Needle-based devices implemented with safety mechanisms

Abstract

A method includes: protecting the entire length of a needle of a needle-based device protruding from a needle hub engaged with a body of the needle-based device by providing a needle guard, the needle guard being configured to completely surround the entire protruding length of the needle in a first state in which the needle-based device is not in use; and retracting the needle guard in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device to extend the needle from the needle guard, thereby placing the needle-based device in a second state in which the needle-based device is in use. The method further includes: securely retaining the needle guard in the first state in which the needle-based device is not in use by applying a force in a second direction to return the needle-based device to the first state in which the needle-based device is not in use; and locking the needle guard in the first state in which the needle-based device is not in use using a lock formed on or outside the needle guard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a needle-based device and, more particularly, to a needle-based device implementing a safety mechanism. Background Art

[0002] The needle-based device can be a hypodermic syringe, a hypodermic needle, a pen syringe, and / or a fluid collection device. After the needle is used to inject a fluid (e.g., a medication) into a patient or to extract another fluid from a patient, the needle can be covered with a cap for storage. The needle can also be covered with a cap before use. Covering the needle with a cap and / or removing the cap from the needle may cause injury to the user of the needle-based device. Some embodiments of the needle-based device may utilize a spring in the syringe of the needle-based device that is configured to retract the needle after use. However, the space occupied by the spring in the syringe may result in the needle-based device being able to draw in a smaller amount of fluid than in embodiments without a spring. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A method, device, and / or system for a needle-based device implementing a safety mechanism is disclosed.

[0004] In one aspect, a method includes: protecting the entire length of a needle of a needle-based device protruding from a needle hub engaged with a body of the needle-based device by providing a needle guard, the needle guard being configured to completely surround the entire protruding length of the needle in a first state in which the needle-based device is not in use; and retracting the needle guard in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device to extend the needle from the needle guard, thereby placing the needle-based device in a second state in which the needle-based device is in use.

[0005] The method further includes, after the second state of use, returning the needle-based device to a first state in which the needle-based device is not in use by applying a force in a second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction; and in the first state in which the needle-based device is not in use, the needle guard securely retains the needle guard around the entire protruding length of the needle based on engagement between the needle guard and the body of the needle-based device. Furthermore, the method includes locking the needle guard with a lock formed on or outside the needle guard based on engagement with a groove formed on the needle guard or on the outer cap in the first state in which the needle-based device is not in use.

[0006] In another aspect, a method includes: additionally surrounding the entire protruding length of a needle of a needle-based device with a spring, wherein the spring is configured to rest on a needle hub at an end of the needle-based device in a first state when the needle-based device is not in use; and in the first state when the needle-based device is not in use, the needle guard also surrounds the entire length of the spring in addition to the entire protruding length of the needle.

[0007] The method further includes: retracting the needle guard in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device to extend the needle from the needle guard, thereby placing the needle-based device in a second state of use of the needle-based device; after the second state of use, returning the needle-based device to the first state of non-use of the needle-based device by applying a force in a second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction; and in the first state of non-use of the needle-based device, the needle guard securely retains the full protruding length of the needle based on engagement between the needle guard and the body of the needle-based device. The second state of use includes withdrawing a fluid and injecting a fluid through the needle-based device.

[0008] In yet another aspect, a method includes: protecting the entire length of a needle of a needle-based device protruding from a needle hub engaged with a body of the needle-based device by providing a needle guard, the needle guard being configured to completely surround the entire protruding length of the needle in a first state in which the needle-based device is not in use; retracting the needle guard in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device to extend the needle from the needle guard, thereby placing the needle-based device in a second state in which the needle-based device is in use; and, after the second state in use, returning the needle-based device to the first state in which the needle-based device is not in use by applying a force in a second direction that is diametrically opposite to the first direction.

[0009] The needle-based device includes a hypodermic syringe, a hypodermic needle, a pen-type syringe, and a fluid collection device. The method further includes securely holding the needle guard around the entire protruding length of the needle based on engagement between the needle guard and the main body of the needle-based device, and locking the needle guard with a lock formed on or outside the needle guard based on engagement with a groove formed on the needle guard or on the outer cap in a first state in which the needle-based device is not in use.

[0010] Other features will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a needle-based device according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 2 According to one or more embodiments Figure 1 Schematic diagram of various configurations of needle hubs for needle-based devices.

[0014] Figure 3 According to one or more embodiments, the needle guard is coupled to Figure 1Schematic diagram of a needle-based device enclosing its needle.

[0015] Figure 4 According to one or more embodiments Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a needle-based device having wings on the sides of the outer wall of the syringe barrel of the needle-based device.

[0016] Figure 5 According to one or more embodiments Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a needle-based device having a ring on the outer wall of the syringe barrel of the needle-based device.

[0017] Figure 6 According to one or more embodiments, Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a needle-based device with a spring-based configuration.

[0018] Figure 7 is configured according to one or more embodiments to at least partially cover Figure 1 and Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the outer cap of the needle guard of a needle-based device.

[0019] Figure 8 The detailed description of one or more embodiments is as follows Figure 1 A process flow chart of the operations involved in implementing a safety mechanism in a needle-based device.

[0020] Figure 9 yes Figure 6-7 Schematic diagram of a spring-based embodiment with an outer cap, a needle hub, and a needle guard as modular elements.

[0021] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of needle guard retraction in a spring-based embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11 is based on Figure 6 and 7 Schematic diagram of a locking mechanism of a needle-based device of an embodiment, but as a variation thereof.

[0023] Figure 12 is Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the external lock used in the needle-based device.

[0024] Figure 13 Has a longer needle seat Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the safety mechanism of the needle-based device.

[0025] Other features of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description that follows. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The exemplary embodiments described below may be used to provide methods, systems and / or devices for needle-based devices that implement safety mechanisms. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments.

[0027] Figure 1 A needle-based device 100 is shown according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the needle-based device 100 can be a hypodermic syringe, a hypodermic needle, a pen syringe, a fluid (e.g., blood) collection device, and / or a fluid syringe / extractor. It should be noted that the needle-based device 100 can be used not only for medical applications, but also for biological applications and / or chemical applications. For example, the needle-based device 100 is used to extract a desired amount of solvent / fluid from a vial / bottle. All reasonable applications are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the needle-based device 100 may include a plunger 102 configured to move into and out of a syringe 104. In one exemplary embodiment, the syringe 104 may be cylindrical and the plunger 102 may be appropriately designed (e.g., also cylindrical) to enable sliding motion within and out of the syringe 104. In another exemplary embodiment, the syringe 104 may be shaped as a square prism or a rectangular prism and the plunger 102 may be appropriately shaped to achieve the aforementioned slidable motion. All possible shapes and configurations of syringes 104 and plungers 102 that enable sliding motion of the plunger 102 within and out of the syringe 104 are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the base 106 of the plunger 102 can enable the user 150 to use the thumb of their hand 152 to press the plunger 102 into the syringe 104; the base 106 can also enable the user 150 to use the thumb and / or other fingers of the hand 152 to pull the plunger 102 out of the syringe 104. In one or more embodiments, the user 150 can use other fingers (e.g., index and middle fingers) and optionally the palm 152 of the hand 152 to stabilize the needle-based device 100 while using the thumb to press the plunger 102 into the syringe 104; the user 150 can hold the needle-based device 100 with the other hand (e.g., hand 154) and use the thumb and / or other fingers of the hand 152 to pull the plunger 102 out of the syringe 104. The use of the plunger 102 and the syringe 104 is well known to those skilled in the art related to needle-based devices; therefore, for the sake of convenience, brevity and clarity, a detailed discussion thereof is skipped.

[0030] It should be noted that at least some portion of the plunger 102 (e.g., at least the base 106) can be outside of the barrel 104 in all operational states of the needle-based device 100. It should also be noted that at least a portion of the plunger 102 can be inside of the barrel 104 in all operational states of the needle-based device 100. For example, the end of the plunger 102 farthest from its end including the base 106 can be the plunger head 108. In one or more embodiments, the plunger head 108 can be inside of the barrel 104 in all operational states of the needle-based device 100. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the cross-sectional diameter of the plunger head 108 can be smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the syringe 104, and the cross-sectional diameter of the base 106 can be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the syringe 104. The aforementioned design is critical to enabling the plunger 102 to move within the syringe 104 to perform the functions associated with the needle-based device 100. Without the base 106, the position of the plunger head 108 within the syringe 104 may not be optimally controlled. Without the plunger head 108, the plunger 102 may fall out of the syringe 104 in a vertical position in the needle-based device 100 with the base 106 at the bottom of the needle-based device 100. Furthermore, a portion of the syringe 102 between the plunger head 108 and the end 110 of the syringe 104 furthest from the base 106 may contain fluid drawn from a vial / bottle by the needle-based device 100. Without the plunger head 108, this portion may be unable to retain the fluid.

[0031] Figure 1 Also shown is a needle hub 112 according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the end 114 of the needle 116 can be inserted into the needle hub 112 (e.g., a needle hub) so that the needle 116 protrudes from the needle hub 112. In one or more embodiments, the needle 116 can include a hollow (e.g., cylindrical) hole along its length. In one or more embodiments, the other end 118 of the needle 116 can be beveled to a point. In one or more embodiments, the end 118 of the needle 116 can be configured to first contact a vial / bottle during extraction of fluid therefrom, or to first contact a patient's arm during injection of fluid therein. In one or more embodiments, the needle hub 112 can, in turn, be directly coupled to the syringe 104 via its end 110 farthest from the base 106. Thus, in embodiments where the syringe 104 and the plunger 102 together can form a syringe, the needle hub 112 and the needle 116 can thereby be connected to the syringe.

[0032] Figure 2104, the needle hub 112 may have wings 202 on each side thereof in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the syringe 104. 1,2 The portion 204 of the needle hub 112 without wings can be configured to engage directly (eg, based on a screw mechanism) with the syringe 104. In a first configuration, the wings 202 1-2 In the second configuration, also when the needle hub 112 is engaged to the barrel 104, the needle hub 112 may have wings 212 on each side thereof in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the barrel 104. 1,2 Likewise, in the second configuration, the portion 214 of the needle hub 112 without wings can be configured to engage directly (e.g., based on a screw mechanism) the syringe 104. However, unlike the first configuration, the wings 202 1-2 It may only partially have a uniform width and then taper to a reduced width (or no width).

[0033] Figure 3 A needle guard 302 is shown attached to a needle-based device 100 to enclose the needle 116 thereof, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 may be cylindrical or shaped as a rectangular / square prism, depending on the design of the needle hub 112 and / or the barrel 104. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 may be hollow to enclose the protruding needle 116 therein. In one or more embodiments, the outer wall 304 of the barrel 104 near the end 110 may include a connector 306, allowing the end 308 of the needle guard 302 to snap onto the connector 306 while the needle guard 302 completely encloses the protruding needle 116 therein. In one or more embodiments, the inner cross-sectional diameter of the needle guard 302 may be larger than the outer cross-sectional diameter of the needle hub 112 and the outer cross-sectional diameter of the barrel 104, to enable the needle guard 302 to slide over the needle hub 112 and the barrel 104.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 can first receive the protruding needle 116 on the needle hub 112 through its end 308. In one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 can then be slid over the needle hub 112 until the end 308 snaps onto the connector 306 on the outer wall 304 of the barrel 104. With the needle guard 302 completely surrounding the protruding needle 116, the other end (e.g., end 310) of the needle guard 302 can completely surround the end 118 of the needle 116. Figure 3The needle guard 302 is shown as being transparent (e.g., the needle guard 302 may be made of plastic, glass, etc.). However, it should be noted that in certain embodiments, the needle guard 302 may be translucent or opaque. Here, the outer wall of the needle guard 302 may include a cutout (not shown) that exposes the needle 116 while still being protected by the needle guard 302. All reasonable variations are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the wing 202 on the needle hub 112 1-2 The needle guard 302 can be facilitated to slide on the needle seat 112. For the above purpose, a groove 312 can be optionally provided on the inner wall 314. 1-2 In one or more embodiments, the wing portion 202 1-2 With respect to the groove 312 1-2 During the relative sliding of the needle seat 112, the wing 202 1-2 Can be accommodated in groove 312 1-2 Although Figure 3 The groove 312 1-2 The inner wall 314 of the needle guard 302 is shown as being cut across its entire thickness, but it should be noted that in one or more alternative embodiments, the groove 312 may not be cut completely across the inner wall 314 of the needle guard 302. 1-2 In one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 can be slid until it is received within the connector 306. In one or more embodiments, the connector 306 can be formed with grooves 318, respectively. 1-2 Pair of flexible sheets 316 1-2 The housing 308 is configured to receive the end portion 308 of the needle guard 302 therein.

[0036] Thus, in one or more embodiments, the user 150 can cover the needle 116 with the needle guard 302 for temporary protection (e.g., for transport to a patient site). In one or more embodiments, the needle 116 can also be covered with the needle cover 302 after use. In one or more embodiments, covering the needle 116 with the needle guard 302 can not only protect the needle 116, but also prevent unwanted accidents caused by unwanted contact with the needle. In one or more embodiments, in order to be able to inject a fluid (e.g., a drug) into the patient's body, the needle 116 can be exposed based on pushing the needle guard 302 further downward. In one or more embodiments, because the connector 306 can be flexible, the user 150 can apply sufficient downward pressure to enable the end 308 of the needle guard 302 to be able to move out of the groove 318 of the connector 306. 1-2The needle 116 is ejected from the end 310 of the needle guard 302 and slides further down the barrel 104. In one or more embodiments, as the needle guard 302 slides further down the barrel 104, the needle 116 is ejected from the end 310 of the needle guard 302, exposing the needle 116.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 can be indirectly moved further down the syringe 104 when the user 150, after pulling the plunger 102 outward from the syringe 104, places the needle guard 302 against the cap of the vial or bottle and pushes the syringe 104 inward toward the vial or bottle. In one or more embodiments, this can automatically cause the end 308 of the needle guard 302 to be released from the groove 318 of the connector 306. 1-2 The needle guard 302 is ejected from the syringe and slides further down the barrel 104, thereby exposing the needle 116. In one or more embodiments, the user 150 can hold the needle guard 302 to maintain the exposed position of the needle 116 to inject a fluid (e.g., a drug) into the patient or extract blood therefrom. In one or more embodiments, once the task is completed, the user 150 can apply force to the needle guard 302 in the opposite direction to restore the state in which the needle guard 302 completely surrounds the needle 116.

[0038] Therefore, in one or more embodiments, the needle-based device 100 can be provided with a needle guard 302 that is configured to protect the needle 116 when it is not in use (e.g., storage, transportation, after injection of fluid, after collection of fluid) and to be retractable to expose the needle 116 for use (e.g., injection of fluid, collection of fluid). It should be noted that although Figure 2 and Figure 3 The wings (202) on the side of the needle hub 112 are shown. 1-2 , 212 1-2 ), but in one or more alternative embodiments, wings may be present on the sides of the syringe 104. Here, in one or more embodiments, the needle hub 112 may be smaller and flatter in size. In addition, it should be noted that the needle guard 302 is not required to be coupled to the syringe 104 solely via the connector 306. In some embodiments, the needle guard 302 may be mounted solely on an element similar to the needle hub 112. In this case, the element may surround the needle hub 112, and the needle guard 302 may be indirectly coupled to the syringe 104 by being coupled to the element. In some cases, the needle hub 112 may also be interpreted as a seat for the needle guard 302 (e.g., based on an element surrounding the needle hub 112).

[0039] Figure 4 The needle-based device 100 is shown with wings 402 on the side of the outer wall 304 of the barrel 104 near the end 110 according to one or more embodiments. 1-2Here, in one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 may be provided at the wing portion 402. 1-2 The needle guard 302 slides upward to lock onto the connector 306 on the outer wall 304, thereby covering the needle 116. In one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 can be pushed further down the barrel 104 to expose / uncover the needle 116 based on the pressure applied to the needle guard 302, causing the end 308 to pop out of the connector 306. Similarly, in one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 can be pulled back to a position where the needle guard 302 completely surrounds the protruding needle 116.

[0040] It should be noted that although Figure 4 Wing 402 is shown 1-2 The configuration is similar to Figure 2 The needle hub 112 is in the first configuration, the wings 402 1-2 The configuration can also be similar to Figure 2 Furthermore, all reasonable variations that allow for relative motion between the needle guard 302 and the needle hub 112 / syringe 104 are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the needle seat 112 has no wings and can be compared to the needle seat 112. Figure 2-Figure 3 The embodiment is smaller.

[0041] Reference again Figure 3 It should be noted that the wing 202 1-2 The configuration of the wing 212 is also not limited. 1-2 May be located on the side of the needle hub 112 instead of the wings 202 1-2 In addition, as discussed above, the groove 312 1-2 The entire inner wall 314 of the needle guard 302 may not be completely cut. 1-2 Can be accommodated in groove 312 1-2 Here, the wing 212 1-2 The taper on the needle guard 302 enables the needle guard 302 to be locked to the needle hub 112 / barrel 104 without the need for the connector 306. Also, as discussed above, the needle guard 302 can be pushed downward to uncover / expose the needle 116. The needle guard 302 can then be manually returned to its original position, in which it completely surrounds the protruding needle 116.

[0042] Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows a needle-based device 100 according to one or more embodiments, wherein a ring 502 is provided on the outer wall 304 of the barrel 104 near the end 110. Here, the needle hub 112 may have a Figure 2-Figure 3Alternatively, the needle hub 112 may be smaller and not have any wings thereon. In one embodiment, a ring 502 (e.g., having a uniform thickness) may protrude from the outer wall 304 of the barrel 104. Furthermore, the underside of the ring 502 may have a groove 504 that is complementary to the protrusion 506 on the end 308 of the needle guard 302. Similarly, the needle guard 302 may first receive the needle 116 on the needle hub 112 via its end 308. The needle guard 302 may be moved downwardly toward the barrel 104, such that at a certain point, the protrusion 506 of the needle guard 302 locks into the groove 504 of the ring 502. In this state, the needle guard 302 may completely enclose the protruding needle 116 therein.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the ring 502 can be made of a flexible material. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, while the ring 502 can change shape due to its flexibility, the ring 502 cannot change its position along the syringe 104. In one or more embodiments, appropriate downward pressure (e.g., by the user 150) can cause the protrusion 506 to pop out of the groove 504 and cause the needle guard 302 to move further down the syringe 104. In one or more embodiments, this can expose / uncover the needle 116 for use with a patient (e.g., to draw blood, inject fluid, prick a finger) or for use with a vial / bottle (e.g., to draw liquid). In one or more embodiments, after use of the needle 116, upward pressure can be applied to allow the protrusion 506 to relock into the groove 504, thereby allowing the needle guard 302 to fully surround the needle 116 again.

[0044] Figure 5 The embodiment of the ring (e.g., ring 502) is merely an example embodiment. Other embodiments involving rings that facilitate covering and uncovering the needle 116 are also within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein. In one or more embodiments, the wings (202) on the needle hub 112 1-2 , 212 1-2 ) can further assist in locking / unlocking / relocking the needle guard 302 in / from the proper position. All reasonable variations are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0045] Figure 6 The needle-based device 100 is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments, wherein the needle guard 302 has a spring-based configuration. 1-2The needle hub 112 can be directly inserted into the syringe 104 through the end 110 farthest from the base 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the syringe 104 can have a groove (not shown) on its inner wall near the end 110, and the needle hub 112 can be screwed onto the end 110. Other forms of coupling the needle hub 112 to the syringe 104 are also within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein. In one or more embodiments, the syringe 104 can be formed with a ring 602 on the outer wall 304 near the end 110 (e.g., similar to the ring 502, but different in structure; the ring 602 can be made of a flexible material). In some embodiments, the ring 602 can be formed integrally with the syringe 104, while in other embodiments, the ring 602 can be a separate element from the syringe 104.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the spring 604 can be positioned on the needle hub 112 such that the spring 604 surrounds the protruding needle 116 along its entire length. In one or more embodiments, when the spring 604 surrounding the needle 116 is now received within the needle guard 302 via the end 308 of the needle guard 302 and the needle guard 302 is moved downwardly toward the barrel 104, the end 308 of the needle guard 302 can press against the ring 602. In one or more embodiments, further application of pressure (e.g., by the hand 152 of the user 150) can compress the ring 602 and push the ring 602 into the end 308 to be received within the needle guard 302. In one or more embodiments, in this state, the needle guard 302 can completely surround the entire length of both the protruding needle 116 and the spring 604.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 can fit snugly over the protruding needle 116 and the spring 602 when no further external pressure is applied. In one or more embodiments, while the ring 602 may not lock the needle guard 302 in place, it can prevent the needle guard 302 from falling outward when the needle-based device 100 is inverted because the cross-sectional inner diameter of the ring 602 may be larger than the cross-sectional inner diameter of the end 308. In one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 can be hollow. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional inner diameter of the end 310 of the needle guard 302, which is furthest from the end 308, can be smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the spring 604. Thus, in one or more embodiments, when the needle-based device 100 is held in an upright position, the spring 604 can prevent the needle guard 302 from falling downward.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, if the spring 604 is not present, the needle guard 302 may slide and fall downward; alternatively or additionally, as discussed above, the needle guard 302 may be prevented from falling downward by components mounted on the needle hub 112. However, in one or more embodiments, when the user 150 applies further downward pressure toward the syringe 104 or by pressing the end 310 of the needle guard 302 against a surface that normally reacts in a downward direction (e.g., a patient's arm, a vial / bottle cap), the needle guard 302 moves downward along the syringe 104, thereby also compressing the spring 604 in the same direction to expose / uncover the needle 116. In one or more embodiments, the exposed / uncovered needle 116 can then be used as appropriate (e.g., for injecting fluid into a patient, for puncturing a patient's finger / body part, for puncturing a vial / bottle cap). After use of the needle 116, the force along the compression direction of the spring 604 can be released (e.g., by removing the needle-based device 100 from the surface and the user 150 ceasing to apply pressure in the downward direction) to allow the spring 604 to return to an uncompressed state; in the uncompressed state of the spring 604, the needle guard 302 can once again fully surround the protruding needle 116 and spring 604.

[0049] In the case of injecting a fluid into a patient, the needle-based device 100 can first be placed against the cap of a vial / bottle from which the fluid is to be extracted. When the end 310 presses against the cap, the normal reaction force of the cap pushes the needle guard 302 downward, thereby compressing the spring 604. The downward movement of the needle guard 302 and the compression of the spring 604 expose the needle 116 that pierces the cap. The plunger 102 can also be pushed in by the user 150 pressing the base 106 in an upward direction toward the needle hub 112, so that the plunger head 108 contacts the needle hub 112. Now, pulling the plunger 102 back can create a gap between the needle hub 112 and the plunger head 108. This gap can constitute a low-pressure area, allowing fluid to fill the gap by pouring in through the hollow needle 116.

[0050] Now, the desired amount of fluid can be filled in the gap. The gap can be controlled based on the scale markings on the syringe 104 (e.g., shown as scale markings 606). Once the desired amount of fluid is in the gap, the user 150 can remove the needle-based device 100 from the vial / bottle, thereby decompressing the spring 604 to restore the spring 604 to its original shape. The user 150 can then place the end 310 of the needle guard 302 against the patient's arm, compress the spring 604 again as described above, and expose the needle 116. The exposed needle 116 can pierce the patient's skin; the pressing of the base 106 can compress the volume of the gap, thereby creating a high-pressure area therein. The fluid can be squeezed into the patient's body through the hollow needle 116.

[0051] Once the fluid has been injected into the patient, the needle-based device 100 can be removed from the patient's arm. This decompresses the spring 604 and returns the needle guard 302 to a position where the needle guard 302 completely surrounds the exposed needle 116 and spring 604. The needle-based device 100 can also be used to pierce a patient's fingertip to extract blood or another liquid from a bottle / vial; in addition, the needle-based device 100 can be used to extract venom from a mammalian body part. The details discussed above with respect to the accompanying drawings make the above-mentioned uses apparent. All reasonable variations are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0052] about Figure 6 Obviously, the needle guard 302 can be retracted to expose the needle 116 and released at will to close the needle 116. In addition, the wings 212 on the needle hub 112 1-2 It can help to securely engage the needle guard 302 with the barrel 104. It is conceivable that there is no wing 212 1-2 of Figure 6 In summary, Figure 6 Embodiments of the present invention may be used in two distinct modes of operation with respect to the use of the needle-based device 100, wherein the needle guard 302 is retracted to compress the spring 604 and expose the needle 116. In one or more embodiments, a first distinct mode of operation with respect to the use of the needle-based device 100 may be extraction of a fluid from a vial / bottle or the body (e.g., arm) of a mammal (e.g., a human), and a second distinct mode of operation with respect to the use of the needle-based device 100 may be injection of the fluid into the body of the mammal or another mammal. Currently, no similar solution exists in which the needle is shielded and exposed for use during both extraction and injection of the fluid. Figure 6 Yet another mode of operation of embodiments of the present invention may relate to a non-use state of the needle-based device 100 , wherein the needle 116 is completely shielded / surrounded by the spring 604 and the needle guard 302 .

[0053] Figure 7 An outer cap 702 is shown that is configured to at least partially cover the needle guard 302 according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the outer cap 702 can be made of a transparent (e.g., plastic, glass), translucent (e.g., rubber), or opaque material to cover the slits and cutouts on the needle guard 302. In one or more embodiments, the outer surface 704 of the outer cap 702 can have a groove 706 therein. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, the outer surface of the needle guard 302 can have a latch 708. In one or more embodiments, the latch 708 of the needle guard 302 can be configured to be received into the groove 706 on the outer cap 702 to lock the needle-based device 100 (e.g., in its non-use state).

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the use of an external lock can prevent the reuse of the needle-based device 100, or at least the needle 116 therein. Figure 7 The needle guard 302 is shown covering the needle 116 and spring 604, but the concepts associated with external locking can also be applied to Figure 1-5 In one or more embodiments, an external lock can prevent movement of the needle guard 302, which in turn prevents reuse of the needle-based device 100. Alternatively, the needle guard 302 itself can include the lock 708 and the groove 706. Here, locking can be accomplished using only elements of the needle guard 302. In another alternative embodiment, the lock 708 can be external to the needle guard 302. For example, the lock 708 can be on the outer cap 702 and the groove 706 can be on the needle guard 302. Here, the lock 708 of the outer cap 702 can be received within the groove 706 of the needle guard 302.

[0055] In yet another alternative embodiment, the outer cap 702 can cover the lock 708 of the needle guard 302 to prevent premature / accidental locking during transportation or handling of the needle-based device 100. In one example embodiment, the outer cap 702 can be designed similar to a pen cap. Other configurations of the outer cap 702 are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments herein.

[0056] Thus, the exemplary embodiments discussed above provide safety mechanisms for needle-based devices 100. Manual shielding, as available in typical syringes, may require capping the needle after use. This capping and uncapping can result in needle injuries to the user. Furthermore, in typical spring-based embodiments of syringes that allow the needle to retract, some space may remain in the barrel for the spring. This can result in a loss of medication space. The automatic retraction of the needle guard 302 in the exemplary embodiments discussed herein also allows for one-handed operation of the needle-based device 100. All reasonable variations are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0057] It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments discussed above have been in the context of a hypodermic syringe having a barrel 104 and a plunger 102, and a needle 116. However, the concepts associated with the exemplary embodiments discussed herein are applicable to embodiments in which a needle hub 112 is engaged to the body of the needle-based device 100 (instead of the barrel 104) and the needle 116 protrudes from the needle hub 112. In one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 can surround the protruding needle 116 in an operative state; the needle guard 302 can be retracted to expose / uncover the needle 116. In one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 can also be protected by an outer cap 702, as described above. Figure 1-7 All reasonable variations and combinations of the exemplary embodiments discussed are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0058] Figure 8 A process flow diagram is shown that details operations involved in implementing a safety mechanism in a needle-based device (e.g., needle-based device 100) according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, operation 802 can involve protecting the entire length of a needle (e.g., needle 116) of the needle-based device protruding from a needle hub (e.g., needle hub 112) engaged with a body (e.g., barrel 104) by positioning a needle guard (e.g., needle guard 302), the needle guard configured to completely enclose the entire protruding length of the needle in a first state in which the needle-based device is not in use. In one or more embodiments, operation 804 can involve retracting the needle guard in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device to extend the needle from the needle guard, thereby placing the needle-based device in a second state in which the needle-based device is in use.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, operation 806 may involve, after the second state of use, transitioning the needle-based device back to its first state of non-use by applying a force in a second direction diametrically opposite the first direction. In one or more embodiments, operation 808 may then involve, in the first state of non-use of the needle-based device, securely retaining the full protruding length of the needle enclosed by the needle guard based on engagement between the needle guard and the body of the needle-based device.

[0060] Figure 9 Shown Figure 6-7 A spring-based embodiment having an outer cap 702, a needle hub 112, and a needle guard 302 as modular components. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 6 and 9 As clearly indicated and as described above, the needle guard 302 can be mounted directly on the barrel 104 (the body of the needle-based device 100) or, for example, by the user of a connector (such as the ring 602) such that the needle guard 302 surrounds the spring 604 and the needle 116. Figure 6 As discussed, the relative cross-sectional areas / diameters of the needle hub 112, needle guard 302, and ring 602 can automatically protect the needle 116 and prevent accidental sticks caused by the needle 116. It should be noted that a snap (not shown) can be formed on the barrel 104 (or the body of the needle-based device 100) to enable the needle guard 302 to be directly engaged thereto.

[0061] Figure 10 shows a method according to one or more embodiments Figure 6Spring-Based Retraction of the Needle Guard 302 in an Example. As described above, once the user 150 applies pressure in a downward direction toward the syringe 104, or by pressing the end 310 of the needle guard 302 against a surface (e.g., a patient's arm, a vial / bottle cap), the needle guard 302 moves in the same downward direction, thereby compressing the spring 604, as described above. Figure 10 shown. Figure 11 Shown according to Figure 6 and 7 The locking mechanism 1100 of the needle-based device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention is provided, but as a variation thereof. Here, in one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism 1100 may include a lock 1102 (similar to the lock 708) located at a position on the needle guard 302 near the end 114 / top of the needle hub 112; however, here, as Figure 11 As shown, the lock buckle 1102 may have a hook 1104, which is configured to enter between the coils 1106 of the spring 604 to contact the top of the needle seat 112 and lock the needle guard 302 by hooking one or more wires of the spring 604 through the hook teeth 1110 on the hook 1104; for the above purpose, the needle guard may have a groove 1108 on its outer wall, and the hook 1104 and the hook teeth 1110 pass through the groove to be locked into the coils 1106 of the spring 604 and the top of the needle guard 302. Figure 7 This increases the locking force compared to the locking force in the embodiment of Figure 7 The middle lock buckle 708 engages with the outer cap 702 .

[0062] As discussed above, other possible embodiments include the lock 708 being a separate component that engages the needle guard 302 or that engages both the needle guard 302 and the spring 604 . Figure 12 An external lock 1202 (e.g., a portion of the locking mechanism 1200) is shown that is configured to engage both a groove 1204 on the needle guard 302 (e.g., via a hook 1208 on the external lock 1202) and a coil 1106 of the spring 604 (e.g., via another hook 1206 including a hook tooth 1210 on the external button 1202 via the groove 1108). Again, the context of the embodiment of the external lock 1202 is similar to Figure 6 In one or more embodiments, the spring 604 discussed above can be a separate component or integrated with the needle hub 112 or needle guard 302 discussed above. In one or more embodiments, the spring 604 can be a metal spring or a molded spring. In one or more embodiments, the needle guard 302 of all embodiments, along with other components (e.g., the needle hub 112 and spring 604), can be sold as a safety mechanism other than a syringe or other form of needle-based device 100.

[0063] Figure 13 Shown Figure 6 , but with a longer needle hub 112. Here, the needle hub 112 may be longer so that the ring 602 may be formed thereon rather than on the barrel 104. Thus, the needle 116 with the needle hub 112 and the needle guard 302 may be sold as a separate safety mechanism 1300 from the needle-based device 100. It should be noted that Figure 3 The manual embodiment may also include a locking mechanism (e.g., Figure 7 and Figure 11-12 Those (due to Figure 3 In the embodiment, there is no spring 604, so there is no wiring to hook onto the spring 604); it is easy to imagine Figure 7 The embodiment of the present invention does not have the spring 604 discussed herein. All reasonable variations are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein. Furthermore, it should be noted that the mechanisms for injecting fluid into a mammal and extracting fluid from a vial / bottle / body of a mammal are well known to those skilled in the art, particularly with respect to needle-based devices 100. Therefore, for the sake of convenience and clarity, a detailed discussion and illustration thereof will be omitted.

[0064] Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A method of extracting a fluid from a container by a needle-based device implementing a safety mechanism, comprising: protecting the entire length of the needle of the needle-based device protruding from a needle hub engaged with a body of the needle-based device by providing a needle guard, the needle guard completely surrounding the entire protruding length of the needle in a first state in which the needle-based device is not in use; retracting the needle guard in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device to extend the needle from the needle guard, thereby placing the needle-based device in a second state for use of the needle-based device; After the second state of use, automatically returning the needle-based device to the first state of non-use by applying a force in a second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction; additionally surrounding the entire protruding length of the needle of the needle-based device with a spring, wherein the spring is configured to be positioned on the needle hub at one end of the needle-based device in the first state when the needle-based device is not in use; In the first state when the needle-based device is not in use, the needle guard surrounds the entire length of the spring in addition to the entire protruding length of the needle; in the first state when the needle-based device is not in use, the needle guard securely maintains the entire protruding length of the needle based on engagement between the needle guard and the body of the needle-based device; providing a lock buckle, wherein a first end of the lock buckle is integrally formed with the needle guard, and a second end of the lock buckle comprises a hook, so that the first end to the second end of the lock buckle are completely located outside the needle guard; and In the first state of the needle-based device when not in use, the needle guard is locked with the lock based on the following features: The hook passes through a groove formed on the needle guard to enter between coils of the spring, and locks the needle guard by hooking a wire of the spring in a state in which the lock buckle is locked to the spring.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing at least one of the following to enable engagement between the needle guard and the body of the needle-based device: wings on a side of one of the needle hub and the body of the needle-based device; a connector on one of the body of the needle-based device and the body of the hub; and A ring on an outer wall of one of the body of the needle-based device and the body of the needle hub.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: After the second state of use, the needle-based device automatically returns to the first state of non-use due to the compression of the spring exerting a force in the second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following: using as the body of the needle-based device a barrel of at least one of a hypodermic syringe, a hypodermic needle, a pen syringe, and a fluid collection device; and In a first state in which the needle-based device is not in use, an outer cap is mounted on the needle guard.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising covering the lock of the needle guard with the outer cap to prevent at least one of: premature and accidental locking of the needle-based device during one of transport and handling of the needle-based device.

6. A method of extracting a fluid from a container by a needle-based device implementing a safety mechanism, comprising: protecting the entire length of the needle of the needle-based device protruding from a needle hub engaged with a body of the needle-based device by providing a needle guard, the needle guard completely surrounding the entire protruding length of the needle in a first state in which the needle-based device is not in use; further comprising surrounding the entire protruding length of the needle of the needle-based device with a spring, wherein the spring is positioned on the needle hub at one end of the needle-based device in the first state when the needle-based device is not in use; In the first state when the needle-based device is not in use, the needle guard encompasses the entire length of the spring in addition to the entire protruding length of the needle; retracting the needle guard in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device to compress the spring and extend the needle from the needle guard, thereby placing the needle-based device in a second state of use of the needle-based device, the second state of use comprising withdrawing the fluid through the needle-based device; After the second state of use, the needle-based device automatically returns to the first state of non-use by applying a force in a second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction based on compression of the spring; In the first state when the needle-based device is not in use, the needle guard securely retains the entire protruding length of the needle and the entire length of the spring based on engagement between the needle guard and the body of the needle-based device; providing a lock buckle, wherein a first end of the lock buckle is integrally formed with the needle guard, and a second end of the lock buckle comprises a hook, so that the first end to the second end of the lock buckle are completely located outside the needle guard; and In the first state of the needle-based device when not in use, the needle guard is locked with the lock based on the following features: The hook passes through a groove formed on the needle guard to enter between coils of the spring, and locks the needle guard by hooking a wire of the spring in a state in which the lock buckle is locked to the spring.

7. The method according to claim 6, comprising at least one of the following: The engagement between the needle guard and the body of the needle-based device is based on the provision of at least one of: wings on the side of at least one of the needle hub and the body of the needle-based device; a connector on at least one of the body of the needle-based device and the body of the needle hub; and a ring on the outer wall of at least one of the body of the needle-based device and the body of the needle hub; and The barrel of at least one of a hypodermic syringe, a hypodermic needle, a pen injector, and a fluid collection device as the subject of a needle-based device.

8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising at least one of the following: installing an outer cap onto the needle guard in the first state in which the needle-based device is not in use; locking the needle guard with a lock formed on one of the needle guard and an exterior of the needle guard in the first state in which the needle-based device is not in use; and The locking catch of the needle guard is covered by the outer cap to prevent at least one of: premature and accidental locking of the needle-based device during shipping and handling.

9. A method of extracting a fluid from a container by a needle-based device implementing a safety mechanism, comprising: protecting an entire length of a needle of the needle-based device protruding from a needle hub engaged with a body of the needle-based device by providing a needle guard, the needle guard completely surrounding the entire protruding length of the needle in a first state of the needle-based device not in use, the body of the needle-based device being a barrel of at least one of a hypodermic syringe, a hypodermic needle, a pen injector, and a fluid collection device; retracting the needle guard in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device to extend the needle from the needle guard, thereby placing the needle-based device in a second state for use of the needle-based device; After the second state of use, returning the needle-based device to the first state of non-use of the needle-based device by applying a force in a second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction; additionally surrounding the entire protruding length of the needle of the needle-based device with a spring, wherein the spring is configured to be positioned on the needle hub at one end of the needle-based device in the first state when the needle-based device is not in use; In the first state when the needle-based device is not in use, the needle guard encompasses the entire length of the spring in addition to the entire protruding length of the needle; In the first state when the needle-based device is not in use, the needle guard securely retains the entire protruding length of the needle based on engagement between the needle guard and the body of the needle-based device; providing a lock buckle, wherein a first end of the lock buckle is integrally formed with the needle guard, and a second end of the lock buckle comprises a hook, so that the first end to the second end of the lock buckle are completely located outside the needle guard; and In the first state of the needle-based device when not in use, the needle guard is locked with the lock based on the following features: The hook passes through a groove formed on the needle guard to enter between coils of the spring, and locks the needle guard by hooking a wire of the spring in a state in which the lock buckle is locked to the spring.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising at least one of the following: At least one of the following is provided to enable engagement between the needle guard and the body of the needle-based device: wings on a side of one of the needle hub and the body of the needle-based device; a connector on one of the body of the needle-based device and the body of the needle hub; and a ring on an outer wall of one of the body of the needle-based device and the body of the needle hub; installing an outer cap onto the needle guard in the first state in which the needle-based device is not in use; and The second state of use includes withdrawing the fluid through the needle-based device.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: After the second state of use, the force exerted in the second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction due to the compression of the spring automatically returns the needle-based device to the first state of non-use.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The second state of use includes withdrawing the fluid through the needle-based device.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising covering the lock of the needle guard with the outer cap to prevent at least one of: premature and accidental locking of the needle-based device during one of transport and handling of the needle-based device.

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