Injector

Abstract

An injector includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis, the housing having a distal end and a protrusion extending from the distal end. A cap rotatably and releasably coupled to the distal end of the housing, the cap has a proximal end. An aperture extends through the cap proximate the proximal end. The proximal end includes an indent defined thereon distal to the aperture, the indent being asymmetrical about a vertical plane that extends through the longitudinal axis. The protrusion extends into the indent in an initial position. The cap is rotatable relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis between the initial position and a released position wherein the protrusion is spaced circumferential from the indent.

Description

TITLE

[0001] InjectorCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 619,554, filed January 10, 2024, entitled “Injector,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to injectors and, in some embodiments, to an injector cap having a release feature.SUMMARY

[0004] An injector may include a housing extending along a longitudinal axis, the housing having a distal end and a protrusion extending from the distal end; and a cap rotatably and releasably coupled to the distal end of the housing, the cap having a proximal end, an aperture extending through the cap proximate the proximal end, and the proximal end including an indent defined thereon distal to the aperture, the indent being asymmetrical about a vertical plane extending through the longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the protrusion extends into the indent in an initial position. In certain embodiments, the cap is rotatable relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis between the initial position and a released position wherein the protrusion is spaced circumferential from the indent.

[0005] In certain embodiments, the vertical plane extending through the longitudinal axis extends through a center of the indent, wherein a first side of the indent is defined between the center and a first end, and wherein a second side of the indent is defined between the center and a second end. In certain embodiments, rotation of the cap from the initial position to the released position causes the protrusion to slide along the second side of the indent. In certain embodiments, an angle formed between the proximal end of the cap and the first side is greater than an angle formed between the proximal end of the cap and the second side when the cap is in the initial position. In certain embodiments, the angle formed between the proximal end of the cap and the second side increases when the protrusion slides along the second side of the indent.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the aperture allows a flexible portion of the cap extending between the proximal end and the aperture to flex. In certain embodiments, the flexible portion is movable between a flexed configuration where a proximal side of the aperture is spaced a firstdistance from a distal side of the aperture and an unflexed configuration where the proximal side of the aperture is spaced a second distance from the distal side of the aperture. In certain embodiments, the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the second side has a non-uniform curvature. In certain embodiments, an amount of curvature of the second side decreases along its length from the center to the second end. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the second side is flat.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the protrusion engages more surface area of the first side than the second side when the cap is in the initial position. In certain embodiments, the protrusion engages only a portion of the second side when the cap is in the initial position. In certain embodiments, a space is formed between the protrusion and the second side when the cap is in the initial position. In certain embodiments, a circumferential length of the first side is less than the second side.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the protrusion is symmetrical about a vertical plane extending through the longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the aperture has a circumferential length that is greater than a circumferential length of the indent and a circumferential length of the protrusion. In certain embodiments, a force required to rotate the cap relative to the housing in a first direction is greater than the force required to rotate the cap relative to the housing in a second direction.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the injector cap, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0011] In the drawings:

[0012] Fig. 1 is a front view of an injector in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of a cap of the injector of Fig. I;

[0014] Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a front housing of the injector of Fig. 1;

[0015] Fig. 4 is a front partial view of the cap of the injector of Fig. 1 in the initial position with a partial magnified view of the housing protrusion received in the cap indent;

[0016] Fig. 5 is a front partial view of the cap of the injector of Fig. 1 rotating between the initial position and the released position;

[0017] Fig. 6 is a front partial view of the cap of the injector of Fig. 1 in the initial position; and

[0018] Fig. 7 is a front partial view of the injector of Fig. 1 with the cap separated from the housing.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Tops or caps are used in a wide variety of containers and devices and may include at least one retention feature to help prevent the cap from unintentionally detaching from the remainder of the container. For example, injection devices, also referred to as autoinjectors or simply injectors, for injecting a patient with medicament, often have a removable safety cap covering the distal end of the injector before use. Injectors with removable safety caps significantly enhance sharps protection, serving as a crucial safeguard against accidental needlestick injuries. The caps minimize the risk of healthcare professionals and patients being exposed to potential infections or contaminants due to an accidental needlestick. Removable caps not only ensure the well-being of medical personnel but also contribute to a safer healthcare environment by preventing the unintended transmission of diseases through needle-related accidents.

[0020] Traditional injector caps can suddenly and unintentionally detach from an injector, thereby exposing the needle and presenting accidental deployment and / or needle sticks. This can lead to the transmission of bloodborne pathogens or infections between healthcare workers and patients. The exposure of the needle increases the likelihood of contamination, compromising the integrity of the medical procedure and potentially causing infections in patients. To mitigate these dangers, it is crucial for medical devices to have secure and reliable cap mechanisms.

[0021] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-7 an injector, generally designated 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The injector 100 may have a cap 106 that is releasably coupled to the remainder of the injector 100. In one embodiment, the cap 106 is threadably coupled to the injector 100 to allow for smooth rotation of the cap 106 relative to an injector housing 102, thereby enhancing user experience and safety. This configuration may allow healthcare professionals precise control of the cap removal process to minimize the risk of accidental injuries.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 1, the injector 100 may include the housing 102 extending along a longitudinal axis AL. The housing 102 may be shaped and sized to be held in the hand of a user. The housing 102 may have a distal end and a protrusion 104 extending from the distal end.

[0023] Referring to Figs. 1-7, the cap 106 may be rotatably and releasably coupled to the distal end of the housing 102. The cap 106 may be threadedly coupled to the housing 102. In some embodiments, the cap 106 is snap fit to the housing 102. Rotation of the cap 106 in a first directionrelative to the housing 102 may loosen the cap 106 from the housing 102. Rotation of the cap 106 in a second direction relative to the housing 102 may tighten the cap 106 to the housing 102.

[0024] Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 7, the cap 106 may have a proximal end 107 and a distal end 109. The proximal end 107 may engage the housing 102 when the cap 106 is coupled to the housing 102. The cap 106 may include an aperture 108 extending therethrough proximate the proximal end 107. The aperture 108 may be located proximate the proximal end 107 of the cap 106. As discussed in more detail below, the aperture 108 may extend radially around at least a portion of the cap 106. The aperture 108 may include a generally rounded central portion 112 with a straight portion 114 extending from either side of the central portion 112. The straight portion 114 extending from either side of the central portion 112 may extend along a common plane. The central portion 112 may be shaped such that a middle of the central portion 112 is further from the proximal end 107 than the straight portion 114. The aperture 108 may have a generally uniform width along its length. In some embodiments, the aperture 108 is generally elongated along a length parallel to the proximal end 107 of the cap 106. In some embodiments, the aperture 108 is generally rounded.

[0025] Referring to Figs. 4-7, the proximal end 107 of the cap 106 may include an indent 110 defined thereon. The indent 110 may be distal to the aperture 108. The indent 110 may be central to the aperture 108. The indent 110 may be central to the central portion 112 of the aperture 108. The middle of the central portion 112 may be aligned along the longitudinal axis ALwith a center 116 of the indent 110. In some embodiments, the middle of the central portion 112 is not aligned along the longitudinal axis ALwith a center 116 of the indent 110. The indent 110 may be defined on a portion of the proximal end 107 of the cap 106. The indent 110 may be asymmetrical about a vertical plane P extending through the longitudinal axis AL.

[0026] The vertical plane P may extend through a center 116 of the indent 110. A first side 125 of the indent 110 may be defined between the center 116 and a first end 118. A second side 127 of the indent 110 may be defined between the center 116 and a second end 120. The protrusion 104 may have a curve substantially similar to that of the central portion 112 of the aperture 108. The radius of the protrusion 104 about its curve may be smaller than that of a radius about the curve of the central portion 112 of the aperture 108. The middle of the central portion 112 may be aligned along the longitudinal axis ALwith a center 116 of the indent 110. The middle of the central portion 112 may be aligned along the longitudinal axis ALwith a center of the protrusion 104 when the cap 106 is coupled to the housing 102.

[0027] Referring to Fig. 2, the cap 106 may include a central boss 111 in an interior thereof. The central boss 111 may extend from the distal end 109 of the cap 106. The central boss 111 may extendat least a portion of the way to the proximal end 107 in the interior of the cap 106. The central boss 111 may be configured to receive a needle or a needle shield therein when the cap 106 is coupled to the housing 102. The interior of the cap 106 may include a cap thread 113 defined thereon. The cap thread 113 may extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the interior of the cap 106. The cap thread 113 may be a depression defined in the interior of the cap 106. In some embodiments, the cap thread 113 may protrude from the interior of the cap 106. The cap thread 113 may be shaped and sized to engage a housing thread 115 (Fig. 3) defined on the housing 102.

[0028] Referring to Fig. 2, the cap 106 may include at least one surface indent 117 defined on the proximal end 107 thereof. The surface indent 117 may be a generally rectangular feature extending at least partially from the proximal end 107 toward the distal end 109. The surface indent 117 may be shaped and sized to receive a housing node (not shown) to increase rotational resistance when the cap 106 is coupled to the housing 102. In some embodiments, there may be at least four surface indents 117.

[0029] Referring to Figs. 4-6, the cap 106 may be moveable between an initial position and a released position. The cap 106 may be prevented from moving relative to the housing 102 by the protrusion 104 of the housing 102 in the initial position to avoid accidental exposure of a needle (not shown). The cap 106 may be rotatable relative to the housing 102 about the longitudinal axis ALbetween the initial position and the released position. Referring to Fig. 4, the protrusion 104 may extend into the indent 110 in the initial position. Referring to Figs. 6-7, the protrusion 104 may be spaced circumferentially from the indent 110 in the released position.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 5, rotation of the cap 106 relative to the housing 102 from the initial position to the released position may cause the protrusion 104 to slide along the second side 127. Referring to Fig. 4, an angle a is formed between the proximal end 107 of the cap 106 and the first side 125. An angle P may be formed between the proximal end 107 of the cap 106 and the second side 127. The angle a may be greater than the angle when the cap 106 is in the initial position. Referring to Fig. 4, the angle P may increase when the protrusion 104 slides along the second side 127. The angle P may increase by at least 0.5° when the protrusion 104 slides along the second side 127. In some embodiments, the angle a increases when the protrusion 104 slides along the second side 127.

[0031] Angle a may be approximately 135°. In some embodiments, angle a is approximately 120°, approximately 122°, approximately 124°, approximately 126°, approximately 128°, approximately 130°, approximately 132°, approximately 134°, approximately 136°, approximately 138°, approximately 140°, approximately 142°, approximately 144°, approximately 146°,approximately 148°, or approximately 150°. In some embodiments, angle a is at least 120°, at least 122°, at least 124°, at least 126°, at least 128°, at least 130°, at least 132°, at least 134°, at least 136°, at least 138°, at least 140°, at least 142°, at least 144°, at least 146°, at least 148°, or at least 150°. In some embodiments, angle a is between 120° and 150°, between 122° and 148°, between 124° and 146°, between 126° and 144°, between 128° and 142°, between 130° and 140°, between 132° and 138°, or between 134° and 136°.

[0032] Angle 0 may be approximately 157° in the initial position. In some embodiments, angle P is approximately 150°, approximately 151°, approximately 152°, approximately 153°, approximately 154°, approximately 155°, approximately 156°, approximately 157°, approximately 158°, approximately 159°, approximately 160°, approximately 161°, approximately 162°, approximately 163°, approximately 164°, approximately 165°, approximately 166°, approximately 167°, approximately 168°, approximately 169°, or approximately 170° in the initial position. In some embodiments, angle 0 is at least 150°, at least 151°, at least 152°, at least 153°, at least 154°, at least 155°, at least 156°, at least 157°, at least 158°, at least 159°, at least 160°, at least 161°, at least 162°, at least 163°, at least 164°, at least 165°, at least 166°, at least 167°, at least 168°, at least 169°, or at least 170° in the initial position. In some embodiments, angle P is between 150° and 170°, between 151° and 169°, between 152° and 168°, between 153° and 167°, between 154° and 166°, between 155° and 165°, between 156° and 164°, between 157° and 163°, between 158° and 162°, or between 159° and 161° in the initial position.

[0033] Angle P may be approximately 156° when the protrusion 104 slides along the second side 127. In some embodiments, angle P is approximately 150°, approximately 151°, approximately 152°, approximately 153°, approximately 154°, approximately 155°, approximately 156°, approximately 157°, approximately 158°, approximately 159°, approximately 160°, approximately 161°, approximately 162°, approximately 163°, approximately 164°, approximately 165°, approximately 166°, approximately 167°, approximately 168°, approximately 169°, or approximately 170° when the protrusion 104 slides along the second side 127. In some embodiments, angle 0 is at least 150°, at least 151°, at least 152°, at least 153°, at least 154°, at least 155°, at least 156°, at least 157°, at least 158°, at least 159°, at least 160°, at least 161°, at least 162°, at least 163°, at least 164°, at least 165°, at least 166°, at least 167°, at least 168°, at least 169°, or at least 170° when the protrusion 104 slides along the second side 127. In some embodiments, angle 0 is between 150° and 170°, between 151° and 169°, between 152° and 168°, between 153° and 167°, between 154° and 166°, between 155° and 165°, between 156° and 164°, between 157° and 163°, between 158° and 162°, or between 159° and 161° when the protrusion 104 slides along the second side 127.

[0034] A force required to rotate the cap 106 relative to the housing 102 in the first direction is greater than the force required to rotate the cap 106 relative to the housing 102 in a second direction. Referring to Figs. 4-5, the cap 106 may include a flexible portion 122 extending between the proximal end 107 of the cap 106 and the aperture 108 to facilitate smooth rotation of the cap 106 and prevent the cap 106 from popping off of the housing 102. The aperture 108 may allow the flexible portion 122 of the cap 106 to flex longitudinally toward the aperture 108 when the protrusion 104 slides along the second side 127. The flexible portion 122 is movable between a flexed configuration and an unflexed configuration. A proximal side 124 of the central portion 112 of the aperture 108 is spaced a first distance from a distal side 126 of the central portion 112 of the aperture 108 in the unflexed configuration. The proximal side 124 of the central portion 112 of the aperture 108 is spaced a second distance from the distal side 126 of the central portion 112 of the aperture 108 in the flexed configuration. The first distance may be greater than the second distance.

[0035] The first distance may be approximately 1.016 mm in the unflexed configuration. In some embodiments, the first distance is approximately 1.004 mm, approximately 1.006 mm, approximately 1.008 mm, approximately 1.01 mm, approximately 1.012 mm, approximately 1.014 mm, approximately 1.016 mm, approximately 1.018 mm, approximately 1.02 mm, approximately 1.022 mm, approximately 1.024 mm, approximately 1.026 mm, or approximately 1.028 mm in the unflexed configuration. In some embodiments, the first distance is at least 1.004 mm, at least 1.006 mm, at least 1.008 mm, at least 1.01 mm, at least 1.012 mm, at least 1.014 mm, at least 1.016 mm, at least 1.018 mm, at least 1.02 mm, at least 1.022 mm, at least 1.024 mm, at least 1.026 mm, or at least 1.028 mm in the unflexed configuration. In some embodiments, the first distance is between 1.004 mm and 1.028 mm, between 1.006 mm and 1.026 mm, between 1.008 mm and 1.024 mm, between 1.01 and 1.022 mm, between 1.012 mm and 1.02 mm, or between 1.014 mm and 1.018 mm in the unflexed configuration.

[0036] The second distance may be approximately 0.508 mm in the flexed configuration. In some embodiments, the second distance is approximately 0.4 mm, approximately 0.42 mm, approximately 0.44 mm, approximately 0.46 mm, approximately 0.48 mm, approximately 0.50 mm, approximately 0.52 mm, approximately 0.54 mm, approximately 0.56 mm, approximately 0.58 mm, or approximately 0.60 mm in the flexed configuration. In some embodiments, the second distance is at least 0.4 mm, at least 0.42 mm, at least 0.44 mm, at least 0.46 mm, at least 0.48 mm, at least 0.50 mm, at least 0.52 mm, at least 0.54 mm, at least 0.56 mm, at least 0.58 mm, or at least 0.60 mm in the flexed configuration. In some embodiments, the second distance is between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm,between 0.42 mm and 0.58 mm, between 0.44 mm and 0.56 mm, between 0.46 mm and 0.54 mm, or between 0.48 mm and 0.52 mm in the flexed configuration.

[0037] Referring to Fig. 4, the first side 125 and the second side 127 may both be curved between the center 116 and the first end 118 and second end 120, respectively. The first side 125 and the second side 127 may have a symmetrical curvature between the center 116 and the first end 118 and second end 120, respectively. In some embodiments, the first side 125 and the second side 127 may have an asymmetrical curvature between the center 116 and the first end 118 and second end 120, respectively. In some embodiments, one of the first side 125 or the second side 127 may be curved and the other of the first side 125 or the second side 127 may be flat. In some embodiments, one of the first side 125 or the second side 127 may be curved and the other of the first side 125 or the second side 127 may be flatter than the curved side. The second side 127 may be flatter than the first side 125. The second side 127 may have a non-uniform curvature. An amount of curvature of the second side 127 may decrease along its length from the center 116 to the second end 120. At least a portion of the second side 127 may be flat. In some embodiments, the second side 127 is flat. The protrusion 104 may engage more surface area of the first side 125 than the second side 127 when the cap 106 is in the initial position. The protrusion 104 may engage only a portion of the second side 127 when the cap 106 is in the initial position. A space 128 may be formed between the protrusion 104 and the second side 127 when the cap 106 is in the initial position. In some embodiments, when the protrusion 104 has a complementary curvature to the second side 127, the space 128 is not formed between the protrusion 104 and the second side 127 when the cap 106 is in the initial position. The protrusion 104 may urge the cap 106 away from the housing 102 when the cap 106 is rotated relative to the housing 102 in the first direction. Referring to Fig. 7, the cap 106 may be moved proximately along the longitudinal axis ALwhen the cap 106 is in the released position.

[0038] The protrusion 104 may be symmetrical about the vertical plane P extending through the longitudinal axis AL. In some embodiments, the protrusion 104 is asymmetrical about the vertical plane P extending through the longitudinal axis AL. In some embodiments, the protrusion 104 has a shape substantially similar to the shape of the indent 110.

[0039] A circumferential length of the first side 125 may be less than a circumferential length of the second side 127. The circumferential length of the first side 125 may be approximately 1.678 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the first side 125 is approximately 1.650 mm, approximately 1.655 mm, approximately 1.660 mm, approximately 1.665 mm, approximately 1.670 mm, approximately 1.675 mm, approximately 1.680 mm, approximately 1.685 mm, approximately 1.690 mm, approximately 1.695 mm, or approximately 1.70 mm. In some embodiments, thecircumferential length of the first side 125 is at least 1.650 mm, at least 1.655 mm, at least 1.660 mm, at least 1.665 mm, at least 1.670 mm, at least 1.675 mm, at least 1.680 mm, at least 1.685 mm, at least 1 .690 mm, at least 1 .695 mm, or at least 1 .70 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the first side 125 is between 1.650 mm and 1.7 mm, between 1.655 mm and 1.695 mm, between 1.660 mm and 1.690 mm, between 1.665 mm and 1.685 mm, or between 1.67 mm and 1.68 mm.

[0040] The circumferential length of the second side 127 may be approximately 2.021 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the second side 127 is approximately 2.0 mm, approximately 2.005 mm, approximately 2.010 mm, approximately 2.015 mm, approximately 2.020 mm, approximately 2.025 mm, approximately 2.030 mm, approximately 2.035 mm, approximately 2.040 mm, approximately 2.045 mm, or approximately 2.050 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the second side 127 is at least 2.0 mm, at least 2.005 mm, at least 2.010 mm, at least 2.015 mm, at least 2.020 mm, at least 2.025 mm, at least 2.030 mm, at least 2.035 mm, at least 2.040 mm, at least 2.045 mm, or at least 2.050 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the second side 127 is between 2.0 mm and 2.05 mm, between 2.005 mm and 2.045 mm, between 2.01 mm and 2.04 mm, between 2.015 mm and 2.035 mm, or between 2.02 mm and 2.03 mm.

[0041] The aperture 108 may have a circumferential length that is greater than a circumferential length of the indent 110 and a circumferential length of the protrusion 104. The circumferential length of the aperture 108 may be approximately 4.805 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the aperture 108 is approximately 4.5 mm, approximately 4.55 mm, approximately 4.60 mm, approximately 4.65 mm, approximately 4.70 mm, approximately 4.75 mm, approximately 4.80 mm, approximately 4.85 mm, approximately 4.90 mm, approximately 4.95 mm, or approximately 5.0 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the aperture 108 is at least 4.5 mm, at least 4.55 mm, at least 4.60 mm, at least 4.65 mm, at least 4.70 mm, at least 4.75 mm, at least 4.80 mm, at least 4.85 mm, at least 4.90 mm, at least 4.95 mm, or at least 5.0 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the aperture 108 is between 4.5 mm and 5.0 mm, between 4.55 mm and 4.95 mm, between 4.6 mm and 4.9 mm, between 4.65 mm and 4.85 mm, or between 4.7 mm and 4.8 mm.

[0042] The circumferential length of the indent 110 may be approximately 3.699 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the indent 110 is approximately 3.5 mm, approximately 3.55 mm, approximately 3.60 mm, approximately 3.65 mm, approximately 3.70 mm, approximately 3.75 mm, approximately 3.80 mm, approximately 3.85 mm, approximately 3.90 mm, approximately 3.95 mm, or approximately 4 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the indent 110 is at least 3.5 mm, at least 3.55 mm, at least 3.60 mm, at least 3.65 mm, at least 3.70 mm, at least 3.75 mm, at least 3.80 mm, at least 3.85 mm, at least 3.90 mm, at least 3.95 mm, or at least 4 mm. In someembodiments, the circumferential length of the indent 110 is between 3.5 mm and 4 mm, between 3.55 mm and 3.95 mm, between 3.6 mm and 3.9 mm, between 3.65 mm and 3.85 mm, or between 3.7 mm and 3.8 mm.

[0043] The circumferential length of the protrusion 104 may be approximately 3.615 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the protrusion 104 is approximately 3.4 mm, approximately 3.45 mm, approximately 3.5 mm, approximately 3.55 mm, approximately 3.60 mm, approximately 3.65 mm, approximately 3.70 mm, approximately 3.75 mm, approximately 3.80 mm, approximately 3.85 mm, or approximately 3.90 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the protrusion 104 is at least 3.4 mm, at least 3.45 mm, at least 3.5 mm, at least 3.55 mm, at least 3.60 mm, at least 3.65 mm, at least 3.70 mm, at least 3.75 mm, at least 3.80 mm, at least 3.85 mm, or at least 3.90 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the indent 110 is between 3.4 mm and 3.9 mm, between 3.45 mm and 3.85 mm, between 3.5 mm and 3.8 mm, between 3.55 mm and 3.75 mm, or between 3.6 mm and 3.7 mm.

[0044] The term “about” or “approximately” is used herein to provide literal support for the exact number that it precedes, as well as a number that is near to or approximately the number that the term precedes. In determining whether a number is near to or approximately a specifically recited number, the near or approximating unrecited number may be a number, which, in the context in which it is presented, provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited number. It should be appreciated that all numerical values and ranges disclosed herein are approximate values and ranges, whether “about” is used in conjunction therewith. It should also be appreciated that the term “about,” as used herein, in conjunction with a numeral refers to a value that may be ±0.01% (inclusive), ±0.1% (inclusive), ±0.5% (inclusive), ±1% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±2% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±3% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±5% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±10% (inclusive) of that numeral, or ±15% (inclusive) of that numeral. It should further be appreciated that when a numerical range is disclosed herein, any numerical value falling within the range is also specifically disclosed.

[0045] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

[0046] Specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. Finally, unless specifically set forth herein, a disclosed or claimed method should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be performed in any practical order.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An injector comprising: a housing extending along a longitudinal axis, the housing having a distal end and a protrusion extending from the distal end; and a cap rotatably and releasably coupled to the distal end of the housing, the cap having a proximal end, an aperture extending through the cap proximate the proximal end, and the proximal end including an indent defined thereon distal to the aperture, the indent being asymmetrical about a vertical plane extending through the longitudinal axis, wherein the protrusion extends into the indent in an initial position, and wherein the cap is rotatable relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis between the initial position and a released position where the protrusion is spaced circumferential from the indent.

2. The injector of claim 1, wherein the vertical plane extending through the longitudinal axis extends through a center of the indent, where a first side of the indent is defined between the center and a first end, and where a second side of the indent is defined between the center and a second end.

3. The injector of claim 2, wherein rotation of the cap from the initial position to the released position causes the protrusion to slide along the second side of the indent.

4. The injector of claim 3, wherein an angle formed between the proximal end of the cap and the first side is greater than an angle formed between the proximal end of the cap and the second side when the cap is in the initial position.

5. The injector of claim 4, wherein the angle formed between the proximal end of the cap and the second side increases when the protrusion slides along the second side of the indent.

6. The injector of claim 3, wherein the aperture allows a flexible portion of the cap extending between the proximal end and the aperture to flex.

7. The injector of claim 6, wherein the flexible portion is movable between a flexed configuration where a proximal side of the aperture is spaced a first distance from a distal side of the aperture and an unflexed configuration where the proximal side of the aperture is spaced a second distance from the distal side of the aperture, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

8. The injector of claim 2, wherein the second side has a non-uniform curvature.

9. The injector of claim 8, wherein an amount of curvature of the second side decreases along its length from the center to the second end.

10. The injector of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the second side is flat.

11. The injector of claim 2, wherein the protrusion engages more surface area of the first side than the second side when the cap is in the initial position.

12. The injector of claim 11, wherein the protrusion engages only a portion of the second side when the cap is in the initial position, and wherein a space is formed between the protrusion and the second side when the cap is in the initial position.

13. The injector of claim 2, wherein a circumferential length of the first side is less than the second side.

14. The injector of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is symmetrical about a vertical plane extending through the longitudinal axis.

15. The injector of claim 1, wherein the aperture has a circumferential length that is greater than a circumferential length of the indent and a circumferential length of the protrusion.

16. The injector of claim 1, wherein a force required to rotate the cap relative to the housing in a first direction is greater than the force required to rotate the cap relative to the housing in a second direction.

17. An injector comprising: a housing extending along a longitudinal axis, the housing having a distal end and a protrusion extending from the distal end; and a cap rotatably and releasably coupled to the distal end of the housing, the cap having a proximal end, an aperture extending through the cap proximate the proximal end, and the proximal end including an indent defined thereon distal to the aperture, the indent being asymmetrical about a vertical plane extending through the longitudinal axis, wherein the protrusion extends into the indent in an initial position, wherein the cap is rotatable relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis between the initial position and a released position where the protrusion is spaced circumferential from the indent, and wherein the vertical plane extending through the longitudinal axis extends through a center of the indent, where a first side of the indent is defined between the center and a first end, and where a second side of the indent is defined between the center and a second end.

18. The injector of claim 17, wherein rotation of the cap from the initial position to the released position causes the protrusion to slide along the second side of the indent.

19. The injector of claim 18, wherein an angle formed between the proximal end of the cap and the first side is greater than an angle formed between the proximal end of the cap and the second side when the cap is in the initial position.

20. The injector of claim 19, wherein the angle formed between the proximal end of the cap and the second side increases when the protrusion slides along the second side of the indent.

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