Patent ID: 7207973

Claim:
A shield system for a syringe, the syringe having a tubular barrel having a distal end with a needle cannula extending therefrom, and an open proximal end having a flange defined thereabout, the syringe including a stopper in the barrel, a plunger coupled with the stopper and extending from the open proximal end and having a thumb pad at a proximal end of the plunger, said shield system comprising: a generally tubular body having an end wall and an open proximal end having means for receiving the syringe; a generally tubular shield telescopically supported by said body and movable relative thereto from a first retracted position in which the needle cannula is exposed, to a second retracted position which is axially spaced from said first retracted position and in which the needle cannula is exposed, to an extended position in which the needle cannula is enclosed by said shield; a spring supported in said body and biasing said shield toward said second retracted position and said extended position; a locking member supported by said body for axial movement with respect thereto, said locking member being disposed in a locking position prior to retention of the syringe in said body, distal axial movement of said locking member releasing said tubular shield from said first retracted position and securing said shield in said second retracted position, proximal axial movement of said locking member releasing said tubular shield from said second retracted position and enabling said tubular shield to move to said extended position; first retainer elements defined about said open proximal end of said body for retaining said locking member in said locking position to prevent inadvertent release of said shield from said first retracted position prior to retention of the syringe in said body; and second retainer elements defined about said open proximal end of said body for retaining the syringe in said body.