Application For Applying A Microneedle Device To Skin

Abstract

An applicator and method for applying a microneedle device to skin. The applicator can include a housing and a reciprocating support structure slidably engaged with the housing. The reciprocating support structure can have a plurality of alignment feet. The applicator can have a lockout mechanism that prevents actuation if the alignment feet are not evenly aligned. The applicator can include a device life indicator that is capable of counting the number of use cycles that the applicator has undergone and providing feedback to the user. The applicator can include a dose timer capable of determining the time that has elapsed after actuation of the device and providing feedback to the user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An applicator for applying a microneedle device, comprising:
 a housing having a first open end configured so as to accept the microneedle device,   a second end configured as a graspable handle,   a driving element contained within the housing, the driving element having a first end configured so as to couple with the microneedle device,   an actuation button in mechanical or electrical engagement with the driving element,   at least one reciprocating support structure slidably engaged with the housing, wherein the reciprocating support structure has a first position where at least a portion of it extends from the first open end of the housing by a first distance and a second position wherein the portion extends from the first open end of the housing by a second distance, the second distance being less than the first distance.   
     
     
         2 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the reciprocating support structure comprises a plurality of alignment feet 
     
     
         3 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the alignment feet are independently movable. 
     
     
         4 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 2  and further comprising a lockout mechanism that prevents actuation if the alignment feet are not evenly aligned. 
     
     
         5 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the portion of the reciprocating support structure that extends from the first open end of the housing has an open, cylindrical end. 
     
     
         6 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the driving element comprises a magnet. 
     
     
         7 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the applicator further comprises a dose timer in mechanical or electrical engagement with at least one of the driving element or the actuation button, wherein the dose timer is capable of determining the time that has elapsed after actuation of the device and providing feedback to the user as to the time that the microneedle device has been in place on the skin surface. 
     
     
         8 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the applicator further comprises a driving spring coupled to the driving element. 
     
     
         9 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the applicator further comprises a device life indicator in mechanical or electrical engagement with at least one of the driving element or the actuation button, wherein the device life indicator is capable of counting the number of use cycles that the applicator has undergone and, based on the number of use cycles, providing feedback to the user as to the use status of the applicator. 
     
     
         10 . An applicator for applying a microneedle device, comprising:
 a housing having a first open end configured so as to accept the microneedle device,   a second end configured as a graspable handle,   a driving element contained within the housing, the driving element having a first end configured so as to couple with the microneedle device,   a microneedle device,   an actuation button in mechanical or electrical engagement with the driving element,   a device life indicator in mechanical or electrical engagement with at least one of the driving element or the actuation button, wherein the device life indicator is capable of counting the number of use cycles that the applicator has undergone and, based on the number of use cycles, providing feedback to the user as to the use status of the applicator.   
     
     
         11 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the device life indicator is a dose counter. 
     
     
         12 . An applicator as claimed in any of  claims 10  wherein the device includes a lockout mechanism that prevents device actuation when the device life indicator has counted a predetermined number of use cycles. 
     
     
         13 . An applicator as claimed in any of  claims 10  wherein the device life indicator comprises a numeric display. 
     
     
         14 . An applicator as claimed in any of  claims 10  wherein the device life indicator comprises a colored graphic display that can change in response to changes in device status. 
     
     
         15 . An applicator as claimed in any of  claims 10  wherein the device life indicator comprises one or more words that are visually displayed. 
     
     
         16 . An applicator as claimed in any of  claims 10  wherein the applicator further comprises a dose timer in mechanical or electrical engagement with at least one of the driving element or the actuation button, wherein the dose timer is capable of determining the time that has elapsed after actuation of the device and providing feedback to the user as to the time that the microneedle device has been in place on the skin surface. 
     
     
         17 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the device includes a device status indicator, wherein the device status indicator is optionally capable of displaying a message in response to the device being in a specific state. 
     
     
         18 . An applicator for applying a microneedle device, comprising:
 a housing having a first open end configured so as to accept the microneedle device,   a second end configured as a graspable handle,   a driving element contained within the housing, the driving element having a first end configured so as to couple with the microneedle device,   an actuation button in mechanical or electrical engagement with the driving element,   wherein the driving element is configured to apply the microneedle device to a skin surface when the actuation button is actuated,   wherein the microneedle device is releasably coupled to the driving element, and   a dose timer in mechanical or electrical engagement with at least one of the driving element or the actuation button, wherein the dose timer is capable of determining the time that has elapsed after actuation of the applicator and providing feedback to the user as to the time that the microneedle device has been in place on the skin surface.   
     
     
         19 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 1  any one of the preceding claims wherein the applicator further comprises a battery. 
     
     
         20 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 19  wherein the applicator further comprises a battery gauge to indicate the amount of usable battery life remaining.