Needle shield puller for a drug delivery system

Abstract

Needle shield puller for drug delivery systems. A device for removing a protective shield, such as a needle shield, is disclosed. The device includes a cup-shaped body having a sidewall, a distal bottom wall, and a proximal opening. The protective shield is insertable into the cup-shaped body through the proximal opening of the cup-shaped body. Fingers are disposed opposite one another in openings in the sidewall. The fingers are flexibly coupled with the sidewall at proximal ends of the fingers and are elastically biasable inward to engage the protective shield. Each finger includes at least one protrusion for engaging the protective shield. The fingers can also include distal engagement surfaces for engaging a lip on the protective shield.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201880065961.7. This disclosure relates to a drug delivery system, and more particularly to a device for removing a needle shield from the drug delivery system. Background Technology

[0002] Many self-administering injection devices are used with a medication cartridge containing a needle, in which a needle guard is detachably attached to the cartridge. The needle guard not only prevents accidental pricks but also protects the needle from contamination and accidental damage.

[0003] For some individuals, such as those with limited or impaired hand dexterity, removing such needle shields by hand can be a difficult, risky, or simply unpleasant task. Specialized devices in the form of needle shield pullers can be used to facilitate needle shield removal.

[0004] Many needle shield pullers are designed to work only for a specific needle shield design or only for a limited number of needle shield designs. As a result, manufacturers of injection devices that employ a variety of different needle shields may also need to provide a variety of different needle shield pullers to work for different needle shields. This increase in parts and inventory is undesirable. Similarly, any patient using an injection device to self-administer medication may potentially encounter different needle shield designs, and a different needle shield puller may be required for each different needle shield design. Figures 4 to 6 The diagram illustrates a prior art needle shield puller 40. The needle shield puller 40 has a cup-shaped body that fits onto a needle shield 24'. A pair of proximal-extending members 42 are flexibly attached to the distal end 44 of a base closest to the cup-shaped body. To remove the needle shield 24', the needle shield puller 40 is positioned on the shield 24', and a base cap (not shown) is engaged with the puller 40 to radially inwardly press the fingers 42, thereby clamping the shield 24'. While pressing the fingers 42 inward, the user pulls the base cap, needle shield puller 40, and the clamped needle shield 24' as a unit distally away from the medication container, thereby removing the needle shield 24' from the container and the needle. Although the needle shield puller 40 is effective for some needle shields, it can only be used with a limited number of needle shield designs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a device for removing a protective shield is provided. The device includes a cup-shaped body defined about a longitudinal axis. The body includes a sidewall and a distal bottom wall external to an interior space, and a proximal opening communicating with the interior space. The proximal opening is configured to receive the protective shield for placement within the interior space. The sidewall includes a plurality of sidewall openings formed therein. A plurality of fingers are provided, each finger having a proximal end flexibly engaged with the sidewall. Each finger extends distally within a corresponding sidewall opening. Each of the fingers also includes at least one protrusion extending circumferentially and projecting toward the interior space. When the protective shield is placed within the interior space, the at least one protrusion can engage with the protective shield.

[0006] In another embodiment, a drug delivery system is disclosed. This system includes a drug delivery mechanism comprising a drug container, an injection needle in communication with the drug container, and a drive assembly for dispensing a drug from the drug container via the injection needle. A protective shield is positioned around the injection needle. A puller device (such as the puller device previously described) is configured to remove the protective shield. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The features and other features mentioned above in this disclosure, as well as the ways in which they are obtained, will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of an injection device with a needle and a needle guard.

[0008] Figure 2 Is it possible to... Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a needle shield used in conjunction with a device.

[0009] Figure 3 Is it possible to... Figure 1 A perspective view of another example of a needle shield used in conjunction with a device.

[0010] Figure 4 Is with Figure 1 A perspective view of a prior art needle shield puller with a needle shield attached.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the existing needle shield puller and needle shield.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional perspective view of a prior art needle shield puller, shown with the needle and needle shield omitted.

[0013] Figure 7This is a perspective view of an exemplary needle shield puller of this disclosure that engages with a needle shield.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional perspective view of the needle shield puller and the needle shield.

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional perspective view of the needle guard puller, in which the needle guard is omitted.

[0016] Throughout the various views, corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Although the examples set forth herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, the embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Examples of needle sheath puller devices and / or drug delivery systems having such needle sheath puller devices are disclosed, which can be used to conveniently remove a variety of different needle sheath designs from the needle cannula. One advantage of the puller devices disclosed herein is that they provide a puller device design suitable for rigid needle sheaths constructed in different ways, thereby reducing manufacturing and inventory costs. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary drug delivery system 20 in the form of an injection device is provided.

[0018] The illustrated system 20 is shown as an autoinjector (or auto-injector) that, when triggered by a user, automatically inserts a syringe needle into the user's body and then automatically injects a dose of medication through the needle. However, the device could be a disposable or reusable pen-type drug injection device, which is manually operated by the user to selectively set the dose and then inject that set dose. This type of injection device is well known, and the description of the device is merely illustrative, as the puller device 30 can be adapted for use in drug delivery devices constructed in various ways, including pen-type drug injection devices constructed in different ways, injection devices of different shapes, infusion pump devices, infusion syringes, and bolus syringes.

[0019] System 20 includes components configured to advance a needle 22 and inject a drug through the needle 22. In some examples, these components are configured to advance and retract the needle 22. The system housing defines an injection cavity 21 that contains a drug container 16, which contains the drug and communicates with the injection needle 22. A drive assembly 18 is operatively coupled to the container 16 within the injection cavity 21 and causes dispensing of the drug from the container 16 through the needle 22 by advancing a piston within the container 16. A detailed description of an autoinjection mechanism such as system 20 and drive assembly 18 can be found in U.S. Patent No. 8,734,394 B2 to Adams et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0020] Device 20 may also include a pharmaceutical agent. In another embodiment, the system may include one or more devices comprising device 20 and a pharmaceutical agent stored in container 16. The term “pharmaceutical agent” refers to one or more therapeutic agents, including but not limited to insulin, insulin analogs (such as insulin lispro or insulin glargine), insulin derivatives, GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as duraglutide or liraglutide), glucagon, glucagon analogs, glucagon derivatives, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), GIP analogs, GIP derivatives, gastric acid regulator analogs, gastric acid regulator derivatives, therapeutic antibodies (including but not limited to IL-23 antibody analogs or derivatives, such as mirikizumab, IL-17 antibody analogs or derivatives, such as ixekizumab), therapeutic agents for pain-related treatment (such as galcanezumab, lasmiditan), and any therapeutic agent capable of being delivered via the above-described devices. Pharmaceutical agents used in the devices may be formulated with one or more excipients. The device is operated by a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional in a manner generally as described above to deliver medication to a person.

[0021] Needle 22 is a syringe needle defining a central channel through which medication can be injected. Needle 22 is initially covered and protected by a protective shield 24. In the illustrated embodiment, shield 24 protects the needle and is referred to herein as a needle shield. However, this does not imply that the protective shield 24 is limited to protecting the needle, as the shield may be operable to protect other sharp or vulnerable components within the medical device. Needle shield 24 may include a rigid housing 26 and / or a resilient, flexible material 28 within the inner wall of housing 26. Material 28 may be rubber, silicone, or other suitable materials and helps protect needle 22 from contamination and physical damage. Rigid housing 26 also protects needle 22 from physical damage and helps prevent accidental needlesticking.

[0022] Before performing the initial injection, remove the needle shield 24 from the needle 22 at the injection end of the system. The needle shield 24 can be removed manually without the use of any device; however, most users will find that using a suitable device (such as...) is necessary. Figures 7 to 9 The puller device 30 shown in the figure makes it easier and more convenient to remove the needle cover 24.

[0023] Generally, the needle shield 24 is not reattached after the initial removal; however, some embodiments allow the reattachment of the shield 24 to cover the needle 22. If the shield 24 is reattached, it needs to be removed before the next use of the needle 22. Figures 7 to 9 The device 30 is reusable and can be used to remove the reattached shield 24. When used with the protective shield of the cover needle, the device 30 may also be referred to as a needle shield puller; however, this designation does not imply that the device 30 is limited to removing the protective shield of the cover needle.

[0024] Note that, although Figure 1 An exemplary drug delivery system is depicted, but Figures 7 to 9 Device 30 is not limited to any specific injection device and can be used to remove needle guards used with other drug delivery mechanisms (either automatic or manual), syringes, and other articles employing injection needles. Similarly, it can also be used to remove protective guards used with other similar articles. For example, device 30 is used with such protective guards if a protective guard similar to those used with injection needles is used with a lancet or similar article for drawing blood from a patient, or any other form of small sharp device.

[0025] The needle shield 24 can be attached to the medicine container 16 to cover the needle (within the shield housing). Figure 2 As shown, a first example of the needle guard 24 has a rigid outer shell 26 having a generally cylindrical external shape. The rigid outer shell 26 also includes two axially extending segments 32 on its outer surface that are opposite each other. The segments 32 are positioned diametrically opposite each other, however... Figure 2 Only one section is visible from the perspective of the needle 22. The planar section 32 also includes a plurality of parallel protruding ribs 34, which extend laterally in a direction perpendicular to the needle 22 and are arranged longitudinally relative to each other along the needle's longitudinal axis. The section 32 with ribs 34 is used to provide a more easily clamped surface to facilitate the removal of the needle guard 24 from the container 16 and the needle 22.

[0026] Figure 3 An alternative needle shield 36 is shown. The needle shield 36 is shown attached to the drug container and covers the needle (within the shield). Figure 3As shown, a second example of the needle guard 36 has a rigid housing 37 having a generally cylindrical external shape, which may or may not include ribs (shown as a smooth, ribless surface). The rigid housing also includes longitudinal segments 39 circumferentially spaced apart from each other. The needle guard 36 includes a projecting radial lip 38 along its bottom distal edge. The projecting lip 38 engages with the segment 39 and provides a surface through which the needle guard 36 can be gripped or engaged when removed from the container 16 and the needle 22.

[0027] Figures 7 to 9 The device 30 shown functions as a protective shield puller and is effective for both needle shields 24 and 36, as well as many other protective shields. Device 30 has a longitudinal axis 52 (see...) Figure 8 The cup-shaped body 50 is defined by a longitudinal axis 52 that may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the needle. The cup-shaped body 50 includes a sidewall 54 and a distal bottom wall 58 externally connected to the internal space 56. A proximal opening 60 is positioned opposite the distal bottom wall 58 and communicates with the internal space 56, thereby allowing a protective shield to be inserted into the internal space 56 through the opening 60. The device 30 may include a radially outwardly projecting radial lip 62 extending about the opening 60 to enhance the clampability of the device 30, thereby assisting in the manipulation and manual operation of the device 30. The device 30 may include a cutout 64 extending axially from the edge of the opening 60 to provide greater flexibility to the device 30 at the opening 60. The device 30 may include an annular recess 66 on the outer surface 68 of the sidewall near the distal bottom wall 58. The recess 66 may be used to securely attach to the end plate 67. Figure 1 The receiving recess (shown in the diagram) forms an integral unit, allowing the user to remove the device 30 from the injection end plate 67 of the system. The end plate 67 may include a base flange 68 covering the injection cavity of the system 20 and / or an intermediate barrel 69 extending from the base flange 68 into the injection cavity of the system. The sidewall of the barrel defines an axial bore 71 that receives the device 30 and the shield 24 and is arranged coaxially with both, wherein the device is coaxially positioned about the shield. The inner surface 79 of the barrel sidewall may include an inner radial flange 75 to mate within a recess 66 of the device 30. The device 30 may include an opening 70 formed in the bottom wall 58 about an axis 52 to equalize the air pressure between the interior space 56 and the surrounding environment near the bottom wall 58, and to prevent high or low air pressure within the interior space 56 from interfering with the insertion or removal of the protective shield.

[0028] The sidewall 54 may include sidewall openings, shown as comprising two diametrically opposed sidewall openings 72. The device 30 may include fingers 74 located within the sidewall openings 72. In one example, the fingers 74 are located in each opening 72, and the pair of fingers 74 are positioned opposite each other relative to the interior space 56. Thus, when the inner surface 79 of the cylindrical sidewall of the end plate 67 is pressed or actuated radially inward toward the axis 52 to clamp the protective shield (due to their engagement), the fingers 74 pivot or move toward each other. Each finger 74 is flexibly engaged with the sidewall 54 at a proximal hinged end 76 of the finger. Each finger 74 can be resiliently biased into the interior space 56.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the cup-shaped body 50 is formed from a polymeric material using an injection molding process. Each of the fingers 74 is integrally formed with the sidewall 54. The fingers 74 are flexibly connected to the sidewall 54 via a movable hinge 78 at their proximal ends 76. The distal end 80 of each finger 74 extends freely and is positioned within an opening 72.

[0030] The opening 72 extends distally beyond the distal end 80 of the finger 74 disposed therein to leave an open gap that allows the user to easily see inside the internal space 56 and the extent to which the protective shield has been inserted into the device 30. Advantageously, this gap is large enough that the opening 72 extends distally beyond the distal end 80 of the finger 74 by a distance at least equal to the circumferential width 82 of the finger 74 (see...). Figure 7 The distance 84 is equal to the distance by which the opening 72 extends distally beyond the distal end 80 of the finger 74. The reference numeral 73 indicates the axial length of the opening 72. Alternatively, the distance 84 is at least 50% of the distance 75 between the proximal end 76 and the distal end 80 of the finger 74. Even more advantageously, the distance 84 satisfies both conditions and is at least as large as the greater of 50% of the circumferential width 82 of the finger 74 and the distance between the finger tips 76, 80.

[0031] Each finger 74 may include at least one protrusion 86 that extends laterally in a circumferential direction and projects radially toward the interior space 56 at its end. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the circumferential direction extends along the circumference of the cup-shaped body 50 or other portion in a direction perpendicular to axis 52. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the fingers 74 includes a plurality of parallel protrusions 86 extending in a circumferential direction.

[0032] While the protrusion 86 is potentially capable of clamping most needle shield designs to allow for shield removal, it is particularly well-suited for use with needle shields such as shield 24, which includes ribs 34 or other irregularities on opposite sides of the shield that can be frictionally or interlockingly (preferably) engaged by the protrusion 86. More specifically, when the protective shield is inserted into the internal space 56 of the device 30 through the opening 60, the user can retract the end plate 67, which includes a barrel sidewall that radially presses inward against the biasing fingers 74, causing the protrusion 86 to engage the protective shield. With the protrusion 86 clamping the protective shield, the user can then pull the protective shield away from the device on which it is mounted. In some embodiments without the end plate 67, the system may be configured such that the user applies an inward radial force to the fingers 74 to clamp the shield.

[0033] The outward-facing surfaces of the fingers 74 include features that enhance the ability of the fingers 74 to bias inward and pivot. More specifically, each finger includes a pair of radially outward-projecting and axially extending ridges 88 located on opposite circumferential sides of the recess 90. This provides a convenient construction to reinforce the fingers. The raised ridges 88 are helpful when the fingers 74 are pressed radially inward. The outer surfaces of the ridges 88 also provide engagement surfaces for the inner surface 79 of the engagement cylinder. The recess 90 located between the ridges 88 provides space to receive the user's fingertips. Depending on the manner in which the clamping device 30 is used, either or both of the ridges 88 and the recesses 90 will facilitate manipulation of the device and the downward pressure of the fingers 74 engaging with the protective shield.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, each recess 90 includes a bottom wall 92 facing radially outward. Each of the recesses 90 may define a proximal boundary 94 spaced distal to the proximal end 76 of the finger 74 on which the recess is positioned. This prevents the recess 90 from reducing the thickness of the movable hinge 78. A sidewall 54 defines an outer surface 55 that defines a distance from the axis 52 at each axial position. The bottom wall 92 of the recess 90 is positioned radially inward of the outer surface 55, i.e., at a smaller radial distance from the axis 52, while the outward-facing surface 89 on the ridge 88 is positioned radially outward of the outer surface 55, spaced apart from it, i.e., at a larger radial distance from the axis 52. In other words, at a given axial position, the outer surface 55 of the sidewall 54 defines a first diameter 100, the outward-facing surface 89 on the ridge 88 defines a second diameter 98, and the bottom wall 92 of the recess 90 defines a third diameter 96, wherein the second diameter 98 is greater than the first diameter 100, and the first diameter 100 is greater than the third diameter 96.

[0035] As mentioned above, protrusions 86 are used to engage the protective shield. In the illustrated embodiment, each protrusion 86 includes a proximal surface 102 and a distal surface 104. In one example, the proximal surfaces 102 are all parallel, and the distal surfaces 104 are all parallel.

[0036] Furthermore, the protrusions 86 on each finger 74 define a first radial inner boundary 106, namely, a minimum radial distance from the axis 52 defined by one of the surfaces 102, 104 of the protrusion 86; and a first radial outer boundary 108, namely, a maximum radial distance from the axis 52 defined by one of the surfaces 102, 104 of the protrusion 86. The nearest side surface 102 and the farthest side surface 104 may be configured to extend beyond the radial inner boundary 106 and the radial outer boundary 108.

[0037] In another example, refer to Figure 9 The finger 74 may include a distally facing engagement surface 110 (as shown) disposed near the distal end 80 of the finger. The distally facing engagement surface 110 defines a second radially inner boundary 112 and a second radially outer boundary 114. As shown, the first radially inner boundary 106 and the second radially inner boundary 112 may be equivalent or co-extended. The second radially outer boundary 114 may be disposed radially outside the first radially outer boundary 108. In other words, the distal engagement surface 110 extends radially inward to the same extent as the other protrusions 86, but the engagement surface 110 extends radially outward to a greater distance than the protrusions 86. This configuration of the distal engagement surface 110 allows the surface 110 to engage a radial lip of a shield, such as, for example... Figure 3 The lip 38 on the protective shield 36. When the device is retracted distally, the end of the protrusion 86 can slidably engage the outer smooth surface 37 of the shield 36. Once the distal end 80 of the finger 74 reaches the annular recess adjacent to the lip 38, the finger 74 can be biased radially inward, allowing the distal end 80 of the finger to move radially inward into the gap defined by the annular recess to position the engagement surface 110 of the finger and the distal end 74 for engagement with the lip 38. In one example, the distal end 80 of the finger is configured to extend radially inward further than the hingedly attached proximal end 76 of the finger to allow the positioning engagement feature of the distal end 80 of the protective shield, wherein the engagement feature is radially inward further than the proximal end 76 of the finger, to allow the positioning engagement feature of the distal end 80 of the protective shield to engage a feature further radially inward than the proximal end 76 of the finger. The device 30 can be used with shields that are constructed in different ways and have engagement features on their sides, such as shield 24 and / or shields with a distal lip (such as shield 36).

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment of device 30, on each finger 74, the distalest protrusion 86 has a distally facing surface forming a distal engagement surface 110. It is also noted that, in the illustrated embodiment, a second radially outer boundary 114 defined by the distally facing engagement surface 110 is located radially outside the bottom wall 92 of the recess 90 disposed on the finger 74. In another example, the distal surface of the distalest protrusion 86 (shown as surface 110) extends radially outward compared to the distal surface of at least one of the other protrusions 86. In yet another example, the distal surface of the distalest protrusion 86 (shown as surface 110) extends radially outward compared to the distal surface of the protrusion 86 proximal to the distalest protrusion.

[0039] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, it is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Protection is intended for all changes, equivalents, and modifications falling within the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims included herein.

[0040] This disclosure describes various aspects, including but not limited to the following: 1. An apparatus for removing a protective shield, the apparatus comprising a cup-shaped body defined about a longitudinal axis, the body having a sidewall and a distal bottom wall external to an interior space, and a proximal opening communicating with the interior space, wherein the proximal opening is configured to receive a protective shield to be placed within the interior space, wherein the sidewall includes a plurality of sidewall openings formed therein; a plurality of fingers, wherein each finger has a proximal end flexibly coupled to the sidewall and extends distally within a corresponding sidewall opening, each of the fingers further including at least one protrusion extending circumferentially and projecting toward the interior space, wherein at least one protrusion on each finger is capable of engaging the protective shield when the protective shield is placed within the interior space.

[0041] 2. The apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the at least one protrusion on each finger comprises a plurality of parallel protrusions extending in a circumferential direction on each finger.

[0042] 3. The device of any one of aspects 1 to 2, wherein each of the fingers includes a distal end, and the sidewall opening extends distally beyond the distal end of the finger disposed therein by a distance at least as large as the circumferential width of the finger disposed therein.

[0043] 4. The device of aspect 3, wherein each of the fingers is integrally formed with the sidewall, and each of the fingers is flexibly connected to the sidewall via a movable hinge, and wherein the opening of the sidewall extends distally beyond the distal end of the finger disposed therein by a distance at least 50% of the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the finger disposed therein.

[0044] 5. The device of any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein each of the fingers has an outwardly facing surface defining a pair of axial ridges disposed on opposing circumferential sides of a recess formed on the outwardly facing surface of the finger, wherein the finger includes a recess wall facing radially outward, the recess wall being disposed radially inward relative to the outer surface of a sidewall adjacent to the axial ridge.

[0045] 6. The apparatus of aspect 5, wherein the outer surface of the sidewall defines a first diameter, the outwardly facing surface of the axial ridge defines a second diameter, the recessed wall defines a third diameter, and wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, and the first diameter is larger than the third diameter.

[0046] 7. The device of any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the at least one protrusion on each finger includes a proximal surface and a distal surface, the proximal surface and the distal surface defining a first radial inner limit and a first radial outer limit of the at least one protrusion, wherein each of the fingers further includes a distally facing engagement surface disposed at a distal end of the finger, wherein the distally facing engagement surface defines a second radial inner limit and a second radial outer limit, the second radial outer limit being disposed radially further away than the first radial outer limit.

[0047] 8. An apparatus for removing a protective shield, the apparatus comprising: a cup-shaped body defining an axis and having: a sidewall external to an internal space, a distal bottom wall, and a proximal opening communicating with the internal space, the protective shield being insertable into the internal space through the proximal opening; a pair of fingers disposed in the opening in the sidewall and positioned opposite each other relative to the internal space, each of the fingers being flexibly coupled to the sidewall at its proximal end, wherein each finger is resiliently biased into the internal space; each finger further comprising a plurality of parallel protrusions extending circumferentially and projecting toward the internal space, such that when the protective shield is disposed within the internal space and the pair of fingers is biased inward, the plurality of protrusions on each finger are resiliently biased into the internal space. Engaged in a clamping manner with the protective shield to facilitate its removal; and wherein each of the plurality of protrusions on each finger includes a proximal surface and a distal surface, the proximal surface and the distal surface defining a first radial inner limit and a first radial outer limit for each respective finger of the plurality of protrusions, and wherein each of the pair of fingers further includes a distally facing engagement surface disposed near the distal end of each respective finger, wherein the distally facing engagement surface defines a second radial inner limit and a second radial outer limit for each respective finger, and the first radial inner limit and the second radial inner limit are equivalent for each finger, and the second radial outer limit is disposed radially outside the first radial outer limit.

[0048] 9. The apparatus of aspect 8, wherein, for each corresponding finger, the proximal surfaces of the plurality of protrusions are all parallel, and the distal surfaces of the plurality of protrusions are all parallel, and wherein the distal protrusion on each finger has a proximal surface defining the distal engagement surface of the corresponding finger.

[0049] 10. The device of aspect 9, wherein the opening in the sidewall extends distally beyond the distal end of a finger disposed therein by a distance at least as large as the greater of 50% of the circumferential width of the finger disposed therein and the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the finger disposed therein, and wherein each of the pair of fingers is integrally formed with the sidewall, thereby flexibly connecting each of the pair of fingers to the sidewall via a movable hinge.

[0050] 11. The device of any one of aspects 8 to 10, wherein each of the pair of fingers has an outwardly facing surface defining a pair of radially outwardly projecting and axially extending ridges disposed on opposing circumferential sides of a recess formed on the outwardly facing surface of the finger, and wherein the recess has a bottom wall disposed on the radially inner side of the outer surface of the sidewall facing radially outward.

[0051] 12. The apparatus of aspect 11, wherein the outer surface of the sidewall defines a first diameter, the outwardly facing surface on the ridge defined by the pair of fingers defines a second diameter, the bottom wall of the recess on the pair of fingers defines a third diameter, and wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, and the first diameter is larger than the third diameter, and wherein each of the recesses on the pair of fingers defines a proximal boundary, the proximal boundary being spaced apart from the distal side of the proximal end of each corresponding finger.

[0052] 13. The device of aspect 12, wherein the opening in the sidewall extends distally beyond the distal end of a finger disposed therein by a distance at least as large as the greater of 50% of the circumferential width of the finger disposed therein and the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the finger disposed therein, and wherein each of the pair of fingers is integrally formed with the sidewall, thereby flexibly connecting each of the pair of fingers to the sidewall via a movable hinge; wherein, for each finger, the proximal-facing surfaces of the plurality of protrusions are all parallel, and the distal-facing surfaces of the plurality of protrusions are all parallel, and wherein, for each finger, the distalest protrusion on the finger has a proximal-facing surface defining a distal-facing engagement surface of the finger; and wherein, for each finger, a second radially outer boundary defined by the distal-facing engagement surface is disposed radially outside the bottom wall of the recess disposed on the finger.

[0053] 14. A drug delivery system includes a drug delivery mechanism comprising a drug container, an injection needle communicating with the drug container, a drive assembly for dispensing a drug from the drug container via the injection needle; a protective shield disposed around the injection needle; and a puller device configured to remove the protective shield, the device comprising: a puller body having: a sidewall externally oriented to an internal space about a longitudinal axis, a distal bottom wall interconnected to the sidewall, and a proximal opening communicating with the internal space, the protective shield being insertable into the internal space through the proximal opening; a plurality of resilient fingers disposed in openings defined in the sidewalls and positioned opposite each other relative to the internal space, each of the fingers having a proximal end flexibly coupled to the sidewalls and extending distally toward the distal bottom wall; and each finger further comprising at least one protrusion extending toward the internal space and engaging the protective shield in a manner to facilitate removal of the protective shield during removal by the puller device.

[0054] 15. The system of aspect 14, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions disposed along the finger, each of the protrusions comprising a proximal surface and a distal surface.

[0055] 16. The system of aspect 15, wherein the distal surface of the most distal of a plurality of protrusions in each of the fingers defines a distal engagement surface, the distal engagement surface extending radially outward compared to the distal surface of at least one of the other protrusions.

[0056] 17. A system of any one of aspects 14 to 16, wherein the opening in the sidewall extends distally beyond the distal end of a finger disposed therein by a distance at least as large as the greater of 50% of the circumferential width of the finger disposed therein and the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the finger disposed therein, and wherein each of the fingers is integrally formed with the sidewall, wherein the proximal end of each finger is flexibly connected to the sidewall by a movable hinge.

[0057] 18. A system of any one of aspects 14 to 16, wherein each of the fingers has an outward-facing surface defining a pair of axial ridges disposed on opposite circumferential sides of a recess defined within the outward-facing surface of the finger, wherein the recess has a bottom wall disposed radially outwardly on the radially inner side of the outer surface of the sidewall.

[0058] 19. The system of aspect 18, wherein the outer surface of the sidewall defines a first diameter at opposite ends, the outward-facing surface on the axial ridge defines a second diameter, the bottom wall of the recess on the finger defines a third diameter, and wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter, the first diameter is greater than the third diameter, and each of the recesses on the finger defines a proximal boundary, the proximal boundary being spaced apart from the distal side of the proximal end of each corresponding finger.

[0059] 20. The system of aspect 19, wherein the opening in the sidewall extends distally beyond the distal end of a finger disposed therein by a distance at least as large as the greater of 50% of the circumferential width of the finger disposed therein and the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the finger disposed therein, and wherein each of the fingers is integrally formed with the sidewall, thereby flexibly connecting each of the fingers to the sidewall via a movable hinge; wherein, for each finger, the proximal surfaces of the plurality of protrusions are all parallel, and the distal surfaces of the plurality of protrusions are all parallel, and wherein, for each finger, the distal surface of the distalest protrusion on the finger defines a distally facing engagement surface of the finger; and wherein, for each finger, a second radially outer boundary defined by the distally facing engagement surface is disposed radially outside the bottom wall of the recess disposed on the finger.

Claims

1. A device for removing first-type and second-type protective shields, wherein, The first type differs from the second type. The device includes a cup-shaped body defined about a longitudinal axis, the body having a sidewall and a distal bottom wall external to an internal space, and a proximal opening communicating with the internal space, wherein the proximal opening is configured to receive a protective shield of the first type and the second type to be placed in the internal space, wherein the sidewall includes a plurality of sidewall openings formed therein; a plurality of fingers, wherein each finger has a proximal end flexibly connected to the sidewall and extends distally within a corresponding sidewall opening, each of the fingers further including at least one protrusion extending circumferentially and projecting toward the internal space, wherein when the protective shield is placed in the internal space, the at least one protrusion on each finger is capable of engaging a rib portion of the protective shield of the first type; Wherein, the at least one protrusion on each finger includes a plurality of parallel protrusions extending in the circumferential direction on each finger; The at least one protrusion on each finger includes a proximal surface and a distal surface, the proximal surface and the distal surface defining a first radial inner boundary and a first radial outer boundary of the at least one protrusion, wherein each of the fingers also includes a distally facing engagement surface disposed at the distal end of the finger, wherein the distally facing engagement surface defines a second radial inner boundary and a second radial outer boundary, the second radial outer boundary being disposed radially further away than the first radial outer boundary, wherein the distally facing engagement surface is capable of engaging with a radial lip of the second type of protective shield; The device has an end plate including a cylindrical sidewall, wherein the cylindrical sidewall presses the finger radially inward such that the finger is directed toward a portion of the first or second type of protective shield.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the fingers includes a distal end, and the sidewall opening extends distally beyond the distal end of the finger in which it is disposed by a distance at least equal to the circumferential width of the finger in which it is disposed.

3. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the fingers is integrally formed with the sidewall, and each of the fingers is flexibly connected to the sidewall via a movable hinge, wherein the opening in the sidewall extends distally beyond the distal end of the finger disposed therein by a distance at least 50% of the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the finger disposed therein.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the fingers has an outward-facing surface that defines a pair of axial ridges disposed on opposite circumferential sides of a recess formed on the outward-facing surface of the finger, wherein the finger includes a recess wall facing radially outward that is disposed radially inward relative to the outer surface of a sidewall adjacent to the axial ridge.

5. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The outer surface of the sidewall defines a first diameter, the outward-facing surface of the axial ridge defines a second diameter, the recessed wall defines a third diameter, and wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, and the first diameter is larger than the third diameter.

6. A drug delivery system comprising: A drug delivery mechanism includes a drug container, an injection needle in communication with the drug container, and a drive assembly for dispensing a drug from the drug container through the injection needle; A protective shield is positioned around the injection needle; as well as A puller device configured to remove a first type and a second type of protective shield, wherein the first type is different from the second type, the device comprising: A puller body having a sidewall externally connected to an internal space about a longitudinal axis, a distal bottom wall interconnected to the sidewall, and a proximal opening communicating with the internal space, wherein the protective shields of the first type and the second type can be inserted into the internal space through the proximal opening; A plurality of resilient fingers, disposed in openings defined in the sidewall and positioned opposite each other relative to the interior space, each finger having a proximal end flexibly connected to the sidewall and extending distally toward the distal bottom wall; and Each finger also includes at least one protrusion that extends toward the interior space and engages in a manner that engages a rib of the first type of protective shield to facilitate the removal of the protective shield during removal of the puller device; Wherein, the at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions disposed along the finger, each of the protrusions including a proximal surface and a distal surface; The distal surface of the most distal protrusion among the plurality of protrusions in each of the fingers defines a distal engagement surface, which extends radially outward compared to the distal surface of at least one of the other protrusions, wherein the distal engagement surface is capable of engaging with the radial lip of the second type of protective shield. The device has an end plate including a cylindrical sidewall, wherein the cylindrical sidewall presses the finger radially inward such that the finger is directed toward a portion of the first or second type of protective shield.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The opening in the sidewall extends distally beyond the distal end of the finger in which it is disposed, the distance being at least as large as the greater of the circumferential width of the finger in which it is disposed and 50% of the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the finger in which it is disposed, and wherein each of the fingers is integrally formed with the sidewall, wherein the proximal end of each finger is flexibly connected to the sidewall by a movable hinge.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the fingers has an outward-facing surface that defines a pair of axial ridges disposed on opposite circumferential sides of a recess defined within the outward-facing surface of the finger, wherein the recess has a bottom wall disposed radially outwardly on the radially inner side of the outer surface of the sidewall.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The outer surface of the sidewall defines a first diameter at opposite ends, the outward-facing surface on the axial ridge defines a second diameter, the bottom wall of the recess on the finger defines a third diameter, and wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, the first diameter is larger than the third diameter, and each of the recesses within the finger defines a proximal boundary, the proximal boundary being spaced apart from the distal side of the proximal end of each corresponding finger.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The opening in the sidewall extends distally beyond the distal end of the finger disposed therein by a distance at least as large as the greater of the circumferential width of the finger disposed therein and 50% of the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the finger disposed therein, and wherein each of the fingers is integrally formed with the sidewall, thereby flexibly connecting each of the fingers to the sidewall via a movable hinge; Wherein, for each finger, the proximal surfaces of the plurality of protrusions are all parallel, and the distal surfaces of the plurality of protrusions are all parallel, and wherein, for each finger, the distal surface of the distalest protrusion on the finger defines the distally facing engagement surface of the finger; and Wherein, for each finger, a second radial outer boundary defined by the distal engagement surface is disposed radially outside the bottom wall of the recess disposed on the finger.

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