Importance

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Abstract

Improved shielded medical devices which minimize accidental needlesticks of the skin by an exposed contaminated needle are provided. The medical devices include a hollow inner tube body having at least two circumferential grooves on the outside thereof, and a slightly larger diameter hollow shield which is slidable relative to the inner tube. A first circumferential protrusion which is located at the rearward end of the shield yieldingly engages the rearward groove during use of the medical device and thereby permits normal use of an exposed needle. Thereafter the shield may be moved along the longitudinal axis of the inner tube to a second position where the shield covers the now-contaminated needle. In the shielded second position a second circumferential protrusion which is located in forward proximity to the first protrusion engages the forward groove of the inner tube. The first protrusion meanwhile engages the outer surface of the inner tube and provides additional stability and strength against axial and torque forces. The inner tube has a shoulder located forward of the forward groove to help prevent the second circumferential protrusion of the shield from disengaging from the forward groove.

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First Claim