Patent attributes
A device for covering and protecting a syringe needle after a syringe procedure includes a needle guard component, a base member component and a spring. The needle guard and base member components of the device are both formed with cylindrical shaped portions that are arranged coaxially. The base member is affixable to the syringe with the spring positioned between the needle guard and base member components to urge the components in opposite axial directions. One component is formed with a plug that extends into a guide mechanism formed on the other component. The guide mechanism includes a locking cutout, an axially aligned linear track and a deflectable arm. The arm deflects to allow linear plug movement during retraction of the needle guard over the needle and redirects the plug to the locking cutout when the needle guard moves to re-cover the needle.