#$%^&*AU2012260577B220130117.pdf#####C: NRPotbflDCC TZSA757125_1.DOC-MV11/2012 ABSTRACT A safety IV catheter comprising: a) a needle having a needle shaft and a needle tip； b) said needle shaft comprising a bulge； c) a hollow tubular catheter having a 5 proximal end； d) said hollow tubular catheter is secured to the distal end of a catheter hub； e) said catheter hub having a hub section, wherein a chamber is formed in said hub section, and having an inner wall； f) a resilient spring clip needle guard located within said chamber being formed in said hub section of said catheter hub and having a distal end wall； g) said needle being received within 10 said hollow tubular catheter when in a ready position, wherein said needle extends through said chamber, a passageway and distally beyond said catheter hub and said hollow tubular catheter so that said needle tip extends beyond the tapered distal end of said hollow tubular catheter and said needle guard located within said hub chamber is adapted to automatically snap or pivot into a retracted position for 15 blocking access to said distal needle tip and preventing further movement of said needle tip when said needle is in its retracted position； h) said needle guard being adapted to be inserted into said catheter hub and to be urged by said needle shaft into contact with said inner wall of said catheter hub so that the needle guard is retained therein； i) and a groove or bump being formed in said inner wall of said 20 catheter hub for engaging a curved protrusion of said needle guard for retaining said needle guard in said catheter hub in the ready position； j) said needle shaft of needle being adapted to engage said distal end wall of said needle guard when said needle is in its said ready position； and k) the said catheter hub being configured such that a force exerted by said needle shaft on said needle guard in 25 said catheter hub is released when said needle is retr
