U.S. patent application number 10/821494 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for safety shield for blood collection medical needles.
Invention is credited to Barrus, Roy L., Brown, Steven, Curtis, James R., Ferguson, F. Mark, Fiser, Richard L., Nelson, Mark A., Owen, Charles V., Solomon, Donald, Thorne, David L., Thorne, Gale H. JR., Thorne, Michael, Weilbacher, Eugene E..
Application Number | 20040193120 10/821494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27400783 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040193120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ferguson, F. Mark ; et
al. |
September 30, 2004 |
Safety shield for blood collection medical needles
Abstract
Medical needle shield apparatus including a shield with two or
more segments hingedly connected to each other and movable from a
retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended
position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The
needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the
shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more
segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to
form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes
a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly
extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the
segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield
in the extended position. A latch is also disposed on the distal
segment for securing the distal segment relative to the shield when
in the extended position. The number of hingedly connected segments
depends upon the needle length and device length required to extend
the shield beyond the distal end of the needle.
Inventors: |
Ferguson, F. Mark; (Salt
Lake City, UT) ; Fiser, Richard L.; (Kirkwood,
MO) ; Curtis, James R.; (Deland, FL) ; Owen,
Charles V.; (Highland, UT) ; Thorne, David L.;
(Kaysville, UT) ; Nelson, Mark A.; (Sandy, UT)
; Barrus, Roy L.; (West Bountiful, UT) ; Thorne,
Gale H. JR.; (Bountiful, UT) ; Weilbacher, Eugene
E.; (Chesterfield, MO) ; Thorne, Michael;
(Bountiful, UT) ; Brown, Steven; (Roy, UT)
; Solomon, Donald; (Ogden, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul S. Evans, Esq.
Specialized Health Products International, Inc.
585 West 500 South
Bountiful
UT
84010
US
|
Family ID: |
27400783 |
Appl. No.: |
10/821494 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10821494 |
Apr 9, 2004 |
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09892593 |
Jun 27, 2001 |
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09892593 |
Jun 27, 2001 |
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09433449 |
Nov 4, 1999 |
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6280420 |
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09892593 |
Jun 27, 2001 |
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09434036 |
Nov 4, 1999 |
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6254575 |
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09892593 |
Jun 27, 2001 |
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09619190 |
Jul 19, 2000 |
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6592556 |
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60254506 |
Dec 8, 2000 |
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60275810 |
Mar 14, 2001 |
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60275886 |
Mar 14, 2001 |
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60296968 |
Jun 8, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/263 ;
600/576; 604/198 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 5/158 20130101;
A61B 5/15074 20130101; A61B 5/150473 20130101; A61J 1/201 20150501;
A61B 5/15003 20130101; A61J 1/2055 20150501; A61M 5/3293 20130101;
A61M 2005/1581 20130101; A61M 5/3202 20130101; A61M 25/0612
20130101; A61B 5/150389 20130101; A61M 5/3275 20130101; A61M
2025/0266 20130101; A61M 2205/6081 20130101; A61B 5/150717
20130101; A61J 1/2096 20130101; A61B 5/150519 20130101; Y10S
128/919 20130101; A61B 5/150732 20130101; A61B 5/153 20130101; A61B
5/150603 20130101; A61B 5/154 20130101; A61M 25/0625 20130101; A61M
5/1782 20130101; A61B 5/150572 20130101; A61B 5/150671 20130101;
A61M 2005/3247 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/263 ;
604/198; 600/576 |
International
Class: |
A61M 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fluid collection safety apparatus comprising: a holder having
a distal end, said distal end having a needle extending therefrom
and including a pair of arms extending from said distal end, said
arms defining a cavity therebetween; and a shield attached to said
holder and disposed within said cavity.
2. A fluid collection safety apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said shield is extensible to an extended position, said
shield including at least one surface configured to maintain the
shield in said extended position.
3. A fluid collection safety apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said shield includes a proximal portion that includes at
least one retaining member configured to engage at least one of the
arms to maintain the shield in an extended position.
4. A fluid collection safety apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said holder and said shield are monolithically formed.
5. The fluid collection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said shield includes a proximal portion that includes protrusions
configured to lock with the arms to maintain the shield in an
extended position.
6. The fluid collection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said shield includes a needle guide.
7. The fluid collection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a
bottom edge of a distal segment of the shield defines the needle
guide.
8. The fluid collection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said shield includes a plurality of ribs extending inwardly from at
least one sidewall thereof to form a channel about said needle when
said shield is in an extended position.
9. The fluid collection apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a sheath adapted to cover said needle and removably
engage at least one of said arms.
10. A fluid collection safety apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising a membrane mounted to said holder and configured
to maintain sterility thereof.
11. A fluid collection safety apparatus comprising: a holder having
a distal end, said distal end having a needle extending therefrom
and including a pair of arms extending from said distal end, said
arms defining a cavity therebetween; and a shield attached to said
holder and disposed within said cavity, said shield having a
locking member disposed adjacent a proximal portion thereof for
engaging said arms.
12. A fluid collection safety apparatus according to claim 11,
wherein said shield includes a proximal segment hingedly attached
to a distal segment.
13. A fluid collection safety apparatus according to claim 12,
wherein said locking member engages said proximal segment to lock
said shield in an extended position.
14. A fluid collection safety apparatus according to claim 12,
wherein said proximal segment releasably engages said distal
segment to maintain said shield in a retracted position.
15. The fluid collection apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
said shield includes a needle guide.
16. The fluid collection apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a
bottom edge of the distal segment defines a needle guide.
17. The fluid collection apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
said shield includes a plurality of ribs extending inwardly from at
least one sidewall thereof to form a channel about said needle when
said shield is in an extended position.
18. The fluid collection apparatus according to claim 12 wherein a
bottom surface is disposed across a distal part of said distal
segment and wherein a proximal edge of said bottom surface
comprises a needle guide.
19. The fluid collection apparatus according to claim 11, further
comprising a sheath adapted to cover said needle and removably
engage at least one of said arms.
20. A fluid collection safety apparatus comprising: a holder having
a distal end, said distal end having a needle extending therefrom
and including a pair of arms extending from said distal end, said
arms defining a cavity therebetween; and a shield having a proximal
segment hingedly attached to a distal segment, said proximal
segment hingedly attached to said holder, said proximal segment
being disposed within said cavity and having opposing protrusions
for engaging opposing catches of said arms; a retention catch
disposed with said segments that releasably retain said shield in a
retracted position; and a needle guide disposed with said shield.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No.
09/892,593, filed Jun. 27,2001 by Ferguson et al., which is a
continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/433,449, filed Nov. 4, 1999 by Ferguson et al., now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,280,420 issued Aug. 28, 2001, U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 09/434,036, filed Nov. 4, 1999 by Thorne Jr. et al., now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,254,575 issued Jul. 3, 2001, and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/619,190, filed Jul. 19, 2000 by Thorne, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,592,556 issued Jul. 15, 2001, which claim priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/254,506, filed on Dec.
8, 2000, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/275,810,
filed on Mar. 14, 2001, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial
No. 60/275,886, filed Mar. 14, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 60/296,968, filed Jun. 8, 2001, the entire
contents of each of these applications being hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to safety shields for
medical needles, and more particularly, to safety shields that are
extensible to shield a needle point of a medical needle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Problems associated with inadvertent needle sticks are well
known in the art of blood sampling, percutaneous medication
injection and other medical procedures involving use of medical
needles. Significant attention has been focused on needle stick
problems due to the contemporary sensitivity of exposure to AIDS,
Hepatitis and other serious blood-borne pathogen exposures.
[0004] Procedures for removing a needle from a patient commonly
require a technician to use one hand to place pressure at the wound
site where the needle is being withdrawn, while removing the needle
device with the other hand. It is also common practice for an
attending technician to give higher priority to care for the wound
than is given to disposal of a needle. In the case of typical
needle devices without safety shields, such priority either
requires the convenience of an available sharps container within
reach or another means for safe disposal without leaving the
patient's side. Providing adequate care while following safety
procedures is often compounded by the patient's physical condition
and mental state, such as in burn units and psychiatric wards.
Under such conditions, it is difficult to properly dispose of a
used needle while caring for a patient.
[0005] The widespread knowledge and history associated with needle
care and disposal problems have resulted in numerous devices for
preventing accidental needle sticks. Problems of current safety
devices include difficulty of use and high cost due to their
complexity and number of parts.
[0006] There remains a need to provide a more satisfactory solution
to a needle safety device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention was developed to fill a need for a
device which effectively and inexpensively protects a medical
needle after use. The present invention seeks to resolve a number
of the problems which have been experienced in the background art.
More specifically, the apparatus and method of this invention
constitute an important advance in the art of safety needle
devices.
[0008] In one particular embodiment, a medical needle shield
apparatus is provided, in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure. The medical needle shield apparatus includes a
needle hub having a collar and a shield having a proximal end
receivable by the collar. The shield being extensible from a
retracted position to an extended position. The collar can be
monolithically formed with the needle hub. The needle hub can have
a luer fitting configured to attach to a syringe.
[0009] In an alternate embodiment, the medical needle shield
apparatus includes a needle hub having a collar defining an
interior cavity. The needle hub supports a needle having a distal
end. A needle shield component includes a proximal and distal end.
The proximal end of the shield being receivable within the interior
cavity of the collar in an interlocking engagement. The shield
being extensible from a retracted position to an extended position
wherein the distal end of the shield encloses at least a portion of
the distal end of the needle. The shield can include two or more
hingedly connected segments, for instance, the shield may include
four hingedly connected segments. An interior cavity of the shield
may define notches that receive tabs formed with the proximal end
of the shield. The tabs may be biased for receipt within the
notches.
[0010] The shield may be locked in the extended position. The
shield may also be irreversibly locked in the extended position.
The shield may be locked in the extended position via engagement
with the needle or through locking engagement of two or more
adjacent hingedly connected shield segments. The shield can include
a lock that engages the needle to lock the shield in the extended
position. The lock may include a portion configured to flexibly
engage the needle and bias to lockably retain the needle.
Alternatively, the shield includes locking means to lock the shield
in the extended position.
[0011] In another embodiment, the distal end of the shield includes
a linear bearing configured to enclose at least a portion of the
distal end of the needle. The linear bearing may be hingedly
connected to and disposed within the distal end of the shield. The
linear bearing can be configured to slide along the needle during
extension of the shield. The linear bearing can have many
configurations such as duckbill or full cylinder. The linear
bearing may have a flap configured to align the linear bearing with
the needle.
[0012] In another embodiment, the shield includes a proximal
segment engaging a retention catch or stop formed with the proximal
end of the shield to releasably dispose the shield in the retracted
position. The needle hub may include a stop or catch which engages
the shield in the extended position. The medical needle shield
apparatus may include a sheath engageable with the needle hub. The
sheath can have guide rails configured to facilitate engagement of
the sheath and the needle hub.
[0013] In another alternate embodiment, the shield has an
articulating actuator configured to urge the shield towards the
extended position. The medical needle shield apparatus may further
include a tape down member attached to the shield and configured to
facilitate extension of the shield. The needle hub can include
guide surfaces to facilitate engagement of the shield and the
needle hub. The needle hub may include at least one catch or
protrusion and the shield may include at least one corresponding
protrusion or catch which engage to lock the shield in the extended
position.
[0014] The shield segments may be connected via living hinges. The
segments can include relief portions formed adjacent the living
hinges. The relief portions can be configured to flex inwardly
toward the needle. The shield may have a proximal segment including
at least one rib. The at least one rib may have a transverse
orientation.
[0015] The medical needle shield apparatus may be configured for
use with a port access needle. A pair of wings may be attached to
the proximal end of the shield. The shield can include a needle
latch that engages the needle in the extended position.
[0016] In yet another alternate embodiment, the lock mechanism
includes at least one catch for engagement with a corresponding
protrusion disposed on the shield in the extended position. The
catch may include a capture hole, recess or indentation. The catch
may also include a flanged surface. Alternatively, the lock
mechanism can include at least one catch for engagement with a
corresponding protrusion disposed on the hub in the extended
position. The lock may include at least one protrusion or catch for
engagement with a corresponding catch or protrusion disposed on the
shield in the extended position.
[0017] In another embodiment, the medical needle shield apparatus
includes a latch which secures a distal segment of the shield in
the extended position. The distal segment has an underside
including a surface extending over at least a portion of the distal
segment for retaining the distal end of the needle. The latch may
include at least one lock associated with the distal segment for
securing the distal segment to the shield in the extended position.
The medical needle shield apparatus may include a retainer for
holding the segments in a retracted position. The retainer can
include a retainer arm disposed on the needle hub and extending to
a corresponding catch disposed on the shield in the retracted
position.
[0018] In another embodiment, at least one segment includes at
least one needle guide for facilitating extension of the segments
when extending the shield over the needle. The shield may further
include a raised surface for aid in urging the shield to the
extended position.
[0019] In another embodiment, the medical needle shield apparatus
includes a needle hub including a collar and a shield having a
distal end and a proximal end receivable by the collar. The shield
being extensible from a retracted position to an extended position,
wherein the shield includes at least one catch and at least one
corresponding protrusion which engage to lock the shield in the
extended position. The protrusion can include a latching arm
extending from a segment and the catch including a flanged surface
disposed adjacent a hinged connection.
[0020] In yet another embodiment, the medical needle shield
apparatus includes an extensible shield having at least two
hingedly connected segments, wherein the segments include reliefs
formed adjacent the hinges and configured to flex inwardly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present invention will be more fully understood from the following
detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical needle safety
shield apparatus in a retracted position, in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a part cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1 at mid-extension;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1 fully extended;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus shown in FIG. 4;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hub of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shield separate from the
hub of the safety shield apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a side view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the safety shield apparatus;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a hub of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective cutaway section of the safety
shield illustrated in FIG. 9 showing an arched shield hub
adapter;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1 showing an alternate embodiment of a linear
bearing;
[0034] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 showing an alternate embodiment of
a linear bearing;
[0035] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 having an articulating button;
[0036] FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 12B;
[0037] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an underside of the safety
shield apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9 showing a barbed flap
lock;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a
flap lock securing a medical needle of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 13;
[0039] FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of an alternate embodiment of the
lock of the safety shield apparatus illustrated in FIG. 13;
[0040] FIG. 15A is a plan view of operation of a rectangular
lock;
[0041] FIG. 16 is a cutaway view of an alternate embodiment of the
lock of the safety shield apparatus illustrated in FIG. 13;
[0042] FIG. 17 is a view of the underside of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 7;
[0043] FIG. 17A is a partial cross-sectional view of a hinge
component of the safety shield apparatus in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 17B is a cutaway plan view of the hinge component of
FIG. 17 without the application of stressing forces;
[0045] FIG. 17C is a cutaway plan view of the hinge component of
FIG. 17 with the application of stressing forces;
[0046] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the safety shield apparatus;
[0047] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment
the safety shield apparatus;
[0048] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1 with a sheath;
[0049] FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view, in part cross-section,
of the sheath shown in FIG. 20;
[0050] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the safety shield apparatus;
[0051] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 22 with a shield in the extended position;
[0052] FIG. 24 is a view of an underside of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 22;
[0053] FIG. 25 is a top view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 22;
[0054] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 22 with a needle cover;
[0055] FIG. 26A is a perspective view of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 22 with a needle cover;
[0056] FIG. 26B is a part cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 26A;
[0057] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the safety shield apparatus;
[0058] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 27;
[0059] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the safety shield apparatus;
[0060] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 29;
[0061] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 29 with a shield in an intermediate
position;
[0062] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 31;
[0063] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 29 with the shield in the extended
position;
[0064] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 33;
[0065] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 29 with a needle cover;
[0066] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the safety shield apparatus;
[0067] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the safety shield apparatus;
[0068] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the safety shield apparatus;
[0069] FIG. 39 is a part cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 38 during extension;
[0070] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 40 having a releasably attached tape down
member;
[0071] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 40 having the releasably attached tape down
member in a post-use condition immediately after release of the
tape down member;
[0072] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a medical needle safety
shield apparatus in a retracted position, in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
[0073] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus shown in FIG. 42;
[0074] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
shown in FIG. 42 fully extended;
[0075] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus shown in FIG. 44;
[0076] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 42 in a retracted position showing an alternate
embodiment of a linear bearing with a foam disc;
[0077] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
shown in FIG. 46 fully extended;
[0078] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 42 showing an alternate embodiment of a linear
bearing and the shield separated from the hub and wing
assembly;
[0079] FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the safety shield
apparatus shown in FIG. 42 showing an embodiment of a needle
latch;
[0080] FIG. 50 is a rear view of the safety shield apparatus shown
in FIG. 42 showing the embodiment of a needle latch shown in FIG.
49;
[0081] FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 42 showing an additional lockout feature;
[0082] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 42 showing an embodiment of a latch for
retaining the safety shield apparatus in a retracted position;
and
[0083] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the safety shield apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 42 showing an alternate embodiment of a
disc.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0084] In this description, the term proximal is generally used to
indicate relative nearness of a referenced item to a user of a
device or a viewer of a perspective drawing of a FIGURE. The term
distal is similarly used to indicate relative remoteness. Reference
is now made to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-53 wherein
like numerals are used to designate like parts throughout. In cases
where parts have similar, but not identical, form and function,
numerals with primes may be used for ease in interpretative cross
referencing.
[0085] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of a safety shield
apparatus 10 is shown comprising a safety shield 22 of hingedly
connected segments 12 and 14 for protecting a needle 16 after use
in a medical procedure. The needle 16 has a proximal end and a
distal end 24 with the proximal end of the needle 16 being bonded
with a hub 18. It is envisioned that needle 16 may be affixed to
hub 18 in various manners. Safety shield apparatus 10 has a luer
fitting 19 for attachment to various needle devices such as a
syringe. It is contemplated that safety shield apparatus 10 may be
utilized with other medical needle applications including, but not
limited to, phlebotomy devices, catheters, catheter introducers,
guide wire introducers, spinal and epidural, biopsy, apheresis,
dialysis, blood donor, Veress needles, Huber needles, etc., and
therefore, may incorporate a hub configuration other than a luer
fitting.
[0086] The molded components of safety shield apparatus 10
including the hub 18, shield 22 and a sheath 122, described below
with regard to FIGS. 20 and 21, are designed to be molded without
the need for side-pull cores.
[0087] The distal end 24 of the needle 16 includes a bevel which
may be aligned in a plane of symmetry with the shield 22 for
indicating orientation of the bevel. The needle bevel may be
oriented with respect to the retracted shield 22 to provide a
consistent needle bevel configuration for a user. The shield 22 and
hub 18 are connected through a bayonet-type snap fitment. A
proximal end of shield 22 is received by a collar 61 of hub 18
wherein tabs, such as, for example, snaps 80 retain shield 22 to
the hub 18 by interlocking with notches 70, as shown in FIGS. 6 and
7. Snaps 80 have a prong-like configurations. Snaps 80 may have
other configurations, such as, for example, detents, clips, etc. It
is contemplated that snaps 80 flexibly extend from shield 22 to
engage an inner surface of collar 61 and resiliently project
through notches 70 to interlock therewith. Collar 61 has a
substantially cylindrical configuration. It is envisioned that
collar 61 may have a variety of geometric configurations, such as,
for example, rectangular, polygonal, etc. It is further envisioned
that collar 61 may have various dimensions of length, diameter,
width, etc.
[0088] Significant cost savings may result if a manufacturing mold
is constructed from two simple plates which separate along a common
axis and remain parallel to each other. In general, this requires
that all part surfaces be formed by planes which form angles from
ninety to one hundred eighty degrees with the mold parting surface;
and if the part tapers, it should taper in such a manner as to get
smaller in dimension proceeding along an axis into the mold cavity.
This taper is referred to as "mold draft" and prevents the part
geometry from being trapped in the mold geometry. This is commonly
referred to as a "straight pull" mold.
[0089] Notches 70 interlock with snaps 80 to form a snap fit
component. Notches 70 are more difficult to mold in a straight pull
fashion, since they may become trapped in the mold. Wedge features
76 and 86 provide for straight pull molding of this feature, while
not adversely affecting the function of the luer fitting 19 or 83
(FIG. 10). Wedge features 76 and 86 (FIG. 9) provide this function
through surfaces 63, which are parallel to the axis of the mold
separation, and surfaces 67 which taper to form a seal or shutoff
with the mating half of the mold surfaces 67 may also be parallel.
Tapering or drafting of surfaces 63 in an expanding fashion should
be avoided, which would cause interference with the lock ring of a
standard syringe. Wedge features 76 and 86 allow the mold to form
the latch feature, e.g., notches 70 and 70' (FIGS. 6, 7 and
10).
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an alternate embodiment is
shown whereby wedge features 86 allow the manufacturing mold to
form a latch feature including locking wings 88 with notch 70' and
an arched shield adapter 94 configured for interlocking engagement.
Locking wings 88 are disposed at a distal end of hub 84. Hub 84
includes an axial surface 84A having an arcuate configuration.
Arched shield adapter 94 is configured for receipt of axial surface
84A. Abutment surface 92 abuts against the arched shield adapter 94
for proper aligning of the hub 84 to the shield 22'. It is
contemplated that axial surface 84A and adapter 94 may have various
corresponding configurations, such as, rectangular, etc.
[0091] A retention catch 21, formed on the proximal end of shield
22, releasably latches with proximal segment 12 to hold the shield
22 in a fully retracted position for use. Proximal segment 12 has a
surface which slides over retention catch 21 and is retained
thereby in a latching or catch configuration. It is contemplated
that retention catch 21 may engage various portions of proximal
segment 12. It is further contemplated that shield 22 may be
retained by multiple detents or retention catches of the proximal
end of shield 22. Other latching configurations are also envisioned
such as, for example, pins, clips, etc. Shield 22 may also be held
in the retracted position via engagement with hub 18.
[0092] The shield 22 is manually extended and locked in a
single-handed manner following use by either: 1) pushing the shield
22 with a finger, for example at raised surface 56 (FIG. 9); or 2)
surface activation by, for example, pushing the shield 22 against a
surface such as a tabletop. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, surface
activation is enabled due to the configuration of shield 22 such
that proximal segment 12 and distal segment 14 form a general
fulcrum point 13 engageable to extend shield 22 to the extended
position. Fulcrum 13 includes a hinge portion projecting from
shield 22 that engages the table, etc. It is contemplated that
fulcrum 13 may include hinge portions, such as, for example, living
hinges, pinned hinges, etc. This surface activation configuration
advantageously facilitates one-handed operation and does not
require the above-discussed finger actuation.
[0093] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, shield 22 is extendable from
a retracted position (FIG. 1) to an extended position (FIG. 4). The
shield 22 irreversibly locks around the needle 16 upon full
extension to protect the user from inadvertent exposure to the
needle point 24.
[0094] Referring to FIGS. 6-10, a surface, such as, for example, an
over-travel stop 62 on the hub 18 contacts surface 82 on the
proximal segment 12. Stop 62 limits rotation of proximal segment 12
relative to hub 18 to advantageously preclude excess bending of the
needle 16 during and after full extension of the shield 22 to the
needle 16. Stop 62 extends from hub 18 forming a planar edge
configured to engage shield 22, thereby limiting rotation of
proximal segment 18 and consequently, needle 16. It is contemplated
that stop 62 may have various configurations for engaging shield
22, such as, for example, staggered, stepped, interlocking, offset,
etc. It is further contemplated that the over-travel stop may be
formed with shield 22. It is envisioned that stop 62 limits
undesirable rotation of shield 22, such as, for example,
over-rotation, rotation that causes plastic deformation of needle
16, etc.
[0095] Collar 61 provides for convenient and safe grasping of the
hub. This ergonomic feature of the present disclosure
advantageously provides a surface that attracts users to grasp
collar 61 for syringe removal, etc. It is envisioned that hub 18
may include other ergonomic features such as color coding. Surfaces
64, 66 and 89, 90 provide for guiding the hub 18 into the correct
position with the shield 22. The shield 22 abuts against the hub 18
at surface 71 when in the retracted position.
[0096] In an alternate embodiment, the raised surface 56 (FIG.
12A), as an aid in urging the shield 22 to the extended position
may be further configured to form an articulating actuator 56" as
shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C. The articulating actuator 56" may pivot
about a hinge 29 and may further be biased in such a way as to
maintain the articulating actuator 56" in a relaxed position (FIG.
12B). During actuation, the actuation force on the articulating
actuator 56" acts directly upon a segment other than the proximal
segment 12 (the distal segment 14 in FIG. 12C) at contact surface
27, thereby, enhancing advancement of the shield 22. Stop surfaces
31 and 33 may be provided between the articulating actuator 56" and
its segment to prevent over-travel of the articulating actuator
56".
[0097] Referring back to FIGS. 1-5, a linear bearing 38 is hingedly
disposed within the distal segment 14 and slides linearly along the
needle 16 as the distal segment 14 translatably rotates along the
needle 16 when the shield 22 is extended from the retracted
position to the extended position. The linear bearing 38 shields
the distal end 24 of the needle 16 when the shield 22 is in the
extended position. Linear bearing 38 fully covers distal end 24 to
provide an increased perception of security and minimization of
fluid splatter when the shield is extended and locked. Referring to
FIG. 12A, an alternate embodiment illustrates a duckbill-type
linear bearing 96, which allows the distal end 24 of the needle 16
to be visible through the top of the shield 22. This configuration
also beneficially provides point protection perception to a user.
Referring to FIG. 13, another alternate embodiment illustrates a
flap 98, employable with linear bearing 38 or 96, for aligning the
linear bearing 38 or 96, during assembly.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 13, safety shield apparatus 10 has a
barbed flap lock 100, which snaps around the needle 16 when the
shield 22 is fully extended to lock shield 22 and retain needle 16
in a protective configuration providing security for a user from
accidental needle stick. Referring to FIG. 14, an alternate
embodiment shows an angled flap lock 102 that is advantageous for a
wide range of needle 16 sizes to capture small gage needles and
larger gage needles. The angled flap lock 102 easily flexes to
facilitate needle 16 capture. The bottom edge of the angled flap
lock 102 is angled to drive the needle 16 in toward the root of the
angled flap lock 102 when the needle 16 is pulled back against the
angled flap lock 102. This results in a lock with a light locking
force and considerable retention force. Further, flap lock 102 has
a reduced mass, facilitating placement within smaller spaces. This
configuration makes flap lock 102 difficult to defeat, precluding
easy reset. The angled flap lock 102 is also advantageous in its
ability to limit movement of the needle 16 relative to the shield
22 due to the interaction of the flat lower surface 103 of the
angled flap lock 102 with the needle 16 in the latched
condition.
[0099] In an alternate embodiment, the needle lock includes a
rectangular flap lock 104 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 15A. The
rectangular flap lock 104 is configured to lock with low latching
forces for small gage needles, while maintaining robust retention
forces for larger gage needles. The rectangular lock comprises an
angled rectangular flap lock 104 molded as part of one side of the
shield 22. The rectangular flap lock 104 is designed to flex inward
toward an attachment point a upon needle 16 engagement with lock
arm b, as shown by arrow A. The needle 16 is forced back to the
root (attachment point a) of the rectangular flap lock 104 when
pulled back against lock arm b of the rectangular flap lock 104, as
shown by arrow B. As the pullback force increases, the lock arm b
of rectangular flap lock 104 may deflect until a free end c of the
rectangular flap lock 104 contacts the wall opposite the root of
the rectangular flap lock 104. This effectively supports the latch
in two places: the root and the contact point of free end c with
the opposite wall. The end result is a lock that has relatively low
engagement forces and substantial retention forces. The thickness
of lock 104 is reduced adjacent attachment point a relative to lock
arm b. This configuration advantageously minimizes bending of
needle 16, and facilitates placement within smaller spaces making
flap lock 104 difficult to defeat, precluding easy reset.
[0100] In another embodiment, the needle lock is a double flap lock
106 as shown in FIG. 16. This lock configuration consists of two
rectangular locks, each attached to opposite walls on the shield
22. This lock substantially increases the difficulty in manually
defeating the lock, advantageously precluding reset because both
locking flaps of the double flap lock 106 must be defeated
simultaneously to reset the lock.
[0101] Additional features may be added to the locks of the present
disclosure to increase the difficulty in manually defeating the
needle locks and thereby preclude easy reset. For example,
referring to FIG. 17, one or more stiffening ribs 110 may be added
to either side of the lock to minimize finger contact with the
locking flap and to stiffen the shield 22 walls to make wall
deflection more difficult. A stiffening arch 108 may be added to
minimize shield 22 wall spreading and to make direct finger tip
access to the lock more difficult. Moreover, for example, by
rotating the angled flap lock 102 so as to place the free end of
the angled flap lock 102 away from the living hinge 78 (at the end
of the distal end of proximal segment 12), the potential for
fingertip access to the angled flap lock 102 is minimized.
[0102] The hinges connecting segments 12 and 14 may be flexible
living hinges 78, pinned hinges, or equivalents thereof that
provide for hinged connections of the segments 12 and 14. However,
the number of hingedly connected segments depends upon the needle
16 length and device length required to extend the shield 22 beyond
the distal end 24 of the needle 16. For example, alternate
embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrated in FIGS. 29-36,
similar to that described with regard to FIGS. 1-22, comprise four
segments which are for long needle applications including, but not
limited to, angiographic needle applications such as guide wire
introducers, blood donor, apheresis, dialysis, spinal and epidural
and so forth. The present invention may be injection molded using
polypropylene, other synthetic resinous materials, or equivalents
thereof that provide for fabrication of living hinges 78.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 17A-17C, in an alternate embodiment,
living hinges 278 may provide hinged connections for segments 12
and 14 of shield 22 and hub 18. The areas around living hinges 278
are relieved by relieved portions, discussed below, to enable
living hinges 278 to flex inward toward needle 16 when shield 22 is
rotated in torsion, such as, for example, by twisting. Living hinge
278, which can be disposed between the segments and/or the hub, has
a pair of hinge straps 280 that extend between the members being
hinged. It is contemplated that one or a plurality of hinge straps
280 may be employed.
[0104] The relieved portions include crumple zones, such as, for
example, relief portions 282 and 284. Relief portions 282 are
formed on opposing sides of living hinge 278 in an outer surface
thereof. It in envisioned that one or a plurality of relief
portions 282 may be used. Relief portion 284 is formed within
living hinge 278 as a cavity extending along the longitudinal
length thereof. Relief portion 284 may be variously configured
according to geometry, dimension, etc., in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure and suitability for a
particular medical needle application. Relief portions 282 and 284
are configured to cause living hinges 278 to flex inward for
accommodating greater amounts of stress due at least in part to
torsion, prior to failure, such as, for example, plastic
deformation, fracture, etc., as will be discussed.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 17B, the stress in living hinge 278
including hinge straps 280 at any given point is in direct
proportion to a distance, such as, for example, a radius r1 of that
point from an axis t of torsion. Consequently, the greatest amount
of stress is at the outermost edges of hinge straps 280. Prior to
application of torsion, e.g., twisting of living hinge 278, the
stress on hinge straps 280 is approximately zero. As living hinge
278 is twisted, a stress is created in hinge straps 280. Referring
to FIG. 17C, reliefs 282 and 284 facilitate hinge strap's 280 move
closer to axis t such that the distance from axis t, r2, is
reduced, thereby reducing the stress at r2, in accordance with that
described above. This configuration advantageously increases the
amount of rotational deflection necessary to cause hinge failure in
torsion due to twisting. Further, an indication of failure is
provided to a user. Alternatively, to increase the amount of
twisting necessary to cause the living hinges 78 of the actuated
device to fail, support structures 25 (FIG. 3) in the form of thin
plates in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the hinges 78 may
be added. These support structures 25 may take the form of living
hinges, but are not limited to such forms.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 18, a collar clip detent 114 may be added
to the hub 18 that engage a recessed area 116 for retaining the
shield 22 in the retracted state. An alternate embodiment may be a
detail on the shield 22 that slides under the hub collar (not
shown).
[0107] In an alternate embodiment, FIG. 19 illustrates a hub 118
having an extended needle enclosure 120. The hub 118 is
advantageous for applications where a syringe is used to withdraw
medications from a drug vial in that enclosure 120 reduces the dead
volume in the hub 118.
[0108] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a sheath 122 is slidably
connected to the hub 18 to cover the needle 16 prior to use. Rails
124 guide the hub 18 into place as the safety shield apparatus 10
is slid into the sheath 122. A notched section 72 (FIG. 6) of the
hub 18 interfaces with rails 124. It is envisioned that one or
multiple rails may be employed. A hub stop 126 and detent bump 128
engage the hub 18 for retaining the sheath 122 in place prior to
use. A rib 74 (FIG. 6) disposed on the hub 18 slides into the notch
112 (FIG. 17) in the shield 22 to provide for the proper alignment
of the shield 22 as it is slidably connected to the hub 18.
[0109] Referring to FIGS. 22-37, hub 18 or 18' is connected and/or
formed with a distal end 20A of a medical needle device, such as,
for example, a fluid collection holder, syringe, etc., for affixing
the needle 16 or 16' and hingedly affixing the shield 22 or 22'
thereto.
[0110] FIG. 22 illustrates a medical needle device, such as, for
example, a blood collection holder 20 and a safety shield apparatus
130 with the shield 22' in a retracted position where the shield
22' is in a proximal position and the distal end 24 of the needle
16 is exposed prior to use. FIGS. 23-25 show the shield 22' in an
extended position where the shield 22' extends beyond the distal
end 24 of the needle 16 with segment 14' being the distal segment.
At least one of the segments comprises an open orifice 55 through
which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the
needle 16. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 22-28 illustrates
segment 14' having an open orifice 55. The alternate embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 29-36 includes three segments 13, 14" and 15
having an open orifice 55. Alternatively, a four segment device is
contemplated with the most distal segment 14" having an open
orifice 55.
[0111] FIG. 24 shows the underside of a two segment embodiment
having a channel 26 for enclosing the needle 16 when the shield 22'
is linearly extended. One or more ribs 52 are placed within one or
more of the segments for positioning the needle.
[0112] One or more locks are associated with one or more of the
segments for securing one of the segments relative to the shield in
the extended position. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 22-26A
illustrates holder 20 having a pair of arm extensions 32. Arm
extensions 32 are diametrically disposed about distal end 20A of
holder 20. It is contemplated that one or a plurality of arm
extensions 32 may be employed. Arm extensions 32 include catches 30
(e.g., FIG. 25) formed on an inner surface thereof. Catches 30
engage a corresponding protrusion 28 formed with segment 12' of
shield 22' (e.g., FIG. 22). Arm extensions 32 also include stepped
rib portions that facilitate finger gripping to aid a clinician
during insertion of the needle 16 into a patient.
[0113] It is contemplated that the locks can include catches
disposed on one or more of the segments and corresponding
protrusions disposed on the holder or hub. It is further
contemplated that the catches and the corresponding protrusions may
be disposed on adjacent segments of the shield for locking into
position when the shield is in the extended position. For example,
a segment may have a sidewall that overlaps an adjacent segment and
includes a catch or protrusion that engages a corresponding
protrusion or catch for locking the shield when in the extended
position. Referring to FIG. 25, the catch 30 includes a capture
hole, recess or indentation which engages and locks the protrusion
28 in place. Alternatively, the catch includes a flanged surface
40, as shown in FIGS. 30-32, for engagement with a protrusion or
latching arm 42 when the shield 22" is in the locked and extended
position. Flanged surfaced 40 may be constructed so as to lift the
latching arm 42 during travel of the shield 22". This configuration
prevents bending of long and/or fine gage needles.
[0114] The present invention also contemplates at least one surface
disposed on the distal segment 14, 14' or 14" for securing the
distal segment 14, 14' or 14" relative to the shield 22, 22' or 22"
when in the extended position. One embodiment of the at least one
surface is shown in FIG. 24, which includes the distal segment 14'
having an underside comprising a surface 36 extending over all or a
portion of the distal segment 14' for retaining the distal end 24
of the needle 16. Surface 36 is configured to retain at least a
portion of distal end 24 of needle 16 within the enclosure of
distal segment 14'. This design advantageously maintains shield 22'
in the extended position and prevents hazardous exposure of needle
16. For example, if distal end 24 is caused to engage surface 36,
surface 36 prevents distal end 24 from exiting distal segment 14'.
Alternatively, distal segment 14' includes an oppositely spaced
surface 36A that cooperates with surface 36 to retain distal end 24
within distal segment 14'. Engagement of the needle 16 with surface
36 and/or surface 36A prevents distal end 24 from exiting distal
segment 14' and maintains shield 22' in the extended position.
[0115] The locks may also include a latch associated with the
distal segment 14', such as one or more catches and a corresponding
one or more protrusions disposed on adjacent segments of the shield
22' for locking into position when the shield 22' is in the
extended position. For example, the distal segment 14 or adjacent
segment 12' may have a sidewall that overlaps the adjacent segment
or distal segment and includes a catch or protrusion that engages a
corresponding protrusion or catch for locking the shield 22' when
in the extended position. The catch may include a capture hole,
recess or indentation which engages and locks the protrusion in
place, as disclosed above.
[0116] The latch may also include a linear bearing through which
the needle passes. For example, FIG. 29 shows the latch 34'
comprising a linear bearing 38' which is hingedly connected to the
distal segment 14". The latch 34' may also include a hooked arm
inside of the distal segment 14" which latches to the needle 16'
when the shield 22" is in the extended position. A similar hooked
arm may be utilized within any of the segments for latching to the
needle.
[0117] As illustrated in FIG. 24, a kick-off plate 17 aids in
actuating the shield 22' and prevents proximal segment 12' and
distal segment 14' from over rotating and binding on the needle 16
before actuation.
[0118] The present invention also contemplates a retainer for
holding the two or more segments in a retracted condition. For
example, the retainer for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 22-26A
includes one or more retention catches disposed on one or more of
the segments. The retention catches include one or more capture
holes 44 for engagement with corresponding protrusions 46 when the
shield 22' is in the retracted condition. The capture holes 44 may
also be substituted for a recess or indentation which engages the
contour of the protrusion 46. Alternatively, the retention catch
may include one or more flanged surfaces for engagement with
corresponding protrusions disposed on the shield 22'. FIGS. 27 and
28 show a retention catch 21 disposed on the hub 18' which latches
to the proximal segment 12' when the shield is in the retracted
condition. FIG. 36 illustrates another embodiment for a retainer
which includes a retention arm 48 which engages a corresponding
catch 50 disposed on the shield 22". FIG. 37 illustrates yet
another embodiment for a retainer which includes a retention latch
60 which catches on the distal segment 14".
[0119] As illustrated in FIGS. 22-23 and 31-34, a needle guide 54
(54') comprises a surface for facilitating extension of the shield
22' along the needle 16 as the shield 22' is moved from the
retracted position to the extended position. The shield 22' further
comprises a raised surface 56' for aid in urging the shield 22' to
the extended position. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 29-37
comprises two alternating needle guides 54' for guiding the one or
more segments over the needle when moving the shield to the
extended position. The alternating needle guides 54' may also
prevent excessive wobbling of shield 22" as it is moved from the
retracted position to the extended position. The shield 22" further
comprises a raised surface 56" for aid in urging the shield 22" to
the extended position.
[0120] The safety shield apparatus 140 with a four segment
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 29-37 is advantageous for long
needle applications, such as for guide wire insertion needles. The
shield 22" includes a proximal segment 12", a first intermediate
segment 13, a second intermediate segment 15 and a distal segment
14" for enclosing the needle 16' when the shield 22" is in the
extended position, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. Intermediate
segments 13 and 15 include an open orifice through which the needle
16' passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle 16'.
Latching arm 42 engages the flanged surface 40, as shown in FIGS.
30-32, for securing the distal segment 14" relative to the shield
22" in the extended position. Needle guides 54' facilitate
extension of the shield 22" along the needle 16' as the shield 22"
is moved from the retracted position to the extended position.
Protrusions 46' engage capture holes 44' for securing the distal
segment 14" relative to the shield 22" when in the extended
position. Safety shield apparatus 140 includes pinned hinges,
although hinges or a combination of living and pinned hinges may be
utilized.
[0121] The scope of the present invention also contemplates
open-ended needles and/or double walled needles for applications
such as phlebotomy, transmission of a guidewire and so forth.
[0122] As shown in FIGS. 26A and 35, a sheath 58 (58' as shown in
FIG. 35) is commonly used to protect needles 16 prior to use and to
prevent inadvertent unfolding or actuation of the safety shield 10
before removal of sheath 58 for use of needle 16. The safety shield
10 may be constructed in a manner which is self-packaging. For
example, a sterility seal may be provided at the sheath/hub
interface 57, as shown in FIG. 26B. The sterility seal may take the
form of interference fit, tortuous path, adhesive, weld or any
other means of providing a seal to contamination.
[0123] FIGS. 26A and 26B depict a tortuous path seal at interface
57 and an adhesive membrane seal 59. Adhesive membrane seal 59
maintains sterility of an interior surface of the barrel of holder
20 and the proximal end of needle 16. Adhesive membrane seal 59 may
be fabricated from any material suitable for needle applications in
accordance with the present disclosure, such as, for example,
paper, plastics, etc. A grasping tab 59A of seal 59 facilitates
removal of seal 59 from holder 20 in accordance with use. Seal 59
advantageously reduces cost of manufacturing and packaging of the
medical needle device.
[0124] FIGS. 38-41 show an embodiment of the present invention
incorporating a tape down member 132 which releases from the shield
22" as a portion 134 of the tape down member 132 in contact with
the needle 16' is advanced past the distal end 24' of the needle
16'. Alternatively, a number of methods of releasably attaching the
tape down member 132 to the shield 22" are contemplated. FIG. 38
shows the safety shield 22" in a pre-use state, while FIG. 39 shows
the safety shield 22" during extension. FIG. 40 shows the tape down
member 132 immediately prior to release. FIG. 41 shows the shield
22" in a post-use and protected state with the tape down member 132
separated from the shield 22". The tape down member 132 may be
taped to a patient using separate tape or, alternatively, tape down
member 132 may have an adhesive disposed on its underside. It is
envisioned that tape down member 132 may engage the patient via
manual pressure, etc. The tape down member 132 may also be used as
a gripping feature that is not necessarily taped to the
patient.
[0125] The tape down member 132 provides for passive activation of
the present invention. The safety shield 22" comprises a proximal
segment 12", a first intermediate segment 13, a second intermediate
segment 15 and a distal segment 14" for protecting the needle 16'
when the shield 22" is in the extended position, as shown in FIG.
41. The safety shield 22" is released for activation by first
pressing extension plate 138 towards surface 142 on the hub 18'",
which releases retention arm 48' from catch 50'. Intermediate
segments 13 and 15 include an open orifice through which the needle
16' passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle 16'.
Latching arm 42" engages the flanged surface 40" for securing the
distal segment 14" relative to the shield 22" in the extended
position. Shield 22" can be connected using pinned hinges, living
hinges or a combination of living and pinned hinges. The apparatus
may be utilized with a extension set tubing 136 for fluid
communication, or alternatively, may include a luer fitting for
attachment to a variety of medical needle devices.
[0126] Referring to FIGS. 42-53, an embodiment of a safety shield
apparatus 144 is shown comprising a port access needle 146
including a shield 150 of hingedly connected segments 12' and 14'
for protecting the distal end 147 of needle 146 after use in a
medical procedure. Needle 146 is oriented in two axes such that a
distal needle portion 146A is oriented at an axis 90 degrees
relative to an axis defined by a proximal needle portion 146B. It
is contemplated that distal needle portion 146A and proximal needle
portion 146B may be oriented at various angular displacements. As
shown in FIGS. 42-52, segments 12' and 14' may be configured for a
low profile such that the segments may be folded into each other in
a pre-use state as a result of either segment having smaller
dimensions than the other.
[0127] FIGS. 42 and 43 show the safety shield apparatus 144 in a
pre-use state, while FIGS. 44 and 45 show the post-use and
protected state with the shield 150 attached to the needle 146 by
means of a needle latch 154 shown in FIGS. 45, 49 and 50. Needle
latch 154 has an arcuate outer surface 154A and a radial edge 154B.
A deformable interior cavity 154C of latch 154 corresponds to outer
surface 154A. Upon actuation of shield 150, needle 146 engages and
travels along outer surface 154A until needle 154 becomes disposed
over radial edge 154B. Outer surface 154A elastically deforms to
facilitate movement of needle 146 thereover and extension of shield
150. Shield 150 is manipulated until the fully extended position is
reached. Radial edge 154B prevents movement of needle 146 and
consequently shield 150 to the retracted position, thereby locking
shield 150 in the fully extended position. Movement of needle 146
is prevented due to the compressive forces created in outer surface
154A and tensile forces in 154B via engagement of needle 146 and
radial edge 154B.
[0128] As shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, a rib 170 may be utilized for
positioning the needle 146 with respect to the needle latch 154.
The needle 146 may be latched to the shield 150 by various other
means as set forth herein.
[0129] The shield 150 may further comprise a disc 152 attached to
linear bearing 38', which may be permanently attached or releasably
attached. Linear bearing 38' may also be monolithically formed with
disc 152. The disc 152 may further include foldable portions (not
shown), such as by living hinges, for packaging purposes. Texturing
may also be added to the top surface of the disc 152 to enhance
gripping of the disc 152. The disc 152 may also be hingedly
attached to the distal segment 14' through hinge 182, thereby
leaving the linear bearing 38' free from communication with the
disc 152. The linear bearing 38' remains connected to the distal
segment 14' through living hinge 78.
[0130] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 51, an additional
lockout feature may be added for securing the safety shield
apparatus 144 in the lockout mode. For the embodiment shown in FIG.
51, the lockout is accomplished by engagement of latches 176
disposed on the distal segment 14' to flanges 178 disposed on the
linear bearing 38'.
[0131] The shield 150 is passively activated upon withdrawal of the
needle 146 from a patient, wherein wings 148 may be used to
facilitate insertion and withdrawal of the safety shield apparatus
144. One method of withdrawing the needle 146 from a patient
includes the steps of holding the disc 152 against a patient while
pulling the wings 148 away from the patient. Once the needle latch
154 engages the needle 146, the safety shield apparatus 144 may be
removed. It is contemplated that disc 152 is adherently attached to
the patient. Disc 152 may also be releasable from linear bearing
38', similar to that described with regard to tape down member
132.
[0132] The hinges connecting segments 12' and 14' and the linear
bearing 38' may be flexible living hinges 78, pinned hinges, or
equivalents thereof that provide for hinged connections of the
segments 12' and 14' and the linear bearing 38' (see, e.g., FIG.
48). Moreover, the number of hingedly connected segments depends
upon the needle 146 length and device length required to extend the
shield 144 beyond the distal end 147 of the needle 146. Embodiments
of the safety shield apparatus 144 may, therefore, include two or
more segments.
[0133] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 42, the
needle 146 has a proximal end and a distal end 147 with the
proximal end of the needle 146 affixed in a hub 158. The wings 148
may be affixed to the needle hub. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
48, the safety shield apparatus 144 is assembled by inserting hub
158 into the collar 160. Flared surfaces 162 may be included on the
hub 158 to engage the collar 160. The needle hub may also be
configured to attach an extension set tubing 136.
[0134] Referring to FIGS. 46 and 47, an embodiment of the safety
shield apparatus 144 is shown further comprising a pad 156, which
may be added underneath the disc 152 for patient comfort and as a
spacer between a patient's skin and the disc 152. The pad 156 may
be comprised of a foam material such as a closed-cell foam,
polyurethane open-cell foam, or an equivalent crushed or densified,
felted material. The pad 156 may be an absorbent, breathable
material that may also be capable of wicking moisture. The pad 156
may also be impregnated with an antimicrobial agent, such as
chlorhexidine or equivalent material. The pad 156 may also be
comprised of a foam material with a thin film coating on either
side including, but not limited to, polyolefin, breathable
polyurethane, or other equivalent materials. The thin film coating
may also be perforated.
[0135] The pad 156 may be separately packaged in a sterile
container for use as a replacement pad for an existing dressing.
The pad 156 may also be used as a dressing, which may replace or
supplement a gauze dressing.
[0136] The pad 156 may have a friction fit capability for
attachment to the needle 146, with a possible slit 164 included for
ease of attachment to the safety shield apparatus 144. A notch 180
may be added to slit 164 to assist in guiding the pad 156 into the
proper position on the needle 146. Holes 166 may be added to the
pad 156 for purposes such as aiding in visibility and increasing
air flow to the pad 156. Similar holes may be added to the disc 152
for the same purposes.
[0137] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 52, the safety
shield apparatus 144 may be retained in the retracted position by a
flange 172 disposed on the proximal segment 12' engaging notches
174 in a flange 178 disposed on the linear bearing 38'. Alternative
embodiments may include a flange disposed on the hub 158 or distal
segment 14' with corresponding notches located on an alternate
segment or hub 158.
[0138] In another embodiment the hub may be configured to include a
luer fitting for attachment to various needle devices such as a
syringe or IV set.
[0139] The invention of the present disclosure may be embodied in
other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential
characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to
be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,
the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which
come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
therefore intended to be embraced therein.
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