WO2024068955A1 - Piston pliable et dispositif d'injection - Google Patents

Piston pliable et dispositif d'injection Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024068955A1
WO2024068955A1 PCT/EP2023/077107 EP2023077107W WO2024068955A1 WO 2024068955 A1 WO2024068955 A1 WO 2024068955A1 EP 2023077107 W EP2023077107 W EP 2023077107W WO 2024068955 A1 WO2024068955 A1 WO 2024068955A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plunger
portions
flexible arms
configuration
injection device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/077107
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Aylish Mollie Katie MOORE
Toby Ken Cowe
Original Assignee
Owen Mumford Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Owen Mumford Limited filed Critical Owen Mumford Limited
Publication of WO2024068955A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024068955A1/fr

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178Syringes
    • A61M5/20Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
    • A61M5/2033Spring-loaded one-shot injectors with or without automatic needle insertion
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178Syringes
    • A61M5/31Details
    • A61M5/315Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31511Piston or piston-rod constructions, e.g. connection of piston with piston-rod
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178Syringes
    • A61M5/28Syringe ampoules or carpules, i.e. ampoules or carpules provided with a needle
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178Syringes
    • A61M5/31Details
    • A61M5/315Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31565Administration mechanisms, i.e. constructional features, modes of administering a dose
    • A61M5/3159Dose expelling manners
    • A61M5/31591Single dose, i.e. individually set dose administered only once from the same medicament reservoir, e.g. including single stroke limiting means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178Syringes
    • A61M5/20Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
    • A61M2005/206With automatic needle insertion
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178Syringes
    • A61M5/20Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
    • A61M2005/2086Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically having piston damping means, e.g. axially or rotationally acting retarders
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178Syringes
    • A61M5/31Details
    • A61M2005/3143Damping means for syringe components executing relative movements, e.g. retarders or attenuators slowing down or timing syringe mechanisms
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/581Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by audible feedback
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/582Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by tactile feedback
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178Syringes
    • A61M5/28Syringe ampoules or carpules, i.e. ampoules or carpules provided with a needle
    • A61M5/281Syringe ampoules or carpules, i.e. ampoules or carpules provided with a needle using emptying means to expel or eject media, e.g. pistons, deformation of the ampoule, or telescoping of the ampoule
    • A61M5/283Syringe ampoules or carpules, i.e. ampoules or carpules provided with a needle using emptying means to expel or eject media, e.g. pistons, deformation of the ampoule, or telescoping of the ampoule by telescoping of ampoules or carpules with the syringe body

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to plunger and an injection device.
  • a syringe containing the medication is used for the injection, which typically is carried out by trained medical personnel.
  • a patient is trained in the use of the syringe to allow for self-injection.
  • certain medications are formulated in pre-filled syringes for patient use, to avoid the need for the patient to fill the syringe.
  • a plunger for an injection device comprising a first portion and a second portion.
  • the first portion having a first configuration and a second configuration; wherein, in the first configuration, the first portion engages the second portion such that relative motion of the first and second portions is prevented and in the second configuration the first portion is disengaged from the second portion such that the first and second portions can move relative to one another.
  • the true end of dose notification can occur because a part of the plunger continues moving after the front of the plunger reaches the front of the medicament container.
  • the continued movement allows a delay to the end of dose notification to be equivalent to the amount of time to allow for drug dispersal in the injection site.
  • the first portion may include flexible arms configured to engage with the second portion.
  • the second portion may include a receiving portion configured to receive at least a portion of the flexible arms.
  • the receiving portion may be an abutment surface arranged to be contacted by an abutment surface of the flexible arms or a groove configured to receive a projection on the flexible arms.
  • the flexible arms may be arranged to flex towards the central axis of the first portion thereby to move the abutment surface of the flexible arms away from the abutment surface of the second portion thereby disengaging the first and second portions.
  • the flexible arms may be arranged to flex away from the central axis of the first portion to move the projection away from the groove thereby disengaging the first and second portions.
  • the plunger may also include a third portion configured to maintain the first portion in the first configuration.
  • the third portion may be a sleeve disposed around one of the first and second portions, the sleeve being slideable between a position in which it surrounds the first portion such that the flexible arms cannot move away from the central axis, and a position in which it does not surround the first portion, permitting the flexible arms to move outwardly so as not to engage the second portion.
  • the first portion may include a ramped latch and the second portion may include a groove.
  • the third portion may be an insert disposed within one of the first and second portions, the insert being slideable between a position in which it prevents the flexible arms of the first portion from moving towards the central axis, and a position in which it does not prevent the flexible arms of the first portion movig towards the central axis. This permits the flexible arms to move inwardly so the abutment portions are no longer in contact allowing relative movement of the first and second portions.
  • the plunger may include means to control the speed of relative movement of the first and second portion.
  • the first and second portions may have complementary screw threads.
  • the pitch of the thread may be selected to provide the optimal speed of collapse.
  • the optimal speed of collapse may be determined by the delay required to signal the true end of dose.
  • the means to control the speed may also include a damping means.
  • the damping means may be a viscous fluid such as a smart grease disposed on the screw threads.
  • the damping means may be a foam disposed between the first and second portions such that the foam is compressed during relative movement of the first and second portions.
  • the damping means may comprise fluid means. The fluid means being disposed initially between the first portion and the second portion. The second portion being provided with a compartment into which the fluid can enter via an aperture. Movement of fluid into the compartment acting to damp the speed of relative motion between the first and second portions.
  • an injection device including a housing, a medicament container configured to hold a substance to be injected, a plunger as described above and a drive means for exerting a force on the plunger.
  • the drive means moves the plunger in the first configuration forward to dispense medicament.
  • Forward movement of the plunger causes the flexible arms to come into contact with the medicament container. This contact moves the flexible arms towards the central axis of the first portion thereby moving the flexible arms out of engagement with the abutment surface moving the first portion into the second configuration.
  • the drive means moves the plunger in the first configuration forward.
  • the third portion on contact with the slides medicament container moving from a position in which it surrounds the first portion such that the flexible arms cannot move away from the central axis, and a position in which it does not surround the first portion, permitting the flexible arms to move outwardly so as not to engage the second portion.
  • a method of injecting a substance into an injection site using an injection device comprising exerting a force on a syringe via a plunger as described above to urge the substance in a container of the syringe out through the needle.
  • Figure 1 shows an exploded illustration of the collapsible plunger according to a first embodiment
  • Figure 2 shows two different exterior views of a first part of the collapsible plunger
  • Figure 3 shows two different exterior views of a second part of the collapsible plunger
  • Figure 4 shows the sleeve
  • Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a collapsible plunger
  • Figure 6 shows two different cross sections (orthogonal to each other) through an injection device according to the present invention, in a default state (unactuated);
  • Figure 7 shows the two different cross sections through the injection device with the needle cap removed
  • Figure 8 shows the two different cross sections through the injection device with the actuator (firing) cap removed
  • Figure 9 shows the two different cross sections through the injection device immediately after the device has been fired
  • Figure 10 shows the two different cross sections through the injection device with the needle extended
  • Figure 11 shows the two different cross sections through the injection device mid substance delivery
  • Figure 12 shows the two different cross sections through the injection device towards the end of delivery, as the plunger starts to collapse
  • Figure 13 shows the two different cross sections through the injection device with the plunger collapsed
  • Figure 14 shows the two different cross sections through the injection device with the driver released
  • Figure 15 shows the two different cross sections through the injection device with the shroud extended.
  • Figure 16 shows the intermediate driver and the shroud
  • the present invention relates to a plunger for an injection device, an injection device, components thereof, and methods for injecting a substance, such as a liquid drug or vaccine, into a patient to manage or cure a medical condition.
  • the automatic injection device is a pen, i.e., an autoinjector pen or autoinjection pen (used interchangeably herein).
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the plunger according to the present invention.
  • the plunger 70 is a collapsible plunger which includes a first portion 71 and a second portion 76, each having a generally elongate form, and being movable linearly and coaxially with respect to each other to vary the total length of the plunger 70.
  • the plunger 70 is configured, in use, to collapse during delivery of the substance from a cartridge or syringe 53.
  • the first and second portions 71 , 76 of the plunger 70 are shown in Figures 2 and 3 respectively.
  • the first portion 71 of the plunger is shown. This can be seen to have a first end 71a which may be integral with, connected to or in communication with a bung 54 in a cartridge or syringe. The first end 71a may selectively apply pressure to the bung 54 to expel the dose from syringe through the needle 55.
  • the first portion 71 comprises an internally (screw/helically) threaded barrel 77, and a pair of opposed ramped latches 78.
  • the first portion 71 of the plunger 70, and particularly the barrel 77, comprises a through bore to receive a portion of the second portion 76 of the plunger 70.
  • Each latch 78 comprises a flexible arm and a projection which is directed internally into the through bore of the barrel 77.
  • the second portion 76 of the plunger 70 can be seen to include a flanged second end 72.
  • the second portion 76 also comprises an externally (screw/helically) threaded shaft 79, for complementary engagement with the barrel 77 of the first portion 71.
  • the screw threading need only be provided along a portion of the shaft 79, and need not extend continuously around the shaft 79.
  • a groove 79a is provided, as part of a retaining mechanism along with the ramped latches 78, for retaining the first and second portions 71 , 79 together.
  • the second portion 76 Adjacent to the shaft 79, the second portion 76 is provided with a main body having a proximal portion 73 and a distal portion 74 having differing external diameters and connected by an angled portion 75.
  • the external diameter of the proximal portion 73 is greater than the distal portion 74 of the second portion 76.
  • each of the ramped latches 78 engages with the groove 79a of the second portion 76.
  • the ramped latches 78 are engaged with the groove 79a relative movement of the first and second portions 71 , 76 is prevented when force is exerted on the plunger.
  • the force exerted on the plunger 70 causes the first and second portions 71 , 76 to collapse towards each other under certain conditions which will be explained below.
  • the collapse takes the form in the present embodiment of the first and second portions 71 , 76 rotating with respect to each other about their common longitudinal axis as the threaded shaft 79 screws into the threaded barrel 77.
  • the speed with which the first and second portions move relative to each other may be moderated.
  • the screw threading of the barrel 77 and shaft 79 may be provided with a coating of a viscous fluid such as a smart grease.
  • the viscous fluid acts to damp the speed at which the two threads move relative to one another.
  • the angle of pitch of the threads of the first and second portions may be selected to provide the desired speed of collapse of the plunger.
  • end 71a of the first portion may be provided with an end wall and foam may be placed abutting within the through bore adjacent to or near the end wall. The foam is compressed by the forward motion of the second portion when the first and second portions are moving relative to one another thereby retarding the forward motion of the second portion.
  • the end 71a of the first portion is provided with an end wall.
  • the front end 79a of the second portion is provided with an aperture and within the second portion there is provided a compartment. Fluid is placed within front end of the first portion. Release of the projections allowing forward motion of the second portion causes fluid to pass from the first portion to the second portion through the aperture in the front end 79a of the second portion. This movement of fluid may be used to moderate the velocity of the forward movement of the second portion. Further moderation may be attained by selection of a fluid of desired viscosity.
  • a sleeve 100 serves to maintain the engagement of the ramped latches and the groove 79a by preventing outward movement of the flexible arms. This prevents the first and second portions 71 , 76 of the plunger 70 from collapsing. When the plunger 70 reaches a predetermined point in in delivery, and then permits the collapse.
  • the sleeve can be seen to comprise a main, hollow, body 102, and a lip or flange 104.
  • the sleeve 100 is disposed, in use, around the first portion 76, and initially (as shown in Figures 1 to 6) around and over the ramped latches 78.
  • the sleeve 100 moves with the plunger 70 during delivery of the medication shown and described in Figures 6 to 11 below, until the lip 104 comes into contact with the flange 56 of the syringe or cartridge. The contact of the lip 104 with the flange 56 prevents any further forward movement of the sleeve 100. Further forward movement of the plunger 70 moves the the ramped latches 78 out of engagement with the sleeve 100. This allows the ramped latches 78 to move outwardly and disengage from the groove 79a. Disengagement of the ramped latches 78 and the groove 79a allows relative movement of the first and second portions of the plunger 70 and thereby allowing collapse of the plunger 70 to commence.
  • the force required to cause the first and second portions 71 , 76 to move towards to each other via a screwing action is required to be less than the force required to expel the substance from the syringe 50.
  • the second portion 176 of the plunger 170 is provided with two rearwardly extending flexible arms 178.
  • Each of the flexible arms 178 is provided with an abutment surface 180 that engages with a corresponding abutment surface 181 on a first portion 171 of the plunger 170. Relative movement of the first and second portions 171 , 176 of the plunger 170 is prevented when the abutment surfaces 179, 181 are engaged with one another.
  • the second portion 176 is further provided with a head 177a and an elongate body 177.
  • the head 177a has a diameter greater than the body 177 of the second portion 176.
  • the head 177a is further provided with an external screw thread 177b.
  • the first portion 171 of the plunger 170 is provided with a wall 173 defining an aperture.
  • the internal surface of the aperture is provided with a complementary screw thread 173b to the screw thread 177b of the head 177a of the second portion 176.
  • the plunger In use, the plunger is in an initial configuration where the first and second abutment surfaces are engaged with one another. As the plunger moves forward the flexible arms come into contact with the body of the syringe or cartridge. This moves the flexible arms inwards and out of engagement with the abutment surface of the first portion. This allows relative movement of the first and second portions and thus, collapse of the plunger.
  • the speed with which the collapse occurs may be varied using one or more of a viscous fluid, pitch angle of the screw thread or any other suitable means.
  • first portion 71 , 176 of the plunger has been described as having a pair of opposed latches or flexible arms, any suitable number of latches may be provided on either of the above embodiments. Further although relative movement of the first and second portions has been described as being prevented through the use of the latches the skilled person will understand that other suitable mechanisms for selectively preventing relative movement of the first and second portions may be provided.
  • FIG. 6 An injection device including a plunger according to the first embodiment described above is described herein with reference to Figures 6 to 15.
  • Figures 6 to 15 show the injection device as a whole, in cross sections (two different orthogonal cross sections per Figure), at various different stages of an actuation sequence of the device.
  • Figure 1 is provided with reference numerals labelling the parts. In the interests of clarity the same parts are not labelled in Figures 7 to 15, but are readily discernible.
  • the injection device 10 includes a housing 12 for housing a container, such as a syringe, containing a dose of a substance to be injected.
  • the housing 12 preferably has a tubular configuration, though the housing 12 may have any suitable size, shape and configuration for housing a syringe or other container of a substance to be injected. While the invention will be described with respect to a syringe mounted in the housing 12, one skilled in the art will recognize that the automatic injection device 10 may employ any suitable container for storing and dispensing a substance.
  • References to radial and axial in this specification should be taken in relation to the longitudinal axis unless otherwise stated.
  • the term axis can be taken to be the longitudinal axis of the device unless otherwise stated or obvious from the context. The normal of the longitudinal axis is taken to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • the syringe is preferably slidably mounted in the housing 12, as described in detail below. In an inactivated position, the syringe is sheathed and retracted within the housing 12. When the device is actuated, a needle of the syringe projects from a first (proximal) end 20 of the housing 12 to allow ejection of a substance from the syringe into a patient. As shown, the first end of the housing 20, i.e. , the proximal end, includes an opening through which the needle of the syringe projects during actuation of the device 10.
  • the housing 12 houses one or more actuators that perform the functions of moving the syringe and expelling the substance from the syringe.
  • a first removable cap 24 for covering the first end 20 of the housing 12, to prevent exposure of the needle in the syringe prior to use.
  • a second removable cap 34 covers the second end 30 of the housing 12 to prevent accidental actuation of the activation button 32.
  • a syringe 50 or other suitable container for a substance is disposed within the interior of the housing 12.
  • the illustrative syringe 50 includes a hollow barrel portion 53 for holding a dose of a liquid substance to be injected.
  • the illustrative barrel portion 53 is substantially cylindrical in shape, though one skilled in the art will recognize that the barrel portion 53 may have any suitable shape or configuration.
  • the syringe 50 may further include a hollow needle 55 connected to and in fluid communication with the barrel portion 53, through which the dose can be ejected by applying pressure to the bung 54.
  • the hollow needle 55 extends from a proximal end of the barrel portion 53.
  • the distal end of the barrel portion 53 includes a flange 56.
  • the skilled person will recognize that the invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiment of the syringe 50 and that any suitable container for containing a dose of a substance to be injected may be used in accordance with the teachings of the invention.
  • the syringe 50 is received within a syringe carrier 40 which is slidably disposed within the housing 12.
  • the syringe carrier 40 at its distal end, is provided with an abutment surface arranged to engage with the flange 56 of the syringe.
  • the syringe carrier At its proximal end the syringe carrier is provided with one or more flexible projections 44.
  • the syringe 50 rests in the carrier 40, and both are contained in the housing 12.
  • the syringe carrier 400 may have any suitable configuration and size suitable for carrying or guiding the syringe 50 within the housing 12.
  • the injection device further includes an actuation mechanism, including a plunger 70, an intermediate driver 80 and biasing means.
  • the biasing means is a compression spring 88, although it will be understood that any suitable means for biasing the plunger and intermediate driver 80 distally.
  • the actuation mechanism selectively moves and actuates the syringe 50 to inject the dose contained in the syringe 50 into a user.
  • the intermediate driver 80 is provided with a cylindrical inner portion 81 and an outer portion 82 connected by a connecting portion 83.
  • the circumference of the outer portion 81 is greater than that of the inner portion 81 and the outer portion 81 extends further distally than the inner portion.
  • the connecting portion 83 and the compression spring 88 are configured such that, prior to use of the injection device, 10, the compression spring is engaged with the connecting portion 83 and biases the intermediate driver 80 distally.
  • the connecting portion 83 is situated such that it is in communication with the angled portion 75 of the plunger 70 such that any biasing force exerted on the intermediate driver 80 by the compression spring 88 is communicated to the plunger 70 and distally biases the plunger 70.
  • the activation button of the present embodiment retains the plunger 70 and first biasing means 88 in a retracted, latched position.
  • the flanged second end 72 of the plunger 70 extends through an opening in the distal end of the housing 12 and the flanges abut the external distal wall of the housing.
  • the flanges are configured such that proximal pressure on the flanges causes the flanged end of the plunger to flex inwards and move through the opening in the distal end of the housing 12 thereby allowing the coil spring 72 to move the intermediate driver 80 and plunger distally.
  • the second flanged end 72 of the plunger 70 may comprise one or more proximally extending fingers provided with one or more flanges.
  • the activation means which may have any suitable size, shape, configuration and location suitable for releasing the plunger 70 or otherwise activating the device 10.
  • the activation means may be an activation button 32 formed on a distal end 30 of the housing 12, or may comprise another suitable device, such as a latch, twist-activated switch and other devices known in the art. While the illustrative activation means is located towards a distal end 30 of the device 10, one skilled in the art will recognize that the activation means may be positioned in any suitable location on the device 10.
  • Figures 6 and 7 respectively illustrate the proximal end 20 of the injection device 10 before and after the first removeable cap 24 is removed from the device.
  • the first removeable cap 24 is engaged with the proximal end 20 of the injection device.
  • An interior needle cover 22 sheaths the syringe needle 55.
  • the housing 12 is provided with at least one radial projection or abutment feature 14 which extends inwards towards the central longitudinal axis of the injection device 10.
  • the proximal end the syringe carrier is provided with one or more flexible projections 44 which engage the at least one radial projection 14 before the injection device 10 is activated.
  • the engagement of the at least one radial projection 14 and the proximal ends of the one or more flexible projections 44 acts to retain the syringe carrier in its distal, pre-activation, position.
  • the first removeable cap 24 is provided with an inner wall 25 and an outer wall 26 having a greater diameter than the inner wall 25.
  • the inner and outer walls 25, 26 extend distally and are connected by a proximal end wall 27.
  • the inner surface of the outer wall 26 is configured to engage with the outer surface of the proximal end of the housing 12 in any suitable manner.
  • the outer wall 25 may form a frictional engagement with the housing or be provided with a screw thread.
  • the inner wall 25 extends distally inside the proximal end of the housing and the proximal end of the syringe carrier. The outer surface of the inner wall 25 and the radial projection 14 are in contact when the first removeable cap 24 and housing 12 are engaged.
  • the inner wall 25 is of sufficient rigidity to prevent the flexible projections of the syringe carrier 40 flexing towards the central longitudinal axis of the injection device 10 and moving past the radial projection 14 when the first removeable cap 24 is engaged with the housing 12. This assists prevention of premature activation of the device by retaining the syringe carrier 24 in its distal pre-activation position.
  • the inner wall 25 may be provided with one or more projections 28 which extend inwardly towards the central longitudinal axis of the injection device 10.
  • the projection(s) 28 are configured to engage with the a feature of the interior needle cover 22, for example, the distal end of the interior needle cover 22, such that removal of the first removeable cap 24 also causes removal of the interior needle cover 22 as shown in Figure 7.
  • the syringe needle 55 is exposed within the lumen 1012 of the housing 12.
  • the cap 24 may also include an opening in a proximal end thereof.
  • first removeable cap 24 has been described as having tubular walls the skilled person will understand that the cap may be any suitable shape to engage with the housing 12. Additionally the inner wall 25 may comprise one or more sections spatially separated. Further, although the first removeable cap 24 has been described as having an inner wall and an outer wall the skilled person will understand that the outer wall is optional.
  • the second removeable cap 34 is removed from the device, as shown in Figure 8.
  • the injection device 10 can then be introduced to the injection site. Depressing the button 32 causes the flanged end of the plunger 70 to move inwards thereby causing the flanges to no longer be retained by distal wall of the housing 12. This allows the spring 88, which has been retained in a compression state, to exert a proximal force on the intermediate driver 80.
  • the connecting portion 83 of the intermediate driver 80 is provided with an inner angled surface on its proximal side which engages with the angled portion 74 of the plunger 70.
  • the proximal end of the compression spring 88 is seated on the distal side of the flange and is received between the inner portion 81 and a part of the outer portion 82 which extends distally from the flange forming a seat for the proximal end of the compression spring 88.
  • the intermediate driver 80 is held in a compressed formation by the housing 12. At least the outer portion is able to move from a compressed formation with a reduced diameter to a relaxed formation with an increased internal diameter. This may be achieved, for example, by providing one or more flexible fingers as the outer portion 82, at least part of the outer portion 82 being formed by a non-contiguous wall or by making the outer portion from at least two materials, one being more flexible than the other to allow the circumference of the outer portion to be reduced.
  • the intermediate driver 80 In the compressed formation the intermediate driver 80 has an inner circumference less than the outer circumference of the proximal portion 73 of the plunger rod 70 and thus engages the plunger rod 70 at the angled portion 75. In the relaxed formation the intermediate driver 80 has an inner circumference greater than the outer circumference of the proximal portion 73 of the plunger rod 70 and thus can move along the plunger rod, as shown in Figure 15.
  • the housing is provided with one or more supporting ribs (not shown) extending longitudinally down the inner surface of the housing.
  • the ribs reduce the inner diameter of the housing thereby maintaining the intermediate driver 80 in the compressed configuration.
  • Any other suitable means may be used to reduce the inner diameter of the housing.
  • the thickness of the housing wall may be increased or annular projections or rings may be provided if the longitudinal distance between the annular projections is less than the length of the flexible part of the outer portion.
  • the inner diameter of the housing increases at a position where the intermediate driver 80 is to move to its relaxed formation and thus disengage from the plunger, as per Figure 15. This may be achieved by reaching the end of the inner supporting ribs, decreasing the thickness of the housing wall, ending the annular projections.
  • the intermediate driver 80 disengages from the plunger 70 when the medicament has been delivered to the user i.e. when the bung 54 has reached the proximal end of the syringe 50.
  • any suitable position may be chosen.
  • Figure 14 shows the intermediate driver 80 reaching, for example, the end of the supporting ribs.
  • the outer portion can move outwards towards the relaxed position as illustrated in Figure 4b.
  • the outer movement of the outer portion allows the angled surfaces of the plunger and the connecting portion to move past each other thereby disengaging the plunger 70 and intermediate driver 80.
  • the plunger 70 no longer has a proximal force being applied to it by the drive spring 88 and no longer moves forward.
  • drive spring 88 is still exerting a proximal force on the connecting portion of the intermediate driver 80 and thus the intermediate driver 80 continues to move proximally within the housing 12 of the injection device 10, to the position shown in Figure 15.
  • the shroud 90 is provided with a shrouding portion 91 which has a contiguous wall to protect the user from the needle after the injection device has been used.
  • the shroud is further provided with two rearwardly extending arms 92 configured to engage with the intermediate driver.
  • Each of the two rearwardly extending arms 92 are provided with a recess 93 which receives the radial projection 14 or abutment feature and allows the shroud 90 to move proximally along the radial projection.
  • the radial projection 14 may guide the direction of movement of the shroud 90; however, the skilled person would also understand that the arms 92 may be positioned in order that they do not engage with the radial projection 14.
  • the distal end of the shroud arms 92 and the proximal end of the outer portion 82 of the intermediate driver 80 are provided with engagement features 84, 94.
  • the engagement features may be any suitable features designed to assist the engagement of the intermediate driver 80 and the shroud 90.
  • one of the intermediate driver 80 and the shroud 90 may be provided with a projection 84 and the other of the intermediate driver 80 and the shroud 90 is provided with a complementary recess 94 to receive the projection.
  • the projections have a frusto-conical shape, however, the skilled person will understand any suitable shape may be used.
  • an outer portion of the shroud arms and/or the outer portion may be received in a groove in the housing 12.
  • Each of the shroud arms 92 is further provided with flexible lateral arms 95.
  • the shroud 90 When the shroud 90 is at its proximal position the distal end of the lateral arms 95 abuts a feature in the housing 12 (not shown) thereby preventing the shroud 90 from being moved distally after the injection device has been used.
  • the skilled person would understand that alternative methods of preventing the shroud from moving backwards may be utilised.
  • the plunger 70 collapses. Following the collapse of the plunger 70, delivery is complete, and the intermediate driver disengages from the plunger 70, to instead engage with the shroud 90, to urge it into place around the needle 50, as shown in Figure 15.
  • FIG. 11 detailing the collapse of the plunger, in more detail.
  • delivery of the substance is underway.
  • the sleeve 100 around the plunger 70 is still in place and moving with the plunger 70, preventing collapse of the plunger.
  • the lip 104 of the sleeve 102 has come into contact with the flange 56, and is no longer covering the ramped latches 78.
  • the latches 78 are not in engagement with the groove 79, and the plunger 70 has started to collapse.
  • This commencement of collapse takes place prior to all of the substance having been expelled from the syringe 50.
  • the plunger 70 can be seen to continue to collapse, until the intermediate driver 80 disengages from the plunger 70 (to engage the shroud 90 instead) and no further force is applied to the plunger 70.
  • proximal refers to the front, or patient, end of the device.
  • distal refers to the rear, or syringe user, end of the device.
  • longitudinal refers to a direction on an axis through the device in the direction of the longest extension of the device.
  • radial or “transverse/transversal”, with or without axis, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, e.g. “radially outward” would refer to a direction pointing away from the longitudinal axis.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

Des aspects de la présente invention concernent un piston pour un dispositif d'injection comprenant une première partie et une seconde partie. La première partie a une première configuration et une seconde configuration ; dans la première configuration, la première partie vient en prise avec la seconde partie de telle sorte qu'un mouvement relatif des première et seconde parties est empêché et dans la seconde configuration, la première partie est désengagée de la seconde partie de telle sorte que les première et seconde parties peuvent se déplacer l'une par rapport à l'autre.
PCT/EP2023/077107 2022-09-30 2023-09-29 Piston pliable et dispositif d'injection WO2024068955A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2214450.5 2022-09-30
GB2214450.5A GB2622883A (en) 2022-09-30 2022-09-30 Plunger and injection device

Publications (1)

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WO2024068955A1 true WO2024068955A1 (fr) 2024-04-04

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130218093A1 (en) * 2010-08-27 2013-08-22 Novo Nordisk A/S Medical Injection Device
US20200046904A1 (en) * 2016-11-01 2020-02-13 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Feedback Mechanism for an Injection Device
WO2022180268A1 (fr) * 2021-02-28 2022-09-01 Owen Mumford Ltd Appareil injecteur facilitant le retrait automatique d'une canule

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE9803662D0 (sv) * 1998-10-26 1998-10-26 Pharmacia & Upjohn Ab Autoinjector
WO2012031627A1 (fr) * 2010-09-09 2012-03-15 Tecpharma Licensing Ag Tige de piston télescopique pour seringues partiellement remplies
CN112312948B (zh) * 2018-04-19 2022-12-02 赛诺菲 用于注射装置的缓冲器

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130218093A1 (en) * 2010-08-27 2013-08-22 Novo Nordisk A/S Medical Injection Device
US20200046904A1 (en) * 2016-11-01 2020-02-13 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Feedback Mechanism for an Injection Device
WO2022180268A1 (fr) * 2021-02-28 2022-09-01 Owen Mumford Ltd Appareil injecteur facilitant le retrait automatique d'une canule

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GB2622883A (en) 2024-04-03
GB202214450D0 (en) 2022-11-16

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