Patent ID: 7811261
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A needle cover apparatus for attachment to a syringe needle, the needle defining an axis and having a distal tip, the apparatus comprising: a base; a sleeve supported by the base and including a distal end defining an opening, the sleeve axially moveable only once relative to the needle from an extended position wherein the distal tip does not extend through the opening, to a retracted position wherein the distal tip extends through the opening, and back to the extended position, the sleeve biased toward the extended position; and a locking member moveable relative to the sleeve and including a locking portion that, in response to movement of the sleeve from the retracted position to the extended position, moves to cover the opening, thereby preventing subsequent movement of the sleeve to the retracted position; wherein the locking member moves axially with the sleeve from the extended position toward the retracted position, wherein as the sleeve reaches the fully retracted position the locking member moves axially relative to the sleeve to a locked position in which the locking member is substantially axially fixed relative to the sleeve, wherein the locking member moves axially with the sleeve from the retracted position back to the extended position, wherein the locking member includes a latching tab and the sleeve includes a first recess and a second recess distal of the first recess, wherein the latching tab engages the first recess to axially couple the sleeve and the locking member during movement of the sleeve and the locking member from the extended position toward the retracted position, wherein the latching tab is disengaged from the first recess and moved into engagement with the second recess when the locking member moves to the locked position, and wherein the latching tab engages the second recess to axially couple the sleeve and the locking member during movement of the sleeve and the locking member from the retracted position back to the extended position.