Emergency automatic injection device

Abstract

To provide an automatic injection device in which a needle is surely protected at all times before injection of a medical drug, during the injection and after the injection.SOLUTION: An automatic injection device 100 for use with a syringe 130 including at least one syringe piston 138 and a needle 136 coupled to a forward end thereof, comprises a housing element 116 arranged along a longitudinal axis 107 and having a forward end and a rearward end; at least one resilient element arranged to be located within the housing element; a needle shield 114 selectably positionable with respect to the housing element; and a control unit 118 adapted, when actuated, to be driven by the at least one resilient element for initially displacing the syringe relative to the housing element from a non-penetration position to a penetration position and thereafter displacing the at least one syringe piston in the syringe to effect drug delivery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Reference is made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 937,264, entitled “EMERGENCY AUTOMATIC INJECTION DEVICE,” filed November 19, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and which claims priority under U.S.C. Sections 1.78(a)(4) and (5)(i).

[0002] No. 8,376,998, issued on February 19, 2013, entitled "Automatic Injection Device," and U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,998, issued on April 29, 2014, entitled "Removal of needle shields from See also U.S. Patent No. 8,708,968, entitled "Removing Needle Shields from Syringes and Automatic Injection Devices."

[0003] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates generally to autoinjectors, and more particularly to autoinjectors adapted for parenteral administration of a substance (e.g., a drug) to a living organism (human or animal) by pressing the autoinjector against the site to be injected. [Background technology]

[0004] 2. Background of the Invention A variety of emergency auto-injectors are known which are activated by pressing the auto-injector against an injection site on the patient's skin. It is important to ensure that the needle is protected at all times before, during and after the injection of medication. There is also a need to ensure that the auto-injector is prevented from being inadvertently activated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Summary of the Invention The present invention aims to provide an emergency auto-injector device.

[0006] Accordingly, according to an embodiment of the present invention or a combination of embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an auto-injector device for use with a syringe including at least one syringe piston and a needle connected to the front end thereof, the auto-injector device being arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a front end and a rear end, at least one elastic element arranged to be located within the housing element, a needle shield selectively arrangeable relative to the housing element, and, when actuated, initially moving the syringe relative to the housing element from a non-penetrating position to a penetrating position and then moving at least one syringe piston within the syringe to effect drug delivery, including a control unit adapted to be driven by at least one elastic element, and configured such that when the needle shield moves axially rearward relative to the housing element, the control unit is actuated.

[0007] Preferably, the auto-injector device also includes a locking element acting for selectable movement relative to the housing element and operatively engageable with the needle shield, and when the needle shield moves axially rearward relative to the housing element, the locking element is urged by at least one elastic element to be allowed to rotate about the longitudinal axis. More preferably, the locking element is selectively operatively engaged with the control unit, and when the needle shield moves axially rearward relative to the housing element, the control unit is urged by at least one elastic element to act to cause rotation of the locking element. Even more preferably, the auto-injector device also includes a plunger rod acting to selectively drive axial movement of at least one syringe piston relative to the housing element, and the plunger rod acts to be moved together with the control unit from actuation of the control unit to the penetrating position of the syringe.

[0008]

[0009] ​Even more preferably, at least one elastic element comprises a single spring. Alternatively, at least one elastic element comprises a first spring and a second spring. Preferably, the second spring is at least partially disposed within the plunger rod and acts to urge the plunger rod to move forward along the longitudinal axis.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the auto-injector also includes a needle cover remover configured to be removably attached to a housing element that acts to protect the needle. When the needle shield remover is attached to the housing element, the needle shield is prevented from moving axially rearward relative to the housing element.

[0011] Preferably, the needle cover remover includes at least one securing element that acts to engage a corresponding securing counter-element formed on the needle shield, preventing inadvertent rearward movement of the needle shield relative to the housing element.

[0012] Even more preferably, the locking element is allowed to rotate in a single rotational direction. Even more preferably, the locking element is selectively disposed relative to the control unit in one of a locking direction and an unlocking direction, and when the locking element is disposed in the unlocking direction, at least one elastic element is allowed to drive the control unit axially forward relative to the housing element.

[0013] Even more preferably, the locking element has a rotatable element, and the control unit has a counter-rotatable element that engages the rotatable element when the locking element is disposed in the locking direction.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the locking element is arranged in the locking direction, the needle shield is prevented from moving longitudinally forward in the axial direction with respect to the housing. Preferably, the locking element has a protrusion formed on its outer surface to ensure that when the needle shield moves rearward with respect to the housing element, the control unit is actuated. More preferably, the auto-injection device also includes a syringe sleeve that is fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the housing element and includes a buffer element adapted to buffer the impact on the syringe during its forward movement and during needle penetration.

[0015] Even more preferably, in the post-injection operating state, the plunger rod is prevented from moving axially rearward with respect to the housing element. Even more preferably, the auto-injection device also includes a locking element that is prevented from moving with respect to the housing element by engagement with the needle shield in the pre-injection operating state, and the control unit is prevented from moving with respect to the housing element by engagement with the locking element in the pre-injection operating state. Even more preferably, the needle shield includes at least one stop rib that engages a protrusion formed on the locking element to limit the rotation of the locking element in the pre-injection operating state.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic injection device for use with a syringe comprising at least one syringe piston and a needle connected to its front end portion is arranged along a longitudinal axis and has a front end portion and a rear end portion. A housing element, at least one elastic element arranged to be located within the housing element, a needle shield selectively arrangeable relative to the housing element, a locking element acting for selectively movable relative to the housing element and operably engagable with the needle shield, and when actuated, first moves the syringe relative to the housing element from a non-penetrating position to a penetrating position, and then moves at least one syringe piston within the syringe to perform drug delivery. It includes a control unit adapted to be driven by at least one elastic element, and when the locking element engages the needle shield, the movement of the locking element relative to the housing is prevented, thereby preventing at least one elastic element from driving the control unit.

[0017] Preferably, when the needle shield moves axially rearward relative to the housing element, the locking element is urged by at least one elastic element to be allowed to rotate about the longitudinal axis. More preferably, the locking element is selectively operably engaged with the control unit, and when the needle shield moves axially rearward relative to the housing element, the control unit is urged by at least one elastic element to act to cause the rotation of the locking element.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automatic injection device also includes a plunger rod acting to selectively drive an axial movement of at least one syringe piston relative to the housing element, and the plunger rod acts to be moved together with the control unit from the actuation of the control unit to the penetrating position of the syringe.

[0019] Preferably, at least one elastic element comprises a single spring. Alternatively, at least one elastic element comprises a first spring and a second spring. Preferably, the second spring is at least partially disposed within the plunger rod and acts to bias the plunger rod to move forward along the longitudinal axis.

[0020] Preferably, the auto-injection device also includes a needle cover mover configured to be removably attached to a housing element that acts to protect the needle. When the needle shield mover is attached to the housing element, the needle shield is prevented from moving axially rearward relative to the housing element. More preferably, the needle cover mover includes at least one securing element that acts to engage a corresponding securing counter-element formed on the needle shield, preventing inadvertent rearward movement of the needle shield relative to the housing element.

[0021] Even more preferably, the locking element is allowed to rotate in a single rotational direction. Even more preferably, the locking element is selectively disposed relative to the control unit in one of a locked direction and an unlocked direction, and when the locking element is disposed in the unlocked direction, at least one elastic element is allowed to drive the control unit axially forward relative to the housing element.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking element has a rotatable element, and the control unit has a counter-rotatable element that engages the rotatable element when the locking element is disposed in the locked direction.

[0023] Preferably, when the locking element is disposed in the locked direction, the needle shield is prevented from moving longitudinally axially forward relative to the housing. More preferably, the locking element has a protrusion formed on its outer surface to ensure that the control unit is activated when the needle shield moves rearward relative to the housing element.

[0024] Even more preferably, the auto-injector further comprises a syringe sleeve which is fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the housing element and includes a buffer element adapted to buffer the impact on the syringe during its forward movement and during needle penetration.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the post-injection operating state, the plunger rod is prevented from moving axially rearward relative to the housing element.

[0026] Preferably, the locking element is prevented from moving relative to the housing element by engagement with the needle shield in the pre-injection operating state, and the control unit is prevented from moving relative to the housing element by engagement with the locking element in the pre-injection operating state. Even more preferably, the needle shield includes at least one stop rib that engages a protrusion formed on the locking element to limit the rotation of the locking element in the pre-injection operating state.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an auto-injector for use with a syringe including at least one syringe piston and a needle connected to the front end thereof comprises a housing element disposed along a longitudinal axis and having a front end and a rear end, at least one elastic element disposed to be located within the housing element, a needle shield selectively disposed relative to the housing element, a locking element acting for selective movement relative to the housing element and operatively engagable with the needle shield, and a control unit adapted to be driven by at least one elastic element to first move the syringe from a non-penetrating position to a penetrating position relative to the housing element and then move at least one syringe piston within the syringe to effect drug delivery, wherein when the needle shield moves axially rearward relative to the housing element, the locking element is permitted to move relative to the housing.

[0028] Preferably, the locking element is selectively operably engaged with the control unit, and when the needle shield moves axially rearward relative to the housing element, the control unit is urged by at least one elastic element to actuate the rotation of the locking element.

[0029] More preferably, the auto-injection device also includes a plunger rod that selectively drives the axial movement of at least one syringe piston relative to the housing element, and the plunger rod is operable to move together with the control unit from the actuation of the control unit to the piercing position of the syringe.

[0030] Even more preferably, the at least one elastic element includes a single spring. Alternatively, the at least one elastic element includes a first spring and a second spring. Preferably, the second spring is at least partially disposed within the plunger rod and acts to bias the plunger rod to move forward along the longitudinal axis.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the auto-injection device also includes a needle cover remover configured to be removably attached to the housing element for protecting the needle, and when the needle shield remover is attached to the housing element, the needle shield is prevented from moving axially rearward relative to the housing element.

[0032] Preferably, the needle cover remover includes at least one fixing element operable to engage a corresponding fixing counter-element formed on the needle shield to prevent inadvertent rearward movement of the needle shield relative to the housing element. More preferably, the locking element is allowed to rotate in a single rotational direction. Even more preferably, the locking element is selectively disposed in one of a locking direction and a non-locking direction relative to the control unit and when the locking element is disposed in the non-locking direction, the at least one elastic element is allowed to drive the control unit axially forward relative to the housing element.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the locking element has a rotatable element, and the control unit has an opposing rotatable element that engages with the rotatable element when the locking element is arranged in the locking direction.

[0034] Preferably, when the locking element is arranged in the locking direction, the needle shield is prevented from moving axially forward in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing. More preferably, the locking element has a protrusion formed on its outer surface to ensure that the control unit operates when the needle shield moves backward relative to the housing element. Even more preferably, the auto-injection device includes a syringe sleeve that is fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the housing element and includes a buffer element adapted to buffer the impact on the syringe during its forward movement and during needle penetration.

[0035] Preferably, in the post-injection operating state, the plunger rod is prevented from moving axially backward relative to the housing element. More preferably, the locking element is prevented from moving relative to the housing element by engagement with the needle shield in the pre-injection operating state, and the control unit is prevented from moving relative to the housing element by engagement with the locking element in the pre-injection operating state. Even more preferably, the needle shield includes at least one stop rib that engages a protrusion formed on the locking element to limit the rotation of the locking element in the pre-injection operating state.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an auto-injector for use with a syringe comprising at least one syringe piston and a needle connected to its front end is arranged along a longitudinal axis and has a front end and a rear end, a housing element, at least one elastic element arranged to be located within the housing element, and when actuated, first moves the syringe from a non-penetrating position to a penetrating position relative to the housing element, and then moves at least one syringe piston within the syringe to effect drug delivery, a control unit adapted to be driven by at least one elastic element, and a locking element selectively arranged in one of a locking direction and a non-locking direction with respect to the control unit, and when the locking element is arranged in the non-locking direction, at least one elastic element is allowed to axially drive the control unit forward relative to the housing element.

[0037] Preferably, the auto-injector also includes a needle shield selectively arrangeable relative to the housing element. More preferably, the locking element is selectively operably engaged with the control unit, and when the needle shield moves axially rearward relative to the housing element, the control unit is urged by at least one elastic element to act to cause rotation of the locking element. Even more preferably, the auto-injector also includes a plunger rod acting to selectively drive axial movement of at least one syringe piston relative to the housing element, and the plunger rod acts to be moved together with the control unit from actuation of the control unit to the penetrating position of the syringe.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one elastic element includes a single spring. Alternatively, at least one elastic element includes a first spring and a second spring. Preferably, the second spring is at least partially arranged within the plunger rod and acts to bias the plunger rod to move forward along the longitudinal axis.

[0039] More preferably, the auto-injection device also includes a needle cover remover configured to be removably attached to a housing element that acts to protect the needle, the needle When the shield remover is attached to the housing element, the needle shield is prevented from moving axially rearward relative to the housing element. Even more preferably, the needle cover remover includes at least one fixing element that acts to engage a corresponding fixing counter-element formed on the needle shield, preventing inadvertent rearward movement of the needle shield relative to the housing element. Even more preferably, the locking element is allowed to rotate in a single rotational direction.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking element has a rotatable element, and the control unit has a counter-rotatable element that engages the rotatable element when the locking element is arranged in the locking direction.

[0041] Preferably, when the locking element is arranged in the locking direction, the needle shield is prevented from moving longitudinally axially forward relative to the housing. Even more preferably, in the post-injection operating state, the plunger rod is prevented from moving axially rearward relative to the housing element. Even more preferably, the locking element is prevented from moving relative to the housing element by engagement with the needle shield in the pre-injection operating state, and the control unit is prevented from moving relative to the housing element by engagement with the locking element in the pre-injection operating state. Even more preferably, the needle shield includes at least one stop rib that engages a protrusion formed on the locking element to limit rotation of the locking element in the pre-injection operating state.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an auto-injector for use with a syringe comprising at least one syringe piston and a needle connected to its front end is arranged along a longitudinal axis and has a front end and a rear end. A housing element, at least one elastic element arranged to be located within the housing element, when actuated, first moves the syringe from a non-penetrating position to a penetrating position relative to the housing element, and then moves at least one syringe piston within the syringe to perform drug delivery. A control unit adapted to be driven by at least one elastic element, a plunger rod acting to selectively drive an axial movement of at least one syringe piston relative to the housing element, and a lock element selectively arranged in one of a locking direction and a non-locking direction relative to the control unit. When the lock element is arranged in the locking direction, the plunger rod engages a part of the lock element, and when the lock element is arranged in the non-locking direction, the plunger rod engages a part of the control unit.

[0043] Preferably, the auto-injector also includes a needle shield selectively arrangeable relative to the housing element. More preferably, the lock element is selectively operably engaged with the control unit, and when the needle shield moves axially rearward relative to the housing element, the control unit is urged by at least one elastic element to act to cause rotation of the lock element. Even more preferably, the plunger rod acts to be moved together with the control unit from actuation of the control unit to the penetrating position of the syringe.

[0044] Even more preferably, the at least one elastic element includes a single spring. Alternatively, the at least one elastic element includes a first spring and a second spring. Preferably, the second spring is at least partially arranged within the plunger rod and acts to urge the plunger rod to move forward along the longitudinal axis.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the auto-injection device also includes a needle shield remover configured to be removably attached to a housing element that acts to protect the needle. When the needle shield remover is attached to the housing element, the needle shield is prevented from moving axially rearward with respect to the housing element.

[0046] Preferably, the needle shield remover includes at least one fixing element that acts to engage a corresponding anti-fixing element formed on the needle shield, preventing inadvertent rearward movement of the needle shield with respect to the housing element. More preferably, the locking element is allowed to rotate in a single rotational direction. Even more preferably, the locking element has a rotatable element, and the control unit has an anti-rotatable element that engages the rotatable element when the locking element is arranged in the locking direction. Even more preferably, when the locking element is arranged in the locking direction, the needle shield is prevented from moving longitudinally axially forward with respect to the housing.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the post-injection operating state, the plunger rod is prevented from moving axially rearward with respect to the housing element. Preferably, the locking element is prevented from moving with respect to the housing element by engagement with the needle shield in the pre-injection operating state, and the control unit is prevented from moving with respect to the housing element by engagement with the locking element in the pre-injection operating state. Even more preferably, the needle shield includes at least one stop rib that engages a protrusion formed on the locking element to limit the rotation of the locking element in the pre-injection operating state.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic injection device for use with a syringe comprising at least one syringe piston and a needle connected to its front end is arranged along a longitudinal axis and has a housing element with a front end and a rear end, at least one elastic element arranged to be located within the housing element, a needle shield selectively displaceable relative to the housing element, a needle cover remover configured to be removably attached to the housing element, and a control unit adapted to be driven by at least one elastic element to, when actuated, first move the syringe relative to the housing element from a non-penetrating position to a penetrating position and then move at least one syringe piston within the syringe to effect drug delivery, the needle shield being prevented from axial rearward movement relative to the housing element when the needle shield remover is attached to the housing element.

[0049] Preferably, the automatic injection device also includes a locking element acting for selectively moving relative to the housing element and operatively engageable with the needle shield, the locking element being urged by at least one elastic element to be allowed to rotate about the longitudinal axis when the needle shield moves axially rearward relative to the housing element.

[0050] More preferably, the locking element is selectively operatively engaged with the control unit, and when the needle shield moves axially rearward relative to the housing element, the control unit is urged by at least one elastic element to act to cause rotation of the locking element. Even more preferably, the automatic injection device also includes a plunger rod acting to selectively drive axial movement of at least one syringe piston relative to the housing element, the plunger rod acting to be moved together with the control unit from actuation of the control unit to the penetrating position of the syringe.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one elastic element includes a single spring. Alternatively, at least one elastic element includes a first spring and a second spring. Preferably, the second spring is at least partially disposed within the plunger rod and acts to bias the plunger rod to move forward along the longitudinal axis.

[0052] Preferably, the needle cover mover includes at least one fixing element that acts to engage a corresponding fixing counter element formed on the needle shield, preventing inadvertent rearward movement of the needle shield relative to the housing element. More preferably, a locking element is selectively disposed in one of a locking direction and an unlocking direction relative to the control unit, and when the locking element is disposed in the unlocking direction, at least one elastic element is permitted to axially drive the control unit forward relative to the housing element. Even more preferably, the locking element has a rotatable element, and the control unit has a counter rotatable element that engages the rotatable element when the locking element is disposed in the locking direction. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the locking element is disposed in the locking direction, the needle shield is prevented from moving longitudinally forward axially relative to the housing.

[0053] Preferably, in the post-injection operating state, the plunger rod is prevented from moving axially rearward relative to the housing element. More preferably, the auto-injection device also includes a locking element that is prevented from moving relative to the housing element by engagement with the needle shield in the pre-injection operating state, and the control unit is prevented from moving relative to the housing element by engagement with the locking element in the pre-injection operating state. Even more preferably, the needle shield includes at least one stop rib that engages a protrusion formed on the locking element to limit rotation of the locking element in the pre-injection operating state.

[0054] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The present invention will be more fully understood and recognized from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the following drawings.

[0056]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] Description of Embodiments The principles, use and implementation of the teachings herein can be better understood by referring to the following description and the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art who review the description and the drawings can implement the present invention without undue effort or experimentation.

[0058] Before detailing at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the following description and / or the depiction in the drawings and / or the details of the structures and components described in the examples and / or the manner of combination of the methods. The present invention can be implemented in other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. It is also to be understood that the technical expressions and terminology used herein are for the purpose of explanation and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0059] Some embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description in the specification, together with the drawings, will make it clear to those skilled in the art how to practice some embodiments of the present invention. The drawings are for purposes of illustrative explanation and are not intended to show the structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a basic understanding of the present invention. For the sake of clarity, some of the objects depicted in the drawings are not to scale.

[0060] First, refer to FIGS. 1A and 1B. These are respectively a schematic exploded view and a cross-sectional exploded view of an emergency automatic injection assembly 100 assembled and operating according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cross-sectional view shows a cross-section along line B-B of FIG. 1A.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 has a front housing element 102 and a rear end element 104, which are preferably fixedly attached by a snap-fit or the like. A label 105 is adapted to be attached on the front housing element 102. It is noted that a window 106 is formed in the front housing element 102, and the label 105 has an opening 108 adapted to be aligned with this window 106, through which a part of the contents of the emergency automatic injection assembly 100 can be peeked when the label is attached on the front housing element 102. It is noted that the front housing element 102 and the rear end 104 are arranged along a common longitudinal axis 107.

[0062] A lock ring 110 is provided and disposed within a receiving container formed by a rear end portion 104 and a front housing element 102, which is configured to be biased to rotate about a longitudinal axis 107 under the force of a first injection spring 112, but the rotation is preventively blocked in the arrangement during the predetermined operation of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 by engagement with the rear portion of the needle shield 114. The needle shield 114 is disposed along the longitudinal axis 107 and is received partially within the front housing element 102 and extends forwardly, so that it protrudes forwardly from the front housing element 102. The needle shield 114 acts to be biased forwardly under the force of a needle shield spring 115.

[0063] A rear housing element 116 is also disposed along the longitudinal axis 107, and its rear portion is received at least partially inside the lock ring 110. The rear housing element 116 is preferably included within the needle shield 114.

[0064] A control unit 118 is disposed along the longitudinal axis 107, and its rear portion is received at least partially within the rear portion of the rear housing element 116. The first injection spring 112 is generally disposed between the rear portion of the control unit 118 and the rear portion of the rear housing 116 and is adapted to act on the control unit 118 when released. It is noted that typically two elastic buffer elements 120 are attached onto the rear portion of the control unit 118 for frictional engagement with the inner surface of the rear housing element 116.

[0065] Further shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is that a plunger rod 122 is generally received within the control unit 118 and is configured to be restrained by the control unit 118 in a retracted rearward position. The plunger rod 122 is disposed along the longitudinal axis 107, and a second injection spring 124, which is disposed coaxially with the first injection spring 112, is inserted within an internal volume defined by the plunger rod 122. The second injection spring 124 It is supported and guided by a guide shaft 126 that forms part of the rear end element 104. It should be noted that the second injection spring 124 is configured to provide an additional force to the movement of the plunger rod 122 along the longitudinal axis 107. The front buffer element 128 is preferably attached to the front portion of the plunger rod 122.

[0066] The syringe 130 is configured to be held by the control unit 118 in a predetermined operating position of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100. The prefilled syringe 130 has a syringe barrel 132 having a flange 134 formed at its rear end and a needle 136 fixedly attached to its front end. A piston 138 is contained within the syringe barrel 132, which confines the medicament within the syringe barrel 132. A disposable cover 140 is adapted to seal and protect the needle 136. It is understood that the syringe 130 may be any type of medicament container such as a prefilled syringe or a cartridge.

[0067] It should also be noted that at least a part of the syringe 130 is preferably configured to be within a syringe sleeve 142 fixedly attached to the front housing element 102.

[0068] The cover mover assembly 150 is adapted to be attached to the front portion of the front housing element 102 and on the front portion of the needle shield 114 that protects the needle 136 during storage and enables removal of the cover 140 prior to injection.

[0069] Figures 1A and 1B show that the cover mover assembly 150 has a floating cylinder 152 and a safety cap 154 at least partially disposed therearound, and both the floating cylinder 152 and the safety cap 154 are disposed along the longitudinal axis 107. It is noted that the floating cylinder 152 is axially movable relative to the safety cap 154 along the longitudinal axis 107 to compensate for the manufacturing tolerances of various elements of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100.

[0070] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H, which are respectively schematic perspective views of the forward facing portion of the portion forming the rear end element 104 of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, schematic perspective views of the rearward facing portion, schematic side views in two directions, a schematic top view, and schematic cross-sectional views of three cross-sections taken along line F-F of FIG. 2D, line G-G of FIG. 2F and line H-H of FIG. 2F.

[0071] The rear end element 104 is preferably an integrally formed element, preferably made of injection molded plastic, and is arranged along the longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.

[0072] The rear end element 104 preferably includes a generally cylindrical base portion 200 defining a circumferential wall 202 and a rearward facing base wall 204 having a forward facing surface 206 from which the guide shaft 126 extends as described above. The circumferential wall 202 extends forwardly towards a forward circumferential edge 208. The guide shaft 126 extends forwardly of the edge 208 along the longitudinal axis 107.

[0073] A number of openings 210 are provided in the circumferential wall 202. Typically, two snap portions 212 for attaching the rear end element 104 to the rear housing element 116 are provided on the circumferential wall 202.

[0074] Particularly shown in FIGS. 2F and 2G, an annular protrusion 214 is provided around the rear portion of the guide shaft 126, which preferably functions as a spring seat for the second injection spring 124 is shown.

[0075] Additionally shown in FIG. 2H is that generally two axially opposed recesses 216 are formed in the inner surface of the circumferential wall 202 of the rear end 104. The recesses 216 allow a portion of the needle shield 114 to pass therethrough.

[0076] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3I and 3J, which are respectively three-directional schematic perspective views, two-directional schematic side views, a schematic top view, a schematic bottom view, and schematic cross-sectional views of three cross-sections along line H-H of FIG. 3D, line I-I of FIG. 3G, and line J-J of FIG. 3H, of the portion forming the locking ring element 110 of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0077] The locking ring 110 is preferably an integrally formed element, preferably made of injection molded plastic, and is arranged along the longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.

[0078] The locking ring 110 preferably comprises two concentric cylinders, an inner cylinder 250 and an outer cylinder 252, which are arranged along the longitudinal axis 107 and are connected by a rear base wall 254.

[0079] Typically, two locking members 260 are formed on the outer surface of the outer cylinder 252, typically adjacent to its front end 262. The locking members 260 preferably face each other across an axis. The locking members 260 are preferably L-shaped and are specifically shown to include a first portion 264 extending rearward from a position generally adjacent to the front end 262 and a second portion 266 extending generally along the front end 262. The second portion 266 has a rearward-facing surface 268 adapted to engage a part of the needle shield 114 and a forward-facing surface 270 adapted to engage a part of the rear housing 116.

[0080] Additionally shown in FIGS. 3A - 3J is that typically two stoppers 274 facing each other across an axis are formed generally adjacent to the rear end 276 of the outer cylinder 252. It is noted that each stopper 274 is generally axially aligned with one of the locking members 260. Each stopper 274 includes a surface 278 generally tapering rearward.

[0081] The central hole 280 extends through the inner cylinder 250 and serves as a passage for the second injection spring 124 to pass through it.

[0082] Figures 3A - 3J show that typically two rotatable elements 290 facing each other across generally two axes are formed on the outer surface of the inner cylinder 250 and project slightly radially outward therefrom. Each rotatable element 290 has a generally forward - tapering face 292 adapted to engage operably with a part of the control unit 118 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto - injection assembly 100, and a generally rearward - tapering face 294 adapted to engage operably with a part of the plunger rod 122 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto - injection assembly 100.

[0083] Additionally, Figures 3A - 3J show that typically four pairs of recesses 296, 298, 300 and 302 facing each other across generally four axes are formed on the inner surface of the outer cylinder 252 and are shown to be adapted to engage with a part of the rear - housing element 116 in various operative arrangements of the emergency auto - injection assembly 100.

[0084] An internal generally annular volume 304 is defined between the outer surface of the inner cylinder 250 and the inner surface of the outer cylinder 252.

[0085] Reference is now made to Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H and 4I. These are respectively two - direction schematic perspective views, two - direction schematic side views, a schematic top view of the part forming the rear - housing element 116 of the emergency auto - injection assembly 100 of Figures 1A and 1B, and schematic cross - sectional views of four cross - sections along the F - F line of Figure 4C, the G - G line of Figure 4F, the H - H line of Figure 4F and the I - I line of Figure 4G.

[0086] The rear - housing element 116 is preferably an integrally formed element, preferably made of injection - molded plastic, and is arranged along the longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.

[0087] The rear housing element 116 preferably includes a generally cylindrical rear portion 330 and a generally rounded rectangular front portion 332 that extends forward from the rear portion 330 and forms a shoulder 334 that faces rearward therebetween.

[0088] A pair of snap portions 340 that generally face each other across an axis are formed in the cylindrical rear portion 330 and are configured to operably engage with a pair of recesses 296, 298, 300, or 302 of the lock ring 110 in various operative arrangements of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100.

[0089] The front portion 332 of the rear housing element 116 preferably includes two generally flat side walls 350 and two generally curved upper and lower walls 352. Each of the two side walls 350 preferably includes a guide portion 354 that is bounded by two side wall ribs 356 formed adjacent to the rearward-facing shoulder 334, and this guide portion 354 serves to guide the movement of the needle shield 114.

[0090] An opening 357 is formed in each side wall 350, and this opening 357 is disposed forward of the guide portion 354 and defines a rearward-facing edge 358 that is adapted to engage a part of the control unit element 118 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection device 100. The inner surface of the rear housing element 116 disposed forward of the opening 357 defines a cylindrical circumferential surface 359.

[0091] Each of the two upper and lower walls 352 preferably includes a protrusion 360 formed adjacent to the rearward-facing shoulder 334, and this protrusion 360 is provided for engagement with the rear end element 104.

[0092] In particular, FIGS. 4A-4G show that each of the upper and lower walls 352 terminates at a pair of longitudinally spaced radial arms 362 at its front end. A gap 364 is defined in the side wall 350 between the two pairs of arms 362. The gap 364 in the side wall 350 is bounded at its rear end by an edge 366, which engages a part of the needle shield 114 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100. The arms 362 preferably serve to center the syringe 130.

[0093] Additionally, FIGS. 4A-4I show that a protrusion 370 is formed at the rear end of the arm 362 for operative engagement with the front housing element 102.

[0094] Referring particularly to FIG. 4G, it is shown that an inwardly protruding friction surface 380 for operatively engaging the buffer element 120 in use is formed on the inner surface of each of the upper and lower arms 352. Also, FIGS. 4G and 4I show that an inwardly extending flange 382 is formed at the rear end of the cylindrical rear portion 3 30. The flange 382 defines a forward-facing surface 384, which serves as a spring seat for the first injection spring 112.

[0095] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H and 5I, which respectively show two-directional schematic perspective views, two-directional schematic side views, a schematic top view, a schematic bottom view of the portion forming the plunger rod element 122 of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and schematic cross-sectional views of three cross-sections taken along lines G-G of FIG. 5C, H-H of FIG. 5G and I-I of FIG. 5I.

[0096] The plunger rod element 122 is preferably an integrally formed element, preferably made of injection-molded plastic, and is arranged along the longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.

[0097] The plunger rod element 122 preferably includes a generally hollow cylindrical shaft 400 that is disposed along the longitudinal axis 107 and defines an internal bore 402. The cylindrical shaft 400 has a protrusion 403 that extends axially forward from the front end of the shaft 400 and defines a piston engagement wall 404 formed at its front end. The piston engagement wall 404 is disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal axis 107.

[0098] Figures 5A-5I show that circumferential recesses 410 are formed generally adjacent to and spaced rearward from the protrusion 403. The recesses 410 serve as seats for the front buffer elements 128, which, in use, mitigate the momentum of the movement of the plunger rod 122 within the syringe 130. Small air passage openings 412 are formed at the edges of the recesses 410. The function of this front buffer element 128 is described in detail in U.S. Publication No. 20190275251A1 in connection with the air passage openings 412, for example, with reference to an improved plunger and damper assembly 3160. U.S. Publication No. US20190275251A1 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0099] A generally annular and widened flange 420 is formed at the rear end of the cylindrical shaft 400. The flange 420 has a rearward-facing end surface 422 for operatively engaging a portion of the lock ring 110, which has several rearward-extending protrusions 424 formed thereon. The flange 420 also has a forward-facing shoulder 426, which acts for engagement with the control unit 118. The rearward-extending protrusions 424 each define a surface 428 that tapers forward.

[0100] The cylindrical shaft 400 typically includes a pair of generally longitudinal flat portions 430 formed on its outer periphery and facing each other across the axis. Longitudinal guide ribs 432 are formed on each of the flat portions 430 for guiding the plunger rod 122 within the control unit 118.

[0101] Typically, there are two inwardly extending openings 440, each formed between two guide ribs 432, and the two openings preferably face each other across an axis. The openings 440 are preferably disposed adjacent to the widened flange 420. The longitudinal ribs 442 extend longitudinally forward from each of the openings 440 to form a shoulder 444 that faces rearward between the opening 440 and the rib 442. It is noted that the opening 440 and the associated rearward-facing shoulder 444 are configured for operative engagement with a portion of the control unit 118 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100. The rib 442 is configured for operative engagement with a portion of the control unit 118 in other operative arrangements.

[0102] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H and 6I, which are respectively two-directional schematic perspective views, two-directional schematic side views, a schematic top view, a schematic bottom view, and schematic cross-sectional views of three cross-sections taken along lines G-G of FIG. 6C, H-H of FIG. 6G, and I-I of FIG. 6I, of the portion forming the control unit element 118 of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0103] The control unit element 118 is preferably an integrally formed element, preferably made of injection molded plastic, disposed along the longitudinal axis of symmetry 107 and typically having two buffer elements 120 mounted thereon.

[0104] The control unit element 118 preferably includes a rear cylindrical portion 470 and a generally rectangular base portion 472 disposed at its front end and defining a forward-facing shoulder 473. Typically, two opposing longitudinal arms 474 extend forward from one side of the forward-facing shoulder 473 of the base portion 472 towards the front edge 476. The base portion 472 also defines a rearward-facing shoulder 478.

[0105] A snap portion 480 for syringe retention is formed on each arm 474 and is disposed generally adjacent to each front edge 476. The snap portion 480 for syringe retention preferably includes a pair of longitudinally spaced portions 482 protruding inward that are adapted for operative engagement with the flange 134 of the syringe 130 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100. The snap portion 480 for syringe retention preferably includes a protruding portion 484 extending outward. It is noted that the snap portion 480 for syringe retention can preferably deflect outward selectively.

[0106] Also shown in FIGS. 6A-6I is that a hammer-shaped snap portion 500 is formed on each arm 474 and is disposed generally adjacent to the base portion 472. The hammer-shaped snap portion 500 preferably includes an inwardly protruding portion 502 that is adapted for operative engagement with the plunger rod 122 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100. It is noted that the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 can preferably deflect inward selectively. An outwardly extending protruding portion 504 is formed on the outer surface of the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 and defines a forward-facing surface 506 that acts to engage a portion of the needle shield 114 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100.

[0107] An additional toothed snap portion 510 for disposal is formed on each arm 474, slightly spaced forward from the hammer-shaped snap portion 500. The toothed snap portion 510 for disposal preferably includes an inwardly protruding portion 512 that is adapted for operative engagement with the flange 134 of the syringe 130 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100. It is noted that the toothed snap portion 510 for disposal can preferably deflect outward selectively.

[0108] The control unit element 118 is similar to the drive assembly 30 described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US8376998B2 with respect to the aspects described above. U.S. Patent Publication No. US8376998B2 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0109] A special feature of an embodiment of the present invention is that a rotatable protrusion 520 extending inward is formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 470 at the rear of the control unit 118. The rotatable protrusion 520 has a tapered surface 530 facing forward, which is configured for operable engagement with a part of the locking ring 110 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100.

[0110] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H and 7I, which are respectively two-directional schematic perspective views, two-directional schematic side views, a schematic top view, a schematic bottom view of the portion forming the syringe sleeve element 142 of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and schematic cross-sectional views of three cross-sections taken along the lines G-G of FIG. 7C, H-H of FIG. 7G and I-I of FIG. 7I.

[0111] The syringe sleeve element 142 is preferably an integrally formed element, preferably made of injection-molded plastic, and is arranged along the longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.

[0112] The syringe sleeve element 142 is preferably fixedly attached to the front housing element 106 and is configured to at least partially contain the syringe 130 and, additionally, to buffer (i.e., relieve the impact on the flange 134 of the syringe 130 while the syringe 130 moves axially).

[0113] The syringe sleeve element 142 includes a container having a hollow cylindrical portion 550 for receiving at least a portion of the syringe 130 therein. Longitudinal windows 552 are formed on both sides of the cylindrical portion 550 and extend radially outward therefrom. The cylindrical portion 550 defines a rearward-facing end edge 554.

[0114] Typically, two attachment portions 556 extend rearward from both sides of the syringe sleeve element 142 and are adapted to fix the syringe sleeve element 142 to the front housing element 102.

[0115] Each attachment portion 556 has a double-sided buffer beam 560 formed thereon. Each of the double-sided buffer beams 560 is attached to the corresponding attachment portion 556 and extends inward therefrom. The double-sided beams 560 are axially spaced rearward from the rearward-facing end edge 554 so that they are configured to deflect slightly forward when an impact is applied thereon. Each of the double-sided beams 560 defines a rearward-facing surface 562 for operable engagement with the flange 134 of the syringe 130 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100. The two double-sided beams 560 preferably together form a circumferential or substantially circumferential support for the flange 134 of the syringe 130.

[0116] Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8I and 8J, which are respectively two-directional schematic perspective views, two-directional schematic side views, a schematic top view, a schematic bottom view of a portion forming the front housing element 102 of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and schematic cross-sectional views of four cross-sections taken along lines G-G of FIG. 8C, H-H of FIG. 8G and I-I of FIG. 8G and J-J of FIG. 8H.

[0117] The front housing element 102 is preferably an integrally formed element, preferably made of injection-molded plastic, and is arranged along the longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.

[0118] The front housing element 102 preferably defines an outer surface 580 having a generally convex cross-section and an inner surface 582 preferably including a plurality of axially extending, radially spaced, elongated ribs 584 adapted to guide and align the needle shield element 114.

[0119] A plurality of grip protrusions 586 are preferably provided on the outer surface 580 of the front housing element 102. A special feature of an embodiment of the present invention is that by providing different amounts of protrusions 586 on the outer surface 580 of the front housing element 102, for example, even when the injection has to be made in the dark, it facilitates a tactile indication for the user as to the type of drug contained within the emergency auto-injection assembly 100.

[0120] A mounting portion 588 is formed generally at an intermediate position of the front housing element 102 and is adapted for attachment to the rear housing element 116. A second mounting portion 590 is formed on the front housing element 102 generally spaced forwardly from the mounting portion 588 and is configured to attach the front housing element 102 to the syringe sleeve element 142.

[0121] The front housing portion 102 includes a main elongated portion 596 and a generally narrower elliptical front portion 598 extending forwardly therefrom and defining therebetween a forwardly facing shoulder 600. A pair of opposed recesses 602 are formed on either side of the front portion 598 generally adjacent to the shoulder 600 and are configured to removably attach the safety cap 154 to the front housing portion 102.

[0122] The front portion 598 defines a forwardly facing end 606. Typically, two recesses 608 extend rearwardly from the forwardly facing end 606 and face each other across an axis. Tapered surfaces 610 are formed at the front edges of each recess 608 and are configured to engage the needle shield 114 in an operative relationship in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100.

[0123] Specifically, FIGS. 8G and 8H show that generally an annular flange 620 is formed within the internal volume of the front housing element 102 and extends generally inwardly across from its inner surface 588. The flange 620 is generally slightly spaced rearwardly from the shoulder 600 and defines a rearward-facing shoulder 622 that is configured to operatively engage a portion of the needle shield 114 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100.

[0124] Generally a hollow cylindrical projection 626 extends axially longitudinally forward from the flange 620 and defines a forward-facing spring seat surface 628 that is adapted to support the needle shield spring 115. It is noted that the inner surface of the cylindrical projection 626 is adapted to support and align the syringe 130.

[0125] It is noted that since the cylindrical projection 626 generally has a circular cross-section, the cover mover assembly 150 need not be oriented in any particular manner and rather can be attached to the front housing element 102 in either rotational direction.

[0126] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G, 9H, 9I and 9K, which are respectively two-directional schematic perspective views, two-directional schematic side views, a schematic top view, and five schematic cross-sectional views taken along lines H-H of FIG. 9C, F-F of FIG. 9D, G-G and J-J of FIG. 9H and I-I of FIG. 9J of the portion forming the needle shield element 114 of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0127] The needle shield element 114 is preferably an integrally formed element, preferably made of injection molded plastic, and preferably has a generally cylindrical configuration including a generally tubular portion 670 having a forward facing body engagement surface 672 that includes a generally annular ribbed protrusion 674 that extends slightly forward therefrom. The inner rearward facing surface 675 is located on the opposite side from the body engagement surface 672 and serves as a spring seat for the spring 115.

[0128] Typically, a pair of opposed snap portions 676 straddling the axis are formed in a recess extending rearward from the forward facing body engagement surface 672 of the tubular portion 670. Each snap portion 676 has an outwardly protruding finger 678 formed at its forward end, the outwardly protruding finger 678 having a tapered surface 679 facing rearward, and the finger 678 being selectively deflectable inwardly. It is noted that the snap portion 676 is configured for operative engagement with the safety cap 154.

[0129] The needle guard element 114 has a pair of symmetric mounting arms 680 having a rearmost end 682, disposed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis 107. The arms 680 extend rearward along the tubular portion 670 parallel to the longitudinal axis 107.

[0130] Each arm 680 defines an outer surface 690 and an inner surface 692. A window 694 is formed in each arm 680 and is adapted to operatively engage a portion of the control unit 118 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injector 100. Generally elongate ribs 696 are formed on two opposite sides of each window, each rib 696 defining a forward facing surface 698 and being adapted to operatively engage the front housing element 102 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injector 100.

[0131] Generally trapezoidal stop ribs 700 are formed on the inner surface 692 of each arm 680 and are disposed generally adjacent to the rearmost end 682.

[0132] A projecting portion 702 extending inwardly is formed on the inner surface 692 of each arm 680 and is generally spaced forwardly from each stop rib 700. A surface 704 that generally tapers rearwardly contacts the projecting portion 702 at its rearward end and continues in the direction of the stop rib 700. FIGS. 9A - 9J show that the projecting portion 702 is generally disposed adjacent to the stop rib 700.

[0133] A generally elongated and raised projecting portion 706 disposed generally adjacent to and rearward of each window 694 defines a rearwardly facing edge 708 and a guide rib 710 generally extending rearwardly from the rearwardly facing edge 708. The guide rib 710 defines a rearwardly facing edge 711.

[0134] Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I and 10J, which are respectively two - direction schematic perspective views, two - direction schematic side views, a schematic top view, a schematic bottom view of the portion forming the floating cylinder element 152 of the emergency auto - injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and four schematic cross - sectional views taken along the lines G - G of FIG. 10C, H - H and I - I of FIG. 10G, and J - J of FIG. 10H.

[0135] The floating cylinder element 152 is preferably an integrally formed element, preferably made of injection - molded plastic, and is disposed along the longitudinal axis 107. The floating cylinder element 152 preferably has a generally conical configuration with a truncated tip having a foremost end 730 and a generally circular rearward edge 732.

[0136] Typically, two outwardly projecting snap portions 740, axially spaced and facing each other, are disposed generally adjacent to the foremost end 730. Each snap portion 740 defines a rearwardly facing engagement surface 742 adapted to operatively engage the safety cap 154.

[0137] Also shown in FIGS. 10A - 10J is that inwardly facing teeth 744 are formed at or near the rearmost end 732 for operably engaging the cover 140.

[0138] The floating cylinder element 152 has an enlarged portion 750 adjacent to the rearmost end 732 that defines the outer surface 752, which is configured to engage the syringe sleeve 142 for guiding the front housing element 102 and the floating cylinder element 152.

[0139] Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G, and 11H, which are respectively schematic perspective views in two directions, schematic side views in two directions, a schematic top view, a schematic bottom view, and schematic cross - sectional views of two cross - sections taken along line G - G of FIG. 11C and line H - H of FIG. 11D of the portion forming the safety cap element 154 of the emergency auto - injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0140] The safety cap element 154 is preferably an integrally formed element, preferably made of injection - molded plastic, and is arranged along the longitudinal axis 107.

[0141] The safety cap element 154 is generally an elongated element, preferably having an elliptical cross - section, defining a foremost end 770 that has two mutually approaching surfaces 772 that are partially closed, preferably forming an arrow shape.

[0142] The safety cap element 154 defines an outer surface 774 having various grip surfaces.

[0143] An internal hollow cylindrical protrusion 776 is formed within the internal volume of the safety cap element 154 and is disposed along the longitudinal axis 107. A central hole 777 is formed through the cylindrical protrusion 776 and extends through the foremost end 770. A preferably annular rim 778 extending inwardly is formed at the rear end of the cylindrical protrusion 776. The annular rim 778 has an edge 780 facing forward for operative engagement with the floating cylinder element 152.

[0144] Preferably, two pins 790 are formed outside the cylindrical protrusion 776 and extend rearwardly from the foremost end 770.

[0145] Also shown in FIGS. 11A - 11H is that the safety cap element 154 defines a rearmost edge 792 and several inwardly extending protrusions 794 are formed adjacent to the foremost end 770 for operative engagement with the front housing element 102.

[0146] It is noted that the cover rim mover assembly 150 is generally similar to the cover rim mover assembly described in detail in U.S. Patent Publication No. US8992477B2, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0147] Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F, 12G, 12H, 12I, 12J and 12K. These are simplified views of the emergency auto - injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A - 11H in the "stowed" operative configuration, including a schematic perspective view, two - direction schematic side views, schematic cross - sectional views of seven cross - sections taken along line D - D of FIG. 12C, line E - E of FIG. 12B, line F - F and G - G of FIG. 12E, line H - H of FIG. 12G and line I - I of FIG. 12H, and views showing portions of the emergency auto - injection assembly 100 partially cut away at two locations along line J - J and K - K of FIG. 12A and excluding the front portion of the emergency auto - injection assembly 100.

[0148] The emergency auto-injection assembly 100 includes a rear end portion 104 where a locking ring 110 is installed, which at least partially surrounds a first injection spring 112 and, when activated, urges the control unit 118 to move forward. The control unit 118 preferably includes a pair of elastomeric buffer elements 120 and selectively engages a plunger rod 122 and a pre-filled syringe 130. The plunger rod 122 operably engages the pre-filled syringe 130 and is selectively operated by the control unit 118 to inject the liquid contents of the pre-filled syringe 130 through a hypodermic needle 136.

[0149] The front portion of the rear housing element 116 is also disposed within the front housing element 102, similar to the second injection spring 124, the control unit 118, the plunger rod 122, the syringe sleeve 142, and the pre-filled syringe 130. The needle shield 114 is at least partially slidably disposed within the front housing element 102 and extends slightly forward from the foremost end of the front housing element 102 and is urged forward by a needle shield spring 115. The cover mover assembly 150 is attached to the front end of the needle shield 114 to protect the needle 136 and allow the cover 140 to be removed therefrom, as will be described later.

[0150] As shown in FIGS. 12A - 12J, in the stowed position of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100, the rear end portion element 104 is connected to the rear housing element 116 by a snap-fit engagement between a snap portion 212 of the rear end portion element 104 and a protrusion 360 of the rear housing element 116. The front housing element 102 is connected to the rear housing element 116 by an engagement between a protrusion 370 of the front housing element 102 and a mounting portion 588 of the rear housing element 116. Additionally, the syringe sleeve element 142 is fixed to the front housing element 102 by an engagement between a mounting portion 556 of the syringe sleeve element 142 and a mounting portion 590 of the front housing element 102. It is noted that alternatively, the syringe sleeve element 142 may be formed as an integral part of the front housing element 102.

[0151] A special feature of an embodiment of the present invention is that, as particularly shown in FIG. 12J, the control unit 118 is biased to move forward along the longitudinal axis 107 under the force of the first injection spring 112. In this storage position, the first injection spring 112 is in a relatively compressed state and is held in this state by the engagement of the needle shield 114 and the locking ring 110. When the locking ring 110 is released, the first injection spring 112 can act on the control unit 118 and move it forward along the longitudinal axis 107, as will be described in more detail later.

[0152] A further special feature of an embodiment of the present invention is that the forward movement of the control unit element 118 is restricted by its engagement with the locking ring 110, and the rotatable projection 520 of the control unit element 118 engages with the rotatable element 290 of the locking ring 110. In particular, the tapered surface 530 facing forward of the rotatable projection 520 is supported against the tapered surface 292 that tapers forward of the rotatable element 290. Thus, in this storage position, the control unit 118 is prevented from moving forward along the longitudinal axis. In turn, since the locking ring 110 is supported against the rear housing element 116, its axial movement along the longitudinal axis 107 is restricted. As a result, as particularly shown in the enlarged portions of FIGS. 12E and 12J, the front end 262 of the locking ring 110 engages with the shoulder 334 facing rearward of the rear housing element 116.

[0153] It is shown that the needle shield 114 is in the first forward position in this storage position. The finger 678 protruding outside the needle shield 114 is disposed slightly forward of the foremost end of the front housing element 102. Thus, as particularly shown in FIG. 12E, the tapered surface 679 that tapers rearward of the finger 678 protruding outside the needle shield 114 is supported against the tapered surface 610 that tapers rearward of the front housing element 102.

[0154] The cover mover assembly 150 is removably attached to the front portion 598 of the front housing element 102, whereby the outer portion of the safety cap 154 at least partially surrounds the front portion 598 of the front housing element 102, and the cylindrical protrusion 776 of the safety cap 154 at least partially receives a portion of the floating cylinder element 152 therein. It is noted that the floating cylinder element 152 is attached to the cover 140 to protect the needle 136 of the syringe 130, and it is shown that when the floating cylinder element 152 moves forward, the teeth 744 of the floating cylinder element 152 snap fit behind the rear end of the cover 140 to remove the cover 140 from the needle 136.

[0155] The floating cylinder element 152 is slidably attached within the safety cap 154, whereby it is additionally shown that the snap portion 740 protruding outward of the floating cylinder element 152 can move along the central hole 777 of the safety cap 154. The rearward-facing engagement surface 742 of the floating cylinder element 152 is shown to be spaced forward from the forward-facing edge 780 of the safety cap 154 in this example. The widened portion 750 of the floating cylinder element 152 is generally guided by the inner surface of the front housing element 102 and by the inner surface of the syringe sleeve element 142.

[0156] A further special feature of an embodiment of the present invention is that the rearward longitudinal movement of the needle shield 114 along the axis 107 is hindered. In particular, the snap portion 676 of the needle shield 114 is prevented from deflecting inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis 107 because the snap portion 676 is supported inwardly by the pin 790 of the safety cap 154, which promotes the engagement of the tapered rearward surface 679 of the snap portion 676 with the tapered rearward surface 610 of the front housing element 102, thereby preventing the rearward movement of the needle shield 114 relative to the front housing element 102.

[0157] As shown particularly in FIG. 12D, the safety cap 154 is removably attached to the front housing element 102, whereby a protrusion 794 extending into the safety cap element 154 is seated within a recess 602 of the front housing element 102, and the rearmost end 792 of the safety cap element 154 preferably contacts a shoulder 600 facing forward of the front housing element 102, so that the forward-facing shoulder 600 serves as a stopper for the rear mounting position of the safety cap element 154.

[0158] Also shown particularly in FIG. 12D is that the plunger rod 122 is generally housed within the control unit 118 and is configured such that forward movement is restricted by the control unit 118 through engagement of a shoulder 478 facing rearward of the control unit 118 and a shoulder 426 facing forward of the plunger rod 122.

[0159] FIGS. 12D-12J show that in this storage-actuated arrangement, the flange 134 of the syringe 130 is held in place by a portion 482 of the syringe retaining snap portion 480 of the control unit 118, such that the control unit 118 and the syringe 130 are not movable relative to each other. It is noted that the syringe retaining snap portion 480 is prevented from deflecting outwardly by engagement of an outwardly extending protrusion 484 and a guide rib 710 of the needle shield 114. A portion 482 of the control unit 118 is shown to be spaced rearwardly from a window 694 of the needle shield 114 in this storage-actuated arrangement. The syringe 130 is at least partially contained within a cylindrical portion 550 of the syringe sleeve element 142 and is thereby guided.

[0160] Also shown in FIGS. 12D and 12I is that, particularly, the syringe 130 is partially contained within the syringe sleeve element 142, but the flange 134 of the syringe 130 is spaced rearwardly from buffer beams 560 on both sides of the syringe sleeve element 142.

[0161] The needle shield spring 115 is supported between the spring seat surface 628 of the front housing element 102 and the inner surface 675 of the needle shield element 114, and is arranged in a partially compressed position in this storage-actuation arrangement. The first injection spring 112 is supported between the flange 382 extending inwardly of the rear housing element 116 and the base portion 472 of the control unit 118, and is arranged in at least a partially compressed position in this storage-actuation arrangement. The second injection spring 124 is arranged within the internal volume of the plunger rod 122, guided by the guide shaft 126 of the rear end element 104, and is supported between the annular protrusion 214 of the rear end element 104 and the front end of the plunger rod 122, and is arranged in at least a partially compressed position in this storage-actuation arrangement.

[0162] According to this embodiment of the present invention, since there are two injection springs 112 and 124, the second injection spring 124 is used to increase the force exerted on the plunger rod 122 during injection, which is noted to be advantageous, for example, in the case of injecting a highly viscous drug. However, it is noted that a single injection spring as described in other embodiments of the present invention to be described later can be used instead.

[0163] Also, the second injection spring 124 is beneficial for biasing the plunger rod 122 forward and preventing it from moving axially rearward along the axis 107.

[0164] A special feature of the embodiment of the present invention is that, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15E, when the lock ring 110 is released, the lock ring 110 is urged to rotate under the force of the first injection spring 112, which then acts on the control unit 118, which in turn moves the plunger rod 122 and the syringe 130 forward together along the longitudinal axis 107.

[0165] Particularly in FIGS. 12E, 12F, 12G, 12J, and 12K, in the arrangement during this housing operation, the rotation of the lock ring 110 around the longitudinal axis 107 is prevented by the engagement between the locking member 260 of the lock ring 110 and the stop rib 700 formed on the mounting arm 680 of the needle shield 114. In particular, it is shown that the rotation of the lock ring 110 is prevented by the overlap between the stop rib 700 of the needle shield 114 and the first portion 264 of the locking member 260 of the lock ring 110.

[0166] In this arrangement during the housing operation, since the lock ring 110 is prevented from rotating, it is further particularly shown that the action on the control unit 118 is prevented. Specifically, in FIGS. 12H, 12I, and 12J, since the rotatable element 290 of the lock ring 110 engages with the rotatable protrusion 520 of the control unit 118, it is shown that the tapered surface 292 that tapers forward of the lock ring 110 is supported against the tapered surface 530 that faces forward of the control unit 118.

[0167] Particularly in FIGS. 12F and 12K, in this arrangement during the housing operation, it is shown that the lock ring 110 prevents the forward movement of the needle shield 114 along the longitudinal axis 107. Specifically, the forward movement of the needle shield 114 along the longitudinal axis 107 is prevented by the engagement between the second portion 266 of the locking element 260 of the lock ring 110 and the stop rib 700 of the needle shield 114.

[0168] Particularly in the enlarged portion of FIG. 12E, in this arrangement during the housing operation, it is shown that the control unit 118 is disengaged from the engagement with the plunger rod 122. In particular, the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 of the control unit 118 is arranged without engaging with the opening 440 formed in the plunger rod 122, and the outwardly extending protrusion 504 is generally in contact with the protrusion 705 of the needle shield element 114.

[0169] Also, in FIG. 12J, in particular, the rotatable element 290 of the lock ring 110 engages the protrusion 424 of the plunger rod 122 in this storage-actuation arrangement, whereby it is also shown that the rearward movement of the plunger rod 122 is prevented in this storage-actuation arrangement. Specifically, in this storage-actuation arrangement, the tapered surface 428 that tapers forward of the rearward-extending protrusion 424 is supported against the tapered surface 294 that tapers rearward of the rotatable element 290.

[0170] FIG. 12D shows that in this storage-actuation arrangement, a buffer element 120 attached to a part of the control unit 118 is spaced rearward from a friction surface 380 formed on the inner surface of the rear housing element 116.

[0171] FIGS. 12D, 12E, 12H, and 12J show that the foremost end of the plunger rod 122 is partially inserted into the syringe 130, whereby the buffer element 128 is just about to engage the inner surface of the syringe barrel 132, but the piston engagement wall 404 of the plunger rod 122 is slightly spaced rearward from the piston 138 of the syringe 130, additionally showing that inadvertent release of fluid from the syringe 130 is prevented.

[0172] Specifically, FIG. 12G shows that the snap portion 340 of the rear housing element 116 is engaged with the recess 298 inside the lock ring 110, whereby the rotation of the lock ring 110 in the first rotation direction is prevented by engagement with the stop rib 700 of the needle shield 114, and the rotation of the lock ring 110 in the second rotation direction is prevented by this engagement between the snap portion 340 and the recess 298.

[0173] Particularly, FIG. 12E shows that the forward-facing surface 698 of the needle shield 114 is spaced rearward from the rearward-facing shoulder 622 of the front housing element 102.

[0174] Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and 13E, which are simplified views of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A - 11H in the arrangement during cover removal operation, including a schematic perspective view, schematic side views in two directions, and schematic cross-sectional views of two cross-sections taken along line D - D of FIG. 13B and line E - E of FIG. 13C.

[0175] It is understood that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 are the same as those described above for the arrangement during storage operation shown in FIGS. 12A - 12K, except for the following spatial relationships.

[0176] When the user grasps the cover mover assembly 150 and preferably pulls it forward in the longitudinal direction to remove it from the front housing element 102, this causes the cover 140 to come off and the needle 136 of the syringe 130 to be exposed.

[0177] Following the removal of the cover mover assembly 150, the front end portion of the needle shield 114 is exposed and protrudes forward to some extent in the first longitudinal direction from the forward-facing end 606 of the front housing element 102.

[0178] The needle shield 114 is in the same first forward position in this arrangement during cover removal operation, and a finger 678 protruding outward from the needle shield 114 is disposed slightly forward of the foremost end of the front housing element 102, whereby a tapered surface 679 that tapers rearward of the finger 678 protruding outward from the needle shield 114 is shown to be supported against the tapered surface 610 that tapers rearward of the front housing element 102.

[0179] When the cover mover assembly 150 becomes detached from the front portion 598 of the front housing element 102, the needle shield 114 prevents rearward longitudinal movement along the axis 107 It should be noted that it becomes impossible. In particular, the snap portion 676 of the needle shield 114 is no longer hindered from inward deflection with respect to the longitudinal axis 107. When the needle shield 114 moves rearward, the tapered surface 679 tapering rearward of the snap portion 676 can slide on the tapered surface 610 tapering rearward of the front housing element 102, allowing the needle shield 114 to move rearward with respect to the front housing element 102.

[0180] Once the cover mover assembly 150 is removed from the front housing element 102, it is shown that the protrusion 794 extending inside the safety cap element 154 is disengaged from the recess 602 of the front housing element 102.

[0181] It should be noted that when the cover mover assembly 150 is removed, the teeth 744 of the floating cylinder element 152 pull the cover 140 together and the floating cylinder element 152 moves forward to expose the needle 136.

[0182] It is additionally shown that the floating cylinder element 152 is slidably mounted within the safety cap 154 such that the engaging surface 742 facing rearward of the floating cylinder element 152 contacts the edge 780 facing forward of the safety cap 154.

[0183] A further special feature of an embodiment of the present invention is that in this arrangement during cover removal, the needle shield 114 is enabled to move rearward along the axis 107. In particular, the snap portion 676 of the needle shield 114 is enabled to deflect inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis 107.

[0184] Refer to FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F, 14G, 14H, and 14I below. These are simplified views of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A-11H in the arrangement during the operation of the first operating stage, including a schematic perspective view, schematic side views in two directions, lines D-D, E-E, F-F, and G-G of FIG. 14B, and lines H-H and I-I of FIG. 14A, schematic cross-sectional views of four cross-sections along lines H-H and I-I of FIG. 14A, and views showing the front portion of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 removed by partially cutting at two locations along lines H-H and I-I of FIG. 14A.

[0185] It is understood that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 are the same as those described above for the arrangement during the cover-removing operation shown in FIGS. 13A-13E, except for the following spatial relationships.

[0186] When the user presses the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 against the injection site, the needle shield 114 is axially moved rearward along the axis 107 with respect to the rest of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100, thus compressing the needle shield spring 115, thereby initiating the operation of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100.

[0187] A special feature of the embodiment of the present invention is that the arrangement during the operation of the first operating stage is an instantaneous stage in which when the needle shield 114 is moved rearward, the locking ring 110 can rotate around the axis 107 under the urging force of the first injection spring 112. In the arrangement during the operation of this first operating stage shown in FIGS. 14A-14I, the locking ring 110 has not yet been rotated, and the figure shows the stage before its rotation. It should be noted that nothing in this operating arrangement prevents the rotation of the locking ring 110 around the longitudinal axis 107.

[0188] The control unit element 118 can be urged by the first injection spring 112 to move forward in this arrangement during the operation of the first operating stage, but as shown in FIGS. 14C-14I, it has not yet Since it has not been moved, the rotatable projection 520 of the control unit element 118 still engages the rotatable element 290 of the locking ring 110. In particular, the tapered face 530 facing forward of the rotatable projection 520 is still supported against the tapered face 292 tapering forward of the rotatable element 290, as particularly shown in FIGS. 14G and 14H.

[0189] The projection 424 extending rearward of the plunger rod 122 is supported against the rotatable element 290 of the locking ring 110 in the arrangement during the action of this first operating stage. Specifically, the tapered face 428 tapering forward of the rearward-extending projection 424 is supported against the tapered face 294 tapering rearward of the rotatable element 290.

[0190] The needle shield 114 is moved rearward and thus disposed in its rear position in the arrangement during the action of this first operating stage, and it is shown that the main body engaging face 672 facing forward of the needle shield 114 is generally aligned with the end portion 606 facing forward of the front housing element 102.

[0191] When the needle shield 114 moves rearward, the snap portion 676 of the needle shield 114 deflects inward, so that the finger 678 protruding outward of the needle shield 114 is shown to be disposed rearward of the tapered face 610 tapering rearward of the front housing element 102. In particular, when the needle shield 114 moves rearward, the tapered face 679 tapering rearward of the finger 678 protruding outward of the needle shield 114 slides on the tapered face 610 tapering rearward of the front housing element 102.

[0192] The needle shield spring 115 is disposed in a compressed position in the arrangement during the action of this first operating stage. The first injection spring 112 is supported between the flange 382 extending inside the rear housing element 116 and the base portion 472 of the control unit 118, and is disposed in the position immediately before the release of the spring 112, which is at least partially compressed in the arrangement during the action of this first operating stage.

[0193] A special feature of an embodiment of the present invention is that when the locking ring 110 is released, the locking ring 110 is urged by the force of the first injection spring 112 to rotate around the longitudinal axis 107, which acts on the control unit 118 and, in turn, acts on the locking ring 110. The locking ring 110, in turn, acts to move the plunger rod 122 and the syringe 130 forward together along the longitudinal axis 107 until the control unit 118 engages the plunger rod 122, as will be described in detail later with respect to FIGS. 15A-15E.

[0194] A special feature of an embodiment of the present invention is that, as particularly shown in FIGS. 14E-14G, in the arrangement during the operation of this first operating stage, the stop rib 700 is spaced rearward from the locking member 260 of the locking ring 110 and does not overlap, so that the locking ring 110 can be rotated around the longitudinal axis 107. Once the stop rib 700 of the needle shield 114 no longer overlaps the locking member 260 of the locking ring 110, the locking ring 110 is urged by the first injection spring 112 and can rotate around the longitudinal axis 107.

[0195] Furthermore, in the arrangement during the operation of this first operating stage, although the locking ring 110 is released, as shown in FIGS. 14A-14I, the rotatable element 290 of the locking ring 110 still momentarily engages the rotatable protrusion 520 of the control unit 118, so that the tapered forward surface 292 of the locking ring 110 is particularly shown to be supported against the tapered forward surface 530 of the control unit 118 facing forward.

[0196] It is noted that the needle shield 114 is prevented from moving forward along the longitudinal axis 107 by the force exerted by the user on the needle shield spring 115 while pressing the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 against the skin. The movement is obstructed.

[0197] Particularly in FIGS. 14E, 14F, 14G, and 14I, when the needle shield 114 moves rearward, the stop rib 700 is moved rearward with respect to the locking element 260 of the locking ring 110, so that the stop rib 700 engages the stopper 274 of the locking ring 110. Specifically, it is shown that the stop rib 700 engages the tapered surface 278 that tapers rearward of the stopper 274. This engagement serves as a safety measure for promoting the first injection spring 112 to start rotating the locking ring 110 when the needle shield 114 moves rearward. Specifically, if the locking ring 110 does not automatically start rotating even when the needle shield 114 moves rearward and is urged by the first injection spring 112, the engagement between the stop rib 700 and the tapered surface 278 of the stopper 274 of the locking ring 110 causes the locking ring 110 to start rotating.

[0198] Particularly in FIGS. 14D to 14G, in the arrangement during the operation of this first operating stage, it is shown that the control unit 118 starts engaging with the plunger rod 122. Particularly, during the rearward movement of the needle shield 114, the protruding portion 504 extending outward of the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 slides on the tapered surface 704 that tapers rearward of the needle shield element 114, so that the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 of the control unit 118 starts engaging with the opening 440 formed in the plunger rod 122. As a result, the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 deflects partially inward, thereby engaging the protruding portion 502 protruding inward of the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 with the opening 440 of the plunger rod 122.

[0199] Special features of embodiments of the present invention are that, as shown in FIGS. 14A - 15I, during the operating stages of the emergency auto - injection assembly 100, the control unit 118 and the plunger rod 122 are moved together. First, due to the engagement of the locking ring 110 and the plunger rod 122, the plunger rod 122 is made to move with the control unit 118. Specifically, by the engagement of the tapered rearward - facing surface 294 of the rotatable element 290 of the locking ring 110 and the tapered forward - facing surface 428 of the protrusion 424 extending rearward of the plunger rod 122, when the control unit 118 moves forward, the plunger rod 122 is driven forward until the hammer - like snap - part 500 is fully engaged with the opening 440 of the plunger rod 122. Thereafter, as will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 15A - 15I, the control unit 118 and the plunger rod 122 are moved forward together as a single unit to the working configuration for needle penetration.

[0200] Particularly in FIG. 14E, it is shown that the forward - facing surface 698 of the needle shield 114 is spaced further rearward from the shoulder 622 facing rearward of the front housing element 102 as compared to the storage - time configuration.

[0201] Specifically in FIG. 14I, since the locking ring 110 has not yet been rotated, the snap - part 340 of the rear housing element 116 is still engaged with the recess 298 inside the locking ring 110, and it is shown that the engagement of this snap - part 340 and the recess 298 prevents the rotation of the locking ring 110 in the second rotational direction.

[0202] Reference is now made to FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, 15F, 15G, 15H and 15I. These are simplified views of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A-11H in the arrangement during the operation of the second operating stage, including a schematic perspective view, schematic side views in two directions, sectional views along lines D-D of FIG. 15B, E-E of FIG. 15C, F-F and G-G of FIG. 15D, H-H of FIG. 15G, and a partial sectional view along line I-I of FIG. 15A, showing the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 except for the front portion thereof.

[0203] It is understood that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 are the same as those described above for the arrangement during the operation of the first operating stage shown in FIGS. 14A-14I, except for the following spatial relationships.

[0204] A special feature of the embodiments of the present invention is that upon release of the engagement between the needle shield 114 and the lock ring 110, the lock ring is able to rotate about the shaft 107 as described above with reference to FIGS. 14A-14I, and subsequently, the lock ring 110 is rotated by the biasing force of the first injection spring 112 and by the engagement between the lock ring 110 and the control unit 118, thereby promoting forward movement of the plunger rod 122 along the longitudinal axis 107.

[0205] Of particular note is that when the lock ring 110 is released, the force of the spring 112 acts on the control unit 118 due to the rearward movement of the needle shield 114, urging its forward movement along the longitudinal axis 107. This forward movement of the control unit 118 transmits force to the lock ring 110 through the engagement of the rotatable projection 520 and the rotatable element 290, thereby rotating the lock ring 110 around the longitudinal axis 107. The rotation of this lock ring 110, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 16A - 16E, first moves the plunger rod 122 forward along the longitudinal axis 107 by the engagement of the projection 424 of the plunger rod 122 and the rotatable element 290 of the lock ring 110. When the control unit 118 engages the plunger rod 122, they are then moved forward as a single unit to the operative position for needle penetration.

[0206] Particularly in FIGS. 15D, 15H, and 15I, when the needle shield 114 moves rearward, the force of the first injection spring 112 is exerted on the control unit 118, sliding the rotatable projection 520 of the control unit element 118 over the rotatable element 290 of the lock ring 110. In particular, the tapered face 530 facing forward of the rotatable projection 520 slides over the tapering face 292 that tapers forward of the rotatable element 290, thus showing that the lock ring 110 is rotated around the longitudinal axis 107.

[0207] A special feature of the embodiments of the present invention is that once the control unit element 118 transmits the force of the first injection spring 112 to the lock ring 110 and rotates the lock ring 110 around the longitudinal axis 107, as specifically shown in FIGS. 15H and 15I, the rotatable projection 520 of the control unit 118 disengages from the rotatable element 290 of the lock ring, so that the control unit 118 can be freely moved forward along the longitudinal axis 107.

[0208] Specifically, FIGS. 15G to 15I show that the locking member 260 of the locking ring 110 after rotation is disposed at a different angular position compared to the position of the locking ring 110 before rotation shown in FIG. 14G.

[0209] After the rotation of the locking ring 110, the first injection spring 112 is supported between a flange 382 extending inside the rear housing element 116 and the base portion 472 of the control unit 118, and is disposed at a position that is at least partially released in the arrangement during the operation of this second operation stage. Since the control unit 118, the plunger rod 122, and the syringe 130 are urged by both the first injection spring 112 and the second injection spring 124 to move axially forward together, the second injection spring 124 is also partially released in this arrangement during operation.

[0210] A special feature of an embodiment of the present invention is that the second injection spring 124 always biases the plunger rod 122 to move forward along the axis 107.

[0211] When the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 is pressed against the patient's skin, the needle shield 114 is moved rearward relative to the rest of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100. However, if the locking ring 110 does not start to rotate, the engagement between the stop rib 700 of the needle shield 114 and the stopper 274 of the locking ring 110 causes the locking ring 110 to start rotating, and it is noted that this serves as a safety measure for operating the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 (not shown).

[0212] In particular, FIGS. 15D and 15I show that the control unit 118 is fully engaged with the plunger rod 122 in the arrangement during the operation of this second operating stage. In particular, the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 of the control unit 118 is engaged within the opening 440 formed in the plunger rod 122. As the control unit 118 moves forward along the longitudinal axis 107, the protrusion 504 extending outward from the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 slides further along the protrusion 702 extending inward of the needle shield element 114 toward the tapered end 358 of the rear housing element 116. Therefore, the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 deflects further inward, thereby further engaging the portion 502 protruding inward of the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 with the opening 440 of the plunger rod 122.

[0213] A special feature of an embodiment of the present invention is that during the operating stage of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100, the control unit 118 is engaged with the plunger rod 122 and moved forward together.

[0214] This engagement between the control unit 118 and the plunger rod 122 enables their mutual movement. Also, since the flange 134 of the syringe 130 is held by the portion 482 of the control unit 118, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 16A - 16E, all three components, namely, the control unit 118, the plunger rod 122, and the syringe 130, are moved forward together as a single unit to achieve needle penetration into the injection site.

[0215] It is noted that in the arrangement during the operation of this second operating stage, the flange 134 of the syringe 130 is preferably spaced rearward from the buffer beams 560 on both sides of the syringe sleeve 142.

[0216] As particularly shown in FIG. 15E, it is further noted that the buffer element 120 starts its slidable movement due to friction along the friction surface 380 of the rear housing element 116 to buffer the movement of the plunger rod 122.

[0217] The plunger rod 122 is slightly moved forward with respect to the lock ring 110 in the arrangement during the operation of this second operation stage, but it should be noted that the plunger rod 122 is not yet moved with respect to the syringe 130.

[0218] Specifically, in FIG. 15G, when the lock ring 110 is rotated, the snap portion 340 of the rear housing element 116 is engaged with the recess 296 inside the lock ring 110, and thus it is shown that the rotation of the lock ring 110 in the second rotation direction is prevented by the engagement of this snap portion 340 and the recess 296.

[0219] The spatial relationships between the different components of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 that exist in the following operating arrangements will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 16A to 22F, noting that they are generally similar to the operating arrangements of the syringe described in U.S. Patent Publication US8376998B2, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0220] Referring now to FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E, these are Simplified views of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A to 11H in the arrangement during the operation of the first needle insertion stage, including a schematic perspective view, schematic side views in two directions, and schematic cross-sectional views of two cross-sections along line D-D of FIG. 16B and line E-E of FIG. 16C.

[0221] It is understood that all the spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 are the same as those described above for the arrangement during the operation of the second operation stage illustrated in FIGS. 15A to 15I, except for the following spatial relationships.

[0222] Once the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 is activated, the lock ring 110 preferably does not operate in any of the following operating arrangements.

[0223] When the first and second injection springs 112 and 114 are released, the control unit 118, together with the plunger rod 122 and the syringe 130, proceeds to move forward along the longitudinal axis 107 to penetrate the needle 136 into the injection site.

[0224] A special feature of an embodiment of the present invention is that, in this operative arrangement, the syringe 130 is moved forward until it engages the buffer beams 560 on both sides of the flange 134 and the syringe sleeve 142. The buffer beams 560 are adapted to buffer the impact on the flange 134 to prevent damage to the syringe 130 when the syringe 130 moves forward and the needle 136 is penetrated. Since the buffer beams 560 are axially spaced from the rearward-facing end edge 554 of the syringe sleeve 142, they act to buffer the impact on the flange 134, and it is understood that when it engages the flange 134, it is adapted to deflect slightly elastically forward.

[0225] Particularly in FIG. 16D, it is shown that a portion 482 of the control unit 118 that holds the syringe 130 with respect to the control unit 118 is disposed in front of the window 694 of the needle shield 114. This is an instantaneous stage just before the outward deflection of the snap portion 480 of the syringe holder of the control unit 118 during the operation of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100.

[0226] The first injection spring 112 is further released to act on the control unit 118 to move it forward, and the second injection spring 124 is also further released to act on the plunger rod 122 to provide additional force.

[0227] Particularly in FIG. 16D, in this operative arrangement, the control unit 118 is still engaged with both the plunger rod 122 and the syringe 130, and following its forward movement along the axis 107, it is shown that the needle 136 protrudes forward from the body engagement surface 672 of the needle shield 114 into the injection site.

[0228] Further, FIG. 16D shows that the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 of the control unit 118 is still engaged within the opening 440 formed in the plunger rod 122. This is because, while the control unit 118 moves forward, the protrusion 504 extending outward of the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 slides over the tapered end 358 facing rearward and further slides along and is supported by the tapered surface 359 of the rear housing element 116. The hammer-shaped snap portion 500 thus further deflects inward, thereby further engaging the portion 502 protruding inward of the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 with the opening 440 of the plunger rod 122.

[0229] Furthermore, as particularly shown in FIG. 16E, since the buffer element 120 is in a frictionally slidable engagement with the friction surface 380 of the rear housing element 116, it compensates for the forces of the springs 112 and 124, and as a result, buffers the movement of the needle and absorbs the impact applied by the portion 482 on the flange 134 It is noted that it is in this state.

[0230] The plunger rod 122 is spaced further forward from the foremost end of the locking ring 110. However, since the plunger rod 122 has not yet been moved relative to the syringe 130, it is noted that the piston engagement wall 404 of the plunger rod 122 is still axially spaced from the piston 138 of the syringe 130.

[0231] Hereinafter, reference is made to FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, and 17E. These are simplified views of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A - 11H in the arrangement during the operation of the second needle insertion stage, including a schematic perspective view, schematic side views in two directions, and schematic cross-sectional views of two cross-sections along line D - D of FIG. 17B and line E - E of FIG. 17C.

[0232] It is understood that all the spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 are the same as those described above for the arrangement during the operation of the first needle insertion stage illustrated in FIGS. 16A - 16E, except for the following spatial relationships.

[0233] Specifically in FIG. 17D, the syringe holding snap portion 480 of the control unit that held the syringe 130 against the control unit 118 is bent outward into the window 694 of the needle shield 114, so that the portion 482 no longer holds the flange 134 of the syringe 130, indicating that the syringe 130 is disposed at its foremost position.

[0234]

[0233] Furthermore, in FIG. 17D, in this arrangement during operation, the control unit 118 is still engaged with the plunger rod 122 but not engaged with the syringe 130. Following its forward movement along the axis 107, the plunger rod 122 can be axially moved forward along the axis 107 relative to the syringe 130, from which the medicine can be released.

[0235] In the views of FIGS. 17D and 17E showing the instantaneous stages in the operation of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100, it is noted that the piston engagement wall 404 of the plunger rod 122 is still axially spaced from the piston 138 of the syringe 130.

[0236] Hereinafter, refer to FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E. These are simplified views of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A - 11H in the arrangement during the operation of the third needle insertion stage, including a schematic perspective view, schematic side views in two directions, and schematic cross-sectional views of two cross-sections along line D - D of FIG. 18B and line E - E of FIG. 18C.

[0237]

[0234] It is understood that all the spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 are the same as those described above for the arrangement during the operation of the second needle insertion stage shown in FIGS. 17A - 17E, except for the following spatial relationships.

[0238] Particularly in FIG. 18D, it is shown that the syringe holding snap part 480 of the control unit, which holds the syringe 130 against the control unit 118, passes through the flange 134 and is biased to bend and return inward, and is arranged in front of the flange 134.

[0239] Furthermore, in FIG. 18D, in the arrangement during this operation, the waste toothed snap part 510 of the control unit 118 is spaced rearward from the flange 134 of the syringe 130, and following its forward movement along the shaft 107, the plunger rod 122 is shown to be axially moved forward along the shaft 107 with respect to the syringe 130.

[0240] In this figure shown in FIGS. 18D and 18E, it is noted that the piston engaging wall 404 of the plunger rod 122 engages the piston 138 of the syringe 130, and preparations are complete for discharging the medicine from the syringe barrel 132 through the needle 136.

[0241] The first injection spring 112 is further released to act on the control unit 118 to move it forward, and the second injection spring 124 is also further released to act on the plunger rod 122 to provide additional force to move the plunger rod 122 with respect to the syringe 130.

[0242] Hereinafter, refer to FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D and 19E. These are simplified diagrams of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A to 11H in the arrangement during the operation at the end of delivery, including a schematic perspective view, schematic side views in two directions, and schematic cross-sectional views of two cross-sections along line D-D of FIG. 19B and line E-E of FIG. 19C.

[0243] It is understood that all the spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 are the same as those described above for the arrangement during the operation of the third needle insertion stage shown in FIGS. 18A to 18E, except for the following spatial relationships.

[0244] Figures 19D and 19E show the control unit 118 and the plunger rod 122 being axially advanced forward along the axis 107 while forcing the medicine out of the syringe barrel 132 through the needle 136 and into the injection site. During drug delivery, the forward movement of the piston 138 is controlled by the friction between the buffer element 120 and the tapered surface 359 of the rear housing element 116. The amount of friction can be selected by shaping the tapered surface 359 and the buffer element 120 appropriately. It is noted that if the tapered surface 359 is generally triangular, the friction decreases as the control unit 118 advances, compensating for the decreasing applied force as the injection springs 112 and 124 expand. Alternatively, a rectangular tapered surface 359 preferably provides a constant friction.

[0245] In this illustration shown in Figures 19D and 19E, it is noted that since the piston 138 has reached the foremost end of the barrel 132 of the syringe 130, the full amount of the medicine is discharged therefrom in this configuration during the delivery action.

[0246] Here, the second injection spring 124 biases the plunger rod 122 forward and restrains it from moving rearward.

[0247] The hammer-shaped snap portion 500 of the control unit 118 slides the tapered surface 359 of the rear housing element 116 and engages the raised protrusion 706 of the needle shield 114 at this end of the delivery-action configuration, thereby providing an audible indication to the user due to the diameter increase between the portion of the rear housing element 116 formed by the surface 359 and the portion of the needle shield 114 formed by the protrusion 706.

[0248] The waste-tooth snap portion 510 of the control unit 118 is spaced more narrowly rearward from the flange 134 in this delivery-action configuration.

[0249] The face 698 facing forward of the needle shield 114 is spaced rearward from the shoulder 622 facing rearward of the front housing element 102 in this operative configuration since the needle shield 114 is still pressed against the injection site.

[0250] Reference is now made to FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E and 20F, which are simplified views of the emergency auto-injector assembly 100 in the operative configuration for removal from the injection site, including a schematic perspective view, two schematic side views, and three schematic cross-sectional views taken along lines D-D and E-E of FIG. 20B and line F-F of FIG. 20C.

[0251] It is understood that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency auto-injector assembly 100 are the same as those described above for the end of the delivery operative configuration illustrated in FIGS. 19A-19E, except for the following spatial relationships.

[0252] FIGS. 20A-20F show that as the emergency auto-injector assembly 100 is being removed from the injection site, the needle shield 114 begins to extend forward relative to the remainder of the emergency auto-injector assembly and the snap portion 676 is already disposed slightly forward of the forward-facing end 606 of the front housing element 102.

[0253] It is noted that in this illustration, as shown in FIGS. 20D-20F, when the user releases the injection site, the needle shield spring 115 begins to push the needle shield 114 forward and the needle shield 114 is in the process of protecting the post-injection needle 136 of the medicament.

[0254] After the first forward movement of the needle shield 114, the hammer-shaped snap portions 500 are released and flex outward to their initial positions, thus disengaging the engagement with the openings 440 of the plunger rod 122.

[0255] As shown particularly in FIG. 20E, during this operation, the control unit 118 is restrained from moving forward by the engagement between the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 of the control unit 118 and the rearward-facing edge 708 of the needle shield 114.

[0256] The waste-tooth-shaped snap portion 510 of the control unit 118 has a narrower gap rearward from the flange 134 in this arrangement during this operation.

[0257] The forward-facing surface 698 of the needle shield 114 is spaced more narrowly rearward from the rearward-facing shoulder 622 of the front housing element 102 in this arrangement during this operation because the needle shield 114 is only partially pressed against the injection site.

[0258] Reference is now made to FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E and 21F. These are simplified views of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A - 11H in the arrangement during the first waste stage, including a schematic perspective view, two-directional schematic side views, and three schematic cross-sectional views taken along lines D - D of FIG. 21B, E - E of FIG. 21C, and F - F of FIG. 21D.

[0259] It is understood that all spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 are the same as those described above for the arrangement during the operation of removing from the injection site shown in FIGS. 20A - 20F, except for the following spatial relationships.

[0260] At this stage, the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 is completely disengaged from the injection site, and the needle shield 114 is fully extended and completely surrounds the needle 136. When the needle shield 114 is fully extended, it is locked to the control unit 118 by the engagement between the rearward-facing edge 708 of the needle shield 114 and the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 of the control unit 118, so that rearward movement of the needle shield 114 causes an equivalent rearward movement of the control unit 118.

[0261] The needle shield 114 is restrained from moving axially forward by the engagement between the forward-facing surface 698 thereof and the shoulder 622 facing rearward of the front housing element 102.

[0262] Since the toothed snap portion 510 for discarding of the control unit 118 is disposed in front of the flange 134 in the arrangement at the time of this operation, the syringe is locked to the control unit 118.

[0263] Since the needle shield 114 is locked to the control unit 118 and the syringe 130 is locked to the control unit 118, the needle shield 114 is locked to the syringe 130. As a result, the rearward movement of the needle shield 114 causes an equivalent rearward movement of the syringe 130, and it is noted that reliable protection of the needle 136 is provided.

[0264] Also, it is noted that the engagement between the control unit 118 and the plunger rod 122 is prevented because the portion 502 protruding inward of the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 is prevented from being bent inward by the engagement between the portion 502 protruding inward of the control unit 118 and the outer surface of the plunger rod 122.

[0265] Hereinafter, reference is made to FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E and 22F. These are simplified views of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A to 11H in the arrangement at the time of operation of the second discard stage, and include a schematic perspective view, schematic side views in two directions, and schematic cross-sectional views of three cross-sections along line D-D and F-F of FIG. 22B and line E-E of FIG. 22C.

[0266] It is understood that all the spatial relationships between the various components of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 are the same as those described above for the arrangement at the time of operation of the first discard stage illustrated in FIGS. 21A to 21F, except for the following spatial relationships.

[0267] When the needle shield 114 is pushed rearward relative to the front housing element 102, the rearward-facing edge 708 of the needle shield 114 pushes against the hammer-like snap portion 500 of the control unit 118, forcing the control unit 118 to move rearward together with the needle shield 114.

[0268] Due to the engagement of the waste-tooth snap portion 510 and the flange 134, the control unit 118 forces the needle 136 and the syringe 130 to move rearward together with the control unit 118, so that the needle 136 does not protrude from the needle shield 114. During this rearward movement, the hammer-like snap portion 500 of the control unit 118 does not bend inward because it is supported inward by the outer surface of the plunger rod 122.

[0269] Particularly shown in FIGS. 22D and 22F, as the needle shield 114 is moved rearward, the forward-facing surface 698 of the needle shield 114 is shown to be spaced rearward from the forward-facing shoulder 622 of the front housing element 102.

[0270] Referring now to FIGS. 23A and 23B, these are respectively a schematic exploded view and a cross-sectional exploded view of an emergency auto-injector assembly 900 assembled and operating in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, and the cross-sectional view is a cross-section taken along line B-B of FIG. 23A.

[0271] It should be noted that the emergency auto-injector assembly 900 is preferably similar to the emergency auto-injector assembly 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A - 22F. The same components of the two emergency auto-injector assemblies 100 and 900 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0272] As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the emergency auto-injector assembly 900 has a front housing element 102 and a rear end element 104, which are preferably fixedly attached by snap-fit or the like. The label 105 is attached onto the front housing element 102. It is adapted to sea urchins. A window 106 is formed in the front housing element 102, and the label 105 has an opening 108 adapted to be aligned with this window 106. It is noted that when the label is attached on the front housing element 102, a part of the contents of the emergency auto-injection assembly 900 can be peeked through here. It is noted that the front housing element 102 and the rear end portion 104 are arranged along a common longitudinal axis 107.

[0273] A locking ring 110 is provided and arranged in a container formed by the rear end portion 104 and the front housing element 102. It is configured to be urged to rotate around the longitudinal axis 107 under the force of the injection spring 112, but the rotation is preventively blocked in the arrangement during the predetermined operation of the emergency auto-injection assembly 900 by the engagement with the rear part of the needle shield 114. The needle shield 114 is arranged along the longitudinal axis 107 and extends forward, so it protrudes forward from the front housing element 102. The needle shield 114 acts to be urged forward under the force of the needle shield spring 115.

[0274] The rear housing element 116 is also arranged along the longitudinal axis 107, and its rear part is at least partially received in the locking ring 110. The rear housing element 116 is preferably included in the needle shield 114.

[0275] The control unit 118 is arranged along the longitudinal axis 107, and its rear part is at least partially received in the rear part of the rear housing element 116. The injection spring 112 is generally arranged between the rear part of the control unit 118 and the rear part of the rear housing 116 and is adapted to act on the control unit 118 when released. It is noted that typically two elastic buffer elements 120 are attached on the rear part of the control unit 118 for frictional engagement with the inner surface of the rear housing element 116.

[0276] In the arrangement during the storage function, the plunger rod 922 is generally accommodated within the control unit 118 and is configured to be restrained by the control unit 118 at a retracted rear position by the engagement between a shoulder 478 facing rearward within the control unit 118 and a shoulder 426 facing forward of the plunger rod 922. The plunger rod 922 is arranged along the longitudinal axis 107 and is generally similar to the plunger rod 122 except as described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 24A - 24K. The front buffer element 128 is preferably attached to the front portion of the plunger rod 922.

[0277] The syringe 130 is configured to be held by the control unit 118 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto - injection assembly. The pre - filled syringe 130 has a syringe barrel 132 having a flange 134 formed at the rear end and a needle 136 fixedly attached to the front end. A piston 138 is contained within the syringe barrel 132, which confines the medicine within the syringe barrel 132. A disposable - suitable cover 140 is adapted to seal and protect the needle 136. It is understood that the syringe 130 may be any type of pharmaceutical container such as a pre - filled syringe or a cartridge.

[0278] Also noted is that at least a portion of the syringe 130 is preferably configured to be within a syringe sleeve 142 that is fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the front housing element 102.

[0279] The cover - mover assembly 150 is adapted to be mounted on the front portion of the front housing element 102 and on the front portion of a needle shield 114 that protects the needle 136 during storage and enables removal of the cover 140 prior to injection.

[0280] In FIGS. 23A and 23B, the cover - mover assembly 150 is a floating cylinder 15 It has a float cylinder 152 and a safety cap 154 disposed at least partially around it, and it is shown that both the float cylinder 152 and the safety cap 154 are disposed along the longitudinal axis 107. The float cylinder 152 is axially movable relative to the safety cap 154 along the longitudinal axis 107, and it is noted that it compensates for the manufacturing tolerances of various elements of the emergency auto-injection assembly.

[0281] Reference is made below to FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F, 24G, 24H, 24I and 24K. These are, respectively, a two-directional schematic perspective view, a two-directional schematic side view, a schematic top view, a schematic bottom view of the portion forming the plunger rod element 922 of the emergency auto-injection assembly 900 of FIGS. 23A and 23B, and schematic cross-sectional views of five cross-sections along the G-G line of FIG. 24C, the I-I line of FIG. 24D, the H-H line and J-J line of FIG. 24G and the K-K line of FIG. 24J.

[0282] The plunger rod element 922 is generally similar to the plunger rod 122 described above with reference to FIGS. 5A-5I and has additional features described below.

[0283] The plunger rod element 922 is preferably an integrally formed element, preferably made of injection-molded plastic, and is disposed along the longitudinal axis of symmetry 107.

[0284] The plunger rod element 922 preferably includes a generally hollow cylindrical shaft 400 disposed along the longitudinal axis 107 and defining an internal bore 402. The cylindrical shaft 400 has a protrusion 403 that defines a piston engagement wall 404 formed at its front end and extending axially forward from the front end of the shaft 400. The piston engagement wall 404 is disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal axis 107.

[0285] Figures 24A to 24K show that the circumferential recess 410 is generally formed adjacent to the protrusion 403 and spaced rearwardly therefrom. The recess 410 serves as a seat for the front buffer element 128, which, in use, moderates the momentum of the movement of the plunger rod 922 within the syringe 130. A small air passage opening 412 is formed at the edge of the recess 410. The function of this front buffer element 128 in relation to the air passage opening 412 is described in detail in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20190275251A1, for example, with reference to an improved plunger and damper assembly 3160. U.S. Patent Publication No. US20190275251A1 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0286] A generally annularly widened flange 420 is formed at the rear end of the cylindrical shaft 400. The flange 420 has a rearward-facing end face 422 for operatively engaging a part of the locking ring 110, which has several rearwardly extending protrusions 424 formed thereon. The flange 420 also has a forward-facing shoulder 426, which acts for engagement with the control unit 118. The rearwardly extending protrusions 424 each define a surface 428 that tapers forwardly.

[0287] The cylindrical shaft 400 typically includes a pair of generally longitudinally flat portions 430 formed on its outer periphery and facing each other across an axis. Longitudinal guide ribs 432 are formed on each of the flat portions 430 for guiding the plunger rod 922 within the control unit 118.

[0288] Typically, there are two inwardly extending openings 440, each formed between two guide ribs 432, and the two openings preferably face each other across an axis. The openings 440 are preferably arranged adjacent to the widened flange 420. Longitudinal ribs 442 extend longitudinally forward from each of the openings 440 to a longitudinal surface 443 Define and form a rearward-facing shoulder 444 between the opening 440 and the rib 442. It is noted that the opening 440 and the accompanying rearward-facing shoulder 444 are configured for operable engagement with a part of the control unit 118 in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection assembly 900. The rib 442 is configured for operable engagement with a part of the control unit 118 in other operative arrangements.

[0289] Preferably, the snap portions 930 facing each other across two axes are formed on the cylindrical shaft 400 of the plunger rod 922, and in a predetermined operative arrangement of the emergency auto-injection assembly 900, each of them defines a forward-facing shoulder 932 for engagement with the needle shield 114, as will be described in detail later.

[0290] It is noted that the emergency auto-injection assembly 900 preferably functions in the same manner as the emergency auto-injection assembly 100 in all operative arrangements described above with reference to FIGS. 12A - 20F and FIGS. 22A - 22F, except that the emergency auto-injection assembly 900 does not have the second injection spring 124 compared to the emergency auto-injection assembly 100. As described in detail with reference to the emergency auto-injection assembly 100, only the first injection spring 112 acts on the control unit 118, which in turn acts on the plunger rod element 922.

[0291] Different aspects of the emergency auto-injection assembly 900 are reflected in the first stage of the disposal operative arrangement, which was described with reference to FIGS. 21A - 21F of the emergency auto-injection assembly 100. However, since the plunger rod 922 has a slightly deformed structure compared to the plunger rod 122, the emergency auto-injection assembly 900 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 25A - 25F.

[0292] Reference is now made to FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25E, 25F and 25G. These are simplified views of the emergency auto-injection assembly 900 of FIGS. 23A and 23B in the arrangement during the operation of the first disposal stage, including a schematic perspective view, schematic side views in two directions, and schematic cross-sectional views of four cross-sections along line D-D of FIG. 25B, line E-E, line F-F and line G-G of FIG. 25C.

[0293] At this stage, the emergency auto-injection assembly 900 is completely disengaged from the injection site, and the needle shield 114 is fully extended to completely surround the needle 136. When the needle shield 114 is fully extended, it is locked to the control unit 118 by the engagement between the rearward-facing edge 708 of the needle shield 114 and the hammer-like snap portion 500 of the control unit 118, so that the rearward movement of the needle shield 114 causes an equivalent rearward movement of the control unit 118.

[0294] The needle shield 114 is restrained from moving axially forward by the engagement between its forward-facing surface 698 and the rearward-facing shoulder 622 of the front housing element 102.

[0295] The waste-tooth snap portion 510 of the control unit 118 is disposed in front of the flange 134 in this operative arrangement to lock the syringe to the control unit 118.

[0296] Since the needle shield 114 is locked to the control unit 118 and the syringe 130 is locked to the control unit 118, the needle shield 114 is locked to the syringe 130, whereby the rearward movement of the needle shield 114 causes an equivalent rearward movement of the syringe 130, thus providing reliable protection for the needle 136.

[0297] Also, as specifically shown in FIG. 25D, the relative movement between the control unit 118 and the needle shield 114 is also prevented by the engagement between the portion 502 protruding inside the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 of the control unit 118 and the outer surface of the plunger rod 922, thereby preventing the inward deflection of the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 and, in turn, preventing the engagement between the control unit 118 and the plunger rod 922.

[0298] FIGS. 25D to 25G show that in this arrangement during the discard operation, the control unit 118 is disposed at its foremost position.

[0299] A special feature of the embodiment of the present invention is that in this arrangement during the discard operation, the shoulder 932 of the snap portion 930 of the plunger rod 922 engages with the forward-facing shoulder 473 of the control unit 118, so that the backward movement of the plunger rod 922 along the longitudinal axis 107 with respect to the control unit 118 is prevented. Thus, in this arrangement during the discard operation, the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 of the control unit 118 locked between the needle shield element 114 and the plunger rod 922 is reliably supported. Specifically, the hammer-shaped snap portion 500 of the control unit 118 is locked between the elongated surface 443 of the plunger rod 922 and the rearward-facing edge 711 of the needle shield element 114.

[0300] This invention generally relates to an auto-injector for parenteral administration (e.g., dosing) of drugs to a living being (human or animal). The administration may be delivered to the subcutaneous tissue.

[0301] This invention further relates to, but is not limited to, self-administration by patients suffering from chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), HIV, and growth hormone deficiency.

[0302] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the medicament is contained in a prefilled syringe, but alternatively, it can also be used with other drug containers such as vials and ampoules. In that case, it is understood that a vial adapter or an ampoule adapter is used for reconstitution, mixing, and drawing the drug into the syringe before injection. The prefilled syringe may be a conventional single-chamber prefilled syringe containing a liquid medicament that can be immediately injected, or a multi-chamber prefilled syringe.

[0303] The emergency auto-injector provides automatic needle insertion through the skin, so that the needle is not visible to the user throughout all procedures (i.e., before, during, and after injection), thus overcoming the main obstacle in self-administration (i.e., needle phobia).

[0304] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what is particularly shown herein. Rather, the technical scope of the present invention includes combinations of the various features described above and each feature that is combined, as well as those variations and modifications thereof that are not included in the prior art.

Claims

1. An auto-injector for use with a syringe comprising at least one syringe piston and a needle connected to the front end thereof, the auto-injector comprising: A housing element arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a front end and a rear end; At least one elastic element arranged to be located within the housing element; A control unit adapted to be driven by the at least one elastic element such that when actuated, initially moves the syringe from a non-penetrating position to a penetrating position relative to the housing element and then moves the at least one syringe piston within the syringe to effect drug delivery; A plunger rod acting to selectively drive axial movement of the at least one syringe piston relative to the housing element; and A locking element selectively arranged in one of a locking direction and a non-locking direction relative to the control unit, wherein when the locking element is arranged in the locking direction, the plunger rod engages a part of the locking element, and when the locking element is arranged in the non-locking direction, the plunger rod engages a part of the control unit; Auto-injector.

2. The auto-injector according to claim 1, further comprising a needle shield selectively arrangeable relative to the housing element.

3. The auto-injector according to claim 2, wherein the locking element is selectively operably engaged with the control unit, and when the needle shield moves axially rearward relative to the housing element, the control unit is urged by the at least one elastic element to act to cause rotation of the locking element.

4. The auto-injector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plunger rod acts to be moved together with the control unit from the actuation of the control unit to the penetrating position of the syringe.

5. The auto-injector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one elastic element comprises a single spring.

6. The auto-injector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one elastic element comprises a first spring and a second spring.

7. The automatic injection device according to claim 6, wherein the second spring is at least partially disposed within the plunger rod and acts to urge the plunger rod to move forward along the longitudinal axis.

8. The automatic injection device also includes a needle cover remover configured to be removably attached to the housing element and acting to protect the needle. When the needle cover remover is attached to the housing element, the needle shield is prevented from moving axially rearward relative to the housing element. The automatic injection device according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

9. The needle cover remover includes at least one fixing element acting to engage a corresponding fixing opposing element formed on the needle shield, preventing inadvertent rearward movement of the needle shield relative to the housing element. The automatic injection device according to claim 8.

10. The automatic injection device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the locking element is allowed to rotate in a single rotational direction.

11. The automatic injection device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the locking element has a rotatable element, and the control unit has an opposing rotatable element that engages the rotatable element when the locking element is disposed in the locking direction.

12. The automatic injection device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein when the locking element is disposed in the locking direction, the needle shield is prevented from moving longitudinally axially forward relative to the housing element.

13. The automatic injection device according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein in the post-injection operating state, the plunger rod is prevented from moving axially rearward relative to the housing element.

14. The locking element is prevented from moving relative to the housing element by engagement with the needle shield in the pre-injection operating state, and the control unit is prevented from moving relative to the housing element by engagement with the locking element in the pre-injection operating state. The automatic injection device according to any one of claims 2 to 13.

15. The auto-injector according to claim 14, wherein the needle shield includes at least one stop rib that engages a protrusion formed on the locking element to limit rotation of the locking element in the operating state before injection.

Images