Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A catheter mechanism having a proximal and distal end containing: a catheter, a needle insertable into said catheter, said needle attached to a housing; and a needle guard slidable with respect to said housing, said needle guard movable from a non-shielded position wherein said needle is exposed to a shielded position wherein said needle is covered by said needle guard; wherein said needle guard is of a construction such that at the proximal end of the catheter mechanism, said needle guard is able to telescope into itself.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
15 words
The catheter mechanism of claim 1 wherein the needle guard is of two piece construction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The catheter mechanism of claim 2 further containing means partially on said needle guard and partially in said housing for locking said needle guard in its shielded position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The catheter mechanism of claim 2 wherein a first of said pieces is located proximal a second of said pieces, and said first piece fits within said second piece when said needle guard in not in its extended position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
170 words
A catheter assembly comprising: a needle housing; a flash chamber located in the exterior of said needle housing and having a hollow needle extending from the distal end thereof; a tubular needle guard slideably located within said needle housing and including an aperture at its distal end for passage of said hollow needle therethrough; a catheter and catheter hub assembly suitable for mounting on the distal end of said needle guard; and means for locking said needle guard in an extended position relative to the distal end of said needle housing; wherein said flash chamber is located within said slideable needle guard; and wherein said flash chamber further includes a base for securing said flash chamber within said needle housing, and wherein said needle guard further includes a longitudinally extending slot which engages said flash chamber base as said needle guard slides within said needle housing; and wherein said needle guard is of a two piece construction such that one said piece can telescope into the said second said piece.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The catheter mechanism of claim 5 wherein said needle guard has a slot in both said pieces, said needle guard slidable along said slot with respect to said base.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The catheter mechanism of claim 5 wherein said two pieces are capable of being locked one with respect to the other when said needle guard is fully extended.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The catheter mechanism of claim 7 wherein said locking mechanism for said two piece assembly is located on said slot.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The catheter mechanism of claim 7 wherein said locking mechanism for said two piece assembly is located at 90° angles to said slot.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The catheter mechanism of claim 5 wherein said needle guard is at least 1.25'' in length.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The catheter mechanism of claim 5 wherein a first of said pieces is located proximal a second of said pieces, and said first piece fits within said second piece when said needle guard in not in its extended position.