Safety shield for medical needles

Abstract

A safety shield apparatus is disclosed which includes a needle having a distal portion defining a longitudinal axis which is angularly displaced relative to a longitudinal axis defined by a proximal portion of the needle. A shield is mounted with the needle and extensible, via a tubular needle guide movable along the needle, between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus may include a needle hub configured to support the proximal portion of the needle. The needle hub can include an appendage which may have at least one opening to facilitate manipulation thereof. A distal end of the shield can be attached to a planar contact surface. The shield may also include a latch engageable with the needle.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A safety shield apparatus comprising: 
 a needle shield having a planar contact surface;    a pad having a first surface mountable to the planar contact surface and a second surface configured for engagement with a body surface.    
     
     
         2 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said pad is made from a foam material.  
     
     
         3 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said pad is made from a felted material.  
     
     
         4 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said pad is made from a breathable material.  
     
     
         5 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said pad is made from a material configured for wicking moisture.  
     
     
         6 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said pad is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent.  
     
     
         7 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of said surfaces includes a thin film coating disposed thereon.  
     
     
         8 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein said thin film coating is perforated.  
     
     
         9 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said pad comprises: 
 a planar shape having a thickness defining a peripheral surface connecting said first and second surfaces; and  
 a slit extending from said peripheral surface to about a center of said pad.  
 
     
     
         10 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said pad further comprises a notch leading from said peripheral surface into said slit.  
     
     
         11 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said planar shape comprises a disk.  
     
     
         12 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 9  further comprising a needle operatively disposed with said needle shield wherein said pad is retained to said needle safety device by a friction fit between said pad and said needle.  
     
     
         13 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein said friction fit is provided between said slit and said needle.  
     
     
         14 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said pad is permanently attached to said planar contact surface.  
     
     
         15 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said pad further includes at least one through-hole.  
     
     
         16 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising means for attachment of said pad to a safety shield apparatus.  
     
     
         17 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said needle shield comprises a Huber safety needle shield.  
     
     
         18 . A safety shield apparatus comprising: 
 a needle having a distal portion and a proximal portion;    an extensible needle shield having a distal end planar contact surface and a proximal end attached to said proximal portion of said needle; and    a pad adapted for spacing between said planar contact surface and a subject's skin; said pad including 
 a first surface adapted for disposal against said planar contact surface;  
 a second surface adapted to for disposal against said subject's skin;  
 a planar shape having a thickness defining a peripheral surface connecting said first and second surfaces; and  
 a slit extending from said peripheral surface to about a center of said pad;  
   wherein said pad is retained to said safety shield apparatus by a friction fit between said pad and said needle.    
     
     
         19 . The safety shield apparatus according to  claim 18  wherein said pad further comprises: 
 a notch leading from said peripheral surface into said slit; and  
 at least one through hole providing fluid communication between said first and second surfaces.  
 
     
     
         20 . A safety shield apparatus comprising: 
 a needle having a distal portion and a proximal portion;    an extensible needle shield having a distal end planar contact surface and a proximal end and attached to said proximal portion of said needle; and    a pad adapted for spacing between a planar contact surface of a safety needle device and a subject's skin,     wherein said pad comprises: 
 a first surface adapted for disposal against said planar contact surface;  
 a second surface adapted to for disposal against said subject's skin;  
 a planar shape having a thickness defining a peripheral surface connecting said first and second surfaces; and  
 wherein said pad is permanently attached to said needle safety device.