Needle protection device

A needle-protecting device, comprising:

• a needle (6) extending from the device in a forward direction when un-protected, said needle having a tip (8) at a forward end thereof;
• a rigid front part (10) including a chamber (16) therein and a hole (14) in said front part (10);
• a flexible and extensible rear part (12) connected to said front part, said rear part extensibly movable relative to said front part between a position of preparedness and an activated position, said front part and said rear part when in the position of preparedness surrounding the needle circumferentially and being spaced from a tip (8) of the needle (6);
• means for locking disposed within the chamber (16) and coupled to said front part, said means for locking in said position of preparedness allowing the needle (6) to pass through the hole (14) and in the activated position of said front part and said rear part preventing the needle (6) from passing through the hole (14), said means for locking including a resilient member (26;
• 36;
• 46) which in said position of preparedness is under tension, exerting a force substantially at right angles to a longitudinal direction of the needle (6);
• a portion of the needle being supported by said hole (14) in the front part (10) such that the resilient member (26;
• 36;
• 46) is maintained under tension in said position of preparedness, and after the front part and the rear part pass from the position of preparedness to the activated position and the needle (6) is moved rearwards relative to the front part (10) the resilient member (26;
• 36;
• 46) prevents the needle (6) from passing through said hole (14).