Patent · US Expired

Needle tip cover

US5171229A · kind A · utility

85Cited by
9References
18Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 15, 1991
Grant dateDec 15, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 15, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M5/3216
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A small needle tip cover is provided which is capable of rendering a used disposable needle safe from accidental punctures. The needle tip cover can take the form of a small rectangular piece of sheet metal that is bent back upon itself. The bend is shaped to provide a spring means which is operable to force the opposing sides of the cover together. The inner surfce of each side includes a plurality of serrated burrs which contact the shaft of a used needle and prevent the tip thereof from escaping. The needle tip cover is kept open by a collapsible column. Until the introduction of a used needle tip therebetween, the column is subject to failure from any slight transverse force, such as that provided by the shaft of the needle pressing there against.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.