Syringe with selectively exposed and enveloped needle

Claim 1

In a syringe, the combination comprising: (a) a tubular barrel, (b) an injection needle mounted on the barrel to freely project forwardly thereof, (c) a plunger slidable within the barrel and having a manually graspable retracting element at the rarward end of the barrel, (d) and a sleeve mounted on the barrel to slide lengthwise from retracted position in which the needle is exposed, and an extended position in which the sleeve extends protectively about the needle, (e) there being retenting means associated with the sleeve and barrel to retain the sleeve in said forwardly extended position when advance thereto from said retracted position, said retention means comprising two spring urged tabs carried by the sleeve to define cantilever arms, and slot means on the barrel near the forward end thereof for reception of portions of the tabs when the sleeve is advanced to said extended position, (f) said slot means comprising a first annular recess extending about an axis defined by the barrel, there being an annular shoulder on the sleeve and proximate said recess for blocking movement of the tabs and sleeve in a sleeve retracting direction when said portions of the tabs are received in the recess, (g) and including an additional and annular slot formed in the barrel near the rearward end thereof for radially inward storing reception of said portions of the tabs when the sleeve is in said retracted position, (h) and a ramp on the barrel intersecting said additional slot and the outer surface of the barrel, for guiding said tab portions.