FR2778571A1 - Needle guard for use with medical syringes - Google Patents

Abstract

The needle guard consists of a sleeve (10) with an axial through hole (11) for the needle (1), connected by one or more hinged and spring-loaded strips (13) and cams (22) to a base (21) fitting over the needle holder. The sleeve can be pushed over the needle to expose its pointed tip, returning to its initial position covering the tip when the needle is retracted or the guard is released.

Description

The present invention relates to needle protection devices

  comprising a pointed end and a base end, which find a particularly advantageous application in the protection, in particular, of syringe needles, and more particularly the devices for protecting needles. intended for use by professionals in the field

medical or similar.

  There are already devices for protecting a needle, but they are generally relatively complex and expensive, which limits their use. The object of the present invention is therefore to produce a device for protecting a needle for medical or similar use, which largely alleviates

  part of the disadvantages of the devices of the prior art.

  More specifically, the subject of the present invention is a device for protecting a needle for medical or similar use comprising a pointed end and a base end, characterized in that it comprises: a sleeve comprising a through hole defined according to a given axis, said through hole having a section at least equal to that of the needle to be protected, at least one first tab having first and second ends, this first tab having a length "LI" defined between its two ends, first hinge means with elastic return to connect the first. end of the first tab with the sleeve, these first hinge means being arranged for said first tab to assume a position of equilibrium defined in a direction forming an acute angle with the axis of the through hole, base means suitable receiving the base end of the needle, at least a first connecting cam defined between a first and a second end, said first connecting cam having a length "l1" defined between its two ends, the length "l" 'being at most equal to the length "L1" of the first tab, and first means for mounting each of the first and second ends of the first connecting cam in free rotation respectively on

  the second end of the first tab and on the base means.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention

  will appear during the following description given with reference to the drawings

  annexed by way of illustration, but in no way limiting, in which: FIG. 1 represents the block diagram of the device according to the invention, for protecting a needle for medical or similar use, FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, for protecting a needle for medical or similar use, and FIGS. 3 to 5 represent a view in partial longitudinal section of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, respectively in three positions in which may be the device according to the invention during its use, which will be respectively referred to below in the

  description by "original position" (fig 2 and 3), "use position" (fig. 4)

and "blocking position" (fig. S).

  The Applicant wishes to specify that the four Figures 2 to 5 represent only one embodiment of the object according to the invention, but that there may be other embodiments which meet the definition of

this invention.

  It also specifies that, when, according to the definition of the invention, the object of the invention comprises "at least one" element having a function

  given, the embodiment described may include several of these elements.

  It also specifies that, if the embodiment of the object according to the invention as illustrated comprises several elements of identical function and if, in the

  description, it is not specified that the object according to this invention must

  necessarily include a particular number of these elements, the subject of the invention may be defined as comprising "at least one" of these

elements.

  In addition, for the sake of simplification and a good understanding of the invention, the same references have been used to designate the same elements which are common in FIG. 1 and in FIGS. 2 to 5, even if these

  elements are not represented in the same form.

  These details being given, FIG. 1 represents the block diagram of a device according to the invention, for protecting a needle 1 for medical or similar use comprising a pointed end 2 and a base end 3, knowing that this diagram in principle can also be

  a schematic representation of an embodiment of the device.

  With reference to this diagram, the device comprises a sleeve 10 comprising a through hole 11 defined along a given axis 12, this through hole 11 having a section at least equal to that of the needle to be protected so that the sleeve can easily slide

  advantageously over the entire length of needle 1.

  In this embodiment, the device comprises a tab 13 comprising a first 15 and a second 17 ends, this tab having a length "L1" defined between its two ends. This lug 13 is associated with a point 39 of the sleeve 10 by first elastic hinge means 19 which connect the first end 1 5 of the lug 13 with the sleeve 10, these first hinge means being mounted with the lug so that the latter takes a position of equilibrium defined on a direction making with the axis 12 of the through hole an acute angle a so that, when it is moved away from this position of equilibrium under the action of any force , she resumes

  automatically this position as soon as the force action is canceled.

  The device further comprises base means 21 capable of receiving

  the base end 3 of the needle 1. These means 21 can be of all types.

  They may for example consist of a conical fitting end, but it is obvious that they can take any other form depending on the nature and use of the needle. These means can

  even consist of a part of a syringe or the like.

  These means 21 can also be constituted by a sheath or the like

  able to surround, by fitting, the base part 3 of the needle to be protected 1.

  This last embodiment is that which is shown in Figures 1 to S. The device according to Figure 1 also includes a connecting cam 22 defined between a first 24 and a second 26 ends. This connecting cam 22 has a length "II" defined between its two ends 24 and 26, the

  length "il" being at most equal to the length "Li" of the first leg.

  Schematically as illustrated in FIG. 1, the device finally comprises first means 28 for mounting each of the first 24 and second ends 26 of the connecting cam 22 in free rotation respectively on the second end 17 of the tab 13 and, in point 38, on

base means 21.

  The device as described above works and is used in the following way: It is first assumed that the device is in the configuration (I) called "home position" which is shown in Figure 1 in solid lines and in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this position, the pointed end 2 of the needle is located inside the through-hole 11 made in the

  sleeve 10 and is thus protected there.

  In practice, the device can be associated with a needle 1 while it is in this configuration (I) then, in known manner, the assembly thus obtained is sterilized and sold, for example in a sterile pouch or under

S blister.

  When the needle is to be used by nursing staff, the "protective device - needle" assembly is removed from the pouch, then the device is brought into the configuration (II) known as the "use position" shown in

  dots in Figure 1 and Figure 4.

  To bring the needle protection device, from the original position (I) to the use position (II), the user exerts, for example manually, a couple of forces respectively on the sleeve 10 and on the base 21, to bring the sleeve closer to the base in a slip

represented by arrow 35.

  In this movement, the elastic hinge 19 allows the tab 13 to first undergo a first dextrorsum rotation, according to the representation in FIG. 1, around the hinge point 39. This movement is imposed by the displacement in rotation senestrorsum of the cam 22 around the free rotation point 30. When the free rotation point 28 exceeds and comes below the plane 37 perpendicular to the axis 12 and passing through the point 38 of the base defined above, by the return spring effect of the hinge 19 as defined above, the tab 13 then tends to undergo a reverse rotation from the previous one, that is to say in the senestrorsum direction according to the representation on

  FIG. 1, which brings it back to its original position relative to the axis 12.

  Under the action of this elastic restoring force which can be added to the couple of forces exerted between the sleeve 10 and the base 21, the tab 13 drives the sleeve even more rapidly towards the base and the device.

  takes the position of use (II) illustrated in dots in Figure 1.

  In this configuration (II), the needle 1 is completely released. It can then be used conventionally for the function for which it is intended, knowing that this function does not need to be described here since

  the use of a needle is well known in itself.

  When the needle has been used, the user can push the sleeve 10 towards the pointed end 2 of the needle to tend to make it return to its original position, the sleeve 10 sliding along the needle 1 according to arrow 36 until the pointed end 2 of the needle is located in the

  pierced 11 and is covered by the sleeve 10.

  The passage of the device from its position of use (II) to its original position (I) can be carried out manually by exerting a force of

  thrust on the end 24 of the cam 22 relative to the base 21.

  It is recalled that FIG. 1 represents a block diagram of the device according to the invention, as well as a first embodiment of this device. In this embodiment, the device has only one lug 13 and only one connecting cam 22 and, although it works perfectly, it is however advantageous to give it a structure as

  that which is illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5.

  The embodiment of the device illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5 is advantageous because its structure is symmetrical and therefore balanced, which improves its operation compared to that according to the embodiment illustrated in the

figure 1.

  In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, the device according to the invention further comprises, compared to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, a second tab 14 defined between a first 16 and a second 18 ends, this second tab having a length "L2" defined between its two ends, second spring return hinge means 20 for connecting the first end 16 of the second tab with the sleeve 10, these second hinge means being arranged so that the second tab take an equilibrium position defined on a direction making with the axis of the through hole an acute angle a ', a second connecting cam 23 defined between a first 25 and a second 27 ends, the second connecting cam having a length "12" defined between its two ends, the length "12" being at most equal to the length "L2" of the tab, and second means 29, 31 for mounting each of the first and second nde ends of the second freely rotating connecting cam respectively on the second end of the second tab 14 and

on the base means 21.

  In the advantageous embodiment illustrated, in order to obtain perfect symmetry of the device with respect to the axis 12, the lengths "L1 '" and "L2" are substantially equal to the same value "L" and the lengths "11" and

  "12" are substantially equal to the same value 'T' "".

  In addition, to facilitate the industrial production of the device and minimize its bulk, it is advantageous for the two tabs 13, 14 and the two connecting cams 22, 23 to be substantially located in the same plane and to form substantially a quadrilateral whose diagonals are substantially perpendicular, the diagonal connecting the vertices of the quadrilateral respectively located on the sleeve 10 and on the base means 21 being

  substantially coincident with the axis 12 of the through hole 11.

  It is also possible that at least two of the following elements: sleeve, base means 21, lug 13, 14, cam 22, 23, hinge means 19, 20, S mounting means in free rotation 28, 29, 30 , 31, are made in a

  same material, for example plastic.

  However, it is particularly advantageous to produce all the constituent elements of the device in the same material, which makes it possible to produce it in one piece by the well-known molding method. On this last point, FIGS. 2 to 5 show, by way of example, the shape which can be given to each of the elements produced in a plastic material by the molding technique, as well as the reinforcing means for stiffening the

legs and cams.

  This manufacturing process also makes it possible to produce the hinge means 19, 20 and the mounting means in free rotation 28, 29, 30, 31,

  directly at the same time as the other components of the device.

  In particular, the function of these spring return hinge means and of these free-rotation mounting means is easily obtained by giving a given shape to the part of plastic which connects, on the one hand, the tabs 13, 14 to the sleeve, and on the other hand the connecting cams 22, 23 with the

legs and the base means 21.

  Such embodiments of hinges with elastic return and hinges in free rotation which use the characteristics of the material and particular forms such as thinning of walls or the like, are indeed

  known to plastic artists and will not be described more fully here.

  To stiffen the entire device when it is in its original position before its first use, it is advantageous that it also comprises relatively rigid link means 40 directly or

  indirectly a lug 13 and a connecting cam 22.

  These link means 40 have been shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in the case where the device has a structure in the form of a quadrilateral. In this embodiment, the link means 40 consist of a bar 41 or the like connected by its two ends to the two cams 22, 24 and comprising, for example in the middle, a point of weakness 42. In this case , the link

  between the tab 13 and the cam 22 is an indirect connection.

  This bar 41 can however connect a tab and a cam according to another configuration than that which is illustrated. Those skilled in the art will choose the configuration that is best suited to the use of the device and / or its manufacturing process. For example, he may choose an embodiment of a bar 41 which connects the end 15 of the tab 13 and the end 26 of the cam 22, or else a bar connecting the sleeve 10 and the base 21. In known manner, the point of weakness 42 makes it possible to obtain, under the effect of a given force, a rupture, at its level, of connecting means such as the bar 41. This force can be obtained, for example by exerting a force directly on the two bar parts located on either side of the point of weakness 41, or indirectly by passing the device from its

  original position (I), figure 3, in its position of use (II), figure 4.

  This characteristic is advantageous because it allows, as mentioned above, to stiffen the device when it is in its original position (I), but also because it makes it possible to indicate to any user a needle provided with '' such a protective device if there is a risk that it has already been

  used. Indeed, an entire bar is a sure pledge of a non

  use of the needle, while a broken bar is a sign of a possible previous use, in which case, for safety, it will be more careful

not to use it.

  As mentioned previously, when the needle has been used, it is possible to return the device to its original position (I), Figure 3, which at least allows the pointed end of the needle to be hidden . However, with the only elements of the structure described above, there is a risk that this pointed end is inadvertently released again from the inside of the sleeve and that the needle, for example, is used again. Also, is it advantageous that the device according to the invention further comprises snap-in means 50 for blocking, directly or indirectly, the tab and the connecting cam relative to one another in a given position, in which the pointed end of the needle can no longer leave the interior of the sleeve. This position is for example that which allows the device to take the position (III) called "blocking position" illustrated in Figure 5 and shown schematically in broken lines in Figure 1. In this blocking position (III) of the device, l the pointed end of the needle is permanently held in the sleeve, which prevents any risk of

injury or reuse.

  Figures 2 to 5 show an embodiment of these snap-on means 50 for locking the tab and the connecting cam relative to one another in a given position. These blocking means 50 consist of two hooks 51, 52 respectively secured to the two legs 13 and 14, and which hook into one another when, under the action of a pressure exerted on the two legs, these are brought very close to each other,

as shown in figure 5.

  The length of the sleeve 10, that of the legs and that of the cams are determined so that, when the protection device is in this locking position (III), the legs and the cams are substantially aligned and

  that the pointed end 2 of the needle 1 is located in the sleeve 10.

  To obtain this result, it is necessary that the length "M" of the sleeve, the length "L" '' of the tab 13 (or of the tabs 13, 14) and the length 'T "1" of the cam 22 (or cams 22, 23) are determined so that the sums L + 1 and L + 1 + M surround the length "A" of the needle 1 to be protected measured between its pointed end 2 and its base end 3, c ' that is to say so that these lengths verify the following relation: L + l <A <L + lI + M i was described above an example of embodiment of the locking means, but it is quite obvious that it can other types exist, for example pawls or the like positioned on the two curved portions 60, 61 which border the free-rotation mounting means 28, 29 between the tabs 13, 15 and the cams 22, 23 respectively and which come facing each other when the device is in its locked position (111). These pawls have not been shown, for the sole purpose of simplifying the drawings. They will for example be constituted by two lugs situated respectively on the two curved portions 60, 61 and comprising, for example, curved end pieces shaped to pass one over the other when the legs and the cams are brought into alignment position. , and to no longer be able to disunite in a

movement in the opposite direction.

  These snap-on blocking means can also consist of two tamper-proof male-female interlocking elements, comprising, respectively on their outer wall and on their inner wall, complementary oriented teeth which can only move relative to one another in a direction of movement of the male element in the female element. This type of teeth is well known in itself by men of the

  profession and will therefore not be described more fully here.

Claims (9)

  1- Device for protecting a needle (1) for medical or similar use comprising a pointed end (2) and a base end (3), characterized in that it comprises: a sleeve (10) comprising a through hole (11) defined along a given axis (12), said through hole having a section at least equal to that of the needle to be protected, at least one first tab (13, 14) comprising a first (15, 16) and a second end (17, 18), this tab having a length "Li" defined between its two ends, first hinge means with elastic return (19, 20) for connecting the first end (15, 16) of the first tab with the sleeve (10), these first hinge means being arranged so that said first tab takes an equilibrium position defined in a direction making with the axis of the through hole an acute angle (a), means for base (21) adapted to receive the base end (3) of the needle to be protected (1), at least a first connecting cam (22, 23), said first connecting cam being defined between a first (24, 25) and a second (26, 27) ends, this connecting cam having a length "1h" defined between its two ends, the length "11" of the first connecting cam being at most equal to the length "L1" of the first tab, and of the first means (28, 29, 30, 31) for mounting each of the first and second ends of the first freely rotating connecting cam respectively on the second end (17, 18) of the first tab and on the base means (21).   2- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises link means (40) connecting said tab (13, 14) and said connecting cam (22, 23) when they are in a first given position, these link means comprising a point of weakness (41) making it possible to obtain, under the effect of a given force, a rupture of said link means at the level said point of weakness.   3- Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized by   that it further comprises snap-in means (50) for locking said tab and said connecting cam relative to one another in a second given position (fig. 5).   4- Device according to one of claims i to 3, characterized by the   fact that it further comprises: a second tab (13, 14) comprising a first (15, 16) and a second (17, 18) ends, this second tab having a length "L2" defined between its two ends, second spring return hinge means (19, 20) for connecting the first end (15, 16) of the second tab with the sleeve (10), these second hinge means being arranged so that said second tab takes a position of balance defined in a direction making an acute angle (a ') with the axis of the through hole, a second connecting cam (22, 23), said second connecting cam being defined between a first (24, 25) and a second (26, 27) ends, this second connecting cam having a length "12" defined between its two ends, the length "12" of the second connecting cam being at most equal to the length "L2" of the second tab , and second means (28-31) for mounting each of the first and second extr Mites the second link cam in free rotation respectively on the second end of the second leg (13, 14) and on the base means (21).   5- Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the lengths "LI" and "L2" are substantially equal to the same value "L" and that   the lengths "11" 'and "12" are substantially equal to the same value "1".   6- Device according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized by the   fact that the two first and second legs and the two first and second connecting cams are substantially located in the same plane and substantially form a quadrilateral whose diagonals are substantially perpendicular, the diagonal connecting the vertices of the quadrilateral respectively located on the sleeve (10 ) and on the base means (21)   being substantially coincident with the axis (12) of the through hole (11).   7- Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the   means that at least two of the following elements: sleeve (10), base means (21), tab (13, 14), connecting cam (22, 23), hinge means (19, 20), means of free rotation mounting (28, 29, 30, 31), are made in a same material.   8- Device according to claim 7, characterized in that at   minus the two said elements are produced by molding.   9- Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the   material is plastic.   - Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the   fact that the length '"LI" of the tab and that "11" of the connecting cam are determined so that the sum LI + 11 and the sum LI + 11 + M, "M" representing the length of the sleeve (10 ), frames the length "A" of the needle (1) to be protected, measured between its pointed end (2) and its base end (3).