Disposable injector cap

Abstract

An injector cap including a sleeve and a blocking means, wherein the sleeve is mounted slidably on a portion of an injection device, e.g., on an ampoule support, is forced by a pre-tensioning means into a first position in which it covers a cannula carried by the injection device, and can be slid against the pre-tensioning means into a second position in which the cannula emerges from the end of the sleeve, and wherein the blocking means non-detachably blocks the sleeve against sliding when it has been returned from the second position to the first position.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An injector cap for an ampoule support, comprising:
 a sliding sleeve mounted slidably on said ampoule support, wherein said sliding sleeve is forced by a pre-tensioning means into a first position in which the sliding sleeve covers a cannula, and wherein said sliding sleeve can be slid against the pre-tensioning means into a second position in which said cannula emerges from a front facing end of said sliding sleeve; and   a blocking means for non-detachably blocking the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the second position when the sliding sleeve has been returned from the second position to the first position, wherein the blocking means includes a locking ring disposed inside and proximate at a front end of the sliding sleeve when the sliding sleeve is forced by the pre-tensioning means into the first position, and the locking ring is engageably moved along with the cannula back to the first position to help block the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the second position when the sliding sleeve has been returned from the second position to the first position.   
     
     
       2. The injector cap as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said blocking means comprises locking means for locking said sliding sleeve relative to a fixed part of said ampoule support once the sliding sleeve has returned to said first position. 
     
     
       3. The injector cap as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the locking ring is slidably mounted in said sliding sleeve and locks in behind a locking protrusion of a cannula support fastened to said ampoule support when said sliding sleeve is slid into said second position. 
     
     
       4. The injector cap as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said locking ring comprises locking clips arranged circumferentially and converging inwards, said locking clips locking in behind said locking protrusion. 
     
     
       5. The injector cap as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said locking ring comprises spacer clips which said sliding sleeve pushes against, via elastic stays, once said sliding sleeve has returned to said first position. 
     
     
       6. The injector cap as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said sliding sleeve comprises a stopper for said spacer clips of said locking ring which, when said sliding sleeve is transferred from said first position to said second position, slides said locking ring over said cannula support until said locking clips lock in behind said locking protrusion. 
     
     
       7. An injector, comprising:
 an ampoule support; and   an injector cap, said injector cap comprising:
 a sliding sleeve mounted slidably on said ampoule support, wherein said sliding sleeve is forced by a pre-tensioning means into a first position in which the sliding sleeve covers a cannula, and wherein said sliding sleeve can be slid against the pre-tensioning into a second position in which said cannula emerges from a front facing end of said sliding sleeve; and 
 a blocking means for non-detachably blocking the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the second position when the sliding sleeve has been returned from the second position to the first position, wherein the blocking means includes a locking ring disposed inside and proximate at a front end of the sliding sleeve when the sliding sleeve is forced by the pre-tensioning means into the first position, and the locking ring is engageably moved along with the cannula back to the first position to help block the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the second position when the sliding sleeve has been returned from the second position to the first position. 
   
     
     
       8. The injector as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein at least one of said injector cap and cannula support is attached to said ampoule support via a thread means. 
     
     
       9. An injector cap for use on injection device, comprising:
 a sleeve movably mounted on a portion of the injection device, wherein the sleeve is forced by a pre-tensioning member into a first position covering a needle carried by the injection device and can be moved against the pre-tensioning member into a second position in which the needle emerges from the sleeve; and   a lock which non-releaseably locks the sleeve against moving back to the second position when the sliding sleeve has been returned from the second position to the first position, wherein the lock includes a locking ring disposed inside and proximate at a front end of the sliding sleeve when the sliding sleeve is forced by the pre-tensioning member into the first position, and the locking ring is engageably moved along with the needle back to the first position to help block the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the second position when the sliding sleeve has been returned from the second position to the first position.   
     
     
       10. The injector cap according to  claim 9 , wherein the sleeve slides. 
     
     
       11. An injector cap for an ampoule support, comprising:
 a sliding sleeve mounted slidably on the ampoule support,   wherein the sliding sleeve is initially forced by a pre-tensioner into an extended position in which the sliding sleeve covers a cannula,   wherein the sliding sleeve can be slid against the pre-tensioner into a retracted position in which the cannula emerges from a front facing end of the sliding sleeve such that medication may be administered, and   wherein the sliding sleeve returns to the extended position after the medication is administered; and   a block for non-detachably blocking the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the retracted position when the sliding sleeve has been returned from the retracted position to the extended position, the block comprising:
 a protrusion protruding radially from a surface of the sliding sleeve; and 
 a locking ring disposed inside the sliding sleeve when the sliding sleeve is initially forced by the pre-tensioner into the extended position, 
   wherein during movement of the sliding sleeve from the extended position, the locking ring is moved proximally relative to the cannula to a locking position, and   wherein the locking ring includes a locking element protruding radially outward and, upon return of the sliding sleeve to the extended position, the protrusion on the sliding sleeve cooperates with the locking element on the locking ring to block the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the retracted position.   
     
     
       12. The injector cap as set forth in claim 11, further comprising a cannula support configured to support the cannula, the cannula support having a locking protrusion, wherein the locking ring is slidably mounted in the sliding sleeve and is configured to lock in behind the locking protrusion of the cannula support upon the sliding sleeve achieving the retracted position. 
     
     
       13. The injector cap as set forth in claim 12, wherein the locking ring further comprises locking clips arranged circumferentially and converging inwards, the locking clips configured to lock in behind the locking protrusion of the cannula support upon the sliding sleeve achieving the retracted position. 
     
     
       14. The injector cap as set forth in claim 13, wherein the locking element of the locking ring comprises a spacer clip and the sliding sleeve comprises an elastic stay, and wherein upon return of the sliding sleeve to the extended position the elastic stay abuts or nearly abuts the spacer clip. 
     
     
       15. The injector cap as set forth in claim 14, wherein the sliding sleeve further comprises a stopper configured to cooperate with the spacer clip of the locking ring such that when the sliding sleeve is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, the sliding sleeve slaves the locking ring proximally relative to the cannula support until the locking clips lock in behind the locking protrusion. 
     
     
       16. An injector cap for an ampoule support, comprising:
 a sliding sleeve mounted slidably on the ampoule support,   wherein the sliding sleeve is initially forced by a pre-tensioner into an extended position in which the sliding sleeve covers a cannula,   wherein the sliding sleeve can be slid against the pre-tensioner into a retracted position in which the cannula emerges from a front facing end of the sliding sleeve such that medication may be administered, and   wherein the sliding sleeve returns to the extended position after the medication is administered; and   a block for non-detachably blocking the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the retracted position when the sliding sleeve has been returned from the retracted position to the extended position;   wherein the block comprises:
 (i) a locking ring disposed inside the sliding sleeve and slidably disposed relative to the sliding sleeve and the ampoule support, the locking ring comprising a plurality of discrete locking elements projecting in a distal direction from the locking ring; and 
 (ii) one or more blocking protrusions configured to cooperate with the locking elements in at least one position of the locking ring; 
   wherein the locking ring is mounted such that it is urged proximally along with the sliding sleeve as the sliding sleeve is slid from the extended position to the retracted position;   wherein, upon return of the sliding sleeve to the extended position:
 (1) at least one of the locking elements cooperates with the one or more blocking protrusions to block the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the retracted position; and 
 (ii) one or more of the locking elements are externally visible to a user of the cap. 
   
     
     
       17. The injector cap of claim 16, wherein the injector cap comprises a viewing window and, upon return of the sliding sleeve to the extended position, one or more of the locking elements are externally visible to a user of the cap through the viewing window. 
     
     
       18. The injector cap of claim 17, wherein the viewing window is formed in a longitudinally extending side surface of the sliding sleeve. 
     
     
       19. The injector cap of claim 16, wherein the locking elements are circumferentially spaced about the locking ring. 
     
     
       20. The injector cap as set forth in claim 19, further comprising a cannula support configured to support the cannula, the cannula support having a locking protrusion, wherein the locking ring is slidably mounted in the sliding sleeve and is configured to lock in behind the locking protrusion of the cannula support upon the sliding sleeve achieving the retracted position. 
     
     
       21. The injector cap as set forth in claim 20, wherein the locking ring further comprises locking clips arranged circumferentially and converging inwards, the locking clips configured to lock in behind the locking protrusion of the cannula support upon the sliding sleeve achieving the retracted position. 
     
     
       22. The injector cap as set forth in claim 21, wherein the locking elements of the locking ring include a spacer clip and the sliding sleeve comprises an elastic stay, and wherein upon return of the sliding sleeve to the extended position the elastic stay abuts or nearly abuts the spacer clip. 
     
     
       23. The injector cap as set forth in claim 22, wherein the sliding sleeve further comprises a stopper configured to cooperate with the spacer clip of the locking ring such that when the sliding sleeve is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, the sliding sleeve slaves the locking ring proximally relative to the cannula support until the locking clips lock in behind the locking protrusion. 
     
     
       24. An injector cap for an ampoule support, comprising:
 a sliding sleeve mounted slidably on the ampoule support,
 wherein the sliding sleeve is initially forced by a pre-tensioner into an extended position in which the sliding sleeve covers a cannula, 
 wherein the sliding sleeve can be slid against the pre-tensioner into a retracted position in which the cannula emerges from a front facing end of the sliding sleeve such that medication may be administered, and 
 wherein the sliding sleeve returns to the extended position after the medication is administered; 
   a cannula support configured to support the cannula, the cannula support having a locking protrusion; and   a block for non-detachably blocking the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the retracted position when the sliding sleeve has been returned from the retracted position to the extended position;   wherein the block comprises:
 (i) a locking ring slidably disposed relative to the sliding sleeve and the ampoule support, the locking ring comprising a plurality of discrete locking elements projecting in a distal direction from the locking ring; and 
 (ii) one or more blocking protrusions configured to cooperate with the locking element in at least one position of the locking ring; 
   wherein the locking ring is mounted such that it is urged proximally along with the sliding sleeve as the sliding sleeve is slid from the extended position to the retracted position;   wherein, upon return of the sliding sleeve to the extended position, at least one of the locking elements cooperates with the one or more blocking protrusions to block the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the retracted position;   wherein the locking elements are circumferentially spaced about the locking ring;   wherein the locking ring is slidably mounted in the sliding sleeve and is configured to lock in behind the locking protrusion on the cannula support upon the sliding sleeve achieving the retracted position;   wherein the locking ring further comprises locking clips arranged circumferentially and converging inwards, the locking clips configured to lock in behind the locking protrusion of the cannula support upon the sliding sleeve achieving the retracted position; and   wherein the locking elements of the locking ring include a spacer clip and the sliding sleeve further comprises an elastic stay, and wherein upon return of the sliding sleeve to the extended position the elastic stay abuts or nearly abuts the spacer clip.   
     
     
       25. The injector cap as set forth in claim 24, wherein the sliding sleeve comprises a stopper configured to cooperate with the spacer clip of the locking ring such that when the sliding sleeve is moved from the extended position to the retraction position, the sliding sleeve slaves the locking ring proximally relative to the cannula support until the locking clips lock in behind the locking protrusion. 
     
     
       26. An injector cap for an ampoule support, comprising:
 a sliding sleeve mounted slidably on the ampoule support,
 wherein the sliding sleeve is initially forced by a pre-tensioner into an extended position in which the sliding sleeve covers a cannula, 
 wherein the sliding sleeve can be slid against the pre-tensioner means into a retracted position in which the cannula emerges from a front facing end of the sliding sleeve such that medication may be administered, and 
 wherein the sliding sleeve returns to the extended position after the medication is administered; and 
   a block for non-detachably blocking the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the retracted position when the sliding sleeve has been returned from the retracted position to the extended position;   wherein the block comprises:
 (i) a locking ring disposed inside the sliding sleeve and slidably disposed relative to the sliding sleeve and the ampoule support, the locking ring comprising a locking element; and 
 (ii) one or more blocking protrusions configured to cooperate with the locking element in at least one position of the locking ring; 
   wherein the locking ring is mounted such that it is urged proximally along with the sliding sleeve as the sliding sleeve is slid from the extended position to the retracted position;   wherein, upon return of the sliding sleeve to the extended position:
 (i) the locking element cooperates with the one or more blocking protrusions to block the sliding sleeve against sliding again into the retracted position; and 
 (ii) the locking element is externally visible to a user of the cap. 
   
     
     
       27. The injector cap of claim 26, wherein the injector cap further comprises a viewing window and, upon return of the sliding sleeve to the extended position, the locking element is externally visible to a user of the cap through the viewing window. 
     
     
       28. The injection cap of claim 27, wherein the viewing window is formed in a longitudinally extending side surface of the sliding sleeve. 
     
     
       29. The injection cap of claim 28, wherein the locking ring comprises two or more locking elements circumferentially spaced about the locking ring. 
     
     
       30. The injector cap as set forth in claim 29, further comprising a cannula support configured to support the cannula, the cannula support having a locking protrusion, wherein the locking ring is slidably mounted in the sliding sleeve and is configured to lock in behind a locking protrusion of the cannula support upon the sliding sleeve achieving the retracted position. 
     
     
       31. The injector cap as set forth in claim 30, wherein the locking ring further comprises locking clips arranged circumferentially and converging inwards, the locking clips configured to lock in behind the locking protrusion of the cannula support upon the sliding sleeve achieving the retracted position. 
     
     
       32. The injector cap as set forth in claim 31, wherein the locking elements of the locking ring include a spacer clip and the sliding sleeve comprises an elastic stay, and wherein upon return of the sliding sleeve to the extended position the elastic stay abuts or nearly abuts the spacer clip. 
     
     
       33. The injector cap as set forth in claim 32, wherein the sliding sleeve further comprises a stopper configured to cooperate with the spacer clip of the locking ring such that when the sliding sleeve is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, the sliding sleeve slaves the locking ring proximally relative to the cannula support until the locking clips lock in behind the locking protrusion. 
     
     
       34. An injection device comprising:
 an ampoule or ampoule support; and   an assembly mounted to the ampoule or ampoule support, the assembly comprising:
 a base member fixedly mounted to the ampoule or ampoule support; 
 a needle cover slidably mounted relative to the base member and the ampoule or ampoule support; and 
 a locking member comprising a locking ring disposed inside the sliding sleeve, the locking member slidably mounted relative to the base member and the ampoule or ampoule support, the locking member comprising a plurality of discrete locking elements projecting in a distal direction from the locking member; 
   wherein the needle cover is initially forced by a pre-tensioner into an extended position in which the needle cover covers a cannula operably associated with the injection device, and wherein the needle cover is moveable against the urging of the pre-tensioner into a retracted position in which at least a portion of the needle extends beyond the needle cover;   wherein the locking member has an initial position relative to the base member in which the locking member is proximally slidable relative to the base member, and a locked position relative to the base member in which the locking member is blocked from sliding proximally relative to the base member;   wherein the needle cover slaves the locking member proximally from the initial position as the needle cover is moved against the urging of the pre-tensioner;   wherein in the locked position, at least one of the locking elements and the base member cooperate to block the needle cover against moving into the retracted position after the needle cover has been returned from the retracted position to the extended position;   wherein the base member comprises a cannula support;   wherein the injection device further comprises a viewing window and, upon return of the needle cover to the extended position, at least one of the locking elements is externally visible to a user of the injection device through the viewing window; and   wherein the viewing window is formed in a longitudinally extending side surface of the needle cover.   
     
     
       35. The injection device of claim 34, wherein the locking elements are circumferentially spaced about the locking member.