Safety shield for medical needle devices

摘要

A medical needle shield apparatus is described and comprises a shield extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of a needle. The needle includes a proximal end mounted to a hub. The shield comprises an outer bearing defining a first interior space about a longitudinal axis and an inner bearing defining a second interior space about the longitudinal axis. Said needle is disposed in said second interior space and is movable along said longitudinal axis. The inner bearing is disposed in said first interior space and is moveable therein along said longitudinal axis and the inner bearing and the outer bearing remain coaxial throughout movement of the inner bearing relative to the outer bearing. A wedging portion is movable with said inner bearing for wedging against said needle to secure the distal end of said needle within the second interior space in the extended position. A tether has a proximal end connected to said hub and a distal end connected to said inner bearing to prevent separation of the shield from the needle in the extended position.