CA1304268C

CA1304268C - Needle guard

Info

Publication number: CA1304268C
Application number: CA000548966A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Alan A. Wanderer; William E. Sagstetter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-10-14
Filing date: 1987-10-09
Publication date: 1992-06-30
Anticipated expiration: 2009-06-30
Also published as: AU7439987A; US4731059A; WO1988002638A1; US5181524A

Abstract

Abstract of the Disclosure A needle guard attached to the barrel of a hypodermic syringe encloses and shields the needle against contamination prior to use and prevents inadvertent direct contact therewith by medical personnel after use. Development of an aperture at the end of the needle shield to accommodate protrusion by the needle is effected by a removable member. Translation of the needle guard along the syringe barrel to uncover and recover the needle is effected by manipulation from a location rearwardly of the needle point to further protect the medical personnel. A double ended needle, usually used with a collection tube holder of a blood evacuation system, includes a needle guard which may interlock with the holder upon translation of the needle guard to expose the anterior needle and to prevent inadvertent disengagement with the holder and resulting exposure of the posterior needle. An extension of the interconnection between the double ended needle and the holder permits large girth holders to be employed without compromising the preferred needle entry angle. Other embodiments of the needle guard include telescoping guards to shield lengthy single needles and double-ended needles, each of which is manipulated from a location rearwardly of the respective needle end. The configuration of the needle guard permits manipulation with only one digit of one hand which frees the other hand to perform functions related to blood collection of injection.
An annular trough within the needle guard restrains outflow of and contamination by any fluids which may have dripped from the needle into the needle guard.

Description

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,~. 1 N~DL~ GUA~D

Backaround of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention ;The present invention relates to a guard device for hy~odermic needles and, more particularly, to guard devices for sin~le and double ended needle~.

2. Description of the Prior Art A needle shield ~hich must b~ removed from a ~needle hub before a syringe needle can be used for a medical procedure is d0scribed in each of United States Patents~Nos. 3,381,813, 3,934,722, 4,113,090 a~d 4,121,588. Eaah: of these removable needle :; shields reveals~se~eral limitations, including: tl) after a liquid medicament has been drawn up in a 3~

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~yringe, ~edical per~onnel may occa~ionally delay the administration of the medicament, ~hich delay requires retrieval and replacement of the neeæle shield tv prevent ~ontamination ~f the ~terile needle and create~ extra steps for bu~y medical per~onnel;
(2) medicAl personnel often rsmove this ~eedle ~hield ~ by holding the needle shield between their teeth or ; lips. This practice has bee~ a~so~ia~ed wi~h accidental ~elf-puncture in the face or other ~odily parts; ~3) in order to re-cover a u6ed needle with a previously removed needle shield, it i5 necessary to replace the needle ~hield back over the pointed end of the used needle, ~hich replacement increases the risk to medical personnel of accidentally puncturing themselves ~ith the point~d end of the used needle;
and, (4) if the needle has been accidentally bent during a medical procedure or if the needle shield is replaced over the needle at an incorrect angle, the needle point may inadvertently pierce the side of the needle ~hield and puncture the fingers or hand.

Other United States Patents have issued ~hich are directed to aspects of the present invention.
No. 4,425,120 describes a needle guard for a removable needle which guard is attached to a ~yringe barrel~ To remove the detachable needle from the ~yrin~e barrel, it is necessary to recover the used needle ~ith a separate needle shield, which recovery increases the risk of puncture to medical personnel by the u~ed needle point. In addition, the needle ~hield has an open end, which precludes sterility of the needle. No. 4,139,009 describes four ;

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longitudi~al arms which are brought into laterAl ~ide-to-~ide contact with the intention of covering and prot~ctin~ an enclosed ~eedle. ~he front end of the cover and the lateral arms ~n ~ide-to-side contact repre~e~t discontinuou~ location~ ~hich could permit microorganism penetration and contamination of th~ enclosed sterile needle. In addition, the arms in their normal unstressed condition are slightly ~owed away from the lon~itudinal axis of the needle ~o that casual touching of the device could contaminate the needle through the intersticeR
between the separated arms. When this device i9 pu~hed a~ainst a ~kin ~urface during the injection process, the arms must bow away from the longitudinal axis of the needle which bowing blocks vi~ualization of the needle as it penetrates the ~kin and creates a hazard to the patient.

Various configurations of a double needle assembly are disclo ed in United States Patent~ No~.
3,734,080 and 3,931,815, 2,460,641, 4,154,229, 4,295 t 476, 4,295,477, 4,312,362 and 4,340,068 for use in conjunction with evacuated blo~d collection systems and having removable needle ~hields.
With a double ended needle the risk of accidental contact with or puncture by either needle is substantially increased. In addition to the inherent danger from two potentially contaminated needles, other problems attendant a double needle blood collection system exist. Por example, the needle engaging threads and lock (if used) of a ~3~

normally reu~eable container holder can become ~uffi~iently worn to permi~ threaded di~engagemsnt durin~ us~. ~uch di~enga~e~ent durin~ the blood collection proce~s expo~e~ medical per~onnel to contact with or puncture by a potentially contaminated part of the po~terior needle and the fluid bein~ ~ithdrawn. Withdrawal of blood in the blood collection prbcess ~ould also be interrupted.
If the anterior needle i~ also inadvertently withdrawn, the potential for ~urther exposure to contagious fluid~ exists.

After use, a single or a double ended needle assembly may contain, interiorly or exteriorly, a potentially infectious fluid which fluid may drip onto or otherwise come in contact with personnel, other e~uipment or a surface and pose a health hazard~
Summary of the Invrntion A needle ~uard for a hypodermic needle attached to a syringe barrel include~ an axially translatable gener~lly cylindrical ~leeve slidably secured to the syringe barrel and havin~ a removable tab at the proximal end for developiny an aperture to accommodate exteriorization of the contained needle.
A lockin~ mechanism interconnects the syrin~e barrel ~ith the distal end of the sleeve for fixating the slee~e and shielding the needle prior to and subsequent to removal of the tab. After removal of the tab a guide mechanism accommodates translation of the sleeve along the barrel to expose the needle for :~3~2~

u~e; after use, the sleeve i~ ~lidable proximally to a locked position for receivin~ ~nd contalning the needle. All manipulation of the ~leeve i~ from rearwardly of the needle to minimize the potential for sccidental contact with the needle by medical per~onnel or other users of the hypodermic syringe.
For double ended needles, an attached ~on-removable ~uard may be incorporated to extend over the anterior needle end and a further attached non-removable guard is extendable over the posterior needle end. Upon exten~ion, either or both guards may be locked in place to prevent access to ~nd further u~e o$ the potentially contaminated needle~s). To secure the double ended needle with the holder of a blood collection sy~tem, a further locking mechani~m interconnecting the guard with the holder may be employed. A variant of the double needle assembly forminq the present invention can accommodate an acute an~ular penetration of the blood ves~el to be p~nctured despite ~ substantial ~irth that may be associated with the holder. Preferably, ~ach needle guard, whether for a single or double ended needle, include~ an annular trough for restraining outflo~ of fluid which may drip from the shielded needle. And, each ne~dle guard i8 tran~latable bet~een the retracted and extended position with one or two digit~ of one hand to leave free the other hand of a user.

It is therefore a primary object of ~he present invention to provid~ an attached non-removable needle guard for maintaining sterile a hyp~dermic needle 2~

prior to u~e And for ~uardin0 the hypodermic ~eedle against inadvertent contact by a u~er after u~e.

Another object of the pre~ent invention i~ to provide ~ syringe barrel mounted non-detach~ble guard for a hypodermic needle extending from the barrel ~hich guard i~ ma~ipulatable from ~ location rear~ardly of the hypodermic needle.

Still another object of the present invention i~
to provide a device positionally lockable about a needle of a hypodermic syrin~e to prevent inadvertent conta~t with the needle and any fluids drippin~
therefrom.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus for protecting a user of a hypodermic syringe or hypodermic needle, whether single or double, against accidental transmi~sion o~
blood borne infections, such as AIDS, hepatitis, syphili~ and other infectious di~eases through ~ontact ~ith the needle .

A further object of the present invention is to provide a double ended needle assembly having a ~uard for circumscribingly enclosin~ the anterior and posterior needle ends prior to and after use.

A ~till further object of the present i~vention is to provide a guard lockable in place to prevent reuse of a hypodermic needle.

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A yet further object of the present invention to provide appar~tus for precluding inadvertent di~en~agement of the double ended needle from the container holder during use.
A yet further object of the present invention i5 to provide ~uards for each end of a double ended needle assembly which are operable independently and from a location posterior of the needle end to be enclosed.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide more shallow angle of access during blood withdrawal irrespective of the ~irth of the container holder or syringe barrel.
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A yet further object of the present invention is to provide telescoping cylindrical segments of a needle guard ~hich will allow enc}osure of long needles:without creating long and un~ieldy needle assemblies.
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: These and other objects o~ the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description th~reof proceeds.

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~ ccording to the invention, there is provided a phlebotomy device for use with a blood collection tube, the:device omprising in combination a blood : coll~ction needle ha~ing first and second ends, means 0 for supporting the needle, threaded means for engaging .
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~3~2~3 7a and disengaging the needle with the supporting means, a guard having an open distal end and an open proximal end, the combination of the supporting means and ~he engaged needle being axially translatable along the guard to permit axial protrusion of the first end of the needle through the open distal end of the guard and outwardly of and distally from the guard for penetrating tissue and a blood vesslel during a phlebotomy procedure while the second end of the naedle extends pro~imally into fluid communication with the blood collection tube to permit infusion of a flow of blood from the blood vessel through the needle into the blood collection tube, means interengaging the guard and the combination of tha supporting means and the enqaged needle for relocating the guard to expose and enclose the first end of the needle through the distal open end o~ the guard, the interengaging means including a reversible detent means, the reversible detent means being configured to preclude distal translation o~ the guard in relation to the combination of the supporting means and the engaged needle when a first force is applied to the first end of the needle during penetration o~ the first end of the needle into the tissue and the blood vessel during the phlebotomy procedure and to preclude proxîmal translation of the guard i~ relation to the combination of the supporting means and the engaged needle when a second force is applied to the second end of the needle by the blood collection tube during the phlebotomy procedure, the interengaging means further including a protrusion extending ~rom one of the guard and the combination of the supporting mean~
and the engaged needle and means for engaging the protrusion, the engaging means being disposed in the other of the guard and the combination of the supporting means and th~ engaged needle, the engaging means including an axially oriented single pathway ~L3~42i58 7b during exposure and enclosure of the first end of the needle, the protrusion and the engaging means being maintained in continuous interengagement and configured to preclude independent rotation of the guard relative to the combination of the supporting means and the engaged needle during longitudinal axial translation of the combination of the supporting means and the engaged needle relative to the guard and to preclude disengagement of the guard relative to the combination of tha supporting m~ans and the engaged needle upon application of any opposed radially inwardly oriented force~ applied during the phlebotomy procedure to the guard distally of the protrusion and during relative translation batween the engaging means and the protrusion means for restraining rectilinear disassembly of the combination of the supporting means and the engaged needle fro~ the guard.
There is ~urther prsvided according to the invention a device for preventing inadvertent needle stick, the device comprising in combination: a hollow needle having a distal end and a proximal end; means for supporting the needle; a guard for selectively housing the distal end of the needle to prevent needle stick and for accommodating exposure o~ the distal end of the needle~ the guard being in overlapping relationship with the supporting means; means for axially translating the supporting means relativP to the guard to expose and to enclose, selectively, the distal end of the needle while maintaining the supporting means and the guard in overlapping relationship; and means for limiting the extent of relative axial translation between the supporting means and the guard.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be described with graater specificity and clarity with reference to the followin~ drawings, in which:

- ~L3~4; :68 Fi~ure 1 lllu~trate~ ~ hypo~ermic ~yrin~e having an attached needle guard;

: Figure 2 illuctrates the needle ~uard;

Fi~ure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view ta~en alon~ lines 3-3, as shown in Figure 2;

Fi~ure 4 i a cutaway view oE the upper end of the hypodermic syringe illustratea in Figure 1;

Figur~ 5 is a partial cross-~ectional view of the syringe barrel taken along lines 5-5, as shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 i5 a ~urther partial cross-sectional view of the syringe barrel taken al~ng lines 6-6, as shown in Figure 4;

Figure 7 illustrates a step in the use of the present invention;

Fi~ure 8 illustrates a further step in the use of the pre~ent invention:

~ i~ure 9 illustrates the primary components of a bIood collection system employing a double ende~
:needle;

: Fi~ure 10 illustrates a needle guard for a , " ' ' ' : . '~ ' .

:~l3~ 8 double ~nded needl~;

~ iSure 11 i5 a cross-sectional vie~ taken along lines 11 11, as ~hown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 illustrates a needle guard protecting one needle end of a double ended needle prior to u~e of the needle;

Figure 13 illustrates an exploded vi~w of the double end~d ~eedle and needle ~uard;

Fi~ure 14 is a cross-sectional view taXen along lines 14-14, a~ shown in Figure 11;
Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view taken alons lines 15-15, as shown in Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a detailed view of the guide ~echanism for the needle ~uard taken along lines 16-16 as sho~n in Figure 13;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional vie~ taken along lines 17-17, as shown in Figure 16;
Fi~ure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 18-18, ~s shown in Figure 16;

~ igure 19 illustrates further features of the guide ~echanism for the needle guard;

Figure ao illustrates a part of a lock mechanism , :
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~3~P~Z6~1 dispo~ed upon and formed as part o~ a container holder;

Figure 21 i8 a cross-~ectional view taken along line~ 21-21, a~ ~hown in Figure 20;

Fîgure ~2 is a detailed vie~ illustrRting the interconnection between a double ended neadle and container holder;
Figure 23 illustrates an initi~l step in the operation of a needle guard for a double ended needle;

Fi~ure ~4 illustrates a further ~tep in the operation of a needle guard for a double ended needle;

Figure 25 illustrates a needle ~uard usable with a variant of a double ended needle ~igure 26 illustrates the configuration of the double ended needle variant;

Fi~ure 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the double ended needle variant in use;

Figure 28 illustrates a needle guard for use with a variant of a deta~hable single needle;
~igure:29 illustrates the needle guard in use with the detacha~le single needle variant :

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Fi~ure 30 illustrate~ a variant of the needle guard;

Figure 31 illustrates a variant of a double ended n~edl~;

Fi~ure 32 is a partial cross-sectional view taken alon0 line~ 32-32, 8hown in Figure 31;
Figures 33 and 34 illustrate apparatus embodying the pre ent invention for wit~dr~wing blood and delivery into a large sized container;

Figures 35, 36, 37, ~8 and 39 illustrate the structure and operation of a telescoping variant of '~
the pre~ent invention for a double ended needle;

Figure 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines ~0-40, a~ shown in Pigure 38;

~ igure 41 is a partial cross-sectional vie~
tak~n alon~ es 41~41, as shown in Fi~ure 35;

~5 Figures 42, 43, 44 and 45 illustrate the structure and operation of a telescoping variant of the present invention for a single needle; f Figure 46 is a cross-sectional vie~ taXen along lines 46-46, as shown in Figure 42;
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Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view taken along , j" .. ... . .
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line~ 47-~7, a~ ~ho~n in Figure 46:

Figure 48 is a eross-sectional view taXen along li~es 48-48, as ~ho~n in Figure 46;

Fi~ure 49 i~ a ~ro~s-sectional view taken alon~
line~ 49-49, ~s shown in Figure 46;

Figure 50 is a cross-sectionall view taken along lines 50-50, aa ~hown in ~igure 45;

FiçJure 51 illustrates a variant of a key a~ociated with a needle guard;

Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 52-52, as shown in Figure 51;

Figure 53 illu~trate~ a cap usable to seal the anterior end of the sleeve; :
Figure 54 is a cross ~ectional view illustrating the mating structure between the cap and ~leeve 5ho~n in Figure 53;

as Figure 55 i~ a perspective view illustrating a varia~t pull of~ tab;

Figure 56 is a perspective view illustrating another variant of the pull off tab;
Figure 57 i~ a pers~ective view illustrating the removed variant shown in Figure 56;

~3~4~;8 Fi~ure 58 illu~trate~ a manner of manufacturing ~ double ended needle b~dy, ~uch a~ that illustrated in Figurs 13;

Figure 59 illu~trates a pron~ usable t~ maintain the double needle body halves illustrated in Figure 58 is joined relationship;
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Fi~ure 60 illustrates the ~oined configuration of the double ended needle body halves illustrated in Figure 58;

Figure 61 illustrates a tapered double en~ed needle body with a matching tapered needle guard;

Fi~ure 62 illustrates a manner for mounting the ~eedle guard upon the needle bo~y depicted in Figure 61; and Figure 63 i~ a paxtial cross sectional Yiew illustrating the interference lock between a tapered I double ended needle body and a tapered needle guard.

Detailed Description of the Pre~erred ~mbodiment Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a hypodermic ~yringe io having a barrel 12 and a needle 14. The need~e may be attached to or dstachable from the barrel. A:needle ~uard 16 is secured to proximal end 18 of barrel 12. The needle guard ~erves the ,i.",.", ~, i,, - - , . . .

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functisn o preventin~ injury and injection from the needle to a user or dama~e to the needle; it may ~l~o ~erve the function of maintainin~ the needle ~terile.

Needle guar~ 16 include~ a ~leeve 20 of an internal diameter to concentrically and ~nugly, but ~lidably receive barrel 1~. Preferably, the sleeve i~ of transparent or translucent material to permit vie~ of any graduations 21 upon the barrel or the fluid level within the ~yringe.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, proximal end 22 of needle ~uard 16 includes a tab a4 extendin~
thereacross in sealed relationship. A handle a6 is formed a~ part of the tab. An annular ~eakened zone, represented by numeral 28 is formed as part of the tab a~d serve~ as a weakened junction between the tab and proximal end 22. As illu trated in Figure 7, a pull on handle 26 ~ill fracture and sever tab 24 from proximal end 22 along annular zone 28 to sever the tab from needle ~uard 16 and develop an aperture 48 throu~h whic~ the needle may protrude. A key 30 extends radially inwardly from inner surface 32 of ~leeve 20. The key may be rectangular in planform and undercut on all four 6ides, a~ illustrated; other confi~urations of the key are contemplated. An inwardly radialIy extenaing rid~e 29 may be ~ormed in the interior of proximal end 22 to serve as a dam an di courage outflow of any fluids dripping from the needle outside the guard.

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~5 Referrin~ j~intly to Figure~ 4, 5 and 6, the structure attendant barrel 12 for receiving/engaging key 30 to re~ulnte and control movement of ~eedle guard 16 relative to the barrel and ~eedle 14 ~ill be described. A tapered longitudinally oriented channel 32 ext~nding radially at proximal end 18 receives key 30 of needle guard 16 for the purpose of mounting the needle ~uard upon barrel 12. The rece~s includes a ~tep 33 ~rom channel 32 to prevent passa~e of the key back into the channel. The channel leads to a recess 34 for nestingly receivin~ key 30. An annular channel 36 extends from recess 34. Sides 38, 40 at the junction between recess 34 and channel 36 may be nec~ed down to serve as a constraint against passage of key 30 from the recess to the channel. A
longitudinal channel 42 extends from channel 36 for a distance equivalent to the distance through ~hich needle guard 16 is to be tran~lated. A rece~s 44 is disposed at the terminal end of channel 42. Passage of key 30 into recess 44 may be restrained by a ridge 46 extending across the Floor of ~hannel 42 and defining one end of the recess. Channels 36 and/or 42 and the channelæ to be described hereafter may be undercut to lock ~ey 30 therein.
Fi~ures 7 and 8 illustrate the operation of needle guard 16 ~ith respect to barrel 12 to uncover and recover needle 14. ~hen syringe 10 i~ to be used, handle 26 of tab 24 is pulled to sever the ta~
from proximal end 22 of needle guard 16. The severance produces an aperture 48 at the proximal end to permit protrusion of needle 14 therethrough. In . , , , ~

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the initial po~ition of the needle ~uard, key 30 i8 di~po~ed in rece~ 3~, which rece~s preventsJ
restrains both longitudinal and rotational move~ent of the needle ~uard ~ith re~pect to the barrel.
After aperture 48 haQ been formed, needle ~uard 16 iB
grasped by an operator, preferably from a location rearwardly of the needle, and the needle guard i6 rotated counterclockwise. The r~sultin~ rotational movement causes key 30 to enter annular channel 36 lQ past the restraint efPected by n~cked sides 38, 40.
Thereafter, translation by manipulation of the needle guard toward the distal end of syrin~e 10 will draw the needle ~uard alon~ barrel 12 until key 30 becomes lodged ~ithin recess 44 at the end of channel 42 after having been forced past ridge 46. In this position, particularly illustrated in Figure 8, needle 14 is ful}y exposed and the syringe is ready for u~e. If the needle guard i5 translucent or transparent, medical personnel operating syringe 10 ~ill be able to note any ~raduations 21 upon barrel 12 ~nd the ~evel of fluid therein.

After use of the syringe for its intended purpo~e and to protect medical personnel against inadvertent contact with needle 14, needle ~uard 16 is ~ra~ped, preferably from a point rearwardly of needle 14, and slid for~ardly with sufficient ~orce to overcome the restraining effect of ridge 46 upon key 30. Upon full extension of the needle guard, it is rotated clockwise to place key ~0 in annular channel 36 and ultimately force the key into recess 34 past the restraining effects of sides 38, 40. The . ...

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needle ~uard ~ill ~gain be in the position illustr~ted in Fi~ure 7. In this po~ition, the needle ~uard serve~ in the manner of a shield to prevent inadvertent contact ~ith needle 14. Thereby, tran~mission o~ any infectious disea~es by any fluids in or about the needle will be ava,ided. Moreover, the dam provided by annular ridge 29 ~ee Figure 3 serves to contain outflow from ~ithin the needle guard of any fluid which may have dripped from needle 14.

It may be ~ted that the function and purpose of channel 32 i8 that of initially en~aginq needle guard 16 with barrel 12. Furthermore, if ~ particular need arises, the needle guard can be di~engaged from the barrel by forcing key 30 out of recess 34 and into channel 32. Further lon~itudinal movement of the needle guard will result in disengagement of the key with channel 32. It may be f~rther noted that ~yringe 10 may be u ed without needle ~uard 16 or such a needle guard may be added to barrel 12 by a user ~hen circumstances warrant.

The purpose of tab 24 is that of enclosing a needle to locate the needle within an enclosure which ~ill permit and accommodate maintaining the needle sterile. It is theref~re conceivable that for many reasons, such as manufacturing ease, selection of materials, production cost andior ease of use, means other than tab 24 for sealing the end of sleeve 20 ; may be employed without ~eparting from the purpose and function of the tab. Accordingly, the previous " .. ..... ..

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~8 and fQllo~in~ di~cu~sion of the tab, ~uch as tab 24, iB for the purpose of identifying the best mode precently contemplated as a Qealin~ mean~ for the end of the ~lee~e but other configurati~ns may be incorporated for any or all of the reasons ~tated above. In example, a snap fit tab or cap which will ~ealingly engage, in the ~anner of a concentric ~hroud, the proximal end of the sleeve and maintain st~rility of the enclo~ed ~eedle may be incorporated.
Removal of such tab or cap to develop the aperture through ~hich the enclosed naedle can be e~teriorized can be by a twist off action or a direct pull action.

~lood collection apparatus havin~ a variant 62 of needle guard 16 for use with a double ended needle 64 i5 illustrated in Fi~ure 9. The double ended ~eedle mates with container holder 66 to locate therein the posterior needle 78 of double ended needle 64. An evacuated collection tube 68 includes a rubber stopper 70. To collect blood, the collection tube is forced into container holder 6S
until the pocterior needle penetrates stopper 70 and blood will be drawn into the collection tube 68.
Details of double ended needle 64 and guard variant 62 will be described ~ith joint reference to Figures 10-15. Prior to use, double ended needle 64 is enclo ed within guard var~ant 62 disposed generally about the anterior needle and a shield 72 generally disposed about the posterior needle. A
tape 74 circumscribingly en~ages the mating ends of ~3C~42~

the ~uard vsriant and ~hield to ~eal and to maintain ~terile the enclosed double ended n~edle. Upon removal of tape 74, ~hield 7~ may be disenga~ed from about double ended needle 64. The expo3ed portion of the double ended needle includes a po~terior needle sheathed within a flexible ~heath 76. The purpose o ~heath 76 i~ to maintain enclosed posterior needle sterile prior to penetration by the needle of ~topper 70. Sheath 76 also functions as a val~e to recover the posterior needle after removal of a collection tube 68, so that the user can attach a second or more collection tubes to collect multiple blood samples.
That i5, ~pon insertion of ~ollection tube 68 within container holder 66, the stopper will bear against the needle to force penetration of sheath 76 by the needle and subsequent penetration of stopper 70.
Upon withdrawal of col~ection tube 68 within the container holder, the resulting disengagement with the posterior needle will permit the sheath to extend ~nd again enclose the needle. Hub 80, from ~hich posterior needle 78 extends and to ~hich ~heath 76 is attached, is in threadable engagement with threads of boss 82 of ~ontainer holder 66. In this manner, the double ended needle is secured to the container holder, Body 84 of double ended nsedle 64 may include a plurality of longitudinal ridges 86, a5 illustrated, to assist in manipula~ion. An adjacent pair of parallel longitudinally aligned flanges 88, 90 define a channel 92 extending longitudinally along body 84.
These flanges, in combination with ridges 86, provide .

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ao support and guidance for guard vari~nt 62, a~
illu~trated particularly in Figure 1~, durin0 tr~n~l~tion along body 84. Guard ~ariant 62 includes a cylindrical ~ection 9~ terminated at proximal end 96 by a tab 98 having a handle llD0. hn annul~r ~eakened zone 102 join~ tab 98 with proximal end 96 .
Upon removal of the tab by p~lling upon handle 100, the tab ~ill be severed e~entia:lly alon~ ~one 102 to produce an aperture 104 at proximal end 96. A
cylindrical ridge 106 is di~po~ed at proximal end 96 to define, in combination with cylindrical section 94, an annular trough 108. A key 30 extends radially inwardly from interior surface 110 of cylindrical section 94. The key may be undercut, as illustrated by the dashed line in Figure 15.

~eferring prim~rily to Figures 16 to 19, the interconnectin~ relationship between ~uard variant 62 and double ended needle 64 of ~uard variant 62 ~ill be described. Guard variant 62 i~ brought into mating relationship with body 84 by locating key 30 into and past thr~shold channel 120 to a first po~ition in guide ~hannel 122 defined by end wall 124, side ~all 126, barrier ~28 and restraining means, such as rid~e 130. In this position, key 30, and hence guard variant 62, will be inhibited from rotational movement with respect to body 84 and longitudinal movement toward anterior needle 112 by end ~all 124 and restrained against movement in the other direction by ridge 130.

To prevent inadvertent disengagement , ~, . .

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~3~426~3 ~1 bet~een ~uard variant 62 and ~ouble ~nded needle 64 through traver~e of key 30 over end ~all 124, it i~
~referable to have the end wall ~xtend radially outwardly ~ far as po~sible and ~et permit mountin~
of the ~uard variant upon the bod~. If the material of which end wall i~ fabricated i~ resiliently compre~sible, accommodation of the key therepast through compre~sion of khe end ~ll will permit a higher or radially outwardl~r extending end wall than otherwise. 5uch radially extended sidewall will al80 tend to inhibit to a ~reater degree inadvertent disengagement between the guard variant and the needle body.

~hen anterior needle 112 is to be exposed, tab 98 is pulled away to ~orm aperture 104. &uard variant 62 is gripped and pulled longitudinally toward posterior needle 78. Th force of such a pull will cause key 30 to ride ov~r ridge 130.
ao Simultaneo~sly, sidewall 126 will ~uide the key into channel 92, ~hich channel extends longitudinally along body 84. To reenclose anterior ne~d}e 112 ~ithin guard variant 62, the guard variant is translated longitudinally along body 64 ~ith key 30 ~5 riding in channel 92. Translation ~ill occur until the key comes to a stop a~inst end wall 132. Upon rotation of the guard variant in a clockwise direction, the key will ride over 810ping side 134 of ~lange 136 and into recess 138. Rotation in the 3~ other direction of guard variant 62 will be precluded by vert~cal wall 140 of flange 136. The walls of the recegq r i~ combination with flan~e 136 ~ill preclude ~L3~

~2 eith~r longitudinal or lateral movement of ~uard variant 62. Nithout thQ capability of an~ further movement, further expo~ure, and hence use, of anterior needle 112 is precluded.

To secure ~ody 84 ~ith boss 132 of container holder 66, a detent mechanism may be employed to preclude inadvertent unthreading of hub 80 with ~oss 82. Diametrically opposed detent~ 142, 144 extending lon~itudinally from end 146 mate with equivalently located ~lots 148, 150 in end surface 152 of bo~ 82.
A longitudinally ali~ned channel section 154 i8 formed in bos~ 82. A circumferentially (annularly) extending channel 156 interconnects with channel section 154 at it~ terminal end. Restrainin~ means, such as a rid~e 158, extends across channel 156 to define a recess 160 at its terminal end. Upon threaded enga~ement of hub ~0 with boss 82, channel 92 in body 84 ~ill be aligned with channel section 154 of the boss. Alternatively, annular channel 156 may be omitted and ri~ge 158 may be located thereacross to serve as a restraint against disen~a~ement between bo-~s 82 and ~uard variant 62.

When guard variant 62 is to be longitudinally translated to expose ne~dle 112, key 30 is ~uided from ~uide channel 122 into channel 92 and into channel section 154 to its terminal end. Subsequent counterclockwise rotation of the ~uard variant will translate key 30 into channel 156 to r~cess 160.
Because o~ ridge 158, m~vement of the key out of recess 160 will be restrained. The translatory ~L3~6~ ` -~3 movement of ~uard variant 62 i~ particularly illustrated in Fi~ure~ 23 and 24 ~ith th2 re~ul~ng effect of exposing anterior needle 112. It may be pointed out that by appropriate di.mensioning of the guard variant, cylindrical rid~e 106 (~ee Figure 15), may be dimen~ioned to bear against end 162 of body 84 ~hen key 30 i~ enga~ed with channel 156 at loc~tio~
15% of bo s 82. Such en~agement in ~ombination with the en~agement oP location 158 ~ill provide a mechanical restraint ayainst inadYertent and potentially unfortunate result~ should double ended needle 64 become disengaged from container holder 66.
Accordin~ly, a positive lock to maintain the doubla ended needle in place ~an be provided by guard variant 62.

Fi~ure 21 illustrates a hub 82 of container holder 66 having a pair of diametrically opposed circumferentially oriented channels 156, includin~
respective ridges 158. The purpose of this figure i8 to suggest the use of a pair o~ diametrically opposed keys in guard variant 62 with a pair of di metrically opposed channel~ 92 in b~dy 84 along with guide channels 122. Such duality may provide a more stable apparatus for locating and ~uiding the ~uard ~ariant.

Referring jointly to Figures 25, 26 and 27 there i8 illustrated a variant 170 of container holder 66 and an accompanying variant 172 of body 84 (Fi~ure 13) of dou~le ended needle 64. With this and other variants disclosed, the preferred needle angle access ,, .

~3~

2~
may b~ achieved even ~ith large ~irth container holder~ due to the resulting longitudinal di~placement of the container holder. BQ95 82 i9 substantially extended longitudi~ally ~nd include~ an equivalently extended channel ~ection 154. Thiæ
channel section terminates in a t~hannel 156, as described ~ith reference to Figure 20. ~ody variant 172 includes ~uide channel 122 as de~cribed above alon~ with a ~ection of channel 92 ~ith it~
terminating recess 132. ~ub 80 supports p~sterior needle 78 ~hich has been su~stantially lengthened in portion to b~ss 82. Thi~ needle is terminated by a flexible sheath 76, as discussed above. Guard variant 62, as described abo~e is mechanically and operatively engaged with body variant 172 as it is with body 86. A shield, like shield 72 qhown in Figure 11, may be employed to house and protect posterior needle 78 and its enclosing sheath 76. The attachment of body variant 172 of the double ended needle with boss 82 iB as described above.
Similarly, the translatory ~ove~ent of guard variant 62 to uncover and reco~er anterior needle 112 is as described above.

Referring jointly to Figures 28 and 29 there is shown a variant 180 of a sin~le needle detachably attachable to a hypodermic syringe 182 and including a needle guard varia~t 1~4. The hypodermic syringe includes a ~ylinder 186 circumscribing a hub 188.
Interior sur~ace 190 of the cylinder includes a helical ridge 192, or thread, for threadedly securing variant 180 to the hypodermic ~yrin~e, ~uch as with a :~3q:~Z~i~
as Luer lock.

The ~in~l~ needle variant iDcludes a pair of diametrically oppo~ed dog~ 194, 196 for engaging helical ridge 192 to threadedly ~3ecure single needle variant 180 ~ith the hypodermic ~Iyringe. Upon such threaded enga~ement by do~s 194, 196, hub 188, ~hi~h is cone ~haped, penetrably engages and ~ealingly mates with a ~imilarly cone shaped rsce~s lg8 within cylindrical section 200 of ~ingle needle Yariant 180.
An annular flan~e 202 is located with respect to cylinder 200 to contactingly engage end 204 of cylinder 186 upon mating engagement of hub 188 with reces~ 198. Unnecessary over-tightenin~ of the pressure fit Luer lock i5 prevented by contact of annular flange 202 with end 204; thereby, a constant ti~htening pre~sure upon the Luer-lock is provided.
As particul~rly illustrated in Fi~ure 29, upon such engagement, fluid communication between needle 20 and passa~eway 208 throu~h hub 188 is establi~hed.

Guard variant ~84 includes a Xey 30, which may be of the shape and ~onfi~uration discussed above, extendin~ radially inwardly ~rom the interior of cylindrical section 94. A longitudinally aligned ~hannel 210 is disposed in body 212 of single needle variant 180 to receive ~nd accommodate translation : therealong of key 30~ Restraining means, such as ridge 214 is disposed across the channel proximate the anterior end of the channel to define a recess 216. A similar ridge 218 :is disposed across the channel proximate the po~terior end to define a : :

:

, . . .

:~L3~ 6~
~6 reces~ 220. These rid~es ~erve to restrain moYement of key 30 out of the re~pective rece~ unle~ a ~ub~tantial orce a~plied longitudinally to guard variant 184 occur~. Accordin~ly, the ~uard variant will normally be and remain located in a po~itiDn to maintain needle 206 covered or uncovered.

Guard variant 184 includes a~ tab 222, which may be like tab 98 ~escribed above. Furthermore, the guard variant may include an annular trou~h, ~uch as trough 108 ilIu~trated in Fi~ure 15 and described above. Aperture 224, formed in the proximal end of ~uard variant 184 upon removal of tab 222 may be sized to accommodate penetration of boss 226 supporting needle 206.

Figure 30 illustrates a variation in the external configuration applicable to any one of the needle ~uards discussed a~ove. Further variant 230 of ~ needle guard includes one or more annular Planges, such as any or all of flan~es 232, 234 and 236. The purpo e and function of these flan~es is to permit medical personnel to use with facility, only one or two di~its of one hand to engage and effect translatory movement of the ~uard. This will free the other hand for associated or related functions, ~uch as administering a medication or dra~ing blood.
Depending upon dimensional considerations, key 30 may be disposed adjacent the posterior end of the guard variant, as illustrated in Figure 30, or ~urther longitudinally forwardly therefrom, as illustrated previously. Anterior end 238 of the guard variant . .

~.

3~3~2~

may be cone shapsd to better define or ~ore ~asily define the annul~r ~eakened zo~e ~hich defines the aperture to the guard variant upon removal of tab 240. Moreover, ~n interior cone l~haped ~nterior end, ~hether or not an annular trough :i~ dispo~ed therein, ~ill tend to di~courage outflow o:E any fluid~
dripping from the needle enclosed ~ithin the guard variant after the needle has been used.

~igures 31 and 32 illustrates a ~urther variant 250 of body 252 supportin~ the double ended needle.
Guide channel 254 i5 essentially ~traight ~nd de~ines ; a relatively shallow angle ~ith respect to longitudinal channel 256. The resulting reduction in rotation rate of an engaged guard with respect to longitudinal movement of the guard is ~omewhat more preferable to a user. It may be noted that the floor or ~ase 25B of the guide channel is somewhat out~ardly radially displaced from base 260 of longitudinal channel 256 to form a lip 262 along the line of demarcation therebetweenO This lip will discourage, if not prohibit, translation of key 30 of : a needle guard ~rom the longitudinal channel into the guide channel during recovering of anterior needl~
264. The anterior end of guide channel 254 includes a receiving recess 255 defined by a cut do~n end wall a57, a ~ide ~all 259, a further end wall 261 and a longitudinally aligned ~all 263. After passa~e of a key 30 across end ~all 257, the key ~ill be retained ~ithin the receiving recess ~y the three sides and : wall defining the receiving recess. Nore : specificallr, an inadvertently applied force haviny a ~3g3 4~68 lons~itudinally oriented ~ompo~ent and ~pplied to a mounted needle guard s~ill not cau~e the n~edle ~uard to ~e di~placed longitudinally dU12 to the interf erence wi'ch key 30 pre~ented by further end 5 wall 261. To o~tain tran~lation of key 30 ~and the needle ~uard) within and alon~ guide channel 254, the needle ~uard ~ill have to be deliberately translated anteriorly and th~n rotated (clock~7ise) to pass key 30 pa~t longitudinal ~all 263 and into the anterior 10 e~d of the yuide channel.

The anterior end of lon~itudinal channel 256 includes a recess 266 defined by end wall 268 and step 270. Thi~ end wall and step ~ill preclude 15 lon~itudinal translation of key 30 when the latter has been pushed into recess 266. The posterior en~
of longitudinal channel 256 includes restraining means, ~uch a~ rid~e 272 extendin~ acro~s base 260.
The ri~e, in combination with end wall 274 provides 20 a detent funct}on to maintain an interacting guard in the retracted position. A hub 80 is formed at the po~terior end of body 252 to ~upport a po~terior needle enclosed within ~heath 76.

Apparatus 280 for drawing blood from a patient and into a large volume container is illu~trated in Figures 33 and 34, ~hich apparatus incorporates one ~f the needle guards described above along with it~
advanta~es. A needle 282 i5 ecured to and extends from a body 284. The needle, through the body, i5 in fluid communication with a length of conduit 286. A
second needle 288 is ~ecured to and extends from a '' ` ~ .

, :~3~21~

~9 ~econd body 2gO; thi~ needle, through the body, i~
31~o in fluid communicatio~ ~ith conduit 286. A
needle guard, 0uch a~ ~uard variant 230 illustratsd in Pigure 30, i~ in enga~ement ~ith body 2~4. The engagement means may include guide channel 254 and longitudinal ~hannel 256 of the confi~uration illustrated in Figure 31. Similarly, the guard a~sociated with needle 288 and body 290 may be li~e guard variant 230 illustrated in Figure 30. The mean~ di~posed in body 284 for enoa~ing and regulating translation of the associated guard variant may~al~o include guide channel 254 and longitudinal ~hannel as6 ~ as illustrated in Fi~ure 31.
lS
In operation, needles 282 and 288 are covered by the respective guard variant 230 prior to use. To use apparatus 280, needle 282 is exposed by pulling on tab 240 to permit exteriorization of the needle by translatory movement of guard ~ariant 230.
Thereafter, the needle is inserted in a patient' 8 blood vessel. Needle 288 is exteriorized from ~uard variant 230 by pulling on tab 240 and translating the guard posteriorly along body 290. Needle 288 is ~ubsequently inserted through the stopper of a container for receivin~ the blood ~ithdrawn. On completion of the procedure, each ~uard variant is translated anteriorly to recover the associated ne dle to prote~t medical personnel against inadvertent co~t~ct with either of the needles and any fluid that might drîp therefrom.

~3~ 6~t ~ef~rrin~ jointly to Figure~ 35 to 41, a tele~coping double ~uard as~embly 300 for a double ended needle 302 will ~e de~cribed. Body 304 includes a lon~itudinally oriented channel 306 having restrainin~ means, such a~ ridge 308 dispos~d dist~l to the anterior end of boay 304 to define 2 firBt location 310. Further restraini}~g means, su~h as rid~e 312 defines a second location 314 proximate the posterior end of body 304. Needle guard 316, disposed at the anterior end of the body to cover anterior needle 31B, i~cludes a key 320 extending radially in~ardly for translatable engagement with channel 306. The guard may include a cylindrical ridge 322 for definin~ an annular trough 324. A tab 326 i~ removably attach~d to the guard via an annular weakened zone 328. Upon pullin~ on tab 326, the tab will be severed along the line of the zone to develop aperture 330 for penetrable en~agement ~y needle 3~8.
Guard 316 i8 translatable rom f ir8t location 310 to ~e~ond location 314 and return. However, ridges 308 and 312 restrain tr~nslation out of ~ach respective location to prevent inadvertent or unwanted translation and concomitant uncovering/covering of needle 318.
: ~5 ~ eedle guard 316 includes a lon~itudinally oriented chann~l 340 disposed in the peripheral surface of the needle guard. The posterior end of channel 340 includes a first location 342 defined by restraining means, such as ridge 344. A second location 346 i8 disposed at the anterior end of channel 340 and is deflned by restrainin~ means, such , .. . . .

'' ' ~3~

a~ rid~e 348. A ~eedle ~uard 350 ~xtends posteriorly over body 304 to enclose and cover po~terior needle 352 and it~ associated ~heath 354 alon~ ~ith hub 356.
A tab 358 i~ di~po~ed at the ~o~terior end of needle guard 350. The tab is ~ecured to the needle guar~
via a ~eakened ~nnular zone 360. Upon pulling on tab 358, it ~ill ~ever from needle guard 350 along zone 360 to def ine an aperture 362. A cylindrical ridge 364 may encircle aperture 3~2 and define an annular trough 366.

A key 3S8 extends radially inwardly ~ithin needle ~uard 350 for enyagement with channel 340.
Translatory movement of needle ~uard 350 ~rom ~irst location 342 to ~econd location 346 is restrained by the respective ridges. Thereby, needle guard 350 ~ill tend to remain positioned relative to needle guard 316 unless an external force of a certain ~agnitude i~ applied to cause disengagement or ~0 repositioning of key 368 from the first or ~econd locations. In operation, tab 358 is severed from needle guard 350; upon ~uch ~everance, transl~tion of the ~eedle guard ~rom the fir~t location to the second location and into concentric overlap ~ith as needle guard 316 ~ill uncover needle 352 enclosed within sheath 354, a~ illustrated in Figure 37.
Threaded engagPment of hub 35fi with ~o~s 370 of container holder 372 may be effected by rotationally manipulatin~ double ended neçdle assembly 300 by gripping and rotating relocated needle shield 350.
It may be noted that translation of ~eedle guard 350 may be from a position rearwardly of posterior needle 352 to Avoid inadvertent ~ontact ~ith or puncture by the needle.

Once hub 356 is threadedly ~ecured to the container holder, tab 326 i~ severe~ from needle : gu~rd 316. In the pocition illustrated in Figure 37, needle guard 350 has been placedl in its second location, a~ discussed ~ith re~pect to Fi~ure 41.
Upon application of a pullin~ force upon needle ~uard 350, key 320 of needle ~uard 316 will be translated f rom first location 310 along channel 306 to second : location 314. This position is illustrated in Figure 38. Commensurate therewith, anterior needle 318 will have penetrated through aperture 33~ and become exposed. The manipulation of double ended needle assembly 30~ to expose needle 318 may be performed rearwardly of the needle to minimize the possibility of needle prick or penetration. It may be noted that in the position illustrated in Figure 38, needle ~0 ~uard 316 i~ in its second location, as illustrated in Fi~ure 41.

Qn com~letion of the procedure, anterior needle 318 must be covered to preve~t contact there~ith by medical personnel and avoid the possibility of transmission of an infectious disease which might otherwise result. To recover the needle, needle guard 350 is gripped and tr~nslated in the direction of needle 318 to relocate needle guard 316 in its first location, as illustrated in Figures 35, 36 a~d 37. Upon rotation of needle ~uard 350, hub 356 may be disengaged 2rom boss 37~. Translation of needle ' ':
.

3(}9L2~

guard 350 po~teriorly for the purpo~e o~ recovering ~osterior needle 352 and it~ ~ncl~in~ ~heath 354 may be effected without r~locsting needle guar~ 316 a~
the latter ~ill tend to remain in its first location due to the restraininG effect o~ rid~e 308 (~ee Fi~ure 41) Upon translation of ~leedle ~uard 350 from its ~econd po~ition back to its f.ir~t position, posterior needle will be fully covered a~ illustrated in Fi~ure 39.
Referring jointly to Fi~ures 42 throu~h 50 there i~ illustrated a detachable single needle telescoping guard assembl~ 380 for attachment to a hypodermic syringe. The hypodermic ~yringe may be of the type illustrated and described with respect to Fi~ures 28 and 29 or other type. Assembly 380 include~ a body 384, a cyIindrical ~ection 406 and a guard 420 concentrically nestable with one another, as illustrated in Fi~ure 45. In this ne~ted position, needle 392 is exposed to administer a medication.
Body 384, supporting needle 392, includes a pair of do~s 386, 388 for threaded e~gagement with cylinder 186 of hypodermic syrin~e 182 to locate hub 188 within cone ~haped recess 390. A first pair of diametrically opposed channels 394, 396 extend lon~itudinally along body 384. Xach channel includes a first location 398 at the proximal end and de~ined by restrainin~ means, such as rid~e 400 and a second location 402 at the distal end, ~hich location may be defined by restraining ~eans, li~e rid~e 400 or a step 404, a5 shown.

2~i~

Cylindrical section 406 includes a pair of di~metrically ~pposed key~ 408, 410 di~po~ed ~t the distal end for ~lidin~ en~a~ement ~ith a respective one of channel~ 394, 396. A pair of diametric~lly opposed longitudinal channel3 are formed in the exterior ~urface of cylindrical ~ection 406. ~ach channel includes a first location 416 at the proximal end and defined by restraining means, ~uch as rid~e 418. A second location, like those for channels 394, 3g6 may be included. Guard 420 includes a ~leeve 422 havîn~ a pair of radially inwardly extendinq keys 424, 426 located at the distal end of the guard.
These keys ~lidably engage respective one~ of channels 412, 414 in cylindrical ~ection 406. The proximal end of the ~uard includes a tab 428 secured at a ~eakened annular zone 430. Upon removal of the tab, annular weakened zone 430 will be fractured and an aperture 432 will be developed in the guard, as described previously. A cylindrical ridge 434 i~
incorporated in the proximal end of the guard to : : define an annular trough 436.

As particularly illustrated in Figures 47 to 50, pairs of diametrically opposed channels with correspondin~ keys may be employed to provide four points o~ support intermediate the guard, the sleeve and the body, which support is equicircumferentially located. It i5 also to be noted that variations of structure attendant the needle supporting body and needle guard~, as described above with respect to one or another of the fi~ures, may be incorporated in aqsembly 380.

,,,, -- , , '' ~3~

In operation, ~ingle needle as~embly 380 is attached to hypodermic syrin~e 182 by engagin~ do~
386, 388 with ~ylin~er 186, a~ illu~trated in Figure 43. Upon tearing a~ay of tab 428, aperture 432 in guard 420 i~ developed to permit protrusion of needle ; 392 from within the guard, as illustrated in Figure 44. 8y grasping guard 420 from a position rearwar~ly of needle 392 and e~erting a force to translate the guard toward the hypodermic syri~e, the re~traininy forces exerted by ridges 418 upon keys 424 and 426 ~see Fi~ure 46) and by ridges 400 upon keys 398, cylindrical section 406 and guard 420 will become longitudinally translated toward the hypodermic syringe. During such translation, the keys ~ill traver~e their respective channels. At the point of full contracti~n of assembly 380, keys 398 will become lodged in ~econd locations 402. ~eys 424 and 426 ~ill be located at the distal end of channels 412 and 414 at a second location (not identi ied); it is to be noted that a ~econd location, with restra~ning mean~, ~uch as second locations 402 may be developed in ~ylindrical se~tion 406 for tbe purpose of engaging key~ 424, 426. In the contracted state of assembly 380, as illustrated in Figure 45, end 438 of cylindrical ~ection 406 may bear against cylindrical ridge 434 or another part of the proximal end of guard 420. Hypodermic syringe 182 may now be used to inject a medicament.
After use of he needle and to protect the medical personnel againot transmission of any , . , ~31~LZ~

infectioua disease throu~h contact ~ith the n~edle or fluid~ dripping therefrom, ~uard 420 may ~e ~ripped from a location rearwardly of the needl~ and pushed anteriorly. The reBultin~ movement of the ~uard ~ill extend the sleeve and the ~uard ~rith respect to b~dy 384 to recover the needle and shield it again~t inadvertent conta~t. Upon ~uch extension of the ~leeve and the guard, the respective keys will be relocated in their respective first locations.
Inadvertent contraction of the telescopin~ elements will be restrained by the respective ridge~ ~hich interferingly en~age with an associated key.

Figures 51 and 52 illustrate a variant 440 of the key associated with any of the needle guards illustrated and described previously. For manufacturing or other reasons, it may be difficult to develop a key ~0 internal to a ~eedle guard. To avoid such difficulty, variant 440 may be employed.
20 The variant may be located at each of diametrically opposed locations of a needle guard, representatively identified by numeral 442, or only a single variant on o~e side of needle guard 442 m~y ~e in~orporated.

Variant 440 extends longitudinally from sleeve 444 and may be formed as a part thereof. It includes an extension 44S terminated by a key-448. The extension is in~ardly rotatable, as depicted by arrow 450 in Figure 52, to locate the extension adjacent the internal surface of sleeve 444, as illustrated on the right hand sid~ o~ Figure 52. In this position, key 448 serves the identical function(s~ described ~3~26~3 ~bove with re~pect to key 30. ~oreover, the bia~
force that may be provided by the bent portion 452 of extension 446 may urge key 448 radially internally to remain in en~agement ~ith any channel~ or restraining means associated ~ith the key.

Dependin~ upon numerou~ factors, the junction between needle guard 442 and extension 446 may be modified to facilitate the positioning of key 448 internal to the needle guard. To prevent lateral circumferential displacement of key 448 internal of sleeve 444 in response to forces imposed upon the ~ey, a ~lot or groove 456 may be formed in the ~leeve. This groove is configured in breadth, depth and length to relatively snugly receive extension 446, including the extended part thereof beneath key 448. The resulting mating relationship i~
illustrated on the right hand ~ide of sleeqe 444 in Figure 52. It may be noted that the resilience of bent portion 452 ~ill ur~e the key radially in~ardly into a receiving guide channel.

For various manufacturing reasons, the pull off tabs discussed and illu~trated previously, such as tab 24, may present manufacturing problems ~nd attendant expenses of some concern. ~eferring jointly to Fi~ures 53 and 54, there is illustrated a pop off cap 460 which may be employed as a substitute for one or another of the above described pull off tabs. As illustrated, the cap is configured to matingly receive an anterior (needle enclosing) end of a sleeve 462 ~orming a part of a needle guard 464.
;

3~2~3 3~
~he cap includes an outer cylindri~al shroud 466 for cir~umferentially en~aging the exterior cylindrical ~urface of ~leeve 462. An inwardly r~ lly di~pl~ced cylindrical ~hroud 468 i~ locaked to mate with the interior cylindrical ~urfa~e of ~lee~e 462.
Thereby, ~ap 460 nestingly recei~es the op~n end of 31eeve 462. Retai~in~ mean~ may be employed to ; constrain removal of the ~ap and for de~el.o~ing a ~eal of ~ufficient ~uality to maintain the sleeve ~ 10 enclosed needle sterile. Such retaining mean~ may : include a pair of adjacent radially inwardly ; extending annular beads 470, 472 di~posed upon the interior ~ircumferential ~urface of ~leeve 462. A
matin~ annular bead 474 may extend radially outwardly from the exterior cylindrical surface of shroud 468.
The relative po8itiQning along the lon~itudinal axis of annular beads 470, 472 uith annular bead 474 is set to provide a snap fit like engagement of annular bead 474 intermediate annular beads 470, 472.
Depending upon the material, ~r~ss sectional confi~urations and resiliency, the matin~ enga~ement of the annular beads may be capable o~ providin~ a ~eal sufficient to maintain ~terility of a needle enclosed ~ithin ~leeve 462. To ensure sterility a length of tape may be wrapped about the ~leeve and posterior end 474 of the cap.

A further variant of the pull off tabs is illustrated in Figure 55. Herein, a sleeve 476 of a needle guard 478 includes an end 480. The end has formed as part thereof a disc like member 482.
weakened annular zone 484 extends circumferentially . ;,,~. ~
'' . ~

`` ~3~L2~i~

~bout member 482. To remo~e member 482 and permit exteriorization of the ~eedle enclo~ed within ~leeve 476, annular zone 484 i8 fractured to permit severance of the member. Such fracturing may be a~sisted by employment of a flange li~e handle 48S
~ecured to or formed a~ a part of member 482 and extending therefrom. Such handle ~ill permit manual gripping of the member by any user. Upon 6uch grippin~ and exertion of a force upon handle 486 to rotate it, as depicted by double headed arro~ 488, sufficient stre9ses can be imposed upon weakened annular zone 484 to permit fracturing of the zone and severance of member 482 from end 480.

A variant handle 490 of handle 486 is illustrated in Figure 56. ~andle 490 extends laterally in diametrically opposed directions from member 482. Such lateral extension permits the application of a su~stantially levera~ed for~e upon the member to increase the ease ~ith which the member may be rotated relative to sleeve 476 to bring about fracturing of and along ~eaXened annular zone 484.
As depicted by double headed arro~ 488, handle 490 may be rotated clock~ise or counterclock~ise.
as Figure 57 illustrates the effect of rotating member 482. That is, rotation of the member in either direction, ~s depicted ~y arrow 488, will result in fract~rin~ of annular zone 484. Upon such fracture, member 482 be~omes severed from end 480.
Upon severance, an aperture 492 i~ developed in end 480 through which needle 494 may be exteriorized by /

, . . .

3e~42~8 slidin~ posteriorly sleeve 476.

Body 84 or double ended needle 64, as illu~trated in Figure 13, may be difficult to manufacture in one piece or the expense~ attendant such manufacture may be commercially unacceptable.
Referrin~ jointly to Fi~ure~ 58, 59 and 60, there i~
illustrated a structural con~i~uration of body 84 which may be less expensive to manufacture. It is t~
be understood that the structure and con~i~uration to be de3cribed may be equally applicable to various of the double ended needle bodie~ des~ribed above and not just body 84. For ease of manufacture, particularly where body 84 is to be formed by man made plastic moldins techni~ue~, a mold may be developed to form the body from tWQ halve~ joined together by a living hin~e. More specifically, the body may be for~ed to have a first half 500 joined to a second half 502 by a narro~ hin~e 504. Body half 500 ~ould include a trough 506 longitudî~ally centered therein for receiving the central part of a double ended needle 5Q8; a ~imilar trough 510 is longitudinally centered in and disposed ~lon~ body half 502. Semi-cylindri~al annular cavities 512, 514 may be disposed at one end of body 84 in axial alignment with troughs 506, 510, respectively. These cavities may be employed to retainin~ly receive the needle 508 and to fixedly retain the needle within body 84.
After ~ody 84 has been formed in the confi~uration depicted in Fi~ure 58, needle 508 is .,:,, .,~ ,. .~, , ~1 in~erted in one of tro~ghs 506, 510. The two body halves are thereafter folded upon one another along hin~e 504 to capture the needle ~ithi~ the opposing trou~hs and semicylindrical ~avities. Alternatively, needle 508 could be ~taked and secur~d into body 84 after the body hal ve~ have been joined. To retain the body in the asqembled state, a plurality of barbed pron~s 520 may extend from body half 502.
These prongs penetrably engage commen~urately located cavities 522 in body half 500. As particularly illustrated in ~igure 59, prong 520 may include a ~plit ~oint 522 which must be squeezed together upon insertion into cavity 522. Barbs S24, 526 may extend laterally t~ mechanically engage the sidewalls of a cavity ~ithin which prong 520 is inserted.
Frictional engagement bet~een barbs 524, 526 with the correspondin~ walls is encoura~ed by the lateral forces imposed by split point 522. It is to be understood that variants of prong 520 may be developed and employed. Furthermore, prong~cavity combinatio~ may be a simple key~keyway combination to effect alignment between body halves 500, 502. In ~uch event, retention of the body halves in the assembled state may be effected by an adhesive, ma~tic or an element encirclin~ body 84; other means for securing the body ha?ves to one another may also become apparent to those skilled in the pla~tics art.

As particularly depicted in Figure 60, it is preferable that the line of demarcation 518 between body halves 500, 502 not interfere with the channels within the body and along which key 30 of an attached ;~

-`~ 13~2~8 needle guard i~ tr&n~lated. It ~ay al~o be appreciated that with the employment of body halves, each body half ~ay be ea~ily formed to incorporate the channel ~tructures for one of a pair of diametrically oppo~ed keys of an attached needle guard.

Under ham handed treatment, it may be possible ~o inadvertently disen~a~e anteriorly a needle guard associated with one of the double ended needle bodies de~cribed above. While the interconnection between key(s) 30 extending from the needle ~uard with the correspondin~ channel in the guarded double ended needle body will prevent inadvertent disengagement anteriorly under normal operating circumstances and if due care is used, further insurance a~ainst such disengagement may be of benefit. Referring to Figure 61, there i8 shown a variant 530 having a double ended needle body 532 which is tapered posteriorly from the anterior end. A similarly tapered needle guard 534 is ~hown mounted upon the tapered double ended needle body. This needle guard may ~e of the type illustrated in Figures 53, 54 having a cap 460 for enclosing or sealing the anterior end of the needle guard.

Figure 62 illustrates a suggested procedure for assembling double ended needle apparatus variant 530 illustrated in Fi~ure 61. Anterior end 536 of sleeve 538 f~rmin~ needle guard 534 penetrably re~eives sheath 76 enclosing the ~osterior needle (78) extending from tapered double ended needle body 532.

,,,~j., ~. ,i,. . . .. .

~3C~Z~8 ~3 Upon en~agement of the ~eedle ~uard ~ith the tapered double ended needle body, key 30 within ~leeve 538 iB
brought into enga~ement ~ith a guide ~hannel 540 di~posed in the body. It i~ to be understood that thi~ channel may be any one of several of the confîgurations of channel~ previously illu6trated.
Upon po~itioning of needle ~u~rd 534 in its anterior most po~ition, the anterior needle of tapered double ended needle body 532 will be encircled b~ end 536 of sleeve 538. Cap 460 i~ mated ~ith end 536, such as in the manner described with respect to Fi~ure~ 53 ~ ~nd 54. It may ~2 noted that the attachment of cap : 460 may be intended to be permanent. In such case and to exteriorize the enclosed needle, a fracturably removable member, such as member 482 illuRtrated in Figures 55, 56 and 57, may be developed upon cap 460.

As more particularly illustrated in Figure 63, at the anterior most position oP needle guard 534 ~ith respect to tapered double ended needle body 532 the interior tapered cylindrical surface 5~2 of sleeve 538 will interferin~ly engage with the diametrically enlarged end 544 of tapered double ended needl~ body 532. Such interference will : 25 preclude further displacement o~ the needle guard with respect to the tapered double ended needle body except UpOD splittin~ or other mechanically destructive relief of the phy~ical interference therebetween. The point at which interference will occur may be coincident with the travel of ~ey 30 within channel 540 to the anterior most position.
Or, as illustrated in Figure 63, the interference may ' '' ':

`' ~3~L2~8 ~4 begin to be of a restrai~t to translational ~ovement ju~t prior to en~a~ement of key 30 with end ~all 546 of channel 540. In the latter event, the interference between end 544 and surface 542 will be ~ignificant a~d the ~urther mechanical constraint provided by key 30 buttin~ a~ain~t end ~all 546 will be a near absolute restraint against further ~nterior translational movement of the needle guar~ ~ithout breaka~e.
To assist in assembly of needle guard 534 upon tapered double ended needle body 530, as illustrated in Figure 6~, a ramp 548 may be employed at the posterior end of tapered double ended needle body 532, ~hich ramp is in general ali~nment ~ith channel 540. The ramp will permit key 30 to ride up over it and into channel 540 with only a slight, if any, distention of sleeve 538 of the needle guard. ~nd wall 550 formed by the ramp will limit posterior translation of the needle ~uard relative to the tapered double ended needle body.
': ,.
In operation, an:operator~would receive variant 53~, as illustrated in Figure 61, except tha$ a shield would probably enclo~e the posterior end of the tapered double ended needle body and the posterior needle extendin~ therefrom. A~ter securing ~ the tapered double ended needle body to a container : : : holder syringe, or the like, anterior needle 112 would be exposed by lnitial removal of cap 460 or a member 482 thereof. Therea~ter, needle ~uard 534 ~ould be translated posteriorly directly or after an ,", .. ~, .. . .. .

" :~3~g~Z~i~

initial twi~t or tur~, dependin~ upon the configuration of the guide channel $40 employed.
Po~terior tran~lation of the needle guard would be terminated by interference between key 30 and end ~all 550. After u~e, an operator ~ould grasp needle guard 534 from a location posterior of ~eedle 112 and olide the needle ~uard anteriorly. 3y appropriate ~atshing of tapers between tapered double ended needle body 532 and tapered needle guard 524, physical interference therebetween to constrain further translational ~ovement ~ould occur at or about the point at ~hich the tip of needls ll~ would become encircled by the ~leeve of a needle guard.
Purther anterior transl~tional movement of the needle guard ~ould frictionally lockingly locate the ~eedle guard in it's anterior most position. Commensurate with such position, key 30 may or may not be in butting relationship ~ith end wall 546. Further translation of the needle ~uard anteriorly would be precluded by the previously discussed interference fit, except upon breakage or physical damage to the components. Posterior translation o~ the needle guard ~ould be restrained by the lo~kin~ effect of the physîcal înterference bet~een the tapered double ended ~eedle body ~nd ~eedle ~uard, with or without a positionally locked key 30, as described previou~ly.

Various structural features and operational benefits have been described and illustrated pertinent to each of the needle guards, sin~le needle bodies, double ended needle bodies and syringes, ,, `

~1 3~

container holders or conduit. It i~ to be under tood that, to the extent feasible and operstionally beneficial, a fe~ture of o~e element can be incorporated ab initio or as a ~ubstitute in another element even though ~uch alternate embodiment might not have been specifically di~cu~ed and illustrated above.

~hile the principles of the invention have now been made clear in an illustrative embodiment, there ~ill be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, elements, materials~ and components, used in the practice of the invention ~hich are particularly adapted for speci$ic environments and operatin~ requirement without departing from those prin~iples.

:'' : .

.

Claims

1. A phlebotomy device for use with a blood collection tube, said device comprising in combination a blood collection needle having first and second ends, means for supporting said needle, threaded means for engaging and disengaging said needle with said supporting means, a guard having an open distal end and an open proximal end, the combination of said supporting means and said engaged needle being axially translatable along said guard to permit axial protrusion of the first end of said needle through the open distal end of said guard and outwardly of and distally from said guard for penetrating tissue and a blood vessel during a phlebotomy procedure while the second end of said needle extends proximally into fluid communication with the blood collection tube to permit infusion of a flow of blood from the blood vessel through said needle into the blood collection tube, means interengaging said guard and the combination of said supporting means and said engaged needle for relocating said guard to expose and enclose the first end of said needle through the distal open end of said guard, said interengaging means including a reversible detent means, said reversible detent means being configured to preclude distal translation of said guard in relation to the combination of said supporting means and said engaged needle when a first force is applied to the first end of said needle during penetration of the first end of said needle into the tissue and the blood vessel during the phlebotomy procedure and to preclude proximal translation of said guard in relation to the combination of said supporting means and said engaged needle when a second force is applied to the second end of said needle by the blood collection tube during the phlebotomy procedure, said interengaging means further including a protrusion extending from one of said guard and the combination of said supporting means and said engaged needle and means for engaging said protrusion, said engaging means being disposed in the other of said guard and the combination of said supporting means and said engaged needle, said engaging means including an axially oriented single pathway during exposure and enclosure of the first end of said needle, said protrusion and said engaging means being maintained in continuous interengagement and configured to preclude independent rotation of said guard relative to the combination of said supporting means and said engaged needle during longitudinal axial translation of the combination of said supporting means and said engaged needle relative to said guard and to preclude disengagement of said guard relative to the combination of said supporting means and said engaged needle upon application of any opposed radially inwardly oriented forces applied during the phlebotomy procedure to said guard distally of said protrusion and during relative translation between said engaging means and said protrusion means for restraining rectilinear disassembly of the combination of said supporting means and said engaged needle from said guard.

2. A device for preventing inadvertent needle stick, said device comprising in combination:
a) a hollow needle having a distal end and a proximal end;
b) means for supporting said needle;
c) a guard for selectively housing the distal end of said needle to prevent needle stick and for accommodating exposure of the distal end of said needle, said guard being in overlapping relationship with said supporting means;
d) means for axially translating said supporting means relative to said guard to expose and to enclose, selectively, the distal end of said needle while maintaining said supporting means and said guard in overlapping relationship; and e) means for limiting the extent of relative axial translation between said supporting means and said guard.

3. The device as set forth in Claim 2 including means for locking said guard relative to said supporting means to retain the distal end of said needle exposed and further means for locking said guard relative to said supporting means to retain the distal end of said needle housed.

4. The device as set forth in Claim 2 wherein said supporting means includes means for receiving a blood collection tube for penetrable engagement with the proximal end of said needle.

5. The device as set forth in Claim 2 wherein said supporting means includes means for receiving a plunger.

6. The device as set forth in Claim 2 wherein said translation means includes a key extending from one of said guard and said supporting means and a keyway extending from the other one of said guard and said supporting means for guiding said supporting means relative to said guard upon axial translation therebetween and for limiting the extent of the axial translation.

7. The device as set forth in Claim 6 wherein said limiting means includes detent means for defining the limits of opposed relative axial translation between said supporting means and said guard.