Blinding cap for needle shield and related syringe assembly
Inventors
Locati, Patrick • HUNKELER, Guido • Duerr, Alain
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11957866-B2
Publication Date
2024-04-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
A blinding cap for covering a needle shield that is covering a needle of a syringe includes an elongated body extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the body at least partially bounding a chamber. An annular sleeve projects from the proximal end of the body and at least partially bounds a channel. A first flange radially inwardly projects from the body into the chamber, the first flange at least partially bounding an opening that provides communication between the chamber and the channel.
Core Innovation
A blinding cap is provided for covering a needle shield that covers a needle of a syringe to prevent visual identification differences in blinded clinical trials. The cap includes an elongated body extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, where the body at least partially bounds a chamber. The elongated body is opaque and is configured to receive the needle shield within the chamber.
An annular sleeve projects from the proximal end of the body and at least partially bounds a channel. A first flange comprises a continuous annular ring that radially inwardly projects from the body into the chamber, and the first flange encircles an opening that provides communication between the chamber and the channel. The opening provides a passage between the chamber and the channel while still restricting movement of the needle shield.
The flange is configured to restrict withdrawal of the needle shield from the chamber in response to withdrawal of the needle of the syringe from the needle shield. In preferred use, the flange is positioned proximally behind the needle shield proximal end face to aid removal of the needle shield when the cap is pulled distally, and the cap can be fully enclosed around the shield except for the communication opening. The cap can integrate with a syringe assembly including the needle shield and optionally covering distal syringe barrel features.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a blinding cap structure with an elongated opaque body defining a chamber, an annular sleeve defining a channel, and an inwardly projecting flange that defines an opening connecting the chamber and channel, including functional restrictions on withdrawal of the needle shield. The independent claims include five main inventive feature sets across the independent claim group (five independent claims identified in the provided material).
Elongated body chamber with annular sleeve channel communication opening
A blinding cap comprising an elongated body extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the body at least partially bounding a chamber; an annular sleeve projecting from the proximal end of the body and at least partially bounding a channel; and a first flange comprising a continuous annular ring that radially inwardly projects from the body into the chamber, the first flange encircling an opening that provides communication between the chamber and the channel.
Inwardly projecting flange defining opening around chamber-to-channel communication
A blinding cap configured to cover a needle shield that receives a needle of a syringe, the blinding cap comprising: an elongated body extending between a first end opposite a second end, the body defining a chamber; a sleeve projecting from the first end of the elongated body, the sleeve defining a channel; and a flange positioned in the elongated body, the flange projecting inwardly from the chamber and defining an opening that connects the chamber and the channel, the flange extending entirely around the opening.
Flange opening smaller than chamber diameter restricting withdrawal upon needle withdrawal
A blinding cap comprising: a body extending between a first end opposite a second end, the body defining a chamber configured to receive a needle shield, the needle shield configured to receive a needle of a syringe; a flange defined by the body, the flange defining an opening, the flange extends continuously around the opening, the opening has a diameter that is less than a diameter of the chamber; and wherein the flange is configured to restrict withdrawal of the needle shield from the chamber in response to withdrawal of the needle of the syringe from the needle shield.
Two-chamber portion receiving needle shield and syringe portion with withdrawal restriction
A blinding cap comprising: a body extending between a first end opposite a second end, the body defining a chamber, the chamber including a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion; and a flange defined by the body, the flange projecting inwardly from the body and defining an opening, the flange continuously extending around the opening, the flange positioned between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion, the opening having a diameter less than a diameter of the chamber, wherein the first chamber portion is configured to receive a needle shield, the needle shield configured to receive a needle of a syringe, and the second chamber portion is configured to receive a portion of the syringe, and wherein in response to withdrawal of the needle from the needle shield, the flange is configured to restrict withdrawal of the needle shield from the chamber.
Across the independent claims, the core inventive concept is a blinding cap in which an elongated body defines a chamber for receiving a needle shield, an annular sleeve defines a channel (or a sleeve defines a channel), and a continuous inwardly projecting flange defines an opening connecting the chamber and channel. The flange geometry includes an opening smaller than the chamber diameter and is configured to restrict withdrawal of the needle shield from the chamber when the needle is withdrawn, with the chamber and syringe portion reception being further divided into first and second chamber portions in one independent claim set.
Stated Advantages
Prevents visual identification differences in blinded clinical trials.
Restricts withdrawal of the needle shield from the chamber in response to withdrawal of the needle of the syringe from the needle shield.
Aids removal of the needle shield when the cap is pulled distally by positioning the flange proximally behind the needle shield proximal end face.
Documented Applications
Blinded clinical trials using a syringe in which a rigid needle shield is covered by the blinding cap to prevent visual identification differences.
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