Patent ID: 6171283
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A self-shielding guard for a medical cartridge having a proximal end and a distal end, and having its own needle extending from the distal end, said guard comprising:a body having a cavity adapted to receive the cartridge axially therein through an open proximal end of said body, and having a distal end including an opening through which the needle may extend when the cartridge is received within said cavity;locking detents on said proximal end of said body for substantially permanently engaging the proximal end of the cartridge received in said cavity;a shield slidably attached to said body, and having open proximal and distal ends, said shield being slidable between an unguarded and a guarded position, thereby uncovering and covering respectively the needle on the cartridge; andcooperating detents and detent pockets formed in said body and said shield for mutually engaging to hold said shield in said guarded position;wherein said cooperating detents and detent pockets comprise:a first set and a second set of detent pockets formed in said body, said second set being located distally from said first set; anda plurality of detents on said shield adapted to engage said detent pockets, said unguarded position being defined by said detents engaging said first set of detent pockets, and said guarded position being defined by said detents engaging said second set of detent pockets.