Syringe devices and syringe adapters

Abstract

The present invention provides a syringe device, comprising a syringe portion having a syringe or a holder suitable for receiving a syringe therein, the syringe portion having a rear grip for placing on or against a user's hand and a front grip formed at or near the tip of the syringe portion; and a movable member engageable with a piston of the syringe, the movable member having a finger grip at or near its tip, the movable member engaging with the syringe portion and being configured to move relative to the rear grip when a user applies a force at the finger grip; wherein the front grip and rear grip are formed as lateral protrusions relative to the movable member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a syringe device, in particular, but not necessarily exclusively, for improving the usability of a syringe for phlebotomy purposes. The present invention also relates to a syringe connector device and a syringe device having such a syringe connector device, as well as an integral syringe device capable of being used with one hand. Background Art

[0002] When drawing a blood sample from a patient, in a medical procedure called exsanguination (phlebotomy), a doctor typically couples a sterile needle with a corresponding syringe, finds a suitable blood vessel, usually a vein in the arm, and draws the blood sample.

[0003] The syringe is formed with a syringe body and a piston, and retraction of the piston relative to the syringe body creates negative pressure to draw a blood sample from a vein. The doctor must hold the syringe steadily in order to minimize injury or discomfort to the patient.

[0004] Currently, syringes must be operated with two hands; one hand on the syringe body and the other on the plunger. However, a method of stabilizing both the patient and the syringe is desirable, especially for trembling patients. If there is significant displacement between the patient and the needle, damage to the skin or even the vessel itself can occur. For smaller vessels, there is a significant risk of vessel collapse.

[0005] However, it is difficult to modify the design of the syringe because the mechanism is very simple. Modifications to the syringe body may cause leakage problems and potentially hinder the sterility of the syringe. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide a syringe adapter that can be used in conjunction with existing syringes to allow the syringe to be used in a one-handed manner.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a syringe device comprising a syringe portion having a syringe or a syringe holder adapted to receive a syringe therein, the syringe portion having a rear grip for placement in or against a user's hand and a front grip formed at or near the tip of the syringe portion; and a movable member engageable with a piston of the syringe and a finger grip at or near the tip thereof, the movable member being engaged with the syringe portion and configured to move relative to the rear grip when a user applies force to the finger grip; wherein the front grip and the rear grip are formed as lateral protrusions relative to the movable member.

[0008] A syringe connector device is a mechanism by which one-handed control of a syringe can be achieved without the need to modify the syringe itself. This allows a single device to be used with existing syringes without the need to redesign the functionality of the syringe. The rear grip provides a surface on which the one-handed device can be stabilized, while the movable member provides a means to retract the syringe plunger in a comfortable manner without requiring the user's non-dominant hand. This allows the non-dominant hand to be used to stabilize the patient, or to assist in blood vessel targeting, thereby causing less trauma to the patient during the retrieval of a blood sample. The present invention can also be extended to include syringes with an integral movable member, thereby eliminating the need to provide a separate syringe connector device. The provision of the front grip greatly improves the stability of the device as the user can use their thumb and / or middle finger to reinforce the needle end of the device. This results in a significant reduction in the measurable velocity and displacement at the syringe outlet, reducing injury or discomfort to the patient.

[0009] Preferably, the moveable member is slidably engageable with the syringe portion.

[0010] A sliding mechanism for retracting the plunger has been found to be the most ergonomic and comfortable for use with a syringe or adapter assembly because the sliding direction is the natural axis along which the index finger of the operating finger grip would move.

[0011] Alternatively, the moveable member may be at least partially housed within the longitudinal passage of the syringe portion.

[0012] The longitudinal channel will facilitate the direction of movement of the movable member along the correct axis of the syringe or adapter, ensuring that the movable member moves along the axis of the index finger when sliding.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the movable member may include an elongated ridge at least partially receivable in a longitudinal channel interconnecting the finger grip and the piston.

[0014] An elongated ridge running along the movable member ensures that the finger grip is in a natural and comfortable position towards the front of the device, allowing a natural flow of piston motion as the user flexes or retracts their index finger.

[0015] Optionally, the width of the finger grip may be greater than the width of the longitudinal channel.

[0016] The overlap of the finger grip over the sides of the longitudinal channel prevents fingers from becoming trapped in the longitudinal channel, making the device safer to operate.

[0017] The rear grip may preferably include at least one transverse flange grasping bar.

[0018] A lateral extension would be the most comfortable way to provide palm support with the syringe adapter assembly as this would place the index finger in the proper position to align with the axial direction of the plunger.

[0019] Preferably, the rear grip portion may include a pair of opposed transverse flange grip bars.

[0020] Having flange portions on both sides of the device will allow for ambidextrous operation, thus eliminating the need to manufacture different hand devices for left-handed and right-handed users.

[0021] Optionally, the or each transverse flange grasping bar may have a contoured profile.

[0022] The contoured shape of the rear grip improves comfort in the user's palm, which is important because the user presses the device against the palm when collecting a blood sample.

[0023] The lateral length of the front grip is preferably less than or equal to the lateral length of the rear grip.

[0024] The front grip is primarily for stabilization purposes rather than providing effective fixation against piston movement, and therefore does not need to be as large as the rear grip.

[0025] Optionally, the front grip may be oriented at an angle to the rear grip.

[0026] The orientation of the front and back grips ensures that the user can obtain a comfortable pencil grip, which allows for a stable single-handed action.

[0027] Where a syringe adapter arrangement is provided, the movable member may engage with the syringe holder opposite the syringe receiving aperture of the syringe holder.

[0028] Mounting the syringe from below allows for a symmetrical design of the syringe adapter assembly. This creates a stable center of gravity, improving stability, in addition to providing the aforementioned ambidextrous design.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the movable member may engage the syringe holder adjacent the syringe receiving aperture of the syringe holder.

[0030] A side access port for the syringe to enter the syringe holder may allow for a more compact product that is less expensive to manufacture.

[0031] Preferably, the movable member may comprise a piston connector for receivably connecting to the piston.The piston connector may comprise a cap receivable around a top of the piston of said syringe.

[0032] A cap receivable around the top of the piston provides additional stability to the piston, preventing lateral movement relative to the movable member during blood collection.

[0033] Optionally, the piston connector may include a stop which may be engaged abuttingly with the syringe carrier to limit travel of the engaged piston. Additionally or alternatively, the syringe portion may include a stop at or near its tip.

[0034] The stop for the movable member advantageously prevents overtravel thereof. This ensures that the syringe connector device does not fall apart during use.

[0035] Preferably, the finger grip may be provided as any of the following: a nub; a contoured protrusion; a finger ring; or a needle flange.

[0036] A variety of possible finger grip arrangements can be considered, which may be more or less useful depending on the type of grip the user chooses. A pencil grip may be the most suitable for stability.

[0037] In one embodiment, the syringe portion may be a syringe and the movable member may be integrally formed with a syringe body of the syringe. Additionally or alternatively, the movable member may be integrally formed with the piston.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment, the syringe device may be provided in the form of a syringe adapter assembly engageable with the syringe.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a syringe device comprising: a syringe having a syringe body and a piston receivable in the syringe body; and a syringe connector device according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention; wherein engaging the syringe with the syringe connector device allows a user to operate the syringe device with one hand.

[0040] One-handed operation of the syringe has the advantage of freeing the user's non-dominant hand for other tasks, such as stabilizing the patient, thereby allowing for less invasive phlebotomy procedures on the patient. This is particularly important for patients with tremors.

[0041] Preferably, the syringe may be a plastic and / or disposable syringe.

[0042] Optionally, the syringe and syringe adapter are integrally formed with each other.

[0043] It is obvious that the adaptation of the syringe can be realized within the integral device.The syringe does not need to be inserted separately into a dedicated connector device; instead, the syringe can be formed with a movable member connected to the syringe body and engaged with the piston.

[0044] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a syringe device comprising: a syringe having a syringe body and a piston receivable in the syringe body; a back grip for being placed in or against a user's hand; and a movable member having a piston connector for engaging with the piston and a finger grip located at or adjacent to a top end of the movable member, the movable member being engaged with the syringe body and being configured to move relative to the back grip when a user applies a force to the finger grip.

[0045] Preferably, the piston connector may be formed integrally with the piston.

[0046] A syringe device that can be used in a one-handed manner without the need for a specific adapter device allows the user to provide an integrated sterile syringe action while still being able to use their non-dominant hand.

[0047] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a syringe connector device comprising: a syringe holder adapted to receive a syringe therein, the syringe holder having a rear grip for placement in or against a user's hand; and a movable member having a piston connector for engaging with a piston of the syringe and a finger grip at or near a distal end of the movable member, the movable member being engaged with the syringe holder and configured to move relative to the rear grip when a user applies a force at the finger grip.

[0048] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a syringe device comprising a syringe portion having a syringe or syringe holder adapted to receive a syringe therein, the syringe portion having a back grip for placement in or against a user's hand; and a movable member engageable with a piston of the syringe and a finger grip at or near its tip, the movable member being engaged with the syringe portion and configured to move relative to the back grip when a user applies force to the finger grip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a syringe device according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising a syringe inserted into a syringe adapter according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0051] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A bottom plan view of the syringe device;

[0052] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 A top plan view of the syringe device;

[0053] Figure 4 Shown Figure 1 A side view of a syringe device;

[0054] Figure 5 Shown Figure 1 Exploded view of the syringe and syringe adapter;

[0055] Figure 6 Shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a syringe device, wherein the plunger of the syringe is in a retracted state;

[0056] Figure 7 Shows the state of use Figure 1 A side perspective view of a syringe device;

[0057] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a syringe device according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising a syringe inserted into a syringe adapter according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0058] Figure 9 Shown in retracted state Figure 8 A side perspective view of a syringe device;

[0059] Figure 10 A shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a syringe device according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising a syringe inserted into a syringe adapter according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0060] Figure 10 B shows the retracted Figure 10 A is a perspective view of a syringe device;

[0061] Figure 11 A shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a movable member of a syringe adapter according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 11 B shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the movable member of the syringe adapter according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 11 C shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the movable member of the syringe adapter according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 11 D shows a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the movable member of the syringe adapter according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 11 E shows a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the movable component of the syringe adapter according to the first aspect of the present invention; and

[0066] Figure 11 F shows a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the movable member of the syringe adapter according to the first aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , there is shown a syringe device, generally designated 10, which is suitable for collecting a blood sample from a patient using only one hand. The syringe device 10 includes two releasably engageable parts: a syringe 12, such as a plastic Luer-type syringe as is known in the art; and a syringe connector assembly 14 that allows the syringe 12 to be held in one hand while also allowing the plunger 16 of the syringe 12 to be retracted with the same hand.

[0068] The syringe adapter assembly 14 is sized to receive a standard size syringe 12. Commonly used plastic syringes have capacities of 1 ml, 2.5 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml and 25 ml, with the 10 ml capacity being the most commonly used in medical practice for collecting blood samples.

[0069] It will be appreciated that although the illustrative embodiments of the present invention are shown as releasably engaged syringes and adapters, it is possible to provide an integrally formed syringe device in which the adapter is built into the syringe.

[0070] The syringe 12 has a syringe body 18 within which the piston 16 can be housed, and actuation of the piston 16 relative to the syringe body 18 changes the internal volume of the syringe 12 to expel the contents of the syringe 12 through a syringe outlet 20 at its tip 22, or alternatively to draw material into the syringe body 18 upon retraction of the piston 16. This is the environment in which the syringe device 10 can be used to collect a blood sample.

[0071] The syringe connector assembly 14 includes a syringe holder 24 having a syringe receiver 26 on one side thereof into which the syringe 12 can be inserted. With respect to the syringe connector assembly 14, it should be understood that the syringe holder forms the syringe portion of the device 10, i.e., the area in which the syringe 12 can be located. For the embodiments of the present invention described in more detail below, the syringe portion will be the syringe body 18 of the syringe.

[0072] The engagement between the syringe 12 and the syringe connector assembly 14 is as follows: Figure 5 As shown. The syringe holder 24 includes an elongated channel 28 extending along its length, which is adapted to receive a movable member 30 therein. The movable member 30 includes a finger grip 32 at the tip 22 of the syringe holder 24, and a piston connector 34 that can engage with the piston 16 of the syringe 12. The finger grip 32 is here formed as a sliding protrusion with a small nub 36 thereon to improve grip.

[0073] The syringe holder 24 includes a rear grip 38 that is received in the hand of a user during use, with the palm of the user's hand resting against the rear grip 38. Here, the rear grip 38 is provided as a pair of opposing transverse flanged grip bars 38a, 38b having contoured or curved upper edges for comfort. A single rear grip element could be provided, but the opposing flanged portions ensure that the syringe connector device 14 can be easily used with either hand.

[0074] Transversely refers here to the fact that not only do the gripping lever portions 38 a, 38 b extend perpendicularly to the axis of movement of the piston 16 but also extend perpendicularly to the side of the movable member 30 on which the finger grip 32 is located.

[0075] At or near the tip 22 of the syringe holder 24 is a foregrip 40 designed to engage with a user's finger or thumb to provide forward stability near the needle tip of the syringe 12. The foregrip 40 may also be configured as one or more lateral projections, forming right-hand and / or left-hand foregrips 40a, 40b, which are preferably oriented at an angle to the lateral flanged grasping bars 38a, 38b of the rear grip 38. For comfort, the width of the foregrip 40 may be less than or equal to the width of the rear grip 38. This orientation of the corresponding flanged portions may simplify the manufacture of the syringe holder 24, for example, if produced by injection molding.

[0076] Furthermore, transverse here refers to the fact that not only do the front gripping portions 40a, 40b extend perpendicularly to the axis of movement of the piston 16, but also extend perpendicularly to the side of the movable member 30 where the finger grip 32 is located.

[0077] This enables an arrangement of the front and rear gripping portions 40a, 40b, 38a, 38b that allows for a pencil grip. The front and rear gripping portions 40a, 40b, 38a, 38b thus both intersect the nominal horizontal plane of use of the syringe device 10 and then, by extension, position the finger grip 32 of the movable member 30 on the top surface of the syringe device 10.

[0078] Figure 2 One method of securing engagement between the syringe 12 and the syringe connector assembly 14 is shown. The syringe receiver 26 may be sized to closely match the diameter of the syringe 12, but may also include a flange receiver 42 into which the barrel flange 44 of the syringe 12 may be inserted. The flange receiver 42 may be housed in the rear grip 38 for structural stability.

[0079] The movable member 30 is an elongated member having an elongated ridge 46 that is sized to fill or substantially fill the elongated channel 28 of the syringe holder 24 in a compact state, i.e., when the piston 16 is fully contained within the syringe body 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the piston connector 34 is formed as a cap 48 that can be received around the piston top 50 of the syringe 12, and a complementary shaped recess 52 can be provided in the cap 48, which accommodates the neck 54 and the piston top 50. The cap 48 itself is preferably designed to surround the periphery of the piston top 50, thereby securely holding it in place. This provides lateral security, so that the piston 16 does not become disengaged from the piston connector 34 during use, and also provides axial fixation, ensuring that there is no lag between the movement of the movable member 30 and the piston 16.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, the interface between the piston connector 34 and the elongated ridge 46 can form a stop 56 that can abuttingly engage a piston end 58 of the syringe holder 24 to prevent the piston 16 from over-extending into the syringe body 18. This can also advantageously cause the finger grip 32 to flushly contact the tip 22 of the syringe holder 24 in the retracted state.

[0081] The finger grip 32 itself can be dimensioned to overhang the elongated channel 28 in at least one, preferably two, lateral directions thereof. This can improve the comfort of using the finger grip 32 because the user cannot get any part of their finger caught in the elongated channel 28.

[0082] To engage the syringe 12 with the syringe connector assembly 14, the syringe 12 is placed in the syringe receiver 26 so that the plunger top 50 engages the plunger connector 34. Figure 5 As shown, if the syringe outlet 20 is positioned close to the syringe support 24, the stability of the syringe device 10 can be improved.

[0083] Once engaged, the finger grip 32 can be used to withdraw the piston 16, e.g. Figure 6 Because the finger grip 32 and the piston connector 34 are connected to each other by the elongated ridge 46, actuation of the finger grip 32 will simultaneously push the piston connector 34. This allows the sample (e.g., blood sample) to be drawn into the syringe body 18 during a blood draw to be easily achieved with a single hand action by the user.

[0084] exist Figure 76. Here, the user is holding the syringe device 10 in their right hand 60. The right-hand flange portion 38a of the rear grip 38 is received in the user's hand 60 so as to abut the palm 62. The syringe holder 24 is sized so that when the rear grip 38 is in abutting engagement with the user's palm 62, the user's fingers 64a can comfortably reach the distal finger grip 32 because the finger grip 32 is located on the upper surface of the syringe device 10 when the syringe device 10 is held in this manner.

[0085] The shape of the syringe connector assembly 14 is such that the index finger 64a will naturally rest on the finger grip 64a. The middle finger 64b can then act as a stabilizer, either pressing against or hooking around the right-hand foregrip 40a, with the thumb 64c supporting the left-hand foregrip 40b and the syringe body 18 from below. It will be apparent to the skilled reader that the grip configuration would be reversed for a left-hand grip.

[0086] This creates a pencil or forceps grip.To draw blood, the user holds the syringe device 10 in one hand and can then retract the index finger 64a so that the finger grip 32 slides the plunger 16 to the retracted state.

[0087] Using thumb 64c and middle finger 64b to stabilize foregrip 40 will ensure minimal disturbance of the needle tip position when the needle is attached to the syringe, resulting in significantly less trauma to the patient during exsanguination, particularly to their blood vessels such as veins.

[0088] Extensive testing has been conducted on the stability improvements provided by the syringe connector assembly 18 .

[0089] Comparison Examples

[0090] For comparative studies, blood draws were performed using 10 ml syringes (BD (RTM) Biosciences, 1030 Eskdale Road, Winners Triangle, Wokingham, Berkshire) and 21-gauge needles (BD (RTM) Biosciences) were used in a standard phlebotomy training arm (Muttiy (office) Ltd., Room 9002, Building 51, Section 2, Songzaiyuan, Shangtang, Minzhi Street, Bao'an District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China 518131).

[0091] Stability was measured using a Landtech VM6370 high-speed vibration meter (Landtech Instrument Co., Ltd., Building C, Hangkou Electronics Base, 9 Huaxi Road, Fangcun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510380, China), which measures acceleration, velocity, and displacement at the syringe outlet 20. A 15 cm cable provided by the manufacturer was used to connect the vibration meter and sensor. A custom connector for the vibration sensor was 3D printed and attached to the end of the syringe 12 and used during the experiment, which kept the sensor in a fixed and stationary position while the syringe 12 was in use.

[0092] The purpose of the experiment was to demonstrate that the use of the syringe connector assembly 14 improves stability during blood sampling and allows the syringe 12 to be used in an easier manual configuration than conventionally, i.e., in a one-handed configuration rather than a two-handed configuration. With the vibrometer connected to the syringe 12, the user inserted a needle into a vein on the phlebotomy arm, after which the vibrometer was set to "hold." This allowed the highest reading for each monitored variable to be taken while continuing to measure and record.

[0093] After the simulated blood backflow was observed, the plunger 16 of the syringe 12 was retracted. The peak values of acceleration, velocity, and displacement were monitored and recorded throughout the extension of the plunger 16. Approximately 5 ml of fluid was drawn into the syringe 12, simulating a typical amount used for complete blood count (FBC) and urea and electrolyte (U&E) testing in clinical settings.

[0094] Thirteen tests were conducted for each of the three syringe configurations used: 1) syringe 12 without an adapter, using two hands; 2) a modified syringe device as described above, in which the foregrip 40 was omitted; and 3) a syringe device as described above, including the foregrip 40.

[0095] Table 1

[0096]

[0097]

[0098] Table 2

[0099] Syringe equipment 1 Speed (mm / s) <![CDATA[Acceleration (mm / s 2 )]]> Displacement (mm) 3.99 0.1 0.079 3.89 0.1 0.098 2.11 1.1 0.078 2.69 0.1 0.162 2.2 0.1 0.184 2.95 4.8 0.28 2.25 0.4 0.136 1.81 0 0.133 2.89 4 0.546 2.61 1.2 0.338 2.77 0.3 0.261 2.46 0.2 0.305 2.25 0.4 0.318 2.98 0.3 0.131 average value 2.912 1.008 0.235 Standard Deviation 0.628 1.519 0.131

[0100] Table 3

[0101] Syringe equipment 2 Speed (mm / s) <![CDATA[Acceleration (mm / s 2 )]]> Displacement (mm) 1.59 0.2 0.169 3.15 1.3 0.133 1.57 0.2 0.115 1.43 0.3 0.186 1.33 0 0.037 1.55 2.3 0.185 2.59 2.3 0.103 2.03 0.6 0.133 1.19 0.8 0.117 2.13 0.4 0.131 1.13 0 0.123 2.23 1.7 0.161 1.75 0.6 0.111 1.66 0.3 0.133 average value 1.948 0.846 0.141 Standard Deviation 0.565 0.799 0.038

[0102] result

[0103] With syringe devices 1 and 2 (respectively syringe devices without a front grip and described above and Figures 1 to 7The subjective results of testing with the syringe device shown in FIG1 were very positive. Most users noted the convenience of one-handed use and the ease of finger movements required to retract the plunger 16 compared to normal two-handed syringe use. In addition, the one-handed configuration provided an enhanced grip on the syringe 12, which can sometimes be lost with the two-handed configuration when moisture or humidity is present, depending on the clinical situation.

[0104] Most users also commented on the added stability provided by the one-handed configuration, not only because the syringe device 10 does not rely on both hands to actuate the syringe connector assembly 14 with the added tension required to operate it, but also because in certain situations where a patient may have resting tremors, having a non-dominant position at or near a venipuncture site also greatly contributes to stability.

[0105] As described above, objective data obtained from experienced users comparing the three configurations confirmed these subjective results. The speed of the first syringe device was reduced compared to the control syringe (3.78 mm / s vs. 2.91 mm / s). This demonstrates the improvement that can be achieved using the "pincer" handle provided by the present invention.

[0106] The speed of the second syringe device 10 is further reduced (2.91 mm / s versus 1.94 mm / s) when compared to the first syringe device which allows the use of a "trigger" grip, in which the middle finger 64b hooks the front grip 40 to block the syringe connector assembly 14 and pushes the rear grip 38 into the palm 62 of the user.

[0107] The speed improvement for the modified syringe device 10 shows a statistically significant deviation such that the standard deviation bars for the control and second syringe devices 10 do not overlap.

[0108] The displacement measurements followed a similar trend. The first syringe device showed an improvement, i.e., reduced displacement, over the control (0.234 mm vs. 0.363 mm), and a further improvement between the second syringe device 10 and the first syringe device (0.141 mm vs. 0.234 mm). Again, there was no overlap between the standard deviation bars for the second syringe device 10 and the control.

[0109] Statistical t-test analysis of the above study showed that for the velocity test, all values were significantly different (t < 0.05). For the displacement test, there was no statistically significant difference in displacement between the first syringe device and the control (t = 0.556), but a statistically significant difference was observed between the second syringe device 10 and the first syringe device and the control.

[0110] In this way, the one-handed injector arrangement not only significantly improves the stability of the injector device 10 by reducing any velocity effects at the needle tip, but by including the foregrip, it also significantly reduces displacement, limiting the risk of tearing the patient's skin or blood vessels.

[0111] Further embodiments

[0112] However, other versions of the syringe device are also contemplated. Figure 8 and 9 In FIG. 1 , a second embodiment of the syringe device is generally indicated at 110. Components identical or similar to those of the first embodiment will be identified using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0113] In the depicted embodiment designed for the same syringe 12, the syringe connector assembly 114 includes a syringe receiver 126 positioned on the side of the syringe holder 124 to allow the syringe 12 to be entered therein in different ways.

[0114] Thus, the movable member 130 may be exposed at or near the syringe receiver 126, and thus the elongated ridge 144 may not necessarily extend in the longitudinal channel.

[0115] To ensure that the movable member 130 and the syringe holder 124 do not become misaligned with each other, the movable member 130 may be keyed to the syringe holder 124 or otherwise engaged with the syringe holder 124 to ensure that smooth piston 16 movement is achieved.

[0116] Instead of the nub of the previous embodiments, the finger grip 132 may be formed with a contoured and / or ergonomic portion 136 adapted to receive the tip of a user's index finger.

[0117] Since the syringe receiver 126 is located on one side of the syringe holder 124, the syringe device 110 is no longer ambidextrous, and the rear grip 138 is located on only one side of the syringe holder 124. It will be apparent that a mirror image syringe device could be provided for left-handed operation.

[0118] The syringe carrier 124 may have a front stop 166 at or near the tip 22 of the syringe 12, which may limit travel of the movable member 130 beyond the front of the syringe carrier 124. A similar rear stop 168 may be provided at the opposite end of the syringe carrier 124, which may engage the piston connector 134 of the movable member 130. This may be formed as an internal shoulder that is inserted into the cap 148 of the piston connector 134.

[0119] exist Figure 10A and 10B, a third embodiment of the syringe device is generally indicated at 210. Components identical or similar to those of the first and second embodiments will be identified using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0120] The syringe connector assembly 214 has an elongated syringe carrier 224 having an extended longitudinal channel 228 that completely surrounds the travel of the movable member 230. Thus, the longitudinal channel 228 itself forms forward and rearward stops 266, 268 to prevent disengagement of the movable member 230 and to allow the movable member 230 to move freely only within the longitudinal channel 228.

[0121] Thus, the syringe support 224 includes an extended rear portion 270 beyond the rear grip 238, which can be used to rest against the user's arm to further stabilize the syringe device 210. In this case, a front grip may not be required.

[0122] Figure 11 A to 11F show various additional embodiments of the movable member. The same or similar components as those of the first to third embodiments will be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0123] Figure 11 A shows a movable member 330 having a contoured finger grip 332 located at or adjacent to a front ring 372 that can engage with the front end of the piston. This may help the piston to retract smoothly to the retracted state.

[0124] Figure 11 B shows the movable member 430 having a contoured finger grip 432, wherein the side edges 474 of the finger grip 432 are shaped to receive the user's fingers from the side.

[0125] Figure 11 C shows a movable member 530 with a triangular finger grip 532. Instead of a full cap on the piston connector, a semicircular piston connector 534 is provided, which is located around a portion of the piston top. This can facilitate easy connection of the movable member 530 to the syringe.

[0126] Figure 11 D shows the movable member 630 with lateral finger grips 632a, 632b. This can provide the user with a stronger grip on the movable member 630 because a V-shaped finger grip can be employed, with both the index and middle fingers engaging the lateral finger grips 632a, 632b, respectively. A front ring 672 is also shown here, but the embodiment can easily be used with a standard configuration of the movable member 630.

[0127] Figure 11 E shows a movable member 730 with a finger hook 732 that replaces a nub or similar non-engaging handle. A user can insert their finger into the finger hook 732 to apply an actuation force to the movable member 730.

[0128] Figure 11 F shows a movable member 830 with a finger grip 832 that is halfway through becoming a finger hook, having an arcuate front surface around which a user can hook their finger.

[0129] As previously mentioned, while a syringe connector device is disclosed, the present invention does not exclude the possibility of an integral syringe including a movable member as described above. To this end, a syringe device can be provided, comprising a syringe having a syringe body, thereby forming a syringe portion opposite the syringe support of the syringe connector device, a piston that can be accommodated in the syringe body, and a back grip portion for placement in or against the palm of a user. The movable member then has a piston connector, which can be integrally formed with the piston itself, for engaging the piston and the finger grip portion at or near the tip of the movable member. The movable member is engaged with the syringe body and is configured to move relative to the back grip portion when a user applies force to the finger grip portion.

[0130] The movable member may be integrally formed with the syringe body or journalled within the syringe body so as to slide relative to the syringe body rather than a separate syringe support. However, in all other respects, the method of operation of the movable member is the same as that of the syringe connector device.

[0131] An advantage of the one-piece syringe embodiment is that non-standard volume configurations can be accommodated. The syringe connector assembly is adapted to be compatible with existing syringes known in the art. However, various modifications can be made to the syringe itself to improve user comfort in a one-handed grip.

[0132] In particular, the slender nature of prior art syringes is configured so that they can be easily operated with two hands. However, a shorter syringe with a wider barrel is now possible, as a second hand is not required in or around the area of the syringe body. Thus, a squat syringe having an integrally formed movable member that engages with the piston can be provided.

[0133] It is therefore possible to provide a syringe or adapter thereof which allows the plunger action to be performed with one hand. This can be achieved by providing a movable member which engages the plunger and is positioned so as to be operated by the index finger of a user holding the syringe with a pencil or pliers. This is in stark contrast to the two-handed operation required for prior art syringes.

[0134] When used herein with reference to the present invention, the words "comprise" and "have / include" are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or combinations thereof. It will be understood that certain features of the present invention described in the context of separate embodiments for the sake of clarity may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the present invention described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may also be provided individually or in any suitable subcombination. The above embodiments are provided by way of example only, and various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A syringe device (10), comprising: a syringe portion having a syringe (12) or a cradle (24) adapted to receive the syringe (12) therein, the syringe portion having a rear grip (38) for placement on or against a user's hand and a front grip (40) formed at or near the tip (22) of the syringe portion; and a movable member (30) engageable with the piston (16) of the syringe (12), the movable member (30) having a finger grip (32) at or near the tip (22) thereof, the finger grip (32) being positioned on the upper surface of the syringe device (10) when in use, the movable member (30) being engaged with the syringe portion and being configured to move relative to the back grip when a user applies force to the finger grip (32); Characterized in that the front grip portion and the rear grip portion are formed as lateral protrusions relative to the movable member (30).

2. The syringe device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The movable member (30) is slidably engaged with the syringe portion.

3. The syringe device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The movable member (30) is at least partially receivable within the longitudinal passage (28) of the syringe portion.

4. The syringe device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The movable member (30) includes an elongated ridge (46) at least partially receivable within the longitudinal channel (28) interconnecting the finger grip (32) with the piston (16).

5. The syringe device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The width of the finger grip is greater than the width of the longitudinal channel (28).

6. Injector device (10) according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that The rear grip (38) includes at least one transverse flanged grip bar.

7. The syringe device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The rear grip portion (38) includes a pair of transverse flange grip bars disposed oppositely on the left-hand side and the right-hand side of the movable member (30).

8. The syringe device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that Each of the transverse flange grip bars has a contoured profile.

9. Injector device (10) according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that The transverse length of the front grip portion (40) is less than or equal to the transverse length of the rear grip portion (38).

10. Injector device (10) according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that The front grip (40) is oriented at an angle relative to the rear grip (38).

11. Injector device (10) according to the preceding claim 1, said front grip (40) comprising a pair of said lateral projections arranged oppositely on the left-hand and right-hand sides of said movable member (30).

12. Injector device (10) according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that The syringe portion includes a syringe support (24), and the movable member (30) engages with the syringe support (24) opposite a syringe receiving aperture of the syringe support (24).

13. The syringe device of claim 1, wherein The syringe portion includes a syringe holder, and the movable member engages the syringe holder adjacent a syringe receiving aperture of the syringe holder.

14. Injector device (10) according to the preceding claim 12, characterized in that The movable member (30) includes a piston connector (34) for receivably coupling to the piston (16).

15. Injector device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that The piston connector (34) includes a cap receivable around a piston top (50) of the syringe (12).

16. The syringe device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that The piston connector (34) includes a stop (56) that is abuttingly engageable with the syringe support (24) to limit the travel of the engaged piston (16).

17. Injector device according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that The syringe portion includes a stopper at or adjacent to its tip.

18. Injector device (10) according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that The finger grip (32) is configured in any of the following forms: a protrusion (36); a contour protrusion; a finger ring; or a needle tube flange.

19. Injector device according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that The syringe portion is a syringe, and the movable member is formed integrally with a syringe body of the syringe.

20. Injector device according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that The movable member is formed integrally with the piston.

21. Injector device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that This is in the form of a syringe connector device (14) which is engageable with a syringe (12).

22. A syringe device (10) comprising: A syringe (12) having a syringe body (18) and a piston (16) receivable in the syringe body (18); and The syringe connector device (14) according to claim 21; Characterized in that the engagement of the syringe (12) with the syringe connector assembly (14) allows a user to operate the syringe device (10) with one hand.

23. Injector device (10) according to claim 22, characterized in that The syringe (12) is a plastic syringe.

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