U.S. patent application number 12/942373 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for slotted syringe.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALLERGAN, INC.. Invention is credited to Christopher S. Mudd.
Application Number | 20110137260 12/942373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44082724 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110137260 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mudd; Christopher S. |
June 9, 2011 |
SLOTTED SYRINGE
Abstract
A syringe is disclosed. The syringe may include a syringe body
with a fluid chamber, the syringe body having a proximal end and a
distal end, with an extrusion opening at the proximal end; a first
slot formed in the syringe body, starting near the proximal end of
the syringe body and ending near the distal end of the syringe
body; a first sleeve covering the first slot; a thumb grip, the
thumb grip including a first slot guide disposed in the first slot,
the thumb grip shaped to slide from a first position near the
distal end of the syringe body toward a second position near the
proximal end of the syringe body; and a plunger disposed in the
fluid chamber of the syringe body, the plunger configured to move
towards the proximal end of the syringe body in response to
pressure applied by a user to the thumb grip, the plunger including
a first plunger slot guide disposed in the first slot.
Inventors: |
Mudd; Christopher S.;
(Goleta, CA) |
Assignee: |
ALLERGAN, INC.
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
44082724 |
Appl. No.: |
12/942373 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61267271 |
Dec 7, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/192 ;
604/227 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2202/06 20130101;
A61M 5/3158 20130101; A61M 2005/5006 20130101; A61M 2005/31518
20130101; A61M 5/3135 20130101; A61M 2005/3139 20130101; A61M
5/31511 20130101; A61M 5/3137 20130101; A61M 5/3129 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/192 ;
604/227 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/31 20060101
A61M005/31; A61M 5/315 20060101 A61M005/315 |
Claims
1. A syringe, comprising: a syringe body with a fluid chamber, the
syringe body having a proximal end and a distal end, with an
extrusion opening at the proximal end; a first slot formed in the
syringe body, starting near the proximal end of the syringe body
and ending near the distal end of the syringe body; a first sleeve
covering the first slot; a thumb grip, the thumb grip including a
first slot guide disposed in the first slot, the thumb grip shaped
to slide from a first position near the distal end of the syringe
body toward a second position near the proximal end of the syringe
body; and a plunger disposed in the fluid chamber of the syringe
body, the plunger configured to move towards the proximal end of
the syringe body in response to pressure applied by a user to the
thumb grip, the plunger including a first plunger slot guide
disposed in the first slot.
2. The syringe of claim 1, further comprising: a second slot formed
in the syringe body, beginning near the proximal end of the syringe
body and ending near the distal end of the syringe body; and a
second sleeve covering the second slot; wherein the thumb grip
further includes a second slot guide disposed in the second
slot.
3. The syringe of claim 2, wherein: the first sleeve and the second
sleeve are parts of a single unitary sleeve covering the syringe
body.
4. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the first slot passes through
the syringe body, from an outer surface forming an outer
circumference of the syringe body through an inner surface forming
the fluid chamber.
5. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the first sleeve is an integral
part of the syringe body.
6. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the first sleeve is affixed to
the syringe body.
7. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the first sleeve is attached to
the syringe body by one of co-molding, overmolding, press-fitting,
laminating, adhering, welding, and shrink wrapping.
8. The syringe of claim 1, wherein: the plunger is attached to the
thumb grip.
9. The syringe of claim 1, further comprising: an end cap disposed
at the distal end of the syringe body.
10. The syringe of claim 1, further comprising: a cutting edge
attached to a proximal end of the thumb grip and positioned to cut
the first sleeve as the thumb grip moves towards the proximal end
of the syringe body.
11. The syringe of claim 1, further comprising: a finger grip
disposed on the syringe body near the proximal end of the syringe
body.
12. The syringe of claim 11, further comprising: an intermediate
finger grip disposed on the syringe body between the thumb grip and
the finger grip.
13. The syringe of claim 12, wherein: the intermediate finger grip
is configured to slide towards the proximal end of the syringe body
when pushed by the thumb grip.
14. The syringe of claim 13, wherein the intermediate finger grip
comprises: an intermediate finger grip body shaped to support a
user's finger; and an aperture passing from a proximal side of the
intermediate finger grip body to a distal side of the intermediate
finger grip body, in which the syringe body is disposed.
15. The syringe of claim 12, wherein the intermediate finger grip
is configured to be removed from the syringe body during
operation.
16. The syringe of claim 15, wherein the intermediate finger grip
comprises: a finger grip body shaped to support a user's finger;
and a clip formed on an end of the finger grip in which the syringe
body is disposed.
17. The syringe of claim 1, wherein: the first sleeve is made from
the same material as the syringe body.
18. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the first sleeve is made from
different material than the syringe body.
19. The syringe of claim 1, wherein: the first slot extends to the
distal end of the syringe body.
20. A syringe, comprising: a syringe body with a fluid chamber, the
syringe body having a proximal end and a distal end, with an
extrusion opening at the proximal end; a first slot formed in the
syringe body, beginning near the proximal end of the syringe body
and ending near the distal end of the syringe body; a second slot
formed in the syringe body, beginning near the proximal end of the
syringe body and ending near the distal end of the syringe body; a
first sleeve covering the first slot; a second sleeve covering the
second slot; a thumb grip including a first slot guide and a second
slot guide, the slot guides disposed in the slots, the thumb grip
shaped to slide from a first position near the distal end of the
syringe body toward a second position near the proximal end of the
syringe body; a first and second cutting edge disposed on a
proximal side of the thumb grip and positioned to cut the first and
second sleeve as the thumb grip moves towards the proximal end of
the syringe body; a finger grip disposed on the syringe body, near
the proximal end of the syringe body; and a plunger disposed within
the fluid chamber of the syringe body, the plunger configured to
move towards the proximal end of the syringe body in response to
pressure applied by a user to the thumb grip, the plunger including
a first and second plunger slot guide disposed in the first and
second slots.
21. The syringe of claim 20, further comprising: an intermediate
finger grip, disposed on the syringe body, between the finger grip
and the thumb grip.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/267,271, filed on Dec. 7, 2009, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A number of medical applications require the injection of
significant amounts of material. For example, one such application
is the injection of dermal fillers to correct facial wrinkles or
folds. In such a procedure, a possibly significant quantity of
dermal filler material is injected under the skin using a syringe.
In addition, the material injected may have a higher viscosity than
the substances typically injected by syringe. For example, some
dermal fillers may include gels, such as a gel made of hyaluronic
acid. Traditional syringes and the plunger rods used with such
syringes present a number of problems when used for such
applications. For instance, in order to accommodate significant
volumes of material, such syringes must typically have either a
large length or cross-sectional area. Syringes with larger
cross-sectional areas are often not practical, however, because the
extrusion force required in operating a syringe increases with the
cross-sectional area, this may be particularly problematic when
injecting viscous fluids. Increasing the length of a traditional
syringe, however, may significantly increase the overall length of
the device, as a longer plunger may also need to be used, which may
reduce the user's comfort and control during use. Accordingly,
example embodiments described herein provide improved syringe
devices which may address a number of the shortcomings of
traditional devices.
SUMMARY
[0003] Some example embodiments described herein provide a syringe,
which may include a syringe body with a fluid chamber, the syringe
body having a distal end and a proximal end, sometimes hereinafter
referred to as the luer end. The proximal end includes an extrusion
opening. The syringe further comprises a first slot formed in the
syringe body, starting near the proximal end of the syringe body
and ending near the distal end of the syringe body; a first sleeve
covering the first slot; a thumb grip, the thumb grip including a
first slot guide disposed in the first slot, the thumb grip shaped
to slide from a first position near the distal end of the syringe
body toward a second position near the proximal end of the syringe
body; and a plunger disposed in the fluid chamber of the syringe
body, the plunger configured to move towards the proximal end of
the syringe body in response to pressure applied by a user to the
thumb grip, the plunger including a first plunger slot guide
disposed in the first slot.
[0004] Some example embodiments may also include a second slot
formed in the syringe body, beginning near the proximal end of the
syringe body and ending near the distal end of the syringe body;
and a second sleeve covering the second slot; where the thumb grip
may further include a second slot guide disposed in the second
slot.
[0005] In some example embodiments, the first sleeve and the second
sleeve may be parts of a single unitary sleeve covering the syringe
body. In other example embodiments, the first slot may pass through
the syringe body, from an outer surface forming an outer
circumference of the syringe body through an inner surface forming
the fluid chamber.
[0006] In some example embodiments, the first sleeve may be an
integral part of the syringe body. In other example embodiments,
the first sleeve may be affixed to the syringe body.
[0007] In some example embodiments, the first sleeve may be
attached to the syringe body by one of co-molding, overmolding,
press-fitting, laminating, adhering, welding, and shrink
wrapping.
[0008] In some example embodiments, the plunger is attached to the
thumb grip. Other example embodiments may also include an end cap
disposed at the distal end of the syringe body. Further, some
example embodiments may also include a cutting edge attached to a
proximal end of the thumb grip and positioned to cut the first
sleeve as the thumb grip moves towards the proximal end of the
syringe body.
[0009] Some example embodiments may also include a finger grip
disposed on the syringe body near the proximal end of the syringe
body. Other example embodiments may also include an intermediate
finger grip disposed on the syringe body between the thumb grip and
the finger grip.
[0010] In some example embodiments, the intermediate finger grip
may be configured to slide towards the proximal end of the syringe
body when pushed by the thumb grip.
[0011] In some example embodiments, the intermediate finger grip
may include an intermediate finger grip body shaped to support a
user's finger; and an aperture passing from a proximal side of the
intermediate finger grip body to a distal side of the intermediate
finger grip body, in which the syringe body is disposed.
[0012] In some example embodiments, the intermediate finger grip
may be configured to be removed from the syringe body during
operation.
[0013] In some example embodiments, the intermediate finger grip
may include a finger grip body shaped to support a user's finger;
and a clip formed on an end of the finger grip in which the syringe
body is disposed.
[0014] In some example embodiments, the first sleeve may be made
from the same material as the syringe body. In other example
embodiments, the first sleeve may be made from different material
than the syringe body. In still other example embodiments, the
first slot may extend to the distal end of the syringe body.
[0015] In addition, some example embodiments may provide a syringe,
which may include a syringe body with a fluid chamber, the syringe
body having a proximal end and a distal end, with an extrusion
opening at the proximal end; a first slot formed in the syringe
body, beginning near the proximal end of the syringe body and
ending near the distal end of the syringe body; a second slot
formed in the syringe body, beginning near the proximal end of the
syringe body and ending near the distal end of the syringe body; a
first sleeve covering the first slot; a second sleeve covering the
second slot; a thumb grip including a first slot guide and a second
slot guide, the slot guides disposed in the slots, the thumb grip
shaped to slide from a first position near the distal end of the
syringe body toward a second position near the proximal end of the
syringe body; a first and second cutting edge disposed on a
proximal side of the thumb grip and positioned to cut the first and
second sleeve as the thumb grip moves towards the proximal end of
the syringe body; a finger grip disposed on the syringe body, near
the proximal end of the syringe body; and a plunger disposed within
the fluid chamber of the syringe body, the plunger configured to
move towards the proximal end of the syringe body in response to
pressure applied by a user to the thumb grip, the plunger including
a first and second plunger slot guide disposed in the first and
second slots. Example embodiments may also include an intermediate
finger grip, disposed on the syringe body, between the finger grip
and the thumb grip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention will be more readily understood from a
detailed description of example embodiments taken in conjunction
with the following figures:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an example syringe body in accordance
with an example embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of an example syringe
body in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of an example syringe
body in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of an example syringe
body in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a finger grip in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates an example finger grip and syringe body
in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates an example finger grip and syringe body
in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates an example thumb grip in accordance with
an example embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates an example thumb grip in accordance with
an example embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates an example thumb grip and syringe body
in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates an example plunger in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates an example plunger and thumb grip in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates an example end cap in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 14 illustrates an example end cap with an example thumb
grip and syringe body in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 15 illustrates an example syringe in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 16 illustrates an example syringe in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 17 illustrates an example syringe in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 18 illustrates an example syringe in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 19 illustrates an example syringe in accordance with an
example embodiment, with a traditional syringe.
[0036] FIG. 20 illustrates an example syringe in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 21 illustrates an example syringe in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-section of an example syringe in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 23 illustrates an example syringe in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 24 illustrates an example syringe in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 25 illustrates an example syringe in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 26 illustrates an example syringe in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 27 illustrates an example syringe in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 28 illustrates an example intermediate finger grip in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 29 illustrates an example intermediate finger grip in
accordance with an example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] As explained above, a number of medical and cosmetic
procedures involve the injection of significant volumes of liquids,
gels, and other fluids, e.g. dermal fillers. In order to
accommodate such volumes, it is typically necessary to use a
syringe with a large diameter, a large length, or both. Syringes
with larger diameters are, however, often impractical, especially
when used with higher viscosity fluids, as the extrusion force
required to operated the syringe increases as the diameter of the
syringe increases. Increasing the length of the syringe, however,
can also result in practical issues, e.g. reduced functionality,
ergonomics considerations, and less control over the needle that
can not only cause physician discomfort, but ultimately affect the
patient's safety. For example, as the length of a syringe
increases, the finger span required to operate the syringe also
typically increases, which may result in reduced user comfort and
control. In addition, the distance at which the user is required to
hold the syringe from the injection site is also increased, which
again can lead to loss of control, and possibly patient injury.
Example embodiments may address such problems by providing syringes
designed to reduce the overall length of the syringe without
reducing the volume of fluid which may be injected using the
syringe.
[0047] For example, some embodiments may provide for a single-use,
slotted syringe that will allow the operator to easily inject low
to high viscosity gels or fluids, without the use of plunger rod.
Such example embodiments may provide a number of advantages over
traditional syringe and plunger rod systems. For example, users may
be provided with greater control compared to a standard medical
syringe, as the plunger rod, and its corresponding length are
eliminated. Example embodiments may also allow users to more easily
hold, manipulate, and operate the device with two or three fingers.
Further, some example embodiments may result in a shorter syringe,
as compared to an equivalent volume standard medical syringe, which
may allow the operator to get closer to the area of injection for
more control during injection. The example embodiments may also
allow the syringe to accommodate a larger injection volume without
increasing the inner diameter of the syringe, thus keeping the
injection force low.
[0048] Such example embodiments may include a syringe body, as
illustrated in FIG. 1. The syringe body 101 can be generally of
standard design, and may be made of materials used in common
sterile, single-use syringes. The syringe body 101 can be any size
(i.e. length, inner diameter, outer diameter, wall thickness
volume, etc.), and may have any suitable shape, e.g., may be
generally cylindrical, may have an oval cross-section, or may have
the cross-section of a rectangle or other polygon. In addition, the
syringe body 101 may have a needle 103 attached to it, or may
provide a standard mounting for a needle 103. For instance, the
syringe body 101 may provide a standard luer slip or luer lock
attachment.
[0049] Unlike a standard syringe, however, example embodiments may
include one or more slots 102 running along the axis of the syringe
body 101. Such slots 102 may completely penetrate through the wall
of the syringe body 101. In some embodiments, the slots 102 may
extend from a region near a proximal end of the syringe body 101,
to a distal end of the syringe body 101 (the terms proximal and
distal, as used herein, are to be understood in relation to the
point of injection during use).
[0050] A sleeve may also be provided, which may fit over the
syringe body 101, covering the slots 102. The purpose of the sleeve
may be to fill the voids left by the slots 102, in order to prevent
fluids contained in the chamber of the syringe body 101, when in
use, from escaping through the slots 102, and to assist in
providing a sterile barrier. The sleeve may be attached to the
syringe body 101 using one or more methods, including, but not
limited to co-molding, overmolding, press-fitting, laminating,
adhering, welding, and/or shrink wrapping. The sleeve may be
comprised of materials which are somewhat flexible and can be
easily cut with a sharp edge or blade, yet are rigid enough to
retain the round, or other, cross-section of the syringe body 101
and keep the injectable fluids inside the syringe body 101. For
example, a suitable sleeve may be made of thermoplastic elastomer
(TPE), silicone rubber, rubber, foil, or closed-cell foam, etc. It
is noted that, in some example embodiments, the sleeve may be an
integral part of the syringe body 101. In such examples, slots 102
may be formed in the syringe body 101 which pass only partially
through the body 101.
[0051] FIGS. 2-4 depict various syringe bodies 101 and sleeves in
detail. For instance, FIG. 2 illustrates an example syringe body
101 with two slots 102. As shown, sleeve material 201 is attached
over both of the slots 102. The illustrated material may have been
attached by any of the mechanisms described above, or by other
mechanisms. FIG. 3 similarly illustrates a syringe body 101 with
two slots 102. Here, the slots 102 are covered by a sleeve 201
which is part of the syringe body 101. For example, such a sleeve
201 may be made of an overmolded layer. FIG. 4 shows another
example syringe body 101 and sleeve 201. In the figure, the sleeve
201 is attached to the syringe body 101 by an adhesive layer.
[0052] Example embodiments may also include a finger grip, for
example, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Again, the finger grip 501 can
be of standard design, made of materials commonly used for
traditional sterile, single-use syringe. The finger grip 501 can be
molded or co-molded to the syringe body 101, or attached to the
syringe body 101 using one or more methods, including, but not
limited to, press-fitting, adhering and/or welding, etc. In example
embodiments, such a finger grip 501 may be attached to the syringe
body 101 near the proximal end or luer end of the syringe body 101.
The finger grip 501 may provide a place for a user to place one or
more fingers during use. For example, a finger grip may be provided
which is generally rectangular in shape, possibly with rounded
corners, and large enough to provide support for one or two
fingers, although any other shape which can accommodate a user's
fingers may also be used. In addition, the finger grip 501 may be
designed to accommodate the syringe body 101, thus, for example,
the finger grip of FIG. 5 includes an aperture 502 through which a
syringe body 101 may pass.
[0053] An example finger grip 501 is shown attached to a syringe in
FIG. 6. As illustrated, the finger grip 501 provides an aperture
502 in which the syringe body 101 is disposed. The finger grip 501
is attached to the syringe body 101 near the proximal end of the
syringe body 101. In addition, the finger grip 501 provides
positions 503 which may be used by one or more fingers, for example
an index and middle finger. FIG. 7 illustrates another example
finger grip 501. In the example, the finger grip 501 provides
finger cups 701 shaped to comfortably accommodate a user's fingers,
and to encourage the user to grip the syringe properly and
securely.
[0054] Example embodiments may also include a thumb grip. Again,
such thumb grips can be made of standard materials used for
traditional sterile, single-use syringes. In example embodiments,
the thumb grip may be designed to slide along the axis of the
syringe body 101, from the distal end to the proximate end, when a
user exerts forward pressure.
[0055] Example thumb grips may, in an initial state, be located on
the syringe body 101, at or near the distal end of the syringe body
101. Such a thumb grip may allow a user to apply pressure to it,
moving the thumb grip towards the proximal end of the syringe body
101. As the thumb grip slides forward, it may perform several
functions. For example, the thumb grip may cut through the sleeve
201 in order to clear a path for its advance. Also, the thumb grip
may advance a plunger, which, in turn, may apply pressure to the
contents of the syringe causing the contents to be extruded through
the needle 103.
[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates such a thumb grip 801. The example thumb
grip 801 depicted includes a body 802, and a thumb grip cup formed
or attached to the body 803. The body 802 of the thumb grip may
again have any shape providing suitable support for a user's thumb.
As illustrated, the thumb grip body 802 may have a generally
rectangular shape, one end of which is rounded and semi-circular. A
thumb grip cup 803 may provide a space for a user to apply pressure
to the thumb grip 801. The thumb grip 801 may also have one or more
apertures passing from a proximal side to a distal side of the
thumb grip body 802, through which the syringe body 101 may pass.
In addition, the example thumb grip 801 may include a plunger
support 804, which may be used to push a plunger through the
syringe, in operation. The plunger support 804 may be connected to
the body 802 of the thumb grip 801 by one or more slot guides 805.
For instance, as shown in the figure, the plunger support 804 may
be suspended between two apertures by two slot guides 805. The slot
guides 805 may fit within the slots 102 formed in the syringe body
101. Multiple slot guides 805 may be used, corresponding to the
number, size, and position of the slots 102 in the syringe body
101. In addition, the features of the thumb grip 801 may be formed
or molded as a single piece. Alternatively, the thumb grip 801 may
be made from different pieces and possibly different materials. The
thumb grip 801 is attached loosely to the syringe body 101 on the
distal end thereof and is able to be slid distally by the user.
[0057] The proximal side of an example thumb grip 801 is shown in
FIG. 9. The example thumb grip 801 again includes the features
described above. In addition, two cutting edges 901, or blades, are
visible on the slot guides 805, though any number of cutting edges
may be provided. These cutting edges 901 may be designed to cut
through the sleeve 201, as the thumb grip 801 is pushed forward.
Such blades 901 may be made of any material capable of cutting
through the sleeve 201 and may be attached to the thumb grip 801
using any suitable method, or may be made together with the thumb
grip 801 as a single piece. It is noted that, although not shown
here, in example embodiments, a plunger may be fitted to this side
of the thumb grip 801 in operation.
[0058] FIG. 10 shows an example thumb grip 801 placed on a syringe,
in its initial position. Here, the thumb grip 801 is fit over the
distal end of the syringe body 101, the slot guides 805 are aligned
in or over the slots 102 in the syringe body 101, and the cutting
edges 901 are aligned over the sleeve material 201. It is here
noted, that the sleeve material 201 may or may not extend the
complete length of the slots 102, on the distal end of the syringe
body 101. When a user applies a force to the thumb grip 801, it may
slide along the syringe body 101, extruding material from the
syringe, and cutting the sleeve 201 as it moves. It is also noted
that, in some embodiments, the sleeve 201 may not be cut. For
instance, in alternative embodiments, the sleeve 201 may peel away
from the syringe body 101 under suitable pressure.
[0059] As explained, a plunger may be attached to the thumb grip
801. The plunger may again be constructed of standard materials
used for sterile, single-use syringes. FIG. 11 illustrates an
example plunger 1101. The plunger 1101 may have a main body 1102,
which may be shaped to fit within the chamber of the syringe body
101. In addition, the plunger 1101 may also have one or more slot
guides 1103, matching the slots 102 in the syringe body 101. The
slot guides 1103 may extend radially outward from the main body
1102 and may serve to push the injection material out of the slots
102 and into the main fluid chamber as it is being advanced towards
the luer end. In example embodiments, the plunger 1101 may be
attached to the thumb grip 801, or may be constructed together with
the thumb grip 801 as a single piece, as shown in FIG. 12. In other
embodiments, the plunger 1101 may not be attached to the thumb grip
801 at all, but may simply be pushed forward by the thumb grip 801
when in operation. The thumb grip 801 may be attached loosely to
the syringe barrel on the distal end thereof.
[0060] In some example embodiments, an end cap may be included.
Such end caps may close the distal end of the syringe body 101 and
may prevent the thumb grip 801 from being removed. Such an end cap
may be press fit and/or adhered to the distal end of the syringe
body 101, or otherwise attached. In addition, it may be comprised
of any rigid, semi-rigid, or soft molded materials. An example end
cap is shown in FIG. 13. Such a cap 1301 may be generally disk
shaped, or may take another shape compatible with the cross-section
of the syringe. A distal side of the cap 1301 may be generally flat
and solid, while a proximal side of the cap 1301 may include one or
more raised features which may fit into and/or around the syringe
body 101. For example the end cap 1301 may have a rim 1304 running
along an outer perimeter of the cap, which may fit around a syringe
body 101, and may also include both a slot plug 1302 and a barrel
plug 1303, which may be shaped to fit within the distal end of the
syringe body 101. An example cap 1301 is shown in place in FIG. 14,
attached to the distal end of a syringe body 101, and preventing
the thumb grip 801 from being removed.
[0061] An assembled example syringe is illustrated in FIG. 15. The
complete assembly includes a syringe body 101, a sleeve 201, a
finger grip 501, a thumb grip 801, a plunger 1101, and an end cap
1301. As can be seen, the thumb grip 801 is initially located near
the distal end of the syringe body 101. Other views of the example
syringe are shown in FIGS. 16-18.
[0062] FIG. 19 shows a comparison between an example 0.8 mL syringe
1901, (without sleeve) in accordance with an example embodiment,
and a traditional syringe 1902, for example a Juvederm.TM. 0.8 mL
syringe. As can be seen, the traditional syringe 1902 is
significantly longer than the example embodiment 1901, as the
traditional syringe 1902 requires a lengthy plunger 1903. This
additional length may result in reduced user control and
comfort.
[0063] FIGS. 20-22 show an example syringe 2001 in use. In FIG. 20
the syringe 2001 is shown in its initial state. The thumb grip 801
has not yet moved. A user may use the syringe 2001 by pressing the
thumb grip 801 towards the proximal end of the syringe 2001, using
the finger grip 501. For example, the user's forefinger and middle
finger may rest on the finger grip component 501, while the user's
thumb applies a force to the thumb grip 801.
[0064] The applied force on the thumb grip 801 causes the thumb
grip 801 to advance forward toward the proximal end of the syringe
2001. During this advance, the cutting edges 901 on the thumb grip
801 cut though the sleeve 201 allow the thumb grip 801 to continue
forward without resistance. In addition, the plunger 1101 is moved
forward, moving the injectable fluid through the syringe body 101
and out the needle 103.
[0065] For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the thumb grip 801 has
been moved forward some amount and, therefore, material has been
extruded. FIG. 22 shows a similar position in cross-section. As can
be seen, the thumb grip 801 has moved forward, and the plunger 1101
has pushed the material in the fluid chamber forward, leaving an
empty portion of the fluid chamber, and cutting away a portion of
the sleeve 201. It is noted that, as the sleeve 201 is cut by the
cutting edge 901, there is a possibility that particulate from the
sleeve 201 will fall into the syringe body 101. Such particulate is
not a problem, however, because the particulate will be distal to
the plunger 1101 and the injectable fluid (i.e. the particulate
will not fall into the injectable fluid).
[0066] It is noted that, in some cases, a larger fluid injection
volume may be needed. This usually requires the syringe to be
lengthened and/or the inner diameter to be increased. As explained
above, increasing the length of the syringe is typically not
practical with a standard medical syringe, because the length of
the plunger rod also has to be lengthened. As a result, the
distance between the thumb grip on the plunger rod and the finger
grip on the syringe would typically be too large for the operator
to span their thumb and fingers from one feature (thumb grip on
plunger rod) to the other (finger grip on syringe) for a
comfortable grip. Increasing the inner diameter is the most common
solution, but this will result in a higher extrusion force, which
may be impractical, particularly when using high viscosity fluids
or gels.
[0067] Example embodiments provide for syringes having an
intermediate finger grip, which are capable of handling larger
volumes of material. The intermediate finger grip can be position
adjustable and/or removable, allowing the finger span distance,
that is, the distance between the intermediate finger grip and the
thumb grip, to be adjusted. This feature allows the operator to
inject fluid out of a longer syringe body with an comfortable
finger span (that is, the distance between the intermediate finger
grip and the thumb grip, without increasing the extrusion
force.
[0068] For example, FIGS. 23-24 show an example embodiment. The
example embodiment may include all of the features described above,
and may also include an intermediate finger grip 2301, which may
initially be positioned at an intermediate distance along the
syringe body. A user may use the syringe as before, except that, in
order to maintain a comfortable finger span, the user may first
push the thumb grip 801 forward, holding the intermediate finger
grip 2301. The intermediate finger grip 801 may be position
adjustable and/or removable, allowing the finger span distance to
be adjusted.
[0069] The user may continue to push the thumb grip 801 forward
until it meets the intermediate finger grip 2301, as in FIGS.
25-26. At that point, the user may change grips, now holding the
finger grip 501 and the thumb grip 801. The user may again push the
thumb grip 801 forward, which in turn may push the intermediate
grip 2301 in front of it, until the two grips reach the finger grip
501, at which point the syringe may be empty, FIG. 27.
[0070] Like the components discussed above, the intermediate finger
grip 2301 may be made from any suitable material. An example
intermediate finger grip 2301 is shown in FIG. 28. Such a grip 2301
may have one or more finger cups 2801 to accommodate fingers. In
addition, the intermediate finger grip 2301 may have an aperture
2802 shaped to accommodate the syringe body 101. The intermediate
finger grip 2301 may be prevented from moving when in use as a
finger grip in any reasonable manner. For instance, the
intermediate finger grip 2301 may be provided with only one finger
cup 2801, and, therefore, when gripped by a user, the user may
apply a torque to the intermediate finger grip 2301 which may
prevent it from sliding. However, the intermediate finger grip 2301
may slide readily when pushed forward evenly by the thumb grip 801.
Alternatively, a locking mechanism may be employed.
[0071] An alternative, removable intermediate finger grip 2901 is
shown in FIG. 29. Such a finger grip 2901 may be similar to the
non-removable grip 2301, except that it may be equipped with
flexible arms 2901, instead of an aperture 2802, which may clip
around the syringe body 101 when in use, but which allow the grip
2901 to be removed once it is no longer needed.
[0072] In the preceding specification, the present invention has
been described with reference to specific example embodiments
thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications
and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the
broader spirit and scope of the present invention. The description
and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative
rather than restrictive sense.
[0073] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
quantities used in the specification and claims are to be
understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about."
Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical
parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are
approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties
sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least,
and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of
equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter
should at least be construed in light of the number of reported
significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting
forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the
numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as
precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently
contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard
deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0074] The terms "a," "an," "the" and similar referents used in the
context of describing the invention (especially in the context of
the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the
singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or
clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values
herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended
merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a
limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No
language in the specification should be construed as indicating any
non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0075] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the
invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations.
Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in
any combination with other members of the group or other elements
found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group
may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of
convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or
deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group
as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush
groups used in the appended claims.
[0076] Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein,
including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the
invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments
will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon
reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled
artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the
inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than
specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes
all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in
the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law.
Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all
possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless
otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by
context.
[0077] In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of
the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles
of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed
are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but
not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present
invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein.
Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely
as shown and described.
* * * * *