Valve Assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve assembly for a drug delivery device. The valve assembly for a drug delivery device includes a valve housing having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a cannula having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a pierce plate having a body and a piercing member extending from the body, the body defining a coiled elongated member, and a valve boot connected to the valve housing and defining an interior space. The valve boot is configured to move from a pre-use position in which the first end of the cannula and the piercing member of the pierce plate are received within the interior space to a use position in which the piercing member of the pierce plate and the first end of the cannula extend outside the valve boot and the interior space.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve assembly for a drug delivery device. [Background technology]

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 854,587, filed May 30, 2019.

[0003] Various types of automatic injection or drug delivery devices have been developed to allow medications and other liquid therapeutic formulations to be administered or self-injected by untrained personnel. Generally, these devices include a reservoir pre-filled with the liquid therapeutic formulation and some type of automatic needle injection mechanism that can be triggered by the user. When the volume of the fluid or medication to be administered is less than a certain volume, such as generally 1 mL, automatic injection devices are typically used, which typically have an injection time of about 10 to 15 seconds. When the volume of the fluid or medication to be administered is greater than 1 mL, the injection time is generally longer, resulting in difficulty for the patient to maintain contact between the device and the target area of ​​the patient's skin. Furthermore, as the volume of medication to be administered becomes larger, an increased time for injection becomes desirable. The conventional method for medication to be slowly injected into a patient is to start an IV and slowly inject the medication into the patient's body. Such procedures are typically performed in a hospital or outpatient setting.

[0004] Certain devices allow for self-injection in a home setting and can gradually inject the liquid therapeutic formulation into the patient's skin. In some cases, these devices are small enough (both in height and overall size) to allow them to be "worn" by the patient while the liquid therapeutic formulation is being injected into the patient. These devices typically include a pump or other type of ejection mechanism to cause the liquid therapeutic formulation to flow from the reservoir into the injection needle. Such devices also typically include a valve or flow control mechanism to timely initiate the flow of the liquid therapeutic formulation, and a trigger mechanism to initiate the injection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect or embodiment, a valve assembly for a drug delivery device includes a valve housing having a first side and a second side disposed opposite the first side, a cannula having a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end, the cannula defining a central passage, a pierce plate including a body and a piercing member extending from the body, the body being formed by a coiled elongate member defining a central passage configured for the piercing member to receive the cannula, and a valve boot connected to the valve housing and defining an interior space. The valve boot is configured to move from a pre-use position in which the first end of the cannula and the piercing member of the pierce plate are received within the interior space to a use position in which the piercing member of the pierce plate and the first end of the cannula extend outside the valve boot and the interior space.

[0006] The valve assembly includes a valve sleeve defining a cannula space, the valve sleeve configured to move from a pre-use position in which a first end of the cannula is received within the cannula space to a use position in which the first end of the cannula extends outside the valve sleeve and the cannula space. The valve sleeve can be formed from an elastomeric material. The valve sleeve includes a first cylindrical portion having a convex tip, a second portion extending from the first portion, and a third frustoconical portion extending from the second portion. The valve boot can be formed from an elastomeric material. The valve boot can include a protrusion extending radially inward with the pierce plate engaged with the protrusion of the valve boot. The coiled elongated member has a first end and a second end axially spaced from the first end, the second end of the coiled elongated member configured to move toward the first end of the coiled elongated member. The coiled elongated member can be frustoconical. The coiled elongated member may include a first fulstranded conical portion and a second fulstranded conical portion, the first fulstranded conical portion having a larger angle than the second fulstranded conical portion. The piercing member may be connected to a second end of the coiled elongated member. The piercing member may be connected to the second end of the coiled elongated member via an adhesive or a weld. The coiled elongated member may be formed from a metal wire. The metal wire may be formed from a shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy may be Nitinol.

[0007] In a further aspect or embodiment, the medication delivery device includes a housing; a cartridge received within the housing, the cartridge configured to receive a medication; a drive assembly received within the housing and configured to engage the cartridge to dispense the medication from the cartridge; a needle actuator assembly received within the housing, the needle actuator assembly including a patient needle configured to pierce the skin of a patient; a valve assembly including a valve housing having a first side and a second side disposed opposite the first side; a cannula having a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end, the cannula defining a central passage; a pierce plate including a body and a piercing member extending from the body, the body formed from a coiled elongated member, the piercing member defining a central passage configured to receive the cannula; and a valve boot connected to the valve housing and defining an interior space. The valve boot is configured to move from a pre-use position in which the first end of the cannula and the piercing member of the pierce plate are received within the interior space to a use position in which the piercing member of the pierce plate and the first end of the cannula extend outside the valve boot and the interior space.

[0008] The drug delivery device includes a valve sleeve defining a cannula space, the valve sleeve configured to move from a pre-use position in which a first end of the cannula is received within the cannula space to a use position in which the first end of the cannula extends outside the valve sleeve and the cannula space. The coiled elongated member may have a first end and a second end axially spaced from the first end, the second end of the coiled elongated member configured to move toward the first end of the coiled elongated member. The piercing member may be connected to the second end of the coiled elongated member. The piercing member may be connected to the second end of the coiled elongated member via an adhesive or a weld. The coiled elongated member may be a shape memory alloy wire.

[0009] In another aspect or embodiment, a valve assembly for a medication delivery device includes a valve housing having a first side and a second side disposed opposite the first side; a cannula having a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end, the cannula defining a central passage; a valve boot connected to the valve housing and defining an interior space, the valve boot configured to move from a pre-use position in which the first end of the cannula is received within the interior space to a use position in which the first end of the cannula extends outside the valve boot and the interior space; and a valve sleeve defining the cannula space, the valve sleeve configured to move from a pre-use position in which the first end of the cannula is received within the cannula space to a use position in which the first end of the cannula extends outside the valve sleeve and the cannula space.

[0010] The valve sleeve may be formed from an elastomeric material. The valve sleeve includes a first cylindrical portion having a convex tip, a second portion extending from the first portion, and a third fulcrum conical portion extending from the second portion. The second portion of the valve sleeve may include a fulcrum conical section and a cylindrical section. The third portion of the valve sleeve may include at least one recessed portion configured to facilitate collapse and deformation of the valve sleeve. The valve sleeve may be formed from a rubber material. The valve boot may be formed from an elastomeric material. The valve assembly may further include a pierce plate including a body and a piercing member extending from the body, the piercing member of the pierce plate being received within an interior space of the valve boot when the valve boot is in a pre-use position, and the piercing member of the pierce plate extending outside the valve boot and the interior space when the valve boot is in a use position.

[0011] In a further aspect or embodiment, the medication delivery device includes a housing, a cartridge received within the housing, the cartridge configured to receive a medication, a drive assembly received within the housing, the drive assembly formed to engage the cartridge and configured to dispense the medication from the cartridge, a needle actuator assembly contained within the housing, the needle actuator assembly including a patient needle configured to pierce the skin of a patient, and a valve assembly as described in any of the above aspects or embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as the manner in which they are accomplished, will become more apparent, and the disclosure itself will be better understood, by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drug delivery system according to one aspect or embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 with the top of the housing removed, showing the drug delivery system in a pre-use position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1, showing the drug delivery system in a pre-use position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1, showing the drug delivery system in a pre-use position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 with the top of the housing removed to show the drug delivery system in an initial operating position. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a top cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1, showing the drug delivery system in an initial actuated position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1, showing the drug delivery system in an initial actuated position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a top view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 with the top of the housing removed and showing the drug delivery system in the use position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1, showing the drug delivery system in the position for use. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1, showing the drug delivery system in the position for use. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a top view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 with the top of the housing removed to show the drug delivery system in a post-use position. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a top cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1, showing the drug delivery system in a post-use position. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1, showing the drug delivery system in a post-use position. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 showing the pad of the drug delivery system in a pre-use position. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C is a perspective cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 showing the pad of the drug delivery system in a pre-use position. [Figure 15D] FIG. 15D is a perspective cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 showing the pad of the drug delivery system in a pre-use position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 showing the valve assembly. [Figure 17] 17 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a valve assembly of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 18]18 is a front cross-sectional view of a valve assembly of the drug delivery system of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a pierce plate of the valve assembly of FIG. 17 according to one aspect or embodiment of the present application. [Figure 20A] 20A is a cross-sectional view of the pierce plate of FIG. [Figure 20B] 20B is a partial cross-sectional view of the pierce plate of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 1-16, drug delivery system 10 includes a drive assembly 12, a container 14, a valve assembly 16, and a needle actuator assembly 18. Drive assembly 12, container 14, valve assembly 16, and needle actuator assembly 18 are at least partially disposed within a housing 20. Housing 20 includes a top portion 22 and a bottom portion 24, although other suitable arrangements for housing 20 may be utilized. In one embodiment, drug delivery system 10 is a syringe device that is worn or secured to a user and configured to deliver a predetermined dose of drug provided within container 14 via injection to the user. System 10 may be utilized to perform a "bolus injection" in which drug is delivered within a set time. Drug may be delivered over a period of time up to 45 minutes, although other suitable injection amounts and durations may be utilized. The bolus administration or delivery may be performed with a rate controlling or may have no specific rate controlling. System 10 can deliver medication to a user at variable rates and at fixed pressure. The general operation of system 10 is described below in conjunction with Figures 1-16.

[0016] 1-16, system 10 is configured to operate through engagement of actuator button 26 by a user, causing needle 28 of needle assembly 18 to penetrate the user's skin, actuating drive assembly 12 to place needle 28 in fluid communication with container 14, expel fluid or medicament from container 14, and complete withdrawal of needle 28 following injection of the medicament. The general operation of the medicament delivery system is shown and described in WO 2013 / 155153 and WO 2014 / 179774, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Operation of system 10 is also shown and described in U.S. Publication No. 2017 / 0354788, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The housing 20 of the system 10 includes an indicator window 30 for viewing an indicator arrangement 32 configured to provide an indication to a user regarding the status of the system 10, and a container window 31 for viewing the container 14. The indicator window 30 may be a magnifying lens to provide a clearer view of the indicator arrangement 32. The indicator arrangement 32 moves along the needle actuator assembly 18 during use of the system 10 to indicate pre-use, use, and post-use states of the system 10. The indicator arrangement 32 provides a visual indicia regarding the status, although other suitable indications, such as audible or tactile, may be provided as alternative or additional indications.

[0017] 4-6, during a pre-use position of the system 10, the container 14 is spaced from the drive assembly 12 and the valve assembly 16, and the needle 28 is in a retracted position. During initial actuation of the system 10, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the drive assembly 12 engages the container 14 to move the container 14 toward the valve assembly 16, which is configured to penetrate a closure 36 of the container 14 and place a medicament within the container 14 in fluid communication with the needle 28 via a tube (not shown) or other suitable arrangement. The drive assembly 12 is configured to engage a stopper 34 of the container 14, which initially moves the entire container 14 into engagement with the valve assembly 16 due to the incompressibility of the fluid or medicament within the container 14. Initial actuation of the system 10 is triggered by engagement of an actuator button 26 by a user, which releases the needle actuator assembly 18 and the drive assembly 12, as described in more detail below. During initial actuation, needle 28 is still in the retracted position and is about to move to an extended position for injecting the user of system 10 .

[0018] During the use position of the system 10, as shown in Figures 10-12, the needle 28 is in an extended position at least partially outside the housing 20, and the drive assembly 12 moves the stopper 34 within the container 14 to deliver medicament from the container 14 through the needle 28 to the user. In the use position, the valve assembly 16 has already penetrated the closure 36 of the container 14 to place the needle 28 in fluid communication with the container 14, which also allows the drive assembly 12 to move the stopper 34 relative to the container 14 so that fluid can be dispensed from the container 14. In the post-use position of the system 10, shown in Figures 13-15, the needle 28 is in a retracted position and engages the pad 38 to seal the needle 28 and prevent any residual flow of fluid or medicament from the container 14.

[0019] 17-20B, as described above, the valve assembly 16 operates to facilitate fluid communication between the container 14 and the needle actuator assembly 18. The valve assembly 16 includes a valve housing 52, a cannula 54, a pierce plate 56, and a valve boot 58. As discussed below, the valve assembly 16 may also include a valve sleeve 60. The valve housing 52 has a first side 62 and a second side 64 disposed opposite the first side 62. The valve housing 52 may be formed integrally with the housing 20 of the system 10 or may be formed as a separate component. The cannula 54 has a first end 66 and a second end 68 disposed opposite the first end 66. The cannula 54 defines a central passage 70. The first end 66 of the cannula 54 is sharp and configured to pierce a septum of the container 14. A second end 68 of the cannula 54 is received by and secured to the valve housing 52. The valve housing 52 is in fluid communication with the needle actuator assembly 18 via tubing (not shown) providing a fluid flow path from the cannula 54 to the needle actuator assembly 18.

[0020] 17-20B, the pierce plate 56 includes a body 74 and a piercing member 76 extending from the body 74. The body 74 is formed from a coiled elongated member 78, and the piercing member 76 defines a central passageway 80 configured to receive the cannula 54. The valve boot 58 is connected to the valve housing 52 and defines an interior space 82. The valve boot 58 may be formed from an elastomeric material, although other suitable materials or combinations of materials may be utilized. The valve boot 58 may be configured from a pre-use position in which the first end 66 of the cannula 54 and the piercing member 76 of the pierce plate 56 are received within the interior space 82, to a pre-use position in which the pierce plate 56 and the first end 66 of the cannula 54 extend outside the valve boot 58 and the interior space 82. The pre-use position of the valve boot 58 and the valve assembly 16 is shown in FIG. 18. Although not shown, the use position of the valve boot 58 and valve assembly 16 is similar to the use position of the valve assembly 16 shown in FIG. 16. In the use position, the pierce plate 56 engages the valve housing 52, the piercing member 76 penetrates the valve boot 58 and a foil seal (not shown) on the container 14, and the cannula 54 penetrates a septum of the container 14 to provide fluid communication with the interior of the container 14 and the cannula 54. The valve boot 58 includes a protrusion 84 extending radially inward with the pierce plate 56 engaged with the protrusion 84. The protrusion 84 may be annular with the protrusion 84 engaging the body 74 of the pierce plate 56. In the pre-use position of the valve boot 58, as shown in FIG. 17, the pierce plate 56 is spaced from the valve housing 52 via engagement of the protrusion 84 of the valve boot 58 with the pierce plate 56. During engagement with the cartridge 14 , the valve boot 58 collapses due to the pierce plate 56 moving downwardly towards the valve housing 52 .

[0021] 17 and 18, the valve sleeve 60 is disposed within the interior space 82 defined by the valve boot 58. The valve sleeve 60 defines a cannula space 86 and is configured to move from a pre-use position in which the first end 66 of the cannula 54 is received within the cannula space 86 to a use position in which the first end 66 of the cannula 54 extends outside the valve sleeve 60 and the cannula space 86. The valve sleeve 60 may be formed from an elastomeric material, such as a rubber material, although other suitable materials or combinations of materials may be utilized. In one aspect or embodiment, the valve sleeve 60 is a thin film of a non-rubber material. The valve sleeve 60 includes a first cylindrical portion 88 having a convex tip 90, a second portion 92 extending from the first portion 88, and a third frustoconical portion 94 extending from the second portion 92. The second portion 92 is frustoconical and cylindrical. The third portion 94 of the valve sleeve 60 may include one or more recessed portions 96 to facilitate collapse and deformation of the valve sleeve 60. When the valve assembly 16 engages the container 14, the valve sleeve 60 contracts such that the first end 66 of the cannula 54 extends through the valve sleeve 60.

[0022] The valve sleeve 60 is configured to ensure that the cannula 54 and the flow path of the system 10 remain uncontaminated during operation of the system 10. During operation of the system 10, as described above, the container 14 is moved into engagement with the valve boot 58, collapsing the valve boot 58 so that the piercing members 76 of the pierce plate 56 pierce the foil seals of the container 14 and the valve to form respective chads or flaps (not shown). The valve sleeve 60 prevents contamination present on the container 14 and the valve boot 58 from being ejected or splashed from the container 14 or the valve boot 58 onto or into the cannula 54. The valve sleeve 60 also protects the cannula 54 from contact with the chads or flaps formed by the piercing members 76, minimizing the surface area of ​​the closure 36 of the container 14 through which the cannula 54 must pass. The valve sleeve 60 is also configured to prevent contamination caused by decompression of the valve boot 58 when the valve boot 58 is compressed and subsequently pierced by the piercing member 76, by preventing the settling of entrained contamination on the exterior and interior surfaces of the cannula 54.

[0023] 17-20B, as described above, the coiled elongated member 78 has a first end 102 and a second end 104 axially spaced from the first end 102, and the second end 104 of the coiled elongated member 78 is configured to move toward the first end 102 of the coiled elongated member 78. The coiled elongated member 78 is fulstranded conical. More specifically, the coiled elongated member 78 includes a first fulstranded conical portion 106 and a second fulstranded conical portion 108. The first fulstranded conical portion 106 can have a larger angle than the second fulstranded conical portion 108. The piercing member 76 is connected to the second end 104 of the coiled elongated member 78. The piercing member 76 can be connected to the second end 104 of the coiled elongated member 78 via adhesive or welding, although other suitable fastening configurations can be utilized. The coiled elongate member 78 may be a metal wire that is coiled around a mandrel and forms the shape of the body 74 of the pierce plate 56. In one embodiment, the metal wire may be formed of a material that allows for controlled collapse while preventing collapse on itself. The metal wire is capable of deforming and returning to its original shape under low load conditions.

[0024] In one embodiment, the metal wire can be formed from a shape memory alloy, such as Nitinol, although other suitable materials or combinations of materials can be utilized. Shape memory alloys are easily formed into desired shapes or configurations that can be easily altered in shape, size, and dimensions without significant tooling costs. The body 74 of the pierce plate 56 acts as a spring and shock absorber while the cartridge 14 engages the valve assembly 16, more efficiently dissipating the force of the cartridge 14 contacting the valve assembly 16. However, due to the strength of the coiled elongated member 78, the piercing function of the piercing member 76 is not compromised. The strength and stiffness of the body 74 of the pierce plate 56 can be easily adjusted by changing the number of turns of the coiled elongated member 78. The coiled elongated member 78 of the pierce plate 56 includes approximately 22 turns or coils, although any other suitable configuration can be utilized.

[0025] Elements of one disclosed aspect can be combined with elements of one or more other disclosed aspects to form different combinations, all of which are contemplated within the scope of the invention.

[0026] While the present disclosure has been described as having an exemplary structure, the present disclosure can be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the disclosure pertains and fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A valve assembly for a medication delivery device, comprising: a valve housing having a first side and a second side disposed opposite the first side; a cannula having a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end, the cannula defining a central passage; a pierce plate including a body and a piercing member extending from the body, the body including a coiled elongated member, the piercing member defining a central passageway configured to receive the cannula; a valve boot connected to the valve housing and defining an interior space, the valve boot configured to move from a pre-use position in which the first end of the cannula and the piercing member of the pierce plate are received within the interior space to a use position in which the piercing member of the pierce plate and the first end of the cannula extend outside the valve boot and the interior space; a valve sleeve defining a cannula space, the valve sleeve configured to move from a pre-use position in which the first end of the cannula is contained within the cannula space to a use position in which the first end of the cannula extends outside of the valve sleeve and the cannula space, the valve sleeve being disposed within an interior space defined by the valve boot; 2. Including, the valve assembly.

2. 2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve sleeve comprises a first cylindrical portion having a convex tip, a second portion extending from the first portion, and a third fulcrum conical portion extending from the second portion.

3. 3. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve boot includes a radially inwardly extending projection, and the pierce plate engages the projection of the valve boot.

4. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the coiled elongate member has a first end and a second end axially spaced from the first end.

5. 5. The valve assembly of claim 4, wherein the body including the coiled elongated member has a fulcrum conical shape.

6. 6. The valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the body including the coiled elongated member includes a first fulcrum conical portion and a second fulcrum conical portion, the first fulcrum conical portion having a larger angle than the second fulcrum conical portion.

7. A valve assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the piercing member is connected to the second end of the coiled elongate member.

8. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the coiled elongate member comprises a metal wire.

9. The valve assembly of claim 8 , wherein the metal wire comprises a shape memory alloy.

10. Housing and a cartridge contained within the housing, the cartridge configured to contain a medicament; a drive assembly received within the housing and configured to engage the cartridge to dispense medicament from the cartridge; a needle actuator assembly received within the housing, the needle actuator assembly including a patient needle configured to pierce the skin of a patient; A valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9; A drug delivery device comprising:

11. 1. A valve assembly for a medication delivery device, comprising: a valve housing having a first side and a second side disposed opposite the first side; a cannula having a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end, the cannula defining a central passage; a valve boot connected to the valve housing and defining an interior space, the valve boot configured to move from a pre-use position in which the first end of the cannula is received within the interior space to a use position in which the first end of the cannula extends outside the valve boot and the interior space; a valve sleeve defining a cannula space, the valve sleeve configured to move from a pre-use position in which the first end of the cannula is received within the cannula space to a use position in which the first end of the cannula extends outside of the valve sleeve and the cannula space; Including, The valve sleeve is disposed within an interior space defined by the valve boot.

12. The valve assembly of claim 11 , wherein the valve sleeve comprises an elastomeric material.

13. 13. The valve assembly of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the valve sleeve comprises a first cylindrical portion having a convex tip, a second portion extending from the first portion, and a third fulcrum conical portion extending from the second portion.

14. 14. The valve assembly of claim 13, wherein the second portion of the valve sleeve includes a full conical section and a cylindrical section.

15. 15. The valve assembly of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the third portion of the valve sleeve includes at least one recessed portion configured to facilitate collapse and deformation of the valve sleeve.

16. A valve assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the valve sleeve comprises a rubber material.

17. The valve assembly of any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the valve boot comprises an elastomeric material.

18. 18. The valve assembly of claim 11, further comprising a pierce plate comprising a body and a piercing member extending from the body, the piercing member of the pierce plate being received within the interior space of the valve boot when the valve boot is in a pre-use position and the piercing member of the pierce plate extending outside the valve boot and the interior space when the valve boot is in a use position.

19. Housing and a cartridge contained within the housing, the cartridge configured to contain a medicament; a drive assembly received within the housing and configured to engage the cartridge to dispense medicament from the cartridge; a needle actuator assembly received within the housing, the needle actuator assembly including a patient needle configured to pierce the skin of a patient; A valve assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 18; A drug delivery device comprising:

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