Syringe Carrier

Abstract

Described is a syringe carrier comprising a body adapted to receive a barrel of a syringe. The body includes two sections having distal ends with shoulder sections. The shoulder sections are adapted to engage a circumferential gap between the barrel of the syringe and a needle shield covering a needle of the syringe.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A method comprising: proximally inserting a proximal end of a first sleeve into a distal end of a second sleeve such that an engagement between the first sleeve and the second sleeve deflects a resilient barb; and after deflecting the resilient barb, snapping the resilient barb into an opening to axially secure a syringe to the second sleeve, wherein a needle shield covers a distal needle of the syringe when the resilient barb snaps into the opening to axially secure the syringe to the second sleeve, and a proximal flange of the syringe is proximal to the resilient barb when the resilient barb snaps into the opening to axially secure the syringe to the second sleeve.

3. The method of claim 2, comprising inserting the syringe into the first sleeve such that at least a distal portion of the syringe is within the first sleeve.

4. The method of claim 3, comprising engaging a circumferential gap between a barrel of the syringe and the needle shield covering the distal needle of the syringe.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the syringe contains a medicament, the syringe and the second sleeve are configured to be disposed in an injection device, and the injection device is configured to dispense the medicament from the syringe when the syringe and the second sleeve are in the injection device.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein a distal side of the proximal flange of the syringe is proximally spaced from the proximal end of the first sleeve when the resilient barb snaps into the opening to axially secure the syringe to the second sleeve.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein the resilient barb comprises an angled surface that is angled in a proximal direction.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein the distal end of the second sleeve defines a receptacle for receiving the proximal end of the first sleeve.

9. The method of claim 2, wherein an axial length of the second sleeve is longer than an axial length of the first sleeve.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein when the resilient barb snaps into the opening to axially secure the syringe to the second sleeve, more than half of the axial length of the first sleeve extends distally beyond the distal end of the second sleeve.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein when the resilient barb snaps into the opening to axially secure the syringe to the second sleeve, more than half of the axial length of the second sleeve extends proximally beyond the proximal end of the first sleeve.

12. The method of claim 2, wherein with the first sleeve inserted into the distal end of the second sleeve there exists at least one axial location in which the first sleeve is radially disposed between the syringe and the second sleeve.

13. A method comprising: proximally inserting a proximal end of a first sleeve into a distal end of a second sleeve such that two resilient barbs deflect and then snap into one or more openings to axially secure a syringe to the second sleeve, wherein an axial length of the second sleeve is longer than an axial length of the first sleeve, and with the two resilient barbs located within the one or more openings, (i) a majority of the axial length of the first sleeve extends distally beyond the distal end of the second sleeve, (ii) a majority of the axial length of the second sleeve extends proximally beyond the proximal end of the first sleeve, (iii) a proximal flange of the syringe is proximal to the two resilient barbs, and (iv) a distal side of the proximal flange of the syringe is proximally spaced from the proximal end of the first sleeve.

14. The method of claim 13, comprising engaging a circumferential gap between a barrel of the syringe and a needle shield covering a needle of the syringe.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the syringe contains a medicament, the syringe and the second sleeve are configured to be disposed in an injection device, and the injection device is configured to dispense the medicament from the syringe when the syringe and the second sleeve are in the injection device.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the two resilient barbs snap into the one or more openings to axially secure the syringe to the second sleeve as the first sleeve and the second sleeve move relative to one another.

17. The method of claim 13, comprising inserting the proximal flange of the syringe into an element to at least partially retain the proximal flange of the syringe before proximally inserting the proximal end of the first sleeve into the distal end of the second sleeve.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the element has a proximal wall that limits proximal movement of the proximal flange of the syringe relative to the second sleeve when the two resilient barbs are located within the one or more openings.

19. A method comprising: proximally inserting a proximal end of a first sleeve into a distal portion of a second sleeve such that an engagement between the first sleeve and the second sleeve radially deflects a resilient angled portion; and after radially deflecting the resilient angled portion, snapping the resilient angled portion into an opening to limit distal movement of a syringe relative to the second sleeve, wherein a proximal flange of the syringe is proximal to the resilient angled portion when the resilient angled portion snaps into the opening to limit distal movement of the syringe relative to the second sleeve.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein a needle shield covers a distal needle of the syringe when the resilient angled portion snaps into the opening to limit distal movement of the syringe relative to the second sleeve.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the resilient angled portion snaps from a biased position into an undeflected position when moving into the opening to limit distal movement of the syringe relative to the second sleeve.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the resilient angled portion snaps into the opening to limit distal movement of the syringe relative to the second sleeve as the first sleeve and the second sleeve move relative to one another.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the syringe contains a medicament, the syringe is configured to be disposed in an injection device, and the injection device is configured to dispense the medicament from the syringe when the syringe is in the injection device.

24. A method comprising: inserting a syringe into a first part while a needle shield is removably attached to a distal end of the syringe, the needle shield covering a needle of the syringe when attached to the distal end of the syringe, and the syringe containing a medicament; proximally inserting a proximal portion of the first part into a distal portion of a second part such that a barb deflects in a radial direction and then resumes a substantially undeflected position to limit distal movement of the syringe relative to the second part; and engaging a circumferential gap between a barrel of the syringe and the needle shield, wherein after the barb has resumed the substantially undeflected position, a proximal flange of the syringe is proximal to the barb.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first part extends distally beyond a distal end of the second part when the barb deflects and then resumes the substantially undeflected position.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein an axial length of the second part is longer than an axial length of the first part.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein after the barb has resumed the substantially undeflected position, a majority of the axial length of the first part extends distally beyond the distal end of the second part.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein after the barb has resumed the substantially undeflected position, a majority of the axial length of the second part extends proximally beyond a proximal end of the first part.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein after the barb has resumed the substantially undeflected position, a distal side of the proximal flange of the syringe is proximally spaced from the proximal end of the first part.

30. The method of claim 24, comprising inserting the proximal flange of the syringe into an element to at least partially retain the proximal flange of the syringe before proximally inserting the proximal portion of the first part into the distal portion of the second part.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the element has a proximal wall configured to limit proximal movement of the proximal flange of the syringe relative to the second part.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier according to the present invention,

[0017] FIG. 2 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 1,

[0018] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 1 in the section plane A-A,

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 1,

[0020] FIG. 5 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier according to the present invention,

[0021] FIG. 6 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 5,

[0022] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 5 in the section plane A-A,

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 5,

[0024] FIG. 9 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier according to the present invention,

[0025] FIG. 10 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 9,

[0026] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 9 in the section plane A-A,

[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 9,

[0028] FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 9 with a syringe inserted,

[0029] FIG. 14 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier according to the present invention,

[0030] FIG. 15 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 14,

[0031] FIG. 16 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 14 in the section plane A-A,

[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 14,

[0033] FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 14 with a syringe inserted,

[0034] FIG. 19 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier according to the present invention,

[0035] FIG. 20 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 19,

[0036] FIG. 21 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 19 in the section plane A-A,

[0037] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 19,

[0038] FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 19 with a syringe inserted,

[0039] FIG. 24 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier according to the present invention,

[0040] FIG. 25 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 24,

[0041] FIG. 26 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 24 in the section plane A-A,

[0042] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 24,

[0043] FIG. 28 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 24 with a syringe inserted,

[0044] FIG. 29 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier according to the present invention,

[0045] FIG. 30 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 29,

[0046] FIG. 31 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 29 in the section plane A-A,

[0047] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 29,

[0048] FIG. 33 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 29 with a syringe inserted,

[0049] FIG. 34 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier according to the present invention,

[0050] FIG. 35 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 34,

[0051] FIG. 36 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 34 in the section plane A-A,

[0052] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 34,

[0053] FIG. 38 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 34 with a syringe inserted,

[0054] FIG. 39 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier according to the present invention,

[0055] FIG. 40 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 39,

[0056] FIG. 41 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 39 in the section plane B-B,

[0057] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 39,

[0058] FIG. 43 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 39 with a syringe inserted,

[0059] FIG. 44 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier according to the present invention,

[0060] FIG. 45 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 44,

[0061] FIG. 46 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 44 in the section plane B-B,

[0062] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 44, and

[0063] FIG. 48 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 44 with a syringe inserted.

[0064] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Generally, and applicable to all exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the syringe 2 comprises a barrel 2.1 and a neck 2.2 which has a smaller diameter than the barrel 2.1. A needle 3 is mounted to the neck 2.2 and a rigid needle shield (RNS) 4 is removably arranged on the needle 3. When coupled to the needle 3, a portion of the RNS may cover a portion of the neck 2.2, leaving a circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. The RNS 4 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the barrel 2.1.

[0066] FIGS. 1-4 show a first exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 according to the present in invention. FIG. 1 is a top view of the syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 2 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 1 in the section plane A-A. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 1 without the syringe 2.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment, the body 1.1 has a cylindrical shape with an internal diameter corresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. The body 1.1 comprises a collar 1.2 at a proximal end dimensioned to allow axial insertion of the syringe 2 into the syringe carrier 1 in a distal direction D. Resilient sections 1.1.1 extend distally from the collar 1.2. Distal ends of the sections 1.1.1 include shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as portions of a circle arranged in a transverse plane with respect to a longitudinal axis of the carrier 1. The shoulder sections include facing surfaces 6. When the sections 1.1.1 are in a non-deflected position, the facing surfaces 6 may abut each other, and the shoulder sections 1.4 form a circular shoulder (because the facing surfaces 6 abut each other) adapted to engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4.

[0068] The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded into the syringe carrier 1 by sliding the syringe 2 in the distal direction D into the syringe carrier 2. When the RNS 4 abuts the shoulder sections 1.4, additional axial force may be applied to cause the arms 1.3 to deflect radially. When the RNS 4 has bypassed the shoulder sections 1.4, the sections 1.1.1 may return to the non-deflected position, and the shoulder sections 1.4 may engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4 and prevent the syringe 2 from moving in the distal direction D relative to the syringe carrier 1.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end 1.5 of the body 1.1 may be arranged to receive a finger flange 2.3 of the syringe 2.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may include proximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portion of the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces to abut the RNS 4.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, viewing windows 5 may be arranged in the body 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the windows 5 are formed when cut-outs in the arms 1.3 are substantially contiguous when the arms 1.3 are in the non-deflected position (as shown in FIG. 1). A projection 1.6 may be formed around each cut-out, and when the sections 1.1.1 are in the non-deflected position, the projections 1.6 may form an outline for the window 5. In another exemplary embodiment, the windows 5 may be formed in the sections 1.1.1.

[0072] FIGS. 5-8 show a second exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 5 in the section plane A-A. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 5 without the syringe 2.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment, the body 1.1 is comprised of two resilient sections 1.1.1 which, when together, have a cylindrical shape with an internal diameter corresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. Distal ends of the sections 1.1.1 of the body 1.1 comprise part of a collar 1.2 dimensioned to allow axial insertion of the syringe 2 into the syringe carrier 1. Resilient arms 1.3 are formed in the body 1.1. Distal ends of the arms 1.3 include shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as portions of a circle arranged in a transverse plane with respect to a longitudinal axis of the carrier 1. The shoulder sections include facing surfaces 6. When the arms 1.3 are in a non-deflected position, the facing surfaces 6 may abut the distal ends of the sections 1.1.1 of the body 1.1 to form a circular shoulder adapted to engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4.

[0074] The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded into the syringe carrier 1 by sliding the syringe 2 in the distal direction D into the syringe carrier 2. When the RNS 4 abuts proximal ends of the sections 1.1.1, the sections 1.1.1 may deflect radially. When the RNS 4 has bypassed the proximal ends of the section 1.1.1, the sections 1.1.1 may return to the non-deflected position. When the RNS 4 abuts the shoulder sections 1.4, the arms 1.3 may deflect until the RNS 4 bypasses the shoulder sections 1.4. Then, the arms 1.3 may return to the non-deflected position, and the shoulder sections 1.4 and the collar 1.2 may engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4 and prevent the syringe 2 from moving in the distal direction D relative to the syringe carrier 1.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end 1.5 of the body 1.1 may be arranged to receive a finger flange 2.3 of the syringe 2. The proximal end 1.5 may also include a retainer element 1.7 which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent the syringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximal direction D.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may include proximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portion of the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces to abut the RNS 4.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, viewing windows 5 may be arranged in the body 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the windows 5 are formed when cut-outs in the sections 1.1.1 are substantially contiguous when the sections 1.1.1 are in the non-deflected position (as shown in FIG. 5). A projection 1.6 may be formed around each cut-out, and when the sections 1.1.1 are in the non-deflected position, the projections 1.6 may form an outline for the window 5.

[0078] FIGS. 9-13 show a third exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a top view of a third embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 10 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 9 in the section plane A-A. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 9 without the syringe 2. FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 9.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 9-13, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment, the body 1.1 is comprised of two sections 1.1.1 which, when together, have a cylindrical shape with an internal diameter corresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. The sections 1.1.1 may be coupled by a side hinge which allows the section 1.1.1 to rotate relative to each other sufficient to receive the syringe 2. Proximal and distal ends of the sections 1.1.1 include shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as portions of a circle arranged in a transverse plane with respect to a longitudinal axis of the carrier 1. The shoulder sections include facing surfaces 6. When the sections 1.1.1 are in a closed position, the facing surfaces 6 may abut each other so that the shoulder sections 1.4 form circular shoulders adapted to proximally abut a finger flange 2.3 on the syringe 2 and to distally engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. The facing surfaces 6 of one section 1.1.1 may include holes 1.10 and the facing surfaces 6 of the other section 1.1.1 may include pins 1.11 adapted to engage (e.g., frictionally, snap-fit, etc.) the holes 1.10 to secure the sections 1.1.1 in the closed position.

[0080] The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded into the syringe carrier 1 by opening the sections 1.1.1 about the hinge and placing the syringe 2 in the syringe carrier 2. When the sections 1.1.1 are closed, the pins 1.11 engage the holes 1.10, and the proximal shoulder sections 1.4 form circular shoulders adapted to proximally abut a finger flange 2.3 on the syringe 2 and the distal shoulder section s1.4 to distally engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. Thus, the syringe 2 is prevented from moving axially relative to the syringe carrier 1.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end 1.5 may include a retainer element 1.7 which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent the syringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximal direction D.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may include proximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portion of the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces to abut the RNS 4.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, viewing windows 5 may be arranged in the body 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the windows 5 are formed when cut-outs in the sections 1.1.1 are substantially contiguous when the sections 1.1.1 are in the closed position. A projection 1.6 may be formed around each cut-out, and when the sections 1.1.1 are in the non-deflected position, the projections 1.6 may form an outline for the window 5.

[0084] FIGS. 14-18 show a fourth exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 15 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 14 in the section plane A-A. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 14 without the syringe 2. FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 14.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 14-18, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment, the body 1.1 has a cylindrical shape with an internal diameter corresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. A distal end of the body 1.1 includes a shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as a portion of a circle arranged in a transverse plane with respect to a longitudinal axis of the carrier 1, and at least one door 1.12 hingedly coupled to the body 1.1 and including a shoulder section 1.4. A hinge 1.9 coupling the door 1.12 to the body 1.1 may be provided on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the syringe carrier 1 or on an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the syringe carrier 1. The shoulder section 1.4 includes facing surfaces 6 which abut facing surfaces 6 of the door 1.12 when the door 1.12 is in a closed position (as shown in FIG. 14). When the door 1.12 is in the closed position, the facing surfaces 6 may abut each other so that the shoulder sections 1.4 on the body 1.1 and the door 1.12 to form a circular shoulder adapted to engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. The facing surfaces 6 of the door 1.12 may include holes 1.10 and the facing surfaces 6 of the body 1.1 may include pins 1.11 (or vice-versa) adapted to engage (e.g., frictionally, snap-fit, etc.) the holes 1.10 to secure the door 1.12 in the closed position.

[0086] The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded into the syringe carrier 1 by opening the door 1.12 and sliding the syringe 2 into the syringe carrier 1. When the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4 engages the shoulder section 1.4 on the body 1.1, the door 1.12 may be closed to engage the gap and prevent the syringe 2 from moving axially relative to the syringe carrier 1.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may include proximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portion of the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces to abut the RNS 4.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, viewing windows (not shown) may be arranged in the body 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the windows are formed as cut-outs.

[0089] FIGS. 19-23 show a fifth exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 19 is a top view of a fifth embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 20 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 19 in the section plane A-A. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 19 without the syringe 2. FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 19.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 19-23, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment, the body 1.1 is comprised of two sections 1.1.1 which, when together, have a cylindrical shape with an internal diameter corresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. The sections 1.1.1 may be coupled together by clips. In an exemplary embodiment, a clip may comprise a eye 1.14 on a first section adapted to engage a hook 1.13 on a second section. The eye 1.14 may have a cross-section substantially equal to the cross-section of the hook 1.13 such that the eye 1.14 and hook 1.13 engage in a snap-fit. Distal ends of the sections 1.1.1 include shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as portions of a circle arranged in a transverse plane with respect to a longitudinal axis of the carrier 1. The shoulder sections include facing surfaces 6. When the sections 1.1.1 are in a closed position, the facing surfaces 6 may abut each other so that the shoulder sections 1.4 form circular shoulders adapted engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. Those of skill in the art will understand that the sections 1.1.1 may be hingedly connected.

[0091] The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded into the syringe carrier 1 by opening the sections 1.1.1 and placing the syringe 2 in the syringe carrier 2. When the sections 1.1.1 are closed, the eyes 1.14 engage the hooks 1.13 and the shoulder sections 1.4 engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. Thus, the syringe 2 is prevented from moving axially relative to the syringe carrier 1.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end may include a retainer element which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent the syringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximal direction D.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may include proximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portion of the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces to abut the RNS 4.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, viewing windows may be arranged in the body 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2.

[0095] FIGS. 24-28 show a sixth exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 24 is a top view of a sixth embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 25 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 24. FIG. 26 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 24 in the section plane A-A. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 24 without the syringe 2. FIG. 28 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 24.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 24-28, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment, the body 1.1 has a partially cylindrical shape with an internal diameter corresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. The body 1.1 may include a longitudinal slot (e.g., a cut-out) which is adapted to snap over the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2. Proximal and distal ends of the body 1.1 include clamps 1.15, 1.16 which are adapted to retain the syringe 2 when in the syringe carrier 1. The distal end of the body 1 further includes shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as a portion of a circle arranged in a transverse plane with respect to a longitudinal axis of the carrier 1. The shoulder sections 14 form circular shoulders adapted to engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4.

[0097] The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded into the syringe carrier 1 by pressing the barrel 2.1 against the clamps 1.15, 1.16, causing the clamps 1.15, 1.16 to deflect and widen the longitudinal slot in the body 1.1. When the barrel 2.1 bypasses the clamps 1.15, 1.16, the clamps 1.15, 1.16 return to their non-deflected position and retain the syringe 2 in the syringe carrier 1. The shoulder sections 1.4 engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. Thus, the syringe 2 is prevented from moving axially relative to the syringe carrier 1.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end may include a retainer element which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent the syringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximal direction D.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may include proximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portion of the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces to abut the RNS 4.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, a viewing window may be arranged in the body 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2.

[0101] FIGS. 29-33 show a seventh exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 29 is a top view of a seventh embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 30 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 29 in the section plane A-A. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 29 without the syringe 2. FIG. 33 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 29.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 29-33, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment, the body 1.1 has a partially cylindrical shape with an internal diameter corresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. The body 1.1 includes a collar 1.2 at its proximal end and may include a longitudinal slot (e.g., a cut-out) formed in the body 1.1 distally of the collar 1.2 which is adapted to snap over the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2. A pair of groove hinges 1.17 may be formed in the body 1.1 adjacent a proximal end of the slot. The distal end of the body 1 includes shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as a portion of a circle arranged in a transverse plane with respect to a longitudinal axis of the carrier 1. The shoulder sections 14 form circular shoulders adapted to engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4.

[0103] The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded into the syringe carrier 1 by sliding the syringe 2 through the collar 1.2 in the distal direction D. When the RNS 4 abuts the shoulder sections 1.4, the body 1.1 may radially deflect (e.g., rotate) about the groove hinges 1.17. When the RNS 4 bypasses the shoulder sections 1.4, the body 1.1 may return to its non-deflected position and retain the syringe 2 in the syringe carrier 1. The shoulder sections 1.4 engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. Thus, the syringe 2 is prevented from moving axially relative to the syringe carrier 1.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end may include a retainer element which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent the syringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximal direction D.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may include proximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portion of the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces to abut the RNS 4.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, a viewing window may be arranged in the body 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2.

[0107] FIGS. 34-38 show an eighth exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 34 is a top view of an eighth embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 35 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 34. FIG. 36 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 34 in the section plane A-A. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 34 without the syringe 2. FIG. 38 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 34.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 34-38, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment, the body 1.1 has a cylindrical shape with an annular groove 1.19 adjacent its distal end which is adapted to engage a circlip 8. The circlip 8 may engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 1.2 and the RNS 4.

[0109] The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3 and the circlip 8 attached to the syringe 2, may be loaded into the syringe carrier 1 by sliding the syringe 2 into the syringe carrier 1 in the distal direction D. In a non-deflected position, an outer diameter of the circlip 8 may be substantially equal to a diameter of the body 1.1. Thus, when the syringe 2 with the circlip 8 is inserted into the syringe carrier 1, the circlip 8 may deflect radially until the circlip 8 reaches the annular groove 1.19. The circlip 8 may then expand to the non-deflected position and retain the syringe 2 in an axial position relative to the syringe carrier 1. That is, the circlip 8 may engage the annular groove 1.19 and the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. Thus, the syringe 2 is prevented from moving axially relative to the syringe carrier 1.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end may include a retainer element which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent the syringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximal direction D.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may include proximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portion of the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces to abut the RNS 4.

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, a viewing window may be arranged in the body 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2.

[0113] FIGS. 39-43 show a ninth exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 39 is a top view of a ninth embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 40 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 39. FIG. 41 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 39 in the section plane A-A. FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 39 without the syringe 2. FIG. 43 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 39.

[0114] As shown in FIGS. 39-43, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment, the body 1.1 has a cylindrical shape with an annular groove 1.19 having at least one aperture 1.20 adjacent its distal end which is adapted to engage a circlip 8.

[0115] The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded into the syringe carrier 1 by sliding the syringe 2 into the syringe carrier 1 in the distal direction D. When the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4 is aligned with the annular groove 1.19, the circlip 8 may be coupled to the body 1.1 and engage the apertures 1.20. By extending inwardly through the apertures, the circlip 8 may be coupled to the outside of the body 1.1 but engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. The engagement between the circlip 8 and the apertures 1.20 prevents the circlip 8 from translating relative to the body 1.1, and the engagement between the circlip 8 and the circumferential gap prevents the syringe 2 from moving axially relative to the syringe carrier 1.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end may include a retainer element which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent the syringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximal direction D.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may include proximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portion of the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces to abut the RNS 4.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, a viewing window may be arranged in the body 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2.

[0119] FIGS. 44-48 show a tenth exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 and a tool 9 for inserting a syringe 2 into the syringe carrier 1 according to the present invention.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 39-43, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment, the body 1.1 has an enlarged portion 1.21 on its distal end. The body 1.1 has cylindrical shape with a first diameter and the enlarged portion 1.21 has a second diameter, larger than the first diameter. The enlarged portion 1.21 has one or more resilient barbs 1.22 extending toward a longitudinal axis of the body 1.1 and angled toward a proximal end of the body 1.1.

[0121] The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded into the syringe carrier 1 by inserting the tool 9 into the enlarged portion 1.21 of the syringe carrier 1. The tool 9 may be a cylinder having an open end adapted to receive the RNS 4. The tool 9 may have a third diameter substantially equal to the second diameter. As the tool 9 is inserted into the enlarged portion 1.21, the tool 9 engages and deflects the resilient barbs 1.22. When the barbs 1.22 are deflected, the RNS 4 can pass the barbs 1.22 in the distal direction D and extend from a distal opening of the body 1.1. When a finger flange 2.3 of the syringe 2 abuts a proximal end of the body 1.1, the tool 9 may be removed and the barbs 1.22 may engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4 to prevent the syringe 2 from moving axially relative to the syringe carrier 1.

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end may include a retainer element which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent the syringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximal direction D.

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, the barbs 1.22 may include proximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portion of the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces to abut the RNS 4.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, a viewing window may be arranged in the body 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2.

[0125] It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the number of deflectable arms 1.3, shoulder sections 1.4, clips 8 may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Likewise, all the illustrated embodiments may be implemented with or without viewing windows 5, projections 1.6, restraining features retainer elements 1.7 and clips. Different kinds of clips may likewise be applied.

[0126] Those of skill in the art will understand that modifications (additions and/or removals) of various components of the apparatuses, methods and/or systems and embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the full scope and spirit of the present invention, which encompass such modifications and any and all equivalents thereof.