Cartridge for Auto-Injector Apparatus

Abstract

A cartridge assembly apparatus for an auto-injector includes a flexible container containing a liquid medicant. A needle hub is connected to the flexible container. A needle is attached to the needle hub and extends proximally from the needle hub. A frame is connected to the needle hub and includes a frame proximal end extending proximally beyond a proximal end of the needle. The needle hub and the needle are displaceable relative to the frame in a proximal direction to insert the needle into a patient.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cartridge assembly apparatus for an auto-injector, comprising:
 a flexible container containing a liquid medicant;   a needle hub connected to the flexible container;   a needle attached to the needle hub and extending proximally from the needle hub; and   a frame connected to the needle hub and including a frame proximal end extending proximally beyond a proximal end of the needle, the needle hub and needle being displaceable relative to the frame in a proximal direction to insert the needle into a patient.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a flexible needle pouch connected to the frame and covering the needle to maintain the needle in a sterile condition prior to use, the pouch being collapsible so that the needle can protrude through the pouch upon proximal displacement of the needle hub and needle relative to the frame.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the needle pouch comprises two sheet portions of flexible material joined together along at least two sides.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the flexible container comprises first and second layers of flexible material joined together to define a container space therebetween, the first and second layers further defining a passage therebetween communicating the container space with the needle hub.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 a seal temporarily closing the passage to isolate the needle from the medicant.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the seal comprises a frangible seal defined by joined portions of the first and second layers of flexible material blocking the passage. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the frame comprises first and second transversely spaced frame arms supported from the needle hub on opposite sides of the needle and extending proximally beyond the proximal end of the needle.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the frame further comprises a front bar spanning between proximal ends of the frame arms to protect a proximal end of the needle when the needle is in an initial needle position, the front bar including an opening through which the needle passes when the needle moves proximally relative to the frame to insert the needle into a patient.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the frame arms are slidably received in the needle hub and are fixed to the front bar, so that the frame arms slide through the needle hub when the needle hub and needle are displaced proximally relative to the frame to insert the needle into a patient.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a releasable lock between the frame arms and the needle hub, the releasable lock having a locked position wherein the frame arms are prevented from sliding distally relative to the needle hub.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a flexible needle pouch covering the needle, the needle pouch being flexible so that the needle pouch can collapse during insertion of the needle into a patient; and   the frame further comprising:
 first and second transversely spaced frame arms slidably received in the needle hub on opposite sides of the needle; 
 a first front clamp part attached to proximal end portions of the transverse arms; and 
 a second front clamp part attached to the first front clamp part with the needle pouch and the proximal end of the needle being located between the first and second front clamp parts, so that the proximal end of the needle is protected between the first and second front clamp parts. 
   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the flexible container is constructed from a transparent material so that an extent to which the container is filled with medicant can be observed.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , in combination with an opaque secondary container in which the apparatus is sealed. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the flexible container is constructed from an opaque material including an aluminum lamination.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a roller operably associated with the container to roll over the container to force the medicant from the container.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the roller comprises a coiled flat spring strip. 
     
     
         17 . A cartridge apparatus for an auto-injector, comprising:
 a flexible container containing a liquid medicant; and   a needle sub-assembly, including:
 a needle hub connected to the flexible container; 
 a needle attached to the needle hub and extending proximally from the needle hub; and 
 a frame connected to the needle hub and including a frame proximal end extending proximally beyond a proximal end of the needle, the needle hub and needle being displaceable relative to the frame in a proximal direction to insert the needle into a patient. 
   
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a needle pouch covering the needle and supported by the needle sub-assembly, the needle pouch being flexible so that the needle pouch can collapse during insertion of the needle into a patient.   
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the flexible container comprises first and second layers of flexible film joined together around at least part of a containment perimeter so that a containment space is defined between unjoined portions of the first and second layers.   
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the containment space comprises an elongated space having a length extending generally parallel to a proximal/distal axis of the container, and having a width transverse to and less than the length, so that the space has two lengthwise sides, a distal side and a proximal side;   the first and second layers are joined together on at least the two lengthwise sides and the distal side; and   the first and second layers further define a passage communicating the proximal side of the containment space with the needle hub.   
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein:
 the passage is defined between other unjoined portions of the first and second layers of flexible film.   
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a frangible seal defined by joined portions of the first and second layers of flexible film blocking the passage.