GB2599444A

GB2599444A - Syringe device

Info

Publication number: GB2599444A
Application number: GB2015727.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Corden James; Potier Katherine; Mclaughlin Da Costa Kerry
Original assignee: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT)
Current assignee: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT)
Priority date: 2020-10-05
Filing date: 2020-10-05
Publication date: 2022-04-06
Also published as: GB202015727D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a syringe device for use in low light conditions. The syringe has photoluminescent markings or regions 12, 13, 14, 15, 19a, 19b, e.g. of fluorescent or phosphorescent material, on both its barrel 2 and its plunger 3, e.g. marking at least the distal ends 12, 15 of the barrel and plunger and/or encompassing the whole of the plunger. The luminous regions are brought into alignment to indicate the volume of fluid drawn into the barrel, e.g. comprising volumetric graduations. The barrel may comprise further indicia (16, Fig. 3) contrasting with and backlit by one or more of the luminescent areas of the plunger.

Description

Syringe Device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a syringe device for use in low light conditions. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing, a kit of parts and the use of the syringe device.

Background of the Invention

Syringe devices are known and are generally used to administer fluid to a treatment site (e.g. to a patient in the case of a medical syringe) or withdraw fluid from a treatment site. Conventionally syringe devices include a cylindrical barrel in which a plunger tightly fits. The plunger can generally be moved along the length of the barrel allowing the syringe to draw in, or expel, a fluid through an aperture at the end of barrel. The barrel, typically, includes volume measurement markings or indicia that provide the user with a visible indication of when a certain volume of fluid (or dosage amount in the case of medical devices) has been drawn into the device before dispensing.

Syringe devices are generally designed for use in environments where there is adequate lighting for the user to observe the amount of fluid being drawn into the device and then subsequently dispensed (e.g. in operating theatres, doctor's surgeries, hospital wards or even poorly lit bedrooms). These devices however suffer from drawbacks when used in low light conditions, such as in medical facilities located in the developing world or even in combat environments for military personnel where lighting conditions may be poor. In low light conditions, the user has poor visibility of the plunger and barrel components, which can subsequently result in the inaccurate measurement and dispensing of a given volume of fluid by a user. Moreover, using conventional medical syringe devices in such low light conditions can, especially when used together with needles, leads to an increased safety risk for the user and patient during administration. Often medical syringe devices are used by carers (e.g. parents) to administer medication to patients (e.g. children) in a poorly lit bedroom settings where it is undesirable to turn on the lights and disturb the patient, especially, during the night. This leads to inadequate visibility of the syringe device and thus the substandard operation of the device (e.g. inaccurate dosage measurement) by the carer.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

In view of the drawbacks associated with known syringe devices, the present inventor has developed a simple but highly effective syringe device for use in low light conditions. This device not only mitigates or overcomes one of more problems associated with the well-known syringe devices but also provides additional benefits as herein described.

In general, the present inventor has established a syringe device having luminous portions located on both its barrel and plunger components which enables the user to precisely control the relative movement of the plunger and barrel with respect to one another in low light conditions. This allows the user to achieve an accurate measurement of fluid within the syringe of the present invention when used in poorly lit environments. Whilst the syringe device of the present invention is suitable for use in low light conditions, it will also be appreciated the syringe device can be used effectively under ambient or normal lighting conditions.

It will be appreciated that the syringe device of the present invention includes a barrel and plunger, which are elongate and may be considered to define a longitudinal axis of the syringe (depicted in Figure 1 by reference numeral (11)). When used herein the terms "alignment", "align" "aligns", "aligned" or alike refer to the lining up of a luminous portion on the barrel and a luminous portion on the plunger along the longitudinal axis of the syringe device. When aligned, the luminous portion of the barrel and the luminous portion of the plunger are positioned at the same point of the longitudinal axis. It will also be understood that the luminous portion on the barrel and the luminous portion on the plunger may also, in addition to alignment along the longitudinal axis, aligned circumferentially. When the luminous portion on the barrel and the luminous portion on the plunger are aligned along the longitudinal axis and circumferentially the luminous potions on the barrel and plunger will be overlaid.

Throughout the present disclosure, reference is made to the terms "proximal" or "proximal end" and "distal" or "distal end" in relation to the syringe device of the present invention. It will be understood that when used herein the term "proximal" or "proximal end" refers to the end of the syringe device, or a component thereof, that is located closest to the user's operating hand when the device is in use. This is generally the end of the syringe device that is opposite to the end from which fluid is drawn in. Accordingly, when referred to herein, the term "distal" or "distal end" refers to the end of the syringe device, or a component thereof, that is located furthest from the user's operating hand when the device is in use. This is, generally, the end of the syringe device from which fluid is drawn in and dispensed. When referred to herein the term "medial" refers to a position located at point between a proximal end and distal end. Accordingly, when used herein the term "proximal direction" refers to movement in a direction starting from the distal end and finishing at the proximal end. The term "distal direction" refers to movement in the direction starting from the proximal end and finishing at the distal end.

In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a syringe device comprising a barrel comprising at least one luminous portion, a plunger moveable within the barrel, the plunger comprising at least one luminous portion, wherein the at least one luminous portion of the barrel and the at least one luminous portion of the plunger are configured to be brought into alignment to indicate when a given volume of fluid is measured into the barrel.

The syringe device of the present invention is any device suitable for taking in and expelling a fluid. This includes syringe devices comprising a cylindrical barrel and plunger arrangement as described herein. In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the syringe device is a medical syringe suitable for administering a medicament to a patient. It will be appreciated that the medication may be administered orally. In addition, the medication may be administered intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously using a needle component in combination with the syringe device. In some embodiments, the syringe device of the present invention is an insulin syringe device. In other embodiments, the syringe device of the present invention may be any device suitable for administering liquid analgesics, typically, to a child. In further embodiments, the syringe device of the present invention may be any device suitable for administering a medication to a human or animal subject.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the barrel is transparent or translucent such that when the plunger is inserted into the hollow interior of the barrel, the plunger is visible through the body of the barrel. In some embodiments, the barrel is sufficiently translucent to allow for at least one luminous portion of the plunger to be visible through the body of the barrel.

In the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the plunger is opaque or partially opaque. In such embodiments, the plunger may include an entirely opaque body and at least one luminous portion as described herein. In other embodiments, the plunger may include at least one opaque portion. In embodiments, the at least one luminous portion of the plunger may form part of the opaque portion.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one luminous portion of the plunger comprises a luminous portion positioned at the distal end of the plunger. In other words, the plunger includes a luminous portion at the distal tip of its body. This is exemplified with reference to the luminous portion (15) as seen in the Figures. When the plunger includes a luminous portion position at its distal end, the distal luminous portion may be moved along the length of the barrel to align with at least one of the luminous portions or indicia located on the body of the barrel in order to indicate the measurement of a given volume of fluid.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one luminous portion of the plunger involves the plunger being entirely luminous. That is, the entire body of the plunger may be luminous. It will be understood that, when the plunger is entirely luminous, the plunger may be moved along the length of the barrel such that the distal end of the plunger aligns with at least one of the luminous portions or indicia located on the body of the barrel in order indicate the measurement of a given volume of fluid.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one luminous portion of the barrel comprises a luminous portion positioned at the distal end of the barrel. In other words, the barrel includes a luminous portion at the distal tip of its body. This is exemplified with reference to luminous portion (12) as seen in the Figures. This distal luminous portion of the barrel advantageously provides the user with a point of reference that can be utilised by the user to estimate the relative position, orientation and distance of the syringe device from the site of administration when working in poorly lit environments. For example, when the syringe device is used to administer a medicament to a patient in low light conditions, the distal luminous portion on the barrel provides the user with a reference point with which to gauge the distance of the syringe device from the site of administration (e.g. the surface of the skin or the patient's mouth). This improves the safety profile of the syringe device. In addition, the luminous portion positioned at the distal end of the barrel aids the user when attaching needles, nozzles and/or tubing to the distal end of the barrel in poorly lit environments. In embodiments, when the luminous portion at the distal end of the barrel comes into alignment with a luminous portion at the distal end of the plunger, during operation, the user is provided with an indication of the barrel being in an empty, closed or zero volume configuration.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the barrel may include a needle, nozzle, tubing or any combination thereof attached to the distal end of the barrel. In some embodiments, the barrel includes an attachment hub to which the needle, nozzle or tubing may permanently or releasably connect or engage. In such embodiments, the attachment hub may comprise a catheter tip, an eccentric tip, a Luer lock or Luer slip mechanism for connecting the barrel of the syringe to a needle, nozzle, tubing or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, both the barrel and plunger include luminous portions located at their respective distal ends. The luminous portions at the distal ends of the barrel and plunger provide the user with illuminated reference points, which allow the user to accurately control the relative movement of the barrel and the plunger with respect to one another. This improves the user's ability to achieve an accurate measurement of fluid within the barrel in low light environments.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one luminous portion of the barrel comprises a medial luminous portion located on the barrel and positioned between the distal and proximal ends of the barrel. One or more medial luminous portions may be located on the barrel and positioned between the distal and proximal ends of the barrel. In some embodiments, the one or more medial luminous portions may be evenly spaced along the length of the barrel between the proximal and distal ends of the barrel. It will be appreciated that the one or more medial luminous portions located on the barrel may be brought into alignment with any luminous portion on the plunger to indicate the measurement of a given volume of fluid within the barrel.

In embodiments of the first aspect present invention, the at least one luminous portion of the plunger further comprises a medial luminous portion positioned between the distal and proximal ends of the plunger. One or more medial luminous portions may be located on the plunger and positioned between the distal and proximal ends of the plunger. In some embodiments, the one or more medial luminous portions may be evenly spaced along the length of the plunger between the proximal and distal ends of the plunger. It will be appreciated that the one or more medial luminous portions located on the plunger may be brought into alignment with any luminous portion on the barrel to indicate the measurement of a given volume of fluid within the barrel.

In further embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the barrel further comprises at least one indicia that is configured to be backlit by the at least one luminous portion of the plunger. When referred to herein the term "indicia" refers to any sign, marking or similar that functions to provide the user which an indication of a certain volume measurement within the barrel. Typically, the indicia is a dosage marking which indicates a certain dosage measurement within the barrel. The indicia is configured to be backlit (i.e. illuminated from behind) by any luminous portion located on the plunger during use. In embodiments, the indicia will be configured to be backlit when a certain volume measurement of fluid within the barrel is achieved. The indicia may be backlit by any luminous portion located on the plunger, typically, by a distal, proximal or medial luminous portion located on the plunger. Preferably, the indicia on the barrel is backlit by a luminous portion located at the distal end of the plunger during use.

In some embodiments, the indicia comprises any suitable artwork or text to provide the user with an enhanced visual indication when backlit by a luminous portion on the plunger. For example, the indicia may include patterns, numbers, letters, shapes or any combination thereof. Typically, the indicia includes a number, suitable to be backlit, which corresponds to a given unit volume measurement within the barrel. The indicia may also include suitable artwork, for example, patterns such as crosshatched patterns. Such artwork may be designed to maximise the visibility of the indicia when backlit. Where the indicia includes letters and/or numbers the backlighting increases the ease of reading of the indicia for the user.

In other embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the plunger comprises at least one indicia. In other embodiments, both the plunger and barrel include at least one indicia. In such embodiments, the indicia on the plunger and the indicia on the barrel are configured to align or visibly interlock when a given volume of fluid is measured into the barrel.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one luminous portion and/or at least one indicia on the barrel may extend around the entire circumference of the barrel body. In embodiments, the at least one luminous portion and/or at least one indicia on the barrel may extend partially around the circumference of the barrel body.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one luminous portion and/or at least one indicia on the plunger may extend around the entire circumference of the plunger body. In embodiments, the at least one luminous portion and/or at least one indicia on the plunger may extend partially around the circumference of the plunger body.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one luminous portion of the barrel comprises the at least one indicia. It will be understood that when the at least one luminous portion of the barrel comprises the at least one indicia, the luminous portion may be provide an illuminated marking as well as a marking that can be backlit by a luminous portion on the plunger. This enhances the visibility of the indicia for the user during operation of the syringe in low light conditions and provides an volume measurement which is accentuated both by the backlighting effect of the indicia and the illuminating properties of the luminous portions on the barrel and plunger.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the barrel includes a base portion at its proximal end. The base portion may also form part of a luminous portion on the barrel. In some embodiments, the luminous portion forming part of the barrel's base portion may align with at least one luminous portion and/or indicia on the plunger to indicate when a given volume of fluid is measured into the barrel.

In some embodiments, the base portion may also include a flange, typically, an integrally formed flange. The flange may also form part of a luminous portion. This is exemplified with reference to the flange (6) illustrated in the Figures. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the plunger comprises a grip portion located at its proximal end and a tip portion located its distal end. The grip portion of the plunger typically includes a flange or an integrally formed flange. The grip portion and/or flange may form part of a luminous portion on the plunger. This is exemplified with reference to the flange (9) illustrated in the Figures. It will be appreciated that where a flange is present on the barrel and/or plunger component, the user benefits from improved handling of the device due to the improved gripping profile of the syringe device.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one luminous portion of the barrel and/or the at least one luminous portion of the plunger comprises a luminescent material.

The luminescent material is selected from the group consisting of a photoluminescent material, cathodoluminescent material, chemiluminescent material, electroluminescent material, mechanoluminescent material, radioluminescent material or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the luminescent material is a photoluminescent material, preferably, a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the fluorescent material comprises a fluorescent pigment. The fluorescent pigment may include an organic fluorescent pigment or an inorganic fluorescent pigment. Suitable examples include xanthene, ketone imine, acridine, and/or naphalimide based pigments.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the phosphorescent material comprises a phosphorescent pigment. The phosphorescent pigment may include an organic phosphorescent pigment or an inorganic phosphorescent pigment. Suitable examples include zinc sulphide and strontium aluminate.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the barrel and/or plunger is made of a polymeric material. The polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride or any combination thereof.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, where the barrel and/or plunger is made of a polymeric material, a luminescent material as described herein may be dispersed with the polymeric material to form at least one luminous portion on, or within, the barrel and/or plunger. In such embodiments, the at least one luminous portion is integrally formed together with the plunger body and/or barrel body.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one luminous portion is printed onto the body of the barrel and/or the plunger. Typically, this involves printing a paint containing a luminescent material as described herein on to the barrel and/or plunger body. Similarly, the at least one luminous portion may be painted onto the body of the barrel and/or the plunger using a paint containing a luminescent material as described herein.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one luminous portion as described herein may form part of a separate component which is configured to permanently or releasably connect to certain sections (e.g. at the proximal end, distal end and/or medial sections) of the barrel and/or plunger. It will be appreciated that this may involve, for example, a luminous tape being adhered to the outer surface of the barrel and/or plunger. In some embodiments, the luminous portion may form part of a resilient ring (e.g. silicon ring). In such embodiments, the resilient ring (annular in shape) may be stretched over and around the circumference of the barrel and/or plunger body before then being allowed to contract and secure to the surface of the barrel/plunger body. Preferably, the ring would contract into a groove integrally formed on the formed the surface of the barrel/plunger body to keep the ring in place. This is exemplified with reference to the ring (20) illustrated in the Figure 6. In some embodiments, the at least one luminous portion forms part of a component which may clip or snap fit onto the body of the barrel/plunger. This is exemplified with reference to the component (21) illustrated in the Figure 6. In some embodiments, the at least one luminous portion may form part of a jacket which is secured to the outer surface of the barrel.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the plunger is fully removable from the barrel to allow cleaning to allow cleaning and subsequent reuse of the syringe device.

It will be appreciated that, where appropriate, any embodiments as described herein in relation to the first aspect of the present invention will also apply to the second, third and fourth aspects of the present invention. For example, all embodiments relating to the features of the barrel and plunger as described with reference to the first aspect herein will also apply to the second, third and fourth aspects of the present invention.

In second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a syringe device, the method comprising: providing a barrel comprising at least one luminous portion; providing a plunger moveable within the barrel, the plunger comprising at least one luminous portion; wherein the at least one luminous portion of the barrel and the at least one luminous portion of the plunger are configured to be brought into alignment to indicate when a given volume of fluid is measured into the barrel.

In embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises a step of assembling the syringe device such that the plunger moves within the barrel.

In embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the barrel is formed by providing the at least one luminous portion on the body of the barrel and/or the plunger is formed by providing the at least one luminous portion on the body of the plunger. In such embodiments, the providing the at least one luminous portion on the body of the barrel/plunger comprises spraying or painting the at least one luminous portion onto the body of the barrel/plunger. Typically, this involves using any composition containing a luminescent material, for example, a luminescent paint or solution.

In embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the providing at least one luminous portion on the body of the barrel/plunger comprises releasably or permanently connecting or attaching a separate luminous component to the body of the barrel and/or plunger. The connecting may include adhering the luminous component to the body of barrel and/or plunger using an adhesive composition. In some embodiments, the connecting may include snap fitting or clipping the luminous component to the body of barrel /plunger using an adhesive composition. In further embodiment, the luminous component is resilient (e.g. resilient ring). In such embodiments, the providing the at least one luminous portion on the body of the barrel/plunger comprises stretching or expanding the component over and around the circumference of the body barrel/plunger and allowing the component to contract to form a fight fit.

In embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the barrel and/or the plunger is formed using injection moulding and/or 3D printing.

In a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for preparing a syringe device, the kit comprising: a barrel comprising at least one luminous portion; a plunger moveable within the barrel, the plunger comprising at least one luminous portion; wherein the at least one luminous portion of the barrel and the at least one luminous portion of the plunger are configured to be brought into alignment to indicate when a given volume of fluid is measured into the barrel; and optionally comprising a needle for attachment to the distal end of the barrel.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention there is use of a syringe device for dispensing a fluid, the use comprising: providing a syringe device as defined in the first aspect of the present invention or embodiments thereof; measuring a given fluid into the barrel by moving the plunger within the barrel such that the at least one luminous portion of the barrel and the at least one luminous portion are brought into alignment to indicate when the given volume of fluid is measured into the barrel.

In embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the use further comprises moving the plunger within the barrel to expel or dispense the fluid from the barrel.

Description of Figures

The present invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting examples and figures, which show: Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary syringe device including luminous portions on both of the barrel and plunger components.

Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary syringe device including luminous portions on both of the barrel and plunger components wherein the plunger is inserted into the barrel.

Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary syringe device including medial luminous portions located on the plunger as well as indicia that can be backlit on the barrel.

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary syringe device including medial luminous portions on both the barrel and the plunger components.

Figure 5 illustrates another exemplary syringe device that includes medial luminous portions on the plunger.

Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary syringe device that includes a luminous portion as a separate component that may be secured to the barrel body.

Detailed description of the Invention

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is depicted a syringe device (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As described herein, the syringe device (1) can vary in size and shape depending on the volume and nature of the fluid, which is to be drawn in and dispensed using the syringe device.

The embodiment in Figures 1 and 2 depicts a syringe device (1) that includes a barrel (2) and a plunger (3). Barrel (2) is cylindrical with a hollow interior. At the proximal end of the barrel (2) there is an opening through which the plunger may be inserted. The hollow interior extends along a longitudinal axis of the barrel from a proximal end (4) of the barrel (2) to a distal end (5). The barrel (2) includes an integrally formed tip portion located at the distal end (5) and as well as an integrally formed base portion at the proximal end (4). The base portion of the barrel (2), typically, includes a flange (6) as illustrated in the Figures.

Plunger (3) is cylindrical and includes a proximal end (7) and a distal end (8). The plunger (3) includes as grip portion located at its proximal end (7) and a tip portion located its distal end. (8) The grip portion of the plunger typically includes a flange (9) as depicted in the Figures.

Before operation, the plunger (3) is inserted into the hollow interior of the barrel (2) through the opening at the proximal end of the barrel. Typically, the plunger (3) tightly fits into the hollow interior of the barrel (2). The plunger (3) is slid along the length of the barrel (2) from the proximal end (4) of the barrel to the distal end (5) of the barrel and vice versa. The plunger (3) has an outer dimension that is slightly less than the inner dimension of the hollow interior of the barrel (2). The plunger tip has an outer dimension that corresponds to the inner dimension of the tip portion of the barrel (2). The barrel (2) is made from a transparent or translucent polymer material. The plunger (3) is made from an opaque or coloured material such that, when the plunger (3) is inserted into the hollow interior of the barrel (2), the plunger (3) is visible through the body of the barrel (2).

When the syringe device (1) is fully assembled and in operation, the plunger (3) can be moved or translated along the length of the barrel (2), within the hollow interior of the barrel (2), allowing the syringe device (1) to drawn in and expel fluid through an aperture (10) located at the distal end of the barrel (2). As seen in Figures, the barrel (2) and the plunger (3) include at least one luminous portion. Figure 1 shows a barrel (2) including a luminous portion (13) at its proximal end and a luminous portion at its distal end (12). In addition, the plunger (3) is depicted as having a luminous portion (14) at its proximal end (7) and a luminous portion (15) at its distal end (8). The luminous portion (15) of the plunger (3) is clearly visible through the translucent or transparent body of the barrel (2) when the syringe device (1) is assembled.

In use, the operator begins with the plunger (3) fully or partially inserted into the hollow interior of the barrel (2) through the opening at the proximal end (4) of the barrel (2).

When the plunger (3) is fully inserted into the barrel (2) the distal end (8), or tip, of the plunger (3) is in contact with the distal end (5) of the barrel (2). Fluid is then drawn into the hollow exterior of the barrel (2), through the aperture (10) formed at the distal end (5) of the barrel (2). This is done by firstly placing distal end (5), or the tip, of the barrel into the desired fluid (e.g. by fully submerging the tip of the barrel (2) within the fluid).

Fluid is subsequently drawn into the hollow interior of the barrel (2) by moving the plunger (3) in the proximal direction. The tight fit of the outer perimeter of the plunger (3) with the inner perimeter of the hollow interior of the barrel (2) provide sufficient suction such that, as the plunger moves in the proximal direction, fluid is drawn into the hollow interior of the barrel (2) through its aperture (10). In order to dispense or expel fluid from the hollow interior of the barrel (2), via the aperture (10), the user moves the plunger (3) in the distal direction. It will be appreciated that the distal end (5) of the barrel (2) may include a needle, nozzle or tubing through which fluid is drawn into the barrel (2) and dispensed out of the barrel (2). In such embodiments, the end of the needle, nozzle or tubing which is opposite to its end attached to the barrel (2) is placed into the desired fluid.

In low light conditions, the luminous portion (15) located at the distal end of the plunger (3) is illuminated and visible through the body of the barrel (2). The luminous portion (14) located at the proximal end of the plunger (3) is located outside the body of the barrel (2) and has enhanced visibility in low light conditions due to its luminosity. The luminous portions at the distal and proximal ends (12, 13) of the barrel (2) are also illuminated and clearly visible in low light conditions. Advantageously, by having at least one luminous portion on the body of the barrel (2) and at least one luminous portion on the body of the plunger (3), the user is able to safely and more accurately operate the syringe device (1) even in poorly lit environments. This is because when syringe device (1) is operated in the dark, the luminous portions provide the user with illuminated reference points on both the barrel (2) and plunger (3) components of the syringe device (1). This is important in enabling the user to precisely control the relative movement of the plunger (3) and barrel (2) with respect to one another thus aiding the user in achieving an accurate measurement of fluid within the hollow interior of barrel (2) when used in low light conditions.

Figure 2 illustrates the syringe device (1) fully assembled with the luminous portion (15) at the distal end of plunger (3) positioned approximately half way along the length of the barrel (2). It can be seen that the luminous portion (15) of the plunger (3) is located midway relative to the luminous portions (12, 13) at the distal and proximal ends of the barrel (2). When the luminous portions located on the barrel (2) and plunger (3) are positioned, as seen in Figure 2, the user knows that a volume of fluid corresponding to approximately half of the total volume of the barrel (2) has been drawn into the barrel (2). For example, when the total volume of the barrel is 5 ml, the positioning of the luminous portions as shown in Figure 2 is indicative of 2.5 ml measurement of fluid being drawn into the barrel. The ability of the user to observe the relative positions of the luminous portions is further enhanced by the presence of both of the luminous portions (12, 13) on the barrel (2) together with the luminous portion (15) on the plunger (3).

The luminous portion (12) at the distal end of the barrel (2) also functions to provide the user with a reference point from which to gauge the relative position and distance of the syringe device from the site of the administration in low light conditions. For example, when the syringe device (1) is used to administer a medicament to a patient intravenously in low light conditions, the luminous portion (12) provides the user with a reference point with which to gauge the distance of the syringe device (1) from the site of administration (e.g. the surface of the skin). This improves the safety profile of the syringe device (1) and, in addition, aids the user when attaching needles, nozzles and/or tubing to the distal end (5) of the barrel in poorly lit in environments. It will also be appreciated that the luminous portions (13, 14) at the proximal ends of the barrel (2) and plunger (3) also provide the user with illuminated reference points. These allow the user to accurately control the relative movement of the barrel (2) and plunger (3) with respect to one another, therefore, enhancing the user's ability to achieve an accurate measurement of fluid within the barrel in low light environments.

Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary syringe device (1) including luminous portions (12, 13, 14, 15) on the barrel (2) and plunger (3) components as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In addition, the syringe device in Figure 3 also includes evenly spaced indicia or markings (16) which indicate a given volume measurement within the barrel (2). Whilst the indicia (16) depicted in Figure 3 denote volume measurements of 2.5 ml and 5 ml, it will appreciated that the indicia may denote varying volume measurements depending on the size and dimensions of the syringe device. As it can be seen in the furthest most right syringe illustrated in Figure 3, when the user moves the plunger (3) in the proximal direction to draw fluid into the hollow interior of the barrel (2), the indicia (16) denoting 2.5 ml is backlit by the luminous portion (15) at the distal end of the plunger (3). This indicates that a volume of 2.5 ml of fluid has been measured into the hollow interior of the barrel (2). As the plunger (3) is moved further along the length of barrel (2) in the proximal direction, the measurement of 5 ml of fluid is signalled by the backlighting of the indicia (16) denoting 5 ml with the luminous portion (15) at the distal end of the plunger (3). The inclusion of indicia (16) on the body of the barrel (2) that are configured to be backlit by a luminous portion of the plunger (located at the distal end of the plunger or otherwise) at certain volume measurements allows the user to accurately measure predetermined volumes of fluid using the syringe of the present invention in low light conditions. This is critical when measuring dosage amounts to be administered to patients in poor lit environments.

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary syringe device including luminous portions (12, 13, 14, 15) on both the barrel (2) and plunger (3) portions as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In addition, the syringe device of Figure 4 also includes evenly spaced medial luminous portions (17a and 17b as well as 18) on both the barrel and the plunger, respectively. It can be seen in this exemplary syringe device, that the barrel (2) also includes medial luminous portions (17a, 17b) evenly spaced between the luminous portions (12, 13) located at the proximal and distal end of the barrel (2). Each of the medial luminous portions (17a, 17b) correspond to a given volume measurement of fluid within the barrel (e.g. 2.5 ml and 5 ml measurements). Again, it will be understood that whilst the medial luminous portions (17a, 17b) depicted in Figure 4 denote volume measurements of 2.5 ml and 5 ml, the medial luminous portions may denote varying volume measurements depending on the size and dimensions of the syringe device. As the user moves the plunger (3) in the proximal direction to draw fluid into the hollow interior of the barrel (2), the medial luminous portion (17a) denoting 2.5 ml visibly interlocks or aligns with the luminous portion (15) at the distal end of the plunger (3). This indicates that a volume of 2.5 ml of fluid has been measured into the barrel (2) of the syringe. As the plunger (3) is moved further along the length of barrel (2) in the proximal direction, the measurement of 5 ml of fluid is signalled by the interlocking or alignment of the medial luminous portion (17b) denoting 5 ml with the luminous portion (15) at the distal end of the plunger (3). The incorporation of medial luminous portions (17a, 17b) on the body of the barrel that are configured to align or visibly interlock with a luminous portion of the plunger (located at the distal end of the plunger or otherwise) at pre-determined volume measurements advantageously provides enhanced visibility of selected portions of the barrel (2) and plunger (3) in low light conditions. This allows the user to achieve excellent accuracy when measuring specific volumes of fluid using syringe illustrated in Figure 4 in low light environments.

Figure 5 depicts an exemplary syringe device including the luminous portions (12, 13, 14, 15) on the barrel (2) and plunger (3) components with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The syringe in Figure 5 includes medial luminous portions (19a, 19b) located on the body of the plunger (3) between the distal and proximal ends of the plunger. It can be seen in this exemplary syringe device that alignment of the medial luminous portions (19a, 19b) located on the plunger (3) align with the luminous portion (13) located at the proximal end of the barrel (2) to indicate when 2.5 ml and 5 ml of fluid has been measured into the barrel (2).

Figure 6 depicts an exemplary syringe device wherein the luminous portions form part of a separate component that may be secured or connected to the surface of the barrel (2). Resilient ring (20) is illustrated as being secured within a groove formed on the surface of the barrel (2). Component (21) is illustrates an example of a luminous portion that can be attached to the barrel via a snap-fit or clip mechanism. Component (22) illustrates the situation where the luminous portion takes the form of a tape that may be adhered to the surface of the barrel (2).

It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the above described syringe device and use may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, for instance, the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Moreover, any one or more of the above described embodiments could be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments and all such combinations are intended within the present disclosure.

Optional and/or preferred features may be used in other combinations beyond those explicitly described herein and optional and/or preferred features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may also be present in another aspect of the invention, where appropriate.

The described and illustrated embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the inventions as defined in the claims are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as "preferable", "preferably", "preferred" or "more preferred" in the description suggest that a feature so described may be desirable, it may nevertheless not be necessary and embodiments lacking such a feature may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In relation to the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a," "an," or "at least one," are used to preface a feature there is no intention to limit the claim to only one such feature unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A syringe device comprising: a barrel comprising at least one luminous portion; a plunger moveable within the barrel, the plunger comprising at least one luminous portion; wherein the at least one luminous portion of the barrel and the at least one luminous portion of the plunger are configured to be brought into alignment to indicate when a given volume of fluid is measured into the barrel.
The syringe device according to claim 1, wherein: (a) the at least one luminous portion of the plunger comprises a luminous portion positioned at the distal end of the plunger; or (b) the plunger is entirely luminous.
The syringe device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one luminous portion of the barrel comprises a luminous portion positioned at the distal end of the barrel.
4. The syringe device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one luminous portion of the barrel comprises a medial luminous portion located on the barrel and positioned between the distal and proximal ends of the barrel.
5. The syringe device according to any one of claims 1, 2(a), 3 or 4, wherein the at least one luminous portion of the plunger further comprises a medial luminous portion positioned between the distal and proximal ends of the plunger.
6. The syringe device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrel further comprises at least one indicia that is configured to be backlit by the at least one luminous portion of the plunger.
The syringe device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one luminous portion of the barrel comprises at least one indicia.
The syringe device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one luminous portion of the barrel and/or the at least one luminous portion of the plunger comprises a luminescent material.
9. The syringe device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one luminescent material is selected from the group consisting of a photoluminescent material, cathodoluminescent material, chemiluminescent material, electroluminescent material, mechanoluminescent material, radioluminescent material or any combination thereof.
10. The syringe device according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the luminescent material is a photoluminescent material, preferably, a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material.
11. The syringe device according to claim 10, wherein the fluorescent material comprises a fluorescent pigment. 20
12. The syringe device according to claim 10, wherein the phosphorescent material comprises a phosphorescent pigment.
13. The syringe device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrel and/or plunger is made of a polymeric material.
14. The syringe device according to claim 13, wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride or any combination thereof. 30
15. A method of manufacturing a syringe device, the method comprising: providing a barrel comprising at least one luminous portion; providing a plunger moveable within the barrel, the plunger comprising at least one luminous portion; wherein the at least one luminous portion of the barrel and the at least one luminous portion of the plunger are configured to be brought into alignment to indicate when a given volume of fluid is measured into the barrel.
16. The method of manufacturing a syringe device according to claim 15, further comprising a step of assembling the syringe device such that the plunger moves within the barrel.
17. The method of manufacturing a syringe device according to claims 15 or 16, wherein: the barrel is formed by providing the at least one luminous portion on the body of the barrel; and/or the plunger is formed by providing the at least one luminous portion on the body of the plunger.
18. The method of manufacturing a syringe device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the barrel and/or the plunger is formed using injection moulding and/or 3D printing.
19. A kit of parts for preparing a syringe device, the kit comprising: a barrel comprising at least one luminous portion; a plunger moveable within the barrel, the plunger comprising at least one luminous portion; wherein the at least one luminous portion of the barrel and the at least one luminous portion of the plunger are configured to be brought into alignment to indicate when a given volume of fluid is measured into the barrel; and optionally comprising a needle for attachment to the distal end of the barrel.
20. Use of a syringe device for dispensing a fluid, the use comprising: providing a syringe device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14; measuring a given fluid into the barrel by moving the plunger within the barrel such that the at least one luminous portion of the barrel and the at least one luminous portion are brought into alignment to indicate when the given volume of fluid is measured into the barrel.