U.S. patent application number 11/765199 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-20 for variable-length needle covering device of an injection device.
Invention is credited to Andreas Brand, Remo Steiner.
Application Number | 20070293825 11/765199 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7633004 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070293825 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brand; Andreas ; et
al. |
December 20, 2007 |
VARIABLE-LENGTH NEEDLE COVERING DEVICE OF AN INJECTION DEVICE
Abstract
The invention relates to a needle covering device of an
injection device, the injection device including a casing
comprising a reservoir, in particular an ampoule, for a product
fluid to be administered, and an injection needle for injecting the
product fluid from the reservoir, wherein the device surrounds the
injection needle in an extended position and exposes the injection
needle in a retracted position. The device comprises a passage for
the injection needle, a front section via which the device is
placed on an injection point, and another section which is nearer
to the casing than the front section is, at least in the extended
position. The sections can be moved axially relative to the casing
and relative to each other, such that the device is variable in its
length, the front section being guided in a straight line on the
casing.
Inventors: |
Brand; Andreas; (Oberburg,
CH) ; Steiner; Remo; (Muenchenbuchsee, CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
SUITE 1500
50 SOUTH SIXTH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-1498
US
|
Family ID: |
7633004 |
Appl. No.: |
11/765199 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10233281 |
Aug 30, 2002 |
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11765199 |
Jun 19, 2007 |
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PCT/CH01/00112 |
Feb 22, 2001 |
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10233281 |
Aug 30, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/197 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 5/3257 20130101;
A61M 2005/3267 20130101; A61M 5/3271 20130101; A61M 5/46 20130101;
A61M 2005/2013 20130101; A61M 2205/59 20130101; A61M 5/20
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/197 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/32 20060101
A61M005/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 1, 2000 |
DE |
100 09 815.0 |
Claims
1. An injection device comprising: a casing for enclosing a
reservoir for a fluid product and an injection needle; and a needle
covering device, wherein the needle covering device comprises: a
rear section for attaching the needle covering device to the
injection device; a retractable front section nondetachably coupled
to the rear section and linearly and axially moveable through a
range of motion relative to the rear section so as to define an
extended position that substantially surrounds the injection needle
and a retracted position that exposes the injection needle, wherein
a portion of the front section may be abutted against a surface to
be injected and the front section is moveable through the range of
motion generally freely; a concertina wall disposed between the
front section and the rear section; and a contact for activating
the automatic delivery of the fluid product, the contact coupled to
the retractable front section, wherein the contact extends through
the rear section into the casing when the retractable front section
is in the retracted position to activate the injection device.
2. The injection device of claim 1, wherein the retractable front
section is axially rigid.
3. The injection device of claim 1, wherein the concertina wall
comprises flexible plastic.
4. The injection device of claim 1, further comprising a guide bar
extending into the casing through the concertina wall to guide the
front section.
5. The injection device of claim 1, wherein the front section and
the rear section are prevented from rotating with respect to one
another.
6. The injection device of claim 1, further comprising a guiding
body wherein the front section is slide-guided in a straight line
on the casing by the guiding body.
7. The injection device of claim 1, wherein the retractable front
section includes a spring, and the retractable front section is
urged to the extended position by force of the spring.
8. An injection device comprising: a casing for enclosing a
reservoir for a fluid product and an injection needle; and a needle
covering device, wherein the needle covering device comprises: a
rear section for attaching the needle covering device to the
injection device; a retractable front section nondetachably coupled
to the rear section and linearly and axially moveable through a
range of motion relative to the rear section so as to define an
extended position that substantially surrounds the injection needle
and a retracted position that exposes the injection needle, wherein
a portion of the front section may be abutted against a surface to
be injected and the front section is moveable through the range of
motion generally freely; a concertina wall disposed between the
front section and the rear section; and a mechanical contact for
activating the automatic delivery of the fluid product, the
mechanical contact coupled to the retractable front section,
wherein the mechanical contact extends through the rear section
into the casing when the retractable front section is in the
retracted position to activate the injection device.
9. The injection device of claim 8, wherein the front section is
axially rigid.
10. The injection device of claim 8, wherein the concertina wall
comprises flexible plastic.
11. The injection device of claim 8, further comprising a guide bar
extending into the casing through the concertina wall to guide the
front section.
12. The injection device of claim 8, wherein the front section and
the rear section are prevented from rotating with respect to one
another.
13. The injection device of claim 8, further comprising a guiding
body wherein the front section is slide-guided in a straight line
on the casing by the guiding body.
14. The injection device of claim 8, wherein the retractable front
section includes a spring, and the retractable front section is
urged to the extended position by force of the spring.
15. An injection device, comprising: a casing for enclosing a
reservoir for a fluid product and an injection needle; and a needle
covering device, wherein the needle covering device comprises: a
rear section for attaching the needle covering device to the
injection device; a retractable front section nondetachably coupled
to the rear section and linearly and axially moveable through a
range of motion relative to the rear section so as to define an
extended position that substantially surrounds the injection needle
and a retracted position that exposes the injection needle, wherein
a portion of the front section may be abutted against a surface to
be injected and the front section is moveable through the range of
motion generally freely; a concertina wall disposed between the
front section and the rear section; and an electrical contact for
activating the automatic delivery of the fluid product, the
electrical contact coupled to the retractable front section,
wherein the electrical contact extends through the rear section
into the casing when the retractable front section is in the
retracted position to activate the injection device.
16. The injection device of claim 15, wherein the front section is
axially rigid.
17. The injection device of claim 15, wherein the concertina wall
comprises flexible plastic.
18. The injection device of claim 15, further comprising a guide
bar extending into the casing through the concertina wall to guide
the front section.
19. The injection device of claim 15, wherein the front section and
the rear section are prevented from rotating with respect to one
another.
20. The injection device of claim 15, further comprising a guiding
body wherein the front section is slide-guided in a straight line
on the casing by the guiding body.
21. The injection device of claim 15, wherein the retractable front
section includes a spring, and the retractable front section is
urged to the extended position by force of the spring.
22. The injection device of claim 15, wherein the electrical
contact is a Reed contact.
23. The injection device of claim 15, wherein the Reed contact is
an iron-plastic Reed contact.
24. An injection device, comprising: a casing for enclosing a
reservoir for a fluid product and an injection needle; and a needle
covering device, wherein the needle covering device comprises: a
rear section for attaching the needle covering device to the
injection device; a retractable front section nondetachably coupled
to the rear section and linearly and axially moveable through a
range of motion relative to the rear section so as to define an
extended position that substantially surrounds the injection needle
and a retracted position that exposes the injection needle, wherein
a portion of the front section may be abutted against a surface to
be injected and the front section is moveable through the range of
motion generally freely; a concertina wall disposed between the
front section and the rear section; and a magnetic contact for
activating the automatic delivery of the fluid product, the
magnetic contact coupled to the retractable front section, wherein
the magnetic contact extends through the rear section into the
casing when the retractable front section is in the retracted
position to activate the injection device.
25. The injection device of claim 24, wherein the front section is
axially rigid.
26. The injection device of claim 24, wherein the concertina wall
comprises flexible plastic.
27. The injection device of claim 24, further comprising a guide
bar extending into the casing through the concertina wall to guide
the front section.
28. The injection device of claim 24, wherein the front section and
the rear section are prevented from rotating with respect to one
another.
29. The injection device of claim 24, further comprising a guiding
body wherein the front section is slide-guided in a straight line
on the casing by the guiding body.
30. The injection device of claim 24, wherein the retractable front
section includes a spring, and the retractable front section is
urged to the extended position by force of the spring.
31. An injection device comprising: a casing for enclosing a
reservoir for a fluid product and an injection needle; and a needle
covering device, wherein the needle covering device comprises: (a)
a rear section for attaching the needle covering device to the
injection device; (b) a retractable front section nondetachably
coupled to the rear section and linearly and axially moveable
through a range of motion relative to the rear section so as to
define an extended position that substantially surrounds the
injection needle; (c) a retracted position that exposes the
injection needle, wherein a portion of the front section may be
abutted against a surface to be injected and the front section is
moveable through the range of motion generally freely, and wherein
the front section in the retracted position presses against a
switch that lies opposite a placing area on the injection needle;
(d) a bellows section disposed between the front section and the
rear section; and (e) a contact for activating the automatic
delivery of the fluid product, the contact connected to the
retractable front section, wherein the contact extends through the
rear section into the casing when the retractable front section is
in the retracted position to activate the injection device.
32. The injection device of claim 31, wherein the contact is
mechanical.
33. The injection device of claim 31, wherein the contact is
electrical.
34. The injection device of claim 31, wherein the contact is
magnetic.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of and claims
priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/233,281, filed Aug. 30,
2002 which claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/CH01/00112,
filed on Feb. 22, 2001, which claims priority to German Application
No. DE 100 09 815.0, filed on Mar. 1, 2000, all of which are herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a variable-length needle cover for
an injection device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many users of injection devices have a psychological
aversion (so-called "needle phobia") to injection needles such as
those used for injecting a fluid product. Patients who actually
inject the fluid product themselves often have an inhibition
threshold that has to be overcome when injecting the needle. In
order to reduce this inhibition threshold, needle covers have been
provided for injection devices.
[0004] A variable-length needle covering device for a syringe is
disclosed in WO 96/11026. The needle covering device has a porous
foam material or a flexible polyethylene film. When the needle
covering device is retracted, the cover is either unguided in
movement or only guided by the injection needle itself. If the
syringe is placed on the skin at any non-perpendicular angle to the
surface of the skin, the injection needle may pierce the needle
covering device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a needle covering device for
an injection device that only requires a relatively small amount of
space and may be securely operated. Operation of the needle
covering device is relatively simple.
[0006] In one embodiment, the injection device includes a casing
having a reservoir or storage container, such as an ampoule,
containing the fluid product. The injection device also includes a
needle for injecting the fluid product from the reservoir. A needle
cover surrounds the needle when the needle is in an extended
position so that the needle is generally visually obscured. The
needle covering device may protrude beyond the needle. When in a
retracted position, the covering device exposes the needle.
[0007] In addition, the injection device may include a passage for
the injection needle and a protective cap (if so provided in one
embodiment). A front section may be provided that serves as an
injection point. A second section may be provided that, when in the
extended position, is nearer the casing than the front section is.
The sections can be moved axially relative to the casing and each
other, such that the device is variable in length. A distance
between a front and a rear end of the device is variable. The front
section of the device is guided in a straight line on the casing.
In this way, the sections are guided in a straight line in the
direction of the longitudinal axis of the injection needle. The
sections are thus securely guided in a straight line, without the
injection needle being deflected or strained. The needle covering
device can be guided in a straight line within itself or directly
on the casing. In each case, it is guided in a straight line with
respect to the casing, i.e., relative to the casing.
[0008] In one embodiment, the second section has no contact with
the injection point when in the extended position, but in the
retracted position the second section can be placed on the
injection point just like the front section. Both sections can be
guided directly on the casing. In one embodiment, the front and
second sections are guided on the casing. In another embodiment,
the second section is guided on the casing, and the front section
is guided on the second section. The front section is therefore
indirectly linearly guided on the casing, via the second section.
In either case, the sections can be guided by a rear section or
adapter section which is fixedly connected to the casing and is
axially rigid (that is, fixed or rigid along an axial direction
that is defined by the needle) within itself.
[0009] In one embodiment, the front section of the needle covering
device may be axially rigid. The front section is therefore not
generally variable in its axial length. This allows the front
section to be guided securely on the casing. A front section that
is axially rigid also allows the device to be precisely placed on
the injection point. The front section may have a flat front area
through which the front section is placed on the injection
point.
[0010] In one embodiment, the sections of the device may be
telescopic. All of the sections may then be axially rigid. The
individual sections of the needle covering device can be slid
within each other in such a way that the needle covering device is
variable in its length. In the retracted position, the individual
telescopic sections can be arranged within each other (and not
axially offset), thus achieving a smaller axial length of the
needle covering device. Thus, a relatively small, efficient,
non-buckling needle covering device is provided. The telescopic
sections may be formed by sleeves that can be slid from a position
in which the sleeves have a minimum axial overlap to a position in
which they have a maximum, possibly complete, axial overlap. In the
position of maximum overlap, the needle covering device is in the
retracted position. The individual telescopic sections or sleeves
may be of equal length and come to rest directly side by side in
the retracted position. A telescopic needle covering device
according to this embodiment includes at least two telescopic
sections.
[0011] In one embodiment, when the cover is in the extended
position, the other telescopic section protrudes out of the casing
or adapter section and the front telescopic section protrudes out
of the second telescopic section. In the retracted position, both
telescopic sections are slid back into the casing or adapter
section. The adapter section is fixedly connected to the casing so
as to form a guide for a telescopic section adjacent to and movable
with respect to the adapter section. The adapter section can be
formed by a telescopic receptacle. The telescopic sections can be
slid into the adapter section to move to the retracted position.
Such a needle covering device may be connected to a conventional
injection device lacking a needle covering device, without
significant changes having to be made to said injection device.
Thus, when the covering device is not slid into the casing of the
injection device it may still secure guidance of the needle
covering device.
[0012] In one embodiment, the telescopic sections may be axially
guided in a straight line. The telescopic sections may be
sleeve-shaped. The outer and/or inner surface areas of the
telescopic sections can form the guiding areas. The telescopic
sections may also be non-rotationally axially guided. Adjacent
telescopic sections may include grooves and protrusions
respectively, that interconnect with each other to prevent the
telescopic sections from rotating. Instead of circular sleeves, the
telescopic sections can instead be formed by oval or cornered
sleeves that also prevent rotation.
[0013] In one embodiment, the needle covering device may include a
concertina wall or be formed by a concertina wall. The front
section of the concertina wall is preferably rigid. The section of
the concertina wall that effects the variable length is arranged
between the casing and the front section of the concertina wall.
Through a front restraint on the front section and a rear restraint
on the casing or an adapter section fixedly connected to the
casing, the concertina wall is also axially guided in a straight
line when the length is varied.
[0014] In one embodiment, the front section of a needle covering
device is slide guided in a straight line by a guiding body. The
guiding body is fixedly connected to the front section and projects
from the front section into the casing of the injection device or
into a rear section of the needle covering device. The guiding body
is slide-mounted in the casing and/or in the rear section. The
guiding body may be a rod or an elongated lamina. A number of
guiding bodies may also be provided. Such a guiding body is
connected to the front section of the telescopic needle covering
device or of the concertina wall. In a telescopic needle covering
device, the guiding body is formed directly by the telescopic
sections. The guiding body of the front telescopic section is then
the other telescopic section adjacent to said section.
[0015] In one embodiment, an adapter element may be provided for
attaching the needle covering device. The adapter element can be
directly attached to the ampoule or a guiding tube for the ampoule,
or is fixedly connected to the casing. The needle covering device
is, for example, connected to the adapter element via a bayonet
lock. It can, however, also be screwed on or plugged on. In the
case of a latch connection, an elastic clip of the needle covering
device is pushed over a bulged ring or other protrusion of the
adapter element, thus generating a connection.
[0016] In one embodiment, the needle covering device may be held by
an elasticity force in its extended position. A pressure spring is
provided between the casing or the adapter section and the front
section. From the retracted position the spring automatically
presses the front section into the extended position, at least
partially slaving the other section.
[0017] The fluid product may be automatically injected when the
injection needle is correctly positioned. This depends on the
correct penetration depth of the injection needle into the tissue.
When using the needle covering device there is a relationship
between the variation in the length of the needle covering device
and the penetration depth of the injection needle. The needle
covering device may be formed so that the desired penetration depth
of the needle is achieved in the retracted position of the needle
covering device. The retracted position of the needle covering
device can be adjusted as desires.
[0018] In one embodiment, a contact "C" is provided that causes
automatic delivery of the fluid product. The contact is activated
in the retracted position. In the retracted position, the front
section preferably presses against a switch that lies opposite the
placing area on the injection needle. A contact body may be used
that is connected to the front section and protrudes into the
casing, at least in the retracted position. In this position, the
front section provides that the fluid product is automatically
delivered. A mechanical, electrical or magnetic contact (e.g., a
Reed contact or an iron-plastic Reed contact), may be used. The
contact body may be an axially extending rod.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a partially sectioned view of an injection device
having a telescopic needle covering device;
[0020] FIG. 2a illustrates a perspective view of a telescopic
needle covering device in an extended position in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2b illustrates another perspective view of a telescopic
needle covering device in an extended position in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2c illustrates yet a view of a telescopic needle
covering device in a retracted position in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3a illustrates one manner of attaching a needle
covering device to an injection device in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3b illustrates another manner of attaching a needle
covering device to an injection device in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 3c illustrates yet another manner of attaching a needle
covering device to an injection device in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a needle covering device having a
concertina wall.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, a casing 2 is illustrated. The casing 2
has two casing halves (only one such half being shown). An ampoule
3 is accommodated in the casing 2 as a reservoir for a product
fluid to be administered. The ampoule 3 is held in the casing 2 by
a guiding tube 11 which is fixedly connected to the casing 2. The
ampoule 3 comprises an outlet end and a piston, wherein the piston
is pressed towards the outlet end in order to deliver the fluid
product. An injection needle 4 has a fluid connection to the outlet
end of the ampoule 3. The fluid product is injected via the
injection needle 4.
[0028] The injection needle 4 is at least partially surrounded by a
needle covering device 1, such that the injection needle 4 is
substantially obscured from view.
[0029] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the needle covering
device 1 is telescopic. The needle covering device 1 is fixedly
connected to the casing 2 via a rear section 7, referred to as an
adapter section 7. An intermediate section 6 and a front section 5
form two telescopic sections of the needle covering device 1. In
FIG. 1, the needle covering device 1 is shown in its extended
position. In this position, the needle covering device is biased by
an interior spring (see, for example, FIG. 4, wherein spring "S" is
shown) which presses the front section 5 away from the casing
2.
[0030] In order to insert the injection needle 4 into tissue, the
needle covering device is placed against an injection point of the
tissue via its placing area 12. The injection needle is then
advanced towards the injection point and therefore towards the
tissue and the injection needle penetrates the tissue. As this
occurs, the needle covering device 1 is retracted. That is, the
telescopic section 5 moves into section 6, and both sections 5 and
6 move into section 7 (not necessarily in that order). The
retracted position is shown in FIG. 2c. The placing area 12 of the
front section 5 contacts the tissue.
[0031] A contact "C" may be provided to cause automatic delivery of
the fluid product. The contact "C" is activated in the retracted
position. In the retracted position, the front section 5 preferably
presses against a switch that lies opposite the placing area on the
injection needle. A contact body may be used that is connected to
the front section 5 and protrudes into the casing 2, at least in
the retracted position. In this position, the front section 5
provides that the fluid product is automatically delivered. The
contact "C" may be, for example, a mechanical, electrical or
magnetic contact (e.g., a Reed contact or an iron-plastic Reed
contact). The contact body may be an axially extending rod (for
example, contact body 9 of FIG. 2c).
[0032] FIGS. 2a-2c illustrate the telescopic needle covering device
1. The sections 5, 6 and 7 are sleeve-shaped or hollow cylinders.
Four longitudinal grooves 13 are uniformly spaced on the outer
surface area of each of the sections 5 and 6. Protrusions 14 are
provided that interconnect with one of the grooves 13. The
protrusions 14 are formed on the inner surface areas of each of the
sections 6 and 7. The sections 5 and 6 can be linearly slid along
the grooves 13. In this way, the sections 5 and 6 are also
prevented from rotating. The maximum retracted position of the
needle covering device 1 is defined by stoppers 15. There are also
stoppers that define the maximum extended length, which are not
shown. In their retracted position, the sections 5, 6 and 7 sit
concentrically inside each other. The sections 5, 6 and 7 may be
made of plastic.
[0033] A guiding body 9, or contact body, includes a flat,
elongated member. The guiding body 9 is fixedly connected to the
front section 5. When the front section 5 is retracted, the guiding
body 9 is guided in a corresponding receptacle into the casing
2.
[0034] The needle covering device 1 is shown in a retracted
position in FIG. 2c. The guiding body 9 projects backwards from the
rear end of the needle covering device 1 into the casing 2. In this
position, the guiding body 9 preferably closes a contact for
automatically delivering the fluid product. In this way, it also
forms a contact body 9. The body 9 can also be embodied as a
contact body 9 only, without a guiding function.
[0035] The needle covering device 1 can be fixedly connected to the
casing 2, the ampoule 3 or the guiding tube 11. An adapter element
10 may be provided for connecting the needle covering device 1.
Various adapter elements 10 are illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b.
[0036] FIG. 3a shows an adapter element 10 having a bulged ring 16
on an outer surface area. The adapter element 10 is fixedly
connected to the casing or formed on the casing as one piece. As an
adapter counter element, the needle covering device 1 would have
one or more elastic clips at its rear end. The clips are pushed
over the bulged ring 16 to connect to the casing to establish an
annular latching connection. Such an adapter element 10 for such an
annular latching connection can also be formed on the ampoule 3 or
the guiding tube 11.
[0037] FIG. 3b shows an adapter element 10 for a bayonet
connection, such as that used in FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b and 2c. Here, the
adapter element 10 may be connected directly to the ampoule 3. FIG.
3c shows a needle covering device 1 attached to the guiding tube 11
by means of a bayonet connection.
[0038] In a flange-like widening of the bayonet type adapter
elements 10, four recesses or openings 17 are uniformly distributed
over the circumference. An adapter counter element in the form of
connecting hooks 18 (FIG. 2a) of the needle covering device 1 is
inserted into the recesses or openings 17. The whole needle
covering device 1 is then turned in such a way that the connecting
hooks 18 in the recesses 17 ensure a positive or frictional
connection between the needle covering device 1 and the adapter
element 10. Such an adapter element 10 for the bayonet connection
can be formed on the casing 2, the ampoule 3 or the guiding tube
11. Conversely, the adapter element and adapter counter element
could be switched relative to the casing, the ampoule or the
guiding tube and the needle covering device 1.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows a needle covering device 1 comprising a
concertina wall 8 or similar bellows type structure. The concertina
wall 8 is formed between the front section 5, which is rigid and a
connecting section 19. The connecting section 19 can be connected
to the injection device in the manner described above, wherein an
adapter counter element is not shown. The guiding body 9 may be
extended into the casing 2 (not shown), through the concertina wall
8 to guide the front section 5. Alternatively, the guiding body 9
may simply extend from the front section 5, through the concertina
wall 8, and to the connecting section 19, so long as the needle
covering device 1 is smoothly guided in a straight line relative to
the casing.
[0040] Since the guiding body 9 may be linearly slide-guided in the
casing 2, the concertina wall 8 is prevented from jamming when the
needle covering device 1 is placed on the tissue at an angle, i.e.,
when lateral forces are present. The guiding body 9 can also
activate a contact for automatically delivering the fluid product,
in addition to or instead of serving as a guide. The front section
5 is held in its extended position by a restoring element,
preferably a spiral spring "S. The concertina wall 8 may be made of
a flexible plastic while the front section 5 and the connecting
section 19 are made of a rigid plastic.
[0041] In the foregoing description various embodiments of the
invention have been presented for the purpose of illustration and
description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The
embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best
illustration of the principals of the invention and its practical
application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to
utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All
such modifications and variations are within the scope of the
invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in
accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably
entitled.
* * * * *