Patent ID: 8333738

Claim:
A method comprising the steps of: providing a syringe having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle, a plunger having a proximal end and a distal end, an adapter, a spring, and a guard, the guard being in communication with the syringe, the syringe being operable to receive the plunger, the guard being configured to translate distally from the syringe, the adapter being fixedly positioned within the syringe and comprising at least one flexible hinge, wherein the at least one flexible hinge has a fixed proximal end and a free distal end and the plunger is configured to translate distally relative to the fixedly positioned adapter; inserting the plunger into a lumen defined by the syringe; retaining the guard in a secured position; actuating the at least one flexible hinge to release the guard from the secured position; and translating the guard in the distal direction such that the guard covers at least a portion of the needle.