Hard needle shield remover equipped with drop test function for automatic injector

Abstract

To provide a needle shield remover that can be securely positioned to enable rapid and easy removal of a needle shield when an automatic injector is used, and a device capable of preventing unintended activation of the automatic injector.SOLUTION: A subassembly of a drug delivery device includes a housing, a needle shield, and a cap assembly comprising a cap remover and a retainer. The retainer comprises an arm extending proximally from a distal end, at least one projection extending from the end of the arm and extending in the radial direction, and at least one inward projection extending from the end of the arm in proximity to the at least one projection extending in the radial direction. The cap remover includes at least one opening on a side wall. The at least one opening is configured such that the at least one projection extending in the radial direction can pass therethrough.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to auto-injectors and methods of assembling the same, and more particularly to devices for removing a needle shield from an auto-injector, devices for preventing unintentional actuation of an auto-injector, and methods for assembling an auto-injector including such devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Automatic drug delivery devices, such as auto-injectors, are designed with removable shields to maintain needle sterility and prevent inadvertent contact between the needle and the user. Many of these needle shields are elastic and it can be difficult to ensure accurate placement and a firm grip between the needle shield and a cap or other removal device, resulting in excessive force being required to remove the shield or slippage, or the shield not being able to be removed at all. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Thus, there is a need in the art for a needle shield remover that can be securely positioned for quick and easy removal of the needle shield when an auto-injector is used.

[0004] Furthermore, automatic drug delivery devices can suffer from a tendency to inadvertently activate when force is applied to the device. In particular, "push-on" activated devices can be susceptible to inadvertent activation when the device is dropped. Thus, there is a need in the art for an apparatus that can prevent unintentional activation of an auto-injector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A subassembly of a drug delivery device provided herein includes a housing, a displaceable needle cover having a distal end including a flange, the needle cover being received within the housing and configured to have a pre-use position in which the needle cover extends from the housing and a use position in which the needle cover is displaced at least partially into the housing, wherein displacement of the needle cover into the housing actuates the drug delivery device via interaction with a drive mechanism, and a cap assembly including a cap remover configured to be grasped by a user and a retainer received within the cap remover and configured to engage with a flange of the needle cover of the drug delivery device, wherein positioning of the retainer relative to the flange is configured to prevent movement of the needle cover into the use position.

[0006] Also provided herein is a drug delivery device comprising: a housing; a syringe having a needle and at least partially receiving the housing; a needle cover having a flange at a distal end thereof, the needle cover having a pre-use position in which the needle is disposed within the needle cover and a use position in which the needle is disposed at least partially outside the needle cover, the needle cover being configured to activate the drug delivery device to deliver a drug in the use position; and a cap assembly including a cap remover and a retainer received within the cap remover, the retainer being configured to prevent the needle cover from moving from the pre-use position to the use position.

[0007] Further embodiments and aspects are described below.

[0008] A subassembly of a drug delivery device provided herein includes a housing, a displaceable needle cover having a distal end including a flange, the needle cover being received within the housing and configured to have a pre-use position in which the needle cover extends from the housing and a use position in which the needle cover is displaced at least partially into the housing, wherein displacement of the needle cover into the housing actuates the drug delivery device via interaction with a drive mechanism, and a cap assembly including a cap remover configured to be grasped by a user and a retainer received within the cap remover and configured to engage with a flange of the needle cover of the drug delivery device, wherein positioning of the retainer relative to the flange is configured to prevent movement of the needle cover into the use position.

[0009] In the above-described subassembly, the retainer includes at least one protrusion configured to engage a flange of the needle cover.

[0010] In the above-described subassembly, engagement of at least one projection of the retainer with a flange of the needle cover prevents movement of the needle cover into the use position.

[0011] In the above-described subassembly, the flange is disposed on the outer surface of the needle cover, and the projection is an inward projection disposed radially outward of the flange.

[0012] In the above-described subassembly, the projection abuts the flange at its proximal end.

[0013] In the above-described subassembly, the retainer includes at least one radially extending projection and the cap remover includes at least one opening in its sidewall.

[0014] In the above-described subassembly, the at least one radially extending protrusion is configured to deflect radially outward when aligned with the at least one opening of the cap remover.

[0015] In the above-described subassembly, the retainer is shiftable relative to the cap remover from a first position in which the at least one radially extending protrusion is not aligned with the at least one opening of the cap remover and cannot be deflected radially outward, to a second position in which the at least one radially extending protrusion is aligned with the at least one opening of the cap remover, such that the at least one radially extending protrusion can be deflected radially outward.

[0016] Also provided herein is a drug delivery device comprising: a housing; a syringe having a needle and at least partially receiving the housing; a needle cover having a flange at a distal end thereof, the needle cover having a pre-use position in which the needle is disposed within the needle cover and a use position in which the needle is disposed at least partially outside the needle cover, the needle cover being configured to activate the drug delivery device to deliver a drug in the use position; and a cap assembly including a cap remover and a retainer received within the cap remover, the retainer being configured to prevent the needle cover from moving from the pre-use position to the use position.

[0017] In the above subassembly, the retainer includes at least one protrusion configured to engage a flange of the needle cover.

[0018] In the above-mentioned drug delivery device, engagement of at least one protrusion of the retainer with a flange of the needle cover prevents movement of the needle cover into the use position.

[0019] In the above-mentioned drug delivery device, the retainer includes at least one radially extending projection and the cap remover includes at least one opening in its sidewall.

[0020] In the above-described subassembly, the at least one radially extending protrusion is configured to deflect radially outward when aligned with the at least one opening of the cap remover.

[0021] In the above-mentioned drug delivery device, the retainer is shiftable relative to the cap remover from a first position in which the at least one radially extending protrusion is not aligned with the at least one opening of the cap remover and cannot be deflected radially outward, to a second position in which the at least one radially extending protrusion is aligned with the at least one opening of the cap remover, such that the at least one radially extending protrusion can be deflected radially outward. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a side view of a cap assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect described herein. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a cap assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect described herein. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a cap assembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the cap assembly shown in FIG. 2A. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cap assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect described herein. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cap assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect described herein. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cap assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect described herein. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cap assembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cap remover of a cap assembly in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment or aspect described herein. [Figure 5C] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a retainer of a cap assembly in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment or aspect described herein. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cap assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect described herein. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an automatic injector including a cap assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect described herein. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an automatic injector including a cap assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect described herein. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an automatic injector including a cap assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect described herein. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a subassembly including a cap assembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly process of a subassembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 11B] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly process of a subassembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 11C] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly process of a subassembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 11D] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly process of a subassembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 11E] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly process of a subassembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 11F] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly process of a subassembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 11G] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly process of a subassembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 11H] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly process of a subassembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 11I]FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly process of a subassembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 11J] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly process of a subassembly according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a side view of an auto-injector according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The following description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments contemplated for practicing the invention. However, various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0024] For purposes of explanation hereinafter, the terms "top", "bottom", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "transverse", "longitudinal" and their derivatives refer to the invention as oriented in the drawings. It is understood, however, that the invention may be subject to various alternative modifications unless expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention. As such, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0025] Provided herein is a shield removal assembly for a drug delivery device including a needle. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the drug delivery device is an auto-injector or other similar device for automatic or manual delivery of a substance to a user. With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, a cap assembly 100, which in a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, is a shield removal assembly including a retainer 110 and a cap remover 150. The retainer 110 is nested within the cap remover 150. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the cap remover 150 is flared at its distal end to form an ergonomic gripping surface to allow a user to firmly grip the cap remover. The retainer 110 and the cap remover 150 can be formed of any rigid material, such as, but not limited to, plastic.

[0026] 2A, 2B, and 5A-5C show exploded views of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the shield remover assembly described herein. The cap remover 150 includes a proximal end 155 configured to be closest to the housing and a distal end 160. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the proximal end 155 of the cap remover 150 includes two or more arms that engage with the housing (not shown) of the auto-injector. In such non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the arms of the cap remover 150 include at least one protrusion or shoulder to enable secure and releasable engagement with the housing of the auto-injector. The distal end 160 of the cap remover 150 includes at least one opening 162 passing therethrough. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cap remover 150 includes at least one opening 170 in its sidewall. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cap remover 150 includes two openings 170. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the cap remover 150 includes two openings 170 disposed on opposite sides of the cap remover 150 .

[0027] With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 4, 5A, and 5B, the retainer 110 includes a proximal end (115, closest to the housing) and a distal end 120. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the proximal end 115 of the retainer 110 includes two or more arms that engage with a needle shield (not shown) of the auto-injector. In such a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the arms of the retainer 110 include at least one protrusion to enable secure engagement with the needle shield. The distal end 120 of the retainer 110 includes at least one opening 122 therethrough. In a non-limiting embodiment, the distal end 120 of the retainer 110 is configured to abut the distal end 160 of the cap remover 150. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the opening 162 at the distal end 160 of the cap remover 150 is of a larger diameter than the opening 122 at the distal end 120 of the retainer 110. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, this difference in diameter allows the retainer 110 to be introduced into the cap remover 150 through the opening 162 at the distal end 160 of the cap remover 150.

[0028] As mentioned above, the proximal end 115 of the retainer 110 can include at least one gripping feature, such as a protrusion, to enable secure engagement with the needle shield. Looking to Figures 3 and 6, a shield removal assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect is shown in which the retainer 110 includes at least one gripping feature 125 on its proximal end 115. The at least one gripping feature is at least one protrusion 125 and is configured such that it can grip the needle shield by its flange.

[0029] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the retainer 110 and cap remover 150 of the shield remover assembly 100 are configured or arranged to allow a needle shield and / or syringe of an auto-injector (not shown) to be moved relative to the retainer by introducing a device, such as a tool, through openings 122, 162 in the distal ends 120, 160 of the retainer 110 and cap remover 150, respectively. Placement of a tool through the openings in the cap remover and retainer can displace the needle shield and syringe proximally, thereby adjusting the position of the protrusion 125 relative to the needle shield to ensure a grip between the retainer 110 and the needle shield.

[0030] 3 and 6, as described above in a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the cap remover 150 includes at least one opening 170 in its sidewall. The at least one opening 170 is configured to allow at least one radially extending protrusion 135 on the retainer 110 to extend therethrough. In the non-limiting embodiment or aspect shown in FIGs. 3 and 6, the at least one radially extending protrusion 135 extends from an arm that extends proximally from the distal end 120 of the retainer 110. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects (not shown), the at least one radially extending protrusion 135 is disposed on the body of the retainer 110.

[0031] 2A and 2B, during removal of the shield removal assembly 100, a delay arrangement is provided between the cap remover 150 and the retainer 110. The retainer 110 is received within the cap remover 150 such that the at least one protrusion 112 is disposed proximal to the at least one shoulder 152 of the cap remover 150. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one protrusion 112 prevents the retainer 110 from being displaced distally from the cap remover 150 by engaging a proximal surface of the at least one shoulder 152. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the retainer 110 further includes at least one flange 114 disposed distally of the at least one shoulder 152 of the cap remover 150. In this manner, the retainer 110 is prevented from being displaced proximally from the cap remover 150 by engaging a proximal surface of the at least one flange 114 with a distal surface of the at least one shoulder 152. The longitudinal space between the at least one protrusion 112 and the at least one flange 114 on the retainer 110 provides a predetermined amount of "play" between these components. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, when the cap remover 150 is pulled distally to remove it from the drug delivery device to which the shield removal assembly 100 is attached, the cap remover 150 is pulled a certain distance before the at least one shoulder 152 engages with the at least one protrusion 112 of the retainer 110. This provides a delay between the initiation of movement of the cap remover 150 and the initiation of movement of the retainer 110. Once the cap remover 150 has moved sufficiently to engage the at least one shoulder 152 with the at least one protrusion 112, the retainer 110 begins to pull away from the drug delivery device and the needle shield begins to pull away from the syringe and needle due to the placement of the at least one protrusion 125 relative to the needle shield.

[0032] Also provided herein is an auto-injector including a syringe having a housing, a barrel, a needle, and a needle shield, and a cap assembly. With reference to Figures 7-9, an auto-injector is shown comprising a housing, a syringe 200 having a barrel 210 and a needle 220 attached thereto, a removable needle shield 230 configured to at least partially surround the needle, and a shield removal assembly 100. The auto-injector housing (a lower housing 310 is shown, but it should be understood that the auto-injector can include an upper housing, as described below) includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being open to allow the needle 220 to pass therethrough, allowing a substance to be delivered to a user.

[0033] The removable needle shield 230 can include a proximal end 232 and a distal end 234. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the removable needle shield 230 is a two-piece needle shield including an elastomeric inner portion and a rigid outer portion. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the rigid outer portion at least partially surrounds the elastomeric inner portion of the needle shield 230. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the needle shield 230 includes at least one flange or shoulder 235. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one flange or shoulder 235 is disposed on the elastomeric inner portion for engaging with the rigid outer portion. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the needle shield 230 includes at least one complementary gripping feature 233 on its proximal end 232. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one complementary gripping feature 233 is configured to be complementary to and engageable with the at least one gripping feature 125 of the retainer. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one complementary gripping feature 233 is at a proximal end of the needle shield 230.

[0034] In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the elastomeric portion of the needle shield 230 is formed of one or more natural or synthetic rubbers and / or thermoplastic elastomers, or combinations thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the rigid outer portion of the needle shield 230 is formed of a rigid plastic. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the rigid outer portion is formed of polypropylene.

[0035] The cap assembly 100 includes a cap remover 150 and a retainer 110, as described above. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cap remover 150 and / or the retainer 110 include one or more of the features described above. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cap remover 150 at least partially surrounds the open distal end of the housing. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cap remover 150 is not rotatable relative to the housing. The auto-injector housing and / or the cap remover 150 may include suitable features to prevent rotation of the cap remover 150, and thus the retainer 110 and needle shield 230, relative to the housing and needle 220 during removal of the needle shield 230. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, suitable anti-rotation features include one or more protrusions, guide channels, and / or shoulders on the cap remover 150 and / or the housing.

[0036] Also provided herein is a method of assembling an auto-injector including a shield removal assembly, the method including providing a lower housing assembly of the auto-injector, inserting a syringe into the lower assembly, and placing an upper assembly into the lower assembly. In a first step, a lower housing assembly 300 is provided with a shield removal assembly 100 mated thereto. The lower housing assembly 300 includes a lower housing 310. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the lower assembly 300 includes a ring 320 at its proximal end. The lower housing assembly 300 includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being open to allow a needle of a syringe to pass therethrough, and the proximal end of the lower housing 310 being open to allow a syringe to pass therethrough and be inserted into the housing. The housing may be formed of any suitable material, including, for example, but not limited to, a rigid plastic. The lower assembly 300 also includes a cap assembly 100. The cap assembly 100 includes a cap remover 150 and a retainer 110, as described above, each having a distal end 160, 120 with an opening 162, 122 passing therethrough. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the cap remover 150 and / or the retainer 110 include one or more of the features described above. In an initial configuration (e.g., when the shield removal assembly 100 is disposed on the lower housing 300), the distal end 120 of the retainer 110 is spaced from the distal end 160 of the cap remover 150.

[0037] 7, in a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, in a second step of the method, a syringe 200 is inserted into the lower housing 310. The syringe 200 can include a barrel 210 for holding a medicament or other substance therein, a needle 220 disposed at a distal end of the barrel 210, and a removable needle shield 230. The syringe 200, barrel 210, needle 220, and needle shield 230 can include one or more of the features described above. The syringe barrel 210 can be of any useful size and can be formed of any useful material, such as glass or plastic. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the syringe 200 is a unitary syringe, and the needle 220 is formed in the syringe barrel 210. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the syringe barrel 210 is not formed with the needle 220 therein, instead a needle hub (not shown) holds the needle 220. The syringe needle 220 can be formed of any useful material and can be of any suitable gauge. The needle shield 230 can be a one-piece needle shield formed of an elastomeric material or a two-piece needle shield having an inner portion formed of an elastomeric material and an outer portion formed of a rigid material. The needle shield 230 at least partially surrounds the needle 220. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the syringe 200 includes a flange 240 at its proximal end. At the end of the second step, the distal end 120 of the retainer 110 remains longitudinally spaced from the distal end 160 of the cap remover 150.

[0038] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, inserting the syringe 200 preferably includes moving the syringe 200 toward the distal end of the housing 310 such that the at least one gripping feature 125 is longitudinally spaced from the proximal end of the needle shield. In other words, the at least one gripping feature 125 is more proximal than its final position (shown in FIG. 9 ). In this position, the distal end 234 of the syringe flange is adjacent the ring 320. In this position, the proximal end 115 of the retainer 110 contacts the syringe barrel 210.

[0039] As discussed above, at the end of this step, the distal end 120 of the retainer 110 is maintained proximal to the distal end 160 of the cap remover 150 such that the distal end 120 of the retainer 110 is longitudinally spaced from the distal end 160 of the cap remover 150. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, a tool (not shown) is inserted into the opening 162 of the cap remover 150. The tool can be used to push the retainer 110 proximally such that the distal end 120 of the retainer 110 is longitudinally spaced from the distal end 160 of the cap remover 150.

[0040] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the proximal end 115 of the retainer 110 includes at least one gripping feature, such as a protrusion 125, that contacts the syringe barrel 210 proximal to the distal end of the syringe barrel 210. In this manner, the retainer 110 is in an "overstroke" position with the at least one gripping feature 125 disposed very proximal to the needle shield 230 (FIG. 7). In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the needle shield 230 includes at least one flange or shoulder 235, and the proximal end 115 of the retainer 110 includes at least one gripping feature 125, that contacts the syringe barrel 210 proximal to the at least one flange or shoulder 235.

[0041] 8, in a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, a third step of the method of assembling a syringe includes moving the syringe 200 proximally after inserting the syringe 200 into the lower housing 310. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, moving the syringe 200 proximally within the lower housing 310 is accomplished by inserting a device through the cap remover 150 and at least one opening 162, 122 in the distal end 160, 120 of the retainer 110 and applying pressure to push the syringe 200 proximally. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, as shown in FIG. 8, as the syringe 200 is pushed proximally, at least one gripping feature 125 of the returner 110 engages the needle shield at its proximal-most end. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one gripping feature 125 engages with at least one corresponding complementary gripping feature 233 on the needle shield 230. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, after the syringe 200 is pushed proximally, the syringe flange 240 is longitudinally spaced from the ring 320 of the lower assembly 300. At the end of this step, the at least one gripping feature 125 engages with the at least one complementary gripping feature 233 of the needle shield 230, the distal end 120 of the retainer 110 is longitudinally spaced from the distal end 160 of the cap remover 150, and the syringe flange 240 is longitudinally spaced from the ring 320.

[0042] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the method includes a fourth step of placing an upper assembly (not shown) including an upper housing onto the lower assembly. As with the lower assembly and the lower housing, the upper assembly and the upper housing can be formed of any suitable material, including, for example and without limitation, a hard plastic. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, placing the upper assembly onto the lower assembly moves the syringe distally such that the syringe flange 240 is adjacent to the ring 320.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 9, after assembly, the distal end 120 of the retainer 110 drops or is otherwise displaced toward the distal end 160 of the cap remover 150 such that the distal end 120 of the retainer 110 is adjacent to the distal end 160 of the cap remover 150.

[0044] When the end user wishes to remove the needle shield, the remover is pulled. As discussed above, the gap between the at least one protrusion 112 of the retainer 110 and the at least one shoulder 152 of the remover 150 causes a delay between the initiation of longitudinal movement of the remover 150 away from the lower housing assembly 300 and the initiation of longitudinal movement of the retainer 110 away from the lower housing assembly 300.

[0045] 10, in a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the cap assembly 100 functions to prevent actuation of a drug delivery device, such as an auto-injector, to which the cap assembly 100 is attached. With reference to FIG. 12, one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an auto-injector in which the assembly can be utilized is shown. The auto-injector 500 includes a lower housing assembly or subassembly 300, an upper housing subassembly 400, a cap remover 150, and a retainer 110, as described above. The lower subassembly includes a housing 310 and a needle cover 330. In the non-limiting embodiment or aspect shown in FIGS. 10-12, the needle cover 330 is configured to protect the needle 220 of the syringe 200 from a user, for example, when the removable needle shield 230 is removed. The needle cover 330 is movable from an extended position (before use) to a retracted position (during use), where the needle cover 330 moves proximally to the lower housing assembly 300 to a second extended position (after use). In both extended positions (pre-use and post-use), the needle cover 330 at least partially shields the needle 220. In the use position, the needle cover 330 does not shield the needle and the needle is inserted into the user's skin.

[0046] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect shown in FIGS. 10-12, to use the auto-injector 500, a user removes the cap assembly 100 as described above (and below) and applies the distal end of the auto-injector 500 to the skin at the intended injection site. The needle cover 330 is disposed at the distal end of the auto-injector and thus contacts the skin of the user. Application of a force on the auto-injector 500 towards the skin causes the needle cover 330 to move proximally into the housing 310 of the lower housing subassembly. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the proximal movement of the needle cover 330 enables delivery of a medication, for example, via interaction of the needle cover 330 with a container holder (not shown). Specifically, in a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the proximal movement of the needle cover 330 causes the needle cover 330 to contact a container holder provided on the upper housing subassembly 400 at its proximal end 335, thereby displacing the container holder proximally. The container holder can have at least one window (not shown) that allows a biased blocking element (not shown) to hold the plunger (not shown) of the auto-injector 500 in a pre-use position against the biasing force of an injection spring (not shown) and move radially to an unbiased position. Radial movement of the blocking element releases the plunger, which is pushed out of the container holder by the injection spring, moving a piston (not shown) in the syringe barrel 210 to inject the medication through the needle 220.

[0047] As can be appreciated from the above embodiments or aspects, proximal movement of the needle cover 330 can cause unintended actuation of the auto-injector 500. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in non-limiting embodiments or aspects, provided is a subassembly for a drug delivery device, such as an auto-injector. The subassembly includes a housing 310, a needle cover 330, a retainer 110, and a cap assembly 100 including a cap remover 150. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the retainer 110 prevents unintended proximal movement of the needle cover 330 and thus prevents unintended actuation of the drug delivery device of which the subassembly is a component. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the retainer 110 includes at least one protrusion, such as an inward protrusion 136. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one inward protrusion 136 is disposed on the same proximally extending arm on which the at least one radially extending protrusion 135 is disposed.

[0048] 10 and 11 , in a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the needle cover 330 includes an outwardly projecting lip or flange 340 at its distal end. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the inward projection 136 on the retainer 110 is disposed proximal to the lip or flange 340 of the needle cover 330 and prevents the needle cover 330 from moving proximally a sufficient distance to enable actuation of the auto-injector 500. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the inward projection 136 engages or abuts the lip or flange 340 of the needle cover 330 and substantially or completely prevents proximal movement of the needle cover 330.

[0049] 10 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment or aspect in which a lip or flange 340 is disposed on an exterior surface of the needle cover 330 and the protrusion 136 is an inwardly directed protrusion configured to engage the lip or flange 340. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect (not shown), the protrusion is an outwardly directed protrusion and is disposed on an arm that extends proximally from the distal end of the retainer 110 through an interior space defined by the needle cover 330 and is configured to engage a lip or flange disposed on an interior surface of the needle cover.

[0050] 11, the assembly process described above is shown focusing on the interaction between at least one inward projection 136 and the lip or flange 340 of the needle cover 330, and between at least one radially extending projection 135 and at least one opening 170.

[0051] 11A and 11B show a needle cover 330 having a lip or flange 340 (separated from the remainder of the lower housing assembly 300 in the drawing) prior to placement of the needle cover in the cap assembly, and a cap assembly including a cap remover and retainer.

[0052] 11C and 11D show the initial steps of assembly when the cap assembly is initially placed on the needle cover. The at least one radially extending projection 135 of the retainer can be biased outwardly due to its longitudinal positioning relative to the at least one opening 170. A lip or flange 340 of the needle cover engages the proximally facing surface of the at least one inward projection 136.

[0053] 11E and 11F show a further step in the assembly process, where the lip or flange 340 begins to move distally over the at least one inward protrusion 136. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect where the at least one inward protrusion 136 is disposed on at least one arm of the retainer, the lip or flange 340 clears the at least one protrusion 136, allowing the needle cover to move distally over the protrusion 136.

[0054] 11, Figures 11G and 11H show a further step in the assembly process where lip or flange 340 has been passed distally by at least one inward protrusion 136. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, at least one inward protrusion 136 has been bent outward to allow lip or flange 340 to pass distally and the arm has returned to its unbiased state.

[0055] As described above, after the lower housing 310 is assembled to the needle cover and cap assembly, the retainer moves distally (FIGS. 11I and 11J). Due to the arrangement of the assembly of the lower housing 310, the projections 135 are prevented from moving so that they are aligned with the openings 170. As a result, the arms including the projections 135 are prevented from bending outwardly as long as the cap assembly 100 is assembled to the lower housing assembly 300. As a result, the inward projections 136 are maintained in engagement with the flanges 340 of the needle cover 330. This engagement prevents proximal translation of the needle cover 330, which, as described above, prevents actuation of the auto-injector. In this manner, unintended actuation of the device can be avoided.

[0056] To enable the auto-injector to be used, the user must first remove the cap assembly 100. To do so, the cap remover 150 is pulled away from the lower housing 310. Due to the axial "play" between the retainer 110 and the cap remover 150, the cap remover 150 moves relative to the retainer 110 such that the at least one projection 135 is again aligned with the at least one opening 170, thereby deflecting the arms of the retainer 110 outwardly and disengaging between the inward projection 136 and the flange 340 of the needle cover 330. This disengages the retainer 110 and the needle cover 330. The needle cover 330 is then free to move proximally to cause an injection.

[0057] While the present invention has been described in detail for purposes of illustration based on what are currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments or aspects, it is to be understood that such detail is for this purpose only, and that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates, to the extent possible, that one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. 1. A subassembly of a drug delivery device comprising: Housing and a displaceable needle shield having a proximal end including a flange, the needle shield being configured to be received within the housing and to have a pre-use position in which the needle shield extends from the housing and a use position in which the needle shield is displaced at least partially into the housing, the displacement of the needle shield into the housing actuating the drug delivery device through interaction with a drive mechanism; 1. A cap assembly comprising: a cap remover configured to be grasped by a user; and a cap assembly including a retainer received within the cap remover, the retainer including a proximal end, the proximal end including at least one gripping feature complementary to and configured to be engageable with the flange, the at least one gripping feature ensuring a secure grip between the retainer and the needle shield; Equipped with The retainer includes: an arm extending proximally from said distal end; at least one radially extending projection extending from an end of the arm; at least one inwardly extending projection extending from said end of said arm adjacent said at least one radially extending projection; Equipped with a subassembly, the cap remover including at least one opening in a sidewall, the at least one opening configured to allow the at least one radially extending protrusion to pass therethrough.

2. 2. The subassembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one radially extending protrusion is configured to deflect radially outward when the at least one radially extending protrusion is aligned with at least one opening of a cap remover.

3. 3. The subassembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the retainer is shiftable relative to the cap remover from a first position in which the at least one radially extending protrusion is not aligned with the at least one opening of the cap remover and cannot be deflected radially outward, to a second position in which the at least one radially extending protrusion is aligned with the at least one opening of the cap remover, such that the at least one radially extending protrusion can be deflected radially outward.

4. 11. The subassembly of claim 1, further comprising a displaceable needle cover configured to have a pre-use position in which the needle cover extends from the housing and a use position in which the needle cover is displaced at least partially into the housing, wherein displacement of the needle cover into the housing actuates a drug delivery device via interaction with a drive mechanism.

5. The subassembly of claim 4 , wherein the needle cover includes a flange at a distal end, and the at least one inward projection is configured to engage the flange.

6. The subassembly of claim 5 , wherein the projection abuts the flange at a proximal end thereof.

7. A subassembly of the drug delivery device of claim 1, a syringe including a needle and at least partially received within the housing; In a use position, the needle is disposed at least partially outside the needle shield; A drug delivery device, wherein in the use position, the needle shield is configured to actuate the drug delivery device to deliver a drug.

8. 8. The drug delivery device of claim 7, wherein the at least one opening in the cap remover is configured to allow the at least one radially extending protrusion on a retainer to extend therethrough.

9. 9. The drug delivery device of claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one radially extending protrusion is configured to deflect radially outward when the at least one radially extending protrusion is aligned with at least one opening of the cap remover.

10. 10. The drug delivery device of claim 7, wherein the retainer is shiftable relative to the cap remover from a first position in which the at least one radially extending protrusion is not aligned with the at least one opening of the cap remover and cannot be deflected radially outward, to a second position in which the at least one radially extending protrusion is aligned with the at least one opening of the cap remover, such that the at least one radially extending protrusion can be deflected radially outward.

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