U.S. patent application number 14/010571 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for hinge assembly for an injector.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mallinckrodt LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Mallinckrodt LLC. Invention is credited to Shawn P. Fojtik.
Application Number | 20130345644 14/010571 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39591387 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130345644 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fojtik; Shawn P. |
December 26, 2013 |
Hinge Assembly for an Injector
Abstract
A locking hinge assembly for an injector is disclosed. The
injector includes a forward handle member, a rear handle member and
a hinge connecting the first and second members and defining an
axis of rotation. The locking hinge assembly includes a hinge
element slidable along the axis of rotation between a locked
position and an unlocked position. The hinge element is coupled to
the forward handle member and the rear handle member at the hinge,
and the hinge element includes at least one groove. Additionally, a
locking element is provided and positioned about the hinge. The
locking element is configured to be received in the groove such
that rotation of the forward handle member and rear handle member
about the axis of rotation is prevented when the hinge element is
in the locked configuration.
Inventors: |
Fojtik; Shawn P.; (Park
City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mallinckrodt LLC |
Hazelwood |
MO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Mallinckrodt LLC
Hazelwood
MO
|
Family ID: |
39591387 |
Appl. No.: |
14/010571 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12738845 |
Jun 3, 2010 |
8539644 |
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PCT/US2008/061249 |
Apr 23, 2008 |
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14010571 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/220 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 5/3137 20130101;
Y10T 16/53985 20150115; Y10T 16/52 20150115; A61M 5/31591 20130101;
A61M 5/31511 20130101; A61M 5/31505 20130101; A61M 5/31525
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/220 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/315 20060101
A61M005/315 |
Claims
1. An injector comprising: a syringe barrel comprising a receptacle
configured to receive a fluid; a plunger configured to slidably
translate through the receptacle; a forward handle member
comprising: an internal housing comprising a non-circular aperture
therethrough; a proximal end configured to be pivotally coupled to
the plunger; a distal end opposite the proximal end; a rear handle
member comprising: a proximal end configured to pivotally couple to
the syringe barrel, said proximal end configured to rotatably
engage the forward member at a hinge, the hinge defining an axis of
rotation; a distal end configured to translate the plunger through
the receptacle when used in combination with the forward member
distal end to actuate the injector; a locking hinge assembly
positioned within the housing and extending outward through the
non-circular aperture, the hinge assembly configured to be coupled
to the forward member and the rear member at the hinge, the locking
hinge assembly comprising: a hinge element slidable parallel to the
axis of rotation between a locked position and an unlocked
position, the hinge element comprising a first end comprising a
non-circular cross-section, a second end comprising a non-circular
cross-section, and a flange comprising at least one groove, the
non-circular aperture configured to receive the first and second
ends therethrough; and a locking element positioned within the
housing, the locking element configured to be received in the
groove such that rotation of the forward handle member and rear
handle member about the axis of rotation is prevented when the
hinge element is in the locked position.
2. The assembly in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a
micro-adjust assembly comprising: a flange positioned
circumferentially around the hinge element; a plurality of teeth
extending outwardly from the flange; and an adjuster rod comprising
a exposed portion and an enclosed portion, the adjuster rod
configured to engage the plurality of teeth.
3. The assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the adjuster
rod exposed portion extends rearwardly from the forward handle
member internal housing and comprises a handle.
4. The assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the adjuster
rod further comprises a worm gear configured to rotate hinge
element via the plurality of teeth.
5. The assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the locking
element comprises a ratchet arm.
6. The assembly in accordance with claim 5 wherein the ratchet arm
comprises a tip configured to enable rotation of forward handle
member and rear handle member in a direction and prevent rotation
of forward handle member and rear handle member in an opposite
direction.
7. The assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least
one groove is disposed between teeth, the flange having a plurality
of teeth.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/738,845, which is a national stage
application of PCT/US2008/061249, filed Apr. 23, 2008, which claims
the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/923,514, filed
Oct. 24, 2007.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The field of the invention relates generally to hand-held
injectors and syringes, and more specifically to locking hinge
assemblies for such injectors and syringes.
SUMMARY
[0003] One aspect is directed to a locking hinge assembly for an
injector. The injector includes a forward handle member, a rear
handle member and a hinge connecting the first and second members
and defining an axis of rotation. The locking hinge assembly
includes a hinge element slidable along the axis of rotation
between a locked position and an unlocked position. The hinge
element is coupled to the forward handle member and the rear handle
member at the hinge, and the hinge element includes at least one
groove. Additionally, a locking element is positioned about the
hinge. The locking element is configured to be received in the
groove such that rotation of the forward handle member and rear
handle member about the axis of rotation is prevented when the
hinge element is in the locked configuration.
[0004] Another aspect is directed to an injector including a
syringe barrel having a receptacle configured to receive a fluid. A
plunger is configured to slidably translate through the receptacle.
The injector also includes a forward handle member, a rear handle
member, and a locking hinge assembly. The forward handle member
includes an internal housing having a non-circular aperture
therethrough, a proximal end configured to be pivotally coupled to
the plunger, and a distal end positioned opposite the proximal end.
The rear handle member includes a proximal end having two arms
separated by a distance, wherein each of the arms is configured to
be pivotally coupled to the syringe barrel and to rotatably engage
the forward member at a hinge. The rear handle member also includes
a distal end configured to translate the plunger through the
receptacle when used with the forward member distal end. The
locking hinge assembly is positioned within the housing and extends
outward through the non-circular aperture. The locking hinge
assembly includes a hinge element slidable along the axis of
rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position,
wherein the hinge element includes a first end having a
non-circular cross-section, a second end having a non-circular
cross-section, and at least one groove. The locking hinge assembly
also includes a locking element positioned within the housing and
is configured to be received in the groove such that rotation of
the forward handle member and rear handle member about the axis of
rotation is prevented when the hinge element is in the locked
position.
[0005] Still another aspect is directed to a locking hinge assembly
for an injector that includes a forward handle member, a rear
handle member and a hinge connecting the first and second members
and defining an axis of rotation. The hinge assembly is slidable
along the axis of rotation between a locked position and an
unlocked position, and includes a first hinge member having a first
portion, an intermediate portion, and a second portion. The first
portion includes a non-circular cross-section. The intermediate
portion includes a flange including at least one groove, and the
second portion includes an extension. The hinge assembly also
includes a second hinge member having a first portion and an
opposite second portion. The first portion includes a cavity
configured to receive the first hinge member extension, and the
second portion includes a non-circular cross-section. A biasing
member is positioned within the second hinge member cavity and is
configured to exert an force outward against first and second hinge
members. A locking element is positioned about the hinge and is
configured to be received in the groove such that rotation of the
forward handle member and rear handle member about the axis of
rotation is prevented when the hinge element is in the locked
position.
[0006] Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation
to the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention. Further
features may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects of
the present invention as well. These refinements and additional
features may exist individually or in any combination. For
instance, various features discussed below in relation to any of
the illustrated embodiments of the present invention may be
incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present
invention, alone or in any combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a left side view of an exemplary injector.
[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear view of an exemplary locking
hinge assembly in the injector of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a left side view of portions of the exemplary
locking hinge assembly of FIG. 2.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary end view of a hinge element shown in
FIG. 2 in the locked position.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary end view like FIG. 4 but with the
hinge element in the unlocked position.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary micro-adjustment
assembly used with the injector shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternative
micro-adjustment assembly used with the injector shown in FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of another
alternative micro-adjustment assembly used with the injector shown
in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a side view of still another alternative
micro-adjustment assembly used with the injector shown in FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an
injector 10. In the exemplary embodiment, injector 10 includes a
handle assembly 20 having a forward handle member 50 and a rear
handle member 100. Injector 10 includes a plunger 110 partially
received in barrel 114. The plunger 110 has an end 112 that is not
received in barrel 114. Barrel 114 is adapted to receive a quantity
of fluid (not shown). The fluid can be selectively forced out of
the barrel through nozzle 115. The fluid in the barrel is not
limited to the following, but may be for example, a medication, a
contrast agent, or a gas for inflation of a balloon or
catheter.
[0017] Forward handle member 50 includes a proximal end 120
configured to be coupled to plunger first end 112, and a distal end
122 opposite the proximal end 120. Similarly, rear handle member
100 includes a proximal end 130 that is configured to be coupled to
the syringe barrel 114, and a distal end 132 opposite the proximal
end 130. Additionally, handle assembly 20 includes a hinge 40 that
pivotally connects forward handle member 50 and rear handle member
100 to one another. In the exemplary embodiment, hinge 40 also
includes a locking hinge assembly 42 that is configured to enable
forward handle member 50 and rear handle member 100 to be locked
into a plurality of different positions, including an open
position, in which handle member distal ends 122, 132 are rotated
as far as possible apart from one another (as shown in FIG. 1, for
example), and a closed position, in which handle member distal ends
122, 132 are rotated as close as possible to one another (not
shown). By locking the relative positions of members 50 and 100,
locking hinge assembly 42 may prevent or limit further movement of
members 50 and 100. Though the hinge 40 is shown herein as a
multi-piece assembly, it may also be a single, unitary piece.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an
exemplary locking hinge assembly 200 used with the injector 10
shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary locking
hinge assembly 200 used with injector 10. Hinge 40 includes an
elongate hinge element 210 with a central axis 212, or axis of
rotation, about which hinge 40 is intended to rotate, and two ends
214, 216. At least one end 214, 216 of elongate hinge element 210
is configured to engage a complementary portion of member 50, 100
(shown in FIG. 1).
[0019] In the exemplary embodiment, elongate hinge element 210
includes a first hinge member 218 and a second hinge member 220
that are each configured for assembly with one another. First hinge
member 218 includes a first portion 222, an intermediate portion
224, and a second portion 226, wherein the first portion 222
comprises a non-circular cross-section 227 (shown in FIG. 3), and
wherein the intermediate portion comprises a flange 228 having at
least one groove 230. More specifically and in the exemplary
embodiment, flange 228 includes a plurality of tooth and groove
elements. Alternatively, flange 228 includes any configuration that
enables hinge 40 and hinge element 210 to function as described
herein. The second portion 226 includes an extension 232. Second
hinge member 220 includes a first portion 234 and an opposite
second portion 235. First portion 234 includes a cavity 236
configured to receive the first hinge member extension 232, and
wherein the second portion 235 includes a non-circular
cross-section. Alternatively, a single piece hinge may be used (not
shown).
[0020] In operation, forward handle member 50 is configured to be
held and operated by a user's hand (not shown), specifically and in
the exemplary embodiment, by the user's fingers. Second member 100
is configured to he held by a palm and thumb of a user's hand, and
is pivotally coupled to a barrel 114 (shown in FIG. 1). When
proximal ends 120, 130 of members 50 and 100, respectively, are
drawn toward one another, members 50 and 100 pivot about central
axis 212 of hinge 40, forcing distal ends 122, 132 toward one
another, and moving plunger 110 distally into barrel 114. Due to
its location and configuration, hinge 40 may be slid between
unlocked, intermediate, and locked positions with a finger of thumb
of a user's hand. More specifically, a finger or thumb on the same
hand that holds handle 20 may be used to move hinge 40 to the
desired position.
[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, forward handle member 50
includes an inner surface 260 and two elements 261, 262, each
forming a side half of member 50 and configured to be assembled
with each other. Each element 261, 262 includes a proximal portion
264, 266, an intermediate portion 268, 270 adjacent to proximal
portions 264, 266, and a distal portion 272, 274 adjacent to
intermediate portion 268, 270. Proximal portions 264, 266 and
distal portions 272, 274 may be located on substantially opposite
sides of intermediate portions 268, 270, respectively.
[0022] Proximal portions 264, 266 are configured to be pivotally
coupled to syringe plunger 110 (shown in FIG. 1). In the exemplary
embodiment, hinge members 218, 220, which are configured to align
and to be assembled with each other, extend from inner surface 260.
When elements 261, 262 are assembled, intermediate portions 268,
270 include spaced apart outer walls 280, 282 that define a hollow
internal housing 284 that is configured to receive a central
portion of hinge 40, including a hinge element 210. Intermediate
portions 268, 270 include an aperture 286, 288 through each outer
wall 280, 282. Apertures 286, 288 are axially aligned with each
other, and are configured to receive opposite sides of hinge
element 210 while permitting handle 50 to pivot freely about
central axis 212 regardless of whether hinge element 210 is engaged
in a locked position, as described herein.
[0023] Rear handle member 100 includes two elements 290, 291 each
forming a side half of member 100 and configured to be assembled
with each other. Each element 290, 291 includes a proximal portion
292, 293 an intermediate portion 294, 295 adjacent to proximal
portions 292, 293 and a distal portion 296, 297 adjacent to
intermediate portion 294, 295. Rear handle member 100 is fabricated
such that proximal ends 292, 293 are separated by a distance L
(shown in FIGS. 4 and 5), and such that the two elements 290, 291
are joined from the respective intermediate portions 294, 295 to
the distal portions 292, 293. Each of the proximal portions 292,
293 are configured to pivotally couple to the syringe barrel 114
(shown in FIG. 1) and each of the proximal portions 292, 293 are
configured to rotatably engage the forward member 50 at hinge
40.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, in the exemplary embodiment, forward
handle member element inner surface 260 includes a locking feature
300 that engages hinge element 210 upon movement of hinge 40 from
an intermediate position or unlocked position to a locked position.
Locking feature 300 engages hinge element 210 as hinge 40 is slid
along central axis 212 (shown in FIG. 2).
[0025] In the exemplary embodiment, locking element 300 includes a
stationary ratchet arm 310 including a tip 312 that engages hinge
element 210 within a groove 230 thereof (shown in FIG. 3). The
configurations (or orientations) of grooves 230 and tip 312 enables
hinge 40 to rotate in one direction (e.g., clockwise, as handles 50
and 100 are drawn together), but prevent the rotation of hinge 40
in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise). Locking element
300 comprises a fixed or actuatable (e.g., with a button, slider,
switch, etc.) element that limits rotation of hinge 40 in one or
both directions.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, a biasing member (e.g. a spring) 400 is
fixedly secured to hinge 40. In the exemplary embodiment, spring
upper arm 410 and spring lower arm 420 are held substantially in
place by two respective posts 422, 424 protruding from an inner
surface 260. When proximal end 130 of member 100 pivots toward
proximal end 120 of member 50 (as shown in FIG. 1), hinge 40
rotates, which introduces tension into spring lower arm 420. Once
members 50 and 100 are no longer held in a closed or partially
closed position of handle 20, the resiliency of biasing member 400
rotates hinge 40, causing proximal end 130 of member 100 to move
away from proximal end 120 of member 50, thereby returning handle
20 to an open position.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary end view of hinge element shown in
FIG. 2, in the locked position. FIG. 5 is a fragmentary end view of
hinge element shown in FIG. 2, in the unlocked position. In
operation, member 50 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) pivots relative to
hinge 40 regardless of whether hinge 40 is in a locked position or
an unlocked position. When in the locked position (as shown in FIG.
4), hinge 40 limits or prevents member 100 from pivoting.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 6-9, FIG. 6 is a side view of an
exemplary microadjustment assembly used with the injector shown in
FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevation view of the
microadjustment assembly shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a fragmentary
elevation view of the microadjustment assembly shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is an alternative microadjustment assembly used with the
injector shown in FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment, hinge 40
includes a microadjustment assembly 500. Microadjustment assembly
500 includes a gear or threaded element 510 that is configured to
engage a separate microadjustment screw 520. Alternatively,
microadjustment element includes any type of gear that enables
injector to function as described herein. In yet another
embodiment, hinge 40 does not include a microadjustment
assembly.
[0029] An end 526 of a microadjustment screw 520 is disposed within
internal housing 528. More specifically, microadjustment screw 520
includes features 529 that are configured to engage microadjustment
assembly 500. In the exemplary embodiment, features 529 include a
thread of a worm gear that engages a plurality of teeth 530 of
microadjustment assembly 500. Microadjustment screw 520 is secured
therein by cooperating mounts 532, 534 (shown in FIG. 3) that
extend within internal housing 528. As microadjustment screw 520 is
rotated, microadjustment assembly 500 and hinge 40 also rotate.
[0030] The relative positions of members 50 and 100 of handle 20
may be locked into place by engaging microadjustment assembly 500
with microadjustment screw 520. When hinge 40 is slid into an
intermediate position (i.e., a position between the locked position
shown in FIG. 4 and the unlocked position shown in FIG. 5) locking
element 250 is disengaged and microadjustment screw 520 engages
microadjustment assembly 500. Forward handle member 50 is held in
place by microadjustment screw 520, which prevents external pivotal
movement of members 50 and 100 (e.g., by squeezing members 50 and
100 together or moving them apart with a hand). Internal rotation
of microadjustment assembly 500 by rotating microadjustment screw
520 will rotate elongate hinge element 210, causing rear handle
member 100 to pivot relative to forward handle member 50.
[0031] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, a hinge 640 includes a
microadjustment element 600 at an end of elongate hinge element
610. Microadjustment element 600 includes a recess 650 in
combination with engagement features 652 that are each configured
to receive and engage complementary engagement features 653 of a
microadjustment screw 654. Hinge 640 or microadjustment screw 654
is actuated to cause at least one of the microadjustment element
600 and microadjustment screw 654 to engage the other along a
central axis 656. In this embodiment, engagement features 652
include threads complementary to threads on microadjustment screw
654 and are oriented to engage complementary splines protruding
from the outer surface of microadjustment screw 654, or any other
suitable engagement features that cooperate with corresponding
engagement features on microadjustment screw 654.
[0032] In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a hinge 740
includes a microadjustment element 700 at an end of elongate hinge
element 710. Microadjustment element 700 includes an enclosed
channel 750 in combination with engagement features 752 that are
each configured to receive and engage complementary engagement
features 753 of a microadjustment screw 754. Hinge 740 or
microadjustment screw 754 is actuated to cause at least one of the
microadjustment element 700 and microadjustment screw 754 to engage
the other along a central axis 756. In this embodiment, engagement
features 752 include threads complementary to threads on
microadjustment screw 754 and are oriented to engage complementary
splines protruding from the outer surface of microadjustment screw
754, or any other suitable engagement features that cooperate with
corresponding engagement features on microadjustment screw 754.
[0033] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, a microadjustment screw
850 includes engagement features 852 that are complementary to
engagement features 854 (e.g. teeth, etc.) that are moved into and
out of engagement with locking element 856. An end 858 of
microadjustment screw 850 may be associated with a handle 20 (see,
e.g., FIG. 1) in such a way that microadjustment screw 850 pivots
from the end thereof while remaining free to rotate. Accordingly, a
knob (not shown) at the opposite end of microadjustment screw 850
may be moved to tilt engagement features 854 of microadjustment
screw 850 into and out of engagement with engagement features
854.
[0034] Exemplary embodiments of locking hinge assemblies are
described in detail above. The above-described assemblies for
locking the handles of a manually operated injector (e.g. a
syringe, an aspiration device), including microadjustment
assemblies may be implemented to facilitate a more accurate
discharge of medium from the injector. Additionally, the systems
described herein facilitate introducing accurate, small amounts of
the medium to a patient, for example, in a controlled manner.
[0035] Although the apparatus and methods described herein are
described in the context of using a locking hinge within an
injector for use in medical devices, it is understood that the
apparatus and methods are not limited to medical syringe-type
injectors. Likewise, the system components illustrated are not
limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather,
system components can be utilized independently and separately from
other components described herein.
[0036] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular
and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not
excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is
explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of
the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as
excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also
incorporate the recited features.
[0037] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
* * * * *