BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the manner in which the above recited and other benefits, advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary syringe-in-syringe mixing system according to the present invention;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary first plunger of the inventive syringe-in-syringe mixing system of FIG. 1 including an exemplary locking mechanism;
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an alternative first plunger of an inventive syringe-in-syringe mixing system including an alternative locking mechanism;
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary hollow second plunger of an inventive syringe-in-syringe mixing system including a rupturable membrane at a distal end of the hollow second plunger;
FIG. 3B is a close up cross sectional view of a distal end of the hollow second plunger and rupturable membrane of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an alternative hollow second plunger of an inventive syringe-in-syringe mixing system including a valve at a distal end of the hollow second plunger;
FIG. 3D is a perspective view of an alternative syringe-to-syringe mixing system;
FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the alternative first plunger included in the syringe-to-syringe mixing system of FIG. 3D;
FIG. 3F is a perspective view of another alternative first plunger for use with a syringe-to-syringe and/or a syringe-in-syringe mixing system;
FIG. 3G is a perspective view of another alternative first plunger for use with a syringe-to-syringe and/or a syringe-in-syringe mixing system;
FIG. 3H is a perspective view of a first plunger and an alternative first syringe barrel for use with a syringe-to-syringe and/or a syringe-in-syringe mixing system;
FIG. 3I is a perspective view of another alternative first plunger for use with a syringe-in-syringe and/or a syringe-to-syringe mixing system, the first plunger including means for indicating a recorded date comprising a roughened surface on an outside surface of the stem;
FIG. 3J is a perspective view of another exemplary hollow second plunger for use with a syringe-in-syringe mixing system, the hollow second plunger including means for indicating a recorded date comprising a roughened surface on an outside surface thereof;
FIG. 3K is a perspective view of another exemplary syringe barrel for use with a syringe-in-syringe and/or a syringe-to-syringe mixing system, the syringe barrel including means for indicating a recorded date on an outside surface thereof comprising a roughened surface on an outside surface thereof;
FIG. 3L is a perspective view of another first plunger for use with a syringe-in-syringe and/or a syringe-to-syringe mixing system, the first plunger including means for indicating a recorded date comprising a laminated writing label surface on an outside surface of the stem;
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary syringe-in-syringe mixing system including a plurality of “knock-outs”;
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a syringe-to-syringe mixing system including a plurality of “knock-outs”;
FIG. 4C is a close up view of an exemplary configuration of a plurality of “knock-outs”;
FIG. 5A illustrates the syringe-in-syringe mixing system of FIG. 1 coupled to a second syringe barrel and associated plunger so as to form a syringe-to-syringe mixing system;
FIG. 5B illustrates a dental practitioner recording the mixing date onto the flat label surface of the first plunger of the mixing system of FIG. 5A prior to mixing the first and second components together;
FIG. 5C illustrates the first plunger being pressed into the hollow second plunger so as to cause the rupturable membrane of the hollow second plunger to break and the first component to mix with the second component;
FIG. 5D illustrates the first plunger in a locked configuration relative to the hollow second plunger;
FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate the exemplary mixing system of FIG. 5A with the user alternatingly pressing the plungers located at the distal and proximal ends of the system so as to cycle the commingled first and second components back and forth so as to form a homogeneous mixture;
FIG. 7 illustrates the user dispensing a portion of the mixed two-part composition onto a pad for application to a desired surface;
FIG. 8A illustrates an alternative syringe-to-syringe mixing system;
FIG. 8B illustrates a dental practitioner recording a mixing and/or expiration date onto a label for insertion into a space defined between the first plunger and the syringe barrel of the syringe-to-syringe mixing system of FIG. 8A; and
FIG. 8C illustrates the first plunger being pressed into the first syringe barrel so as to cause the first component to mix with the second component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
I. Introduction
The present invention is directed to time-indicating syringe mixing systems for mixing, storing, and dispensing a two-part composition that becomes less stable upon mixing. The system includes a first plunger comprising an elongate stem and a plug at a distal end of the elongate stem, a hollow first chamber configured to contain a first component, a hollow second chamber configured to contain a second component, and means for indicating a recorded date when a first component initially contained within the hollow first chamber is mixed with a second component initially contained within the hollow second chamber. The inventive syringe mixing systems may be configured as syringe-in-syringe systems and/or as syringe-to-syringe systems.
The inventive systems advantageously allow a user to mix a two-part composition and to visibly record a mixing and/or expiration date (e.g., on the elongate stem, on an outside surface of a syringe barrel, on a label which is carried with the system, and/or through a plurality of “knock-outs” used to designate a date) such that the date is carried with the system for later reference. The visible recorded date indicates to the user how much shelf life remains until the mixed composition should be used up or discarded. As a further advantage, the system may also include means for protecting the recorded date from damage or alteration.
II. Exemplary Syringe Mixing Systems
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary syringe-in-syringe mixing system 100 according to the present invention. System 100 includes a first plunger 102, a transparent or translucent hollow second plunger 104, and a syringe barrel 106 with a cap 107 at a distal end of syringe barrel 106. First plunger 102 is slidably disposed within hollow second plunger 104, which is slidably disposed within syringe barrel 106. As illustrated, hollow second plunger 104 is configured to contain a first component 108a, and syringe barrel 106 is configured to contain a second component 108b. First plunger 102 includes an elongate stem 110 and a sealing plug 112 at a distal end of stem 110. The sealing plug has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the inside of hollow second plunger 104 (e.g., cylindrical). As shown, a substantially flat label surface 114 is formed into cylindrical elongate stem 110 near a proximal end of cylindrical elongate stem 110. The label surface 114 may advantageously be indented or recessed into the elongate stem 110. Providing a label surface 114 which is substantially flat facilitates the practitioner writing thereon, as it is easier to write on a flat surface as compared to a curved surface.
First and second components 108a and 108b may each be a liquid, or one may be a solid powder, as dictated by the characteristics of the two-part composition to be mixed. One contemplated two-part composition is a two-part self etching dental primer composition described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/261,171, filed Oct. 28, 2005, and entitled SELF-ETCHING DENTAL PRIMER COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS AND SYSTEMS UTILIZING SUCH COMPOSITIONS, herein incorporated by reference.
Depending on the length of hollow second plunger 104 and first plunger 102 relative to syringe barrel 106, locating label surface 114 near a proximal end of first plunger 102 allows a user to view the label surface 114 and a date recorded thereon even after first plunger 102 and hollow second plunger 104 have been fully inserted into syringe barrel 106, even if syringe barrel 106 is opaque. In other words, forming hollow second plunger 104 and first plunger 102 so as to be approximately equal in length and longer than syringe barrel 106 allows the proximal ends of hollow second plunger 104 and first plunger 102 to extend out of syringe barrel 106, even when fully inserted. For example, if syringe barrel 106 is shorter than hollow second plunger 104 and first plunger 102 by about the length of the label surface 114 (e.g., between about 0.75 inch and about 1 inch), label surface 114 and a date recorded thereon will still be visible to the user when the last of the mixed composition is dispensed. Keeping label surface 114 and a date recorded thereon visible through hollow second plunger 104 is helpful to the user as it indicates whether the shelf life of the composition has expired. Alternatively, or in addition, the barrel 106 may itself be sufficiently transparent or translucent so that the recorded date remains visible even if partially or completely inserted into barrel 106.
As perhaps best seen in FIG. 2A, a locking mechanism 116 may advantageously be included near a proximal end of first plunger 102 to prevent withdrawal of first plunger 102 from second plunger 104 once inserted. Such a locking mechanism further protects the recorded date from damage or alteration. Illustrated locking mechanism 116 comprises a circumferentially extending portion of enlarged diameter 116a (relative to the remainder of stem 110), with a plurality of longitudinally extending interlock ribs 117. In use, interlock ribs 117 are inserted into hollow second plunger 104, where the ribs 117 bias against the inside wall of hollow second plunger 104. The system is configured such that when first plunger 102 is fully inserted into hollow second plunger 104, circumferentially extending portion 116a rests within flange 120 of hollow second plunger 104, while interlock ribs 117 extend distally into hollow second plunger 104, past flange 120. Because flange 120 provides increased barrel strength relative to the remainder of hollow second plunger 104, little or no deformation occurs to the inside wall of hollow second plunger 104 on account of portion 116a, but deformation is caused by ribs 117, resulting in associated indentations being formed into the inside wall of hollow plunger 104 distal to flange 120, preventing, or at least inhibiting, later removal of first plunger 102 from hollow second plunger 104 (e.g., see FIG. 5D).
FIG. 2B illustrates an alternative first plunger 102′ including a cylindrical elongate stem 110, a sealing plug 112, and an indented substantially flat label surface 114. The principle difference between the first plunger 102′ and first plunger 102 of FIGS. 2A and FIG. 1 is that first plunger 102′ includes an alternative locking mechanism 116′ comprising an annular interlock ring 117′ rather than the enlarged diameter portion 116a and plurality of interlock ribs 117 of the embodiment of FIG. 2A. Similar to interlock ribs 117, annular interlock ring 117′ causes the formation of an indentation or groove within the inside wall of hollow second plunger 104. Annular interlock ring 117′ resides in the formed groove, preventing, or at least inhibiting, pull out of first plunger 102 once fully inserted into hollow second plunger 104. Either of locking mechanisms 116 or 116′ further protects information (i.e., the mixing date and/or expiration date) recorded on flat label surface 114 from alteration by preventing pull out of first plunger 102.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of hollow second plunger 104 which includes a second sealing plug 119 having a rupturable membrane 118 at a distal end of hollow second plunger 104. Rupturable membrane 118 seals off the distal end of hollow second plunger 104, separating first component 108a from a second component 108b contained within the syringe barrel 106 (see FIG. 1) until the user intentionally ruptures membrane 118, causing first component 108a to be forced into syringe barrel 106, where the two components are mixed together. As seen in FIG. 3B, rupturable membrane 118 initially seals off a distal end of hollow second syringe 104. The distal portion of hollow second plunger 104 over which sealing plug 119 is fitted advantageously includes an enlarged annular ridge 122 that prevents plug 119 from being separated from hollow second plunger 104 during rupture of rupturable membrane 118.
Sealing plug 119 and rupturable membrane 118 may advantageously be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which advantageously provides an excellent seal against syringe barrel 106, while also providing a desired strength to rupturable membrane 118. According to one embodiment, sealing plug 119 and membrane 118 are integrally formed as a single piece of material (e.g., TPE). Embodiments of such integrally formed sealing plugs and membranes are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/673,334 entitled SYRINGE IN SYRINGE HOLLOW INNER BARREL/PLUNGER WITH INTEGRAL SEAL AND RUPTURABLE MEMBRANE AND RELATED KITS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS, filed Feb. 9, 2007, herein incorporated by reference.
Advantageously, the system may be configured so that the force required to rupture membrane 118 is approximately equal to the force required to insert and engage the locking mechanism (e.g., interlock ribs 117 or annular interlock ring 117′) of first plunger 102 into hollow second plunger 104. Such a configuration provides a smooth and continuous movement and feel during use of the system as first plunger 102 is pressed into hollow second plunger 104, rupturing membrane 118 and locking first plunger 102 into hollow second plunger 104. Rupturable membrane 118 preferably has a thickness ranging from about 0.0005 inch to about 0.04 inch, more preferably from about 0.002 inch to about 0.025 inch, and most preferably from about 0.005 inch to about 0.015 inch. Of course, the actual thickness of rupturable membrane 118 will depend on the strength and other physical properties of the selected material, along with the configuration and desired level of force required to break the membrane 118 and/or engage the selected locking mechanism. One particularly suitable material from which to form sealing plug 119 and rupturable membrane 118 is ENGAGE, a TPE sold by DuPont-Dow Elastomers located in Wilmington, Del.
FIG. 3C illustrates an alternative hollow second plunger 104′ including an alternative second sealing plug 119′. The principle difference between hollow second plunger 104′ of FIG. 3C and hollow second plunger 104 of FIG. 3B is that plug 119′ includes a pressure sensitive valve (e.g., a one way duck bill valve) 118′ rather than a rupturable membrane. Pressure sensitive valve 118′ acts to initially separate first component 108a within hollow second plunger 104′ from a second component 108b contained within syringe barrel 106 (see FIG. 1). Although pressure sensitive valve 118′ is illustrated as a duck bill one-way valve, any type of valve capable of initially separating the first and second components may alternatively be used. Pressure sensitive valve 118′ includes a slit 124 at a proximal end of plug 119′ through which the first component may be delivered for mixing with the second component.
FIG. 3D illustrates an alternative syringe-to-syringe mixing system 200 according to the present invention. System 200 includes a first plunger 202, a first syringe barrel 204, and a second syringe barrel 206 with an associated second plunger 202a. First plunger 202 is slidably disposed within hollow first syringe barrel 204. As illustrated, hollow first syringe barrel 204 is configured to contain a first component 208a, while second syringe barrel 206 is configured to contain a second component 208b. First plunger 202 includes an elongate stem 210 and a sealing plug 212 at a distal end of stem 210.
As perhaps best seen in FIG. 3E, an indented substantially flat label surface 214 is formed into cylindrical elongate stem 210 near a proximal end of stem 210. Label surface 214 is advantageously indented into stem 210 (i.e., there is a recessed discontinuity along the outer surface of stem 210), and in addition, label surface 214 is overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material 213. Any TPE material may be used, an example of which is ENGAGE available from DuPont-Dow Elastomers. Other suitable TPE materials are available from J-VON, and/or SARLINK. It has been found that when writing on a molded plastic label surface, it can be difficult to record a date with a ball-point or similar type pen because the label surface is so smooth that it may not “grip” the writing end of the pen. Overmolding or otherwise applying a TPE material over label surface 214 is advantageously helpful when a ball-point pen or similar writing instrument is used to record a mixing and/or expiration date onto label surface 214. The TPE material acts to grip the writing end of such a pen, which makes it much easier to write the date directly onto the TPE covered label surface 214. Label surface 214 may be substantially flat so as to further facilitate a practitioner writing thereon. Felt-tip pens, markers, or even a pencil may also be used to write on the surface. The presence of the TPE material is advantageous as it facilitates writing the desired date with a greater variety of writing instruments.
Because label surface 214 is indented relative to surrounding portions of stem 210, a region of increased space is defined between the stem 210 and the wall of first syringe barrel 204. The recorded mixing and/or expiration date is advantageously protected from being scraped off, worn off, or otherwise altered when first plunger 202 is pressed into first syringe barrel 204.
FIG. 3F illustrates an alternative first plunger 202′ . The principal difference relative to plunger 202 of FIG. 3E is that rather than overmolding the TPE material over the label surface, a flexible tube of TPE material 213′ has been seated within a recessed portion of stem 210′, which extends around the full circumference of elongate stem 210′. Tube 213′ is illustrated as including an indented flat label surface 214′ on which the mixing and/or expiration date may be recorded. The TPE material of label surface 214′ affords the same benefits relative to writing that were discussed above with TPE overmolded label surface 214.
FIG. 3G illustrates another alternative first plunger 202″ including a recessed portion 211″ that includes a cross sectional diameter that is less than the cross-sectional diameter of the remaining adjacent portions of elongate stem 210″. Recessed portion 211″ helps to define a region of increased space between the elongate stem and the interior surface of a wall defining the first syringe barrel when the first plunger 202″ is inserted within the first syringe barrel 204. A label (e.g., a paper label or TPE label with or without an adhesive) on which has been written a mixing and/or expiration date may easily be placed adjacent to recessed portion 211″ prior to pressing first plunger 202″ into a syringe barrel or a hollow second plunger, which acts to trap and encapsulate the label within the defined region of increased space. The label may be adhered to the recessed portion 211″, or alternatively it may include no adhesive so as to simply float free within the defined space, where it is protected from being soiled, damaged or otherwise altered. Such a method is further illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, described below.
Recessed portion 211″ is illustrated as being located near the plug 212″, at the distal end of elongate stem 210″, although it may be located anywhere along the length of elongate stem 210″. Locating portion 211″ at the distal end of stem 210″ may be advantageous as it is less likely to be pulled out (and thus potentially exposed) of a syringe barrel or hollow second plunger, which is most helpful in a syringe-to-syringe mixing system. Similarly, the label surfaces of the other embodiments may be located anywhere along the length of the elongate stem of the first plunger. Preferably, recessed portion 211″ is located somewhere along stem 210″ that will be covered (and remain covered) by the first syringe barrel of a syringe-to-syringe mixing system or a hollow second plunger of a syringe-in-syringe system once first plunger 202″ is inserted.
FIG. 3H illustrates another alternative structure comprising means indicating a recorded date when a first component initially contained within the hollow first chamber is mixed with a second component initially contained within the hollow second chamber, where the means for indicating a recorded date comprises means for defining a region of increased space between an outside surface of the elongate stem and the interior surface of the wall of the first hollow chamber (e.g., a hollow second plunger or a first syringe barrel). As shown in FIG. 3H, first plunger 202″′ is configured to slide within a hollow second plunger 204″′. Hollow second plunger 204″′ includes a wall 215″′ defining a hollow chamber 217″′ for containing a first component. A recessed portion 214″′ may be formed within interior surface of wall 215″′ so as to form a recessed portion 214″′ which has an increased diameter relative to an adjacent portion of the hollow chamber 217″′. Although illustrated as comprising a channel or groove within wall 215″′, it will be understood that alternatively the recessed portion 214″′ may extend around the fall circumference of the hollow second plunger 204″′, such that no alignment is required between the plunger 202″′ and the hollow second plunger 204″′.
When first plunger 202″′ is inserted within hollow second plunger 204″′, a region of increased space exists between elongate stem 210″′ and wall 215″′ such that a recorded date written on an outer surface of elongate stem 215″′ or written on a label inserted into the region of increased space is protected from damage or alteration once first plunger 202″′ is received within first syringe barrel 204″′. Although it may be possible to use a configuration as illustrated in FIG. 3H with a first syringe barrel in a syringe-to-syringe mixing system, it is preferred that such a configuration be used with a hollow second plunger within a syringe-in-syringe mixing system as the first plunger is typically not withdrawn once inserted into the hollow second plunger, while it may be necessary to at least partially withdraw the first plunger when used within a syringe-to-syringe mixing system (i.e., during mixing), and there is a possibility that a recessed portion (e.g., similar to portion 214″′) may interfere with the ability of the plug 212″′ to seal properly.
First syringe barrel 204 and/or hollow second plunger 204″′ are examples of a first hollow chamber, while second syringe barrel 206 is an example of a second hollow chamber. Although described above principally in the context of a syringe-to-syringe mixing system, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the first plungers described above may alternatively be used in a syringe-in-syringe mixing system, in which the first hollow chamber comprises a hollow second plunger and the second hollow chamber comprises a syringe barrel (e.g., similar to the system illustrated in FIG. 1). Similarly, one of skill in the art will appreciate that any of the first plungers illustrated and described in conjunction with syringe-in-syringe systems may alternatively be used with a syringe-to-syringe mixing system.
FIG. 3I illustrates another first plunger 402 including alternative means for indicating a recorded date. First plunger 402 includes a cylindrical elongate stem 410, a sealing plug 412, and a roughened label surface 414. Roughened surface 414 may be indented into stem 410, or may simply comprise a cylindrically curved outer surface of stem 410 which is roughened in texture relative to the surrounding portion of stem 410 so as to more readily accept writing from a writing instrument relative to the typically smooth molded surface of the remainder of stem 410. Such a roughened surface may be formed by molding stem 410 so that it includes a textured, roughened label surface, by sanding, grinding or otherwise roughening at least a portion of stem 410 after manufacture, by overmolding a TPE or other rough (e.g., elastomeric) material over a portion of the system, or by other methods that will be apparent to one of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure.
Rough label area 414 may be as large or small as desired, so long as it provides sufficient space on which the practitioner may write a mixing and/or expiration date. It may be advantageous to form label area 414 so that it is recessed into stem 410 and to provide a label surface which is substantially flat, although label surface 414 may alternatively be disposed elsewhere, e.g., on the outside surface of a syringe barrel or hollow plunger. FIG. 3J illustrates an example in which the roughened label surface 414 is disposed on an outside surface of an exemplary hollow second plunger 404 (i.e., plunger 404 may be otherwise similar to hollow second plungers of FIG. 3A or 3C). FIG. 3K illustrates an example in which the roughened label surface 414 is disposed on an outside surface of a syringe barrel 404′ of a syringe-to-syringe mixing system 400 that may otherwise be similar to that of FIG. 3D.
In one related embodiment (FIG. 3L), a laminated writing label surface 414′ (e.g., similar to that found in the signature strip portion of a credit card) may be disposed on a surface of the stem 402′ (or on another system component) so as to provide a label surface 414′ which readily accepts writing by any one of a wide variety of writing instruments (e.g., markers, felt-tip pens, ball-point pens, pencils, etc.). One such laminate material which may be heat stamped to a desired location (e.g., the stem of a plunger or the outside surface of a syringe barrel) is available from Kerr, located in Germany. The Kerr product is available in a roll with a plurality of the laminate labels disposed on a backing layer carrier material. The side to be applied includes a bondable layer that upon application of heat (i.e., during heat stamping), melts into the surface of the substrate (e.g., a stem of a plunger or outside surface of a syringe barrel) to which it is applied.
The laminate label material separates from the backing layer carrier material, leaving the laminate label in place on the substrate where applied, ready for use. The backing layer carrier material is discarded. The top layer is typically white or lightly colored to provide contrast to a recorded date, and is formed of a material which readily accepts writing thereon. The Kerr product is one example of a laminate label surface, and others, whether applied in a similar or different manner, will be apparent to one of skill in the art. A roughened label surface or an applied laminate writing label surface as described above have been found to be superior to a relatively smooth molded plastic surface for purposes of writing thereon, as it can be difficult to record a date with a ball-point or similar type pen because the label surface is so smooth that it may not “grip” the writing end of the pen.
In addition, writing on smooth molded plastic surfaces is often easily rubbed or smeared off, which is less likely to occur with a roughened surface and/or a laminate label surface. Similar to the TPE materials described above, providing a roughened label surface or a laminate writing label surface is advantageously helpful when a ball-point pen or similar writing instrument is used to record a mixing and/or expiration date onto label surface 414 or 414′, as these surfaces act to grip the writing end of such a pen, which makes it much easier to write the date directly onto label surface 414 or 414′. Felt-tip pens, markers, or even a pencil may also be used to write on the surface. Although roughened label surfaces as described above can be used, it has been found that laminate writing label surfaces and/or TPE overmolded label surfaces provide a surface which accepts writing more readily than a roughened surface, and as such may be preferred over a roughened surface formed for example by molding a texture into the label surface, or sanding or grinding the surface so as to roughen it.
Although it is preferable for the label surface to be disposed on the stem of a plunger, a roughened label surface, a laminated writing label surface, or even the TPE coated label writing surface as described above may be disposed elsewhere on the mixing system. For example, a roughened surface, an overmolded TPE label surface, and/or a laminate label surface may be provided on the outside surface of a hollow second plunger (FIG. 3J) or the outside surface of a syringe barrel (FIG. 3K) as opposed to on the stem of the plunger. Although such is within the scope of the invention, providing the label surface on the stem of the plunger is preferable, as the writing label surface can then be inserted within a hollow second plunger (in the case of a syringe-in-syringe mixing system) or a syringe barrel (in the case of a syringe-to-syringe mixing system) so as to provide at least some degree of protection to the recorded mixing and/or expiration date after the two-part composition has been mixed and the date has been recorded.
FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate yet another mixing system including means for indicating a recorded date (e.g., a mixing and/or expiration date). FIG. 4A illustrates a syringe-in-syringe mixing system 500, which is similar to system 100 of FIG. 1. System 500 includes a first plunger 502 having a stem 510 and a plug 512, a second hollow plunger 504, a syringe barrel 506, separated components 108a and 108b, and an end cap 507. A principal difference between system 500 and that illustrated in FIG. 1 is that rather than an indented label surface 114 (FIG. 1), as the means for indicating a recorded mixing and/or expiration date, system 500 includes a plurality of removable plugs or “knock-outs” 515a and 515b such that the practitioner can selectively remove one or more of the “knock-outs” 515a and 515b so as to indicate a recorded date.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a first series of knock-outs 515a may be disposed on flange 509 of syringe barrel 506. First series of knock-outs 515a may comprise, for example, twelve knock-outs, each designating one month of the year. In the illustrated example, the twelve knock-outs 515a are labeled 1-12 similar to a clock (i.e., “1” designates January, “2” designates February, and so on). Letters (e.g., the first letter of each month) or another labeling scheme could alternatively be used. A second series of knock-outs 515b is illustrated as being disposed on a proximal head 503 of first plunger 502. Second series of knock-outs 515b may comprise, for example, four knock-outs, each designating a week of a month. FIG. 4C illustrates a close up view of the two series of knock-outs 515a and 515b. Knock-outs 515a and 515b may be formed by, for example, perforating, rouletting, die cutting, or otherwise providing means for selectively removing selected knock-outs so as to record and indicate a desired date.
Another embodiment could alternatively include a second series of knock-outs numbered 1-31 to indicate the day of the month, although because of the limited available space, a series of only four knock-outs may be preferred, as illustrated. The practitioner is able to remove one knock-out from each series of knock-outs so as to record and indicate a mixing and/or expiration date. For example, if the practitioner removes the knock-out labeled “5” from the first series and the knock-out labeled “4” from the second series, a mixing and/or expiration date of the fourth week of May is indicated to the practitioner when looking at the mixing system days or weeks later. By further example, to indicate dates between the 1st day and the 7th day of a month, a practitioner may punch out the “knock-out” labeled “1” from the second series, the “knock-out” labeled “2” may be punched out to indicate dates between the 8th day and the 14th day of a month, the “knock-out” labeled “3” may be punched out to indicate dates between the 15th day and the 21st day of a month, and the knock-out labeled “4” may be punched out to indicate dates between the 22nd day and the 31st day of a month. Such information is helpful to the practitioner in determining whether the mixed composition is still useful, or whether it should be discarded and a new batch of composition mixed. Other methods and “knock-out” configurations will be apparent to one skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4B illustrates a similar configuration, only in the context of a syringe-to-syringe mixing system 500′, including a first plunger 502′ having a stem 510′ and a plug 512′, a first syringe barrel 504′, a second plunger 502a, second syringe barrel 506′, and separated components 108a and 108b. A first series of knock-outs 515a′ is disposed on flange 509′, while a second series of knock-outs 515b′ is disposed on a head 503′ of first plunger 502′. Although the knock-outs in both FIGS. 4A and 4B are shown disposed on flange 509, 509′and first plunger head 503, 503′, it will be understood that the knock-outs may be disposed elsewhere on one or more of the system components (e.g., flange 520) so long as the knock-outs remain with the system so as to indicate to the practitioner the recorded mixing and/or expiration date (e.g., in the case of a syringe-to-syringe mixing system the knock-outs should be disposed somewhere on the syringe in which the mixed composition is stored in, not the second syringe which is thrown away).
III. Exemplary Methods of Use
FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary syringe-in-syringe mixing system 100 coupled to a second syringe 150 including a second syringe barrel 152 and an associated plunger 154. As seen in FIG. 5B, the user is able to record the mixing date 114′ on label surface 114 prior to fully pressing first plunger 102 into hollow second plunger 104. As illustrated, the user may write directly onto label surface 114 (e.g., with a pen or marker), or alternatively the date may be written on an adhesive label bearing an adhesive (e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive) which may be subsequently adhered over the label surface 114. In either case, the recorded date 114′ is advantageously not located on a surface of stem 110 that will be rubbed against the inside wall of hollow second plunger 104, which may otherwise cause the date to be smeared, worn away, or otherwise rendered illegible.
Once the mixing date 114′ has been recorded on label surface 114, the user may press first plunger 102 into hollow second plunger 104 so as to compress first component 108a. As shown in FIG. 5C, once a sufficient force is applied, rupturable membrane 118 breaks causing first component 108a to be expressed under pressure from hollow second plunger 104 into syringe barrel 106 where it mixes with second component 108b. As described above, the system may advantageously be configured such that a force required to rupture membrane 118 is approximately equal to a force required to insert and lock locking mechanism 116 (i.e., enlarged diameter portion 116a and interlocking ribs 117) of the cylindrical elongate stem 110 into hollow second plunger 104, although it is not required. FIG. 5D illustrates the system once first plunger 102 has been fully inserted into hollow second plunger 104. In this configuration, first plunger 102 is locked into hollow second plunger 104. As seen, recorded date 114′ is protected by and visible through transparent or translucent hollow second plunger 104.
In the locked configuration as shown, it is difficult, if not impossible, to withdraw first plunger 102 from hollow second plunger 104 without destroying the system. Enlarged diameter portion 116a is disposed within the center of flange 120, while ribs 117 extend distally from flange 120 further into hollow second plunger 104. Because flange 120 has increased barrel strength relative to the area of hollow second plunger 104 immediately distal to flange 120, the inside wall surface of hollow second plunger will be deformed by ribs 117 so as to form a depression into the portion of the inside wall contacted. At the same time, the inside surface of hollow second plunger 104 directly under flange 120 will be deformed only slightly if at all because of the increased barrel strength of the flange region 120 compared to the region contacted by ribs 117. In other words, ribs 117 create an interlock with the inside surface of hollow second plunger 104, preventing, or at least inhibiting, subsequent withdrawal of first plunger 102 from hollow second plunger 104.
As seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second syringe 150 may be used to more completely mix first components 108a and second component 108b. The user may alternatingly press hollow second plunger 104 and plunger 154 in order to cycle the two-part composition back and forth between barrel 106 and second syringe barrel 152, resulting in more homogeneous mixing. Although shown with a second syringe 150 coupled to system 100, it is to be understood that sufficient mixing may be achieved simply within the syringe-in-syringe mixing system 100, particularly where the rupturable membrane or valve is configured to only pass first component 108a for mixing with second component 108b under a pressure sufficiently high to cause jetting of the first component into the second component (e.g., so as to create turbulence sufficient to mix the two components together). In such a configuration, the distal end of syringe barrel 106 may simply be capped during mixing within the syringe-in-syringe mixing system 100 (see FIG. 1). The cap 107 may include a check-valve or other vent (not shown) that permits air within barrel 106 to be expelled as first component 108a is expressed into barrel 106. Any check-valve known in the art can be used or modified to attach to barrel 106.
FIG. 7 illustrates the system 100 with a dispensing tip 175 coupled at a distal end of barrel 106 so as to allow the user to dispense the mixed two-part composition 108. In the case where a second syringe 150 is used to mix the components, the mixed composition is forced back into barrel 106, and second syringe 150 is detached from barrel before attaching dispensing tip 175. As illustrated, composition 108 maybe dispensed onto a pad for subsequent application (e.g., with a brush tool). Alternatively composition 108 may be dispensed directly onto a tooth or other surface, depending on the preference of the user.
By way of another example, FIG. 8A illustrates an alternative syringe-to-syringe mixing system 300 for mixing a first component 308a with a second component 308b. Such a system may be provided as a pre-dosed, prepackaged mixing solution in which the two components 308a and 308b are pre-measured in the correct quantities for mixing a desired quantity of the two-part composition. It is to be understood that a syringe-in-syringe mixing system (or any other syringe mixing system according to the invention) may also be provided as such a pre-dosed, prepackaged mixing solution in which the two components are pre-measured in the correct quantities for mixing a desired quantity of the two-part composition. Pre-dosing and pre-packaging the components reduces the work required of the dental practitioner, and reduces the possibility that a user (particularly an inexperienced one) will make a mistake in measuring quantities of the components, which may drastically affect the effectiveness of the mixed composition. In addition, any such mistakes or variations may drastically alter the shelf-life of the mixed composition. In other words, although a composition may have a nominal shelf-life of about 30 days after mixing, because of a mistake in measurement of components, the composition may only have an actual shelf life of about 15 days, which will result in an ineffective composition if used after actual expiration but before the nominal expiration date.
System 300 is illustrated as similar to system 200 of FIG. 3D, but including a first plunger 302 similar to first plunger 202″ as illustrated in FIG. 3G. First plunger 302 is slidably disposed within first syringe barrel 304 containing a first component 308a, which is coupled to second syringe barrel 306 containing second component 308b. A second plunger 302a is slidably disposed within second syringe barrel 306. First and second chambers of first syringe barrel 304 and 306, respectively, are preferably separated by a valve, a rupturable barrier, or other separation means capable of initially keeping the two components from mixing together prematurely. As seen in FIG. 8B, the user is able to record the mixing and/or expiration date 314a on label 314 prior to fully pressing first plunger 302 into first syringe barrel 304. As illustrated, the user may write a mixing and/or expiration date directly onto a label 314 (e.g., with a pen or marker). The label may include an adhesive (e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive) so as to allow the user to adhere the label to the recessed portion 311 of stem 310, or alternatively, if the label includes no adhesive, the label 314 may be placed within recessed portion 311, and first plunger 302 inserted within first syringe barrel 204 so as to trap label 314 within the region of increased space defined between stem 310 and the wall of first syringe barrel 304. The region of increased space is sufficient to be capable of receiving a label on which a mixing and/or expiration date is recorded, and to permit sliding of the first plunger within the syringe barrel or hollow second plunger without scraping, rubbing, crumpling, or otherwise removing the written date and/or rendering it illegible. For example, the region may measure at least about 0.0005 inch between an outside surface of the elongate stem and the interior surface of the wall defining the hollow first chamber, preferably between about 0.005 and about 0.15 inch, and more preferably between about 0.01 and about 0.08 inch.
In any case, the recorded date 314a is advantageously not located on a surface of stem 310 that will be rubbed against the inside surface of the wall of first syringe barrel 304, which may otherwise cause the date to be smeared, worn away, or otherwise rendered illegible. Rather than writing the date on a label, the user may write the date directly onto recessed surface 311. In addition, first syringe barrel 304 includes a transparent or translucent window portion (e.g., the whole syringe barrel 304 may be transparent or translucent) so that the practitioner can read the recorded date through the barrel 304a hollow second plunger.
Once the mixing and/or expiration date 314a has been recorded and label 314 has been positioned within recess 311, the user may press first plunger 302 into first syringe barrel 304 so as to compress first component 308a. As shown in FIG. 8C, once a sufficient force is applied, first component 308a is expressed under pressure from first syringe barrel 304 into second syringe barrel 306 where it mixes with second component 308b, which may occur through opening of a valve, rupture of a rupturable membrane, or breaking, opening, and/or parting of some other separation means, if present.
If necessary, the second plunger 302a may be used in conjunction with first plunger 302 to more completely mix first component 308a and second component 308b. The user may alternatingly press the first and second plungers in order to cycle the two-part composition back and forth between second syringe barrel 306 and first syringe barrel 304, resulting in more homogeneous mixing. Such additional mixing may not be necessary, particularly where any rupturable membrane, valve, or other separation means is configured to only pass first component 308a for mixing with second component 308b under a pressure sufficiently high to cause jetting of the first component into the second component (e.g., so as to create turbulence sufficient to mix the two components together). Once mixed, the composition may be dispensed for use as illustrated and described in conjunction with FIG. 7.
Although exemplary methods are illustrated and described above in conjunction with specific mixing systems, it is to be understood that any mixing system including means for indicating a recorded date (e.g., any of those described herein), or any other structure capable of providing similar function could alternatively be used, and as such are within the scope of the invention.
It will be appreciated that the present claimed invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Patent Application
20070255204
