Abstract:
A device for receiving an injection syringe, configured to receive an injection syringe including a needle and a protective cap for the needle. The receiving device has a distal end and includes a member for removing the protective cap, removably fastened onto the distal end of the receiving device, the removal member including a gripping section for gripping by a user and a catch on the cap, able to drive the cap when the removal member is removed from the receiving device, so as to strip the needle. An assembly including a receiving device and an injection syringe as well as a method for assembling a receiving device and an injection syringe.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to receiving devices for an injection syringe for liquid, in particular for a pre-filled injection syringe, in particular safety devices for an injection syringe. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The document FR 2 830 765 has already disclosed a safety device forming a receiving device for a pre-filled injection syringe provided with a needle, having an injection syringe support mounted so as to be able to slide, with respect to a protective sheath, between an injection configuration and a needle protection configuration. The pre-filled injection syringe mounted in the safety device is provided with a cap for protecting the needle before use of the injection syringe. Therefore, before the injection, the cap has to be withdrawn from the injection syringe. 
         [0003]    The gripping surface of the cap may be of a relatively small size and, consequently, the cap may be difficult to withdraw, particularly for persons with arthritis. More generally, the same problem may be encountered, particularly for any device for receiving a syringe, in which the injection syringe is lodged, the receiving device for this purpose having dimensions greater than those of the syringe and having shapes making it easier to grip and use the injection syringe. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The object of the invention is in particular to make available a receiving device which is easier to handle. 
         [0005]    To this end, the subject matter of the invention is a receiving device for an injection syringe, configured to receive an injection syringe comprising a needle and a protective cap for the needle, the receiving device having a distal end and comprising a removal member serving to remove the protective cap and being removably fastened to the distal end of the receiving device, the removal member comprising gripping means for gripping by a user, and catching means for catching on the cap which are able to entrain the cap when the removal member is withdrawn from the receiving device, in such a way as to expose the needle. Once exposed, at least a part of the needle protrudes from the receiving device and is ready to be introduced into the injection site. 
         [0006]    Thus, it is proposed to arrange a removal member on the receiving device, which removal member is capable of being rigidly connected to the protective cap, such that the removal of this member causes the removal of the protective cap. As this removal member is provided with gripping means, the grip surface available to the user can be enlarged or provided with effective means for facilitating the removal. This is particularly advantageous for certain patients, for example those suffering from arthritis. 
         [0007]    It will be noted that the receiving device can be a simple sleeve, for example forming an injection syringe support, having shapes and dimensions making it easier to hold the injection syringe, the injection syringe being intended to be fastened permanently in this sleeve. The receiving device can likewise be a sleeve forming a protective sheath for the needle. 
         [0008]    Advantageously, the receiving device is a safety device preferably having a protective sheath for the needle, mounted slidably with respect to a syringe support, generally in the form of a sleeve, between an injection position, in which the needle protrudes from the sheath, and a protection position, in which the needle is covered by the protective sheath. The protective sheath can be arranged inside or outside the syringe support and can be in the form of an extensible sheath or a sheath into which the injection syringe retracts. The protective sheath or the syringe support generally have a support surface for the user&#39;s fingers, allowing the user to place his index finger and middle finger around the protective sheath or the syringe support. 
         [0009]    The receiving device can additionally have one or more of the following features, alone or in combination. 
         [0010]    The receiving device preferably comprises a plastics material. 
         [0011]    The receiving device preferably comprises, at its distal end, an attached member called an end member, the removal member being fastened removably to this end member. When the receiving device has such an end member, the part of the cap of the injection syringe accessible to the user, when the injection syringe is mounted in the receiving device, is reduced by virtue of the fact that the end member can partially cover the cap of the injection syringe. The removal member is thus particularly advantageous since it allows the cap to be withdrawn more easily from the injection syringe, in particular when the receiving device is provided with an end member. According to one particular advantage, the end member can be configured to come into abutment against the patient&#39;s skin upon use of the injection syringe in the receiving device, thus making it possible to control the depth of penetration of the needle into the patient&#39;s body. Since this end member is attached to the rest of the receiving device, it is possible to modify the depth of penetration of the needle into the patient&#39;s body by modifying the length of the end member, without making any modification to the rest of the receiving device. This configuration thus permits the use of standard components. Moreover, according to another advantage, this end member, being attached to the receiving device, can be produced separately from the rest of the receiving device. This has the effect of facilitating the production of the receiving device, in particular the demolding operations. Indeed, certain difficulties concerning removal from the mold via the distal end of the receiving device are resolved given that the end member is generally attached to this distal end after this demolding. There is therefore the possibility of the receiving device having more complex shapes. The distal end of the receiving device, to which the end member is attached, preferably has an open cylindrical shape. The end member likewise preferably has a simple shape, for example a cylindrical overall shape, which permits simple demolding. According to yet another advantage of this configuration, when the receiving device is a safety device comprising a protective sheath, and when the end member is attached to this protective sheath, the end member makes it possible in particular to reduce the diameter of the distal end of the protective sheath, in such a way as to avoid one of the user&#39;s fingers entering the protective sheath when the latter is in the needle protection position. The end member is preferably mounted on a protective sheath of the needle. 
         [0012]    Advantageously, the removal member and the end member are connected to each other by breakable means. By virtue of the breakable means, the user is able to easily ascertain that the receiving device and the injection syringe contained therein have not been used. It is thus possible in particular to ascertain that the injection syringe is sterile and that the dose to be delivered is complete. 
         [0013]    According to one variant, the removal member and the end member are connected to each other by mechanical clamping. Thus, the removal member is fastened to the end member in a simple way, and it is thus possible to use different types of end members with one and the same type of removal member. Conversely, it is possible to use different types of removal members with one and the same type of end member. This provides greater flexibility of the receiving device, while at the same time making it possible to use certain standard components. In addition, provision can be made to produce receiving devices with a removal member and other ones without a removal member. 
         [0014]    Advantageously, the catching means comprise a tab which is deformable between a configuration for catching the cap and a configuration for insertion of the cap into the removal member. Thus, the injection syringe provided with the cap can be easily and simply inserted into the receiving device, for example into the syringe support, in such a way that, after this insertion, the tab adopts the configuration for catching the cap. For example, the tab can be deformed, more precisely can be passed with force, during the introduction of the injection syringe into the receiving device, that is to say during the introduction of the cap into the removal member, and, under the effect of its inherent elasticity, it can adopt its configuration for catching the cap after introduction of the injection syringe into the receiving device. According to another embodiment, the tab may be non-deformed or slightly deformed in the configuration for insertion of the injection syringe, hence insertion of the cap into the removal member, and more deformed in the configuration for catching the cap, that is to say when the removal member is pulled in order to withdraw the cap. 
         [0015]    The catching means preferably comprise several deformable tabs, for example two diametrically opposite deformable tabs formed on the circumference of the proximal part of the removal member, or three deformable tabs distributed about the circumference of the proximal part of the removal member. The cap is thus effectively caught by the deformable tabs at two or three different points of its periphery and can thus be withdrawn reliably from the receiving device. 
         [0016]    The removal member can likewise comprise means for securing the protective cap in the removal member, in such a way as to rigidly connect the cap and the removal member to each other when the removal member is withdrawn from the receiving device, said securing means comprising, for example, an annular bead protruding from an inner surface of the removal member. The securing means make it possible to rigidly connect the cap and the removal member after removal of the cap. Thus, after removal of the cap, the cap cannot leave the removal member, and the user has in his hand a single piece comprising the cap and the removal member. It will be noted that the annular bead, when seen in longitudinal section, can have a rounded cross section or an angular cross section. It will furthermore be noted that the securing means are preferably distinct from the catching means. They can, however, comprise these. 
         [0017]    Advantageously, the deformable tab has a free proximal end with a lug for retaining the cap. The retaining lug is a simple and effective means of catching the cap and can also serve as securing means. In this configuration, the securing means and the catching means are in part in common. 
         [0018]    Advantageously, the means for securing the protective cap in the removal member comprise a ring that can cooperate with the catching means and that can be entrained out of the receiving device when the removal member is withdrawn from the receiving device. The ring can, for example, be mounted beforehand in the end member before the rest of the removal member is inserted. When the removal member is withdrawn, the catching means, for example the deformable tabs, are able to catch on the cap from the inside and on the ring from the outside in order to entrain them out of the receiving device. The catching means, being encircled by the ring, are able to maintain their hold on the cap and thus secure it inside the removal member. Thus, by virtue of the cooperation between the ring, which is a simple and standard mechanical part, and the catching means, it is possible for the protective cap to be secured in the removal member in a simple and effective manner. 
         [0019]    The gripping means preferably have a shape flared in the distal direction of the receiving device. Thus, the dimensions of the gripping means increase in the distal direction, which makes gripping by the user easier. 
         [0020]    The gripping means can comprise anti-slip means, for example raised elements carried by an outer surface of the removal member or an annular protuberance carried by the removal member. Advantageously, the annular protuberance is carried by a distal end of the removal member. The user thus has an improved and more accessible grip on the removal member and is able to more easily separate the removal member from the rest of the receiving device. 
         [0021]    Advantageously, the end member likewise comprises anti-slip means. 
         [0022]    The subject matter of the invention is also an assembly composed of a receiving device, as defined above, and of an injection syringe comprising a needle and a protective cap for the needle. 
         [0023]    The receiving device advantageously comprises, at its distal end, an attached member called an end member, the removal member being fastened removably to this end member, the end member covering a part of the length of the needle protruding beyond the endpiece of the injection syringe, the end member being thus able to bear on the injection site in order to limit the depth of insertion of the needle. 
         [0024]    The subject matter of the invention is also a method for assembly of a receiving device as defined above and an injection syringe comprising a needle and a protective cap for the needle, the method comprising the following steps:
       the removal member is firstly fastened to the distal end of the receiving device, and   the injection syringe provided with the cap is inserted into the receiving device, via a proximal end of the receiving device, such that the cap becomes rigidly connected to the removal member.       
 
         [0027]    A particular advantage of this method lies in the fact that the removal member is assembled in the receiving device independently of and before the injection syringe provided with the cap. Thus, the assembly of the receiving device, including the removal member, can be carried out in full before delivery to a laboratory responsible for inserting the injection syringe. 
         [0028]    It is understood that the removal member can be fastened to the distal end of the receiving device via an end member, in which case the assembly method more precisely comprises a step during which the removal member is fastened to the end member and a step during which the assembly is attached to the receiving device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
           [0030]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are a perspective side view and a longitudinal sectional view, respectively, of a receiving device according to a first embodiment, 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a partially sectional view of the receiving device from  FIG. 1  and of an injection syringe comprising a needle and a protective cap for the needle, 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a part of  FIG. 3 , 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 3 , after removal of the removal member and of the cap, 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the cap and of the removal member, after they have been withdrawn from the receiving device of  FIG. 3 , 
           [0035]      FIGS. 7 to 10  are views similar to those of  FIGS. 3 to 6  and show a receiving device according to a second embodiment, 
           [0036]      FIGS. 11 and 12  are partial sectional views of a receiving device according to a third and a fourth embodiment, 
           [0037]      FIGS. 13 and 14  are a perspective side view and a longitudinal sectional view, respectively, of a receiving device according to a fifth embodiment, 
           [0038]      FIGS. 15 to 17  are views similar to  FIGS. 3 to 5  and show the receiving device according to the fifth embodiment, depicting the start of the removal of the removal member, 
           [0039]      FIGS. 18 and 19  are perspective side views, respectively, of the removal member on its own and of the removal member fastened to the end member of the receiving device according to the fifth embodiment, 
           [0040]      FIGS. 20 to 23  are views similar to  FIGS. 3 to 6  and show a receiving device according to a sixth embodiment, 
           [0041]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the removal member fastened to the end member of a receiving device according to a seventh embodiment, and 
           [0042]      FIGS. 25 and 26  are longitudinal sectional views of a receiving device according to an eighth embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0043]    A receiving device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 6 . 
         [0044]    The receiving device  10  for an injection syringe is a safety device  10  comprising a protective sheath  12 , mounted slidably with respect to a syringe support  14 , generally in the form of a sleeve. At its distal end, the injection syringe  16  comprises a needle  18  and a protective cap  20  for the needle. The cap  20  is attached directly to the injection syringe  16 , generally by mechanical clamping. In this example, the injection syringe  16  is made of glass and is intended to be pre-filled and disposable after use. It likewise comprises a piston stem  22  configured to cooperate with the safety device  10 . 
         [0045]    The protective sheath  12  is arranged outside the syringe support  14  and is in the form of a tubular sheath into which the injection syringe  16  retracts. The protective sheath  12  is mounted so as to slide around the syringe support  14  between an injection position, in which the needle  18  protrudes from the protective sheath  12 , and a protection position, in which the needle  18  is covered by the protective sheath  12 . Furthermore, the protective sheath  12  has a finger rest surface  24  for the user, allowing the user to place the index finger and middle finger around the protective sheath  12 . 
         [0046]    The safety device  10  likewise comprises an end member  28 , with a cylindrical overall shape, and a removal member  30  for removing the cap  20 . More precisely, the protective sheath  12  comprises a distal end  26  to which the end member  28  and the removal member  30  are attached. 
         [0047]    In this example, the end member  28  and the removal member  30  are connected to each other by breakable means  32 . The removal member  30  can be withdrawn from the end member  28  after the breakable means  32  have been broken. Thus, the removal member  30  is fastened removably to the end member  28 . 
         [0048]    The end member  28  comprises raised elements  48  forming anti-slip means. 
         [0049]    As can be seen from  FIG. 3 , the presence of the end member  28  reduces the grip surface area of the cap  20 . It will thus be appreciated that it is particularly advantageous that the safety device  10  comprises the removal member  30  in order to be able to easily withdraw the cap  20 . 
         [0050]    The removal member  30  comprises gripping means  34  to be gripped by a user, and catching means  36  on the cap  20 . 
         [0051]    The gripping means  34  are presented here in the form of a truncated skirt that flares slightly in the distal direction, that is to say the diameter of the skirt increases in the distal direction. The gripping means  34  have a user grip surface that is larger in relation to the grip surface of the cap  20 . As is shown in  FIG. 1 , the gripping means  34  furthermore comprise, in this example, raised elements  50  forming anti-slip means. Thus, the user&#39;s hand does not slip on the gripping means  34 , and the cap  20  is withdrawn easily from the safety device  10 . 
         [0052]    The catching means  36  comprise two deformable tabs  38 , which are deformable between a configuration for catching the cap  20 , as seen in particular in  FIG. 4 , and a configuration for insertion of the cap  20  into the removal member  30 . Each deformable tab  38  extends proximally from the proximal part of the gripping means  34  and has a free proximal end with a retaining lug  40  for the cap  20 . The retaining lug  40  comprises a retaining face  44  for the cap  20 , which retaining face  44  is perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the injection syringe  16  into the safety device  10 , and an insertion face  46  for insertion of the injection syringe  16  into the safety device  10 . 
         [0053]    The removal member  30  likewise comprises a continuous annular bead  42  protruding from an inner surface of the removal member  30 . As can be seen in particular in  FIG. 4 , in a longitudinal sectional view, the annular bead  42  has a rounded cross section when it is seen from the inside of the removal member  30 . The annular bead  42  forms means for securing the cap  20  in the removal member  30  in such a way as to rigidly connect the cap  20  and the removal member  30  to each other when the removal member  30  is withdrawn from the safety device  10 . 
         [0054]    It will be noted that the annular bead  42  may optionally not be in contact with the cap  20  before removal of the cap  20 . When the removal member  30  and the cap  20  are fully withdrawn from the safety device  10 , the internal diameter of the annular bead  42  being less than the diameter of at least part of the cap  20 , the cap  20  is rigidly connected to the removal member  30 . Thus, the function of rigidly connecting the cap  20  and the removal member  30  is provided by the retaining lugs  40  and the annular bead  42 , after the removal of the cap  20  and of the removal member  30  from the safety device. The connecting means likewise comprise the catching means  36 . 
         [0055]    A method for assembling the safety device  10  and the injection syringe  16  will now be described. 
         [0056]    Firstly, the syringe support  14  is mounted inside the protective sheath  12 , from the direction of the proximal end of the protective sheath  12 , by placing between them a spring  52 , in the compressed state, which allows the safety device  10  to convert from the injection position to the protection position. 
         [0057]    The assembly formed by the end member  28  and the removal member  30  is then fitted on the distal end of the protective sheath  12 . The removal member  30  is thus fastened removably to the distal end  26  of the safety device  10 . A pre-assembled safety device  10  is thus obtained. 
         [0058]    The injection syringe  16  provided with the cap  20  is then inserted through the proximal end of the safety device  10 . This step can advantageously take place in a factory other than that in which the safety device  10  is assembled, especially when the injection syringe  16  is pre-filled. 
         [0059]    When the cap  20  comes into contact with the insertion faces  46  carried by the retaining lugs  40  of the proximal free ends of the deformable tabs  38 , the deformable tabs  38  deform radially in order to adopt their configuration for insertion of the cap  20  into the removal member  30 . 
         [0060]    Once the injection syringe  16  has been fully inserted into the safety device  10 , the cap  20  is inserted into the removal member  30  and the deformable tabs  38 , under the effect of their inherent elasticity, adopt their configuration for catching the cap  20 , that is to say the retaining faces  44  come into engagement with the cap  20 . In their catching configuration, the catching means  36  then make it possible to entrain the cap  20  when the removal member  30  is withdrawn from the safety device  10  in such a way as to expose the needle  18 . In addition, the cap  20  is likewise secured in the removal member  30  by virtue of the annular bead  42 . 
         [0061]    As can be seen from  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the removal member  30 , in particular the gripping means  34  thereof, has a grip surface that is larger in relation to the grip surface of the cap  20 . 
         [0062]    The safety device  10  and the injection syringe  16  are ready for use. 
         [0063]    When the user wishes to inject a product contained in the injection syringe  16 , he picks up the safety device  10 . He takes the end member  28  in one hand and takes the removal member  30  in the other hand via the gripping means  34 . He pivots the end member  28  with respect to the removal member  30  in order to break the breakable means  32 . 
         [0064]    The user then pulls the removal member  30  in the distal direction in order to withdraw the removal member  30  from the safety device  10 . By virtue of the lugs  40 , the removal member  30  entrains the cap  20 . 
         [0065]    As is shown in  FIG. 6 , when the removal member  30  is fully withdrawn from the safety device  10 , the cap  20  remains in the removal member  30  since it is sandwiched between the retaining lugs  40  and the annular bead  42 . The cap  20  is thus rigidly connected to the removal member  30 . 
         [0066]    The injection syringe  16  is ready to be used. As can be seen from  FIG. 5 , the end member  28  serves as an abutment against the patient&#39;s skin, and the needle  18  can be introduced into the patient by the length protruding from the end member  28 . 
         [0067]    When the injection is completed, the protective sheath  12 , under the effect of the spring  52 , adopts its position of protection of the needle  18 , with the syringe support  14  and the injection syringe  16  being retracted inside the protective sheath  12 . The needle  18  is then inaccessible, and the risk of a user sustaining an injury on the needle  18  is virtually zero. It will be noted that the end member  28  advantageously has a closed distal end, or its opening has a reduced diameter, such that a user&#39;s finger cannot come into contact with the needle  18  once the protective sheath  12  is in the protection position. 
         [0068]    In the text below, the elements that the different embodiments have in common are identified by the same reference numbers. Only the main differences are described; it will be noted that the other elements are similar. 
         [0069]    A second embodiment of the receiving device  10 , shown in  FIGS. 7 to 10 , is similar to the first embodiment. 
         [0070]    It differs from the latter in that the end member  28  is shorter, and therefore the grip surface of the cap  20  is larger than in the preceding embodiment. However, the cap  20  can be difficult to withdraw all the same. 
         [0071]    In this embodiment, the gripping means  34  of the removal member  30  likewise comprise deformable tabs  38 . Furthermore, the skirt forming the distal part of the gripping means  34  is more flared than in the first embodiment and allows the user a good grip. 
         [0072]    As is shown in  FIG. 9 , the needle  18  protrudes fully from the safety device  10  when the protective sheath  12  is in the injection position. 
         [0073]    A third embodiment of the receiving device  10 , shown in  FIG. 11 , is similar to the second embodiment. It differs from the latter in that the shape of the removal member  30  is similar to the shape of the removal member  30  of the first embodiment. 
         [0074]    A fourth embodiment of the receiving device  10 , shown in  FIG. 12 , is similar to the first embodiment. It differs from the latter in that the shape of the removal member  30  is similar to the shape of the removal member  30  of the second embodiment. Moreover, the removal member  30  has a distal wall  57  which at least partially occludes its distal end. If, after removal of the removal member  30  and of the cap  20 , the cap  20  were thus to disengage from the annular bead  42 , the cap  20  remains wedged between the distal wall  57  and the retaining lugs  44 . 
         [0075]    A fifth embodiment of the receiving device  10  is described with reference to  FIGS. 13 to 19 . 
         [0076]    This embodiment is similar to the previously described embodiments. It differs from these particularly in that the end member  28  and the removal member  30  are connected to each other by mechanical clamping. 
         [0077]    Moreover, the removal member  30  has three deformable tabs  38  distributed about the circumference of the proximal part of the removal member  30 , and four annular beads  42  protruding from the inner surface of the removal member  30 . At their distal end, the gripping means  34  of the removal member  30  likewise comprise an annular protuberance  62  that forms anti-slip means. When the user pulls on the removal member  30 , his hand is blocked by the annular protuberance  62 . 
         [0078]    As is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 16 , in longitudinal section, the annular beads  42  have an angular cross section when viewed from the inside of the removal member  30 . These annular beads  42  form means for securing the cap  20  in the removal member  30  in such a way as to rigidly connect the cap  20  and the removal member  30  to each other when the removal member  30  is withdrawn from the safety device  10 . In this embodiment, the securing means are distinct from the catching means  36 . 
         [0079]    As is shown in  FIG. 18 , the free proximal end of each deformable tab  38  has a ramp  60  extending radially outward of the safety device  10  such that, in their non-deformed state, the retaining lug  40  carried by each deformable tab  38  does not interfere with the cap  20  when the latter is inserted into the safety device  10 . Thus, in the state in which they are not elastically deformed, the deformable tabs  38  are in the configuration for insertion of the cap  20  into the removal member  30 , as is shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0080]    The end member  28  comprises a proximal part  54  attached to the protective sheath  12  and a distal part  56  receiving the removal member  30 , these being shown in  FIG. 19 . With the distal part  56  having a diameter smaller than that of the proximal part  54 , the proximal and distal parts  54 ,  56  are connected to each other via a median part  58  that forms the transition between the diameters of the proximal and distal parts  54 ,  56 . 
         [0081]    The method of assembly is similar to that previously described. 
         [0082]    Thus, once the removal member  30  has been fastened on the end member  28  by mechanical clamping, the assembly is attached to the protective sheath  12 . 
         [0083]    Upon insertion of the injection syringe  16  provided with the cap  20  into the safety device  10 , the cap  20  is rigidly connected to the removal member  30  by radial mechanical clamping of the annular beads  42  on the cap  20 , the deformable tabs  38  being in the configuration for insertion of the cap  20  into the removal member  30 . 
         [0084]    In order to inject the product contained in the injection syringe  16 , the user picks up the safety device  10 . He takes the end member  28  in one hand and takes the removal member  30  in the other hand via the gripping means  34 . He pulls the removal member  30  in the distal direction, his hand being kept in the distal direction by the annular protuberance  62 . 
         [0085]    During the movement of the removal member  30  with respect to the end member  28 , the free proximal end of each deformable tab  38  adopts its configuration for catching the cap  20  in cooperation with the distal part  56  of the end member  28 , as is shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The retaining lugs  40  engage with the cap  20  and entrain the cap  20  along with the removal member  30 , in such a way as to expose the needle  18 . 
         [0086]    A sixth embodiment of the receiving device  10  is shown in  FIGS. 20 to 23  and is similar to the fifth embodiment of the receiving device  10 . 
         [0087]    It differs from the latter in that the inner surface of the removal member  30  has a single annular bead  42  which, by radial mechanical clamping, rigidly connects the cap  20  to the removal member  30 . Seen in longitudinal section, the annular bead  42  has a rounded cross section when seen from the inside of the removal member  30 . 
         [0088]    As is shown in  FIG. 23 , when the removal member  30  and the cap  20  are completely withdrawn from the safety device  10 , the deformable tabs  38  recover their insertion configuration on account of their inherent elasticity. However, by virtue of the annular bead  42 , the cap  20  remains rigidly connected to the removal member  30 . The same applies to the fifth embodiment. 
         [0089]    In a seventh embodiment, shown in  FIG. 24 , the gripping means  34  of the removal member  30  have a widened annular protuberance  62 . 
         [0090]    An eighth embodiment of the receiving device  10  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
         [0091]    In this embodiment, the removal member  30  has three parts, namely an outer part PE, which comprises the gripping means  34 , an inner part PI, which carries the deformable tabs  38 , and a ring  63 . 
         [0092]    The outer part PE is fastened to the end member  28  by an outer bead  64 , carried by the distal annular skirt of the end member  28 , being snap-fitted into a hollow ring, with a shape matching the outer bead  64 , on the inner surface of the outer part PE. The outer part PE can be fastened on the end member  28  by any suitable means. The inner part PI is fastened on the outer part PE in the area of the distal part of the deformable tabs  38 . For this purpose, the inner part PI has a distal shoulder  65  bearing against the flexible tongues  66  carried by the outer part PE. Moreover, at their proximal end, the deformable tabs  38  comprise an abutment  67  which bears on an annular ramp  68  when the deformable tabs  38  are in the configuration for insertion of the cap, as is shown in  FIG. 25 . In this configuration, the deformable tabs  38  are not deformed or are only slightly deformed. The annular ramp  68  is carried by an inner surface of the end member  28 . It protrudes from this surface and converges toward the distal part of the receiving device  10 . The inner part PI can be fastened to the outer part PE by any other suitable means. 
         [0093]    The ring  63  is snap-fitted between the annular ramp  68  and an inner bead  70  of the end member  28 . The ring  63  has a recess  74 . 
         [0094]    Upon removal of the cap  20 , a force applied in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 26  allows the abutment  67  to slide on the annular ramp  68 . The abutment  67  is stopped by the recess  74  and thus cooperates with the ring  63 . During the sliding, the deformable tab  38  deforms in order to adopt its configuration for catching the cap  20 , as is shown in  FIG. 26 . The retaining lugs  40  come into engagement with the cap  20 , which allows the latter to be entrained with the removal member  30 . The cap  20  is retained in the removal member  30  by virtue of the cooperation between the ring  63  and the deformable tabs  38  and also securing means (not shown) of the outer part PE of the removal member  30 . 
         [0095]    The ring  63  makes it possible to hold the deformable tabs  38 , which have a tendency to be returned elastically to their configuration for insertion of the cap  20 . The deformable tabs  38  are thus kept deformed in their configuration for catching the cap  20 . The ring  63  thus allows the cap  20  to be rigidly connected to the removal member  30 . 
         [0096]    The method of assembly is similar to that previously described. 
         [0097]    Firstly, the ring  63  is mounted in the end member  28 , between the annular ramp  68  and the inner bead  70 . The inner part PI of the removal member  30  is then inserted into the end member  28  by virtue of the deformable tabs  38 . The latter deform in the area of the ring  63 , then the abutment  67  slides on the annular ramp  68  until it passes beyond the latter. Once the annular ramp  68  has been passed, the deformable tabs  38  adopt their configuration of insertion and hold the inner part PI on the end member  28 . The outer part PE is then mounted on the end member  28  by virtue of the outer bead  64  carried by the distal annular skirt of the end member  28  and by virtue of the complementary shape on the inner surface of the outer part PE. Finally, the assembly is attached to the protective sheath  12 . 
         [0098]    The injection syringe  16  provided with the cap  20  is then inserted into the receiving device  10 . The insertion is easy, because the deformable tabs  38  are in their configuration for insertion of the cap  20 , in which configuration they are spaced apart from each other. They maintain this configuration after the insertion of the cap  20 , thereby allowing play between the cap  20  and the deformable tabs  38 . 
         [0099]    In order to inject the product contained in the injection syringe  16 , the user withdraws the cap  20  with the aid of the removal member  30 , which is made easy to grip by the gripping means  34 . During the movement of the removal member  30  with respect to the end member  28 , the free proximal end of each deformable tab  38  adopts its configuration for catching the cap  20  by cooperation with the abutment  67 , the annular ramp  68  and the recess  74  of the ring  63 . The abutment  67 , which was at the top of the annular ramp  68 , slides along the latter until it passes beyond it and is stopped by the recess  74 . The retaining lugs  40  carried by the proximal ends of the deformable tabs  38  catch on the cap  20 . The deformable tabs  38  are then in their configuration for catching the cap  20 , in which configuration they have come closer to each other. Thus, the distal movement of the removal member  30  brings about that of the cap  20  and of the ring  63 , which comes free from the annular ramp  68 , and entrains the ring  63  beyond the annular bead  70 . During and after the withdrawal of the removal member  30 , the ring  63  is maintained on the deformable tabs  38 , which are blocked in the catching configuration by the recess  74 . Thus, the cap  20  remains secured in the removal member  30 . 
         [0100]    Of course, it will be possible to make numerous modifications to the invention without departing from the scope thereof. 
         [0101]    In particular, the receiving device  10  can have just one sleeve for receiving the injection syringe  16 , or the protective sheath  12  can be received in the syringe support  14  and be in the form of an extensible protective sheath. 
         [0102]    Moreover, the receiving device  10  may not have an end member  28 , and the sleeve  14  for receiving the injection syringe  16 , the syringe support  14  or the protective sheath  12  may carry anti-slip means. 
         [0103]    The number of deformable tabs  38  and the number of annular beads  42  are given merely by way of example. Furthermore, the annular bead  42  may not continue about the entire circumference of the inner surface of the removal member  30 . Moreover, the cross section of the annular bead can have shapes other than those described, and the securing means can have a form other than that of an annular bead. 
         [0104]    Furthermore, the features of the different embodiments can be combined with one another.