Storage and dispensing system for reusable syringe

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

p-0002This application claims priority to the U.S. Patent Application 611373,120, filed Aug. 12, 2010, entitled, “Storage and Dispensing System for Reusable Syringe”, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

p-0003The present invention generally relates to systems for storing and dispensing medical cartridges and disposable needles for use with reusable syringes, and more particularly to a container for storing and dispensing cartridges and needles, and for further disposing of the used needle assemblies.

p-0004Many injectable drugs are administered using a reusable syringe and disposable needle assemblies. Frequently, injectable drugs such as local anesthetics are provided in disposable cartridges. Usually, the disposable needles are provided in a first container and the drug cartridges are provided in a separate second container. A third container is provided to dispose of the used needle assembly after the drug is administered.

p-0005Storing and maintaining multiple containers in any medical environment requires space and may increase the time required to perform a procedure because the containers may become separated and must be located. Furthermore, storing and locating a third container for disposal of used needle assemblies requires additional space to accommodate the third container and may increase the time to perform a procedure by increasing the amount of time required to locate and access the third container.

SUMMARY

p-0006In one aspect, a storage and dispensing container comprises a base having an open end and a receptacle. A first divider is secured in the receptacle, and a second divider is pivotally secured to the first divider. The first and second dividers define a first compartment having a size that is selectively adjustable by pivoting the second divider relative to the first divider.

p-0007In another aspect, an apparatus to facilitate separating a needle from its sheath comprises a body and a retaining structure positioned on the body configured to retain a sheath of a needle to facilitate separating the sheath from the needle. The retaining structure is configured to retain the sheath while the needle is in use and to facilitate covering the needle with the sheath after use of the needle.

p-0008Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent in view of the following description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0009The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with a general description of the disclosure given above, and the detailed description of the embodiment(s) given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

p-0010<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic perspective of a storage and dispensing container of a first embodiment of the present invention;

p-0011<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a top plan of the container of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

p-0012<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a top plan of a base of the container of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, in a first or empty configuration;

p-0013<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a top plan of the base of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, in a second configuration;

p-0014<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a top plan of the base of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, including needle assemblies, cartridges and an expandable bag;

p-0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a top plan of a base of a storage and dispensing container according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

p-0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a section of the base of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, taken along line <b>7</b>-<b>7</b>;

p-0017<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is an enlarged view of portion <b>8</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

p-0018<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a perspective of a holding container according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a syringe positioned therein;

p-0019<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an enlarged view of a distal portion of the syringe of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>;

p-0020<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a side elevation of a holding cushion according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a syringe positioned therein;

p-0021<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a perspective of a first embodiment of a block for facilitating the uncapping and recapping of a needle assembly;

p-0022<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a perspective of a second embodiment of a block for facilitating uncapping and recapping of a needle assembly;

p-0023<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a section of the block of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>;

p-0024<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a side elevation of a third embodiment of a block for facilitating the uncapping and recapping of a needle assembly;

p-0025<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a side elevation of a fourth embodiment of a block for facilitating uncapping and recapping of a needle assembly; and

p-0026<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a side elevation of the block of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>.

p-0027Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

p-0028The present invention is directed to a system and method for storing, dispensing and disposing of medical cartridges and disposable needles for use with reusable syringes. In one aspect of the invention, eliminates or reduces the number of containers necessary during a procedure by providing a container capable of storing and dispensing both drug cartridges and needle assemblies. Another embodiment may further reduce the number of containers used during a procedure by providing a storage and dispensing container which is also configured for the disposal of used needle assemblies. In addition to reducing the number of containers used during a single procedure which may increase a clinician's efficiency, another advantage of one embodiment of the present invention is the reduction of waste. Another advantage of one aspect of the present invention is the configuration of the container which may increase safety by reducing or eliminating the potential of accidental needle sticks upon recapping the used needle.

p-0029Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, one embodiment of a storage and dispensing system according to the present invention is designated in its entirety by the reference number <b>100</b>. The container <b>100</b> is configured for storing and dispensing needle assemblies “N” (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) and drug cartridges “C” (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) for use with a reusable syringe “S” (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>). In one embodiment, drug cartridges “C” include local anesthetic cartridges (typically 1.8 mL glass cartridges filled with an anesthetic, e.g., lidocaine HCL 2% with epinephrine 1:100,000, available from suppliers such as Hospira, Septodont, Cook Waite) and needle assemblies “N” include dental needles (e.g., hard-pack needles available from Covidien). The container <b>100</b> is further configured for the disposal of the needle assemblies “N” after being used. The container <b>100</b> is typically provided to a user preloaded with a predetermined number, type, and size of needle assemblies “N” and cartridges “C”. It is envisioned, however, that the container <b>100</b> may be provided to the user empty and require loading. In this manner, the number, type, size and combination of needle assemblies “N” and cartridges “C” may be determined by the user. The container <b>100</b> may be disposable or reusable. Although the embodiments of the present invention are described as related to storage and dispensing needle assemblies and drug cartridges for use with reusable needles, it is envisioned that the containers of the present invention may be modified to store and dispense other medical components.

p-0030With reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-5</figref>, the container <b>100</b> includes a substantially cylindrical body <b>102</b> having a base <b>110</b> and a cover <b>120</b>. Although illustrated as having a substantially cylindrical configuration, it is envisioned the container <b>100</b> may have other shapes, including, for example, cubic and ellipsoid. The base <b>110</b> and the cover <b>120</b> may be formed of plastic, polymer, metal, alloy, or other suitable material. The base <b>110</b> and/or the cover <b>120</b> may be translucent, transparent, or opaque. The base <b>110</b> and the cover <b>120</b> may be formed of the same or different materials. The cover <b>120</b> may be selectively secured to the base <b>120</b> by threads, mechanical fasteners, friction fit, or other suitable means. In addition, the cover <b>120</b> may be permanently affixed to the base <b>110</b> by bonding, welding, adhesives, or other suitable methods. The base <b>110</b> and/or the cover <b>120</b> may include a holder (not shown) for storing a reusable syringe (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>). In one embodiment, the holder is molded into the base <b>110</b> and/or the cover <b>120</b>.

p-0031With particular reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, the base <b>110</b> defines a cavity or receptacle <b>113</b> including a plurality of dividers <b>114</b>, <b>116</b>, <b>118</b>. The dividers <b>114</b>, <b>116</b>, <b>118</b> partition the cavity <b>113</b> into three compartments <b>115</b>, <b>117</b>, <b>119</b>. The first compartment <b>115</b> is configured for storing and dispensing a plurality of needle assemblies “N” and may be selectively configured to retain any number of needle assemblies “N.” The second compartment <b>117</b> is configured for storing and dispensing a plurality of drug cartridges “C” and may be selectively configured to retain any number of cartridges “C.” The first and second compartments <b>115</b>, <b>117</b> may be of equal or different sizes, and may also be sized to retain equal or different numbers of needle assemblies “N” and cartridges “C,” respectively. The third compartment <b>119</b> is configured for disposing used needle assemblies “N.”

p-0032The first divider <b>114</b> is rigidly secured in the cavity <b>113</b> of the base <b>110</b> and extends radially outward from a central pivot <b>105</b>. The second and third dividers <b>116</b>, <b>118</b> are pivotally secured to the first divider <b>114</b> at the central pivot <b>105</b> and extend radially outward from the central pivot <b>105</b> to the base <b>110</b>. The second divider <b>116</b> is configured to pivot about the central pivot <b>105</b> and is biased clockwise, as indicated by arrow “A.” The third divider <b>118</b> is configured to pivot about the central pivot <b>105</b> and is biased counter-clockwise, as indicated by arrow “B.” The first compartment <b>115</b> is bounded by the first and second dividers <b>114</b>, <b>116</b> and has a selectively adjustable size as the second divider <b>116</b> pivots relative to the first divider <b>114</b>. The second compartment <b>117</b> is bounded by the first and third dividers <b>114</b>, <b>118</b> and has a selectively adjustable size as the third divider <b>118</b> pivots relative to the first divider <b>114</b>. The third compartment <b>119</b> is formed between the second and third dividers <b>116</b>, <b>118</b> and is also of a selectively adjustable size as the second and third dividers <b>116</b>, <b>118</b> pivot relative to each other.

p-0033Referring again to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, the cover <b>120</b> includes a first opening <b>121</b> positioned on the cover to facilitate access to at least a portion of the first and second compartments <b>115</b>, <b>117</b> of the base <b>110</b> when the cover is secured to the base. The first opening <b>121</b> may include a lid <b>122</b> and optionally a lock <b>122</b><i>a. </i>Although the lock <b>122</b><i>a </i>is shown in an unlocked position as a pivoting arm that may be keyed, the lock may be any conventional internal or external lock. In this manner, the first opening <b>121</b> provides access to needle assemblies “N” (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) and cartridges “C” (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>). In one embodiment, the lid <b>122</b> may be formed from two separate lids, each facilitating independent access to one of the first and second compartments <b>115</b>, <b>117</b>. In another embodiment, the first opening <b>121</b> may include separate openings for individually accessing the first and second compartments <b>115</b>, <b>117</b>.

p-0034The cover <b>120</b> may also include a second opening having a lid <b>123</b> and optionally a lock <b>123</b><i>a </i>configured for accessing the third compartment <b>117</b>. Although the lock <b>123</b><i>a </i>is shown in a locked position as a pivoting arm which may be keyed, the lock may be a conventional internal or external lock. The cover <b>120</b> may include a separation mechanism (not shown) formed about the opening <b>123</b> to facilitate separating a used needle assembly “N” from a reusable syringe “S” (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>).

p-0035With reference now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, in an initial or empty configuration, the second and third dividers <b>116</b>, <b>118</b> are pivoted about the central pivot <b>105</b> in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, respectively, such that the second and third dividers are adjacent to the first divider <b>114</b>. In the empty configuration, the first and second compartments <b>115</b>, <b>117</b> are minimized while the third compartment <b>119</b> occupies the remainder of the base <b>110</b>.

p-0036Referring now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, in a second configuration, the container <b>100</b> is configured for receiving needle assemblies “N” and cartridges “C” In the second configuration, the second and third dividers <b>116</b>, <b>118</b> are pivoted in counter-clockwise and clockwise directions, respectively, such that the second and third dividers are nearest one another. In this manner, the first and second compartments <b>115</b>, <b>117</b> are maximized to permit needle assemblies “N” and cartridges “C,” respectively, to be loaded. Loading the base <b>110</b> may occur before the cover <b>120</b> is secured to the base <b>110</b>. Alternatively, needle assemblies “N” and cartridges “C” may be loaded into the base <b>110</b> through the first opening <b>121</b>.

p-0037<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates the container <b>100</b> containing a plurality of needle assemblies “N” and a plurality of cartridges “C”. The third compartment <b>119</b> may include a bag <b>104</b> or other sealable body capable of preventing I liquid waste from the used needle assemblies “N” leaking of the compartment. The bag <b>104</b> may be expandable and/or stretchable such that the bag increases in size as the third compartment <b>119</b> expands and/or needle assemblies “N” are deposited. Alternatively, the base <b>110</b> and the cover <b>120</b> may be configured such that the third compartment <b>119</b> is sealed to prevent fluid leakage.

p-0038As discussed above, the container <b>100</b> may be provided to a user preloaded with needle assemblies “N” and cartridges “C,” or may require loading. Once loaded, the lid <b>122</b> on the cover <b>120</b> is opened to allow a needle assembly “N” to be removed from the first compartment <b>115</b> and a cartridge “C” to be removed from the second compartment <b>117</b> through the first opening <b>121</b>. As discussed above and as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the second divider <b>116</b> is urged in a direction “A” about the central pivot <b>105</b> and the third divider <b>118</b> is urged in a direction “B” about the central pivot <b>105</b>. As such, removal of needle assembly “N” from the first compartment <b>115</b> causes the second divider <b>116</b> to pivot clockwise, as indicated by arrow “A”, to move the remainder of needle assemblies “N” toward the opening <b>121</b>. Likewise, removing a cartridge “C” from the second compartment <b>117</b> causes the third divider <b>118</b> to pivot counter-clockwise, as indicated by arrow “B”, to move the remainder of needle assemblies “N” toward the opening <b>121</b>. In one embodiment, the base <b>110</b> includes a sloped surface (not shown) in each of the first and second compartments <b>115</b>, <b>117</b> adjacent the first divider <b>114</b>. The sloped surfaces are configured to elevate a respective needle assembly “N” or cartridge “C” relative to the other needle assemblies “N” or cartridges “C” within the respective first and second compartments <b>115</b>, <b>117</b> to facilitate removal of the respective needle assembly “N” or cartridge “C” from the container <b>100</b> through the first opening <b>121</b>.

p-0039As discussed above, pivoting of the second divider <b>116</b> clockwise causes the first compartment <b>115</b> to become smaller and pivoting of the third divider <b>118</b> counter-clockwise direction causes the second compartment <b>117</b> to become smaller, thereby enlarging the third compartment <b>119</b>. As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the bag <b>104</b> in the third compartment <b>119</b> is configured to expand and/or stretch as the second and third dividers <b>116</b>, <b>118</b> pivot relative to the central pivot <b>105</b>. Once the drug has been administered, the needle assembly “N” may be recapped and disposed of in the third compartment <b>119</b> through the opening <b>123</b> in the cover <b>120</b>. As discussed above, the cover <b>120</b> may be configured to facilitate separating the used needle assembly “N” from the reusable syringe “<b>5</b>”.

p-0040Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-8</figref>, a second embodiment of a storage and dispensing system is shown generally as storage and dispensing container <b>200</b>. The container <b>200</b> is substantially similar to the container <b>100</b> described above, and only differences between the container <b>200</b> and the container <b>100</b> will be described. The container <b>200</b> includes a substantially rectangular box <b>202</b> having a base <b>210</b> and a cover <b>220</b>. The base <b>210</b> defines a cavity <b>213</b> and includes a rigid first divider <b>214</b> and a flexible second divider <b>216</b>. The first divider <b>214</b> extends the width of the cavity <b>213</b> and is biased in a first direction, as indicated by arrows “D.” Alternatively, the first divider <b>214</b> may be fixed in place. The first divider <b>214</b> partitions the cavity <b>213</b>, forming a first compartment <b>215</b>, a second compartment <b>217</b>, and a third compartment <b>219</b>. The first divider <b>214</b> includes seal members <b>214</b><i>a </i>along its edges that form a fluid seal with the base <b>210</b>. The seal members <b>214</b><i>a </i>(<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>) function similarly to wiper blades, preventing fluid leakage from the third compartment <b>219</b> into the first and second compartments <b>215</b>, <b>217</b>.

p-0041Still referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-8</figref>, the collapsible second divider <b>216</b> extends longitudinally between a wall of the base <b>210</b> and the first divider <b>214</b>. The second divider <b>216</b> separates the first and second compartments <b>215</b>, <b>217</b> of the cavity <b>213</b>. The first compartment <b>215</b> is configured for storing and dispensing a plurality of needle assemblies “N,” and the second compartment <b>217</b> is configured for storing and dispensing a plurality of cartridges “C.” The second divider <b>216</b> is configured to collapse as the first divider <b>214</b> is biased toward the first and second compartments <b>215</b>, <b>217</b>. One or more surfaces forming the third compartment <b>219</b> may include a layer of hydrogel adhesive <b>206</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>) to secure used needle assemblies “N” to the floor of the compartment <b>219</b> when deposited after use. Hydrogel adhesive <b>206</b> may also absorb any fluids that may be present on the needle assemblies “N.”

p-0042Although the container <b>200</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is shown to be rectangular, the container may have any suitable shape including square, elliptical or circular. In one embodiment (not shown), the container is circular and comprises three concentric compartments separated by two concentric dividers. The first and the second dividers may be collapsible or expandable depending on the bias and the direction of movement of the divider. Each of the two dividers may be biased toward or away from the center of the container. Alternatively, one divider may be biased toward the center of the container and the other divider may be biased away from the center of the container.

p-0043With reference still to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-8</figref>, the cover <b>220</b> includes first and second openings <b>221</b><i>a, </i><b>221</b><i>b, </i>respectively, for accessing the respective first and second compartments <b>215</b>, <b>217</b>. Either or both of the first and second openings <b>221</b><i>a, </i><b>221</b><i>b </i>may include a lid <b>222</b><i>b </i>and optionally a lock (not shown). The cover <b>220</b> also includes a third opening <b>223</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) for accessing the third compartment <b>219</b>. As shown, the third opening <b>223</b> includes a seal member <b>224</b> configured to permit a needle assembly “N” to be received into the third compartment <b>219</b> following use. In one embodiment, the seal member <b>224</b> may include a resilient material covering the opening <b>223</b> and a slit allowing a needle assembly “N” to pass. Alternatively, the seal member <b>224</b> may include a pivotal door and optionally a lock (not shown). The seal member <b>224</b> may further be configured to facilitate separating the used needle assembly “N” from the reusable syringe “S.”

p-0044Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref>, an apparatus for holding a loaded syringe “S” includes a holding container <b>300</b>. The holding container <b>300</b> includes a base <b>310</b> and a cover <b>320</b>. The base <b>310</b> includes a substantially rigid body defining a cavity <b>313</b> and may be composed of plastic, polymer, or other suitable material and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The base <b>310</b> includes a gel matrix <b>306</b> configured for receiving the distal end of a needle of reusable syringe “S.” The gel matrix <b>306</b> may include a buffer solution, topical anesthetic, or other material. As seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the gel matrix <b>306</b> may have a honeycomb configuration.

p-0045The cover <b>320</b> of the holding container <b>300</b> is preferably formed of a pierceable material, such as Tyvek film. Tyvek is a U.S federally registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del., United States. The cover <b>320</b> is configured to receive a needle of a reusable syringe “S” and to maintain the syringe “S” in an upright position in anticipation of use. The cover <b>320</b> further operates to prevent any liquids from evaporating or leaking and/or to prevent contaminants from entering the holding container <b>300</b>.

p-0046In use, the needle of a loaded syringe “S” is pierced through the cover <b>320</b> and lodged into the gel matrix <b>306</b>. The cover <b>320</b> and the gel matrix <b>306</b> operate to maintain the syringe “S” in the upright position. When the syringe “S” is needed, the needle of the syringe “S” is withdrawn from the gel matrix <b>306</b> and through the cover <b>320</b>. The holding container <b>300</b> may be used repeatedly during a procedure. It is envisioned that the holding container <b>300</b> may be incorporated into or used together with either or both of the storing and dispensing containers <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> described above.

p-0047Referring now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for holding a loaded syringe “S” is shown generally as holding cushion <b>400</b>. The cushion <b>400</b> includes a base <b>410</b> and a cushion member <b>420</b>. The base <b>410</b> is a substantially circular body configured to be selectively or securely attached to a working surface, i.e., an operating tray, or other location. The base <b>410</b> may include an adhesive pad, hook and loop fasteners, or other suitable fastening means to secure the base to the working surface. The cushion member <b>420</b> includes a foam block <b>422</b> and a pierceable cover <b>424</b>. The foam block <b>422</b> may include a closed cell structure and may further include one or more materials for treating the needle of the syringe “S”, e.g., an anti-microbial or antiseptic. It is envisioned the holding cushion <b>400</b> may be incorporated into or used together with either or both of the storing and dispensing containers <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> described above.

p-0048<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-17</figref> illustrate an apparatus to facilitate separating a hypodermic needle from its sheath, maintaining the sheath, and facilitating the re-capping of the needle following use. Referring initially to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, a block <b>500</b> has a sloped plane <b>502</b> having shallow and deep ends <b>502</b><i>a, </i><b>502</b><i>b, </i>respectively. The length of the sloped plane <b>502</b> is slightly shorter than the length of a respective needle sheath, such that the opening in the sheath will be elevated slightly higher than the block <b>500</b>. The block <b>500</b> may be formed of plastic, polymer, or other suitable material. The block <b>500</b> further includes indents <b>504</b> formed along the sloped plane <b>502</b>. The indents <b>504</b> are configured to frictionally engage a needle sheath to facilitate separating the sheath from the needle, to retain the sheath during use of the syringe “S” and to facilitate receiving the needle back into the sheath after use.

p-0049Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13 and 14</figref>, an alternate embodiment of an apparatus to facilitate separating, maintaining, and re-capping a needle assembly “N” is shown generally as block <b>600</b>. The block <b>600</b> has an elongate cylindrical slot <b>602</b> that tapers from a first end <b>602</b><i>a </i>to a second end <b>602</b><i>b. </i>The elongate slot <b>602</b> is configured to receive a needle assembly “N” of a reusable syringe “S”. The block <b>600</b> includes a ridge <b>604</b> formed near the second end <b>602</b><i>b </i>of the elongate slot <b>602</b>. The ridge <b>604</b> is configured to facilitate separating a sheath from a needle assembly “N”. In use, a needle assembly “N” having a sheath is loaded in the elongate slot <b>602</b>. As the syringe “S” of the needle assembly “N” is pulled in the direction of the arrow “E”, the ridge <b>604</b> engages the sheath of the needle assembly, and separates the sheath from the syringe. The sheath remains in the elongate slot <b>602</b> while the syringe “S” is used. The syringe “S” may then be recapped by inserting the needle of the syringe through the second end <b>602</b><i>b </i>of the elongate slot <b>602</b> and into the sheath.

p-0050Referring now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, another embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating separating, maintaining, and re-capping a needle assembly “N” is shown generally as block <b>700</b>. The block <b>700</b> has a recess <b>702</b> that tapers from a first end <b>702</b><i>a </i>to a second end <b>702</b><i>b. </i>The recess <b>702</b> is configured to receive a needle assembly “N” of a reusable syringe “S”. The tapered configuration of the recess <b>702</b> permits the block <b>700</b> to frictionally engage the sheath of the needle assembly “N.” The recess <b>702</b> is configured such that the frictional engagement of the sheath is sufficient to permit the sheath to be disengaged from the syringe “S”, thereby separating of the sheath from the syringe as the syringe is retracted from the block <b>700</b>. The syringe “S” may be recapped in the reverse manner.

p-0051With reference now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16 and 17</figref>, yet another embodiment of an apparatus to facilitate separating, maintaining, and re-capping a needle assembly “N” is shown generally as block <b>800</b>. The block <b>800</b> has first and second elongate tapered recesses <b>802</b>, <b>804</b>. The first recess <b>802</b> is configured to receive a needle assembly “N” including a sheath. The block <b>800</b> includes a lip <b>804</b><i>a </i>formed about a first end of the second recess <b>804</b>. The lip <b>804</b><i>a </i>is configured to engage the sheath of the needle assembly “N” and to facilitate the sheath separating from the needle assembly. The second recess <b>804</b> may include an open second end <b>805</b> configured for accessing a compartment for disposing the needle assembly “N” after use.

p-0052Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. For example, any of the above described holding devices or blocks may be incorporated into any of the above described storage and dispensing containers.

p-0053The present invention eliminates or reduces the number of containers necessary during a procedure by providing a container capable of storing and dispensing both drug cartridges and needle assemblies. The present invention may further reduce the number of containers used during a procedure by providing a storage and dispensing container that is also configured for disposing of used needle assemblies. In addition to reducing the number of containers used during a single procedure, which may increase a user's efficiency, another advantage of the present invention is reducing waste. Further, the configuration of the container may increase safety by reducing or eliminating the potential for accidental needle sticks when recapping used needles.

p-0054Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

p-0055When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

p-0056As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.