SINGLE USE SYRINGE

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a single use syringe (1) having a container section (2), a valve section (4) and a hollow needle (4a). The valve section (4) contains a one-way valve (40) which allows fluid to flow in only one direction through the valve section (4). The single use syringe (1) may also be provided with locking means to prevent the separation of the container section (2) from the valve section (4). There is also disclosed herein packaging (16, 17) and a carry case (10, 11) in which to store and transport the single use syringe (1).

Description: SINGLE USE SYRINGE Field of the Invention This invention relates to medical equipment and, more particularly, to devices for the safe delivery of drugs to the human body by syringes, and to the combination of such syringes and carrying cases therefor. This invention also relates to devices for the safe removal of bodily fluids from the human body. Background of the Invention There is a significant risk of cross infection associated with reusable syringes. If not properly sterilised, used syringes can contain a reflux of infected bodily fluids. This risk exists both for reusable syringes which are used to inject drugs and those which are used to remove bodily fluids, such as blood. An accidental needle prick can result in infected blood being injected into the body of a person, possibly resulting in the transferral of a disease. Many of the drugs used to treat humans, for example, drugs used to treat impotence in human males, are temperature sensitive and need to be kept at a cool temperature. However, those drugs need to be self administered, and are preferably able to be carried on the person of the user. Thus, a need exists for a convenient and safe way of storing, carrying and administering temperature sensitive drugs. Similarly, a need exists for a safe way of storing, carrying and administering a wide range of drugs which are in prescribed fixed doses for self administration, and which may or may not be temperature sensitive. Summary of the Invention There is disclosed herein a single use syringe comprising: a container section adapted to contain a predetermined volume of a fluid; and a needle section comprising a valve section and a hollow needle, wherein: said valve section comprises a one-way valve, and wherein said valve section is adapted to be attached to said container section. Preferably, said syringe further comprises locking means adapted to prevent the separation of said container section from said valve section after said container section has been connected to said valve section. There is further disclosed herein a single use syringe in combination with packaging, said packaging comprising: a first section adapted to enclose a said container section; and a second section adapted to enclose a said needle section; said first section comprising a substantially rigid backing portion and a cover portion, said cover portion sealed onto said backing portion around its periphery, said container section being securely housed between said backing and said cover portions; wherein said backing and cover portions comprise a weakened portion adapted so that a part of said first section can be torn away to expose a base part of said container section; said second section comprising a substantially rigid backing portion and a cover portion, said cover portion sealed onto said backing portion around its periphery, said needle section being securely housed between said backing and said cover portions; wherein said backing and said cover portions of said second section comprise a weakened portion adapted so that a part of said second section may be torn away to expose a receiver part of said needle section. There is further disclosed herein a single use syringe in combination with a carry case, said carry case comprising: at least one outer container comprising a lid and a base, said lid and said base forming a space therebetween to house one or more said syringes; one or more hinges connecting said lid to said base; and one or more clasps adapted to releasably close said container, wherein the base of said container is lined with a cooling material adapted to retain a cooled temperature for a predetermined period of time. Description of the Drawings By way of example only, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a side elevation of an assembled single use syringe; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a carry case for a single use syringe; Figure 3 is a cross-section of the carry case of Figure 2 taken along line A- A; Figure 4 is a top plan view of the carry case of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a top and side elevation of a bubble section encased in bubble packaging; Figure 6 is a top and side elevation of a needle section encased in bubble packaging; Figure 7 is a schematic illustration showing the assembly of the bubble and needle sections using the packaging of Figures 5 and 6; Figure 8 is a top plan view of a needle section; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the needle section of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a bottom plan view of the base of a bubble section for use with a needle section as shown in Figures 8 and 9; Figure 11 is a cut-away view of area A from Figure 9; and Figure 12 is a cross-section of the valve section of a syringe. The assembly and use of a single-use syringe will now be described with particular reference to Figures 8-12 and Figure 1. An example of an assembled syringe can be seen in Figure 1. The syringe has a flexible walled bubble (2) for containing a fluid such as, for example, a drug. In Figure 1 , the bubble section (2) has been attached to the needle section (3). The needle section (3) comprises a valve section (4) and a hollow needle (4a). The hollow needle (4a) is affixed to the valve section (4) at the needle housing (35). The hollow needle (4a) is preferably made of a hard metal such as surgical stainless steel. The valve section (4) is preferably moulded from a rigid plastics material. The needle section (3) also comprises an upper needle (26) whose function will be described later. The valve section (4) is preferably moulded in two halves, into which the one-way valve (40) and needles (4a and 26) are placed. The two parts are then fused together. The valve section (4) comprises a one way valve (40). In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the valve (40) is a ball valve, adapted to allow the flow of fluid only in the direction indicated by arrows (38). The ball (36) sits on a plurality of projections (37), which are provided on the interior space (41) of the valve section (4). When the bubble (2) is squeezed, a flow of fluid flows in the direction of arrows (38), around the ball (36), past the projections (37), out through the hollow needle, and into the body. However, any flow in the reverse direction will thrust the ball (36) against the upper opening of the space (41), preventing any such reverse flow. This reduces or prevents the possibility of a reflux of bodily fluids entering the bubble or valve section. It is to be noted that it is also within the scope of the invention for the valve section (4) to have a one way valve which will only allow flow of fluid up through the hollow needle, and into a container section. The syringe can then be used for the withdrawal of fluids such as blood from a body. The one way valve would prevent any accidental expulsion of fluids out of the container section, lessening the possibility of cross infections occurring due to needle prick injuries. Furthermore, it is to be noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to utilise any suitable one way valve, for example, a membrane type valve. The ball valve shown in the present embodiment is merely by way of example. The bubble section (2) shown in Figures 1 and 10 is a flexible walled bubble, preferably made of a flexible plastics material (45). The bubble material (45) is preferably transparent, allowing the person using the syringe to see the fluid inside, and check for any visible contaminants. The bubble (2) is mounted on an attachment base (31) which is attached by the user to a receiving portion of the valve section (4). The bubble section (2) is sealed across its base (31) by a membrane (29) of a frangible material. The material of the membrane (29) should be strong enough to remain intact throughout the normal handling of the device, such as during transportation, but able to be pierced by the upper needle (26) of the valve section (4) when the device is assembled. The bubble (2) will normally contain a set dose of a particular drug, ready to be administered (or self administered) to a human body. However, the device may also be used for animals. As previously mentioned, the device may also be adapted for the removal of bodily fluids. In this case, the bubble, or container portion of the device will initially be empty. For this purpose, the bubble (2) may be replaced by a plunger syringe which has been adapted to connect to the valve section (4), or a vacuum container adapted to draw fluids from a body. To assemble the syringe, the bubble section (2) and the needle section (3) are partially removed from their packaging (Figures 5-7, described below), and then connected, whereupon the upper hollow needle (26), of the valve section (4) pierces the membrane (29). To ensure that no air bubbles are present in the syringe, the user gently squeezes the bubble (2) until a small droplet of fluid emerges from the end of the needle (4a). The user then inserts the hollow needle (4a) into the body at the desired location, and squeezes the bubble (2). A flow of fluid is then directed down through the one way valve, out through the hollow needle (4a) and into the body. When the bubble is empty, the entire device can be disposed of. The device cannot be reused, as the valve and bubble sections (2 and 4) have been irreversibly connected. Any attempt to disconnect the two parts will result in the effective breakage of the device. This is an important safety aspect of the subject device. The subject syringe is particularly suited for containing and injecting drugs to cause and sustain an erection in the penis of a human male. The dosages of such drugs are normally quite low, and can be of the order of 2 ml. For this use, the needle length is to be approximately one-third the diameter of the penis. The bubble section (2) will have a capacity of about 2 ml. A preferred form of connection between the bubble and the valve sections will be described in more detail below, with particular reference to Figures 8-12 and Figure 1. The valve section shown in Figures 8 and 9 is provided with a circular receiving rim (32). The bubble section (2) as shown in Figure 10 comprises a circular base section (31) which is sized so as to fit snugly inside the receiving rim (32) of the valve section (4). The receiving rim (32) of the valve section (4) is provided with a number of slots (27) placed about its circumference. The slots (27) are substantially L-shaped, with a vertical portion, and a horizontal portion (27a). The slots (27) each comprise a flexible lip (28), the function of which will be described below. The base section (31) of the bubble section has a number of projections (30) provided about its outer periphery. The projections (30) are located such that they will each be aligned over a corresponding slot (27) of the valve section (4), when the bubble base (31) is placed over the valve section receiving part (32). To assemble the device, the user places the bubble base (31) over the receiver rim (32) valve section (4) and turns either or both sections around until each projection (30) is aligned with a slot (27). The two sections are then pressed together, until the projections abut the bottom of the slots (27). To reach this point, the user has had to force the projections (30) past the flexible lip (28), which then springs back to its original position. The flexible lips (28) allow the projections (30) to travel into the slots (27) but not o_m of the slots. The lip (28) bends in the direction (28b), as shown in phantom in figure 11. As can be seen in figure 11 , the abutment (28a) prevents the lip (28) from pivoting upwards. Once the bubble has been attached to the needle section of the device, it cannot be removed. This ensures that the device can only be used once, as once the bubble has been pierced, it cannot be refilled. When the projections (30) are at the lowermost position within the slots (27), the membrane (29) is pushed onto the upper needle (26), and is pierced. The two sections are then twisted in opposite directions, so that the projections (30) travel to the end of the slots (27a). Optionally, a bead (50) is provided within the slot to further retain the projection in its final location and prevent the assembly from rotating back and forth. Preferably, one or more radially extending wings (24) are provided on the valve section (4). The wings (24) provide a gripping means to assist the user to press and twist the two sections together. The wings (24) are preferably adapted so that they assist the attachment of the bubble (2) to the needle section (4), but will break off when used to unscrew or detach the sections. This can be done by providing buttresses (25) which reinforce the wings (24) in the "screwing on" direction, but do not reinforce the wings in the "unscrewing" direction of rotation. Alternatively, the wings (24) may be partially slit at their junction with the valve section (not shown) so that any attempt to pull or unscrew the bubble from the needle section will result in breakage of the wings (24). It must be noted, however, that the type of fitting described above is only one of a number of possible types of fittings suitable for the syringe device. For example, the bubble section and valve section may be threaded so as to be screwed together (screw fitting not shown). In this case, a resilient, flexible lip (not shown) is provided on the inside of the valve section receiving rim (32), at the entry point of the screw thread. The lip is depressed upon the insertion and screwing in the bubble base (31), and springs back after the attachment of the sections is completed, to engage the bubble section and thereby prevent or hinder the device's separation. As can be seen in figure 1, the bubble section (2) is reinforced along its sides to further assist with the attachment process. As can be seen in figure 12, it is preferred that the upper needle (26) does not protrude above the rim (32) of the needle section (3). Referring now to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the carry case shown comprises at least one lid (10) with a corresponding base portion (11). In the embodiment shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the carry case comprises two lids (10) and two bases (11). However, the carry case can comprise any number of lids and bases, either stacked one above the other (as shown in Figures 2-4), or joined side by side, depending on how many syringes are desired to be carried. The carry case further comprises a lining of cooling material (7), which is adapted to retain a cool temperature for several hours after being removed from a freezer or refrigerator. The lid (10) may also contain a lining of cooling material (7). As can be seen in Figures 2-4, the bases (11) and lids (10) are connected by hinges (15). The hinges may be formed separately and later attached to the carry case, or may be moulded with the base (11) and lid (10) as a one piece structure. Clasps (14) are provided to releasably close the carry case. Preferably, the carry case is constructed of a rigid plastics material, which will withstand cooling in a freezer or refrigerator and offer protection to the syringes inside it. The syringes can be stored in the base (11) of the carry case, in an unassembled form, to be assembled by the user in the manner described above. The carry case is particularly suited for the transportation of syringes which contain temperature sensitive drugs. However, it is envisaged that non-temperature sensitive drugs can also be conveniently transported using the carry case. It is also foreseen that instructions for use of the syringe will be attached inside the lid (10) of the carry case. As can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the syringes are provided in an unassembled form, to be assembled by the user as described. This arrangement has the particular advantage that a drug can be stored in the sealed bubble (2), which is only pierced when the syringe has been assembled and is ready to be used. Furthermore, the user will not have to draw their dose of drug from a separate container into a plunger syringe for self administration. Referring now to Figure 5, the bubble section (2) is preferably housed inside rigid contour packaging. The packaging comprises a substantially rigid base (16), over which the bubble is placed. The bubble is sealed against the base (16) by a film (1 ) of an appropriate packaging material, such as clear plastics material. Both the base (16) and the film (17) are perforated, or otherwise weakened (18), so that a section (20) of the package can be torn away, exposing the base section of the bubble. Preferably, a tag (19) is provided on the package to assist the user to tear the package along the weakened line. The needle section (3) is sealed in a similar type of rigid contour packaging. In a similar manner to that described above, a section of the packaging can be torn away (see Figure 6), revealing the receiving portion of the needle section. Looking now to Figure 7, the syringe is assembled by pressing together, and then twisting, the exposed ends of the bubble and the needle section. The remaining packaging sections can be gripped to assist with this process. The wings on the needle section also assist by providing a further gripping means. The remaining packaging can then be removed by gripping the mid-point of the syringe, and pulling away both pieces of remaining packaging. Preferably, instructions, safety considerations and disposal suggestions are printed or stuck on the reverse side of the base portion (16) of the packaging. The packaged needle sections should be able to fit inside the cool carry case for sale as a unit, or can also be supplied separately. The syringe is preferably placed back inside the contour packaging for safe disposal. Alternatively, the needle and bubble sections may simply be provided in a flexible plastic packaging. Further, the rigid contour packaging may also comprise packing and/or sterilising surgical spirit impregnated with which to swab the injection site prior to injection.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A single use syringe comprising: a container section adapted to contain a predetermined volume of a fluid; and a needle section comprising a valve section and a hollow needle, wherein: said valve section comprises a one-way valve, and wherein said valve section is adapted to be attached to said container section. 2. The single use syringe as defined in claim 1, further comprising locking means adapted to prevent the separation of said container section from said valve section after said container section has been connected to said valve section. 3. The single use syringe as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein said container section comprises a flexible walled bubble. 4. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 1-3, wherein said container section comprises a base section adapted to be attached to a receiver portion of said valve section, said valve section further comprising an upper needle adapted to pierce a lower membrane of said bubble when said bubble section is attached to said valve section. 5. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 1-4, wherein said one-way valve is adapted to allow a flow of fluid out of said container section and through said hollow needle, said one-way valve preventing a flow of fluid in the opposite direction. 6. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 1-4, wherein said one way valve is adapted to allow a flow of fluid into said container section through said hollow needle, said one-way valve preventing a flow of fluid in the opposite direction. 7. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 4-6, wherein said receiver portion of said valve section comprises one or more substantially L-shaped slots, said base section of said container section comprising a corresponding number of projections, wherein the container section is attached to said valve section by inserting said projections into said slots. 8. The single use syringe as defined in claim 7, wherein said locking means comprises a flap disposed across a said slot, said flap adapted to allow a said projection to enter said slot, and to prevent the removal of said projection from said slot. 9. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 4-6, wherein the base of said container section comprises a threaded portion adapted to be screwed onto a threaded portion of said receiver section of said valve section. 10. The single use syringe as defined in claim 9, wherein said locking means comprises a resilient flap disposed on at least a portion of said receiver section, said flap adapted to prevent the unscrewing of said container section from said valve section. 11. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 1-10, wherein said valve section comprises gripping means with which to hold said valve means. 12. The single use syringe as defined in claim 11, wherein said gripping means comprises one or more wings extending from said valve section. 13. The single use syringe as defined in claim 12, wherein each said wing comprises a buttress adapted to reinforce said wing when said container section is being attached to said valve section, each said wing adapted to fracture when said container section is being detached from said valve section. 14. The single use syringe as defined in claim 6, wherein said container section comprises a vacuum container adapted to draw bodily fluids through said hollow needle and said one-way valve, into said vacuum container. 15. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 1-14, wherein said one-way valve comprises a ball valve or a membrane valve. 16. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 1-15, wherein said container section contains a fixed dose of a drug capable of initiating and/or sustaining an erection of the penis of a human male. 17. The single use syringe as defined in claim 16, wherein the length of said hollow needle is approximately one third the diameter of said penis. 18. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 1-17, said syringe contained in packaging comprising: a first section adapted to contain a said container section; and a second section adapted to contain a said needle section; said first section comprising a substantially rigid backing portion and a cover portion, said cover portion sealed onto said backing portion around its periphery, said container section being securely housed between said backing and said cover portions; wherein said backing and cover portions comprise a weakened portion adapted so that a part of said first section can be torn away to expose a base part of said container section; said second section comprising a substantially rigid backing portion and a cover portion, said cover portion sealed onto said backing portion around its periphery, said needle section being securely housed between said backing and said cover portions; wherein said backing and said cover portions of said second section comprise a weakened portion adapted so that a part of said second section may be torn away to expose a receiver part of said needle section. 19. The single use syringe as defined in claim 18, wherein either one or both of said backing sections of said packaging comprises printed instructions describing the operation and assembly of the syringe. 20. The single use syringe as defined in claim 18 or 19, wherein said first and/or second sections of said packaging further comprise a piece of gauze fabric impregnated with surgical spirits. 21. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 18-20, wherein said backing portions of said packaging are formed from rigid plastics material. 22. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 18-21 , wherein said cover portions of said packaging are formed from resilient clear plastics material. 23. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 18-22, wherein the said weakened portions each comprise a perforated line extending around a said section of said packaging. 24. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 18-23, wherein each said section of said packaging further comprises a tag extending from said weakened portion, said tag adapted such that when pulled, said packaging is torn at said weakened portions. 25. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 1-24, in combination with a carry case comprising: at least one outer container comprising a lid and a base, said lid and said base forming a space therebetween to house one or more said syringes; one or more hinges connecting said lid to said base; and one or more clasps adapted to releasably close said container, wherein the base of said container is lined with a cooling material adapted to retain a cooled temperature for a predetermined period of time. 26. The single use syringe as defined in claim 25, wherein the lid of said carry case is lined with said cooling material. 27. The single use syringe as defined in claim 25 or 26, wherein said outer container is formed from a rigid plastics material. 28. The single use syringe as defined in any one of claims 25-27, wherein said carry case comprises a plurality of lids and said bases. 29. A single use syringe substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 30. A single use syringe as defined in any one of the preceding claims, when contained in packaging substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7. 31. A single use syringe as defined in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a carry case substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

Inventors: MOORE COLIN CAMPBELL MARSHALL, MOORE IAN MARSHALL, MOORE, COLIN, CAMPBELL, MARSHALL, MOORE, IAN, MARSHALL
Applicants: MOORE COLIN CAMPBELL MARSHALL, MOORE IAN MARSHALL, MOORE, COLIN, CAMPBELL, MARSHALL, MOORE, IAN, MARSHALL
Application year: 1995
Main classification: A61M5
IPC codes: A61M5