Patent ID: 7220248
Filing Date: 2007-05-22
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A flexible piston rod, particularly for use in medicine dispensing devices, comprising a row of elements each having a top surface and a bottom surface as well as lateral surfaces including a first and a second mutually opposed cylindrical surface portions extending in a generally longitudinal direction and incorporating an exterior thread pattern for meshing with a corresponding screw thread of an actuator for displacing the piston rod in the longitudinal direction thereof, the top surface of one element being connected to the bottom surface of the adjacent element by a hinge comprising an integral formation disposed between the top surface of the one element and the bottom surface of the adjacent element and being adapted to allow the two adjacent elements to pivot from a first position where at least a portion of a top surface of one element abuts a corresponding portion of the bottom surface of the adjacent element, said first position corresponding to a rectilinear, relatively stiff configuration of at least a portion of the piston rod, to a second position wherein said top surface of one element is spaced from said bottom surface of the adjacent element corresponding to a curved configuration of at least a portion of said flexible piston rod.