A container for delivering a medicament to a target location includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing including a cap locking tab at the distal end, and a vial containing the medicament. The container includes a plunger slidable within the vial from a proximal end to a distal end of the vial to dispel the medicament, an injection member associated with the distal end of the vial, such that the medicament dispelled from the vial passes through the injection member to the target location, and a slidable interaction member associated with the distal end of the vial configured to slide with the vial. An interaction between the slidable interaction member and the cap locking tab causes the cap locking tab to bias outward, and placement of a safety cap on the container after use locks the safety cap onto the container via an interaction with the cap locking tab.

BACKGROUND

Injection devices are used for administering medications via a needle. Certain disease states require those suffering from them to receive injections often. Those suffering from diabetes, for example, require frequent administration of injections, which are typically self-administered often in a non-clinical setting. Injection devices including auto-injectors or prefilled syringe injection devices are typically used to self-administer injections and most of these devices are single-use injection devices in order to minimize the risk of infections associated with re-use of the injection device by the same or a different user. Reducing accidental needle stick injuries caused by contaminated needles is also a concern. Therefore, a need exists for the prevention of re-using needles and/or injection devices, as well as prevention of accidental needle-sticks by users of injection devices.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a container for delivering a medicament to a target location is provided. The container including a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing including a cap locking tab at the distal end, the container further including a vial having a proximal end and a distal end, the vial configured to contain a medicament, the vial being movable relative to the housing. The container further includes a plunger associated with the proximal end of the vial, the plunger configured to slide within the vial from the proximal end to the distal end of the vial to dispel the medicament from the vial. The plunger may be associated with a plunger rod configured to interact with the plunger. The container may further include an injection member associated with the distal end of the vial, such that medicament dispelled from the vial passes through the injection member to the target location. A slidable interaction member is associated with the distal end of the vial, the slidable interaction member configured to slide with the vial; and a safety cap including a cap groove, the safety cap configured to interact with the distal end of the housing. Moving the vial toward the distal end of the housing causes the slidable interaction member to interact with the cap locking tab, biasing the cap locking tab outward, such that adjoining the safety cap to the distal end of the housing causes the cap groove to interact with the cap locking tab, preventing removal of the safety cap after use of the container.

In another embodiment, a container for delivering a medicament to a target location is provided including a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, a vial including a proximal end and a distal end, the vial configured to contain a medicament, the vial configured to move relative to the housing, a plunger slidable within the vial and a plunger rod associated with the plunger, the plunger configured to slide within the vial from the proximal end to the distal end of the vial to deliver the medicament, and a plunger locking member in the proximal end of the housing, the plunger locking member including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the plunger locking member is biased toward a periphery of the housing prior to actuation of the plunger and/or plunger rod, and the proximal end of the plunger locking member is biased toward the plunger rod following actuation of the plunger and/or plunger rod. The container may further include a slidable plunger lock release member disposed between the vial and the proximal end of the plunger locking member and associated with the slidable plunger locking unit prior to actuation of the plunger and/or plunger rod, biasing the plunger locking member toward the periphery, wherein following actuation of the plunger, the slidable plunger locking unit slides toward the distal end of the device, sliding the plunger lock release member toward the distal end, such that the proximal end of the plunger locking member is biased toward the plunger rod, following delivery of medicament, the vial moves toward the proximal end of the device, the injection member is retracted within the housing, and the slidable plunger locking unit moves to the distal end to abut the proximal end of the plunger locking member preventing a subsequent actuation of the plunger and/or plunger rod.

In a further embodiment, a method of injecting medicament into a subject is provided. The method includes obtaining a container for delivering a medicament to a target location. The method further includes applying the distal end of the container to a target area on the subject and depressing the plunger rod to insert the injection member and deliver the medicament. In a further embodiment, the method may include releasing the plunger rod to allow retraction of the injection member, wherein upon retraction, the injection member is locked within the housing. In still a further embodiment, the method may include removing the safety cap prior to the applying step. In yet a further embodiment, the method may include attaching the safety cap subsequent to the releasing step, whereby the safety cap is permanently locked.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles and operation of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise these terms do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Moreover, unless specifically stated, any use of the terms first, second, etc., does not denote any order, quantity or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc., are used to distinguish one element from another. The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context. It is to be noted that all ranges disclosed within this specification are inclusive and are independently combinable.

The term “adjacent” as used herein, includes but is not limited to near, associated with, or in close proximity to.

The term “threshold resistance force” as used herein, includes but is not limited to a force required to initiate movement of a plunger rod relative to a vial. In an embodiment, it is the force at which the flexible tabs releieve to initiate movement of the plunger rod relative to the vial. The “threshold” may be adjustable based on variables including, but not limited to, type of medicament, amount of force required of the biasing member, contact and interactivity between various components of the container including friction between the plunger and the inner surface of the vial, and relative movement there between, and other variables known to those skilled in the art.

The inventors herein have identified a need for an injection device with features for safety both before and after use as well as additional features for ease of use of the device.

In one embodiment, a container100for delivering a medicament to a target location is provided in the stepwise cross sectional views shown inFIGS. 1A-1G. The container100includes a housing10having a proximal end10aand a distal end10b, the housing10including a cap locking tab12near the distal end10b, the container100further including a vial14having a proximal end14aand a distal end14b, the vial14configured to contain a medicament16, the vial14being movable relative to the housing10, and a biasing member15disposed between the vial14and the housing10. Prior to use of the container100, a safety cap26disposed over the distal end of the housing10bmust be removed as shown inFIGS. 1A-1B. The container100further includes a plunger18slidable within the vial and a plunger rod21associated with the plunger18. The plunger18is configured to slide within the vial14, from the proximal end14ato the distal end14bof the vial14, to dispel the medicament16from the vial14. An injection member20is associated with the distal end of the vial14b, such that medicament18dispelled from the vial14passes through the injection member20to the target surface22or target location. The target surface or location may include a target area on a user, such as, but not limited to an area of skin indicated for an injection.

A slidable interaction member24is associated with the distal end of the vial14b, the slidable interaction member24configured to slide with the vial14; and a safety cap26including a cap groove28, the safety cap26configured to interact with the distal end of the housing10b. Actuation of the plunger18by moving the plunger18toward the distal end of the housing10bmoves the vial14toward the distal end of the housing10b, (in embodiments where a plunger rod21is associated with the plunger18, as inFIGS. 1A-1G, this can be done by actuating the plunger rod21, which in turn, actuates the plunger18). This biases the biasing member15, and causes the injection member20to traverse the target surface22. Moving the vial14toward the distal end of the housing10causes the slidable interaction member24to interact with the cap locking tab12, biasing the cap locking tab12outward, such that later adjoining the safety cap26to the distal end of the housing10causes the cap groove28of the safety cap26to interact with the cap locking tab12, thereby preventing removal of the safety cap26after use of the container100, seeFIG. 1D,FIG. 1G.

Further movement of the plunger18toward the distal end of the housing10bcauses the plunger18to slide relative to the vial14toward the distal end14b, such that medicament16within the vial14is delivered through the injection member20as shown inFIG. 1E. Release of the pressure against the plunger18and/or the plunger rod21causes release of the biasing member15as shown inFIG. 1F, so as to retract the injection member20into the housing10as the vial14moves toward the proximal end of the housing10. Adjoining the safety cap26onto the distal end of the housing10bcauses the cap groove28to interact with the cap locking tab12, as shown inFIG. 1G, wherein the safety cap is in a locked position, preventing removal of the safety cap after use of the container100.

The safety cap26may further include an injection member cover30there within as shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B, 1F, and 1G, configured to surround the injection member20when the safety cap26is adjoined to the distal end10bof the housing10. The safety cap26and/or the injection member cover30may be provided to maintain sterility of the injection member20prior to use of the container100, and to provide protection from accidental needle sticks to a user via the injection member20prior to and following injection.

In some, non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of the housing may include a viewing window32providing a view into the housing10(shown inFIGS. 3A-3F).

In a further non-limiting embodiment, the plunger rod21may include a plunger contact member34at the proximal plunger rod end21aas shown inFIGS. 1A-1G. The plunger contact member34may include a material to enhance the gripping contact between the user and the plunger contact member34and prevent slipping during use. The material may include a rubber material in one non-limiting embodiment. Other similar materials known to those skilled in the art may be used to prevent slipping. Further, an etched or other irregular surface may be included on the plunger contact member34in place of, or in addition to the rubber material, to increase and maintain contact between the user and the plunger contact member34during use of the container100. In non-limiting embodiments, the rubber material provides a more secure grip to a user; the shape and size of the plunger contact member can vary to provide a flatter portion for better grip, or another user friendly shape to enhance the injection experience and reduce slipping off of the plunger contact member during use.

A pictorial instruction for use (IFU) may be provided in non-limiting embodiments of the container100described herein. In one non-limiting embodiment, the pictorial IFU may include text, pictures, or other indicators and may be located on any portion of the container100. There may be one or more pictorial IFU's and the pictorial IFU may include audio in place of or in addition to visual pictorial IFU indicators, in non-limiting embodiments. In one non-limiting example, a pictorial IFU may include a series of light emission diodes (LEDs) on the plunger body in the shape of an arrow pointing downward indicating to a user to press the plunger toward the distal end of the housing10bin a first step, another pictorial IFU such as a series of LED's in the shape and color of a octagon to signal stop or wait to the user, to indicate that the injection is in process, and the medicament16is slowly being delivered to the target area, and not to remove the container100from the target surface22. Upon completion of medicament delivery to the target area, an upright green arrow shown in LEDs may be provided on the housing10, for example, indicating that removal of the container100from the target surface22is suggested. As aforementioned, the pictorial IFU may not be limited to the embodiments described herein. An LCD showing photos or video demonstrating, for example, use of the device may also be provided as a pictorial IFU. In other non-limiting embodiments, a combination of lights and sound may be used to guide a user by way of the pictorial IFU, for example. The location and type of pictorial IFU described herein are provided for example only, and are not intended to be limiting.

In another non-limiting embodiment shown in the cross sectional embodiments ofFIGS. 2A-2Gthe container200for delivering a medicament to a target location may further include a plunger locking member36in the proximal end of the housing10. The plunger locking member36including a proximal end36aand a distal end36b, wherein the proximal end36aof the plunger locking member is biased toward the housing10prior to actuation of the plunger18(seeFIGS. 2A-2C) and the proximal end36aof the plunger locking member is biased toward the plunger18following actuation of the plunger18(via the plunger rod21in non-limiting embodiments) as shown inFIGS. 2D-2G. The container may further include a slidable plunger lock release member38disposed between the vial14and the proximal end of the plunger locking member36aand associated with a slidable plunger locking unit40prior to actuation of the plunger18or plunger rod21, biasing the plunger locking member proximal end36atoward the housing10and away from the plunger rod21. Following actuation of the plunger18or plunger rod21, the slidable plunger locking unit40slides toward the distal end of the housing10, sliding the plunger lock release member38toward the distal end, such that the proximal end of the plunger locking member36ais biased toward the plunger rod21. During actuation of the container, wherein the vial14moves toward the distal end of the housing, a biasing member15is biased as shown inFIGS. 2D, 2E. Following delivery of medicament16, the biasing member15is extended as shown inFIG. 2Fonce the plunger rod21is released, and the vial14moves toward the proximal end of the housing10as shown inFIG. 2F. Consequently, the injection member20is retracted, and the slidable plunger locking unit40moves to the proximal end of the housing10as shown inFIGS. 2F and 2Gto abut the proximal end of the plunger locking member36aas shown inFIGS. 2F-2G, preventing a subsequent actuation of the plunger18or the plunger rod21.

Preventing the plunger lock release member38from moving to its pre-actuation location in the proximal end of the housing10disposed between the plunger locking member proximal end36aand the vial14maintains the plunger rod21in a locked position as shown inFIG. 2F-2G, wherein the slidable plunger locking unit40has returned to its pre-actuation position and abuts the plunger locking member36keeping the plunger rod21in a locked position and preventing actuation of the plunger rod21. This embodiment prevents, in one example, accidental needle-sticks by maintaining the injection member20in a safe, protected, retracted position within the housing10following use of the container100, and furthermore, prevents subsequent use of the container100following an initial use.

A safety cap27may be placed over the distal end of the housing10before use of the container (as shown inFIG. 2A), and removed from the distal end by a user before use of the container as shown inFIG. 2B. Once the container100has been used, and the injection member20has been retracted as shown inFIG. 2F, the safety cap27may be placed over the distal end of the housing10to further protect users from accidental injection member20exposure. The safety cap27may include an injection member cover30as shown.

FIGS. 3A-3Einclude perspective views of another embodiment of a container300andFIG. 3Fincludes a side view of the embodiment300, demonstrating non-limiting sequential steps of use of the container300. In the non-limiting embodiment300, the safety cap26is shown inFIG. 3A. The embodiment300includes both the safety cap26having the cap groove28to interact with a cap locking tab12on the housing11. The cap locking tab12interacts with the slidable interaction member24as described above in reference toFIGS. 1A-Gfollowing activation of the container300(slidable interaction member not visible inFIGS. 3A-E).

The embodiment300ofFIGS. 3A-3Ffurther includes a plunger locking member36in the proximal end of the housing11. The plunger locking member36including a proximal end36aand a distal end36b, wherein the proximal end36aof the plunger locking member36is biased toward the housing11prior to actuation of the plunger18and/or plunger rod21(seeFIGS. 3A-3C) and the proximal end36aof the plunger locking member is biased toward the plunger rod21following actuation of the plunger18(via the plunger rod21in non-limiting embodiments) as shown inFIGS. 3D-3F. The container11may further include a slidable plunger lock release member38disposed between the vial14and the proximal end of the plunger locking member36aand associated with a slidable plunger locking unit40prior to actuation of the plunger18or plunger rod21, biasing the plunger locking member proximal end36atoward the housing11and away from the plunger rod21. Following actuation of the plunger18or plunger rod21, the slidable plunger locking unit40(shown in this non-limiting embodiment in association with the vial14) slides toward the distal end of the housing11, sliding the plunger lock release member38toward the distal end, such that the proximal end of the plunger locking member36ais biased toward the plunger rod21. During actuation of the container300, wherein the vial14moves toward the distal end of the housing, a biasing member15is biased as shown inFIGS. 3C-3D. Following delivery of medicament16, the biasing member15is extended as shown inFIG. 3E-3Fonce the plunger rod21is released, and the vial14moves toward the proximal end of the housing11, and the injection member20is retracted into the housing11as shown inFIGS. 3E-3F. The slidable plunger locking unit40moves to the proximal end of the housing11along with the proximal portion of the vial14as shown inFIGS. 3E-3Fto abut the proximal end of the plunger locking member36aas shown inFIGS. 3E-3F, preventing a subsequent actuation of the plunger18or the plunger rod21resulting from the contact between the slidable plunger locking unit40and the plunger locking member proximal end36a. As provided inFIG. 3F, following use of the container300, the safety cap26may be placed over the distal end of the housing11, and the cap groove28may interact with the cap locking tab12to prevent removal of the safety cap26from the housing11.

In this non-limiting embodiment, a visual indicator37may be provided, as shown, on one or more of the first surface21c, second surface21bor third surface21dof the plunger rod21triangular body as shown inFIGS. 3A-G. The visual indicator37may provide a status of use to the user of the container300. For example, prior to use, the visual indicator37may not be shown (i.e., it may be hidden under another component of the container300, or a portion of the housing that is non-transparent, i.e., opaque in a non-limiting example) and following use or during use of the container300(i.e., after actuation of the plunger18), the visual indicator may be shown, in a non-limiting embodiment. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 3A-3F, the visual indicator37may include the word USED, such that it can be used to communicate to a user that the container300has been used, and in this embodiment, the USED visual indicator37may only be readable once an injection with the container has completed. Therefore, the visual indicator37may appear within a viewing window32of the container such that a user may view the visual indicator37only after having used the container as shown inFIG. 3E-3F. This feature is beneficial in preventing multiple uses of a used device and/or preventing unwanted needle-sticks with a used device.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the housing may include a non-transparent portion to prevent a user from viewing the injection member during use of the container. The term “non-transparent” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, opaque, translucent, and may include at least a portion of the housing having one or more of these features which may occur by use of a material encompassing these features, or with a finish on the container, a surface treatment, a paint, and also further includes a label which may prevent a user from viewing the injection member during the course of using the container.

FIGS. 3B-3Eshow a non-transparent region29of the housing adjacent to the injection member, wherein the non-transparent region29prevents a view of the injection member20by the user during use of the container300to decrease user-anxiety associated with the handling of injection members20, i.e., needles.

In a further embodiment, the plunger rod21includes a proximal plunger rod end21aand a distal plunger rod end21b(as shown inFIG. 3C), wherein the plunger rod comprises a triangular body comprising a first surface21c, a second surface21dand a third surface21e, in one non-limiting embodiment shown inFIG. 3G. The visual indicator37may be visible from any angle by the user due to the triangular shaped body of the plunger rod21.FIG. 3Gprovides a cross-sectional view of the plunger rod21taken at line A-A inFIG. 3F.

FIGS. 4A-Eprovide sequential cross-sectional views of a container embodiment400for delivering a medicament to a target location, including a housing10′ having a proximal end and a distal end, a vial14having a proximal end14aand a distal end14b, the vial14configured to contain a medicament in some non-limiting embodiments. The vial14configured to move relative to the housing10′. An injection member20associated with the distal end of the vial14b, such that medicament delivered from the vial14passes through the injection member20to the target location. The container embodiment400further includes a plunger18slidable within the vial14from the proximal end to the distal end of the vial14to dispel the medicament from the vial14or to simulate movement of a plunger18in a medicament delivery device, in an alternative embodiment. A plunger rod23having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the plunger rod associated with the plunger, said plunger rod23being slidable relative to the vial14. Application of a force to the plunger rod causes the vial14to move toward the distal end of the housing delivering the injection member20, upon reaching a threshold resistance force wherein at least one resistance feature associated with the plunger rod23allows the plunger rod23to slide within the vial14toward the distal end of the vial to deliver the medicament.

In one, non-limiting embodiment shown inFIGS. 4A-4E, the at least one resistance feature may include at least one flexible tab41associated with a portion of the plunger rod23, configured to interact with the proximal end of the vial14. The plunger rod23and plunger18are shown as connected or one continuous component, in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4A-E, and in some alternative embodiments, these components may be separate and distinct from one another as can be seen inFIG. 5, wherein prior to actuation of the plunger rod23, a space is disposed between the two components.

InFIGS. 4A-Cmovement of the plunger rod23toward the distal end of the housing10′ causes the at least one flexible tab41to press against the vial14, a biasing member15disposed within the housing is compressed as seen inFIG. 4C, and the vial14to move toward the distal end of the housing10′ delivering the injection member20as shown inFIG. 4C. Further movement of the plunger rod23toward the distal end of the housing10′ as shown inFIG. 4D, causes the at least one flexible tab41to flex inward toward the plunger rod23, and the plunger rod23to slide further within the vial14toward the distal end of the vial14to deliver medicament there within. Following deliver of medicament inFIG. 4D, the vial14and injection member20is retracted back into the housing10′ by release of the biasing member15.

FIGS. 5A-Fshow a cross-sectional container embodiment500wherein a gap45is provided between the plunger18and the plunger rod23. During use, as a force is exerted on the plunger rod23, a biasing member15is compressed, the vial14moves toward the distal end of the housing as shown inFIG. 5Cto deliver the injection member20from the housing. The flexible tabs41remain in contact with the proximal end of the vial14a, and the gap remains45between the plunger18and the plunger rod23. Once the vial14has reached the distal end of the housing10′ and the injection member20is fully extended, additional force on the plunger rod23causes the flexible tabs41to move inward as shown inFIG. 5D, and a distal end of the plunger rod23to contact the plunger18removing the gap there between. Continued force on the plunger rod23causes the vial14to move toward the distal end of the housing10′ and causes the medicament16contained within the vial to be delivered from the device (FIG. 5E). This gap45provides, in one embodiment, an additional means of preventing delivery of medicament16through the injection member20until the injection member20is inserted into the target area to a target depth. Following use of the container embodiment500, the biasing member15extends, retracting the vial14and the injection member20into the housing10′.

FIGS. 6A-6Einclude cross sectional sequential views showing the use of the container embodiment400shown inFIGS. 4A-Ehaving a housing10′ with a vial14including a proximal and distal vial end14a,14b, respectively, the vial14for housing medicament16. The container embodiment further including a safety cap26housing an injection member cover30there within disposed over the distal end of the housing10′, said injection member cover30covering the injection member20. Flexible tabs41are shown on the plunger rod23, and a plunger adaptor component43is further provided between tabs41, as shown inFIGS. 6A-Cto account for tolerances in manufacturing in one non-limiting example. The plunger adaptor component43can be formed of a deformable material, in some non-limiting embodiments, to account for different spaces and dimensions that may occur during manufacturing. In some non-limiting embodiments, the plunger adaptor component43may include a spacer, a bushing, a hat bushing, or any other similar type of component known to those skilled in the art. In another non-limiting embodiment, in some instances, the plunger adaptor component43may limit or prevent rotation of the vial14or the housing10′ as they moves relative to one another.

While in some non-limiting embodiments provided herein, the at least one resistance feature is shown by flexible tabs on the plunger rod, other possible embodiments of the resistance feature may be provided. The resistance feature of the plunger is configured such that it allows the plunger rod to slide within the vial once the threshold resistance force is met. Other embodiments of this feature may include a telescoping

FIG. 7includes a graphical illustration of the various forces encountered during use of the container embodiments described herein. The graph provides a force (N) on the x-axis versus phase of operation on the y-axis, providing an analysis of insertion force, mechanical fuse force, and break out glide force (BOGF). These are the forces encountered during use of the container embodiments. During a typical injection, a user encounters various forces including an insertion force, followed by a break out glide force. There is typically a rapid transition between these forces. The break out force is the threshold for initial movement and is based on the static friction between the stopper and the vial. The glide force is the resistance force to movement of the plunger and is based on the dynamic friction between the stopper and vial. The insertion force typically ranges from 1-2N (Newtons) and accounts for the force to insert a needle into the skin, the BOGF typically occurs at 5-8N or more, which is the force required to deliver the medicament through the injection member and into the user. If the plunger were to move too soon in the cycle, medicament would be expelled before the needle is at the proper depth. By adding a transitioning step from a mechanical fuse feature that is more precisely controlled that the interference between the rubber stopper and the vial, the device would be more repeatable as to not dispel medicament before the correct needle depth is reached. Consequently, the container embodiments described herein provide a transition between these forces, i.e., a 3-5N mechanical fuse force that is required between the insertion force and the BOGF to control the transition between these two typically encountered forces. The embodiments described herein provide components which interact with one another to govern and smooth this transition, and to ensure that the injection member has been fully inserted into the skin of the user before the medicament is delivered from the container through the injection member.

The one or more plunger adaptors as described herein include components that may be used to account for tolerances in manufacturing. These adaptors provide contact between the flexible tabs and the vial, whether or not the components of the device are made the same size in all devices in manufacturing, in some examples. In some non-limiting embodiments, the one or more plunger adaptors may include a pliable material. The plunger adaptors may control radial dimensions of the container. In other non-limiting embodiments, the plunger adaptor may prevent rotation of the vial as it moves relative to the container. The plunger adaptors can be one or more, and may include a ring like structure or other structure.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the term cap groove, as used herein, includes but is not limited to a groove in the safety cap that interacts with a cap locking tab on the distal portion of the container, or in another, non-limiting embodiment, the groove may be on the distal end of the container, and the cap locking tab may be on the inner surface of the safety cap, such that an interaction between the two would accomplish the task of preventing the cap from being removed from the container after use of the container due to the interaction between the cap locking tab and the cap groove. In one embodiment, the groove may only partially extend into the wall of the safety cap as shown inFIGS. 1A-G, in another non-limiting embodiment, the groove may include an opening which fully extends through the wall of the safety cap, in yet another embodiment the cap groove may include a cut through or recess, or any other type of structure partially or fully extending through the wall of the cap to create resistance between or to provide interaction between the cap locking tab and the cap groove.

Features of the embodiments described herein, including the viewing window, triangular rod with/without visual indicator, e.g. USED indicator, pictorial IFU, rubber contact on plunger rod, or other such features, may be included on any of the embodiments described herein and may be independently combinable, and are not required on any embodiments described herein.

In one embodiment, a method of injecting medicament into a subject is provided. The method includes obtaining a container for delivering a medicament to a target location. The container including a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing including a cap locking tab at the distal end, the container further including a vial having a proximal end and a distal end, the vial configured to contain a medicament, the vial being movable relative to the housing. The container may further include a plunger associated with the proximal end of the vial, the plunger configured to slide within the vial from the proximal end to the distal end of the vial to dispel the medicament from the vial. The plunger may be associated with a plunger rod configured to interact with the plunger. The container may further include an injection member associated with the distal end of the vial, such that medicament dispelled from the vial passes through the injection member to the target location. A slidable interaction member is associated with the distal end of the vial, the slidable interaction member configured to slide with the vial; and a safety cap including a cap groove, the safety cap configured to interact with the distal end of the housing. Moving the vial toward the distal end of the housing causes the slidable interaction member to interact with the cap locking tab, biasing the cap locking tab outward, such that adjoining the safety cap to the distal end of the housing causes the cap groove to interact with the cap locking tab, preventing removal of the safety cap after use of the container.

The method further includes applying the distal end of the container to a target area on the subject and depressing the plunger rod to insert the injection member and deliver the medicament. In a further embodiment, the method may include releasing the plunger rod to allow retraction of the injection member, wherein upon retraction, the injection member is locked within the housing. In still a further embodiment, the method may include removing the safety cap prior to the applying step. In yet a further embodiment, the method may include attaching the safety cap subsequent to the releasing step, whereby the safety cap is permanently locked.

While one or more embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Variations, changes and substitutions may be made without departing from the invention herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The teachings of all references cited herein are incorporated in their entirety to the extent not inconsistent with the teachings herein.