Patent ID: 7611499

Claim:
An IV catheter assembly comprising: a catheter hub comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface defining an interior cavity, and a distal end; a needle defining a needle shaft extending distally away from the distal end of the catheter hub and comprising a needle tip at a distal end thereof; a second hub; a catheter tube extending distally away from the second hub and defining a lumen having the needle extending therethrough when in a ready to use position; a tip protector comprising first axially exstending member, a second axially extending member, a radially extending member having wall surfaces that extend radially of the needle shaft, and a proximal wall, which comprises a proximally facing wall surface, a distally facing wall surface, a proximal wall width, and an opening; wherein the tip protector is positioned inside the interior cavity of the catheter hub and contacts the interior surface of the catheter hub when in the ready to use position; and wherein the first axially extending member has a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction, which is opposite the first direction, and a perimeter defining an opening accessible from the first surface and the second surface; and wherein the second axially member extends at least in part, through the opening of the first axially extending member from the first surface and is exposed at the second surface.