Adaptor for connecting an injector pen to a medical syringe with a luer slip or luer lock coupling

Abstract

The present invention is related to an adaptor (1) for connecting an injector pen (P) onto a syringe (S) with a luer lock or luer slip type coupling. The adaptor (1) comprises a main body (2), having a first portion (5) removably connectable to a cannula (C) of a syringe (S) with a luer lock or luer slip type coupling and a second portion (6) removably connectable to an injector pen (P). The main body (2) further comprises an inlet mouth (3), configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula (C) of the syringe (S), and an opposite outlet mouth (4), configured to be in fluid communication with the injector pen (P). The adaptor (1) has a cavity (21) defined by the main body (2), extending seamlessly between the inlet mouth (3) and the outlet mouth (4) to place the inlet mouth (3) in fluid communication with the outlet mouth (4). The adaptor (1) comprises a fluid-tight element (7) pierceable by an injector pen (P) when the latter is engaged with the second portion (6), the upper portion (6) having an external thread (61) engageable with a counter-thread of an injector pen (P).

Description

[0001] TITLE: "Adaptor for connecting an injector pen to a medical syringe with a luer slip or luer lock coupling"

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0004] The object of the present invention finds useful application in the field of medical devices, in particular in the field of injection devices such as syringes having a luer slip or luer lock type coupling.

[0005] State of the prior art

[0006] Syringes for the injection of insulin, also called "pens", are known in the state of the art, adapted to receive an injector pen, which can be screwed to the mouth located at the end of the pen body.

[0007] The known injector pens have a cylindrical support body, provided with an internal counter-thread engageable with the thread of a respective pen, and a needle, passing through the support body.

[0008] Luer lock and luer slip injector pens as well as injector pens are well known to the person skilled in the art and, although they will be referred to several times below, they will not be described in detail in all their parts and variants.

[0009] The support body of the injector pens and the mouth of the insulin pen have the same dimensional standard, such that the support body of the injector pen matches the mouth of the insulin pen, so that they can be screwed in.

[0010] Furthermore, commercial syringes for medical use are also known in the state of the art. Unlike insulin pens, such syringes are adapted to accommodate a hypodermic needle. In particular, the luer slip syringes are distinguished, in the event that the latter allows the coupling of the hypodermic needle support base by means of a pressure mechanism, or luer lock, in the event that the latter allows the coupling of the needle support base by means of screwing.

[0011] From US 2016213906 Al, an adaptor is known for luer slip or luer lock syringes capable of connecting an injector pen to a syringe. In particular, the document describes a syringe adaptor comprising a first portion, provided with an inlet mouth shaped to allow the entry of a syringe cannula, and a second opposite portion, configured to couple and bind to a needle pen. First and second portions are in fluid communication with each other.

[0012] Further, from US 2018200498 Al a connector for a closed fluid transfer system is known, comprising a syringe adaptor and a separate coupling element. The adaptor comprises an injector pen and a coupling portion for coupling the injector pen to a syringe. The adaptor comprises a membrane inserted inside a housing for locking an injector pen, when not in use. The adaptor membrane is movable from a first position within the adaptor housing to a second position, in which it is pierced by the injector pen, when the coupling element, couplable with the adaptor, is positioned within the housing.

[0013] Finally, US 11040153 B2 describes a syringe adaptor that allows the transfer of fluids between a first connector and a second connector, facilitating their connection and preventing inadvertent or accidental disconnection of the connectors. The adaptor includes a flap, that can be moved from a start position to an end position. Once the syringe has been connected to the adaptor, the rotation of the body allows the flap to move from the initial position to the final position, through the guide. Once the flap is inserted into the final position, the syringe is fully connected to the connector body.

[0014] Problems of the prior art

[0015] The commercial syringes for medical use known in the state of the art do not allow the use of an insulin injector pen, as the support body of the latter has a different dimensional standard from the cannula of a commercial syringe for medical use having a luer slip or luer lock type coupling, thus limiting the use of the injector pen exclusively to dedicated insulin pens.

[0016] Additionally, known adaptors, such as the one in the aforementioned document US 2016213906 Al, do not allow sufficient security for plugging the liquid inside the syringe. In fact, it is necessary that an injector pen or other terminal is connected directly to these known adaptors so that the liquid does not accidentally leak out.

[0017] Still, some devices capable of connecting to a syringe, as shown by US 2018200498 Al comprise a dedicated injector pen, the tip of which is blocked by a membrane to prevent the escape of liquid. However, the presence of an injector pen thus prevents the connection with external injector pens, consequently reducing the versatility of the device.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In this context, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for connecting an injector pen to a medical syringe capable of overcoming the limits of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an adaptor capable of connecting an injector pen to a commercial syringe for medical use having a luer slip or luer lock type coupling.

[0020] These and further objects will be achieved by an adaptor according to the present invention in accordance with one or more of the following claims.

[0021] Advantages of the invention

[0022] Advantageously, by means of the adaptor of the present invention, it is possible to allow the connection and therefore the use of an injector pen on a commercial medical syringe having a luer slip or luer lock type coupling, without resorting to the need to have a dedicated insulin pen.

[0023] By means of the present invention, advantageously, it is possible to obtain a versatile and safe. In particular, an adaptor is provided which can engage with external injector pens and which, in use, allows the contents of the syringe to escape when engaged with the injector pen.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The technical features and advantages of the present invention will be extensively elucidated by the following detailed description of an adaptor for connecting an injector pen to a luer slip or luer lock syringe in accordance with a preferred, and therefore non-limiting, embodiment in the set of drawings of which: - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an adaptor for connecting an injector pen onto a syringe according to the present invention in accordance with an embodiment,

[0026] - Figure 2 shows a perspective sectional view of the adaptor of Figure 1,

[0027] - Figure 3 shows a view of the adaptor of Figure 1 in a first operating configuration,

[0028] - Figure 4 shows a view of the adaptor of Figure 1 in a second operating configuration.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] As shown in the figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates an adaptor for connecting an injector pen P, used for example for insulin injections, with a syringe S having a cannula C with a luer lock or luer slip type coupling.

[0031] In the remainder of the present invention, reference will be made to a known injector pen P, thus comprising a cylindrical coupling body that acts as a support for a needle, passing through the coupling body. The coupling body of the injector pen P comprises a counter-thread adapted to engage with the presented thread of a respective insulin pen.

[0032] The adaptor 1 of the present invention comprises a main body 2. The main body 2 is preferably an axial-symmetrical cylindrical body, developed along a longitudinal direction Z-Z and having a lower circular base and an opposite upper circular base. The main body 2 of the adaptor 1 has a first portion 5 removably connectable to a cannula C of a syringe S with a luer lock or luer slip type coupling and an opposite second portion 6 removably connectable to an injector pen P.

[0033] As shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, the first and second portions 5, 6 preferably have a different diameter D. In particular, the first portion 5 has a diameter D smaller than the diameter (not visible in the attached Figures) of the second portion 6. It should be noted that the different diameters of the first and second portions 5, 6 allow a suitable connection respectively to the cannula C of the syringe S and to the injector pen P.

[0034] In particular, the diameter D of the upper portion 6 presents the dimensional standard compatible with the support body of an injector pen P.

[0035] In addition, the main body 2 of the adaptor 1 has an inlet mouth 3, arranged at the first portion 5. Preferably, the inlet mouth 3 is positioned at the lower circular base of the main body 2.

[0036] The inlet mouth 3 is configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula C of the syringe S when the latter is connected to the first portion 5. Preferably, the inlet mouth 3 has a cylindrical shape such that it is traversable by the cannula C of the syringe S.

[0037] Similarly, the main body 2 has an opposite outlet mouth 4 arranged at the second portion 6. Preferably, the outlet mouth 4 is positioned on the upper circular base of the main body 2.

[0038] In other words, the inlet mouth 3 and the outlet mouth 4 are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction Z-Z. The outlet mouth 4 is configured to be in fluid communication with the injector pen P when the latter is connected to the second portion 6.

[0039] The inlet mouth 3 and the outlet mouth 4 are preferably coaxial with respect to the main body 2.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the adaptor 1 of the present invention further has a cavity 21, defined by the main body 2, which extends seamlessly between the inlet mouth 3 and the outlet mouth 4. In other words, the cavity 21 of the main body 2 extends along the longitudinal direction Z-Z.

[0041] The cavity 21 is configured to place the inlet mouth 3 in fluid communication with the outlet mouth 4, in such a way as to allow the passage of the contents of the syringe S to the injector pen P.

[0042] In other words, when connected, the first portion 5 and the second portion 6 ensure a fluid-tight connection respectively with the cannula C of the syringe S and with the injector pen P. In this way, as anticipated, the contents of the syringe S are able to pass from the body of the syringe S to the adaptor 1 of the present invention and, consequently, to the injector pen P to be injected into the body of a patient.

[0043] According to the invention, the adaptor 1 comprises a fluid-tight element 7. The fluid-tight element 7 is arranged in the cavity 21 of the body 2, on a plane (not shown in the attached figures) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Z-Z, near the outlet mouth 4.

[0044] Advantageously, the fluid-tight element 7 makes it possible to prevent accidental escape of the contents of the syringe S when the adaptor 1 is connected to the cannula C of the syringe S. In other words, the adaptor 1 can act as a cap thus interrupting the fluid communication between the inlet mouth 3 and the outlet mouth 4.

[0045] According to the invention, the fluid-tight element 7 is pierceable by an injector pen P when the latter is engaged with the second portion 6. In fact, the fluid-tight element 7 comprises a pierceable membrane or pierceable diaphragm, adapted to be pierced when the injector pen P is engaged with the second portion 6.

[0046] In fact, when the second portion 6 is engaged with the injector pen P, the inner end of the needle of the injector pen P pierces the membrane of the fluid-tight element 7, thus allowing the inlet mouth 3 to be in fluid communication with the outlet mouth 4.

[0047] Alternatively, the fluid-tight element 7 may have a thickness such that it can be totally crossed by the inner portion of the needle of the injector pen P when this is screwed onto the second portion 6.

[0048] Preferably, the fluid-tight element 7 is made of polymeric material and has a sufficiently low degree of porosity so as to prevent the passage of the contents of the syringe S and thus ensure the fluid tightness.

[0049] In a first embodiment, the fluid-tight element 7 is made in one piece with the main body 2. More preferably, the fluid-tight element 7 is made of plastic material to allow a single perforation. This is then a single-use adaptor 1. In such a case, the adaptor 1 is obtained by means of an injection moulding.

[0050] In a second embodiment, the fluid-tight element 7 comprises at least one pierceable portion made of rubbery material. Preferably, the entire fluid-tight element 7 is made of rubbery material. Preferably, the fluid-tight element 7 is a septum obtained by a co-molding technique with the main body 2, the latter being made of a rigid material, such as plastic.

[0051] Advantageously, the at least one portion made of rubbery material allows the reuse of the fluid-tight element 7, and consequently of the adaptor 1, with a series of disposable injector pens P, since also following a perforation by the internal part of the needle of the injector pen P, the fluid-tightness is maintained due to the effect of the rubbery material used.

[0052] According to the invention, the upper portion 6 of the main body 2 has an external thread 61 engageable with the counter-thread of the injector pen support body P.

[0053] In contrast, as shown in Figure 4, the first portion 5 of the main body 2 is configured to be connected to the cannula C of a syringe S by a pressure mechanism.

[0054] To this end, with more reference to Figure 2, it is worth noting that the cavity 21 of the main body 2 preferably has a tapered engagement portion 22 near the first portion 5 and connectable to a syringe S with a luer slip or luer lock type coupling. Preferably, the engagement portion 22 is tapered towards the inside of the cavity 21.

[0055] In other words, the tapered engagement portion 22 of the cavity 21 is configured to exert a pressure on the cannula C of the syringe S. In fact, as can be seen in Figure 2, the cannula C of the syringe S has a substantially frusto-conical profile. Following the insertion of the cannula C of the syringe S inside the cavity 21 through the inlet mouth 3, a reciprocal pressure is exerted between the tapered engagement portion 22 of the cavity 21 and the cannula C of the syringe S thus ensuring a fluid- tight connection.

[0056] Additionally, the first portion 5 preferably comprises a plurality of tabs 8 projecting externally with respect to the body 2 to constrain the adaptor 1 to a syringe S with luer lock type coupling. In the preferred form, the adaptor 1 comprises two tabs 8, preferably arranged near the inlet mouth 3 and, still preferably, one opposite the other, i.e. in a diametrically opposite position. More preferably, as shown in the attached figures, the tabs 8 are arranged laterally to the body 2 at the lower circular base.

[0057] In particular, known syringes S with luer lock type coupling comprise a circular portion surrounding the cannula C of the syringe S itself. This circular portion comprises an internal thread adapted to engage with the thread of a support body of a hypodermic needle.

[0058] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, advantageously, the presence of the plurality of tabs 8 allows the adaptor 1 to be constrained to the cannula C of the luer lock syringe S not only through the pressure mechanism previously described, but also through the engagement of the plurality of tabs 8 with the thread of the circular portion that surrounds the cannula C of the syringe S.

[0059] In the preferred form of the present invention, the main body 2 of the adaptor 1 is made at least in part of polymeric material, such as plastic material, preferably transparent, thus ensuring greater durability and ease of use.

[0060] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, an injection kit 10 is also an object of the present invention. The kit 10 of the present invention comprises a syringe S having a luer lock or luer slip type coupling for medical use, an injector pen P and an adaptor 1 according to one of the embodiments described above, adapted to allow the connection of the syringe S with the injector pen P.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Adaptor (1) for connecting an injector pen (P) onto a syringe (S) with a luer lock or luer slip type coupling, comprising:- a main body (2), having:- a first portion (5) removably connectable to a cannula (C) of a syringe (S) with a luer lock or luer slip type coupling and an opposite second portion (6) removably connectable to an injector pen (P),- an inlet mouth (3), arranged at the first portion (5) and configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula (C) of the syringe (S) when connected to the first portion (5), and an opposite outlet mouth (4), at the second portion (6) configured to be in fluid communication with the injector pen (P) when connected to the second portion (6),- a cavity (21) defined by the main body (2), extending seamlessly between the inlet mouth (3) and the outlet mouth (4) to place the inlet mouth (3) in fluid communication with the outlet mouth (4), characterized in that- the adaptor (1) comprises a fluid-tight element (7) arranged in the cavity (21) of the body (2), near the outlet mouth (4), the fluid-tight element (7) being pierceable by an injector pen (P) when the latter is engaged with the second portion (6),- the upper portion (6) has an external thread (61) engageable with a counter-thread of an injector pen (P).

2. Adaptor (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the fluid-tight element (7) comprises at least one pierceable portion made of rubbery material.

3. Adaptor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (21) of the body (2) has a tapered engagement portion (22), arranged at the first portion (5) and connectable to a syringe (S) with a luer slip or luer lock type coupling.

4. Adaptor (1) according to Claim 3, wherein the engagement portion (22) is tapered towards the inside of the cavity (21).

5. Adaptor (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the first portion (5) comprises a plurality of tabs (8) projecting externally with respect to the body (2) to constrain the adaptor (1) to a syringe (S) with luer lock type coupling.

6. Adaptor (1) according to Claim 5, wherein the plurality of tabs (8) comprises two tabs (8) arranged diametrically opposite with respect to the body (2).

7. Adaptor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the body (2) is made at least in part of polymer material.

8. Kit (10) for injections, comprising:- a syringe (S) of the luer lock or luer slip type for medical use,- an injector pen (P),- an adaptor (1), in accordance with any of the preceding claims, for connecting the injector pen (P) onto the syringe (S).

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