Abstract: The sight of a large I.V. needle makes one shiver with fright due to one's association of an I.V. needle with pain. An apparatus and method of anesthetizing the intended site for I.V. needle insertion is provided to reduce or eliminate the pain. In addition, apparatus and method may be used for diagnostic testing purposes to reduce the amount of pain associated with this procedure. The apparatus (10) comprises a storage chamber (12) containing an anesthetizing agent (22) and coupled to a seat member (14). The seat member (14) further holds a needle (16) in place and pierces the storage chamber (12). Alternate embodiments of the apparatus (10) include a seat member (46, 56) which allows the needle (52, 68) to penetrate the storage chamber (40, 62) just prior to use. The apparatus pierces the skin, injects the anesthetizing agent and induces a skin wheal at the intended I.V. site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an apparatus for shielding fluids from the eyes and face of an attendant. The apparatus and method utilize a plastic visor and face mask that are connected. The visor and face mask are secured to the head of the wearer by tie strips that are attached to the mask and visor so as to hold the shield near the wearer's face. The visor has cushioning strips attached to distribute the pressure of the visor over a large area of the wearer's forehead and has side extensions that protect the eyes from fluids propelled toward the wearer from a side angle relative to wearer's face.

Abstract: A clear plastic visor (16) is secured to a mask (12) which is removably attachable to the face of a wearer. The visor (16) is secured to the mask (12) at bond areas (48, 50) on opposite ends of the mask (12). The visor (16) is provided with a notched keyhole (20) to allow the visor (16) to conform to contours of the face of the wearer and to prevent creasing thereof. The visor (16) is generally positioned on the mask (12) so that approximately 1/3 of the visor's depth (D) covers the mask (12). A darkened strip (22) may be added to the top edge of the mask (12) to further reduce the likelihood of glare and reflections.