WO2008107669A2

WO2008107669A2 - Needle system for a syringe

Info

Publication number: WO2008107669A2
Application number: PCT/GB2008/000738
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Jason Cohen
Original assignee: Seldoren Limited
Priority date: 2007-03-02
Filing date: 2008-03-03
Publication date: 2008-09-12
Also published as: GB0704060D0; WO2008107669A3

Abstract

A needle system for use with a syringe, the needle system comprising (i) a needle arrangement (1) comprising a needle (2) and a connector (3) for releasably connecting the needle to a syringe; (ii) a housing for the needle arrangement; (iii) a releasable fixing means for holding the needle arrangement in a first position in the housing; and (iv) a locking means for permanently locking the needle arrangement in a second position in the housing; wherein the needle arrangement is longitudinally moveable within the housing between a rearward location and a forward location in use of the needle system and wherein the needle system further comprises a means to prevent rotation of the needle arrangement relative to the housing at any location other than at the forward location.

Description

Needle System for a Syringe

The present invention relates to a needle system for use with a syringe, to a kit comprising the needle system, to a syringe connected to the needle system and to uses of the needle system and syringe. The present invention also relates to a needle arrangement, for example for use in the needle system.

Syringes are commonly used in many applications, such as in medical and laboratory applications. For example, doctors, veterinarians and dentists routinely use syringes to administer medicaments to patients, and laboratory personnel routinely use syringes to administer chemical reagents to experimental systems and reactions. Syringes are, of course, also routinely used to take or remove fluids from a source, such as from a patient.

A conventional syringe comprises a barrel for holding a fluid (such as a fluid to be administered, for example a medicament to be administered to a patient). A fluid to be administered may be held in the barrel directly or in a cartridge for inserting in the barrel. The syringe further comprises a plunger mechanism at a rear end of the barrel and a connector at the opposite, forward end of the barrel, which connector is for connecting the barrel to a suitable needle.

Typically, in use of a syringe for administering a medicament, a cartridge containing the medicament is inserted into the barrel. A needle is then connected to the barrel and the needle penetrates a seal at a forward end of the cartridge. Displacement of the plunger then engages a bung at a rearward end of the cartridge and expels the medicament from the cartridge through the needle. After use, both the needle and the cartridge may be removed from the syringe and disposed of. In many applications, including medical applications, needles must be disposed of according to specific guidelines, i.e. in a "sharps" container.

A major potential problem with the use of syringes in all applications (especially in medical applications) is the possibility of needle stick injuries to the user. As well as causing injury to the user by piercing or cutting the skin with the needle, substances on or in the needle may contact and/or enter the skin and cause unwanted effects or contamination. For example, if a syringe is used to administer a medicament to a patient having a contagious disease, it is crucial that no such contamination occurs. The potential problems associated with needle stick injuries have led to the development of several safety devices and systems for syringes, for example to help to protect from needle stick injury.

For example, GB-A-2,202,148 discloses an injection device comprising a needle and a syringe, wherein the needle is provided in a container having a cap so as to be fully protected before it is required for use. Following use of the injection device, the needle is removed from the syringe and the needle is replaced in the container for disposal. However, in use of this injection device, the user is exposed to the needle upon removal of the cap and potentially is at risk of needle stick injury.

WO-A-89/04680 discloses a detachable housing for a syringe. The housing may comprise a sleeve that can slide longitudinally along a barrel of the syringe. The sleeve overlies the barrel during use of the syringe and may be slid along the barrel so as to extend beyond the barrel and substantially enclose a needle after use. The needle and the sleeve may then be disengaged from the rest of the syringe and disposed of together.

WO-A-95/13842 also discloses a detachable housing for a syringe. The housing comprises a tubular sleeve that is moveable axially between a rearward limit position in which it overlies the barrel of the syringe and fully exposes the needle, and a forward limit position at which it covers the needle. In other words, the sleeve is moveable across the length of the barrel so as to fully expose or cover the needle. After use, the tubular sleeve may be removed together with the needle for disposal together, with the sleeve covering the needle to avoid needle stick injury.

Whilst the housings of WO-A-89/04680 and WO-A-95/13842 can help to protect from needle stick injury, they have some disadvantages in use. For example, the use of such detachable housings with syringes that are pre-filled with a medicament for medical (including dental) use, makes the process of manufacture time consuming and costly. These pre-filled syringes for use in medical applications must be supplied sterile. A syringe is first manufactured, sterilised and pre-filled with the desired medicament. The housing is manufactured separately and applied to the syringe. The syringe, medicament and housing combination must then be re-sterilised. This adds a second sterilisation step to the manufacturing process, which increases the time and costs of manufacturing the syringe. It therefore is desirable to provide a syringe or syringe component that helps to protect the user from needle stick injury and that is convenient and cheap to manufacture and that is easy to use in a range of applications.

US-5,562,625 discloses a one-piece safety sheath for sliding over a standard syringe body and that is adapted for temporarily anchoring a needle transport assembly at one of three stop positions, a first sterilised needle position, a second needle in use- position and a third, locked spent needle position.

US-5,254,100 discloses a needle-protecting assembly comprising a cylindrical sheath that slidingly engages a hub attached to a needle. The sheath includes a longitudinal slot having a communicating detent, and a locking aperture. A tab radially emergent from the hub can be caused to engage the detent, slot or locking aperture so as to provide a storage state where the sheath extends forwardly of the needle tip, a use state where the needle tip extends forwardly of the sheath and an irreversibly locked disposal state in which the sheath is forward of the needle tip.

WO-A-95/21646 discloses a security device for a syringe. The device comprises a tubular sleeve inside which is provided a needle holder axially moveable between an advanced position in which the needle extends beyond the distal end of the tubular sleeve and a retracted position in which the needle is fully retracted in the tubular sleeve.

The safety devices disclosed in US-5,562,625, US-5,254,100 and WO-A-95/21646 are cumbersome and inconvenient to use, with excessive force being required by the user to move the needle between the desired positions and accurate and effective manipulation of the syringe difficult in use. Thus, there remains a need for alternative and improved safety devices for use with conventional syringes.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a needle system for use with a syringe, the needle system comprising:

(i) a needle arrangement comprising a needle and a connector for releasably connecting the needle to a syringe;

(ii) a housing for the needle arrangement; (iii) a releasable fixing means for holding the needle arrangement in a first position in the housing; and

(iv) a locking means for permanently locking the needle arrangement in a second position in the housing;

wherein the needle arrangement is longitudinally moveable within the housing between a rearward location and a forward location in use of the needle system and wherein the needle system further comprises a means to prevent rotation of the needle arrangement relative to the housing at any location other than at the forward location.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a needle system for use with a syringe, the needle system comprising:

(ii) a housing for the needle arrangement;

(iii) a releasable fixing means for holding the needle arrangement in a first position in the housing, the releasable fixing means comprising at least one projection on an inside wall of the housing for engagement with the needle arrangement; and

wherein the needle arrangement is longitudinally moveable within the housing between a rearward location and a forward location in use of the needle system and wherein the releasable fixing means and the locking means are each situated at the rearward location.

The needle systems of the present invention address the problems discussed above. The needle systems provide a component for use with a syringe that is easy and cheap to manufacture, that is readily sterilised if necessary, that is suitable for use with conventional syringes in a range of applications and that is effective at protecting the user from needle stick injury. For example, the needle systems may be used with a conventional syringe, such as a syringe comprising a luer connector, without the need for any modification of the syringe prior to use. Additionally, the needle systems enable accurate and effective manipulation of a syringe in use.

The needle systems of the present invention are suitable for use with virtually any syringe. As the skilled person would appreciate, the syringe should be capable of being releasably connected to the needle arrangements of the present invention. In other words, the syringe should be releasably connectable to the connector of the needle arrangement.

The connection of the syringe to the needle arrangement may be by means of a direct connection between the connector of the needle arrangement and an integral connector on the syringe. Alternatively, the connection of the syringe to the needle arrangement may be by means of an indirect connection, for example by means of a connection between the connector of the needle arrangement and an adaptor means, which adaptor means is adapted for connection to the syringe.

Typically, -the needle systems of the present invention are suitable for use with any syringe, for example a conventional syringe comprising a barrel for holding a fluid, a plunger mechanism at a rear end of the barrel and a connector at the opposite, forward end of the barrel, which connector is for connecting the barrel to a needle. The syringe may be intended for use in any application, such as in medical (including dental) and/or laboratory applications. For example, the syringe may be intended for administering a medicament to a patient by a doctor, veterinarian or dentist, or for administering a chemical reagent to an experimental system or reaction by a laboratory technician/scientist. The syringe may, of course, also be intended for taking or removing a fluid from a source, such as from a patient.

The needle systems of the present invention comprise a needle arrangement, which is longitudinally moveable within the housing. The needle arrangement comprises a needle and a connector for releasably connecting the needle to a syringe. For example, the connector may be capable of mating with or connecting to a corresponding connector on a syringe.

The needle may be of any suitable size and made from any suitable material. As the skilled person would appreciate, the particular size and type of needle selected will depend on the purpose for which it is intended. Typically, the needle is made from a suitable metal, such as stainless steel.

In particular, the needle arrangement may be slideably mounted within the housing, i.e. so as to facilitate the longitudinal movement of the needle arrangement within the housing.

The needle arrangement may comprise any suitable connector, provided that it is capable of releasably connecting the needle to a syringe. By the term "releasably connecting" we mean that the needle is connected to the syringe sufficiently for use of the syringe (for example to administer or remove a fluid), but that the needle can readily and conveniently be released or disconnected from the syringe as required (such as following administration or removal of the fluid).

The needle arrangement may comprise a collar. The collar, when present, facilitates the longitudinal movement of the needle arrangement within the housing. For example, the collar may be slideably mounted within the housing, so as to facilitate the longitudinal movement.

In particular, the collar may be integrally formed with or attached to the connector of the needle arrangement. The collar may be positioned forward of the connector in use, so as to allow convenient access to the connector of the needle arrangement within the housing for connection to a syringe.

Typically, the collar (when present) is engageable with the releasable fixing means and/or the locking means, i.e. upon longitudinal movement within the housing. Preferably, the collar (when present) is engageable with both the releasable fixing means and the locking means.

The needle systems of the present invention comprise a housing for the needle arrangement. The housing may be of any suitable shape and size. Typically, the housing is suitably sized and shaped so as to be capable of fully enclosing or containing the needle arrangement. For example, the housing may be a tubular or cylindrical shape, for example to match the shape of a conventional syringe barrel.

Preferably, the housing is sized and shaped so as to be capable of enclosing or containing the barrel of a syringe in use. For example, the housing may enclose the barrel of the syringe when the needle arrangement to which the syringe is connected is located at the forward location of the housing, such that the housing acts as a sleeve for the barrel. This aids the ease of use and improves the robustness of the needle system in use.

The housing may be constructed from any suitable material, such as a plastics material, for example polypropylene. In particular, the plastics materials may be any medical grade plastics material. Preferably, the housing is constructed from a substantially transparent plastics material.

The needle systems of the present invention comprise a releasable fixing means for holding or fixing the needle arrangement in a first position in the housing. In the first aspect, the releasable fixing means preferably is situated at a rearward location of the housing in use of the needle system. In the second aspect, the releasable fixing means is situated at a rearward location of the housing in use of the needle system.

The term "rearward location" is defined in terms of a location of the housing in use of the needle system as the location (typically at or towards a rearward end of the housing, for example if the housing is of a tubular or cylindrical shape) that is positioned in the vicinity of the syringe when the needle is initially connected thereto. Further, upon use of the needle systems (as discussed further below), the "rearward location" of the housing is the location at which the connector of the needle arrangement is positioned (i.e. in the first position) upon connection of the syringe and prior to use of the syringe, as well as after use of the syringe and for disposal of the needle system (i.e. in the second position).

Typically, the rearward location is a location of the housing at which the needle arrangement is located such that at least a portion of a length of the needle is located internally of the housing. In particular, the rearward location is a location of the housing at which the entire length of the needle is located internally of the housing, i.e. such that at the rearward location, the tip of the needle is located internally of the housing.

The term "forward location" is similarly defined in terms of a location of the housing in use of the needle system as the location (typically at or towards a forward end of the housing, for example if the housing is of a tubular or cylindrical shape) that is positioned furthest away from the syringe when the needle is initially connected thereto. Further, upon use of the needle systems (as discussed further below), the "forward location" of the housing is the location at which the needle is expelled from the housing for use of the syringe, for example to administer or remove a fluid.

Typically, the forward location is a location of the housing at which the needle arrangement is located such that at least a portion of a length of the needle is located externally of the housing. In particular, the forward location is a location of the housing at which the entire length of the needle is located externally of the housing, i.e. such that at the forward location, the tip of the needle is located externally of the housing.

As the skilled person would appreciate, references to the rearward and forward locations are intended to refer to an area of the housing, rather than to a single precise point of the housing. For example, if the housing is a tubular or cylindrical shape, the backward and forwards locations typically are areas of the housing at opposite ends of the tubular or cylindrical housing. References to rearward and forward ends of the housing refer to the opposite extremities of the housing at the rear and front respectively.

When for example the housing is of a cylindrical or tubular shape, the housing has a length and two ends, designated a rearward and a forward end, wherein the rearward end is the end towards which the syringe is connected in use and the forward end is the end through which the tip of the needle extends in use. Between the rearward and forward ends is the body of the housing, which can be considered to comprise a rearward location at or towards the rearward end, a forward location at or towards the forward end and a central location there between. The rearward location may for example extend from the rearward end of the housing to a location at between about a quarter and a third of the total length of the housing. The forward location may for example extend from the forward end of the housing to a location at between about a quarter and a third of the total length of the housing. The location there between may comprise a central location. The housing may for example have a length of from about 4 to about 10 cm, particularly of from about 5 to about 6 cm, such that the rearward location extends from about 1 to about 3 cm, particularly from about 1.5 to about 2 cm, from the rearward end along the length of the housing and such that the forward location extends from about 0.5 cm to about 2.5 cm, particularly from about 0.5 to about 1 cm, from the forward end along the length of the housing. The needle arrangement is longitudinally moveable within the housing between the rearward and forward locations, for example moveable in a forwards direction from the rearward location through the central location to the forward location, and vice versa.

The releasable fixing means functions to hold or fasten the needle arrangement in a first position in the housing. By the reference to the fixing means being releasable, we mean that the fixing means holds or fastens the needle arrangement in the first position until a deliberate action is used to release it from the first position. More specifically, the releasable fixing means functions to hold or fasten the needle arrangement in the first position to enable the user to apply an appropriate force to the needle arrangement as required to connect the syringe thereto, without any significant movement of the needle arrangement for example along the length of the housing. Thus, the releasable fixing means facilitates the connection of the syringe to the needle arrangement in use. The connection of the syringe to the needle arrangement is further facilitated by the means to prevent rotation, as discussed further herein.

Typically, the first position is a position in the housing which facilitates the connection of the needle to a syringe. In other words, the first position typically is a position in the housing at which the needle arrangement can conveniently be accessed for connection of the needle to a syringe. As the skilled person would appreciate, connection of the needle to a syringe is facilitated when the connector of the needle arrangement is accessible by being located towards an end of the housing, i.e. towards the end of the housing at which the syringe is to be connected, especially towards or at the rearward end. In particular, the first position is at the rearward location. In particular, when the needle arrangement is held or fastened in the first position, the whole of the needle arrangement (including the whole length of the needle, especially the needle tip) is located inside the housing. This is advantageous because the user is protected from the needle upon connection of the syringe thereto, so as to prevent or reduce needle stick injury. The first position may be considered as a "prior to use" position.

In the first aspect of the invention, the needle system may comprise any suitable releasable fixing means.

A suitable releasable fixing means in the first aspect of the invention may, for example, comprise a releasable latch means. The releasable fixing means in the first aspect of the invention may comprise a projection, for example for abutting against a surface or for engagement with a corresponding recess. The projection may abut the surface or project into the recess in such a way so as to substantially prevent movement of the needle arrangement under a certain force as required for the necessary connection to the syringe, but to release the needle arrangement and allow its movement within the housing upon the application of a stronger force. The projection and surface or recess may provide a "snap-fit".

In the first aspect of the present invention, the component(s) of the releasable fixing means may be located on the housing and/or the needle arrangement. The releasable fixing means may be made from any suitable material.

The releasable fixing means may comprise a projection positioned on the needle arrangement (such as on the collar, when present), which projection may abut an internal surface of the housing or may engage a corresponding recess in the internal housing wall.

The releasable fixing means may comprise a projection positioned on an internal wall of the housing, which projection may abut an external surface of the needle arrangement or may engage a corresponding recess in the needle arrangement (for example an external surface of or a recess in the collar, when present).

The releasable fixing means may comprise a projection positioned on the needle arrangement (such as on the collar, when present) and a projection positioned on an internal wall of the housing, which projections may abut a surface or engage a corresponding recess as discussed above.

In the second aspect of the invention, the releasable fixing means comprises at least one projection on an inside wall of the housing for engagement with the needle arrangement, for example for engagement with an external surface of a collar of the needle arrangement (when present). The projection may be shaped so as to provide a curved or circular outline against the inner housing wall, which outline facilitates the smooth and easy movement (in the forwards and backwards directions) of the needle arrangement over the projection by the application of reasonable force in use. Such a releasable fixing means is of course also suitable for use in the first aspect of the invention. As the skilled person would appreciate, the needle systems may comprise any suitable number of releasable fixing means. A suitable number of releasable fixing means may be two. Typically, if there is more than one releasable fixing means, each fixing means may be positioned at approximately the same location along the length of the housing and be equally spaced around the internal wall or circumference of the housing.

The releasable fixing means may comprise from two to four, especially two, projections on an inside wall of the housing for engagement with the needle arrangement, particularly having a curved or semi-circular outline as discussed above.

The needle systems of the present invention comprise a locking means for permanently locking the needle arrangement in a second position in the housing. In the first aspect, the locking means preferably is situated at a rearward location of the housing in use of the needle system. In the second aspect, the locking means is situated at a rearward location of the housing in use of the needle system. By the term "permanently locking" we mean that the needle arrangement cannot be moved from the second position upon application of a normal force by the user in use. However, as the skilled person would appreciate, it may be possible to move the needle arrangement from the second position upon applying an exceptional force to the needle arrangement.

Preferably, in the first aspect, the releasable fixing means and the locking means are each situated at the rearward location of the housing .

Typically, the second position is a position which permanently holds or locks the whole of the needle arrangement inside the housing. Typically, the second position is located towards an end of the housing, for example towards the end of the housing at which the syringe is to be connected or disconnected in use, i.e. towards or at the rearward location. In particular, the second position is at the rearward location. In particular, when the needle arrangement is locked in the second position, the whole of the needle arrangement (including the needle) is located inside the housing. This is advantageous because the user is protected from the needle upon disconnection of the syringe and disposal of the syringe components, so as to prevent or reduce needle stick injury. The second position may be considered as the used or spent position. The needle systems may comprise any suitable locking means. A suitable locking means may comprise a resilient lug or projection. For example, the locking means may comprise a resilient lug or projection positioned on the needle arrangement (such as on the collar, when present), which lug or projection may abut an internal surface of the housing or may engage a corresponding recess in the housing.

The locking means may comprise a resilient lug or projection positioned on an internal wall of the housing, which lug or projection may abut an external surface of the needle arrangement or may engage a corresponding recess in the needle arrangement (for example an external surface of or a recess in the collar, when present).

The locking means may comprise a resilient lug or projection positioned on the needle arrangement (such as on the collar, when present) and a resilient lug or projection positioned on an internal wall of the housing, which lugs or projections may abut a surface or engage a corresponding recess as discussed above.

In particular, the locking means may comprise a resilient lug or projection positioned on an internal wall of the housing wherein the lug or projection slopes or increasingly projects from the wall along the length of the housing in the direction of travel from the forward location to the rearward location. In other words, the lug or projection may be sloped upwards in the direction of the rearward location, i.e. such that the peak of the slope is nearer to the rearward location or end than to the forward location or end. In use, a surface of the needle arrangement (for example a surface of the connector, such as a surface of the collar) contacts the resilient lug or projection and travels along and over the slope of the lug or projection as the needle arrangement is moved in a direction from the forward location to the rearward location. Once the needle arrangement has passed over the peak of the slope, it falls below the peak and is prevented from moving back towards the forward location by the peak. Thus, the needle arrangement is substantially locked in the second position. This is advantageous as the needle arrangement is locked in the housing in such a position that the needle (including the tip) is fully enclosed by or contained within the housing and needle stick injury is reduced or substantially prevented (for example upon disconnection of the syringe and disposal).

The component(s) of the locking means may be located on the housing and/or the needle arrangement. The locking means may be made from any suitable material. The releasable fixing means and the locking means may be integrally formed, or they may comprise separate components.

Preferably, the locking means is situated at a rearward position (i.e. along the length of the housing) relative to the releasable fixing means in use of the needle systems. This is advantageous because it ensures that (in use) the needle arrangement may conveniently move longitudinally within the housing without contacting the locking means until it is desired to do so, i.e. after use of a syringe.

The needle arrangement is longitudinally moveable within the housing. By this we mean that the needle arrangement may move along the length of the housing.

In the first aspect, the needle system further comprises a means to prevent rotation of the needle arrangement relative to the housing at any location (i.e. along the length of the housing) other than at the forward location. In other words, in this aspect, whilst the needle arrangement is free to move axially along the length of the housing, it is unable to rotate relative to the housing until it reaches the forward location. Preferably, the means to prevent rotation also prevents distortion of the needle arrangement, by which we mean undesired movement of the needle arrangement within the housing towards one side of the housing (i.e. to one side away from the central axis). The prevention of rotation and distortion ensures that the needle assembly can move easily and accurately along the length of the housing, for example from the rearward to the forward location ready for use of the syringe, without substantial movement in any other direction. This is advantageous as it improves the robustness of the needle system and prevents damage or breakage of the needle arrangement and syringe as they travel through the housing. Furthermore, the means to prevent rotation, for example at the rearward location, facilitates the connection of the syringe to the needle arrangement, especially wherein this connection is achieved by means of mating of a screw thread and cooperating lip or rim.

At the forward location, the needle arrangement is able to rotate relative to the housing. The allowance of this rotational movement at this location, i.e. when the needle arrangement and syringe are in the "in-use" location within the housing, is advantageous because it allows the user to accurately manipulate and position the syringe for use thereof. In particular, this enables the user to position the syringe needle as desired at the point of use. Accurate and easy manipulation of a syringe at the point of administration of a medicament may be especially important in certain applications, such as in dental applications where the user may wish to administer a medicament from the syringe at a number of spaced locations, such as in a the gum of patient where space for movement and manipulation of the syringe is restricted, without needing to withdraw the whole of the needle system and syringe from that space. The rotational movement is also advantageous in such an application for example because it enables the user to rotate the syringe so as to observe a particular region or side thereof, for example a side showing a gauge.

Any suitable means for preventing rotation at the desired location may be provided. For example, the means to prevent rotation may comprise at least one longitudinal protrusion on an inside wall of the housing, the or each longitudinal protrusion extending from a rearward end of the housing along a portion of a length of the housing and terminating prior to a forward end of the housing, i.e. such that there is no such protrusion in the forward location. The or each longitudinal protrusion may cooperate with an inwardly directed recess in the needle arrangement.

The internal longitudinal protrusion(s) as well as preventing rotation, typically also guide the longitudinal movement of the needle arrangement within the housing. The needle system may for example comprise one or more (for example from two to six, especially from two to four, more especially four) internal longitudinal projections or protrusions provided on an internal wall of the housing and of an appropriate length. Such internal longitudinal projections or protrusions are of a length that corresponds to the length of the housing at which rotation of the needle arrangement is to be prevented. The longitudinal protrusions may be made from any suitable material and may be formed integrally with the housing. In particular, the longitudinal protrusions may be engageable with the connector of the needle arrangement, especially with the collar (when present). For example, the longitudinal protrusions may engage with the connector (especially the collar) so as to position it correctly within the housing ensuring that it is held sufficiently and can move or slide smoothly along the length of the housing. The use of four internal longitudinal projections or protrusions is particularly advantageous for preventing rotation and distortion of the needle arrangement within the housing, as discussed above.

When there is a plurality of internal longitudinal projections or protrusions (for example from two to six, especially from two to four, more especially four) on an internal wall of the housing, the projections or protrusions preferably are spaced equidistantly around the internal wall.

The means to prevent rotation may further act to prevent retraction of the needle arrangement when the needle arrangement has been rotated relative to the housing in the forward location into a non-retracting position. This is advantageous because it prevents accidental retraction (or backwards movement) of the needle arrangement in use.

When the needle system comprises a means to prevent rotation of the needle arrangement as discussed above, the needle system may further be adapted to prevent retraction, i.e. rearward (or backward) movement, of the needle arrangement from the forward location (where rotation can occur) along the length of the housing towards the rearward location. This may be achieved by any suitable means, such as an arrangement wherein the needle arrangement requires alignment with the means to prevent rotation in order to allow the desired rearward movement and wherein no such movement may occur when there is a disalignment. For example, the connector of the needle arrangement may comprise a suitable number of recessed portions, for example located in the collar (when present), adapted to align with the means to prevent rotation, such as the one or more longitudinal protrusions as discussed above, so as to allow longitudinal movement and to prevent longitudinal movement upon disalignment. Thus, at the forward location, wherein the needle arrangement is able to rotate relative to the housing, rotation of the needle arrangement may cause the recessed portions of the needle arrangement (especially of the collar) to become misaligned with the longitudinal protrusions so as to prevent the longitudinal movement of the needle arrangement in a rearward (i.e. backwards) direction along the length of the housing. The user therefore must re-align the recessed portions with the longitudinal protrusions such that the longitudinal protrusions align with and fit again into the recessed portions when rearwards movement is required. This arrangement is advantageous because it prevents undesired rearwards movement of the needle arrangement in use of the needle system. This is particularly desirable when multiple administrations of a fluid are desired from a single syringe, such as in dental applications.

The needle arrangement is longitudinally moveable within the housing between the rearward location and the forward location. Typically, when the needle arrangement is positioned at the rearward location of the housing, at least a portion of a length of the needle is located internally of the housing and in particular, the entire length of the needle (including the tip) is located internally of the housing. Typically, when the needle arrangement is positioned at the forward location of the housing, at least a portion of a length of the needle is located externally of the housing and in particular, the entire length of the needle (including the tip) is located externally of the housing.

By the reference to "at least a portion of the length of the needle" we mean at least a portion or section of (including the entire length of) the needle that is exposed as such. In other words, we do not necessarily include any part of the needle that extends into or is encompassed by the connector of the needle assembly. For example, at least 20%, more particularly at least 50%, even more particularly at least 80%, of the length of the needle may be located internally or externally of the housing. As the skilled person would appreciate, references to the entire length of the needle being located internally or externally of the housing are intended to mean that 100% of the length of the needle (including the tip) that is exposed as such is located internally or externally of the housing.

As discussed above, the needle arrangement may comprise any suitable connector, provided that it is capable of releasably connecting the needle to a syringe. As the skilled person would appreciate, in use, the connector itself is also connected to the syringe, by virtue of its connecting the needle. Thus, references herein to the connection of the needle, the connector or the needle arrangement are all intended to refer to the connection of the needle of the needle arrangement, via. means of the connector, to a syringe.

A suitable connector may comprise a retaining structure adapted to mate with a corresponding retaining structure on the syringe.

For example, a suitable connector may comprise a retaining structure adapted to mate with a corresponding screw thread on the syringe (for example with an internal screw thread on the syringe). The retaining structure of the connector may comprise a lip or rim adapted to mate with the screw thread on the syringe. The lip or rim may comprise one or more suitably sized and arranged protrusions to facilitate the mating with the screw thread and subsequent connection to the syringe.

The retaining structure of the connector may comprise a screw thread adapted to mate with a corresponding screw thread on the syringe, for example an external (male) screw thread adapted to mate with an internal (female) screw thread on the syringe.

The releasable connection between the connector of the needle arrangement and the syringe may be by means of a luer lock. In other words, the connector may comprise one component of a luer lock for mating with a corresponding component of the luer lock on the syringe. This is advantageous because it enables the needle system of the present invention to be used readily and conveniently with standard syringes, for example as used in many medical applications.

As discussed above, the means to prevent rotation of the needle relative to the housing aids the connection of the needle arrangement to the syringe as it ensures that, in the first position, the needle arrangement is held securely in place within the housing to enable connection to the syringe.

Other suitable connectors or retaining structures include luer slip locks and bayonet slip locks, as would be well known to a person skilled in the art.

The connector may be constructed from any suitable material. For example, the connector may be constructed from a plastics material, such as polypropylene.

The needle and the connector of the needle arrangements may be arranged as desired. For example, the needle and the connector may be integrally formed. The connector may be attached to or located on the needle at any suitable position, especially at or near to an end of the needle, more especially at or near to the end of the needle that is connected to the syringe in use.

The connector may, for example, comprise a hub or retaining means to secure the needle to the connector, a central collar attached to or integral with the hub or retaining means and a retaining structure attached to or integral with the collar, which retaining structure is adapted to mate with a corresponding retaining structure on the syringe (as discussed above). The collar preferably is sized and constructed such that it contacts the internal walls of the housing in use. The hub or retaining means, collar and retaining structure preferably are integrally formed and, more preferably, are integrally formed with the needle of the needle arrangement.

Thus, the connector may comprise a hub or retaining means, a collar and a retaining structure, such that the hub or retaining means, collar, retaining structure and needle of the needle arrangement are integrally formed.

The housing may comprise an internal guide means for guiding the longitudinal movement of the needle arrangement within the housing. The guide means may comprise one or more (for example from two to six, especially from two to four, more especially four) internal longitudinal grooves provided on an internal wall of the housing. The guide means may be made from any suitable material and may be formed integrally with the housing. In particular, the guide means may be engageable with the connector of the needle arrangement, especially with the collar when present. For example, the guide means may engage with the connector (especially the collar) so as to position it correctly within the housing ensuring that it is held sufficiently and can move or slide smoothly along the length of the housing.

The internal guide means may comprise at least one (for example from two to six, especially from two to four, more especially four) longitudinal protrusion on an inside wall of the housing, the or each longitudinal protrusion extending from a rearward end of the housing along a portion of a length of the housing and terminating prior to a forward end of the housing, so as to prevent rotation of the needle arrangement relative to the housing at any location other than at the forward location. Preferably, the longitudinal protrusion(s) also prevent distortion of the needle arrangement within the housing. The prevention of rotation at the desired locations of the housing and the prevention of distortion provides advantages in use, as discussed above. The or each longitudinal protrusion may further act to prevent retraction of the needle arrangement when the needle arrangement has been rotated relative to the housing in the forward location into a non-retracting position.

The housing may comprise one or more (for example two) windows. The window(s) may be advantageous in allowing the user to readily observe a part of the needle arrangement through the housing. For example, a part of the needle arrangement, for example the connector and/or the collar when present, may be suitably labelled and/or colour coded according to a particular intended use of the needle system. In this case, the window aids the observation of the label and/or colour coding and, therefore, the use of the needle system.

When present, the window may be located next to the locking means. This is advantageous as the observation of the needle arrangement, for example including a suitable label and/or colour coding through the window is indicative of the needle arrangement being locked in place, i.e. following use of the syringe to indicate that disposal is required.

The housing may comprise a gripping means, for example located on an external wall of the housing. This aids with the use of the needle systems, as it helps to prevent the user's hand from slipping during use. Any suitable gripping means may be provided. For example, the gripping means may comprise one or more raised portions on the external wall of the housing. The gripping means may be constructed from any suitable material and may be formed integrally with the housing.

The housing may comprise an internal lip or rim at the rearward end thereof, which lip or rim acts as a backstop to prevent the retraction of the needle arrangement out of the housing (i.e. via. the rearward end) once the needle arrangement is provided in the second position in the housing. Thus, the rearward internal lip or rim aids in permanently locking the needle arrangement in the housing, i.e. so as to prevent exposure to the needle and reduce needle stick injury. The rearward internal lip or rim may be considered to comprise part of the locking means, i.e. for permanently locking the needle arrangement in the second position in the housing.

The housing may comprise an internal lip or rim at the forward end thereof, which lip or rim acts to prevent the longitudinal movement of the needle arrangement out of the housing (i.e. via. the forward end) once the needle arrangement is provided at the forward location. Thus, the forward internal lip or rim aids in retaining the needle arrangement in the housing in use, which aids the accurate and effective manipulation of a syringe in use.

The needle systems may further comprise a cap for the housing. For example, the needle systems may comprise a cap for sealing an end (particularly the end towards or at the forward location, i.e. the forward end) of the housing in use. The needle systems may comprise a cap at each end of the housing (for example towards or at both the forward and rearwards locations, i.e. the forward and rearward ends). Such a cap helps to prevent needle stick injury as it prevents any contact with the needle prior to use with the syringe. As the skilled person would appreciate, any cap must be removed prior to use of the needle system and/or the syringe and can be reapplied after use, such as upon disposal of the needle system.

When present, the cap may be colour coded, for example to indicate the intended use of the needle system, as discussed above.

The needle systems of the present invention may be provided in a sterile package, for example for use in a medical application. The package may further comprise instructions for use of the needle system.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a needle system as described herein and a syringe, wherein the syringe is releasably connectable to the needle.

The kit may further comprise a sterile package for the needle system and the syringe.

The kit may further comprise instructions for use of the needle system.

The present invention further provides a syringe connected to a needle system as described herein.

The present invention further provides the use of a needle system as described herein for connection to a syringe.

The needle systems of the present invention typically are supplied with the needle arrangement located within the housing, but may alternatively be supplied as two separate components of the system, for construction at the time of use. Preferably, the needle systems of the present invention are supplied with the needle arrangement located within the housing and fixed at the first position therein.

In use of the needle systems of the present invention, the needle arrangement is situated within the housing initially at the rearward position, i.e. in particular such that the needle arrangement is fully enclosed by or contained in the housing. Typically, the needle arrangement is supplied in or is then moved into the first position, i.e. where it is held in that position in the housing by the releasable fixing means. A syringe is then connected to the needle, via the connector of the needle arrangement. Following connection of the syringe, the needle arrangement and connected syringe are moved forwards along the length of the housing to the forward location, i.e. so that at least a portion of, especially the entire length of the needle (including the tip) is located externally of the housing. The needle may then be inserted into the necessary recipient, for example so as to administer the contents of the syringe or to remove a fluid. The needle arrangement and syringe then are moved backwards along the length of the housing from the forward location back to the rearward location. The syringe and needle arrangement are moved past the releasable fixing means (for example by application of the necessary force) and onto the locking means, which then acts to permanently lock the needle arrangement in the second position. In particular, in this second position, the needle arrangement (including the needle and the needle tip) is fully enclosed by or contained in the housing. The syringe is then disconnected from the needle system and the syringe may be disposed of or re-used as appropriate. If the syringe is disposed of, it may be recycled, as the needle (which is typically made from a metal) is no longer connected. The needle system typically is then disposed of, for example into a sharps waste bin or container as is conventional for the disposal of needles in most organisations.

According to the present invention there is further provided a needle arrangement comprising a needle and a connector for releasably connecting the needle to a syringe, wherein the needle and the connector are integrally formed.

In particular, the connector of the aforementioned needle arrangement may comprise a hub or retaining means (for example to secure the needle to the connector), a collar and a retaining structure, which hub or retaining means, collar and retaining structure are integrally formed. Suitable retaining structures are as discussed above.

The retaining structure of the connector is adapted to mate with a corresponding retaining structure on a syringe. For example, the retaining structure of the connector may be adapted to mate with a corresponding screw thread on a syringe (for example with an internal screw thread on the syringe). The retaining structure of the connector may comprise a lip or rim adapted to mate with the screw thread on the syringe. The lip or rim may comprise one or more suitably sized and arranged protrusions to facilitate the mating with the screw thread and subsequent connection to the syringe.

Other suitable retaining structures/connectors are discussed above. The use of a luer lock is advantageous because it enables the needle arrangement to be used readily and conveniently with standard syringes, for example as used in many medical applications. The integral formation of the needle arrangement is advantageous in use because it ensures that no components of the arrangement (especially the needle) become disconnected from the needle arrangement upon connection to a syringe. In other words, the robustness of the needle arrangement is improved.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings wherein:

Figure 1 shows a needle arrangement according to the present invention.

Figures 2A and 2B show a cut-out side view of a housing for the needle arrangement.

Figure 3 shows an end view of the housing of Figures 2A and 2B.

Figure 4 shows an external view of the housing.

Figure 5 shows a cut-out side view of a needle system according to the present invention comprising a needle arrangement and a housing as shown in Figure 2A.

Figure 6 shows an end view of a needle system according to the present invention comprising a needle arrangement and a housing as shown in Figure 2A.

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a needle system according to the present invention comprising a needle arrangement and a housing as shown in Figure 2A.

Figures 8 to 11 show a needle system according to the present invention, including a housing as shown in Figure 2A, connected to a syringe.

Figures 12 to 14 show a needle system according to the present invention, including a housing as shown in Figure 2B, connected to a syringe.

Figure 15 shows a cut-out side view of a housing for the needle arrangement.

Figure 16 shows a kit according to the present invention comprising a needle system and a syringe.

Figure 1 shows a needle arrangement (1) comprising a needle (2) and a connector (3). The connector (3) is arranged so as to releasably connect the needle to a syringe (not shown in Figure 1 ). The connector (3) shown in Figure 1 comprises a hub (4) to secure the needle to the connector (3), a collar (5) attached to the hub (4) and a retaining structure (6) (such as a lip or rim) that is adapted to mate with a corresponding screw thread on the syringe. However, as the skilled person would appreciate, any suitable connector may be used in the needle arrangement of the present invention. In the needle arrangement shown in Figure 1 , the hub (4), the collar (5), the retaining structure (6) and the needle (2) are integrally formed.

Figure 2A shows a cut-out side view of a housing (10) for the needle arrangement (1). The housing (10) has a rearward end (15) and a forward end (16). The needle arrangement (1) shown in Figure 1 is movable within the housing (10) in a longitudinal direction. The housing (10) comprises a releasable fixing means (11) in the form of a projection that projects into the housing by an amount sufficient to restrict or prevent the movement of the needle assembly past the projection in the ■ direction of the force applied whilst the needle is being connected to a syringe. In other words, the releasable fixing means (11 ) holds or fastens the needle assembly (1 ) in a first position so as to enable the user to connect a syringe thereto. Upon application of a greater force, the needle assembly (1 ) can be moved in either longitudinal direction, including in the forwards direction past the projection, depending on the direction of the force applied. In this way, the fixing means is releasable.

Two releasable fixing means (11) are shown on the inside wall of the housing (10) of Figure 2A, but any suitable number of releasable fixing means may be included. In particular, the number of releasable fixing means (11 ) will depend on the particular type and arrangement of fixing means used. When the releasable fixing means (11) is in the form of a projection, as discussed above, a suitable number of projections may be from two to four, which projections preferably are located at the same distance along the length of the housing (10) and are spaced (for example spaced equidistantly) around the circumference of the housing (10).

The housing (10) shown in Figure 2A comprises a locking means (12) in the form of a resilient lug or projection that projects from the inside wall into the internal space of the housing and is sloped. The direction of the slope of the lug or projection runs along the direction of travel from the forward to the rearward location of the needle arrangement (1), such that the needle arrangement (1) can be moved over the lug or projection in that direction upon application of a reasonable force but cannot then be moved backwards along the direction in which it travelled (i.e. from the rearward to the forward location). In other words, the locking means (12) acts to permanently hold or lock the needle assembly (1) in the housing (10) once it has passed over the peak of the sloped resilient lug or projection.

Only one locking means (12) is shown in Figure 2A, but any suitable number of locking means (12) may be included in the housing (10). In particular, the number of locking means (12) will depend on the particular type and arrangement of the locking means used. When the locking means (12) is in the form of a resilient lug or projection, as discussed above, a suitable number of lugs or projections may be two, which lugs or projections typically are located at the same distance along the length of the housing (10) and are spaced (for example equidistantly spaced) around the circumference of the housing.

The housing (10) shown in Figure 2A comprises an internal lip or rim (19) at the rearward end (15), which lip or rim acts as a backstop to prevent the retraction of the needle arrangement (1) out of the housing (10), i.e. via. the rearward end (15), once the needle arrangement (1) is locked in the second position in the housing (10). The housing (10) may further comprise an internal lip or rim at the forward end, but this is not shown in Figure 2A.

As shown in Figure 2A, both the releasable fixing means (11) and the locking means (12) are positioned at a rearward location of the housing (10), i.e. at a location towards the rearward end (15) of the housing. The locking means (12) is located at a rearward position relative to the releasable fixing means (11).

The housing (10) of Figure 2A further comprises a window (13) located next to the locking means (12), as will be described in more detail below. Any suitable number of windows (13) may be included, for example there may be the same number of windows (13) as locking means (12).

The housing (10) of Figure 2A further comprises a guide means (14) located on the internal wall of the housing (10). The guide means (14) shown in Figure 2A comprises a raised channel or longitudinal protrusion that runs substantially along the length of the housing (10). Two guide means (14) are shown in Figure 2A, but any suitable number of guide means (14) may be included. In the housing (10) shown in Figure 2A, the releasable fixing means (11) is located on the guide means (14), but this is not essential. Figure 2B shows an alternative arrangement of the guide means (14) in a housing (10) as otherwise shown in Figure 2A. In Figure 2B, the guide means (14) are located on the internal wall of the housing (10) and comprise a longitudinal protrusion (or channel) that runs along a portion of the length of the housing (10) from the rearward end (15) of the housing and terminates prior to reaching the forward location. The longitudinal protrusion acts to prevent rotation of a needle arrangement relative to the housing along the length of the housing at which the protrusion runs. However, the longitudinal protrusion does not extend into the forward location of the housing (towards the forward end (16)) and rotation of the needle arrangement therefore can occur at this location. In Figure 2B, the forward location is shown by the dashed lines (17). The longitudinal protrusion(s) also prevent distortion of the needle arrangement within the housing.

Figure 3 shows an end view of the housing (10) of Figures 2A and 2B. The housing (10) comprises a releasable fixing means (11) in the form of a projection positioned on each of the guide means (14) and a locking means (12) in the form of a resilient lug or projection.

The housing shown in Figure 3 includes four guide means (14), four projections that act as releasable fixing means (11) and two resilient lugs or projections that act as locking means (12). The locking means (12) are each located around the internal circumference of the housing (10) between two guide means (14). However, as the skilled person would appreciate, any suitable number and arrangement of guide means (14), releasable fixing means (11) and locking means (12) may be provided.

Figure 4 shows an external view of the housing (10) including a window (13). The housing (10) further comprises a series of raised portions (18) that extend around the external circumference of the housing (10). The raised portions (18) improve the grip of the housing (10) in use.

Figure 5 shows a cut-out side view of a needle system (20), Figure 6 shows an end view of a needle system (20) and Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a needle system (20) according to the present invention and wherein the housing is as shown in Figure 2A. In the views shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the needle arrangement (1) is moveable within the housing (10) and is not locked in the second position by the locking means (12). The needle system (20) comprises a housing (10) and a needle arrangement (1) located in the housing (10). The needle arrangement (1) comprises a needle (2) and a connector (3) as described above in relation to Figure 1. The housing (10) comprises a releasable fixing means (11) and a locking means (12) as described above in relation to Figures 2A, 3 and 4.

As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the connector (3) of the needle arrangement (1) comprises a collar (5) sized so as to substantially fill the interior of the housing (10). In other words, the outer wall (21 ) of the collar (5) contacts the inner wall of the housing (10) in use. As the skilled person would appreciate, the collar (5) is sized so as to fit snugly in the housing (10) whilst still being able to move or slide longitudinally along the length of the housing (10). As shown in Figure 6, the outer wall (21) of the collar (5) comprises a recessed portion (22) adapted to fit the guide means (14) of the housing (10). This prevents rotation of the needle arrangement (1) within the housing (10) and aids the longitudinal movement of the needle arrangement (1 ) within the housing (10) in use.

In the arrangement of the needle system (20) shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the needle arrangement (1) is positioned within the housing (1) such that the collar (5) abuts the projection of the releasable fixing means (11). Thus, the needle arrangement (1) is held in a first position that enables the user to connect a syringe to the connector (3) of the needle assembly (1), i.e. by means of the retaining structure (6). As the skilled person would appreciate, the releasable fixing means (11) is positioned towards the rear end (15) of the housing (10), which ensures that the retaining structure (6) is easily accessible for connection to a syringe.

Figure 8 shows a needle system (20) as shown in Figures 5 to 7 connected, via the retaining structure (6) of the needle arrangement (1), to a syringe (25). The syringe (25) is a conventional syringe comprising a screw thread (26) for mating with and connection to the retaining structure (6) of the needle arrangement (1), a barrel (27) for holding a fluid (for example for holding a medicament to be administered) and a plunger mechanism (28). The needle system (20) is shown in an initial position in Figure 8, in which the needle arrangement (1) is held in a first (prior to use) position such that the entire needle arrangement (1), including the entire length of the needle (2) (including the tip), is located within the housing (10).

In use of the needle system (20), following the connection of the syringe (25) to the needle arrangement (1), the needle arrangement (1) is moved longitudinally along the length of the housing (10) to move the needle arrangement (1) into a forward location in which at least a portion of the length of the needle (2) (including the tip) is located externally of the housing (10). This arrangement is shown in Figure 9. The location of the needle (2) externally of the housing (10) provides access to the needle for use of the syringe (25), for example for administration of a fluid (such as a medicament). Conveniently, the housing (10) is sized and arranged such that, in this forward position, the plunger mechanism (28) also is located externally of the housing (10), i.e. at the rearward location. In use, administration of the fluid (for example the medicament) is achieved by moving the plunger down the barrel (27) so as to expel the fluid, as would be conventional in the art. The needle arrangement (1) stays in substantially the same forward location in the housing (10), as shown in Figure 10.

In use, following administration of the fluid (for example the medicament) from the syringe (25), the syringe (25) and the needle arrangement (1) (by virtue of its connection to the syringe (25)) are moved backwards (or retracted) along the length of the housing (10) to a second (rearward) position. A sufficient backwards force is applied so as to move the collar (5) of the needle arrangement (1) past the releasable fixing means (11 ) and then over the resilient lug or projection of the locking means (12). The slope of the resilient lug or projection enables the collar (5) to readily slide over it but once the collar (5) has moved over the resilient lug or projection in the rearwards direction, it is prevented from moving forward again back over the lug or projection by means of the peak of the slope. The rearward internal lip or rim (19) acts as a backstop to prevent the retraction of the needle arrangement (1 ) out of the rear of the housing (10). Thus, the needle arrangement (1 ) is substantially locked in a second, rearward location in the housing (10). This arrangement is shown in Figure 11. The syringe (25) can then be disconnected from the retaining structure (6) of the needle arrangement to leave the needle system (20) of the present invention in such a way that the needle arrangement (1 ) is locked or secured within the housing (10). The way in which the needle arrangement (1) is locked is such that the entire needle arrangement, including the entire length of the needle (2), is located within the housing (10). This prevents any exposure of the user to the needle (2) and allows for the needle system (20), including the needle (2), to be disposed of safely with virtually no risk of needle stick injury. Typically, the needle system would be disposed of in a sharps bin. The syringe (25) may then be re-used or disposed of as appropriate. Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a needle system (20) according to the present invention including a housing as shown in Figure 2B. The needle system (20) shown in Figure 12 substantially corresponds to that shown in Figure 7 except that the guide means (14) comprises a longitudinal protrusion (or channel) that runs along a portion of the length of the housing (10) from the rearward end (15) of the housing and terminates prior to reaching the forward location. In Figure 12, the needle arrangement (1) is moveable within the housing (10) and is not locked in the second position by the locking means (12). The collar (5) comprises a recessed portion (not shown) adapted to fit the longitudinal protrusion.

Figure 13 shows the needle system (20) of Figure 12 connected, via the retaining structure (6) of the needle arrangement (1), to a syringe (25). The needle system (20) is shown in an initial position in Figure 13, in which the needle arrangement (1) is held in a first (prior to use) position at the rearward location such that the entire needle arrangement (1), including the entire length of the needle (2) and the tip, is located within the housing (10).

Figure 14 shows the needle arrangement (1) that has been moved longitudinally along the housing (10) into a forward position (at the forward location) in which the entire length of the needle (2) (including the tip) is located externally of the housing (10). The fluid (for example the medicament) may then be administered from the syringe. In the needle system shown in Figure 14, the collar (5) of the needle arrangement (1 ) does not contact the longitudinal protrusions and as such is free to rotate relative to the housing (10). Following use, the syringe (25) and the needle arrangement (1 ) are moved backwards (or retracted) along the length of the housing (10) to a second (rearward) position, past the releasable fixing means (11) and over the resilient lug or projection of the locking means (12) into the second position at the rearward location in the housing (10).

Figure 15 shows a cut-out side view of an alternative housing (10) of the needle system according to the present invention. The housing (10) has a rearward end (15) and a forward end (16), as shown in the housings of Figures 2A and 2B above. The needle arrangement (1) shown in Figure 1 is movable within the housing (10) shown in Figure 15 in a longitudinal direction. Similarly to the housings shown in Figures 2A and 2B above, the housing (10) shown in Figure 15 comprises a releasable fixing means (11 ) in the form of a projection that projects into the housing by an amount sufficient to restrict or prevent the movement of the needle assembly past the projection in the direction of the force applied whilst the needle is being connected to a syringe. In the housing (10) shown in Figure 15 however, the projection is located directly on the inside wall of the housing (10). The projection has a curved profile relative to the inside housing wall. The curved projection is located forwards of the locking means (12) in the housing (10), but both the releasable fixing means (11) and the locking means (12) are positioned at a rearward location of the housing (10), i.e. at a location towards the rearward end (15) of the housing. The locking means (12) is located at a rearward position relative to the releasable fixing means (11). The housing (10) of Figure 15 further comprises an internal lip or rim (19) at the rearward end thereof, which acts as a backstop as discussed herein.

The housing (10) of Figure 15 further comprises a window (13) located next to the locking means (12) and a guide means (14) located on the internal wall of the housing (10), which guide means (14) comprises a longitudinal protrusion (or channel) that runs along a portion of the length of the housing (10) from the rearward end (15) of the housing and terminates prior to reaching the forward location, as discussed above in relation to Figures 2B and 12 to 14.

As shown in Figure 6, the connector (3) of the needle arrangement (1) comprises a collar (5) which has an outer wall (21 ) comprising a suitable number of recessed portions (22) adapted to fit the guide means (14) of the housing (10). Whilst this prevents rotation of the needle arrangement (1) as it moves longitudinally within the housing (10) along the length of the guide means (14), once the needle arrangement (1) moves past the guide means (14), for example as discussed in relation to Figures 2B and 12 to15, the needle arrangement is able to rotate relative to the housing (10). However, upon such rotation of the needle arrangement (1), the recessed portions (22) of the collar (5) become misaligned with the guide means (14) so as to prevent the longitudinal movement of the needle arrangement (1) in a rearward direction along the length of the housing (10). The user therefore must re-align the recessed portions (22) of the collar (5) with the guide means (14), such that the guide means (14) fit again into the recessed portions (22) when rearwards movement is required. This arrangement is advantageous because it prevents undesired rearwards movement of the needle arrangement in use of the needle system.

The housing (10) shown in the Figures is a tubular housing, but any shape of housing may be used as the skilled person would appreciate. Figure 16 shows a kit according to the present invention, including a syringe (25) (for example a syringe pre-filled with a medicament) and a needle system (20) according to the present invention in a sterile package (30). The kit may further comprise instructions for use of the needle system (20).

Claims

1. A needle system for use with a syringe, the needle system comprising:

(ii) a housing for the needle arrangement;

(iii) a releasable fixing means for holding the needle arrangement in a first position in the housing; and

2. The needle system according to claim 1 , wherein the means to prevent rotation further acts to prevent retraction of the needle arrangement when the needle arrangement has been rotated relative to the housing in the forward location into a non-retracting position.

3. The needle system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means to prevent rotation comprises at least one longitudinal protrusion on an inside wall of the housing, the or each longitudinal protrusion extending from a rearward end of the housing along a portion of a length of the housing and terminating prior to a forward end of the housing.

4. The needle system according to claim 3, wherein the or each longitudinal protrusion cooperates with an inwardly directed recess in the needle arrangement.

5. The needle system according to any one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein the releasable fixing means and the locking means are each situated at the rearward location.

6. The needle system according to any one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the releasable fixing means comprises at least one projection on an inside wall of the housing for engagement with the needle arrangement.

7. A needle system for use with a syringe, the needle system comprising:

(iii) a housing for the needle arrangement;

wherein the needle arrangement is longitudinally moveable within the housing between a rearward location and a forward location in use of the needle system and wherein the releasable fixing means and the locking means are each situated at the rearward location .

8. The needle system according to any one or more of claims 1 to 7, wherein the locking means is situated at a rearward position relative to the releasable fixing means.

9. The needle system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rearward location is a location of the housing at which the entire length of the needle is located internally of the housing.

10. The needle system according to any one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein the forward location is a location of the housing at which the entire length of the needle is located externally of the housing.

11. The needle system according to any one or more of claims 1 to 10, wherein the needle arrangement is slideably mounted within the housing.

12. The needle system according to any one or more of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the needle arrangement comprises a collar.

13. The needle system according to claim 12, wherein the collar is slideably mounted within the housing.

14. The needle system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the collar is engageable with the releasable fixing means and/or the locking means.

15. The needle system according to any one or more of claims 1 to 14, wherein the locking means comprises a resilient lug or projection.

16. The needle system according to any one or more of claims 1 to 15, wherein the connector comprises a retaining structure adapted to mate with a corresponding retaining structure on the syringe.

17. The needle system according to claim 16, wherein the retaining structure of the connector is adapted to mate with a corresponding screw thread on the syringe.

18. The needle system according to any one or more of claims 7 to 17, wherein the housing comprises an internal guide means for guiding the movement of the needle arrangement within the housing.

19. The needle system according to claim 18, wherein the internal guide means comprises at least one longitudinal protrusion on an inside wall of the housing, the or each longitudinal protrusion extending from a rearward end of the housing along a portion of a length of the housing and terminating prior to a forward end of the housing, so as to prevent rotation of the needle arrangement relative to the housing at any location other than at the forward location.

20. The needle system according to claim 19, wherein the or each longitudinal protrusion further acts to prevent retraction of the needle arrangement when the needle arrangement has been rotated relative to the housing in the forward location into a non-retracting position.

21. The needle system according to any one or more of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a cap for the housing.

22. A kit comprising a needle system according to any one or more of claims 1 to 21 and a syringe, wherein the syringe is releasably connectable to the needle.

23. The kit according to claim 21 , further comprising a sterile package for the needle system and the syringe.

24. A syringe connected to the needle system according to any one or more of claims 1 to 21.

25. The use of a needle system according to any one or more of claims 1 to 21 for connection to a syringe.

26. A needle system generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

27. A syringe generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.