IMPROVED SAFETY CAP FOR HYPODERMIC NEEDLES WITH ANTI-NSI DESIGN

Abstract

ABSTRACT IMPROVED SAFETY CAP FOR HYPODERMIC NEEDLES WITH ANTI-NSI DESIGN The present invention relates to a safety device for hypodermic needles, specifically an improved needle cap designed to minimize the risk of needle stick injuries (NSIs) during the recapping process. The invention features a cylindrical body with an internal cavity accommodating standard hypodermic needles and an "umbrella-like" structure extending from the closed end. This structure acts as a protective barrier, shielding the user's fingers during recapping. The needle cap is compatible with various needle gauges, made from durable medical-grade materials, and may include additional features such as a locking mechanism, color-coding, and a transparent window for enhanced safety and usability. Fig. 1

Specification

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and more specifically to safety devices for hypodermic needles. In particular, the invention pertains to an improved safety cap for injection syringes designed to prevent needle stick injuries in healthcare settings and during home use of injectable medications.
[0002] This invention addresses the critical need for enhanced safety measures in the handling and disposal of hypodermic needles, with a particular focus on reducing the risk of accidental needle stick injuries during the recapping process. The field encompasses both single-use and reusable syringes, including those used for administering medications such as insulin, and is applicable across various healthcare environments including hospitals, clinics, and home care settings.

BACKGROUND
[0003] Needle stick injuries (NSIs) pose a significant occupational hazard for healthcare professionals, exposing them to blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis. Despite advancements in medical technology, existing safety devices often fall short in fully eliminating these risks due to design limitations and user errors, particularly during needle recapping.
[0004] Current safety syringes and needle protection mechanisms, while aimed at reducing NSIs, present their own challenges. Many designs require complex activation procedures or multiple steps to secure the needle, increasing the likelihood of user error. Additionally, the high cost of safer syringes has made them prohibitively expensive for widespread adoption, especially in resource-limited healthcare settings such as those in India.
[0005] The process of recapping needles, particularly with reusable syringes like those used for insulin injections, remains a critical point of vulnerability. Traditional flat or cylindrical safety caps do not provide adequate protection for the user's fingers during this process, leaving healthcare workers at risk of accidental pricks. There is a pressing need for a cost-effective, user-friendly, and reliable solution that can significantly reduce the risk of needle stick injuries while being accessible to healthcare systems worldwide.


OBJECT OF INVENTION
[0006] The present invention aims to address the critical issue of needle stick injuries (NSIs) in healthcare settings by providing a novel and effective solution. The primary object is to design a safer needle cap for injection syringes that significantly reduces the risk of accidental NSIs, particularly during needle recapping. This invention seeks to overcome the limitations of existing safety devices by introducing a unique conical or dome-shaped (umbrella-like) design that offers superior protection for healthcare workers' fingers.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to create a cost-effective solution that is accessible to healthcare systems in resource-limited settings, such as India, where current safer syringes are often prohibitively expensive. The invention strives to combine enhanced safety features with affordability, making it a viable option for widespread adoption.
[0008] Furthermore, the invention aims to improve user compliance and reduce errors associated with needle handling by providing an intuitive and easy-to-use design. By addressing these objectives, the safer needle cap invention seeks to substantially decrease the incidence of NSIs, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens and improving overall safety in healthcare environments.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to a safe needle cap for injection syringes, designed to significantly reduce the risk of needle stick injuries (NSIs) in healthcare settings. The cap features a unique conical or dome-shaped (umbrella-like) design that securely covers the needle tip, providing enhanced protection during needle recapping processes. This innovative shape ensures that the user's fingers remain above the protective dome section, minimizing the risk of accidental pricks.
[0010] Unlike existing safety devices, this cost-effective solution addresses the limitations of current designs while remaining affordable for widespread adoption, particularly in resource-limited healthcare systems. The cap is compatible with standard hypodermic needles, allowing for easy integration without the need for specialized equipment.
[0011] The invention's key advantages include improved performance in preventing NSIs, reduced production costs compared to existing safety syringes, and enhanced ease of use due to its intuitive design. By providing a more reliable and accessible solution for preventing needle stick injuries, this invention has the potential to significantly improve safety for healthcare workers and individuals administering injections at home, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] Figure 1 - Model representation of the Safe needle cap with the conical dome shaped structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0013] The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, specifically to safety devices for hypodermic needles. More particularly, the invention provides an improved needle cap design that significantly reduces the risk of needle stick injuries (NSIs) during the recapping process of injection syringes.
[0014] The safe needle cap comprises a cylindrical body with an open end and a closed end. The closed end features a unique conical or dome-shaped protrusion, hereinafter referred to as the "umbrella-like" structure.

[0015] The internal cavity of the cylindrical body is designed to accommodate standard hypodermic needles. The umbrella-like structure extends outwardly from the closed end, creating a protective barrier that shields the user's fingers during the recapping process.
[0016] In one embodiment, the safe needle cap is manufactured from a durable, medical-grade plastic material that can withstand repeated use and sterilization processes. The material may be selected from a group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, or any other suitable thermoplastic polymer that meets medical safety standards.
[0017] The dimensions of the safe needle cap are designed to be compatible with standard hypodermic needles. In one embodiment, the cylindrical body has an internal diameter ranging from 3 mm to 10 mm, accommodating various needle gauges. The overall length of the cap may vary from 20 mm to 50 mm, depending on the intended application.
[0018] The umbrella-like structure is a key feature of the present invention. In one embodiment, this structure extends radially outward from the closed end at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. The diameter of the umbrella-like structure at its widest point is preferably 1.5 to 2 times the diameter of the cylindrical body.
[0019] In operation, the user holds the syringe in one hand and the safe needle cap in the other. The umbrella-like structure allows the user to safely guide the needle into the internal cavity without risking accidental needle stick. Even if the user's hand slips during the recapping process, the umbrella-like structure serves as a physical barrier, deflecting the needle away from the user's fingers.
[0020] In another embodiment, the safe needle cap may include a locking mechanism to secure the cap to the syringe after recapping. The internal cavity may feature a series of flexible tabs near the open end. These tabs are designed to engage with the needle hub or syringe barrel, providing an audible and tactile indication when the cap is securely locked in place.
[0021] The locking mechanism may be further enhanced by including a twist-lock feature. In this embodiment, the open end of the safe needle cap includes a set of locking lugs that correspond to matching grooves on the needle hub or syringe barrel. To engage the lock, the user inserts the needle into the cap and then twists the cap clockwise, securing it in place.
[0022] To address the needs of different medical procedures and environments, the safe needle cap may be produced in various colors. This color-coding system allows for quick identification of needle gauge or medication type, enhancing efficiency and safety in healthcare settings. For example, green caps may be used for 21G needles, while blue caps could indicate 23G needles.
[0023] In yet another embodiment, the safe needle cap incorporates a transparent window along the length of the cylindrical body. This transparent section allows healthcare professionals to visually confirm the presence and condition of the needle within the cap, adding an extra layer of safety and verification.
[0024] The safe needle cap may also be designed to accommodate specialized needle types. One version is suitable for insulin pen needles. In this version, the internal cavity is shaped to fit the specific dimensions of insulin pen needle assemblies, while still maintaining the protective umbrella-like structure.
[0025] To enhance grip and ease of use, especially in situations where healthcare professionals may be wearing gloves, one embodiment of the safe needle cap features a textured external surface. The cylindrical body may include raised ridges, dimples, or other tactile patterns that improve handling and reduce the risk of the cap slipping during the recapping process.
[0026] In consideration of environmental concerns and sustainability, an eco-friendly version of the safe needle cap may be produced. This embodiment is manufactured from biodegradable materials such as plant-based plastics or other compostable polymers. While maintaining the same safety features and durability during use, this version minimizes environmental impact when disposed of properly.
[0027] For applications requiring extended needle protection, such as in laboratory settings or for hazardous materials handling, an embodiment with an extended umbrella-like structure may be employed. In this version, the umbrella-like structure extends further outward and downward, providing even greater coverage and protection against accidental needle sticks.
[0028] To address the needs of mass vaccination campaigns or other high-volume medical procedures, a multi-cap version of the invention may be produced. This embodiment features multiple safe needle caps connected by frangible links. This design allows for easy storage, quick access, and efficient use in fast-paced environments. Users can easily separate individual caps as needed.
[0029] In some medical procedures, it may be beneficial to have a cap that can be operated entirely with one hand. An embodiment of the safe needle cap includes a hinged section along one side of the cylindrical body. This allows the cap to be opened and closed using the thumb and forefinger of the same hand holding the syringe, further reducing the risk of needle stick injuries.
[0030] For specialized applications requiring precise needle alignment, such as in some dental or ophthalmic procedures, an embodiment with a guided insertion feature may be employed. This version includes internal guide rails within the cavity that help direct the needle to the proper position within the cap.
[0031] To enhance the visibility of the safe needle cap in low-light conditions or to prevent misplacement, a luminescent version may be produced. In this embodiment, the cap material incorporates glow-in-the-dark pigments or photoluminescent compounds. This feature is particularly useful in emergency medical situations or nighttime care settings.
[0032] In conclusion, the safe needle cap of the present invention provides a significant advancement in the prevention of needle stick injuries. Its unique umbrella-like design, coupled with various embodiments to suit different medical applications, offers healthcare professionals and patients a safer, more user-friendly solution for needle handling and recapping. The invention's cost-effective design and compatibility with standard hypodermic needles make it a viable option for widespread adoption, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings.
[0033] In one embodiment, the syringe system comprises a detachable and reusable protective cap that functions as a standalone component. The cap is designed with a universal fitting mechanism that allows secure attachment to and detachment from standard syringe barrels while maintaining sterility. The cap's umbrella extension, which may be constructed from medical-grade polymer, features a twist-and-lock mechanism with audible feedback to confirm proper engagement. This standalone configuration enables the cap to be sterilized independently and reused multiple times, thereby reducing medical waste while maintaining safety standards. The cap's interior surface incorporates antimicrobial properties and is designed with channels that prevent vacuum formation during removal, facilitating smooth detachment without compromising the integrity of the syringe contents. When detached, the cap maintains its structural integrity and protective properties, allowing for temporary storage and subsequent reattachment as needed during medical procedures.
[0034] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that these embodiments are provided by way of example only and that the invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein but shall be interpreted within the scope of the accompanying claims
, Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim,
1. A safe needle cap for hypodermic syringes, comprising:
• a cylindrical body having an open end and a closed end;
• an internal cavity within said cylindrical body configured to accommodate a hypodermic needle;
• an umbrella-like structure extending outwardly from the closed end of the cylindrical body, wherein said umbrella-like structure is configured to provide a protective barrier between a user's fingers and the needle tip during a recapping process; and
• wherein the umbrella-like structure is detachably connected to the cylindrical body and configured to function as a standalone protective barrier.
2. The safe needle cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the umbrella-like structure extends radially outward from the closed end at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body and is reattachable to the cylindrical body through a twist-lock mechanism.
3. The safe needle cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diameter of the umbrella-like structure at its widest point is 1.5 to 2 times the diameter of the cylindrical body, and wherein the umbrella-like structure is independently sterilizable when detached.
4. The safe needle cap as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a releasable locking mechanism configured to secure the cap to a syringe after recapping and enable multiple attach-detach cycles.
5. The safe needle cap as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism comprises:
• flexible tabs within the internal cavity near the open end, said tabs configured to engage with a needle hub or syringe barrel; and
• a secondary locking mechanism for securing the detachable umbrella-like structure to the cylindrical body.
6. The safe needle cap as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
• a transparent window along the length of the cylindrical body, allowing visual confirmation of the needle within the cap; and
• visual indicators confirming proper attachment of the detachable umbrella-like structure.

7. The safe needle cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
• the external surface of the cylindrical body comprises a textured pattern to enhance grip; and
• the detachable umbrella-like structure includes grip-enhancing features for secure handling when used independently.
8. The safe needle cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
• the cap components are manufactured from reusable, sterilizable materials; and
• each component is independently capable of withstanding multiple sterilization cycles.
9. A method for preventing needle stick injuries, comprising:
• providing a safe needle cap as claimed in claim 1;
• optionally detaching the umbrella-like structure for independent use as a protective barrier;
• guiding a hypodermic needle into the internal cavity of the safe needle cap; and
• utilizing either the attached or detached umbrella-like structure as a protective barrier between a user's fingers and the needle tip during the recapping process.
10. A system for safe needle handling, comprising:
• a hypodermic syringe with a needle; and
• a safe needle cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
o the safe needle cap is configured to fit over the needle of the hypodermic syringe; and
o the umbrella-like structure is independently usable as a standalone protective barrier when detached from the cylindrical body.

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