NEEDLE SHIELD ASSEMBLY HAVING HINGED NEEDLE SHIELD AND FLEXIBLE CANNULA LOCK

摘要

A needle shield and needle shield assembly are provided for preventing accidental needle sticks. The needle shield includes opposing sidewalls and is pivotable between an open position that allows use of the needle cannula and a closed position that covers at least the tip of the needle cannula. A locking member extends from one of the sidewalls of the needle shield and includes a relatively rigid base portion and a relatively flexible end portion. The needle cannula engages the relatively flexible end portion when entering the needle shield cavity, deflecting it with respect to the base portion. Upon any attempt to move the needle shield from the closed position to the open position, the needle cannula is directed by the locking member towards the relatively rigid base portion, thereby making it very difficult to reuse the needle cannula.