Safety needle devices

TECHNICAL FIELD

0001The present disclosure relates generally to safety needle devices, and specific embodiments pertain to single-use passive safety needle devices.

BACKGROUND

0002Needle devices are used throughout the medical industry for the injection and withdrawal of a wide variety of fluids and solutions into and from the human body. Because of the numerous potential hazards associated with the handling and manipulation of bodily fluids, and particularly blood, there are a number of known safety features that are frequently incorporated into various types of needle devices to protect the practitioner from accidental exposure to the needle.

0003Prior safety needle devices include various disadvantages including a retractable sleeve which requires one or more of long stroke distances to activate the safety feature, multicomponent retraction and locking elements, and creation of an undesirable significant force against a patient's skin during activation of the safety feature upon receiving an injection. In addition, conventional retraction syringe assemblies often do not incorporate reuse prevention features, and thus, the retraction mechanism of the syringe may be reset so the syringe barrel may be reused. The reuse of syringe assemblies without sterilization or sufficient sterilization is believed to facilitate the transfer of contagious diseases. Further, the retraction features of conventional syringes may also require the user to actively activate the retraction mechanism. Accordingly, the chance of human error in failure to activate or properly activate the retraction mechanism can lead to continued exposure of needles leading to needle stick injuries.

0004Existing retracting sleeve safety needle devices also may include a single-use safety needle device assembly that obscures a substantial majority or an entirety of an injection needle from view before, during, and after an injection procedure. However, many injection procedures require that the practitioner know precisely the location and depth to which the needle is inserted in the patient's tissue to be sure that medication is delivered to an appropriate location. In addition, many users falsely assume that they were "safe" from needle stick injuries, even when the safety needle devices are in the non-locked initial state, due to the tip of the prior art retracting sleeve safety needle devices being fully covered in an unlocked state.

0005Thus, there is a need to provide a safety needle device having an activation mechanism that overcomes one or more of the deficiencies of existing retractable sleeve safety needle devices. It may also be desirable to provide a safety needle device that can provide one or more of activation over a shorter stoke distance, ease of use, increased patient comfort, low part count, minimal part complexity, relatively compact design and relatively short overall length, minimal to no sleeve rotation against a patient's skin, and clear and unobstructed view of the needle in an initial position prior to injection into a patient.

0006In <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US2014364803A1"><text>US 2014/364803 A1</text></patcit>, a single-use needle cover configured to obscure, protect, or hide at least a portion of a needle from view before, during, and/or after an injection and/or aspiration procedure is disclosed. In some embodiments of <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US2014364803A1"><text>US 2014/364803 A1</text></patcit>, the cover includes a housing at least partially containing the needle and configured to couple to a syringe, wherein the housing includes an axis and a guide member. In some embodiments of <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US2014364803A1"><text>US 2014/364803 A1</text></patcit>, a sleeve has a plurality of tracks configured to slidingly receive the guide member, wherein the sleeve is configured to retract, extend, and rotate with respect to the housing. In some embodiments of <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US2014364803A1"><text>US 2014/364803 A1</text></patcit>, after the sleeve has been retracted and extended one time, a first locking member inhibits further retraction of the sleeve and a second locking member inhibits rotation of the sleeve.

0007In <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US5415645A"><text>US 5,415,645 A</text></patcit>, a retractable sheath for a hypodermic needle is shown for preventing accidental needle pricks. The sheath of <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US5415645A"><text>US 5,415,645 A</text></patcit> automatically extends to cover the needle and retracts to expose the needle without having to touch the sheath or activate any locking or release mechanisms. In <patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US5415645A"><text>US 5,415,645 A</text></patcit>, a barrel is mounted on the hypodermic needle or syringe with the needle projecting axially therefrom. In <patcit id="pcit0008" dnum="US5415645A"><text>US 5,415,645 A</text></patcit>, a telescoping sheath is mounted in or over the barrel to extend and retract respectively to cover and uncover the needle. In <patcit id="pcit0009" dnum="US5415645A"><text>US 5,415,645 A</text></patcit>, a cam and cam follower co-operatively formed in the barrel and sheath prevents the sheath from retracting by an accidental force on the sheath but allows the sheath to be cocked, so that a second deliberate force on the sheath allows the sheath to retract allowing the needle to be inserted into the skin. The cam of <patcit id="pcit0010" dnum="US5415645A"><text>US 5,415,645 A</text></patcit> has a first segment which allows the cam follower to slide longitudinally permitting the sheath to retract, a second segment which blocks the cam follower preventing retraction of the sheath, and an intermediate segment that moves the cam follower from the blocked position to the ready or cocked position, so that a subsequent force on the sheath allows it to retract automatically and then return to the blocked position.

0008<patcit id="pcit0011" dnum="FR2884723A1"><text>FR 288 4723 A1</text></patcit> describes a protector for an injection needle, comprising a support and a sliding sleeve with its distal end designed to make contact with the injected surface as it is moved axially by a spring, has axial guides for the sleeve to prevent it from pivoting as it moves axially, and at least one lug on the support or sleeve that engages with a slot in the other component. The slot in <patcit id="pcit0012" dnum="FR2884723A1"><text>FR 288 4723 A1</text></patcit> has a basic U-shaped configuration, with one section followed by the lug as it moves from its storage to its injection position, and a second section that the lug follows as it moves from its injection to protection position. In <patcit id="pcit0013" dnum="FR2884723A1"><text>FR 288 4723 A1</text></patcit>, between the two sections the central portion of the U is a flexible projection that prevents the lug from returning along the wrong section, while the lug moves on flexible arm.

0009<patcit id="pcit0014" dnum="US2006189933A1"><text>US 2006/189933 A1</text></patcit> describes a medical device includes a syringe assembly and a shield system for delivering medicament to a patient. The syringe assembly of <patcit id="pcit0015" dnum="US2006189933A1"><text>US 2006/189933 A1</text></patcit> includes a barrel defining a medicament reservoir, and a needle cannula coupled to the barrel and in fluid communication with the reservoir. The shield system of <patcit id="pcit0016" dnum="US2006189933A1"><text>US 2006/189933 A1</text></patcit> has a hub coupled to the syringe barrel, a shield movably arranged on the hub, the shield being movable from a first position disposed from the needle cannula tip to a second position during insertion of the needle into a patient and movable from the second position to a third position covering the needle cannula tip after the needle cannula is removed from the patient. In <patcit id="pcit0017" dnum="US2006189933A1"><text>US 2006/189933 A1</text></patcit>, an urging member urges the shield to the third position upon removal of the needle cannula from the patient. A cover sleeve connected to the needle barrel surrounds the hub and the urging member in <patcit id="pcit0018" dnum="US2006189933A1"><text>US 2006/189933 A1</text></patcit>.

SUMMARY

0010The safety needle device according to the invention is defined by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

0011One aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a safety needle device comprising a hub having a proximal end that can be coupled to a syringe, the hub having a needle cannula extending therefrom in a distal direction, the needle cannula having a longitudinal axis and distal tip; a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a housing body, the hub being attached to the housing and the distal tip extending past the distal end of the housing; a needle cannula cover comprising an elongate sleeve having a distal end, the needle cannula cover slidably moveable in a distal and proximal direction inside the housing and being biased to move in a distal direction toward the distal tip of the needle cannula, the needle cannula cover having an initial starting position at which the distal tip of the needle cannula is exposed, an intermediate position at which the needle cannula cover is moved in a proximal direction to move the distal end of the needle cannula cover a distance further from the distal tip of the needle cannula, and an extended position at which the distal end of the needle cannula cover extends past the distal tip of the needle cannula to cover the distal tip; and a clip disposed adjacent the distal end of the needle cannula cover, the clip preventing proximal movement of the sleeve and exposure of the distal tip of the needle cannula.

0012A second aspect pertains to a safety needle device comprising: a hub having a proximal end that can be coupled to a syringe, the hub having a needle cannula extending therefrom in a distal direction, the needle cannula having a longitudinal axis and distal tip; a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a housing body, the hub being attached to the housing and the needle cannula and the distal tip extending past the distal end of the housing; an activation component that can move axially and radially with respect to the housing, the activation component telescopically engaged with the housing; and a needle cannula cover that can move axially with respect to the housing and the activation component, the needle cannula cover telescopically engaged with the activation component, the needle cannula cover comprising a peg engaged in a slot in the activation component to activate the needle cannula cover, causing the needle cannula cover to be moved in a distal direction.

0013Another aspect pertains to a safety needle device comprising: a hub having a proximal end that can be coupled to a syringe and a distal end supporting a needle cannula having a longitudinal axis and distal tip extending from the hub; a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a housing body, the hub being attached to the housing adjacent the proximal end and the needle cannula and the distal tip extending past the distal end of the housing; a needle cannula cover comprising an elongate sleeve having a distal end having an opening therein, the sleeve axially moveable in a distal and proximal direction inside the housing and being biased to move in a distal direction to cover the distal tip of the needle cannula, the opening allowing the distal tip to pass therethrough when the sleeve is moved in a proximal direction; and a biased clip disposed adjacent the distal end of the elongate sleeve, the sleeve having a gate that is biased by a biasing element to a closed position to cover the opening when the cover is moved in a proximal direction and the distal tip of the needle cannula passes through the opening, the gate held in an open position by the needle cannula.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0014<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device according to a first embodiment;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in an initial state and without a housing;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in a retracted state;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in an extended state;</li><li><figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a retractable sleeve of a safety needle device according to a first embodiment;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a section view of a retractable sleeve keyed to a housing of a safety needle device according to a first embodiment;</li><li><figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates a section view of a retractable sleeve keyed to a tether of a safety needle device according to a first embodiment;</li><li><figref idref="f0008">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a section view of a retractable sleeve keyed to a tether of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment having two protrusions;</li><li><figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a section view of a retractable sleeve keyed to a tether of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment having two protrusions;</li><li><figref idref="f0010">FIGS. 10</figref> and <figref idref="f0011">11</figref> illustrate a perspective view of a retractable sleeve of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment utilizing linear motion;</li><li><figref idref="f0012">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment including a retainer;</li><li><figref idref="f0013">FIG. 13</figref> illustrates an exploded view of a safety needle device of <figref idref="f0012">FIG. 12</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0014">FIG. 14</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment having a locking element with a bead and spring plate;</li><li><figref idref="f0015">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates an exploded view of a safety needle device of <figref idref="f0014">FIG. 14</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0016">FIG. 16</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment having a locking element in the form of a sliding block;</li><li><figref idref="f0017">FIG. 17</figref> illustrates an exploded view of a safety needle device of <figref idref="f0016">FIG. 16</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0018">FIG. 18A</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a safety needle device of <figref idref="f0016">FIG. 16</figref> with the sheath in an initial position;</li><li><figref idref="f0018">FIG. 18B</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a safety needle device of <figref idref="f0016">FIG. 16</figref> with the sleeve in a retracted position;</li><li><figref idref="f0018">FIG. 18C</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a safety needle device of <figref idref="f0016">FIG. 16</figref> with the sleeve in an extended position;</li><li><figref idref="f0018">FIG. 18D</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a safety needle device of <figref idref="f0016">FIG. 16</figref> with the sleeve in an extended and locked position;</li><li><figref idref="f0019">FIG. 19A</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment having a living hinge with the sleeve in starting position and locked position;</li><li><figref idref="f0019">FIG. 19B</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device of <figref idref="f0019">FIG. 19A</figref> with the sleeve in a partially extended position;</li><li><figref idref="f0019">FIG. 19C</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device of <figref idref="f0019">FIG. 19A</figref> with the sleeve in a retracted position;</li><li><figref idref="f0020">FIG. 20A</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment having a tether and latch locking member with the sleeve in an initial position;</li><li><figref idref="f0020">FIG. 20B</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a safety needle device of <figref idref="f0020">FIG. 20A</figref> with the sleeve in an extended position;</li><li><figref idref="f0020">FIG. 20C</figref> illustrates a perspective view the latch locking member of the safety needle device of <figref idref="f0020">FIG. 20A</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0021">FIG. 21A</figref> illustrates a partial perspective view of a distal portion of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment having a locking member with a U-shaped clip and a slot to nest the needle cannula with sleeve in an initial position;</li><li><figref idref="f0021">FIG. 21B</figref> illustrates a partial perspective view of a distal portion of the safety needle device of <figref idref="f0021">FIG. 21A</figref> with the sleeve in an initial position;</li><li><figref idref="f0021">FIG. 21C</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a distal portion the safety needle device of <figref idref="f0021">FIG. 21A</figref> with the sleeve in an extended and locked position;</li><li><figref idref="f0021">FIG. 21D</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the locking member used in the safety needle device of <figref idref="f0021">FIG. 21A</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0022">FIG. 21E</figref> illustrates a rear perspective view of the locking member used in the safety needle device of <figref idref="f0021">FIG. 21A</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0022">FIG. 21F</figref> illustrates a rear view of the locking member used in the safety needle device of <figref idref="f0021">FIG. 21A</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0022">FIG. 21G</figref> illustrates a front perspective view of the locking member used in the safety needle device of <figref idref="f0021">FIG. 21A</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22A</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment having a tether including a retainer with the sleeve in an initial position;</li><li><figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22B</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the safety needle of <figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22A</figref> with the sleeve in a partially retracted position;</li><li><figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22C</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the safety needle device of <figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22A</figref> with the sleeve in a fully retracted position;</li><li><figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22D</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the safety needle device of <figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22A</figref> with the sleeve in partially extended position;</li><li><figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22E</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the safety needle device of <figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22A</figref> with the sleeve in a fully extended and locked position;</li><li><figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22F</figref> illustrates a partial view of the safety needle device of <figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22A</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0024">Fig 23</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment;</li><li><figref idref="f0025">Fig 24A</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment having a retractable sleeve;</li><li><figref idref="f0025">FIG. 24B</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a sleeve of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment showing an alternate protrusion configuration;</li><li><figref idref="f0025">FIG. 24C</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a sleeve of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment showing an alternate protrusion configuration;</li><li><figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref> illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment according to the invention of a safety needle device having a retractable sleeve;</li><li><figref idref="f0026">FIG. 26</figref> illustrates a rear perspective view the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0027">FIG. 27</figref> illustrates a rear of the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0028">FIG. 28</figref> illustrates a front perspective view of the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0028">FIG. 29</figref> illustrates a side view the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0029">FIG. 30</figref> illustrates an exploded perspective view of the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0030">FIG. 31</figref> illustrates a rear perspective view of the housing of the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0031">FIG. 32</figref> illustrates a front view of the housing of the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0031">FIG. 33</figref> illustrates a rear view of the housing of the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0032">FIG. 34</figref> illustrates a front perspective view of the sleeve of the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0032">FIG. 35</figref> illustrates an alternate front perspective view of the sleeve of the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref> rotated slightly counterclockwise from the view in <figref idref="f0033">FIG. 36</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0033">FIG. 36</figref> illustrates an alternate front perspective view of the sleeve of the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0033">FIG. 37</figref> illustrates an alternate front perspective view of the sleeve of the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0034">FIG. 38</figref> illustrates a rear perspective view of the sleeve shown in the initial state of the device before use, with the protrusions of the sleeve resting upon ledges of the housing;</li><li><figref idref="f0034">FIG. 39</figref> is a rear perspective view of the housing shown in <figref idref="f0035">FIG. 40</figref> with the sleeve removed, showing the ledges of the housing;</li><li><figref idref="f0035">Fig 40</figref> is a front perspective view of the sleeve shown in <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>, illustrating the pocket that holds the clip;</li><li><figref idref="f0035">FIG. 41</figref> is the front perspective view with a section taken along line A-A of <figref idref="f0036">FIG. 42</figref>, showing the pocket;</li><li><figref idref="f0036">FIG. 42</figref> is an alternate front perspective view of the sleeve shown in <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>, illustrating the pocket that holds the clip;</li><li><figref idref="f0036">FIG. 43</figref> is a front perspective view with a section taken along line A-A of <figref idref="f0037">FIG. 44</figref>, showing the pocket;</li><li><figref idref="f0037">FIG. 44</figref> is a perspective view of a biasing element of the device shown in <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0038">FIG. 45</figref> is a rear perspective view of the hub of the device shown in <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0038">FIG. 46</figref> is a front perspective view of the hub of the device shown in <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0039">FIG. 47</figref> is a perspective view of a spacer element of the device shown in <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0039">FIG. 48</figref> is a rear view of a clip of the device shown in <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0039">FIG. 49</figref> is a rear perspective view of the clip shown in <figref idref="f0039">FIG. 50</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0039">FIG. 50</figref> is a front perspective view of the clip shown in <figref idref="f0039">FIG. 50</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0040 f0041">FIGS. 51-55</figref>show alternate embodiments clips;</li><li><figref idref="f0042">FIG. 56</figref> shows a partial front perspective view of a device showing the needle cannula distal tip exposed through the sleeve;</li><li><figref idref="f0042">FIG. 57</figref> shows a partial front perspective view of the device shown in <figref idref="f0043">FIG. 58</figref> with the sleeve covering the needle cannula and the clip engaging the distal tip of the needle cannula;</li><li><figref idref="f0043">FIG. 58</figref> shows a front perspective view of the device shown in <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref> in the initial state with the distal tip of the needle cannula exposed through the sleeve;</li><li><figref idref="f0043">FIG. 59</figref> shows a front perspective view of the device shown in <figref idref="f0044">FIG. 60</figref> with the sleeve partially retracted;</li><li><figref idref="f0044">FIG. 60</figref> shows a front perspective view of the device shown in <figref idref="f0044">FIG. 60</figref> with the sleeve fully retracted;</li><li><figref idref="f0044">FIG. 61</figref> shows a front perspective view of the device shown in <figref idref="f0044">FIG. 60</figref> with the sleeve fully extended and covering the distal tip of the needle cannula;</li><li><figref idref="f0045">FIG. 62</figref> shows a partial perspective view showing the activation feature of the device shown in <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0045">FIG. 63</figref> shows a partial perspective view showing the needle exposed from the distal end of the sleeve and the clip in the pocket;</li><li><figref idref="f0046">FIG. 64</figref> is a partial sectional view of the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref> showing the clip of biased against the needle cannula and the gate held in the open position;</li><li><figref idref="f0046">FIG. 65</figref> is a view of an alternate embodiment of a clip that can be used with the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref>, showing the needle cannula holding the gate open;</li><li><figref idref="f0047">FIG. 66</figref> is a partial perspective view of the distal end of the device of <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 25</figref> with the needle cannula covered by the sleeve and the gate of the clip blocking the opening at the distal end of the sleeve; and</li><li><figref idref="f0047">FIG. 67</figref> is a partial sectional view of the device shown in <figref idref="f0047">FIG. 66</figref>, showing the needle cannula retracted in the sleeve and blocked from exiting the sleeve by the gate of the clip.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0015Before describing several exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

0016With respect to terms used in this disclosure, the following definitions are provided.

0017As used herein, the use of "a," "an," and "the" includes the singular and plural.

0018In this disclosure, a convention is followed wherein the distal end of the device is the end closest to a patient and the proximal end of the device is the end away from the patient and closest to a practitioner. As used herein, a "front view" refers to a view of the distal end of the device, and a "rear view" refers to a view of the proximal end of the device.

0019As used herein, a "safety needle device" refers to a device having a needle suitable for injection that includes one or more features to prevent needle stick injuries. As used herein, a "passive safety needle" refers to a safety needle device with a passive activation mechanism that has a sheath or sleeve that automatically covers the distal end of the needle after a patient has been injected. Thus, "passive" refers to the fact that the needle is shielded by a sleeve or sheath automatically after the needle cannula is removed from a subject or patient. A practitioner or user of the device does not have to activate the sleeve or sheath by pressing a button, twisting the device or taking any other action.

0020Reference to "syringe" includes syringes that are indicated for use with needles, nozzle, tubing, or for use in flush systems. As used herein, the term "syringe" refers to a simple pump-like device consisting of a plunger rod that fits tightly in a barrel or tube. The plunger rod can be pulled or pushed along inside the barrel, allowing the syringe to take in and expel a liquid or gas through an opening at the open end of the barrel. The open end of the syringe may be fitted with a needle, nozzle, or tubing to help direct the flow of fluid into and out of the barrel. The syringe may be sterile or unsterile, depending upon the needs of the technician.

0021One or more embodiments of the safety needle device of the present disclosure provide a safety needle device with a passive activation mechanism. In one or more embodiments, a device is provided that allows for at least one of shorter distance for lockout travel, ease of use, increased patient comfort, low part count, minimal part complexity, relatively compact design, and clear and unobstructed view of needle in an initial position.

0022<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a safety needle device 10 that may be removably coupled to a standard or specially configured syringe (not shown). Although the illustrated safety needle device 10 is configured to be coupled to and removed from a syringe, the safety needle device 10 may instead be integrally formed with the syringe. The syringe is generally of a known type suitable for the withdrawal and injection and/or aspiration of fluids or other solutions by way of the safety needle device 10.

0023<figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">Figs. 1-4</figref> illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a safety needle device 10 according to the present disclosure. As shown in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, safety needle device 10 including a hub 40 configured to couple to a syringe (not shown), a needle cannula 42 having a proximal end 43 attached to the hub 40 and distal tip 44. The hub 40 may include lugs 19 to couple to a syringe, or other connection features may be included such as threads (not shown). The safety needle device 10 also includes a housing 20 having a proximal end 21, a distal end 22, a housing body 23 and an opening 24 located on the distal end. The hub is disposed on the proximal end of the housing, and the hub may be press fit, heat welded, glued, ultrasonically welded or attached to the housing by any other suitable way. The housing 20 may be of a unitary construction or may be formed from a plurality of components. In one or more embodiments, a proximal end 21 and a distal end 22 of the housing 20 can be separate components that are joined using techniques, such as but not limited to sonic welding, adhesive, snap or press fitting, or the like.

0024In one or more embodiments, the proximal end 21 of the housing 20 may be connectable to a luer connection or other fluid connector via hub 40, for example by lugs 19, or by threads or other suitable connection means. As shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, needle cannula 42 is connected to hub 40 disposed at the proximal end 21 of the housing 20. In one or more embodiments, needle cannula 42 may have a sharp beveled tip at the distal tip 44, as shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. Needle cannula 42 is disposed in the hub 40 in a manner as would be well understood in the art. Hub 40 may be integrally formed with the proximal end 21 of housing 20. Hub 40 may be configured to be removable or permanently attached to a syringe, or alternatively, hub 40 may be integrally formed with a syringe. For example, hub 40 may include internal or external threads or other suitable coupling, latching, or locking features such as tabs, slots, projections, pressure/snap fits, and the like, for removably coupling the safety device to a syringe. In some embodiments, the hub or housing may include a needle support 41 that extends axially from the hub 40 to support the needle cannula 42. Hub 40 is in fluid communication with the needle cannula 42 to permitting fluid to pass between a syringe and the needle cannula 42 when a syringe is connected to the hub 40.

0025The needle cannula 42 extends from the hub 40 disposed in the housing 20 and extends to a distal tip 44. As shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 is partially exposed and protruding from the distal end of the retractable sleeve 50 so as to be visible when the retractable sleeve 50 is in an initial position. The shaft of the needle cannula 42 is exposed from the retractable sleeve 50 when the retractable sleeve 50 is in a retracted position.

0026Needle cannula 42 in accordance with the present disclosure can be formed from conventional materials such as steel, more specifically stainless steel. It will be realized by the skilled artisan that medical grade plastics, composites, ceramics, or like materials can be utilized.

0027In one more embodiments, incorporation of an activation component shown in the first embodiment as a tether 30 allows the overall size (length from the proximal end to the distal end) of the safety needle device to be significantly reduced. In one or more embodiments, as shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, the tether 30 may be a telescoping tether having a first end or proximal end 30a connected with or attached to the housing body 23 and a second end or distal end 30b connected to or attached to retractable sleeve 50. In one or more embodiments, the tether 30 extends from the housing 20 as retractable sleeve 50 is moved distally along a length of the cannula.

0028Tether 30 is movably (e.g., slidably or rotationally or both slidably and rotationally) disposed in the housing 20. Tether 30 is generally parallel to a central axis which generally extends along the axis defined the needle cannula 42 extending within the housing body 23. In one or more embodiments, tether 30 has a slot with an enlarged first guide path 31 with a proximal angled lead ramped surface 35, a ledge 27 at the distal end of the enlarged first guide path for seating one or more radial protrusions 52a in the form of a bar extending from retractable sleeve 50, and a narrowed second guide path 32 extending distally from the enlarged first guide path 31. First guide path 31 is positioned at an angle, curvature or taper relative to the axis and intersects the second guide path 32. Second guide path 32 is in the form of a guide channel that is generally parallel to a central axis which extends along the housing body 23. In one or more embodiments, the angle, curvature or taper of the first guide path 31 permits the one or more radial protrusions 52a to shift between the first guide path 31 and second guide path 32 in the form of a guide channel. In one or more embodiments, the slot may include a transition region between the enlarged first guide path 31 and the narrowed second guide path 32, the transition region including an angled or ramped surface 35 to guide the one or more radial protrusions 52a extending from the sleeve into the narrowed second guide path 32 from the enlarged first guide path 31.

0029In one or more embodiments, the first guide path 31, and the second guide path 32 are disposed on the inner diameter of the tether 30 to prevent tampering or contact from a user. In other embodiments, the first guide path 31 and the second guide path 32 are exposed and visible to a user of the device.

0030The activation component in the form of the tether 30, having a proximal end 30a and a distal end 30b, may have the proximal end 30a connected to the housing 20 or hub 40 and the distal end 30b of the tether 30 may be connected to the retractable sleeve 50. In one or more embodiments, tether 30 may be in the form of a tube or concentric cone-shaped enclosures. In such embodiments, the tether 30 deploys from the housing around the needle cannula 42. Tether 30 extends from the housing as the retractable sleeve 50 is moved distally along the length of the cannula.

0031The term "retractable sleeve" is intended to include any type of member that can surround a needle cannula, such as a tubular member. The retractable sleeve 50 is dimensioned to be compatible with the size and type of needle cannula 40 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The housing 20 includes a housing body 23 with an internal hollow region in which the retractable sleeve 50 may move axially in the proximal and distal direction. In one or more embodiments, the retractable sleeve does not rotate with respect to the housing or move radially with respect to the housing. Retractable sleeve 50 may be configured to move between an initial position, a retracted position and an extended position with respect to housing 20, wherein the initial position partially exposes a distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42, the retracted position fully exposes the needle cannula 42, and the extended position fully covers the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42. The single-use passive safety device also includes a locking member 70 disposed in the retractable sleeve 50, the locking member being configured to cover the distal tip of the needle cannula when retractable sleeve is in the extended position. The single-use passive safety device also includes a spring element 90 to bias the retractable sleeve 50 from the retracted position to the extended position.

0032In one or more embodiments, retractable sleeve 50 is slidably disposed in the tether 30, the retractable sleeve having one or more radial protrusions 52a to slidably engage the slot of the tether. The distal end of the retractable sleeve includes an opening 55 in a distal wall thereof, through which distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42 moves through and is exposed.

0033As the retractable sleeve 50 moves distally along the needle cannula 42, the tether 30 extends along the length of the needle cannula 42.

0034Tether 30 and retractable sleeve 50 are designed to telescopically slide with respect to each other, but not to extend past each other, and the total extension length of the tether 30 is long enough to permit the retractable sleeve 50 to cover the length of needle cannula and for locking member 70 to extend over and cover the sharp distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42. Tether 30 is configured to fully cover needle cannula 42 when the retractable sleeve is maximally extended to cover and shield the sharp distal tip 44 of the needle cannula.

0035In one or more embodiments, as shown in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">Figs. 1-4</figref>, the one or more radial protrusions 52a of retractable sleeve 50 comprise a protrusion radially extending from a proximal portion of the retractable sleeve 50. <figref idref="f0002">Figs. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">4</figref> show a first embodiment having at least one protrusion 52a in the shape of a T-Bar (T-shaped protrusion) which keys with an opening 24 the retractable sleeve 50 to housing 20. In the embodiment shown, the opening 24 is complementary in shape to the protrusion 52a, and the opening 24 is a T-shaped opening. In an initial state, as shown in <figref idref="f0001">Figs. 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2</figref>, tether 30 holds retractable sleeve 50 in an initial position with the needle cannula distal tip 44 exposed. Upon movement of retractable sleeve 50, such as when the distal end 54 of the retractable sleeve is pushed against as subject's (patient's) skin as the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 is inserted into a subject, the radial protrusion 52a shown as a T-shaped protrusion 52a causes tether 30 to rotate until the one or more protrusion 52a shifts from a first guide path 31 along ramped surface 35 to a second guide path 32 and the tether 30 is no longer held within housing 20. As will be explained further below, ledges on the housing which supported a portion of ribs on the tether, the tether is released, and the tether and the sleeve are biased in a distal direction. As insertion of needle cannula 42 continues into a subject, the one or more protrusions 52a travels proximally along the second guide path 32 as the sleeve is pushed proximally away from the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42. Upon removal of the needle cannula 42 from a subject or patient, the radial protrusion 52a in the form of a T-shaped protrusion travels distally along the second guide path 32 of tether 30, and tether 30 fully extends out of the distal end of the housing 20 as the sleeve is biased in a distal direction. As shown in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">Fig 1-4</figref>, in one or more embodiments, the locking member 70 is in the form of a sliding block to lock out the safety device. In this respect, the locking member may be a "blocking member," in that the locking member blocks the needle cannula 42 from moving (e.g., sliding) through the end of the sleeve, and thus locks the device from further use. The needle holds the device in the initial position until it exits centering holes on both the block and sleeve. Once the needle is out of both holes, the block is no longer constrained and the spring in the device pushes the block down the ramp misaligning the block and sleeve holes, thereby preventing the needle from exiting the device once again. In this way, the device is a single-use passive safety needle device, as the sleeve 50 automatically covers the distal end of the needle after a patient has been injected and the needle has been removed from the patient. Thus, the needle distal tip is shielded by a sleeve or sheath automatically after the needle cannula is removed from a subject or patient. A practitioner or user of the device does not have to activate the sleeve or sheath by pressing a button on the device, twisting the device or taking any other action. The sliding block is discussed in more detail below.

0036In another embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref>, the one or more radial protrusions 52a comprise a first radial protrusion 52a radially extending from a proximal portion of the retractable sleeve and having a height H₁ and a second radial protrusion 52b or tab radially extending from a distal portion of the retractable sleeve and having a height H₂, the height H₁ of the first protrusion extending radially from the sleeve being greater than the height H₂ of the second protrusion 52b extending from the sleeve. In yet another embodiment, the one or more protrusions comprise a single radially extending protrusion having a first portion having a first height and a second portion extending laterally from the first portion, the second portion having a second height that is less than the first height. In one or more embodiments, the second protrusion contacts the first guide path when the retractable sleeve is in the initial position and moves distally along the second guide path when the retractable sleeve is moved to the second position.

0037As shown in <figref idref="f0002 f0003 f0004">Figs. 2-4</figref>, distal end 22 of housing 20 couples to tether 30 such that the tether 30 is configured to move along and at least partially rotate about a central axis. Distal end 34 of tether 30 couples to a proximal end of retractable sleeve 50. A channel and an opening 24 are included in the retractable sleeve 50 in order to permit the needle cannula 42 and distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42 to pass therethrough.

0038The proximal end of retractable sleeve 50 includes a one or more protrusions 52a configured to move between an initial position, a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the housing 20, wherein the initial position partially exposes a distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42, the retracted position fully exposes the needle cannula 42, and the extended position fully covers the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42. The slot of the tether 30 includes a first guide path 31 and a second guide path 32 are disposed on the body of the tether and are configured to direct the retractable sleeve 50 during movement. In one or more embodiments, the first guide path, and second guide path are configured to slidingly receive the one or more protrusions of the retractable sleeve 50.

0039Retractable sleeve 50 is slidably mounted and movable in the distal opening 24 of the housing body to slidably accommodate and encase needle cannula 42 projecting axially from housing 20.

0040As illustrated in several of the drawings, most notably <figref idref="f0001">Figs. 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2</figref>, retractable sleeve 50 is generally comprised of a tubular portion and is slidably retractable along the length of the needle cannula 42 such that a distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 is partially exposed and protruding from the distal end of the retractable sleeve 50 when in an initial position so as to be visible to a user. A substantial or entire portion of needle cannula 42 is exposed when the retractable sleeve 50 is in its retracted position. The length of needle cannula 42 which extends from the hub 40 in a distal direction is completely encased when retractable sleeve 50 is in its extended position, as shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>.

0041The inside diameter of the retractable sleeve 50 is selected so that it will fit closely over needle cannula 42. The retractable sleeve 50 may be made of any suitable material, but preferably of a polymer which is tough enough to protect needle cannula 42.

0042In one or more embodiments, proximal movement of the retractable sleeve 50 from the initial position causes the one or more protrusions 52a of the retractable sleeve 50 to move from the enlarged first guide path 31 of the tether to the narrowed second guide path 32 of the tether. In one or more embodiments, the tether 30 rotates with respect to the housing 20 during proximal movement of the retractable sleeve from the initial position. Rotation of the tether 30 from the initial position to the second position guides the one or more protrusions 52a of the retractable sleeve from the enlarged first guide path 31 of the tether to the narrowed second guide path 32 of the tether.

0043In one or more embodiments, the enlarged first guide path 31 of the tether intersects the narrowed second guide path 32 of the tether. In one or more embodiments, the narrowed second guide path is generally parallel to a central axis and extends along the tether body. In one or more embodiments, the enlarged first guide path may comprise an angle, curvature or taper relative to a central axis. The angle, curvature or taper of the first guide path 31 may allow the one or more protrusions 52a to shift from the first guide path 31 to the second guide path 32.

0044The proximal end 51 of retractable sleeve 50 includes one or more protrusions 52a that extends radially outward from the proximal end of retractable sleeve 50 and is configured to engage one or more paths formed on the inside surface of the housing body 23. In one or more embodiments, one or more protrusions 52a may be an outwardly extending peg that seats against a ledge of the distal end of the housing in the initial position. As shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, housing 20 has an opening 24 that receives the retractable sleeve 50 and its one or more protrusions 52.

0045In one or more embodiments, retractable sleeve 50 may be disposed and movable in the housing body 23. The retractable sleeve 50 is spring loaded, and is supplied to the user with the retractable sleeve 50 partially covering the needle cannula 42 so that the distal tip of the needle cannula is exposed and visible in an initial state, as shown in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>. In the initial state, the one or more protrusions 52a of the retractable sleeve 50 is disposed in the first guide path of the housing body. In one or more embodiments, the one or more protrusions is a peg. Upon administration of the injection, the retractable sleeve 50 moves from an initial position whereby the needle cannula is increasingly exposed so that the needle cannula may penetrate the injection site. As shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">4</figref>, the tether 30 rotates with respect to the housing 20 during proximal movement from the initial position.

0046During administration of an injection to a patient, the application of force by the user in the distal direction causes the one or more protrusions 52a of retractable sleeve 50 to move in a proximal direction such that one or more protrusions switches from the first guide path of the housing body to second guide path of the housing body. Proximal movement of the retractable sleeve 50 from the initial position transfers the one or more protrusions 52a of the retractable sleeve from the first guide path 31 on the slot of the tether to the second guide path 32 on the slot of the tether. In or more embodiments, the retractable sleeve moves from the initial position to the retracted position without impediment.

0047A continued application of force by the user in the distal direction causes rotational movement of tether 30 causing one or more protrusions 52a to move from the first guide path 31 of the tether to a narrowed second guide path 32.

0048The movement of the one or more protrusions from the enlarged first guide path inhibits or prevents counter-rotation of the tether 30, which in turn prevents the one or more protrusions 52a from shifting back into the enlarged first guide path 31 at intersection between the first guide path 31 and the second guide path 32. In one or more embodiments, a tether reverse prevention element prevents the tether from moving back to the first position after entering a second position. In one or more embodiments, the tether reverse prevention comprises one-way ratchet arms or a small detent bump. Detent bumps may allow for the device to be purposefully reset after sleeve depression to aid in manufacturability especially when needle lubing is required.

0049Upon continued application of force by pressing retractable sleeve 50 against the skin of a patient at the location where it is desired to insert needle cannula 42, retractable sleeve 50 retracts into housing 20 allowing the injection site to be penetrated by the needle cannula distal tip and needle cannula. The retractable sleeve has a distal end 54 that contacts the patient's skin, but does not rotate against a patient's skin during insertion of the needle cannula 42.

0050Upon completion of an injection to the patient, the user withdraws the needle cannula from the patient, thus causing the stored energy of spring element 90 to allow one or more protrusions 52a of the retractable sleeve 50 to proceed along the narrowed second guide path 32 to allow retractable sleeve 50 to fully cover needle cannula 42 in the extended position. The spring element 90 biases the retractable sleeve 50 in a distal direction to cover the distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42 causing activation of the locking member to prevent further translational movement of the retractable sleeve 50 within the housing body 23. During withdrawal of the needle cannula from the patient, the distal end 54 that contacts the patient's skin does not rotate against a patient's skin during withdrawal the needle cannula 42, minimizing patient discomfort during the injection.

0051Movement of the retractable sleeve from the retracted position to the extended position engages the locking member 70 to a distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 to block the needle cannula 42 from exiting the sleeve, providing a blocking function. In this way, the device is a single-use passive safety needle device, as the sleeve 50 automatically covers the distal end of the needle after a patient has been injected and the needle has been removed from the patient. Thus, the needle distal tip is shielded by a sleeve or sheath automatically after the needle cannula is removed from a subject or patient. A practitioner or user of the device does not have to activate the sleeve or sheath by pressing a button on the device, twisting the device or taking any other action.

0052In one or more embodiments, the locking member 70 is disposed on the retractable sleeve 50 and rides along the needle cannula 42 until the locking member 70 covers the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 in the extended position. In one or more embodiments, the locking member 70 inhibits reuse of the safety needle device 10 by inhibiting further translational movement of the retractable sleeve 50 within the housing body 23. Needle cannula 42 is obscured from view when the retractable sleeve is in the extended position. As shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>, as the injection is completed and the distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42 is pulled from injection site, the stored force of spring element 90 causes the retractable sleeve 50 to extend, and at the end of the stroke, a second locking member extends over the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 to lock the retractable sleeve 50 thereby completing a passive safety lock-out. In one or more embodiments, the locking member may comprise a clip, latch, a gate, or sliding block to shield the distal tip of the cannula.. In one or more embodiments, the locking member may be metal. In one or more alternate embodiments, the locking member may be plastic.

0053In one or more embodiments, movement of the retractable sleeve from the retracted position to the extended position engages the locking member to a distal tip of the needle cannula.

0054In one or more embodiments, the locking member inhibits reuse of the passive safety needle device by inhibiting translation of the retractable sleeve.

0055In one or more embodiments, the locking member may comprise a metal clip, bead and spring plate, tumbling block, and a living hinge built into the sleeve. In one or more embodiments, the locking member may comprise one or more plastic cantilever arms disposed on the retractable sleeve, tether, or housing to lock the device.

0056Referring now to <figref idref="f0001">FIGS. 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2</figref>, the safety needle device 10 is illustrated in an initial state wherein the retractable sleeve 50 is in a partially retracted configuration. Further retraction of the retractable sleeve 50 is generally initiated by a user applying pressure on the safety needle device 10 and/or syringe in the distal direction, which thereby encourages the retractable sleeve 50 proximally against the bias of the spring element 90. This retraction of the retractable sleeve 50 in turn further exposes the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 and initiates penetration by the needle cannula 42 into the patient's skin. The one or more protrusions of the retractable sleeve, which is initially positioned in the enlarged first guide path 31, directs the retractable sleeve 50 to immediately move toward the narrowed second guide path 32. As the retractable sleeve 50 moves proximally, the one or more protrusions 52a passes through the narrowed second guide path 32 thereby encouraging the tether 30 to rotate about the axis. Upon reaching the intersection of the enlarged first guide path and the narrowed second guide path, rotation of the tether prevents the one or more protrusions 52a from returning to the enlarged first guide path.

0057Spring element 90 includes a proximal end, a main body, and a distal end. In one or more embodiments, as shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, spring element 90 comprises a compression or coil spring. The spring element 90 biases the retractable sleeve from the retracted position to the extended position.

0058In one or more embodiment, spring element 90 engages and extends between the proximal end of the retractable sleeve and the proximal end of the housing. The spring biases the retractable sleeve 50 toward an initial position in which the one or more protrusions 52a of the retractable sleeve 50 is biased into engagement with the first guide path located at the distal end of the housing body 23 allowing the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 to be exposed and visible in the initial position. The retractable sleeve 50 completely covers the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 in the extended position. Many types of springs may be employed, such as but not limited to a helical coil spring, conical spring, wave-spring, or the like. In some embodiments, the spring element 90 is configured to facilitate retraction of the retractable sleeve 50 by a user applying distal pressure to the syringe and/or the safety needle device 10 with just one hand.

0059Safety needle device 10, and components thereof, can be formed using many manufacturing processes sufficient to provide the desired shape of the components. In some embodiments one or more components are made by a molding process, such as but not limited to injection molding, compression molding, blow molding, transfer molding, or similar. In some embodiments, one or more components are formed by forging, machining, casting, stamping, extrusion, a combination thereof, or the like.

0060In many embodiments, the safety needle device 10 is constructed from a biocompatible material. In some arrangements one or more of the components of the safety needle device 10 are plastic (e.g. polyurethane, etc.) or metal (e.g., stainless steel, etc.). In some embodiments, the housing 20 and/or the retractable sleeve 50 are constructed of materials that are either translucent or opaque.

0061In some embodiments, movement of the retractable sleeve 50 automatically engages the locking member 70. In some embodiments, movement of the retractable sleeve 50 from an about fully retracted position to an about fully extended position automatically prevents or inhibits reuse of the safety needle device 10.

0062Retractable sleeve 50 has one or more protrusions 52a are aligned with first guide path 31 of tether 30. The retractable sleeve 50 is slidingly moved through the distal opening 24 of housing 20. The needle cannula 42 is coupled with the needle support 41 of the housing 20. The spring element 90 is inserted into the housing body 23 and positioned to bias the retractable sleeve 50. Upon withdrawal of the needle cannula 42 from the patient, the stored spring energy of the spring element 90 to distally extend the retractable sleeve 50. As the retractable sleeve 50 distally extends, it covers the needle cannula 42 into the channel of the hub body thereby covering the distal end of the needle cannula 42. The distal movement of the retractable sleeve 50 also slides the one or more protrusions 52a along the second guide path.

0063As shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>, upon reaching the retractable sleeve 50 reaching the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42, the locking member 70 moves distally over the distal tip to cover the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 to prevent reuse of the safety needle device 10. The retractable sleeve 50 has been fully extended and fully covers the needle cannula 42. The locking member 70 thus presents a physical stop to inhibit the retractable sleeve 50 from being proximally retracted again. In some embodiments the locking member engages the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula, meaning that the locking member 70 is in physical contact with the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42. In other embodiments, the locking member 70 blocks the opening 55 at the distal end of the sleeve 50. In such embodiments, the locking member 70 blocks the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula from exiting the opening 55 in the sleeve, thus functioning as a blocking member that locks out a user from further utilizing the device 10.

0064Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure utilize one or more protrusions 52a on the retractable sleeve traveling along a first guide path 31 and second guide path 32 disposed on tether 30. Once injection begins, the one or more protrusions 52a on the retractable sleeve 50 travels along the a first guide path 31 and second guide path 32 rotating the tether from an initial position to a second position as it moves axially. At this point, the user can continue to insert the needle to the desired depth in the patient and the tether 30 will move axially within the second guide path 32 of the tether. Upon removal of the needle cannula, spring element 90 within the system will push the retractable sleeve 50 down the second guide path 32 to a final position and the locking member 70 will automatically cover the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 thereby passively protecting the user from needle stick injury.

0065In one or more embodiments, the tether includes one or more ribs 33 that interact with one or more guide tracks disposed on the inner surface of the housing body. The one or more ribs 33 on tether 30 interact with one or more guide tracks 25 within the housing 20 to capture the tether 30 within the housing 20 in the initial position. Each rib 33 slidably engages each guide track 25, and upon activation, the each of one or more ribs 33 slidably moves along each ledge 27 within the housing 20 to one or more openings such that the one or more ribs 33 no longer constrain the tether 30 to the housing 20. Once rotation of tether 30 is completed, the one or more ribs disposed on the top surface of the tether 30 snap into the one or more guide tracks disposed on the inner surface of the housing body. The one or more ribs 33 serve to keep tether 30 from rotating back to the initial position ensuring that final lockout with locking member 70 will occur. At this point, the user can continue to insert the needle to the desired depth in the patient and the retractable sleeve 50 will move axially within the narrowed second guide path. Thereafter, upon removal of the device, the tether and its associated ribs can extend out of the housing allowing the needle cannula distal tip to be shielded. Contemporaneously, upon removal of the needle cannula, spring element 90 within the system will push the retractable sleeve 50 down the narrowed second guide path to a final position and the locking member 70 will automatically cover the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 thereby passively protecting the user from needle stick injury.

0066In one or more embodiments, in the initial state, the one or more protrusions of the retractable sleeve interact with the slot of the tether, tether holds the device in such that the distal tip of the needle cannula is exposed and the retractable sleeve and tether are keyed to the housing such that it can only move in and out of the device. In one or more embodiments, one or more ribs of the tether interact with the guide tracks of the housing body to hold the device in an initial state such that the distal tip of the needle cannula is exposed and the retractable sleeve and tether are keyed to the housing such that it can only move in and out of the device. In this state, the tether is constrained along the length of the part so that it cannot extend out of the housing. Upon insertion of the device into a patient, vial, or other medium, the activation feature on the sleeve of the device causes the tether to move from an initial position to a second position. In one or more embodiments, this motion can be rotational or linear. In the second position, the tether is no longer contained within the housing and is allowed to extend out of the housing once the device is removed from the patient, vial, or other medium. As the tether extends out of the housing, the retractable sleeve also disengages from the housing and the tip of the needle is shielded.

0067As shown in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>, in one or more embodiments, the one or more protrusions may comprise a first protrusion 52a of a first length L1 and a second protrusion 52b having a second length L2 less than L1. In another embodiment (not shown), the first protrusion 52a may be located 90° to the second protrusion 52b. In yet another embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>, the first protrusion 52a may be located 180° to the second protrusion 52b. In one or more embodiments, as shown in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>, the first protrusion 52a is T-shaped and the second protrusion 52b is in the form of a peg or tab. <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> shows the embodiment of <figref idref="f0005">Fig 5</figref> in which the first protrusion 52a keys to housing 20 but has no impact on rotating tether 30 to activate the safety needle device 10. <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref> shows the embodiment of <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>, in which the second protrusion 52b engages with the tether 30 and activates the device by causing the tether 30 to rotate. In such an embodiment, the second protrusion 52b does not engage with housing 20.

0068<figref idref="f0008">FIG. 8</figref> shows an alternate embodiment of the retractable sleeve 50 having one or more protrusions in which the first and second protrusions are integral, the first protrusion 52c of the integral protrusions is in the shape of an elongate bar and the second protrusion 52d of the integral protrusions is an activation bump or a shorter protrusion having a height that is less than the first protrusion 52c of the integral protrusions. First protrusion 52c interacts with a slot in the housing 20 to rotationally key the housing and the retractable sleeve. The second protrusion 52d is connected to or integral with the first protrusion and engages with tether 30 and activates the safety needle device 10 by causing the tether to rotate. The second protrusion 52d does not engage with the housing.

0069<figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref> shows an alternate embodiment of the retractable sleeve having one or more protrusions in which the first protrusion 52a interacts with a slot in the housing to rotationally key the housing and the retractable sleeve. In one or more embodiments, as shown in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref>, the first protrusion 52a may be adjacent to but separated from the second protrusion 52b. In one or more embodiments, the second protrusion 52b, in the form of a peg, small tab or bump, engages with tether 30 and activates the safety needle device 10 by causing tether 30 to rotate. The second protrusion 52b does not engage with the housing 20. The

0070<figref idref="f0010">FIGS. 10</figref> and <figref idref="f0011">11</figref> show an alternate embodiment in which tether 30 utilizes linear motion instead of rotational motion. As shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref>, retractable sleeve and tether start in an initial position with the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula exposed and tether 30 retained in housing 20. Upon movement of the retractable sleeve 50 in a proximal direction, one or more bevels on the retractable sleeve 50 interact with tether 30 to move the tether from a starting position to a second position where it is no longer locked to the housing 20. After completion of the injection and upon removal the safety needle device 10 from the patient, retractable sleeve 50 and tether 30 are allowed to fully extend as they are no longer locked to housing 20. In this way, the device is a single-use passive safety needle device, as the sleeve 50 automatically covers the distal end of the needle after a patient has been injected and the needle has been removed from the patient. Thus, the needle distal tip is shielded by a sleeve or sheath automatically after the needle cannula is removed from a subject or patient. A practitioner or user of the device does not have to activate the sleeve or sheath by pressing a button on the device, twisting the device or taking any other action. As shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIGS. 10</figref> and <figref idref="f0011">11</figref>, the locking element may be in the form of a sliding block to lock out the safety device to prevent re-use and accidental needle stick injury. It is also contemplated that the locking element may be in the form of a metal clip, latch or gate.

0071As shown in <figref idref="f0012 f0013 f0014 f0015 f0016 f0017 f0018 f0019">Figures 12-19</figref>, in one or more embodiments, the proximal end 51 of retractable sleeve 50 includes a retainer 53 that extends radially outward from the proximal end of retractable sleeve 50 and is configured to engage the activation latch 80 of the housing body 23.

0072<figref idref="f0012">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment including a retainer 53 and <figref idref="f0013">FIG. 13</figref> illustrates an exploded view of a safety needle device of <figref idref="f0012">FIG. 12</figref>.

0073As shown in <figref idref="f0012">Figure 12</figref>, housing 20 has an opening 24 that receives the retractable sleeve 50. In one or more embodiments, retractable sleeve 50 may be disposed and movable in the housing body 23. The retractable sleeve 50 is spring loaded, and is supplied to the practitioner with the retracting sleeve 50 partially covering the needle cannula 42 so that the distal tip of the needle cannula is exposed and visible in an initial state. Upon administration of the injection, the retractable sleeve 50 moves from an initial position whereby the needle cannula is increasingly exposed so that the needle cannula may penetrate the injection site.

0074As shown in <figref idref="f0012">Figures 12</figref> and <figref idref="f0013">13</figref>, one or more embodiments of the safety needle device 10 include an activation latch 80 in combination with a spring element 90. In the initial state both the activation latch 80 and the spring element 90 hold stored energy. Upon beginning injection, the energy in the activation latch 80 is released once the retainer 53 on the proximal end of the retractable sleeve 50 is released from engagement with the activation latch 80 upon a practitioner depressing the activation latch over a very short distance.

0075Once the activation latch 80 is released from the retainer 53 on the proximal end of the retractable sleeve 50, the practitioner can continue to inject the cannula to their desired depth in a patient during an injection (or a vial during a syringe filling procedure) by either utilizing the full length of the needle or a significantly shorter distance of the needle cannula. Upon removing the needle cannula 42 from a patient, the retractable sleeve 50 is biased by the spring element 90 to automatically advance forward as the stored energy in the spring element 90 is released allowing retractable sleeve 50 to continue to be pushed forward until the a locking member 70 in the form of a lockout latch is able to clip over the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 thereby passively locking out the safety needle device 10 and preventing needle stick injury to the practitioner. In one or more embodiment, activation latch 80 may be a metal latch. In one or more embodiments, the locking member 70 in the form of a lockout latch may be a metal latch that has a bend that engages the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42.

0076During administration of an injection to a patient, the application of force on the needle device by the practitioner in the distal direction and/or depression of the activation latch 80 by the practitioner causes the retractable sleeve 50 to move in a proximal direction. In or more embodiments, the retractable sleeve moves from the initial position to the retracted position without impediment. A continued application of force by the practitioner in the distal direction causes activation latch 80 to disengage from the retainer 53 thus activating the locking member 70 in the form of a lockout latch. In one or more embodiments, the locking member 70 in the form of the lockout latch includes a metal latch on a distal end of the retractable sleeve. Proximal movement of the retractable sleeve from the initial position disengages the activation latch 80 from the retainer 53. In some embodiments, the activation latch 80 is generally resilient, so that the radially inwardly disposed second ends can flex and then return to the original position even after the ends have been radially outwardly deflected. In one or more embodiments, the activation latch 80 may include a latching member, such as a hook, clasp, detent, ratchet, or other structure.

0077Upon completion of an injection to the patient, the practitioner withdraws the needle cannula from the patient, thus causing the stored energy of spring element 90 to allow the retractable sleeve 50 to proceed to fully covers needle cannula 42 in the extended position. The spring element 90 biases the retractable sleeve 50 in a distal direction to cover the distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42 causing activation of the locking member 70 in the form of a lockout latch to prevent further translational movement of the retractable sleeve 50 within the housing body 23. Movement of the retractable sleeve from the retracted position to the extended position engages the locking member in the form of the lockout latch to a distal tip of the needle cannula. In this way, the device is a single-use passive safety needle device, as the sleeve 50 automatically covers the distal end of the needle after a patient has been injected and the needle has been removed from the patient. Thus, the needle distal tip is shielded by a sleeve or sheath automatically after the needle cannula is removed from a subject or patient. A practitioner or user of the device does not have to activate the sleeve or sheath by pressing a button on the device, twisting the device or taking any other action.

0078In one or more embodiments, the locking member 70 in the form of the lockout latch is disposed on the retractable sleeve and rides along the needle cannula until the lockout latch covers the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 in the extended position. In one or more embodiments, the retractable sleeve 50 extends in length beyond the lockout latch. In one or more embodiments, lockout latch comprises a protective clip which can have a V-shape at the distal end to cover the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 in the extended position. In one or more embodiments, the lockout latch inhibits reuse of the safety needle device 10 by inhibiting further translational movement of the retractable sleeve 50 within the housing body 23 by covering the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 in the extended position. Needle cannula 42 is obscured from view when the retractable sleeve is in the extended position. As the injection is completed and the distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42 is pulled from injection site, the stored force of spring element 90 causes the retracting sleeve 50 to extend, and at the end of the stroke, a lockout latch extends over the distal tip of the needle cannula 42 to lock the retractable sleeve 50 thereby completing a passive safety lock-out. In one embodiment, the lockout latch is a metal clip.

0079<figref idref="f0014">FIG. 14</figref> shows an alternate embodiment having a locking member including a bead and spring plate. <figref idref="f0015">FIG. 15</figref> shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0014">FIG. 14</figref>. As shown in <figref idref="f0014">FIGS. 14</figref> and <figref idref="f0015">15</figref>, locking member 70 may be in the form of a spring plate 72 and bead 74 in combination with a spring element 90 to pivot that bead 74 and spring plate 72 in order to achieve lockout and thereby preventing the needle from re-finding the hole. In one or more embodiment, spring plate 72 and bead 74 are housed inside the retractable sleeve 50 as shown in <figref idref="f0014 f0015">figures 14-15</figref>. Retractable sleeve 50 utilizes the energy in spring element 90 to bias the retractable sleeve upon lockout so that the needle and corresponding holes in the spring plate 72 and bead 74 are no longer co-axial preventing the needle from once again finding the hole.

0080In one or more embodiments, as shown in <figref idref="f0014">FIGS. 14</figref> and <figref idref="f0015">15</figref>, spring plate 72 and bead 74, respectively, have a channel within the body of spring plate 72 and bead 74. In an initial state, the cannula is threaded through the channel of both the spring plate 72 and bead 74 allowing the distal tip of the cannula to protrude from the distal end of the retractable sleeve 50 such that distal tip of the cannula is visible to the practitioner. Upon administration of an injection to a patient, the retractable sleeve 50 moves in a proximal direction such that the needle cannula moves out of the channel of both spring plate 72 and bead 74 allowing both spring plate 72 and bead 74 to rotate such that the distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42 is prevented from re-entering the channel within the body of the spring plate 72 and bead 74 to prevent exposure of the practitioner from the distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42.

0081If the distal tip of the cannula attempts to pass back through the channel of spring plate 72 and bead 74, the distal tip will be buttressed by the body of one or both of the spring plate 72 and bead 74 thus causing the distal tip to remain safely disposed within the housing 20.

0082Spring plate 72 and bead 74 may be made of strong material to prevent the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 from piercing through the spring plate and bead.

0083<figref idref="f0016 f0017 f0018">FIGS. 16-18</figref> show an alternate embodiment in which locking member 70 is in the form of a sliding block. <figref idref="f0017">Fig 17</figref> shows an exploded view of embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0016">FIG. 16</figref>. As shown in <figref idref="f0016 f0017 f0018">Figures 16-18</figref>, locking member 70 may be in the form of a sliding block in combination with a spring element to pivot that sliding block in order to achieve lockout and thereby preventing the needle from re-finding the hole. In one or more embodiment, sliding block is housed inside the retractable sleeve 50 as shown in <figref idref="f0016 f0017 f0018">figures 16-18</figref>. As shown in <figref idref="f0018">Figure 18</figref>, retractable sleeve 50 utilizes the energy in spring element 90 to bias the retractable sleeve upon lockout so that the needle and the hole are no longer co-axial preventing it from once again finding the hole. In one or more embodiments, sliding block may be configured as an angled plastic component.

0084In one or more embodiments, as shown in <figref idref="f0017">FIGS. 17</figref> and <figref idref="f0018">18A-D</figref>, sliding block comprises a block having a channel within the body of the sliding block attached to spring element is provided. In an initial state shown in <figref idref="f0018">FIG. 18A</figref>, the cannula is threaded through the channel such allowing the distal tip of the cannula to protrude from the distal end of the retractable sleeve 50 such that distal tip of the cannula is visible to the practitioner while the spring element exerts force on sliding block to maintain the blocking element in a biased state at the distal end of the retractable sleeve 50. Upon administration of an injection to a patient, the retractable sleeve 50 moves in a proximal direction such that the needle cannula moves out of the channel (as shown in <figref idref="f0018">FIG. 18B</figref>) allowing the sliding block to rotate to an unbiased state such that the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 is prevented from re-entering the diagonal channel within the body of the sliding block to prevent exposure of the practitioner from the distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42 (as shown in <figref idref="f0018">FIG. 18D</figref>).

0085If the distal tip of the cannula attempts to pass back through the channel, the distal tip will be buttressed by the body of the sliding block thus causing the distal tip to remain safely disposed within the housing 20 and prevented by the tether 30 and sliding block from exiting the confines of the housing 20, as shown in <figref idref="f0018">FIG. 18D</figref>.

0086When the needle cannula 42 is withdrawn from the patient, the patient's skin no longer obstructs forward movement of the retractable sleeve 50, and the retractable sleeve 50 then moves to the extended position as shown in <figref idref="f0018">FIG. 18C</figref>. As shown in <figref idref="f0018">FIG. 18A</figref>, the retractable sleeve 50 has an opening 55 through which the needle cannula 42 extends in an initial position.

0087The misalignment of the needle cannula 42 with the channel of the sliding block prevents the needle cannula 42 from extending back out of the channel of the sliding block after use. Furthermore, the sliding block may be made of strong material to prevent the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 from piercing through the blocking element.

0088<figref idref="f0019">FIGS. 19A-C</figref> show an alternate embodiment having a locking member including a living hinge 78 in combination with an activation latch 80 to bias the living hinge in order to achieve lockout and thereby preventing the needle from exiting the retractable sleeve 50 after completion of an injection. Upon lockout (<figref idref="f0019">FIG. 19C</figref>), the distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42 will be buttressed by the body of living hinge thus causing the distal tip to remain safely disposed within the housing 20. In this way, the device is a single-use passive safety needle device, as the sleeve 50 automatically covers the distal end of the needle after a patient has been injected and the needle has been removed from the patient. Thus, the needle distal tip is shielded by a sleeve or sheath automatically after the needle cannula is removed from a subject or patient. A practitioner or user of the device does not have to activate the sleeve or sheath by pressing a button on the device, twisting the device or taking any other action.

0089<figref idref="f0020">FIGS. 20A-C</figref> shows yet another alternate embodiment having a locking member 70 in the form of a lockout latch to prevent the needle from exiting the retractable sleeve 50 after completion of an injection. The locking member 70 in the form of a lockout latch has an overall three-dimensional U-shape (as shown in <figref idref="f0020">FIG. 20C</figref>), including a proximal end 91 and a distal end 92. The proximal end 91 of the locking member 70 is connected to a sidewall 56 of the retractable sleeve. The distal end of the locking member 70 includes a V-shaped biasing member 76 that rests against the needle cannula 42 in an initial state and interacts with a recess 57 on the opposite sidewall 58 of the retractable sleeve 50 when the retractable sleeve is in an extended position. In the starting position, locking member 70 in the form of a lockout latch is disposed in the retractable sleeve and rests in a compressed position against the body of the needle cannula 42. The V-shaped biasing member slides along the needle cannula 42 while the needle cannula 42 is inserted into a subject or a patient, and the sheath or sleeve 50 moves in a proximal direction as the sheath or sleeve 50 end face contacts the patient's or subject's skin. When the needle cannula 42 is removed from the subject or patient, and the sheath or sleeve 50 moves in a distal direction, and the V-shaped biasing member slides past the needle cannula 42 the locking member 70 in the form of a lockout latch covers the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 in the extended position. After the device is activated, a spring element (not shown) pushes the retractable sleeve forward to allow the retractable sleeve 50 to extend past the distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42 which allows stored energy in the compressed V-shaped biasing member 76 to be released such that it activates and locks the device when hook 59 on the distal tip of the V-shaped biasing member 76 interacts with a recess 57 on the opposite sidewall 58 of the retractable sleeve 50. Locking member 70 in the form of a lockout latch is able to clip over the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 thereby passively locking out the safety needle device 10 and preventing needle stick injury to the practitioner. The locking member 70 in the form of the lockout latch inhibits reuse of the safety needle device 10 by inhibiting further translational movement of the retractable sleeve 50 within the housing body 23 by covering the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 in the extended position. Needle cannula 42 is obscured from view when the retractable sleeve is in the extended position. In one or more embodiments, locking member 70 in the form of a lockout latch may be a metal latch.

0090<figref idref="f0021">FIGS. 21A-D</figref> show an alternate embodiment including a locking member 70 in the form of a spring clip, which has an overall three-dimensional U-shape or L-shape, including a proximal leg 79, a lateral leg 82 and a distal leg 81. As best shown in <figref idref="f0021 f0022">FIGS. 21D-G</figref>, the locking member 70 includes a slot 73 sized and configured to allow a needle cannula 42 to nest therein when the sheath or sleeve 50 is in the initial position and the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 is exposed. The needle cannula 42 slides in the slot 73 while the needle cannula 42 is inserted into a subject or a patient, and the sheath or sleeve 50 moves in a proximal direction as the sheath or sleeve 50 end face contacts the patient's or subject's skin. When the needle cannula 42 is removed from the subject or patient, and the sheath or sleeve 50 moves in a distal direction, the needle cannula 42 slides in the slot 73. The slot 73 is located within the distal leg 81, and a biasing member 75 extends from the lateral leg 82. The biasing member 75 can include a flat spring, a tong spring or a double loop tong spring as shown in <figref idref="f0021 f0022">FIGS. 21D-G</figref>. A gate 77 in the form of a flat sheet protrudes from the biasing member 75. In the initial position, the biasing member 75 rests against the body of the needle cannula 42 to keep gate 77 out of alignment with opening 24 of sleeve 50 and the slot 73 of the of the locking member 70. In the retracted state, the biasing member 75 rides along the needle cannula 42. After the device is activated, the retractable sleeve 50 moves forward to allow the retractable sleeve 50 and the gate 77 of biasing member 75 to extend past the distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42 which allows stored energy in the compressed flat spring to be released such that the gate 77 covers the slot 73 thereby passively locking out the safety needle device 10 and preventing needle stick injury to the practitioner. The locking member 70 in the form of a U-shaped clip inhibits reuse of the safety needle device 10 by inhibiting further translational movement of the retractable sleeve 50 within the housing body 23 by covering the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 in the extended position. Needle cannula 42 is obscured from view when the retractable sleeve is in the extended position.

0091<figref idref="f0023">FIGS. 22A-F</figref> show an alternate embodiment with a tether having a hook-shaped portion that prevents one or protrusions (first protrusion 52c) and second protrusion 52d) from rotation prior to retractable sleeve advancement. In one or more embodiments, the retractable sleeve has one or more protrusions 52c, 52d in the form of a stabilization bar that interacts with a slot in the housing to rotationally key the sleeve and housing. A second protrusion 52d engages the tether and activates the safety device by causing the tether to rotate relative to the housing thereby releasing the tether from the housing. In one or more embodiments, the enlarged first guide path 31 may comprise a hook-shaped portion (or branch) 31a defining a hook-shaped portion that engages the second protrusion 52d and resists or prevents relative rotation of the tether 30 and the sleeve 50. The one or more protrusions may comprise a single radially extending protrusion having a first protrusion 52c having a first height and a second protrusion 52d extending laterally from the first protrusion 52c, the second protrusion 52d may have a second height that is less than the first height, and the second protrusion 52d may have a surface that nests in the hook-shaped portion 31a when the device is packaged, removed from the package and in an initial position as shown in <figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22A. Fig 22F</figref> shows an enlarged view of the first guide path and a second guide path 32. In use, the device 10 is removed from a package, and the sleeve 50 is in an initial position (<figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22A</figref>) with the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 exposed so that the distal tip 44 of the needle cannula 42 can be inserted into the skin of a patient or through the surface of a vial to fill the syringe (not shown). <figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22B</figref> shows the sleeve 50 moved in a proximal direction as the needle cannula 42 is inserted further into a patient, and the sleeve retracts into the housing 20. At this point, the second protrusion 52d has moved out of the first guide path 31, pushed against the ramped surface 35, causing the tether 30 to rotate, and activating the device, causing the spring element 90 to bias the sleeve 50 in the distal direction. <figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22C</figref> shows the sleeve 50 fully retracted into the housing 20, and as the needle is withdrawn from a patient, the sleeve is biased to move in the distal direction as shown in <figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22D</figref>. When the needle cannula 42 distal tip 44 is removed from the patient, the sleeve 50 by the spring element 90 to cover the distal tip 44 as shown in <figref idref="f0023">FIG. 22E</figref>. A blocking element at the end of the sleeve 50 prevents the needle cannula 42 distal tip 44 from exiting the sleeve 50, thereby protection from needle cannula 42 sticks.

0092As shown in <figref idref="f0024">FIG. 23</figref>, one or more embodiments include an anti-fire feature. In one embodiment, the slot in the tether interfaces with one or more ribs, tabs or bars disposed in a cap or hard package so that the safety needle device 10 does not "mis-fire" in transit or storage. Any suitable caps or packaging comprising a safety feature may be used in conjunction with the safety needle device disclosed herein.

0093<figref idref="f0025">FIG. 24A</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a safety needle device according to an alternate embodiment having a retractable sleeve 50 with alternative protrusion configurations shown in <figref idref="f0025">FIGS. 24B and 24C</figref>. As shown in <figref idref="f0025">FIG. 24B</figref>, an embodiment of the retractable sleeve has one or more protrusions that are integral or connected, first protrusion 52c having a first height that is greater than second height of second protrusion 52d. As shown in <figref idref="f0025">FIG. 24C</figref>, an alternate embodiment of the retractable sleeve has one or more protrusions which are separated from each other, first protrusion 52a having a first height than the second height of second protrusion 52b.

0094In one or more embodiments, one or more protrusions are disposed on or near the proximal end of the retractable sleeve 50 to key the retractable sleeve to the housing. The one or more protrusions allow the retractable sleeve to move in and out of the housing but prevent rotation of the retractable sleeve relative to the housing.

0095In one or more embodiments, one or more protrusions reduce wobbliness between the housing and retractable sleeve, as well as, guide the retractable sleeve from an initial position in the enlarged first guide path of the tether to a second position in the narrowed second guide path of the tether.

0096In one or more embodiments, the one or more protrusions are in the shape of a T-Bar. The T-shape at the end of the one or more protrusions helps to reduce wobbliness between the housing and retractable sleeve by adding additional guidance and support.

0097Upon movement of the retractable sleeve in the proximal direction, the T-shaped one or more protrusions move along from the initial position in the enlarged first guide path of the tether to a second position in the narrowed second guide path of the tether that causes the tether to rotate.

0098In one or more alternate embodiments, the device includes one or more protrusions and one or more pegs on the retractable sleeve that engages with the rotating tether but does not engage with the housing. The one or more pegs activate the device. Upon movement of the retractable sleeve in the proximal direction, the one or more pegs move along a path that causes the tether to rotate while the sleeve is held rotationally fixed by a separate one or more protrusions moving the tether from a first position to a second position. The one or more pegs can be located at any orientation (0- 360 degrees) relative to the stabilization feature including but not limited to 0 degrees (same feature), 180 degrees, side by side, or separated by only a few degrees.

0099In one or more alternative embodiments, the one or more protrusions are in the shape of a dovetail.

0100Stroke length is the sum of needle cannula length and retractable sleeve 50 length for lock-out travel. The distance between distal end of retractable sleeve 50 and distal tip 44 of needle cannula 42 is a stack-up of tolerances and safety margin to insure needle stick injury (NSI) is prevented following use.

0101In one or more embodiments, overall length of the safety needle device may be reduced when the spring element is allowed to collapse inside both the retractable sleeve 50 and housing 20. Thus reducing overall length by the solid height and subsequently lowering forces applied to a patient's skin.

0102In one or more embodiments, the safety needle device can include a cap that is removably coupled to the housing to reduce or prevent contamination of the needle cannula during shipping and storage of the safety needle device. The cap is generally kept in the closed position until just prior to an injection and/or aspiration procedure, at which time the cap is removed from the housing. In some embodiments, cap may be configured to assist in properly drawing a dose from a vial.

0103Referring now to <figref idref="f0026 f0027 f0028 f0029">FIGS. 25-30</figref>, specific embodiments and features of a safety needle device 110 are shown. The device 110 may be a safety needle device 110, or a single use passive safety device, which means that a protective cover that shields a distal end of the needle cannula is covered by a cover or sleeve that is automatically deployed by the device to move over the needle cannula tip, without the user or practitioner activating a button, lever, etc.

0104The safety needle device 110 comprises a hub 140 having a proximal end 137 that can be coupled to a syringe (not shown) and a distal end 139. The hub has a needle cannula 142 extending therefrom in a distal direction. The needle cannula has a longitudinal axis and distal tip 144.

0105The device 110 further includes a housing 120 having a proximal end 121, a distal end 122, and a housing body 123, the hub 140 being attached to the housing 120 and the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 extending past the distal end 122 of the housing120. The device 110 further includes a needle cannula cover 115 comprising an elongate sleeve 150 (or retractable sleeve) having a proximal end 151 and a distal end 154. The needle cannula cover 115 is slidably moveable in a distal and proximal direction inside the housing and is biased to move in a distal direction toward the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 when the device is activated. The needle cannula cover 115 has an initial starting position at which the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 is exposed, an intermediate position at which the needle cannula cover 115 is moved in a proximal direction to move the distal end of the needle cannula cover 115 a distance further from the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142, and an extended position at which the distal end 154 of the needle cannula cover, namely the distal end 154 of the sleeve 150 extends past the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 to cover the distal tip 144. The device further includes a locking element in the form of a clip 170 disposed adjacent the distal end 154 of the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115, the clip 170 preventing proximal movement of the sleeve and exposure of the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142. <figref idref="f0027">FIG. 27</figref> shows a view of the device 110 from the proximal end with the hub 140 fitted within the housing body 123. <figref idref="f0028">FIG. 28</figref> shows an alternate perspective view of the device from the distal end thereof, and <figref idref="f0028">FIG. 29</figref> shows a cross-sectional view of the device, showing the locking member in the sleeve 150, and the spring 190, which biases the sleeve 150 forward when released from the initial position. <figref idref="f0029">FIG. 30</figref> shows an exploded view of the device 110. During injection of a patient, when the needle cannula cover sleeve 150 has a distal end 154 that contacts the patient's skin, and the distal end 154 remains in contact with the patient's skin while the needle cannula is withdrawn from the patient until the needle cannula cover surrounds the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula. During injection and withdrawal of the needle cannula 142, the distal end 154 does not rotate against a patient's skin, minimizing patient discomfort caused by rotation of the device against the patient's skin.

0106According to one or more embodiments, tactile feel for the practitioner during insertion of the needle into a patient and withdrawal of the needle can aid in minimizing patient discomfort. It has been determined that a low spring force improves tactile feel for practitioner. In one or more embodiments, low spring force is determined by the phrase "lockout force," which is the force exerted by the spring 190 when the elongate sleeve 150 is at full extension over distal tip of the cannula. The lockout force can be measured by a load cell that measures tensile forces, such as an Instron electromechanical universal testing machine available from Instron, Norwood, MA. In one or more embodiments, the spring 190 biases the elongate sleeve with a force in a range of 0.001 pounds to 0.2 pounds of force when the needle cover cannula cover is in the extended position. In one or more embodiments, the spring 190 biases the spring biases the elongate sleeve with a force in a range of 0.05 pounds to 0.15 pounds of force when the needle cover cannula cover is in the extended position. It was determined that forces in these ranges provided a more comfortable injection for the patient. The force exerted by spring 190 can be adjusted by modifying the spring constant, length, pitch, number of coils on the spring, inner and outer diameter of spring and material of wire/coil.

0107As will be discussed further below the locking member in the form of the clip 170 is slidably engageable along the length of the needle cannula 142 when the device 110 is in use.

0108The sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 has an opening 155 at the distal end 154 that permits the needle cannula 142 to slide therethrough, and the clip 170 slides over the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 when the sleeve 150 needle cannula cover 115 is in the extended position, blocking the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 and preventing the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 from protruding through the opening 155.

0109In one or more embodiments, the clip 170 can comprise a latch having a bend 171 at a distal end. The clip 170 is biased to slide over and cover the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula, as shown in <figref idref="f0042">FIGS. 56 and 57</figref> and prevent movement of the distal tip 144 through an opening 155 in the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115.

0110As shown, the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 has an opening 155 at the distal end 154 that permits the needle cannula 142 to slide therethrough, and the clip 170 is a spring-biased blocking element that blocks the opening 155 to prevent the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 from protruding through the opening 155 when the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 is in the extended position.

0111In one or more embodiments of the device, the spring-biased blocking element has a spring that is biased in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the needle cannula 142. In other words, the needle cannula moves along the long axis of the device 110 in a proximal and distal direction. This axis may be considered a z axis in a Cartesian coordinate system. The clip 170 comprises the blocking element is biased in a direction in the x-y plane to slide a gate to block the opening 155 at the distal end 154 of the sleeve 150. This will be discussed in more detail below.

0112In one or more embodiments, the blocking element comprises a gate 177 that is biased to move to a closed position to block the opening 155 in sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115, and the blocking element is held open by the needle cannula when the cover is in the initial position and the intermediate position. In one or more embodiments, as shown in <figref idref="f0035 f0036">FIGS. 40-43</figref>, there is a pocket 160 adjacent the distal end 154 of the sleeve 150, the pocket 160 configured to securely hold the clip 170 in the pocket 160. In one or more embodiments, as best shown in <figref idref="f0035 f0036">FIGS. 40-42</figref> and <figref idref="f0039 f0040 f0041">48-55</figref>, the clip 170 has a height H_c and the pocket has a depth D that is at least equal to the height H_c of the clip. In other embodiments, the depth D of the pocket 160 is equal to or greater than the height H_c of the clip. Such a configuration prevents a user of the device 110 from removing the clip from the pocket 160. In one or more embodiments, the top edges 161 of the pocket are narrowed or sharp edges to further make it difficult to access the pocket to remove the clip 170.

0113Another embodiment of a device provides a safety needle device 110, which can be a safety needle device which comprises a hub 140 having a proximal end that can be coupled to a syringe, the hub 140 having a needle cannula 142 extending therefrom in a distal direction, the needle cannula having a longitudinal axis and distal tip 144. The device 110 also includes a housing 120 having a proximal end, a distal end and a housing body 123, and the hub 140 is attached to the housing 120. The needle cannula 142 and the distal tip 144 extend past the distal end of the housing 120. The device further includes a needle cannula cover 115 comprising an elongate sleeve 150 having a distal end 154, the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 slidably moveable in a distal and proximal direction inside the housing 120 and being biased to move in a distal direction toward the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142. The elongate sleeve 150 of needle cannula cover 115 has an initial position at which the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 is exposed, an intermediate position at which the elongate sleeve 150 needle cannula cover 115 is moved in a proximal direction to move the distal end 154 of the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 a distance further from the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142, and an extended position at which the distal end 154 of the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 extends past the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142, the elongate sleeve 150 axially moveable with respect to the needle cannula 142. The device further comprises an activation component in the form of tether 130 slidably engaged with the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 and positioned intermediate the housing 120 and the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115, the activation component in the form of the tether 130 being rotationally moveable with respect to the housing 120, such that when the activation component in the form of the tether 130 is moved rotationally when the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 is moved in a proximal direction from the initial position, the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 is activated and biased to move in a distal direction.

0114In specific embodiments, the activation component in the form of the tether 130 and the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 move telescopically within the housing 120 such that the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula is exposed when the activation component in the form of the tether 130 and the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 are moved in a proximal direction from the initial position, and the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 is covered when the activation component and the needle cannula cover are moved in a distal direction to the extended position such that the distal end 154 of the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 is moved distally past the needle cannula distal tip 144. In this way, the device is a single-use passive safety needle device, as the needle cannula cover automatically covers the distal end of the needle after a patient has been injected and the needle has been removed from the patient. Thus, the needle distal tip is shielded by a needle cannula cover (or a sleeve or a sheath) automatically after the needle cannula is removed from a subject or patient. A practitioner or user of the device does not have to activate the needle cannula cover by pressing a button on the device, twisting the device or taking any other action.

0115Referring now to <figref idref="f0030 f0031 f0032">FIGS. 31-35</figref>, in some embodiments of the device 110, the housing 120 includes a first ledge 127a that cooperates with at least one radial protrusion on the activation component in the form of the tether 130 to maintain the activation component and the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 in the initial position. More details of the activation component in the form of the tether 130 can be seen in <figref idref="f0032 f0033">FIGS. 34-36</figref>, and the cooperation of the one or more ledges and the at least one radial protrusion on the activation component in the form of the tether 130.

0116When the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover is moved from the initial position in a proximal direction, the activation component in the form of the tether 130 is rotated, causing the at least one radial protrusion to move off of the first ledge 127a, and causing the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 to be moved in a distal direction. This is considered activation of the device 110, because the sleeve 150 is no longer held in a fixed position with respect to the housing by the radial protrusion of the sleeve 150 resting on the ledge of the housing 120.

0117As best seen in <figref idref="f0031">FIG. 33</figref>, the housing 120 of the device 110 may include a first ledge 127a, a second ledge 127b, and a third ledge 127c spaced apart from each other within the housing. The first ledge 127a, the second ledge 127b and the third ledge 127c are areas where the inner diameter of the housing 120 is reduced with inwardly protruding mass that forms the ledges. The disclosure of the three ledges is exemplary only, and the device according to one or more embodiments can include only a single ledge, two ledges, three ledges or more than three ledges. Adjacent to each ledge, there is a housing channel that runs along the length of the housing from the proximal end 121 to the distal end 122 of the housing 120. Thus, as best seen in <figref idref="f0031">FIG. 33</figref>, there is a first housing channel 163a adjacent the first ledge 127a, a second housing channel 163b adjacent the second ledge 127b, and a third housing channel 163c adjacent the third ledge 127c. The housing body 123 further includes a guide track 165 that functions as a guide track for a protrusion on the distal end of the elongate sleeve 150, which will be discussed further below.

0118Referring now to <figref idref="f0032 f0033">FIGS. 34-37</figref>, the at least one radial protrusion 133a comprises a first protrusion 152a in the form of a L-shaped radial protrusion, wherein a first portion 233a of the first radial protrusion 133a engages the first ledge 127a when the needle cannula cover is in the initial position and a second portion 333a of the first radial protrusion 133a being L-shaped slides within a first housing channel 163a on an inner surface of the housing 120, allowing the activation component to slide in a distal and proximal direction with respect to the housing.

0119Embodiments of the device 110 include a second radial protrusion 133b being L-shaped and having a first portion 233b which engages a second ledge 127b when the needle cannula cover is in the initial position and a second portion 333b which slides within a second housing channel 163b on an inner surface of the housing 120.

0120Embodiments further include a radial protrusion 133c being T-shaped and slidably moveable in a third housing channel 163c, the radial protrusion 133c being T-shaped and having a first portion 233c that engages a third ledge 127c when the needle cannula cover is in the initial position, and a second portion 333c that slides within a third housing channel 163c on an inner surface of the housing 120. It will be understood that the radial protrusions 133a, 133b and 133c on the activation component in the form of the tether 130 can be configured in other ways. In general, there is at least one radial protrusion that has a surface that rests on a ledge of the housing in the initial state when the device 110 is not activated, the ledge being adjacent to a housing channel that guides the radial protrusion as the intermediate component in the form of the tether 130 slides within the housing. In an embodiment, there can be a single radial protrusion on that rests on a single ledge of the housing and a single channel. In an embodiment, there can be a pair of radial protrusions that rest on a pair of ledges adjacent to a pair of channels in the housing. In an embodiment, there can be three protrusions that rest on three ledges adjacent three channel in the housing. More ledges, protrusions and channels in the housing are within the scope of the disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the radial protrusions can be L-shaped, T-shaped or a combination of L-shaped and T-shaped. In one or more embodiments, the protrusions are neither L-shaped nor T-shaped, and instead only include a surface that rests upon the respective ledges.

0121<figref idref="f0037">FIG. 44</figref> shows a view of the biasing element in the form of a spring 190, which is mounted within the sleeve 150 and biases the sleeve in a distal direction when the device 110 is activated. <figref idref="f0038">FIGS. 45 and 46</figref> show views of the hub 140.

0122The device according to one or more embodiments can include the needle cannula cover 115 elongate sleeve 150 having a second protrusion 152b that engages first guide path 131 in the form of a first slot on the activation component in the form of tether 130 to hold the elongate sleeve 150 of needle cannula cover 115 in the initial position. The device 110 can further include the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 further comprising a first protrusion 152a in the form of a protruding bar that moves within a second guide path 132 in the form of a track within the activation component in the form of the tether 130 and a guide track 165 within the housing. In one or more embodiments, the first protrusion 152a and the guide track 165 key the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover and the housing 120, preventing rotational movement of the elongate sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115.

0123Another embodiment of the disclosure pertains to a safety needle device 110, which in some embodiments is a single-use passive safety needle device. The device 110 according to this embodiment comprises a hub 140 having a proximal end that can be coupled to a syringe, the hub having a needle cannula 142 extending therefrom in a distal direction, the needle cannula having a longitudinal axis and distal tip 144. The device further includes a housing 120 having a proximal end, a distal end, and a housing body 123, the hub 140 being attached to the housing 120 and the needle cannula 142 and the distal tip 144 extending past the distal end of the housing. In this embodiment, the device includes activation component 195, which will be explained with respect to <figref idref="f0043 f0044 f0045">FIGS. 58-63</figref>, with specific reference to <figref idref="f0045">FIG. 62</figref>. In one or more embodiments, the activation component 195 can move axially in the direction of arrows 197 and radially in the direction of arrows 196 with respect to the housing, the activation component 195 telescopically engaged with the housing 120. In the embodiments shown and described herein, the activation component has been shown as a tether 130. As used herein, the word "tether" means an attachment to a device that anchors one component of the device movably to a reference point on the device. In one or more embodiments, the tether 30 or tether 130 described herein attaches to the housing 20 or housing 120 and anchors the movable sleeve 50 or sleeve 150 to the housing 20 or housing 120 which is a non-movable fixed reference point. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the tether 30 at least axially moves with respect to the housing 20 and anchors moveable sleeve 50 to the housing 20, and in other embodiments, the tether 30 axially and rotationally (or radially) moves with respect to the housing 20 and anchors moveable sleeve 50 to the housing 20. In one or more embodiments, the tether 130 at least axially moves with respect to the housing 120 and anchors moveable sleeve 150 to the housing 120, and in other embodiments, the tether 130 axially and rotationally (or radially) moves with respect to the housing 120 and anchors moveable sleeve 150 to the housing 120. This embodiment also includes a sleeve 150 of a needle cannula cover 115 that can move axially (as shown by arrow 197) with respect to the housing and the activation component 195. The sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover 115 is telescopically engaged with the activation component 195, and the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover includes a second protrusion 152b protruding radially from the sleeve 150, which may be a peg engaged in a first guide path 31 shown as a slot in the activation component 195 to activate the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover. This causes the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover to be moved in a distal direction.

0124In a variant of this embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="f0044">FIG. 61</figref>, there is a clip 170 mounted in the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover adjacent an opening 155 in a distal end in the needle cannula cover, the clip preventing the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 from exiting the opening 155 when the sleeve 150 needle cannula cover is in a fully extended position. In another variant on this embodiment, a first protrusion 152a protruding outwardly in the form of a bar extending from the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover cooperates a second guide path 132 in the form of a slot in the activation component 195 guides the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover when the needle cannula cover slides within the housing 120. As seen in <figref idref="f0045">FIG. 62</figref>, the first guide path 131 and the second guide path 132 form a Y-shaped slot at the distal end of the activation component 195. In a further variant the interior surface of the housing further including a guide track 165 that keys with a first protrusion 152a in the form of a protruding bar on the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover, preventing rotational movement of the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover with respect to the housing 120.

0125Another embodiment of the disclosure pertains to a safety needle device comprising a hub 140 having a proximal end that can be coupled to a syringe and a distal end supporting a needle cannula 142 having a longitudinal axis and distal tip 144 extending from the hub 140. The device further includes a housing 120 having a proximal end, a distal end, and a housing body 123, the hub 140 being attached to the housing 120 adjacent the proximal end and the needle cannula 142 and the distal tip 144 extending past the distal end of the housing 120. The device 110 further includes a needle cannula cover comprising an elongate sleeve 150 having a distal end 154 having an opening 155 therein, the sleeve axially moveable in a distal and proximal direction inside the housing 120 and being biased to move in a distal direction to cover the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142, the opening 155 allowing the distal tip 144 to pass therethrough when sleeve 150 is moved in a proximal direction. This embodiment further comprises a biased clip 170 disposed adjacent the distal end 154 of the elongate sleeve 150, the biased clip 170 having a gate 177 that is biased by a biasing element 176 to a closed position to cover the opening 155 when the cover is moved in a proximal direction and the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula passes through the opening 155, the gate 177 held in an open position by the needle cannula 142. The features of the biased clip 170 are best seen in <figref idref="f0045 f0046 f0047">FIGS. 63-67</figref>, showing the biased clip 170 in the pocket of the sleeve 150.

0126In a variant on this embodiment the biasing element 176 of the biased clip comprises at least two bends, a first bend 198 and a second bend 199 that provide biasing force to the gate 177, the needle cannula 142 in sliding contact with a portion of the biased clip 170. In some embodiments the biased clip 170 comprises three bends. In some embodiments, the biased clip 170 is mounted in a pocket adjacent the distal end of the sleeve 150 needle cannula cover.

0127In variants on this embodiment in which the safety needle is a single-use passive safety needle, as best shown in <figref idref="f0043 f0044">FIGS. 58-61</figref> the sleeve of the needle cannula cover has an initial position shown in <figref idref="f0043">FIG. 58</figref>, where the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 is exposed and the elongate sleeve 150 cannot move in a distal direction. Referring to <figref idref="f0043">FIG. 59</figref>, there is an intermediate position where the sleeve 150 of the needle cover is moved proximally such that the distal end 154 of the elongate sleeve 150 is moved further from the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula and the elongate sleeve 150 is now biased to move in a distal direction because the device has been activated, as discussed above with respect to <figref idref="f0031 f0032 f0033 f0034">FIGS. 32-39</figref>, where a radial protrusion on the tether 130 is moved from a ledge on the housing to activate the device. <figref idref="f0044">FIG. 60</figref> shows the sleeve 150 fully retracted and the needle cannula fully exposed. <figref idref="f0044">FIG. 61</figref> shows a final position where the distal end 154 of the elongate sleeve 150 extends past the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142 and the gate 177 of the biased clip 170 prevents proximal movement of the elongate sleeve 150 and exposure of the needle cannula distal tip 144. As will be understood, the initial position of the device is a position when the device is removed from a package by a practitioner. The distal tip of the needle cannula is inserted into a patient, and as the needle cannula is advanced into a patient, the sleeve moves proximally away from the distal tip from the skin of the patient pushing on the distal end of the sleeve, which advances proximally into the housing 120 as shown in <figref idref="f0044">FIG. 60</figref>. When the practitioner withdraws the needle cannula 142 from the patient, the spring element biases the sleeve 150 in a distal direction and when the needle cannula 142 is removed from the patient, the distal end of the sleeve advances past the distal tip 144 of the needle cannula 142, blocking the needle cannula from exiting the sleeve 150. In one or more specific embodiments, the activation feature discussed above with respect to <figref idref="f0045">FIG. 62</figref> can be incorporated with the tether 130, as shown in <figref idref="f0044">FIG. 61</figref>. In one or more embodiments, the safety device is activated after the initial state by advancing the sleeve in a proximal direction, causing the second protrusion 152b to move from the first guide path 131 which forms a Y-shaped slot with the second guide path 132, causing the tether 130 to rotate counterclockwise with respect to the housing 120. The first guide path 131 is hook-shaped to prevent the tether 130 from rotating prior to proximal movement of the sleeve. As the second protrusion 152b advances, it rides along ramping surface 135 and is guided into the second guide path 132. During movement in the second guide path 132, the sleeve 150 only moves axially, but does not rotate or move radially. As the sleeve 150 is further moved in a proximal direction, the first protrusion 152a on the sleeve slides along the second guide path axially.

0128Thus, the tether 130 is an intermediate component to the housing 120 and the sleeve 150 that moves axially and radially within the housing 120 and the sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover moves axially within the intermediate component and the housing. The sleeve 150 of the needle cannula cover cooperates with the intermediate component to activate the device after movement from the initial position, causing the sleeve to be biased the in the distal direction.

0129As the user of the device 110 removes the device from the patient the spring 190 that biases the sleeve in a distal direction and automatically extends the sleeve 150 to the first protrusion 152a, slides along the guide track 165 in the housing 120 and exits the guide track 165. The ledges in the housing that hold the tether by the protrusion from the tether 130 are not engaged after the device has been activated, and the spring 190 also automatically extends the tether 130 allowing the tether to fully extend until the protrusions are stopped at the distal end of the housing. As the tether 130 fully extends, the needle cannula distal tip 144 is enveloped or covered by the distal end of the sleeve 150. The biased clip 170 closes the gate 177, automatically locking the device.

0130<figref idref="f0039">FIG. 47</figref> shows a spacer 200 that can be mounted in the distal end of the housing for devices that are longer than 1" in length. <figref idref="f0039">FIGS. 48-50</figref> show different views of the biased clip discussed above. The clip shown has a first bend 198 and a second bend 199 to provide an N-shaped biasing element 176. In some embodiments, there is a single bend to provide a V-shaped biasing element. In other embodiments, there are three or more bends. The biased clip 170 includes a slot 173 and a sliding surface 194, and the needle cannula 142 slides in the slot 173 and contacts the sliding surface 194 when the sleeve moves in a distal and proximal direction as described above. <figref idref="f0040">FIG. 51</figref> shows an alternate embodiment of a biased clip 270 having full boxed in sides, which protects the biased clip 270 from debris in use and damage during assembly. <figref idref="f0040">FIG. 52</figref> shows another alternate embodiment of a biased clip 370 in a fully boxed design having bite cleats on the ends. <figref idref="f0040">FIG. 53</figref> shows another alternate embodiment of a biased clip 470 having a spiral bias design. <figref idref="f0041">FIG. 54</figref> shows another alternate embodiment of a biased clip 570, and <figref idref="f0041">FIG. 55</figref> shows another alternate embodiment of a biased clip 670 having three bends. Each of the alternate biased clip designs can be used in the devices disclosed herein.

0131Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "certain embodiments," "various embodiments," "one or more embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as "in one or more embodiments," "in certain embodiments," "in various embodiments," "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

0132Although the disclosure herein provided a description with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims.