Patent ID: 7611485
Filing Date: 2009-11-03
Classification: A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A medical needle shield apparatus comprising: a shield slidably movable along a medical needle from a proximal position where a distal end of the needle is exposed, to a distal position where the shield protects the distal end of the needle, said shield comprising: a binding member having an aperture through which the needle passes, said aperture having binding surfaces; a retainer integral with the binding member and in communication with the needle for temporarily retaining the binding surfaces in a non-binding position relative to the needle; and a positioning member including a friction element configured to engage the medical needle and generate a drag force to cause inclination of the binding member from a substantially transverse position relative to an axial path defined by the needle for positioning the binding surfaces to secure the shield to the needle when a portion of the retainer in contact with the needle is advanced past the distal end of the needle and allows the retainer to release from the needle.