Patent attributes
A rigid crush resistant plastic tube having quickly removable end caps. A hypodermic needle contained in a sterile needle wrapper is placed inside the crush resistant tube so that a portion of the wrapper is folded over the outside distal end of the tube. The end cap is then secured over the folded wrapper portion on the distal end of the tube in a friction fit arrangement to secure the needle wrapper between the cap and tube. In this arrangement, when the end cap is removed, it pulls the needle wrapper out of the protective plastic tube to allow for rapid access and deployment. In use, the plastic tubes are secured with elastic bands inside a carrying case, such as a first aid backpack. As the soft cases are often subject to substantial exterior impacts, the tubing significantly reduces the risk of needle breakage.
