Abstract: A safety needle device which can be used substantially as a regular syringe or with a "y" connector. The device includes an elongate barrel with a longitudinal axis and an inside surface defining a chamber which has an open proximal end and a distal end with a needle cannula. The needle cannula projects distally outwardly, and has a distal tip and a lumen in fluid communication with the barrel chamber. The device has a needle guard with a proximal first end and a distal second end. The guard is mounted for movement relative to the barrel from a retracted position in which the guard does not materially obstruct access to the distal tip of the needle cannula and an extended position where the guard substantially prevents inadvertent access to the distal tip of the needle cannula.The needle guard is releasably retained in the retracted position and locks in the extended position. The guard has at least one open slot which extends proximally from the second end.

Abstract: A retractable needle syringe includes a barrel having an inside surface defining a chamber, an open proximal end and a distal end. An elongate plunger is slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement with the inside surface of the barrel. The plunger includes a distal end, a proximal end and a radially directed projection on its distal end. A movable carrier is positioned in fluid-tight engagement with the inside surface of the barrel. The carrier includes an outside surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. The proximal end of the carrier includes an open-ended groove which is sized and shaped to receive the plunger projection. The groove includes an axial portion and a circumferential portion. The plunger is movable axially so that the plunger projection can enter and exit the axial portion of the groove.