Snap together hypodermic syringe holder

Claim 1

A hypodermic syringe holder [10] adapted to receive a disposable ampoule comprising a semi-cylindrical hollow frame portion [12] shaped to receive an ampoule and having a generally cylindrical head portion, said head portion having on its inside surface a projecting lug [24]; an axially movable clamping element [14] rotatable about its longitudinal axis within the cylindrical head of said frame portion and engageable with an associated ampoule to securely immobilize the ampoule within the frame portion of the syringe holder, said clamping element comprising a barrel portion [34], a handle portion [32], a helical groove [38] on the outer surface of said barrel portion, a bore [36, 36'] therethrough, and ramp means [42] for permitting said lug to access said helical groove connecting said helical groove with the distal end surface of said clamping element; said barrel portion being sized to rotate and translate within said cylindrical head; a plunger element [16] having a rod portion [37] having on its distal end means [40] for engaging a piston of an associated ampoule, said rod portion and piston engaging means being axially and slidably receivable within said bore of said clamping element; wherein said helical groove is slidably accessible to said lug through said ramp means and engageable with said lug, whereby said lug secures the clamping element to said frame portion such that all of the elements of the syringe holder are in cooperative engagement with one another.