Microprojection array applicator and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to applicators for administering microprojection arrays to skin and methods of administering microprojection arrays.

1 .- 41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . A method for applying a microprojection array to skin comprising:
 providing an applicator of comprising a housing having a top and a bottom and wherein the top of the housing has a flexible section that when collapsed actuates the applicator, a cantilevered ring, patch guide and a microprojection array;   placing the applicator on the skin such that the bottom of the applicator housing is in contact with the skin;   collapsing the flexible section of the housing, thereby pushing down on the patch guide and activating the cantilevered ring which strikes the back of the microprojection array and pushes the microprojection array through the membrane and into the skin.   
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the microprojection array is released from the device and travels through a space before entering the skin. 
     
     
         44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the microprojection array is released from the device and travels through a space before entering the skin. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the microprojection array attains a velocity of greater than about 20 m/s. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the microprojection array attains a velocity of greater than about 25 m/s. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the microprojection array attains a velocity of from about 20 to about 50 m/s. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the microprojection array attains a velocity of from about 20 to about 26 m/s. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the cantilevered ring strikes the back of the microprojection array at the cantilevered ring's maximum velocity. 
     
     
         51 .- 79 . (canceled) 
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the microprojection array has a mass of between about 0.1 gram and 0.5 grams. 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the microprojection array has a mass of between about 0.1 gram and 0.3 grams 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the microprojection array has from about 5000 to about 20000 microprojections. 
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the microprojection array has from about 1000 to about 5000 microprojections. 
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the microprojection array has from about 2500 to about 5000 microprojections.