Patent ID: 6558360
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A needle protection device adapted for use with a hypodermic syringe which includes a container, a plunger that can be reciprocated in said container by means of a rod, and a needle secured to one end-part of said container, wherein the needle protection device comprises a tubular member with an axial length that is slightly greater than an axial length of the needle, wherein said tubular member has an inner radial-related cross-sectional shape that substantially corresponds to an outer radial-related cross-sectional shape of the container, and an open first end that is adapted to be snugly received over the container, wherein said tubular member when received over the container is movable axially relative to the container between a position in which the tubular member covers the needle and a position in which the needle is exposed, wherein the tubular member has a second end opposite the first end that is distal from the container, wherein the second end includes an end surface and a membrane which extends completely across the entire cross-sectional area of the tubular member to close and seal the cross-sectional area of said tubular member, wherein said membrane has a thickness which will enable the point of the needle to penetrate said membrane when the tubular member is moved along said container to expose said needle, and wherein the membrane is positioned so as to cover the cross-sectional area of said tubular member at a position spaced inwardly from the end surface of said tubular member.