Safety device for holding a vial or ampule

Abstract

A safety device for holding a vial or ampule, while a syringe is used to extract liquid medication, that helps healthcare professionals avoid accidental needle sticks and remain sterile. The device is constructed of a resilient material that is easily sterilized and is U-shaped and cushioned on the interior surfaces of the arms so that two symmetrical arms can be squeezed together to grip and hold a vial or ampule.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A safety device for holding a vial or ampule comprising: 
 a handle constructed substantially of a resilient material, and formed generally in a U-shape;    a pair of symmetrical elongated arms that are substantially parallel to each other, and forming the legs of the U-shaped safety device; and    a living hinged end adjoining said elongated arms, and having sufficient elastic memory to be repeatedly flexed;    whereby the arms can be squeezed toward each other in a manner that allows the arms to grip and hold a vial or ampule.    
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device is constructed of a material that is capable of being easily and repeatedly sterilized.  
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the device is constructed of a plastics material.  
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the device is constructed of polyethylene.  
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the device is constructed of polypropylene.  
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the device is constructed of a co-polymer.  
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein each arm has an inner and outer surface, wherein the inner surfaces of each arm face each other, and wherein the inner surfaces are substantially flat.  
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein each arm has an inner and outer surface, wherein the inner surfaces of each arm face each other, and wherein an elongated cushion member is provided on each of the said inner surfaces, there further being an adhesive to attach the cushion members to the inner surfaces of the respective arms.  
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein the cushion members are constructed of a material that is capable of being easily and repeatedly sterilized.  
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein the cushion members are constructed of rubber.  
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the device is between 10 and 15 inches in length.  
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the device is between 14 and 20 inches in length.  
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the device is between 18 and 27 inches in length.  
     
     
         14 . A safety device for holding a vial or ampule comprising: 
 a handle constructed substantially of an easily and repeatedly sterilizable resilient material, and formed generally in a U-shape;    a pair of symmetrical elongated arms that are substantially parallel to each other, and forming the legs of the U-shaped safety device; and    a living hinged end adjoining said elongated arms, and having sufficient elastic memory to be repeatedly flexed;    each arm having an inner and outer surface, wherein the inner surfaces of each arm face each other, and wherein an elongated cushion member is provided on each of the said inner surfaces, there further being an adhesive to attach the cushion members to the inner surfaces of the respective arms    whereby the arms can be squeezed toward each other in a manner that allows the arms to grip and hold a vial or ampule.    
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the device is constructed of a plastics material.  
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the device is constructed of polyethylene.  
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the device is constructed of polypropylene.  
     
     
         18 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the device is constructed of a co-polymer.