PIERCING DEVICE WITH RETRACTABLE NEEDLE

Abstract

A piercing device comprising a main body, a piercing needle and a stud member, in which said piercing needle protrudes in a first direction from a first slider, in which said first slider is mounted on a first track provided on said main body, and is reciprocally moveable along a piercing axis between a stand-by position and a piercing position, in which said stud member is removably mounted to second slider and protrudes therefrom in a second direction opposite to said first direction, in which said second slider is mounted on a second track and is moveable along said piercing axis in said second direction, in which said first slider comprises a first connector part and said second slider comprises a second connector part, in which in a first device configuration said first slider is in said stand-by position and is located relative to said second slider such that said first connector part is spaced from said second connector part, and in which in a second device configuration said first slider is in said piercing position and is located relative to said second slider such that said first connector part is engaged with said second connector part, and subsequent movement of said first slider in said second direction is transmitted to said second slider.

Claims

1. A piercing device comprising a main body, a piercing needle and a stud member, in which said piercing needle protrudes in a first direction from a first slider, in which said first slider is mounted on a first track provided on said main body, and is reciprocally moveable along a piercing axis between a stand-by position and a piercing position, in which said stud member is removably mounted to second slider and protrudes therefrom in a second direction opposite to said first direction, in which said second slider is mounted on a second track and is moveable along said piercing axis in said second direction, in which said first slider comprises a first connector part and said second slider comprises a second connector part, in which in a first device configuration said first slider is in said stand-by position and is located relative to said second slider such that said first connector part is spaced from said second connector part, and in which in a second device configuration said first slider is in said piercing position and is located relative to said second slider such that said first connector part is engaged with said second connector part, and subsequent movement of said first slider in said second direction is transmitted to said second slider.

2. A piercing device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a clamp, in which said clamp comprises a static jaw and a sliding jaw with a containment area therebetween, in which said sliding jaw is mounted on a third track for movement along said piercing axis, in which said static jaw and said sliding jaw each comprise a needle aperture on said piercing axis, in which said piercing device comprises a handle for moving said sliding jaw between an open position and a clamping position, in which said static jaw and said sliding jaw are located on said piercing axis between said first slider and said second slider, and in which said first slider is located relative to said static jaw such that said piercing needle extends through said needle apertures in said second device configuration.

3. A piercing device as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a needle sleeve, in which said needle sleeve is provided on a third slider and comprises a first section extending through said third slider and a second section protruding in said first direction from said third slider, in which said third slider is mounted on said first track and is reciprocally moveable along said piercing axis between a retracted position and an advanced position, in which said third slider is located on said piercing axis between said first slider and said sliding jaw, in which said first slider comprises a first engagement surface facing in said first direction, in which said third slider comprises a second engagement surface facing in said second direction, in which in said first device configuration said third slider is in said retracted position and is located relative to said first slider such that said first engagement surface is spaced from said second engagement surface, but at least a tip of said needle is enclosed in said needle sleeve, in which in a third device configuration said first slider is located in an intermediate position between said stand-by position and said piercing position and relative to said third slider such that said first engagement surface contacts said second engagement surface, and subsequent movement of said first slider in said first direction moves said third slider from said retracted position towards said advanced position, in which said needle sleeve is dimensioned such that in said third device configuration said tip of said needle protrudes from said needle sleeve, and in which said third slider is positioned relative to said static jaw such that said needle sleeve extends through said needle apertures in said second device configuration.

4. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 3 in which said third slider comprises a tail portion extending in said second direction therefrom, in which a third connector part is provided at an outer end of said tail portion, in which said first slider comprises a fourth connector part, in which in a fourth device configuration said third slider is in said advanced position, said first connector part is engaged with said second connector part, and said first slider is located relative to said third slider such that said third connector part is engaged with said fourth connector part, and subsequent movement of said first slider in said second direction moves said third slider from said advanced position towards said retracted position, and in which in said fourth device configuration an end portion of said stud member is enclosed in said needle sleeve.

5. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 4 in which said first slider comprises an opening through which said tail portion extends and a third engagement surface facing in said second direction, in which said third connector part comprises a flange at an outer end thereof with a greater diameter than said opening, and in which in said fourth device configuration said flange contacts said third engagement surface.

6. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a trigger, in which said trigger is connected to said first slider by a first linkage so movement of said trigger is transmitted thereto, in which said trigger is mounted for movement on a first displacement mechanism provided on said main body, and in which said trigger is movable between a primed position in which said first slider is in said stand-by position, and a depressed position in which said first slider is in said piercing position.

7. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 6 in which said first displacement mechanism comprises an enclosure formed by said main body in which said trigger is reciprocally moveable along a linear trigger axis.

8. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 6 in which said first linkage comprises a compound gear comprising a driver gear on a first rack provided on said trigger and a driven gear on a second rack associated with said first slider.

9. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 6 in which a first non-return ratchet is disposed between said trigger and said main body which prevents movement of said trigger towards said primed position until said trigger is in said depressed position.

10. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 9 in which said first non-return ratchet comprises a sheath provided on said main body and a rod associated with said trigger for relative reciprocal movement in said sheath in unison with movement of said trigger on said first displacement mechanism, in which said rod comprises a plurality of radially outwardly extending teeth and said sheath comprises a plurality of radially inwardly extending ratchet slots for engaging said plurality of teeth in a non-return manner, in which said plurality of teeth extend only partially around said rod circumferentially and said ratchet slots extend only partially around said sheath circumferentially, in which said rod comprises a radially outwardly extending boss and said sheath comprises a radially inwardly extending guide slot in which said boss is disposed, in which said guide slot extends in an axial direction of said sheath and comprises a first portion, second portion, third portion and fourth portion, in which said first portion is axially linear and determines a first axial rotational position of said boss when said trigger is in said primed position and when said trigger is travelling from said primed position to said depressed position, in which in said first axial rotational position of said boss said teeth are axially aligned with said ratchet slots, in which said second portion extends in a helical direction of said sheath and transmits linear movement of said rod in said sheath into a first axial rotation of said boss from said first axial rotational position to a second axial rotational position in which said teeth are axially displaced from said ratchet slots, in which said third portion is axially linear and determines said second axial rotational position of said boss when said trigger is in said depressed position and when said trigger is travelling from said depressed position to said primed position, and in which said fourth portion extends in a helical direction of said sheath and transmits linear movement of said rod in said sheath into a second axial rotation of said boss from said second axial rotational position back to said first axial rotational position.

11. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 9 in which at least one first spring member is disposed between said trigger and said main body which biases said trigger towards said primed position.

12. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 6 in which said main body comprises a trigger housing and a needle cartridge removably mounted thereon, in which said needle cartridge comprises said first slider, first track, piercing needle, second slider, second track and stud member, in which said first linkage comprises a first drive body disposed in said trigger housing, in which movement of said trigger from said primed position to said depressed position moves said first drive body from a start position to an end position, in which said first slider comprises a first interface portion, in which said first drive body comprises a second interface portion, and in which said first interface portion interfaces with said second interface portion when said needle cartridge is mounted to said trigger housing, such that movement of said first drive body is transmitted to said first slider.

13. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 2 in which said handle is connected to said sliding jaw by a second linkage so movement of said handle is transmitted thereto, in which said handle is mounted on a second displacement mechanism provided on said main body and is movable between a rearward position in which said sliding jaw is in said open position and a forward position in which said sliding jaw is in said clamping position.

14. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 13 in which a second non-return ratchet is disposed between said handle and said main body, in which said second non-return ratchet comprises a rack, a pawl member and a release mechanism, and in which said second non-return ratchet prevents movement of said handle towards said rearward position unless said release mechanism is activated.

15. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 14 in which a second spring member is disposed between said handle and said main body which biases said handle towards said rearward position.

16. An ear piercing device as claimed in claim 13 in which said main body comprises a trigger housing and a needle cartridge removably mounted thereon, in which said needle cartridge comprises said first slider, first track, piercing needle, second slider, second track, stud member and clamp, in which said second linkage comprises a second drive body disposed in said trigger housing, in which movement of said handle from said rearward position to said forward position moves said second drive body from a primary position to a secondary position, and in which said sliding jaw comprises a third interface portion, in which said second drive body comprises a fourth interface portion, in which said third interface portion interfaces with said fourth interface portion when said needle cartridge is mounted to said trigger housing, such that movement of said second drive body is transmitted to said sliding jaw.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The invention can be performed in various ways, but one embodiment will now be described by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a piercing device according to the present invention in a first device configuration;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the piercing device as shown in FIG. 1 in a second device configuration;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of internal components of the piercing device as shown in FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the piercing device as shown in FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the piercing device shown in FIG. 1 in the first device configuration;

[0039] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the piercing device shown in FIG. 1 in the first device configuration with a sliding jaw component thereof in the clamping position;

[0040] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the piercing device shown in FIG. 1 in the second device configuration;

[0041] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the piercing device shown in FIG. 1 between the second device configuration and a fourth device configuration;

[0042] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the piercing device shown in FIG. 1 in a fifth device configuration;

[0043] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the piercing device shown in FIG. 1 in the fifth device configuration with the sliding jaw component thereof in the open position;

[0044] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first non-return ratchet component of the piercing device shown in FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the first non-return ratchet component as shown in FIG. 1 in a first position;

[0046] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the first non-return ratchet component as shown in FIG. 1 in a second position;

[0047] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the first non-return ratchet component as shown in FIG. 1 in a third position;

[0048] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the first non-return ratchet component as shown in FIG. 1 in a fourth position; and,

[0049] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the first non-return ratchet component as shown in FIG. 1 in a fifth position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] As shown in the Figures, a piercing device 1 comprises a main body 2, a piercing needle 3 and a stud member 4. The piercing needle 3 protrudes in a first direction A from a first slider 5. The first slider 5 is mounted on a first track 6 provided on the main body 2, and is reciprocally moveable along a piercing axis B-B between a stand-by position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, and a piercing position, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. The stud member 4 is removably mounted to second slider 7 and protrudes therefrom in a second direction C opposite to the first direction A. The second slider 7 is mounted on a second track 8 and is moveable along the piercing axis B-B in the second direction C. The first slider 5 comprises a first connector part, in the form of catches 28, and the second slider 7 comprises a second connector part, in the form of upstanding portion 29. In a first device configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the first slider 5 is in the stand-by position and is located relative to the second slider 7 such that the first connector part (28) is spaced from the second connector part (29). In a second device configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the first slider 5 is in the piercing position and is located relative to the second slider 7 such that the first connector part (28) is engaged with the second connector part (29), and subsequent movement of the first slider 5 in the second direction is transmitted to the second slider 7.

[0051] The piercing device 1 is made from moulded plastics materials. The main body 2 comprises a reusable trigger housing 11 and a single-use needle cartridge 12 removably mounted thereon. The trigger housing 11 comprises two side pieces 13 and 14 which are joined together, and which form various of the internal spaces and features described below. Numerous parts are housed inside the trigger housing 11, and are supported thereby. Likewise, the needle cartridge 12 also comprises two side pieces 15 and 16 which are joined together, and which also form various of the internal spaces and features described below. Again, numerous parts are housed inside the needle cartridge 12, and are supported thereby.

[0052] The needle cartridge 12 comprises a first pair of opposed internal slots, one of which 17 is visible in FIGS. 5 to 10, which are moulded into the side pieces 15 and 16 thereof. The first pair of internal slots 17 provide both the first track 6 and the second track 8, upon which the first slider 5 and the second slider 7 travel back and forth, as described further below. The needle cartridge 12 also comprises a second pair of opposed internal slots, one of which 18 is visible in FIGS. 5 and 10, which are also moulded into the side pieces 15 and 16 thereof. The second pair of internal slots 18 are directly below the first pair or internal slots 17, and provide a third track 19. The needle cartridge 12 also comprises a third pair of opposed internal slots 20, which are also moulded into the side pieces 15 and 16 thereof. The third pair of internal slots 20 are above the first pair or internal slots 17, and provide a fourth track 21.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 3, the first slider 5 comprises a first pair of lateral tabs 22, which are disposed in the first track 6. Likewise, the second slider 7 comprises a second pair of lateral tabs 23, which are disposed in the second track 8. The second slider 7 also comprises a supplementary pair of lateral tabs 24, which are disposed in the third track 19 below. This provides additional support for the second slider 7.

[0054] As is clear from FIGS. 2 and 3, the first slider 5 comprises a pair of resilient arms 25, the outer ends 26 of which comprise rounded ends 27 and catches 28. The resilient arms 25 are disposed in the fourth track 21, which supports them for movement, although the arms 25 extend therefrom in the second device configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. The two catches 28 comprise the first connector part referred to above. The second slider 7 comprises an upstanding portion 29 which comprises the second connector part referred to above. When the first slider 5 is driven towards the second slider 7 in use the rounded ends 27 are applied to the upstanding portion 29, and the resilient arms 25 flex outwardly until the upstanding portion 29 is captured in the catches 28. Subsequent movement of the first slider 5 in the second direction is thereby transmitted to the second slider 7.

[0055] The upstanding portion 29 comprises a stud member socket 30 comprising an top opening 31 and a front opening 32. A head portion 33 of the stud member 4 fits into the stud socket 30 via the top opening 31, with a pin portion 34 thereof extending out from the front opening 31.

[0056] The piercing device 1 comprises a clamp 35, which comprises a static jaw 36 and a sliding jaw 37 with a containment area 38 therebetween. The static jaw 36 is fixed in place between the two side pieces 15 and 16 of the needle cartridge 12, and doesn't move. The sliding jaw 37 is mounted on the third track 19 for movement along the piercing axis B-B. It comprises a third pair of lateral tabs 39 which are disposed in the third track 19. The static jaw 36 and the sliding jaw 37 each comprise a needle aperture 40 and 41 respectively on the piercing axis B-B.

[0057] A handle 42 is provided for moving the sliding jaw 37 between an open position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, and a clamping positon, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. The clamping position shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 is artificial because the sliding jaw 37 abuts against the static jaw 36, and nothing is clamped between them. The device 1 is shown in the figures in this configuration for illustrative purposes only, and to demonstrate the full range of movement of the sliding jaw 37. In use the clamping position adopted each time will be the position the sliding jaw 37 assumes when the subject's ear lobe (not shown) is located in the containment area 38, and is clamped between the static jaw 36 and the sliding jaw 37.

[0058] The handle 42 comprises a pair of laterally extending bars, only one of which 43 is visible in the Figures, which extend out of side openings, only one of which 45 is visible in the Figures, in the respective side pieces 13 and 14 of the trigger housing 11. The action and movement of the handle 42 is described in further detail below.

[0059] As is clear from the Figures, the static jaw 36 and the sliding jaw 37 are located on the piercing axis B-B between the first slider 5 and the second slider 7. As shown in FIG. 7 the first slider 5 is located relative to the static jaw 36 such that the piercing needle 3 extends through both of the needle apertures 40 and 41 in the second device configuration. As such, the piercing needle 3 will always travel completely through the subject's ear lobe in the containment area 38.

[0060] The piercing device 1 further comprises a needle sleeve 47, which is provided on a third slider 48. The needle sleeve 47 comprises a first section 49 extending through the third 48 slider and a second section 50 protruding in the first direction A from the third slider 48. The third slider 48 comprises a fourth pair of lateral tabs 46, which are disposed in the first track 6, and it is reciprocally moveable along the piercing axis B-B between a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 5, and an advanced position, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. The third slider 48 is located on the piercing axis B-B between the first slider 5 and the sliding jaw 37. The first slider 5 comprises a first engagement surface 51 facing in the first direction A, and the third slider 48 comprises a second engagement surface 52 facing in the second direction C.

[0061] In the first device configuration as shown in FIG. 5, the third slider 48 is in the retracted position and is located relative to the first slider 5 such that the first engagement surface 51 is spaced from the second engagement surface 52, but at least a tip 53 of the piercing needle 3 is enclosed in the needle sleeve 47. In a third device configuration, not shown, the first slider 5 is located in an intermediate position between the stand-by position shown in FIG. 5 and the piercing position shown in FIG. 7, in which it is positioned relative to the third slider 48 such that the first engagement surface 51 contacts the second engagement surface 52, and subsequent movement of the first slider 5 in the first direction A moves the third slider 48 from the retracted position towards the advanced position. The needle sleeve 47 is dimensioned such that in the third device configuration the tip 53 of the piercing needle 3 protrudes from the needle sleeve 47 (this is illustrated in FIG. 7, in which the first engagement surface 51 is contacting the second engagement surface 52 in the same way.) The third slider 48 is positioned relative to the static jaw 36 that the needle sleeve 47 extends through the needle apertures 40 and 41 in the second device configuration, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, the first slider 5 comprises an opening 54, and the third slider 48 comprises a tail portion 55 extending in the second direction C therefrom, which extends through the opening 54. The first slider 5 comprises a flange socket 56 facing in the second direction C, and a flange 57 is provided at an outer end 58 of the tail portion 55 which has a greater diameter than the opening 54. Therefore, in a fourth device configuration, not shown, the third slider 48 is still in the advanced position it has been driven to, and the first slider 5 is connected to the second slider 7. However, the first slider 5 has moved back towards the stand-by position until it is located relative to the third slider 48 for the flange 57 to slot into the flange socket 56. As such, subsequent movement of the first slider 5 in the second direction moves the third slider 48 from the advanced position back towards the retracted position. FIG. 8 shows the components arranged just prior to the fourth configuration being assumed, as the flange 57 is about to be collected by the flange socket 56.

[0063] The length of the tail portion 55 is such that two important effects are achieved. Firstly, in the fourth device configuration an end portion 59 of the stud member 4 is enclosed in the needle sleeve 47 (this is achieved already in the position shown in FIG. 8). Therefore, once the piercing needle 3 has passed through the containment area 38 there is never a period during which no part of the piercing device 1 extends through the containment area 38, and hence through the subject's ear lobe. The end portion 59 of the stud member 4 is already enclosed in the needle sleeve 47 before the needle sleeve 47 moves in the second direction C. As such, the piercing formed in the subject's ear lobe is maintained by the needle sleeve 47 as the stud member 4 is moved into position. This results in a smooth and relatively painless insertion of the stud member 4.

[0064] The second effect of the length of the tail portion 55 is that in the fourth device configuration the first slider 5 and the third slider 48 are spaced relative to one another as in the first device configuration, and in particular so the tip 53 of the piercing needle 3 is enclosed in the needle sleeve 47. This ensures that once the tip 53 of the piercing needle 3 is withdrawn back into the needle sleeve 47 it never protrudes therefrom again.

[0065] The piercing device 1 comprises a trigger 60, which is supported for linear reciprocal movement in a trigger enclosure 61 formed by the trigger housing 11. The trigger 60 comprises two moulded side pieces 62 and 63 which are joined together, in order to form a solid unit for manual manipulation, but also to provide internal spaces for other components, as described further below.

[0066] The trigger 60 is connected to the first slider 5 by a first linkage, generally designated 64, so movement of the trigger 60 is transmitted thereto. The trigger 60 is manually movable between a primed position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, in which the first slider 5 is in the stand-by position, and a depressed position as shown in FIG. 7, in which the first slider 5 is in the piercing position.

[0067] The first linkage 64 comprises a compound gear 65 and a first drive body 66, which are disposed in the trigger housing 11. The compound gear 65 comprises a driver gear 67 (visible in FIG. 3) on a first rack 68 provided on the trigger 60, and a driven gear 69 on a second rack 70 provided on the first drive body 66. The compound gear 65 is supported on a spindle 71 mounted between the side pieces 13 and 14 of the trigger housing 11.

[0068] Therefore, movement of the trigger 60 from the primed position to the depressed position moves the first drive body 66 from a start position as shown in FIG. 5, to an end position as shown in FIG. 7.

[0069] The first slider 5 comprises a first interface portion in the form of first socket 74 (visible in FIG. 3), and the first drive body 66 comprises a second interface portion in the form of upstanding tab 75. The upstanding tab 75 is removably located in the first socket 74 when the needle cartridge 12 is mounted to the trigger housing 11. The upstanding tab 75 and the first socket 74 interface with one another such that all movement of the first drive body 66 is transmitted to the first slider 5. Thus, linear movement of the trigger 60 is transmitted to the first slider 5 via the first linkage 64, and the relative linear movements thereof are controlled by the compound gear ratio. As is clear from the Figures, this is approximately 1:2.

[0070] A non-return ratchet 76 is disposed in the trigger enclosure 61 between the trigger 60 and the trigger housing 11, which prevents movement of the trigger 60 towards the primed position until the trigger 60 is in the depressed position. The non-return ratchet 76 comprises a sheath 77 mounted to the trigger housing 11, and a rod 78 mounted to the trigger 60 for relative reciprocal movement in the sheath 77 in unison with movement of the trigger 60 in the trigger enclosure 61.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the sheath 77 comprises a tubular part 79, which has a lateral opening 80 formed therein. Disposed in opposite sides of the lateral opening 80 are opposed first ratchet member 81 and second ratchet member 82, each of which comprises a pair of stop tabs 83 which delimit their travel into the lateral opening 80 beyond the position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Disposed around the tubular part 79 and over the first and second ratchet members 81 and 82 are clip springs 84 and 85, which bias the first and second ratchet members 81 and 82 into the lateral opening 80. The clip springs 84 and 85 are prevented from moving axially on the tubular part 79 by the stop tabs 83, and by central tabs 86 provided between the stop tabs 83. The first and second ratchet members 81 and 82 each comprise a plurality of radially inwardly extending ratchet slots 87. As is clear from FIG. 12, the ratchet slots 87 each comprise a first face 88 which is inclined relative to the rod 78, and a second face 89 which is orthogonal to the rod 78. Each of the first and second ratchet members 81 and 82 also comprise an initial face 90 which is inclined relative to the rod 78. As the ratchet slots 87 are only provided on the first and second ratchet members 81 and 82 on not on the tubular part 79, they extend only partially around the sheath 77 circumferentially. An inner end 91 of the sheath 77 is mounted in a sheath socket 92 provided in the trigger enclosure 61.

[0072] The rod 78 comprises a plurality of radially outwardly extending teeth 93, which are engaged in a non-return manner in use by the plurality of ratchet slots 87. As is clear in FIG. 11 the plurality of teeth 93 comprise a first set 94 which extend only partially around the rod 78 circumferentially, and which are engaged in use by the first ratchet member 81, and a second set 95 which extend only partially around the rod 78 circumferentially, and which are engaged in use by the second ratchet member 82. An outer end 96 of the rod 78 is mounted in a rod socket 97 provided on the trigger 60.

[0073] Therefore, when the trigger 60 is manually depressed in use the rod 78 is driven into the sheath 77. The teeth 93 are firstly forced against the initial faces 90 of the first and second ratchet members 81 and 82, which drives them radially outwardly against the compression force of the clip springs 84 and 85. Once the teeth 93 have moved past the initial faces 90 the first and second ratchet members 81 and 82 are forced back towards the rod 78 by the clip spring 84 and 85. From that point the same action is performed as the teeth 93 move down the ratchet slots 87 in turn. As the second faces 89 of the ratchet slots 87 are orthogonal to the rod 78, it cannot move back the way it came because the teeth 93 are held in place.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 11, the rod 78 comprises a first radially outwardly extending boss 98 and a second radially outwardly extending boss 99 diametrically opposed to the first boss 98. The sheath 77 then comprises a first radially inwardly extending guide slot 100 and a second radially inwardly extending guide slot 101 diametrically opposed to the first guide slot 100. The first and second bosses 98 and 99 are disposed in the first and second guide slots 100 and 101 respectively.

[0075] Each of the first and second guide slots 100 and 101 extends in an axial direction of the sheath 77 and comprises a first portion 102, second portion 103, third portion 104 and fourth portion 105. In each case the first portion 102 is axially linear and determines a first axial rotational position of the respective boss 98 or 99 when the trigger 60 is in the primed position, as illustrated in FIG. 12, and when the trigger 60 is travelling from the primed position to the depressed position, as illustrated in FIG. 13. As is clear from these figures in the first axial rotational position of the first and second bosses 98 and 99 the teeth 93 are axially aligned with the ratchet slots 87. As such, the first non-return ratchet 76 functions to allow the trigger 60 to be depressed, but prevents it from travelling back towards the primed position. The interaction of the teeth 93 and the ratchet slots 87 also creates a perceptible indication felt by the user.

[0076] In each case the second portion 103 extends in a helical direction of the sheath 77 and transmits linear movement of the rod 78 in the sheath 77 into a first axial rotation of the first and second bosses 98 and 99 from the first axial rotational position to a second axial rotational position in which the teeth 93 are axially displaced from the ratchet slots 87, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In each case the second portion 102 is provided towards the inner internal end 106 of the sheath 77, so this rotation of the rod 78 occurs as the trigger 60 reaches the end of its movement into the depressed position. Therefore, once the trigger 60 is fully depressed it is then free to return back towards the primed position as the teeth 93 are no longer restrained by the ratchet slots 87.

[0077] In each case the third portion 104 is axially linear and the first and second bosses 98 and 99 travel along it in the second axial rotational position. As such, the rod 78 is maintained in this position in which the teeth 93 are displaced from the ratchet slots 87 as the trigger 60 moves back from the depressed position towards the primed positon, as illustrated by FIG. 15.

[0078] In each case the fourth portion 105 extends in a helical direction of the sheath 77 and transmits linear movement of the rod 78 in the sheath 77 into a second axial rotation of the first and second bosses 98 and 99 from the second axial rotational position back to the first axial rotational position, at which the teeth 93 are once again aligned with the ratchet slots 87, as illustrated in FIG. 16. In each case the fourth portion 105 is provided towards an outer internal end 106a of the sheath 77, so this rotation of the rod 78 occurs as the trigger 60 reaches the end of its movement back into the primed position. Therefore, once the trigger 60 has returned to the primed position it is then back in the correct position for a repeat of the action described above.

[0079] It will be appreciated that the manner in which the first non-return ratchet 76 controls the movement of the trigger 60 is transmitted via the trigger 60, the first linkage 64 and the first slider 5 to the piercing needle 3. As such, the piercing needle 3 cannot be moved in the second direction until the rod 78 is free to return back out from the sheath 77. This means that the piercing action of the piercing needle 3 through the containment area 38 cannot be deliberately or inadvertently reversed. This prevents any accidental part piercing taking place.

[0080] A first coil spring 107 and a second coil spring 108 are disposed in the trigger enclosure 61 between the trigger 60 and the trigger housing 11. The first and second coil springs 107 and 108 bias the trigger 60 towards the primed position. This achieves three functions. Firstly, it provides a dampening resistance to the depression of the trigger 60, so its position is controlled and a smooth action is achieved. Secondly, it provides a force which urges the teeth 93 into engagement with the ratchet slots 87, and the second faces 89 in particular. Thirdly, it also provides a force which drives the trigger 60 back to the primed position. This drive is transmitted via the first linkage 64 to the first slider 5, and provides the motive force for the first slider 5 to travel from the piecing position back to the stand-by position, and for the various other actions associated with that movement to be performed, as explained above.

[0081] Referring back to FIG. 3, the handle 42 comprises a lever 109, a lower end 110 of which is pivotally mounted between the side pieces 13 and 14 of the trigger housing 11. As such, the handle is movable between a rearward position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, in which the sliding jaw 37 is in the open position, and a forward position, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 in which the sliding jaw 37 is in the clamping position.

[0082] The handle 42 is connected to the sliding jaw 37 by a second linkage 111 so movement of the handle 42 is transmitted thereto. The second linkage 111 comprises a second drive body 112 mounted for reciprocal linear movement inside the trigger housing 11. The trigger housing 11 comprises a fourth pair of internal slots, one of which 113 is visible in FIG. 6, formed in the side pieces 13 and 14 thereof, which form a fifth track 114. The second drive body 112 comprises a fifth pair of lateral tabs 115, one of which is visible in FIG. 3, which are located in the fifth track 114.

[0083] The handle 42 is connected to the second drive body 112 by means of laterally extending bars 43 being disposed in lateral recesses, only one of which 116 is visible in FIG. 3, provided in the second drive body 112.

[0084] The sliding jaw 37 comprises a third interface portion, in the form of downwardly depending tab 117, and the second drive body 112 comprises a fourth interface portion in the form of second socket 118. The downwardly depending tab 117 is removably located in the second socket 118 when the needle cartridge 12 is mounted to the trigger housing 11, as shown in FIG. 5. The downwardly depending tab 117 and the second socket 118 interface with one another such that all movement of the second drive body 112 is transmitted to the sliding jaw 37. Thus, pivoting movement of the handle 42 is transmitted to the sliding jaw 37 via the second linkage 111. The distance the laterally extending bars 43 travel circumferentially about the lower end 110 equates to the the linear distance the sliding jaw 37 is moved.

[0085] A second non-return ratchet 119 is disposed between the handle 42 and the trigger housing 11. This comprises a third rack 120 provided on an underside 121 of the second drive body 112 and a pawl member in the form of leaf spring 122 which is mounted in a leaf spring socket 123 provided on the trigger housing 11. A release mechanism is provided in the form of button 124, which is mounted in button socket 125 provided on the trigger housing 11. When the handle 42 is moved from the rearward position shown in FIG. 5 to the forward position shown in FIG. 6 the third rack 120 is moved over the leaf spring 122, and the leaf spring 122 acts against the third rack 120 to prevent it travelling back. Therefore, when the handle 42 is manually manipulated to move the sliding jaw 37 into a clamping position in use, the sliding jaw 37 is held in the final position achieved. This acts to hold the subject's ear lobe in the containment area 38.

[0086] To release the sliding jaw 37 the button 124 is depressed as shown in FIG. 10, and a finger part 126 thereof pushes the leaf spring 122 in the first direction A, which displaces it from the third rack 120. The second drive body 112 is then free to return back to its primary position, which moves the sliding jaw 37 back to its open position.

[0087] A third coil spring 127 is disposed in the trigger housing 11 between the second drive body 112 and a third coil spring socket 128. The third coil spring 127 biases the handle 42 towards its rearward position. This achieves three functions. Firstly, it provides a dampening resistance to the rotation of the handle 42, so its position is controlled and a smooth action is achieved. Secondly, it provides a force which urges the leaf spring 122 into engagement with the third rack 120. Thirdly, it also provides a force which drives the second drive body 112 back to its primary position when second non-return ratchet 119 is released as a result of the button 124 being depressed.

[0088] Referring back to FIG. 4, this shows the single use needle cartridge 12 separate from the multi-use trigger housing 11. As explained above, the needle cartridge 12 comprise the first slider 5, second slider 7, third slider 48, static jaw 36 and sliding jaw 37, as well as the piercing needle 3, needle sleeve 47 and stud member 4. It also comprises latches 129 and 130 which are a removable snap-fit in catches 131 and 132 respectively provided on the trigger housing 11. Latch 129 comprises a release button 133 which is accessible through a release opening 134 on the trigger housing 11.

[0089] In use the piercing device 1 operates as follows. The needle cartridge 12 is provided in sealed sterile packaging, which is removed immediately prior to use. The needle cartridge 12 is then attached to the trigger housing 11 by means of the latches 129 and 130 and catches 131 and 132. When this happens the upstanding tab 75 on the first drive body 66 engages the first socket 74 on the first slider 5, and the downwardly depending tab 117 on the sliding jaw 37 engages the second socket 118 on the second drive body 112.

[0090] The piercing device 1 is then offered up to the subject's head, until their earlobe (not shown) is positioned as desired in the containment area 38. The user then manually pushes the handle 42 from its rearward position until the subject's ear lobe is secured between the static jaw 36 and the sliding jaw 37. Movement of the handle 42 is transmitted to the sliding jaw 37 by the second linkage 111, and namely by means of the second drive body 112 travelling in the first direction A down the fifth track 114, which moves the sliding jaw 36 above it in the same direction down the third track 19. The second non-return ratchet 119 ensures that the sliding jaw 37 remains in the clamping position achieved.

[0091] The user then manually depresses the trigger 60 from its primed position all the way to its depressed position. This should be done in a single swift action. Movement of the trigger 60 is transmitted to the first slider 5 by the first linkage 64, and the first non-return ratchet 76 ensures that once it has begun travelling in the first direction A on the first track 6 the first slider 5 can only continue on until it has reached the piercing position.

[0092] Once the first slider 5 starts to move in the first direction A the piercing needle 3 travels along the piercing axis B-B and through the needle sleeve 47 until the tip 53 protrudes therefrom. During its movement the first slider 5 collects the third slider 48, because the first engagement surface 51 comes into contract with the second engagement surface 52. The first slider 5 and third slider 48 then move collectively in the first direction A along the piercing axis B-B, which results in the piercing needle 3 and the needle sleeve 47 travelling along the piercing axis B-B though the needle aperture 41 of the sliding jaw 37, the subject's ear lobe, and then the needle aperture 40 of the static jaw 36.

[0093] As the first slider 5 approaches its piercing position the rounded ends 27 of the pair of resilient arms 25 are applied to the upstanding portion 29 of the second slider 7, and the arms 25 flex outwardly until the upstanding portion 29 is captured in the catches 28. The first slider 5 and second slider 7 are then connected together, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7.

[0094] As the trigger 60 approaches its depressed position the first and second bosses 98 and 99 are rotated into the second axial rotational position in which the teeth 93 are axially displaced from the ratchet slots 87. As such, the user can then manually release the trigger 60, and it is driven back into its primed position by the extension force of the first and second coil springs 107 and 108. This movement of the trigger 60 is transmitted to the first slider 5 by the first linkage 64.

[0095] Once the first slider 5 starts to move along the piercing axis B-B in the second direction C on the first track 6 the piercing needle 3 travels back through the needle sleeve 47, so the tip 53 is enclosed thereby. This occurs because initially the movement of the first slider 5 is not transmitted to the third slider 48. In addition, as the first slider 5 is connected to the second slider 7, it travels along the piercing axis B-B in the second direction C on the second track 8, and the outer end 59 of the stud member 4 enters the needle sleeve 47.

[0096] These movements continue until the flange socket 56 of the first slider 5 collects the flange 57 on the tail portion 55 of the third slider 48. From that point the first slider 5, second slider 7 and third slider 48 move in unison in the second direction C, on the first track 6 and second track 8 accordingly. As such, the stud member 4 and the needle sleeve 47 move in unison back through the subject's ear lobe. Therefore, once the piercing needle 3 has passed through subject's ear lobe there is never a period during which no part of the piercing device 1 extends through the subject's ear lobe. In particular, the piercing formed in the subject's ear lobe is maintained by the needle sleeve 47 as the stud member 4 is moved into position. This results in a smooth and relatively painless insertion of the stud member 4.

[0097] The first slider 5, second slider 7 and third slider 48 move in unison in the second direction until the second slider 7 comes into contact with the static jaw 36 as shown in FIG. 9. As the second slider 7 is prevented from travelling any further in the second direction the arms 25 flex outwardly until the upstanding portion 29 is released from the catches 28. The first slider 5 and second slider 7 are then disconnected from one another. By this point the stud member 4 is in position in the subject's ear lobe.

[0098] The first slider 5 and the third slider 48 continue back on the first track 6 to their stand-by and retracted positions respectively, under the extension force of the first and second coil springs 107 and 108, which is transmitted to them via the trigger 60 and the first linkage 64

[0099] The user then presses the button 124 to release the sliding jaw 37, and it is moved back to its open position on the third track 19 by the extension force of the third coil spring 124 acting on the second drive body 112. The piercing device 1 is then withdrawn from the subject's ear lobe. The stud member 4 leaves the stud socket 30 through the top opening 31, and remains in situ in the subject's ear lobe. A clasp member of some kind (not shown) can then be affixed to the outer end 59 of the stud member 4, to keep it in place.

[0100] The single use needle cartridge 12 is then manually removed from the trigger housing 11, by depressing the release button 133, which disengages latch 129 from the catch 131. The needle cartridge 12 is then disposed of. As such the piercing device 1 functions like known ear piercing guns, with a single-use cartridge and the trigger housing 11 as a reusable tool.

[0101] The above described embodiment can be altered without departing from the scope of claim 1. For example, in one alternative embodiment a piercing device (not shown) comprises a unitary main body comprising all the above described moving parts.

[0102] In another alternative embodiment (not shown) a motor is provided to drive the first slider in the first direction as opposed to a manually manipulated trigger.

[0103] In another alternative embodiment (not shown) the trigger can be mounted on a pivot for rotation, as opposed to being mounted in an enclosure for linear movement.

[0104] Therefore, the present invention provides a piercing device which is as easy to use as known ear piercing guns, but involves the use of a retractable needle to create a superior piercing. Ease of use is further enhanced by the feature that the stud member is automatically inserted into the piercing in the subject's ear lobe at the same time as the piercing needle is withdrawn. This simplifies the ear piercing process by reducing the number of procedural steps, and also ensures that the stud is inserted cleanly into the piercing along the exact same axis as the piercing needle. In addition, the piercing device of the invention also provides a clamp which allows the subject's ear lobe to be held securely in position relative to the piercing needle and stud, which improves the accuracy and functionality of the device. Furthermore, the piercing device of the invention also incorporates a needle sleeve which encloses the piercing needle to reduce the risk of injury and prevent the tip of the needle being openly exposed to atmosphere. The needle sleeve follows the piercing needle into the piercing and extends therethrough, and remains in situ as the needle is withdrawn, thereby maintaining the piercing aperture.