Abstract: An assembly (20) of syringes (22) includes a first layer (32) enclosing the syringes. The first layer maintains the syringes in an orientation where some of the syringes have a first, larger end aligned with the second, smaller end of the remainder of the syringes. The first layer also protects the syringes from outside contaminants. A second layer (34) encloses the first layer and protects it from outside contaminants. The syringes and the first layer preferably are sterilized within the second layer 34.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes an elongate needle with a proximal end, a distal end and a passageway therethrough. The assembly has a needle hub with a proximal end, a distal end and an outside surface. The hub has an axial opening therethrough to receive and hold the proximal end of the needle with the distal end of the needle projecting distally axially. The assembly includes an elongate shield with an open proximal end, a closed distal end and a sidewall that has an elongate opening on one side extending from the closed end to the open end. The shield of the invention is movable between an open position, in which the needle is exposed for use by passage through the elongate opening and a latched position, in which the shield is substantially prevented from movement to the open position and the shield substantially obstructs access to the needle.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes an elongate needle with a proximal end, a distal end and a passageway therethrough. The assembly has a needle hub with a proximal end, a distal end and an outside surface. The hub has an axial opening therethrough to receive and hold the proximal end of the needle with the distal end of the needle projecting distally axially. The assembly includes an elongate shield with an open proximal end, a closed distal end and a sidewall that has an elongate opening on one side extending from the closed end to the open end. The shield of the invention is movable between an open position, in which the needle is exposed for use by passage through the elongate opening and a latched position, in which the shield is substantially prevented from movement to the open position and the shield substantially obstructs access to the needle.

Abstract: A needle shield assembly having a releasable lock of the present invention includes a needle cannula and a hub having a proximal end for connecting to a medical instrument and a distal end connected to the proximal end of the needle cannula. A base member is connected to the hub and includes a deflectable locking arm having a latch surface. A needle shield is hingedly connected to the base member. The needle shield includes a longitudinal opening therein and is capable of rotating back and forth between a first needle protecting position wherein the needle cannula is within the longitudinal opening of the needle shield and a second position exposing at least the distal end of the needle cannula. The needle shield includes a latch surface positioned to engage the latch surface of the base member when the needle shield is in the first position for locking the needle shield in the first position.

Abstract: A hardpack shield employable with a medical delivery device utilizing the pivoting-type needle guard or barrier assembly. The shield, which may be formed from a semi-rigid yet puncture-resistant material such as polypropylene, may be configured for mating engagement with a component of the pivotable barrier assembly so as to enable a user to safely manipulate the barrier assembly respective of a medical delivery device to which the piercing element and barrier assembly are affixed. The hardpack shield is configured for ready removal by a user while providing a secondary barrier against inadvertent needlestick injury, with a piercing element.

Abstract: A medical device includes a barrel with proximal and distal ends. A needle extends from the distal end of the barrel and terminates in a point. A shield is coaxially and rotationally mounted on the barrel. This shield is axially movable between a retracted position in which the needle point is exposed and an extended position in which the needle point is covered. The device includes locking elements associated with the barrel and the shield. These locking elements are responsive to a combined rotational and axially distal movement of the shield, when the shield is at an extended and unlocked position, for locking the shield on the barrel at the extended position. These locking elements prevent subsequent rotational and axial movement of the shield on the barrel.