The present invention generally relates to an auto injector, and more specifically to an auto-injector adapted for parenteral administration of substances (e.g., a medication) to a living organism (human or animal) by means of pressing the auto injector against an injection site.
Various emergency automatic injectors are known, such that are activatable by means of pressing the automatic injector against an injection site on the skin of a patient. It is important to ensure the needle is protected at all times before, during and after injection of the medicament. It is also required to ensure that the automatic injector is not inadvertently actuated.
The present invention seeks to provide an emergency automatic injection device.
There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention or a combination of embodiments thereof, an automatic injection device for use with a syringe including at least one syringe piston and a needle coupled to a forward end thereof, comprising: a housing element arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a forward end and a rearward end; at least one resilient element arranged to be located within the housing element; a needle shield selectably positionable with respect to the housing element; and a control unit adapted, when actuated, to be driven by the at least one resilient element for initially displacing the syringe relative to the housing element from a non-penetration position to a penetration position and thereafter displacing the at least one syringe piston in the syringe to effect drug delivery, and wherein said control unit is configured to be actuated upon axial rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element.
Preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a locking element operative for selectable displacement relative to the housing element and being operatively engageable with the needle shield and wherein upon axial rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element, the locking element is permitted to rotate about the longitudinal axis under the urge of the at least one resilient element. Further preferably, the locking element is selectably operatively engaged with the control unit and wherein the control unit is operative for causing rotation of the locking element under the urge of the at least one resilient element upon axial rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element.
Still further preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a plunger rod, operative to selectably drive the at least one syringe piston in axial motion relative to the housing element; the plunger rod is operative to be displaced together with the control unit from the actuation of the control unit up to the penetration position of the syringe.
Yet further preferably, the at least one resilient element includes a single spring. Alternatively, the at least one resilient element includes a first spring and a second spring. Preferably, the second spring is at least partially disposed within the plunger rod and is operative for biasing the plunger rod to be displaced forwardly along the longitudinal axis.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the automatic injection device also comprising a needle cover remover configured to be removably attached to the housing element, operative for protecting the needle, and wherein the needle shield is prevented from axial rearward displacement with respect to the housing element when the needle shield remover is attached to the housing element.
Preferably, the needle cover remover includes at least one fixating element, operative to engage a corresponding fixating counter-element formed on the needle shield to prevent inadvertent rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element.
Further preferably, the locking element is permitted to be rotated in a single rotational direction. Still further preferably, the locking element is selectably positioned in one of a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation relative to the control unit; and wherein when the locking element is positioned in the unlocked orientation, the at least one resilient element is permitted to drive the control unit axially forwardly relative to the housing element.
Yet further preferably, the locking element has a rotation enabling element and the control unit has a counter rotation enabling element, which engages the rotation enabling element when the locking element is disposed in the locked orientation.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the needle shield is prevented from axial forward longitudinal displacement relative to the housing when the locking element is disposed in the locked orientation. Preferably, the locking element has a protrusion formed on an outer surface thereof for assuring actuation of the control unit upon rearward displacement of the needle shield relative to the housing element. Further preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a syringe sleeve, which is fixedly attached to or integrally made with the housing element and includes a dampening element, adapted to dampen the impact on the syringe upon forward displacement thereof and during penetration of the needle.
Still further preferably, in a post-injection operative state, the plunger rod is prevented from rearward axial displacement relative to the housing element. Yet further preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a locking element, which is prevented from displacement relative to the housing element due to engagement with the needle shield in a prior to injection operative state and wherein the control unit is prevented from displacement relative to the housing element due to engagement with the locking element in the prior to injection operative state. Still further preferably, the needle shield comprises at least one stopping rib which engages a protrusion formed on the locking element for restricting rotation of the locking element in the prior to injection operative state.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic injection device for use with a syringe including at least one syringe piston and a needle coupled to a forward end thereof, comprising a housing element arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a forward end and a rearward end; at least one resilient element arranged to be located within the housing element; a needle shield selectably positionable with respect to the housing element; a locking element operative for selectable displacement relative to the housing element and being operatively engageable with the needle shield; and a control unit adapted, when actuated, to be driven by the at least one resilient element for initially displacing the syringe relative to the housing element from a non-penetration position to a penetration position and thereafter displacing the at least one syringe piston in the syringe to effect drug delivery, and wherein when the locking element engages the needle shield, displacement of the locking element relative the housing is prevented, thereby preventing the at least one resilient element from driving the control unit.
Preferably, upon axial rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element, the locking element is permitted to rotate about the longitudinal axis under the urge of the at least one resilient element. Further preferably, the locking element is selectably operatively engaged with the control unit and wherein the control unit is operative for causing rotation of the locking element under the urge of the at least one resilient element upon axial rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the automatic injection device also comprising a plunger rod, operative to selectably drive the at least one syringe piston in axial motion relative to the housing element; the plunger rod is operative to be displaced together with the control unit from the actuation of the control unit up to the penetration position of the syringe.
Preferably, the at least one resilient element includes a single spring. Alternatively, the at least one resilient element includes a first spring and a second spring. Preferably, the second spring is at least partially disposed within the plunger rod and is operative for biasing the plunger rod to be displaced forwardly along the longitudinal axis.
Preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a needle cover remover configured to be removably attached to the housing element, operative for protecting the needle, and wherein the needle shield is prevented from axial rearward displacement with respect to the housing element when the needle shield remover is attached to the housing element. Further preferably, the needle cover remover includes at least one fixating element, operative to engage a corresponding fixating counter-element formed on the needle shield to prevent inadvertent rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element.
Still further preferably, the locking element is permitted to be rotated in a single rotational direction. Yet further preferably, the locking element is selectably positioned in one of a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation relative to the control unit; and wherein when the locking element is positioned in the unlocked orientation, the at least one resilient element is permitted to drive the control unit axially forwardly relative to the housing element.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the locking element has a rotation enabling element and the control unit has a counter rotation enabling element, which engages the rotation enabling element when the locking element is disposed in the locked orientation.
Preferably, the needle shield is prevented from axial forward longitudinal displacement relative to the housing when the locking element is disposed in the locked orientation. Further preferably, the locking element has a protrusion formed on an outer surface thereof for assuring actuation of the control unit upon rearward displacement of the needle shield relative to the housing element.
Still further preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a syringe sleeve, which is fixedly attached to or integrally made with the housing element and includes a dampening element, adapted to dampen the impact on the syringe upon forward displacement thereof and during penetration of the needle.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in a post-injection operative state, the plunger rod is prevented from rearward axial displacement relative to said housing element.
Preferably, the locking element is prevented from displacement relative to the housing element due to engagement with the needle shield in a prior to injection operative state and wherein the control unit is prevented from displacement relative to the housing element due to engagement with the locking element in the prior to injection operative state. Further preferably, the needle shield comprises at least one stopping rib which engages a protrusion formed on the locking element for restricting rotation of the locking element in the prior to injection operative state.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic injection device for use with a syringe including at least one syringe piston and a needle coupled to a forward end thereof, comprising a housing element arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a forward end and a rearward end; at least one resilient element arranged to be located within the housing element; a needle shield selectably positionable with respect to the housing element; a locking element operative for selectable displacement relative to the housing element and being operatively engageable with the needle shield; and a control unit adapted, when actuated, to be driven by the at least one resilient element for initially displacing the syringe relative to the housing element from a non-penetration position to a penetration position and thereafter displacing the at least one syringe piston in the syringe to effect drug delivery, and wherein the locking element is permitted to be displaced relative to the housing upon axial rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element.
Preferably, the locking element is selectably operatively engaged with the control unit and wherein the control unit is operative for causing rotation of the locking element under the urge of the at least one resilient element upon axial rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element.
Further preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a plunger rod, operative to selectably drive the at least one syringe piston in axial motion relative to the housing element; the plunger rod is operative to be displaced together with the control unit from the actuation of the control unit up to the penetration position of the syringe.
Still further preferably, the at least one resilient element includes a single spring. Alternatively, the at least one resilient element includes a first spring and a second spring. Preferably, the second spring is at least partially disposed within the plunger rod and is operative for biasing the plunger rod to be displaced forwardly along the longitudinal axis.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the automatic injection device also comprising a needle cover remover configured to be removably attached to the housing element, operative for protecting the needle, and wherein the needle shield is prevented from axial rearward displacement with respect to the housing element when the needle shield remover is attached to the housing element.
Preferably, the needle cover remover includes at least one fixating element, operative to engage a corresponding fixating counter-element formed on the needle shield to prevent inadvertent rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element. Further preferably, the locking element is permitted to be rotated in a single rotational direction. Still further preferably, the locking element is selectably positioned in one of a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation relative to the control unit; and wherein when the locking element is positioned in the unlocked orientation, the at least one resilient element is permitted to drive the control unit axially forwardly relative to the housing element.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the locking element has a rotation enabling element and the control unit has a counter rotation enabling element, which engages the rotation enabling element when the locking element is disposed in the locked orientation.
Preferably, the needle shield is prevented from axial forward longitudinal displacement relative to the housing when the locking element is disposed in the locked orientation. Further preferably, the locking element has a protrusion formed on an outer surface thereof for assuring actuation of the control unit upon rearward displacement of the needle shield relative to the housing element. Still further preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a syringe sleeve, which is fixedly attached to or integrally made with the housing element and includes a dampening element, adapted to dampen the impact on the syringe upon forward displacement thereof and during penetration of the needle.
Preferably, in a post-injection operative state, the plunger rod is prevented from rearward axial displacement relative to the housing element. Further preferably, the locking element is prevented from displacement relative to the housing element due to engagement with the needle shield in a prior to injection operative state and wherein the control unit is prevented from displacement relative to the housing element due to engagement with the locking element in the prior to injection operative state. Still further preferably, the needle shield comprises at least one stopping rib which engages a protrusion formed on the locking element for restricting rotation of the locking element in the prior to injection operative state.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic injection device for use with a syringe including at least one syringe piston and a needle coupled to a forward end thereof, comprising a housing element arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a forward end and a rearward end; at least one resilient element arranged to be located within the housing element; a control unit adapted, when actuated, to be driven by the at least one resilient element for initially displacing the syringe relative to the housing element from a non-penetration position to a penetration position and thereafter displacing the at least one syringe piston in the syringe to effect drug delivery, and a locking element selectably positioned in one of a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation relative to the control unit; and wherein when the locking element is positioned in the unlocked orientation, the at least one resilient element is permitted to drive the control unit axially forwardly relative to the housing element.
Preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a needle shield selectably positionable with respect to the housing element. Further preferably, the locking element is selectably operatively engaged with the control unit and wherein the control unit is operative for causing rotation of the locking element under the urge of the at least one resilient element upon axial rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element. Still further preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a plunger rod, operative to selectably drive the at least one syringe piston in axial motion relative to the housing element; the plunger rod is operative to be displaced together with the control unit from the actuation of the control unit up to the penetration position of the syringe.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one resilient element includes a single spring. Alternatively, the at least one resilient element includes a first spring and a second spring. Preferably, the second spring is at least partially disposed within the plunger rod and is operative for biasing the plunger rod to be displaced forwardly along the longitudinal axis.
Further preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a needle cover remover configured to be removably attached to the housing element, operative for protecting the needle, and wherein the needle shield is prevented from axial rearward displacement with respect to the housing element when the needle shield remover is attached to the housing element. Still further preferably, the needle cover remover includes at least one fixating element, operative to engage a corresponding fixating counter-element formed on the needle shield to prevent inadvertent rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element. Yet further preferably, the locking element is permitted to be rotated in a single rotational direction.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the locking element has a rotation enabling element and the control unit has a counter rotation enabling element, which engages the rotation enabling element when the locking element is disposed in the locked orientation.
Preferably, the needle shield is prevented from axial forward longitudinal displacement relative to the housing when the locking element is disposed in the locked orientation. Further preferably, in a post-injection operative state, the plunger rod is prevented from rearward axial displacement relative to the housing element. Still further preferably, the locking element is prevented from displacement relative to the housing element due to engagement with the needle shield in a prior to injection operative state and wherein the control unit is prevented from displacement relative to the housing element due to engagement with the locking element in the prior to injection operative state. Yet further preferably, the needle shield comprises at least one stopping rib which engages a protrusion formed on the locking element for restricting rotation of the locking element in the prior to injection operative state.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic injection device for use with a syringe including at least one syringe piston and a needle coupled to a forward end thereof, comprising a housing element arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a forward end and a rearward end; at least one resilient element arranged to be located within the housing element; a control unit adapted, when actuated, to be driven by the at least one resilient element for initially displacing the syringe relative to the housing element from a non-penetration position to a penetration position and thereafter displacing the at least one syringe piston in the syringe to effect drug delivery, a plunger rod operative to selectably drive the at least one syringe piston in axial motion relative to the housing element; and a locking element selectably positioned in one of a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation relative to the control unit; and wherein when the locking element is positioned in the locked orientation, the plunger rod engages a portion of the locking element and when the locking element is positioned in the unlocked orientation, the plunger rod engages a portion of the control unit.
Preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a needle shield selectably positionable with respect to the housing element. Further preferably, the locking element is selectably operatively engaged with the control unit and wherein the control unit is operative for causing rotation of the locking element under the urge of the at least one resilient element upon axial rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element. Still further preferably, the plunger rod is operative to be displaced together with the control unit from the actuation of the control unit up to the penetration position of the syringe.
Yet further preferably, the at least one resilient element includes a single spring. Alternatively, the at least one resilient element includes a first spring and a second spring. Preferably, the second spring is at least partially disposed within the plunger rod and is operative for biasing the plunger rod to be displaced forwardly along the longitudinal axis.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the automatic injection device also comprising a needle cover remover configured to be removably attached to the housing element, operative for protecting the needle, and wherein said needle shield is prevented from axial rearward displacement with respect to the housing element when the needle shield remover is attached to the housing element.
Preferably, the needle cover remover includes at least one fixating element, operative to engage a corresponding fixating counter-element formed on the needle shield to prevent inadvertent rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element. Further preferably, the locking element is permitted to be rotated in a single rotational direction. Still further preferably, the locking element has a rotation enabling element and the control unit has a counter rotation enabling element, which engages the rotation enabling element when the locking element is disposed in the locked orientation. Yet further preferably, the needle shield is prevented from axial forward longitudinal displacement relative to the housing when the locking element is disposed in the locked orientation.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in a post-injection operative state, the plunger rod is prevented from rearward axial displacement relative to the housing element. Preferably, the locking element is prevented from displacement relative to the housing element due to engagement with the needle shield in a prior to injection operative state and wherein the control unit is prevented from displacement relative to the housing element due to engagement with the locking element in the prior to injection operative state. Further preferably, the needle shield comprises at least one stopping rib which engages a protrusion formed on the locking element for restricting rotation of the locking element in the prior to injection operative state.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic injection device for use with a syringe including at least one syringe piston and a needle coupled to a forward end thereof, comprising a housing element arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a forward end and a rearward end; at least one resilient element arranged to be located within the housing element; a needle shield selectably positionable with respect to the housing element; a needle cover remover configured to be removably attached to the housing element; and a control unit adapted, when actuated, to be driven by the at least one resilient element for initially displacing the syringe relative to the housing element from a non-penetration position to a penetration position and thereafter displacing the at least one syringe piston in the syringe to effect drug delivery, and wherein the needle shield is prevented from axial rearward displacement with respect to the housing element when the needle shield remover is attached to the housing element.
Preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a locking element operative for selectable displacement relative to the housing element and being operatively engageable with the needle shield and wherein upon axial rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element, the locking element is permitted to rotate about the longitudinal axis under the urge of the at least one resilient element.
Further preferably, the locking element is selectably operatively engaged with the control unit and wherein the control unit is operative for causing rotation of the locking element under the urge of the at least one resilient element upon axial rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element. Still further preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a plunger rod, operative to selectably drive the at least one syringe piston in axial motion relative to the housing element; the plunger rod is operative to be displaced together with the control unit from the actuation of the control unit up to the penetration position of the syringe.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one resilient element includes a single spring. Alternatively, the at least one resilient element includes a first spring and a second spring. Preferably, the second spring is at least partially disposed within the plunger rod and is operative for biasing the plunger rod to be displaced forwardly along the longitudinal axis.
Preferably, the needle cover remover includes at least one fixating element, operative to engage a corresponding fixating counter-element formed on the needle shield to prevent inadvertent rearward displacement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element. Further preferably, the locking element is selectably positioned in one of a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation relative to the control unit; and wherein when the locking element is positioned in the unlocked orientation, the at least one resilient element is permitted to drive the control unit axially forwardly relative to the housing element. Still further preferably, the locking element has a rotation enabling element and the control unit has a counter rotation enabling element, which engages the rotation enabling element when the locking element is disposed in the locked orientation.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the needle shield is prevented from axial forward longitudinal displacement relative to the housing when the locking element is disposed in the locked orientation.
Preferably, in a post-injection operative state, the plunger rod is prevented from rearward axial displacement relative to the housing element. Further preferably, the automatic injection device also comprising a locking element, which is prevented from displacement relative to the housing element due to engagement with the needle shield in a prior to injection operative state and wherein the control unit is prevented from displacement relative to the housing element due to engagement with the locking element in the prior to injection operative state. Still further preferably, the needle shield comprises at least one stopping rib which engages a protrusion formed on the locking element for restricting rotation of the locking element in the prior to injection operative state.
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
The principles, uses and implementations of the teachings herein may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and figures. Upon perusal of the description and figures present herein, one skilled in the art is able to implement the invention without undue effort or experimentation.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention can be implemented with other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for descriptive purpose and should not be regarded as limiting.
Some embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments of the invention may be practiced. The figures are for the purpose of illustrative discussion and no attempt is made to show structural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale.
Reference is now made to
As seen in
Disposed within the enclosure formed by the rear end 104 and the front housing element 102 there is provided a locking ring 110, which is configured to be biased to rotate about longitudinal axis 107 under the force of a first injection spring 112, but is operatively blocked from rotation in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 by engagement with a rear portion of a needle shield 114. The needle shield 114 is arranged along longitudinal axis 107 and is partially received into the front housing element 102 and extends forwardly so as to protrude forwardly from the front housing element 102. The needle shield 114 is operative to be biased forwardly under the force of a needle shield spring 115.
A rear housing element 116 is also arranged along the longitudinal axis 107 and a rear portion thereof is at least partially received within the locking ring 110. The rear housing element 116 is preferably contained within the needle shield 114.
A control unit 118 is arranged along the longitudinal axis 107 and a rear portion thereof is at least partially received within the rear portion of the rear housing element 116. The first injection spring 112 is disposed generally between the rear portion of the control unit 118 and the rear portion of the rear housing 116 and is adapted to act on the control unit 118 when released. It is noted that typically two resilient dampening elements 120 are mounted onto the rear portion of the control unit 118 for frictional engagement with an inner surface of the rear housing element 116.
It is further seen in
A syringe 130 is configured to be held by the control unit 118 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100. The pre-filled syringe 130 has a syringe barrel 132 having a flange 134 formed at its rearward end and a needle 136 fixedly attached to its forward end. A piston 138 is contained within the syringe barrel 132, which confines the medicament within the syringe barrel 132. A cover 140, suitable for single use, is adapted to seal and protect the needle 136. It is appreciated that syringe 130 can be any type of medicament container, such as pre-filled syringe or cartridge.
It is also noted that at least a portion of the syringe 130 is configured to reside within a syringe sleeve 142, which is preferably fixedly attached to the front housing element 102.
A cover remover assembly 150 is adapted to be mounted over the forward portion of the front housing element 102 and of the needle shield 114 to protect the needle 136 in storage and permit removal of the cover 140 before injection.
It is seen in
Reference is now made to
The rear end element 104 preferably is an integrally formed element, preferably injection molded of plastic and is arranged along longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.
The rear end element 104 preferably includes a generally cylindrical base portion 200 defining a circumferential wall 202 and a rearwardly-facing base wall 204 having a forwardly-facing surface 206 from which extends the above-mentioned guiding shaft 126. The circumferential wall 202 extends forwardly to a forwardly-facing circumferential edge 208. The guiding shaft 126 extends forwardly of edge 208 along longitudinal axis 107.
Several openings 210 are provided on the circumferential wall 202. Typically, two snap portions 212 are provided on the circumferential wall 202 for attachment of the rear end element 104 with the rear housing element 116.
It is particularly seen in
It is additionally seen in
Reference is now made to
The locking ring 110 preferably is an integrally formed element, preferably injection molded of plastic and is arranged along longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.
The locking ring 110 preferably includes two concentric cylinders, an inner cylinder 250 and an outer cylinder 252 arranged along longitudinal axis 107 and connected by a rearward base wall 254.
Typically, two locking members 260 are formed on an outer surface of the outer cylinder 252, typically adjacent a forward end 262 thereof. The locking members 260 are preferably diametrically opposed to each other. It is specifically seen that the locking members 260 are preferably L-shaped, including a first portion 264 extending rearwardly from a location generally adjacent to the forward end 262 and a second portion 266 extending generally along the forward end 262. The second portion 266 has a rearwardly facing surface 268, adapted to engage a portion of the needle shield 114 and a forwardly facing surface 270, adapted to engage a portion of the rear housing 116.
It is additionally seen in
A central bore 280 extends through the inner cylinder 250 and serves for passage of the second injection spring 124 therethrough.
It is seen in
It is additionally seen in
An inner generally annular volume 304 is defined between the outer surface of the inner cylinder 250 and the inner surface of the outer cylinder 252.
Reference is now made to
The rear housing element 116 preferably is an integrally formed element, preferably injection molded of plastic and is arranged along longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.
The rear housing element 116 preferably includes a generally cylindrical rear portion 330 and a generally rounded rectangular front portion 332 extending forwardly from rear portion 330 and forming a rearwardly facing shoulder 334 therebetween.
A pair of generally diametrically opposed snap portions 340 are formed on the cylindrical rear portion 330 and are configured for operatively engaging one pair of recesses 296, 298, 300 or 302 of the locking ring 110 in various operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100.
The front portion 332 of the rear housing element 116 preferably includes two generally flat side walls 350 and two generally curved top and bottom walls 352. Each of the two side walls 350 preferably includes a guiding portion 354 bounded by two side ribs 356, formed adjacent the rearwardly facing shoulder 334, the guiding portion 354 serves to guide the displacement of the needle shield 114.
An opening 357 is formed on each of the side walls 350, the openings 357 are disposed forwardly of guiding portions 354 and define a rearwardly facing edge 358, which is adapted to engage a portion of the control unit element 118 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection device 100. The internal surface of the rear housing element 116 disposed forwardly of openings 357 defines a cylindrical circumferential surface 359.
Each of the two top and bottom walls 352 preferably includes a protrusion 360, formed adjacent the rearwardly facing shoulder 334, the protrusion 360 serves for engagement with the rear end element 104.
It is particularly seen in
It is additionally seen in
Referring specifically to
Reference is now made to
The plunger rod element 122 preferably is an integrally formed element, preferably injection molded of plastic and is arranged along longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.
The plunger rod element 122 preferably includes a generally hollow cylindrical shaft 400 arranged along longitudinal axis 107 and defining an interior bore 402. The cylindrical shaft 400 has a protrusion 403, extending axially forwardly from a forward end of shaft 400 and defining a piston engaging wall 404 formed at the forward end thereof. The piston engaging wall 404 is generally disposed transversely to longitudinal axis 107.
It is seen in
A generally annular widened flange 420 is formed on the rearward end of the cylindrical shaft 400. The flange 420 has a rearwardly facing end surface 422, having several rearwardly extending protrusions 424 formed thereon, for operative engagement with a portion of the locking ring 110. The flange 420 also has a forwardly facing shoulder 426, which is operative for engagement with the control unit 118. The rearwardly extending protrusions 424, each define a forwardly tapered surface 428.
The cylindrical shaft 400 typically includes a pair of diametrically opposed generally longitudinal flat portions 430 formed on the circumference thereof. A longitudinal guiding rib 432 is formed on each of the flat portions 430 for guiding of the plunger rod 122 within the control unit 118.
There are typically two inwardly extending openings 440, each formed in between the two guiding ribs 432, and the two openings are preferably diametrically opposed to each other. The openings 440 are preferably disposed adjacent the widened flange 420. A longitudinal rib 442 extends longitudinally forwardly from each of openings 440, forming a rearwardly facing shoulder 444 between the opening 440 and the rib 442. It is noted that the openings 440 and rearwardly facing shoulders 444 associated therewith are configured for operative engagement with a portion of the control unit 118 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100. The ribs 442 are configured for operative engagement with a portion of the control unit 118 in other operative orientations.
Reference is now made to
The control unit element 118 preferably is an integrally formed element, preferably injection molded of plastic and is arranged along longitudinal axis of symmetry 107, having typically two dampening elements 120 mounted thereon.
The control unit element 118 preferably includes a rear cylindrical portion 470, a generally rectangular base portion 472 disposed at a forward end thereof and defining a forwardly facing shoulder 473. Typically, two opposed longitudinal arms 474 extend forwardly from one side of the forwardly facing shoulder 473 of the base portion 472 to a forward edge 476. The base portion 472 also defines a rearwardly facing shoulder 478.
A syringe holding snap portion 480 is formed on each of arms 474 and is disposed generally adjacent each of the forward edges 476. The syringe holding snaps 480 preferably include a pair of inwardly protruding longitudinally spaced portions 482 adapted for operative engagement with the flange 134 of syringe 130 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100. The syringe holding snaps 480 also preferably include an outwardly extending protrusion 484. It is noted that the syringe holding snap portion 480 is preferably selectively deflectable outwardly.
It is also seen in
An additional discard tooth snap portion 510 is formed on each of arms 474 and is slightly spaced forwardly from the hammer snap portion 500. The discard tooth snap portions 510 preferably include an inwardly protruding portion 512 adapted for operative engagement with the flange 134 of the syringe 130 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100. It is noted that the discard tooth snap portion 510 is preferably selectively deflectable outwardly.
The control unit element 118 is similar to the driving assembly 30 as described in US publication U.S. Pat. No. 8,376,998B2 with respect to the aspects described hereinabove. US Publication U.S. Pat. No. 8,376,998B2 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that an inwardly extending rotation-enabling protrusion 520 is formed on an inner surface of the rear cylindrical portion 470 of the control unit 118. The rotation-enabling protrusion 520 has a forwardly-facing tapered surface 530, which is configured for operative engagement with a portion of the locking ring 110 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100.
Reference is now made to
The syringe sleeve element 142 preferably is an integrally formed element, preferably injection molded of plastic and is arranged along longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.
The syringe sleeve element 142 is preferably fixedly attached to the front housing element 106 and is configured for at least partially containing the syringe 130 and additionally for dampening, i.e. reducing the impact on the flange 134 of the syringe 130 during axial displacement of the syringe 130.
Syringe sleeve element 142 includes a container having a hollow cylindrical portion 550 for receiving at least a portion of the syringe 130 therein. A longitudinal window 552 is formed on each side of the cylindrical portion 550 and extends radially outwardly therefrom. The cylindrical portion 550 defines a rearwardly facing end edge 554.
Typically, two attachment portions 556 extend rearwardly from each side of the syringe sleeve element 142 and adapted for securing the syringe sleeve element 142 with respect to front housing element 102.
Formed on each of the attachment portions 556 is a double-sided dampening beam 560. Each of the double sided dampening beams 560 is attached to its respective attachment portion 556 and extends inwardly therefrom. The double-sided beams 560 are axially rearwardly spaced from rearwardly facing end edge 554 and are thus configured to be slightly forwardly deflected upon exertion of impact thereon. The double-sided beams 560 each defines a rearwardly facing surface 562 for operative engagement with the flange 134 of the syringe 130 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100. The two double-sided beams 560 preferably form together a circumferential or nearly circumferential support for the flange 134 of syringe 130.
Reference is now made to
The front housing element 102 preferably is an integrally formed element, preferably injection molded of plastic and is arranged along longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.
The front housing element 102 preferably defines an outer surface 580, having a generally convex cross section, and an inner surface 582 preferably including several axially extending mutually radially spaced elongate ribs 584 adapted to guide and align the needle shield element 114.
Several gripping protrusions 586 are preferably provided on the outer surface 580 of the front housing element 102. It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that providing a different amount of protrusions 586 on the outer surface 580 of the front housing element 102 allows for facilitating tactile indication for the user for the type of medication contained within the emergency automatic injection assembly 100, even if injection has to be performed in darkness, for example.
An attachment portion 588 is formed generally at an intermediate location of the front housing element 102 and adapted for attachment thereof with the rear housing element 116. A second attachment portion 590 is formed on the front housing element 102 and generally spaced forwardly from attachment portion 588, configured for attachment of the front housing element 102 with the syringe sleeve element 142.
The front housing portion 102 includes a main elongate portion 596 and a generally narrower elliptical forward portion 598 extending forwardly therefrom and defining a forwardly facing shoulder 600 therebetween. A pair of diametrically opposed recesses 602 are generally formed on each side of the forward portion 598, generally adjacent shoulder 600 and are configured for removable attachment of the safety cap 154 to the front housing portion 102.
The forward portion 598 defines a forwardly facing end 606. Typically, two recesses 608 extend rearwardly from forwardly facing end 606 and are diametrically opposed to each other. Tapered surface 610 is formed on a forward edge of each of the recesses 608 and configured for operative engagement with the needle shield 114 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100.
It is specifically seen in
A generally hollow cylindrical protrusion 626 extends axially longitudinally forwardly from flange 620 and defines a forwardly facing spring seat surface 628 adapted for supporting the needle shield spring 115. It is noted that the inner surface of cylindrical protrusion 626 is adapted for supporting and aligning the syringe 130.
It is noted that due to the fact that the cylindrical protrusion 626 has a generally circular cross-section, the cover remover assembly 150 is not required to be oriented in any particular manner, rather it can be mounted onto the front housing element 102 at any rotational orientation.
Reference is now made to
The needle shield element 114 preferably is an integrally formed element, preferably injection molded of plastic and preferably has a generally cylindrical configuration including a generally tubular portion 670, having a forward-facing body engaging surface 672 including a generally annular ribbed protrusion 674 extending slightly forwardly therefrom. The internal rearwardly facing surface 675, located opposite from body engaging surface 672, serves as a spring-seat for spring 115.
Typically, a pair of diametrically opposed snap portions 676 is formed in recesses extending rearwardly from the forward-facing body engaging surface 672 of the tubular portion 670. Each of the snap portions 676 has an outwardly protruding finger 678 formed at a forward end thereof, the outwardly protruding finger 678 having a rearwardly-facing tapered surface 679, which finger 678 is selectively inwardly deflectable. It is noted that the snap portions 676 are configured for operative engagement with the safety cap 154.
Needle guard element 114 has a pair of side-to-side symmetric mounting arms 680 having rearwardmost ends 682, arranged symmetrically about a longitudinal axis 107. Arms 680 extend along and rearwardly of tubular portion 670 parallel to longitudinal axis 107.
Each of arms 680 defines an outer surface 690 and an inner surface 692. A window 694 is formed on each of arms 680 and adapted for operative engagement with a portion of the control unit 118 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection device 100. A generally longitudinal rib 696 is formed on two opposite sides of each of the windows, and the ribs 696 each define a forwardly facing surface 698, adapted to operatively engage the front housing element 102 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection device 100.
A generally trapezoidal stopping rib 700 is formed on the inner surface 692 of each of arms 680 and disposed generally adjacent the rearwardmost end 682.
An inwardly extending protrusion 702 is formed on the inner surface 692 of each of the arms 680 and is generally forwardly spaced from each of the stopping ribs 700. A generally rearwardly tapered surface 704 abuts the protrusion 702 on the rearward end thereof and continues toward the stopping rib 700. It is seen in
Disposed generally adjacent to and rearwardly of each of the windows 694 is a generally longitudinal raised protrusion 706 defining a rearwardly facing edge 708 and a guiding rib 710 extending generally rearwardly from the rearwardly facing edge 708. The guiding rib 710 defines a rearwardly facing edge 711.
Reference is now made to
The floating cylinder element 152 preferably is an integrally formed element, preferably injection molded of plastic and arranged along longitudinal axis 107. The floating cylinder element 152 preferably has a generally truncated conical configuration having a forwardmost end 730 and a rearwardmost generally circular edge 732.
Typically, two diametrically opposed outwardly protruding snap portions 740 are disposed generally adjacent the forwardmost end 730. Each of the snap portions 740 defines a rearwardly facing engagement surface 742, adapted to operatively engage the safety cap 154.
It is also seen in
The floating cylinder element 152 has a widened portion 750 adjacent the rearwardmost end 732, defining an outer surface 752, which is configured to engage the front housing element 102 and the syringe sleeve 142 for guiding of the floating cylinder element 152.
Reference is now made to
The safety cap element 154 preferably is an integrally formed element, preferably injection molded of plastic and arranged along longitudinal axis 107.
The safety cap element 154 is a generally elongated element, which has a preferably oval cross-section and defines a forwardmost end 770, which is partially closed and preferably has two converging surfaces 772, forming the shape of an arrow.
The safety cap element 154 defines an outer surface 774, which has various gripping surfaces.
An internal hollow cylindrical protrusion 776 is formed within the interior volume of the safety cap element 154 and is arranged along longitudinal axis 107. A central bore 777 is formed through the cylindrical protrusion 776 and extends through the forwardmost end 770. An inwardly extending preferably annular rim 778 is formed on a rearward end of the cylindrical protrusion 776. The annular rim 778 has a forwardly facing edge 780 for operative engagement with the floating cylinder element 152.
Preferably two pins 790 are formed outwardly of the cylindrical protrusion 776 and extend rearwardly from the forwardmost end 770.
It is also seen in
It is noted that the cover remover assembly 150 is similar in most respects to the cover remover assembly that is described in detail in US Publication U.S. Pat. No. 8,992,477B2, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is now made to
The emergency automatic injection assembly 100 comprises a rear end 104, in which is seated a locking ring 110, which at least partially surrounds the first injection spring 112, which upon actuation urges forward displacement of the control unit 118. The control unit 118 preferably includes a pair of elastomeric damping elements 120, and selectably engages plunger rod 122 and pre-filled syringe 130. Plunger rod 122 operatively engages pre-filled syringe 130 and is selectably operated by the control unit 118 to inject the liquid contents of pre-filled syringe 130 through hypodermic needle 136.
The forward portion of rear housing element 116 as well as second injection spring 124, control unit 118, plunger rod 122, syringe sleeve 142 and pre-filled syringe 130 are located within the front housing element 102. The needle shield 114 is at least partially slidably positioned within the front housing element 102 and slightly extends forwardly from the forwardmost end of the front housing element 102 and is biased forwardly by the needle shield spring 115. The cover remover assembly 150 is mounted onto the forward end of the needle shield 114 to protect the needle 136 and to enable removal of the cover 140 therefrom, as is described in detail hereinbelow.
As seen in
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that, as seen particularly in
It is a further particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that the control unit element 118 is restrained from forward displacement by means of engagement with the locking ring 110, such that rotation enabling protrusion 520 of the control unit element 118 engages rotation enabling element 290 of the locking ring 110, and particularly forwardly-facing tapered surface 530 of rotation enabling protrusion 520 is supported against forwardly tapered surface 292 of rotation enabling element 290, such that the control unit 118 is prevented from forward longitudinal axial displacement in this storage operative orientation. In turn, the locking ring 110 is prevented from axial displacement along longitudinal axis 107 due to the fact that it is being supported against the rear housing element 116, such that the forward end 262 of the locking ring 110 engages rearwardly facing shoulder 334 of the rear housing element 116, as shown specifically in the enlarged portion of
It is seen that the needle shield 114 is in a first forward position in this storage operative orientation, wherein the outwardly protruding fingers 678 of the needle shield 114 are disposed slightly forwardly of the forwardmost end of the front housing element 102, such that rearwardly tapered surfaces 679 of outwardly protruding fingers 678 of needle shield 114 are supported against rearwardly tapered surfaces 610 of the front housing element 102, as particularly seen in
It is noted that the cover remover assembly 150 is removably mounted onto the forward portion 598 of the front housing element 102, such that an outer portion of the safety cap 154 at least partially surrounds the forward portion 598 of the front housing element 102 and the cylindrical protrusion 776 of the safety cap 154 at least partially receives a portion of the floating cylinder element 152 therein. It is seen that the floating cylinder element 152 is mounted onto the cover 140, which protects needle 136 of the syringe 130 and that the teeth 744 of the floating cylinder element 152 are snapped behind the rearward end of the cover 140 in order to remove the cover 140 from the needle 136 upon forward displacement of the floating cylinder element 152.
It is additionally seen that the floating cylinder element 152 is slidably mounted within the safety cap 154, such that the outwardly protruding snap portions 740 of floating cylinder element 152 are moveable along central bore 777 of the safety cap 154. It is seen that rearwardly facing engagement surface 742 of the floating cylinder element 152 is forwardly spaced in this example from forwardly facing edge 780 of the safety cap 154. The widened portion 750 of the floating cylinder element 152 is generally guided by the inner surface of the front housing element 102 and by the inner surface of the syringe sleeve element 142.
It is a further particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that the needle shield 114 is prevented from rearward longitudinal displacement along axis 107. Particularly, snap portions 676 of the needle shield 114 are prevented from inward deflection with respect to longitudinal axis 107 due to the fact that snap portions 676 are supported inwardly by pins 790 of the safety cap 154, which urge engagement of rearwardly tapered surfaces 679 of snap portions 676 with rearwardly tapered surfaces 610 of front housing element 102 and thus prevents rearward displacement of the needle shield 114 relative to the front housing element 102.
It is seen particularly in
It is also particularly seen in
It is seen in
It is also seen particularly in
The needle shield spring 115 is supported between spring seat surface 628 of front housing element 102 and internal surface 675 of the needle shield element 114 and is disposed in a partially compressed position in this storage operative orientation. The first injection spring 112 is supported between inwardly extending flange 382 of the rear housing element 116 and base portion 472 of the control unit 118 and is disposed in at least partially compressed position in this storage operative orientation. The second injection spring 124 is disposed within the inner volume of the plunger rod 122, guided by guiding shaft 126 of the rear end element 104 and is supported between annular protrusion 214 of the rear end element 104 and the forward end of the plunger rod 122 and is disposed in at least partially compressed position in this storage operative orientation.
It is noted that in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention there are two injection springs 112 and 124, whereas the second injection spring 124 is used for increasing the force exerted onto the plunger rod 122 during injection, which is advantageous for example in case of injection of highly viscous medications. It is noted however that a single injection spring can be used instead, such as described in detail in another embodiment of the present invention hereinbelow.
The second injection spring 124 is also beneficial for biasing the plunger rod 122 forwardly and prevent its rearward axial displacement along axis 107.
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that upon release of the locking ring 110, the locking ring 110 is urged to rotate under the force of the first injection spring 112, which then acts on the control unit 118, which in turn displaces the plunger rod 122 and the syringe 130 forwardly together therewith along longitudinal axis 107, as is described in detail hereinbelow with respect to
It is particularly seen in
It is further particularly seen that in this storage operative orientation the locking ring 110 is prevented from rotational displacement and thus prevented from acting on the control unit 118. It is specifically seen in
It is particularly seen in
It is particularly seen in the enlarged portion of
It is also seen particularly in
It is seen in
It is additionally seen in
It is specifically seen in
It is particularly seen in
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 remain the same as described hereinabove with respect to the storage operative orientation illustrated in
The user grips the cover remover assembly 150 and pulls it preferably longitudinally forwardly to detach it from the front housing element 102 and thereby remove the cover 140 to expose needle 136 of the syringe 130.
Following removal of the cover remover assembly 150, the forward end of the needle shield 114 is exposed and protrudes forwardly from forwardly facing end 606 of the front housing element 102 to a first longitudinal extent.
It is seen that the needle shield 114 is in the same first forward position in this cover removal operative orientation, wherein the outwardly protruding fingers 678 of the needle shield 114 are disposed slightly forwardly of the forwardmost end of the front housing element 102, such that rearwardly tapered surfaces 679 of outwardly protruding fingers 678 of needle shield 114 are supported against rearwardly tapered surfaces 610 of the front housing element 102.
It is noted that since cover remover assembly 150 is not mounted onto the forward portion 598 of the front housing element 102 anymore, the needle shield 114 is not prevented from rearward longitudinal displacement along axis 107 anymore. Particularly, snap portions 676 of the needle shield 114 are now not prevented from inward deflection with respect to longitudinal axis 107. Upon rearward displacement of the needle shield 114, rearwardly tapered surfaces 679 of snap portions 676 are allowed to slide over the rearwardly tapered surfaces 610 of front housing element 102 and allow rearward displacement of the needle shield 114 relative to the front housing element 102.
It is seen that once the cover remover assembly 150 is detached from the front housing element 102, the inwardly extending protrusions 794 of the safety cap element 154 disengage from recesses 602 of the front housing element 102.
It is noted that upon detachment of the cover remover assembly 150, the teeth 744 of the floating cylinder element 152 are pulling the cover 140 therewith in order to expose the needle 136 upon forward displacement of the floating cylinder element 152.
It is additionally seen that the floating cylinder element 152 is slidably mounted within the safety cap 154, such that the rearwardly facing engagement surface 742 of the floating cylinder element 152 now abuts the forwardly facing edge 780 of the safety cap 154.
It is a further particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that in this cover removal operative orientation, the needle shield 114 is allowed to be displaced rearwardly along axis 107. Particularly, snap portions 676 of the needle shield 114 are allowed to deflect inwardly with respect to longitudinal axis 107.
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 remain the same as described hereinabove with respect to the cover removal operative orientation illustrated in
The user presses the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 against an injection site, thus displaces the needle shield 114 axially rearwardly along axis 107 with respect to the remainder of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100, thus compresses needle shield spring 115 and thereby initiates actuation of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100.
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that the first actuation stage operative orientation is a momentary stage, in which the needle shield 114 is displaced rearwardly and thus the locking ring 110 is allowed to be rotated about axis 107 under the biasing force of the first injection spring 112. It is noted that in this first actuation stage operative orientation as illustrated in
The control unit element 118 is allowed to be displaced forwardly in this first actuation stage operative orientation under the urge of the first injection spring 112, but is not displaced yet as illustrated in
The rearwardly extending protrusions 424 of the plunger rod 122 are supported against rotation-enabling elements 290 of the locking ring 110 in this first actuation stage operative orientation. Specifically, the forwardly tapered surfaces 428 of the rearwardly extending protrusions 424 are supported against rearwardly tapered surfaces 294 of rotation-enabling elements 290.
It is seen that the needle shield 114 is rearwardly displaced in this first activation stage operative orientation and thus it is disposed in its rearward position, wherein forward facing body engagement surface 672 of the needle shield 114 is generally aligned with forwardly facing end 606 of the front housing element 102.
It is seen that upon rearward displacement of the needle shield 114, snap portions 676 of the needle shield 114 are deflected inwardly so that outwardly protruding fingers 678 of the needle shield 114 are now disposed rearwardly of rearwardly tapered surfaces 610 of the front housing element 102. Particularly, upon rearward displacement of the needle shield 114 rearwardly tapered surfaces 679 of outwardly protruding fingers 678 of needle shield 114 slide over the rearwardly tapered surfaces 610 of the front housing element 102.
The needle shield spring 115 is now disposed in a compressed position in this first actuation stage operative orientation. The first injection spring 112 is supported between inwardly extending flange 382 of the rear housing element 116 and base portion 472 of the control unit 118 and is disposed in at least partially compressed position in this first actuation stage operative orientation, just before release of spring 112.
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that upon release of the locking ring 110, the locking ring 110 is urged to rotate about the longitudinal axis 107 under the force of the first injection spring 112, which acts on the control unit 118 and in turn on the locking ring 110. The locking ring 110 is in turn is operative for displacing the plunger rod 122 and the syringe 130 forwardly together therewith along longitudinal axis 107 until the control unit 118 engages the plunger rod 122, as is described in detail hereinbelow with respect to
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that as seen particularly in
It is further particularly seen that in this first actuation stage operative orientation that the locking ring 110 is released, however as illustrated in
It is noted that the needle shield 114 is prevented from forward displacement along longitudinal axis 107 by means of the force applied by the user against the needle shield spring 115, while pressing the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 against the skin.
It is particularly seen in
It is particularly seen in
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present that the control unit 118 and the plunger rod 122 are displaced together during the actuation stages of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100, as illustrated in
It is particularly seen in
It is specifically seen in
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 remain the same as described hereinabove with respect to the first actuation stage operative orientation illustrated in
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that following release of engagement between the needle shield 114 and the locking ring 110, which allowed the locking ring to rotate about axis 107, as described hereinabove, with reference to
It is specifically noted that upon the release of the locking ring 110, due to rearward displacement of the needle shield 114, the force of the spring 112 is applied onto the control unit 118 and urges a forward displacement thereof along longitudinal axis 107. This forward displacement of the control unit 118 transfers the force to the locking ring 110 through the engagement of rotation-enabling protrusion 520 with rotation-enabling element 290, thereby rotating the locking ring 110 about longitudinal axis 107. This rotation of the locking ring 110 initially displaces the plunger rod 122 forwardly along longitudinal axis 107, due to engagement between the protrusions 424 of the plunger rod 122 with the rotation-enabling elements 290 of the locking ring 110, up to a point in which the control unit 118 engages the plunger rod 122 and is then displaced forwardly together therewith as a single unit up to a needle penetration operative orientation, as described in detail hereinbelow with reference to
It is particularly seen in
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that once the control unit element 118 transferred the force of the first injection spring 112 to the locking ring 110 and caused rotation of the locking ring 110 about longitudinal axis 107, the rotation enabling protrusion 520 of the control unit 118 does not engage the rotation-enabling element 290 of the locking ring anymore, as specifically seen in
It is specifically seen in
Following rotation of the locking ring 110, the first injection spring 112 is supported between inwardly extending flange 382 of the rear housing element 116 and base portion 472 of the control unit 118 and is disposed in at least partially released position in this second actuation stage operative orientation. The second injection spring 124 is partially released in this operative orientation as well, since the control unit 118, the plunger rod 122 and the syringe 130 are forwardly axially displaced together under the urge of both the first injection spring 112 and the second injection spring 124.
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that the second injection spring 124 constantly biases the plunger rod 122 to be displaced forwardly along axis 107.
It is noted that upon pressing the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 against the skin of the patient, causing rearward displacement of the needle shield 114 relative to the remainder of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100, if the locking ring 110 did not initiate rotation, then the engagement of stopping ribs 700 of the needle shield 114 with stoppers 274 of the locking ring 110 initiates rotation of the locking ring 110, thus serving as a safety measure for actuating the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 (not shown).
It is particularly seen in
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that during the actuation stage of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100, the control unit 118 is engaged with the plunger rod 122 and is forwardly displaceable together therewith.
This engagement of the control unit 118 with the plunger rod 122 provides for mutual displacement of the two parts, and since the flange 134 of the syringe 130 is held by portions 482 of the control unit 118, all three parts, namely the control unit 118, the plunger rod 122 and the syringe 130, are forwardly displaced together as a single unit to achieve needle penetration into the injection site, as described in detail hereinbelow with reference to
It is noted that in this second actuation stage operative orientation the flange 134 of the syringe 130 is preferably rearwardly spaced from double-sided dampening beams 560 of the syringe sleeve 142.
It is further noted, as seen particularly in
It is noted that the plunger rod 122 is slightly displaced forwardly relative to the locking ring 110 in this second actuation stage operative orientation, but the plunger rod 122 is not displaced relative to the syringe 130 yet.
It is specifically seen in
It is noted that the spatial relationships between the different components of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 that exist in the following operative orientations are briefly described with reference to
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 remain the same as described hereinabove with respect to the second actuation stage operative orientation illustrated in
The locking ring 110 is preferably not operative anymore in any of the following operative orientations once the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 is actuated.
Upon release of the first and second injection springs 112 and 114, the control unit 118, along with plunger rod 122 and syringe 130 proceed their forward displacement along longitudinal axis 107 in order to perform the penetration of the needle 136 into the injection site.
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that in this operative orientation, that the syringe 130 is displaced forwardly up to engagement of the flange 134 with the double-sided dampening beams 560 of the syringe sleeve 142, which are adapted to dampen the impact on the flange 134 upon forward displacement of the syringe 130 and penetration of the needle 136 in order to prevent damage to the syringe 130. It is appreciated that the dampening beams 560 are operative to dampen the impact on the flange 134 since they are axially spaced from rearwardly facing end edge 554 of the syringe sleeve 142 and thus are adapted to be slightly resiliently deflected forwardly upon engagement of the flange 134 therewith.
It is particularly seen in
The first injection spring 112 is further released and acts on the control unit 118 to displace it forwardly and the second injection spring 124 also further released and acts on the plunger rod 122 to provide additional force.
It is particularly seen in
It is further seen in
It is further noted, as seen particularly in
It is noted that the plunger rod 122 is more forwardly spaced from the forwardmost end of the locking ring 110, but the plunger rod 122 is not displaced relative to the syringe 130 yet, thus the piston engaging wall 404 of the plunger rod 122 is still axially spaced from the piston 138 of syringe 130.
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 remain the same as described hereinabove with respect to the first needle insertion stage operative orientation illustrated in
It is particularly seen in
It is further seen in
It is noted that in this illustration as seen in
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 remain the same as described hereinabove with respect to the second needle insertion stage operative orientation illustrated in
It is particularly seen in
It is further seen in
It is noted that in this illustration as seen in
The first injection spring 112 is further released and acts on the control unit 118 to displace it forwardly and the second injection spring 124 also further released and acts on the plunger rod 122 to provide additional force and displace the plunger rod 122 relative to the syringe 130.
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 remain the same as described hereinabove with respect to the third needle insertion stage operative orientation illustrated in
It is seen in
It is noted that in this illustration as seen in
The second injection spring 124 now biases the plunger rod 122 forwardly to restrain rearward displacement of the plunger rod 122.
The hammer snap portions 500 of the control unit 118 slide off the tapered surfaces 359 of the rear housing element 116 at this end of delivery operative orientation and engage raised protrusions 706 of the needle shield 114, thereby providing an audible click as an indication to the user, due to increase in diameter between the portion of the rear housing element 116 formed by surfaces 359 and between the portion of the needle shield 114 formed by protrusions 706.
Discard tooth snap portions 510 of the control unit 118 are less rearwardly spaced from the flange 134 in this operative orientation.
Forwardly facing surface 698 of needle shield 114 is rearwardly spaced from rearwardly facing shoulder 622 of the front housing element 102 in this operative orientation since the needle shield 114 is still pressed against the injection site.
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 remain the same as described hereinabove with respect to the end of delivery operative orientation illustrated in
It is seen in
It is noted that in this illustration, as seen in
It is seen that subsequent the initial forward displacement of the needle shield 114, the hammer snap portions 500 are released and deflected outwardly to their initial position and thus disengage the openings 440 of the plunger rod 122.
The control unit 118 is restrained from forward displacement by means of engagement of hammer snap portions 500 of the control unit 118 with rearwardly facing edge 708 of the needle shield 114 in this operative orientation, as seen particularly in
Discard tooth snap portions 510 of the control unit 118 are less rearwardly spaced from the flange 134 in this operative orientation.
Forwardly facing surface 698 of needle shield 114 is less rearwardly spaced from rearwardly facing shoulder 622 of the front housing element 102 in this operative orientation since the needle shield 114 is only partially pressed against the injection site.
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 remain the same as described hereinabove with respect to the removal from injection site operative orientation illustrated in
At this stage, the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 is fully disengaged from the injection site and the needle shield 114 is fully extended to fully enclose the needle 136. When the needle shield 114 is fully extended it is locked with respect to the control unit 118 by means of engagement between rearwardly facing edge 708 of the needle shield 114 and hammer snap portions 500 of the control unit 118, thus rearward displacement of the needle shield 114 produces equivalent rearward displacement of the control unit 118.
The needle shield 114 is restrained from further forward axial displacement by means of engagement between forwardly facing surface 698 thereof with rearwardly facing shoulder 622 of the front housing element 102.
Discard tooth snap portions 510 of the control unit 118 are now positioned forwardly of flange 134 in this operative orientation, and thus lock the syringe with respect to the control unit 118.
It is noted that the needle shield 114 is locked with respect to the control unit 118 and the syringe 130 is locked with respect to the control unit 118, thus the needle shield 114 is locked with respect to the syringe 130, thereby rearward displacement of the needle shield 114 produces equivalent rearward displacement of the syringe 130, thus provides for constant protection of the needle 136.
It is also noted that the inwardly protruding portion 502 of hammer snap portions 500 is prevented from inward deflection by engagement of inwardly protruding portion 502 of the control unit 118 with the outer surface of the plunger rod 122, thus engagement of the control unit 118 with the plunger rod 122 is prevented.
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 remain the same as described hereinabove with respect to the first discard stage operative orientation illustrated in
Should the needle shield 114 be pushed rearwardly with respect to the front housing element 102, the rearwardly facing edge 708 of the needle shield 114 pushes against the hammer snap portions 500 of the control unit 118, thus the control unit 118 is forced to move rearwardly together with the needle shield 114.
Due to engagement of discard tooth snap portions 510 and flange 134, the control unit 118 forces the needle 136 and syringe 130 to move rearwardly together with control unit 118, so that the needle 136 does not protrude from the needle shield 114. During this rearward movement, hammer snap portions 500 of the control unit 118 cannot bend inwards due to the fact that they are inwardly supported by the outer surface of the plunger rod 122.
It is seen specifically in
Reference is now made to
It is noted that emergency automatic injection assembly 900 is preferably similar to emergency automatic injection assembly 100, as described with reference to
As seen in
Disposed within the enclosure formed by the rear end 104 and the front housing element 102 there is provided a locking ring 110, which is configured to be biased to rotate about longitudinal axis 107 under the force of an injection spring 112, but is operatively blocked from rotation in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly 900 by engagement with a rear portion of a needle shield 114. The needle shield 114 is arranged along longitudinal axis 107 and extends forwardly so as to protrude forwardly from the front housing element 102. The needle shield 114 is operative to be biased forwardly under the force of a needle shield spring 115.
A rear housing element 116 is also arranged along the longitudinal axis 107 and a rear portion thereof is at least partially received into the locking ring 110. The rear housing element 116 is preferably contained within the needle shield 114.
A control unit 118 is arranged along the longitudinal axis 107 and a rear portion thereof is at least partially received into the rear portion of the rear housing element 116. An injection spring 112 is disposed generally between the rear portion of the control unit 118 and the rear portion of the rear housing 116 and is adapted to act on the control unit 118 when released. It is noted that typically two resilient dampening elements 120 are mounted onto the rear portion of the control unit 118 for frictional engagement with an inner surface of the rear housing element 116.
It is noted that in the storage operative orientation, the a plunger rod 922 is generally enclosed within the control unit 118 and is configured to be restrained by the control unit 118 in its retracted rearward position, by means of engagement between the rearwardly facing shoulder 478 of the control unit 118 with the forwardly facing shoulder 426 of the plunger rod 922. The plunger rod 922 is arranged along longitudinal axis 107 and is generally similar to plunger rod 122 in most respects other than that described hereinbelow with reference to
A syringe 130 is configured to be held by the control unit 118 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly. The pre-filled syringe 130 has a syringe barrel 132 having a flange 134 formed at its rearward end and a needle 136 fixedly attached to its forward end. A piston 138 is contained within the syringe barrel 132, which confines the medicament within the syringe barrel 132. A cover 140, suitable for single use, is adapted to seal and protect the needle 136. It is appreciated that syringe 130 can be any type of medicament container, such as pre-filled syringe or cartridge.
It is also noted that at least a portion of the syringe 130 is configured to reside within a syringe sleeve 142, which is preferably fixedly attached to the front housing element 102 or integrally made therewith.
A cover remover assembly 150 is adapted to be mounted over the forward portion of the front housing element 102 and of the needle shield 114 to protect the needle 136 in storage and permit removal of the cover 140 before injection.
It is seen in
Reference is now made to
The plunger rod element 922 is generally similar in most respects to plunger rod 122, which is described hereinabove with reference to
The plunger rod element 922 preferably is an integrally formed element, preferably injection molded of plastic and is arranged along longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.
The plunger rod element 922 preferably includes a generally hollow cylindrical shaft 400 arranged along longitudinal axis 107 and defining an interior bore 402. The cylindrical shaft 400 has a protrusion 403, extending axially forwardly from a forward end of shaft 400 and defining a piston engaging wall 404 formed at the forward end thereof. The piston engaging wall 404 is generally disposed transversely to longitudinal axis 107.
It is seen in
A generally annular widened flange 420 is formed on the rearward end of the cylindrical shaft 400. The flange 420 has a rearwardly facing end surface 422, having several rearwardly extending protrusions 424 formed thereon, for operative engagement with a portion of the locking ring 110. The flange 420 also has a forwardly facing shoulder 426, which is operative for engagement with the control unit 118. The rearwardly extending protrusions 424, each define a forwardly tapered surface 428.
The cylindrical shaft 400 typically includes a pair of diametrically opposed generally longitudinal flat portions 430 formed on the circumference thereof. A longitudinal guiding rib 432 is formed on each of the flat portions 430 for guiding of the plunger rod 922 within the control unit 118.
There are typically two inwardly extending openings 440, each formed in between the two guiding ribs 432, and the two openings are preferably diametrically opposed to each other. The openings 440 are preferably disposed adjacent the widened flange 420. A longitudinal rib 442 extends longitudinally forwardly from each of openings 440, defining a longitudinal surface 443 and forming a rearwardly facing shoulder 444 between the opening 440 and the rib 442. It is noted that the openings 440 and rearwardly facing shoulders 444 associated therewith are configured for operative engagement with a portion of the control unit 118 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly 900. The ribs 442 are configured for operative engagement with a portion of the control unit 118 in other operative orientations. Preferably two diametrically opposed snap portions 930 are formed on cylindrical shaft 400 of the plunger rod 922 and each defines a forwardly facing shoulder 932 for engagement with the needle shield 114 in certain operative orientations of the emergency automatic injection assembly 900, as described in detail hereinbelow.
It is noted that emergency automatic injection assembly 900 is functional preferably similarly to emergency automatic injection assembly 100 in all operative orientations described with reference to
A different aspect of emergency automatic injection assembly 900 is reflected in the first stage of discard operative orientation, which is described with reference to
Reference is now made to
At this stage, the emergency automatic injection assembly 900 is fully disengaged from the injection site and the needle shield 114 is fully extended to fully enclose the needle 136. When the needle shield 114 is fully extended, it is locked with respect to the control unit 118 by means of engagement between rearwardly facing edge 708 of the needle shield 114 and hammer snap portions 500 of the control unit 118, thus rearward displacement of the needle shield 114 produces equivalent rearward displacement of the control unit 118.
The needle shield 114 is restrained from further forward axial displacement by means of engagement between forwardly facing surface 698 thereof with rearwardly facing shoulder 622 of the front housing element 102.
Discard tooth snap portions 510 of the control unit 118 are now positioned forwardly of flange 134 in this operative orientation, and thus lock the syringe with respect to the control unit 118.
It is noted that the needle shield 114 is locked with respect to the control unit 118 and the syringe 130 is locked with respect to the control unit 118, thus the needle shield 114 is locked with respect to the syringe 130, thereby rearward displacement of the needle shield 114 produces equivalent rearward displacement of the syringe 130, thus provides for constant protection of the needle 136.
It is also noted, as specifically seen in
It is seen in
It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that the plunger rod 922 is prevented from rearward displacement relative to the control unit 118 along longitudinal axis 107 in this discard operative orientation due to engagement of shoulders 932 of snap portions 930 of the plunger rod 922 with forwardly facing shoulder 473 of the control unit 118, thus assures supporting the hammer snap portions 500 of the control unit 118 in this discard operative orientation, locked between the needle shield element 114 and the plunger rod 922. Specifically, the hammer snap portions 500 of the control unit 118 are locked between longitudinal surface 443 of the plunger rod 922 and rearwardly facing edge 711 of the needle shield element 114.
This invention generally relates to an automatic injection device for parenteral administration of substances (e.g., a medication) to a living organism (human or animal). The administration may be delivered into the subcutaneous tissue.
The invention is further related to, but is not limited to a self-administration of patients with chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), HIV, and growth hormone deficiency.
It is appreciated that in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the medicament is enclosed in a pre-filled syringe, but it can alternatively be used with other drug enclosures such as vials or ampoules, where a vial adaptor or an ampoule adaptor is used to reconstitute, mix, or pump the drug into the syringe prior to injection. The pre-filled syringe can be either a conventional one chambered pre-filled syringe with a ready-to-inject liquid form drug, or it can be a multiple-chambered pre-filled syringe.
The emergency automatic injection device provides an automatic needle insertion through the skin, which therefore overcomes the main obstacle in self-administration, i.e., the needle phobia; the user does not see the needle through all the procedure, i.e., before, during and after injection.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and sub-combinations of various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof which are not in the prior art.
Reference is hereby made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/937,264, filed Nov. 19, 2019 and entitled “EMERGENCY AUTOMATIC INJECTION DEVICE”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and priority of which is hereby claimed pursuant to and priority of which is hereby claimed pursuant to 37 CFR 1.78(a) (4) and (5)(i). Reference is also hereby made to U.S. Pat. No. 8,376,998, issued Feb. 19, 2013 and entitled “Automatic Injection Device” and to U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,968, issued Apr. 29, 2014 and entitled “Removal of needle shields from syringes and automatic injection devices”, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/IL2020/051192 | 11/18/2020 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62937264 | Nov 2019 | US |