Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A catheter assembly comprising: a semi-tubular needle housing with an open top; a hollow needle extending from the distal end of said needle housing; a tubular needle guard slideably located within said housing and having an open proximal end, and including at its distal end means for engaging a catheter hub, said distal end having an aperture for placing a hollow needle therethrough; means located partially on said needle housing and partially on said needle guard for locking said needle guard in an extended position relative to the distal end of said needle housing; a flash chamber located within said housing and containing an open proximal end, wherein said flash chamber includes a base for securing said flash chamber within said needle housing, and wherein said needle guard further includes a slot which engages said flash chamber base; and an extension tubing engaging the open proximal end of said flash chamber, said extension tubing extending past the open proximal end of said needle guard.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
33 words
The catheter assembly of Claim 1, wherein said hollow needle extends from said flash chamber and the passageway of said hollow needle is in fluid communication with the interior of said flash chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The catheter assembly of Claim 2, wherein said flash chamber is located within said slideably mounted needle guard.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The catheter assembly of Claim 1, wherein one longitudinal end of said flash chamber base is tapered to engage said needle guard slot during assembly of said needle guard and needle housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The catheter assembly of Claim 1, wherein said needle housing further includes two lateral sides, wherein each lateral side includes a contoured finger grip.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The catheter assembly of Claim 1, wherein said needle guard further includes an upward extending push tab located in the proximity of the distal end of said needle guard.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The catheter assembly of Claim 6, wherein said needle guard further includes a plurality of projections located on the upper surface of said needle guard and accessible through said open top of said needle housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
65 words
A catheter assembly comprising a needle extending from a needle housing; a needle guard capable of sliding over said needle; a flash chamber located within said needle guard; and said flash chamber and needle guard having open distal ends; and an extension tubing engaging the open proximal end of said flash chamber, said extension tubing extending past the open proximal end of said needle guard.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The catheter assembly of Claim 8 wherein said extension tubing has a luer connection at its proximal end.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The catheter assembly of Claim 8 further including a flash plug at the end of said extension porous tubing.