CA2696951A1 - Safety syringe with plunger locking means - Google Patents
Safety syringe with plunger locking means Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2696951A1 CA2696951A1 CA2696951A CA2696951A CA2696951A1 CA 2696951 A1 CA2696951 A1 CA 2696951A1 CA 2696951 A CA2696951 A CA 2696951A CA 2696951 A CA2696951 A CA 2696951A CA 2696951 A1 CA2696951 A1 CA 2696951A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- plunger
- bush
- syringe
- needle
- ring
- 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
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 claims description 17
- 210000004907 gland Anatomy 0.000 claims description 11
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- JGFZNNIVVJXRND-UHFFFAOYSA-N N,N-Diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) Chemical compound CCN(C(C)C)C(C)C JGFZNNIVVJXRND-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 3
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diethyl ether Chemical compound CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000012260 Accidental injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 235000017399 Caesalpinia tinctoria Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000702620 H-1 parvovirus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000700721 Hepatitis B virus Species 0.000 description 1
- 208000012266 Needlestick injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000388430 Tara Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000700605 Viruses Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000001647 drug administration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- A61M5/32—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
- A61M5/322—Retractable needles, i.e. disconnected from and withdrawn into the syringe barrel by 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
- A61M5/178—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
- A61M5/322—Retractable needles, i.e. disconnected from and withdrawn into the syringe barrel by the piston
- A61M5/3221—Constructional features thereof, e.g. to improve manipulation or functioning
- A61M2005/323—Connection between plunger distal end and needle hub proximal end, e.g. stud protruding from the plunger
-
- 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
- A61M5/5066—Means for preventing re-use by disconnection of piston and piston-rod
- A61M2005/5073—Means for preventing re-use by disconnection of piston and piston-rod by breaking or rupturing the connection parts
-
- 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
- A61M5/3135—Syringe barrels characterised by constructional features of the proximal end
-
- 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
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Anesthesiology (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A safety syringe (11) is disclosed. The safety syringe has a retractable needle facility (14/15) incorporated therein, the syringe comprising a barrel (12) and plunger (13) and needle assembly. The needle is caused to retract into the barrel of the syringe upon completion of injection once it has been used, by means of engagement between the needle assembly and the end of the plunger. Locking means (28) preferably in the form of a locking bush is provided in the body of the syringe to engage the plunger once it is retracted after use, so that the syringe is rendered incapable of being used further.
Description
Received 22 June 2009 c:%documenl3l11oba1 mcdisafc12U290 amanded.doc SAFETY SYRINGE WITH PLUNGER LOCKING MEANS
Technical Field This invention relates to a safety syringe having a retractable needle for use in the medical or dental profession or in pcrsonal drug administration so that the physician, s surgeon or other nccdle operator might be protected from injur y by the needle after its use. In particular it relates to locking means for retaining the plungcr to which the needle is attached, and hence the needle, in the retracted position.
B ackrround The danger of injury and possible infection from the H1V or hepatitis B virus to medical io practitioners using needles in the normal course of their business is well documented.
Further, persons who are in the habit of administering drugs to themselves run a sevcrc risk of contacting either of the specified viruses, or indeed contacting other viruscs if a needlc, once used, is reused in an unsterilised form.
There have been many proposals airried at reducing the number of so-called needle-stick 15 injuries and various attempts have been made to providc a safe system for disposal of such needles once used, but such prior proposals have had deficiencies.
Many solutions to the foregoing problems provide for retractable needles. One of the major disadvantages in many previous proposals is that the syringe although rendered initially safe by having the needle retracted, does not usually provide means for 20 preventing further access to the needle. In other words, the plunger may be dcpressed.
again causing the needle to re-emerge from the barrel of the syringe, or in some other instances may be withdrawn altogether form the barrel of the syringe thereby gaining access to the needle.
Object of the Invention 25 It is an object of the present invention to provide a syringe which to some extent solves or at least ameliorates some or all of the foregoing disadvantages by employing a retractable surgical needle, and for permanently storing that surgical needle, once used, in a substantially safe manner. In particular, the present invention provides for a positive locking facility to prevent the plunger, to which the withdrawn needle is Amended Sheet iPF.A/At i Received 22 June 2009 c:ldocumentslglobal medisafe120290 amended.doc attached, from being reactivated or withdrawn altogether, once the syringe is rendered safe by having the needle retractcd. At the very least the invention provides an alternate means for accommodating the needle of a used syringe to protmt against accidental injury arising from unwanted contact with the exposed needle once the syringe has been used. ' Although the following description generally rcfers to a syringe of conventional size, no such limitation is intended thereby, and reference to a syringe is meant to encompass any other needle/syringe combination or needle alone including slimline syringes, where, by suitable adaptation, the invention may also be usefully applied.
lo Disclosure of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a safety syringe having a retractable needle facility incorporated therein, the syringe comprising a barrel and plunger and needle assembly, wherein the needle is caused to retract into the barrel of the syringc upon completion of injection once it has been used, by means of engagement is between the needlc assembly and the end of the plunger, and wherein locking means is provided in the body of the syringe in the form of a full circle ring or bush to engage the plunger once it is retracted after use, so that the syringe is rendered incapable of being used further in that the plunger can neither be pushed down again to reactive the needle, nor can it be removed altogether from the barrel of the syringe to gain access to the 20 necdlc; and wherein fitment of the ring or bush to the plunger is facilitated by a plunger comprising two portions, namely a stem portion and a cap portion, which are joined after the ring or bush is fitted thereto.
Preferably a region of weakness is provided in the plunger, located on the shaft of the plunger in the vicinity of whcrc it extends from the end of the syringe body when fully zs withdrawn, so that after the needle is retracted into the body of the syringe, and the plunger is engaged with the locking means, the plunger is broken off so that it cannot be depressed again, or readily removed by gripping it and excrting force, thereby further assisting in rendering the syringe incapable of being used again.
Technical Field This invention relates to a safety syringe having a retractable needle for use in the medical or dental profession or in pcrsonal drug administration so that the physician, s surgeon or other nccdle operator might be protected from injur y by the needle after its use. In particular it relates to locking means for retaining the plungcr to which the needle is attached, and hence the needle, in the retracted position.
B ackrround The danger of injury and possible infection from the H1V or hepatitis B virus to medical io practitioners using needles in the normal course of their business is well documented.
Further, persons who are in the habit of administering drugs to themselves run a sevcrc risk of contacting either of the specified viruses, or indeed contacting other viruscs if a needlc, once used, is reused in an unsterilised form.
There have been many proposals airried at reducing the number of so-called needle-stick 15 injuries and various attempts have been made to providc a safe system for disposal of such needles once used, but such prior proposals have had deficiencies.
Many solutions to the foregoing problems provide for retractable needles. One of the major disadvantages in many previous proposals is that the syringe although rendered initially safe by having the needle retracted, does not usually provide means for 20 preventing further access to the needle. In other words, the plunger may be dcpressed.
again causing the needle to re-emerge from the barrel of the syringe, or in some other instances may be withdrawn altogether form the barrel of the syringe thereby gaining access to the needle.
Object of the Invention 25 It is an object of the present invention to provide a syringe which to some extent solves or at least ameliorates some or all of the foregoing disadvantages by employing a retractable surgical needle, and for permanently storing that surgical needle, once used, in a substantially safe manner. In particular, the present invention provides for a positive locking facility to prevent the plunger, to which the withdrawn needle is Amended Sheet iPF.A/At i Received 22 June 2009 c:ldocumentslglobal medisafe120290 amended.doc attached, from being reactivated or withdrawn altogether, once the syringe is rendered safe by having the needle retractcd. At the very least the invention provides an alternate means for accommodating the needle of a used syringe to protmt against accidental injury arising from unwanted contact with the exposed needle once the syringe has been used. ' Although the following description generally rcfers to a syringe of conventional size, no such limitation is intended thereby, and reference to a syringe is meant to encompass any other needle/syringe combination or needle alone including slimline syringes, where, by suitable adaptation, the invention may also be usefully applied.
lo Disclosure of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a safety syringe having a retractable needle facility incorporated therein, the syringe comprising a barrel and plunger and needle assembly, wherein the needle is caused to retract into the barrel of the syringc upon completion of injection once it has been used, by means of engagement is between the needlc assembly and the end of the plunger, and wherein locking means is provided in the body of the syringe in the form of a full circle ring or bush to engage the plunger once it is retracted after use, so that the syringe is rendered incapable of being used further in that the plunger can neither be pushed down again to reactive the needle, nor can it be removed altogether from the barrel of the syringe to gain access to the 20 necdlc; and wherein fitment of the ring or bush to the plunger is facilitated by a plunger comprising two portions, namely a stem portion and a cap portion, which are joined after the ring or bush is fitted thereto.
Preferably a region of weakness is provided in the plunger, located on the shaft of the plunger in the vicinity of whcrc it extends from the end of the syringe body when fully zs withdrawn, so that after the needle is retracted into the body of the syringe, and the plunger is engaged with the locking means, the plunger is broken off so that it cannot be depressed again, or readily removed by gripping it and excrting force, thereby further assisting in rendering the syringe incapable of being used again.
Amended Sheet IPEA/AU
Received 22 June 2009 c:klncumantslglobal medl8afe120290 amended.doc It will be understood that whilst the invention is arguably improved by the ability to break off the plunger as well, it should be appreciated that this is an extra step and one that some users might iimore.. Therefore the present invention provides for the locking means to be of sufficient resistance to prevent the plunger from being depressed or removed so that it does not matter that the plunger is broken off. In other words, even before the plunger is broken off, the present invention envisages that the syringe will be rendered ineffective against ether deliberate or even accidental re-use as might occur if the syringe were knocked as it was being placed on a table for example.
Fitment of the ring or bush to the plunger is achieved by having a two part plunger, the two parts of which are fitted after the ring or bush is fitted about the shank of the plunger. Various means by which this may be achieved include having the shank of the plunger in two portions so that thcy can be fitted together after the ring or bush is located on one part, or having the end portion of the plunger which is the thumb tab separate until the ring or bush is fitted.
The ring or bush may utilise any one of a variety of methods to engage the plunger once it has engaged the needle and caused it to be withdrawn into the barrel of the syringe, including, but not necessarily limited to twi`ting or pulling the plunger through or into the ring or bush as the case may be. In those rings or bushes where a twisting motion is required, the ring. or bush may be a twist-lock bush or a threaded bush or may be a l uer-lock bush. Alternatively in embodiments where a pull motion is rcquired, the ring or bush may be a pull-lock bush or snap-lock bush. Examples of thcsc bushes are iIlustrated in the aceompanying drawings and discussed below in relation to the description of the respective drawings.
Thus in the foregoing embodiments, the ring or bush is pressed into the barrel when the plunger is inserted during manufacture. A variety of locking options are also available to retain the ring or bush in the barrel, once it thus insertcd. Any combination of locking mcchanism to retain the plunger in the locking ring or bush may be coupled Amended Sheet ft1C A/ A T T
Received 22 June 2009 c:ldocumaotslglobal medlsaFe\20290 amended.dog with any one of the such means by which the ring or bush itself is retained in the barrel of the syringe.
It will be appreciated that there are many different means available by which the ring or bush can be used to lock the plunger and these are contemplated as being within the s scope of the invention.
It is-also preferrcd that a vertical or lorigitudinal protrusion within the end of the barrel where the ring or bush is inserted, is provided whereby the ring or bush may be prevented from turning, particularly in those cases where a split bush is utilised or where a twisting action is rcquired to lock the plunger in the ring or bush.
io The plunger itself is provided with a flange about its distal end to prevent it from being pulled right through the locking means. In this way the syringe will not only be rendered ineffective against the plunger being depressed again, but also rendered safe in that the plunger cannot be removed altogether. Thus, once the plunger locks into the ring or bush, neither the plungcr nor the ring or bush itself may he withdrawn to 15 otherwise gain acccss to the needle located within the barrel after it has been withdrawn into the barrel.
Thus, locking of the plunger in the ring or bush is preferably provided by a flange located on the plunger, preferably located just above the piston rcgion of the plunger, allowing the plunger to bc thus locked against the bottom of the ring or bush, and 20 preventing the plunger from being entirely withdrawn.
By providing a break point in the plunger, as discussed above, it will also prevent or at least minimise the possibility of further tampering, especially preventing acccss.to the plunger in a way which allow it to be forced back into the ban-el or gripped for removal by excessive force..
25 Thus for example one preferred embodiment utilises a twist lock feahtre including corresponding threaded regions in the barrel of the syringe and on the plungcr, so that after an injection the plunger is withdrawn and locked in position by twisting the plunger to engage the corresponding threaded portions.
Received 22 June 2009 c:klncumantslglobal medl8afe120290 amended.doc It will be understood that whilst the invention is arguably improved by the ability to break off the plunger as well, it should be appreciated that this is an extra step and one that some users might iimore.. Therefore the present invention provides for the locking means to be of sufficient resistance to prevent the plunger from being depressed or removed so that it does not matter that the plunger is broken off. In other words, even before the plunger is broken off, the present invention envisages that the syringe will be rendered ineffective against ether deliberate or even accidental re-use as might occur if the syringe were knocked as it was being placed on a table for example.
Fitment of the ring or bush to the plunger is achieved by having a two part plunger, the two parts of which are fitted after the ring or bush is fitted about the shank of the plunger. Various means by which this may be achieved include having the shank of the plunger in two portions so that thcy can be fitted together after the ring or bush is located on one part, or having the end portion of the plunger which is the thumb tab separate until the ring or bush is fitted.
The ring or bush may utilise any one of a variety of methods to engage the plunger once it has engaged the needle and caused it to be withdrawn into the barrel of the syringe, including, but not necessarily limited to twi`ting or pulling the plunger through or into the ring or bush as the case may be. In those rings or bushes where a twisting motion is required, the ring. or bush may be a twist-lock bush or a threaded bush or may be a l uer-lock bush. Alternatively in embodiments where a pull motion is rcquired, the ring or bush may be a pull-lock bush or snap-lock bush. Examples of thcsc bushes are iIlustrated in the aceompanying drawings and discussed below in relation to the description of the respective drawings.
Thus in the foregoing embodiments, the ring or bush is pressed into the barrel when the plunger is inserted during manufacture. A variety of locking options are also available to retain the ring or bush in the barrel, once it thus insertcd. Any combination of locking mcchanism to retain the plunger in the locking ring or bush may be coupled Amended Sheet ft1C A/ A T T
Received 22 June 2009 c:ldocumaotslglobal medlsaFe\20290 amended.dog with any one of the such means by which the ring or bush itself is retained in the barrel of the syringe.
It will be appreciated that there are many different means available by which the ring or bush can be used to lock the plunger and these are contemplated as being within the s scope of the invention.
It is-also preferrcd that a vertical or lorigitudinal protrusion within the end of the barrel where the ring or bush is inserted, is provided whereby the ring or bush may be prevented from turning, particularly in those cases where a split bush is utilised or where a twisting action is rcquired to lock the plunger in the ring or bush.
io The plunger itself is provided with a flange about its distal end to prevent it from being pulled right through the locking means. In this way the syringe will not only be rendered ineffective against the plunger being depressed again, but also rendered safe in that the plunger cannot be removed altogether. Thus, once the plunger locks into the ring or bush, neither the plungcr nor the ring or bush itself may he withdrawn to 15 otherwise gain acccss to the needle located within the barrel after it has been withdrawn into the barrel.
Thus, locking of the plunger in the ring or bush is preferably provided by a flange located on the plunger, preferably located just above the piston rcgion of the plunger, allowing the plunger to bc thus locked against the bottom of the ring or bush, and 20 preventing the plunger from being entirely withdrawn.
By providing a break point in the plunger, as discussed above, it will also prevent or at least minimise the possibility of further tampering, especially preventing acccss.to the plunger in a way which allow it to be forced back into the ban-el or gripped for removal by excessive force..
25 Thus for example one preferred embodiment utilises a twist lock feahtre including corresponding threaded regions in the barrel of the syringe and on the plungcr, so that after an injection the plunger is withdrawn and locked in position by twisting the plunger to engage the corresponding threaded portions.
Amended Sheet TPRA/ATT
Received 22 June 2009 c:ldocuments5 Iobal medisafe120280 ernandad.doe Alternativcly the locking means is provided by a twist lock feature including a twist lock bush having helix grooves therein located in the barrel of the syringe and corresponding lugs located on the plunger for engagement in thc helix grooves, so that after an injection, the plunger is withdrawn and locked in position by twisting the s plunger to cngage the lugs in the corresponding helix grooves.
Again, as an alternative, the locking means may be provided by a twist lock feature including a twist lock bush having hclix grooves therein located in the barrel of the syringe and lugs located on the plunger for engagement in the helix grooves, so that after an injection the plunger is withdrawn and locked in position by twisting the to plunger to cause the lugs to move through the corresponding helix grooves and pass eompletely through the bush.
In this embodiment, a permanent lock facility is provided in the form of a ramp or other protrusion to prevent the lugs from returning through the grooves of the bush and hence preventing the plunger from passing back through the bush into the barrel of the syringe.
i s More preferably however, it has been found that a locking bush with a simple flange arrangement is both easy to produce and eff'ective. ln this arrangement a flange around the intcrnal perimeter of t.he bush allows a corresponding flange on the plunger to pass in one direction, but by virtue of the shape of the flanges prevents its return. In combination with an additional flange on the plunger as described above, the plunger is 20 prevented from being drawn right through the bush providing an efI'ective lock against movement in either direction, Instead of a flange around the entire internal perimeter of the bush, it has been found that a pair of fingers function just as efficiently. Movement of the fingers to allow the first flange of the plunger to pass can be achieved by shaping the internal region of the 25 barrel to allow the fingers to bend back as the flange of the plunger passes, snapping back by virtue of the resilience once the first flange has passed.
Although much of the following description refers to a particular safety syringe having a retractable needle with certain features, it will be understood that the twist locking Amended Sheet .
fPRA/AI1 Received 22 June 2009 c:ldocumentslgbbe) m6dISafe\20290 amended.doe mechanism may be utilised with any syringe having any form of retractable needlc faf-ility.
The invention finds application for example in one broad embodiment which providcs a syringe having a retractable needle facility incorporated therein, so that in a first storage position prior to use, the needle is safcly enclosed within the body of the syringe and in a second in use position, thc needle is caused to extend from the body of the tiyringe so as to function as a useful necdle and syringe combination in known fashion, and wherein the needle is then caused to retract again into the body of the syringe, once it has becn used, so as to return it to thc first storage position; the syringe comprising a +o body and plunger, wherein the plunger has means associated with the end thereof contained within the body of the syringe to releasably engage a boss of the needle located in the syringe body so as to retain the necdle within the syringe body in the first storage position, and wherein the body of the syringe has means located at the end thereof opposite to where the plunger extends from the body for releasably retaining the ts needle boss in the second in use position so that the necdle extends from the syringe body, the plunger being used to bring the needle boss into engagement with the end of the syringe body; the plunger then being able to be disengaged from the needle boss so as to enable the plunger to be withdrawn and thereby take in fluid into the syringe and then to be used to inject same into a patient in known fashion; and when upon 20 completion of injection, and the needle having been withdrawn from the patient, the plunger is once again brought into engagement with the needle boss and withdrawn so as to cause the needle boss to be released from the end of the syringe body so that the needle is once again retracted into the body of the syringe, the needle remaining attached to the end of the plunger; and wherein locking means is provided in the body of 25 the syringe in the form of a ring or bush to engage the plunger once it is retracted after use, so that the syringe is rendered incapable of being used fitrther in that the plunger can neither be pushed down again to reactive the needle, nor can it be removcd altogether fiom the barrel of the syringe to gain acccss to the needle; and wherein fitment of the ring or bush to the plunger is facilitated by a plunger comprising two so portions which are joined after the ring or bush is fitted thereto.
Amended Sheet IPEA/AU
Received 22 June 2009 c:ldocumentslglobal medisafe120290 8men4ep.ACe Aiternatively, the needle assembly may be such that in the initial position, the needle is already extended, ready for use, or may be gland arrangement to which a replaceable needle may be fitted, the necdlc in either case being protected by a suitable sheath or cover prior to use, so that the end of the plunger only corncs into contact with the needle assembly or gland as the case may be at the end of the injection, at which point engagement between the plunger and the assembly or gland is achieved, so that the assembly or gland is withdrawn together with the ncedle itself into the barrel upon retraction of the plunger. The plunger is then causcd to engage with the locking bush and preferably snapped off io at the break point to render the syringe safe and inetTective against further use.
The invention is thus of particular benefit in that the z>,eedle is not only safely retracted after use, but is locked in that position by means of the locking bush.
Snapping off the plunger (if provided) also renders the syringc both ineffective for subsequent use as well as providing additional safety in that there is no means by which the needle can be caused to re-emerge or caused to extend from the syringe body, whether accidentally or through deliberate tampering.
Brief Description of the Drawinas The invention may be better understood frorn the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:
2o Figures 1. is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the invention utilising a locking bush according to one aspect of the invention in which a snap.lock bush is utilised to retain thc plunger after use;
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the plunger utilised in the embodiment of Figure 1, showing a thumb tab fitted to the shank of the plunger in the form of a cap, Figure 3 is a c,=ross sectional view of the shank of the plunger and the thumb tab separated, Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the end of the barrel of Figure 3 to which a locking bush is to be fitted, Amended Sheet IPEA/AU
Received 22 June 2009 e:ldooumentslglobal medieafa120290 amended.doc Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a locking bush for use with the syringe and its cornponents as illus-trated in Figures 1 to 4, Figure 6 is a plan view of the locking bush of Figure 5, Figures 7 and 8 show from two perspectives the bush of Fig 5, s Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the end of the plunger and the bush of the previous figures, after engagement has taken place, Detailed Descrintion of the Drawings Referring generally to the Figures, there is shown a syringe according to one aspect of the invention generally referenced 11, which comprises a syringe body or barrel 12, a zo plunger 13 slidcable therein and a nccdlc 14. The needle 14 is provided with a hub 15.
The plunger 13 is shown separately in Figures 2 and 3 for greater clarity.
The needle hub 15 is located by interference fit in a gland 16, fitted inside the end of the barrel 12. The needle assembly comprising the needle and hub 14/15 and gland l6 may be replaced or exchanged (or indeed fitted) prior to use of the syringe so to providc 15 flexibility of choice with respect to nccdlc gauge for example.
Thc needle an d hub 14/15 may be utilised directly in the end of the barrel 12 in integral arrangement, without a gland 16, in other cmbodiments of the invention, where there is no need to exchange the needle 14.
The needle 14 is protected by a cover 21 prior to use.
zo Plunger 13 is provided with clip means 22 located on a stem 23 at the end of the plunger 13. The clip engages with the inner region 25 of the needle hub 15 when the plunger 13 is brought into ccintact with the needle hub 15 at the end of the injection.
Plunger 13 is also provided with a piston region 26 about its lower periphery which seals against the inside of the syringe body 12, when inserted therein.
Plunger 13 has a 25 thumb tab 24.which is fitted on to the plunger stem like a cap.
Amended Sheet IPF.A/Ai I
Received 22 June 2009 c:ldoCumentelgbbal medlsafe120290 amanded.doc A break groove or weaker region 27 is providcd at a suitable location on the plunger 13, so that it may be broken off after it has retracted the needle 14 into the barrel of the syringe 12, that is to say, after use as described below.
A locking bush 28 is located in the upper region of the barrel 12. The bush is first fitted to the shaft or stem of the plunger 13 during assembly and the thumb tab 24 is snapped onto the shaft and held in place by suitable means, using for example mechanical means such as snap lock facility as illustrated or adhesive or welding means.
Details of the locking bush 28 and relevant portions of the syringe 11 pertaining to its use are illustrated in detail in Figures 4 to 9.
lo Referring to Fig 5 to 8, locking bush 28 has a flange 30 located about its periphery and a pair of fingers 31 depend from the bush 28 for mating with a correfponding circumferential groove region 32 located between circumferential flanges 33 and 34 located near the end region of the plunger 13. The flange 33 and fingers 31 are suitably ramped on one side to provide easc of passing, but have faces on the other side which are effectively parallel with each other, so as to prevent return.
Turning to Fig 4, the profile of the inner region 35 of the end of the barrel.
12 similarly allows for ease of fitment and retention of the bush 28 therein specifically by providing a groove 36 into which flange 30 locates for mating engagement with appropriate ramping where required to assist in fitment. In particular'a recess 37 is provided behind ao the fingers 31 of,the bush 28 when it is in place (as shown in Figure 1), so that the fingers 31 can deform as the end of the plunger 13 engages therewith.
A flange 38 is also located about the periphery of the bush to strengthen it and assist in alignmcnt of the bush 28 when being fitted to the barre112.
Specifically, the first flange 33 is able to pass the fingers 31 by pushing them into the 26 recess 37 as that region of the plunger 13 passes the fingers 31 of the bush 28. The second flange 34 is providcd with a greater diameter than that of flange 33 so as to be prevented from passing the fingers 31, thereby locking the plunger 13 when the fingers 31 thus engage in the_ groove 36. The plunger 13 can thc be neither pulled further Amended Sheet TARA/ATT
Received 22 June 2009 c:ldocumentslglobel medisafe120290 amended.doc through the bush 28 by virtue of flange 34, nor can it be depressed again by virtue of flange 33.
Thus in use, after an injection has been completed, the plunger 13 is pushed home to engage with the needle hub 15. The plunger 13 with needle 14 engaged is then retracted, the needle 14 being thus withdrawn into barrel 12, the plunger 13 being then drawn fully back so as to engage with the locking bush 28 by means of tlanges 33 and 34 preventing the plunger from moving in either direction once the fingers 31 have engaged in the groove 361ocated therebetween.
The plunger 13 is then snapped off at break point 27. With the plunger 13 disabled and lo the needle 14 retracted inside the body 12 of the syringe 11, it is rendcrcd totally useless and may then be disposed of safely.
Illustrated in Figs 10 to 12 are three alternate embodiments of the two part plunger arrangement. In Fig 10, the stem of the plunger is split into two components 41 and 42, whereas in Fig 11 and Fig 12 the thumb tab 43 is separate from the stem 44 prior to assembly, ie prior to the ring or bush being fitted thcrcto.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Throughout the specification the word "contprise" and its dcrivatives are intended to 2o havc an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the context requires otherwisc.
The invention disclosed herein has utility in that provides an alternate means for a safety syringe having a retractable needle facility which can be rendered useless after an injection by locking the plunger and breaking it off Amended Sheet 7DL A/ A T i
Received 22 June 2009 c:ldocuments5 Iobal medisafe120280 ernandad.doe Alternativcly the locking means is provided by a twist lock feature including a twist lock bush having helix grooves therein located in the barrel of the syringe and corresponding lugs located on the plunger for engagement in thc helix grooves, so that after an injection, the plunger is withdrawn and locked in position by twisting the s plunger to cngage the lugs in the corresponding helix grooves.
Again, as an alternative, the locking means may be provided by a twist lock feature including a twist lock bush having hclix grooves therein located in the barrel of the syringe and lugs located on the plunger for engagement in the helix grooves, so that after an injection the plunger is withdrawn and locked in position by twisting the to plunger to cause the lugs to move through the corresponding helix grooves and pass eompletely through the bush.
In this embodiment, a permanent lock facility is provided in the form of a ramp or other protrusion to prevent the lugs from returning through the grooves of the bush and hence preventing the plunger from passing back through the bush into the barrel of the syringe.
i s More preferably however, it has been found that a locking bush with a simple flange arrangement is both easy to produce and eff'ective. ln this arrangement a flange around the intcrnal perimeter of t.he bush allows a corresponding flange on the plunger to pass in one direction, but by virtue of the shape of the flanges prevents its return. In combination with an additional flange on the plunger as described above, the plunger is 20 prevented from being drawn right through the bush providing an efI'ective lock against movement in either direction, Instead of a flange around the entire internal perimeter of the bush, it has been found that a pair of fingers function just as efficiently. Movement of the fingers to allow the first flange of the plunger to pass can be achieved by shaping the internal region of the 25 barrel to allow the fingers to bend back as the flange of the plunger passes, snapping back by virtue of the resilience once the first flange has passed.
Although much of the following description refers to a particular safety syringe having a retractable needle with certain features, it will be understood that the twist locking Amended Sheet .
fPRA/AI1 Received 22 June 2009 c:ldocumentslgbbe) m6dISafe\20290 amended.doe mechanism may be utilised with any syringe having any form of retractable needlc faf-ility.
The invention finds application for example in one broad embodiment which providcs a syringe having a retractable needle facility incorporated therein, so that in a first storage position prior to use, the needle is safcly enclosed within the body of the syringe and in a second in use position, thc needle is caused to extend from the body of the tiyringe so as to function as a useful necdle and syringe combination in known fashion, and wherein the needle is then caused to retract again into the body of the syringe, once it has becn used, so as to return it to thc first storage position; the syringe comprising a +o body and plunger, wherein the plunger has means associated with the end thereof contained within the body of the syringe to releasably engage a boss of the needle located in the syringe body so as to retain the necdle within the syringe body in the first storage position, and wherein the body of the syringe has means located at the end thereof opposite to where the plunger extends from the body for releasably retaining the ts needle boss in the second in use position so that the necdle extends from the syringe body, the plunger being used to bring the needle boss into engagement with the end of the syringe body; the plunger then being able to be disengaged from the needle boss so as to enable the plunger to be withdrawn and thereby take in fluid into the syringe and then to be used to inject same into a patient in known fashion; and when upon 20 completion of injection, and the needle having been withdrawn from the patient, the plunger is once again brought into engagement with the needle boss and withdrawn so as to cause the needle boss to be released from the end of the syringe body so that the needle is once again retracted into the body of the syringe, the needle remaining attached to the end of the plunger; and wherein locking means is provided in the body of 25 the syringe in the form of a ring or bush to engage the plunger once it is retracted after use, so that the syringe is rendered incapable of being used fitrther in that the plunger can neither be pushed down again to reactive the needle, nor can it be removcd altogether fiom the barrel of the syringe to gain acccss to the needle; and wherein fitment of the ring or bush to the plunger is facilitated by a plunger comprising two so portions which are joined after the ring or bush is fitted thereto.
Amended Sheet IPEA/AU
Received 22 June 2009 c:ldocumentslglobal medisafe120290 8men4ep.ACe Aiternatively, the needle assembly may be such that in the initial position, the needle is already extended, ready for use, or may be gland arrangement to which a replaceable needle may be fitted, the necdlc in either case being protected by a suitable sheath or cover prior to use, so that the end of the plunger only corncs into contact with the needle assembly or gland as the case may be at the end of the injection, at which point engagement between the plunger and the assembly or gland is achieved, so that the assembly or gland is withdrawn together with the ncedle itself into the barrel upon retraction of the plunger. The plunger is then causcd to engage with the locking bush and preferably snapped off io at the break point to render the syringe safe and inetTective against further use.
The invention is thus of particular benefit in that the z>,eedle is not only safely retracted after use, but is locked in that position by means of the locking bush.
Snapping off the plunger (if provided) also renders the syringc both ineffective for subsequent use as well as providing additional safety in that there is no means by which the needle can be caused to re-emerge or caused to extend from the syringe body, whether accidentally or through deliberate tampering.
Brief Description of the Drawinas The invention may be better understood frorn the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:
2o Figures 1. is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the invention utilising a locking bush according to one aspect of the invention in which a snap.lock bush is utilised to retain thc plunger after use;
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the plunger utilised in the embodiment of Figure 1, showing a thumb tab fitted to the shank of the plunger in the form of a cap, Figure 3 is a c,=ross sectional view of the shank of the plunger and the thumb tab separated, Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the end of the barrel of Figure 3 to which a locking bush is to be fitted, Amended Sheet IPEA/AU
Received 22 June 2009 e:ldooumentslglobal medieafa120290 amended.doc Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a locking bush for use with the syringe and its cornponents as illus-trated in Figures 1 to 4, Figure 6 is a plan view of the locking bush of Figure 5, Figures 7 and 8 show from two perspectives the bush of Fig 5, s Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the end of the plunger and the bush of the previous figures, after engagement has taken place, Detailed Descrintion of the Drawings Referring generally to the Figures, there is shown a syringe according to one aspect of the invention generally referenced 11, which comprises a syringe body or barrel 12, a zo plunger 13 slidcable therein and a nccdlc 14. The needle 14 is provided with a hub 15.
The plunger 13 is shown separately in Figures 2 and 3 for greater clarity.
The needle hub 15 is located by interference fit in a gland 16, fitted inside the end of the barrel 12. The needle assembly comprising the needle and hub 14/15 and gland l6 may be replaced or exchanged (or indeed fitted) prior to use of the syringe so to providc 15 flexibility of choice with respect to nccdlc gauge for example.
Thc needle an d hub 14/15 may be utilised directly in the end of the barrel 12 in integral arrangement, without a gland 16, in other cmbodiments of the invention, where there is no need to exchange the needle 14.
The needle 14 is protected by a cover 21 prior to use.
zo Plunger 13 is provided with clip means 22 located on a stem 23 at the end of the plunger 13. The clip engages with the inner region 25 of the needle hub 15 when the plunger 13 is brought into ccintact with the needle hub 15 at the end of the injection.
Plunger 13 is also provided with a piston region 26 about its lower periphery which seals against the inside of the syringe body 12, when inserted therein.
Plunger 13 has a 25 thumb tab 24.which is fitted on to the plunger stem like a cap.
Amended Sheet IPF.A/Ai I
Received 22 June 2009 c:ldoCumentelgbbal medlsafe120290 amanded.doc A break groove or weaker region 27 is providcd at a suitable location on the plunger 13, so that it may be broken off after it has retracted the needle 14 into the barrel of the syringe 12, that is to say, after use as described below.
A locking bush 28 is located in the upper region of the barrel 12. The bush is first fitted to the shaft or stem of the plunger 13 during assembly and the thumb tab 24 is snapped onto the shaft and held in place by suitable means, using for example mechanical means such as snap lock facility as illustrated or adhesive or welding means.
Details of the locking bush 28 and relevant portions of the syringe 11 pertaining to its use are illustrated in detail in Figures 4 to 9.
lo Referring to Fig 5 to 8, locking bush 28 has a flange 30 located about its periphery and a pair of fingers 31 depend from the bush 28 for mating with a correfponding circumferential groove region 32 located between circumferential flanges 33 and 34 located near the end region of the plunger 13. The flange 33 and fingers 31 are suitably ramped on one side to provide easc of passing, but have faces on the other side which are effectively parallel with each other, so as to prevent return.
Turning to Fig 4, the profile of the inner region 35 of the end of the barrel.
12 similarly allows for ease of fitment and retention of the bush 28 therein specifically by providing a groove 36 into which flange 30 locates for mating engagement with appropriate ramping where required to assist in fitment. In particular'a recess 37 is provided behind ao the fingers 31 of,the bush 28 when it is in place (as shown in Figure 1), so that the fingers 31 can deform as the end of the plunger 13 engages therewith.
A flange 38 is also located about the periphery of the bush to strengthen it and assist in alignmcnt of the bush 28 when being fitted to the barre112.
Specifically, the first flange 33 is able to pass the fingers 31 by pushing them into the 26 recess 37 as that region of the plunger 13 passes the fingers 31 of the bush 28. The second flange 34 is providcd with a greater diameter than that of flange 33 so as to be prevented from passing the fingers 31, thereby locking the plunger 13 when the fingers 31 thus engage in the_ groove 36. The plunger 13 can thc be neither pulled further Amended Sheet TARA/ATT
Received 22 June 2009 c:ldocumentslglobel medisafe120290 amended.doc through the bush 28 by virtue of flange 34, nor can it be depressed again by virtue of flange 33.
Thus in use, after an injection has been completed, the plunger 13 is pushed home to engage with the needle hub 15. The plunger 13 with needle 14 engaged is then retracted, the needle 14 being thus withdrawn into barrel 12, the plunger 13 being then drawn fully back so as to engage with the locking bush 28 by means of tlanges 33 and 34 preventing the plunger from moving in either direction once the fingers 31 have engaged in the groove 361ocated therebetween.
The plunger 13 is then snapped off at break point 27. With the plunger 13 disabled and lo the needle 14 retracted inside the body 12 of the syringe 11, it is rendcrcd totally useless and may then be disposed of safely.
Illustrated in Figs 10 to 12 are three alternate embodiments of the two part plunger arrangement. In Fig 10, the stem of the plunger is split into two components 41 and 42, whereas in Fig 11 and Fig 12 the thumb tab 43 is separate from the stem 44 prior to assembly, ie prior to the ring or bush being fitted thcrcto.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Throughout the specification the word "contprise" and its dcrivatives are intended to 2o havc an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the context requires otherwisc.
The invention disclosed herein has utility in that provides an alternate means for a safety syringe having a retractable needle facility which can be rendered useless after an injection by locking the plunger and breaking it off Amended Sheet 7DL A/ A T i
Claims (22)
1. A safety syringe having a retractable needle facility incorporated therein, the syringe comprising a barrel and plunger and needle assembly, the plunger comprising a stem portion and a cap portion in the form of a thumb tab with the stem of the plunger supporting a piston means, wherein the needle is caused to retract into the barrel of the syringe upon completion of injection once it has been used, by means of engagement between the needle assembly and the end of the plunger, and wherein locking means is provided in the body of the syringe in the form of a full circle ring or bush to engage the plunger once it is retracted after use, so that the syringe is rendered incapable of being used further in that the plunger can neither be pushed down again to reactive the needle, nor can it be removed altogether from the barrel of the syringe to gain access to the needle; and wherein fitment of the ring or bush to the plunger is facilitated by the plunger having the two portions aforementioned, namely the stem portion and the cap portion, so that the ring or bush is first able to be fitted about the stem portion of the plunger before the cap portion is joined thereto.
2. A safety syringe according to either claim 1 wherein a region of weakness is provided in the plunger, located on the shaft of the plunger in the vicinity of where it extends from the end of the syringe body when fully withdrawn, so that after the needle is retracted into the body of the syringe, and the plunger is engaged with the locking means, the plunger may be broken off so to render the syringe incapable of being used again.
3. A safety syringe according to any one of the preceding claims in which the ring or bush is pressed into the barrel after the plunger is inserted.
4. A safety syringe according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a locking mechanism to retain the plunger in the ring or bush cooperates with a means by which the ring or bush itself is retained in the barrel of the syringe.
5. A safety syringe according to any one of the preceding claims in which a vertical or longitudinal protrusion within the end of the barrel where the bush is inserted, is provided whereby the bush is prevented from turning.
6. A safety syringe according to any one of the preceding claims in which the plunger is provided with a flange about its distal end to prevent it from being pulled right through the locking means.
7. A safety syringe according to claim 6 in which the plunger is able to be locked against the bottom of the ring or bush, preventing the plunger from being entirely withdrawn.
8. A safety syringe according to any one of the preceding claims in which the ring or bush utilises twisting or pulling of the plunger through or into the ring or bush.
9. A safety syringe according to claim 8 in which the ring or bush is a twist-lock bush and the twisting is provided by a threaded bush or a luer-lock bush.
10. A safety syringe according to claim 6 in which the syringe utilises a twist lock feature including corresponding threaded regions in the barrel of the syringe and on the plunger, so that after an injection the plunger is withdrawn and locked in position by twisting the plunger to engage the corresponding threaded portions.
11. A safety syringe according to either claim 8 or claim 9 in which the syringe utilises locking means in the form of a twist lock feature including a twist lock bush having helix grooves therein located in the barrel of the syringe and corresponding lugs located on the plunger for engagement in the helix grooves, so that a$er an injection, the plunger is withdrawn and locked in position by twisting the plunger to engage the lugs in the corresponding helix grooves.
12. A safety syringe according to either claim 8 or claim 9 in which the locking means is provided by a twist lock feature including a twist lock bush having helix grooves therein located in the barrel of the syringe and lugs located on the plunger for engagement in the helix grooves, so that after an injection the plunger is withdrawn and locked in position by twisting the plunger to cause the lugs to move through the corresponding helix grooves and pass completely through the bush.
13. A safety syringe according to either claim 8 or claim 9 in which the locking means is provided by a bush having two spiral grooves, which mate with two lugs on the plunger which engage the spiral grooves when the plunger is retracted locking the plunger as it is twisted.
14. A safety syringe according to either claim 8 or claim 9 in which the locking means is in the form of a bush having a thread, and wherein as the plunger is retracted and the thread is engaged with a corresponding thread on the plunger, rotation will stop when the shoulder in the bush is reached, whilst at the same time a flange above the piston locks onto the bottom of the threaded bush.
15. A safety syringe according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in which the ring or bush is a pull-lock bush or snap-lock bush.
16. A safety syringe according to claim 15 in which the locking means has a ramp or other protrusion to prevent lugs located on the plunger for engagement in helix grooves in the bush, from returning through the grooves and hence preventing the plunger from passing back through the bush into the barrel of the syringe.
17. A safety syringe according to claim 16 in which a flange is located around the internal perimeter of the bush allows a corresponding flange on the plunger to pass in one direction, but by virtue of the shape of the flanges prevents its return and wherein in combination with an additional flange on the plunger, the plunger is prevented from being drawn right through the bush providing an effective lock against movement in either direction.
18. A safety syringe according to claim 16 in which a pair of fingers cooperates with the first flange of the plunger allowing it to pass by virtue of the shaping of the flanges in ramped arrangement and by the shaping of the internal region of the barrel to allow the fingers to bend back as the flange of the plunger passes, snapping back by virtue of the resilience once the first flange has passed.
19. A safety syringe according to claim 16 in which the locking bush is a snap-lock bush in which the inside has a locking taper and a step, so that as the plunger is retracted through the snap lock tapered flange, it engages the tapered locking fingers by spreading them to allow the plunger through, and wherein the tapered fingers snap back around the plunger taper and the two steps, one on the plunger and the other at the top of the fingers inside the bush, lock thereby making it impossible for the plunger to be pushed down.
20. A safety syringe according to claim 1 having a retractable needle facility incorporated therein, so that in a first storage position prior to use, the needle is safely enclosed within the body of the syringe and in a second in use position, the needle is caused to extend from the body of the syringe so as to function as a useful needle and syringe combination in known fashion, and wherein the needle is then caused to retract again into the body of the syringe, once it has been used, so as to return it to the first storage position; the syringe comprising a body and plunger, wherein the plunger has means associated with the end thereof contained within the body of the syringe to releasably engage a boss of the needle located in the syringe body so as to retain the needle within the syringe body in the first storage position;
and wherein the body of the syringe has means located at the end thereof opposite to where the plunger extends from the body for releasably retaining the needle boss in the second in use position so that the needle extends from the syringe body, the plunger being used to bring the needle boss into engagement with the end of the syringe body; the plunger then being able to be disengaged from the needle boss so as to enable the plunger to be withdrawn and thereby take in fluid into the syringe and then to be used to inject same into a patient in known fashion; and when upon completion of injection, and the needle having been withdrawn from the patient, the plunger is once again brought into engagement with the needle boss and withdrawn so as to cause the needle boss to be released from the end of the syringe body so that the needle is once again retracted into the body of the syringe, the needle remaining attached to the end of the plunger, and wherein locking means is provided in the body of the syringe in the form of a ring or bush to engage the plunger once it is retracted after use, so that the syringe is rendered incapable of being used further in that the plunger can neither be pushed down again to reactive the needle, nor can it be removed altogether from the barrel of the syringe to gain access to the needle; and wherein fitment of the ring or bush to the plunger is facilitated by a plunger comprising two portions which are joined after the ring or bush is fitted thereto..
and wherein the body of the syringe has means located at the end thereof opposite to where the plunger extends from the body for releasably retaining the needle boss in the second in use position so that the needle extends from the syringe body, the plunger being used to bring the needle boss into engagement with the end of the syringe body; the plunger then being able to be disengaged from the needle boss so as to enable the plunger to be withdrawn and thereby take in fluid into the syringe and then to be used to inject same into a patient in known fashion; and when upon completion of injection, and the needle having been withdrawn from the patient, the plunger is once again brought into engagement with the needle boss and withdrawn so as to cause the needle boss to be released from the end of the syringe body so that the needle is once again retracted into the body of the syringe, the needle remaining attached to the end of the plunger, and wherein locking means is provided in the body of the syringe in the form of a ring or bush to engage the plunger once it is retracted after use, so that the syringe is rendered incapable of being used further in that the plunger can neither be pushed down again to reactive the needle, nor can it be removed altogether from the barrel of the syringe to gain access to the needle; and wherein fitment of the ring or bush to the plunger is facilitated by a plunger comprising two portions which are joined after the ring or bush is fitted thereto..
21. A safety syringe according to claim 20 wherein the needle assembly is such that in the initial position, the needle is already extended, ready for use, or may be gland arrangement to which a replaceable needle is fitted, the needle in either case being protected by a suitable sheath or cover prior to use, so that the end of the plunger only comes into contact with the needle assembly or gland as the case may be at the end of the injection, at which point engagement between the plunger and the assembly or gland is achieved, so that the assembly or gland is withdrawn together with the needle itself into the barrel upon retraction of the plunger.
22. A safety syringe according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein after the plunger has been caused to engage with the locking ring or bush it is then snapped off at a break point to render the syringe safe and ineffective against further use.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2007904435 | 2007-08-20 | ||
| AU2007904435A AU2007904435A0 (en) | 2007-08-20 | Safety syringe with plunger locking means | |
| PCT/AU2008/001210 WO2009023913A1 (en) | 2007-08-20 | 2008-08-20 | Safety syringe with plunger locking means |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2696951A1 true CA2696951A1 (en) | 2009-02-26 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2696951A Abandoned CA2696951A1 (en) | 2007-08-20 | 2008-08-20 | Safety syringe with plunger locking means |
Country Status (11)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2187997A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2010536441A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR101557398B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101932351B (en) |
| AP (1) | AP2010005197A0 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2008288687A1 (en) |
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| EA (1) | EA201000318A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX2010001974A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2009023913A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2010204430A1 (en) * | 2009-01-09 | 2011-08-18 | Graeme Walton | Single use safety syringe |
| KR102066186B1 (en) * | 2011-02-02 | 2020-01-14 | 바이오니어 에이/에스 | A syringe |
| TW201235286A (en) * | 2011-02-24 | 2012-09-01 | Gemmy Electronics Co Ltd | Precise quantitative filling device and injection unit thereof |
| CN108697843B (en) | 2016-02-25 | 2021-06-25 | 阿特瑞恩医疗产品有限公司 | Actuation mechanism for fluid displacement and pressurizing device, method of operation and assembly |
| FR3055551A1 (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2018-03-09 | Jacques Frette | SECURED AND DISPOSABLE SELF-LOCKING RETRACTABLE NEEDLE SYRINGE |
| CN115884805A (en) * | 2020-04-21 | 2023-03-31 | 医疗技术概念有限责任公司 | Syringe, method and assembly for manufacturing such a syringe |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5021047A (en) * | 1989-08-29 | 1991-06-04 | Movern John B | Restricted use hypodermic syringe |
| US6117112A (en) * | 1997-11-18 | 2000-09-12 | Mahurkar; Sakharam D. | Single-use safety syringe |
| BRPI0515659A (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2008-07-29 | Global Medisafe Holdings Pty L | safety syringe |
| EP1866014A1 (en) * | 2005-04-04 | 2007-12-19 | Global Medisafe Holdings Limited | Safety syringe with retractable needle utilising spring clip on plunger |
| CN1977988A (en) * | 2005-12-10 | 2007-06-13 | 山东威高集团医用高分子制品股份有限公司 | Disposable safety syringe |
-
2008
- 2008-08-20 JP JP2010521263A patent/JP2010536441A/en active Pending
- 2008-08-20 AU AU2008288687A patent/AU2008288687A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-08-20 CN CN200880111659.7A patent/CN101932351B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2008-08-20 KR KR1020107005962A patent/KR101557398B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2008-08-20 EA EA201000318A patent/EA201000318A1/en unknown
- 2008-08-20 AP AP2010005197A patent/AP2010005197A0/en unknown
- 2008-08-20 CA CA2696951A patent/CA2696951A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-08-20 BR BRPI0814925-9A patent/BRPI0814925A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2008-08-20 WO PCT/AU2008/001210 patent/WO2009023913A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-08-20 MX MX2010001974A patent/MX2010001974A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2008-08-20 EP EP08782958A patent/EP2187997A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2009023913A1 (en) | 2009-02-26 |
| CN101932351A (en) | 2010-12-29 |
| KR101557398B1 (en) | 2015-10-05 |
| EA201000318A1 (en) | 2010-10-29 |
| MX2010001974A (en) | 2010-08-18 |
| BRPI0814925A2 (en) | 2015-09-01 |
| CN101932351B (en) | 2015-04-22 |
| AP2010005197A0 (en) | 2010-04-30 |
| EP2187997A1 (en) | 2010-05-26 |
| JP2010536441A (en) | 2010-12-02 |
| KR20100087076A (en) | 2010-08-03 |
| AU2008288687A1 (en) | 2009-02-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |