Needle shield assembly having hinged needle shield

摘要

A needle shield assembly including a hinged needle shield (26) is provided. A ramp (137) is provided in proximity to a hinge (160) that connects the needle shield to base assembly. The ramp is flexible, and, if compressed, resiliently urges the needle shield to a preferred angular position where it is canted at an angle with respect to a syringe and a closed position in which it envelops the needle. One or more locking elements are preferably provided on the needle shield for maintaining it in a locked, needle protection position.