Abstract: The invention relates to devices for protecting a needle 1 for medical use or the like and having a sharp end 2 and a base end 3. The device of the invention is essentially characterized by the fact that it comprises a sleeve 10 having a bore 11 on an axis 12 and of section not less than that of the needle to be protected, a link 13 of length “L1”, resilient return hinge means 19 for connecting one end 15 of the link 14 to the sleeve 10, the link taking up a defined equilibrium position on a direction making an acute angle ? with the axis of the bore 11, base means 21 suitable for receiving the end 3 of the needle 1, a crank arm 22 of length “K1” no greater than the length “L1” of the link, and means 28, 30 for mounting each of the first and second ends of the crank arm 22 to pivot freely respectively on the end 17 of the link 13 and on the base means 21.