Abstract: The invention provides a protective device (10) for a needle assembly (12) having a needle hub (14) and a needle (16) projecting from the hub. The protective device includes an end cap (20) which has an opening (36) through which the needle (16) may pass, and a resilient member (22) extending about the needle (16) between the needle hub (14) and the end cap (20). The resilient member (22) is deformable between a first condition in which it holds the end cap (20) over a sharpened end (18) of the needle (16) and a second condition in which the end cap (20) is withdrawn from the sharpened end of the needle (16). Furthermore, the resilient member (22) is biased towards the first condition and is arranged to bias the end cap (20) into a safety position in which the sharpened end of the needle (16) is offset relative to the opening (36) in the end cap (20). The protective device (10) also includes a sheath (24) covering at least the sharpened end (18) of the needle (16).

Abstract: The invention provides a protective device (10) for a needle assembly (12) having a needle hub (14) and a needle (16) projecting from the hub. The protective device includes an end cap (20) which has an opening (36) through which the needle (16) may pass, and a resilient member (22) extending about the needle (16) between the needle hub (14) and the end cap (20). The resilient member (22) is deformable between a first condition in which it holds the end cap (20) over a sharpened end (18) of the needle (16) and a second condition in which the end cap (20) is withdrawn from the sharpened end of the needle (16). Furthermore, the resilient member (22) is biased towards the first condition and is arranged to bias the end cap (20) into a safety position in which the sharpened end of the needle (16) is offset relative to the opening (36) in the end cap (20). The protective device (10) also includes a sheath (24) covering at least the sharpened end (18) of the needle (16).

Abstract: A device for drawing blood includes a disposable holder (12) defining a socket (14) for receiving one end of a vacuum vial (18). The holder (12) includes an inner needle-receiving formation (26) and an outer needle-receiving formation (28), the inner and outer needle-receiving formations being in fluid communication with one another. A hollow needle (32) is connected to the inner needle-receiving formation (26) so as to extend into the socket (14) for puncturing a stopper (52) on the vacuum vial when the vial is inserted into the socket. The outer needle-receiving formation (28) carries a hypodermic needle (38) and a safety cover (42) for the hypodermic needle. The safety cover includes a cup (44) having an off-centre opening (46) through which the point of the needle (38) can pass, and a resilient member (48) for holding the cup over the point of the needle when the needle is inoperative so as to cover the point of the needle.

Abstract: A needle protective device has a tubular member (14) with an end cap (16). One end (12) of the member (10) engages on needle hub (22), and the other end has a cap (16) with an opening (34). The tubular member is flexible and has cut-outs (18) in its wall. Normally the needle (26) is directed away from the opening 34) so that the needle tip is enclosed by the cap (16). To use the needle, the end cap (16) is displaced to bring the needle alongside guide ribs (38) and the tubular member (14) compressed axially to expose the needle (26) through the opening (34).