Cane′, Mario (Collegno, IT)

Plaque It!

10/872423

08/05/2008

06/22/2004

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Unomedical A/S (Birkeroed, DK)

604/181

604/131, 206/365, 604/156

A61M37/00; A61M5/178

606/184, 604/192, 604/136, 606/167, 606/185, 604/198, 604/164.01, 604/181, 604/180, 604/131, 604/171, 604/163, 206/365, 604/156, 604/135

2047010	Automatic syringe injector	July, 1936	Dickinson
2295849	Attachment for hypodermic syringes	September, 1942	Kayden
2690529	Suspension arrangement for movable members	September, 1954	Lindblad
2936141	Resilient mount	May, 1960	Rapata
3074541	Medicinal vial and needle assembly	January, 1963	Roehr
3545286	HOLDER WHICH IS DISPLACEABLE ALONG ONE AXIS	December, 1970	Stenstrom
3547119	CATHETER ASSEMBLY	December, 1970	Hall et al.
3610240	INTRAVENOUS CATHETER APPARATUS WITH CATHETER TELESCOPED INSIDE PUNCTURING CANNULA	October, 1971	Harautuneian
3810469	MULTIPLE COMPARTMENT HYPODERMIC DEVICES	May, 1974	Hurschman	604/88
3840011	ADJUSTABLE SYRINGE DOSE AID	October, 1974	Wright
3937219	Sterile syringe assembly and method of making same	February, 1976	Karakashian
3986508	Sterilizable, medical connector for blood processing	October, 1976	Barrington
4022205	Fluid connectors	May, 1977	Tenczar
4188950	Disposable syringe	February, 1980	Wardlaw
4201406	Spike connector for solution bag	May, 1980	Dennehey et al.
4227528	Automatic disposable hypodermic syringe	October, 1980	Wardlaw
4267836	Injection device and method	May, 1981	Whitney et al.
4315505	Tracheostomy tube with disposable inner cannula	February, 1982	Crandall et al.
4333455	Injectable catheter and method of placing same	June, 1982	Bodicky
4334551	Connector	June, 1982	Pfister
D267199	Vial and solution container connecting device	December, 1982	Koenig
4417886	Catheter introduction set	November, 1983	Frankhouser et al.
4473369	Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis clamping system	September, 1984	Lueders et al.
4484910	Dual mode automatic injector	November, 1984	Sarnoff et al.
4500312	Connecting assembly	February, 1985	McFarlane
4525157	Closed system catheter with guide wire	June, 1985	Vaillancourt
4530695	Injector	July, 1985	Phillips et al.
4531937	Introducer catheter apparatus and method of use	July, 1985	Yates
4563177	Catheter stabilization pad	January, 1986	Kamen
4610469	Connector assembly for sterile connection or two internally sterile containers of tubings	September, 1986	Wolff-Mooij
4713059	Dispenser for an elongated flexible member	December, 1987	Bickelhaupt et al.
4734092	Ambulatory drug delivery device	March, 1988	Millerd
4755173	Soft cannula subcutaneous injection set	July, 1988	Konopka et al.
4758020	Vehicle tethering system for both energizing and restraining portable electrical devices used by passengers	July, 1988	Boyd
4800629	Plastic buckle	January, 1989	Ikeda
4817603	Lancet device	April, 1989	Turner et al.
RE32922	Blood sampling instrument	May, 1989	Levin et al.
4838871	Needle guard, and assembly	June, 1989	Luther
4840613	Protective sheath for catheter assembly	June, 1989	Balbierz
4850974	Dispenser and method for an elongated flexible member	July, 1989	Bickelhaupt et al.
4850996	Safety needle	July, 1989	Cree
4878897	Injection site device having a safety shield	November, 1989	Katzin
4890608	Attachment assembly for use on the human skin	January, 1990	Steer
4895570	Locking port shroud for peritoneal dialysis tubing connector	January, 1990	Larkin
4917669	Catheter inserter	April, 1990	Bonaldo
4935010	Devices for sampling, drainage or infusion of liquids from or to the human or animal body	June, 1990	Cox et al.
4950163	Dental syringe for treating gums	August, 1990	Zimble
4950252	Single hand actuated locking safety catheter and method of use	August, 1990	Luther et al.
4978338	Implantable infusion apparatus	December, 1990	Melsky et al.
4982842	Safety needle container	January, 1991	Hollister
4986817	Hypodermic syringe sheath holder and needle guide	January, 1991	Code
4994042	Combined catheter and needle	February, 1991	Vadher
4994045	Split sleeve safety syringe	February, 1991	Ranford
5011475	Protector for intravenous and syringe needles	April, 1991	Olson
5024662	Resistance syringe for epidural anesthesia	June, 1991	Menes et al.
5067496	Tracheostomy tube	November, 1991	Eisele
5092853	Automatic retractable medical needle and method	March, 1992	Couvertier, II
5098389	Hypodermic needle assembly	March, 1992	Cappucci
5112313	IV cover/protector	May, 1992	Sallee
5116319	Safety device for an injection syringe needle	May, 1992	Van den Haak
5116325	Needle assembly	May, 1992	Paterson
5121751	Instrument for tissue sampling	June, 1992	Panalletta
5129884	Trap in barrel one handed retracted intervenous catheter device	July, 1992	Dysarz
5137516	Triggered application device for medicament to be more descriptive of the invention	August, 1992	Rand et al.
5137524	Universal intravenous connector with dual catches	August, 1992	Lynn et al.
5141496	Spring impelled syringe guide with skin penetration depth adjustment	August, 1992	Dalto et al.
5147375	Safety finger prick instrument	September, 1992	Sullivan et al.
5163915	Safety needle set	November, 1992	Holleron
5176650	Intravenous catheter and insertion device	January, 1993	Haining
5176662	Subcutaneous injection set with improved cannula mounting arrangement	January, 1993	Bartholomew et al.
5186712	Intravenous catheter launching device	February, 1993	Kelso et al.
5188611	Safety sheath for needles, sharp instruments and tools	February, 1993	Orgain
RE34223	Catheter inserter	April, 1993	Bonaldo
5222947	Self recapping injection needle assembly	June, 1993	D'Amico
5232454	Safety needle container	August, 1993	Hollister
5248301	Transcutaneous infusion apparatus and methods of manufacture and use	September, 1993	Koenig et al.
5256152	Safety needle and method of using same	October, 1993	Marks
5257980	Subcutaneous injection set with crimp-free soft cannula	November, 1993	Van Antwerp et al.
5269799	Finger pricker	December, 1993	Daniel
5279579	Self-recapping injection needle assembly	January, 1994	D'Amico
5279591	Protector for needle catheter	January, 1994	Simon
5282793	Syringe holder and applicator	February, 1994	Larson
5300030	Injection devices	April, 1994	Crossman et al.
5312359	Intravenous cannula insertion assembly with protective shield	May, 1994	Wallace
5312369	Safety hood for hypodermic needles	May, 1994	Arcusin et al.
5316246	Intravenous tube holder	May, 1994	Scott et al.
5324302	Lancet with locking cover	June, 1994	Crouse
5342319	Transdermal injection appliance	August, 1994	Watson et al.
5342324	Needle device	August, 1994	Tucker
5350392	Lancing device with automatic cocking	September, 1994	Purcell et al.
5354280	Trocar and seal arrangement	October, 1994	Haber et al.
5366469	Lancet device for puncturing the skin	November, 1994	Steg et al.
5372592	Method and device for preparing catheters prior to use	December, 1994	Gambale
5376082	Needle device	December, 1994	Phelps
5380067	Chest harness for use in a child restraint system	January, 1995	Turvill et al.
5384174	Adhesive sheet	January, 1995	Ward et al.
5387197	Trocar safety shield locking mechanism	February, 1995	Smith et al.
5388931	Cutoff wall system to isolate contaminated soil	February, 1995	Carlson
5390669	Device using connector tube to lock inner cannula inside outer cannula	February, 1995	Stuart et al.
5391151	Subcutaneous injector	February, 1995	Wilmot	604/139
5403288	Safety sleeve for dental syringe	April, 1995	Stanners
5405332	Shield apparatus for syringe needle	April, 1995	Opalek
5429607	Elastomeric syringe actuation device	July, 1995	McPhee
5429613	Self-recapping injection needle assembly	July, 1995	D'Amico
5433307	Clutch plate for a friction clutch of a motor vehicle having a radially elastic plastic ring	July, 1995	Jeppe
D362718	Turn lock cannula	September, 1995	Deily et al.
5449349	Intravenous needle cover/protector	September, 1995	Sallee et al.
5451210	System and method for rapid vascular drug delivery	September, 1995	Kramer et al.
5487506	Easy-open container having an improved reinforcing and tear strip	January, 1996	Drummond et al.
5490841	Safety sheath device	February, 1996	Landis
5492313	Tangential linear flexure bearing	February, 1996	Pan et al.
5501675	Safety catheter assembly having safety stop push button	March, 1996	Erskine
5505709	Mated infusion pump and syringe	April, 1996	Funderburk et al.
5507730	One-piece glass prefilled syringe system	April, 1996	Haber et al.
5519167	Musical tone synthesizing apparatus	May, 1996	Kunimoto et al.
5520654	Catheter device	May, 1996	Wahlberg
5522803	Infusion set for an intermittent or continuous administration of a therapeutical substance	June, 1996	Teissen-Simony
5527287	Preloaded automatic disposable syringe	June, 1996	Miskinyar	604/135
5533974	Locking safety cover for sharp instruments	July, 1996	Gaba
5540709	Lancet device	July, 1996	Ramel
5545143	Device for subcutaneous medication delivery	August, 1996	Fischell
5545152	Quick-connect coupling for a medication infusion system	August, 1996	Funderburk et al.
5554130	Stick-free syringe and associated methods	September, 1996	McDonald et al.
5558650	Elastomeric syringe actuation device	September, 1996	McPhee
5562629	Catheter placement system utilizing a handle, a sharp, and a releasable retainer mechanism providing retraction of the sharp upon disengagement of the catheter from the handle	October, 1996	Haughton et al.
5562636	Needle protector sheath	October, 1996	Utterberg
5573510	Safety intravenous catheter assembly with automatically retractable needle	November, 1996	Isaacson
5575777	Retractable needle cannula insertion set with refinements to better control leakage, retraction speed and reuse	November, 1996	Cover et al.
5584813	Subcutaneous injection set	December, 1996	Livingston et al.
5591188	Surgical instrument for impact insertion of an intraosseous trocar-needle	January, 1997	Waisman
5599309	Injection devices	February, 1997	Marshall et al.
5599315	Syringe actuation device	February, 1997	McPhee
5599318	Needle shield assembly having a releasable lock	February, 1997	Sweeney et al.
5628765	Lancet assembly	May, 1997	Morita
5643214	Injection devices	July, 1997	Marshall et al.
5643216	Patient bracelet having catheter capture integrally formed therewith and methods of making the same	July, 1997	White
5643220	Needle assembly	July, 1997	Cosme
5662617	Manually pivoted barrier assembly for piercing element	September, 1997	Odell et al.
5665071	Reloadable automatic or manual emergency injection system	September, 1997	Wyrick
5665075	Method of making a needle shield assembly	September, 1997	Gyure et al.
5676156	Automatic retractable safety penetrating instrument	October, 1997	Yoon
5681323	Emergency cricothyrotomy tube insertion	October, 1997	Arick
5695476	Needle protection assemblies	December, 1997	Harris
5700250	Catheter-advancement actuated needle retraction system	December, 1997	Erskine
5704920	Manually driven needle shield assembly	January, 1998	Gyure
5709516	Washer faced spring assembly	January, 1998	Peterson et al.
5714225	Skin plate product	February, 1998	Hansen et al.
5738641	Blood withdrawal patch	April, 1998	Watson et al.
5741288	Re-armable single-user safety finger stick device having reset for multiple use by a single patient	April, 1998	Rife
5752923	Biopsy instrument with handle and needle set	May, 1998	Terwilliger
5810835	Catheter insertion device with valve	September, 1998	Ryan et al.
5817058	Retractable catheter introducer structure	October, 1998	Shaw
5820598	Syringe for the intramammary administration of veterinary pharmacological compositions	October, 1998	Gazza et al.
5827236	Injection tool and method of its use	October, 1998	Takahashi
5833666	Catheter fixation assembly	November, 1998	Davis et al.
D402538	Cable roller	December, 1998	Wagter et al.
5843001	Connector for a replaceable biopsy needle	December, 1998	Goldenberg
5848990	Device for introducing active substance into a patient	December, 1998	Cirelli et al.
5851197	Injector for a subcutaneous infusion set	December, 1998	Marano et al.	604/135
5858001	Cartridge-based drug delivery device	January, 1999	Tsals et al.
5865806	One step catheter advancement automatic needle retraction system	February, 1999	Howell
5873540	Adjustable christmas light spool	February, 1999	Hardin
5899886	Puncture safe needle assembly	May, 1999	Cosme
5911705	One step catheter advancement automatic needle retraction system	June, 1999	Howell
5913846	Shielded needle assembly	June, 1999	Szabo
5915640	Reel for storing surplus cable	June, 1999	Wagter et al.
5916199	Tapeless tubing anchoring system with intravenous applications	June, 1999	Miles
5919167	Disposable micropump	July, 1999	Mulhauser et al.
5925032	Syringe cannula holder	July, 1999	Clements
5947931	Tube fitting anchoring system	September, 1999	Bierman
5947935	Syringes, syringe plungers and injector systems	September, 1999	Rhinehart et al.
5951523	Medical devices	September, 1999	Osterlind et al.
5954643	Insertion set for a transcutaneous sensor	September, 1999	VanAntwerp et al.
5957892	Safety catheter insertion apparatus and methods	September, 1999	Thorne
5968011	Subcutaneous injection set	October, 1999	Larsen et al.
5975120	Automatically retractable gas tubing feed spool	November, 1999	Novosel
5980488	Medical needle safety apparatus and methods	November, 1999	Thorne
5980506	Subcutaneous infusion device	November, 1999	Mathiasen
5984224	Cable-spooling casing for earphones	November, 1999	Yang
5984897	Dispenser secured against reuse	November, 1999	Petersen et al.
5992787	Cord reel and storage device	November, 1999	Burke
D417733	Catheter introducer needle assembly	December, 1999	Howell et al.
6017328	Device for subcutaneous medication delivery	January, 2000	Fischell et al.
D421119	Introducer needle	February, 2000	Musgrave et al.
6024727	Self-retracting medical needle apparatus and methods	February, 2000	Thorne et al.
6039629	Nursing pad	March, 2000	Mitchell
6042570	Needle point protection sheath	March, 2000	Bell et al.
6045533	Fluid delivery device with conformable ullage and fill assembly	April, 2000	Kriesel et al.
6045534	Disposable fluid injection module	April, 2000	Jacobsen et al.	604/156
6050976	In-line retractable safety catheter needle insertion assembly	April, 2000	Thorne et al.
6056718	Medication infusion set	May, 2000	Funderburk et al.
6056726	Self-contained safety intravenous catheter insertion device	May, 2000	Isaacson
6074369	Low-profile automatic injection device with self-emptying reservoir	June, 2000	Sage et al.	604/181
6074371	Blunt injection needle for a pen-type injector	June, 2000	Fischell
6077244	Catheter insertion device with retractable needle	June, 2000	Botich et al.
6086008	Apparatus and method for permitting introduction and withdrawal of a catheter	July, 2000	Gray et al.
6086575	Subcutaneous infusion device	July, 2000	Mejslov
6090068	Injection and perfusion device for use in an implantable port access catheter	July, 2000	Chanut	604/93.01
6093172	Injector for a subcutaneous insertion set	July, 2000	Funderburk et al.
6093179	Apparatus and method for placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube	July, 2000	O'Hara et al.
6099503	Reloadable auto-injector	August, 2000	Stardella
6105218	Snap-type fastening device	August, 2000	Reekie
6120482	Pivotable guard for shielding a needle	September, 2000	Szabo
6123690	Subcutaneous infusion device	September, 2000	Mejslov
6132755	Transcorneal drug-release system	October, 2000	Eicher et al.
6159181	Injection device	December, 2000	Crossman et al.
6183464	Safety syringe with retractable needle and universal luer coupling	February, 2001	Sharp et al.
6191338	Adhesive bandage, matrix, and methods of removal	February, 2001	Haller
6193694	Needle point protection sheath	February, 2001	Bell et al.
6219574	Device and method for enchancing transdermal sampling	April, 2001	Cormier et al.
6221058	Structure for infusion catheter needle	April, 2001	Kao et al.
6248093	Compact pump drive system	June, 2001	Moberg
6293925	Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same	September, 2001	Safabash et al.
6302866	Catheter head for subcutaneous administration of an substance	October, 2001	Marggi
6319232	Protection device for sharp objects	November, 2001	Kashmer
6322535	Prefillable syringes and injectors for use therewith	November, 2001	Hitchins et al.
6322808	Device for enhancing transdermal agent flux	November, 2001	Trautman et al.
6334856	Microneedle devices and methods of manufacture and use thereof	January, 2002	Allen et al.
6355021	Medical puncturing device	March, 2002	Nielsen et al.
6379335	Device for after-use protection of a hypodermic needle, particularly of the butterfly type	April, 2002	Rigon et al.
D456692	Cord holder	May, 2002	Epstein
6387076	Catheter retainers and assemblies	May, 2002	Van Landuyt
6387078	Automatic mixing and injecting apparatus	May, 2002	Gillespie, III
6405876	Blood filter cartridge	June, 2002	Seshimoto et al.
6447482	Injector	September, 2002	Roenborg et al.	604/131
6450992	Cannula interface	September, 2002	Cassidy, Jr.
6488663	Infusion apparatus for administering a medicine	December, 2002	Steg
6517517	Automated injection device for administration of liquid medicament	February, 2003	Farrugia et al.
6520938	Medication infusion set	February, 2003	Funderburk et al.
D472316	Pen needle catheter connector	March, 2003	Douglas et al.
D472630	Pen needle catheter connector	April, 2003	Douglas et al.
6572586	Low profile infusion set	June, 2003	Wojcik
6579267	Pivoting joint infusion assembly	June, 2003	Lynch et al.
6582397	Needle safety device with antiremoval protection	June, 2003	Alesi et al.
6595962	Injection device	July, 2003	Perthu
6607509	Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same	August, 2003	Bobroff et al.
6607511	Medical device with safety flexible needle	August, 2003	Halseth
6613064	Arrangement regulating depth of the puncture, used in the device for puncturing	September, 2003	Rutynowski et al.
6620136	Retractable I-V catheter placement device	September, 2003	Pressly, Sr. et al.
6629949	Micro infusion drug delivery device	October, 2003	Douglas
6645182	Pivotable guard for shielding a needle	November, 2003	Szabo
6659982	Micro infusion drug delivery device	December, 2003	Douglas et al.
6685674	Infusion hub assembly and fluid line disconnect system	February, 2004	Douglas et al.
6699218	Transcutaneous delivery means	March, 2004	Flaherty et al.
6702779	Constant rate fluid delivery device with selectable flow rate and titratable bolus button	March, 2004	Connelly et al.
6726649	Medical needle assemblies	April, 2004	Swenson et al.
6736797	Subcutaneous infusion set	May, 2004	Larsen et al.
6749589	Subcutaneous injection set for use with a reservoir that has a septum	June, 2004	Douglas et al.
6790199	Needle protective assembly for multi-draw needle	September, 2004	Gianakos
6805686	Autoinjector with extendable needle protector shroud	October, 2004	Fathallah et al.
6811545	Safety needle	November, 2004	Vaillancourt
6814720	Collecting bag	November, 2004	Olsen et al.
6824530	Combination needle assembly and needle safety guard	November, 2004	Wagner et al.
6824531	Medicament container with needle protection housing	November, 2004	Zecha, Jr. et al.
6830562	Injector device for placing a subcutaneous infusion set	December, 2004	Mogensen et al.
6837877	Safety shield assembly	January, 2005	Zurcher
6837878	Bluntable needle assembly with open-ended blunting probe	January, 2005	Smutney et al.
6840922	Medical puncturing device	January, 2005	Nielsen et al.
6880701	Storage container for at least one hypodermic needle	April, 2005	Bergeron et al.
6916017	Vibration damper device	July, 2005	Noe
6923791	Infusion device having offset flow path	August, 2005	Douglas
6926694	Apparatus and method for delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents	August, 2005	Marano-Ford et al.
6939331	Wing-like needle protector	September, 2005	Ohshima
6949084	Catheter head for subcutaneous administration of an active substance	September, 2005	Marggi et al.
6960193	Method and apparatus for the transdermal administration of a substance	November, 2005	Rosenberg
6991619	Apparatus for delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents	January, 2006	Marano-Ford et al.
6991620	Apparatus for delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents	January, 2006	Marano-Ford et al.
6997907	Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same	February, 2006	Safabash et al.
7018344	Retractable needle shielding device	March, 2006	Bressler et al.
7022108	Method for delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents	April, 2006	Marano-Ford et al.
7052483	Transcutaneous inserter for low-profile infusion sets	May, 2006	Wojcik
7056302	Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same	June, 2006	Douglas
20010004970	Needle protection apparatus used with a vial	June, 2001	Hollister et al.
20010016714	Needle point protection sheath	August, 2001	Bell et al.
20010021827	Reaccessible medical needle safety devices and methods	September, 2001	Ferguson et al.
20010039401	Safety shield for medical needles	November, 2001	Ferguson et al.
20010041875	MEDICAL ANESTHETIC NEEDLE	November, 2001	Higuchi et al.
20020022855	Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same	February, 2002	Bobroff et al.
20020068904	Universal catheter anchoring system	June, 2002	Pluth et al.
20020072720	Rigid soluble materials for use with needle-less infusion sets, sensor sets and injection devices and methods of making the same	June, 2002	Hague et al.
20020077599	Transcutaneous inserter for low-profile infusion sets	June, 2002	Wojcik
20020082543	Microneedle devices and production thereof	June, 2002	Park et al.
20020107489	Disposable safety syringe which leaves no residual injection	August, 2002	Lee
20020111581	Safety angled indwelling needle and a protective shield for a safety angled indwelling needle	August, 2002	Sasso
20020145073	Roll goods dispenser system and methods of use	October, 2002	Swanson
20020156424	Needle covering member and syringe equipped therewith	October, 2002	Suzuki et al.
20020156427	Needle protector assemblage, syringe equipped therewith and needle hub	October, 2002	Suzuki et al.
20020161332	Infusion set with tape	October, 2002	Ramey
20020161386	CATHETER INSERTION DEVICE WITH RETRACTABLE NEEDLE	October, 2002	Halseth et al.
20020169419	INFUSION APPARATUS FOR ADMINISTERING A MEDICINE	November, 2002	Steg
20020173748	Reservoir connector	November, 2002	McConnell et al.
20020173769	Infusion set for a fluid pump	November, 2002	Gray et al.
20020183688	Microdevice and method of manufacturing a microdevice	December, 2002	Lastovich et al.
20020189688	Valve and assembly for axially movable members	December, 2002	Roorda
20020193737	Single-use syringe	December, 2002	Popovsky
20020193744	Needle safety device with antiremoval protection	December, 2002	Alesi et al.
20030014018	Pen needle and safety shield system	January, 2003	Giambattista et al.
20030060781	Injector device for placing a subcutaneous infusion set	March, 2003	Mogensen et al.
20030069548	Microdevice and method of delivering of withdrawing a substance through the skin of an animal	April, 2003	Connelly et al.
20030105430	Automatic injector	June, 2003	Lavi et al.
20030109829	Injector device for placing a subcutaneous infusion set	June, 2003	Mogensen et al.	604/164.01
20030125669	Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same	July, 2003	Safabash et al.
20030125678	Medical needle assemblies	July, 2003	Swenson et al.
20030130619	Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same	July, 2003	Safabash et al.
20030139704	Protecting cap structure for the needle of a syringe	July, 2003	Lin
20030158520	Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same	August, 2003	Safabash et al.
20030176843	Retractable safety needle	September, 2003	Wilkinson
20030181863	Microneedle adapter	September, 2003	Davis et al.
20030181868	Shieldable needle assembly with biased safety shield	September, 2003	Swenson
20030181873	Needle shield assembly	September, 2003	Swenson
20030181874	Blood collection device	September, 2003	Bressler et al.
20030187394	Method and device for intradermally delivering a substance	October, 2003	Wilkinson et al.
20030187395	Intradermal delivery device	October, 2003	Wilkinson et al.
20030199823	Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same	October, 2003	Bobroff et al.
20030216686	Low profile, pivotal connection infusion assembly	November, 2003	Lynch et al.
20030225373	Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same	December, 2003	Bobroff et al.
20030225374	Infusion device with needle shield	December, 2003	Mathiasen
20030229308	Injector adapter and combination thereof	December, 2003	Tsals et al.
20030229316	Medical device	December, 2003	Hwang et al.
20040002682	Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same	January, 2004	Kovelman et al.
20040006316	Infusion device and method thereof	January, 2004	Patton
20040026840	Torsion spring set	February, 2004	Eckel et al.
20040044306	Pivoting joint infusion system with seal	March, 2004	Lynch et al.
20040049159	Safety shield for medical needles	March, 2004	Barrus et al.
20040068231	Device for taking a sample from a body	April, 2004	Blondeau
20040087913	Safety needle assembly with locking retraction	May, 2004	Rogers et al.
20040111068	Safety needle assembly with passive pivoting shield	June, 2004	Swenson
20040112781	Package	June, 2004	Hofverberg et al.
20040116865	Needle insertion device	June, 2004	Bengtsson
20040138612	Patch-like infusion device	July, 2004	Shermer et al.
20040138620	Infusion hub assembly and fluid line disconnect system	July, 2004	Douglas et al.
20040143216	Adapter connector for an infusion set and inserter system	July, 2004	Douglas et al.
20040143218	Needle having optimum grind for reduced insertion force	July, 2004	Das
20040158202	Cover	August, 2004	Jensen
20040158207	Infusion set	August, 2004	Hunn et al.
20040162518	Constant rate fluid delivery device with selectable flow rate and titratable bolus button	August, 2004	Connelly et al.
20040171989	Biopsy needle device	September, 2004	Horner et al.
20040178098	Medical needle assemblies	September, 2004	Swenson et al.
20040186446	Wing-like needle protector	September, 2004	Ohshima
20040199123	Infusion device and an adhesive sheet material and a release liner	October, 2004	Nielson
20040204687	Injector device for placing a subcutaneous infusion set	October, 2004	Mogensen et al.
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WO/1992/004062	March, 1992			A CANNULA
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WO/1999/033504	July, 1999			INSERTION DEVICE FOR AN INSERTION SET AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
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WO/2000/003757	January, 2000			MEDICAL PUNCTURING DEVICE
WO/2000/044324	August, 2000			ADHESIVE PAD WITH FLEXIBLE RELEASE PAPER
WO/2001/030419	May, 2001			DISPOSABLE JET INJECTOR
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WO/2001/072353	October, 2001			NEEDLE ASSEMBLY WITH SHEATH AND METHOD OF FILLING A DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE
WO/2001/093926	December, 2001			AUTOMATED INJECTION DEVICE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF LIQUID MEDICAMENT
WO/2002/081012	October, 2002			INFUSION SET
WO/2002/094352	November, 2002			INFUSION SET FOR A FLUID PUMP
WO/2002/100457	December, 2002			INSERTION DEVICE FOR AN INSERTION SET AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
WO/2002/102442	December, 2002			A RETRACTABLE NEEDLE ASSEMBLY FOR A CATHETER AND WHICH USES AN ELASTOMERIC MEMBER TO RETRACT THE NEEDLE
WO/2002/068014	January, 2003			SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION SET WITH SECONDARY INJECTION SEPTUM
WO/2003/015860	February, 2003			MICRO NEEDELES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF
WO/2003/026728	April, 2003			INJECTOR DEVICE FOR PLACING A SUBCUTANEOUS INFUSION SET
WO/2004/030726	April, 2004			NEEDLE DEVICE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF NEEDLES
WO/2005/004973	January, 2005			MIXED INJECTION PORT
WO/2005/046780	May, 2005			DEVICE FOR INSERTION OF A CANNULA OF AN INFUSION DEVICE
WO/2005/068006	July, 2005			INDWELLING NEEDLE

Yu, Mickey

Reynolds, Steven A.

Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

What is claimed is:

1. A container for facilitating placement of a medical device through a patient's skin, the container comprising: a cylindrical housing in which there are defined a cap and a sleeve, said sleeve including a resting base having a planar surface configured for placement against a patient's skin, said cap surrounding at least a portion of said sleeve and being axially slidable relative to said sleeve to substantially encase said sleeve when a sufficient pressure is exerted on said cap; a retaining member located within said housing, said retaining member having a needle secured thereto; a releasing member for releasing said needle from said retaining member when said cap is made to slide on said sleeve, thereby allowing the placement of said needle under the patient's skin and the subsequent removal of said container; wherein the container is disposable and upon exertion of said pressure on said cap the force resulting from said pressure is transferred to said needle so that said needle is placed through the patient's skin by means of said pressure exerted on said cap.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base has, on an outer face, a gauze adhering to said base, said gauze comprising an adhesive having a removable protecting film thereon.

3. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein said gauze is joined to said base in circular portions.

4. A container for facilitating placement of a medical device through a patient's skin, the container comprising: a cylindrical housing in which there are defined a cap and a sleeve, said sleeve including a resting base having a planar surface configured for placement against a patient's skin, said cap being axially slidable relative to said sleeve when a sufficient pressure is exerted on said cap; a retaining member located within said housing, said retaining member having a needle secured thereto; a releasing member for releasing said needle from said retaining member when said cap is made to slide on said sleeve, thereby allowing the placement of said needle under the patient's skin and the subsequent removal of said container; wherein the container is disposable and upon exertion of said pressure on said cap the force resulting from said pressure is transferred to said needle so that said needle is placed through the patient's skin by means of said pressure exerted on said cap and wherein said sleeve has an axial slit through which a hose extends radially and along which said hose is slidable when said cap is made to slide on said sleeve.

5. A container for facilitating placement of a medical device through a patient's skin, the container comprising: a cylindrical housing in which there are defined a cap and a sleeve, said sleeve including a resting base having a planar surface configured for placement against a patient's skin, said base having, on an outer face, a gauze adhering to said base, said gauze comprising an adhesive having a removable protecting film thereon, said cap being axially slidable relative to said sleeve when a sufficient pressure is exerted on said cap; a retaining member located within said housing, said retaining member having a needle secured thereto; a releasing member for releasing said needle from said retaining member when said cap is made to slide on said sleeve, thereby allowing the placement of said needle under the patient's skin and the subsequent removal of said container; wherein the container is disposable and upon exertion of said pressure on said cap the force resulting from said pressure is transferred to said needle so that said needle is placed through the patient's skin by means of said pressure exerted on said cap and wherein said needle is an L-shaped needle comprising a drug inlet branch transversally arranged within said housing and an axially arranged drug outlet branch, said inlet branch being connected to a hose radially extending from said container.

6. A container as claimed in claim 5, wherein said retaining member includes a securing portion directed toward said cap and a retaining portion directed toward said sleeve, said securing portion being firmly held inside an axial cylindrical hub extending within the cap and integral therewith, and said retaining portion axially extending within the housing and ending, at its end remote from said securing portion, with a plate transversally arranged relative to the axis of the retaining member, said plate being engaged against said sleeve so as to allow sliding of said cap on said sleeve when said plate is released from said sleeve.

7. A container as claimed in claim 6, wherein said plate has a substantially circular shape and comprises a pair of diametrically opposite radial grooves for the passage of corresponding axial projections formed within the sleeve and arranged to guide the axial sliding of the plate and the retaining member, when said cap is depressed.

8. A container as claimed in claim 7, wherein said plate comprises a groove, diametrically crossing the plane of the plate and retaining the inlet branch of the L-shaped needle for the infusion of the drug, said groove being arranged perpendicularly to said radial grooves.

9. A container as claimed in claim 8, wherein said groove retaining the needle axially extends inside the plate and the retaining member and widens at its end, into a radial hollow, thereby to define two diametrically opposite portions of said plate, which portions are deformable to release the needle retained in said groove.

10. A container as claimed in claim 9, wherein a pair of radially extending protrusions are formed on the internal wall of said sleeve to keep the plate in engagement with said sleeve, and wherein the internal wall of said sleeve comprises an axial groove through which the outlet branch of the L-shaped needle passes.

11. A container as claimed in claim 10, wherein said releasing member for releasing said needle from said retaining member comprises a pair of diametrically opposite fins, which are formed in the retaining portion of said retaining member and which project upwardly from the plate and diverge toward the cap, said fins ending with a convex portion interfering with said axial projections when the cap is depressed and the retaining member is made to slide along the sleeve for releasing the plate from the protrusions, so that, when the cap is completely lowered against the sleeve, the retaining member is arranged with the plate against the gauze and the branch of the L-shaped needle is completely placed through the patient's skin after having passed through an opening in the gauze.

12. A container as claimed in claim 5, wherein said retaining member comprises two coupled half-shells and includes a securing portion directed toward said cap and a retaining portion directed toward said sleeve, said retaining portion including a cavity between said half-shells for receiving said needle, and said securing portion comprising two shoulders, which are received into corresponding recesses formed in the edge of the sleeve remote from said base, and an axial recess extending up to said cavity.

13. A container as claimed in claim 12, wherein said sleeve comprises means for resiliently retaining said half-shells against each other.

14. A container as claimed in claim 12, wherein respective radial projections are provided on the inner surface of said sleeve in correspondence with the recesses, which projections co-operate with said shoulders and with respective teeth formed in the securing portion of said retaining member to axially join said retaining member to said sleeve.

15. A container as claimed in claim 12, wherein one of said half-shells comprises one or more pins engaging corresponding holes in the other half-shell when said half-shells are coupled to each other.

16. A container as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inlet branch of said needle is retained inside said cavity by co-operation between at least one support projection-and at least one tongue provided on one of said half-shells and received in respective seats provided in the other half-shell.

17. A container as claimed in claim 16, wherein one of said support projections is configured to prevent transversal movements of said needle relative to said sleeve.

18. A container as claimed in claim 12, wherein the half-shells are divided into first sections and second sections connected by a flexible connecting member, said first sections being shaped to define therebetween a passage for the outlet branch of said needle when said half-shells are joined to each other.

19. A container as claimed in claim 18, wherein said sleeve comprises two facing L-shaped axial projections forming a seat for said first sections.

20. A container as claimed in claim 19, wherein said releasing member comprises a projection provided inside said cap and received within said recess, wherein said projection is configured to force apart said second sections of the half-shells of said retaining member and push the inlet branch of said needle toward the container base when said cap slides on said sleeve, until the complete placement of the outlet branch of said needle through the patient's skin.

21. A container as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a second gauze, protected by a respective removable adhesive film and joined with said first gauze, the second gauze being foldable on the first gauze when the needle has been inserted and the container has been removed, whereby the first gauze and the inlet branch of the needle can be covered leaving only said second gauze exposed.

22. A container as claimed in claim 20, further comprising a second gauze, protected by a respective removable adhesive film and joined with said first gauze, the second gauze being foldable on the first gauze when the needle has been inserted and the container has been removed, whereby the first gauze and the inlet branch of the needle can be covered leaving only said second gauze exposed.

23. A container for facilitating placement of a cannula of a medical device through a patient's skin, the container comprising: a housing comprising a cap telescopically slidable over a sleeve, said sleeve defining an axis therethrough and including a resting base configured for placement against said patient's skin, said cap being slidable between a first position and a second position along the axis of said sleeve, wherein said cap substantially encases the axial length of said sleeve when said cap is in said second position; and a retaining member located within said housing, said retaining member having a piercing member secured thereto, said piercing member extending at least partially through said cannula for transcutaneous placement of said cannula; wherein said piercing member is concealed within said sleeve when said cap is in said first position and exposed from said sleeve when said cap is in said second position; wherein upon exertion of said pressure on said cap, said cap slides axially toward said patient's skin along said sleeve so that said piercing member is placed through said patient's skin and an end of said cannula is transcutaneously inserted and said medical device is retained on the patient and said piercing member secured to said retaining member is removed.

24. The container of claim 23 wherein a force resulting from an insertion pressure exerted on said cap is transferred to said piercing member.

25. The container of claim 23 further comprising a projecting structure defining said retaining member and extending generally axially from an end portion of said cap within said sleeve.

26. The container of claim 25 wherein said piercing member is attached to said projecting structure.

27. The container of claim 23 wherein said base comprises an adhesive face configured for adhering said base to said patient's skin.

28. The container of claim 27 further comprising a gauze attached to said base, said gauze configured for adhering said base to said patient's skin.

29. The container of claim 28, wherein said gauze includes an opening for said piercing member.

30. The container of claim 27 further comprising a protective film for covering said adhesive face prior to adhering said base to said patient's skin.

31. A container for facilitating placement of a cannula of a medical device through a patient's skin, the container comprising: a housing comprising a care telescopically slidable over a sleeve, said sleeve defining an axis therethrough and including a resting base configured for placement against said patient's skin, said cap being slidable between a first position and a second position along the axis of said sleeve, wherein said care substantially encases the axial length of said sleeve when said care is in said second position; and a retaining member located within said housing, said retaining member having a piercing member secured thereto, said piercing member extending at least partially through said cannula for transcutaneous placement of said cannula; and a release member for releasing said piercing member from said retaining member; wherein said piercing member is concealed within said sleeve when said cap is in said first position and exposed from said sleeve when said care is in said second position; and wherein upon exertion of said pressure on said cap, said cap slides axially toward said patient's skin along said sleeve so that said piercing member is placed through said patient's skin and an end of said cannula is transcutaneously inserted and said medical device is retained on the patient and said piercing member secured to said retaining member is removed.

32. The container of claim 23, further comprising a releasable annular protector surrounding said at least a portion of said sleeve to prevent said cap from sliding relative to said sleeve.

33. The container of claim 23, wherein said sleeve extends distal to a tip of said piercing member prior to insertion of said piercing member.

34. The container of claim 23, wherein said sleeve further comprises a pair of guiding members to guide said cap relative to said sleeve when said cap is depressed.

35. The container of claims 23 wherein said piercing member is adapted to administer a drug.

The present invention relates to a container for a disposable needle. More particularly, the invention refers to a container for a disposable needle for drug infusion, which container makes needle placement through a patient's skin easier.

As known, several medical treatments exploit subcutaneous infusion of liquid drugs: the drug flows through a hose connected to a needle placed through the patient's skin and it is directly delivered under the skin through said needle. Alternatively, insertion needles are employed for placement through the patient's skin of a soft and relatively flexible tubular cannula, followed by insertion needle removal and subsequent infusion of medical fluid to the patient directly through the cannula. In some cases, the patient himself/herself is to administer the drug. For instance, many diabetic patients self-administer insulin, in the form of controlled and prolonged infusion.

Clearly, many patients have no medical knowledge and therefore they may be reluctant to place the needle or cannula through their skin or inexpert in doing so. Thus, it is necessary to provide means allowing automatic placement, so as to prevent the patient's lack of skill or hesitation from resulting in an incorrect needle or cannula placement, with possible dangerous consequences.

Devices of this kind, which can be employed for the subcutaneous infusion of a liquid drug either through a needle or through a soft cannula, already exist and one of them is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,172.

According to the teaching of the above mentioned patent, a device for needle placement comprises a cylinder, the lower portion of which can receive the outward-directed needle and related hose, ready for placement through the patient's skin. Said cylinder internally includes a spring that can be brought into a loaded condition and, on its upper portion, a trigger that is to release said spring. By depressing the trigger, the spring is released so as to outward project, more particularly through the patient's skin, the needle located in the lower portion of the device. Once the needle is placed through the skin, a slight traction is sufficient to retract the device and leave the needle in place, in the correct position.

A problem with such kind of devices is that the patient is to provide for the correct introduction of the infusion set into the lower portion of the cylinder, to ensure a correct needle positioning.

It is a main object of the present invention to provide a container within which a needle and the related hose or, alternatively, a cannula, are already correctly positioned, so that the patient only has to place said container against his/her skin and to release the needle or cannula through a simple movement.

Another drawback of such known devices is that, while the needle is being placed inside the device, the user risks to prickle himself/herself while handling the needle. Moreover, at such step, the needle is exposed to the outside environment and in particular to germs and bacteria.

Thus, it is another object of the present invention to provide a container for a disposable needle or cannula that does not result in the risk for the user to prickle himself/herself during use and that allows maintaining hygiene and safety in respect of possible contamination by external agents.

A container for a disposable needle intended to facilitate needle or cannula placement through a patient's skin is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,172.

The above and other objects of the invention are achieved by a container as defined in the appended claims.

The container according to the invention has the appearance of a small housing of plastic material, already containing the needle connected with the related hose or, alternatively, the end of the cannula connected with the related insertion needle, and protected from the surrounding environment by means of a protecting film.

After said film has been removed and the container base has been placed against the skin, a simple push is sufficient to release the needle and pierce the skin.

Once the needle has been placed through the skin, the container can be removed by slightly pulling it, without risks of displacing the needle from the correct position.

If the drug is to be delivered to the patient directly through a soft cannula, the insertion needle of said cannula can be removed together with the container, without displacing the cannula.

Advantageously, the construction of a disposable device affords maximum simplicity of use and maximum hygiene.

A number of embodiments of the invention will be disclosed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the container according to the invention is employed for the insertion of a needle through a patient's skin. However, as already mentioned, the container according to the invention can be similarly used for the insertion of a soft cannula through a patient's skin.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the container according to a first embodiment of the invention, shown before use;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1, after needle insertion;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the container according to said first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an overall perspective view of the container according to a second embodiment of the invention, shown before use;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the container shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the needle-retaining member in the container shown in FIG. 7, shown before assembling;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the needle-retaining member shown in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line D-D, of the needle-retaining member shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 1, the container according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a cylindrical housing 1 , in which there is defined a cap 1 a axially slidable relative to a sleeve 1 b when a sufficient pressure is exerted on said cap 1 a.

Said cap 1 a moreover has an inner diameter slightly exceeding the outer diameter of sleeve 1 b , so as to allow sleeve 1 b to be received within cap 1 a when the latter has been wholly depressed.

Sleeve 1 b is integral with a base 1 c intended for placing the container against the patient's skin, in the area where a L-shaped needle is to be inserted.

A hose 11 , intended to supply the needle located within housing 1 with the drug, as it will be better disclosed hereinafter, radially comes out from sleeve 1 b through an axial slit 63 .

It is to be noted that said L-shaped needle with its related hose can be replaced by a soft cannula provided with an insertion needle of the type shown above captioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,172. Said cannula is a hollow tube made from a soft and flexible material, which can be bent into a desired configuration. In order to insert the cannula through a patient's skin, an insertion needle is introduced in the free end of the cannula and used for piercing the patient's skin and driving through the patient's skin said end of said cannula. The insertion needle is then removed, the cannula is bent into a L-shaped configuration for purpose of practicalness so as to adhere to the patient's skin and the drug is infused through the cannula. It is evident that, within the scope of the invention, the above disclosed cannula, together with the associated insertion needle, is equivalent to the aforesaid L-shaped needle and, for this reason, it will not be further described.

Outside housing 1 , a removable film 3 is applied onto base 1 c , to protect an adhesive gauze 5 placed between said film and base 1 c and weakly adhering to base 1 c in correspondence of a set of circular portions 7 .

Referring now to FIG. 2, the container according to said first embodiment of the invention comprises, within said housing 1 , a retaining member 9 comprising a securing portion 9 a directed towards cap 1 a and a retaining portion 9 b directed towards sleeve 1 b.

Securing portion 9 a is firmly held inside an axial cylindrical hub 10 extending within cap 1 a and integral therewith. Retaining portion 9 b axially extends inside the container and ends, at its end remote from said securing portion 9 a , with a plate 13 transversally arranged relative to the axis of retaining member 9 .

As better shown in FIG. 4, said plate 13 has a substantially circular shape and has a pair of diametrically opposite radial grooves 15 , through which corresponding axial projections 17 formed within sleeve 1 b pass. Said projections are arranged to guide the axial sliding of plate 13 , and consequently of member 9 , when cap 1 a is pressed against sleeve 1 b.

Still with reference to FIG. 4, said plate 13 further comprises a groove 19 , diametrically crossing the whole plane of plate 13 , perpendicularly to radial grooves 15 . Groove 19 retains inlet branch 21 a of an L-shaped needle 21 for the infusion of the drug, housed inside the container.

Turning back to FIG. 2, said groove 19 axially extends inside plate 13 and retaining element 9 b and widens, at its end, into a radial hollow 23 , thereby to define two diametrically opposite portions of said plate 13 . As it will be explained thereinafter, said portions can be deformed to release needle 21 once cap 1 a has been depressed.

Two circumferential rims 25 and 27 , respectively, are formed on the internal wall of sleeve 1 b to keep plate 13 in engagement against sleeve 1 b , thereby preventing cap 1 a from sliding until a force sufficient to overcome the resistance of outermost rim 25 relative to said cap 1 a is exerted against said cap.

With reference to FIG. 5, the internal wall of sleeve 1 b comprises an axial groove 31 housing outlet branch 21 b of L-shaped needle 21 .

Said sleeve 1 b further has, at the end of said axial groove 31 , a widened portion 41 in correspondence of base 1 c , to prevent branch 21 b of needle 21 from sticking into the wall of sleeve 1 b while advancing towards the outside through opening 37 provided in gauze 5 . Cap 1 a has a corresponding widening 43 to receive the outer projection defined by said widened portion 41 when sleeve 1 b is completely received within cap 1 a.

Turning back to FIG. 2, retaining portion 9 b further comprises a pair of diametrically opposite fins 33 upward projecting from plate 13 and diverging towards cap 1 a . Said fins 33 end with a convex portion 35 , interfering with axial projections 17 when cap 1 a is depressed and retaining member 9 is made to slide along sleeve 1 b , thereby disengaging plate 13 from rim 25 and bringing the container to the position shown in FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIG. 3, when cap 1 a is completely lowered against sleeve 1 b , retaining member 9 is arranged with plate 13 against the inner face of gauze 5 , and branch 21 b of L-shaped needle 21 will be completely placed through the patient's skin after having passed through opening 37 in gauze 5 .

Referring now to FIG. 6, gauze 5 is joined to a second adhesive gauze 39 , which in turn is protected by a respective removable adhesive film. The border of second gauze 39 can be folded on gauze 5 when needle 21 has been inserted and the container has been removed. Thus, the patient can advantageously cover the area of gauze 5 and branch 21 a of L-shaped needle 21 by said second gauze 39 , whereby only the border of gauze 39 is externally visible and the area occupied by the needle is thus protected.

The operation of the container according to said first embodiment is as follows: starting from the configuration shown in FIG. 2, protecting film 3 is removed and adhesive gauze 5 is made to adhere to the patient's skin in the area where needle 21 is to be inserted. Pushing cap 1 a towards base 1 c results, once the resistance of rim 25 has been overcome, in the release of plate 13 and the sliding of cap 1 a on sleeve 1 b . During this step, needle 21 is placed through the patient's skin and, at the same time, is released from retaining member 9 because of the deformation of plate 13 due to the pressure radially exerted by projections 17 onto fins 33 . The container has thus taken the configuration shown in FIG. 3 and it can be removed, while leaving the needle in place thanks to the weak adhesion between base 1 c and gauze 5 if compared with the adhesion between gauze 5 and the patient's skin. Subsequently, the protecting film of second gauze 39 can be removed therefrom and gauze 39 can be folded on and made to adhere to gauze 5 .

Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 11, a second embodiment of the invention is shown, which differs from the first embodiment in particular in respect of the structure of the needle-retaining member.

In this second embodiment, the container comprises a cylindrical housing 101 , in which a cap 101 a and a sleeve 101 b are defined. The sleeve has a slightly smaller diameter, so that, when a sufficient pressure is exerted on cap 101 a , the latter is axially slidable relative to sleeve 101 b and can internally receive the sleeve. Said sleeve 101 b is integral with a base 101 c intended for placing the container against the patient's skin.

Slightly projecting circumferential rims could be provided on the inner surface of the base of cap 101 a and on the outer surface of the edge of sleeve 101 b remote from base 101 c , respectively. Thanks to the co-operation between said circumferential rims, when housing 101 is assembled, said cap 101 a is axially slidable on sleeve 101 b but it cannot be accidentally separated therefrom.

Moreover, an annular band, e.g. of plastic material, could be applied around sleeve 101 b to prevent cap 101 a from accidentally sliding relative to sleeve 101 b . Said band can be easily removed by the user before use.

A hose 111 radially comes out from sleeve 101 b through an axial slit 163 . Said hose is intended to deliver the drug to an L-shaped needle 121 , located within housing 101 and comprising an inlet branch 121 a , onto which the hose is fitted, and an outlet branch 121 b , intended to be at least partly placed through the patient's skin. Said L-shaped needle 121 is housed within a retaining member 109 , contained within housing 101 .

Said retaining member 109 comprises a securing portion 109 a and a retaining portion 109 b and consists of two coupled half-shells 109 c , shaped so as to define therebetween a cavity 161 capable of receiving said needle 121 .

Securing portion 109 a comprises two shoulders 157 , 159 , which are received into corresponding recesses 165 , 167 formed in the edge of sleeve 101 b remote from base 101 c.

More particularly, recess 165 formed in correspondence with slit 163 is so sized that its edges resiliently press against shoulder 157 of retaining member 109 , whereas the opposite recess 167 is oversized with respect to the corresponding shoulder 159 in said member 109 , so that a clearance is left.

In the alternative, a pair of facing resilient members could be formed on the internal surface of said sleeve 101 b , which members radially project towards the centre of said sleeve to such an extent that they press against half-shells 109 c of said member 109 .

Advantageously, radial projections 166 , 168 are provided on the inner surface of sleeve 101 b in correspondence with recesses 165 , 167 and are firmly held between said shoulders 157 , 159 and corresponding teeth 158 , 160 formed in securing portion 109 a of said retaining member 109 . In such manner, retaining member 109 is axially joined to sleeve 101 b.

Furthermore, a recess 155 , extending up to cavity 161 , is defined in securing portion 109 a , to receive a projection 151 centrally provided inside cap 101 a . Preferably, end 153 of said projection 151 is so shaped that it conforms to the curved profile of hose 111 .

Two facing L-shaped axial projections 169 , diametrically opposed and parallel to slit 163 , are provided inside sleeve 101 b and they form a seat for the portion of said retaining member 109 receiving outlet branch 121 b of needle 121 .

FIGS. 9 to 11 show in detail retaining member 109 .

Advantageously, said retaining member 109 consists of two facing half-shells 109 c , whereby positioning of needle 121 is particularly easy: indeed, it will be sufficient to place said needle between said half-shells 109 c and then to join them, thereby blocking the needle therebetween. Said half-shells 109 c are preferably formed by moulding into a single element, and therefore they are advantageously joined by a flexible member 171 making their assembling easier.

One of said half-shells 109 c comprises three pins 173 engaging corresponding holes 175 in the other half-shell 109 c , thereby assisting in correctly aligning both half-shells 109 c at the assembling and, subsequently, in keeping them joined.

Both half-shells 109 c have a groove 161 a , 161 b defining cavity 161 when half-shells 109 c are joined.

Inlet branch 121 a of needle 121 , on which hose 111 is fitted, is retained inside cavity 161 thanks to the co-operation between a pair of support projections 177 , 178 and a pair of rigid tongues 181 provided on one of half-shells 109 c and housed in respective seats 179 in the other half-shell.

One of said support projections, 178 , is suitably arranged on one half-shell 109 c in correspondence of the bend between inlet and outlet branches 121 a , 121 b of needle 121 . When the retaining member 109 is assembled, said projection 178 prevents, by co-operating with the surface of the facing half-shell 109 , needle removal from housing 101 .

As shown in FIG. 11, retaining portion 109 b of each half-shell 109 c is divided into two sections 109 d , 109 e connected by a flexible connecting member 183 allowing limited relative displacements of said sections.

When half-shells 109 c are joined together, sections 109 e in the respective half-shells adhere to each other, whereas a passage for outlet branch 121 b of needle 121 is defined between sections 109 d.

In this second embodiment, insertion and release of the needle take place as follows. When pushing cap 101 a with sufficient force towards container base 101 c , projection 151 presses against hose 111 and, by overcoming the resistance of pins 173 and the elastic resistance of sleeve 101 b , said projection forces half-shells 109 c apart. Sections 109 d of said half-shells 109 c cannot be separated, since they are rigidly retained by L-shaped projections of sleeve 101 b , so that the passage for outlet branch 121 b of needle 121 defined therebetween keeps unchanged. On the contrary, sections 109 e of said half-shells can be spaced apart, by overcoming the elastic resistance of the edges of recess 165 in sleeve 101 b . In such manner, hose 111 can pass through half-shells 109 c along slit 163 , while needle 121 is guided between facing sections 109 d of half-shells 109 c , until its outlet branch 121 b becomes completely placed through the patient's skin.

Similarly to what described in connection with the first embodiment of the invention, also in this second embodiment the container can comprise, outside housing 101 and against base 101 c , an adhesive gauze 5 weakly adhering to base 101 c in correspondence of a set of circular portions. Thus, gauze 5 can remain adhering to the patient's skin after needle 121 has been placed through the patient's skin and the container has been removed. Said adhesive gauze 5 could be possibly joined with a second, protecting adhesive gauze which could be folded onto said first gauze after container removal.

It is clear that the above description has been given only by way of non-limiting example and that changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

In particular, as already mentioned, even if the above description has been given with reference to the insertion of a needle through which the drug coming from a related hose is delivered to a patient, the container according to the invention can also be used for the insertion through a patient's skin of a cannula provided with an insertion needle when the drug is to be delivered to the patient directly through said cannula.