Radiation-protection device for a syringe

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiation-protection device (1) intended to be fitted onto a syringe used for injecting a radioactive product. This radiation-protection device (1) comprises a tubular radiation-protection structure (11) equipped with a lateral housing (118) to accommodate a shield (12) made from a transparent radiation-protection material. One of the ends (121) of the shield (12) made of transparent radiation-protection material comprises a tenon structure (14a) designed to engage with a complementary mortise structure (14b) formed in said lateral housing (118); and a retractable locking member (14c) is designed to engage with another end (122) of said shield (12) made of transparent radiation-protection material, in order to lock said shield in position.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of the invention: Radiation protection device for syringe

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to the technical field of radiation protection devices of the “syringe protector” type which are intended to equip syringes used for the injection of radioactive product(s) to ensure the protection of operators against ionizing radiation.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Certain sectors of activity require the handling of radioactive products, emitters of ionizing radiation, such as electromagnetic radiation (X, gamma) and / or particulate radiation (alpha, beta, neutrons).

[0007] In the specific field of nuclear medicine, radioactive products are used for the implementation of diagnostic and / or treatment techniques, such as in vivo functional imaging (e.g. scintigraphy), in vitro biological diagnosis (in particular radioimmunology) and metabolic radiotherapy.

[0008] The administration of these radioactive products to the patient is often carried out using a syringe to which a radiation protection device is attached, capable of attenuating ionizing radiation, in particular to protect the operator handling this syringe.

[0009] Such radiation protection devices, commonly called “syringe protectors”, are for example described in documents EP-1 317 299, or FR-2 971 425.

[0010] This type of device generally comprises a tubular radiation protection envelope which includes - an inner surface, intended to cover at least part of the outer surface of the cylindrical body of the syringe, hereinafter called "syringe body", and - an outer surface, intended to be held by the operator.

[0011] This tubular envelope comprises - a front opening, through which the front end of the syringe body is intended to be opened, provided with a liquid suction and ejection orifice, - a rear opening, for the introduction and extraction of said syringe body, as well as for the operation of its piston, and, very often - a transparent screen made of radio-protective material, for visual access to the external surface of the syringe body (so as to visualize the level of the front end of the piston within the syringe body).

[0012] However, in the event of breakage or damage, the transparent shields made of radio-protective material in current syringe shield structures are not easy to replace. Moreover, these known syringe shield structures are often complex and expensive.

[0013] Presentation of the invention

[0014] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art, the present invention proposes a radiation protection device intended to (or designed to) equip a syringe used for injecting a radioactive product, which syringe comprises a cylindrical syringe body provided with a front end comprising an orifice for suction and ejection of a liquid and a rear end comprising an opening in which a syringe piston is fitted, which radiation protection device comprises:

[0015] (i) a tubular radiation protection structure, comprising a longitudinal axis, which tubular radiation protection structure is made at least partially of radio-protective material and comprises - an inner surface delimiting a central housing adapted to receive at least a part of said syringe body, - an outer surface, - a front opening through which said front end of said syringe body is intended to open, - a rear opening adapted for the introduction and extraction of said syringe body, as well as for the operation of said syringe plunger, - a lateral opening which opens into said central housing, which lateral opening comprises a rebate structure and forms a lateral housing, and

[0016] (ii) a screen made of transparent radio-protective material, fitted into said lateral housing and positioned resting on said rebate structure, said radio-protection device further comprising locking means for locking said screen made of transparent radio-protective material in said lateral housing, this radio-protection device being characterized in that said locking means comprise - a tenon structure provided at one end of said screen made of transparent radio-protective material, adapted to cooperate with a complementary mortise structure provided in said lateral housing, and

[0017] - a retractable locking member adapted to (or designed to) cooperate with another end of said screen made of transparent radio-protective material, which locking member is able to be activated to lock said screen made of transparent radio-protective material in position after introduction of said tenon structure into said mortise structure, and able to be deactivated to allow separation between said screen made of radio-protective material and said tubular structure.

[0018] Such a very simple structure makes it easier to assemble and disassemble the screen made of transparent radio-protective material.

[0019] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the radiation protection device according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows:

[0020] - the end of the screen made of transparent radio-protective material cooperating with the locking member comprises a screen rebate for receiving said locking member, which screen rebate comprises a rebate bottom and a rebate edge, a bottom face of said locking member being intended to come to bear against said rebate bottom of said screen rebate, to axially lock said screen made of radio-protective material, and a thickness of said locking member being intended to come to be positioned between said rebate edge of said screen rebate and an end face opposite said lateral housing, to longitudinally lock said screen made of radio-protective material;

[0021] - the lateral housing of the radiation protection device is of elongated shape and comprises a major axis which extends parallel to said longitudinal axis of said tubular radiation protection structure, which lateral housing comprises an upstream end oriented towards the rear opening side of said tubular radiation protection structure and a downstream end oriented towards the front opening side of said tubular radiation protection structure; said mortise structure is provided at said downstream end of the lateral housing; said tenon structure is provided at one end of said screen made of transparent radiation protection material intended to be oriented towards said downstream end of the lateral housing; and said retractable locking member is intended to cooperate with the end of said screen made of transparent radiation protection material positioned towards the upstream end of said lateral housing;

[0022] - the retractable locking member consists of an elastic locking ring adapted to surround the tubular radiation protection structure and the associated transparent radiation protection material screen;

[0023] - the retractable locking member in the form of an elastic locking ring is made of rubber;

[0024] - the retractable locking member in the form of an elastic locking ring comprises a flat structure which projects from the outer surface of said tubular radiation protection structure, which projecting flat structure is adapted to serve as a support structure, to come to rest in a stable manner on a receiving plane;

[0025] - the flat structure is diametrically opposite the bottom face of the locking member;

[0026] - the outer surface of the tubular radiation protection structure comprises a groove for the at least partial integration of said retractable locking member in the form of an elastic ring;

[0027] - the outer surface of the tubular radiation protection structure comprises at least one part of non-circular section adapted to prevent or limit its rolling on a receiving surface.

[0028] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0029] Detailed description of the invention

[0030] In addition, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description given with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting forms of embodiment of the invention and where:

[0031] [Fig. 1] is a side view of a first embodiment of a radiation protection device according to the invention;

[0032] [Fig. 2] is a front view of the radiation protection device illustrated in Figure 1; [Fig. 3] is a perspective view, in exploded position of the elements constituting it, of the radiation protection device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;

[0033] [Fig. 4] is a schematic view in partial longitudinal section of the radiation protection device illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, which shows an initial stage of the operation of mounting the screen made of transparent radiation-protective material on the tubular radiation protection structure;

[0034] [Fig. 5] is a view similar to Fig. 4 which shows a later stage of the operation of mounting the screen made of transparent radio-protective material on the tubular radio-protection structure;

[0035] [Fig. 6] is a view similar to Figure 5 which shows yet another later stage of the operation of mounting the screen made of transparent radio-protective material on the tubular radio-protection structure;

[0036] [Fig. 7] is a view similar to Figure 6 which shows yet another later stage of the operation of mounting the screen made of transparent radio-protective material on the tubular radio-protection structure;

[0037] [Fig. 8] is a side view of a second embodiment of a radiation protection device according to the invention;

[0038] [Fig. 9] is a front view of the radiation protection device illustrated in Figure 8;

[0039] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view, in exploded position of the elements constituting it, of the radiation protection device illustrated in Figures 8 and 9.

[0040] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0041] The radiation protection device 1 illustrated in figures 1 to 3 is intended to equip a syringe 2 used for the injection of a radioactive product.

[0042] The syringe 2, of the conventional type, is illustrated in dotted lines in figures 1 and 2; it comprises a cylindrical syringe body 3 provided with - an annular outer surface 4, - a front end 5, comprising an orifice 6 for suction and ejection of a liquid, and - a rear end 7, at the level of which a syringe piston 8 is attached.

[0043] The rear end 7 of the cylindrical body 3 comprises a rear opening 9 for the passage of the syringe piston 8; and this rear opening 9 is provided with a projecting rear collar 10. The radiation protection device 1, also called a “syringe guard”, comprises a tubular radiation protection structure 11 and a screen 12 made of transparent radiation-protective material, which, once combined, are adapted to receive the syringe body 3 of the syringe 2.

[0044] This radiation protection device 1 has the function of attenuating the ionizing radiation emitted by the radioactive liquid drawn into the syringe body 3, and it thus protects the operators (as well as the patients) against the ionizing radiation emitted by this liquid.

[0045] The radiation protection device 1 also comprises locking means 13, adapted to removably (or releasably) lock the syringe 2 inside the tubular radiation protection structure 11 associated with the screen 12 made of transparent radiation-protective material.

[0046] The tubular radiation protection structure 11 has the general form of a cylindrical body, with a longitudinal axis X, made at least partially of radio-protective material, for example tungsten, lead, tantalum or more generally any material capable of attenuating ionizing radiation.

[0047] This tubular radiation protection structure 11 includes:

[0048] - an interior surface 111 delimiting a cylindrical central housing 112 adapted to receive at least part of the syringe body 3,

[0049] - an external surface 113,

[0050] - a front opening 114 through which the front end 5 of the syringe body 3 is intended to open,

[0051] - a rear opening 115, suitable for the introduction and extraction of the syringe body 3, as well as for the operation of the syringe piston 8,

[0052] - a lateral opening 116 which opens into the central housing 112.

[0053] The cylindrical central housing 112 of the tubular radiation protection structure 11 has a diameter which corresponds, within clearance, to the diameter of the annular outer surface 4 of the syringe body 3. The length of this central housing 112 corresponds approximately to the length of the syringe body 3.

[0054] The lateral opening 116 comprises a rebate structure 117 and forms a lateral housing 118 for receiving the screen 12 made of transparent radio-protective material. The rebate structure 117 extends over the entire or practically the entire periphery of the lateral opening 116, and it forms an annular support or seating surface for the screen 12 made of transparent radio-protective material.

[0055] The radiation protection device 1 also comprises locking means 14 adapted to removably lock the screen 12 made of transparent radiation protection material in its lateral receiving housing 118, resting on the rebate structure 117.

[0056] These locking means 14 include

[0057] - a tenon structure 14a provided at one end 121 of the screen 12 made of transparent radio-protective material,

[0058] - a mortise structure 14b, complementary to the tenon structure 14a, and arranged in the lateral housing 118, and

[0059] - a retractable locking member 14c adapted to cooperate with another end 122 of the screen 12 made of transparent radio-protective material.

[0060] The tenon structure 14a is made in one piece with the screen 12 made of transparent radio-protective material.

[0061] The retractable locking member 14c here consists of an elastic locking ring adapted to surround the tubular radiation protection structure 11 and the screen 12 made of associated transparent radiation protection material.

[0062] The elastic locking ring 14c is in the form of a flat ring of constant thickness delimited by two parallel flat faces 15 and 15a, an external edge 16 and an internal edge 16a. This elastic locking ring 14c can be made of any material having elasticity characteristics. Preferably it is made of rubber.

[0063] The tenon structure 14a of the screen 12 made of transparent radio-protective material is adapted to be introduced into the mortise structure 14b of the lateral housing 118. And the locking member 14c is able to be put in place (or activated) to lock the screen 12 made of transparent radio-protective material in position after introduction of the tenon structure 14a into said mortise structure 14b, and able to be deactivated (removed) to allow separation between the screen 12 made of radio-protective material and the tubular radio-protection structure 11.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral housing 118 is of elongated shape and comprises a major axis A (figure 4) which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the tubular radiation protection structure 11. The mortise structure 14b is provided at the downstream end 118a of the lateral housing 118 (oriented towards the front opening 114 of the tubular radiation protection structure 11). The tenon structure 14a is arranged at the downstream end 121 of the screen 12 made of transparent radio-protective material which is intended to be oriented towards the downstream end 118a of the lateral housing 118. And the retractable locking member 14c is intended to cooperate with the upstream end 122 of the screen 12 made of transparent radio-protective material which is positioned towards the upstream end 118b of the lateral housing 118 (oriented towards the rear opening 115 of the tubular radio-protection structure 11).

[0065] The lateral housing 118 is oversized in length, in the direction of its major axis A, to allow the operation of engaging the tenon structure 14a in the mortise structure 14b, as well as the operation of removing the tenon structure 14a from the mortise structure 14b. The locking member 14c is adapted to surround the tubular radiation protection structure 11 / screen 12 assembly made of radio-protective material, at the upstream end 122 of this screen 12 made of transparent radio-protective material.

[0066] The outer surface 113 of the tubular radiation protection structure 11 comprises a fitting groove 17 for the partial integration of the locking member 14c in the form of an elastic ring. This fitting groove 17 is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the tubular radiation protection structure 11; it ensures correct and stable positioning of the locking member 14c along the length of the tubular radiation protection structure 11 and more particularly at the upstream end 122 of the screen 12 made of transparent radiation protection material.

[0067] As can be seen in particular in Figures 1 and 3 to 7, the upstream end 122 of the screen 12 made of transparent radio-protective material comprises a heel 18 which forms a screen rebate 19 delimited by a rebate bottom 191 and a rebate edge 192.

[0068] Once the screen 12 made of transparent radio-protective material is placed in its lateral housing 118, the screen rebate 19 is oriented towards the outside and, when the locking member 14c is in the active position, a bottom face 20 of this locking member 14c comes to bear against the rebate bottom 191 of the screen rebate 19, to axially lock the screen 12 made of radio-protective material.

[0069] In addition, the screen rebate 19 defines a groove 21 with the end face 22 facing the lateral housing 118. And this groove 21 receives a thickness of the locking member 14c to longitudinally lock the screen 12 made of radioprotective material (in the direction of the longitudinal axis X of the tubular radioprotective structure 11, and in the direction of the major axis A of the lateral housing 118). This thickness of the locking member 14c is positioned between the rebate edge 192 of the screen rebate 19 and the end face 22 facing the lateral housing 118.

[0070] The groove 21 in which the locking member 14c is housed is located in the continuity of the embedding groove 17 of the tubular radiation protection structure 11.

[0071] The width of the groove 21, defined by the space separating the rebate edge 192 from the screen rebate 19 and the end face 22 of the lateral housing 118, corresponds to the thickness at this level of the locking member 14c, that is to say to the distance separating the two parallel flat faces 15 and 15a.

[0072] The structure and dimensions of the various elements 11, 12 and 14c are adapted so that once the locking member 14c is correctly positioned around the tubular radiation protection structure 11 and the screen 12 made of radiation-protective material, within the groove 21, this locking member 14c undergoes a minimum of stresses (and even preferably undergoes no or practically no stresses) whether in traction or in compression, this to limit its degradation over time and optimize its service life.

[0073] As can be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 7 in particular, the locking member 14c in the form of an elastic ring is here simply partially embedded in the embedding groove 17 and in the groove 21. In this way its external edge 16 projects at least in certain areas of the periphery of the tubular radiation protection structure 11 and of the screen 12 made of radiation protective material; and this in particular makes it possible to have peripheral gripping parts to facilitate the assembly and removal of the locking member 14c. In an alternative embodiment, the locking member 14c can be completely integrated in the embedding groove 17 and in the groove 21.

[0074] The retractable locking member 14c here comprises a flat structure 23 on a portion of its external edge 16 which projects from the external surface 113 of the tubular radiation protection structure 11. This flat structure 23 is adapted to serve as a support structure, so as to come to rest in a stable manner on a receiving plane. Preferably, this flat structure 23 is provided diametrically opposite the bottom face 20 of the locking member 14c.

[0075] Starting from the tubular radiation protection structure 11 separated from the screen 12 made of radiation-protective material, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the screen 12 made of radiation-protective material is introduced into the lateral housing 118 of the tubular radiation protection structure 11 (FIG. 5), so as to come to rest on the rebate structure 117, and so that its tenon structure 14a is positioned opposite the mortise structure 14b.

[0076] Then, the tenon structure 14a of the screen 12 made of radio-protective material is introduced into the mortise structure 14b of the tubular radio-protection structure 11 (figure 6).

[0077] Finally, the locking member 14c is placed around the tubular radiation protection structure 11 and the screen 12 made of radiation-protective material, within the embedding groove 17 and the groove 21, as illustrated in FIG. 7, this activation of the locking member 14c being possible due to the elasticity of its constituent material.

[0078] In Figures 1 and 2 in particular, it can be seen that the outer surface 113 of the tubular radiation protection structure 11 comprises two longitudinal grooves 11a which extend over its entire length, parallel to the longitudinal axis X. These two longitudinal grooves 11a are adapted to receive protuberances 24, of complementary shape, arranged on the internal edge 16a of the locking member 14c. These pairs of grooves 11a and protuberances 24 make it possible to ensure correct angular positioning of the locking member 14c on the periphery of the tubular radiation protection structure 11. In an alternative embodiment, the mortise structure 14b can be provided on the side of the upstream end 118b of the lateral housing 118, the locking means 14 then being provided on the side of its downstream end 118a.

[0079] The locking means 13 for the syringe 2 are provided at the rear opening 115 of the tubular radiation protection structure 11.

[0080] These locking means 13 consist here of a pivoting latch 131 mounted in a housing 132 on a pivot axis 133. One of the ends of the pivoting latch 131 is subjected to the action of a return spring 134, and its other end comprises a hook 135 adapted to come and block the rear collar 10 projecting from the rear end 7 of the syringe body 3, in the manner illustrated in figure 1.

[0081] The return spring 134 is arranged to tend to place the hook 135 in the active locking position. The syringe 2 is released by manual action on the pivoting latch 131 against the force of the return spring 134.

[0082] Figures 8 to 10 illustrate a second embodiment of a radiation protection device 1 according to the invention.

[0083] In this embodiment, we find the tubular radiation protection structure 11 and the screen 12 made of radiation-protective material. We also find the locking means 14 between the screen 12 made of radiation-protective material and the tubular radiation protection structure 11 (with the tenon structure 14a cooperating with the mortise structure 14b, and the locking member 14c in the form of an elastic locking ring).

[0084] Here, the internal edge 16a of the elastic locking ring 14c still has the bottom face 20, but the protrusions 24 of the previous embodiment are replaced by cut sides 25.

[0085] This embodiment of figures 8 to 10 is essentially distinguished from the embodiment of figures 1 to 3 by the structure of the locking means 13 for the syringe 2.

[0086] These locking means 13 here consist of an operating ring 136 mounted on a seat 137 with the possibility of movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The operating ring 136 is provided with a locking needle 138 whose tip 138a is adapted to cooperate with the syringe body 3 (not shown in FIGS. 8 to 10). The locking needle 138 is fixed to the operating ring 136 by means of a pin 139. In the active position, its tip 138a projects slightly (by a few tenths of a mm) into the central housing 112 of the tubular radiation protection structure 11 (FIG. 9).

[0087] Furthermore, a return spring 140 is interposed between the seat 137 and an internal face of the operating ring 136 to tend to push the locking needle 138 against the syringe body 3 in place in the central housing 112.

[0088] A locking ring 141 ensures that the operating ring 136 is held in position. This locking ring 141 is positioned at the end of the radiation protection device 1 and is fixed to the tubular radiation protection structure 11 by means of fixing screws 142 which pass through the operating ring 136 via oblong orifices 143 and which are housed in orifices 144.

[0089] The fixing screws 142 are adapted so as not to tighten the operating ring 136 between the locking ring 141 and the tubular radiation protection structure 11, so as to allow the movement of said operating ring 136 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. This movement is guided and limited by the fixing screws 142 associated with the oblong orifices 143.

[0090] The positioning of a syringe 2 within the radiation protection device 1 of figures 8 to 10 is carried out by exerting a thrust on the operating ring 136 against the return force of the return spring 140, so as to retract the tip 138a of the locking needle 138, out of the central housing 112 of the tubular radiation protection structure 11.

[0091] The syringe 2 can then be suitably positioned in the radiation protection device 1. And the release of the operating ring 136 ensures the return to the active position of the tip 138a of the locking needle 138 (under the action of the return spring 140), against the cylindrical body 3 of the syringe 2, causing it to lock. The removal of the syringe 2 is carried out by a new push on the operating ring 136 to deactivate the tip 138a of the locking needle 138.

[0092] In the radiation protection device 1 according to the invention, the screen 12 made of transparent radiation-protective material can be made of lead glass. Preferably, it provides a magnifying effect to optimize the view of the end of the syringe plunger 8.

[0093] Generally speaking, the outer surface 113 of the tubular radiation protection structure 11 may comprise at least one portion of non-circular section adapted to prevent or limit its rolling on a receiving surface.

Claims

Demands

1. Radiation protection device (1) for equipping a syringe (2) used for injecting a radioactive product, which syringe (2) comprises a cylindrical syringe body (3) having a front end (5) comprising an orifice (6) for the aspiration and ejection of a liquid and a rear end (7) comprising an opening (9) in which a syringe piston (8) is mounted, which radiation protection device (1) comprises: (i) a tubular radiation protection structure (11), with longitudinal axis (X), made at least partially of radiation-protective material, which tubular radiation protection structure (11) comprises - an inner surface (111) delimiting a central housing (112) adapted to receive at least a part of said syringe body (3), - an outer surface (113), - a front opening (114) through which is intended to open said front end (5) of said syringe body (3), a rear opening (115) adapted for the insertion and extraction of said syringe body (3), as well as for the operation of said syringe piston (8), - a lateral opening (116) which opens into said central housing (112), which lateral opening (116) comprises a rebate structure (117) and forms a lateral housing (118), (ii) a screen (12) made of transparent radiation-shielding material, inserted into said lateral housing (118) and positioned to rest on said rebate structure (117), said radiation protection device (1) further comprising locking means (14) for locking said screen (12) made of transparent radiation-shielding material into said lateral housing (118), characterized in that said locking means (14) comprise - a tenon structure (14a) formed at one end (121) of said screen (12) made of transparent radio-protective material, adapted to cooperate with a complementary mortise structure (14b) formed in said lateral housing (118), and - a retractable locking member (14c) adapted to cooperate with another end (122) of said screen (12) made of transparent radio-protective material, which locking member (14c) is capable of being activated to lock said screen (12) in position in transparent radio-protective material, after insertion of said tenon structure (14a) into said mortise structure (14b), and capable of being deactivated to permit separation between said screen (12) of radio-protective material and said tubular radio-protective structure (11).

2. Radiation protection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said end (122) of said screen (12) made of transparent radiation-protective material cooperating with said locking member (14c) comprises a screen rebate (19) for receiving said locking member (14c), which screen rebate (19) is delimited by a rebate bottom (191) and a rebate edge (192), a bottom face (20) of said locking member (14c) being intended to bear against said rebate bottom (191) of said screen rebate (19), to axially lock said screen (12) made of radiation-protective material, and a thickness of said locking member (14c) being intended to be positioned between said rebate edge (192) of said screen rebate (19) and an end face (22) made of regard to said lateral housing (118), to longitudinally lock said screen (12) made of radio-protective material. [Claims] Radiation protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said lateral housing (118) is elongated and comprises a major axis (A) extending parallel to said longitudinal axis (X) of said tubular radiation protection structure (11), said lateral housing (118) comprises an upstream end (118b) oriented towards the rear opening (115) of said tubular radiation protection structure (11) and a downstream end (118a) oriented towards the front opening (114) of said tubular radiation protection structure (11), in that said mortise structure (14b) is provided at said downstream end (118a) of the lateral housing (118), in that said tenon structure (14a) is provided at one end (121) of said screen (12) made of transparent radiation-protective material intended to be oriented towards the of said downstream end (118a) of the lateral housing (118),and in that said retractable locking member (14c) is intended to cooperate with the end (122) of said screen (12) made of transparent radio-protective material positioned on the upstream end (118b) side of said lateral housing (118).

4. Radiation protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said retractable locking member (14c) consists of an elastic locking ring (14c) adapted to encircle said tubular radiation protection structure (11) and said screen (12) made of associated transparent radiation-protective material. [Claims] Radiation protection device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said retractable locking member (14c) in the form of an elastic locking ring is made of rubber. [Claims] Radiation protection device (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that said retractable locking member (14c) in the form of an elastic locking ring comprises a flat structure (23) which projects out of the outer surface (113) of said tubular radiation protection structure (11), which projecting flat structure (23) is adapted to serve as a support structure, to rest stably on a receiving plane.

7. Radiation protection device (1) according to claim 6 taken under claim 2, characterized in that said flat structure (23) is diametrically opposite to said bottom face (20) of said locking member (14c). [Claims] Radiation protection device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the outer surface (113) of said tubular radiation protection structure (11) has a groove (17) for the at least partial integration of said retractable locking member (14c) in the form of an elastic ring.

9. Radiation protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the outer surface (113) of the tubular radiation protection structure (11) comprises at least one non-circular cross-section portion adapted to avoid or limit its rolling on a receiving surface.

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