Syringe actuation apparatus and / or method of use thereof

Abstract

Syringe actuation apparatus including, a main body 22 for supporting a removable syringe in use; movement means movably mounted on the main body for moving a plunger of the removable syringe to allow dispensing of a product contained in the syringe in use; and actuation means for actuating movement of the movement means in use; the actuation means and / or movement means including a ratchet mechanism; characterised in that the syringe actuation apparatus includes strengthening means for strengthening the ratchet mechanism and / or movement means. The actuation mean may comprise a trigger handle 72. The ratchet mechanism may comprise a rack or gear 60 with a plurality of teeth 64 and a pawl or engaging member 71 that engages the rack or gear teeth. The strengthening means may comprise at least one rib member (70, fig.4), or a further rack or gear and at least one further pawl or engaging member. Also discloses is a method of using the syringe actuation apparatus, including inserting and supporting a removable syringe with a main body of the apparatus, and actuating the actuation means to dispense product contained in the removable syringe. The apparatus aims to make syringe actuation easier for users.

Description

The present invention relates to syringe actuation apparatus and / or to a method of use thereof. Although the following description refers almost exclusively to syringe actuation apparatus for actuating a syringe in use containing a relatively viscous fluid, such as for example dermal fillers for use in human subjects, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the syringe actuation apparatus of the present invention could be used to dispense any type of flowable fluid for any purpose. For example, the syringe actuation apparatus could be used to dispense liquid pharmaceutical products to a human or animal subject, it could be used to dispense fluid products in industrial and / or laboratory processes and / or the Eke. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected under the skin of a human patient to provide the patient with a smoother or fuller appearance at the injection site and / or to provide a desired skin shape or contouring at or adjacent the injection site. For example, dermal fillers are commonly used to provide enhanced body contouring in human subjects around the hips, calves, buttocks and breasts. Although the enhanced aesthetic effect on the patient provided by the dermal fillers is temporary, the use of dermal fillers is a more cost effective, faster and less risky alternative to surgery. As such, use of dermal fillers is increasing year on year. Examples of materials used in dermal fillers include Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium Hydroxylapatite, and Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA). Conventionally, a syringe and / or cannula have been used to inject dermal fillers at a required location in a patient. However, as dermal fillers are geldike viscous fluids, actuation of the syringe manually can be difficult and may require significant force to be applied by the health care practitioner or beautician actuating the syringe in use. In some cases, two practitioners may be required to deEver a treatment to a patient due to the physically tiring nature of the syringe application process and the force required to actuate the syringe. In addition, depending on the location of the injection site and the degree of body contouring required by a subject, there can often be as many as ten syringe loads of dermal filler to be applied to each side of a patient’s body at any one treatment appointment. This can result in hand and wrist pain and / or injury for the practitioner providing the treatment and may further result in the practitioner having to limit the number of treatments they can perform in a single day due to hand and wrist fatigue. In order to make syringe actuation easier for a user, to reduce user hand fatigue and to allow improved control of the amount of liquid being dispensed from a syringe in use, it is known to provide syringe actuation apparatus. An example of known syringe actuation apparatus is disclosed in US4022207. The actuator apparatus has a main body shaped to support a syringe therein. A plunger of the syringe is moved by a plunger actuator provided on the apparatus. The apparatus plunger actuator includes a ratchet mechanism that allows manual single handed operation of the apparatus. The ratchet mechanism includes a rack on one surface of the main body, and a pawl located on an opposing surface of a push portion. The pawl engages into the back side of teeth provided on the rack and movement of the push portion causes advancement of the pawl along the rack. A reciprocal mounted pusher is provided on the push portion and the pusher is spring biased to an extended position. Thumb applied pressure on the pusher moves the push portion to advance the pawl along the rack in use. Although syringe actuation apparatus typically provides a mechanical advantage to direct manual syringe actuation for non-viscose fluids, such apparatus is known to twist and bend and / or allow insufficient force to be applied to the apparatus plunger actuator when attempts are made to dispense more viscous fluids from the same. It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide syringe actuation apparatus and / or a method of use that overcomes the abovementioned problems. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide syringe actuation apparatus that is designed to support and / or actuate a syringe comprising a syringe chamber and syringe plunger. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided syringe actuation apparatus; said apparatus including a main body for supporting a removable syringe in use; movement means movably mounted on the main body for moving a plunger of the removable syringe to allow dispensing of a product contained in the removable syringe in use; and actuation means for actuating movement of the movement means in use; the actuation means and / or movement means including a ratchet mechanism; characterised in that the syringe actuation apparatus includes strengthening means for strengthening the ratchet mechanism and / or movement means. Thus, it has been found that by providing strengthening means, this significantly strengthens the ratchet mechanism and / or movement means of the apparatus and prevents bending, twisting and / or breaking of the same in use. This is particularly advantageous when the syringe actuation apparatus is being used to dispense a relatively viscous fluid from a syringe being removably supported by the apparatus in use. Preferably the apparatus is a type of apparatus that allows indirect actuation of a plunger of a syringe in use. The removable syringe and plunger are located in the apparatus and the apparatus moves the plunger via a movement mechanism to allow dispensing of product contained within the syringe rather than requiring a user to directly move the plunger of the syringe in use. The syringe actuation apparatus reduces the effort and force required for a user to dispense product from the syringe in use. In one embodiment the ratchet mechanism comprises a rack or gear with a plurality of teeth defined thereon, and a pawl or engaging member that engages with one or more of the teeth of the rack or gear to allow movement of the movement means relative to the main body in use. In one embodiment the strengthening means can include at least one further rack or gear with a plurality of teeth, and at least one further pawl or engaging member for engaging with one or more of the teeth of the at least one further rack or gear. The provision of at least two racks or gears with corresponding teeth can prevent bending / twisting of the movement means or racks in use. Preferably the provision of at least one further rack or gear and at least one further pawl or engaging member reduces the engaging force required to be applied to each pawl or engaging member over the two racks or gears. Preferably the two racks or gears are provided parallel or substantially parallel to each other; are provided immediately adjacent to each other; in abutting side by side relationship with each other; or a spaced distance apart from each other. Preferably the rack and / or the teeth of the rack or gear and the further rack or gear are aligned or substantially aligned so that the pawls or engaging members of the rack / gear and further rack / gear engage with an aligned or substantially aligned teeth member, and further preferably simultaneously or substantially simultaneously in use. In one embodiment the strengthening means includes any or any combination of at least one rib member; is an elongate or substantially elongate member; is a linear or substantially linear member; is T-shaped or substantially T-shaped; is provided circumferential around the gear; is provided coaxially and / or parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the movement means. In one embodiment the strengthening means are provided on and / or associated with the movement means. In one embodiment the strengthening means can be provided on and / or associated with a surface of the movement means adjacent to and / or facing towards the area in which the plunger of the removable syringe is supported in use. In one example, the strengthening means are provided on a surface of the rack or gear. In one embodiment the strengthening means can be provided on and / or associated with the movement mean on an opposite surface of the movement means to where the plunger of the removable syringe is supported in use. Preferably the rack or gear is provided on and / or associated with the opposite surface of the movement means to where the plunger of the removable syringe is supported in use (i.e. the surface that faces away from where the plunger of the removable syringe is located in use). In one embodiment strengthening means can be provided on and / or associated with both opposing surfaces of the movement means. In one embodiment the strengthening means are arranged to divide each of the plurality of teeth of the rack or gear into at least first and second teeth portions, and the pawl or engaging member is arranged so as to engage the at least first and second teeth portions of at least one of the teeth members simultaneously or substantially simultaneously in use. In one embodiment the strengthening means includes at least one rib member. Preferably the strengthening- means or at least one rib member is an elongate or substantially elongate member. Preferably the strengthening means or at least one rib member is a linear or substantially linear member. In one embodiment the strengthening means or at least one rib member is T-shaped or substantially T-shaped. In one embodiment the strengthening means is provided coaxially and / or parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the movement means. In one embodiment the strengthening means is provided circumferentially around the gear. Preferably the height of the strengthening means or at least one rib member extends beyond the height of the plurality of teeth of the rack or gear with which the strengthening means is provided on and / or associated with. In one embodiment the strengthening means or at least one rib member is provided centrally or substantially centrally of the movement means, rack, gear or each of the teeth, and further preferably the at least first and second teeth portions either side of the strengthening means are of equal or substantially equal size. In one embodiment the strengthening means or at least one rib member is off centre of the movement means, rack, gear or each of the teeth, and further preferably the at least first and second teeth portions either side of the strengthening means are of a different size to each other. In one embodiment the strengthening means is provided along an entire or substantially entire length of the movement means, rack and / or circumference of the gear. In one embodiment the strengthening means is provided along part, or only part, of a length of the movement means, rack and / or circumference of the gear. In one embodiment the movement means includes a bar or arm member for moving the plunger of the removable syringe in use. In one embodiment the movement means, rack or gear includes one or more side walls or opposing side walls. Thus, in one example, the bar or arm member of the movement means includes one or more side walls or opposing side walls. Preferably the one or more side walls protrude outwardly from a lower surface of the movement means or from a surface of the movement means on which the rack or gear is provided. Preferably the plurality of teeth are arranged at spaced apart intervals along one or more side walls or between the opposing side walls. Preferably the plurality of teeth members are arranged transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the movement means, rack or circumference of the gear. Preferably the one or more side walls or opposing side walls extend beyond the height of the teeth members. Preferably the strengthening means and / or at least one rib member is provided a spaced distance from one or more side walls or a spaced distance between the opposing side walls. Preferably the movement means and / or rack has an end wall that protrudes outwardly therefrom. In one embodiment an end wall protrudes outwardly from an end of the rack and from an end on the opposing surface of the movement means from the rack. Preferably the end wall protruding from the movement means opposite to the rack surface acts as a stop means for an end of the removable syringe plunger to engage with in use. Preferably actuation of the actuation means m use actuates the ratchet mechanism and / or movement of the movement means with respect to the main body. Preferably actuation of the actuation means moves the rack or gear provided on and / or associated with the movement means relative to the main body in use. Preferably this is done by moving the pawl and / or further pawl relative to the teeth members and / or teeth member portions of the rack or gear in use. For example, actuation of the actuation means moves the pawl and / or further pawl relative to the teeth members of the rack or gear to cause the movement means to move relative to the main body in use. Preferably the teeth are asymmetrical, and further preferably each tooth has a relatively moderate slope on one edge and a relatively steeper slop on another edge. In one embodiment the ratchet mechanism is a linear ratchet mechanism. Preferably the rack is provided as part of the linear ratchet mechanism. Preferably actuation of the actuation means in use moves the movement means and / or rack in a linear or substantially linear direction or in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main body, syringe and / or plunger. Preferably the rack and / or movement means is slidably mounted and / or is slidably movable relative to the main body tn use. Preferably the rack and / or movement means is a linear or substantially linear member. In one embodiment the main body has a channel or recess defined therein and the rack and / or movement means are slidably movable within the channel or recess of the main body in use. Further preferably the slidable movement is actuated by actuation of the ratchet mechanism in use. Preferably the teeth member are arranged at spaced apart locations along a longitudinal axis of the rack. In one embodiment the ratchet mechanism includes a rotatably mounted gear. Preferably the gear is rotatably mounted and / or rotatably movable relative to the main body in use. Preferably the plurality of teeth are arranged at spaced apart locations around the circumference of the gear. Preferably the gear is a circular or substantially circular member. Preferably actuation of the actuation means in use moves the gear in a rotational, circular, substantially circular or substantially rotational direction in use. In one embodiment the movement means includes a plunger housing portion for housing / supporting the syringe plunger in use. Preferably the movement means or plunger housing portion includes a stop means or end wall against which an end of the syringe plunger engages with when the removable syringe is located in the apparatus in use. Preferably as the movement means moves towards the main body in use, this moves the end of the syringe plunger supported in or on the movement means towards the syringe in use. Preferably the stop means is an end wall protruding outwardly from the plunger housing portion. Preferably the rack is provided on or associated with a lower surface of the movement means and / or a surface of the movement means opposite to a surface of the plunger housing portion. Preferably the rack is provided opposite or directly opposite the actuation means. In one embodiment the main body includes a syringe housing portion for supporting / housing a removable syringe therein in use. In one embodiment the syringe housing portion includes securing means for securing the syringe within the syringe housing portion in use. Preferably the securing means can include any or any combination of one or more ties, clips, straps, inter-engaging members, protrusions, tabs, friction fit, locking means or member, closure means or member and / or the like. In one embodiment the main body includes a recess or compartment defined therein which forms the syringe housing portion. Preferably the recess, compartment or syringe housing portion has a main opening for locating a syringe within the syringe housing portion therein in use and / or for removing a syringe from the syringe housing portion in use. Preferably the main opening is defined in a top or upper surface of the main body. In one embodiment the syringe housing portion has a first slot or aperture defined in a first end of the syringe housing portion. Preferably the first slot or aperture opens into the main opening. Preferably the first slot or aperture is for the location therethrough of a needle or front end of the removable syringe that is to be housed or supported in the syringe housing portion in use. In one embodiment the syringe housing portion has a second slot or aperture defined m a second end of the syringe housing portion. Preferably the second slot or aperture is for the location therethrough of a removable plunger of the removable syringe that is to be housed or supported in the syringe housing portion in use. Preferably the second slot or aperture opens into the main opening. Preferably the second slot or end is opposite or substantially opposite to the first slot or end. Preferably the first and second slots or ends are of such size, shape and / or dimensions to prevent the entire syringe from moving through the same in use. In one embodiment one or more recesses are defined in the syringe housing portion or on the mam body for location of a finger grip portion of the removable syringe in use. The finger grip portion can be a fixed portion of the removable syringe or can be a removable finger grip portion that is locatable with a finger grip portion or an integral finger grip portion of the removable syringe. In one embodiment, provision of a removable finger grip portion allows different sized syringes to be located in the apparatus in use. In one embodiment closure means are provided on and / or associated with the opening, mam body and / or syringe housing portion to allow selective closing of the main opening in use. This helps to secure the removable syringe in position within the main body in use. Preferably the closure means are movable between an open position, wherein a syringe can be placed into and / or removed from the syringe housing portion via the main opening in use, and a closed position, wherein a syringe is prevented from being removed from the syringe housing portion in use. Preferably the closure means are pivotably, slidably and / or rotatably movable between the open and closed positions. In one embodiment at least part of the closure means and / or syringe housing portion is transparent or substantially transparent to allow a user to easily see if the product content of the removable syringe located in the syringe housing portion is being moved or dispensed and to determine the amount of product that is left to be dispensed from the removable syringe in use. In one embodiment locking means can be provided on and / or associated with the closure means and / or syringe housing portion to lock the closure means in a closed position in use. Preferably the locking means are movable between an unlocked position, wherein the closure means can be moved between the open and / or closed positions in use, and a locked position, wherein the closure means is retained in the closed position in use. In one embodiment the locking means include a snap fit closure mechanism. Preferably the locking means is slidably, rotatably and / or pivotably movable between the locked and / or unlocked positions in use. In one embodiment the locking means includes a lock actuation member for actuating manual movement of the locking means between the locked and unlocked positions in use. In one embodiment the locking means includes a locking pin that is slidably movable within a slot. Preferably the slot is arranged such that when the locking pin is located at a first end of the slot, the locking means is in the locked position, and when the locking pin is located at a second end of the slot, the locking means is m the unlocked position. In one example the locking slot is L-shaped or substantially L-shaped in form. In one embodiment the actuation means are manually actuated. In one embodiment the actuation means are automatically actuated by drive and / or powered means. In one embodiment the drive and / or power means includes a power supply, such as mains electricity, one or more batteries, rechargeable batteries and / or the Eke. In one embodiment actuation of the actuation means moves the movement means, rack, gear or plunger housing portion from a first extended position, wherein the movement means, rack, gear or plunger housing portion protrudes outwardly from the apparatus main body in a relatively extended position, to a second retracted position, wherein the movement means, rack, gear or plunger housing portion is relatively closer to the main body than in the first extended position. In one embodiment means are provided to prevent removal or withdrawal of the movement means, gear and / or rack completely from the channel or recess of the main body in use. For example, a cEp, protrusion, inter-engaging member, aperture, recess, tab, wedge member and / or the like can be provided to prevent removal of the movement means or rack from the main body, particularly, for example, when the movement means is in the first extended position. Preferably movement of the movement means, rack, gear or plunger housing portion from the first extended position to the second retracted position moves the syringe plunger housed in the plunger housing portion towards the syringe m the syringe housing portion. This typically drives any fluid in the syringe out of an aperture or needle provided at an front end of the syringe. Preferably the actuation means are movably mounted to the apparatus main body. Preferably the pawl, further pawl, engaging member or further engaging member are movably mounted on and / or movably associated with the actuation means. Thus, in one example, actuation of the actuation means results in movement of the pawl, further pawl, engaging member or further engaging member with respect to the rack(s) of gear(s) of the ratchet mechanism in use. Preferably the actuation means includes a trigger handle that is movably mounted to the apparatus main body, and further preferably that is movably mounted to an actuation portion of the apparatus main body. Preferably a user grips the trigger handle and actuation portion in their hand and moves the trigger handle towards the actuation portion tn use in order to actuate the actuation means in use. Preferably the trigger handle is pivotably, rotatably and / or slidably movable relative to the apparatus main body or actuation portion of the apparatus main body. Preferably the pawl, further pawl or teeth engaging member(s) are movable mounted or pivotably mounted to the trigger handle, and further preferably to an end of the trigger handle. Preferably movement of the trigger handle towards the actuation portion moves the pawl, further pawl, engaging member or further engaging member along the rack or gear in use. Preferably the trigger handle is movable from a first position, wherein the trigger handle is in a relatively extended position from the main body or actuation portion of the apparatus, and a second position, wherein the trigger handle is relatively closer to the main body or actuation portion of the apparatus. Preferably when the trigger handle is in the first position, the pawl, further pawl, engaging member or further engaging member is engaged m a first tooth of the rack, and when the trigger handle is in the second position, the pawl, further pawl, engaging member or further engaging member is engaged with a further tooth or adjacent tooth of the rack that is closer to the end of the rack / movement means (ie. the end furthest from the apparatus mam body). Preferably the trigger handle is resiliently biased to the first position in use via resilient biasing means. As such, when a user releases their grip on the trigger handle, the trigger handle moves to the first position under the biasing force of the resilient biasing means. Preferably the trigger handle resilient biasing means is a spring, sprung material, torsion spring and / or the like. Preferably the trigger resilient biasing means are located over or across a pivot means or pivot pin between the trigger handle and the actuation portion of the apparatus. Preferably resilient biasing means are provided on and / or associated with the pawl, further pawl, engaging member or further engaging member to bias the same to an engaged position with respect to the rack / gear teeth in use. Preferably the pawl / engaging member resilient biasing means is a spring, sprung material, torsion spring and / or the like. Preferably the pawl / engaging member resilient biasing means are located over or across the pivot means or pivot pm of the pawl / engaging member. Preferably the pawl, further pawl and / or teeth engaging member(s) has a release portion that can be manually actuated to move the pawl, further pawl or teeth engaging member(s) out of the engagement with the teeth of the rack / gear. For example, this allows the movement means or plunger housing portion to be moved from the second retracted position to the first extended position. This allows resetting of the ratchet mechanism and syringe actuator apparatus in use. In one embodiment brake means are provided on and / or associated with the ratchet mechanism or rack / gear to prevent unwanted rearward movement of the rack / gear away from the apparatus main body in use. Preferably the brake means is arranged to provide a friction force, compression force and / or downward pressure on the rack or gear to prevent unwanted movement in use. In one example, the brake means is a friction brake and comprises any or any combination of a spring, sprung member, rubber member and / or the Eke. Preferably the syringe that is to be housed in the syringe actuation apparatus is of a type including a syringe body or chamber and a syringe plunger. Preferably movement of the syringe plunger towards the syringe body or chamber moves the contents of the syringe through an aperture or needle defined at an end of the syringe body or chamber opposite to the plunger. Preferably the product contained within the removable syringe is a liquid, a fluid, a flowable material, a viscous fluid, a gel and / or the like. According a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using and / or manufacturing syringe actuation apparatus. According to a further aspect of the present there is provided a method of using syringe actuation apparatus; said apparatus including inserting and supporting a removable syringe with a main body of the apparatus; actuating actuation means of the apparatus for moving movement means movably mounted on the mam body of the apparatus, whereby moving of the movement means moves a plunger of the removable syringe using the movement means to allow dispensing of a product contained in the removable syringe in use; wherein the actuation means and / or movement means including a ratchet mechanism; characterised in that the syringe actuation apparatus includes strengthening means for strengthening the ratchet mechanism and / or movement means. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a ratchet mechanism including strengthening means and / or a method of using a ratchet mechanism including strengthening means. Thus, the ratchet mechanism of the present invention could be used in apparatus other than syringe actuation apparatus if required. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figures la, lb and 1c show perspective views of syringe actuation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention from a front end, a rear end and a base respectively; Figure 2 is a perspective view from the base of the plunger housing portion of the syringe actuation apparatus in figures la-lc; Figure 3 is a partial cross sectional view taken showing the plunger housing portion and the actuation means of the syringe actuation apparatus in figures la-lc; Figure 4 is a partial cross sectional view taken through the plunger housing portion of the syringe actuation apparatus in figures la-lc; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a pawl for use in the ratchet mechanism of the syringe actuation apparatus shown in figures la-lc; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a conventional syringe that can be removably housed within the syringe actuation apparatus of the present invention; Figures 7a-7b show a top plan view and a perspective view of the syringe actuation apparatus with the closure means in an open position and with the syringe removed respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 8 shows a cross sectional view of the syringe actuation apparatus of the present invention according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the figures, there is illustrated syringe actuation apparatus 2 for actuating a syringe 4 removably housed in the apparatus 2 in use. The syringe 4 is typically of a type having a syringe chamber 6, an aperture or needle 8 located at a first end 10 of the syringe chamber 6 for allow fluid to be dispensed therefrom in use. A second end 12 of the syringe chamber 6 has an aperture defined therethrough m which a syringe plunger 14 is slidably located. A finger grip 16 is provided at the second end 12 and protrudes outwardly of the syringe chamber 6. Conventionally, a user grips the end 58 of the plunger 14 and finger grip 16 with their fingers in order to move the syringe plunger 14 towards the syringe chamber 6 to force fluid in the syringe chamber out of the aperture or needle 8. In accordance with the present invention, the syringe actuation apparatus is used to move the syringe plunger in use. A further integral or removable finger grip portion 17 can be provided on or associated with the finger grip 16. The removable finger grip portion 17 can allow different sized syringes or different sized finger grips to be accommodated in the syringe actuation apparatus in use. The syringe actuation apparatus comprises a main body 18, movement means including a plunger housing portion 20, a syringe housing portion 22 and an actuation portion 24. The syringe housing portion 22 is of such shape, design and / or dimensions to hold the syringe chamber 6 of a conventional syringe in use. In this embodiment, the syringe housing portion 22 is U-shaped but it will be appreciated it could be any shape or design as required. A main opening 23 is defined in the top of the syringe housing portion 22 to allow the syringe chamber 6 to be located into and removed from the syringe housing portion 22 in use. Closure means in the form of a door 26 is provided to selectively close the main opening. Closure of the main opening secures the syringe chamber 6 in the syringe housing portion 22. The door 26 is hingedly mounted to the syringe housing portion 22 via hinges 28. The door 26 is therefore hingedly movable between an open position, wherein the syringe 4 can be located m and removed from the apparatus 2, and a closed position, wherein the syringe is prevented from being removed from the apparatus 2. Locking means in the form of a lock 30 are provided on the door 26 to prevent the door from accidentally springing opening when the apparatus is in use. More particularly, lock 30 includes a lock button 32, that is slidably movable in a slot 34 defined in door 26, between a locked position and an unlocked position. A locking pin 36 is connected to directly or indirectly to the lock button 32. Locking pin 36 is slidably movable in a slot 38 defined in a side wall of the syringe housing portion 22. The slot 38 is shaped such that when the locking pin 36 is located at a first end 40 of the slot 38, the lock 30 is in a locked position and the door 26 cannot be opened, and when the locking pin 36 is located at a second end 42 of the slot 38, the lock 30 is in an unlocked position and the door can be moved between the closed and open positions. In this example, the slot 38 is L-shaped but other shaped slots could be used to provide the same functionality if required. A first slot 44 is defined in a first or front end 46 of the syringe housing portion 22 to allow the first end 10 and needle 8 of syringe 4 to protrude outwardly from the syringe housing portion in use. A second slot 48 is defined in a second or rear end 50 of the syringe housing portion 22 to allow the plunger 14 of the syringe 4 to protrude outwardly from the syringe housing portion 22 and into the plunger housing portion 20 in use. A recess 51 can optionally be defined in the main body portion 22 at the second end 50 to allow location of the finger grip portion 17 of the syringe 4 in use. This allows the apparatus to be universal to accommodate different sizes, shapes and dimensions of syringes and / or syringe finger grips tn use. The movement means comprises an arm member 53 defining the plunger housing portion 20 for housing the plunger 14 of the removable syringe 4 in use. The arm member 53 protrudes outwardly from second end 50 of the syringe housing portion 22 and is slidably mounted on rails 52 located in the interior of the main body 18. Arm member 53 is slidably movable between a first extended position, wherein arm member 53 extends a relatively large distance with respect to syringe housing portion 22, and a second retracted position, wherein arm member 53 extends a relatively small distance with respect to syringe housing portion 22. The figures all show the arm member 53 in the first extended position. Arm member 53 has an end wall 54 that protrudes upwardly from a base surface 56 and acts as a stop member for engaging with the end 58 of plunger 14 in use. As arm member 53 is moved from the first extended position to the second retracted position, this moves the end 58 of plunger 14 supported in plunger housing portion 20 in use towards syringe chamber 6, thereby driving any fluid located in the syringe chamber 6 through the needle / aperture 8. Actuation means, which will be described in more detail below, moves the arm member 53 from the first extended position to the second retracted position in use via a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes a linear rack 60 provided on a lower surface 62 of arm member 53 / plunger housing portion 20. The rack 60 comprises a plurality of teeth 64. The lower surface 62 has opposing side walls 66, 68 protruding outwardly therefrom in the opposite direction to where the plunger 14 is located in use. The linear rack 60 sits between the opposing side walls 66, 68. In accordance with the present invention, strengthening means in the form of a strengthening rib 70 is provided centrally of the rack 60. The strengthening rib runs substantially the length of the rack 60 / plunger housing portion 20 and is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the same in this example. The strengthening rib 70 separates each tooth member into first and second tooth member portions, 64a, 64b. In this example, the strengthening rib is T-shaped. The strengthening rib prevents bending or twisting of the rack and arm member / plunger housing portion, particularly when more viscous fluids are being dispensed from a syringe using the apparatus 2 in use. Although the strengthening rib 70 is shown on the rack side of the arm member 53, it will be appreciated that the strengthening rib could be provided on surface 56 of the arm member (i.e. on the opposite side to the rack 60) in addition to or instead of being provided on rack 60 if required. It will also be appreciated that other strengthening means may be incorporated into the movement means or rack as required. The ratchet mechanism further includes a pawl 71 for engaging with the teeth 64, as will be described in more detail below. The actuation portion 24 includes a trigger handle 72 that is pivotably mounted thereto via a pivot pin 74. The trigger handle 72 and the actuation portion 24 can be gripped in a user’s hand. Actuation of the trigger handle 72 relative to actuation portion 24 moves arm member 53 towards the main body portion 22 in use. More particularly, reciprocal repeated movement of the trigger handle 72 towards the actuation portion 24 slidably moves the arm member 53 from the first extended position to the second retracted position via the ratchet mechanism. The trigger handle 72 typically protrudes outwardly from the actuation portion 24 in a first position (non-actuated position) and is pivotably moved towards the actuation portion 24 in a second position (actuated position). Resilient biasing means in the form of a torsion spring 73 is provided across the pivot pm 74 between the trigger handle 72 and the actuation portion 24 to resiliently bias the trigger handle 72 to the first non-actuated position. Pawl 71 is pivotably mounted to a top part 76 of the trigger handle 72 via a pivot pin 78 which passes through spaced apart apertures 79. Resilient biasing means in the form of a torsion spring 75 is provided across the pivot pin 78 between the trigger handle 74 and the pawl 71 to resiliently bias the pawl 71 to an engaged position with the teeth 64 of the rack. A first end 80 of pawl 71 engages with the teeth 64 on the rack 60. A second end 82 (opposite to the first end 80 in this example) includes a release member 84 for gripping by a user’s hand to manually release the pawl 71 from engagement with the teeth 64 when the arm member 53 is required to be slidably moved from the second retracted position to the first extended position. This allows resetting of the apparatus for the location of a new syringe in the apparatus in use. Release of the release member 84 moves the pawl 71 back into engagement with the teeth 64 under the resilient biasing force of spring 75. The first end 80 of pawl 71 is split into two parts 80’, 80” with a recess 86 therebetween. The strengthening rib 70 is located in the recess 86 when the first end parts 80’, 80” of pawl 71 is engaged with the first and second teeth portions 64a, 64b respectively. Movement of the trigger handle from the first position to the second position pivotably moves the pawl in a forwardly direction towards the front end of the syringe / syringe housing, thereby moving the rack 60 and the arm member 53 in a forwardly direction. Release of the trigger handle causes the first end 80 of pawl 71 to engage with a teeth member further along the rack towards end 54, thereby moving the arm member 53 from the first extended position to the second retracted position. Brake means in the form of a friction brake 90 is provided in the main housing 22 to provide a compressive force against rack 60, to prevent unwanted movement. In use, a user releases the closure mechanism of the door 26, which in this example is by sliding the lock button 32 of the lock 30 to the unlocked position, thereby allowing the door 26 to be hingedly moved from a closed position to an open position. The user locates a syringe 4 full of a Equid (which can be viscous or non-viscous) in the syringe housing portion 22 they wish to dispense using the apparatus 2. The needle 8 of the syringe 4 is located through first slot 44, the plunger 14 of the syringe 4 is located through second slot 48 and is supported by plunger housing portion 20, and the syringe chamber 6 sits within the syringe housing portion 22. Once the syringe 4 is in position, the door 26 is closed and the lock button 32 of the lock 30 is moved to the locked position, thereby securing the syringe 4 within the syringe housing portion 22 and the plunger housing portion 20. The user grips the actuation portion 24 and the trigger handle 72 in their hand. When the user is ready to start dispensing fluid from the syringe 4, the user pivotably moves trigger handle 72 towards actuation portion 24, this causes pawl 71 to pivot in a forwardly direction, moving the rack 60 in a forwardly direction. This moves the arm member 53 towards syringe housing portion 22. Release of the gripping pressure on the trigger handle causes pawl 71 to relocation in a tooth closer to the end of the arm member 53. Repeated release and actuation of the trigger handle 72 moves the pawl 71 along the rack 60, thereby moving arm member 53 from the relatively extended position to the relatively contracted position with respect to syringe housing portion 22. This in turn causes the plunger 14 to move in the syringe chamber 6 towards needle 8, thereby driving the fluid contained in the syringe chamber through the dispensing aperture in needle 8. Once the required amount of fluid has been dispensed from the syringe 4, the door 26 can be unlocked and opened and the syringe 4 removed from the apparatus. In order to make the apparatus ready to take another full syringe, the user pivots pawl 71 to a disengaged position using release portion 84 and slides arm member 53 away from the syringe housing portion 22 to the extended position. A further syringe can now be removably located in the apparatus as previously described and the dispensing process can be repeated. The actuation portion of the apparatus 2 is typically ergonomically designed to allow a user to comfortably grip and actuate the same in use, thereby allowing a user to hold the apparatus for extended periods of time without hand fatigue. The provision of the trigger handle and the ratchet mechanism significantly reduces the force needed to move the plunger 14 of the syringe 4 for dispensing fluid contained in the syringe, particularly if the fluid is relatively viscous. The provision of the strengthening rib 70 on rack 60 and / or plunger housing portion 20 prevents these components from twisting and / or bending in use. As such, all force applied to the trigger handle goes into moving the plunger housing portion 20 in a forwards direction towards the syringe housing portion. The provision of the pawl 71 with the engaging portion divided into two sections with a recess between allows the pawl to engage with the teeth either side of the strengthening rib in use.

Claims

1. Syringe actuation apparatus; said apparatus including a main body for supporting a removable syringe tn use; movement means movably mounted on the main body for moving a plunger of the removable syringe to allow dispensing of a product contained in the removable syringe in use; and actuation means for actuating movement of the movement means in use; the actuation means and / or movement means including a ratchet mechanism; characterised in that the syringe actuation apparatus includes strengthening means for strengthening the ratchet mechanism and / or movement means.

2. The syringe actuation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ratchet mechanism comprises a rack or gear with a plurality of teeth defined thereon, and a pawl or engaging member that engages with one or more of the teeth of the rack or gear to allow movement of the movement means relative to the main body in use.

3. The syringe actuation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the strengthening means are arranged to divide each of the plurality of teeth of the rack or gear into at least first and second teeth portions, and the pawl or engaging member is arranged to engage the at least first and second teeth portions of at least one of the teeth members simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

4. The syringe actuation apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the strengthening means includes any or any combination of at least one rib member; is an elongate or substantially elongate member; is a linear or substantially linear member; is T-shaped or substantially T-shaped; is provided circumferential around the gear; is provided coaxially and / or parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the movement means.

5. The syringe actuation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the strengthening means includes at least one further rack or gear with a plurality of teeth, and at least one further pawl or engaging member for engaging with one or more of the teeth of the at least one further rack of gear in use.

6. The syringe actuation apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the strengthening means are provided on or associated with a surface of the movement means adjacent to and / or facing towards the area in which the plunger of the removable syringe is supported in use; and / or wherein the strengthening means are provided on or associated with an opposite surface of the movement means to where the plunger of the removable syringe is supported in use.

7. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the movement means is a bar or arm member including an end wall that protrudes outwardly therefrom and which acts as a stop means for an end of the removable syringe plunger to engage with in use; and optionally including one or more side walls or opposing side walls.

8. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the main body has a channel or recess defined therein and the rack and / or movement means are slidably movable within the channel or recess of the main body in use.

9. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratchet mechanism includes a gear that is rotatably mounted to the main body in use.

10. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the main body includes a syringe housing portion for supporting or housing a removable syringe in use, and the movement means includes a plunger housing portion for housing or supporting a removable syringe plunger in use.

11. The syringe apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the syringe housing portion includes securing means for securing the syringe within the syringe I o o J o y ohousing portion in use.

12. The syringe apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the securing means includes any or any combination of one or more ties, clips, straps, interengaging members, protrusions, tabs, friction fit, locking means or member, or closure means or member.

13. The syringe apparatus according to any or claims 10-12, wherein the syringe housing portion has a first slot or aperture defined at a first end of the syringe housing portion for the location of a needle or front end of the removable syringe through the same in use, and a second slot or aperture defined in a second end of the syringe housing portion for the location of a plunger of the removable syringe through the same in use.

14. The syringe apparatus according to any of claims 10-13, wherein one or more recesses are defined in the syringe housing portion or on the main body portion for the location of a finger grip portion of the removable syringe in use and / or a removable finger grip portion that can be located with and / or associated with a finger grip portion of the removable syringe.

15. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation means are manually actuated; or automatically actuated by drive and / or powermeans.

16. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein actuation of the actuation means moves the movement means, rack, gear or plunger housing portion from a first extended position, wherein the movement means, rack, gear or plunger housing portion protrudes outwardly from the apparatus main body in a relatively extended position, to a second retracted position, wherein the movement means, rack, gear or plunger housing portion is relatively closer to the main body than in the first extended position.

17. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein means are provided to prevent complete removal or withdrawal of the movement means, rack and / or gear from the channel or recess of the main body in use.

18. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation means are movably mounted to the apparatus main body.

19. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pawl, further pawl, engaging member or further engaging member are movably mounted and / or movably associated with the actuation means.

20. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein actuation means includes a trigger handle that is movable mounted to the main body or to an actuation portion of the main body; and wherein the trigger handle is movable from a first position, wherein the trigger handle is in a relatively extended position from the main body or actuation portion of the apparatus, and a second position, wherein the trigger handle is relatively closer to the main body or actuation portion of the apparatus.

21. The syringe apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the trigger handle is resiliently biased to the first position in use via resilient biasing means.

22. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein resilient biasing means are provided on and / or associated with the pawl, further pawl, engaging member or further engaging member to bias the same to an engaged position with respect to the rack or gear teeth in use.

23. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pawl, further pawl and / or teeth engaging member(s) has a release portion that can be manually actuated to move the pawl, further pawl or teeth engaging member(s) out of engagement with the teeth of the rack or gear in use.

24. The syringe apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein brake means are provided on and / or associated with the ratchet mechanism, the rack or the gear to prevent unwanted rearward movement of the ratchet mechanism, the rack or the gear away from the main body in use.

25. A method of using syringe actuation apparatus; said apparatus including inserting and supporting a removable syringe with a main body of the apparatus; actuating actuation means of the apparatus for moving movement means movably mounted on the main body of the apparatus, whereby moving of the movement means moves a plunger of the removable syringe using the movement means to allow dispensing of a product contained in the removable syringe in use; wherein the actuation means and / or movement means including a ratchet mechanism; characterised in that the syringe actuation apparatus includes strengthening means for strengthening the ratchet mechanism and / or movement means.Application No: GB2415209.2Examiner:Mike WoodhamClaims searched: 1-25Date of search: 17 March 2025Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1 &25 at least US 2015 / 0209821 Al (PFAHNL et al.) See whole description, especially paragraphs 0087-0093 &0097-0098 and figures 5-7 &10-11 X 1 &25 at least US 10842941 B2 (RADWIN et al.) See whole description, especially col. 15, ln.37 -col. 18, ln.22 and figures 8, &10-14 X 1 &25 at least US 10322227 B2 (PIEHL et al.) See whole description, especially col. 13, In.24 - col. 14, In.35, col. 15, In.6-55 &col. 16, In. 14 - col. 17, ln.22 and figures 1-14 &22 X 1 &25 at least US 2892457 A (STURTZ) See whole description and figures 1-5 &8 X 1 &25 at least US 9724479 B2 (SUTKIN et al.) See whole description, especially col. 1, ln.59 - col. 16, In 16 figures 1-9Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:30International Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From A61M 0005 / 315 01 / 01 / 2006 A61B 0017 / 00 01 / 01 / 2006

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