Injection Device and Needle Covering Device

Abstract

The present invention is an injection device for injecting a fluid product from a reservoir includes a casing having at least two casing portions. The device also includes a mounting for the reservoir such as an ampoule containing the fluid product to be administered, wherein one casing portion at least partially surrounds the reservoir. An activating element for triggering fluid product administering is provided. The at least one casing portion surrounding the reservoir is movable relative to the other casing portion or parts, such that by moving the movable casing portion, the reservoir and/or an injection needle connected to the same is accessible from the outer side of the casing, in order to be replaced.

1 . An injection device for administering a fluid product from a reservoir, said injection device carrying a needle and comprising: 
 a mounting for the reservoir;    a needle cover comprising a cover portion at least partially surrounding the reservoir and moveable relative to another cover portion, such that by moving the movable cover portion, at least one of the reservoir and the needle becomes accessible, the movable cover portion movable between a forward position and a retracted position, such that accessing the reservoir and needle is possible in said retracted position and hindered in said forward position; and    an activating element for triggering fluid product administering.    
   
   
       2 . The injection device of  claim 1 , wherein said movable cover portion is moveable sufficiently to expose an end of the reservoir.  
   
   
       3 . An injection device carrying a needle operably coupled to a reservoir and comprising: 
 a mounting for the reservoir;    a needle cover comprising at least two cover elements, wherein one cover element at least partially surrounds the reservoir, wherein said cover element at least partially surrounding the reservoir is moveable relative to the other cover element, such that by moving said movable cover element, at least one of the reservoir and the needle becomes accessible, said movable cover element movable between a forward position and a retracted position, such that accessing the reservoir and needle is possible in said retracted position, said movable cover element substantially covering the needle in the forward position.    
   
   
       4 . The injection device as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the moveable cover element covers a forward end of the needle in the forward position, and the needle protrudes from a forward end of said moveable cover element in the retracted position.  
   
   
       5 . The injection device as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein a side wall of the moveable cover element defines an opening generally along one side and at the forward end thereof, whereby the reservoir can be accessed for replacement in the retracted position, and whereby the reservoir is substantially covered in the forward position.  
   
   
       6 . The injection device as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said opening is formed in an area of a maximum cross-sectional diameter of the moveable cover element.  
   
   
       7 . The injection device as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the moveable cover element is generally semi-circular and comprises two generally straight, parallel edges.  
   
   
       8 . The injection device as set forth in  claim 7 , further comprising a restoring element for urging the moveable cover element to the forward position.  
   
   
       9 . The injection device as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein the moveable cover element is longitudinally movable relative to the other cover element, wherein said other cover element includes a guiding element corresponding to a guiding element of the moveable cover element and co-operating with it, to enable the moveable cover element to be guided when it is moved.  
   
   
       10 . A needle cover for a needle carried by an injection device, the needle cover comprising: 
 a first portion coupled to the injection device and a second portion moveable relative to the first portion and the injection device such that at least a forward end of the needle is covered in a forward protective position of the second portion and such that at least part of the needle protrudes from a forward end of the second portion in a retracted position; and    at least one guide element for guiding the second portion when it is moved, wherein a side wall of the second portion defines an opening at least at its forward end, said opening allowing access to at least one of the needle and a reservoir associated with the injection device.    
   
   
       11 . The needle cover according to  claim 10 , wherein the needle cover is laterally attached to the injection device generally along the opening.  
   
   
       12 . An injection device comprising: 
 a housing;    a reservoir to which an injection needle can be coupled to deliver a fluid product; and    a needle cover comprising: 
 a rear part coupleable to the housing; and  
 a forward part moveably coupled to the rear part whereby, in an extended position of the forward part, the forward part and the rear part at least partially surround the reservoir and the injection needle and, in a retracted position of the forward part, at least one of the needle and the reservoir is accessible.  
   
   
   
       13 . The injection device according to  claim 12 , wherein the forward part is urged toward the extended position.  
   
   
       14 . The injection device according to  claim 12 , wherein the forward part telescopes with respect to the rear part.  
   
   
       15 . The injection device according to  claim 12 , wherein the needle cover is generally hemi-spherically shaped, having an open side defined by two generally straight, parallel edges, wherein, in the retracted position, the needle and reservoir are accessible via said open side.  
   
   
       16 . The injection device according to  claim 15 , wherein the needle cover provides access to the needle and reservoir, said access being from a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the needle.  
   
   
       17 . An injection device comprising: 
 a mounting for a reservoir;    a needle cover comprising at least two cover parts; wherein one cover part at least partially surrounds said reservoir and is movable relative to said other cover part or parts, such that by moving said movable cover part, at least one of said reservoir or an injection needle connected to the reservoir is accessible from the side of said cover for replacement; and    an activating element for triggering an injection.