US4848569A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for disposing of contaminated needles
Assignee: Product Research and Development
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Filing: 1988-09-20
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Granted: 1989-07-18
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Expires: 2008-09-20
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus includes a magazine for containing a plurality of shields so that a user can insert the tip of a hypodermic needle into one of the shields and then slide the shield out of the magazine means as a protective cover over the tip. A plurality of penetrable shields are provided within the magazine. The magazine includes an elongated structure defining a passage having an open end and an outwardly opening channel that extends along the passage to the open end. The passage is dimensioned and arranged to receive the penetrable so that the shields can be individually slid along the passage and out of the open end for dispensing purposes. The channel is dimensioned and arranged so that a user can insert the tip of the hypodermic needle through the channel and into a selected one of the shields and then slide the selected shield along the passage and out of the open end by moving the hypodermic needle along the channel.
Inventors
- 👤 Layne S. Leishman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 11:15
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M5/00; A61M5/178; A61M5/31; A61M5/32; A61M5/3205; A61M5/321; A61M5/3213
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
An apparatus, comprising: magazine means for containing a plurality of shields so that a user can insert the tip of a hypodermic needle into one of the shields and then slide the shield out of the magazine means as a protective cover over the tip; and a plurality of penetrable shields within the magazine means; the magazine means including an elongated structure defining a passage having a first open end and an outwardly opening channel that extends along the passage to the first open end; the passage being dimensioned and arranged to receive the penetrable shields so that the shields can be individually slid along the passage and out of the first open end for dispensing purposes; and the channel being dimensioned and arranged so that a user can insert the tip of the hypodermic needle through the channel and into a selected one of the shields and then slide the selected shield along the passage and out of the first open end by moving the hypodermic needle along the channel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
171 words
An apparatus, comprising: magazine means for containing a plurality of shields so that a user can insert the tip of a hypodermic needle into one of the shields and then slide the shield out of the magazine means as a protective cover over the tip; and a plurality of penetrable shields within the magazine means; the magazine means including an elongated structure defining a passage having a first open end and an outwardly opening channel that extends along the passage to the first open end; the passage being dimensioned and arranged to receive the penetrable shields so that the shields can be individually slid along the passage and out of the first open end for dispensing purposes; and the channel being dimensioned and arranged so that a user can insert the tip of the hypodermic needle through the channel and into a selected one of the shields and then slide the selected shield along the passage and out of the first open end by moving the hypodermic needle along the channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the elongated structure includes: confronting first and second side walls and confronting third and fourth sidewalls that are connected together to define the passage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein: the passage has a rectangularly shaped cross section extending from the first open end to an oppositely disposed second open end; and the channel extends between the first and second open ends.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 3, further comprising: means for preventing the penetrable shields from sliding out of the second open end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the means for preventing the penetrable shields from sliding out of the second open end includes: a strip of tape affixed to the elongated structure over the second open end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 5, further comprising: means for preventing the penetrable shields from sliding out of the first open end during shipment.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the means for preventing the penetrable shields from sliding out of the first open end during shipment includes: a strip of tape affixed to the elongated structure over the first open end.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein: at least one of the sidewalls includes an inwardly protruding, longitudinally extending rib that limits the amount of contact between the shields and the sidewall.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the shields includes: a block of penetrable material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein: each of the penetrable shields is composed of a vinyl material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein: each of the penetrable shields is rectangularly shaped.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising: mounting means for mounting the magazine means on a support structure.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the mounting means includes: a mounting member; means for securing the magazine on the mounting member; and means for securing the mounting member to the support surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
46 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the means for securing the magazine on the mounting member includes: first and second runners extending longitudinally along the magazine; and first and second flanges extending longitudinally along the mounting member in positions to slidably engage the runners.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the mounting member includes: means for limiting the distance the first and second runners can be slid into the first and second flanges.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the means for securing the mounting member to the support surface includes: a strip of adhesive material affixed to the mounting member.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of protecting the tip of a hypodermic needle after it has penetrated a human body and been removed, comprising: providing magazine means containing plurality of shields, the magazine means being configured to enable a user to insert the tip of a hypodermic needle into a selected one of the shields and then slide the selected shield out of the magazine means by moving the hypodermic needle; manually inserting the tip of a hypodermic needle into a selected one of the shields while the shield is within the magazine; and sliding the selected one of the shields out of the magazine.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of protecting the tip of a hypodermic needle after it has penetrated a human body and been removed, comprising: providing magazine means containing plurality of shields, the magazine means being configured to enable a user to insert the tip of a hypodermic needle into a selected one of the shields and then slide the selected shield out of the magazine means by moving the hypodermic needle; manually inserting the tip of a hypodermic needle into a selected one of the shields while the shield is within the magazine; and sliding the selected one of the shields out of the magazine.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-07-17 | 1993-01-16 | 1993-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-17 | 1997-01-16 | 1997-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-17 | 2001-01-16 | 2001-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |