Protective locking system for use with medicine bottles

Abstract

A protective locking system for a source vial helps prevent mishandling of a liquid drug removed from the source vial and used in an injection device (such as a wearable injection device or a syringe). The protective locking system includes at least a key, a locking cover, and a sliding guard, each of the key, the locking cover, and the sliding guard including an opening at least large enough to accommodate a needle therethrough.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 748,681, filed on October 22, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present subject matter relates generally to devices for transferring fluids from vials to medical devices and, more particularly, to a protective locking system for a source vial that helps prevent misuse of a liquid drug removed from the source vial and used in an injection device, such as a wearable injection device or syringe. Background Art

[0004] Injection devices that are temporarily or long-term worn by patients are well known in the medical field. The subject matter of the present application relates to a system for securely securing a liquid drug in a source vial until it is provided to a corresponding transfer device, which can be configured to be used particularly but not exclusively with the injection device described in the commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 572911 filed on October 16, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The injection device includes an internal elastic bladder that can be filled with any suitable injectable medicament, whether a drug, antibiotic, biologic, or other injectable, for subcutaneous injection, typically a bolus injection, to the patient while the patient is wearing the device. Other injection devices can be used, such as, but not limited to, syringes.

[0005] Prior to injection into the patient, the injection device must be filled (in whole or in part) with the desired injection. The above-mentioned U.S. provisional patent application also discloses information about a transfer system for transferring injections from source vials, including but not limited to transferring such injections from one or more source vials to an injection device. These may include and be embodied in a pressurized gas-powered transfer device but are not limited thereto. The present application discloses additional novel designs and improvements that enhance the safe use of medicaments in source vials and can be used to prevent misuse, such as attempting to use medicaments in a manner not desired by the prescribing physician. The transfer devices described herein may be variously referred to as transfer units, stations, modules, accessories, add-ons, or other suitable terms, and are not intended to impose any limitations on the structure or function of the devices not described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1A is an upper perspective view of a single vial pressurized gas powered transfer device and injection device, the transfer device including a vial holder having a vial elevator in a raised or extended position.

[0007] Figure 1Bis a front view of a medicine bottle having a first example protective locking system configured as a single-use medicine bottle cap lock and in Figure 1A The transfer device is shown in an inverted position above the vial holder portion, but with the rest of the transfer device and injection device removed.

[0008] Figure 1C is a cross-sectional view of a medicine bottle having a protective locking system including a locking cover and a sliding guard and Figure 1B A key in the form of a vial lifter in the vial holder portion of the transfer device is shown, and wherein the sliding guard is biased to a position where the sliding guard blocks the needle from passing through the locking cover and entering the vial septum.

[0009] Figure 1D is a front view of a key in the form of a medicine bottle lifter receiving a medicine bottle having a protective locking system wherein the medicine bottle has been pushed or forced into a first position to enter and thereby connect to Figures 1A-1C The key shown has been moved to a position where the needle opening through the sliding guard is aligned with the corresponding needle opening on the key and locking cover, thereby no longer blocking the needle from passing through the locking cover and entering the vial septum.

[0010] Figure 1E is connected to Figure 1D A cross-sectional view of a medicine bottle with the protective locking system of the medicine bottle elevator shown.

[0011] Figure 1F is a front view of a medicine bottle with a protective locking system that has been pushed or forced into a second position further into the medicine bottle holder so that the medicine bottle lifter has been moved relative to Figure 1D-1E The vial elevator shaft of the vial holder is shown moved downwardly to a retracted or lowered position within the transfer device.

[0012] Figure 1G Is such as Figure 1F A cross-sectional view of a vial with a protective locking system is shown wherein when the vial elevator is pushed to a retracted or lowered position within the vial elevator shaft, a needle or vial needle within the vial elevator shaft has passed through the locking cover, sliding guard and vial septum to enter the vial.

[0013] Figure 2A is an upper perspective view of a medicine bottle having a second example protective locking system configured with a disposable medicine bottle cap lock and that can be used with a transfer device, such as Figure 1A as shown, or used alone, such as with a syringe needle, and having a non-removable key initially and permanently attached to the locking cover.

[0014] Figure 2Bis an exploded view of the upper portion of a protective locking system for a medicine bottle having Figure 2A The medicine bottle cap lock is shown (removed from the medicine bottle for explanation purposes) and includes a non-removable key, locking cover, spring lock and sliding guard, and shows that the corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard can be aligned.

[0015] Figure 2C is only in Figure 2A-2B 0026] A perspective view of the underside of a non-removable key shown in FIG. 1 and removed from the remainder of the locking cover for purposes of explanation.

[0016] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A-2C A cross-sectional view of a medicine bottle cap lock shown in FIG. 1 (removed from the medicine bottle for purposes of explanation), and further illustrating a sliding guard that blocks entry of a needle when the key is in the installed and fully raised first position, which would otherwise allow the needle to pass through an opening through the key and locking cover.

[0017] Figure 2E yes Figure 2D A cross-sectional view of the medicine bottle cap lock is shown with the key pushed or forced to a fully depressed second position, wherein the sliding guard has been moved to align the needle opening therethrough with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover, and showing that the needle passing through the corresponding needle opening and the pin on the underside of the key have pushed and triggered the spring lock activity, but when the key is fully depressed, the pin temporarily maintains the spring lock.

[0018] Figure 2F yes Figure 2D-2E A cross-sectional view of the medicine bottle cap lock shown in the drawing has the push on the key removed so that the key has moved to an intermediate third position between the fully raised first position and the fully depressed second position, wherein the sliding guard and spring lock have moved to a position biasing the needle through a corresponding needle opening aligned by the key, locking cover and sliding guard.

[0019] Figure 2G yes Figure 2D-2F A cross-sectional view of the vial cap lock is shown after the needle has been removed to the point where the needle no longer passes through the needle opening through the sliding guard, wherein the spring lock has moved to block the needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a vial.

[0020] Figure 2H is corresponding to Figure 2D A perspective view of the underside of the vial cap lock with the key shown in a first position fully raised, wherein the needle opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover, and the spring lock is in an initially set position.

[0021] Fig.2I is corresponding to Figure 2E A perspective view of the underside of the medicine bottle cap lock in the second position with the key shown fully depressed, wherein the corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard are aligned, the needle passes through the corresponding needle opening, and the pin on the underside of the key has been pushed and triggered the spring lock activity, but when the key is fully depressed, the pin temporarily maintains the spring lock.

[0022] Figure 2J is corresponding to Figure 2F A perspective view of the underside of the vial cap lock with the key in the intermediate third position shown, with the push on the key removed, wherein the pin has released the active spring lock, and the spring lock and sliding guard have moved to bias the needle through the corresponding needle opening.

[0023] Figure 2K corresponds to the needle being removed to the point where it no longer penetrates Figure 2G A perspective view of the underside of a vial cap lock showing the extent of the needle opening of the sliding guard, wherein the spring lock has been moved to block the needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a vial.

[0024] Figure 3A is an upper perspective view of a medicine bottle having a third example protective locking system configured with a disposable medicine bottle cap lock and which can be used with, for example, Figure 1A The transfer device shown is used together with, or alone, such as with a syringe needle, and has a key that is brought to the vial to unlock the vial for a single use and is thereafter not removable from the locking cap on the vial.

[0025] Figure 3B is an exploded view of the upper portion of the protective locking system for a medicine bottle, featuring Figure 3A The medicine bottle cap lock is shown (removed from the medicine bottle for explanation purposes) and includes a key, locking cover, spring lock and sliding guard, and shows that the corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard can be aligned.

[0026] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A-3B A cross-sectional view of a medicine bottle cap lock is shown in the figure, removed from the medicine bottle for purposes of explanation, and further illustrating a sliding guard that blocks entry of a needle after the key is in the installed and fully raised first position, where the needle would otherwise be allowed to pass through a corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover.

[0027] Figure 3D yes Figure 3CA cross-sectional view of the medicine bottle cap lock is shown with the key pushed or forced to a fully depressed second position, wherein the sliding guard has been moved to align the needle opening therethrough with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover, and showing that the needle passing through the corresponding needle opening and the pin on the underside of the key have pushed and triggered the spring lock activity, but when the key is fully depressed, the pin temporarily maintains the spring lock.

[0028] Figure 3E yes Figure 3C-3D A cross-sectional view of the medicine bottle cap lock shown in the drawing has the push on the key removed so that the key has moved to an intermediate third position between the fully raised first position and the fully depressed second position, wherein the sliding guard and spring lock have moved to a position biasing the needle through a corresponding needle opening aligned by the key, locking cover and sliding guard.

[0029] Figure 3F yes Figure 3C-3E A cross-sectional view of the vial cap lock is shown after the needle has been removed to the point where the needle no longer passes through the needle opening through the sliding guard, wherein the spring lock has moved to block the needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a vial.

[0030] Figure 3G is corresponding to Figure 3C A perspective view of the underside of the medicine bottle cap lock with the key shown in a first position fully raised, wherein the opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with the opening through the key and locking cover, and the spring lock is in an initially set position.

[0031] Figure 3H is corresponding to Figure 3D A perspective view of the underside of the medicine bottle cap lock in the second position with the key shown fully depressed, wherein the corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard are aligned, the needle passes through the corresponding needle opening, and the pin on the underside of the key has been pushed and triggered the spring lock activity, but when the key is fully depressed, the pin temporarily maintains the spring lock.

[0032] Fig. 3I is corresponding to Figure 3E A perspective view of the underside of the vial cap lock with the key in the intermediate third position shown, with the push on the key removed, wherein the pin has released the active spring lock, and the spring lock and sliding guard have moved to bias the needle through the corresponding needle opening.

[0033] Figure 3J corresponds to the needle being removed to the point where it no longer penetrates Figure 3F A perspective view of the underside of a vial cap lock showing the extent of the needle opening of the sliding guard, wherein the spring lock has been moved to block the needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a vial.

[0034] Figure 4Ais an upper perspective view of a medicine bottle having a fourth example protective locking system that is reusable and configured with a medicine bottle cap lock that provides access via a separate reusable universal key and can be used with, for example, Figure 1A The transfer device shown is used together with, or alone, such as with a syringe needle, and wherein a key is brought to the vial to unlock the vial when in use and is thereafter not removable from the locking cap on the vial.

[0035] Figure 4B is an exploded view of the upper portion of the protective locking system for a medicine bottle, featuring Figure 4A The medicine bottle cap lock is shown (removed from the medicine bottle for explanation purposes) and includes a key, locking cover, spring lock and sliding guard, and shows that the corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard can be aligned.

[0036] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A-4B A cross-sectional view of a medicine bottle cap lock is shown in the figure, removed from the medicine bottle for purposes of explanation, and further illustrating a sliding guard that blocks entry of a needle after the key is brought to the locking cover and is in the fully raised first position, where the needle would otherwise be allowed to pass through a corresponding needle opening through the key and the locking cover.

[0037] Figure 4D yes Figure 4C A cross-sectional view of the medicine bottle cap lock is shown with the key pushed or forced to a fully depressed second position wherein the sliding guard has been moved to align the needle opening therethrough with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover, and the needle is shown passing through the corresponding needle opening.

[0038] Figure 4E yes Figure 4C-4D A cross-sectional view of the vial cap lock is shown with the key released wherein the sliding guard has moved to a position biasing the needle through the aligned corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cap and sliding guard.

[0039] Figure 4F yes Figure 4C-4E A cross-sectional view of a medicine bottle cap lock is shown after the key has been released and the needle has been removed to the extent that the needle no longer passes through the needle opening through the sliding guard, wherein the sliding guard has moved to block the needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a medicine bottle.

[0040] Figure 4G is corresponding to Figure 4C A perspective view of the underside of the vial cap lock with the key shown in the first position fully raised, with the sliding guard in position blocking needle entry.

[0041] Figure 4H is corresponding to Figure 4DA perspective view of the underside of the vial cap lock shown in the second position with the key fully depressed, wherein corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard are aligned and the needle passes through the corresponding needle opening.

[0042] Fig. 4I is corresponding to the one that has been released Figure 4E A perspective view of the underside of a vial cap lock of a key is shown wherein the sliding guard has been moved to bias a needle through a corresponding needle opening.

[0043] Figure 4J is a perspective view of the underside of the vial cap lock, corresponding to the key being released and the needle being removed until it no longer passes through the vial cap lock. Figure 4F The extent of the needle opening of the sliding guard is shown, where the sliding guard has been moved to block a needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a medicine vial.

[0044] Figure 5A is an upper perspective view of a medicine bottle having a fifth example protective locking system configured with a medicine bottle cap lock for custom medications, wherein the medicine bottle can be used with, for example, Figure 1A The transfer device shown is used in conjunction with, or alone, such as with a syringe needle, and has a custom removable key as the key is associated with the medication and access to the medication.

[0045] Figure 5B is an exploded view of the upper portion of the protective locking system for a medicine bottle, featuring Figure 5A The medicine bottle cap lock is shown (removed from the medicine bottle for explanation purposes) and includes a key, locking cover, spring lock and sliding guard, and shows that the corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard can be aligned.

[0046] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A-5B A perspective view of the underside of only the unique key is shown, which is removed from the rest of the locking cover for purposes of explanation.

[0047] Figure 5D yes Figures 5A-5C A cross-sectional view of a medicine bottle cap lock is shown with it removed from the medicine bottle for purposes of explanation and further illustrating a sliding guard that blocks needle entry after the key is brought to the locking cap and is in the fully raised first position, where the needle would otherwise be allowed to pass through a corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cap.

[0048] Figure 5E yes Figure 5DA cross-sectional view of the medicine bottle cap lock is shown with the key pushed or forced to a fully depressed second position, wherein the sliding guard has been moved to align the needle opening therethrough with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover, and showing that the needle passing through the corresponding needle opening and the pin on the underside of the key have pushed and triggered the spring lock activity, but when the key is fully depressed, the pin temporarily maintains the spring lock.

[0049] Fig. 5F yes Figure 5D-5E , with the key released, wherein the sliding guard and spring lock have moved to a position biasing the needle through the aligned corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard.

[0050] Figure 5G yes Figure 5D-5F A cross-sectional view of the vial cap lock shown in FIG, after the key has been released and removed and the needle has been removed to the extent that the needle no longer passes through the needle opening through the sliding guard, wherein the spring lock has moved to block the needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a vial.

[0051] Figure 5H is a perspective view of the underside of the bottle cap lock, corresponding to the key having been brought to the locking cover and in the Figure 5D The fully raised first position is shown wherein the needle opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover and the snap lock is in the initially set position.

[0052] Fig.5I is corresponding to Figure 5E A perspective view of the underside of the medicine bottle cap lock in the second position with the key shown fully depressed, wherein the corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard are aligned, the needle passes through the corresponding needle opening, and the pin on the underside of the key has been pushed and triggered the spring lock activity, but when the key is fully depressed, the pin temporarily maintains the spring lock.

[0053] Figure 5J is corresponding to the one that has been released Fig. 5F A perspective view of the underside of a vial cap lock of a key is shown wherein the pin has released the active spring lock and the spring lock and sliding guard have moved to bias the needle through the corresponding needle opening.

[0054] Figure 5K is a perspective view of the underside of the vial cap lock, corresponding to the key being released and removed and the needle being removed to the point where the needle no longer passes through the vial cap lock. Figure 5G The extent of the needle opening of the sliding guard is shown, where the spring lock has moved to block the needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a medicine vial.

[0055] Fig. 6Ais an upper perspective view of a reusable medicine bottle having a sixth example protective locking system configured with a medicine bottle cap lock that provides access via a separate reusable rotating key and can be used with, for example, Figure 1A The transfer device shown is used together with, or alone, such as with a syringe needle, and wherein a key is brought to the vial to unlock the vial when in use and is thereafter not removable from the locking cap on the vial.

[0056] Figure 6B is an exploded view of the upper portion of the protective locking system for a medicine bottle, featuring Fig. 6A The medicine bottle cap lock is shown (removed from the medicine bottle for explanation purposes) and includes a key, locking cover, spring lock and sliding guard, and shows that the corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard can be aligned.

[0057] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A-6B Shown is a perspective view of only the underside of the rotary key, which is removed from the rest of the locking cover for explanation purposes.

[0058] Fig.6D yes Figures 6A-6C A cross-sectional view of a medicine bottle cap lock is shown in the figure, removed from the medicine bottle for purposes of explanation, and further showing a sliding guard that blocks entry of a needle after the key is brought to the locking cap and is in a first rotational position, otherwise the needle is allowed to pass through a corresponding needle opening through the key and the locking cap.

[0059] Fig. 6E yes Figures 6A-6D A cross-sectional view of the vial cap lock is shown with the key rotated to a second rotational position wherein the sliding guard has been moved to align the needle opening therethrough with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cap, and showing the needle passing through the corresponding needle opening.

[0060] Fig. 6F yes Figure 6D-6E A cross-sectional view of a medicine bottle cap lock is shown after the key has been released, wherein the sliding guard has moved to block a needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a medicine bottle.

[0061] Figure 6G yes Figure 6D-6F A cross-sectional view of the vial cap lock shown in , after the key has been released and removed and the needle has been removed to the extent that the needle no longer passes through the needle opening through the sliding guard, wherein the sliding guard has been moved to block the needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a vial.

[0062] Figure 6H is a perspective view of the underside of the vial cap lock, corresponding to the vial cap that has been brought to the locking cap and is in the Fig.6DThe key is shown in a first rotational position wherein the needle opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover and the sliding guard is in a position blocking needle entry.

[0063] Fig.6I corresponds to Fig. 6E A perspective view of the underside of the vial cap lock of the key in the second rotational position shown, wherein corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard are aligned and the needle passes through the corresponding needle opening.

[0064] Figure 6J The medicine bottle cap is locked from the bottom side through the key, locking cover and sliding guard and corresponds to Fig.6D and 6H A cross-sectional view of a first rotational position of the key is shown, wherein the needle opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover.

[0065] Figure 6K The medicine bottle cap is locked from the bottom side through the key, locking cover and sliding guard and corresponds to Fig. 6E and 6I A cross-sectional view of a second rotational position of the key is shown, wherein the needle opening through the sliding guard is aligned with the corresponding needle opening through the key and the locking cover.

[0066] Fig. 7A is an upper perspective view of a medicine bottle having a seventh example protective locking system configured with a medicine bottle cap lock, wherein the medicine bottle can be connected to, for example, Figure 1A The transfer device shown is used with, or alone, such as with a syringe needle, and has a removable key and an asynchronous sliding guard that blocks needle insertion after use.

[0067] Figure 7B is an exploded view of the upper portion of the protective locking system for a medicine bottle, featuring Fig. 7A The medicine bottle cap lock is shown (removed from the medicine bottle for explanation purposes) and includes a key, locking cover, spring lock and sliding guard, and shows that the corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard can be aligned.

[0068] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A-7B A cross-sectional view of a medicine bottle cap lock is shown in the figure, removed from the medicine bottle for purposes of explanation, and further illustrating a sliding guard that blocks entry of a needle after the key is brought to the locking cover and is in the fully raised first position, where the needle would otherwise be allowed to pass through a corresponding needle opening through the key and the locking cover.

[0069] Fig.7D yes Figure 7CA cross-sectional view of the medicine bottle cap lock is shown with the key pushed or forced to a fully depressed second position wherein the sliding guard has been moved to align the needle opening therethrough with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover, and the needle is shown passing through the corresponding needle opening.

[0070] Fig. 7E yes Figure 7C-7D A cross-sectional view of the vial cap lock is shown with the key released wherein the sliding guard has moved to a position biasing the needle through the aligned corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cap and sliding guard.

[0071] Figure 7F yes Figure 7C-7E A cross-sectional view of the vial cap lock shown in , after the key has been released and removed and the needle has been removed to the extent that the needle no longer passes through the needle opening through the sliding guard, wherein the sliding guard has been moved to block the needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a vial.

[0072] Figure 7G is the one that has been brought to the locking cover and is in Figure 7C A top view of the underside of the medicine bottle cap lock with the key shown in the fully raised first position, wherein the needle opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with the corresponding needle opening through the key and the locking cover, and the pin on the slider arm of the sliding guard is in a neutral first position in a narrow slot within the underside of the locking cover.

[0073] Figure 7H is a top view of the underside of the medicine bottle cap lock corresponding to the partially depressed position of the key, wherein the corresponding needle opening portions of the key, locking cover and sliding guard are aligned, and the slider arm on the sliding guard bends outward as the pin on the slider arm follows the narrow groove in the underside of the locking cover.

[0074] Fig.7I is a bottom view of the underside of the vial cap lock corresponding to the second position of the key fully depressed, wherein the corresponding needle openings of the key, the locking cover and the sliding guard are aligned, and the needle passes through the Fig.7D The corresponding needle opening is shown, and the slider arm on the sliding guard bends further as the pin on the slider arm follows the slot in the underside of the locking cover.

[0075] Figure 7J is corresponding to Figure 7F A top view of the underside of the lock on the medicine bottle cap is shown with the key released and the needle removed, wherein the sliding guard has moved to the locked position, blocking the needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as re-entering the medicine bottle, and as the pin on the slider arm follows the narrow groove in the underside of the locking cap, the slider arm on the sliding guard bends inward until the pin is stuck, thereby preventing further movement of the sliding guard.

[0076] Fig. 8A is an upper perspective view of a medicine bottle having an eighth example protective locking system configured with a medicine bottle cap lock, wherein the medicine bottle can be connected to, for example, Figure 1A The transfer device shown is used in conjunction with, or alone, such as with a syringe needle, and has a removable key and a sliding guard to block needle insertion after use.

[0077] Figure 8B is an exploded view of the upper portion of the protective locking system for a medicine bottle, featuring Fig. 8A The medicine bottle cap lock is shown (removed from the medicine bottle for explanation purposes) and includes a key, locking cover and sliding guard, and shows that the corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cover and sliding guard can be aligned.

[0078] Figure 8C yes Figures 8A-8B A cross-sectional view of a medicine bottle cap lock is shown in the figure, removed from the medicine bottle for purposes of explanation, and further illustrating a sliding guard that blocks entry of a needle after the key is brought to the locking cover and is in the fully raised first position, where the needle would otherwise be allowed to pass through a corresponding needle opening through the key and the locking cover.

[0079] Fig.8D yes Figure 8C A cross-sectional view of the medicine bottle cap lock is shown with the key pushed or forced to a fully depressed second position wherein the sliding guard has been moved to align the needle opening therethrough with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover, and the needle is shown passing through the corresponding needle opening.

[0080] Fig. 8E yes Figure 8C-8D A cross-sectional view of the vial cap lock is shown with the key released wherein the sliding guard has moved to a position biasing the needle through the aligned corresponding needle openings of the key, locking cap and sliding guard.

[0081] Fig.8F yes Figures 8C-8E A cross-sectional view of the vial cap lock is shown after the key has been released and removed and the needle has been removed to the extent that the needle no longer passes through the needle opening through the sliding guard, wherein the sliding guard has been moved to block the needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a vial.

[0082] Figure 8G is the one that has been brought to the locking cover and is in Figure 8C A top view of the underside of the medicine bottle cap lock with the key shown in the fully raised first position, wherein the needle opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with the corresponding needle opening through the key and the locking cover, and the pin on the slider arm of the sliding guard is in a neutral first position in the first end of the narrow slot in the underside of the locking cover.

[0083] Figure 8H is a top view of the underside of the medicine bottle cap lock corresponding to the partially depressed position of the key, wherein the corresponding needle opening portions of the key, locking cover and sliding guard are aligned, and the slider arm on the sliding guard bends outward as the pin on the slider arm follows the narrow groove in the underside of the locking cover.

[0084] Figure 8I is a bottom view of the underside of the vial cap lock corresponding to the second position of the key fully depressed, wherein the corresponding needle openings of the key, the locking cover and the sliding guard are aligned, and the needle passes through the Fig.8D The corresponding needle opening is shown, and the slider arm on the sliding guard has been further bent to the neutral second position as the pin on the slider arm follows the slot in the underside of the locking cover.

[0085] Figure 8J is corresponding to Fig.8F A top view of the underside of the lock of a medicine bottle cap with the key released and the needle removed is shown, wherein the sliding guard has been moved to a locked position, blocking the needle from passing through the sliding guard, such as into a medicine bottle, and as the pin on the slider arm follows the narrow slot in the underside of the locking cap, the slider arm on the sliding guard bends inward until the pin passes over and falls behind the ramp in the narrow slot and becomes stuck, thereby preventing further movement of the sliding guard.

[0086] Figure 8K yes Figure 8J A cut-away side view of a medicine bottle cap lock shown in , removed from the medicine bottle for purposes of explanation, and further showing a sliding guard that blocks needle entry, with the pin on the slider arm caught behind a ramp in a narrow slot in the underside of the locking cap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] This disclosure provides several examples of protective locking systems for medicine bottles. Examples include Figures 1A-1G , 2A-2K, 3A-3J, 4A-4J, 5A-5K, 6A-6K, 7A-7J and 8A-8K. Protective locking systems for medicine bottles are generally used to prevent mishandling of liquid medication that may be transferred to a medical device (such as a wearable injection device or other injection device, such as but not limited to a syringe). The protective locking system for medicine bottles can be configured to be used particularly, but not exclusively, with the injection device described in commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 572,911 filed on October 16, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0088] Each example herein provides a protective locking system for a medicine bottle, the system including a medicine bottle cover lock, which is configured to be assembled to cover a septum on a medicine bottle containing a medical fluid such as a medicament. The medicine bottle cover lock includes a key, a locking cover, and a sliding guard. The key has a needle opening sized to accommodate a needle passing therethrough. The locking cover has a needle opening sized to accommodate a needle passing therethrough. The sliding guard also has a needle opening sized to accommodate a needle passing therethrough. The key is configured to be received by the locking cover and can be moved relative to the locking cover from a first position to a second position, in which the needle opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with the corresponding needle opening through the key and the locking cover, and in the second position, the key moves the sliding guard relative to the locking cover, and the corresponding needle openings of the sliding guard, the key, and the locking cover are aligned to receive the needle passing therethrough. In the example, the sliding guard includes a biasing portion that tends to bias the sliding guard toward a position in which the needle opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with the corresponding needle opening through the key and the locking cover. It should be understood that the term "needle opening" is used herein to refer to an opening through a component that can allow a needle to pass through the opening, rather than to indicate an opening in a needle. It should also be understood that the term "sized to accommodate the passage of a needle therethrough" is used herein to indicate that the opening is at least large enough to allow the needle to pass therethrough, and thus there is no upper limit to the size of the opening, and it can be significantly larger than the size required for the needle to pass therethrough.

[0089] Figure 1A An injection device 2 , such as a wearable injection device, and a single vial pressurization gas powered transfer device 4 connected to the injection device 2 are shown. Figure 1B-1G A first exemplary protective locking system 6 for a medicine bottle 8 is shown, which is configured to Figure 1A The transfer device 4 shown is used together.

[0090] Figure 1B A medicine bottle 8 having a first exemplary protective locking system 6 is shown, the protective locking system 6 being configured as a disposable medicine bottle cap lock and being in Figure 1A The transfer device 4 is shown in an inverted position above the vial holder portion 10, but the transfer device 4 and other parts of the injection device 2 are removed. Figure 1C As shown, the first exemplary system includes a locking cap 12 and a sliding guard 14 and a key 16 configured as a vial lifter, which is received by a vial lifter shaft 18 of the bracket portion 10 of the transfer device 4. The locking cap 12 is connected to the vial 8 by a shoulder 13 extending inwardly on the locking cap 12, and the shoulder 13 captures the edge 9 of the vial 8. Figure 1C In the embodiment, the sliding guard 14 is biased by the biasing portion 15 to a position where the sliding guard 14 blocks the needle 20 from passing through the locking cap 12 and entering the vial 8 through the vial septum 22 .

[0091] exist Figure 1D, the vial 8 receives the key 16 in the form of a vial lifter when the locking cover 12 is pushed or forced into the first position and thereby connected to the key 16. The vial lifter 16 includes an arm 11 that extends inwardly and captures the neck of the vial 8 and rests on the locking cover 12. Engagement with the key 16 also moves the sliding guard 14 to a position where the needle opening 28 through the sliding guard 14 is aligned with the needle opening 26 through the locking cover 12 and the needle opening 24 through the key 16 so as to no longer block the needle 20 from passing through the locking cover 12 and entering the vial septum 22. The key 16 in the form of a vial lifter also includes a rib 30 having a cam surface 32 that, when the key 16 is received by the locking cover 12, engages the sliding guard 14 and moves it from a first position that blocks the needle from entering to a second position that allows the needle to enter.

[0092] exist Figure 1F , the vial 8 and the protective locking system 6 have been further pushed or forced into the second position into the vial holder 10, so that the key 16 in the form of a vial lifter has moved downwardly relative to the vial lifter shaft 18 of the vial holder 10 to a retracted or lowered position within the transfer device 4. The vial holder 10 includes a needle 20 at its base 34, for example in the form of a vial needle. Figure 1G As shown, when the vial 8 and the protective locking system 6 are moved further downward relative to the vial elevator shaft 18, the corresponding needle openings 24, 26, 28 aligned by the key, locking cover and sliding guard have allowed the needle or vial needle 20 at the bottom of the vial elevator shaft 18 to engage the vial septum 22 and enter the vial 8 as the vial elevator 16 is pushed to the second position.

[0093] Figures 2A-2K A second example protective locking system 106 is shown for use with a medicine bottle 108, which is configured with a disposable medicine bottle cap lock and can be used with, for example, Figure 1A The transfer device shown can be used together with the transfer device, or can be used alone, such as with a syringe needle 120, and has a non-removable key 116 in the form of a cap that is initially and permanently attached to the locking cover 112. Figure 2B As shown, the protective locking system 106 for the vial 108 includes a non-removable key 116, a locking cover 112, a spring lock 140, and a sliding guard 114. The locking cover 112 is connected to the vial 108 by an inwardly extending shoulder 113 on the locking cover 112 that captures the edge of the vial 108. Figure 2C An underside 142 of the non-removable key 116 is shown including a locating opening 144 for proper registration with a locating protrusion 146 on the locking cover 112 and a protrusion 148 extending from the key 116 .

[0094] Figure 2DThe slide guard 114 is shown biased by the biasing portion 115 to a first position, thereby blocking the entry of the needle 120, which would otherwise be allowed to pass through the needle opening 124 through the key 116 and through the needle opening 126 of the locking cover 112, while the key 116 is in the installed and fully raised first position. The key 116 includes at least one outward extension 150, which engages and causes the key 116 to be non-removable from the locking cover 112. The at least one extension 150 has a cam surface 152, by which the key 116 can be pre-installed to be non-removable by pushing it toward the locking cover 112 until the at least one extension 150 rides over and is caught behind an inwardly extending shoulder 154 on the locking cover 112.

[0095] Figure 2E The key 116 is shown pushed or forced into a fully depressed second position, wherein the sliding guard 114 has moved from a first position, in which it is biased by the biasing portion 115 to a position blocking the passage of the needle 120, to a second position in which the needle opening 128 passing therethrough is aligned with the corresponding needle openings 124, 126 through the key 116 and the locking cover 112, and the needle 120 is shown passing through the corresponding needle openings 124, 126, 128. When pushing downward on the key 116, the sliding guard 114 moves from the first position to the second position due to the inwardly facing cam surface 132 on the key 116 engaging the sliding guard 114.

[0096] The projections 148 extending from the underside 142 of the key 116 may be in the form of pins, and they align with the actuation openings 160 through the locking cover 112. The spring lock 140 is located between the locking cover 112 and the sliding guard 114. Figure 2E and 2I As shown, when the key 116 is fully depressed, the protrusion 148 on the lower side of the key 116 pushes and triggers the spring lock 140 to move out of the Figure 2H The initial setting position shown moves to Fig.2I In the active position shown, in the initial setting position, the needle opening 128 through the sliding guard 114 is not aligned with the corresponding needle openings 124, 126 through the key 116 and the locking cover 112. However, the protrusion 148 extending from the key 116 also temporarily retains the spring lock 140 so as not to allow the arm 162 of the spring lock 140 to block the passage of the needle 120 when the key 116 is fully depressed.

[0097] Figure 2F and 2JIt is shown when the pushing force on the key 116 has been removed, so that the key 116 has moved to an intermediate third position between the fully raised first position and the fully depressed second position. In this intermediate position, the protrusion 148 extending from the underside of the key 116 is withdrawn from the actuation opening 160 through the locking cover 112 and releases the active spring lock 140. The sliding guard 114 and the arm 162 of the spring lock 140 have moved under the force of the biasing portion 115 to a position biasing the needle 120 through the aligned corresponding needle openings 124, 126, 128 through the key 116, the locking cover 112 and the sliding guard 114.

[0098] like Figure 2G and 2K As shown, when the needle 120 has been removed to the extent that the needle 120 no longer passes through the needle opening 128 through the sliding guard 114, the spring lock 140 has moved via its arm 162 to cover the needle opening 126 through the locking cover 112, thereby blocking the needle 120 from passing through the sliding guard 114, such as into the vial 108.

[0099] Go to Figures 3A-3J The third protective locking system 206 used with the vial 208 is configured with a disposable vial cap lock and can be used with, for example, Figure 1A The transfer device shown can be used together with the transfer device, or can be used alone, such as with a syringe needle 220, and has a key 216 in the form of a cap, which is brought to the locking cover 212 on the vial 208 to unlock the vial 208 during a single use and cannot be removed from the locking cover 212 on the vial thereafter. Figure 3B As shown, the protective locking system 206 for the medicine bottle 208 includes a key 216, a locking cover 212, a spring lock 240 and a sliding guard 214. The locking cover 312 is connected to the medicine bottle 308 by an inwardly extending shoulder 313 on the locking cover 312 that captures the edge of the medicine bottle 308. The key 216 includes a locating opening 244 for properly registering with a locating protrusion 246 on the locking cover 212. The underside of the locking cover 212 is constructed similar to Figure 2C As shown, there is a protrusion 248 extending from the key 216.

[0100] Figure 3CThe sliding guard 214 is shown biased by the biasing portion 115 to a first position to block entry of the needle 220 after the key 216 is in the installed and fully raised first position, which would otherwise allow the needle 220 to pass through the key 216 and the corresponding needle openings 224, 226 of the locking cover 212. The key 216 includes at least one outward extension 250 that engages and renders the key 216 non-removable from the locking cover 212. The at least one extension 250 has a cam surface 252 by which the key 216 can be pushed toward the locking cover 212 until the at least one extension 250 rides over and is caught behind an inwardly extending shoulder 254 on the locking cover 212, thereby becoming non-removable.

[0101] Figure 3D The key 216 is shown pushed or forced to a fully depressed second position, wherein the sliding guard 214 has moved from a first position, in which it is biased by the biasing portion 215 to a position blocking the passage of the needle 220, to a second position in which the needle opening 228 passing therethrough is aligned with the corresponding needle openings 224, 226 through the key 216 and the locking cover 212, and the needle 220 is shown passing through the corresponding needle openings 224, 226, 228. When pushing downward on the key 216, the sliding guard 214 moves from the first position to the second position due to the inwardly facing cam surface 232 on the key 216 engaging the sliding guard 214.

[0102] The protrusions 248 extending from the underside of the key 216 may be constructed in the same manner as described with respect to the second example. Thus, the protrusions 248 may be in the form of pins, and they are aligned with the actuation openings 260 through the locking cover 212. The spring lock 240 is located between the locking cover 212 and the sliding guard 214. Figure 3D and 3H As shown, when the key 216 is fully depressed, the protrusion 248 on the underside of the key 216 pushes and triggers the spring lock 240 to move out of the Figure 3G The initial setting position shown moves to Figure 3H In the active position shown, in the initial setting position, the needle opening 228 through the sliding guard 214 is not aligned with the corresponding needle openings 224, 226 through the key 216 and the locking cover 212. However, the protrusion 248 extending from the key 216 also temporarily retains the spring lock 240 so as not to allow the arm 262 of the spring lock 240 to block the passage of the needle 220 when the key 216 is fully depressed.

[0103] Figure 3E and 3IIt is shown when the push force on the key 216 has been removed, so that the key 216 has moved to an intermediate third position between the fully raised first position and the fully depressed second position. In this intermediate position, the protrusion 248 extending from the underside of the key 216 is withdrawn from the actuation opening 260 through the locking cover 212 and releases the active spring lock 240. The sliding guard 214 and the arm 262 of the spring lock 240 have moved under the force of the biasing portion 215 to a position biasing the needle 220 through the aligned corresponding needle openings 224, 226, 228 through the key, locking cover and sliding guard.

[0104] like Figure 3F and 3J As shown, when the needle 220 has been removed to the extent that the needle 220 no longer passes through the needle opening 228 through the sliding guard 214, the spring lock 240 has moved via its arm 262 to cover the needle opening 226 through the locking cover 212, thereby blocking the needle 220 from passing through the sliding guard 214, such as into the vial 208.

[0105] Go to Figures 4A-4J A fourth protective locking system 306 for use with a medicine bottle 308 has a medicine bottle cap lock that provides access via a separate reusable universal key 316 and can be used with, for example, Figure 1A The key 316 in the form of a cap is brought to the locking cover 312 on the vial 308 to unlock the vial 308 and is reusable. Thus, after use, the key 316 can be removed from the locking cover 312 on the vial 308. Figure 4B As shown, the protective locking system 306 for the vial 308 includes a key 316, a locking cover 312, and a sliding guard 314. The key 316 includes a locating opening 344 for proper registration with a locating protrusion 346 on the locking cover 312.

[0106] Figure 4B The protective locking system 306 is shown to include a key 316, a locking cover 312, and a sliding guard 314, and is shown to be aligned with corresponding needle openings 324, 326, 328 through the key 316, the locking cover 312, and the sliding guard 314. The locking cover 312 is connected to the vial 308 by an inwardly extending shoulder 313 on the locking cover 312 that captures the edge of the vial 308.

[0107] Figure 4C and 4GThe sliding guard 314 is shown biased by the biasing portion 315 to the first position after the key 316 is brought to the locking cover 312 and is in the fully raised first position so as to block the entry of the needle 320 that would otherwise be allowed to pass through the key 316 and the corresponding needle openings 324, 326 of the locking cover 312. The key 316 is removable and reusable, so it has no features that cause it to be permanently attached to the locking cover 312. Figure 4D and 4H The key 316 is shown pushed or forced to a fully depressed second position, wherein the sliding guard 314 has moved from a first position, in which it is biased by the biasing portion 315 to a position blocking the passage of the needle 320, to a second position, in which the needle opening 328 passing therethrough is aligned with the corresponding needle openings 324, 326 through the key 316 and the locking cover 312, and the needle 320 is shown passing through the corresponding needle openings 324, 326, 328. When pushing downward on the key 316, the sliding guard 314 moves from the first position to the second position due to the inwardly facing cam surface 332 on the key 316 engaging the sliding guard 314.

[0108] exist Figure 4E and 4I In FIG. 1 , the key has been released and the sliding guard 314 has moved to a position biased against the needle 320 passing through the aligned corresponding needle openings 324, 326, 328 of the key, locking cover and sliding guard. Figure 4F and 4J , after the key 316 has been released and the needle 320 has been removed to the extent that the needle 320 no longer passes through the needle opening 328 of the sliding guard 314, the sliding guard 314 has moved to block the needle 320 from passing through the sliding guard 320, such as into the vial 308.

[0109] Figures 5A-5K A fifth exemplary protective locking system 406 is shown for use with a medicine bottle 408 configured with a medicine bottle cap lock for custom medications, wherein the medicine bottle 408 can be used with, for example, Figure 1A The transfer device shown is used together or separately, such as with a syringe needle 420, and has a removable key 416 in the form of a cover that is customized as it relates to the medication and the authority to access the medication.

[0110] like Figure 5B As shown, the protective locking system 406 for the medicine bottle 408 includes a key 416, a locking cover 412, a spring lock 440, and a sliding guard 414. The locking cover 412 is connected to the medicine bottle 408 by an inwardly extending shoulder 413 on the locking cover 412 that captures the edge of the medicine bottle 408. Figure 5CAn underside 442 of the unique key 416 is shown including a locating opening 444 for proper registration with a locating protrusion 446 on the locking cover 412 and a protrusion 448 extending from the key 416 .

[0111] Figure 5D The sliding guard 414 is shown biased by the biasing portion 415 to a first position when the key 416 is in the installed and fully raised first position, thereby blocking the entry of the needle 420, which would otherwise be allowed to pass through the needle opening 424 through the key 416 and through the needle opening 426 of the locking cover 412. For safety purposes, the key 416 includes at least one inwardly extending rib 417, which must be aligned with the slot 419 in the outer surface of the locking cover 412 to allow the key 416 to be used with the locking cover 412. To increase safety, various unique patterns of ribs 417 and slots 419 may be employed.

[0112] Figure 5E The key 416 is shown pushed or forced to a fully depressed second position, wherein the sliding guard 414 has moved from a first position, in which it is biased by the biasing portion 415 to a position blocking the passage of the needle 420, to a second position in which the needle opening 428 passing therethrough is aligned with the corresponding needle openings 424, 426 through the key 416 and the locking cover 412, and the needle 420 is shown passing through the corresponding needle openings 424, 426, 428. When pushing downward on the key 416, the sliding guard 414 moves from the first position to the second position due to the inwardly facing cam surface 432 on the key 416 engaging the sliding guard 414.

[0113] The protrusions 448 extending from the underside 442 of the key 416 may be in the form of pins, and they are aligned with the actuation opening 460 through the locking cover 412. The spring lock 440 is located between the locking cover 412 and the sliding guard 414. Figure 5E and 5I As shown, when the key 416 is fully depressed, the protrusion 448 on the underside of the key 416 pushes and triggers the spring lock 440 to move out of the Figure 5H The initial setting position shown moves to Fig.5I In the active position shown, in the initial setting position, the needle opening 428 through the sliding guard 414 is not aligned with the corresponding needle openings 424, 426 through the key 416 and the locking cover 412. However, the protrusion 448 extending from the key 416 also temporarily retains the spring lock 440, thereby not allowing the arm 462 of the spring lock 440 to block the passage of the needle 420 when the key 416 is fully depressed.

[0114] Fig. 5F and 5JIt is shown when the push force on the key 416 has been removed, so that the key 416 has moved to an intermediate third position between the fully raised first position and the fully depressed second position. In this intermediate position, the protrusion 448 extending from the underside of the key 416 is withdrawn from the actuation opening 460 through the locking cover 412 and releases the active spring lock 440. The sliding guard 414 and the arm 462 of the spring lock 440 have moved under the force of the biasing portion 415 to a position biased against the needle 420 passing through the aligned corresponding needle openings 424, 426, 428 through the key 416, the locking cover 412 and the sliding guard 414.

[0115] like Figure 5G and 5K As shown, when the needle 420 has been removed to the extent that the needle 420 no longer passes through the needle opening 428 through the sliding guard 414, the spring lock 440 has moved via its arm 462 to cover the needle opening 426 through the locking cover 412, thereby blocking the needle 420 from passing through the sliding guard 414, such as into the medicine bottle 408.

[0116] Figures 6A-6K A sixth exemplary protective locking system 506 is shown, which is configured with a vial cap lock that provides access via a separate reusable rotating key 516 and can be used with, for example, Figure 1A The transfer device shown can be used together, or used alone, such as with a syringe needle 520, and wherein the key 516 is in the form of a cap that is brought to the vial 508 and the locking cover 512 to unlock the vial 508 for use. Thereafter, the key 516 can be removed from the locking cover 512.

[0117] Figure 6B The protective locking system 506 is shown to include a key 516, a locking cover 512, and a sliding guard 514, and is shown to be aligned with corresponding needle openings 524, 526, 528 through the key 516, the locking cover 512, and the sliding guard 514. The locking cover 512 is connected to the vial 508 by an inwardly extending shoulder 513 on the locking cover 512 that captures the edge of the vial 508. Figure 6C The underside of the key 516 and a protrusion in the form of at least one rib 517 extending inwardly from the key 516 are shown.

[0118] Fig.6D , 6H 6J shows the sliding guard 514 in a first position blocking entry of the needle 520 after the key 516 is brought to the locking cover 512 and is in a first rotational position, otherwise the needle 520 is allowed to pass through the corresponding needle openings 524, 526 through the key 516 and the locking cover 512. Fig. 6E , 6I6K shows the key 516 rotated to a second rotational position, wherein the sliding guard 514 has been moved so that the needle opening 528 therethrough is aligned with the corresponding needle openings 524, 526 through the key 516 and the locking cover 512. The rotational movement of the key 516 causes the sliding guard 514 to move, which drives at least one rib 517 into engagement with the notch 521 in the sliding guard 514 to obtain the second position.

[0119] exist Fig. 6F and 6G , the key 516 has been released and the needle 520 has been removed to the extent that the needle 520 no longer passes through the needle opening 528 through the sliding guard 514. The sliding guard 514 has also been moved back to its first position blocking the needle 520 from passing through the sliding guard 514.

[0120] Go to Figures 7A-7J , a seventh protective locking system 606 for use with a medicine bottle 608 has a medicine bottle cap lock that provides access via an asynchronous reusable key 616 and can be used with, for example Figure 1A The key 616 in the form of a cap is brought to the locking cap 612 on the vial 608 to unlock the vial 608 and is reusable. Thus, after use, the key 616 can be removed from the locking cap 612 on the vial 608. Figure 6B As shown, a protective locking system 606 for a vial 608 includes a key 616, a locking cover 612, and a sliding guard 614, and corresponding needle openings 624, 626, 628 can be aligned through the key 616, the locking cover 612, and the sliding guard 614. The locking cover 612 is connected to the vial 608 by an inwardly extending shoulder 613 on the locking cover 612 that captures the edge of the vial 608.

[0121] Figure 7C and 7G The slide guard 614 is shown biased by the biasing portion 615 to the first position after the key 616 is brought to the locking cover 612 and is in the fully raised first position so as to block the entry of the needle 620 that would otherwise be allowed to pass through the corresponding needle openings 624, 626 through the key 616 and the locking cover 612. The key 616 is removable and reusable, so it does not have features that cause it to be permanently attached to the locking cover 612. When the key 616 is in the fully raised first position, the needle opening 628 through the slide guard 614 is not aligned with the corresponding needle openings 624, 626 through the key 616 and the locking cover 612, and the pin 672 on the slider arm 670 of the slide guard 614 is in a neutral first position in a slot 674 in the underside of the locking cover 612.

[0122] Figure 7H The sliding guard 614 is shown being moved when the key 616 is partially depressed, wherein the corresponding pin openings 624, 626, 628 through the key 616, the locking cover 612 and the sliding guard 614 are partially aligned, and the slider arm 670 on the sliding guard 614 bends outward as the pin 672 on the slider arm 670 follows the narrow slot 674 in the underside of the locking cover 612.

[0123] Fig.7D and 7I The key 616 is shown pushed or forced to a fully depressed second position, wherein the slide guard 614 has moved from a first position, in which it is biased by the biasing portion 615 to a position blocking the passage of the needle 620, to a second position, in which the needle opening 628 passing therethrough is aligned with the corresponding needle openings 624, 626 through the key 616 and the locking cover 612, and the needle 620 is shown passing through the corresponding needle openings 624, 626, 628. When pushing downward on the key 616, the slide guard 614 moves from the first position to the second position due to the inwardly facing cam surface 632 on the key 616 engaging the slide guard 614. As the pin 672 on the slider arm 670 follows the slot 674 in the underside of the locking cover 612, the slider arm 670 on the slide guard 614 further flexes.

[0124] exist Fig. 7E , the key has been released and the sliding guard 614 has moved to a position biased against the needle 620 passing through the aligned corresponding needle openings 624, 626, 628 of the key 616, the locking cover 612 and the sliding guard 614. Figure 7F and 7J 6, after the key 616 has been released and the needle 620 has been removed to the extent that the needle 620 no longer passes through the needle opening 628 through the sliding guard 614, the sliding guard 614 has moved to block the needle 620 from passing through the sliding guard 620, such as re-entering the vial 608. When the slider arms 670 on the sliding guard 614 flex inwardly and the pins 672 on the slider arms 670 follow the slots 674 in the underside of the locking cap 612, the sliding guard 614 has moved to a locked position blocking the needle 620 from passing through the sliding guard 620, such as re-entering the vial 608, until the pins 672 become stuck, thereby preventing the sliding guard from further movement.

[0125] Go to Figures 8A-8J , an eighth protective locking system 706 for use with a medicine bottle 708 has a medicine bottle cap lock that provides access via a reusable key 716 and can be used with, for example Figure 1AThe key 716 in the form of a cap is brought to the locking cap 712 on the vial 708 to unlock the vial 708 and is reusable. Thus, after use, the key 716 can be removed from the locking cap 712 on the vial 708. Figure 8B As shown, a protective locking system 706 for a vial 708 includes a key 716, a locking cover 712, and a sliding guard 714, and corresponding needle openings 724, 726, 728 can be aligned through the key 716, the locking cover 712, and the sliding guard 714. The locking cover 712 is connected to the vial 708 by an inwardly extending shoulder 713 on the locking cover 712 that captures the edge of the vial 708.

[0126] Figure 8C and 8G The slide guard 714 is shown biased by the biasing portion 715 to the first position after the key 716 is brought to the locking cover 712 and is in the fully raised first position so as to block the entry of the needle 720 that would otherwise be allowed to pass through the corresponding needle openings 724, 726 through the key 716 and the locking cover 712. The key 716 is removable and reusable, so it does not have features that cause it to be permanently attached to the locking cover 712. When the key 716 is in the fully raised first position, the needle opening 728 through the slide guard 714 is not aligned with the corresponding needle openings 724, 726 through the key 716 and the locking cover 712, and the pin 772 on the slider arm 770 of the slide guard 714 is in a neutral first position in a slot 774 in the underside of the locking cover 712.

[0127] Figure 8H The sliding guard 714 is shown being moved when the key 716 is partially depressed, wherein the corresponding pin openings 724, 726, 728 through the key 716, the locking cover 712 and the sliding guard 714 are partially aligned, and the slider arm 770 on the sliding guard 714 bends outward as the pin 772 on the slider arm 770 follows the narrow slot 774 in the underside of the locking cover 712.

[0128] Fig.8D and 8IThe key 716 is shown pushed or forced to a fully depressed second position, wherein the slide guard 714 has moved from a first position, in which it is biased by the biasing portion 715 to a position blocking the passage of the needle 720, to a second position, in which the needle opening 728 passing therethrough is aligned with the corresponding needle openings 724, 726 through the key 716 and the locking cover 712, and the needle 720 is shown passing through the corresponding needle openings 724, 726, 728. When pushed downward on the key 716, the slide guard 714 moves from the first position to the second position due to the inwardly facing cam surface 732 on the key 716 engaging the slide guard 714. As the pin 772 on the slider arm 770 follows the slot 774 in the underside of the locking cover 712, the slider arm 770 on the slide guard 714 further flexes.

[0129] exist Fig. 7E , the key has been released and the sliding guard 714 has moved to a position biased against the needle 720 passing through the aligned corresponding needle openings 724, 726, 728 of the key 716, the locking cover 712 and the sliding guard 714. Fig.8F and 8J , after the key 716 has been released and the needle 720 has been removed to the extent that the needle 720 no longer passes through the needle opening 728 through the sliding guard 714, the sliding guard 714 has moved to block the needle 720 from passing through the sliding guard 720, such as to re-enter the vial 708. The sliding guard 714 has moved to a locked position that blocks the needle 720 from passing through the sliding guard 720, such as to re-enter the vial 708, and as the pin 772 on the slider arm 770 follows the slot 774 in the underside of the locking cap 712, the slider arm 770 on the sliding guard 714 bends inwardly until the pin 772 passes over and falls behind the ramp 776 in the slot 774 and becomes stuck, thereby preventing the sliding guard 714 from further movement. This can be done in Figure 8K , where the pin 772 on the slider arm 770 is caught behind a ramp 776 in a slot 774 in the underside of the locking cover 774.

[0130] Although the subject matter is described herein with reference to specific structures, methods, and examples, this is for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that the subject matter is applicable to a wide range of devices and systems that may differ in specific configuration and appearance while still employing the subject matter.

Claims

1. A protective locking system for a medicine bottle, comprising: a) a vial cap lock configured to fit over a septum on a vial containing a medical fluid; b) the medicine bottle cap lock also includes a key, a locking cover and a sliding protective member; c) the key has a needle opening sized to receive a needle therethrough, the locking cover has a needle opening sized to receive a needle therethrough, and the sliding guard has a needle opening sized to receive a needle therethrough; as well as d) the key is configured to be received by the locking cover and movable relative to the locking cover from a first position, in which a needle opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with a corresponding needle opening through the key and the locking cover, to a second position, in which the key engages the sliding guard and moves the sliding guard relative to the locking cover, and the corresponding needle openings through the sliding guard, key and locking cover are aligned to receive a needle therethrough.

2. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising, wherein, The sliding guard includes a biasing portion that tends to bias the sliding guard toward a position where a needle opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with a corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover.

3. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising, wherein, The key is configured as a vial lifter that slidably engages a vial lifter shaft of the vial holder portion of the transfer device.

4. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 3, further comprising, wherein, The key is in a first position when the key is received by the locking cover and is in a fully raised position relative to the vial elevator shaft, and wherein the key is in a second position when the key is received by the locking cover and is in a fully retracted position relative to the vial elevator shaft.

5. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 3, further comprising, wherein, The key is configured as a medicine bottle lifter which is received by the locking cover and removably connected to the locking cover.

6. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 4, further comprising, wherein, The key also includes at least one rib that engages the sliding guard and moves it from the first position to the second position when the key is received by the locking cover.

7. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 4, further comprising, wherein, When the key is moved to the fully retracted position, a needle passes through aligned corresponding needle openings through the key, locking cover and sliding guard.

8. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising, wherein, The key includes at least one rib that engages and moves the sliding guard from the first position to the second position when the key is received by the locking cover, wherein corresponding needle openings through the key, locking cover, and sliding guard are aligned.

9. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising, wherein, The key is not removable from the locking cover and has a fully raised first position in which a needle opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with a corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover.

10. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 9, further comprising, wherein, The key has a fully depressed second position in which a needle opening through the sliding guard is aligned with a corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover.

11. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising a spring lock located between the locking cover and the sliding guard.

12. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 11, further comprising, wherein, The spring lock is movable from an initially set position when the key is in a fully raised first position to an active position biased toward blocking a needle opening through the sliding guard when the key is pressed toward the locking cover.

13. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 12, further comprising, wherein, The key includes a protrusion extending toward the sliding guard and received within an actuation opening through the locking cover.

14. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 13, further comprising, wherein, When the key is moved toward the locking cover, a protrusion extending from the key forces the latch from the initial setting position to the active position.

15. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising, wherein, The key includes at least one outward extension that engages and renders the key non-removable from the locking cover.

16. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising, wherein, When the key has been received by the locking cover, the key is locked to the locking cover and cannot be removed from the locking cover.

17. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising, wherein, The key is removable from the locking cover.

18. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising, wherein, The key is universal in that it can be used to allow a needle to enter a vial that has the protective locking system attached.

19. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising, wherein, The keys are customized with respect to medications and permissions to use them.

20. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1, further comprising, wherein, The first position of the key is a first rotational position, and the second position of the key is a second rotational position.

21. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 20, further comprising, wherein, When the key is in the first rotational position, the needle opening through the sliding guard is not aligned with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover, and wherein when the key is in the second rotational position, the needle opening through the sliding guard is aligned with the corresponding needle opening through the key and locking cover.

22. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising, wherein, When the key moves from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, the key engages the sliding guard and rotationally moves the sliding guard.

23. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising, wherein, The key and locking cover include alignment features that must be aligned to move the key toward the locking cover and from the first position to the second position.

24. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 1 further comprising, wherein, The slide guard includes a slider arm having a pin that resides in and follows a slot in the underside of the locking cover.

25. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 24, further comprising, wherein, The pin on the slider arm is located in and follows the slot in the underside of the locking cover and controls the locking of the sliding guard in place after the needle has passed through and been withdrawn from the needle opening in the sliding guard.

26. The protective locking system for a medicine bottle according to claim 25, further comprising, wherein, The pin on the slider arm is located in and follows the slot in the underside of the locking cover and is caught behind the ramp after the key has been fully depressed to the second position and the needle has been removed from the needle opening through the slide guard.

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