GB2611572A

GB2611572A - Novel syringe

Info

Publication number: GB2611572A
Application number: GB2114466.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward Pogmore James
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-10-10
Filing date: 2021-10-10
Publication date: 2023-04-12
Also published as: GB202114466D0

Abstract

A syringe-type device comprises a syringe body 1 and an end cap 2. A transfer tube 3 slides through a sliding seal 4. The transfer tube has a further seal 5 attached to its end and with slides within the syringe body. Vent holes 8 in the syringe body allow air into or out of the internal space when the sliding seal is moved. A side port 9 in the transfer tube permits fluid to enter or leave the internal space. Finger grips 7 are attached to the body. A scale may be included, and the end of the transfer tube may be shaped to allow the attachment of a hypodermic needle. In use the thumb is placed on the end cap, the transfer tube slides into the syringe body, creating a pressure gradient which causes fluid to be drawn along the transfer tube and into the syringe body. In a further embodiment of the syringe device the syringe is manipulated by means of an external pivoting mechanism with a pivot point (11, fig 3). When the handles (12, fig 3) are pressed together the syringe plunger (13, fig 3) is drawn outwards form the syringe body (14, fig 3).

Description

Novel Syringe The invention described in the following description is an improved syringe for collection and retention of fluid.

In a conventional syringe, fluid contained within it is expelled (typically through a hypodermic needle) when the moving parts of the syringe are pressed together (the syringe plunger is pressed into the body of the syringe). It will draw in fluid when the moving parts are pulled apart.

The invention described here differs from a conventional syringe in that the device can be caused to draw fluid into itself when the moving parts are pressed together.

The invention improves on a conventional syringe in that its design facilitates one-handed operation for the task of drawing in fluid, whereas a conventional syringe requires two-handed operation, or an awkward one-handed operation for which it is not optimally designed.

The invention therefore improves the safety, accuracy and convenience of medical procedures that involve extracting and retaining of fluid from patients, or any task that requires a sample of fluid to be collected and retained.

One implementation of the invention is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 is not to scale nor is it intended to represent specific proportions or ratios of component dimensions. It is envisaged that sizes and relative proportions will be optimised in designs for specific applications. It is envisaged that the invention may be operated manually or by a mechanism.

The syringe in Figure 1 comprises several key components, as follows: * A syringe body 1 that might typically be made of plastic or metal. The body might incorporate markings or a scale to indicate the volume of fluid collected and retained within. It may include an end cap 2 on to which the operator's thumb could be placed in use.

* A transfer tube 3, which slides through a sliding seal 4 fixed to the syringe body. The transfer tube has a sliding seal 5 attached to its end and which slides within the syringe body. The opposite end 6 of the transfer tube may be shaped to allow the attachment of a hypodermic needle or other accessory.

* Finger grips 7 of some shape, which may be included to enable the transfer tube to be pressed into the syringe body.

* One or more vent holes 8 in the syringe body, which allow air into or out of the internal space of the syringe body enclosed by sliding seal S and the end cap when sliding seal 5 is moved.

* A side port 9 in the transfer tube permits fluid to enter (or leave) the internal space of the syringe body enclosed by sliding seals 4 and 5.

With reference to Figure 1, operation of the syringe is as follows: Operation begins with sliding seals 4 and 5 close together.

Typically, the thumb is placed on the end cap and the first and second fingers on the finger grips.

The thumb is pushed towards the fingers, which causes the transfer tube to slide into the syringe body. This action increases the volume of the internal space of the syringe body enclosed by sliding seals 4 and 5.

The increase in volume creates a pressure gradient which causes fluid to be drawn along the transfer tube and to enter, via the side port, the internal space of the syringe body enclosed by sliding seals 4 and 5.

Fluid can be expelled from the syringe by sliding the transfer tube in the opposite direction from that described above.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is not to scale nor is it intended to represent specific proportions or ratios of component dimensions. It is envisaged that sizes and relative proportions will be optimised in designs for specific applications. It is envisaged that the invention may be operated manually or by a mechanism. In this design, the finger grips 7 are implemented on an external sleeve 10 or otherwise, which is attached to the transfer tube and is able to slide over the syringe body.

Another alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in figure 3. Figure 3 is not to scale nor is it intended to represent specific proportions or ratios of component dimensions. It is envisaged that sizes and relative proportions will be optimised in designs for specific applications. It is envisaged that the invention may be operated manually or by a mechanism. In this design, a syringe device of substantially conventional form is manipulated by means of an external pivoting mechanism with a pivot point 11. When the handles 12 of the pivoting mechanism are pressed together the syringe plunger 13 is drawn outwards from the conventional syringe body 14.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A syringe-type device in which fluid is drawn into the device when the parts that the operator (or operating mechanism) is intended to be in contact with, and that are intended to move relative to one another, are pressed closer together.
2. A syringe-type device according to claim 1 in which pressing closer together the parts that the operator (or operating mechanism) is intended to be in contact with, and that are intended to move relative to one another, causes the volume of the internal space of the device into which fluid is drawn to increase, fluid to be drawn into the internal space and thus pressure equilibrium to be maintained.
3. A syringe-type device according to claim 1 in which sliding seals are utilised to substantially prevent fluid passing between them and the surfaces on which they slide, thus only allowing fluid to be drawn into the device via an intended conduit.
4. A syringe-type device according to claim 1 in which the parts that the operator (or operating mechanism) is intended to be in contact with may be deployed on an extension to one or more of the moving components.
5. A syringe-type device according to claim 1 in which a scale may be deployed along the part of the device into which fluid is drawn, in order to indicate the retained volume of fluid within.
6. A syringe-type device according to claim lin which the place where the fluid enters the device may be shaped to allow the attachment of a hypodermic needle or other accessory.