GB2301035A

GB2301035A - Non-resusable syringe

Info

Publication number: GB2301035A
Application number: GB9510788A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carlos Maria Baron
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-05-30
Filing date: 1995-05-26
Publication date: 1996-11-27
Also published as: GB9510788D0; CA2150404A1; ES2101648A1; BR9502149A; DE19518807A1; ITTO950432A0; ES2101648B1; IT1302556B1; ITTO950432A1

Description

2301035 A SYRINGE The present invention relates to a syrin-e, preferably

for the application of injections, 0 blood extraction, etc., and more particularly, it refers to an autodiscardable hypodermic syringe that, once ha.,,,ing been employ,ed, can guarantee its operative destruction automatically, with no possibility, of it being used again.

Conventional syringes consist in a hollow cylinder that is open at the back part and closed at the front part with a header wall that ends in a tubular coupling spout of the needle, guides inside it a plunger bonded to a piston that, ending in a head of command, produces the alternative shifting of said plunger inside the cylinder defining, with respect to the header wall, a chamber of altcmative aspiration and expulsion of variable capacity.

For many years the ss,ringes, after each use, were used again after undergoing a process of sterilization.

But, due to several reasons (lack of sterilization, inadequate sterilization, viral resistance to sonic niethoels for sterilization, etc.), and as reported bly the Council for World Health, a worry,ing increase in the illnesses caught has been observed in the last 1 decades, due to -amongst other reasons- contagion through medical or surgical instruments and, in particular, through s5,ringes and needles for injections.

cl This gave rise to the introduction of the so-called "discardable" syringes which, althouc,h reducinu the likelihood of infection, have maintained a worrying proportion of contagion; having been vcrificd that the quality, of "discardable" was not enough, since the production of that discarding depended on the will and good faith of the operator; cases of unscrupulous practices are common in which the "discardable" sy,ringes, after being used, are not onl, not eliminated but, on the contrary,, they are cleaned and used several tinies.

- 1) - Tle present invention seeks to solve these and other problems, preferably providing another type of syringe, extremely, effective, that can prevent its use more than once, 0 as, from then on, it can automatically, auto-disable itself; that is, without the intervention of the will of an operator in this destruction.

is Due to all this, the acceptance that said invention will have when put into practice is to be imagined, whichever the category and destination given to it is, as, due to the characteristics defining it, it can be used for the application of medical injections as 1 well as for blood extraction and biopsy investigation, etc.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a syringe which cannot be operated to aspiratc material after it has been operated to eject material.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a syringe consisting of a hollow cylinder (a) in which a movable plunger (16) is guided and defining a compression chamber of variable capacity, communicated with the outside through a coupling nozzle (3) to a needlesaid plunger (16) being connected to a rod (b), that, on the rear end part (2) of the hollow cylinder (a) ends in a command header (10); wherein the rod (h), being rotative, has at least one longitudinal guiding helix (4) that, on one part, goes through a guiding eyelet (6-6) disposed in a rear end stopper (5) of said hollow cylinder, ending in a housing (8) at which the command header (10) is mounted rotatively,; while, at the opposite end (12), said rod ends in a terminal (13) which can he coupled with the plunger (16) through the coupling means (c) provided on the plunger (16); and these coupling means (c) consist of: an alternative coupling and uiicoupliii,, passage (14) of the terminal (13), retention means It 11:1 Z:1 (15) combined with a first set of opposed supports (15) of the same terminal (13) coupled with the plunger (16) which correspond to the normal run of aspiration and gyration in the receding way, of the helix (4), and a second set of opposed supports of the terminal (13),vhich, opposite to the ones of the first set (15) corresponding to the normal run of compression, align with the mentioned uncoupling passage (14) (of blood, biopsy, puncture, etc.).

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a syringe according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a view of the helicoidal rod and the coupling means to the plunger -in some of the preferred embodiments of the same permitting the appreciation of its general constitution and the disposition of the different parts integrating it; showing in this figure the referred syringe in the starting position for the extraction in which the terminal of the rod hooks in the stopping means provided to that effect.

Figure 2 is a crosssectional view taken along line II-II shown in Figure 1, that shows the way, in which the rod is inserted through an eyelet compatible with a fixed stopper of the rear part; with which, when enabled for aspiration or compression, this straight actioning frorn the puller of the rod is transformed into a rotative one through the action of the helix obligatorily passed through the referred eyelet.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 1, which shows the way in which the terminal stops against the support means opposite to the rear part of the plunger, during the rotation of said rod.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 1, which shows the way in which the tcrniinal of the rod on the indicated runsremained held between the retention nicans of the connecting means with the hollow barrel, preventing its uncoupling during said initial run of aspiration.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a plunger of the syringe, with its coupling/uncouplina nicans with the rod clearly showing the way in which the same are constituted in one of the preferred embodiments according to which said coupling means consists in "L" pr(icctioiis confronted at a distance that defines the inlet and outlet passage of the terminal.

Fiaure 6 is a longitudinal section of the hollow cylinder, indicating the way in which it works in the aspiration, with the shifting and rotation according to the arrows.

Figure 7, is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Figure 6, which shows how the terniinal settles with its hooking teeth against the supports opposite to the coupling means, rotating according to the arrows.

Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of the rear part of the syringe, showing the way in which -in the compression run- the rod rotates according to the arrows in a way in which the terminal separates from the opposed supports.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along line IX-1X in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a detail of the syringe in longitudinal section, from the phase of compression and expulsion of the liquid contained in the compression chamber (that is, after injection) in which the terminal of the rod remains finally aligned with respect to the passage of the coupling. means with the plunger, in a way that when intended to aspire again with the syringe -according to the arrows- an automatic uncoupling between the plunger and the rod is produced.

Figure 11 is a cross sect i onal view along line XI-M in Figure 10, showing the positioning of the terminal of the rod aligned with the passage towards its uncoupling.

Figure 12 is a view in elevation of one embodiment of the rod of the syringe, in which the rod constitutes a flat sheet, lightly buckled forming the helix.

Figure 13 is another longitudinal clcvational view of a second embodiment of the rod of the syringe, in which said rod has a cylindrical format with a helicoidal groove; and Figure 14 is another longitudinal elevational view of a third embodiment of the rod, in which the hollow barrel has a nerve in the form of a helicoidal thread.

In the different figures, the same reference numbers indicate the same parts or corresponding ones, groups of various elements having been marked with letters.

Said references correspond to the following detail, being:

(a) hollow cylinder (b) rod (enihodiniciit of Figures 1 and 6) (b) (b") (b"') (c) (d) (c) rod (embodiment of Figure 12) rod (embodiment of Figure 13) rod (embodiment of Figure 14) coupline means between the rod and the plunger C rotational,uielc of the rod coniniand header of the rod (2) (3) (4) (4') (4R1) (4 R' 1) (5) (6-6') (7) (7) (8) (81) (8") (9) (91) (10) (10') (11) (1 r) (12) (1 T) (13) (13') (13 ") (14) (14') (15) (15') (16) injectable liquid by, the syringe and its needle side walls of the hollow barrel holder of the rear part in (1) coupling nozzle or spout for the needle leaf of the rod buckled in helicoid (Figs. 1 and 6) leaf buckled in helicoid (embodiment of Figure 12) groove in hclicoid helicoidal thread stopper of the rear part cy,clct of (5) back neck of the rod (Figures 1, 6 and 12) neck of the rod (Figures 13 and 14) end of the rod (b), for the rotative mounting of the cube (9) end of the rod (U), for the rotative mounting of the cube (9') end of the rod (h'), for the rotative mounting of the cube (7) cube of the command header (e), Figures 1 and 6 cube of the command header (c), Figures 12 and 14 puller, Figures 1 and 6 puller, Figures 12 and 14 annular fin (disc) as guiding means of (b) annular fin (disc) as guiding means of (U), (b") and (b"') front neck of the rod, Figures 1 and 6 front neck of the rod, Figures 12 and 14 terminal of (b) terminal of (U) and (b"') terminal of (b") passage for the coupling and uncoupling of (13) base for the fixing of the means of (c) to the plunger retention nicans of (13) limit projections plun-cr c With reference to the accompanying figures a syringe according to a preferred 1 w C1 embodiment of the present invention consists of a hollow cylinder (a) closed at one end through a header wall that ends in a coupling tubular spout (3) to a needle (not illustrated), while, on the opposite rear end, said hollow cylinder (a) is open and delimited by a surrounding rim conforming a holder (2); the walls (1) of the referred hollow cylinder, giving internal]), a channelling guided to a plunger (16) with rings with hermetic adjusting, which, with the header wall provided from the spout (3), defines an aspiration/compression chamber of variable capacity (in relation to the position that the referred plunger adopts along the hollow cylinder) and that is coupled to a rod (b) which, going across the opening of the rear end of the hollow cylinder (a), ends in a command header (c).

More particul..rly, and according to what can be seen in the drawings, in the present case the rod (a) has at least one guiding longitudinal helix (4') that, going across a rotational guide (d) fi,,;ccl to the rear end of the hollow cylinder (a), by its external end to the hollow cylinder (a) ends in a neck (7) which, through a head (10) rotatively mounts a command puller (10) (Figures 1 and 6); while the intemal end of the rod ends in a front neck (12) -Figures 1 and 6- with a terminal (13) that is disposed in a "T" form and is coupled to a plunacr (16) through coupling means (c).

These coupling means (c) -that begin in a base (14') joined to the face of the rear part of the plunger (16)- consist of: an alternative coupling 1 _,/uncoupling passage (14) of terminal (13), retention means (15) combined with a first set of opposed supports (15) of the same terminal (13) coupled to the plunger (16) -that correspond to the normal aspiration and rotation run in the receding way of the helix- and a second set of opposed supports of terminal (13) that, opposite to the ones of the first set (15') and corresponding to the normal run (if compression, align with the referred uncoupling passage (14).

In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the coupling means (c) provided by the c:, base (14') Joined to the wall of the rear part of the plunger (16) comprise two "L" shaped proJections, scpti-,ited hy a distance slightly greater than the width of the terminal (13) of the rod (h) which constitutes the alternative coupling and uncoupling passage of said rod (h) through it (Figures 4 and 5). Both projections on one part define retention rims (15) of terminal (13) in coupling position, while on the other part they conform two sets of projections in the form of rotative support stoppers (15') of the same terminal (13), in the advancing way and in the receding way of its helix (4'), respectively; being the support stoppers that compose a same set, distributed in one and the other projection, in diametrically opposed disposition (Figures 4, 5, 7, 9 and 11) In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the rod (b) can be a sheet (4) of a constant width, affected by, a light torsion in the longitudinal sense, that defines an ample helicoidal conformation (4') (Figures 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 10 or even 12 indicated as (U) and shows a minor buckle).

Alternatively, but analogously, said rod can be the one represented as (b") in Figure 13 or the (4"') in Figure 14, in both cases formed by a cylinder, but provided with one It or more grooves (4") or tlircads (4"').

In the corresponding way, the cyuidcr (d) of the rod (b) is a stopper of the rear part (5) that closes the back opening of the hollow barrel (a), and is effected by an eyelet (66) having a cross-section equal to although it is slightly greater than- the cross section and configuration of the rod (h).

Thus, and according to what Figures 2 and 4 show, for the flat rod (b) of Figures 1, 6, 8, and 10, the mentioned guiding cyclet (6-C) has a rectangular configuration equivalent to the cross section of the shect (4); while in the case of rods (b") and (b"') of Figures 13 and 14 said cycIct is round, in a case, provided of teeth to fit in the helicoidal groove or grooves (4"), and in others it has notches to admit the fitting of 30 the thread or threads (4").

The device works as follows: when liquid is aspired in the chamber of the hollow cylinder the plunger (16) recedes tractioned by, the rod (b) -Figures 6 which is at the same time shifted through command in the puller (10). When said rod (b) passes cl through the eyelet (6-6') of the stopper of the rear part (d), it is forced to rotate unrestrained with its header (8) in cube (9) of the puller (10), while, in the coupling (c), the terminal (13) leans against the projections of the opposed stopper (15'), as shown in Figure 7.

Ibis produces the rotation of the coupling means (c) in a group respecting to the =1 anchoring of (14') ill the center of the plunger (16), the rims (15) preventing the terminal (13) from uncoupling from (c).

1 When the plunger (16) shifts in the opposite way, in the compression run -or injection- given that it is "pushed" by, the rod (b), it slides easily towards the head of the hollow barrel (a), channelling the liquid contained through the spout (3).

c But, if there is all attempt to use the syringe once more -that is, to aspiring a second time (Figure 9)- as soon as the rod (b) slightly rotates, its terminal (13) ends aligning with passage (14) -Figure 11 and ends uncoupling as it is shown in Figures 10 and 11; the syringe being autoniatically disabled, as it is not possible to continue the Z:1 -> 1 aspiration or use it ill all), way.

Finally, it must by, noted that ill the present embodiment, amongst others, the spout (3) has been defined ill all oblique disposition forming an angle subtended to the longitudinal geometrical axis of the syringe and the spout of between 20' or 30' and 40' which urcatly facilitates its use in sonic applications, such as blood extraction, for example.

It will he uiidcrstooel that the present iii,ciition has been described above purely by way of example, and niodifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Each feature disclosed ill the specification (which term includes the claims) and/or shown in the drawiiigs may, be iiicorporated in the invention independently of other disclosed and/or illustrated features.

Claims

1. A syringe which cannot he operated to aspirate material after it has been CI operated to eject material 2. A syringe according to Claim 1, comprising a cylinder, a plunger moveable within the cylinder to aspirate and eject material, and means initially coupled to the plunger for moving the plunger relative to the cylinder, wherein moving the plunger relative to the cylinder to eject material causes uncoupling of the moving means from the plunger so that the plunger cannot subsequently be moved by the moving means to aspirate material.

3. A syringe according to Claim 2, wherein the moving means comprises a rod and a handle, one end of the rod being coupled to the plunger, the other end of the rod being coupled to said handle, the rod including at least one longitudinal guiding helix, the helix passing through a guide so that, when the plunger is moved relative to the cylinder, the rod rotates relative to the cylinder.

4. A syringe accordine, to Claim 3, wherein the rod is connected to the plunger by a coupling means comprising a coupling terminal and at least one projection zZ, c, shaped so as to define a first passage within which the terminal is retained during a first aspiration of the syringe and a second passage within which the terminal is c, retained during ejection and from which the terminal can be freely withdrawn subsequent to said ejection.

5. A syrincre consisting of a hollow cylinder which a movable plunger is guided and defining a compression chamber of variable capacity, communicated with the outside through a coupling nozzle to a needle; said plunger being connected to a rod that., on the rear end of the hollow cylinder ends in a command header; wherein the rod, beint, rotative, has at least one longitudinal guiding helix that, on one part, goes through a guiding eyelet disposed in a rear end stopper of said hollow cylinder, ending in a housing at which the command header is mounted rotatively; while at he 11 - opposite end, said rod ends in a terminal which can be coupled with a plunger through the coupling means provided on the plunger; and these coupling means consist of: an alternative coupling and uncoupling passage of the terminal, retention means combined with a first set of opposed supports of the same terminal coupled with the plunger, which correspond to the normal run of aspiration and rotation in the receding sense of the helix, and a second set of opposed supports of the terminal which, opposite to the ones of the first set corresponding to the normal run of compression, align with the mentioned uncoupling passage.

6. A syringe according to Claim 4 or 5 wherein the terminal of the rod is a piece that, starting at a neck of a smaller diameter than that of the main body of said rod, is disposed transversely in a "T" way respecting the same, defining two hooking teeth in a diametrically opposed disposition; having this terminal a constant width which is slightly smaller than that of the passage of the coupling means with the plunger.

8. A syringe according to Claim 7, in that the shifting means of support are given by the periphery of an annular fin that, starting in the same rod, projects ending in contact with the Internal surfaces of the hollow cylinder.

7. A syringe according to Claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein in the end near its coupling terminal, the rod has shifting means of support against the internal surfaces of the hollow cylinder.

9. A syringe according to any, one of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the coupling means 25 provided by, the rear part of the plunger consists in two "L"shaped projections, distanced in between in a magnitude that, being slightly bigger than the width of the terminal of the rod, constitutes the alternative coupling or uncoupling passage of said rod through it; and both proJections on one part define retention rims of the terminal in a coupling position, while on the other part they, conform two sets of stoppers of 30 rotative support of the sarne terminal, in the advancing and receding sense of its helix, respectively; being the stoppers of support that compose the same set distributed in one and another projection, in a diametrically, opposed disposition.

12 - 10. A syringe according to any, one of Claims 3 to 9, wherein the rod is a sheet Z -- of constant thickness, affected by a slight torsion in the longitudinal sense that defines a helicoidal formation.

11. A syringe according to any one of Claims 3 to 9 wherein the rod is a cylindrical body, provided with a helicoidal guide slightly displaced from the generator of said hollow barrel and segmented between its bases.

12. A syringe according to Claim 11 wherein the helicoidal guide is a projection 10 in the form of a thread.

13. A syringe according to Claim 11 wherein the helicoidal guide is a recess in the form of a groove.

14. A s-,,,ringe according to Claim 10 wherein the guiding eyelet of the rod has a rectangular configuration equal to the crosssection of the sheet conforming said rod.

15. A syringe according to Claim 13, wherein the guiding eyelet has a round configuration provided with a notch coincident with the crosssection of the hollow 20 cylinder, as well as with the projection and disposition of the groove.

16. A syringe according to Claim 12, wherein the guiding eyelet of the rod has a round confl,,uration provided with a projection coincident with the cross-section of the hollow cylinder, as well as with the depth and disposition of the thread.

17. A syringe according to any, one of Claims 3 to 9, wherein the rod is a cylinder with various lateral helicoidal guides, distributed in equal distances in its periphery; being the conflauration of the cross-section of said rod, equal to that of the eyelet that guides it in the stopper of the rear part.

18. A syringe accordincr to any one of Claims 5 to 17, wherein the coupling nozzle of the needle is riot centred with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder - 13 and is slanted between 20' and 40' with respect to the same axis.

19. A syringe substantially, as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.