One-piece syringe

Abstract

A one-piece syringe (2) includes an elongate frame (4) having front and back parts (6, 8) coupled by a hinge (10). A hollow barrel (12) extends from the front part and away from an outer surface (22). A plunger (14) having gaskets (54, 56) at its outer end (32) extends from the back part away from the inner surface (50). The frame is folded over at the hinge and the outer end of the plunger is inserted into the bore of the barrel. The plunger has a bendable region (62) along its length which permits the plunger to move properly along the bore during use. Withdrawal of the outer end of the plunger from the bore is prevented by the engagement of wedge shaped teeth (64) extending laterally from the plunger which engage and score the bore wall (70). After use, the barrel and plunger are pivoted to a disposal position generally parallel to the front part of the frame. This causes the frangible connection (26) between the plunger and the frame to break further preventing the reuse of the syringe. The frame is then pivoted back upon itself and latched together (92, 94) to capture the needle (36), barrel and plunger between the front and back parts for safe disposal. The frame can include slide type fasteners (128-134) to permit the syringes to be temporarily held together as a bandolier (126). A self-dispensing, lockable package (138) of syringes can be used to dispense the syringes one at a time.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.