 76 in preventing theshield 60 from moving distally. However, the frictional resistance between the slopingdistal edges 71 a, 40 a of thedetents 71 and the proximal detent pockets 40 may be overcome by a distal force, such as that provided by the spring mechanism when thecatches shield 60 down when it initially advances from the retracted position. - Once assembled, the
passive needle guard 10 is ready to receive a cartridge, such as thepre-filled syringe 90. Thesyringe 90 is preferably pre-assembled within thepassive needle guard 10 before being furnished to a user, for example, at the time of manufacturing thepassive needle guard 10. In a preferred embodiment, thesyringe 90 may be pre-assembled by measuring out a dose of medication into thesyringe 90, and then placing theplunger 98 within thebarrel 92 of thesyringe 90. Although thesyringe 90 shown is the preferred medication delivery system that may be used with thepassive needle guard 10, it will be appreciated that thepassive needle guard 10 may be modified for use with other pre-filled-or unit dose delivery systems, and that the term cartridge may include other such known systems. For example, thefinger grip 50 on theproximal end 22 of thebody 20 may be replaced with a plunger and plug assembly (not shown), such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,400, issued to Firth et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. In addition, thecollar 32 on thedistal end 24 of thebody 20 may be replaced with a double-ended needle cannula, such as that disclosed in the Firth et al. patent. - The distal end or
hub 94 of thesyringe 90 is inserted into therecess 51 of thefinger grip 50 and the openproximal end 22 of thebody 20 until it enters thecavity 26 and progresses distally towards thedistal end 24 of thebody 20. Once fully encapsulated, thedistal end 94 of thesyringe 90 may simply abut thedistal end 24 of thebody 20, or alternatively thedistal end 94 may partially enter theopening 34 and engage thecollar 32, thereby providing additional protection from lateral movement of thesyringe 90. - Before the
syringe 90 is inserted into thebody 20 or before theflange 96 contacts thelatch members 74, thelatch members 74 may be deflected radially outward, while securing theshield 60 in the retracted position, for example, manually or in a jig or other mechanism. Thus, any contact between thelatch members 74 and thesyringe 90 may be avoided until theflange 96 passes thetips 78 of thelatch members 74 and enters therecess 51 of thefinger grip 50. Thelatch members 74 may then be released such that thecatches 76 again engage the mating catches 48 on thebody 20. - Alternatively, the
syringe 90 may be inserted into thebody 20 while theshield 60 is extended and thelatch members 74 are consequently positioned distally away from therecess 51 into which thesyringe 90 is to be inserted. Once thesyringe 90 is fully inserted, thedetents 71 may be disengaged from the distal detent pockets 42 and theshield 60 may be directed to the retracted position. In another alternative embodiment, an intermediate stop (not shown) may be provided to hold theshield 60 in a position between the extended and retracted positions, wherein thelatch members 74 may be located distally away from therecess 51 into which thesyringe 90 is to be inserted. Once thesyringe 90 has been inserted, the shield may be directed to the retracted position where thecatches shield 60 from the retracted position to the extended position. - Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 2, as the
syringe 90 becomes fully encapsulated within thecavity 26, theflange 96 of thesyringe 90 contacts the lockingdetents 58 on thefinger grip 50. The lockingdetents 58 have taperedproximal edges 58 a, allowing thesyringe 90 to be directed further distally, theflange 96 moving the lockingdetents 58 aside and entering theslot 57. The lockingdetents 58 have substantially bluntdistal edges 58 b that prevent thesyringe 90 from being removed proximally from theslot 57, thereby substantially permanently locking thesyringe 90 into thebody 20, and preventing axial (i.e. proximal and/or distal) movement of thesyringe 90 within thepassive needle guard 10. - Once the
syringe 90 is locked into thepassive needle guard 10, theneedle 95 and itscap 80 extend through theopening 34 on thecollar 32 and theopening 65 on thedistal end 63 of theshield 60. Preferably, the length of theshield 60 is substantially coextensive with thebarrel 92 of thesyringe 90, allowing theneedle 95 to extend beyond thedistal end 63 of theshield 60, but protecting thehub 94 of thepre-filled syringe 90. - Once the
syringe 90 is firmly received into theguard 10, theplunger locking mechanism 12 is mounted within therecess 51 of thefinger grip 50 and is placed into a locking arrangement with theplunger 98 to prevent removal of theplunger 98 from thesyringe 90. Specifically, theplunger shaft 97 is laterally received within theaperture 114 of thelocking mechanism 12, and thetabs 112 on oneedge 116 of theflange 110 are inserted into themating tab openings 14 within thelateral surface 55 of thefinger grip 50, as illustrated in FIG. 16. With theplunger shaft 97 still received within theaperture 114 of thelocking mechanism 12, theother edge 116 of theflange 110 is then distally rotated around the hinge formed by the already matedtabs 112 andtab openings 14 until thetabs 112 on the other edge are inserted into themating tab openings 14 within the otherlateral surface 55 of thefinger grip 50. In this manner, theplunger 98 will be locked within thesyringe 90. - In the case of the
locking mechanism 16, theplunger shaft 97 is laterally received within theaperture 114 of thelocking mechanism 12, and one of thetabs 128 of theflange 124 is inserted into the correspondingslot 57 within thelateral surface 55 of thefinger grip 50, as illustrated in FIG. 17. With theplunger shaft 97 still received within theaperture 126 of thelocking mechanism 16, theother tab 128 of theflange 124 is then distally rotated around the hinge formed by the already matedtab 124 andslot 57 until theother tab 112 is inserted into theopposite slot 57 within the otherlateral surface 55 of thefinger grip 50. In this manner, theplunger 98 will be locked within thesyringe 90. - Returning to FIGS. 13 and 14, the
syringe 90 encapsulated within thepassive needle guard 10 may then be used in a conventional manner to deliver medication in thebarrel 92. The needle cap 80 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) is first removed from thedistal end 63 of theshield 60 by tearing or breaking thecap 80 away from theshield 60 at the weakened region 81. Theneedle 95 may then be inserted into the patient (not shown), and the medication delivered by depressing theplunger 98 distally. As may be seen from FIG. 1, thewindows barrel 92 of thesyringe 90, allowing the user to monitor delivery of the medication therein. - The
plunger 98 may be depressed until thethumb pad 99 contacts thetips 78 of thelatch members 74. As theplunger 98 is depressed further, thethumb pad 99 causes thelatch members 74 to compress axially and thereby deflect radially outwardly until thecatches 76 are disengaged from the mating catches 48 on thebody 20. - With the
catches shield 60 distally, whereupon theshield 60 may automatically advance towards the extended position, shown in FIG. 14. Thelatch members 74 merely slide along thebody 20 as theshield 60 advances. Thus, theshield 60 may be automatically activated and advanced without requiring any action from the user other than depression of theplunger 98. Because of the predetermined location of the distal detent pockets 42, when thestop tab 38 reaches theproximal edge 66 of thewindow 64, thedetents 71 substantially simultaneously enter the distal detent pockets 42. The blunt or oblique proximal edges 71 b of thedetents 71 engage the similarly shaped proximal edges 42 b of the distal detent pockets 42, thereby preventing theshield 60 from being moved proximally. In an alternative embodiment, thebody 20 may include pockets (not shown) for receiving thecatches 76 on thelatch members 74 when theshield 60 reaches the extended position, thereby further securing theshield 60 from proximal movement. Furthermore, because thestop tab 38 abuts theproximal edge 66 of thewindow 64, theshield 60 may not be moved further distally. Thus, theshield 60 is thereby substantially permanently locked in the extended position. - As the
shield 60 advances to the extended position, thedistal end 63 of theshield 60 passes over theneedle 95, covering theneedle 95. Once theshield 60 is locked in the extended position, theneedle 95 may no longer be accessible, thereby substantially eliminating the risk of accidental sticks, and preventing reuse of thesyringe 90. Theguard 10 andsyringe 90 may then be disposed of in a conventional manner. - A useful feature of the
passive needle guard 10 is that thelatch members 74 and/or theplunger 98 have predetermined relative lengths to activate theshield 60 at a desired time during the plunger stroke. For example, it may be desirable to activate theshield 60 early in the stroke such that theshield 60 is activated and advanced into contact with the patient's skin. Upon removal of the needle from the patient, theshield 60 simply slides completely to the extended position, automatically covering theneedle 95 as it is withdrawn from the patient. Alternatively, thelatch members 74 and/orplunger 98 may be configured to activate theshield 60 only upon complete depression of theplunger 98. In a further alternative, theplunger 98 may include a radial portion, such as a tab or an annular rib (not shown), at an intermediate location thereon. The radial portion may engage and deflect the latch members 75 during depression of theplunger 98, similar to thethumb pad 99 described above. - While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims (22)
1. A needle guard for syringes, comprising:
a medical cartridge having a cartridge barrel and a plunger, the plunger comprising a plunger shaft slidable within the medical cartridge;
a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a cavity configured for receiving the medical cartridge; and
a plunger locking mechanism attachable to the proximal end of the body, the plunger locking mechanism comprising a member with an aperture that, when the medical cartridge is received within the cavity of the body, is configured to be slidably engaged with the plunger shaft, while preventing the plunger from being removed from the cartridge barrel.
2. The needle guard of claim 1 , wherein the medical cartridge is a syringe that comprises a needle extending from the cartridge barrel, and further comprising a shield configured to be slidably attached to the body between a retracted position for exposing the needle, and an extended position for substantially covering the needle.
3. The needle guard of claim 2 , wherein the shield is biased to slide towards the extended position.
4. The needle guard of claim 11 , wherein the plunger locking mechanism comprises a flange through which the aperture extends, the flange being mountable within the proximal end of the body.
5. The needle guard of claim 4 , wherein the proximal end of the body comprises at least one pair of opposing tab slots, and the flange comprises at least one pair of opposing tabs matable within the at least one pair of opposing tab slots.
6. The needle guard of claim 4 , wherein the aperture is formed on an edge of the flange, such that the plunger shaft can be laterally received within the aperture.
7. The needle guard of claim 1 , wherein the cartridge barrel is pre-filled with a medicine.
8. A medicine injection device, comprising:
a medical cartridge having a cartridge barrel and a plunger, the plunger comprising a plunger shaft slidable within the cartridge barrel;
a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a cavity in which the cartridge barrel is disposed; and
a plunger locking mechanism attached to the proximal end of the body, the plunger locking mechanism comprising a member with an aperture slidably engaged with the plunger shaft, the aperture configured for preventing the plunger from being removed from the cartridge barrel.
9. The medicine injection device of claim 8 , wherein the medical cartridge is a syringe that comprises a needle extending from the cartridge barrel, and further comprising a shield slidably attached to the body between a retracted position for exposing the needle, and an extended position for substantially covering the needle, wherein the shield is biased to slide towards the extended position.
10. The medicine injection device of claim 9 , further comprising a frangible cap attached to the shield for preventing access to the needle.
11. The medicine injection device of claim 8 , wherein the proximal end of the body comprises a finger grip, and the plunger locking mechanism is attached to the finger grip.
12. The medicine injection device of claim 11 , wherein the finger grip comprises opposing lateral surfaces defining a recess, and the plunger locking mechanism is received in the recess.
13. A needle guard for a syringe, comprising:
a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a cavity being adapted to receive a medical cartridge having a cartridge barrel and a plunger, the plunger comprising a plunger shaft slidable within the medical cartridge; and
a plunger locking mechanism attached to the proximal end of the body, the plunger locking mechanism comprising a member with an aperture slidably engaged with the plunger shaft, the aperture configured for preventing the plunger from being removed from the cartridge barrel.
14. The needle guard of claim 13 , wherein the medical cartridge is a syringe that comprises a needle extending from the cartridge barrel, and further comprising a shield configured to be slidably attached to the body between a retracted position for exposing the needle, and an extended position for substantially covering the needle.
15. The needle guard of claim 13 , wherein the proximal end of the body comprises a finger grip, and the plunger locking mechanism is attachable to the finger grip.
16. The needle guard of claim 15 , wherein the finger grip comprises opposing lateral surfaces defining a recess, and the plunger locking mechanism is receivable in the recess.
17. A method for assembling a medicine injection device, comprising:
inserting a medical cartridge into a cavity of a body through a proximal end of the body;
inserting a plunger having a plunger shaft within the medical cartridge, the plunger shaft extending from the proximal end of the body;
attaching a plunger locking mechanism to the proximal end of the body, wherein the plunger locking mechanism comprises an aperture; and
slidably receiving the plunger shaft within the aperture of the plunger locking mechanism to prevent removal of the plunger from the medical cartridge.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the medical cartridge is a syringe that comprises a needle, and further comprising attaching a shield to the body, the shield being slidable between a retracted position for exposing the needle, and an extended position for substantially covering the needle.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein the plunger locking mechanism comprises a flange through which the aperture extends, and further comprising mounting the flange within the proximal end of the body.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the proximal end of the body comprises at least one pair of opposing tab slots, and the flange comprises at least one pair of opposing tabs, and further comprising mating the at least one pair of opposing tabs within the at least one pair of opposing tab slots.
21. The method of claim 17 , wherein the proximal end of the body comprises a finger grip, and further comprising attaching the plunger locking mechanism to the finger grip.
22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the finger grip comprises opposing lateral surfaces defining a recess, and further comprising receiving the plunger locking mechanism in the recess.
Priority Applications (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/373,531 US20040167476A1 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2003-02-24 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
AT04700082T ATE392225T1 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2004-01-02 | SAFETY NEEDLE GUARD FOR SYRINGES |
EP04700082A EP1596906B1 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2004-01-02 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
PCT/US2004/000081 WO2004075956A1 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2004-01-02 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
DE602004013125T DE602004013125T2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2004-01-02 | SAFETY NEEDLE PROTECTION FOR SPRAYING |
US12/947,724 US8608693B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2010-11-16 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
US14/108,231 US9550027B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2013-12-16 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
US15/374,100 US10052438B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2016-12-09 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US10/373,531 US20040167476A1 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2003-02-24 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
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US12/947,724 Continuation US8608693B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2010-11-16 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/947,724 Expired - Lifetime US8608693B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2010-11-16 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
US14/108,231 Expired - Lifetime US9550027B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2013-12-16 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
US15/374,100 Expired - Lifetime US10052438B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2016-12-09 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
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US12/947,724 Expired - Lifetime US8608693B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2010-11-16 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
US14/108,231 Expired - Lifetime US9550027B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2013-12-16 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
US15/374,100 Expired - Lifetime US10052438B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2016-12-09 | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
Country Status (5)
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US (4) | US20040167476A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1596906B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE392225T1 (en) |
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US20060189935A1 (en) * | 2004-10-14 | 2006-08-24 | Janek Gregory A | Safety medical syringe with retractable needle |
US20070083164A1 (en) * | 2003-08-21 | 2007-04-12 | Laurent Barrelle | Device for oral administration of a medicine |
US20070156101A1 (en) * | 2004-08-18 | 2007-07-05 | Liversidge Barry P | Injection Apparatus |
US20110276026A1 (en) * | 2010-05-05 | 2011-11-10 | Dowds Philip E | Extended finger flange for syringe systems |
US20130053788A1 (en) * | 2010-04-28 | 2013-02-28 | Pascal Dugand | Safety Device For A Pre-Filled Injection Syringe |
US20130245594A1 (en) * | 2010-08-22 | 2013-09-19 | Mercy Medical Research Institute | Needle safety guard adapted to attach to a liquid container |
US8608693B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2013-12-17 | Safety Syringes, Inc. | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
US20140128841A1 (en) * | 2012-11-02 | 2014-05-08 | Cook Medical Technologies Llc | Controlled Injection Devices, Systems, and Methods |
USD765838S1 (en) | 2015-03-26 | 2016-09-06 | Tech Group Europe Limited | Syringe retention clip |
USD790691S1 (en) | 2015-07-28 | 2017-06-27 | West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. | Finger flange |
USD812223S1 (en) | 2015-05-18 | 2018-03-06 | West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. | Finger flange |
US9943646B2 (en) | 2014-08-21 | 2018-04-17 | Owen Mumford Ltd. | Safety syringe |
CN110237357A (en) * | 2019-06-06 | 2019-09-17 | 陈宥里 | A kind of anti-stabbed syringe |
US20200390982A1 (en) * | 2014-10-14 | 2020-12-17 | Amgen Inc. | Drug injection device with visual and audio indicators |
US20220218914A1 (en) * | 2013-08-29 | 2022-07-14 | Sanofi | Safety Device for a Medicament Container |
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US9227019B2 (en) | 2012-08-29 | 2016-01-05 | Amgen Inc. | Pre-filled syringe identification tag |
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US8608693B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2013-12-17 | Safety Syringes, Inc. | Tamper evident needle guard for syringes |
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US11712526B2 (en) | 2010-04-28 | 2023-08-01 | Nemera La Verpillière | Safety device for a pre-filled injection syringe |
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US20150141930A1 (en) * | 2010-05-05 | 2015-05-21 | Safety Syringes, Inc. | Extended finger flange for syringe systems |
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US9943646B2 (en) | 2014-08-21 | 2018-04-17 | Owen Mumford Ltd. | Safety syringe |
US11291770B2 (en) | 2014-08-21 | 2022-04-05 | Owen Mumford Limited | Safety syringe |
US20200390982A1 (en) * | 2014-10-14 | 2020-12-17 | Amgen Inc. | Drug injection device with visual and audio indicators |
US11633548B2 (en) * | 2014-10-14 | 2023-04-25 | Amgen Inc. | Drug injection device with visual and audio indicators |
USD765838S1 (en) | 2015-03-26 | 2016-09-06 | Tech Group Europe Limited | Syringe retention clip |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20170087305A1 (en) | 2017-03-30 |
US9550027B2 (en) | 2017-01-24 |
WO2004075956A1 (en) | 2004-09-10 |
EP1596906A1 (en) | 2005-11-23 |
DE602004013125T2 (en) | 2009-07-02 |
ATE392225T1 (en) | 2008-05-15 |
DE602004013125D1 (en) | 2008-05-29 |
EP1596906B1 (en) | 2008-04-16 |
US20110282297A1 (en) | 2011-11-17 |
US8608693B2 (en) | 2013-12-17 |
US10052438B2 (en) | 2018-08-21 |
US20140228754A1 (en) | 2014-08-14 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SAFETY SYRINGES, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WESTBYE, LARS TOMMY;REEL/FRAME:013816/0877 Effective date: 20030204 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |