摘要 |
<p>A needle point barrier (10) includes a resiliently deflectable spring arm (32), a link arm (38) and a barrier arm (44). The proximal end of the spring arm (32) is secured near the proximal end of the needle (12). The link arm (38) has one end hingedly connected to the spring arm (32) and an opposed end hingedly connected to a proximal position on the barrier arm (44). Distal portions of the barrier arm slidably engage the needle (12). The needle point barrier (10) can be collapsed into a Z-shaped configuration near the proximal end of the needle (12). The barrier arm (44) can be urged distally by force applied to the proximal end of the barrier arm (44). Initial movement of the barrier arm (44) will deflect the spring arm (32) away from the needle (12). After sufficient manual movement of the barrier arm (44), the resiliency of the spring arm (32) will urge the barrier arm (44) distally into shielding relationship with the distal end (16) of the needle (12). <IMAGE></p> |