Compact pre-filled syringe and how to use it

Abstract

A compact pre-filled syringe that is at least 35% shorter in length than traditional pre-filled syringes, without sacrificing liquid / medication capacity. This compact pre-filled syringe features a safety design against accidental leakage. This feature provides superior medication stability / assurance, adding an extra level of safety for the user. With the help of this feature, the user will always receive the correct dosage in every case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 447,464, filed Feb. 22, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure relates to the field of syringes, and more particularly to a pre - filled syringe that utilizes a plunger system that can make the syringe shorter than a conventional pre - filled syringe.

Background Art

[0003] Background Pre - filled syringes offer affordability, accuracy, sterility, and safety, making them very convenient in the medical industry. They do not require preservatives, provide certain manufacturing advantages, and offer marketing advantages because they are more user - friendly and practical. Studies have been conducted showing that nine out of ten medical professionals prefer pre - filled syringes over conventional syringes that require nine out of ten medical professionals to withdraw from a drug vial.

[0004] However, one drawback of traditional pre - filled syringes is that they are relatively large because they require a large plunger system. The large size of traditional pre - filled syringes occupies valuable space and is inconvenient for both end - users and medical facilities.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Problems to be Solved by the Invention Means for Solving the Problems Therefore, there is a need in the art for a pre - filled syringe that utilizes a plunger system that takes up less space and at the same time delivers all the advantages of traditional pre - filled syringes.

[0006] The accompanying drawings, incorporated herein and forming part of this specification, illustrate multiple aspects of the intended embodiments and, together with their descriptions, are helpful in illustrating the spirit of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments described are not limited to the precise sequence shown. Similar reference numerals in the drawings refer to similar elements in multiple figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the compact pre-filled syringe of this disclosure, shown with the plunger component in its pre-use state. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view of the compact pre-filled syringe shown in Figure 1, including the plunger component pulled to the rear of the syringe. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the compact pre-filled syringe shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a top view of one embodiment of the compact pre-filled syringe of this disclosure, shown with the plunger component in its pre-use state. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a top view of the compact pre-filled syringe shown in Figure 4, including the plunger component pulled to the rear of the syringe. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the compact pre-filled syringe shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a top view of one embodiment of the compact pre-filled syringe of this disclosure, shown with the plunger component in its pre-use state. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a top view of the compact pre-filled syringe shown in Figure 7, including the plunger component pulled to the rear of the syringe. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the compact pre-filled syringe shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a top view of one embodiment of the compact pre-filled syringe of this disclosure, shown with the plunger component in a pre-use state. [Figure 11]Figure 11 is a top view of the compact pre-filled syringe of Figure 10, including the plunger member pulled to the rear of the syringe. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an exploded view of the compact pre-filled syringe shown in Figure 10. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a top view of the compact pre-filled syringe of Figure 10, showing the depressed plunger member after dispensing the fluid contained within the barrel of the compact pre-filled syringe. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a side view of one embodiment of the stopper and split plunger end of the compact prefilled syringe of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a side view of one embodiment of the stopper and split plunger end of the compact prefilled syringe of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a side view of one embodiment of the stopper and split plunger end of the compact prefilled syringe of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Detailed description Various non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure are described herein to provide a general understanding of the structure, function and use of the apparatus, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. Features illustrated or described in relation to one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such improvements and modifications are within the scope of this disclosure. Overall, similar numbers refer to similar elements.

[0009] Throughout this specification, any reference to “various embodiments,” “several embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “several exemplary embodiments,” “one exemplary embodiment,” or “a certain embodiment” means that any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the occurrence of the phrases “various embodiments,” “several embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “several exemplary embodiments,” “one exemplary embodiment,” or “a certain embodiment” in appropriate places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, any particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0010] In the various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component can be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components can be replaced by a single component, in order to perform one or more given functions. Such substitutions are within the intended scope of the embodiments unless such substitutions are ineffective.

[0011] The pre-filled syringes of this disclosure may have a reduced size profile, enabling multiple benefits to end-users of pre-filled syringes, manufacturers of pre-filled syringes, and healthcare facilities that transport pre-filled syringes. In one or more embodiments, these benefits may include a reduced packaging size, thus enabling the creation of more compact syringes that may be easier to transport, ship, and store. A further benefit may be a reduction in the size of the shipping containers required to deliver the pre-filled syringes, which may reduce shipping costs, or more pre-filled syringes may fit in standard packaging. In unpredictable supply chains and delivery times, more efficient use of space can reduce costs and improve delivery efficiency. Another benefit may be a reduction in the storage space required to store the containers of pre-filled syringes, which may reduce the size of the buildings or storage containers required to store the pre-filled syringes, or more pre-filled syringes may fit in existing storage space. Further benefits could include reduced delivery and transportation costs associated with pre-filled syringes, which could lead to lower final manufacturing costs that could be passed on to end-users. Another benefit could be a reduction in the size of the cryogenic storage facility required to accommodate the containers of pre-filled syringes, which could reduce the size of the cryogenic storage facility required to store the pre-filled syringes, or allow more pre-filled syringes to be stored in existing cryogenic storage facilities. For end-users, further benefits could include a reduction in the space required to store and transport pre-filled syringes before use, which could lead to a more normal lifestyle for end-users when they need to store and transport pre-filled syringes. Finally, another benefit for end-users could be a reduction in the overall cost of pre-filled syringes borne by end-users by eliminating the dead space required with conventional pre-filled syringes.

[0012] For example, while conventional pre-filled syringes can be as long as 5.2 inches / 132 mm, embodiments of the present disclosure can have a reduction of 35% or more in those lengths. Pre-filled syringes according to embodiments described herein may have lengths of approximately 25 mm (1 inch) to approximately 102 mm (4 inches), approximately 25 mm (1 inch) to approximately 89 mm (3.5 inches), approximately 25 mm (1 inch) to approximately 76 mm (3 inches), and approximately 25 mm (1 inch) to approximately 64 mm (2.5 inches) when compacted. In one embodiment, the pre-filled syringe of the present disclosure may have a length of 3.44 inches / 87.4 mm.

[0013] Various embodiments of pre-filled syringes envisioned by this disclosure are discussed below, and may utilize the following principles. The pre-filled syringes of this disclosure may generally utilize a body member, a stopper member, and a plunger member, but other configurations may be intended. The plunger member may incorporate a more compact design than a standard pre-filled syringe plunger, so that the entire syringe occupies significantly less space. For example, a pre-filled syringe assembled in the manner described herein may be 10% to 20% shorter, 10% to 30% shorter, 50% shorter, or otherwise more compact than a standard pre-filled syringe plunger. A reduced-length plunger can improve functionality, portability, and convenience without sacrificing the drug-holding capacity of the pre-filled syringe of this disclosure. The pre-filled syringes of this disclosure may also utilize components similar to those used in conventional pre-filled syringes, such as syringe caps, inner linings for syringe caps, and injection needles. It should be recognized that the systems and methods described herein may be used with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components, or that they may be designed as modifications of existing standard syringe designs.

[0014] Figures 1-3 show embodiments of the prefilled syringe 100 of the present disclosure. Figure 1 shows the syringe 100 in a compact form, Figure 2 shows the syringe 100 of Figure 1 with the plunger member 110 drawn to the proximal end 101 of the syringe barrel 106, and Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the syringe 100 of Figure 1. As shown, the syringe 100 can hold any suitable volume of fluid, drug, or the like within the syringe barrel 106, but without the additional length of a traditional plunger member protruding in the proximal direction from the proximal end 101 of the syringe barrel 106. Such a configuration can provide a standard amount of fluid, drug, or the like in a small size but with functionality similar to that of a traditional prefilled syringe. In one or more embodiments, the syringe can hold chemicals, oils, lubricants, solvents, mechanical sealants, engine sealants, plant-derived raw materials, and / or adhesives.

[0015] The prefilled syringe 100 according to one embodiment includes a needle cap 102, an inner lining 104 of the needle cap, a syringe barrel 106, an activation flange 108 disposed adjacent to the proximal end 101 of the barrel 116, and a plunger member 110. The needle cap 102 provides protection for the needle 124, while the inner lining 104 of the needle cap provides an additional protective layer for the needle 124 and aids in preventing contamination and accidental puncture of the needle 124. The syringe barrel 106 includes a proximal end 101 and a distal end 103 that define an internal volume. The internal volume of the syringe barrel 106 can be an amount such that a fluid, drug, or the like can be prefilled. The activation flange 108 provides a surface for the user to hold and apply pressure when actuating the plunger member 110, and also aids in preventing the user's finger from slipping off the syringe barrel 106 during operation, so that the intended force can be reliably applied to the plunger member 110.

[0016] The plunger member 110 includes a split plunger guide rod 112, a split plunger 114, and a plunger flange 116. As seen in FIGS. 1 - 3, the split plunger guide rod 112 and the split plunger 114 can be divided into two symmetric sections, and the ends of each symmetric section of both the split plunger guide rod 112 and the split plunger 114 are connected to the plunger flange 116. It can be recognized that the sections of the split plunger 114 can be asymmetric, can include more than two parts, and can have any suitable shape or arrangement. In one or more embodiments, the plunger member 110 can also include a motion limiter (example 407 shown in FIGS. 10 - 12) that can be utilized to limit the maximum rearward movement of the plunger member 110. In one or more embodiments, the motion limiter is in the form of a retainer. Limiting the rearward movement of the plunger member 110 provides multiple benefits such as preventing foreign matter from mixing into the fluid held within the syringe barrel, and by positioning the split plunger guide rod 112 and the split plunger 114 in a proper location for the distribution of the fluid within the syringe barrel, the split plunger 114 can be placed in the deployed position (discussed in more detail below) at the proper time and location. In one or more embodiments, the motion limiter can include a plastic ring made from cellulose acetate or polypropylene.

[0017] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the pre-filled syringe 100 of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows additional components of the pre-filled syringe 100, such as a plunger limiter guide 118 located at the end of the split plunger guide rod 112 of the plunger member 110, which works in conjunction with a motion limiter that limits the maximum backward movement of the plunger member 110. As will be discussed in more detail below, when the plunger member 110 is pulled backward, the plunger limiter guide 118 can engage with the motion limiter, stopping further backward movement of the plunger member 110 and allowing the split plunger 114 to be utilized. Also shown in Figure 2 is an optional cover 120 that protects the plunger member 110 when it is in a compact configuration, such as the one shown in Figure 1, while also protecting the syringe barrel 106 if present. Figure 3 also shows the piston / stopper 122, needle 124, syringe hub 126, and opening 128 in the syringe barrel 106, as well as the actuation flange 108.

[0018] The piston / stopper 122 provides a structure that contains fluid within the syringe barrel 106 by generating a barrier that prevents the fluid from leaking out of the base end 101 of the syringe barrel 106. The piston / stopper 122 also helps to precisely calibrate the amount of fluid that can ultimately be dispensed from the needle 124. In one or more embodiments, the syringe barrel 106 may include a graduation scale, and by moving the stopper 122 along the graduation scale, the user can precisely dispense a desired amount of fluid. When the plunger guide rod 112 pushes the stopper 122, the stopper 122, together with the plunger guide rod 112, can precisely control the fluid discharge, as will be discussed in detail below. The stopper 122 also provides the integrity of the seal to the syringe barrel 106, preventing air or contaminants from entering the syringe barrel 106.

[0019] The syringe hub 126 can be positioned at the tip 103 of the syringe barrel 106 and provides a secure mounting point for the needle 124 to the syringe 100. In one or more embodiments, the syringe hub 126 may have a female fitting that allows the needle to be precisely screwed into or pushed into the syringe hub 126. In acting as a secure mounting point for the needle 124, the syringe hub 126 also ensures a tight and leak-proof connection between the two components to prevent any leakage of fluid from the syringe barrel 106.

[0020] The opening 128 allows the split plunger 114 to enter the syringe barrel 106 and align with the stopper 122, enabling the drug to be dispensed from the syringe 100. As shown in Figure 3, the needle 124 can be positioned at the tip 103 of the syringe barrel 106, and the stopper 122 can be positioned at the proximal end of the syringe barrel 106.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the plunger flange 116 includes an open aperture 115. The open aperture 115 within the plunger flange 116 allows for easier manufacturing of the plunger member 110 using recent manufacturing technologies. However, the open aperture 115 may be omitted if the manufacturing process does not require it on the plunger flange 116. If present, the open aperture 115 within the plunger flange 116 also provides an opening for an auto-injector accessory, allowing the user to automatically inject medication from the syringe 100 without utilizing the split plunger 114. Having the open aperture 115 within the plunger flange 116 allows for bypassing the split plunger 114. In yet another embodiment, the open aperture 115 present within the plunger flange 116 also allows the syringe 100 to utilize a flange sticker (not shown) that covers the passage to the open aperture 115. Such stickers can make the plunger flange 116 flatter and more comfortable to use. Additionally, useful information and / or instructions for use can be added to the flange stickers.

[0022] In the pre-use / packaged (also called compacted) syringe 100, as shown in Figure 3, the split plunger guide rod 112 and split plunger 114 are positioned around the syringe barrel 106. This positioning of the split plunger guide rod 112 and split plunger 114 around the syringe barrel 106, rather than behind it, differentiates it from conventional pre-filled syringes while also providing a built-in accurate dose safety system. By eliminating contact between the plunger component 110 and the piston 122 in the pre-use / packaged stage, even if the syringe 100 is subjected to accidental pressure, there is no possibility of the piston 122 moving forward and accidentally dispensing the drug. This feature adds a level of safety to the end user of the syringe 100 while providing superior drug delivery stability.

[0023] The split plunger guide rod 112 works by being slidable on the surface of the syringe barrel 106. By dividing the split plunger guide rod 112 and the split plunger 114 into two symmetrical sections connected at the ends to the plunger flange 116, the plunger member 110 is only able to move forward and backward along the bore axis of the syringe barrel 106. The arrangement of the split plunger guide rod 112 and the split plunger 114 around the syringe barrel 106 also provides a dispensable plunger system with a retracted plunger flange 116 and a syringe 100 positioned in the equipped position, while reducing the packaging size of the syringe 100.

[0024] The plunger flange 116, pulled towards the rear of the syringe 100, allows the split plunger guide rod 112 and the split plunger 114 to be pulled backward along the syringe barrel 106. In one or more embodiments, the plunger member 110, pulled back toward the end of the syringe barrel 106, allows the split plunger 114 to move away from its position on the syringe barrel 106, and the split plunger 114 may be shorter than the split plunger guide rod 112 so that the two arms of the split plunger 114 can meet in the center of the plunger member 110. At this position, the plunger flange 116 can be gently moved forward so that the two arms of the split plunger 114 can be positioned to engage with the stopper 122. Once the plunger flange 116 is positioned up to the stopper 122, the plunger flange 116 can be pushed forward so that the drug can be dispensed from the syringe 100 in combination with the stopper 122 and the two arms of the split plunger 114.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the split plunger 114 may be made of a plastic material such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), or a combination thereof, or in yet another embodiment, the split plunger 114 may be made of sheet metal, or a combination of overmolded sheet metal and plastic material. Considering a split plunger 114 made of plastic material, the split plunger 114 can click into place in the fitted position so that it meets in the center of the plunger member 110 when the plunger member 110 is fully retracted, or it can spring back. Plastics have spring-like properties. Plastics have a unique property called viscoelasticity, which allows them to absorb energy, bend and stretch, and then spring back to their original shape without cracking. This property can be achieved by molecular movement and rearrangement when stress is applied. The spring-like properties of plastics are often also referred to as their "modulus of elasticity" or "Young's modulus." On the other hand, viscoelasticity can be a material property that exhibits both viscous (fluidity) and elastic (spring-like) characteristics when deformed. This also means that they deform under stress but recover to some extent when the stress is removed. The split plunger 114 of the syringe 100 of this disclosure utilizes these characteristics to function, performing the same task as a normal pre-filled syringe, but in a considerably more compact size.

[0026] In the embodiment of syringe 100 shown in Figures 1-3, the split plunger guide rod 112 and the split plunger 114 are positioned along the syringe barrel 106 in the same plane as the end of the actuation flange 108 when positioned on the syringe barrel. Based on this arrangement, the syringe barrel 106 and the actuation flange 108 include an opening 128 that provides a path for the two arms of the split plunger 114 to move when the plunger flange 116 is pulled toward the rear of the syringe 100.

[0027] Figures 4–6 show different embodiments of the pre-filled syringe 200 of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the pre-filled syringe 200 includes all the same elements as the pre-filled syringe 100 of Figures 1–3, except that the split plunger guide rod 212 and the split plunger 214 are positioned along the syringe barrel 206 in a plane different from the end of the actuation flange 208 when positioned on the syringe barrel 206. Based on this arrangement, only the syringe barrel 206, rather than the actuation flange 208, may include an opening 228 that provides a path for the two arms of the split plunger 214 to move when the plunger flange 216 is pulled toward the rear of the syringe 200.

[0028] In both the embodiments shown in Figures 1-3 and Figures 4-6, both the split plunger guide rods 112 / 212 and the split plungers 114 / 214 are located in the same plane. However, embodiments of the present disclosure also envision embodiments in which the plunger guide rods may be located in a different plane from the split plungers. In the embodiments shown in Figures 7-9, the split plunger guide rod 312 may be located along the top and bottom surfaces of the syringe barrel 306 when viewed from above, and the split plunger 314 may be located along the side of the syringe barrel 306 when viewed from above. In the embodiments shown in Figures 7-9, the pre-filled syringe 300 includes all the same elements as the pre-filled syringe 100 in Figures 1-3.

[0029] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7-9, the actuation flange 308 can be larger than the actuation flange 108 in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-3, and the opening 328 can act as a motion limiter that restricts the maximum rearward movement of the split plunger guide rod 312. Specifically, the plunger limiter guide 318 can be trapped in the opening 328 to stop the rearward movement of the plunger member 310. As seen in Figures 7-9, the split plunger 314 can be positioned so that it moves beyond the actuation flange 308 when the syringe 300 is fitted. The length of the split plunger 314 may be such that the split plunger 314 can be fitted before the split plunger guide rod 312 is restricted from moving backward by the opening 328 and the plunger limiter guide 318.

[0030] Although not shown, the disclosure also considers embodiments in which the split plunger may be positioned along the top and bottom of the syringe barrel when viewed from above, and the split plunger guide rod may be positioned along the side of the syringe barrel when viewed from above. In such embodiments, the opening may need to be positioned on the actuation flange so as to interact with the split plunger guide rod.

[0031] Figures 10–13 show different embodiments of the pre-filled syringe 400 of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the pre-filled syringe 400 includes all the same elements as the pre-filled syringe 100 of Figures 1–3, except that the split plunger guide rod 412 and the split plunger 414 are positioned along the syringe barrel 406 in a plane different from the end of the actuation flange 408 when positioned on the syringe barrel 406, similar to the pre-filled syringe 200. Based on this arrangement, only the syringe barrel 406, and not the actuation flange 408, may include an opening 428 that provides a path for the two arms of the split plunger 414 to move when the plunger flange 416 is pulled toward the rear of the syringe 400. The pre-filled syringe 400 also does not utilize the optional cover 220 utilized in the pre-filled syringe 200. Furthermore, the pre-filled syringe 400 illustrates an embodiment of the motion limiter 407 previously discussed in relation to the pre-filled syringe 100. In the embodiments shown in Figures 10-13, the arrangement of the split plunger guide rod 412 and the split plunger 414 allows the motion limiter 407 to work in conjunction with the actuation flange 408, which limits the maximum rearward movement of the plunger member 410 shown in Figure 11. Figure 13 shows the state of the pre-filled syringe 400 with the split plunger 414 pushed down and the fluid in the syringe barrel 406 pushed out from the needle 424.

[0032] Figures 14-16 show various embodiments of the ends 130 of each arm of the split plunger 114 and the stopper 122. Although Figures 14-16 only show embodiments of the ends 130 of each arm of the split plunger 114 and the stopper 122, these embodiments can also be utilized in the embodiments shown in Figures 4-13 above. In the embodiment of Figure 14, the ends 130 of each arm of the split plunger 114 are enlarged in diameter to be greater than each arm of the split plunger 114, and the ends 132 of the stopper 122 can be rigid. In the embodiment of Figure 15, the ends 130 of each arm of the split plunger 114 are emphasized to be the same diameter as each arm of the split plunger 114, and the ends 132 of the stopper 122 include an aperture 134 that can receive the ends 130 of each arm of the split plunger 114. In the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the ends 130 of each arm of the split plunger 114 are serrated so that the serrated ends 132 of each arm of the split plunger can engage with the serrated walls of the aperture 134, and the end 132 of the stopper 122 includes an aperture 134 with serrated walls.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the following steps can be performed before utilizing the previously discussed syringe 100. First, the syringe 100 can be removed from its protective packaging. To equip the syringe 100, the split plunger 114 can be disengaged from its position on the syringe barrel 106, and the user can pull back the plunger flange 116 so that both arms of the split plunger 114 can meet in the center of the plunger member 110. In one or more embodiments, the disengagement of the split plunger 114 from its position on the syringe barrel may be accompanied by an audible click. This act of pulling back the plunger flange 116 may also move the split plunger guide rod 112 backward, but the combination of the motion limiter and the motion limiter guide 118 can prevent the split plunger guide rod 112, and consequently the plunger member 110, from being pulled back further than the required length.

[0034] When both arms of the split plunger 114 meet in the center of the plunger member, the ends 130 of each arm of the split plunger 114 may be positioned to align with the stopper 122. The needle cap 102 can then be removed to expose the needle 124. Once the needle cap 102 is exposed, the syringe 100 can immediately dispense fluid. As with a typical syringe, the user can grasp both the plunger flange 116 and the actuation flange 108 and push the plunger member 110 forward, thereby pushing the split plunger 114 to the stopper 122 and administering the drug in the syringe barrel. Although the above steps refer to the pre-filled syringe 100, these steps may be utilized to operate pre-filled syringes 200, 300, or 400, or any other embodiment of the pre-filled syringes of this disclosure.

[0035] An end-user of any of the syringes of this disclosure may recognize several benefits from using the syringe. The overall size of the syringes of this disclosure is smaller than that of conventional disposable syringes, which can lead to a lower cost of obtaining the drug because the syringe packaging can be smaller. Costs can also be reduced because the cryogenic storage space of the syringes of this disclosure is reduced compared to the cryogenic storage space required for conventional disposable syringes. End-users can transport the syringes of this disclosure more easily because they occupy less space and there is no possibility of accidental administration of fluid or drug, or because the steps discussed above must be performed before the syringes of this disclosure can be used to administer the drug. Because the syringes of this disclosure occupy less space, it may be easier to transport large quantities of the syringes of this disclosure during long-distance transport. Because the steps discussed above must be performed before the syringes of this disclosure can be used to administer the drug, the syringes of this disclosure can offer a leak-proof design. The positioning of the split plunger guide rod and the split plunger on the syringe barrel of the present disclosure may also provide the additional benefit of providing protection against crushing in the event that the syringe of the present disclosure is dropped or crushed.

[0036] The syringes of this disclosure can also benefit healthcare systems by reducing delivery costs and costs associated with the cold storage of traditional disposable syringes. The smaller size of the syringes of this disclosure can also reduce overall costs for healthcare facilities while more efficiently assisting the functions of healthcare systems when they utilize the syringes of this disclosure.

[0037] The embodiments and examples described herein are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. It is not intended that the described forms are exhaustive or limitless. Numerous improvements are possible, given the prior teachings. Some of these improvements are discussed, while others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been selected and described to best represent the spirit of various embodiments suitable for a particular intended use. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples shown herein and can be used by those skilled in the art in any number of applications and equivalent devices. Rather, the scope of the invention shall be defined by the claims appended herein.

Claims

1. a. A syringe barrel having a base portion and a tip portion that define an internal volume, wherein the internal volume contains a fluid; b. The needle fixed to the base portion of the syringe barrel; c. A piston movably installed within the tip portion of the syringe barrel; d. A plunger member, i. Split plunger guide rod, and ii. Split plunger, A plunger member including, A pre-filled syringe for delivering fluids, including, The plunger member transitions from a compact stage, in which the split plunger guide rod and the split plunger are positioned around the outer surface of the syringe barrel, to an installation stage, in which the split plunger is disengaged from its position on the syringe barrel so that the split plunger engages with the piston. Pre-filled syringe.

2. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 1, wherein the plunger member further includes a plunger flange.

3. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 2, wherein the transition from the compacting stage to the loading stage is performed by pulling the plunger flange such that the split plunger guide rod and the split plunger move from a position adjacent to the tip portion of the syringe barrel to a position adjacent to the base portion of the syringe barrel.

4. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 1, wherein the syringe barrel further includes an actuation flange disposed adjacent to the base end portion of the syringe barrel, the actuation flange includes an end extending outward from the diameter of the syringe barrel, and the end of the actuation flange is positioned in a first plane.

5. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 4, wherein the split plunger guide rod and the split plunger are positioned around the syringe barrel such that when the plunger member is in the compact position, the split plunger guide rod and the split plunger are located in the first plane.

6. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 5, wherein the syringe barrel and the actuation flange each include an opening that provides a path for the split plunger to transition from the compacting stage to the loading stage.

7. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 4, wherein the split plunger guide rod and the split plunger are positioned around the syringe barrel such that when the plunger member is in the compact position, the split plunger guide rod and the split plunger are in a second plane, and the second plane is different from the first plane.

8. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 7, wherein the syringe barrel includes an opening that provides a path for the split plunger to transition from the compacting stage to the loading stage.

9. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 4, wherein the split plunger guide rod is positioned around the syringe barrel such that the split plunger guide rod is in the first plane when the plunger member is in the compact position, and the split plunger is positioned around the syringe barrel such that the split plunger is in the second plane, and the second plane is different from the first plane.

10. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 4, wherein the actuation flange includes an opening that prevents the split plunger guide rod from moving backward once the split plunger has entered the mounting stage.

11. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 1, wherein the split plunger guide rod is defined by a first symmetrical portion and a second symmetrical portion, the first symmetrical portion including a plunger limiter guide at its end, and the second symmetrical portion including a plunger limiter guide at its end.

12. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 11, wherein the plunger member further includes a motion limiter, and when the split plunger moves to the loading stage, the plunger limiter guide of the split plunger guide rod interacts with the motion limiter to prevent the split plunger guide rod from moving backward.

13. A prefilled syringe according to claim 1, further comprising a cover member, wherein when the plunger member is in the compact position, the cover member can be positioned to cover the syringe barrel to cover the syringe barrel, the split plunger guide rod, and the split plunger.

14. The prefilled syringe according to claim 1, further comprising a needle cap and an inner lining of the needle cap, which are positioned to cover the needle to protect the needle when it is in the compacted state.

15. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 1, wherein the split plunger is defined by a first symmetrical portion and a second symmetrical portion, the first symmetrical portion including a first end and the second symmetrical portion including a second end.

16. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 15, wherein the piston is rigid and, when in the equipped state, the first and second ends are positioned in close contact with the piston.

17. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 15, wherein the piston includes an aperture, and when in the equipped state, the first and second ends are located within the aperture of the piston.

18. The pre-filled syringe according to claim 15, wherein the piston includes an aperture having a serrated wall, the first and second ends include serrated edges, and when in the fitted state, the serrated edges of the first and second ends engage with the serrated wall of the aperture of the piston.

19. A syringe-based method for delivering fluids, a. A step of providing a pre-filled syringe, wherein the pre-filled syringe is i. A syringe barrel having a base portion and a tip portion that define an internal volume, wherein the internal volume contains the fluid; ii. A needle fixed to the base portion of the syringe barrel; iii. A piston movably installed within the tip portion of the syringe barrel; iv. A plunger member, 1. Split plunger guide rod, and 2. Split plunger, A plunger member including, The steps provided include; b. A step of pulling the plunger flange backward to move the plunger member from a compact stage in which the split plunger guide rod and the split plunger are positioned around the outer surface of the syringe barrel to an installation stage in which the split plunger is displaced from its position on the syringe barrel so that the split plunger engages with the piston; c. The split plunger is pushed forward so that it is pushed up to the piston and the plunger flange is pushed forward so that fluid is delivered from the internal volume through the needle, Methods that include...

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the fluid is a pharmaceutical agent.

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