Slip-Resistant Autoinjectors

Abstract

In an embodiment, the present invention provides an autoinjector that has one or more slip-resistant features. In certain embodiments, the exterior surface of the autoinjector housing forms at least one of indentures and protrusions that impart a slip-resistant texture to the housing of the autoinjector. In other embodiments, the one or more slip-resistant features are included on a label, which comprises a label substrate and is attached to the exterior surface of the housing of the autoinjector. The features are designed to improve the handling properties of the autoinjector and reduce the likelihood that the autoinjector will slip out of a user's or caregiver's hand during use.

1 . Autoinjector comprising:
 a) a housing having an interior surface and an exterior surface and a proximal end and a distal end;   b) a needle having a proximal end and a distal end, the needle being moveable from a storage position in which the needle is situated within the housing to a medicament delivering position in which the needle extends out of the proximal end of the housing; and   c) a power assembly for moving the needle from the storage position to the medicament delivering position, the power assembly situated within the housing;   wherein the autoinjector further comprises one or more slip-resistant features provided at the exterior surface of the housing.   
     
     
         2 . Autoinjector according to  claim 1  further comprising a label attached to the exterior surface of the housing, wherein said one or more slip-resistant features are provided on said label. 
     
     
         3 . Autoinjector according to  claim 2 , wherein the label comprises a label substrate and a varnish, the varnish coating at least a portion of the label substrate and imparting a slip-resistant texture to said portion of the label. 
     
     
         4 . Autoinjector according to  claim 3 , wherein the varnish forms a pattern on at least a portion of the label substrate. 
     
     
         5 . Autoinjector according to  claim 3  or  4 , wherein the varnish has been cured by ultraviolet light. 
     
     
         6 . Autoinjector according to anyone of  claims 2  to  5 , wherein the label covers at least about 30% of the exterior surface of the housing. 
     
     
         7 . Autoinjector according to  claim 2 , wherein the label comprises a label substrate having at least one of indentures and protrusions, the at least one of indentures and protrusions imparting a slip-resistant texture to at least a portion of the label. 
     
     
         8 . Autoinjector according to  claim 7 , wherein the label substrate is corrugated. 
     
     
         9 . Autoinjector according to  claim 7  or  8 , wherein the label further comprises a film, the film coating at least a portion of the label substrate. 
     
     
         10 . Autoinjector according to  claim 2 , wherein the label comprises a label substrate and a film, the film coating at least a portion of the label substrate and providing a matte finish and imparting a slip-resistant texture to said portion of the label. 
     
     
         11 . Autoinjector according to  claim 1  wherein the exterior surface of the housing forms at least one of indentures and protrusions, the at least one of indentures and protrusions providing said one or more slip-resistant features and imparting a slip-resistant texture to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the housing. 
     
     
         12 . Autoinjector according to  claim 11 , wherein at least one word is printed on the exterior surface of the housing. 
     
     
         13 . Autoinjector according to  claim 11  or  12 , wherein the autoinjector further comprises a label attached to the exterior surface of the housing, the label comprising a label substrate having at least one of indentures and protrusions, the at least one of indentures and protrusions imparting a slip-resistant texture to at least a portion of the label. 
     
     
         14 . Autoinjector according to  claim 11  or  12 , wherein the autoinjector further comprises a label attached to the exterior surface of the housing, the label comprising a label substrate and a varnish, the varnish coating at least a portion of the label substrate. 
     
     
         15 . Autoinjector according to  claim 11  or  12 , wherein the autoinjector further comprises a label attached to the exterior surface of the housing, the label comprising a label substrate and a film, the film coating at least a portion of the label substrate and providing a matte finish to at least a portion of the label. 
     
     
         16 . Autoinjector according to anyone of  claims 1  to  15 , wherein the autoinjector further comprises a medicament situated within the housing.