Needle-based device with implemented safety mechanism

Abstract

The method includes protecting the entire length of a needle of a needle-based device protruding from a needle mount coupled to a body thereof by providing a needle shield configured to completely surround the entire protruding length of the needle in a first unused state, and retracting the needle shield in a first direction toward the body to allow the needle to emerge from the needle shield to prepare the needle-based device for a second used state. The method also includes returning the needle-based device to the first unused state in accordance with a force applied in a second direction, and firmly maintaining the needle shield in the first unused state and locking the needle shield with a locking button formed on or external to the needle shield while the needle-based device is in the first unused state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to needle-based devices, and more particularly to needle-based devices having implemented safety mechanisms. [Background technology]

[0002] The needle-based device may be a hypodermic syringe, a hypodermic needle, a pen syringe, and / or a fluid collection device. After the needle is used to inject a fluid (e.g., a medication) or extract another fluid into the patient's body, the needle may be covered with a cap for storage. The needle may also be covered with a cap prior to use. Capping or removing the cap from the needle may cause injury to a user of the needle-based device. Some implementations of the needle-based device may use a spring within the barrel of the needle-based device configured to allow the needle to be retracted after use. However, the space within the barrel occupied by the spring may result in the needle-based device being able to take up a smaller amount of fluid. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] A method, apparatus and / or system for a needle-based device having an implemented safety mechanism is disclosed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In one aspect, a method includes protecting an entire length of a needle of a needle-based device protruding from a needle mount coupled to a body of the needle-based device by providing a needle base configured to completely surround the entire protruding length of the needle, the needle being in a first, unused state of the needle-based device, and retracting a needle shield in a first direction toward a body of the needle-based device to cause the needle to emerge from the needle shield and prepare the needle-based device for its second, used state.

[0005] The method also includes returning the needle-based device to its first, unused state following the second used state in accordance with the force applied in a second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction, and ensuring that the needle shield maintains enclosure of the entire protruding length of the needle in the first unused state of the needle-based device based on a coupling between the needle shield and a body of the needle-based device. The method further includes locking the needle shield with a locking button formed on or on the needle shield in the first unused state of the needle-based device based on a locking button coupling to a groove formed on the needle shield or on an external cap.

[0006] In another aspect, a method includes protecting an entire length of a needle of the needle-based device protruding from a needle mount coupled to a body of the needle-based device by providing a needle base configured to completely surround the entire protruding length of the needle in a first unused state of the needle-based device, having a spring configured to rest on the needle mount at one end thereof in the first unused state of the needle-based device, further encompassing the entire protruding length of the needle of the needle-based device, and encompassing, via a needle shield, the entire length of the spring in addition to the entire protruding length of the needle in the first unused state of the needle-based device.

[0007] The method includes retracting the needle shield in a first direction toward a body of the needle-based device to compress a spring and force the needle out of the needle shield to prepare the needle-based device for its second state of use, and returning the needle-based device to a first state of non-use following the second state of use based on decompression of the spring providing a force applied in a second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction, ensuring that the needle shield maintains enclosure of the entire extension length of the needle and the entire length of the spring in the first state of non-use of the needle-based device based on the coupling between the needle shield and the body of the needle-based device. The second state of use of the needle-based device encompasses both aspiration of fluid and injection of fluid through the needle-based device.

[0008] In yet another aspect, a method includes protecting an entire length of a needle of a needle-based device protruding from a needle mount coupled to a body of the needle-based device by providing a needle shield configured to completely surround the entire protruding length, preparing the needle-based device in a first unused state of the needle-based device by retracting the needle shield in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device to cause the needle to emerge from the needle shield, and returning the needle-based device to its first unused state following a second used state according to a force applied in a second direction diametrically opposite the first direction.

[0009] The body of the needle-based device is a hypodermic syringe, a hypodermic needle, a pen syringe, and / or a barrel of a fluid collection device. The method includes: ensuring that the needle shield maintains enclosure of the entire protruding length of the needle in a first, unused state of the needle-based device based on a coupling between the needle shield and the body of the needle-based device; and locking the needle shield with a locking button formed on or external to the needle shield in the first, unused state of the needle-based device based on a locking button coupling to a groove formed on the needle shield or on an external cap.

[0010] Other features will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a needle-based device according to one or more embodiments. [Diagram 2] 2A-2C are schematic diagrams of multiple configurations of needle mounts of the needle-based device of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of coupling a needle shield to the needle-based device of FIG. 1 to surround the needle, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the needle-based device of FIG. 1 having wings on the sides of the outer wall of the barrel, according to one or more embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the needle-based device of FIG. 1 having a ring on the outer wall of the barrel, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a needle shield of the needle-based device of FIG. 1 in a spring-based configuration according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an outer cap configured to at least partially cover the needle shield of the needle-based device of FIGS. 1 and 3, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram detailing the operations involved in implementing a security mechanism in the needle-based device of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the spring-based embodiment of FIGS. 6-7 with an outer cap, needle mount, and needle shield as modular elements. [Figure 10] 7A-7C show retraction of the needle shield in the spring-based embodiment of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a locking mechanism for a needle-based device according to the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, but as a variation thereof. [Figure 12] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an external locking button utilized in the needle-based device of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the safety mechanism of the needle-based device of FIG. 6 having a longer needle mount. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

[0014] The exemplary embodiments described below may be used to provide a method, system and / or apparatus for a needle-based device having a safety mechanism implemented. Although the present embodiments have been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a needle-based device 100 according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the needle-based device 100 can be a hypodermic syringe, a hypodermic needle, a pen syringe, a fluid (e.g., blood) collection device and / or a fluid injector / extractor. It is noted that the needle-based device 100 is not only limited to use for medical applications, but can also be used for biological and / or chemical applications. For example, the needle-based device 100 can be used to extract a required amount of solvent / fluid from a vial / bottle. All reasonable applications are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the needle-based device 100 may include a plunger 102 configured to move in and out of its barrel 104. In one example, the barrel 104 may be cylindrical, and the plunger 102 may be appropriately designed (e.g., also cylindrical) to enable slidable movement in and out of the barrel 104. In another example, the barrel 104 may be a square or right prism, and the plunger 102 may be appropriately shaped to enable the aforementioned slidable movement. All possible shapes and configurations of the barrel 104 and plunger 102 that enable slidable movement of the plunger 102 in and out of the barrel 104 are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the base 106 of the plunger 102 allows the user 150 to use the thumb of their hand 152 to push the plunger 102 into the barrel 104. The base 106 may also allow the user 150 to use the thumb and / or other fingers of the hand 152 to withdraw the plunger 102 from the barrel 104. In one or more embodiments, the user 150 may be able to use the other fingers (e.g., index and middle fingers) and optionally may be able to use the palm 152 to stabilize the needle-based device 100 while utilizing the thumb to push the plunger 102 into the barrel 104. The user 150 may hold the needle-based device 100 with another hand (e.g., hand 154) and use the thumb and / or other fingers of the hand 152 to withdraw the plunger 102 from the barrel 104. The use of the plunger 102 and barrel 104 is well known to those skilled in the art of needle-based devices. Therefore, a detailed description thereof will be skipped for convenience and brevity and clarity.

[0018] It should be noted that at least a portion of the plunger 102 (e.g., at least the base 106) may be outside the barrel 104 in all states of operation of the needle-based device 100. The plunger 102 may be inside the barrel 104 in all states of operation of the needle-based device 100. For example, the end of the plunger 102 furthest from the end of the plunger 102 that includes the base 106 may be the plunger head 108. In one or more embodiments, the plunger head 108 may be inside the barrel 104 in all states of operation of the needle-based device 100. In one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional diameter of the plunger head 108 may be smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the barrel 104 and the cross-sectional diameter of the base 106 may be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the barrel 104, as shown in FIG. 1. The aforementioned design is important to allow the plunger 102 to move within the barrel 104 to perform functions associated with the needle-based device 100. Without the base 106, it may not be possible to desirably control the position of the plunger head 108 within the barrel 104. Without the plunger head 108, the plunger 102 may fall out of the barrel 104 in a vertical position of the needle-based device 100 with the base 106 at the bottom. Also, the portion of the barrel 102 between the plunger head 108 and the end 110 of the barrel 104 furthest from the base 106 may contain fluid drawn from the vial / bottle by the needle-based device 100. Said portion may not be able to hold fluid without the plunger head 108.

[0019] FIG. 1 also illustrates a needle mount 112 according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the end 114 of the needle 116 may be inserted into the needle mount 112 (e.g., a needle hub) such that the needle 116 protrudes from the needle mount 112. In one or more embodiments, the needle 116 may include a hollow (e.g., cylindrical) hole along its length. In one or more embodiments, another end 118 of the needle 116 may be pointed and beveled. In one or more embodiments, the end 118 of the needle 116 may be configured to first contact the vial / bottle during extraction of a fluid or the patient's arm during injection of a fluid. In one or more embodiments, the needle mount 112 may be directly coupled to the barrel 104 by its end 110 furthest from the base 106. This allows the needle 116 to be attached to a syringe.

[0020] 2 illustrates several configurations of the needle mount 112, according to one or more embodiments. In a first configuration, the needle mount 112 has wings 202 on each side of it, in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the barrel 104 when the needle mount 112 is coupled to the barrel 104. 1-2 In a first configuration, the portion 204 of the needle mount 112 without wings is configured to be directly coupled to the barrel 104 (e.g., based on a screw mechanism), and the portion 204 of the needle mount 112 without wings is configured to be directly coupled to the barrel 104 (e.g., based on a screw mechanism). 1-2 In the second configuration, the needle mount 112 also has wings 212 on each side thereof in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the barrel 104 when the needle mount 112 is coupled to the barrel 104. 1-2 For example, the portion 214 of the needle mount 112 without the wings may be configured to be directly coupled to the barrel 104 (e.g., based on a screw mechanism). However, unlike the first configuration, the portion 214 of the needle mount 112 without the wings may be configured to be directly coupled to the barrel 104 (e.g., based on a screw mechanism). 1-2 may be only partially of uniform width and then taper off to a reduced width (or have no width).

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates coupling a needle shield 302 to a needle-based device 100 to surround its needle 116, according to one or more embodiments. Here, in one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 may be shaped like a cylinder or a right angle prism / square prism, based on the design of the needle mount 112 and / or the barrel 104. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 is hollow so that it can surround the protruding needle 116 therein. In one or more embodiments, the outer wall 304 of the barrel 104 proximate the end 110 has a connector 306 thereon, allowing an end 308 of the needle shield 302 to be clipped to the connector 306, with the needle shield 302 completely surrounding the needle 116 protruding therein. In one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional inner diameter of the needle shield 302 can be larger than the cross-sectional outer diameter of the needle mount 112 and the cross-sectional outer diameter of the barrel 104, allowing the needle shield 302 to slide over the needle mount 112 and the barrel 104.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 can first receive the protruding needle 116 on the needle mount 112 through its end 308. In one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 can then be slid onto the needle mount 112 until the end 308 is clipped onto the connector 306 on the outer wall 304 of the barrel 104. When the needle shield 302 completely surrounds the protruding needle 116, the other end (e.g., end 310) of the needle shield 302 completely surrounds the end 118 of the needle 116. FIG. 3 shows that the needle shield 302 is transparent (e.g., the needle shield 302 can be made of plastic, glass, etc.). However, it should be noted that the needle shield 302 may be translucent or opaque in certain embodiments. Here, the outer wall of the needle shield 302 may include a cutout (not shown) that exposes the needle 116 while the needle 116 is still protected by the needle shield 302. All reasonable variations are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the sliding of the needle shield 302 on the needle mount 112 is achieved by sliding the wings 202 on the needle mount 112. 1-2 For the aforementioned purposes, the groove 312 may be optionally 1-2 may be provided on the inner wall 314 of the needle shield 302. In one or more embodiments, the wings 202 of the needle mount 112 1-2 Wing 202 1-2 But, groove 312 1-2 While sliding relative to the groove 312 1-2 FIG. 3 shows groove 312. 1-2 Although the groove 312 is shown cutting across the entire thickness of the inner wall 314 of the needle shield 302, in more alternative embodiments, the groove 312 1-2 It should be noted that the end 308 of the needle shield 302 may not have to traverse one or both of the inner walls 314 of the needle shield 302 completely. In one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 may slide until it is received within the connector 306. In one or more embodiments, the connector 306 may include a groove 318 that receives the end 308 of the needle shield 302 therein. 1-2 A pair of flaps 316 each forming 1-2 The present invention may be configured as follows.

[0024] Thus, in one or more embodiments, the user 150 can cover the needle 116 with the needle shield 302 for temporary protection (e.g., for transport to a patient site). In one or more embodiments, the needle 116 can be covered using the needle shield 302 after its use as well. In one or more embodiments, covering the needle 116 with the needle shield 302 not only protects the needle 116 but can also prevent unwanted accidents resulting from unwanted contact with it. In one or more embodiments, the needle 116 can be uncovered based on pushing the needle shield 302 further downward to allow for injection of a fluid (e.g., a drug) into the patient's body. In one or more embodiments, the connector 306 can be flexible so that the user 150 can easily slide the end 308 of the needle shield 302 into the groove 318 of the connector 306. 1-2In some cases, sufficient downward pressure may be applied to allow the needle shield 302 to pop out of the end 310 of the needle shield 302 and slide further downward along the barrel 104. In one or more embodiments, as the needle shield 302 slides further downward along the barrel 104, the needle 116 pops out of the end 310 of the needle shield 302, allowing the needle 116 to become uncovered.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 may indirectly move further down along the barrel 104 when the user 150 pulls the plunger 102 outwardly from the barrel 104 and then places the needle shield 302 against the cap of the vial or bottle, pushing the barrel 104 inwardly toward the vial or bottle. In one or more embodiments, this causes the end 308 of the needle shield 302 to engage with the groove 318 of the connector 306. 1-2 1 and slides further down along barrel 104, thereby exposing needle 116. In one or more embodiments, user 150 holds needle shield 302 to maintain a position in which needle 116 is exposed for injecting fluids (e.g., medication) into or extracting blood from a patient's body. In one or more embodiments, once a task is completed, a force in the opposite direction can be applied by user 150 to needle shield 302 to restore full enclosure of needle 116 by needle shield 302.

[0026] Thus, in one or more embodiments, the needle-based device 100 can be provided with a needle shield 302 configured to protect the needle 116 when not in use (e.g., storage, shipping, after fluid injection, after fluid withdrawal) and retractable to expose the needle 116 for its use (e.g., fluid injection, fluid collection). FIGS. 2 and 3 show wings (202) on the sides of the needle mount 112. 1-2 , 212 1-2), but in one or more alternative embodiments, the wings may instead be present on one or more sides of the barrel 104. Here, in one or more embodiments, the needle mount 112 may be smaller in size and flatter. Also, note that the needle shield 302 need not simply be coupled to the barrel 104 via the connector 306. In certain embodiments, the needle shield 302 may simply be attached to an element similar to the needle mount 112. In this case, said element may surround the needle mount 112, and the needle shield 302 may indirectly be coupled to the barrel 104 by being coupled to said element. In some cases, the needle mount 112 may also be interpreted as a mount for the needle shield 302 (e.g., based on an element surrounding the needle mount 112).

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a wing 402 on the side proximate end 110 on the outer wall 304 of the barrel 104, according to one or more embodiments. 1-2 3 shows a needle-based device 100 having a wing 402 in one or more embodiments. 1-2 Slide up 、 The needle shield 302 may be locked to a connector 306 on the outer wall 304 to protect the needle 116. In one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 is pushed further down along the barrel 104, thereby obscuring / exposing the needle 116 based on the pressure applied to the needle shield 302 such that the end 308 pops out of the connector 306. Again, in one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 may be pulled back to a position where the needle shield 302 completely surrounds the protruding needle 116.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a wing 402 in a configuration similar to its first configuration in needle mount 112 of FIG. 1-2 However, Wing 402 1-2It should be noted that the needle mount 112 may also be configured similarly to its second configuration in the needle mount 112 of Figure 2. Additionally, all reasonable variations that allow for relative movement between the needle shield 302 and the needle mount 112 / barrel 104 are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein. In Figure 4, the needle mount 112 may be smaller than the embodiment of Figures 2-3 due to the lack of wings thereon.

[0029] Referring again to FIG. 3, wing 202 1-2 It should be noted that the configuration of the wing 202 is not limited. 1-2 Instead of Wing 212 1-2 3. The needle mount 112 may have a groove 312 on the side thereof. 1-2 The wings 212 cannot completely traverse the inner wall 314 of the needle shield 302. 1-2 312 groove 1-2 312 1-2 Here, the wing 212 can slide relative to the 1-2 10. The taper of the needle shield 302 allows the needle shield 302 to lock onto the needle mount 112 / barrel 104 without the need for a connector 306, as discussed above. The needle shield 302 can then be pushed downward to cover / expose the needle 116, as described above. The needle shield 302 can then be manually restored to its original position where the needle shield 302 completely surrounds the protruding needle 116.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a needle-based device 100 having a ring 502 on the outer wall 304 of the barrel 104 proximate the end 110, according to one or more embodiments. Here, the needle mount 112 may be of the same configuration as in FIGS. 2-3. Alternatively, the needle mount 112 may be smaller and have no wings thereon. In one embodiment, the ring 502 (e.g., of uniform thickness) may protrude from the outer wall 304 of the barrel 104. Additionally, the underside of the ring 502 may have a groove 504 that is complementary to a protrusion 506 on the end 308 of the needle shield 302. Again, the needle shield 302 may initially receive the needle 116 on the needle mount 112 through its end 308. The needle shield 302 may, after a point in time, be moved downward toward the barrel 104 such that the protrusion 506 of the needle shield 302 locks into the groove 504 of the ring 502. In this state, the needle shield 302 may completely surround the needle 116 protruding therein.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the ring 502 may be made of a flexible material. And, in one or more implementations, the ring 502 may change shape due to its flexibility, but the ring 502 may not change its position along the barrel 104. In one or more embodiments, with the appropriate downward pressure (e.g., by the user 150), the protrusion 506 pops out of the groove 504, moving the needle shield 302 further down along the barrel 104. In one or more embodiments, this may expose / uncover the needle 116 for use with a patient (e.g., to draw blood, inject a fluid, prick a finger) or for use with a vial / bottle (e.g., to draw liquid). In one or more embodiments, following use of the needle 116, upward pressure may be applied to allow the protrusion 506 to relock into the groove 504 so that the needle shield 302 may again fully surround the needle 116.

[0032] The embodiment of the ring (e.g., ring 502) in FIG. 5 is merely an exemplary embodiment. Other embodiments including a cover for the needle 116 and a ring to facilitate removing the cover are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein. In one or more embodiments, the wings (202) on the needle mount 112 are 1-2 , 212 1-2 ) may further aid in locking / unlocking / relocking the needle base 302 in / from the appropriate position. All reasonable modifications are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0033] 6 illustrates the needle-based device 100 with a spring-based configuration of the needle shield 302, according to one or more embodiments. Here, in one or more embodiments, the wings 212 1-2 The needle mount 112 having a groove 602 may be inserted directly into the barrel 104 via the end 110 furthest from the base 106. In one example, the barrel 104 may have a groove (not shown) on an inner wall. The needle mount 112 may be threaded onto its proximal end 110. Other configurations for coupling the needle mount 112 to the barrel 104 are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein. In one or more embodiments, the barrel 104 may have a ring 602 (e.g., similar to ring 502, but may be structurally different; ring 602 may be made of a flexible material) formed on the outer wall 304 proximate the end 110. The ring 602 may be integrally formed with the barrel 104, although in some other embodiments, the ring 602 may be a separate element from the barrel 104.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the spring 604 can be positioned on the needle mount 112 such that the spring 604 surrounds the protruding needle 116 along its entire length. In one or more embodiments, the spring 604, now surrounding the needle 116, can be received within the needle shield 302 through its end 308, and as the needle shield 302 is moved downward toward the barrel 104, the end 308 of the needle shield 302 can be forced against the ring 602. In some embodiments, further application of pressure (e.g., via the hand 152 of the user 150) can compress the ring 602, forcing the ring 602 inside the end 308 and received within the needle shield 302. In one or more embodiments, in this state, the needle shield 302 completely encompasses the entire length of both the protruding needle 116 and the spring 604.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 may comfortably protect the protruding needle 116 and the spring 602 when no further external pressure is applied. In one or more embodiments, the ring 602 does not lock the needle shield 302 in position, but the inner cross-sectional diameter of the ring 602 may be larger than the inner cross-sectional diameter of the end 308, thereby preventing the needle shield 302 from falling outward when the needle-based device 100 is turned upside down. In one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 may be hollow. In one or more embodiments, furthermore, the inner cross-sectional diameter of the end 310 of the needle shield 302 furthest from the end 308 may be smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the spring 604. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 may be prevented from falling downward by the spring 604 when the needle-based device 100 is held in an upright position.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, in the absence of the spring 604, the needle shield 302 may slip and fall downward. Alternatively or additionally, the needle shield 302 may be prevented from falling downward based on an element attached to the needle mount 112, as discussed above. However, in one or more embodiments, when the user 150 applies further pressure downward toward the barrel 104 or the end 310 of the needle shield 302 is subjected to a normal downward reaction by a surface (e.g., a patient's arm, a vial cap, or a bottle), the needle shield 302 moves downward along the barrel 104, thereby also compressing the spring 604 in the same direction to expose / uncover the needle 116. The needle 116 may then be utilized appropriately (e.g., to inject a fluid into the patient, to pierce a patient's finger / body part, to pierce a vial / bottle cap). Following use of the needle 116, the force along the compression direction of the spring 604 can be relieved (e.g., by removing the needle-based device 100 from the surface and the user 150 ceasing to apply downward pressure), allowing the spring 604 to return to its uncompressed version. In the uncompressed state of the spring 604, the needle shield 302 can again completely surround the protruding needle 116 and the spring 604.

[0037] In a scenario of injecting a fluid into a patient's body, the needle-based device 100 may first be placed against the cap of a vial / bottle from which the fluid is to be extracted. As the end 310 is pressed against the cap, the normal reaction from the cap pushes the needle shield 302 downward, thereby compressing the spring 604. The downward movement of the needle shield 302 and the compression of the spring 604 exposes the needle 116, which pierces the cap. The plunger 102 may also be depressed by the user 150 pushing the base 106 upward toward the needle mount 112, such that the plunger head 108 contacts the needle mount 112. Pulling the plunger 102 back may create a gap between the needle mount 112 and the plunger head 108. The gap may constitute a low pressure area, allowing fluid to fill the gap by squirting through the hollow needle 116.

[0038] A desired amount of fluid can now be filled into the gap. The gap can be controlled based on graduated markings on the barrel 104 (e.g., shown as graduated markings 606). Once the desired amount of fluid is available in the gap, the user 150 can remove the needle-based device 100 from the vial / bottle. This decompresses the spring 604, restoring it to its original shape. The user 150 can then place the end 310 of the needle shield 302 against the patient's arm, which also compresses the spring 604 as described above, exposing the needle 116. The exposed needle 116 pierces the patient's skin. The press of the base 106 can compress the volume of the gap, thereby creating a high pressure area therein. Fluid can be squeezed through the hollow needle 116 and into the patient's body.

[0039] Once the fluid has been injected into the patient's body, the needle-based device 100 may be withdrawn from the patient's arm. This decompresses the spring 604 and restores the needle shield 302 to a position where it completely surrounds the exposed needle 116 and the spring 604. The needle-based device 100 may also be used to prick a patient's fingertip to extract blood or to extract another liquid from a bottle / vial. Additionally, the needle-based device 100 may be used to extract venom from a mammalian body part. Details regarding the figures discussed above clarify the aforementioned uses. All reasonable modifications are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0040] 6, it will be apparent that the needle shield 302 can be retracted to expose the needle 116 and released to free the needle 116 to close. Also, the wings 212 on the needle mount 112 1-2 The wings 212 can aid in a secure connection between the needle shield 302 and the barrel 104. 1-26 embodiment without the need for the spring 604. In summary, the embodiment of FIG. 6 can be used in two different operational modes with respect to the use of the needle-based device 100 where the needle shield 302 retracts to compress the spring 604 and expose the needle 116. A first different operational mode of use of the needle-based device 100 can be the extraction of a fluid from a vial / bottle or body (e.g., arm) of a mammal (e.g., human), and a second different operational mode of use of the needle-based device 100 can be the injection of said fluid into the mammal's body or the body of another mammal. There is no current solution where a similar needle is shielded and exposed for use during both the extraction of a fluid and its injection. Yet another operational mode of the embodiment of FIG. 6 can be associated with an out-of-use state of the needle-based device 100 where the needle 116 is completely shielded / surrounded by the spring 604 and the needle shield 302.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates an outer cap 702 configured to at least partially cover the needle shield 302, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the outer cap 702 may be made of a transparent (e.g., plastic, glass), translucent (e.g., rubber), or opaque material to cover the slits and cuts in the needle shield 302. For example, an outer surface 704 of the outer cap 702 may have a groove 706 therein. Correspondingly, in one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 may have a locking button 708 on its outer surface. In one or more embodiments, the locking button 708 of the needle shield 302 may be configured to be received in the groove 706 of the outer cap 702 to lock the needle-based device 100 (e.g., in an unused state).

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the use of an external lock can prevent reuse of the needle-based device 100, or at least the needle 116 therein. Although FIG. 7 shows the needle shield 302 covering the needle 116 and spring 604, the concepts associated with the external lock are also applicable to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5. In one or more embodiments, the external lock can prevent movement of the needle shield 302, thereby preventing reuse of the needle-based device 100. Alternatively, the needle shield 302 itself can include both the lock button 708 and the groove 706. Here, only elements of the needle shield 302 can be used for locking. In another alternative embodiment, the lock button 708 can be external to the needle shield 302. For example, the lock button 708 can be on the external cap 702 and the groove 706 can be on the needle shield 302. The lock button 708 of the external cap 702 can be received within the groove 706 of the needle shield 302.

[0043] In yet another alternative embodiment, the outer cap 702 can cover the locking button 708 of the needle shield 302 to prevent premature / accidental locking during shipping or handling of the needle-based device 100. In one example, the outer cap 702 can be designed like a pen cap. Other configurations of the outer cap 702 are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments herein.

[0044] Thus, the above exemplary embodiments provide a safety mechanism for the needle-based device 100. Manual shielding available on typical syringes may require capping the needle after its use. Capping and uncapping may expose the user to needle injury. Additionally, typical spring-based implementations that allow the needle to be retracted into the syringe may reserve some space in the barrel for the spring. This may result in lost space for dosing. The automatic retraction of the needle shield 302 in the exemplary embodiments discussed herein may also allow for one-handed operation of the needle-based device 100. All reasonable variations are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0045] It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described above are in the context of a hypodermic syringe with a barrel 104 and plunger 102 and a needle 116. However, the concepts associated with the exemplary embodiments discussed herein are applicable across embodiments in which a needle mount 112 is coupled to the body of the needle-based device 100 (instead of the barrel 104) and the needle 116 protrudes from the needle mount 112. In one or more embodiments, a needle shield 302 may surround the protruding needle 116 in an actuated state. The needle shield 302 may be retracted to expose / uncover the needle 116. In one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 may be protected by an outer cap 702, as discussed above. All reasonable variations and combinations of the exemplary embodiments discussed with respect to FIGS. 1-7 are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates a process flow diagram detailing operations involved in implementing a security mechanism in a needle-based device (e.g., needle-based device 100), according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, operation 802 may include protecting an entire length of a needle (e.g., needle 116) of the needle-based device that protrudes from a needle mount (e.g., needle mount 112) coupled to a body (e.g., barrel 104). In a first, non-use state of the needle-based device, providing a needle shield (e.g., needle shield 302) configured to completely surround the entire protruding length of the needle. In one or more embodiments, operation 804 may include retracting the needle shield in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device to allow the needle to emerge from the needle shield to prepare the needle-based device for its second, use state.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, operation 806 may include transitioning the needle-based device to its first, non-use state following the second, use state according to a force applied in a second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction. In one or more embodiments, operation 808 may then involve: ensuring that the needle shield maintains enclosure of the entire protruding length of the needle in the first, non-use state of the needle-based device based on the coupling between the needle shield and the body of the needle-based device.

[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates the spring-based embodiment of FIGS. 6-7 with the outer cap 702, needle mount 112, and needle shield 302 as modular elements. In one or more embodiments, as clearly illustrated by FIGS. 6 and 9 and described above, the needle shield 302 is attached to the barrel 104 (the body of the needle-based device 100) directly or through a user of, for example, a connector (such as ring 602) such that the needle shield 302 surrounds both the spring 604 and the needle 116. As described with reference to FIG. 6, the relative cross-sectional areas / diameters of the needle mount 112, needle shield 302, and ring 602 can automatically protect the needle 116 from accidental sticks caused by the needle 116. It should be noted that a snap (not shown) may be formed in the barrel 104 (or the body of the needle-based device 100) so that the needle shield 302 can be directly coupled to the barrel 104 (or the body of the needle-based device 100).

[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates retraction of the needle shield 302 in the spring-based embodiment of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments. As described above, when pressure is applied in a downward direction toward the barrel 104, either by the user 150 or by pressing the end 310 of the needle shield 302 against a surface (e.g., a patient's arm, a vial / bottle cap), the needle shield 302 moves in the same downward direction, thereby compressing the spring 604, as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 illustrates a locking mechanism 1100 of the needle-based device 100 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, but in a variation thereof. Here, in one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism 1100 may include a locking button 1102 (similar to locking button 708) on the needle shield 302 located proximate the end 114 / top of the needle mount 112. However, now, as shown in Fig. 11, the locking button 1102 may have a hook 1104 configured to fit between and lock onto the coils 1106 of the spring 604 (e.g., by catching a spring wire). For the aforementioned purpose, the needle shield may have a groove 1108 in its outer wall through which the hook 1104 passes and locks onto the coils 1106 of the spring 604, thereby increasing the locking force compared to the locking force of the embodiment of Fig. 7. The locking button 708 instead engages the outer cap 702.

[0050] As mentioned above, other possible embodiments include a lock button 708 that is a separate element that engages with the needle shield 302 or both the needle shield 302 and the spring 604. FIG. 12 shows an external lock button 1202 configured to engage with both a groove 1204 of the needle shield 302 (e.g., by a hook 1208 of the external lock button 1202) and a coil 1106 of the spring 604 (e.g., via a groove 1108 by another hook 1206 that includes the button 1202 of the external lock). Again, the context of the embodiment of the external lock button 1202 is similar to that of FIG. 6. In one or more embodiments, the spring 604 may be a separate element or may be integrated with the needle mount 112 or the needle shield 302. In one or more embodiments, the spring 604 may be a metal spring or a molded spring. In one or more embodiments, the needle shield 302 across all embodiments, along with other elements such as the needle mount 112 and spring 604, may be sold as a separate safety mechanism from the syringe or other form of needle-based device 100.

[0051] FIG. 13 shows the embodiment of FIG. 6, but with a longer needle mount 112. Here, the needle mount 112 may be longer such that the ring 602 may be formed thereon instead of the barrel 104. Thus, the needle 116 with the needle mount 112 and the needle shield 302 may be sold as a separate safety mechanism 1300 separate from the needle-based device 100. Note that the manual embodiment of FIG. 3 may also include a locking mechanism (e.g., the one of FIG. 7 and FIG. 11-12 (which does not hook the wire of the spring 604 since the embodiment of FIG. 3 does not have the spring 604). It is easy to imagine the embodiment of FIG. 7 without the spring 604 described herein. All reasonable modifications are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein. Also, note that the mechanism of injecting fluids into the body of a mammal and extracting fluids from a vial / bottle / body of a mammal is known to those skilled in the art, particularly with respect to the needle-based device 100. Thus, for convenience and clarity, detailed description and illustration thereof are omitted.

[0052] Although the present embodiments have been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments. The specification and drawings are therefore to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. protecting the entire length of the needle (116) of the needle-based device (100) protruding from a needle mount (112) coupled to a body of the needle-based device (100) by providing a needle shield (302) configured to completely surround the entire protruding length of the needle (116) in a first, unused state of the needle-based device (100); enclosing the entire extension length of a needle (116) of the needle-based device (100) with a spring (604) configured to rest on a needle mount (112) at one end thereof in a first, unused state of the needle-based device (100); encompassing, through the needle shield (302), the entire length of the needle (116) in the first, non-use state of the needle-based device (100) plus the entire length of the spring (604); and retracting the needle shield (302) in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device (100) to allow the needle to exit the needle shield (302) and prepare the needle-based device (100) for its second state of use; automatically transitioning the needle-based device (100) to its first non-use state following the second use state based on depressurization of a spring (604) providing a force applied in a second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction; ensuring that the needle shield (302) maintains enclosure of the entire protruding length of the needle (116) in a first, non-use state of the needle-based device (100) based on a coupling between the needle shield (302) and a body of the needle-based device (100); The method includes locking the needle shield (302) in a first non-use state of the needle-based device (100) based on a lock button that latches to a coil (1106) of a spring (604) via a groove (706) formed on the needle shield (302).

2. Additionally, a wing (202) on one side of the needle mount (112) and the body of the needle-based device (100); a connector (306) of one of the body of the needle-based device (100) and the body of the needle mount (112); and 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing at least one of a ring (602) on an outer wall (304) of one of the body of the needle-based device (100) and the body of the needle mount (112) to enable coupling between the needle shield (302) and the body of the needle-based device (100).

3. Utilizing a barrel (104) of at least one of a hypodermic syringe, a hypodermic needle, a pen syringe, and a fluid collection device as the body of the needle-based device (100); and 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of securing a needle shield (302) with an outer cap (702) in a first, non-use state of the needle-based device (100).

4. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising covering the locking button (708) of the needle shield (302) with the outer cap (702) to prevent at least one of premature and accidental locking of the needle-based device (100) during one of shipping and handling of the needle-based device (100).

5. protecting the entire length of the needle (116) of the needle-based device (100) protruding from a needle mount (112) coupled to a body of the needle-based device (100) by providing a needle shield (302) configured to completely surround the entire protruding length of the needle (116) in a first, unused state of the needle-based device (100); enclosing the entire extension length of a needle (116) of the needle-based device (100) with a spring (604) configured to rest on a needle mount (112) at one end thereof in a first, unused state of the needle-based device (100); encompassing, through the needle shield (302), the entire length of the needle (116) in the first, non-use state of the needle-based device (100) plus the entire length of the spring (604); retracting the needle shield (302) in a first direction toward a body of the needle-based device (100) to compress the spring (604) and move the needle (116) out of the needle shield (302) to prepare the needle-based device (100) for its second state of use, the second state of use including both aspiration of fluid and injection of fluid through the needle-based device (100); automatically transitioning the needle-based device (100) to its first non-use state following the second use state based on depressurization of a spring (604) providing a force applied in a second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction; and ensuring that the needle shield (302) maintains an enclosure of the entire extension length of the needle (116) and the entire length of the spring (604) in a first, non-use state of the needle-based device (100) based on the coupling between the needle shield (302) and the body of the needle-based device (100); and and locking the needle shield (302) with a locking button (708) formed either thereon or on its exterior based on the locking button latching to the coil (1106) of the spring (604) in a first, unused state of the needle-based device (100).

6. a coupling based on providing at least one of a wing (202) on a side of one of the needle mount (112) and the body of the needle-based device (100), a connector of one of the body of the needle-based device (100) and the body of the needle mount (112), and a ring (602) on an outer wall (304) of one of the body of the needle-based device (100) and the body of the needle mount (112) to enable coupling between a needle shield (302) and the body of the needle-based device (100); 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising a body of a needle-based device (100) including at least one of a hypodermic syringe, a hypodermic needle, a pen syringe, and a barrel (104) of at least one of a fluid collection device.

7. securing a needle shield (302) with an outer cap (702) in a first, non-use condition of the needle-based device (100); locking the needle shield (302) with a lock button (708) formed either thereon or on an exterior thereof in a first, non-use state of the needle-based device (100); and 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising at least one of: covering a locking button (708) of a needle shield (302) with an outer cap (702) to prevent at least one of premature and accidental locking of the needle-based device (100) during one of shipping and handling of the needle-based device (100).

8. protecting an entire length of a needle (116) of a needle-based device (100) protruding from a needle mount (112) coupled to a body of the needle-based device (100), the body of the needle-based device being the barrel (104) of at least one of a hypodermic syringe, a hypodermic needle, a pen syringe, and a fluid collection device, by providing a needle shield (302) configured to completely surround the entire protruding length of the needle (116) in a first, unused state of the needle-based device (100); enclosing the entire extension length of a needle (116) of the needle-based device (100) with a spring (604) configured to rest on a needle mount (112) at one end thereof in a first, unused state of the needle-based device (100); encompassing, through the needle shield (302), the entire length of the needle (116) in the first, non-use state of the needle-based device (100) plus the entire length of the spring (604); and retracting the needle shield (302) in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device (100) to compress the spring (604) and move the needle (116) out of the needle shield (302) to prepare the needle-based device (100) for its second state of use; automatically transitioning the needle-based device (100) to its first non-use state following the second use state based on depressurization of a spring (604) providing a force applied in a second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction; and ensuring that the needle shield (302) maintains enclosure of the entire protruding length of the needle (116) in a first, non-use state of the needle-based device (100) based on a coupling between the needle shield (302) and a body of the needle-based device (100); and locking the needle shield (302) in a first non-use state of the needle-based device (100) based on a lock button that latches to a coil (1106) of a spring (604) via a groove (706) formed on the needle shield (302).

9. further providing at least one of a wing (202) on a side of one of the needle mount (112) and the body of the needle-based device (100), a connector of one of the body of the needle-based device (100) and the body of the needle mount (112), and a ring (602) on an outer wall (304) of one of the body of the needle-based device (100) and the body of the needle mount (112) to enable coupling of the needle shield (302) with the body of the needle-based device (100); securing a needle shield (302) with an outer cap (702) in a first, non-use condition of the needle-based device (100); 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the second state of use of the needle-based device (100) includes at least one of: involving both aspiration of fluid and injection of fluid through the needle-based device (100).

10. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising covering the locking button (708) of the needle shield (302) with the outer cap (702) to prevent at least one of premature and accidental locking of the needle-based device (100) during one of shipping and handling of the needle-based device (100).

Images