Abstract: A skin gripping means for use with an injector (200) is disclosed. In one embodiment the skin gripping means is a needle guard (100). An exterior surface (7) of the skin gripping means (100) is provided with a plurality of fingers (6) adapted to engage a subject's skin (9) when in use. A method of performing a subcutaneous injection is also disclosed with includes the steps of bringing a skin gripping means (100) of an injector (200) into contact with the skin (9) of a subject, moving the skin gripping means (100) substantially parallel to the skin (9) to thereby form a fold (10) in the skin, moving a needle (11) of the injector (200) into the fold (10) to a suitable position for a subcutaneous injection and injecting a substance through the needle (11).

Abstract: An applicator, for example an injector (100), includes a flow control means including a first member (2) and a second member (6) for controlling flow from an inlet (4) to an outlet (5). A hinged linkage (17) is provided having a first end (18) rotatably engaged with the first member and a second end (19) rotatably engaged with the second member. The linkage (17) is moveable between a collapsed position and an over-center locked position which prevents relative movement of the first member (2) towards the second member (6). Linkage unlocking means (28) are provided which move the hinge (22) away from the over-center locked position so that the first and second members can be moved together. A similar linkage (10) prevents unwanted movement of a needle shroud (8). A needle shroud (8) which can be used to remove the needle (7) from the injector (100) is also described.

Abstract: A skin gripping means for use with an injector (200) is disclosed. In one embodiment the skin gripping means is a needle guard (100). An exterior surface (7) of the skin gripping means (100) is provided with a plurality of fingers (6) adapted to engage a subject's skin (9) when in use. A method of performing a subcutaneous injection is also disclosed with includes the steps of bringing a skin gripping means (100) of an injector (200) into contact with the skin (9) of a subject, moving the skin gripping means (100) substantially parallel to the skin (9) to thereby form a fold (10) in the skin, moving a needle (11) of the injector (200) into the fold (10) to a suitable position for a subcutaneous injection and injecting a substance through the needle (11).

Abstract: An applicator, for example an injector (100), includes a flow control means including a first member (2) and a second member (6) for controlling flow from an inlet (4) to an outlet (5). A hinged linkage (17) is provided having a first end (18) rotatably engaged with the first member and a second end (19) rotatably engaged with the second member. The linkage (17) is moveable between a collapsed position and an over-centre locked position which prevents relative movement of the first member (2) towards the second member (6). Linkage unlocking means(28) are provided which move the hinge (22) away from the over-centre locked position so that the first and second members can be moved together. A similar linkage (10) prevents unwanted movement of a needle shroud (8). A needle shroud (8) which can be used to remove the needle (7) from the injector (100) is also described.