U.S. patent application number 16/469808 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-12 for fluid delivery device.
The applicant listed for this patent is PKA SOFTTOUCH CORP.. Invention is credited to Richard CRAWFORD, Joe KERR, Pankaj MODI.
Application Number | 20200078533 16/469808 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62557755 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-12 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200078533 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MODI; Pankaj ; et
al. |
March 12, 2020 |
FLUID DELIVERY DEVICE
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a fluid dispenser comprising a barrel
defining a longitudinal axis terminating at a first fluid delivery
end region; a body movable along the barrel relative to the first
fluid delivery end region, the body including a needle carrier, a
plunger and a capsule carrier therebetween, a latch interface
between the body and the barrel and responsive to a release force
therebetween caused by compressive engagement of the barrel at a
fluid delivery site on a patient, to enable travel of the plunger
and capsule carrier toward the needle carrier, to a dispensing
configuration in which an upstream end of the needle pierces the
capsule and projects form the first fluid delivery end region to
deliver a fluid to the fluid delivery site.
Inventors: |
MODI; Pankaj; (Ancaster,
CA) ; CRAWFORD; Richard; (Lakefield, CA) ;
KERR; Joe; (Lakefield, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PKA SOFTTOUCH CORP. |
Lakefield |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
62557755 |
Appl. No.: |
16/469808 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
November 1, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2017/051298 |
371 Date: |
June 14, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62462497 |
Feb 23, 2017 |
|
|
|
62434760 |
Dec 15, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 5/3202 20130101;
A61M 5/326 20130101; A61M 2005/3267 20130101; A61M 5/3271 20130101;
A61M 5/31501 20130101; A61M 5/50 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/32 20060101
A61M005/32; A61M 5/315 20060101 A61M005/315; A61M 5/50 20060101
A61M005/50 |
Claims
1. A fluid dispenser comprising a barrel defining a longitudinal
axis terminating at a first fluid delivery end region; a dispenser
body movable along the barrel relative to the first fluid delivery
end region in a first phase between a pre-dispensing configuration
and a dispensed configuration, and in a second phase between the
dispensed configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration,
wherein the dispenser body is configured to rotate about the
longitudinal axis during the first phase for aligned orientation
with at least one locking structure configured to lock the
dispenser body in the locked post-dispensing configuration during
travel in the second phase.
2. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the dispenser body includes a needle carrier with a
second fluid delivery end region defined thereon.
3. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the needle carrier is configured to be in a
retracted position within the barrel in the locked post-dispensing
configuration.
4. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the dispenser body includes a fluid capsule carrier
moveable relative to the needle carrier in the first phase to
dispense fluid from a carried capsule.
5. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the dispenser body includes a plunger structure
movable relative to the fluid capsule carrier in at least part of
the first phase to pressurize a carried capsule.
6. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the fluid capsule carrier is configured, during at
least part of the first phase, to travel with the plunger
structure.
7. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims wherein, during at least part of the first phase, the fluid
capsule carrier is configured to rotate axially between
lock-unaligned and lock-aligned angular positions.
8. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising at least one rotation interface defined
across a plurality of cooperating elements respectively on the
fluid capsule carrier and at least one of the plunger structure and
the needle carrier, to enable axial rotation of the fluid capsule
carrier relative to the barrel.
9. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one rotation interface includes a
first rotation interface provided between the fluid capsule carrier
and the plunger structure, each including one of a corresponding
first set of first cooperating elements.
10. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one rotation interface includes a
second rotation interface provided between the fluid capsule
carrier and the needle carrier, each including one of a
corresponding second set of second cooperating elements.
11. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the first and/or second cooperating elements
include at least one guide path and at least one follower to travel
along the guide path.
12. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the guide path is ramped.
13. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the fluid capsule carrier includes a capsule
carrier body comprising an open end region opposite the second
fluid delivery end region to receive the plunger structure
therethrough.
14. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one first guide path is operatively
oriented near the open end region to engage the first follower on
the plunger structure.
15. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the second guide path is operatively oriented near
the second fluid delivery end region to engage the second follower
on the needle carrier.
16. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the capsule carrier body is cylindrical and
includes a pair of first guide paths and a pair of second guide
paths, each pair being symmetrically arranged relative to the
longitudinal axis.
17. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the fluid capsule carrier includes a transverse
fluid capsule receiving surface, and a needle passage extending
therethrough to receive an upstream end of a needle.
18. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the plunger structure includes a plunger end region
to travel during at least part of the first phase toward the fluid
capsule receiving surface to pressurize the fluid capsule, thereby
to express the fluid through the needle.
19. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the first phase includes at least in part: a. a
first rotation phase during which the fluid capsule carrier is
rotatable relative to the needle carrier about the longitudinal
axis, as the plunger end region approaches the fluid capsule
receiving surface; and b. a second dispensing phase during which
the plunger end region is movable axially relative to the fluid
capsule receiving surface, at least in part, to pressurize the
fluid capsule.
20. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein during the second dispensing phase, at least in
part, the plunger end region is movable axially with the fluid
capsule receiving surface, toward piercing contact with a needle on
the needle carrier, to dispense the fluid.
21. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one locking structure includes a lock
interface to fix the dispenser body at a locking location when the
dispenser body is in the lock-aligned angular position.
22. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the needle carrier is biased to travel from the
second dispensed position to the locking location.
23. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the lock interface is configured between the fluid
capsule carrier and the barrel to engage when the dispenser is in
the lock-aligned angular position.
24. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising at least one latch structure extending
laterally outwardly from the fluid capsule carrier and at least one
axial latch edge formation extending along an inner surface of the
barrel and terminating at a transition region, wherein the latch
structure is configured to travel along the axial latch edge
formation toward and beyond the transition, thereby to release the
plunger structure.
25. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one locking structure and the at least
one latch structure are each defined in common by a pair of locking
tabs extending outwardly from the fluid capsule carrier.
26. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the bias is provided by at least one spring acting
between the first and second fluid delivery end regions.
27. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the lock interface is configured between the at
least one locking structure extending laterally outwardly from the
needle carrier and at least one transverse locking edge formation
extending transversely across a surface of the barrel at the
locking location, wherein the locking structure is configured to
travel toward and engage the transverse locking edge formation at
the locking location when in the lock-aligned angular position.
28. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one locking structure includes at
least one locking tab extending laterally outwardly from the fluid
capsule carrier to engage a corresponding locking edge formation on
the barrel.
29. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the plunger structure includes a plunger and a
plunger support, the plunger configured to swivel through at least
a predetermined range relative to the plunger support to rotate
with the fluid capsule carrier.
30. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, the fluid capsule carrier and the plunger being configured
to fix an angular position of the plunger relative to the fluid
capsule carrier at least during the first phase.
31. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, the fluid capsule carrier and the plunger further
comprising complementary guide formations to align the plunger with
the fluid capsule carrier.
32. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the guide formations include at least one laterally
outwardly extending tab on the plunger and at least one
longitudinal groove formed in an inner surface of the fluid capsule
carrier.
33. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the plunger support and the needle carrier are
configured to fix an angular position of the plunger support
relative to the needle carrier.
34. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the needle carrier and the plunger support include
complementary formations aligned with the longitudinal axis to form
a plunger support travel path along the longitudinal axis.
35. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the complementary formations include a pair of
flanges extending from one of the needle carrier and the plunger
support, to be received in complementary groove formations on the
other of the needle carrier and the plunger support.
36. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the plunger support includes a cover flange
laterally outwardly spaced to form an annular passage to receive an
adjacent end region on the barrel.
37. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising at least one user gripping tab extending
outwardly from the needle carrier or the barrel for a user to
engage for manipulating the dispenser through at least part of the
first phase.
38. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising a signal emitter to emit a signal
indicating that the plunger structure has reached a dispensed
position.
39. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the signal emitter includes a signal emitting
interface between the barrel and the dispenser body.
40. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the signal emitting interface includes at least one
resilient tab and at least one locking formation aligned therewith,
each of which is located on one a respective one of the barrel and
the dispenser body.
41. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least resilient tab extends from the plunger
support and the at least one locking formation is positioned on an
inner surface of the barrel.
42. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one resilient tab is locked in
position with at least one locking formation in the dispensed
position.
43. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising a lock interface to lock the dispenser
body relative to the barrel in the dispensed position.
44. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the lock interface includes at least one resilient
tab and a boss aligned therewith, each of which is located on one a
respective one of the barrel and the body.
45. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the resilient tab extends from the plunger support
and the boss is positioned on an inner surface of the barrel.
46. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the plunger support, the needle carrier and/or the
barrel include formations to form a guide interface for inhibiting
rotational movement therebetween.
47. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the guide interface includes at least one support
passage to receive an extended section on the barrel.
48. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the plunger support includes a pair of
symmetrically opposed circumferentially extended webs, each
defining an outer periphery of one of a corresponding pair of
support passages.
49. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the needle carrier includes a pair of opposed and
circumferentially cross sectioned guide sections to engage
corresponding surfaces on the plunger support.
50. A fluid dispenser comprising: a. a barrel defining a
longitudinal axis terminating at a first fluid delivery end region;
b. a body movable along the barrel relative to the first fluid
dispensing end region, the body including: i. a needle carrier
aligned with the longitudinal axis and terminating at a second
fluid delivery end region, at which is located a needle having a
downstream end configured to project through the first fluid
delivery end region in a first dispensing position; ii. a plunger
structure aligned with the longitudinal axis and movable axially
relative to the needle carrier; and iii. a fluid capsule carrier
which is configured to receive a fluid capsule, the fluid capsule
carrier being aligned with the longitudinal axis and movable
axially relative to the needle carrier and the plunger structure;
iv. a latch interface operable under the action of a compressive
force between the barrel and the body, to release the plunger
structure to travel relative to the needle carrier; and v. the
fluid capsule carrier configured, in a dispensing mode, to travel
toward piercing contact of the needle with the fluid capsule.
51. A dispenser as defined in claim any of the preceding or
following claims, wherein the fluid capsule carrier is configured,
in at least part of the dispensing mode, to travel with the plunger
structure.
52. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein, in at least part of the dispensing mode, the fluid
capsule carrier is configured to rotate axially between
lock-unaligned and lock-aligned angular positions.
53. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising at least one rotation interface
including a plurality of cooperating elements respectively on the
fluid capsule carrier and at least one of the plunger structure and
the needle carrier.
54. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one rotation interface includes a
first rotation interface provided between the fluid capsule carrier
and the plunger structure , each including one of a corresponding
first set of first cooperating elements.
55. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one rotation interface includes a
second rotation interface provided between the fluid capsule
carrier and the needle carrier, each including one of a
corresponding second set of second cooperating elements.
56. A dispenser as defined any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the first and/or second cooperating elements
include at least one guide path and at least one follower to travel
along the guide path.
57. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein
the guide path is ramped.
58. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the follower in the first and/or second sets of
cooperating elements includes a follower guide path.
59. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the fluid capsule carrier includes a capsule
carrier body comprising an open end region opposite the second
fluid delivery end region to receive the plunger structure
therethrough,
60. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein at least one first guide path is operatively
oriented near the open end region to engage the first follower on
the plunger structure, and at least one second guide path
operatively oriented near the second fluid delivery end region to
engage the second follower on the needle carrier.
61. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the capsule carrier body is cylindrical and
includes a pair of first guide paths and a pair of second guide
paths, each pair being symmetrically arranged relative to the
longitudinal axis.
62. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the fluid capsule carrier includes a fluid capsule
receiving surface, and a needle passage extending therethrough to
receive the upstream end of the needle in the first dispensing
position, the plunger structure including a plunger end region to
travel during the dispensing mode toward a second dispensed
position adjacent the fluid capsule receiving surface and to
cooperate therewith to pressurize the fluid capsule, thereby to
express the fluid through the needle.
63. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the dispensing mode includes at least in part: a. a
first rotation phase during which the fluid capsule carrier rotates
relative to the needle carrier about the longitudinal axis, while
the plunger end region approaches the fluid capsule receiving
surface; and b. a second dispensing phase during which the plunger
end region is movable axially relative to the fluid capsule
receiving surface, at least in part, to pressurize the fluid
capsule and dispense the fluid.
64. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein during the second dispensing phase, at least in
part, the plunger end region is movable axially with the fluid
capsule receiving surface, toward piercing contact with a needle on
the needle carrier, to dispense the fluid.
65. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising a lock interface to fix the body at a
locking location when the fluid capsule carrier is in the
lock-aligned angular position.
66. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the needle carrier is biased to travel from the
second dispensed position to the locking location.
67. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the bias is provided by at least one spring acting
between the first and second fluid delivery end regions.
68. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising a latch interface configured between at
least one locking tab extending laterally outwardly from the fluid
capsule carrier and at least one axial latch edge formation
extending along an inner surface of the barrel and terminating at a
transition region, wherein the locking tab is configured to travel
along the axial locking edge formation under the action of the
compressive force toward and beyond the transition region, thereby
to release the plunger structure for travel relative to the fluid
capsule carrier.
69. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the lock interface is configured between at least
one locking tab extending laterally outwardly from the fluid
capsule carrier and at least one transverse locking edge formation
extending transversely across an inner surface of the barrel at the
lock location, wherein the locking tab is configured to travel
toward and engage the transverse locking edge formation at the
locking location when in the lock-aligned angular position.
70. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one locking tab includes a pair of
locking tabs extending laterally outwardly from the fluid capsule
carrier.
71. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the plunger structure includes a plunger and a
plunger support, the plunger configured to swivel through at least
a predetermined range relative to the plunger support to rotate
with the fluid capsule carrier.
72. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, the fluid capsule carrier and the plunger being configured
to fix an angular position of the plunger relative to the fluid
capsule carrier at least during the dispensing mode.
73. A dispenser as defined any of the preceding or following
claims, the fluid capsule carrier and the plunger further
comprising complementary guide formations.
74. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the guide formations include at least one laterally
outwardly extending tab on the plunger and at least one
longitudinal groove formed in an inner surface of the fluid capsule
carrier.
75. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the plunger support and the needle carrier are
configured to fix an angular position of the plunger support
relative to the needle carrier in the dispensing mode.
76. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the needle carrier and the plunger support include
complementary formations aligned with the longitudinal axis to form
a plunger support travel path along the longitudinal axis.
77. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, the complementary formations including a pair of flanges
extending from the needle carrier toward the plunger support, to be
received in complementary groove formations on the plunger
support.
78. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the plunger support includes a cover flange
laterally outwardly spaced to form an annular passage to receive an
adjacent end region on the barrel.
79. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims any, further comprising at least one user gripping tab
extending outwardly from the needle carrier or the barrel for a
user to engage for manipulating the dispenser through at least part
of the dispensing mode.
80. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising a signal emitter to emit a signal
indicating that the plunger structure has reached the second
dispensed position.
81. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the signal emitter includes a signal emitting
interface between the barrel and the body.
82. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the signal emitting interface includes at least one
resilient tab and at least one locking formation aligned therewith,
each of which is located on one a respective one of the barrel and
the body.
83. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the resilient tab extends from the plunger support
and at least one locking formation is positioned on an inner
surface of the barrel.
84. A dispenser as defined any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the resilient tab is locked in position with the at
least one locking formation in the second dispensed position.
85. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising a lock interface to lock the body
relative to the barrel in the second dispensed position.
86. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the lock interface includes at least one resilient
tab and a boss aligned therewith, each of which is located on a
respective one of the barrel and the body.
87. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the resilient tab extends from the plunger support
and the boss is positioned on an inner surface of the barrel.
88. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the plunger support, the needle carrier and/or the
barrel include formations to form a guide interface for guiding
movement therebetween.
89. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the guide interface includes at least one support
passage to receive an extended section on the barrel.
90. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the plunger support includes a pair of
symmetrically opposed circumferentially extended webs, each
defining an outer periphery of one of a corresponding pair of
support passages.
91. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the needle carrier includes a pair of opposed and
circumferentially cross sectioned guide sections to engage
corresponding surfaces on the plunger support.
92. A fluid dispenser comprising a barrel defining a longitudinal
axis and terminating at a first fluid delivery end region; a body
movable along the barrel relative to the first fluid delivery end
region, the body including a needle carrier, a plunger and a fluid
capsule carrier therebetween, a latch interface between the body
and the barrel and responsive to a release force therebetween
caused by compressive engagement of the barrel at a fluid delivery
site, to enable travel of the plunger and the fluid capsule carrier
toward the needle carrier, to a dispensing configuration in which
an upstream end of a needle on the needle carrier extends into a
capsule carrying region of the fluid capsule carrier and a
downstream end of the needle projects extends through the first
fluid delivery end region for delivery of a fluid thereto.
93. A fluid dispenser comprising a barrel defining a longitudinal
axis terminating at a dispensing end; a dispenser body movable
along the barrel relative to the dispensing end, the dispenser body
including a needle carrier, a plunger and a fluid capsule carrier
moveable relative to the needle carrier and the plunger, and a
latch interface configured to release the dispenser body for travel
in the barrel in response to a release force between the barrel and
the dispenser body.
94. A fluid dispenser comprising a barrel defining a longitudinal
axis terminating at a dispensing end; a dispenser body movable
along the barrel relative to the dispensing end, the dispenser body
including a needle carrier, a plunger and a fluid capsule carrier
moveable relative to the needle carrier and the plunger, and a
latch interface configured to release the dispenser body for
dispensing travel in the barrel in response to a compressive
engagement of the dispensing end at a fluid delivery site.
95. A fluid dispenser, comprising a fluid capsule receiver
configured to form a fluid capsule pressuring zone in a first
capsule pressurizing mode, a needle carrier supporting a fluid
delivery needle, the needle carrier and the fluid capsule receiver
configured to cause the needle to extend into the fluid capsule
pressurizing zone to pierce the pressurized fluid capsule in a
second fluid capsule piercing mode; and a body containing the fluid
capsule receiver and the needle carrier, the fluid capsule receiver
and the needle carrier configured to move along the body to expose
a fluid delivery end of the needle in a third fluid delivery
mode.
96. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the fluid capsule receiver includes a plunger and a
fluid capsule carrier, the plunger and fluid capsule carrier having
complementary surfaces to locate the fluid capsule
therebetween.
97. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising a plunger support to support the
plunger, at least one interface operable between the plunger
support, the fluid capsule carrier, the needle carrier and/or the
body to enable displacement of the plunger relative to the fluid
capsule carrier in the first, second and/or third modes while
exerting a compressive force at substantially consistent magnitude
between the plunger support and the body.
98. A method of dispensing a fluid from a fluid capsule,
comprising: a. locating a fluid capsule on a fluid capsule support
surface; b. displacing a plunger along an axis to toward engagement
with the fluid capsule; c. pressurizing the fluid capsule between
the plunger and the fluid capsule support surface, so that a
membrane of the fluid capsule against the fluid capsule support
surface is in a tensioned needle receiving configuration; d.
displacing the plunger and the fluid capsule support, with the
fluid capsule in the needle receiving configuration toward a needle
support to cause a capsule-piercing end of a fluid delivery needle
thereon, to extend through the fluid capsule support surface to
penetrate the membrane to initiate onset of dispensing of fluid
through the needle; and e. advancing the plunger, the fluid capsule
support and the needle support toward a fluid delivery
configuration with an opposite fluid delivery end of the needle
exposed to penetrate a delivery location.
99. A method of securing a dispensing device following delivery of
a fluid therefrom, comprising providing a barrel defining a
longitudinal axis terminating at a first fluid delivery end region
and a dispenser body movable along the barrel relative to the first
fluid delivery end region, the dispenser body movable in a first
phase between a pre-dispensing configuration and a dispensed
configuration, and in a second phase between the dispensed
configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration, wherein
the dispenser body is configured to rotate about the longitudinal
axis, at least in part, during the first phase for aligned
orientation with at least one locking structure during travel in
the second phase.
100. A method of securing a dispensing device following delivery of
a fluid therefrom, comprising: a. providing a barrel defining a
longitudinal axis terminating at a first fluid delivery end region
and a dispenser body movable along the barrel relative to the first
fluid delivery end region; b. displacing the dispenser body in a
first phase between a pre-dispensing configuration and a dispensed
configuration, and in a second phase between the dispensed
configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration, wherein
the dispenser body is rotated about the longitudinal axis, at least
in part, during the first phase and/or the second phase for aligned
orientation with at least one locking structure during travel in
the second phase.
101. A fluid dispenser comprising a barrel defining a longitudinal
axis terminating at a first fluid delivery end region; a dispenser
body movable along the barrel relative to the first fluid delivery
end region in a first phase between a pre-dispensing configuration
and a dispensed configuration, and in a second phase between the
dispensed configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration,
wherein the dispenser body is configured to rotate about the
longitudinal axis during the first phase and/or the second phase
for aligned orientation with at least one locking structure
configured to lock the dispenser body in the locked post-dispensing
configuration during travel in the second phase.
102. A fluid dispenser comprising housing means defining a
longitudinal axis terminating at a first fluid delivery end region;
dispensing means movable along the housing means relative to the
first fluid delivery end region in a first phase between a
pre-dispensing configuration and a dispensed configuration, and in
a second phase between the dispensed configuration and a locked
post-dispensing configuration, wherein the dispensing means is
configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis during the first
phase and/or the second phase for aligned orientation with at least
one locking means during travel in the second phase.
103. A fluid dispenser comprising housing means defining a
longitudinal axis terminating at a first fluid delivery end region;
dispensing means movable along the housing means relative to the
first fluid delivery end region in a first phase between a
pre-dispensing configuration and a dispensed configuration, and in
a second phase between the dispensed configuration and a locked
post-dispensing configuration, wherein the dispensing means is
configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis during the first
phase for aligned orientation with at least one locking means
during travel in the second phase.
104. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the dispensing means includes a needle support
means with a second fluid delivery end region defined thereon.
105. A dispenser as defined in any one of the preceding or
following claims, wherein the dispensing means includes fluid
capsule carrier means movable relative to the needle support means
in at least part of the first phase to dispense fluid from a
carried capsule therein.
106. A dispenser as defined in any one of the preceding or
following claims, wherein the dispensing means includes plunger
means movable relative to the fluid capsule carrier means in at
least part of the first phase to pressurize a carried capsule
therein.
107. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the needle support means is retracted to within the
housing means in the locked post-dispensing configuration.
108. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the fluid capsule carrier means is configured,
during at least part of the first phase, to travel with the plunger
means.
109. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims wherein, during at least part of the first phase, the fluid
capsule carrier means is configured to rotate axially between
lock-unaligned and lock-aligned angular positions.
110. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising at least one rotation means provided
between the fluid capsule carrier means and at least one of the
plunger means and the needle support means.
111. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one rotation means includes a first
rotation means provided between the fluid capsule carrying means
and plunger means.
112. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one rotation means includes a second
rotation means provided between the fluid capsule carrier means and
the needle support means.
113. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the capsule carrier means is configured to receive
a fluid capsule to be pressurized therein by the plunger means, the
fluid capsule carrier means is configured in a first dispensing
position to receive an upstream end of a needle on the needle
support means to penetrate the fluid capsule as pressurized, and
the plunger means is configured to travel with the fluid capsule
carrier means toward a dispensed position to express the fluid
through the needle at the first delivery end region.
114. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the first phase includes at least in part: a. a
first rotation phase during which the fluid capsule carrier means
is rotatable relative to the needle carrier means about the
longitudinal axis, as the plunger means approaches the fluid
capsule carrier means; and b. a second dispensing phase during
which the plunger means is movable axially relative to the fluid
capsule carrier means toward the dispensed position to pressurize
the capsule and dispense the fluid.
115. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein during the second dispensing phase, at least in
part, the plunger means is movable axially with the fluid capsule
carrying means, toward piercing contact with a needle means on the
needle carrier means, to dispense the fluid.
116. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one locking means is configured to fix
the fluid capsule carrier means at a locking location when the
fluid capsule carrier means is in the lock-aligned angular
position, the needle support means being biased to travel from the
dispensed position toward the locking location.
117. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the at least one locking means is configured
between the fluid capsule carrier means and the housing means to
engage when the dispensing means is in the lock-aligned angular
position.
118. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein the bias is provided by at least one biasing means
acting between the first and second fluid delivery end regions.
119. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, further comprising latch means which configured to release
the dispensing means at a transition region following relative
travel of the dispensing means along the longitudinal axis, toward
and beyond the transition, thereby to release the plunger
means.
120. A method as shown or described herein.
121. A dispenser as shown or described herein.
Description
REFERENCE TO COPENDING APPLICATIONS
[0001] The entire subject matter, including materials submitted at
filing, of each of: [0002] U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser.
No. 15/361,654, filed Nov. 28, 2016 entitled DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE;
[0003] U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 62/434,760, filed Dec.
15, 2016 entitled DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE; [0004] U.S. Provisional
application Ser. No. 62/462,497, filed Feb. 23, 2017 entitled DRUG
DELIVERY DEVICE; [0005] U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
16/227,225, filed Dec. 20, 2018 entitled DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE; and
[0006] PCT application PCT/CA2017/051298 filed Nov. 1, 2017
entitled FLUID DELIVERY DEVICE (and published as INTRADERMAL DRUG
DELIVERY DEVICE HAVING A LOCKED POST-DISPENSING CONFIGURATION) is
fully incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0007] The present disclosure relates to fluid delivery devices and
methods, for example intradermal drug delivery devices and
methods.
BACKGROUND
[0008] There is a well-established need to improve drug delivery
techniques, to reduce discomfort, while improving ease of handling
and safety for medical professionals. The above mentioned
application Ser. No. 14/562,974, published as US 2014-0207078-A1
discloses a number of approaches to address this need.
[0009] The present disclosure aims to provide further novel
approaches to overcome at least some drawbacks of known techniques,
or at least that provides one or more useful alternatives.
SUMMARY
[0010] The following presents a simplified summary of the general
inventive concept herein to provide a basic understanding of some
aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview
of the invention. It is not intended to restrict key or critical
elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the
invention. Furthermore, any one element, feature, structure,
function, of any aspect and/or exemplary embodiment described in
the present disclosure including the figures, clauses and/or claims
herein, may be combined with any one or more elements, features,
structures, functions, and/or steps from the same or any other
aspects and/or exemplary embodiments described in the present
disclosure including the figures, clauses and/and claims
herein.
[0011] In an aspect, there is provided a fluid dispenser comprising
a barrel defining a longitudinal axis terminating at a first fluid
delivery end region; a dispenser body movable along the barrel
relative to the first fluid delivery end region in a first phase
between a pre-dispensing configuration and a dispensed
configuration, and in a second phase between the dispensed
configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration, wherein
the dispenser body is configured to rotate about the longitudinal
axis during the first phase for aligned orientation with at least
one locking structure configured to lock the dispenser body in the
locked post-dispensing configuration during travel in the second
phase.
[0012] In another aspect, there is provided a fluid dispenser
comprising: [0013] a. a barrel defining a longitudinal axis
terminating at a first fluid delivery end region; [0014] b. a body
movable along the barrel relative to the first fluid dispensing end
region, the body including: [0015] i. a needle carrier aligned with
the longitudinal axis and terminating at a second fluid delivery
end region, at which is located a needle having a downstream end
configured to project through the first fluid delivery end region
in a first dispensing position; [0016] ii. a plunger structure
aligned with the longitudinal axis and movable axially relative to
the needle carrier; and [0017] iii. a fluid capsule carrier which
is configured to receive a fluid capsule, the fluid capsule carrier
being aligned with the longitudinal axis and movable axially
relative to the needle carrier and the plunger structure; [0018]
iv. a latch interface operable under the action of a compressive
force between the barrel and the body, to release the plunger
structure to travel relative to the needle carrier; and [0019] v.
the fluid capsule carrier configured, in a dispensing mode, to
travel toward piercing contact of the needle with the fluid
capsule.
[0020] In another aspect, there is provided a fluid dispenser
comprising a barrel defining a longitudinal axis and terminating at
a first fluid delivery end region; a body movable along the barrel
relative to the first fluid delivery end region, the body including
a needle carrier, a plunger and a fluid capsule carrier
therebetween, a latch interface between the body and the barrel and
responsive to a release force therebetween caused by compressive
engagement of the barrel at a fluid delivery site, to enable travel
of the plunger and the fluid capsule carrier toward the needle
carrier, to a dispensing configuration in which an upstream end of
a needle on the needle carrier extends into a capsule carrying
region of the fluid capsule carrier and a downstream end of the
needle projects extends through the first fluid delivery end region
for delivery of a fluid thereto.
[0021] In another aspect, there is provided a fluid dispenser
comprising a barrel defining a longitudinal axis terminating at a
dispensing end; a dispenser body movable along the barrel relative
to the dispensing end, the dispenser body including a needle
carrier, a plunger and a fluid capsule carrier moveable relative to
the needle carrier and the plunger, and a latch interface
configured to release the dispenser body for travel in the barrel
in response to a release force between the barrel and the dispenser
body.
[0022] In another aspect, there is provided a fluid dispenser
comprising a barrel defining a longitudinal axis terminating at a
dispensing end; a dispenser body movable along the barrel relative
to the dispensing end, the dispenser body including a needle
carrier, a plunger and a fluid capsule carrier moveable relative to
the needle carrier and the plunger, and a latch interface
configured to release the dispenser body for dispensing travel in
the barrel in response to a compressive engagement of the
dispensing end at a fluid delivery site.
[0023] In another aspect, there is provided a fluid dispenser,
comprising a fluid capsule receiver configured to form a fluid
capsule pressuring zone in a first capsule pressurizing mode, a
needle carrier supporting a fluid delivery needle, the needle
carrier and the fluid capsule receiver configured to cause the
needle to extend into the fluid capsule pressurizing zone to pierce
the pressurized fluid capsule in a second fluid capsule piercing
mode; and a body containing the fluid capsule receiver and the
needle carrier, the fluid capsule receiver and the needle carrier
configured to move along the body to expose a fluid delivery end of
the needle in a third fluid delivery mode.
[0024] In another aspect, there is provided a method of dispensing
a fluid from a fluid capsule, comprising: [0025] locating a fluid
capsule on a fluid capsule support surface; [0026] displacing a
plunger along an axis to toward engagement with the fluid capsule;
[0027] pressurizing the fluid capsule between the plunger and the
fluid capsule support surface, so that a membrane of the fluid
capsule against the fluid capsule support surface is in a tensioned
needle receiving configuration; [0028] displacing the plunger and
the fluid capsule support, with the fluid capsule in the needle
receiving configuration toward a needle support to cause a
capsule-piercing end of a fluid delivery needle thereon, to extend
through the fluid capsule support surface to penetrate the membrane
to initiate onset of dispensing of fluid through the needle; and
[0029] advancing the plunger, the fluid capsule support and the
needle support toward a fluid delivery configuration with an
opposite fluid delivery end of the needle exposed to penetrate a
delivery location.
[0030] In another aspect, there is provided a method of securing a
dispensing device following delivery of a fluid therefrom,
comprising providing a barrel defining a longitudinal axis
terminating at a first fluid delivery end region and a dispenser
body movable along the barrel relative to the first fluid delivery
end region, the dispenser body movable in a first phase between a
pre-dispensing configuration and a dispensed configuration, and in
a second phase between the dispensed configuration and a locked
post-dispensing configuration, wherein the dispenser body is
configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis, at least in part,
during the first phase for aligned orientation with at least one
locking structure during travel in the second phase.
[0031] In another aspect, there is provided a method of securing a
dispensing device following delivery of a fluid therefrom,
comprising: [0032] providing a barrel defining a longitudinal axis
terminating at a first fluid delivery end region and a dispenser
body movable along the barrel relative to the first fluid delivery
end region; [0033] displacing the dispenser body in a first phase
between a pre-dispensing configuration and a dispensed
configuration, and in a second phase between the dispensed
configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration, wherein
the dispenser body is rotated about the longitudinal axis, at least
in part, during the first phase and/or the second phase for aligned
orientation with at least one locking structure during travel in
the second phase.
[0034] In another aspect, there is provided a fluid dispenser
comprising a barrel defining a longitudinal axis terminating at a
first fluid delivery end region; a dispenser body movable along the
barrel relative to the first fluid delivery end region in a first
phase between a pre-dispensing configuration and a dispensed
configuration, and in a second phase between the dispensed
configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration, wherein
the dispenser body is configured to rotate about the longitudinal
axis during the first phase and/or the second phase for aligned
orientation with at least one locking structure configured to lock
the dispenser body in the locked post-dispensing configuration
during travel in the second phase.
[0035] In another aspect, there is provided a fluid dispenser
comprising housing means defining a longitudinal axis terminating
at a first fluid delivery end region; dispensing means movable
along the housing means relative to the first fluid delivery end
region in a first phase between a pre-dispensing configuration and
a dispensed configuration, and in a second phase between the
dispensed configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration,
wherein the dispensing means is configured to rotate about the
longitudinal axis during the first phase and/or the second phase
for aligned orientation with at least one locking means during
travel in the second phase.
[0036] In another aspect, there is provided a fluid dispenser
comprising housing means defining a longitudinal axis terminating
at a first fluid delivery end region; dispensing means movable
along the housing means relative to the first fluid delivery end
region in a first phase between a pre-dispensing configuration and
a dispensed configuration, and in a second phase between the
dispensed configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration,
wherein the dispensing means is configured to rotate about the
longitudinal axis during the first phase for aligned orientation
with at least one locking means during travel in the second
phase.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] Several exemplary embodiments will be provided, by way of
examples only, with reference to the appended drawings,
wherein:
[0038] FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 to 4 are, respectively, side, sectional and
assembly views of a dispenser;
[0039] FIGS. 5 to 10 are side or sectional views of the dispenser
of FIG. 1 in different configurations;
[0040] FIGS. 11 to 13 are perspective or side assembly views of
structures of the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 12a is a top plan view of a structure shown in FIG.
12;
[0042] FIGS. 14 to 16 are perspective or side views of structures
of the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 15a is a top plan view of a structure shown in FIG.
15;
[0044] FIGS. 17 to 19 are perspective or side views of a structure
of the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0045] FIGS. 18a and 19a are top plan views of the structure shown
in FIGS. 18 and 19 respectively;
[0046] FIGS. 20 to 24 are perspective or side views of a structure
of the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0047] FIGS. 21a and 21b are top and bottom plan views,
respectively, of the structure shown in FIG. 21;
[0048] FIGS. 25 to 31 are perspective views of structures of the
dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0049] FIGS. 32 to 35 are sectional views showing additional
features of the dispenser of FIG. 1; and
[0050] FIGS. 36 to 56 are views showing another dispenser and/or
structures thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0051] It should be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and
of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also,
it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used
herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded
as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and
variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and
"mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and
encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and
mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and
variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical
connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described in
subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical and/or other
configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to
exemplify embodiments of the invention. However, other alternative
mechanical and/or electrical or other configurations are possible
which are considered to be within the teachings of the present
disclosure.
[0052] Exemplary embodiments herein may be used to deliver a
variety of active agents. The term "drug" is used loosely herein to
refer to prophylactic as well as therapeutic agents. For example,
vaccines may be delivered using the device. In addition, the term
refers broadly to active agents, such as nucleic acids, small
molecules, therapeutic proteins, hormones, analgesics, etc. in
additional to traditional pharmacologic agents. Typical drugs
include peptides, proteins or hormones such as insulin, calcitonin,
calcitonin gene regulating protein, atrial natriuretic protein,
colony stimulating factor, betaseton, erythropoietin (EPO),
interferons such as .alpha., .beta., or .gamma. interferon,
somatropin, somatotropin, somatostatin, insulin-like growth factor
(somatomedins), luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH),
tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), growth hormone release hormone
(GHRH), oxytocin, estradiol, growth hormones, leuprolide acetate,
factor VIII, interleukins such as interleukin-2, and analogues
thereof; analgesics such as fentanyl, sufentanil, butorphanol,
buprenorphine, levorphanol, morphine, hydromorphone, hydrocodone,
oxymorephone, methadone, lidocaine, bupivacaine, diclofenac,
naproxen, pavefin, and analogues thereof; anti-migraine agents such
as sumatriptan, ergot alkaloids, and analogues thereof,
anti-coagulant agents such as hepafin, hirudin, and analogues
thereof; anti-emetic agents such as scopolamine, ondansetron,
domperidone, metoclopramide, and analogues thereof; cardiovascular
agents, anti-hypertensive agents and vasodilator such as diltiazem,
clonidine, nifedipine, verapamil, isosorbide-5-mononitrate, organic
nitrates, agents used in treatment of heart disorders, and
analogues thereof; sedatives such as benzodiazepines,
phenothiozines, and analogues thereof; narcotic antagonists such as
naltrexone, naloxone, and analogues thereof; chelating agents such
as deferoxamine, and analogues thereof; anti-diuretic agents such
as desmopressin, vasopressin, and analogues thereof;
antineoplastics such as 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, and analogues
thereof; prostaglandins and analogues thereof; and chemotherapy
agents such as vincristine, and analogues thereof. Stabilized
preparations of drugs that can be stored at room temperature are
particularly preferred for use in the device and method.
[0053] The term "fluid" refers to any fluid containing, or not
containing, a drug, an active agent or communication of drugs or
agents, that can pass through the cannula of the microneedle. This
includes a liquid, a solution, a gel, a dispersion or a fine
suspension.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is provided an exemplary
embodiment of a dispenser 10 for dispensing a fluid such as one
containing a drug. While the dispenser 10 may be deployed for
non-drug-containing fluids, the following discussion is provided
with respect to drug containing fluids.
[0055] The dispenser 10 comprises a barrel (or housing) 12,
defining a longitudinal axis A terminating at a first fluid
delivery end region 14. A body, generally shown at 20, is movable
along the barrel 12 relative to the first fluid delivery end region
14. The body 20 includes a needle carrier 22 aligned with the
longitudinal axis A and terminating at a second fluid delivery end
region 24, at which is located a needle 26. The needle 26 has an
upstream end 26a which is exposed inwardly to pierce a membrane 30a
on a fluid capsule 30, and a downstream end 26b (as shown in dashed
lines in FIG. 10) configured to project through the first fluid
delivery end region 14 to deliver the fluid in a first dispensing
position.
[0056] A plunger structure 34 is aligned with the longitudinal axis
A and movable axially relative to the needle carrier 22, while a
fluid capsule carrier 40 is aligned with the longitudinal axis A
and movable axially relative to the needle carrier 22 and the
plunger structure 34. As will be described, a latch interface (a
portion of which is generally shown at 46 in FIG. 4) is operable
under the action of a compressive force C (FIG. 1) acting against
the barrel 12 and the body 20, to release the plunger structure 34,
so that it can travel relative to the needle carrier 22.
[0057] The fluid capsule carrier 40 is configured, in a first phase
(or dispensing mode) to travel toward piercing contact by the
upstream end 26a of needle 26 with the membrane 30a. In some cases,
the fluid capsule carrier 40 is configured to travel with the
plunger structure 34, for at least part of the first phase.
[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, for at least part of the
dispensing mode, the fluid capsule carrier 40 is further configured
to rotate axially between a lock-unaligned angular position (as
generally shown in FIGS. 26 and 27) and a lock-aligned angular
position (as generally shown in FIGS. 28 and 29). This may be
provided, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10, by at least one rotation
interface, as will be described, which is provided across a pair of
first cooperating elements respectively on the fluid capsule
carrier 40 and at least one of the plunger structure 34 and the
needle carrier 22. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the at least one
rotation interface includes a first rotation interface 50 provided
between the fluid capsule carrier 40 and the plunger structure 34,
each including one of a corresponding first set of first
cooperating elements, including at least one first guide path 54
and at least one first follower 56 to travel along the guide path
54. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the first guide path 54 is ramped,
but may be other configurations such as stepped, or shaped in
various ways, such as the angular shape shown, or alternatively
shaped as a parabola or the like. Thus, in some exemplary
embodiments, the complementary guide formations between the fluid
capsule carrier 40 and the plunger 36 enable them to rotate
together while the needle carrier 22 and the plunger support travel
along the barrel toward the first dispensing position as shown in
FIG. 28.
[0059] The first follower 56 in the first set of first cooperating
elements is provided, in this example, as a follower flange 56
which extends laterally outwardly from a plunger support 38,
forming an end region 56a. Thus, as the end region 56a travels
along the first guide path 54 as shown by path B1, the plunger
structure 34 rotates in a spiral about longitudinal axis A in a
downward direction as viewed in FIG. 5.
[0060] Continuing with reference to FIG. 5, the fluid capsule
carrier 40 includes a generally cylindrical capsule carrier body
40a with an open end region 40b, which is opposite the second fluid
delivery end region 24 and receives the plunger structure 34
therethrough. A pair of symmetrically oriented projections 42 are
positioned adjacent the open end region 40b with at least one, in
this case two, first guide paths 54 formed on outward edge regions
thereon. Thus, the first guide paths 54 are operatively oriented
near the open end region to engage the corresponding pair of
symmetrically disposed first followers 56 on the plunger structure
34.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, and 17 to 19a, in some exemplary
embodiments, the at least one rotation interface includes a second
rotation interface 60 provided between the fluid capsule carrier 40
and the needle carrier 22. Each includes one of a corresponding
second set of second cooperating elements. In the case of the fluid
capsule carrier 40, a pair of symmetrically oriented second guide
paths 62 is located relative to the second fluid delivery end 24,
and are formed by openings 62a in the cylindrical carrier body 40a.
The second guide paths 62 are operatively oriented near the second
fluid delivery end region 24 to align with, and engage, at least
one second follower 61 on the needle carrier 22 (FIG. 17) which, in
this case, is provided by way of a pair of second followers 64 as
edge surfaces on an inner face 22b on the needle carrier 22. Thus,
the capsule carrier body 40a provides a pair of first guide paths
54 and a pair of second guide paths 62, each pair being
symmetrically arranged relative to the longitudinal axis A and
interfacing with corresponding first followers 56 (on the plunger
structure 34) and second followers 64 (on the needle carrier
22).
[0062] It will be understood that "guide path" and "follower" are
relative terms to identify two components of an interface. Such
terms are not intended to restrict the components to a particular
function unique to a guide and a follower respectively, since they
are both responding relative to one another to forces exerted
externally. Thus, it may be considered that the guide paths are, in
some examples, following the net forces exerted on the fluid
capsule carrier 40 as forces between the plunger structure 34 and
the needle carrier 22, or the barrel 12.
[0063] Thus, in some embodiments, each of the first and second
rotation interfaces 50, 60 may provide two pairs of cooperating
elements to guide rotation of the fluid capsule carrier 40 relative
to the plunger structure and/or the needle carrier, in order to
transfer the fluid capsule carrier to the lock-aligned angular
position. As will be described, however, this relative rotation may
also controllably enable the plunger to be released to pressurize
the fluid capsule. Movement provided by both rotational interfaces
may be controlled by a latch interface so that both actions occur
in a designated manner.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the fluid capsule carrier 40
includes a fluid capsule receiving surface 44, which in this
exemplary embodiment is generally transverse relative to the
longitudinal axis A, and a needle passage 44a extending
therethrough to receive the upstream end 26a of the needle 26 in
the first dispensing position. Referring further to FIGS. 11 to 13,
the plunger structure 34 includes a plunger end region 34a to
travel during the dispensing mode toward a second dispensed
position adjacent the capsule receiving surface 44 and to cooperate
therewith to pressurize the fluid capsule 30, thereby to express
the fluid through the needle 26.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 11 to 14, the plunger structure
34 includes a plunger 36 and a plunger support 38. As will be
described, the plunger 36 is configured to swivel through at least
a predetermined range about the longitudinal axis A and relative to
the plunger support 38 so as to rotate together with the fluid
capsule carrier 40. The plunger support includes a central circular
passage 38d (FIG. 12a) which has an end region with a pair of
opposed guide windows 38e. The plunger has a number of stabilizers
36b spaced therealong to engage the circular passage 38d, as well
as a pair of opposed tabs 36a, each of which is received in a
corresponding guide window 38e. Further, the fluid capsule carrier
40 and plunger 36 are configured to fix an angular position of the
plunger 36 relative to the fluid capsule carrier 40 at least during
the dispensing mode.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 14, the fluid capsule carrier 40
and plunger 36 are provided with complementary guide formations,
which includes at least one laterally (in this case the two)
outwardly extending tabs 36a and a corresponding pair of
longitudinal grooves 43 formed in an inner surface 40c of the fluid
capsule carrier 40. Thus, the engagement of the tabs 36a with the
grooves 43 configures the plunger support 38 to follow fluid
capsule carrier 40, in the dispensing mode. The guide windows 38e
thus allow for rotation of the tabs 36a within a designated angular
range according to the width of the guide windows 38e.
[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 17 and
24, the needle carrier 22 and barrel 12 may further include
complementary formations aligned with the longitudinal axis A to
form a needle carrier travel path along the longitudinal axis A,
while inhibiting relative rotation of the needle carrier 22
relative to the barrel 12. In this case, the needle carrier 22
includes a pair of spaced flanges 22a which are aligned with the
longitudinal axis A to engage corresponding spaced flanges 15 (FIG.
24) extending inwardly along the inner surface 12a of the barrel
12. In this case, the spacing between the flanges 22a is relatively
larger than the spacing between the flanges 15, to receive the
flanges 15 between the flanges 22a, though this configuration may
be reversed or configured in other ways to inhibit relative
rotation between the needle carrier and barrel. That said, there
may in other exemplary embodiments in which relative rotation
between the needle carrier and barrel may be beneficial.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 18, the needle carrier 22 is further
provided with two pairs of central body structures which extend in
a manner to define a lateral periphery and terminate at a
corresponding pair of passages 25a which are each configured to
receive one of a pair of locking tabs 72 (FIG. 20) on the fluid
capsule carrier 40 during assembly. The lower boundary of the
passage 25a, as viewed in FIG. 18, is tapered in a manner to permit
one way travel of the locking tab downwardly. Installing of the
fluid capsule carrier 40 with the needle carrier 22 thus involves
passing the locking tabs 72 along each of the passages 25a and
passed the tapered lower boundary, thus requiring a slight lateral
flexing of the needle carrier according to arrows F to open the
tapered lower boundary to allow the locking tabs therethrough.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, 20 to 29, in some exemplary
embodiments, the dispenser 10 may further comprise a lock interface
70 to fix the dispenser with needle carrier 22 in a retracted
position at a locking location, when the fluid capsule carrier 40
is in a lock-aligned angular position. In this configuration, the
downstream end 26b is retracted within the barrel 12, i.e. so that
it is not projecting beyond the first fluid delivery end region 14.
This may thus be achieved while the needle carrier 22 is biased to
travel from the dispensed position to the locking location. In this
case, the bias may be provided by at least one compression spring,
in this case a pair of compression springs 80, acting between the
first and second delivery end regions 14 and 24, and located in
seating recesses 80a, 80b on the inwardly facing wall of the barrel
12 (FIG. 21a) and on the adjacent facing surface of the needle
carrier 22 (FIG. 19a), respectively.
[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, both the latch and lock
interfaces 46, 70 may utilize at least one, in this case the pair
of opposed locking tabs 72 extending laterally outwardly from the
fluid capsule carrier 40. In the case of the latch interface 46,
the locking tabs 72 are each aligned with one of a pair of opposed
symmetrical axial latch formations 74, one of which is shown in
FIGS. 20 and 23, which extends along an inner surface 12a of the
barrel 12 and terminating at a transition region 76. Each locking
tab 72 is configured to travel (as shown by path D1) along a first
adjacent region 74a of the axial latch formation 74 (in a
lock-nonaligned angular position), during which time the axial
latch formation 74 functions as a barrier to interrupt rotation of
the fluid capsule carrier 40 about axis A, which would otherwise
require lateral travel of the locking tabs 22 in the direction of
their respective axial latch formations 74. Meanwhile, the latch
interface 46 enables the body 20 to travel relative to the barrel
12 against the biasing action of the compression springs 80 which
in the example of dispenser 10 may be overcome by the user pressing
on the plunger structure 34 with the barrel 12 placed against the
fluid delivery site. This travel is caused by compression force C
acting between the plunger structure 34 and the barrel 12, against
the opposing biasing force of compression springs 80.
[0071] Each axial latch formation 74 is bevelled in the transition
region 76, as can best be seen in FIGS. 23 and 24, in a manner
which takes into account (and in this example matches) the outer
profile of the locking tab 72 (as can be seen in FIG. 26), enabling
the latter to pass over the transition region 76, to a lock-aligned
angular position (shown in FIG. 28) during rotational movement of
the fluid capsule carrier 40 relative to the needle carrier 22.
Thus, the latch interface 70 is released, once the locking tabs 72
pass through their respective transition regions 76, as occurs
along path D2.
[0072] When in the lock-aligned angular position, the fluid capsule
carrier 40 is thus movable axially under the action of the plunger
structure 34, against the biasing force of the compression springs
80, corresponding to the locking tabs 72 travelling along path D3.
This position may correspond to, or be upstream of, the piercing of
the membrane 30a by the upstream end 26a of the needle 26. In
either case, the fluid capsule 30 may move axially in the direction
of the needle 26 until the plunger end region 34a engages the fluid
capsule 30, thereby cooperating with the transverse capsule
receiving surface 44 to pressurize the fluid capsule 30 and forcing
fluid through the needle to exit from the downstream end 26b. The
plunger end region 34a reaches a dispensed position when it fully
engages the transverse capsule receiving surface 44, via a
collapsed (and essentially empty or void) fluid capsule. Meanwhile,
the locking tabs 72 are in their lock-aligned positions, but not
yet at their locking location.
[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, as can be seen in FIG. 23,
the lock interface may be provided between the locking tabs 72,
when in their lock-aligned angular positions, and a transverse
locking flange 78 extending transversely across the surface of the
barrel 12 and positioned at a location adjacent to the transition
region 76, and corresponding to a designated locking location, and
which is located on a second region 74b of the locking edge
formation. The locking tabs 72 may thus be configured, with release
of the fluid capsule carrier 40 and under the consequent bias of
compression springs 80, to travel along path E toward and pass over
the transverse locking flange 78, under the action of their live
hinge resiliency, to a locking location, as shown in FIG. 29. In
this position, the locking tabs are behind and against their
respective locking flanges 78, thus prevented from travelling back
toward the first fluid delivery end region 14.
[0074] Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, the latch interface 46
and the lock interface 70 may provide for both controlled
dispensing of fluid and for a locking of the dispenser with the
needle 26 in a retracted position within the barrel 12 following
dispensing.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 4, 17 and 32 to 35, in some exemplary
embodiments, the dispenser 10 may be provided with a lock interface
70 between locking tabs 38f on the plunger support 38 (as can be
seen in FIG. 4) and aligned bosses 22c on the needle support 22
(FIG. 17), to lock the plunger support 38 (and hence the plunger
36) and the needle support 22 following fully dispensing of the
contents of the fluid capsule 30. Interaction between the locking
tabs 38f and bosses 22c may be seen in successive unlocked and
locked positions shown by FIGS. 34 and 35.
[0076] In the fully dispensed position, as shown in FIG. 35, the
upstream end 26a of the needle 26 is shown extending into the
needle passage 44a, and thus piercing both sides of the fluid
capsule 30 at this stage. That said, the capsule, the needle and/or
the needle passage 44a may be mutually configured to allow the
fluid capsule to gather into the needle passage 44a or otherwise
not to be penetrated by the needle.
[0077] Thus, as the plunger support 38 approaches the fully
dispensed position, the locking tabs 38f flex over the
corresponding locking formations, in this exemplary embodiment in
the form of bosses 22c. Due to their live hinge resiliency, the
locking tabs 38f may be configured to audibly "click" into the
locked position as shown in FIG. 35 when reaching the fully
dispensed position. Thus, the lock interface 70 achieves, in this
instance, two roles. Firstly, it secures the plunger support 38
(and thus the plunger 36) with the needle carrier 22 in a locked
configuration, so that further displacement to the locked position
along path E, as shown in FIG. 23, may occur with the plunger
support 38, the plunger 36 and the needle carrier 22 traveling in
unison.
[0078] Secondly, the locking tabs 38f are one example of a
configuration to emit an audible sound or other signal indicative
of the use of the dispenser 10 reaching the second dispensed
position. That said, the dispenser 10 may be configured in other
ways to emit a sound audible to a user of the dispenser 10
indicative of the plunger 36 reaching the second dispensed
position, as may be provided by other noise emitting configurations
including other mechanical configurations using one or more biased
noise emitting elements, either through the use of natural material
resiliency, springs, magnetics or the like, or electronically
through a noise emitting position sensor or the like.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 25, the dispenser 10 further comprises at
least one, and in this instance a pair of user gripping tabs 84
extending outwardly from the needle carrier 22 for a user to engage
with two fingers for manipulating the dispenser 10, through the
dispensing mode.
[0080] Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, the actions of the
dispenser 10 may involve, in sequence, a release mode in which the
dispenser 10 transitions from a pre-dispensing locked configuration
which enables the dispenser 10 to be manufactured, packaged and
shipped to a dispensing site with reduced risk of incidental
release of the fluid contained in fluid capsule 30, that is by
inhibiting conditions during shipping or preparations that would
deliver force C to the dispenser. The dispensing site may be, for
instance, at a remote location and staffed by volunteer users who
may not be practiced in the operation of a standard syringe.
Further, the pre-dispensing locked configuration enables the
dispenser 10 to be unpackaged and prepared for dispensing, with
reduced risk of inadvertent contact with the needle, and with
reduced risk of inadvertent dispensing of the fluid. At this time
the dispenser 10, and the fluid delivery site on a patient, may be
prepared.
[0081] To dispense the fluid, the user may grip the dispenser 10 by
engaging the user gripping tabs 84 with the index and middle
fingers and an outer end region of the plunger structure 34 with
the thumb. In this condition, the dispenser 10 is locked from
dispensing as a result of the engaged latch interface 46, that is
by the locking tabs 72 of the corresponding axial latch formations
74 (FIG. 25), that is being located in the first adjacent region
74a (as shown in FIG. 23), thus preventing rotation of the fluid
capsule carrier 40 relative to the needle carrier 22 and the
plunger structure 34. Without that rotation, the plunger structure
34 is unable to travel toward the fluid capsule carrier 40 to
pressurize the fluid capsule 30. However, in this configuration,
the plunger structure 34 is moveable longitudinally relative to the
barrel 12 when compressive force C is exerted on the compression
springs 80, which occurs when the dispenser 10 is placed on and
pressed against the fluid delivery site on the patient.
[0082] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 25, under compressive force C, the
dispenser 10 moves toward the transition from the pre-dispensing
locked mode (corresponding to path D1 of FIG. 23) to the dispensing
mode, which occurs when the locking tabs 72 reach and traverse the
bevelled transition regions 76 on the axial latch formations 74
(FIG. 25), along path D2. Thus the dispensing mode involves a first
rotation phase during which the fluid capsule carrier 40 rotates
relative to the needle carrier 22, as seen by the movement of the
tabs 72 to their position shown in FIG. 28 (corresponding to path
D2 of FIG. 23). The first and second followers 56 and 64 may then
travel along the first and second guide paths 54, 62 (corresponding
to path D3 of FIG. 23), with corresponding axial movement of the
plunger end region 34a toward engagement with the fluid capsule 30.
Thus, FIGS. 27 and 28 show a first rotation phase during which the
fluid capsule carrier 40 rotates relative to the needle carrier 22
about the longitudinal axis A, while the plunger end region 34a
approaches the capsule receiving surface 44. This can be seen by
the corresponding follower member travelling along the guide
surface from a starting position, which will depend on the relative
configurations of the guide surface and the follower member, though
in the illustrated example is a central location the guide
surface.
[0083] Thus, (and referring to FIG. 5) during the first rotation
phase, the first followers 56 travel along the first guide paths
54, in the direction of path B1, occurring together with travel of
the tabs 72 along path D2. The first followers 56 then reach the
onset of a second dispensing phase as they pass beyond the first
guide paths and downwardly, as viewed in FIG. 2, in the direction
of path B2, which corresponds to travel of the tabs 72 along path
D3 (in FIG. 29) . It will be understood that the separate paths D2
and D3 are exemplary and, in some cases, may be axial and
tangential components of a helical path about longitudinal axis
A.
[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, in the second dispensing
phase, the point in travel of the first follower 56 at the
transition point between arrows B1 and B2, may be configured to
correspond generally to the beginning of contact between the
plunger end region 34a and the capsule 30, while the travel of the
first follower 56 generally ends at, or near, a limit surface 40d
at the open end region 40b, as the plunger end region reaches
engagement with the transverse capsule receiving surface 44 and
thus a substantial completion of the dispensing of fluid in the
fluid capsule 30 between them. It thus follows that the travel of
the first follower 56 from the transition point toward the limit
surface 40d corresponds to the dispensing of the fluid. Thus, the
dispensing mode includes a second dispensing phase during which the
plunger end region 34a is movable axially relative to the capsule
receiving surface 44 toward the second dispensed position to
pressurize the fluid capsule 30 and dispense the fluid.
[0085] The locking mode then follows by the release of the plunger
36 and the gripping tabs 84, thus causing the compression springs
80 to bias the body 20, and thus the locking tabs 72 towards their
locked position with the locking flange 78 as shown in FIG. 29.
[0086] Referring to FIGS. 3, 20, 23, 25 and 26, another lock
interface is shown at 88 (FIG. 25) and is provided by a
complementary formation, in the form of a boss 12c in the side wall
of the barrel 12, and located immediately above a passage shown at
12b. The boss 12c is aligned with a tab 22d (FIG. 26) outwardly
extending from the needle carrier 22, which engages the boss 12c
when the needle carrier is assembled with the barrel at the onset
of the dispensing mode, as can be seen in FIG. 25. The lock
interface 88 in this case is provided to lock the needle carrier 22
in position by engaging the tab 22d with the boss 12c. The passage
12b is provided in this case to enable them to be disassembled. In
a commercial setting, the passage 12b may not be required and may
thus be omitted, thus making the needle carrier effectively
permanently installed in the barrel once the tab 22d and boss 12c
are engaged.
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, looking more closely at the
fluid capsule 30, even though the membrane 30a is shown to be
relatively convex in FIGS. 3 and 4, which may occur in some cases
when in a filled condition. On the other hand, the membrane 30a may
also maintain a planar configuration. In either case, the membrane
is joined to a spherical body 30b, by way of an ultrasonic weld
seam or the like. The membrane 30a, by its flexible nature, will
follow the shape of the transverse capsule receiving surface which
is slightly concave to provide for a functional seating of the
outer surface of the membrane 30a therein. When the fluid capsule
30 is in position on the fluid capsule carrier 40, the spherical
body 30b is thus aligned with and engages the exposed surface 34b
of the plunger end region 34a. The generally convex shape of the
exposed surface 34b of the plunger (that is exposed to the fluid
capsule 30) is complementary with the generally concave shape of
the transverse fluid capsule receiving surface so that, when
pressed together, they may substantially completely evacuate the
cavity when reaching the dispensed position, as shown in FIG. 10.
Thus, as the surface 34b approaches surface 44, internal pressure
in the fluid capsule 30 increases to result in lateral tension on
the membrane 30a which tends to stretch the membrane, in other
words in a manner that will tend to increase the surface area of
the membrane 30a. Thus, the tension in the membrane 30a enhances
the piercing thereof by the upstream end 26a of the needle 26, to
minimize a tendency that may otherwise arise for the membrane
material to gather around the needle and thus delaying the onset of
needle penetration and dispensing.
[0088] The transition between the membrane 30a and the spherical
body 30b may be formed between a base layer and a cover layer,
wherein the base layer has a planar zone to define the membrane 30a
and a spherical region to define the spherical body 30b.
[0089] Referring to FIGS. 36 to 52, another fluid dispenser is
shown at 92 comprising a barrel 94 terminating at a first fluid
delivery end region 96 and a body 98. A cap 99 is provided to close
a passage 96a (FIG. 49) in the delivery end region 96. In this
case, the barrel 94 includes a pair of user gripping tabs 100
extending outwardly therefrom, enabling a user to establish a
compressive force C between the barrel (via the user gripping tabs
100) and the body 98, without having to press the first fluid
delivery end region 96 against a dispensing site, for example on a
patient. In other words, the compressive force C may be established
before any contact is made between the first fluid delivery end
region 96 and the patient.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 40 to 48, the body 98 includes a plunger
support 102, plunger 103, and a needle carrier 104 (with passage
104a to carry the needle 105) which may be configured with
formations, together with the barrel 94, to form a guide interface
108 for minimizing rotational movement therebetween. In this
example, the guide interface 108 includes at least one support
passage (in this case a pair of support passages 110) on the
plunger support 102 which receive corresponding extended sections
106 on the barrel 96. In this case, the pair of support passages
110 are provided by a pair of symmetrically opposed
circumferentially extended webs 114, each defining an outer
periphery of one of a corresponding pair of support passages.
Further, the plunger support 102 has a pair of ridged surface
regions 118 between the webs 114 and which engage a corresponding
pair of grooved guide portions 112.
[0091] In use, the plunger support 102 thus moves relative to the
needle carrier 104 and the barrel 94, causing the guide portions
112 to travel along the ridged surface regions 118, while the
extended sections 106 travel along the corresponding support
passages 110, thus permitting longitudinal travel along axis A,
with relative rotational movement of the plunger support 102, the
needle carrier 104 and the barrel 94 blocked by the confining of
the extended sections 106 to the boundaries of the support passages
110. Other configurations may be deployed to minimize rotational
movement. Further, there may be some configurations in which
rotational movement between the plunger support 102 and the needle
carrier 104 may provide a useful functional purpose in some
cases.
[0092] Referring to FIGS. 49 and 53 to 56, the cap 99 is provided
with a bow tie shaped coupler 120 having an activating flange 122
to be held by the user, which fits the similar bow tie shape of the
passage 96a, along with a base flange 124. Thus, installation of
the cap 99 involves aligning up the coupler 120 with the passage
96a and extending the coupler 120 into the passage 96a until the
base flange 124 engages the outer surface of the first fluid
dispensing end 96. The cap 99 may then be rotated to bring the
coupler 120 out of alignment with the passage, with the structure
of the first fluid dispensing end 96 held between the coupler 120
and the base flange 124, thus holding the cap 99 in place, until it
is to be used. If desired, one or more further configurations may
be provided to return the cap 99 in place, by providing additional
frictional or latch configurations between the cap 99 and the
structure of the first fluid dispensing end 96.
[0093] Thus, in some exemplary embodiments as the dispenser 92, the
plunger 103 and the fluid capsule carrier 128 provide a capsule
receiver, which is configured to form a fluid capsule pressuring
zone 126 in a first capsule pressurizing mode. The needle carrier
104 supports a fluid delivery needle, and wherein the needle
carrier and the fluid capsule receiver are configured to cause the
needle to extend into the capsule pressurizing zone to pierce the
pressurized fluid capsule in a second fluid capsule piercing mode.
The fluid capsule carrier 128 and the needle carrier 104 are
configured to move along the body 98 to expose a fluid delivery end
of the needle 105 for a third fluid delivery mode.
[0094] In this case, the plunger 103 and fluid capsule carrier 128
have complementary surfaces to locate the fluid capsule
therebetween. At least one interface is thus operable between the
plunger support 102, the fluid capsule carrier 128, the needle
carrier 104 and/or the body 98 to enable displacement of the
plunger relative to the fluid capsule carrier in the first, second
and third modes while exerting a compressive force at substantially
consistent magnitude between the plunger support and the body
[0095] Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, the dispenser may
configured to provide a method or approach to secure the dispensing
device following delivery of a fluid therefrom, by providing a
barrel defining a longitudinal axis terminating at a first fluid
delivery end region and a dispenser body movable along the barrel
relative to the first fluid delivery end region. The dispenser body
may then be displaced in a first phase between a pre-dispensing
configuration and a dispensed configuration, and in a second phase
between the dispensed configuration and a locked post-dispensing
configuration, wherein the dispenser body may be rotated about the
longitudinal axis, at least in part, during the first phase and/or
the second phase for aligned orientation with at least one locking
structure so that the dispenser may be locked during travel in the
second phase. Thus, structure features of exemplary embodiments
herein may be utilized without necessarily requiring the action to
align the dispenser body with the at least one locking structure to
occur in the first phase. Rather, the second phase may be
configured in some cases to provide the alignment, or a combination
of the first and second phases.
[0096] Thus, some exemplary embodiments, for example the dispenser
92, enable a method of dispensing a fluid from a fluid capsule,
comprising:
a. locating a fluid capsule on a fluid capsule support surface
defined in a fluid capsule; b. displacing a plunger along an axis
to toward engagement with the fluid capsule; c. pressurizing the
fluid capsule between the plunger and the fluid capsule support so
that a membrane of the fluid capsule against the fluid capsule
support surface is in a tensioned needle receiving configuration;
d. displacing the plunger and the fluid capsule support, with the
fluid capsule in the needle receiving configuration toward a needle
support to cause a fluid capsule-piercing end of a fluid delivery
needle to extend through the fluid capsule support surface to
penetrate the membrane to initiate onset of dispensing of fluid
through the needle; and e. advancing the plunger, the fluid capsule
support and the needle support toward a fluid delivery
configuration with an opposite fluid delivery end of the needle
exposed to penetrate a user's skin.
CLAUSES
[0097] Exemplary embodiments as described herein, including
dispensers and methods, are described in the following clauses:
1. A fluid dispenser comprising a barrel defining a longitudinal
axis terminating at a first fluid delivery end region; a dispenser
body movable along the barrel relative to the first fluid delivery
end region in a first phase between a pre-dispensing configuration
and a dispensed configuration, and in a second phase between the
dispensed configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration,
wherein the dispenser body is configured to rotate about the
longitudinal axis during the first phase for aligned orientation
with at least one locking structure configured to lock the
dispenser body in the locked post-dispensing configuration during
travel in the second phase. 2. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, wherein the dispenser body includes
a needle carrier with a second fluid delivery end region defined
thereon. 3. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the needle carrier is configured to be
in a retracted position within the barrel in the locked
post-dispensing configuration. 4. A dispenser as defined in any of
the preceding or following clauses, wherein the dispenser body
includes a fluid capsule carrier moveable relative to the needle
carrier in the first phase to dispense fluid from a carried
capsule. 5. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the dispenser body includes a plunger
structure movable relative to the fluid capsule carrier in at least
part of the first phase to pressurize a carried capsule. 6. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
wherein the fluid capsule carrier is configured, during at least
part of the first phase, to travel with the plunger structure. 7. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses
wherein, during at least part of the first phase, the fluid capsule
carrier is configured to rotate axially between lock-unaligned and
lock-aligned angular positions. 8. A dispenser as defined in any of
the preceding or following clauses, further comprising at least one
rotation interface defined across a plurality of cooperating
elements respectively on the fluid capsule carrier and at least one
of the plunger structure and the needle carrier, to enable axial
rotation of the fluid capsule carrier relative to the barrel. 9. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
wherein the at least one rotation interface includes a first
rotation interface provided between the fluid capsule carrier and
the plunger structure, each including one of a corresponding first
set of first cooperating elements. 10. A dispenser as defined in
any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the at least one
rotation interface includes a second rotation interface provided
between the fluid capsule carrier and the needle carrier, each
including one of a corresponding second set of second cooperating
elements. 11. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the first and/or second cooperating
elements include at least one guide path and at least one follower
to travel along the guide path. 12. A dispenser as defined in any
of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the guide path is
ramped. 13. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the fluid capsule carrier includes a
capsule carrier body comprising an open end region opposite the
second fluid delivery end region to receive the plunger structure
therethrough. 14. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the at least one first guide path is
operatively oriented near the open end region to engage the first
follower on the plunger structure. 15. A dispenser as defined in
any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the second guide
path is operatively oriented near the second fluid delivery end
region to engage the second follower on the needle carrier. 16. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
wherein the capsule carrier body is cylindrical and includes a pair
of first guide paths and a pair of second guide paths, each pair
being symmetrically arranged relative to the longitudinal axis. 17.
A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
clauses, wherein the fluid capsule carrier includes a transverse
fluid capsule receiving surface, and a needle passage extending
therethrough to receive an upstream end of a needle. 18. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
wherein the plunger structure includes a plunger end region to
travel during at least part of the first phase toward the fluid
capsule receiving surface to pressurize the fluid capsule, thereby
to express the fluid through the needle. 19. A dispenser as defined
in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the first
phase includes at least in part:
[0098] a. a first rotation phase during which the fluid capsule
carrier is rotatable relative to the needle carrier about the
longitudinal axis, as the plunger end region approaches the fluid
capsule receiving surface; and
[0099] b. a second dispensing phase during which the plunger end
region is movable axially relative to the fluid capsule receiving
surface, at least in part, to pressurize the fluid capsule.
20. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
clauses, wherein during the second dispensing phase, at least in
part, the plunger end region is movable axially with the fluid
capsule receiving surface, toward piercing contact with a needle on
the needle carrier, to dispense the fluid. 21. A dispenser as
defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the
at least one locking structure includes a lock interface to fix the
dispenser body at a locking location when the dispenser body is in
the lock-aligned angular position. 22. A dispenser as defined in
any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the needle
carrier is biased to travel from the second dispensed position to
the locking location. 23. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, wherein the lock interface is
configured between the fluid capsule carrier and the barrel to
engage when the dispenser is in the lock-aligned angular position.
24. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
clauses, further comprising at least one latch structure extending
laterally outwardly from the fluid capsule carrier and at least one
axial latch edge formation extending along an inner surface of the
barrel and terminating at a transition region, wherein the latch
structure is configured to travel along the axial latch edge
formation toward and beyond the transition, thereby to release the
plunger structure. 25. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, wherein the at least one locking
structure and the at least one latch structure are each defined in
common by a pair of locking tabs extending outwardly from the fluid
capsule carrier. 26. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding
or following clauses, wherein the bias is provided by at least one
spring acting between the first and second fluid delivery end
regions. 27. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the lock interface is configured between
the at least one locking structure extending laterally outwardly
from the needle carrier and at least one transverse locking edge
formation extending transversely across a surface of the barrel at
the locking location, wherein the locking structure is configured
to travel toward and engage the transverse locking edge formation
at the locking location when in the lock-aligned angular position.
28. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
clauses, wherein the at least one locking structure includes at
least one locking tab extending laterally outwardly from the fluid
capsule carrier to engage a corresponding locking edge formation on
the barrel. 29. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the plunger structure includes a plunger
and a plunger support, the plunger configured to swivel through at
least a predetermined range relative to the plunger support to
rotate with the fluid capsule carrier. 30. A dispenser as defined
in any of the preceding or following clauses, the fluid capsule
carrier and the plunger being configured to fix an angular position
of the plunger relative to the fluid capsule carrier at least
during the first phase. 31. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, the fluid capsule carrier and the
plunger further comprising complementary guide formations to align
the plunger with the fluid capsule carrier. 32. A dispenser as
defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the
guide formations include at least one laterally outwardly extending
tab on the plunger and at least one longitudinal groove formed in
an inner surface of the fluid capsule carrier. 33. A dispenser as
defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the
plunger support and the needle carrier are configured to fix an
angular position of the plunger support relative to the needle
carrier. 34. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the needle carrier and the plunger
support include complementary formations aligned with the
longitudinal axis to form a plunger support travel path along the
longitudinal axis. 35. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, wherein the complementary
formations include a pair of flanges extending from one of the
needle carrier and the plunger support, to be received in
complementary groove formations on the other of the needle carrier
and the plunger support. 36. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, wherein the plunger support
includes a cover flange laterally outwardly spaced to form an
annular passage to receive an adjacent end region on the barrel.
37. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
clauses, further comprising at least one user gripping tab
extending outwardly from the needle carrier or the barrel for a
user to engage for manipulating the dispenser through at least part
of the first phase. 38. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, further comprising a signal emitter
to emit a signal indicating that the plunger structure has reached
a dispensed position. 39. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, wherein the signal emitter includes
a signal emitting interface between the barrel and the dispenser
body. 40. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the signal emitting interface includes
at least one resilient tab and at least one locking formation
aligned therewith, each of which is located on one a respective one
of the barrel and the dispenser body. 41. A dispenser as defined in
any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the at least
resilient tab extends from the plunger support and the at least one
locking formation is positioned on an inner surface of the barrel.
42. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
clauses, wherein the at least one resilient tab is locked in
position with at least one locking formation in the dispensed
position. 43. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, further comprising a lock interface to lock the
dispenser body relative to the barrel in the dispensed position.
44. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
clauses, wherein the lock interface includes at least one resilient
tab and a boss aligned therewith, each of which is located on one a
respective one of the barrel and the body. 45. A dispenser as
defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the
resilient tab extends from the plunger support and the boss is
positioned on an inner surface of the barrel. 46. A dispenser as
defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the
plunger support, the needle carrier and/or the barrel include
formations to form a guide interface for inhibiting rotational
movement therebetween. 47. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, wherein the guide interface
includes at least one support passage to receive an extended
section on the barrel. 48. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, wherein the plunger support
includes a pair of symmetrically opposed circumferentially extended
webs, each defining an outer periphery of one of a corresponding
pair of support passages. 49. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, wherein the needle carrier includes
a pair of opposed and circumferentially cross sectioned guide
sections to engage corresponding surfaces on the plunger support.
50. A fluid dispenser comprising:
[0100] a. a barrel defining a longitudinal axis terminating at a
first fluid delivery end region;
[0101] b. a body movable along the barrel relative to the first
fluid dispensing end region, the body including:
[0102] i. a needle carrier aligned with the longitudinal axis and
terminating at a second fluid delivery end region, at which is
located a needle having a downstream end configured to project
through the first fluid delivery end region in a first dispensing
position;
[0103] ii. a plunger structure aligned with the longitudinal axis
and movable axially relative to the needle carrier; and
[0104] iii. a fluid capsule carrier which is configured to receive
a fluid capsule, the fluid capsule carrier being aligned with the
longitudinal axis and movable axially relative to the needle
carrier and the plunger structure;
[0105] iv. a latch interface operable under the action of a
compressive force between the barrel and the body, to release the
plunger structure to travel relative to the needle carrier; and
[0106] v. the fluid capsule carrier configured, in a dispensing
mode, to travel toward piercing contact of the needle with the
fluid capsule.
51. A dispenser as defined in clause any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the fluid capsule carrier is configured,
in at least part of the dispensing mode, to travel with the plunger
structure. 52. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein, in at least part of the dispensing
mode, the fluid capsule carrier is configured to rotate axially
between lock-unaligned and lock-aligned angular positions. 53. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
further comprising at least one rotation interface including a
plurality of cooperating elements respectively on the fluid capsule
carrier and at least one of the plunger structure and the needle
carrier. 54. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the at least one rotation interface
includes a first rotation interface provided between the fluid
capsule carrier and the plunger structure , each including one of a
corresponding first set of first cooperating elements. 55. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
wherein the at least one rotation interface includes a second
rotation interface provided between the fluid capsule carrier and
the needle carrier, each including one of a corresponding second
set of second cooperating elements. 56. A dispenser as defined any
of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the first and/or
second cooperating elements include at least one guide path and at
least one follower to travel along the guide path. 57. A dispenser
as defined in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the guide path
is ramped. 58. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the follower in the first and/or second
sets of cooperating elements includes a follower guide path. 59. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
wherein the fluid capsule carrier includes a capsule carrier body
comprising an open end region opposite the second fluid delivery
end region to receive the plunger structure therethrough, 60. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
wherein at least one first guide path is operatively oriented near
the open end region to engage the first follower on the plunger
structure, and at least one second guide path operatively oriented
near the second fluid delivery end region to engage the second
follower on the needle carrier. 61. A dispenser as defined in any
of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the capsule carrier
body is cylindrical and includes a pair of first guide paths and a
pair of second guide paths, each pair being symmetrically arranged
relative to the longitudinal axis. 62. A dispenser as defined in
any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the fluid
capsule carrier includes a fluid capsule receiving surface, and a
needle passage extending therethrough to receive the upstream end
of the needle in the first dispensing position, the plunger
structure including a plunger end region to travel during the
dispensing mode toward a second dispensed position adjacent the
fluid capsule receiving surface and to cooperate therewith to
pressurize the fluid capsule, thereby to express the fluid through
the needle. 63. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the dispensing mode includes at least in
part:
[0107] a. a first rotation phase during which the fluid capsule
carrier rotates relative to the needle carrier about the
longitudinal axis, while the plunger end region approaches the
fluid capsule receiving surface; and
[0108] b. a second dispensing phase during which the plunger end
region is movable axially relative to the fluid capsule receiving
surface, at least in part, to pressurize the fluid capsule and
dispense the fluid.
64. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
clauses, wherein during the second dispensing phase, at least in
part, the plunger end region is movable axially with the fluid
capsule receiving surface, toward piercing contact with a needle on
the needle carrier, to dispense the fluid. 65. A dispenser as
defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, further
comprising a lock interface to fix the body at a locking location
when the fluid capsule carrier is in the lock-aligned angular
position. 66. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the needle carrier is biased to travel
from the second dispensed position to the locking location. 67. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
wherein the bias is provided by at least one spring acting between
the first and second fluid delivery end regions. 68. A dispenser as
defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, further
comprising a latch interface configured between at least one
locking tab extending laterally outwardly from the fluid capsule
carrier and at least one axial latch edge formation extending along
an inner surface of the barrel and terminating at a transition
region, wherein the locking tab is configured to travel along the
axial locking edge formation under the action of the compressive
force toward and beyond the transition region, thereby to release
the plunger structure for travel relative to the fluid capsule
carrier. 69. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the lock interface is configured between
at least one locking tab extending laterally outwardly from the
fluid capsule carrier and at least one transverse locking edge
formation extending transversely across an inner surface of the
barrel at the lock location, wherein the locking tab is configured
to travel toward and engage the transverse locking edge formation
at the locking location when in the lock-aligned angular position.
70. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
clauses, wherein the at least one locking tab includes a pair of
locking tabs extending laterally outwardly from the fluid capsule
carrier. 71. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the plunger structure includes a plunger
and a plunger support, the plunger configured to swivel through at
least a predetermined range relative to the plunger support to
rotate with the fluid capsule carrier. 72. A dispenser as defined
in any of the preceding or following clauses, the fluid capsule
carrier and the plunger being configured to fix an angular position
of the plunger relative to the fluid capsule carrier at least
during the dispensing mode. 73. A dispenser as defined any of the
preceding or following clauses, the fluid capsule carrier and the
plunger further comprising complementary guide formations. 74. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
wherein the guide formations include at least one laterally
outwardly extending tab on the plunger and at least one
longitudinal groove formed in an inner surface of the fluid capsule
carrier. 75. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the plunger support and the needle
carrier are configured to fix an angular position of the plunger
support relative to the needle carrier in the dispensing mode. 76.
A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
clauses, wherein the needle carrier and the plunger support include
complementary formations aligned with the longitudinal axis to form
a plunger support travel path along the longitudinal axis. 77. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
the complementary formations including a pair of flanges extending
from the needle carrier toward the plunger support, to be received
in complementary groove formations on the plunger support. 78. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
wherein the plunger support includes a cover flange laterally
outwardly spaced to form an annular passage to receive an adjacent
end region on the barrel. 79. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses any, further comprising at least one
user gripping tab extending outwardly from the needle carrier or
the barrel for a user to engage for manipulating the dispenser
through at least part of the dispensing mode. 80. A dispenser as
defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, further
comprising a signal emitter to emit a signal indicating that the
plunger structure has reached the second dispensed position. 81. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
wherein the signal emitter includes a signal emitting interface
between the barrel and the body. 82. A dispenser as defined in any
of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the signal emitting
interface includes at least one resilient tab and at least one
locking formation aligned therewith, each of which is located on
one a respective one of the barrel and the body. 83. A dispenser as
defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the
resilient tab extends from the plunger support and at least one
locking formation is positioned on an inner surface of the barrel.
84. A dispenser as defined any of the preceding or following
clauses, wherein the resilient tab is locked in position with the
at least one locking formation in the second dispensed position.
85. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
clauses, further comprising a lock interface to lock the body
relative to the barrel in the second dispensed position. 86. A
dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses,
wherein the lock interface includes at least one resilient tab and
a boss aligned therewith, each of which is located on a respective
one of the barrel and the body. 87. A dispenser as defined in any
of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the resilient tab
extends from the plunger support and the boss is positioned on an
inner surface of the barrel. 88. A dispenser as defined in any of
the preceding or following clauses, wherein the plunger support,
the needle carrier and/or the barrel include formations to form a
guide interface for guiding movement therebetween. 89. A dispenser
as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein
the guide interface includes at least one support passage to
receive an extended section on the barrel. 90. A dispenser as
defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the
plunger support includes a pair of symmetrically opposed
circumferentially extended webs, each defining an outer periphery
of one of a corresponding pair of support passages. 91. A dispenser
as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein
the needle carrier includes a pair of opposed and circumferentially
cross sectioned guide sections to engage corresponding surfaces on
the plunger support. 92. A fluid dispenser comprising a barrel
defining a longitudinal axis and terminating at a first fluid
delivery end region; a body movable along the barrel relative to
the first fluid delivery end region, the body including a needle
carrier, a plunger and a fluid capsule carrier therebetween, a
latch interface between the body and the barrel and responsive to a
release force therebetween caused by compressive engagement of the
barrel at a fluid delivery site, to enable travel of the plunger
and the fluid capsule carrier toward the needle carrier, to a
dispensing configuration in which an upstream end of a needle on
the needle carrier extends into a capsule carrying region of the
fluid capsule carrier and a downstream end of the needle projects
extends through the first fluid delivery end region for delivery of
a fluid thereto. 93. A fluid dispenser comprising a barrel defining
a longitudinal axis terminating at a dispensing end; a dispenser
body movable along the barrel relative to the dispensing end, the
dispenser body including a needle carrier, a plunger and a fluid
capsule carrier moveable relative to the needle carrier and the
plunger, and a latch interface configured to release the dispenser
body for travel in the barrel in response to a release force
between the barrel and the dispenser body. 94. A fluid dispenser
comprising a barrel defining a longitudinal axis terminating at a
dispensing end; a dispenser body movable along the barrel relative
to the dispensing end, the dispenser body including a needle
carrier, a plunger and a fluid capsule carrier moveable relative to
the needle carrier and the plunger, and a latch interface
configured to release the dispenser body for dispensing travel in
the barrel in response to a compressive engagement of the
dispensing end at a fluid delivery site. 95. A fluid dispenser,
comprising a fluid capsule receiver configured to form a fluid
capsule pressuring zone in a first capsule pressurizing mode, a
needle carrier supporting a fluid delivery needle, the needle
carrier and the fluid capsule receiver configured to cause the
needle to extend into the fluid capsule pressurizing zone to pierce
the pressurized fluid capsule in a second fluid capsule piercing
mode; and a body containing the fluid capsule receiver and the
needle carrier, the fluid capsule receiver and the needle carrier
configured to move along the body to expose a fluid delivery end of
the needle in a third fluid delivery mode. 96. A dispenser as
defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the
fluid capsule receiver includes a plunger and a fluid capsule
carrier, the plunger and fluid capsule carrier having complementary
surfaces to locate the fluid capsule therebetween. 97. A dispenser
as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, further
comprising a plunger support to support the plunger, at least one
interface operable between the plunger support, the fluid capsule
carrier, the needle carrier and/or the body to enable displacement
of the plunger relative to the fluid capsule carrier in the first,
second and/or third modes while exerting a compressive force at
substantially consistent magnitude between the plunger support and
the body. 98. A method of dispensing a fluid from a fluid capsule,
comprising:
[0109] a. locating a fluid capsule on a fluid capsule support
surface;
[0110] b. displacing a plunger along an axis to toward engagement
with the fluid capsule;
[0111] c. pressurizing the fluid capsule between the plunger and
the fluid capsule support surface, so that a membrane of the fluid
capsule against the fluid capsule support surface is in a tensioned
needle receiving configuration;
[0112] d. displacing the plunger and the fluid capsule support,
with the fluid capsule in the needle receiving configuration toward
a needle support to cause a capsule-piercing end of a fluid
delivery needle thereon, to extend through the fluid capsule
support surface to penetrate the membrane to initiate onset of
dispensing of fluid through the needle; and
[0113] e. advancing the plunger, the fluid capsule support and the
needle support toward a fluid delivery configuration with an
opposite fluid delivery end of the needle exposed to penetrate a
delivery location.
99. A method of securing a dispensing device following delivery of
a fluid therefrom, comprising providing a barrel defining a
longitudinal axis terminating at a first fluid delivery end region
and a dispenser body movable along the barrel relative to the first
fluid delivery end region, the dispenser body movable in a first
phase between a pre-dispensing configuration and a dispensed
configuration, and in a second phase between the dispensed
configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration, wherein
the dispenser body is configured to rotate about the longitudinal
axis, at least in part, during the first phase for aligned
orientation with at least one locking structure during travel in
the second phase. 100. A method of securing a dispensing device
following delivery of a fluid therefrom, comprising:
[0114] a. providing a barrel defining a longitudinal axis
terminating at a first fluid delivery end region and a dispenser
body movable along the barrel relative to the first fluid delivery
end region;
[0115] b. displacing the dispenser body in a first phase between a
pre-dispensing configuration and a dispensed configuration, and in
a second phase between the dispensed configuration and a locked
post-dispensing configuration, wherein the dispenser body is
rotated about the longitudinal axis, at least in part, during the
first phase and/or the second phase for aligned orientation with at
least one locking structure during travel in the second phase.
101. A fluid dispenser comprising a barrel defining a longitudinal
axis terminating at a first fluid delivery end region; a dispenser
body movable along the barrel relative to the first fluid delivery
end region in a first phase between a pre-dispensing configuration
and a dispensed configuration, and in a second phase between the
dispensed configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration,
wherein the dispenser body is configured to rotate about the
longitudinal axis during the first phase and/or the second phase
for aligned orientation with at least one locking structure
configured to lock the dispenser body in the locked post-dispensing
configuration during travel in the second phase. 102. A fluid
dispenser comprising housing means defining a longitudinal axis
terminating at a first fluid delivery end region; dispensing means
movable along the housing means relative to the first fluid
delivery end region in a first phase between a pre-dispensing
configuration and a dispensed configuration, and in a second phase
between the dispensed configuration and a locked post-dispensing
configuration, wherein the dispensing means is configured to rotate
about the longitudinal axis during the first phase for aligned
orientation with at least one locking means during travel in the
second phase. 103. A fluid dispenser comprising housing means
defining a longitudinal axis terminating at a first fluid delivery
end region; dispensing means movable along the housing means
relative to the first fluid delivery end region in a first phase
between a pre-dispensing configuration and a dispensed
configuration, and in a second phase between the dispensed
configuration and a locked post-dispensing configuration, wherein
the dispensing means is configured to rotate about the longitudinal
axis during the first phase and/or the second phase for aligned
orientation with at least one locking means during travel in the
second phase. 104. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding
or following clauses, wherein the dispensing means includes a
needle support means with a second fluid delivery end region
defined thereon. 105. A dispenser as defined in any one of the
preceding or following clauses, wherein the dispensing means
includes fluid capsule carrier means movable relative to the needle
support means in at least part of the first phase to dispense fluid
from a carried capsule therein. 106. A dispenser as defined in any
one of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the dispensing
means includes plunger means movable relative to the fluid capsule
carrier means in at least part of the first phase to pressurize a
carried capsule therein. 107. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, wherein the needle support means is
retracted to within the housing means in the locked post-dispensing
configuration. 108. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding
or following clauses, wherein the fluid capsule carrier means is
configured, during at least part of the first phase, to travel with
the plunger means. 109. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses wherein, during at least part of the
first phase, the fluid capsule carrier means is configured to
rotate axially between lock-unaligned and lock-aligned angular
positions. 110. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, further comprising at least one rotation means
provided between the fluid capsule carrier means and at least one
of the plunger means and the needle support means. 111. A dispenser
as defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein
the at least one rotation means includes a first rotation means
provided between the fluid capsule carrying means and plunger
means. 112. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or
following clauses, wherein the at least one rotation means includes
a second rotation means provided between the fluid capsule carrier
means and the needle support means. 113. A dispenser as defined in
any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the capsule
carrier means is configured to receive a fluid capsule to be
pressurized therein by the plunger means, the fluid capsule carrier
means is configured in a first dispensing position to receive an
upstream end of a needle on the needle support means to penetrate
the fluid capsule as pressurized, and the plunger means is
configured to travel with the fluid capsule carrier means toward a
dispensed position to express the fluid through the needle at the
first delivery end region. 114. A dispenser as defined in any of
the preceding or following clauses, wherein the first phase
includes at least in part:
[0116] a. a first rotation phase during which the fluid capsule
carrier means is rotatable relative to the needle carrier means
about the longitudinal axis, as the plunger means approaches the
fluid capsule carrier means; and
[0117] b. a second dispensing phase during which the plunger means
is movable axially relative to the fluid capsule carrier means
toward the dispensed position to pressurize the capsule and
dispense the fluid.
115. A dispenser as defined in any of the preceding or following
claims, wherein during the second dispensing phase, at least in
part, the plunger means is movable axially with the fluid capsule
carrying means, toward piercing contact with a needle means on the
needle carrier means, to dispense the fluid. 116. A dispenser as
defined in any of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the
at least one locking means is configured to fix the fluid capsule
carrier means at a locking location when the fluid capsule carrier
means is in the lock-aligned angular position, the needle support
means being biased to travel from the dispensed position toward the
locking location. 117. A dispenser as defined in any of the
preceding or following clauses, wherein the at least one locking
means is configured between the fluid capsule carrier means and the
housing means to engage when the dispensing means is in the
lock-aligned angular position. 118. A dispenser as defined in any
of the preceding or following clauses, wherein the bias is provided
by at least one biasing means acting between the first and second
fluid delivery end regions. 119. A dispenser as defined in any of
the preceding or following clauses, further comprising latch means
which configured to release the dispensing means at a transition
region following relative travel of the dispensing means along the
longitudinal axis, toward and beyond the transition, thereby to
release the plunger means. 120. A method as shown or described
herein. 121. A dispenser as shown or described herein.
[0118] The present disclosure describes what are considered to be
practical exemplary embodiments. It is recognized, however, that
departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that
obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.
Further, the subject matter of the present disclosure supports and
provides sufficient basis for any element, feature, structure,
function, and/or step of any aspect, and/or exemplary embodiment
described in the present disclosure including the figures, clauses
and/or claims herein to be combined with any other one or more
elements, features, structures, functions, and/or steps of any
aspect and/or exemplary embodiment described in the present
disclosure including the figures, clauses and/or claims herein, as
basis for an independent or dependent claim herein. With respect to
the above description, it is to be realized that the dimensional
relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations
in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation,
assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one
skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
[0119] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes may readily occur to those skilled in the
art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
[0120] While a device or assembly and an accompanying method have
been described for what are presently considered the exemplary
embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the
invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the
broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications
and equivalent structures and functions.
* * * * *