Safety syringe abstract
According to the invention, the disposable safety syringe comprises
means (18) for retaining the empty needle (17) in a use position,
which means are disengageably actable upon a bushing (16) for mounting
a needle, the which bushing is retractably inserted into the needle-holder
head (12) of the syringe body (11); means (13.4/16.5) for the inseparable
coupling between the bushing (16) and the plunger (13) of the syringe,
achieving this coupling at the end of the stage for injecting the
liquid contained in the syringe body; means (10) for diseng gaing
the retaining means (18) from the bushing (16), driven by the plunger
and achieving disengagement at the end of the stage for injecting
the liquid contained in the syringe body, substantially in step
with the action for inseparable coupling between bushing (16) and
plunger (13), in addition to means (10.1) for automatically returning
the plunger to a retracted position within this syringe body at
the end of the stage for injecting the liquid contained in the syringe
body, functioning automatically upon cessation of the manual action
exerted on the plunger, in such a way that the plunger is automatically
retracted into the syringe body, and in a manner integral to and
inseparable from the plunger, the empty needle and its mounting
bushing are likewise automatically retracted into a safety position
in the syringe body (FIG. 1).
Safety syringe claims
I claim:
1. A disposable safety syringe, containing a tubular syringe body
with a needle-holder head integral to one of its axial end zones,
wherefrom there axially extends an empty needle communicating, by
means of a mounting bushing integral with said needle, with the
cavity of the syringe body for the purpose of injecting liquids
contained in said cavity, and further comprising a plunger, housed
in said syringe body in a tight and axially-slidable fashion, and
which can be slide-driven by means of a shaft, extending with one
of its end zones outside the syringe body through an aperture in
said body provided at its axial end zone opposite to the needle
holder head, and also means for inseparable coupling between the
empty needle and the above-mentioned plunger, by means of the said
mounting bushing, achieving said coupling at the end of the stage
for injecting the liquid contained in the syringe body, and means
for automatically returning the plunger to a position retracted
in an axial direction inside the syringe body, which means consist
of a spring which is loaded by depression of the plunger during
the stage for injecting the liquid contained in the syringe body
and acts upon cessation of the manual action exerted on the plunger
upon completion of the injection of liquid contained in the syringe
body, as well as means for retaining the empty needle in the use
position, which means are separate from and disengageably bind the
bushing to the needle-holder head, in which the bushing is itself
inserted in such a way that it can be retracted in an axial direction,
and means of disengaging these retaining means, which disengaging
means are integral with the plunger and are led thereby to contact
the retaining means at the end of the stage for injecting the liquid
contained in the syringe body, and disengage the bushing for mounting
the empty needle to retaining means, characterized in that the above-mentioned
means for automatically returning the plunger to a retracted position
are separate from and independent of the empty needle and its mounting
bushing before and during the stage for injecting the liquid contained
in the syringe body and are connected with the empty needle and
its mounting bushing, through the plunger and the means for inseparable
coupling between the empty needle and the plunger, upon completion
the stage for injecting the liquid contained in the syringe body,
thereby ensuring that the bushing for mounting the empty needle
can be retracted, in an axial direction, from the needle-holder
head upon completion of the stage for injecting the liquid contained
in the syringe body, substantially in step with the action for inseparable
coupling between the plunger and the bushing for mounting the empty
needle, in such a way that, upon completion of the stage for injecting
the liquid, the plunger is automatically retracted, by the said
automatic plunger return means, into the syringe body and, in a
manner integral to and inseparable from the plunger, the empty needle
and its mounting bushing are also automatically retracted into a
safety position inside the syringe body, irrespective of the operator's
intention.
2. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 1 characterized
in that the needle-holder head (12; 22; 32; 71; 131; 152) is separated
from and tightly inserted onto the syringe body (11; 21; 31; 72;
111), and consists of a cap for mounting the empty needle, in which
are coaxially supported and tightly engaged the means for retaining
the empty needle in the use position and the bushing for mounting
the empty needle with the empty needle in the use position.
3. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 1 characterized
in that the retaining means (18; 41; 63; 82; 93.3; 122) are integral
to a capsule (14; 42; 62; 81; 93; 121), which houses, in a tight
and axially retractable manner, the bushing (16; 61) for mounting
the empty needle (17); in that the capsule is in turn tightly inserted
and securely bound inside the needle-holder head (12; 92; 120.1)
of the syringe (10; 40; 60; 80; 90; 120); and in that these retaining
means act upon the bushing, in a manner disengageable therefrom,
thus preventing the bushing from withdrawing in an axial direction.
4. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 1 characterized
in that the retaining means (26; 36; 144; 151) are integral to the
needle-holder head (22; 32; 142; 152), which houses, in a tight
and axially retractable manner, the bushing (24; 34; 143; 153) for
mounting the empty needle (25; 35) of the syringe (20; 30; 140;
150); and in that these retaining means act upon the bushing, in
a manner disengageable therefrom, thus preventing the bushing from
withdrawing in an axial direction.
5. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 1 characterized
in that the retaining means (174.7) are carried by the bushing (174)
for mounting the empty needle (175), which bushing is housed in
a capsule (173) in a tight and axially retractable manner; in that
the capsule is in its turn tightly inserted and securely bound into
the needle-holder head (172) of the syringe (170); and in that the
retaining means act upon the capsule, in a manner disengageable
therefrom, thus preventing the withdrawal in an axial direction
by this bushing for mounting the empty needle.
6. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 3 characterized
in that the retaining means (18; 41; 63) comprise at least one retaining
arm (18.1; 41.1; 63.1), extending from the capsule (14; 42; 62)
and engaging the axial end zone of the bushing (16; 61) for mounting
the empty needle (17) distal from said needle, thus keeping the
bushing from withdrawing in an axial direction.
7. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 6 characterized
in that the retaining means (18; 41; 63) comprise a pair of retaining
arms (18.1; 41.1; 63.1) extending from the capsule (14; 42; 62)
and forming a fork that can be engaged and elastically spread by
the disengagement means (19; 65).
8. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 6 characterized
in that at least one retaining arm (18.1; 41.1) is provided with
at least one retaining tooth (18.2; 41.2) engaged against the dorsal
face (16.6) of the bushing (16).
9. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 6 characterized
in that at least one retaining arm (63.1) is provided with a retaining
notch (63.2), in which there is engaged a corresponding annular
projection (61.1) formed on the axial end zone of the bushing (61)
distal from the empty needle (17).
10. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 3 characterized
in that the retaining means (82; 93.3; 122) comprise at least one
retaining tongue (82.1; 93.3; 122.1) extending from the capsule
(81; 93; 121) towards the interior of said capsule and abutting,
with its free end zone, against the dorsal wall (16.6) of the bushing
(16), thus keeping the bushing from withdrawing in an axial direction.
11. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 4 characterized
in that the retaining means (26; 36; 144; 151) comprise at least
one retaining tooth (26.2; 36.1; 144.1; 151.2) integral to the needle-holder
head (22; 32; 142; 152) and engaging the bushing (24; 34; 143; 153)
for mounting the empty needle (25; 35), thus keeping the bushing
from withdrawing in an axial direction.
12. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 4 characterized
in that the retaining means (151) comprise at least one retaining
arm (151.1 151.3), extending from the needle-holder head (152)
and engaging by one of its teeth (151.2) the axial end zone of the
bushing (153) for mounting the empty needle (35) distal from the
needle itself, thus keeping the bushing from withdrawing in an axial
direction.
13. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 12 characterized
in that the retaining means (151) comprise a pair of retaining arms
(151.1 151.3) extending from the needle-holder head (152) and forming
a fork that can be engaged and elastically spread by the disengagement
means (38).
14. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 4 characterized
in that the retaining means (26) consist of a retaining ring (26.1),
securely housed in a circumferential groove provided on the inner
face of the needle-holder head (22) in a position directly upstream
from the bushing (24), according to the direction of injection of
the liquids in the syringe (20), and displaying a pair of diametrically
opposed retaining teeth (26.2), and engaging the dorsal face (24.5)
of the bushing (24) with their free end zone, the which bushing
can be axially passed through said ring, once the retaining teeth
(26.2) have been spread out towards the wall of the needle-holder
head by the disengagement means (28).
15. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 1 characterized
in that the retaining means (167) comprise a retaining ring (166)
arranged in the tubular body (161) of the syringe (160) in sliding
contact with the wall thereof and distanced from the needle-holder
head (162) of said syringe; in that the retaining ring is rendered
integral to the bushing (164) for mounting the empty needle (165)
by means of thin breaking-joint tongues (166.1); and in that the
retaining means (167) further comprise at least one retaining projection
(161.1), jutting out from the wall of the tubular body (161) into
the space thereof and opposing the axial withdrawal of the ring
(166) and hence of the bushing (164), the which bushing may be axially
passed through this ring once the joint tongues (166.1) have been
broken by the disengagement means (163.1).
16. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 1 characterized
in that the disengagement means comprise a spreader ring (146),
which is interposed, in the tubular body (141) of the syringe (140),
between the plunger (145) and the bushing (143) for mounting the
empty needle, and which is arranged to freely slide in contact with
the wall of the tubular syringe body (141) in a manner integral
with the plunger in order to be readily engaged, by gradual axial
forcing as a result of the axial advancement of the plunger, against
at least one retaining tooth (144.1), in the manner of spreader
mechanism; and that this spreader collar strikes, externally and
for at least a portion of its axial length, the axial end zone (143.1)
of the bushing (143) set against the plunger and which is extended
into the syringe, or respectively into the capsule, out of contact
with the wall thereof.
17. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 11 characterized
in that, coinciding with at least one retaining tooth (144.1), the
wall of the needle-holder head (142) is made significantly thinner
by means of an external circumferential groove (141.1), the elastic
pliability of which makes it easier to engage the disengagement
means (146) against at least one retaining tooth (144.1).
18. Disposable safety syringe according to claims 1 characterized
in that the disengagement means (19) comprise a rigid annular collar
(19.1) extending from the frontal face (13.5) of the plunger (13)
opposite the bushing (16) for mounting the empty needle, and capable
of being readily engaged, by gradual axial forcing as a result of
the axial advancement by the plunger, against at least one retaining
tongue (82.1; 93.3; 122.1), penetrating into the capsule (81; 93;
121) in the manner of a spreader mechanism, until ultimately pushing
back at least one tongue by elastic bending onto the peripheral
outline of the capsule, with the collar striking, externally and
for at least a portion of its axial length, the axial end zone of
the bushing (16) set against the plunger, and that is extending
into the capsule out of contact with the wall thereof.
19. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 15 characterized
in that the disengagement means comprise a disengagement head (163.1)
integral to the plunger (163) and set against the bushing (164),
and that this disengagement head, as a result of the axial advancement
of the plunger, is forced against the retaining ring (166), with
which it interferes, thus causing the breakage of the tongues (166.1)
for connecting the ring to the bushing (164).
20. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 1 characterized
in that it displays a syringe body (111) bearing at one of its axial
ends a threaded, cylindrical and tubular, standardized attachment
(111.1), for engaging an added standardized needle-holder head (113)
tightly and by means of screwing, or else for connecting up the
syringe body with other devices to serve as an injector.
21. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 1 characterized
in that it comprises a plunger shaft (115) that may be disengaged
from the plunger (112), and arranged through and slide-driven into
a hole (114.2) in a base (114), engaged at the axial end of the
syringe body (11) opposite to the axial end displaying the needle-holder
head (113), with this base (114) preventing the plunger from being
extracted from the syringe body, in such a way that this syringe
body may also be used e.g. as a phial for injectable medications,
or as a sterile laboratory test-tube.
22. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 2 characterized
in that the needle-holder head displays a hollow syringe neck (131.2)
out of axial alignment; and in that the bushing (132) for mounting
the empty needle displays an axial end section (132.1) accommodating
this empty needle, coupled into the neck of the syringe and out
of axial alignment with the remaining portion of the same bushing
(132.2 132.3), which is coaxial with the body (31) of the syringe.
23. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 1 characterized
in that the bushing (174) displays a trunk-conical beak having a
free end (177.8) provided for the purpose of coupling a conventional
empty needle and syringe needle-holder.
24. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 1 displaying
a syringe body (91; 120.3) with an integral neck (92; 120.1) of
the conventional type, characterized in that in this syringe body
there are inserted a capsule (93; 121) having a cylindrical shell
(93.1; 121.1) for housing a bushing (16) for mounting an empty needle
(17) according to claims 3 and 11 in addition to disengagement
means (19) according to claim 21; and in that at one of its axial
ends, this capsule carries an integral tube (93.2; 121.1), through
which there extends the empty needle (17); tightly engaged by forcing
into the neck of the syringe (92; 120.1).
25. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 1 comprising
a rigid cap for safety and protection, fitted onto that portion
of the plunger shaft that extends beyond the body of the syringe,
and removably anchored to the same syringe body, characterized in
that the said cap (10.2) is adapted to maintain the plunger in an
axially advanced position up to being in proximity of the bushing
for mounting the empty needle, without contact with said bushing,
thereby resulting in preloading of these return means, which bring
about the automatic axial retraction of the plunger and thus cause
the liquid to be automatically sucked up into the syringe, as soon
as the cap has been removed.
26. Disposable safety syringe according to claim 1 characterized
in that the inseparable coupling means comprise a permanent magnet
or magnets integral to the plunger, or to the bushing for mounting
the empty needle, and a plate or plates made of ferromagnetic material
integral to said bushing or said plunger opposing said magnet or
magnets.
Safety syringe description
DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a disposable safety syringe, comprising
a tubular syringe body with a needle-holder head integral with one
of the tubular body's axial end zones, from which there extends
an empty needle communicating, by means of a mounting bushing integral
to the needle itself, with the cavity of the syringe body for injecting
the liquids contained in the same cavity, and further comprising
a plunger, housed in a tight and axially sliding fashion in the
syringe body, and manually slide-driven by means of a shaft, with
one of its axial end zones extending outside the syringe body through
an aperture in this same body provided in its axial end zone opposite
the needle-holder head.
Syringes of the specified type are generally used, for example,
to inject liquid medications or to sample organic liquids, e.g.
for purposes of therapy or medical analysis.
We are already familiar with disposable safety syringes which,
at the end of the operation for injecting the liquid therein contained,
enable one to manually cause the empty needle to withdraw inside
the syringe body, or inside a tubular body for protecting this needle,
and this is for safety purposes in disposing of the syringe in question.
This operation is nonetheless dependent upon the willingness of
the operator who, through forgetfulness, inexperience or on purpose,
may leave the needle in a use position and hence in a dangerous
position. This problem is especially serious today because of the
numerous needle-bearing syringes discarded in public places, e.g.
by drug addicts.
At the same time, prior disposable syringes may in practice be
reused, with attendant risks of infection.
Furthermore, prior syringes of the specified type require direct
intervention by the operator even during the stage for sucking the
liquid up into the syringe body, necessitating the use of both of
the operator's hands for a certain space of time, as well as a particular
degree of manual steadiness.
It would also be desirable for the main components of syringes
of the specified type to be thoroughly standardized and unified
from the manufacturing standpoint.
It would further be desirable to use sterile test-tubes, e.g. laboratory
test-tubes, which could if necessary be converted into injection
syringe bodies and vice-versa, while it would prove remarkably convenient
to be able to use phials containing injectable medications to serve
as syringe bodies.
Accordingly, one purpose of the present invention is to provide
a disposable safety syringe which, at the end of the operation for
injecting the liquid therein contained, ensures that the empty needle
automatically withdraws inside the syringe body, regardless of the
operator's intentions, for safety purposes in disposing of the syringe
itself. One further purpose is to provide a syringe as specified
that cannot be subsequently used following its first use.
Yet another purpose is to provide a syringe as mentioned above,
in which the liquid suction stage is carried out automatically,
or at all events in an assisted manner by means of devices automatically
governing the suction stroke of the syringe plunger.
An additional aim is to provide a syringe as indicated, in which
at least some of the components can be standardized and unified,
even in the case of syringes fulfilling different roles and serving
different purposes.
Still another goal is to provide a syringe of the specified type,
the body of which can if necessary serve as a laboratory test-tube,
or phial for liquid medications and the like.
In view of these goals, the present invention provides a disposable
safety syringe of the specified type, as characterized in claim
1 and in the following claims, as well as in the manner described
hereunder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention shall now be described in detail with reference to
the attached embodiment designs, in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the disposable
safety syringe according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of the syringe according
to claim showing how the syringe is presented for use; FIG. 3 is
a view similar to FIG. 2 although showing the syringe at the conclusion
of the stage for injecting a liquid contained therein;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are larger-scale detailed views of detail IV in FIG.
2 and detail V in FIG. 3 respectively;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view according to line VI--VI in FIG.
2;
FIGS. 7 and 8 are views respectively similar to the views for FIGS.
4 and 5 although illustrating a second embodiment of the syringe
according to the invention;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view according to line IX--IX in FIG.
7;
FIGS. 10 and 11 are views respectively similar to the views for
FIGS. 4 and 5 although illustrating a third way of carrying out
the invention;
FIG. 12 is a larger-scale detailed view of detail XII in FIG. 11;
The thirteen pairs of figures respectively identified by the numbers:
13-14 15-16 17-18 19-20 21-22 21-22 23-24 25-26 27-28 30-31
32-33 34-35 40-41 and 43-44 illustrate, according to views respectively
similar to those for FIGS. 4 and 5 the same number of additional
embodiments of the syringe according to the invention;
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view according to line XXIX--XXIX
in FIG. 27;
FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view according to line XXXVI--XXXVI
in FIG. 34;
FIGS. 37 and 42 illustrate, in perspective, respective embodiments
of a capsule for housing a bushing for mounting the empty needle
for the syringe according to the invention;
FIGS. 38 and 39 are axial-section views of a further embodiment
of the syringe according to the invention, with the plunger respectively
positioned in the starting position and in the end position for
the stage for injecting the liquid contained in the syringe;
FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view according to line XLV--XLV in
FIG. 43;
FIGS. 46 and 47 are views similar to those for FIGS. 2 and 3 although
showing the syringe according to those figures respectively at the
end of the stage for sucking the injectable liquid, and upon completion
of injection, in a position of safety with the needle retracted,
ready for disposal.
FIRST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 1 TO 6)
With reference in the first instance to FIGS. 1 thru 6 the number
10 (FIGS. 1 to 3) marks the assembly of the disposable safety syringe
according to the first embodiment of the invention.
Syringe 10 comprises a substantially cylindrical tubular syringe
body 11 e.g. made of transparent plastic material, with a hollow
needle-holder head 12 integral to one of its axial end zones. This
needle-holder 12 is inserted onto syringe body 11 and consists
of a cap, e.g. made of plastic material, having a cylindrical tubular
body 12.1 coaxially pushed, tightly and by elastic release, over
one free axial end zone of the cylindrical tubular body 11 of the
syringe and prolonged into a coaxial, trunk-conical, integral hollow
beak, 12.2 substantially like the neck of a syringe.
Syringe body 11 houses a tight and axially-sliding plunger 13
having a substantially cylindrical body, e.g. made of plastic material,
bearing an annular elastic sealing gasket 13.1 e.g. made of rubber,
fitted onto one of its circumferential grooves. This plunger 13
can be driven by axial sliding inside syringe body 11 between an
axially advanced position up to inside needle-holder head 12 and
an axially retracted position towards axial end zone 11.1 of syringe
body 11 opposite the head 12--by means of an integral-body axial
shaft 13.2. With its axial end zone distal from plunger 13 this
shaft 13.2 extends outside syringe body 11 beyond axial end 11.1
of the plunger (FIGS. 2 and 3), and carries an integral discoidal
actuating foot (13.3) integral to the shaft's end zone. A flange
11.2 is formed en bloc at axial end zone 11.1 of syringe body 11
providing the grip for the syringe 10. In partial reduction of this
flange's (11.2) overall outline in a radial direction, are thereon
formed two parallel rectilinear sides 11.3 (FIG. 6), the reasons
which are discussed below.
In beak 12.2 of needle-holder head 12 there is engaged, coaxially
and with slight forcing, a shell capsule 14 having an analogous
trunk-conical shape, e.g. made of plastic material. At its smaller-diameter
free axial end zone, this capsule 14 displays circumferential lip
14.1 delineating a frontal axial mouth 14.2. This lip 14.1 unfurls
radially outwards from capsule 14 and emerges, with respect to the
pertinent free axial end zone of the beak 12.2 of the needle-holder
head 12 in such a way as to prevent capsule 14 from withdrawing
in an axial direction from beak 12.2. Thereinside, trunk-conical
capsule 14 displays an intermediate circumferential shoulder 14.3
formed by a wall zone 14.4 having a substantially cylindrical internal
surface subdividing the conical cavity of capsule 14. An annular
elastic sealing gasket 15 e.g. made of rubber, is juxtaposed against
circumferential shoulder 14.3.
A bushing 16 for mounting coaxial empty syringe needle 17 is housed
in capsule 14 coaxially and in retractable fashion, form-coupled
for part of its axial extension, but not by forcing. Bushing 16
displays primary cylindrical section 16.1 with conically tapering
free axial end zone 16.2 coupled in capsule 14 and wherein there
is formed an axial through hole 16.3 for forced mounting of needle
17. Needle 17 extends axially from bushing 16 through frontal mouth
14.2 of capsule 14. The conically tapering end zone 16.2 of bushing
16 abuts directly in front of the circumferential lip 14.1 of capsule
14 thus preventing the forcing of bushing 16 inside the capsule.
Bushing 16 further displays in a single body, and in a manner coaxial
to primary cylindrical section 16.1 an additional cylindrical section
16.4 having a larger diameter, forming a circumferential step tightly
juxtaposed against annular sealing gasket 15. This additional cylindrical
section 16.4 of bushing 16 is received into capsule 14 with its
free axial end zone radially overshooting and partly extending outside
the capsule. In additional cylindrical section 16.4 of bushing 16
there is formed an axial coupling cavity 16.5 substantially conical
and into which there emerges axial through hole 16.3. By means of
its larger-diameter mouth, this axial cavity 16.5 communicates with
the internal cavity of needle-holder head 12 and syringe body 11.
Multiple undercut, coaxial, circumferential grooves are formed in
axial cavity 16.5.
Empty needle 17 is securely maintained in the use position, i.e.
axially extending from needle-holder head 12 by means of retaining
means 18 (FIG. 1) integral with capsule 14 and acting upon bushing
16. These retaining means 18 consist of a pair of retaining arms
18.1 formed in a body integral with capsule 14 and therefrom extending
beyond the capsule's larger-diameter axial end zone opposite frontal
mouth 14.2 in a diametrically opposed position like a fork. These
retaining arms 18.1 display their free end zone directed towards
the axis of syringe 11 (FIG. 4), and are provided with pertinent
retaining teeth 18.2. Retaining teeth 18.2 face one another. The
retaining arms 18.1 between themselves receive the free axial end
zone of the abovementioned additional cylindrical section 16.4 of
bushing 16 and keep the bushing from withdrawing in an axial direction
by means of their retaining teeth 18.2 engaged against the bushing's
dorsal face 16.6 set against plunger 13 and whereupon there opens
axial cavity 16.5. Retaining arms 18.1 and retaining teeth 18.2
do not interfere in the aperture of cavity 16.5.
Plunger 13 carries, in an integral body, an axial coupling head
13.4 substantially trunk-conical, extending from plunger's frontal
face 13.5 turned towards bushing 16. This head 13.4 is arranged
and shaped in such a way as to join the bushing's axial coupling
cavity 16.5. Trunk-conical head 13.4 displays multiple annular projections
capable of inseparably engaging the undercut grooves in cavity 16.5
of bushing 16. Axial coupling cavity 16.5 of bushing 16 and axial
coupling head 13.4 of plunger 13 constitute the means of inseparable
coupling between bushing 16 and plunger 13. This inseparable coupling
is made substantially upon juxtaposition between dorsal face 16.6
of bushing 16 and frontal face 13.5 of plunger 13.
Means 19 for disengaging retaining means 18 (i.e. arms 18.1 with
retaining teeth 18.2) from bushing 16 for mounting needle 17 are
further provided integral to plunger 13. These disengagement means
19 comprise a rigid annular collar 19.1 extending from frontal face
13.5 of plunger 13 in a body integral and coaxial to plunger 13
and hence to axial coupling head 13.4 from which it is radially
distanced. This collar 19.1 is designed to strike, externally and
for part of its axial length, the free axial end zone of the larger-diameter,
additional cylindrical section 16.4 of bushing 16. The free circumferential
edge of collar 19.1 is beveled to enable easy engagement by gradual
axial forcing of the collar between and against retaining teeth
18.2 integral with retaining arms 18.1 in the manner of a mechanism
for spreading these arms towards the wall of beak 12.2 of needle-holder
head 12. Full spreading is achieved in step with the axial penetration
and inseparable coupling of the plunger's coupling head 13.4 with
the bushing's coupling cavity 16.5 (FIG. 5). In such a state, bushing
16 may be axially retracted from capsule 14.
The external diameter of annular collar 19.1 in addition to the
diameter of the anterior portion of plunger 13 proximal to the collar,
are smaller than the diameter of the remaining portion of plunger
body 13. In this way, when collar 19.1 is pushed onto additional
cylindrical section 16.4 of bushing 16 a free annular space (18.3)
is formed (FIG. 5) between collar 19.1 the anterior portion of
plunger 13 and needle-holder head 12 sufficient to accommodate
the arms 18.1 with retaining teeth 18.2 kept elastically spread
by collar 19.1.
The syringe 10 further comprises means for automatically returning
plunger 13 to a retracted position towards axial end 11.1 of syringe
body 11 upon completion of the stage for injecting the liquid contained
in the syringe body. These means of automatic return comprise a
helicoidal compression spring 10.1 interposed, in a manner coaxial
to shaft 13.2 of plunger 13 between the shaft's discoidal actuating
foot 13.3 and the flange 11.2 of syringe body 11. Centering crowns
13.30 and 11.20 (FIG. 3) for return spring 10.1 are formed integral
and coaxial on the opposing faces of discoidal foot 13.3 and flange
11.2.
A rigid cap 10.2 for safety and protection, consisting of a cylindrical
cup, e.g. made of plastic material, is coaxially fitted onto that
portion of shaft 13.2 extending beyond syringe body 11 with its
base wall resting against the shaft's discoidal foot 13.3. With
its mouth zone, this cap 10.2 strikes the flange 11.2 of syringe
body 11. On the internal wall of its cylindrical wall and at its
mouth, this cap 10.2 displays two diametrically opposite pairs of
tongues 10.3 shaped like circular segments capable of assuming
a position of noninterference at the rectilinear sides 11.3 of flange
11.2 of syringe body 11. Accordingly, with cap 10.2 rotated substantially
by ninety degrees (FIG. 6) with respect to the abovementioned noninterference
position, and with flange 11.2 of syringe body 11 arranged between
these pairs of tongues 10.3 the cap 10.2 proves to be securely
anchored to syringe body 11 even through the elastic axial thrust
action exerted by spring 10.1. The height of cap 10.2 is such that,
once anchored, said cap keeps plunger 13 in an axially advanced
position in the syringe body 11 up to being in proximity with bushing
16 but without contact therewith (FIGS. 2 and 4), thereby causing
preloading in return spring 10.1. This position of plunger 13 is
firmly and securely maintained until cap 10.2 is manually disengaged
from flange 11.2 of syringe body 11.
SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 7-9)
20 marks the syringe in its entirety according to this second embodiment
of the invention. This comprises a cylindrical tubular syringe body
21 with empty needle-holder 22 integral to one of its axial end
zones. Needle-holder 22 is inserted onto syringe body 21 and consists
of a cap having a cylindrical body 22.1 tightly pushed and engaged
by screwing, by means of an internally threaded axial extremity,
onto a likewise externally threaded axial end zone of syringe body
21. Cylindrical tubular body 22.1 is prolonged into a coaxial, trunk-conical,
integral hollow beak 22.2 substantially like the neck of a syringe.
On its free axial end zone, this hollow beak 22.2 displays a circumferential
lip 22.3 delineating a frontal axial mouth 22.4. Into this hollow
beak 22.2 there is inserted an annular elastic sealing gasket 23
resting against the beak's circumferential lip 22.3 and having its
hole coaxial to frontal mouth 22.4.
In addition, the beak 22.2 of needle-holder 22 houses, coaxially
and form-coupled for part of its axial length, but not by forcing,
a retractable bushing 24 for mounting a coaxial, hollow syringe
needle 25. Bushing 24 displays primary trunk-conical section 24.1
coupled into hollow beak 22.2 and wherein there is formed an axial
through hole 24.2 for forced mounting of needle 25. Needle 25 extends
axially from the bushing through frontal mouth 22.4 of needle-holder
head 22. Trunk-conical section 24.1 of bushing 24 abuts against
annular sealing gasket 23 thus preventing the forcing of the bushing
inside beak 22.2. Furthermore, in one of its circumferential grooves,
trunk-conical section 24.1 carries an additional annular elastic
sealing gasket 23.1. Bushing 24 further displays, in a single body
with the primary trunk-conical section 24.1., a secondary, coaxial
cylindrical section 24.3 extending with its free axial end zone
up till the space in cylindrical tubular body 22.1 of needle-holder
head 22 out of contact with respect to the wall of the tubular
body. In cylindrical section 24.3 of bushing 24 there is formed
a substantially conical, axial coupling cavity 24.4 into which there
emerges the axial through hole 24.2. By means of its larger-diameter
mouth, axial cavity 24.4 communicates with the internal cavity of
needle-holder head 22 and thus of syringe body 21. Multiple undercut,
coaxial, circumferential grooves are formed in axial coupling cavity
24.4.
Empty needle 25 is securely maintained in the use position, i.e.
axially extending from needle-holder head 22 by means of retaining
means 26 (FIG. 9), integral to needle-holder head 22 and acting
upon bushing 24. These retaining means 26 consist of a retaining
ring 26.1 e.g. made of plastic material, securely housed by elastic
release in a circumferential groove (not given a reference number
in the drawings) provided on the inner face of cylindrical tubular
body 22.1 of needle-holder head 22 in a position directly upstream
from bushing 24 according to the direction of injection of liquids
into syringe 20. The internal diameter of retaining ring 26.1 is
significantly greater than the maximum cross-sectional outline dimension
of bushing 24 (diameter of the cylindrical section 24.3 of bushing
24). For assembly purposes, the retaining ring 26.1 is substantially
"C"-shaped (FIG. 9). In an integral body, retaining ring
26.1 carries a pair of retaining teeth 26.2 diametrically opposed
and bent towards the bushing 24. With their free end zone, these
retaining teeth engage dorsal face 24.5 (FIG. 9) of bushing 24.
These retaining means 26 accordingly prevent the bushing--and hence
needle 25--from withdrawing in an axial direction.
Tubular syringe body 21 houses, in a tight and axially-sliding
fashion, a plunger 27 wholly similar to plunger 13 illustrated and
described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. In common with plunger
13 plunger 27 displays a trunk-conical, integral, axial coupling
head, here marked 27.1 extending from its frontal face 27.2 turned
towards the bushing 24. Coupling head 27.1 is arranged and shaped
to inseparably join axial coupling cavity 24.4 of bushing 24 and
constitutes, with that cavity, the means of inseparable coupling
between bushing 24 and plunger 27. This inseparable coupling is
achieved upon juxtaposition between dorsal face 24.5 of bushing
24 and frontal face 27.2 of plunger 27 (FIG. 8).
Plunger 27 further carries integral means 28 for disengaging retaining
means 26 from bushing 24. These disengagement means 28 consist of
a rigid annular collar 28.1 extending from the frontal face 27.2
of plunger 27 integral and coaxial to said plunger and hence to
its trunk-conical head 27.1 from which it is radially distanced
in a manner entirely similar to annular ring 19.1 of plunger 13.
This collar 28.1 is designed to strike, externally and for part
of its axial length, the free axial end zone of cylindrical section
24.3 of bushing 24. The external diameter of annular ring 28.1 is
smaller than the internal diameter of retaining ring 26.1 in such
a way as to be received there, passing through without interferences.
The free circumferential edge of annular collar 28.1 is beveled
to enable easy engagement by gradual axial forcing of said collar
between and against retaining teeth 26.2 integral with said retaining
ring, in the manner of a mechanism for spreading these teeth towards
the wall of cylindrical tubular body 22.1 of needle-holder head
22. Full spreading is achieved in step with the axial penetration
and inseparable coupling of the plunger's coupling head 27.1 with
axial coupling cavity 24.4 of bushing 24. In such a state, bushing
24 may be axially retracted from needle-holder head 22 by axially
passing through retaining ring 26.1. Furthermore, the external diameter
of annular collar 28.1 and the diameter of the anterior portion
of plunger 27 proximal to said collar are of equal dimension, less
than the dimension of the diameter of the remaining portion of plunger
27. In this way, when collar 28.1 is pushed onto cylindrical section
24.3 of bushing 24 a free annular space (28.2) is formed (FIG.
8) between this collar, the anterior portion of the plunger, and
the needle-holder head, sufficient to accommodate retaining teeth
26.2 kept elastically spread by collar 28.1.
Otherwise, syringe 20 is no different from syringe 10 according
to FIGS. 1 to 6 and for this reason we shall dispense with any
further description.
THIRD EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 10-12)
30 marks the syringe in its entirety according to the third way
of carrying out the invention. This comprises a cylindrical tubular
syringe body 31 having a hollow needle-holder head 32 integral
at one of its axial end zones. Needle-holder head 32 is inserted
onto syringe body 31 and consists of a cap, e.g. made of plastic
material, having a cylindrical tubular body 32.1 coaxially pushed,
tightly and by elastic release, onto an axial end zone of syringe
body 31. Tubular body 32.1 of needle-holder head 32 is prolonged
into a coaxial, trunk-conical, integral hollow beak 32.2 substantially
like the neck of a syringe. At its free axial end zone, hollow beak
32.2 displays a circumferential lip delineating a frontal axial
mouth 32.4. Into these hollow cavity 32.2 there is inserted an annular
elastic sealing gasket 33 resting against the beak's circumferential
lip 32.3 and having its hole coaxial with frontal mouth 32.4.
Trunk-conical beak 32.2 of needle-holder head 32 also houses, coaxially
and form-coupled for part of its axial extension, but not by forcing,
a retractable bushing 34 for mounting a coaxial, hollow syringe
needle 35. Bushing 34 displays primary trunk-conical section 34.1
coupled into hollow beak 32.2 and wherein there is formed an axial
through hole 34.2 for forced mounting of needle 35. Needle 35 axially
extends from the bushing through frontal mouth 32.4 of needle-holder
head 32. Trunk-conical section 34.1 abuts against annular sealing
gasket 33 thus preventing the forcing of the bushing inside beak
32.2. Furthermore, in one of its circumferential grooves, trunk-conical
section 34.1 carries an additional annular elastic sealing gasket
33.1. In a single body with primary trunk-conical section 34.1
bushing 34 further displays a secondary coaxial, cylindrical section
34.3 extending with its free, reduced-diameter axial end zone,
34.4 into the space in needle-holder head 32 out of contact with
respect to the wall of said needle-holder head. A circumferential
shoulder 34.5 (FIG. 12) is provided between cylindrical section
34.3 of bushing 34 and its free axial end zone 34.4. In cylindrical
section 34.3 having free axial end zone 34.4 of bushing 34 there
is formed an axial coupling cavity 34.6 substantially conical and
into which there emerges the axial through hole 34.2. By means of
its larger-diameter mouth, this axial cavity 34.6 communicates with
the internal cavity of needle-holder head 32 and hence with syringe
body 31. Multiple undercut, coaxial, circumferential grooves are
formed in axial cavity 34.6.
Empty needle 35 is securely fastened in the use position, i.e.
axially extending from needle-holder head 32 by means of retaining
means 36 integral to needle-holder head 32 and acting upon the
bushing 34. These retaining means 36 consist of a pair of retaining
teeth protruding into the space of needle-holder head 32 from the
inner face of trunk-conical beak 32.2. These retaining teeth 36.1
are formed in a body integral with needle-holder head 32 in proximity
with its cylindrical tubular body 32.1 and are diametrically opposed
and oriented substantially towards needle 35. With their free end
zone, these retaining teeth 36.1 engage circumferential shoulder
34.5 of bushing 34. In this way, retaining means 36 keep the bushing,
and hence needle 35 from withdrawing in an axial direction.
Tubular syringe body 31 houses, in a tight and axially-sliding
fashion, a plunger 37 wholly similar to plunger 13 illustrated and
described with reference to FIGS. 1 thru 6. In common with plunger
13 plunger 37 displays a trunk-conical, integral, axial coupling
head, here shown with 37.1 and extending from its frontal face
37.2 turned towards bushing 34. Coupling head 37.1 is arranged and
shaped to inseparably join axial cavity 34.6 of bushing 34 and
constitutes, with that selfsame cavity, the means of inseparable
coupling between bushing 34 and plunger 37. This inseparable coupling
is achieved upon juxtaposition between dorsal face 34.7 of bushing
34 and frontal face 37.2 of plunger 37 (FIG. 11).
Plunger 37 further carries integral means 38 for disengaging retaining
means 36 from bushing 34. These disengagement means 38 consist of
a rigid annular collar 38.1 extending from frontal face 37.2 of
plunger 37 integral and coaxial to the plunger itself and hence
to its trunk-conical head 37.1 from which said annular collar is
radially distanced in a manner wholly similar to annular collar
19.1 of plunger 13. This collar 38.1 is designed to externally strike
the free axial end zone 34.4 of bushing 34. The free circumferential
edge of annular collar 38.1 is beveled to enable easy engagement
by progressive axial forcing of this collar between and against
retaining teeth 36.1 integral with needle-holder head 32 in the
manner of a mechanism for spreading these teeth towards the wall
of the needle-holder head. Full spreading is achieved in step with
the axial penetration and inseparable coupling of the plunger's
coupling head 37.1 with coupling cavity 34.6 of bushing 34. In such
a state, bushing 34 may be axially retracted from needle-holder
head 32.
In addition, the external diameter of annular collar 38.1 and the
diameter of the anterior portion of plunger 37 proximal to said
collar, are of a smaller dimension than the dimension for the diameter
of the remaining portion of plunger 37. In this way, when collar
38.1 is pushed onto the free axial end zone 34.4 of bushing 34
a free annular space (38.2) is formed between this collar, the anterior
portion of the plunger, and the needle-holder head, sufficient to
accommodate the retaining teeth 36.1 kept elastically spread by
collar 38.1.
Otherwise, syringe 30 is no different from syringe 10 according
to FIGS. 1 thru 6 and for this reason we shall dispense with any
further description.
With comparative reference to the first embodiment of the invention,
we shall now explain additional embodiments (fourth thru twelfth)
of the syringe according to the invention.
In the figures in the attached drawings illustrating the abovementioned
embodiments of the invention, the parts substantially similar to
the parts in the syringe depicted in FIGS. 1 thru 6 shall be indicated
with the same reference numbers.
For parts not explicitly mentioned, please refer to the explanation
given for the first embodiment of the invention.
In all of the following embodiments, from the fourth to the twelfth,
a bushing for mounting the empty syringe needle shall be housed,
in an axially retractable manner, in a capsule, which shall in its
turn be inserted and securely bound into the syringe's needle-holder
head. Means for retaining this needle in the use position, integral
to this capsule, act upon said bushing, in a manner disengageable
therefrom, to prevent the bushing from withdrawing in an axial direction.
FOURTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 13-14)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 40 in its
entirety. This syringe 40 differs from syringe 10 (FIGS. 1-6) essentially
in regard to the means for retaining empty syringe needle 17 in
the use position.
These retaining means, here marked 41 in their entirety, comprise
a pair of retaining arms 41.1 integral to a capsule 42 forced into
the hollow beak 12.2 of syringe 40 and wholly similar to capsule
14 for syringe 10. These retaining arms 41.1 also have a structure
similar to the structure for arms 18.1 in syringe 10 albeit prolonged,
in comparison with arms 18.1 beyond the pertinent retaining tooth,
here shown with 41.2 which these arms also carry. These retaining
arms 41.1 converge between themselves and keep bushing 16 from withdrawing
in an axial direction by means of their retaining teeth 41.2 engaged
against the dorsal face of said bushing. In addition, they form
a fork that can be engaged and elastically spread by disengagement
means 19 integral with plunger 13 in a more gradual and amenable
fashion. This makes it easier to disengage retaining teeth 41.2
from bushing 16.
FIFTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 17-18)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 50 in its
entirety. Syringe 50 differs from syringe 10 (FIGS. 1-6) essentially
in regard to the means of inseparable coupling between the bushing
for mounting the empty needle, here shown with 51 and the plunger,
marked 52. Plunger 52 displays a conical axial coupling cavity 52.1
open with its mouth at the plunger's frontal face 52.2. Multiple
undercut, coaxial, circumferential grooves are formed in said axial
cavity 52.1.
Bushing 51 displays an integral, trunk-conical, axial coupling
head 51.1 extending from the bushing's dorsal face 51.2 turned
towards plunger 52.
Axial coupling head 51.1 and axial coupling cavity 52.1 are arranged
and shaped in such a way as to join inseparably upon juxtaposition
between frontal face 52.2 of plunger 52 and dorsal face 51.2 of
bushing 51. It will be noted that in bushing 51 the axial through
hole, marked 51.3 for mounting empty needle 17 proceeds along
the entire axial length of the bushing and of the coupling head,
and that from this hole there branch out additional liquid channels
51.4 emerging at the base of the axial coupling head 51.1.
SIXTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 19-20)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 60 in its
entirety. This differs from syringe 10 (FIGS. 1-6) essentially in
regard to the means for retaining empty syringe needle 17 in the
use position, as well as in regard to the means for disengaging
these retaining means from the bushing for mounting the needle,
here marked 61.
Bushing 61 is housed, in an axially retractable manner, in a capsule
62 substantially similar to capsule 14 for syringe 10 and it extends
outside said capsule with its axial end zone distal from hole 17.
An integral annular projection 61.1 is formed at said axial extremity
zone.
In an integral body, capsule 62 carries the retaining means marked
63 in their entirety. These consist of a pair of retaining arms
marked 63.1 extending from the large-diameter, free circumferential
edge of capsule 62 and turned in a direction converging towards
the plunger for syringe 60 indicated with 64. These retaining arms
63.1 are diametrically opposed and form an elastically spreadable
fork. On each of these retaining arms is provided a retaining notch
63.2 in which is engaged the abovementioned annular projection
61.1 of bushing 61. In this way, these retaining arms 63.1 keep
the bushing, and hence needle 17 from withdrawing in an axial direction.
65 marks the means for disengaging these retaining means 63 from
bushing 61. These consist of a spreader collar 65.1 formed in a
body integral with plunger 64 at the base of an axial coupling
head 64.1 extending en bloc from the plunger's frontal face opposite
bushing 61. This spreader collar 65.1 conically tapers in the direction
of bushing 61 and it is provided in order to be engaged between
and against the retaining arms 63.1 forming a fork. This causes
the retaining arms 63.1 to spread elastically towards the wall of
needle-holder head 12 as a consequence of its progressive axial
forcing between these retaining arms. Full spreading is achieved
upon juxtaposition of spreader collar 65.1 against bushing 61. In
such a state, annular projection 61.1 of bushing 61 may be disengaged
from the retaining notches 63.2 of arms 63.1 as these notches are
now opened towards plunger 64. In this way, bushing 61 may be axially
retracted from capsule 62.
The needle-holder head is provided with an annular space 65.2
for accommodating the elastically spread retaining arms 63.1.
SEVENTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 23-24)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 70 in its
entirety. Syringe 70 is substantially similar to syringe 50 according
to FIGS. 17 and 18. It essentially differs in that it comprises
a empty needle-holder head 71 fitted coaxially, tightly and by elastic
release, onto a cylindrical tubular syringe body 72.
Tubular body 72 houses a tight and axially-sliding plunger 73.
In a position proximal to its shaft 73.1 plunger 73 displays an
integral annular collar 73.2 projecting from its cylindrical body
73.3 and making a seal with syringe body 72. The cylindrical body
73.3 of the plunger may penetrate proportionately into needle-holder
head 71.
EIGHT EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 34-37)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 80 in its
entirety. It differs from syringe 10 (FIGS. 1-6) essentially in
regard to the means for retaining needle 17 in the use position,
the which means are provided integral to a capsule 81 for accommodating,
in an axially retractable manner, the bushing 16 for mounting the
needle. Capsule 81 e.g. made of plastic material, is forced into
the hollow beak 12.2 of syringe 80.
Capsule 81 displays a trunk-conical shell 81.1 prolonging itself
into a substantially cylindrical section of integral shell 81.2.
In this cylindrical shell section 81.2 are provided two integral
retaining tongues 82.1 curved, notched and folded with respect
to shell section 81.2 in such a way as to display their free end
zone extending towards the interior of capsule 81. These retaining
tongues 82.1 integral to capsule 81 constitute the means for retaining
needle 17 in the use position, and are marked 82 in their entirety
in FIG. 37. These retaining tongues 82.1 do in fact abut with their
free end zones against dorsal wall 16.6 of bushing 16 for mounting
needle 17 thus preventing the bushing from withdrawing in an axial
direction.
The means for disengaging these retaining means 82 are substantially
identical to those for syringe 10 and are here marked 19. Their
annular collar 19.1 integral to plunger 13 is provided in order
to be axially forced progressively to engage the retaining tongues
82.1--by penetrating into capsule 81 in the manner of a spreader
mechanism--ultimately pushing them back, through elastic bending,
onto the peripheral cylindrical outline of shell section 81.2 of
capsule 81 (FIG. 35). This annular collar 19.1 is further provided
in order then to strike the free axial end zone of bushing 16 which
extends inside this cylindrical shell section 81.2 out of contact
with the shell. In such a state, bushing 16 may be axially retracted
from capsule 81.
NINTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 25-26)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 90 in its
entirety. It differs from syringe 80 described above with reference
to FIGS. 34 to 37 essentially in that it displays a cylindrical
tubular syringe body 91 carrying a syringe neck or head 92. This
syringe body 91 with integral neck 92 is of the conventional type,
and is commercially available. It lends itself to the insertion
by slight forcing into syringe body 91 of a capsule 93 housing
a bushing for mounting a empty needle 17.
Capsule 93 displays a cylindrical shell 93.1 delineating a trunk-conical
axial cavity for housing bushing 16. At one of its axial ends, this
cylindrical shell 93.1 carries an integral tube 93.2 coaxial, having
a trunk-conical profile, communicating with the axial cavity of
capsule 93. This tube 93.2 through which empty needle 17 extends,
is engaged into syringe head 92 tightly and by forcing, whereas
shell 93.1 abuts against the bottom wall 91.1 of syringe body 91.
At its other axial end, this shell 93.1 displays integral tongues
93.3 for retaining the bushing 16 against axial withdrawal. These
retaining tongues 93.3 are wholly similar to the retaining tongues
82.1 for capsule 81 (FIGS. 34 to 37), and for that reason we shall
dispense with any further description.
TENTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 27-29)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 100 in its
entirety. It is substantially similar to syringe 50 according to
FIGS. 17 and 18. It differs only in relation to the conformation
of the means for inseparable coupling between the bushing for mounting
empty syringe needle 17--the bushing is here marked 101--and the
plunger for the syringe, shown with 102.
In an integral body, bushing 101 carries an axial coupling head
103 extending from its dorsal face 101.1 turned towards plunger
102. Axial coupling head 103 displays a trunk-conical nib 103.1
extending from a coaxial cylindrical stem 103.2 having a smaller
diameter. The nib 103.1 conically tapers towards plunger 102.
By the same token on frontal face 102.1 of plunger 102 set against
bushing 101 there is formed a substantially cylindrical axial coupling
cavity 104 capable of receiving coupling head 103 and from whose
side wall two diametrically opposed lock teeth 104.1 project in
a radial direction. These lock teeth 104.1 are reciprocally interdistanced
to a degree corresponding to that of the diameter of stem 103.2
of coupling head 103. Lock teeth 104.1 display their respective
faces turned towards the bushing 101 trending towards the bottom
of coupling cavity 104. Through their elastic deformation, these
lock teeth enable nib 103.1 to axially penetrate into coupling cavity
104 up to and beyond the teeth themselves, albeit preventing this
nib from being extracted from coupling cavity 104 once the nib has
overshot the teeth 104.1.
ELEVENTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 38-39)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 110 in its
entirety. This differs from syringe 10 (FIGS. 1-6) essentially in
regard to its syringe body and the plunger, here marked 111 and
112 respectively.
Syringe body 111 is substantially cylindrical and tubular, and
at one of its axial ends it carries an integral standardized attachment
111.1 cylindrical and tubular, coaxial, and threaded on its outside.
Tightly engaged by screwing onto this standardized attachment 111.1
is a needle-holder head 113 having a cylindrical tubular body 113.1
internally threaded in like manner. Into this needle-holder head
113 there is inserted, by axial forcing, a capsule 14 with needle-holder
bushing 16 and empty needle 17 substantially similar to their counterparts
in syringe 10.
According to the illustrated example, syringe body 11 displays
a diameter appreciably greater than the diameter for standardized
attachment 111.1 and at its other axial end it carries a separable
base 114 engaged there by means of a bayonet joint (radial lock
projections 111.2 on syringe body 111 and substantially "L"-shaped
through notches lying on the base 114). This base 114 displays an
axial hole 114.2 passing through which there is arranged and slide-driven
a plunger shaft 115 that can be disengaged from plunger 112 and
displaying one of its axial ends free and threaded, inserted into
syringe body 111.
Plunger 112 inserted in a tight and axially-sliding fashion into
syringe body 111 displays, on its dorsal face 112.1 turned towards
shaft 115 a matchingly threaded axial cavity 112.2 onto which the
free, threaded end of shaft 115 may be engaged by screwing.
Between base 114 and discoidal actuating foot 115.1 of shaft 115
there is interposed, in a manner coaxial to said shaft, a helicoidal
compression spring 116 according to an arrangement similar to the
arrangement for spring 10.1 in syringe 10.
Plunger 112 further displays an integral, cylindrical, axial headpiece
112.3 having a diameter substantially matching the internal diameter
of standardized attachment 111.1 and extending from its frontal
face 112.4 turned towards needle-holder head 113. Headpiece 112.3
is received through axial sliding into standardized attachment 111.1
on syringe body 111 in such a way as to ensure that substantially
all the liquid contained in syringe 110 is discharged through this
same attachment.
Headpiece 112.3 frontally carries en bloc an axial coupling head
13.4 and an annular collar 19.1 wholly similar to their counterparts
in syringe 10.
TWELFTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 40-42)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 120 in its
entirety. This substantially corresponds to syringe 90 according
to FIGS. 25 and 26. It differs essentially in regard to the means
for retaining needle 17 in the use position, the which means, integral
to a capsule, are here indicated with 121.
In common with capsule 93 (FIGS. 25-26), this capsule 121 which
houses the bushing 16 in an axially retractable manner, displays
a cylindrical shell 121.1 delineating a trunk-conical cavity for
housing the bushing 16 for mounting empty needle 17. At one of its
axial end zones, the shell 121.1 carries an integral, coaxial tube,
having a trunk-conical profile, 121.2. The tube, through which empty
needle 17 extends, is tightly engaged by slight forcing into syringe
neck or head 120.1 of syringe 120 while the shell 121 abuts against
the bottom wall 120.2 of tubular syringe body 120.3 of the syringe.
In the shell of capsule 121 there is formed an integral retaining
tongue 122.1 notched and bent away from this same shell towards
the interior of capsule 121. This tongue 122.1 integral to capsule
121 constitutes the means for retaining the needle 17 in the use
position, the which means are marked 122 in their entirety in FIG.
42. The retaining tongue 122.1 is in fact engaged with its free
end zone against the dorsal wall 16.6 of bushing 16 thus preventing
the bushing from withdrawing in an axial direction.
The means for disengaging these retaining means 122 from bushing
16 are substantially similar to those for syringe 10 and are here
also marked 10. Their annular collar 19.1 integral to plunger 13
is provided in order to be axially forced--by penetrating into capsule
121 in the manner of a spreader mechanism--to gradually engage this
retaining tongue 122.1 until ultimately pushing it back, through
elastic bending, onto the peripheral outline of capsule 112.
Collar 19.1 is further provided in order then to partially strike
the free axial end zone of bushing 16 proximal to plunger 13 which
extends into this shell out of contact with respect to the shell
itself. In such a state, bushing 16 may be axially retracted from
capsule 122.
With reference to the third embodiment of the invention (FIGS.
10-12), we shall now explain three further ways of carrying out
the invention (thirteenth to fifteenth). Parts substantially similar
to the parts of syringe 10 according to FIGS. 10-12 are shown with
the same reference numbers and are not explained any further. For
parts not explicitly mentioned, please refer to the explanation
given for the third embodiment of the invention, as well as for
the first embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 1-6).
In all the following embodiments of the invention, from the thirteenth
embodiment to the fifteenth embodiment, a bushing for mounting the
hollow syringe needle is tightly housed directly in the needle-holder
head of the syringe itself, with the possibility of retraction in
an axial direction. The means for retaining this needle in the use
position, the which means are integral with the needle-holder head,
act upon the bushing, in a manner disengageable therefrom, to prevent
the bushing from withdrawing in an axial direction.
THIRTEENTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 15-16)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 130 in its
entirety. It differs from syringe 30 (FIGS. 10-12) essentially in
regard to the conformation of the needle-holder head, here marked
131 and in regard to the bushing for mounting the empty needle,
here marked 132 tightly inserted into the same needle-holder head.
35 marks the empty needle.
Needle-holder head 131 is inserted onto the tubular syringe body
31 and displays a cylindrical tubular body 131.1 coaxially inserted,
tightly and by elastic release, onto tubular syringe body 31. This
body 131.1 of the needle-holder head displays en bloc a hollow syringe
neck 131.2 out of axial alignment with the body 131.1.
By the same token, needle-holder bushing 132 displays a substantially
trunk-conical primary section 132.1 coupled tightly, but not by
forcing, into syringe neck 131.2. This substantially trunk-conical
primary section 132.1 is prolonged into an integral, substantially
cylindrical secondary section 132.2 extending with its smaller-diameter,
free axial end zone 132.3 into the space for the cylindrical tubular
body 131.1 of needle-holder head 131 out of contact with the wall
of that body. In bushing 132 the primary section 132.1 and secondary
section 132.2 are out of axial alignment with one another, with
secondary section 132.2 and the corresponding free axial end zone
132.3 being coaxial with syringe body 31.
FOURTEENTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 21-22)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 140 in its
entirety. Syringe 140 displays cylindrical tubular body 141 e.g.
made of plastic material, having a trunk-conical, integral needle-holder
head 142 like the neck of a syringe. Into this needle-holder head
142 there is tightly inserted a bushing for mounting empty needle
35 here marked 143. With its substantially cylindrical free axial
end zone 143.1 bushing 143 extends into the space for the needle-holder
head 142 coaxially and out of contact with the wall thereof. Bushing
143 is kept from withdrawing in an axial direction by retaining
means marked 144 in their entirety. These comprise a pair of retaining
teeth 144.1 formed en bloc with needle-holder head 142 and projecting
into the space thereof, substantially in the direction of needle
35. These retaining teeth 144.1 are diametrically opposed, and with
their free end zone they engage the dorsal wall 143.2 of bushing
143. At these retaining teeth 144.1 the wall of the needle-holder
head 142 is made noticeably thinner by means of external circumferential
groove 141.1.
Plunger 145 is received into syringe body 141 in a tight and axially-sliding
fashion. Plunger 145 displays its anterior axial end zone 145.1
proximal to bushing 143 with a reduced diameter in such a way as
to penetrate into a cylindrical spreader ring 146 provided for
the purpose of disengaging retaining teeth 144.1 from bushing 143.
This spreader ring 146 is interposed in the syringe body 141 between
bushing 143 and plunger 145 upstream from teeth 144.1 in the direction
of injection of the liquid in this syringe, and can be partially
fitted onto the free axial end zone 143.1 of bushing 143 and is
arranged to freely slide in contact with the wall of this syringe
body up onto the needle-holder head 142. The height of spreader
ring 146 is greater than the axial extension of the anterior axial
end zone 145.1 of plunger 145 in such a way that, once pushed onto
the plunger's axial end zone and on a ledge against plunger body
145 the ring 146 extends partially from the plunger towards the
bushing 143. This ring 146 may thus be pushed onto axial end zone
145.1 of plunger 145 and partially fitted onto free axial end zone
143.1 of bushing 143 as a result of the advancement of plunger
145 in an axial direction. Furthermore, the circumferential edge
of ring 146 that faces bushing 143 is beveled to enable easy engagement
by gradually axial forcing thereof between and against retaining
teeth 144.1 integral with needle-holder head 142 in the manner
of a mechanism for spreading these teeth towards the wall of the
needle-holder head. This operation is facilitated by the elastic
pliability of needle-holder head 142 at its circumferential groove
141.1 (FIG. 22).
FIFTEENTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 30-31)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 150 in its
entirety. Syringe 150 differs from syringe 30 (FIGS. 10-12) essentially
in regard to the means for retaining empty needle 35 in the use
position. These retaining means are here marked 151 in their entirety,
and consist of a pair of retaining arms 151.1 integral to the wall
of the needle-holder head, marked 152 of the syringe. The retaining
arms 151.1 are extended into the space for the same needle-holder
head, and in the proximity of their base, they display a retaining
tooth 151.2 engaged against the dorsal face of bushing 153 for
mounting empty needle 35 tightly inserted into needle-holder head
152. In this way, the bushing is prevented from withdrawing in an
axial direction. These retaining arms 151.1 are prolonged beyond
tooth 151.2 by pertinent arm sections 151.3 extending in a direction
converging towards plunger 37 which is arranged to tightly slide
in syringe body 31 thus forming an elastically spreadable fork
by means of the retaining means 38 integral to plunger 37. This
makes it easier to disengage retaining teeth 151.2 from bushing
153.
SIXTEENTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 43-45)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 160 in its
entirety. This comprises a cylindrical tubular body 161 with a coaxial,
trunk-conical, integral hollow beak 162 forming a needle-holder
head. A plunger 163 is inserted, in a tight and axially-sliding
fashion, into this tubular body 161.
At its free axial end zone, the beak 162 displays a circumferential
lip 162.1 delineating a frontal axial mouth 162.2. A retractable
bushing 164 for forced mounting of a coaxial empty needle 165 is
inserted into this beak, coaxially and form-coupled for part of
its axial length, but not by forcing. Needle 165 extends axially
from the bushing through frontal mouth 162.2 of the needle-holder
head, and communicates, in bushing 164 with an axial through hole
164.1 emerging onto the dorsal face 164.2 of the bushing, facing
plunger 163.
Bushing 164 extends with its free axial end zone 164.3 into the
space for tubular body 161 out of contact with the wall thereof.
Axial end zone 164.3 is conically tapering in a direction towards
plunger 163 and along its free circumferential edge, it displays
an annular coupling projection 164.4 directed radially towards
the exterior of bushing 164 and likewise displaying a profile conically
tapering towards plunger 163. In addition, this free end zone 164.3
is partially inserted into a cylindrical retaining ring 166 arranged
in tubular body 161 in sliding contact with the cylindrical wall
thereof. Retaining ring 166 is distanced from needle-holder head
162. This has an internal diameter greater than the maximum overall
cross-sectional dimension of bushing 164 and is made integral with
bushing body 164 by means of thin breaking joint tongues 166.1 (FIG.
45). This ring 166 extends towards plunger 163 beyond annular projection
164.4 of bushing 164. Upon assembly, this retaining ring 166 is
axially forced to overshoot the minute, elastically pliable retaining
projections 161.1 jutting out from the wall of tubular body 161
into the space thereof and capable of resisting the axial withdrawal
of ring 166. These projections 161.1 in addition to retaining ring
166 constitute the means for retaining needle 165 in the use position.
In fact, with ring 166 bushing 164 is also prevented from withdrawing
in an axial direction by retaining means 161.1.
Plunger 163 frontally carries an integral axial head 163.1 set
against bushing 164 and constituting the means for disengaging
the retaining means 167 from the bushing. Disengagement head 163.1
has a smaller diameter than the body of syringe 163 but larger
than the internal diameter of retaining ring 166 thus enabling
this ring to be engaged. In this way, this head 163.1 can be forced
in an axial direction against retaining ring 166 until joint tongues
166.1 are caused to break. In such a state, bushing 164 may be axially
retracted from the beak 162 of syringe 160.
On the frontal face of disengagement head 163.1 there is formed
an axial coupling cavity 163.2 substantially trunk-conical, which
displays an annular coupling band 163.3 projecting radially towards
the interior of said cavity at the free edge thereof. This coupling
cavity 163.2 is shaped and arranged to join the free end of bushing
164 having annular projection 164.4 with the annular coupling band
163.3 being axially forced to override annular projection 164.4
by elastic release. Annular coupling projection 164.4 of bushing
164 and axial cavity 163.2 with coupling band 163.3 of head 163.1
integral to plunger 163 constitute the means for inseparable coupling
between bushing 164 and plunger 163 in step with the disengagement
of retaining means 167 from the bushing.
Otherwise, please refer to the explanation for syringe 10 (FIGS.
1-6).
SEVENTEENTH EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION (FIGS. 32-33)
The syringe according to the invention is here marked 170 in its
entirety. This comprises a cylindrical tubular syringe body 171
having an integral needle-holder head 172 coaxial and also cylindrical,
but of smaller diameter. At its free axial end zone, this needle-holder
head 172 displays a circumferential lip 172.1.
A cylindrical tubular capsule 173 is coaxially fitted onto this
head 172 for part of the length thereof, and is prevented from
shifting in an axial direction away from that head, by means of
engaging the circumferential lip 172.1 of head 172 through elastic
release inside a matching circumferential groove provided on the
external face of capsule 173.
A retractable bushing, marked 174 in its entirety, for mounting
a coaxial empty syringe needle 175 is tightly housed in capsule
173 coaxially and form-coupled for part of its axial extension,
but not by forcing. Bushing 174 comprises a cylindrical tubular
jacket 174.1 coupled into capsule 173 with its smaller-diameter
section 174.2 and housed in the remaining portion of head 172 by
means of its larger-diameter section 174.3 axially extending into
the space for the syringe body 171 out of contact with the wall
thereof. An annular shoulder 174.4 is formed in the splicing zone
between these cylindrical sections of jacket 174.1. An annular elastic
sealing gasket 173.1 is interposed between the shoulder of jacket
174.1 and capsule 173.
The mouth of larger-diameter section 174.3 of jacket 174.1 is closed
by means of a base 176 e.g. made of plastic material, forced into
the mouth itself. In addition, at its free axial end zone delineating
this mouth, this larger-diameter section 174.3 of jacket 174.1 displays
an annular coupling projection 174.5 directed radially towards
the exterior of the jacket.
A needle-holder column 177 for forced mounting of empty syringe
needle 175 inside its axial through hole 177.1 is housed, axially
sliding, in tubular jacket 174.1. Needle-holder column 177 displays
cylindrical body 177.2 having a diameter corresponding to the internal
diameter of the smaller-diameter section 174.2 of jacket 174.1
to be partially received there by axial sliding. At its axial end
zone proximal to base 176 this cylindrical body carries an integral
annular collar 177.3 engaged in a tight and axially-sliding fashion
against the wall of the larger-diameter cylindrical section 174.3
of jacket 174.1.
A helicoidal compression spring 179 is housed in the abovementioned
larger-diameter cylindrical section 174.3 of jacket 174.1 coaxially
to the cylindrical section 177.2 of column 177 and is interposed,
like a return spring, between annular collar 177.3 of needle-holder
column 177 and annular shoulder 174.4 of jacket 174.1. This spring
normally keeps elastically stressed the needle-holder column 177
in tight contact against base 176 by means of its annular collar
177.3.
From cylindrical body 177.2 of column 177 there extends, beyond
annular projection 177.3 an integral, axial handle 177.4 received
passing and sliding through a pertinent axial hole in base 176 and
normally projecting into the space of syringe body 171.
At its axial end zone distal from the handle 177.4 the cylindrical
body 177.2 of column 177 further carries a reduced-diameter, integral,
axial stem 177.5 in turn supporting an integral, coaxial actuating
head 177.6. This actuating head 177.6 displays a substantially cylindrical
section 177.7 having a diameter a little smaller than the internal
diameter 174.2 of jacket 174.1 and wherefrom there extends, towards
the outside of said jacket, a trunk-conical beak having coaxial
free end 177.8 accommodating needle 175. (This beak 177.8 is provided
for the purpose of coupling a conventional needle and syringe needle-holder,
in the absence of needle 175). At the same time, cylindrical section
177.7 of actuating head 177.6 is spliced to axial stem 177.5 by
means of section 177.9 conically tapering in a direction towards
the handle 177.4. In the arrangement of the needle-holder column
177 with respect to jacket 174.1., in which its annular collar 177.3
is elastically maintained in tight contact against base 176 the
cylindrical section 177.7 of actuating head 177.6 is arranged, within
jacket 174.1 in the proximity of the free axial end zone, forming
a frontal aperture, of the smaller-diameter section 174.2 of the
same jacket.
In the proximity of this aperture zone of the smaller-diameter
section 174.2 of jacket 174.1 two diametrically opposed through
holes 174.6 are therein formed. With these holes 174.6 in jacket
174.1 there coincides a circumferential groove 173.2 formed on
the inner face of capsule 173. In bushing 174 at through holes
174.6 there are arranged pertinent retaining balls 174.7 resting
against the lateral surface of actuating head 177.6. In the abovementioned
relative arrangement of needle-holder head 177 and jacket 174.1
in which the column's annular collar 177.3 is elastically maintained
in tight contact against base 176 the abovementioned retaining
balls 174.7 rest against the surface of the cylindrical section
177.7 of the actuating head. This causes them to partially protrude
via the through holes 174.6 of jacket 174.1 and thus cause's partial
engagement of capsule 173 within groove 173.2. In such a position,
the retaining balls 174.7 prevent the axial passage of the bushing
174 with respect to capsule 173. This ensures that needle 175 is
in a secure operating position.
A plunger 178 is housed, in a tight and axially-sliding fashion,
in the tubular body of syringe 171. On the frontal face of plunger
178 turned towards bushing 174 there is formed a substantially
cylindrical, axial coupling cavity 178.1 displaying an annular coupling
band 178.2 projecting radially towards the interior of the free
edge of said cavity. Coupling cavity 178.1 is shaped and arranged
to join the axial end zone--with base 176--of the larger-diameter
section of jacket 174.1 of bushing 174 with annular coupling band
178.2 being forced in an axial direction to override annular coupling
projection 174.5 of jacket 174.1 by elastic release. Annular coupling
projection 174.5 of jacket 174.1 and axial coupling cavity 178.1
with coupling band 178.2 of plunger 178 constitute the means for
inseparable coupling between bushing 174 and plunger 178. This inseparable
coupling takes place in step with the action of disengaging the
retaining balls 174.6 from groove 173.2 of capsule 173. In fact,
the plunger 178 in its advancement in an axial direction towards
bushing 174 engages handle 177.4 of needle-holder column 177 causing
pertinent axial sliding of said column in jacket 174.1 at odds
with the elastic action of spring 179. The length of the axial stroke
of handle 177.4--and thus of column 177 in its entirety--under thrust
action by plunger 178 is chosen in such a way that, once handle
177.4 has completely re-entered base 176 (FIG. 33), the actuating
head 177.6 is found with its conically tapering section 177.9 at
the retaining balls 174.7. These retaining balls 174.7 thus rest
against conically tapering section 177.9 are positioned inside
the jacket 174.1 and release the groove 173.2 of capsule 173. In
such a state, bushing 174 may be axially retracted from capsule
173.
Otherwise, please refer to the explanation for syringe 10 (FIGS.
1-6).
OPERATION OF SYRINGE 10 (FIGS. 1-6 AND 46 47)
FIG. 2 shows how syringe 10 is presented for use, after removing
the cap for protecting needle 17 (cap not illustrated).
Stage for automatic suction of injectable liquid into syringe 10
We immerse needle 17 into the liquid to be sucked in. We rotate
cap 10.2 by substantially ninety degrees, in the direction indicated
by arrow F in FIG. 2 disengaging it from flange 11.2 of syringe
body 11. We remove cap 10.2 while plunger 13 is automatically carried
back through axial sliding in the direction indicated by arrow F1
in FIG. 46 towards axial end zone 11.1 of syringe body 11 under
the elastic thrust action exerted by return spring 10.1. The liquid
is thus automatically sucked into syringe 10.
Preferably, the elastic force of the return spring 10.1 will be
calibrated in such a way as to obtain the automatic axial retraction
of plunger 13 not far beyond the transverse center line of syringe
body on condition that the approximate midway length of the syringe
body can ultimately house bushing 16 and needle 17 retracted in
a manner integral with said plunger, as shall become more apparent
further on. In addition, it may prove beneficial to make provision
for the terminal stretch of the suction stroke for plunger 13 to
be manually driven, thereby distancing the plunger shaft's actuating
foot 13.3 from the corresponding axial end of return spring 10.1.
This device is helpful, e.g., in enabling the bleeding of any air
sucked in with the injectable liquid.
Stage for injecting the liquid
In a conventional manner by thrust in an axial direction, in the
direction indicated by arrow F2 in FIG. 3 we manually bear down
upon the plunger shaft's actuating foot 13.3 until we bring the
disengagement means 19 integral with plunger 13 up against the retaining
means 18 integral with capsule 14. Substantially all the liquid
is thereby injected out of syringe 10 while spring 10.1 is elastically
loaded in order then to act elastically in the opposite direction
in the manner of a return spring.
Stage for automatic axial retraction of bushing 16 bearing needle
17 in a manner integral with plunger 13
By continuing the abovementioned axial thrust action in the direction
of arrow F2 (FIG. 3), we cause spreader collar 19.1 of disengagement
means 19 to be engaged between and against retaining teeth 18.2
of retaining means 18. By forcing collar 19.1 by axial thrust, softly
and in a gradual manner, we cause retaining arms 18.1 bearing teeth
18.2 to spread elastically towards the wall of the needle-holder
head. In fact, these teeth 18.2 engage the external surface of the
collar 19.1 upon which they make a sliding contact, while collar
19.1 externally strikes the free axial end zone of additional cylindrical
section 16.4 of bushing 16 (FIG. 5).
The abovementioned action is performed in step with the axial penetration
of coupling head 13.4 integral to plunger 13 into coupling cavity
16.5 of bushing 16. This penetration achieves the inseparable coupling
of plunger 13 with bushing 16 upon juxtaposition between the bushing's
dorsal face 16.6 and the plunger's frontal face 13.5. Thereby completed
is the forced expulsion of the liquid to be injected through empty
needle 17. Further axial advancement by plunger 13 is prevented,
and any residual force applied to plunger 13 by axial thrusting
in the direction of arrow F2 is partially absorbed by annular elastic
gasket 15 which acts like a spring.
In such a state, bushing 16 may be axially retracted from capsule
14 which is instead designed to remain in place, being bound to
needle-holder head 12.
By releasing the plunger shaft's actuating foot 13.3 capsule 16
and needle 17 are automatically retracted into syringe body 11 in
the axial direction indicated by arrow F3 in FIG. 47 in a manner
integral with plunger 13 returned by means of spring 10.1 towards
axial end 11.1 of syringe body 11. The teeth 18.2 of retaining arms
18.1 do not interfere with this retraction of the bushing 16 as
these teeth are maintained in sliding contact first with spreader
ring 19.1 and then with the lateral surface of bushing 16.
In this way, needle 17 is automatically retracted into a protected
position in syringe body 11 regardless of the operator's intentions.
Syringe 10 may be disposed of, without risk of injury and contamination
caused by syringe needle 17.
Furthermore, syringe 10 cannot be reused.
Operation of the syringe according to the second thru fifteenth
embodiments of the invention
The above-described operation is repeated for the various embodiments
of the invention: from the second to the fifteenth embodiment, with
functional differences at the stage for automatic retraction of
the bushing for mounting the needle, and the needle itself, into
the syringe body, which will be self-evident on the basis of the
foregoing descriptions and illustrations. We shall accordingly dispense
with any further description.
With respect to the eleventh embodiment of the invention (FIGS.
38-39), it will be noted that syringe body 111 of syringe 110 may
serve as a sealed phial, containing, for example, an injectable
medication, or else as a sterile laboratory test-tube, onto which
we then push needle-holder head 113 with capsule 14 and bushing
16 for mounting needle 17 and in whose plunger 112 the shaft 115
is engaged with a coaxially-fitted return spring 116.
Standardized attachment 111.1 for syringe body 111 makes it possible
to connect up the same syringe body, with plunger 112 incorporated,
in conjunction with other devices, serving as an injector.
Operation of syringe 160 (FIGS. 43-45)
This operation differs from the operation for syringe 10 just at
the stage at which bushing 164 with needle 165 are axially retracted
into syringe body 161 a stage that shall be described below.
At the stage of injection of the liquid contained in syringe 160
plunger 163 is axially driven to engage retaining ring 166 with
its disengagement head 163.1. Continuation of the axial thrust action,
transmitted to ring 166 causes joint tongues 166.1 to break. Bushing
164 is thus disengaged from retaining ring 166 and may thus be
axially retracted from needle-holder head 162. Ring 166 is thus
caused to advance in an axial direction towards needle-holder head
162 in a manner integral with plunger 163.
In step with this advancement, the coupling cavity 163.2 of the
plunger's disengagement head 163.1 joins the free axial end zone
of bushing 164 having annular coupling projection 164.4 while
the annular coupling band 163.3 projecting into the same cavity,
is axially forced to override annular coupling projection 164.4
of bushing 164 by elastic release. Thus is the inseparable coupling
achieved between plunger 163 and bushing 164 for mounting empty
needle 165.
Bushing 164 with needle 165 are axially retracted into syringe
body 161 in a manner comparable to the explanation given for syringe
10. During its axial retraction, bushing 164 is passed through ring
166 which stays in place near needle-holder head 162.
Operation of syringe 170 (FIGS. 32-33)
This operation likewise differs from the operation for syringe
10 just at the stage at which bushing 174 with needle 175 are automatically
retracted into syringe body 171. The operation of syringe 170 at
this stage is self-evident from the description thereof given with
reference to the seventeenth embodiment of the invention as described
above, to which the reader is referred.
Without prejudice to the principle behind the invention, the details
of execution and embodiments of the invention can of course be widely
varied with respect to the descriptions and illustrations here given
solely by way of example, and not intended to be restrictive, without
thereby departing from the scope of the invention and hence from
the scope of the present industrial patent right.
In this way, for example, the means of inseparable coupling between
the plunger and the bushing for mounting the empty needle may alternatively
be of the hook type, integral to one of these parts, and which can
be inseparably thrust into a pierceable support, such as a facing
rubber headpiece, integral to the other part; or else of the permanent
magnet variety, integral to one of these parts, and cooperating
with a ferromagnetic plate integral to the other part.
With reference to the seventeenth embodiment of the invention,
as described above (FIGS. 32 33), in syringe 170 the capsule 173
may be omitted, by suitably shaping the needle-holder head 172.
In that case, the bushing for mounting the empty needle is tightly
housed in the needle-holder head, with the possibility of retraction
in an axial direction, while the means for retaining the empty needle
in the use position (retaining balls), act upon the needle-holder
head (in a groove therein), in a manner disengageable therefrom,
in order to prevent the bushing from withdrawing in an axial direction.
At the same time, the means for retaining the empty needle in the
use position may comprise just one retaining arm or tooth, or more
than two retaining arms or teeth.
In addition, elastic means other than those illustrated and described
herein may be used as means for automatically returning the plunger.
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