Single-use syringe

Claim 1

A hypodermic syringe suitable for safe disposal after a single use, which syringe comprises: (a) a generally tubular syringe body which is closed at a first end thereof; (b) an elongated projection extending in an axial direction from said closed first end of the generally tubular syringe body; (c) a double-ended hollow needle extending generally axially through said elongated projection from the interior of the syringe body to beyond the distal end of the projection; (d) a needle sheath slidably mounted upon said elongated projection for movement between a first position in which the needle is exposed for use and a second position in which the needle is enclosed therein; (e) the second end of said syringe body being generally open whereby an ampoule may be inserted into said syringe body; (f) an ampoule having a generally tubular body, a closure member at a first end thereof and a piston slidable within the generally tubular body; (g) a resilient retaining means extending from said second end of said syringe body in a direction which is generally radially inward with respect to said syringe body, whereby to allow said ampoule to enter said syringe body but to obstruct and thereby prevent removal of said ampoule; and (h) a plunger rod which is adapted to enter a said ampoule within said syringe body and to engage the piston of said ampoule without interconnection therewith and thereby to slide the piston within the ampoule towards the closed end of said ampoule.