Abstract: An improved self-capping disposable needle assembly for use in combination with a skin puncture apparatus is provided. More specifically, an improved self-capping disposable needle assembly for use with a catheter which assembly contains a pleated sleeve made from any natural or synthetic fiber material is provided. The fiber materials employed as the pleated sleeve optionally may be treated with a suitable agent that provides the fiber material with a hydrophobic coating and prevents fluids such as blood from seeping therefrom.

Abstract: A safety cover which securably and reliably locks the tip of a cannula in an interior chamber within the safety cover. The cover comprises an elongate body having the interior chamber and an axial through hole which extends along the entire length of the body, through the interior chamber and through which the cannula is slidably received. Displacing elements are positioned within the interior chamber, each of which includes a hole for receiving said cannula therethrough, and which displaces upon retraction of the tip of said cannula, thereby preventing subsequent advancement of said cannula tip. In a first embodiment the displacing elements are annular rings. In a second embodiment, the elements are rigid balls having through holes. In a third embodiment, the displacing elements are a pair of conical elements, one of which is spring biased, each of which includes an offset hole.