NEEDLE SHIELD ASSEMBLY HAVING HINGED NEEDLE SHIELD

摘要

A needle shield assembly (20) including a hinged needle shield (26) is provided. A ramp assembly (37) is provided in proximity to a hinge (160) that connects the needle shield (26) to base assembly (23). The ramp (37) is preferably flexible, and, if compressed, resiliently urges the needle shield (26) to a preferred angular position with respect to the syringe (33). The needle shield (26) is movable between a fully opened position where it is canted at an angle with respect to the syringe (33) and a closed position in which it envelops the needle. One or more locking elements are preferably provided on the needle shield (26) for maintaining it in a locked, needle protecting position.