Patent ID: 6540763
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A retractable sharps assembly comprising:a generally hollow housing comprising first and second ends, each end with an opening into the housing; a shoulder proximate the first end extending into the hollow housing; a sharps unit comprising a frame having forward and rear ends and configured such that the forward end is received through the first end and into the hollow housing; a trigger mechanism adjacent to the frame rear end; a shelf positioned in the frame and having a rest position a given distance from the forward end; an elastic member extending between the shelf and the forward end; and a sharps member extending from the shelf toward the forward end; whereby as the frame forward end is inserted into and moved forward in the hollow housing, the shelf is initially retained by the shoulder such that the elastic member is loaded between the shelf and forward end until such time as the trigger mechanism interacts with the shoulder causing the shelf to disengage therefrom and thereby causing stored energy in the elastic member to drive the sharps member towards the forward end and through the second end opening as the shelf moves within the given distance, thereby compressing the elastic member, the elastic thereafter relaxing to retract the sharps member within the housing.