Patent ID: 8157771

Claim:
A device which comprises: a hollow, cylindrical shaped syringe body formed with a lumen and defining a first axis, with the first axis extending between an open proximal end of the syringe body and an open distal end thereof; an elongated adapter fixedly mounted and aligned within the lumen of the syringe body along the first axis, and distanced therefrom to create a space therebetween, the adapter having a flexible hinge; a hollow cylindrical shaped guard having a tab extending radially therefrom, with the tab positioned in a slot of the adapter for axial movement of the guard relative thereto, the guard having a flexible hinge lock engageable with the adapter to impede a distal movement of the guard relative to the adapter; a spring positioned between the adapter and the guard to urge the guard in a distal direction; a hollow needle mounted axially on the adapter, the needle having a proximal end and a distal end; and a fluid vial having a cylindrical wall surrounding a fluid chamber, the vial being engageable with the proximal end of the syringe body to establish fluid communication between the needle and the fluid chamber, wherein, as the wall of the vial is distally advanced into the space between the syringe body and the adapter, fluid is expelled form the chamber through the needle and, in sequence, the wall activates the flexible hinge of the adapter to release the hinge lock for movement of the guard in a distal direction, within the syringe body, beyond the distal end of the syringe body, to cover and protect the distal end of the needle.