WO2018107231A1

WO2018107231A1 - A needle screening device

Info

Publication number: WO2018107231A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/051389
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Harper
Original assignee: Edyson Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-12-14
Filing date: 2017-12-14
Publication date: 2018-06-21

Abstract

A screening device for screening at least a portion of a needle assembly (314) from a patient when it is inserted therein, the needle assembly having a needle (314a) positioned for insertion into a patient, the screening device comprising a mounting body (310) for mounting the needle assembly in position for insertion of the needle into the patient, and a support (322) for supporting a screen (316) such that the screen obscures the patient's view of the needle and/or needle injection site.

Description

A NEEDLE SCREENI NG DEVI CE

TECHNICAL Fl ELD

[0001] The present technology relates generally to a device for reducing vasovagal response in patients. The relevant trigger in this case for the vasovagal response is the sight of a needle, or the sight of a needle in a patient's own arm. In particular, relevant embodiments of the present technology relate to needle screening devices so that a patient is inhibited from seeing a needle in their own arm.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Known medical treatments require that a patient receives one or more needles inserted into their body, typically into their arm or hand. Patients can react badly to these medical procedures. This may be due to painful experiences, their young age, trypanophobia (fear of needles) or any number of other reasons. In extreme cases, the insertion of a needle into their arm may cause them to pass out, become dizzy, have an elevated (or suddenly dropping) heart rate, fluctuations in blood pressure, nausea and other forms of temporary impairment.

[0003] These vasovagal responses are typically triggered by a stress trigger such as the sight of the needle entering flesh or of blood being drawn. Although they are only temporary, the responses do cause unnecessary stress and duress in the patients and may make future medical procedures more difficult to perform. Children may react very badly, which may make treating them difficult. There is also the potential for dizziness or loss of consciousness to lead to the patient injuring themselves when they fall.

SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0004] The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages and/or at least provide a new device. [0005] In one broad form the present technology provides a device to set a needle at a selected angle for insertion into an artery or vein of a patient.

[0006] In one broad from the present technology provides a screening device for screening at least a portion of a needle assembly from a patient when it is inserted therein, the needle assembly having a needle positioned for insertion into a patient, the screening device comprising a mounting body for mounting the needle assembly in position for insertion of the needle into the patient, and a support for supporting a screen such that the screen obscures the patient's view of the needle and/or needle injection site.

[0007] A further aspect of the present invention provides a screening device for screening at least a portion of a needle assembly having a needle for insertion into a patient, the screening device comprising a mount body for mounting the needle assembly in position for insertion of the needle into the patient, and a screen operatively mounted to the mount body and adapted to screen at least a portion of the needle assembly from the patient's view.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention the screening device is configurable by virtue of the operative connection, between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein in the storage configuration, the screening device has a substantially reduced profile, and in the deployed configuration, the screen of the screening device is positioned to screen at least a portion of an attached needled assembly from the patient's view when the screening device is in use.

[0009] In some forms, the feature that provides movement between the storage position and the deployed position is an operative connection between the mounting body and the screen. The operative connection is in some embodiments, a joint. In some embodiments the joint is a rotatable mount. In some embodiments the rotatable mount includes an axle and a cooperating bore. In some embodiments the bore includes more than one bore portion. In some embodiments there are provided a plurality of bore portions which cooperate with one another to form a bore assembly. In some embodiments there are provided one or more axle portions to provide an axle assembly. In some embodiments there is one axle. [0010] In some forms, the screen is removable from the support. In some embodiments there is provided a screen release. In one embodiment the screen release is an opening in one or more bores. In one embodiment the bore is on an internal surface of a tube having an access aperture on the tube side. To load the axle in the bore, the axle is pressed into the tube via the access aperture. To eject the axle from the bore, so as to give the screen to the patient, the screen is twisted and the axle is then forced out of the side access aperture of the tube.

[0011] In some embodiments there are three bores in the bore assembly and they cooperate such that there are one or more bore portions (at least incomplete bores) on one side, and at least one cooperating bore portion (at least an incomplete bore) on a cooperating side. Thus, there does not have to be bore portions on opposite sides, but in one embodiment the cooperating bore portion is disposed on an opposite side of the other bore portions.

[0012] The screening device can be placed over a needle, or a needle can be mounted therein, particularly a butterfly needle, and allows a user to screen a view of the needle from the patient with the screen, while giving an unobstructed view to the user (usually a health professional) of the needle being inserted into the patient. The screen which is attached to the screening device can include a picture which is pleasing or distracting to a patient, especially a child. In some forms the screen can be taken home as a reward for the patient for staying calm during the needle insertion.

[0013] The screening device may be formed as a flat blank including score lines and a window. After being formed into a blank, it is then folded into shape along the score lines to support the needle and the screen and obstruct the patient's view of at least a portion of the needle or needle injection site. In some embodiments the screening device is moulded. In some embodiments the screening device is printed.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention the screen is selectively lockable at a given angle of rotation. In one embodiment the operative mount for the screen includes at least one stop to inhibit rotation at a selected angle. In some embodiments a stop is mounted on an outer portion of a bore element so as to inhibit the rotation of the screen. [0015] In some embodiments the operative mount includes a lock assembly. In one embodiment the lock assembly can adopt a free mode and a locked mode. In one embodiment the lock assembly includes a stop and a cooperating receiver, the arrangement being such that when the cooperating receiver receives the stop, and is aligned therewith, the cooperating receiver allows the stop to freely move and then the screen can move between the stored and deployed configurations. The stop in one embodiment is mounted on the bore and extends therefrom, but the stop could just as easily be mounted on the screen, in which case the cooperating receiver would be mounted on the bore.

[0016] In operation, the lock is in the free mode when the stop is fully aligned with the cooperating receiver to rotate freely from the storage position to the deployed position. The deployed position is about 75° from the plane of the frame. But the deployed position could be any suitable angle and could be 45, 50, 55, 60, 80, 85, 90, 95 or like suitable angles. The angle of the deployed screen position relative to the frame affects the angle of the needle since it is disposed at an acute angle to the frame.

[0017] The lock includes a clutch, so that it can also be locked in the lock position. The clutch operates so that when in a free position, the stop and the cooperating receiver are aligned but the clutch can adopt an engaged position (the lock position) in which the screen is engaged with the frame. In the lock position the stop is moved out of alignment with the cooperating receiver so that the stop interferes with a cooperating stop on the shield. In one embodiment, to access the lock position, the clutch is engaged by sliding the screen in one direction along the axis relative to the so that the stop or stops misalign with the receivers and the stops then engage with one another. Other arrangements of clutch are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention, including ratchets with pawl and teeth, and others.

[0018] It is contemplated that the needle mount could be provided with a cradle or other seat, or plate or other support element, and the angle of the seat could be movable, and selectively movable and lockable into an appropriate angle. In some embodiments the angle of the needle seat is about 45 degrees from the frame to suit the entry angle into the vein or artery when the screen is in the deployed position. But again, the angle of the needle seat could be 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or other suitable angles, which will depend on the angle of the screen in the deployed position.

[0019] In some embodiments the surface (the plane) of the frame abuts the skin of the patient when the screen is in the deployed position but in other arrangements the surface (the plane of the frame elements) of the frame is disposed at an angle to the skin of the patient.

[0020] In some embodiments there are provided a plurality of stops and receivers for additional locking security. In one embodiment there are two upper stops and one lower stop, and three cooperating receivers.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention the screen is detachable from the mount body.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention the mount body further comprising a fastening means for fastening the needle assembly to the screening device. In one embodiment the fastening means is a cradle with receiving walls for the needle assembly.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention the mount body comprises a surface portion adapted for resting against the skin of the patient, the surface portion further adapted for mounting the needle assembly, and an elevated support portion extending away from the surface portion, wherein the screen is rotatably mounted to the elevated support portion, such that when in use the rotatable mounting point is elevated from the skin of the patient.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention the elevated support portion is adapted to limit obscuring the needle of the needle assembly from a user inserting the needle into the patient. In an embodiment of the present invention the elevated support portion comprises a frame comprising at least one elevated supporting limb that is laterally displaced from the surface portion and extending outwardly therefrom.

[0025] Disclosed in some forms is a screening device for screening at least a portion of a needle assembly having a needle positioned for insertion into a patient, the screening device comprising a mounting body for mounting the needle assembly in a position for insertion of the needle into the patient, and a support for supporting a screen such that the screen obscures the patient's view of the needle.

[0026] The screening device may further include a frame having at least one frame element. The arrangement is such that the mounting body is mounted to at least one frame element at one end of the frame, and the support for supporting the screen is mounted to at least one frame element at another part of the frame, distal the one end of the frame.

[0027] In some forms, the screen is removable from the support. In some forms the screen is in the form of a picture depicting something of interest to a child. In some forms the screen depicts a character or animal. In some forms once removed from the support the screen is configured for use as a decoration. In some forms the screen is configured to be a badge or decoration on a patient's clothing or person by having a sticker, fastener, pin, hook and loop pads, adhesive, double sided tape, and the like.

[0028] In some forms the screen and the support are configured to be removably attached to one another during use.

[0029] In some forms the mounting body is disposed on the frame and the frame includes a viewing window configured such that in use the needle extends into the viewing window and can be viewed within the viewing window. There is a provided a window frame with frame elements disposed around the viewing window.

[0030] In some forms the mounting body comprises a stem extending from the viewing window and adapted to mount the needle. In some forms the stem includes openings to thread at least a portion of the needle assembly through. In some forms the mounting body is constructed from a flexible material, or at least a material that is strong and stiff, with some flex, like thin metal, 3D printed wood, plastic or similar. In some forms the mounting body includes score lines to allow for ease of folding at least portions of the mounting body to best fit the needle assembly so that it provides protection for at least a portion of the needle.

[0031] In some forms the screening device comprises a substantially flat member that has flexible portions to fit the needle assembly therethrough.

[0032] In some forms the needle assembly is a butterfly needle. In some forms the butterfly needle has at least one tab extending radially from the butterfly needle, the screening device being configured so as not to obstruct movement of the tab with respect to the screening device. In some forms the mounting body includes cooperating tabs, each one being for receiving one of the butterfly needle tabs. In one form the cooperating tabs are similar size and shape to the butterfly needle tabs. In one form the cooperating tabs are D-shaped plates, corresponding to the D-shaped butterfly tabs, for increased adhesion. In one form the cooperating tabs are spaced apart by a small gap so that the health professional (nurse) can see the needle between the tabs, to monitor flow therein. In one embodiment the cooperating tabs include a chamfer or lead-in so as to make it easier to mount a cannula between the tabs. In that regard, the cooperating tabs may be angled slightly outward to provide the lead in.

[0033] Further disclosed is a kit comprising: a screening device for screening at least a portion of a needle assembly having a needle positioned for insertion into a patient, the screening device comprising a mounting body for mounting the needle assembly in position for insertion of the needle into the patient, and a support for supporting a screen such that the screen obscures the patient's view of the needle and/or injection site; and, at least one screen.

[0034] In some forms the at least one screen comprises a plurality of screens having a variety of images appealing to a child. In some forms the variety of images comprises characters and animals. [0035] In some forms, the or each screen is removable from the support.

[0036] In some forms the cooperating stop receiving aperture of the clutch extends through the screen from a front face to a rear face to facilitate insertion of a pin for mounting on a lapel of a child's coat (with an appropriate pin clasp).

[0037] In one embodiment the screen is a stand, or a stem, which only partially interferes with a view of the needle, but it does provide the needle with the correct angle of entry to the skin and vein/artery.

BRI EF DESCRI PTI ON OF DRAW I NGS

[0038] To enable a clearer understanding of the invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to drawings, and in those drawings:

[0039] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a screening device of one embodiment of the disclosure in use with a butterfly needle, the view being from above, behind and to one side;

[0040] Fig.2 is a plan view of the device of Fig. 1 ;

[0041] Fig.3 is a side elevation view of the device of Fig. 1 ;

[0042] Fig.4 is a front elevation view of the device of Fig. 1 ;

[0043] Fig.5 is a rear elevation view of the device of Fig. 1 ;

[0044] Fig.6 is a side view of the device of Fig.5;

[0045] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of screening device;

[0046] Fig. 8 is a plan view of the second embodiment of the screening device;

[0047] Fig. 9 is a typical side elevation view of the second embodiment of the screening device;

[0048] Fig. 10 is a rear elevation view of the second embodiment of the screening device;

[0049] Fig. 11 is an isometric view of a third embodiment, very similar to the second but the mounting body is on an opposite side of the frame from the screen support;

[0050] Figure 12 depicts an embodiment of the needle screening device comprising a rotatable screen, with a needle assembly mounted therein;

[0051] Figure 13 depicts an embodiment of the device adapted to not obscure the needle from a user; and

[0052] Figure 14 is one embodiment of a mount body for mounting a needle assembly and a screen, being a portion of the screening device;

[0053] Figure 15 is another embodiment of a mount body, being a component of the screening device; and

[0054] Figure 16 is another embodiment of a rotatable screen for mounting either on the embodiment of Figure 14 or Figure 15.

DETAI LED DESCRI PTI ON OF BEST METHOD AND EMBODI MENTS

[0055] Referring now to the Figures, Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of the screening device 10 in use with a butterfly needle 11 having a needle tip 12. The illustrated screening device 10 comprises a mount body 13 which is configured to mount the butterfly needle.

[0056] In the illustrated form, the mounting body is connected to a viewing window frame 14 with associated frame elements disposed about a window aperture periphery, which defines a viewing window 15. The mounting body 13 further comprises a mounting stem 17 extending from the viewing window frame 14.

[0057] The mounting stem 17 is adapted to mount the body 75 of the butterfly needle 11 in a mounting position on the screening device 10. The mounting stem 17 comprises an elongate member 18 extending from the viewing window frame 14. The elongate member 18 includes two score lines 19 or other means such as weakened portions to allow folding of the stem. The score lines 19 are positioned towards either end of the elongate member 18 and allow the elongate member to be folded to form a bracket shape.

[0058] The mounting stem 17 further includes two openings 20 positioned in the stem. The butterfly needle 11 is inserted through each opening 20 such that the butterfly needle extends along the elongate member and the needle tip 12 of the butterfly needle extends into the viewing window 15.

[0059] In the illustrated form, the mounting stem 17 further includes two tabs 21 which can be bent back to mount the butterfly needle and hold it in place on the mounting stem 17.

[0060] There is also a gap 20 between two frame members of the window frame 14 to provide viewing of the flow in the cannula/needle.

[0061] The screening device 10 further includes a screen support 25 which, in use, extends from the viewing window frame 14 at a position opposing the elongate member 18. The screen support 25 comprises a tab which is of a size and shape to allow a screen 99 to be affixed thereto. In some embodiments, later shown, the screen support 25 is a joint, in the form of a bore and a cooperating axle, to provide movement between a storage position where the screen 99 is disposed substantially flat against the mount body 13 and a deployed position in which the screen 99 is disposed at an angle to the mount body 13.

[0062] In use, the butterfly needle 11 extends through the openings 19 to be supported by the body 13 of the screening device 10 such that the needle tip 12 of the butterfly needle extends into the viewing window 15. The score lines 19 of the elongate member 18 of the mounting stem 17 are folded to support the butterfly needle 11 in this position. The tabs 21 of the mounting stem 17 are positioned to abut the wings of the butterfly needle. The wings of the butterfly needle 11 are moved with respect to the needle tip 12 to reveal the tip for use.

[0063] The screen 99 in the form of a decal or plate, larger than the screen support 25, is removably affixed to the screen support 25 which is angled such that the screen blocks or obscures a patient's view of the needle while the needle is being used.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 2, the screening device 10 includes a viewing window frame 14 defining a viewing window 15 and an elongate member 18 extending from the viewing window frame. The elongate member 18 includes score lines 19 proximal either end of the elongate member 18. Folding the elongate member 18 at the score lines 19 forms a bracket 22 comprising a web 23 and two flanges 24 extending at an angle to the web 23. This bracket 22 supports the butterfly needle 11 in position to allow the needle tip 12 to be positioned and supported within the viewing window 15 by inserting the butterfly needle 11 through openings 20 in the flanges 24 of the support stem 17.

[0065] The screen support 25 is folded out of plane with the viewing window 15 in a direction away from the web 23 of the bracket 22.

[0066] Referring now to Fig. 3, which shows the support stem 17 of the screening device 10, it can be clearly seen that the butterfly needle 11 is supported by insertion through the openings 20. The butterfly needle 11 is obscured from view by the patient through screen 99 attached with a screen support 25 and by the support stem 18 of the screening device 10. The screen 99 is attached by non-setting adhesive, a fastener, or other suitable fastening means, including double-sided tape, hook and loop fastening pads, a pin, rivet, or the like.

[0067] The openings 20 can be of any suitable size and shape - and could be slots, with catch apertures, or other convoluted shapes to inhibit the release of the needle from the openings 20.

[0068] Referring to Fig. 4, the screen support 25 can clearly be seen in its position turned out of plane from the viewing window frame 14. The screen support 25 in this embodiment comprises a flat tab body to which a screen can be affixed to obscure or screen the needle from a patient's view.

[0069] The screen 99 comprises a plate with a picture printed thereon, or in the form of a suitable plate shape (a flower bloom in the drawings) that is enlarged with respect to the screen support 25. The screen 99 may affix to the screen support 25 by sliding over it, through a tab or through adhesive or any other suitable attachment means. In some forms the screen is removably attached to allow a patient to take the screen away with them. The screen could include an image of an animal or character or other image that is particularly pleasing, especially to a child.

[0070] Figures 7 to 10 show a second embodiment of screen. Like numerals denote like parts described in the first embodiment above. The second embodiment is like the first, but the mounting body is in the form of two cooperating tabs mounted directly on the frame 114. There is a chamfer or lead in at 170 to assist with loading the lines for the cannula. There are other numerals marked on the drawings which are like those in Figures 1 to 6 but which are not described specifically in relation to the second embodiment.

[0071] Figure 11 shows a similar embodiment to that shown in Figures 7 to 10 but the mounting tabs 220 are inverted relative to the screen 225.

[0072] In the illustrated forms, the screening device is formed as a blank, in a single sheet of card or plastic or other material. The blank includes the viewing window cut-out and a plurality of fold lines to allow the blank to be folded into the screening device, configuring it to support the butterfly needle and the screen in the correct position for use.

[0073] Generally, a second aspect of the invention concerns a screening device for screening at least a portion of a needle assembly from a patient's view. In at least a first embodiment, and as shown in Figure 12, the screening device comprises a mount body 310 which sits adjacent to the intended injection site on the patient and provides a means 312 of mounting the needle assembly 314 in position for insertion/injection, and a screen 316 that is rotatably mounted to the mount body 310, which is arranged to screen at least a portion of the needle assembly 314 from the patient's view.

[0074] Without limiting the scope of the invention, it is believed that the majority of vasovagal responses in the patient are at least partially triggered by the sight of one or more of the needle 314a entering the patient's skin, a fluid being injected through said inserted needle 314a, or blood being drawn back out through the needle 314a, all three triggers having the sight of the procedure being the linking factor. It is further believed that obscuring the sight of the vasovagal trigger may help to alleviate the occurrence or severity of the response. It is also believed that the apparatus of the present invention may aid in preventing unnecessary discomfort upon the insertion of a needle 314a. It is well recognised by medical professionals that people - in particular young children - will tense up as they anticipate a needle, a reaction that is not entirely voluntary and thus difficult to overcome. However, the tightening of the muscles can make it more difficult for even a sharp needle to enter, which can increase the pain or discomfort of the procedure and creating a potential self- feeding fear of needles. By obscuring the injection site with an embodiment of the device of the invention, the procedure may be performed without the patient tensing up and suffering undue stress, pain or discomfort.

[0075] In an embodiment of the invention, the screen 316 is rotatable about its mounting point 318 on the mount body 310. In at least one embodiment, the screening device is thus configurable between a storage and a deployed configuration. In the storage configuration, the screen 316 of the screening device is rotated so as to reduce the profile of the screening device. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the screening device, when in a storage configuration, has a substantially flat profile. In another embodiment, the screening device in its storage configuration may have a profile that is conducive to stacking, packing or otherwise storage of a plurality of the screening devices. This configuration may not necessarily be substantially flat, but may instead be of a shape that is conducive to a plurality of screening devices of the present invention stacking against one another. In an embodiment of the present invention, the deployed configuration is shaped such that when in use, the screen 316 is positioned to at least partially screen or obscure the needle assembly 314 from view.

[0076] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the screen 316 may be selectively lockable at a given angle of rotation. In one embodiment, the screen 316 may be selectively lockable by engagement of a sliding lock 318a that prevents further rotation. In an embodiment, the screen may be selectively lockable through engagement of a frictional lock. In at least one embodiment, the given angle of rotation may be the angle for deployment of the screen 316, such that when the screen 316 is locked in position the screening device is in a deployed configuration. In an embodiment, the given angle of rotation may be the angle for storage of the screen 316, such that when the screen 316 is locked in position the screening device is in a storage configuration. The selective locking of the screen 316 may allow for the screening device to be more resilient to accidental collapse or other movement which would reveal the needle 314a and/or injection site to the patient. This may be of benefit particularly in instances where the patient may become agitated, as movement may disturb the screening device and thus inadvertently reveal the needle assembly 314.

[0077] In an embodiment, the screen 316 may be detachable from the mount body. This may allow for the screen 316 to be exchanged for a range of different screens of various appearances and sizes. In an embodiment, the screens 316 may be decorated. In an embodiment, the screen 316 may be a flat surface onto which a decoration may be attached, such as a sticker. In an embodiment, the screens 316 may be of different sizes and may be exchanged so as to be appropriately sized for the patient and/or the medical procedure being conducted.

[0078] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mount body 310 may further comprise a fastening means 312 adapted to fasten the needle assembly 314 to the screening device, or alternatively the screening device to the needle assembly 314. In an embodiment, the fastening means 312 may act to ensure the stability of the device when in use. In an embodiment, the fastening means 312 may comprise a gripping means adapted to grip the needle assembly. In an embodiment, the fastening means 312 may comprise a magnetic attachment means. In an embodiment, the fastening means 312 may comprise a hook-and-loop fasteners, or touch fasteners, such as velcro or similar products. In an embodiment, the fastening means 312 may comprise a clip adapted to hold the needle assembly 314 in engagement with the screening device. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mount body 310 may be adapted to engage with a particular type of needle assembly 314. In an embodiment, the needle assembly 314 may be a butterfly needle assembly.

[0079] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mount body 310 of the screening device may comprise a surface portion 320 and an elevated support portion 322. In an embodiment of the present invention, the surface portion 320 of the mount body is adapted to rest against the skin of the patient and to provide a mount 312 for the needle assembly 314. In an embodiment, the surface portion 320 comprises at least a substantially flat portion so as to not alter the characteristics of the needle assembly 314 upon injection, thus allowing for correct insertion of the needle 314a. In an embodiment, the surface portion 320 may further comprise the fastening means 312 for fastening the needle assembly 314 to the screening device.

[0080] In an embodiment of the present invention, the elevated support portion 322 may comprise a portion extending upwards and away from the surface portion 320. In an embodiment, the screen 316 is rotatably mounted to the elevated support portion 320, such that the rotatable mounting point 318 is elevated from the skin of the patient. In an embodiment of the present invention, the elevated support portion 322 may be rigid. In an alternate embodiment, the elevated support portion 322 may be pivotable with respect to the surface portion 320. In an embodiment, the elevated support portion 322 may be pivotable between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration. In an embodiment, the storage configuration may comprise the elevated support portion 322 pivoting such that it is essentially parallel to an axis of the surface portion 320.

[0081] In an embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 13, the elevated support portion 322 may comprise a frame such that the needle 314a of the needle assembly 314 is not obscured. In an embodiment, the frame may comprise at least one elevated support 322a, 322b that is laterally displaced from the surface portion so as to construct a 'window' through which the needle of the needle assembly may be viewed by a user attempting to insert the needle into the patient. In an alternate embodiment, the elevated support portion 322 may be constructed of at least partially transparent material to permit observation of the needle 314a of the needle assembly 314. In at least one embodiment, the support portion 322 being adapted to allow for viewing may allow for the user inserting a needle 314a into the patient to observe the needle 314a of the needle assembly 314 and thus ensure that it is correctly inserted.

[0082] In the embodiments shown in Figures 12 to 16, there is provided a clutch 390. The feature that provides movement of the screen between the storage position and the deployed position is an operative connection between the mounting body and the screen. The operative connection is a joint 385. The joint is a rotatable mount 387. The rotatable mount 387 includes an axle 386 and a cooperating bore 384. The bore 384 includes more than one bore portion and there is shown to be three such portions in the Figures 12 to 15, but there is only one axle shown, at 383.

[0083] As discussed, the screen 316 is removable from the support. To that end, there is provided a screen release 382, and as shown, the screen release 382 is an opening in one or more bore assemblies 384. The bore is on an internal surface of a tube 381 having an access aperture 379 on the side of the tube 381. To load the axle 383 into the bore, the axle 383 is pressed into the tube 381 via the access aperture 379. To eject the axle from the bore, so as to give the screen to the patient, the screen is twisted and the axle is then forced out of the side access aperture of the tube.

[0084] As mentioned there are three bore portions 384 in the bore assembly spaced along an axis of the axle and they cooperate such that there are one or more bore portions 384 (at least incomplete bores) on one side, and at least one cooperating bore portion 384 (at least an incomplete bore) on a cooperating side. Thus, there does not have to be bore portions on opposite sides, but in the embodiment shown, the cooperating bore portion is disposed on an opposite side of the other bore portions.

[0085] In the embodiment shown, the screen is selectively lockable at a given angle of rotation. This is done by the clutch 390. The clutch has at least one stop 371 to inhibit rotation of the screen at a selected angle. The stops 371 are mounted on an outer portion of a bore tube element 381 so as to inhibit the rotation of the screen in the bore 384.

[0086] The stops 371 provide a lock assembly 369. The lock assembly can adopt a free mode and a locked mode. This is the clutch operation. The lock assembly 369 includes a stop and a cooperating receiver 368, the arrangement being such that when the cooperating receiver 368 receives the stop 371, and is aligned therewith, the cooperating receiver allows the stop to freely move and then the screen can move between the stored and deployed configurations. The stop 371 in one embodiment is mounted on the bore and extends therefrom, but the stop could just as easily be mounted on the screen, in which case the cooperating receiver would be mounted on the bore.

[0087] In operation, the lock 369 is in the free mode when the stop is fully aligned with the cooperating receiver to rotate freely from the storage position to the deployed position.

[0088] The lock includes the clutch 390, which operates such that when in a free position, the stop and the cooperating receiver are aligned but the clutch can adopt an engaged position (the lock position) in which the screen is engaged with the frame. In the lock position the stop is moved out of alignment with the cooperating receiver so that the stop interferes with a cooperating stop on the shield. In the embodiment shown, to access the lock position, the clutch 390 is engaged by sliding the screen in one direction along the axle 383 so that the stop or stops misalign with the receivers and the stops then engage with one another.

[0089] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the device may be at least partially comprised of materials that are able to be sterilised without suffering undue or traumatic degradation. In a further embodiment, the device may be constructed in a sterile environment, or otherwise sterilised during construction, followed by being packaged in sterile packaging. In at least this embodiment, the sterilised device may help to prevent external contamination of patients.

[0090] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments above, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to those embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms, variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variation and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, components and/or devices referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.

[0091] In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the word "comprising" is not intended to have the exclusive meaning of the word such as "consisting only of", but rather has the non-exclusive meaning, in the sense of "including at least". The same applies, with corresponding grammatical changes, to other forms of the word such as "comprise", etc.

[0092] Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

Claims

CLAI MS:

1. A screening device for screening at least a portion of a needle assembly having a needle positioned for insertion into a patient, the screening device comprising

a mount body for mounting the needle assembly in position for insertion of the needle into the patient,

a support disposed on the mount body for supporting a screen, and a screen supported by the support, such that the screen is configured to obscure the patient's view of the needle and/or injection site.

2. The screening device in accordance with claim 1 further including a frame having at least one frame element, wherein the mount body is mounted to at least one frame element at one end of the frame, and the support for supporting the screen is mounted to at least one frame element at another part of the frame, distal the one end of the frame.

3. A screening device as defined in claim 1, wherein the screen is removable from the support.

4. A screening device as defined in any one claims 1 to 3, wherein, once removed from the support, the screen is configured for use as a decoration.

5. A screening device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the mount body includes a viewing window which includes a viewing window frame, the arrangement being such that in use the needle extends into the viewing window and can be viewed within the viewing window by a nurse standing behind the screen.

6. A screening device as defined in claim 5 wherein the window frame includes spaced apart window frame elements disposed about a periphery of the window frame.

7. A screening device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, the body comprising a stem extending from the viewing window and adapted to support the needle at a selected angle.

8. The screening device in accordance with claim 7 wherein the stem is rotatable to adopt a selected angle relative to the mount body.

9. A screening device as defined in claim 8, wherein the stem includes openings to thread a portion of the needle assembly through.

10. A screening device as defined in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the needle assembly is a butterfly needle having wings to fasten to the stem.

11. The screening device of any one of the previous claims, the screen being operatively connected to the mounting body so as to be operatively movable between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration; wherein in the storage configuration, the screen is disposed substantially flat against the mount body; and

in the deployed configuration, the screen of the screening device is positioned at an angle to the mount body so that in use at least a portion of an attached needled assembly is screened from the patient's view.

12. The screening device of claim 17 or 18 wherein the operative movement is a rotation movement provided by a joint.

13. The screening device of claim 11 or 12 wherein the operative movement is provided by a bore and an axle, one of which is disposed on the mount body and one of which is provided on the screen.

14. The screening device of any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the screen is selectively lockable at a selected angle of rotation, at and/or between the storage and deployed positions.

15. The screening device of claims 14 wherein the operative mount includes a lock assembly to lock the screen at a selected position.

16. The screening device of any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein the lock assembly for the screen includes at least one stop to inhibit rotation at a selected angle.

17. The screening device of claim 16 wherein the stop is mounted on an outer portion of a bore so as to inhibit the rotation of the screen.

18. The screening device of any one of the previous claims wherein the operative mount includes a clutch assembly to allow the screen to move between a free position in which it is free to move between the storage and deployed positions, and a lock position in which the screen is locked in one or more positions at or between the storage position and the deployed position.

19. The screening device of any one of the previous claims wherein the clutch assembly includes a sliding aperture parallel with the axle so that the lock may be engaged or disengaged.

20. The screening device of any one of claims 17-19, the mount body further comprising a fastening means for fastening the needle assembly to the screening device.

21.The screening device of any one of claims 17-20, wherein the mount body comprises:

an elevated support portion extending away from the surface portion;

wherein the screen is rotatably mounted to the elevated support portion, such that when in use the rotatable mounting point is elevated from the skin of the patient.