Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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NEEDLE SAFETY CAP
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Generally, the present invention relates to a safety cap for use on
a pointed object. More particularly, the present invention relates to a safety
cap for a
needle, wherein the cap includes a releasable lock mechanism and a permanent
lock
mechanism and is adapted to cover the pointed end of the needle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A major concern for health care professionals, including doctors,
physician assistants, nurses, and medical technicians, is their own personal
safety
while providing medical care to others. Often, these health care professionals
are
required to perform procedures on patients who have transmittable diseases and
pathogens, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, staphylococcus and
streptococcus
bacteria, as well as others. Surgery, in particular, presents significant
risks to doctors
and nurses because they must use sharp instruments in confined spaces, with
the
instruments becoming covered in the patient's own blood, serum, bile, and pus.
If a
doctor or nurse were to stab or jab themselves with one of these sharp
instruments
they would be at significant risk of contracting whatever diseases or
pathogens the
patient was carrying.
[0003] One surgical device which is of particular concern, and which
presents heightened risks, is a trocar. A trocar is an elongated, highly
polished, spear-
like instrument that is typically utilized to create stab wounds through a
patient's soft
tissue. The trocar usually has a tube or drain attached to one end, and a
point on the
other, so that the pointed end may be inserted into and advanced through the
patient's soft tissue in order to create a passageway for the tube, which then
acts as a
drain for fluids within the body cavity where a surgical procedure is to be
performed.
A variety of designs for the sharp points on the trocar are available, some
with sharp
ridges to cut flesh and others with conical pointed ends.
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[0004] The drain tube is cut from the trocar after the trocar has
advanced through the patient's soft tissue to create an opening. The drain
tube
extends from the body, through the patient's soft tissue, and to a reservoir
outside the
body to collect fluids. Surgical drain tubes are used in a wide variety of
surgical
procedures, and are typically made from soft materials such as plastics and
rubbers.
[0005] Trocars have conventionally been inserted by hand by a doctor or
nurse wearing gloves. The trocar is usually inserted into the body cavity,
forced
through the patient's soft tissue by hand from within the cavity, and then
grasped
from the outside and advanced the remainder of the way through the tissue
until only
the hose is extending through the opening in the patient's soft tissue.
Because the
trocar is highly polished and the environment in which it is used contains
various
fluids, it is difficult for doctors and nurses to grasp the device to push or
pull it
through the patient's soft tissue. Furthermore, it is extremely dangerous to
grasp the
pointed end of the trocar when attempting to advance it through the patient.
Difficulties encountered while using the trocar may also be dangerous to the
patient
because a slip or error while doing so could cause unnecessary harm to the
patient.
Another concern with trocar devices is their safe disposal after being used.
Oftentimes,
a trocar is covered in a patient's fluids after being inserted through the
patient's soft
tissue, and by virtue of its sharp pointed end continues to present a hazard
when
discarded. If improperly disposed of, trocars will be a danger to anyone who
subsequently handles them or comes in contact with them.
[0006] Several devices have been developed to assist in the insertion of
trocars during surgical procedures. These devices, disclosed in U.S. Patent
No.
6,613,039 and U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0092891, include a holder
mechanism for holding a trocar and a receiving mechanism for receiving the
trocar. In
use, the holder mechanism is positioned in or adjacent to the internal cavity
within
the patient and the receiving mechanism is positioned on the exterior of the
patient to
receive the trocar after it passes through the patient's soft tissue. These
devices, while
providing some safety advantages, are unnecessarily large and bulky, are
awkward to
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use due to their size and shape, and require cleaning and sanitization between
uses to
prevent contamination from one patient to another.
[0007] Thus, it is believed that there is a need for an economical and
easy to use safety device to assist health care professionals in using trocar
devices, and
other needles, while also protecting them from possible contamination due to
pathogens carried by the patient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Any one or more of the foregoing aspects of the present
invention, together with the advantages thereof over known art relating to
safety caps
for pointed objects which will become apparent from the specification and
drawings
that follows, may be accomplished by the invention as hereinafter described
and
claimed.
[0009] In general, the present invention provides a needle assembly
including a needle having a pointed end, and a safety cap that is removably
secured
on the pointed end of the needle by a lock mechanism and must be removed prior
to
using the needle. The safety cap is adapted to be permanently secured over the
pointed end of the needle by a locking mechanism after the needle has been
used.
[0010] The needle assembly may be further characterized by including a
needle that is a trocar.
[0011] The needle assembly may be further characterized by a safety cap
having an elongated body with a bore extending partially therethrough, and a
sleeve
cap defining an inner cavity and with an aperture in one end. The sleeve cap
is
slidably positioned on one end of the elongated body, and the bore and the
aperture
are positioned on a common axis to form the opening in the cap and are adapted
to
receive the needle therein.
[0012] The needle assembly may be further characterized by a releasable
lock mechanism that is released by compressing the slidable sleeve cap toward
the
elongated body.
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[0013] The needle assembly may be further characterized by an
elongated body including a neck and a shoulder formed by the intersection of
the
neck and the body, the sleeve cap being positioned on the neck, and the
shoulder
providing a stop in one direction for the slidable sleeve.
[0014] The needle assembly may be further characterized by a handle
that is positioned on the elongated body on a side opposite the sleeve cap.
[0015] The needle assembly may be further characterized by a cap
including a body and a pushbutton, the body having an opening therein and the
pushbutton being slidably received in the opening in the body.
[0016] The needle assembly may be further characterized by a safety cap
including a bore adapted to receive a needle therein and a locking spring
positioned
within the safety cap.
[0017] The needle assembly may be further characterized by a safety cap
including an inner chamber surrounding a portion of the bore, wherein the
locking
spring includes an anchor portion and a locking portion extending from one
another
at an angle, the anchor position being secured to an outer wall of the inner
chamber,
and the locking portion having a hole therethrough.
[0018] The needle assembly may be further characterized by a locking
spring that is made of a strip of metal.
[0019] The needle assembly may be further characterized by including
an anchor portion and a locking portion that extend from one another at an
angle of
between approximately 95 and 140 when the locking spring is in a static
position.
[0020] The needle assembly may be further characterized by a hole in
the locking portion that is substantially aligned with the bore when the
locking spring
is in the static position.
[0021] The needle assembly may be further characterized by a pivoting
flap that forms part of the outer wall of the inner chamber and provides
access to the
inner chamber from the exterior of the safety cap.
[0022] The needle assembly may be further characterized by a locking
spring that is secured to an interior surface on the pivoting flap.
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[0023] The needle assembly may be further characterized by a pivoting
flap that includes a lock that permanently secures the flap closed and
prevents
reopening of the flap after it has been initially secured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a needle safety cap assembly
according to the concepts of a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the needle safety cap
assembly of Fig. 1.
[0026] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the needle safety cap assembly taken
substantially along line 3-3 of Fig. 1 wherein the needle is in a releasably
locked
position.
[0027] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the needle safety cap assembly of Fig.
3 in a released position.
[0028] Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the needle safety cap assembly of
Figs. 3 in a permanently locked position.
[0029] Fig. 6 is sectional view of a needle safety cap assembly having a
removable handle according to the concepts of a second embodiment of the
present
invention.
[0030] Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the needle safety cap assembly of Fig.
6 with the handle removed.
[0031] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a needle safety cap assembly
according to the concepts of a third embodiment of the present invention
wherein the
needle is in a releasably locked position.
[0032] Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the needle safety cap assembly of Fig.
8, wherein the safety cap is in a released position.
[0033] Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a needle safety cap assembly
according to the concepts of a fourth embodiment of the present invention
wherein
the needle assembly is in a releasably locked position.
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[0034] Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the needle safety cap assembly of
Fig. 9 in a released position.
[0035] Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the needle safety cap assembly of
Fig. 9 in a permanently locked position.
[0036] Fig. 13 is a sectional view of a needle safety cap assembly
according to the concepts of a fifth embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the
needle is in a releasably locked position.
[0037] Fig. 14 is a top view of a needle safety cap assembly according to
the concepts of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] Fig. 15 is a front view of the needle safety cap assembly of Fig.
14.
[0039] Fig. 16 is a sectional view of the needle safety cap assembly of
Fig. 14, wherein the needle is positioned in the safety cap but is not yet
locked
therein.
[0040] Fig. 17 is a sectional view of the needle safety cap assembly of
Fig. 14, wherein the needle is releasably locked in the safety cap.
[0041] Fig. 18 is a sectional view of the needle safety cap assembly of
Fig. 14, wherein the needle has been removed from the safety cap.
[0042] Fig. 19 is a sectional view of the needle safety cap assembly of
Fig. 14, wherein the needle is permanently locked within the safety cap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0043] A first embodiment of the needle safety cap assembly according
to the concepts of the present invention is shown in Figs. 1-5 and is
indicated
generally by the numeral 10. Needle safety cap assembly 10 generally includes
an
adjustable body member, generally indicated by the numeral 12, and a needle-
receiving sleeve, generally indicated by the numeral 13. In at least one
embodiment,
the sleeve 13 is slidably engaged to the body member 12, and together, the
body
member 12 and sleeve 13 operate to receive a needle 14 and either releasably
lock or
permanently lock the needle safety cap assembly 10 onto the pointed end of the
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needle 14. In one embodiment, the needle 14 may be released. and physically
separated from the needle safety cap assembly 10 while in use, but rejoined to
the
needle safety cap assembly 10 upon completion of its use as more specifically
detailed
below.
[0044] In at least one embodiment, the body member 12 of the needle
safety cap assembly 10 is elongated and includes a body portion 15 and a neck
16
extending therefrom. Body portion 15 may have any shape or configuration known
in
the art, but should be adapted to be useful for its intended purpose. As shown
in Figs.
1-2, body portion 15 includes a generally cylindrical portion 17 with an
extending
flange 18 adapted to receive the neck 16. Neck 16 has a smaller cross-
sectional profile
than the flange 18 of body portion 15 and is separated therefrom by a shoulder
19
formed by the intersection of neck 16 and body portion 15. A bore 20 is
defined by
the inside diameter of a wall 21 of neck 16 and extends through neck 16 and at
least
partially through body member 12. Body member .12 may optionally include a
handle
or handles, such as arms 22 extending from body portion 15. In one embodiment,
handle 22 may extend radially from body portion 15. In another embodiment,
handle
22 may be releasable from body portion 15. Handle 22 may be of any size, shape
or
configuration known in the art but should be adapted to make holding and
gripping
the needle safety cap assembly 10 easier for a user. As shown in Figs 1 and 2,
handle
22 includes a pair of arms extending from body member 12.
[0045] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, sleeve 13 of needle safety cap
assembly 10 may be slidably positioned on neck 16 of body member 12. More
particularly, in the embodiment illustrated, sleeve 13 is provided with a
needle
receiving portion 24 and a flange 25 extending therefrom. The receiving
portion 24
may have any shape or configuration known in the art, but should be adapted to
be
useful for its intended purpose. The receiving portion 24 defines an opening
26
therein for receiving the needle 14. In one embodiment, the opening 26 is more
particularly defined by a wall 27 that is tapered to facilitate insertion of a
needle 14,
as will be discussed in greater detail below. At its narrowest, opening 26
should be
large enough in diameter to allow the needle 14 to easily be received
therethrough.
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[0046] In the embodiment shown, flange 25 is generally cylindrical in
shape and defines an inner cavity 28 for receiving neck 16. Flange 25 may be
provided in any shape known in the art, but should be of a size and shape that
is
complementary to neck 16 such that neck 16 is slidably received within flange
25. In
an alternative embodiment, flange 25 may be smaller in diameter than neck 16
and,
as such, may be slidably received within neck 16. As best seen in Figs. 3-5,
flange 25
has an inner diameter that is approximately equal to but slightly greater than
the
outer diameter of neck 16, thereby allowing flange 25 to be slidingly received
on neck
16. Flange 25 is aligned coaxially on neck 16 such that bore 20, opening 26
and inner
cavity 28 are coaxial with one another. Shoulder 19 may act as a stop in one
direction to prevent further sliding of sleeve 13 in that direction.
[0047] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a releasable locking mechanism,
generally indicated by the numeral 30, is disposed within needle safety cap
assembly
10. In the embodiment illustrated, releasable locking mechanism 30 includes a
first
annular washer 32, a second annular washer 33, and a spring 34. As with most
washers, both first washer 32 and second washer 33 have an aperture 35 and 36
therethrough, respectively. Spring 34 has an outer diameter approximately
equal to
the outer diameter of washers 32 and 33 and is generally aligned with the
washers
32, 33. As more particularly shown in Fig. 3, first washer 32 is received
coaxially in
bore 20 of neck 16 and is retained in place by a lip 38 within bore 20 where
the inner
diameter of bore 20 decreases in size. Spring 34 is aligned coaxially with
first washer
32 and within bore 20 with one end of the elongated spring positioned adjacent
to
and in contact with first washer 32. Second washer 33 is positioned such that
its
center within aperture 36 lies on an axis with first washer 32 and spring 34
within
bore 20 or inner cavity 28, and is adjacent to and in at least partial contact
with an
end of spring 34 opposite the first washer 32, but, as shall be described,
second
washer 33 is not necessarily coaxial with the spring34 and first washer 32.
Nevertheless, spring 34 is "sandwiched" between washers 32 and 33 within bore
20.
[0048] As best shown in Fig. 2, wall 21 of neck 16 of body member 12 is
provided with a slot 39 extending longitudinally from the end of wall 21
distal to the
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body portion 15 for a distance less than the full length of neck 16. A first
projection 40
is provided through a projection-receiving aperture 41 in neck 16 such that at
least a
portion of the projection extends into bore 20 diametrically opposite of slot
39. A
portion of first projection 40 also extends outward from neck 16 and
[0049] First projection 40 may be secured within neck 16 by any method
known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, by using a
cylindrical rod press
fit into the projection-receiving aperture 41 within neck 16, or, for example,
by using
a threaded screw to thread the screw into a threaded aperture 41 in neck 16.
First
project 40 is accessible from outside of sleeve 13 because sleeve 13 includes
a slot 42
within flange 25. That is, flange 25 includes a slot 42 extending
longitudinally for a
distance less than the full length of flange 25.
[0050] A second projection 44 is provided through a second projection-
receiving aperture 45 in sleeve 13 such that at least a portion of that
protection
extends within inner cavity 28 diametrically opposite of slot 42. This second
projection 44 may be secured within sleeve 13 by any method known to those
skilled
in the art, such as, again, by using a cylindrical rod press fit into the
second
projection-receiving aperture 45 within flange 25, or, for example, by using a
threaded screw to thread the screw into a threaded aperture 45 in flange 25.
[0051] Thus, when assembled, first projection 40 is received within slot
42 on sleeve 13, and second projection 44 is received in slot 39 in neck 16.
The
interaction of the projections and slots act to secure sleeve 13 to neck 16
while also
controlling and restricting the movement of sleeve 13 relative to body member
12.
[0052] A permanent locking mechanism, generally denoted by the
numeral 46, may also be provided within bore 20, and is generally distal from
the
needle receiving opening 26 of the safety cap assembly 10, as compared to the
releasable locking mechanism 30. The permanent locking mechanism 46 may be
adjacent to and in contact with a second lip 48 defined by another decrease in
the
diameter of bore 20, and therefore, may be coaxial with the first washer 32
and spring
34 of the releasable locking mechanism 30. It will be appreciated that
permanent
locking mechanism 46 may be any mechanism known to persons skilled in the art
that
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is capable of permanently securing a narrow rod-like article, such as a
needle, therein.
In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1-5, the permanent locking
mechanism 46 is a lock washer 47, as is well known in the art. Lock washer 47
includes a solid outer annular portion 50 and inwardly extending teeth 52.
Teeth 52
are capable of deflecting and when deflected act to secure a needle within
safety cap
10, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
[0053] With reference now to Fig. 3, a needle 14 with a pointed end 54
is shown releasably secured within safety cap 10 by releasable locking
mechanism 30.
Needle 14 is positioned within apertures 35 and 36 of first and second washers
32 and
33, respectively, and within spring 34. In the unactuated state of Fig. 3
second washer
33 is biased by spring 34 such that it is not coaxial with the first washer 32
or spring
34. In this manner, second washer presses on first projection 40 of neck 16
and
second projection 44 of sleeve 13. Second projection 44, and consequently
sleeve 13,
is pressed by spring 34 in the direction opposite of first washer 32 as far as
allowed by
slot 42. Due to the placement of first projection 40, which is closer to first
washer 32
than second projection 44, second washer 33 is angled relative to first washer
32
when safety cap assembly 10 is in an unactuated state. The angle of second
washer 33
effectively reduces the size of aperture 36, causing it to contact and engage
needle 14
and prevent it from being pulled out of safety cap assembly 10. That is, the
bias
pressure of spring 34 that acts upon second washer 33, together with the fact
that first
and second projections 40 and 44 are not aligned opposite each other, causes
the
second washer 33 to turn at an angle and effectively hold the needle 14 in
place
within the safety cap assembly 10.
[0054] Based upon the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, needle 14 may be
removed from safety cap assembly 10 as shown in Fig. 4. When sleeve 13 is
pressed
towards handle 22 of body member 12 (or vice versa), second projection 44
slides
within slot 39 and first projection 40 slides within slot 42, until the first
and second
projections 40 and 44 are substantially aligned with each other. This movement
of
the first and second projections 40, 44 allows second washer 33 to turn from
its
irregular angle so as to be aligned and substantially coaxial with the first
washer 32.
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In other words, pressing the sleeve 13 and body member 12 together will act to
compress the spring 34 and bring the projections 40, 44 into alignment. When
safety
cap assembly 10 is fully compressed as far as first projection 40 and slot 42
will
permit, second washer 33 is substantially parallel and coaxial to first washer
32,
thereby effectively increasing the size of aperture 36 of the second washer
33. Thus,
the compressing of safety cap assembly 10 by pressing sleeve 13 and body
member 12
together actuates release lock mechanism 30 to release needle 14 and allow it
to be
pulled out. When needle 14 is removed and sleeve 13 is released, safety cap
assembly
returns to an unactuated state by virtue of the biasing force of spring 34.
Needle 14
10 may be provided to medical personal having safety cap assemblylO already
positioned
thereon, cap assembly 10 being removed from needle 14 prior to its use.
[0055] With reference to Fig. 5, needle 14 is shown permanently secured
within safety cap assembly 10. After needle 14 has been used it is reinserted
into
safety cap assembly 10 so that pointed end 54 is covered and poses no danger
to the
surgeons or the patient. Needle 14 is pushed into cap assembly 10 through
needle
receiving opening 26 and into inner cavity 28 and, further, through bore 20
until it
passes through permanent lock mechanism 46, which in this case is a lock
washer 47.
As needle 14 passes through lock washer 47, teeth 52 deflect in the direction
of travel
and then engage needle 14 to prevent movement in the opposite direction. In
this
way, needle 14 is permanently secured within safety cap assembly 10 once the
needle
is fully inserted so that it passes through lock washer 47. In cases where
needle 14 is a
trocar, once needle 14 is permanently secured in safety cap assembly 10 handle
22
may be used to assist in advancing it the rest of the way through the
patient's soft
tissue. Needle 14 may then be disposed of with safety cap assembly 10
permanently
locked thereon, preventing anyone from being exposed to pointed end 54, which
is
now covered in the patient's fluids.
[0056] Although the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-5 is one embodiment
for a safety cap assembly 10 of the present invention, it will be appreciated
that other
embodiments may exist without detracting from the scope of the present
invention.
Thus, it will be understand that other embodiments exist and, in particular,
the
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releasable locking mechanism and the permanent locking mechanisms disclosed
above
are not viable mechanism embodiments that can be used in the present invention
to
provide safe disposal of a needle.
[0057] Figs. 6 and 7 depict an alternative embodiment of the safety cap
assembly of the present invention, generally referred to by the numeral 110,
that is
identical to the first embodiment discussed above except for an alternate
handle
design. Safety cap assembly 110 includes a body member 112 with body portion
115
and a neck 116, and a sleeve 113 slidably positioned on the neck 116. Safety
cap
assembly 110 also includes a releasable locking mechanism 130 and a permanent
locking mechanism 146. Unlike in the first embodiment of the invention, body
member 112 also includes a handle bore 123 extending partially therethrough in
an
end opposite sleeve 113. Handle bore 123 includes an annular recess 155
therein for
receiving knobs of a handle post as described herein.
[0058] A removable handle 122 is provided having a gripping portion
160, a post 162, and a pushbutton 164. Post 162 may be secured within an
aperture
(not shown) in gripping portion 160 by any method known to those skilled in
the art.
Post 162 includes a pair of depressible knobs 165 and 166 which are biased
outwardly
from post 162, but which may retreat into the post 162 when pushbutton 164 is
pressed and a force acts upon them. When post 162 and knobs 165 and 166 are
inserted into handle bore 123, knobs 165, 166 are received in annular recess
155 to
prevent removable handle 122 from being removed from handle bore 123, as is
well
known in the art. Although a specific mechanism for securing handle 122 in
body
member 112 of safety cap assembly 110 is described and shown in Figs. 6 and 7,
it
should be appreciated that any known mechanism for releasably securing a
handle to
the safety cap may be used without deviating from the scope of the present
invention.
Removable handle 122 may be reused with a plurality of safety caps 110,
thereby
reducing manufacturing .costs and preventing material waste.
[0059] Figs. 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of the safety cap assembly
of the present invention, this one being generally indicated by the numeral
210 and
including an alternate releasable locking mechanism. Safety cap assembly 210
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includes a body member 212 with a neck 216, and a sleeve 213 slidably
positioned on
neck 216. A bore 220 is provided through neck 216 and into body member 212.
Sleeve 213 defines an inner cavity 228 and includes a first opening 226
opposite body
member 212. The inner cavity 228 receives neck 216 of body member 212. First
opening 226 may have a tapered surface 227 to facilitate receipt of a needle.
Openings 220 and inner cavity 228 are elongated and positioned coaxially with
bore
220 when sleeve 213 is positioned on neck 216, so that cap assembly 210 is
adapted
to receive a needle 214 therein. Safety cap assembly 210 includes a releasable
locking
mechanism 230 and a permanent locking mechanism 246.
[0060] In this embodiment, neck 216 of body member 212 is provided
with a pair of ball pockets 270 that provide an opening from the exterior of
neck 216
into bore 220 within neck 216. Pockets 270 may be cylindrical in shape, and
may be
positioned so that they have a cross-sectional profile substantially
perpendicular to the
cross-sectional profile of bore 220. Sleeve 213 is provided with an annular
recess 272
extending from internal cavity 228 into sleeve 213. Annular recess 272 may
have a
width approximately equal to the diameter of pockets 270. Needle 214 is
provided
with an annular depression 274 therein, the depression having a concave
radius. A
ball 276 is provided within each ball pocket 270. Balls 276 have a radius
approximately equal to but less than the radiuses of ball pockets 270 and
annular
depression 274, and the width of annular recess 272. Balls 276 may be retained
within ball pockets 270 and prevented from falling into bore 220 by any method
known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, by providing a flange
or lip
extending into pockets 270 adjacent bore 220 so that balls 276 are prevented
from
escaping pockets 270.
[0061] When safety cap assembly 210 is in an unactuated position, or an
extended position as seen in Fig. 8, annular recess 272 and ball pockets 270
are. not
aligned, so balls 276 are retained within pockets 270 and protrude slightly
into bore
220. If needle 214 is positioned therein with annular depression 274 aligned
with
pockets 270, balls 276 will be received in depression 274. Needle 214 cannot
be
removed from safety cap assembly 210 while balls 276 are received in
depression 274.
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When sleeve 213 is pressed toward body member 212 on neck 216, as seen in Fig.
9,
annular recess 272 moves into alignment with ball pockets 270, allowing balls
276 to
move out of and away from annular depression 274. Needle 214 may then be
removed from safety cap assembly 210 before allowing sleeve 213 to return to
its
unactuated state. It may also be necessary to press sleeve 213 toward body
member
212, thereby aligning annular recess 272 with ball pockets 270, when inserting
needle
214 into safety cap assembly 210 through opening 226.
[0062] A fourth embodiment of the safety cap assembly according to the
concepts of the present invention is shown in Figs. 10-12, and is indicated
generally
by the numeral 310. Safety cap assembly 310 is similar to safety cap assembly
10 of
the first embodiment, and includes a body member 312. However, instead of a
neck,
the safety cap assembly 310 includes a pair of posts 316 extending from body
member
312, and a sleeve 313 with a pair of holes 323 slidably positioned on posts
316. A
bore 320 passes through sleeve 313 and into body member 312, with an opening
320
on an end of sleeve 313 opposite body member 312. Opening 320 may have a
tapered
surface 327 to facilitate insertion of a needle 314. A permanent locking
mechanism
346, such as a lock washer 347, like that disclosed in the first embodiment of
the
invention shown in Figs. 1-5, is positioned within bore 320 in body member
312.
[0063] A releasable locking mechanism 330 is provided in sleeve 313.
Releasable locking mechanism 330 includes a pair of pivoting arms 340, 342
positioned on pivot pins 341, 343, respectively. Arms 340, 342 are provided in
an
internal cavity 328 within sleeve 313 that provides space to allow arms 340,
342 to
rotate about pivot pins 341, 343, respectively. Internal cavity 328 is
partially open to
holes 323 and to bore 320 such that a portion of arms 340, 342 can extend into
holes
323, and an opposite portion can extend into bore 320. When needle 314 is
inserted
into bore 320 through opening 326, arms 340, 342 are forced to rotate in the
direction of insertion when contacted by needle 314. If needle 314 is pulled
in the
opposite direction to be removed, arms 340, 342 engage and grab needle 314 and
prevent its removal, as best seen in Fig. 10. To release needle 314, sleeve
313 is
moved toward body member 312 on posts 316, as seen in Fig. 11, causing posts
316
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to contact arms 340, 342. When arms 340, 342 are contacted by posts 316 moving
into holes 323, they rotate away from needle 314 freeing it to be pulled out
of bore
320. After needle 314 has been used it may be reinserted fully into safety cap
assembly 310, thereby permanently securing it within safety cap 310 by virtue
of
permanent locking mechanism 346 as seen in Fig. 12. Permanent locking
mechanism
346 is not unlike the locking mechanism presented in the first embodiment of
this
invention.
[0064] A fifth alternate embodiment of a safety cap assembly according
to the concepts of the present invention is shown in Fig. 13 and is indicated
generally
by the numeral 410. Safety cap assembly 410 includes a body member 412 having
a
finger shield 480 on one end and an internal cavity 428 in an end opposite
finger
shield 480. Safety cap assembly 410 also includes a pushbutton 464 slidably
received
within cavity 428. A bore 420 extends through finger shield 480, body member
412
and partially through pushbutton 464, and is adapted to receive a needle 414.
Finger
shield 480 includes an annular flange 482 that fits around body member 412 and
a
shield plate 484 that extends radially from body member 412. Safety cap
assembly
410, like the other embodiments disclosed herein, includes a releasable
locking
mechanism 430 and a permanent locking mechanism 446. In the embodiment shown
in Fig. 13, permanent locking mechanism 446 is a lock washer 447 and is
identical to
that disclosed in the first embodiment and shown in Figs. 1-5, and releasable
locking
mechanism 430 is substantially the same as that described herein and shown in
Figs.
1-5. Releasable locking mechanism 430 includes a first projection 440, a
second
projection 444, a first slot 439 and a second slot 442 that interrelate and
operate as in
the first embodiment. Releasable locking mechanism 430 also includes a first
washer
432, a second washer 433, and a spring 434 as previously described.
[0065] Pushbutton 464 includes a handle portion 422, which may be
designed and shaped to fit comfortably in the palm of a user's hand. Safety
cap
assembly 410 comes releasably locked on needle 414. To release needle 414 for
use,
pushbutton 464 is pressed into internal cavity 428, thereby causing second
projection
444 to move into axial alignment with first projection 440, causing second
washer
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433 to pivot and release needle 414. After needle 414 has been used, safety
cap
assembly 410 is placed over it with finger shield 480 facing the pointed end
of the
needle and protecting the user from being jabbed or cut. Finger shield 480 may
optionally be made from a clear material, such as, for example, a clear
plastic, so that
a user of safety cap 410 can see through shield 480 to allow for easier
insertion of
needle 414 in safety cap assembly 410. Needle 414 is then pressed fully into
bore 420
and through lock washer 447, permanently securing safety cap assembly 410 on
needle 414, and, in the case of a trocar, allowing a user to pull on handle
portion 422
to advance needle 414 the rest of the way through the patient.
[0066] Yet another embodiment of the safety cap assembly is shown in
Figs. 14-19 and is indicated generally by the numeral 510. Safety cap assembly
510
includes a body 512 that is generally cylindrical in shape. It should be
appreciated,
however, that body 512 may be provided in alternative shapes without deviating
from
the scope of the invention. Body 512 includes a receiving end 513 where a
flange 516
extends outwardly therefrom. As shown in the drawings, flange 516 may include
a
generally tapered outer surface forming a generally conical protrusion from
body 512.
The interior of receiving end 514 includes a tapered wall 518 surrounding the
opening of a bore 520 through body 512. Tapered wall 518 helps to funnel a
needle
514 (Figs. 16-19) into bore 520, which extends through body 512 and terminates
at
an end wall 521. Bore 520 is positioned concentrically within safety cap 510.
[0067] Body 512 also includes an inner chamber 522 around a section of
bore 520. Inner chamber 522 includes a main chamber 524 that extends radially
outward from bore 520 and a secondary chamber 526 that extends from and is
connected to a portion of main chamber 524 and is oriented generally parallel
with
bore 520, as shown in Figs. 16-19. A spring 528 is positioned within inner
chamber
522 and is adapted to act as a locking mechanism. Spring 528 includes an
anchor
portion 530 and a locking portion 532 that is connected to the anchor portion
530 at
an elbow 534.
[0068] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, spring 528 is
provided in the form of a small strip of metal having high yield strength, and
therefore
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possessing a tendency to return to its static position. As such, when spring
528 is
forced to bend at elbow 534 in either direction it will, in response, exert a
force in the
opposing direction due to the tendency to return to the static position.
Anchor
portion 530 and locking portion 532 are oriented at an angle relative to one
another
by virtue of elbow 534. In one or more embodiments, anchor portion 530 and
locking
portion 532 are positioned at an angle of between approximately 95 and 140
relative to one another. Anchor portion 530 of spring 528 is secured to an
outer wall
of inner chamber 522 and extends between main chamber 524 and secondary
chamber 526. Locking portion 532 extends from elbow 534 toward bore 520 and
receiving end 513, thereby obstructing bore 520 when spring 528 is in its
static
position. Locking portion 532 of spring 528 includes a hole 538 therethrough.
Hole
538 is generally aligned with bore 520 when spring 528 is in a static
position.
[0069] A pivoting flap 536 is provided in body 512 of safety cap 510 that
provides access to inner chamber 522. Flap 536 forms a portion of the outer
wall of
both main chamber 524 and secondary chamber 526, and anchor portion 530 of
spring 528 is secured to the inner surface of flap 536. Anchor portion 530 may
be
secured to flap 536 by any method known to those skilled in the art, including
by
adhesives or mechanical fasteners. Flap 536 includes a lock 540 that prevents
the flap
from being reopened after it has been secured closed for the first time. In
the
embodiment depicted in the drawings, lock 540 is simply a tongue and groove
type
lock, as is well known in the art. It should be appreciated, however, that any
lock
known to those skilled in the art and suitable for the intended purpose may be
used.
[0070] Referring now to Figs. 16-19, the operation of safety cap 510 will
be described. After manufacturing and before packing and shipping the product
to a
customer, flap 536 is in an open position, and spring 528 is partially
exposed, as
shown in Fig. 16. Needle 514, or any needle, is inserted through receiving end
513 of
body 512 so that it is positioned within bore 520. Once needle 514 has been
inserted
into safety cap 510, flap 536 is closed, causing spring 528 to engage needle
514 and
to bend at elbow 534, thereby applying pressure on needle 514, as shown in
Fig. 17.
When flange 536 is closed, lock 540 permanently secures flap 540 to body 512.
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[0071] When needle 514 is first removed from safety cap 510 to be used,
spring 528 returns to its static position and obstructs bore 520, as shown in
Fig. 18.
After needle 514 has been used, or is otherwise ready to be disposed of, it
may be
reinserted into bore 520 of safety cap 510. When needle 514 engages locking
portion
532 of spring 528 as it is reinserted into bore 520 it causes spring 528 to
bend at
elbow 534 until locking portion 532 is generally perpendicular to anchor
portion 530.
When locking portion 532 is in the generally perpendicular position, hole 538
is
substantially aligned with bore 520 and allows needle 514 to pass therethrough
until
it is fully inserted into safety cap 510, as shown in Fig. 19. Needle 514 is,
at this
point, permanently secured in safety cap 510 and can be safely disposed of. If
an
attempt is made to remove needle 514 from safety cap 510, the movement of
needle
514 in the removal direction will cause locking portion 532 of spring 528 to
move
therewith, thereby causing the hole 538 to become un-aligned with bore 520.
When
the hole 538 is not substantially aligned with bore 520 it will bind or catch
on the
outer surface of needle 514 and prevent movement of the needle relative to the
hole.
An increased removal force acting on needle 514 will only cause an increased
binding
force on the needle by hole 538 that will prevent removal.
[0072] Although the present invention has been described in
considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments, other embodiments
are
possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be
limited
to the description of the embodiments contained herein.
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