Patent Description:
Syringe assemblies, and in particular hypodermic syringes, are well known in the medical field for dispensing fluids, such as medication. A conventional syringe typically includes a syringe barrel with an opening at one end and a plunger mechanism disposed through the other end. The plunger typically includes a plunger rod extending through the barrel, with a plunger head or stopper at the end of the plunger rod within the barrel and with a finger flange at the other end of the plunger rod extending out of the barrel. In use, the plunger rod is retracted through the syringe barrel to fill the syringe barrel with a fluid, such as a medication, with the plunger rod extending out from the rear end of the syringe barrel. For delivery of the medication to a patient, the opening of the syringe barrel is adapted for fluid communication with a patient, such as through a hypodermic needle fitted at the front end of the syringe barrel or through a luer-type fitting extending from the front end of the syringe barrel for attachment with a fluid line of a patient. Upon depression of the plunger rod, the plunger rod and stopper travel through the syringe barrel, thereby forcing the contents of the syringe out through the opening at the front end for delivery to the patient. Such an operation is well known in the medical field, and medical practitioners have become well accustomed to the use of such common fluid delivery procedures through standard syringes.

Conventional syringes are well known to be used in connection with a vial of a medication, where the user draws the fluid into the syringe immediately prior to injection and delivery of the fluid to the patient. Oftentimes, hypodermic syringes may be packaged as "pre-filled" devices, wherein the syringe is pre-filled with medication prior to being packaged and delivered to the end user. In this manner, there is no need for the user to fill the device prior to injection, thereby saving time for the end user and maintaining consistent volumes for delivery.

Pre-filled syringes and pre-filled metered dose syringes are often filled with narcotics or other drugs at a production facility, packaged, and then shipped to a medical facility. Once at the facility, these syringes are often placed in controlled storage and/or locked cabinets to reduce theft of the syringes themselves and/or theft of the contents of these syringes. The space within these controlled storage locations is often limited, thus there is a need for a syringe assembly that has a smaller packaging footprint to reduce the storage space required for containing this syringe. It is also desirable to produce syringes that are uniform in terms of an outer surface shape to allow for stacking of the syringes within the storage cabinet. A syringe assembly comprising two pivoting plunger arms is known from <CIT>.

Another prior document disclosing a syringe with a retractable plunger with sliding plunger members is <CIT>.

<CIT> discloses a syringe with a single-arm pivoting plunger.

A syringe assembly according to the invention is defined by the features of claim <NUM> whereby preferred embodiments are described within the dependent claims.

In one embodiment, a syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end. The syringe assembly further includes a stopper disposed within a chamber of the syringe barrel, a plunger adapter engaged with the stopper and defining a recessed portion therein, and first and second plunger arms each having a first end pivotally secured to the plunger adapter. The first and second plunger arms each have a pre-use position where the plunger arms are spaced from each other, and a use position where the plunger arms are positioned adjacent to each other and configured to displace the stopper relative to the syringe barrel. The recessed portion of the plunger adapter receives a portion of the first end of the plunger rod when the first and second plungers arms are in the pre-use position and the use position.

The first and second plunger arms are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the syringe barrel (<NUM>) when the first and second plunger arms in the pre-use position.

The stopper and the plunger adapter may be co-formed. The first and second plunger arms may each comprise an elongate body, with the first end of each plunger arm including one of a receiver and an engagement pivotally secured to the other of the receiver and the engagement positioned on the plunger adapter.

In a further embodiment, a syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, with the sidewall defining a chamber. The syringe assembly also includes a stopper disposed within the chamber of the syringe barrel, a plunger adapter engaged with the stopper, and first and second plunger arms each comprising an elongate body having a first end and a second end. The first end of each plunger arm includes one of a receiver and an engagement and the other of the receiver and the engagement engaged with the plunger adapter. The receiver is pivotally secured with the engagement. The first and second plunger arms each have a pre-use position where the first and second plunger arms are spaced from each other, and a use position where the first and second plunger arms are positioned adjacent to each other and configured to displace the stopper relative to the syringe barrel.

The stopper and the plunger adapter may be co-formed. The first and second plunger arms may be secured to each other when the first and second plunger arms are in the use position. The first and second plunger arms may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the syringe barrel when the first and second plunger arms are in the pre-use position. The first plunger arm may be positioned on an opposite side of the syringe barrel relative to the second plunger arm when the first and second plunger arms are in the pre-use position. The first plunger arm may have a locking protrusion and the second plunger arm may have a locking recess configured to receive and engage the locking protrusion of the first plunger arm. At least a portion of the elongate body of each plunger arm may be substantially L-shaped in cross-section. The plunger adapter may be formed separately from the stopper and comprise a stopper engaging portion secured to the stopper and a plunger interface portion secured to the first and second plunger arms. The plunger interface portion of the plunger adapter may be positioned outside of the chamber when the first and second plunger arms are in the pre-use position.

The first end of each plunger arm may include an extension extending from the elongate body of each plunger arm, and the receiver may be positioned on the extension of the first end of each plunger arm with the engagement positioned on the plunger adapter. Each receiver may comprise an opening corresponding to the extension of the first end of each plunger arm, and the engagement may comprise a pin-shaped member configured to be received by the respective receivers of the first and second plunger arms. The plunger adapter may include a first engagement configured to engage the receiver of the first plunger arm and a second engagement configured to engage the receiver of the second plunger arm. The syringe assembly may also include a medication or drug disposed within the syringe barrel.

In another embodiment, a syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, with the sidewall defining a chamber with a longitudinal axis extending therealong. The syringe assembly also includes a stopper disposed at least partially within the chamber, a plunger adapter engaged with the stopper and defining a recessed portion, and first and second plunger arms. Each plunger arm has a first end that is pivotally secured to the plunger adapter and transitionable from a pre-use position in which a portion of the first end of each plunger arm is secured to the plunger adapter and the first and second plunger arms extend adjacent to the syringe barrel, to a use position in which the first end of each plunger arm is entirely received within the recessed portion and the first and second plunger arms are positioned adjacent to each other.

The recessed portion may comprise a first L-shaped area configured to receive a portion of the first plunger arm and a second L-shaped area configured to receive a portion of the second plunger arm. The first L-shaped area may be offset from the second L-shaped area in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first and second plunger arms may each comprise an elongate body, with the first end of each plunger arm including a receiver pivotally secured to respective first and second engagements positioned on the plunger adapter. The first and second engagements of the plunger adapter may be offset for each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Further details and advantages of the invention will become clear upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like parts are designated with like reference numerals throughout.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial orientation terms, if used, shall relate to the referenced embodiment as it is oriented in the accompanying drawing figures or otherwise described in the following detailed description. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments described hereinafter may assume many alternative variations and embodiments. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures and described herein are simply exemplary and should not be considered as limiting.

Referring to <FIG>, a syringe assembly, generally indicated as <NUM>, adapted for the dispensing and delivery of a fluid is shown. Syringe assembly <NUM> is intended for use for injection or infusion of fluid, such as a medication, directly into a patient, and is generally shown and described for purposes of the present description as a hypodermic syringe. Syringe assembly <NUM> is contemplated for use in connection with a needle such as by connecting syringe assembly <NUM> to a separate needle assembly (not shown), or alternatively for connection with a separate intravenous (IV) connection assembly (not shown).

The syringe assembly <NUM> includes a syringe barrel <NUM> having a first or distal end <NUM> and a second or proximal end <NUM>, with a sidewall <NUM> extending therebetween and defining an interior chamber <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM>. The syringe barrel <NUM> defines a longitudinal axis L, as shown in <FIG>, extending in a longitudinal direction through the interior chamber <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM>. The syringe barrel <NUM> has an external surface <NUM> and may be in the general form of an elongated cylindrical barrel, as is known in the art for the general shape of a hypodermic syringe, although other forms for containing a fluid for delivery are also contemplated by the present invention. The first end <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM> defines an outlet opening <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM> defines a rearward opening <NUM>. The syringe barrel <NUM> may be formed of glass, or may be injection molded from thermoplastic material such as polypropylene and polyethylene according to techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, though it is to be appreciated that the syringe barrel <NUM> may be made from other suitable materials and according to other applicable techniques. In certain configurations, the syringe barrel <NUM> may include outwardly extending flanges <NUM> about at least a portion of the second end <NUM>. The flanges <NUM> may be configured for easy grasping by a medical practitioner, as will be discussed herein.

The syringe barrel <NUM> may include markings, such as graduations on the sidewall <NUM> thereof, for providing an indication as to the level or amount of fluid contained within the syringe barrel <NUM>. Such markings may be provided on the external surface <NUM>, the internal wall, or integrally formed or otherwise within the wall of syringe barrel. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the markings may provide a description of the contents of the syringe, or other identifying information, as may be known in the art.

The first end <NUM> of syringe barrel <NUM> including the outlet opening <NUM> may have a profile adapted for engagement with a separate dispensing device, such as a needle assembly or IV connection assembly, and therefore may include a mechanism for such engagement, for example, a generally tapered luer tip <NUM>, for engagement with a separate luer lock <NUM>. In one configuration, both the tapered luer tip <NUM> and the separate luer lock <NUM> may be provided with the syringe assembly. In this configuration, the luer lock <NUM> may be provided with an attachment mechanism, such as a threaded engagement <NUM>, for corresponding engagement with a cap assembly <NUM> having a cap body <NUM> and a seal <NUM>. The seal <NUM> is secured within the cap body <NUM> and is configured to close and seal the outlet opening <NUM> of the first end <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM> when the cap assembly <NUM> is engaged with the luer lock <NUM>. The seal <NUM> is secured within the cap body <NUM> via an inwardly extending protrusion <NUM> of the cap body <NUM> engaging a corresponding recessed portion <NUM> of the seal <NUM>. The seal <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> that receives the luer tip <NUM> and includes a projection <NUM> positioned within the opening <NUM> that is configured to seal the outlet opening <NUM>. In another configuration, the tapered luer tip <NUM> may be provided for direct engagement with a separate device (not shown). In addition, a mechanism for locking engagement therebetween may also be provided. Such luer connections and luer locking mechanisms are well known in the art.

The syringe assembly <NUM> further includes a plunger assembly <NUM>, at least a portion of which is adapted to be disposed at least partially within the syringe barrel. The plunger assembly <NUM> provides a mechanism for dispensing fluid contained within the interior chamber <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM>. In particular, the plunger assembly <NUM> includes first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM>, a plunger adapter <NUM>, and a stopper <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the stopper <NUM> is positioned within the interior chamber <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM> at a position adjacent to the rearward opening <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM>. The plunger adapter <NUM> may be secured to the stopper <NUM> via an engagement of a stopper engaging portion <NUM> with a threaded portion <NUM> in an opening <NUM> of the stopper <NUM>, as discussed in more detail below. In one embodiment, the plunger adapter <NUM> is formed separately from the stopper <NUM>. In another embodiment, the plunger adapter <NUM> may be formed integrally with the stopper <NUM>.

The stopper <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> and includes an elongate body <NUM> that is generally cylindrical. In one embodiment, the elongate body <NUM> of the stopper <NUM> may define the opening <NUM> configured to receive the stopper engaging portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may include the threaded portion <NUM> positioned within the opening <NUM> that is configured to receive and engage a threaded portion <NUM> of the stopper engaging portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM>. The elongate body <NUM> of the stopper <NUM> also includes one or more annular ribs <NUM> extending about the outside of the stopper <NUM> for providing sealing engagement with the interior surface of the sidewall <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM>.

The first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> each have a first end <NUM>, 72A and a second end <NUM>, 74A. The plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> each have an elongate body <NUM>, 76A that may be generally L-shaped in cross-section. The elongate body <NUM>, 76A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> defines a notched portion <NUM>, 78A adjacent to the first end <NUM>, 72A. The first end <NUM>, 72A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> includes an extension <NUM>, 80A extending from the elongate body <NUM>, 76A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM>. Each extension <NUM>, 80A extends from the respective elongate body <NUM>, 76A substantially perpendicular to, such as at about a <NUM> degree angle, the elongate body <NUM>, 76A. The extension <NUM>, 80A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> includes a receiver <NUM>, 82A that is configured to receive respective engagements <NUM>, 110A, <NUM>, 112A positioned on the plunger adapter <NUM>. Each receiver <NUM>, 82A is a slot-shaped opening defined by the extension <NUM>, 80A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM>, although other suitable arrangements for receiving an engagement may be utilized. The second end <NUM>, 74A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> includes a head portion <NUM>, 84A extending from the elongate body <NUM>, 76A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM>. The head portion <NUM>, 84A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> is semi-spherical in shape and has a generally planar edge <NUM>, 86A. The planar edge <NUM>, 86A of the head portion <NUM>, 84A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> includes a locking protrusion <NUM>, 88A and a locking recess <NUM>, 90A spaced from the locking protrusion <NUM>, 88A. The locking protrusion <NUM> and locking recess <NUM> of the first plunger arm <NUM> are configured to correspondingly engage the locking protrusion 88A and locking recess 90A of the second plunger arm <NUM>. The first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to abut each other such that the respective elongate bodies <NUM>, 76A and respective planar edges <NUM>, 86A are joined to each other to form a plunger rod configured to displace the stopper <NUM> relative to the syringe barrel <NUM>. When the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> abut each other, the respective locking protrusions <NUM>, 88A and locking recesses <NUM>, 90A engage each other to secure the first plunger arm <NUM> to the second plunger arm <NUM>. Further, the head portions <NUM>, 84A of the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to form a thumb press when the respective planar edges <NUM>, 86A are joined.

The plunger adapter <NUM> has a first end <NUM> with a stopper engaging portion <NUM>, a second end <NUM> with a plunger interface portion <NUM>, and an intermediate portion <NUM> positioned between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. The stopper engaging portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> includes the threaded portion <NUM> configured to engage the corresponding threaded portion <NUM> of the stopper <NUM>. The threaded portion <NUM> is a helical thread, although other suitable arrangements may be utilized. The plunger interface portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> defines a recessed portion <NUM>. As shown more clearly in <FIG> and <FIG>, the recessed portion <NUM> includes a first L-shaped area <NUM> configured to receive a portion of the extension <NUM> of the first plunger arm <NUM> and a portion of the elongate body <NUM> of the first plunger arm <NUM>, and a second L-shaped area <NUM> configured to receive a portion of the extension 80A of the second plunger arm <NUM> and a portion of the elongate body 76A of the second plunger arm <NUM>. The first L-shaped area <NUM> and the second L-shaped area <NUM> are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the syringe barrel. The plunger interface portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> includes a first engagement <NUM> positioned within the first L-shaped area <NUM> and configured to be received by the receiver <NUM> of the first plunger arm <NUM> and to allow pivotal movement of the first plunger arm <NUM> relative to the plunger adapter <NUM>. The plunger interface portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> also includes a second engagement <NUM> positioned within the second L-shaped area <NUM> and configured to be received by the receiver 82A of the second plunger arm <NUM> and to allow pivotal movement of the second plunger arm <NUM> relative to the plunger adapter <NUM>. The first and second engagements <NUM>, <NUM> each may be a pin-shaped member generally having a cylindrical shape, although other suitable arrangements for the engagements may be utilized. The first and second engagements <NUM>, <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> are spaced radially inward from an external surface <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> and are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the syringe barrel <NUM>. The intermediate portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> is generally cross-shaped in cross-section, although other suitably shaped portions may be provided between the plunger interface portion and the stopper engaging portion.

The first end <NUM>, 72A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> is pivotally secured to the plunger adapter <NUM> via the connection of the respective receivers <NUM>, 82A of the plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> with the respective first and second engagements <NUM>, <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM>. In particular, the first and second engagements <NUM>, <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> each have a friction fit with the respective receivers <NUM>, 82A of the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> to separately secure the plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> to the plunger adapter <NUM> and stopper <NUM> while still allowing pivotal movement of the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the plunger adapter <NUM>. Although a friction fit arrangement is disclosed, other suitable arrangements for pivotally securing the plunger arms to the plunger adapter may be utilized.

As discussed in more detail below, the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> each have a pre-use position (shown in <FIG>) and a use position (shown in <FIG>). In the pre-use position, the second end <NUM>, <NUM>A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the cap assembly <NUM>. The first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> are each substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the syringe barrel <NUM>, and the plunger interface portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> is positioned outside of the chamber <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM> when the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> are in the pre-use position. In the use position, the second end <NUM>, <NUM>A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> is spaced from the syringe barrel <NUM> along the longitudinal axis L and the first plunger arm <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the second plunger arm <NUM> to form a plunger rod that is configured to displace the stopper <NUM> relative to the syringe barrel <NUM>. In particular, in the use position, the respective elongate bodies <NUM>, 76A and respective planar edges <NUM>, 86A are joined to each other and the respective locking protrusions <NUM>, 88A and locking recesses <NUM>, 90A engage each other to secure the first plunger arm <NUM> to the second plunger arm <NUM>. Further, the head portions <NUM>, 84A of the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> form a thumb press when the respective planar edges <NUM>, <NUM>A are joined and the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> are in the use position. The first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the syringe barrel <NUM> when the plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> are in the use position. When the plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> are in the pre-use position and the use-position, the recessed portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> receives at least a portion of the first ends <NUM>, 72A of each of the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, the first L-shaped area <NUM> of the recessed portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> receives a portion of the extension <NUM> of the first plunger arm <NUM>, and the second L-shaped area <NUM> of the recessed portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> receives a portion of the extension <NUM>A of the second plunger arm <NUM>. In the use position, the first and second L-shaped areas <NUM>, <NUM> further receive a portion of the respective elongate bodies <NUM>, <NUM>A of the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM>.

The syringe assembly <NUM> is particularly useful as a pre-filled syringe, and therefore may be provided for end use with a fluid, such as a medication, contained within interior chamber <NUM> of syringe barrel <NUM>, pre-filled by the manufacturer. In this manner, the syringe assembly <NUM> can be manufactured, pre-filled with a medication, sterilized, and optionally packaged in separate packaging, for delivery, storage, and use by the end user, without the need for the end user to fill the syringe with medication from a separate vial prior to use.

Referring to <FIG>, in use, a user manually pivots each of the plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> from the pre-use position (shown in <FIG>) to the use position (shown in <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the second end <NUM>, <NUM>A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> is pivoted away from the syringe barrel <NUM> in a first direction A. The position of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> between the pre-use position and the use position is shown in phantom lines in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the cap assembly <NUM> is removed from the first end <NUM> of the syringe barrel and the second end <NUM>, <NUM>A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> is further pivoted in the first direction A (shown in <FIG>) until each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> is in the use position with continued pivoting of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> being restricted by engagement of the first end <NUM>, 72A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> with the plunger adapter <NUM>. In particular, as shown more clearly in <FIG>, <FIG>, the recessed portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> receives the extension <NUM>, 80A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> and a portion of the respective elongate bodies <NUM>, <NUM>A of the plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> thereby preventing continued pivoting in the first direction A. In other words, the recessed portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> receives the first end <NUM>, 72A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> and acts as a stop to prevent further pivoting of the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> in the first direction A when the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> reach the use position. Further, as shown in <FIG>, in the use position, the respective locking protrusions <NUM>, 88A and locking recesses <NUM>, 90A of the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> engage each other to secure the first plunger arm <NUM> to the second plunger arm <NUM>.

Furthermore, the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> are stabilized in the use position through the positioning of the first end <NUM>, <NUM>A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> within the recessed portion <NUM>. More specifically, a portion of the respective elongate bodies <NUM>, <NUM>A of the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> is received by the first and second L-shaped areas <NUM>, <NUM> of the recessed portion <NUM> and provides multiple engagement surfaces <NUM> to stabilize the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> when in the use position. The engagement surfaces <NUM> are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the syringe barrel <NUM> which stabilizes the plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> when torque is applied to the plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> during deployment thereof into the syringe barrel <NUM>. Also, pivoting of the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> from the pre-use position to the use position is stabilized due to the positioning of the extension <NUM>, 80A of each plunger arm <NUM>, <NUM> within the respective L-shaped areas <NUM>, <NUM> of the recessed portion <NUM> of the plunger adapter <NUM> during movement from the pre-use position to the use position. In particular, positioning the respective extensions <NUM> of the plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> within the respective L-shaped areas <NUM>, <NUM> of the recessed portion <NUM> in the pre-use position provides engagement surfaces <NUM> on each side of the respective extensions <NUM>, 80A to stabilize the pivoting movement of the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM>.

When the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> are in the use position, the syringe assembly <NUM> can be grasped with the user's thumb on the respective head portions <NUM>, 84A forming the thumb press and with the user's fingers grasping the flanges <NUM>. In this manner, the syringe assembly <NUM> is grasped by the user in a well known and well recognized manner. As shown in <FIG>, the user effects a squeezing movement between the thumb and forefingers thereby depressing the plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> into the rearward opening <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM>. Such movement transfers to the plunger adapter <NUM> and stopper <NUM> causing movement of the stopper <NUM> and plunger adapter <NUM> within the interior chamber <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM>, reducing the volume of the interior chamber <NUM>, and creating a positive pressure therein.

Prior to the dispensing of medication, any air trapped within interior chamber <NUM> may be expelled by initial movement of the plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> into syringe barrel <NUM> in a known manner. The user can attach luer tip <NUM> to a separate needle assembly or IV connection assembly and lockingly engage through threads <NUM> of the luer lock <NUM> in a known manner. The medication fluid within interior chamber <NUM> is forced out through outlet opening <NUM> at first end <NUM> of syringe barrel <NUM>. In this manner, the fluid medication can be expelled from the syringe barrel <NUM> through outlet opening <NUM> and into the separate needle assembly or IV assembly and into the patient.

Upon full movement of the stopper <NUM> through syringe barrel <NUM>, the stopper <NUM> "bottoms out". The stopper <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, is not fully depressed and is just short of bottoming out. After bottoming out and dispensing all of the fluid within the interior chamber <NUM> of the syringe barrel <NUM>, the syringe assembly <NUM> can be detached from the patient and appropriately discarded. Although the use of the syringe assembly <NUM> was described in connection with a pre-filled syringe, the syringe assembly <NUM> may also be utilized for aspiration by moving the stopper <NUM> to the position shown in <FIG> and retracting the stopper <NUM> by moving the second ends <NUM>, 74A of the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> away from the syringe barrel <NUM>.

The syringe assembly <NUM> may be positioned within a separate container or package prior to use. In particular, the syringe assembly <NUM> may be packaged within a blister pack, as is known in the art, although other suitable package arrangements may be utilized. Further, in storage, the syringe assembly <NUM> may be placed in a controlled environment in which space is limited. The profile of the syringe assembly <NUM> of the present invention, however, is significantly reduced from conventional pre-filled syringes having the plunger extending from the barrel prior to use. In particular, pivotally securing the first and second plunger arms <NUM>, <NUM> to the plunger adapter <NUM> and stopper <NUM> reduces the length of the syringe assembly <NUM> from conventional pre-filled syringes.

Claim 1:
A syringe assembly comprising:
a syringe barrel (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>), a second end (<NUM>), and a sidewall (<NUM>) extending between the first end and the second end, the sidewall defining a chamber (<NUM>);
a stopper (<NUM>) disposed within the chamber of the syringe barrel;
a plunger adapter (<NUM>) engaged with the stopper, the plunger adapter defining a recessed portion (<NUM>) therein;
first and second plunger arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) each having a first end (<NUM>, 72A) pivotally secured to the plunger adapter and a second end (<NUM>, 74A), wherein each of the first and second plunger arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) include a head portion (<NUM>, 84A) extending from each second end (<NUM>, 74A) of the first and second plunger arms (<NUM>, <NUM>);
the first and second plunger arms each having a pre-use position wherein the first and second plunger arms are spaced from each other, and a use position,
wherein
the recessed portion comprising multiple engagement surfaces,
wherein, in the use position, the first and second plunger arms are positioned adjacent to each other and secured to each other to form a plunger rod for displacing the stopper relative to the syringe barrel, the recessed portion of the plunger adapter receiving a portion of a first end of a plunger rod when the first and second plungers arms are in the pre-use position and the use position, and
wherein the first and second plunger arms are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the syringe barrel (<NUM>) when the first and second plunger arms are in the pre-use position and the first plunger arm is positioned on an opposite side of the syringe barrel relative to the second plunger arm when the first and second plunger arms are in the pre-use position.