Abstract: A safety shield apparatus is disclosed which includes a needle having a distal portion defining a longitudinal axis which is angularly displaced relative to a longitudinal axis defined by a proximal portion of the needle. A shield is mounted with the needle and extensible, via a tubular needle guide movable along the needle, between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus may include a needle hub configured to support the proximal portion of the needle. The needle hub can include an appendage which may have at least one opening to facilitate manipulation thereof. A distal end of the shield can be attached to a planar contact surface. The shield may also include a latch engageable with the needle.

Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. In embodiments of this invention a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other is movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position. A latch is also disposed on the distal segment for securing the distal segment relative to the shield when in the extended position.