Surgical needle abstract
A multiple capacity surgical needle immobilization safety device
is provided for use in disposal of needles during medical treatment.
The device can be included in a procedure kit or trays where several
needles and cannulas, up to five per tray, are provided as a set
to be used sequentially in performing a specific procedure such
as spinal block or other anesthesia.
Surgical needle claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A needle immobilization safety device comprising:
a housing, said housing having an aperture therethrough for acceptance
of a needle therethrough;
a post provided within said housing and provided proximate to said
aperture; and
a clip mounted on said post, said clip being capable of being moved
away from said post when the needle is inserted into said housing,
and said clip further being capable of biting into the needle as
the needle passes between said clip and said post.
2. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 1
wherein said housing includes an upper member, a lower member and
joining means for joining said upper and lower members together.
3. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 2
wherein said post is provided on said upper member.
4. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 3
wherein said post is angled relative to said upper member.
5. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 2
wherein said post is provided on said lower member.
6. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 5
wherein said post is angled relative to said lower member.
7. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 5
wherein said upper member includes a recess therein, and wherein
an upper end of said post is inserted within said recess when said
upper and lower portions are assembled together.
8. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 1
wherein said post is elongated and includes a groove along a length
of said post, said clip laying over said groove.
9. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 1
wherein said clip is formed from spring steel.
10. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 9
wherein said clip has a hardness of 48C Rockwell.
11. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 9
wherein said clip is heat treated to harden said spring clip to
55C Rockwell to 60C Rockwell.
12. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 1
wherein said aperture is formed through a base wall of said housing,
said aperture being defined by aperture walls which are angled relative
to said base wall.
13. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 1
further including a member having a recess therein for receiving
the needle, said member being provided between said clip and said
post prior to insertion of the needle and being moved from between
said clip and said post during insertion of the needle.
14. A needle immobilization safety device comprising:
a housing, said housing having an aperture therethrough for acceptance
of a needle therethrough, said housing including an upper member,
a lower member and joining means for joining said upper and lower
members together, said joining means comprising at least one arm
attached to one of said upper and lower members, said at least one
arm having a first barb provided thereon, and a second barb formed
on the other of said upper and lower members;
a post provided within said housing and provided proximate to said
aperture; and
a clip mounted on said post, said clip being capable of being moved
away from said post when the needle is inserted into said housing,
and said clip further being capable of biting into the needle as
the needle passes between said clip and said post.
15. A needle immobilization safety device comprising:
a housing, said housing having an aperture therethrough for acceptance
of a needle therethrough, said housing including an upper member,
a lower member and joining means for joining said upper and lower
members together;
a post provided within said housing on said upper member and provided
proximate to said aperture; and
a clip mounted on said post, said clip being capable of being moved
away from said post when the needle is inserted into said housing,
and said clip is further being capable of biting into the needle
as the needle passes between said clip and said post,
said lower member including a pair of spaced apart protrusions,
said post being inserted between said protrusions when said upper
and lower portions are assembled together.
16. A needle immobilization safety device comprising:
a housing, said housing having an aperture therethrough for acceptance
of a needle therethrough;
a post provided within said housing and provided proximate to said
aperture; and
a clip mounted on said post, said clip being capable of being moved
away from said post when the needle is inserted into said housing,
and said clip further being capable of biting into the needle as
the needle passes between said clip and said post, said clip including
a lower portion, an intermediate portion, and an upper portion,
said post extending through said lower portion and said upper portion.
17. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 16
wherein said lower portion and said intermediate portion are angled
relative to each other.
18. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 17
wherein said lower portion and said intermediate portion are angled
relative to each other by approximately 70.degree..
19. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 16
wherein said upper portion and said intermediate portion are angled
relative to each other.
20. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 19
wherein said upper portion and said intermediate portion are angled
relative to each other by approximately 15.degree..
21. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 20
wherein said upper portion and said lower portion are angled relative
to each other by approximately 85.degree..
22. A needle immobilization safety device comprising:
a housing, said housing having an aperture therethrough for acceptance
of a needle therethrough, said housing including at least one ear
extending therefrom for attachment to an associated tray;
a post provided within said housing and provided proximate to said
aperture; and
a clip mounted on said post, said clip being capable of being moved
away from said post when the needle is inserted into said housing,
and said clip further being capable of biting into the needle as
the needle passes between said clip and said post.
23. A needle immobilization safety device comprising:
an upper member, said upper member having an aperture therethrough
for acceptance of a needle therethrough;
a lower member;
joining means for joining said upper and lower members together;
at least one ear extending from one of said upper or lower members
for attachment to an associated tray;
a post provided on one of said upper and lower members and provided
proximate to said aperture; and
a clip mounted on said post, said clip being capable of being moved
away from said post when the needle is inserted into said housing,
and said clip further being capable of biting into the needle as
the needle passes between said clip and said post.
24. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 23
wherein said joining means comprises at least one arm attached to
one of said upper and lower members, said at least one arm having
a first barb provided thereon;
a second barb formed on the other of said upper and lower members
for mating with said first barb.
25. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 23
wherein said post is elongated and includes a groove along a length
of said post, said clip laying over said groove.
26. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 23
wherein said clip includes an upper portion and a lower portion,
said upper portion and said lower portion being angled relative
to each other, said post passing through said upper portion and
said lower portion.
27. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 23
wherein said post is provided on said upper member and said lower
member includes a pair of spaced apart protrusions, said post being
inserted between said protrusion when said upper and lower portions
are assembled together.
28. A needle immobilization safety device comprising:
a housing, said housing having at least one aperture therethrough
for acceptance of associated needles therethrough;
a plurality of posts provided within said housing and provided
proximate to said at least one aperture; and
a clip mounted on each said post, each said clip being capable
of being moved away from said respective post when the respective
needle is inserted into said housing, and each said clip further
being capable of biting into the respective needle as the respective
needle passes between said clip and said post.
29. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 28
wherein said housing includes an upper member, a lower member and
joining means for joining said upper and lower members together.
30. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 29
wherein said joining means comprises at least one arm attached to
one of said upper and lower members, said at least one arm having
a first barb provided thereon, and a second barb formed on the other
of said upper and lower members.
31. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 29
wherein said plurality of posts are provided on said upper member.
32. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 29
wherein said plurality of posts are provided on said lower member.
33. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 28
wherein each said post is elongated and includes a groove along
a length of said post, said clip laying over said groove.
34. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 28
wherein each said clip is formed from spring steel.
35. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 28
wherein said housing includes at least one ear extending therefrom
for attachment to an associated tray.
36. A needle immobilization safety device as defined in claim 28
further including a plurality of members, each said member having
a recess therein for receiving the respective needle, each said
member being provided between said respective clip and said respective
post prior to insertion of the respective needle and being moved
from between said clip and said post during insertion of the needle.
37. A method of immobilizing a needle comprising the steps of:
providing a needle immobilization safety device including a housing,
said housing having an aperture therethrough for acceptance of a
needle therethrough, a post provided within said housing and provided
proximate to said aperture, and a clip mounted on said post;
inserting said needle into said housing;
inserting said needle between said post and said clip, said clip
moving away from said post; and
said clip biting into said needle and exerting a biting force on
said needle as said needle passes between said clip and said post.
38. A method as defined in claim 37 wherein longitudinal tension
force exerted to extract said inserted needle results in tension
upon said clip which tension, by reaction of said clip, increases
said biting force of said clip against said needle.
Surgical needle description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is generally directed to a multiple capacity surgical
needle immobilization safety device for use in disposal of needles
during medical treatment.
OSHA guidelines and various state laws have placed pressure upon
the providers of medical sharps and needle manufacturers, as well
as the medical care providers, to take steps to provide disposable
sharps products in a manner that would help reduce needle sticks
and other sharps injuries to eliminate health care workers exposure
to blood borne pathogens. Some "safety syringes" are currently
being sold, but they are expensive, can not cover all needle lengths/gauge
options and some are confusing to use. Additionally, there are procedures
where the needle is used alone (not attached to a syringe) or may
be used with a reusable syringe body, in which case the sharp must
be protected or safely immobilized until the sharp can be disposed
of in a sharps container. Procedure trays requiring multiple needles
must make the isolation of the contaminated sharps convenient or
the health care worker will not spend time or have time during the
procedure to exercise proper safety precautions.
Some needle locking safety devices which are currently being sold
will immobilize one needle upon its insertion into the device. An
example of such a device is the Noved "sharp end foil"
or Needle Lock. Applicant believes that this Noved device is made
by Devon Industries Inc. under U.S. Pat. No. 5417659. While these
prior art needle locking safety devices perform the intended function,
they can be inconvenient to use because the needle locking safety
device must be set up, properly oriented and arrayed in a convenient
location, somewhere in a crowded work space by the user before they
can be employed. These prior art needle locking safety devices can
become unstable if loaded with a large syringe and may fall over,
contaminating the sterile tray or its contents, or even end up on
the floor. When time comes for disposal in the sharps container,
the needles and syringes with these prior art needle locking safety
devices must be gathered up one-by-one from wherever they come to
rest and carried to the sharps container. Often the health care
workers will toss the whole tray into the sharps container after
throwing these used items into it, wasting space in the sharps container.
Finally, these prior art needle locking safety devices can take
up a lot of valuable space when delivered in the procedure tray
and in the sharps disposal container even if disposed of alone.
In addition, the prior art needle locking safety devices are not
inexpensive.
The present invention provides a multiple capacity surgical needle
immobilization safety device for use in medical treatment. This
surgical needle immobilization safety device can be included in
a procedure kit or trays where several needles and cannulas, up
to five per tray, are provided as a set to be used sequentially
in performing a specific procedure such as spinal block or other
anesthesia. Other features and advantages of the surgical needle
immobilization safety device of the present invention will become
clear upon a reading of the attached specification in combination
with a study of the drawings.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A general object of the present invention is to provide a novel
multiple capacity surgical needle immobilization safety device which
will accept needles from the largest twenty-two gauge procedure
needles to the smallest twenty-seven gauge needles.
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel multiple
capacity surgical needle immobilization safety device which is delivered
in the procedure kit tray, set up and ready for use.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel multiple
capacity surgical needle immobilization safety device which is easily
and quickly assembled and is easy to use.
Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the present invention
discloses a novel multiple capacity surgical needle immobilization
safety device which is provided for use in disposal of needles during
medical treatment. The device will accept needles from the largest
twenty-two gauge procedure needles to the smallest twenty-seven
gauge needles. The device can be included in a procedure kit or
trays where several needles and cannulas, up to five per tray, are
provided as a set to be used sequentially in performing a specific
procedure such as spinal block or other anesthesia.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the
invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof,
may best be understood by reference to the following description,
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference numerals identify like elements in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective of a device which incorporates the features
of a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of a clip which is used in the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lower member which includes a
plurality of posts, one of the posts having a clip mounted thereon;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device through line 4--4
of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device showing a needle
in phantom line which is inserted therein;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a device which incorporates
the features of a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the
device showing a needle in phantom line which is inserted therein;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an upper member of a third embodiment
of the invention which includes a plurality of posts;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a lower member of the third embodiment
of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion shown in
FIG. 8 which has a clip mounted thereon;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a post of device shown in
FIG. 8;
FIG. 12 is a partial side elevational view of a post and a needle
and a cross-sectional view of a clip mounted thereon; and
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different
forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described
in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the
present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the
principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention
to that as illustrated and described herein.
The present invention provides a novel multiple capacity surgical
needle immobilization safety device 20 20', 20". A first embodiment
of the device 20 is shown in FIGS. 1-5; a second embodiment of the
device 20' is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7; a third embodiment of the
device 20" is shown in FIGS. 8-12.
The multiple capacity surgical needle immobilization safety device
20 20', 20" of the present invention will accept needles from
the largest twenty-two gauge procedure needles to the smallest twenty-seven
gauge needles. The present device 20 20', 20" also is conveniently
delivered in the procedure kit tray, set up and ready for use. The
device 20 20', 20" occupies little more space than the foam
needle stick pad currently used in the procedure kit, and is made
to be packed by the procedure kit supplier, into a small receiving
pocket where the foam pad once resided, which keeps it upright.
Upon completion of the procedure, the device 20 20', 20" can
be removed from the tray. The device 20 20', 20" is easily
and quickly assembled and is easy to use.
Attention is invited to the first embodiment of the invention shown
in FIGS. 1-5. The device 20 includes a lower member 22 a plurality
of spring clips 24 and an upper member 26. The lower and upper members
22 26 form a housing when coupled together.
As shown in FIG. 3 the lower member 22 is formed of a suitable
material, such as plastic. The lower member 22 includes a horizontal
base 28 and a plurality of posts 30. The posts 30 extend upwardly
from the base 28 and are spaced apart from each other along the
length of the base 28. As shown in the drawings, the base 28 is
rectangular and five posts 30 are provided thereon. An elongated
rib 32 is provided along each side of the base 28 and extends substantially
the entire length thereof. Each post 30 extends upwardly from the
base 28 at an angle relative thereto and is formed from a lower
section 34 and an upper section 36. The upper section 36 is smaller
than the lower section 34.
A spring clip 24 is mounted on each post 30. Only one of the spring
clips 24 is shown and described with the understanding that the
other spring clips 24 are identical in structure and in function.
The spring clip 24 is formed of carbon steel. As best shown in
FIG. 2 the spring clip 24 is integrally formed from a lower portion
38 an intermediate portion 40 and an upper portion 42 with the
intermediate portion 40 being between and joining the lower portion
38 and the upper portion 42. The lower portion 38 and the intermediate
portion 40 are angled relative to each other, approximately 70.degree..
The joint 44 between the lower portion 38 and the intermediate portion
40 may be rounded as shown in the drawings. The upper portion 42
is angled relative to the intermediate portion 40 approximately
15.degree., and is angled relative to the lower portion 38 approximately
85.degree..
A lower aperture 46 is provided through the lower portion 38 of
the spring clip 24. The lower aperture 46 is provided through the
lower portion 38 at a distance spaced from the lower end of the
spring clip 24 and spaced from the joint 44. An upper aperture 48
is provided through a lower section of the upper portion 42 and
an upper section of the intermediate portion 40 of the spring clip
24. The upper aperture 48 is provided at a distance spaced from
the upper end of the spring clip 24 and spaced from the joint 44.
Each aperture 46 48 is generally rectangular.
As shown in FIG. 1 the upper member 26 is formed of a suitable
material, such as plastic. The upper member 26 is integrally formed
and includes opposing side walls 50 52 and opposing end walls 54
56 such that a rectangular cross-section is formed, and a top wall
58. The bottom of the upper member 26 is open. Each side wall 50
52 has a recess therein, proximate to the bottom end thereof, which
extends substantially the entire length thereof. An ear or protrusion
60 is provided on each end wall 54 56 and protrudes outwardly therefrom.
As shown in the drawings, each ear 60 has a height which may be
less than the height of the respective end wall 54 56.
The top wall 58 is provided at the upper end of the side walls
50 52 and the end walls 54 56. An upper portion 62 of the top
wall 58 is perpendicular to the side walls 50 52 and the end walls
54 56 and a lower portion 64 of the top wall 58 is angled relative
to the side walls 50 52 and the end walls 54 56.
A plurality of needle receiving apertures 66 are provided through
the lower portion 64 of the top wall 58 and are spaced apart from
each other. Each aperture 66 includes opposite side walls 68 70
and opposite end walls 72 74 which extend downwardly from the lower
portion 64 of the top wall 58. The side walls 68 70 angle inwardly
toward each other and are angled relative to the lower portion 64
of the top wall 58. The end walls 72 74 angle inwardly toward each
other and are angled relative to the lower portion 64 of the top
wall 58. A flange 76 see FIGS. 4-7 protrudes from a bottom end
of the side wall 70 and is parallel to the lower portion 64 of the
top wall 58. A reduced portion 78 of the needle receiving aperture
66 is defined by the bottom end of the side wall 68 the bottom
end of the end walls 72 74 and the inner end of the flange 76.
As such, a funnel-like guide path is provided through the lower
portion 64 of the top wall 58 of the upper member 26.
A plurality of recesses 80 are provided in the underside of the
lower portion 64 of the top wall 58 see FIGS. 4-7. Each recess
80 is respectively provided at a position which is spaced from the
side wall 52 and from the needle receiving aperture 66.
To assemble the device 20 a spring clip 24 is mounted on each
post 30 by inserting the post 30 through the lower aperture 46 and
then through the upper aperture 48 of the spring clip 24. The spring
clip 24 secures itself to the post 30 by spring force. The assembly
of the respective spring clips 24 with the respective posts 30 form
a lower assembly. The lower assembly is inserted through the open
bottom end of the upper member 26 until the ribs 32 on the base
28 engage within the recesses on the side walls 50 52 of the upper
member 26. This engagement holds the upper member 26 and the lower
assembly together. The upper portion 36 of each post 30 engages
within the respective recess 80 in the lower portion 64 of the top
wall 58. The upper portion 42 of each spring clip 24 extends across
and substantially covers the respective needle receiving aperture
66.
The ears 60 provided on the end walls 54 56 of the device 20 releasably
lock with restraining features in a vacuum formed kit tray so the
device 20 will remain upright when loaded and in place until pulled
out of the tray for disposal.
When the needle 82 is inserted into the device 20 the needle 82
is naturally guided into the crotch formed between the post 30 and
the spring clip 24 by the funnel-like guide path formed by the needle
receiving aperture 66 in the upper member 26. This causes the upper
portion 42 of the spring clip 24 to lift off of the post 30 and
to permit entry of the needle 82 into the upper aperture 48 thereby
trapping the needle 82 between the upper portion 42 of the spring
clip 24 and the post 30. The spring force of the spring clip 24
causes the sharp corner of the upper edge of the upper aperture
48 to bite into the softer needle material (the needle 82 is made
of stainless steel). The angling of the upper portion 42 relative
to the intermediate portion 40 by 15.degree. serves to provide better
rake on the biting edge for enhanced biting or digging into the
needle 82.
Attempts to withdraw the needle 82 causes the spring clip 24 to
pivot about the point where the lower edge of the upper aperture
48 engages the post 30 pulling the needle 82 more tightly against
the post 30 and causing the upper edge of the upper aperture 48
to bite more securely into the needle 82. The needle 82 may be pushed
further into the device 20 but the needle 82 cannot be pulled out
of the device 20. As shown in FIG. 12 as a longitudinal tension
force T is exerted to extract the inserted needle 82 tension results
on the clip 24. This tension on the clip 24 as a result of reaction
of the clip 24 increases the transverse biting force F of the clip
24 against the needle 82. This enhances the grip upon the needle
82 by the clip 24 in order to prevent the needle 82 from being withdrawn
by the longitudinal tension force T. .crclbar. is the swung arc
from the intersection of the clip 24 with the needle 82 and the
opposite side of the post 30 and F=sin.crclbar..times.T.
Attention is invited to the second embodiment of the invention
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. This second embodiment of the device 20'
includes an audible indicator feature. The lower member 22' and
the upper member 26' are identical to that as shown in FIGS. 3-5.
The spring clip 24' is identical to the spring clip 24 of the first
embodiment, except that the upper aperture 48a' is longer in length
than the upper aperture 48 shown in FIGS. 3-5 so that a needle pocket
84 is accommodated between the upper portion 42' of the spring clip
24' and the post 30'. Like elements in the first and second embodiments
are labeled with like reference numbers with the elements in the
second embodiment having a prime after the reference number.
The needle pocket 84 is formed of a suitable material, such as
plastic. The needle pocket 84 includes a housing 88 which includes
a recess 90 therein which extends inwardly from a top end of the
housing 88.
To assemble the device 20', a needle pocket 84 is held on each
post 30'. A spring clip 24' is then mounted on each post 30' by
inserting the post 30' through the lower aperture 46' and then through
the upper aperture 48a'. The housing 88 is positioned within the
upper aperture 48a' such that the needle pocket 84 is between the
upper portion 42' of the spring clip 24' and the post 30' and the
open end of the recess 90 faces the needle receiving aperture 66'.
The spring clip 24' secures itself by spring force to the post 30'
and to the needle pocket 84. The assembly of the needle pockets
84 and the spring clips 24' with the respective posts 30' form a
lower assembly. The lower assembly is inserted through the bottom
end of the upper member 26' until the ribs 32' engage within the
recesses. This engagement holds the upper member 26' and the lower
assembly together. The upper portion 36' of each post 30' engages
within the respective recess 80' in the lower portion 64' of the
top wall 58'. The upper portion 42' of each spring clip 24' extends
across and substantially covers the respective needle receiving
apertures 66'.
When the needle 82 is inserted into the device 20', the needle
82 is naturally guided into the recess 90 within the needle pocket
84 by the funnel-like guide path formed by the needle receiving
aperture 66' in the upper member 26'. Upon sufficient downward movement,
the needle pocket 84 is moved from engagement between the spring
clip 24' and the post 30'. This causes the spring clip 24' to slap
against the needle 82 (which has a diameter which is less than the
thickness of the needle pocket 84), thereby trapping the needle
82 between the upper portion 42' of the spring clip 24' and the
post 30'. The slapping of the spring clip 24' against the needle
82 provides an audible "snap" to indicate the needle 82
is secure. It is believed that this slapping of the spring clip
24' also dents into the needle 82 thereby enhancing the bite of
the spring clip 24' into the needle 82. The spring force of the
spring clip 24' causes the sharp corner of the upper edge of the
upper aperture 48a' to bite into the softer needle material. The
angling of the upper portion 42' relative to the intermediate portion
40 by 15.degree. serves to provide better rake on the biting edge
for enhanced biting or digging into the needle 82.
Attempts to withdraw the needle 82 causes the spring clip 24' to
pivot about the point where the lower edge of the upper aperture
48a' engages the post 30', pulling the needle 82 more tightly against
the post 30' and causing the lower edge of the upper aperture 48a'
to bite more securely into the needle 82. The needle 82 may be pushed
further into the device 20', but the needle 82 cannot be pulled
out of the device 20'. As shown in FIG. 12 as a longitudinal tension
force T is exerted to extract the inserted needle 82 tension results
on the clip 24. This tension on the clip 24 as a result of reaction
of the clip 24 increases the transverse biting force F of the clip
24 against the needle 82. This enhances the grip upon the needle
82 by the clip 24 in order to prevent the needle 82 from being withdrawn
by the longitudinal tension force T. .crclbar. is the swung arc
from the intersection of the clip 24 with the needle 82 and the
opposite side of the post 30 and F=sin.crclbar..times.T.
In the first and second embodiments, the elongated ribs 32 32'
can be provided on the side walls 50 52 of the upper member 26
and the recesses can be provided in the base 28 to provide the mating
action.
Attention is invited to the third, and preferred, embodiment of
the invention shown in FIGS. 8-11. The device 20" includes
a lower member 122 a plurality of spring clips 24 and an upper
member 126. The lower and upper members 122 126 form a housing
when coupled together.
As shown in FIG. 8 the upper member 126 is integrally formed of
a suitable material, such as plastic. The upper member 126 includes
a horizontal base 128 and a plurality of generally rectangular posts
130 which depend therefrom.
The posts 130 extend downwardly from the base 128 and are spaced
apart from each other along the length of the base 128. As shown
in the drawings, the base 128 is rectangular and five posts 130
are provided thereon. Each post 130 extends downwardly from the
base 128 at an angle relative thereto. Each post 130 is preferably
0.060 inches wide.
The base 128 includes a plurality of needle receiving apertures
166 provided therethrough. The needle receiving apertures 166 are
spaced apart from each other and are respectively aligned with the
posts 130 but are offset from the posts 130. Each aperture 166
includes opposite side walls 168 170 see FIGS. 8 and 11 and opposite
end walls 174 only one shown in FIG. 8 which extend downwardly
from the base 128. The side walls 168 170 angle inwardly toward
each other and are angled relative to the base 128. The end walls
174 angle inwardly toward each other and are angled relative to
the base 128. A reduced portion 178 of the needle receiving aperture
166 is defined by the bottom ends of the side walls 168 170 and
the bottom ends of the end walls 174. As such, a funnel-like guide
path is provided through the base 128.
A groove 192 see FIGS. 9 and 11 is provided along the length
of each post 130. The groove 192 is provided in the surface of each
post 130 proximate to the respective needle receiving aperture 166.
The groove 192 is preferably 0.038 inches to 0.040 inches wide and
centered on the post 130. The groove 192 is preferably 0.006 inches
deep.
An arm 194 depends from each end of the base 128 in the same direction
as the posts 130. The arms 194 are spaced from the endmost posts
130. A barb 196 is provided at the end of each arm 194 and is perpendicular
to the respective arm 194. Each barb 196 extends toward the posts
130.
A spring clip 24" is mounted on each post 130. Only one of
the spring clips 24", see FIG. 11 is shown and described with
the understanding that the other spring clips 24" are identical
in structure and in function. The spring clip 24" is identical
to the spring clip 24 of the first embodiment. Like elements of
the spring clip 24" in the first and third embodiments are
labeled with like reference numbers with the elements in the third
embodiment having a double prime after the reference number.
As shown in FIG. 10 the lower member 122 is formed of a suitable
material, such as plastic. The lower member 122 includes opposing
side walls 150 152 and opposing end walls 154 156 such that a
rectangular cross-section is formed, and a bottom wall 158. The
upper end of the lower member 122 is open.
Each end wall 154 156 has an ear 160 attached thereto. Each ear
160 is formed of a pair of side walls 198 200 which extend perpendicularly
from the respective end wall 154 156 and an end wall 202 which
is attached to the opposite ends of the side walls 198 200. A passageway
201 is provided through each ear 160. A retaining barb 204 is provided
on each end wall 154 156 and mates with the respective barb 196
on the arm 194 of the upper member 126 when the upper member 126
and the lower member 122 are mated together.
The bottom wall 158 has a plurality of protrusions 206 provided
thereon and extending upwardly therefrom. The protrusions 206 are
spaced apart from each other along the length of the bottom wall
158. The protrusion 206 are spaced such that pockets 208 are formed
between adjacent protrusions 206. Only three of the five pockets
208 are shown in FIG. 10.
To assemble the device 20", a spring clip 24 is mounted on
each post 130 by inserting the post 130 through the upper aperture
48 and then through the lower aperture 46 of the spring clip 24.
The spring clip 24 secures itself to the post 130 by spring force.
The assembly of the respective spring clips 24 with the respective
posts 130 form an upper assembly. The upper assembly is inserted
through the open upper end of the lower member 122 until the barbs
196 on the arms 194 snap over and engage with the barbs 204 in the
ears 160. This engagement holds the lower member 122 and the upper
assembly together. The lower portion of each post 130 engages within
the respective pocket 208 on the bottom wall 158 of the lower member
122. The upper portion 42 of each spring clip 24 extends across
and substantially covers the respective needle receiving aperture
166.
The arms 194 do not completely fill the passageway 201 in the ears
160. This allows the ears 160 to releasably lock with restraining
features in a vacuum formed kit tray so the device 20" will
remain upright when loaded and in place until pulled out of the
tray for disposal.
When the needle 82 is inserted into the device 20", the needle
82 is naturally guided into the crotch formed between the post 130
and the spring clip 24 by the funnel-like guide path formed by the
needle receiving aperture 166 in the upper member 126. The needle
82 enters into the groove 192 formed in the post 130. When the needle
82 engages the spring clip 24 the upper portion 42 of the spring
clip 24 lifts off of the post 130 and permits entry of the needle
82 into and through the upper aperture 48 thereby trapping the
needle 82 between the upper portion 42 of the spring clip 24 and
the post 130. The groove 192 assists in entry of the needle 82 and
reduces the required insertion force. In addition, the groove 192
aids in keeping the needle 82 aligned with the post 130. The spring
force of the spring clip 24 causes the sharp corner of the upper
edge of the upper aperture 48 to bite into the softer needle material
(the needle 82 is made of stainless steel). The angling of the upper
portion 42 relative to the intermediate portion 40 by 15.degree.
serves to provide better rake on the biting edge for enhanced biting
or digging into the needle 82.
Attempts to withdraw the needle 82 causes the spring clip 24 to
pivot about the point where the lower edge of the upper aperture
48 engages the post 130 pulling the needle 82 more tightly against
the post 130 and causing the upper edge of the upper aperture 48
to bite more securely into the needle 82. The needle 82 may be pushed
further into the device 20", but the needle 82 cannot be pulled
out of the device 20". As shown in FIG. 12 as a longitudinal
tension force T is exerted to extract the inserted needle 82 tension
results on the clip 24. This tension on the clip 24 as a result
of reaction of the clip 24 increases the transverse biting force
F of the clip 24 against the needle 82. This enhances the grip upon
the needle 82 by the clip 24 in order to prevent the needle 82 from
being withdrawn by the longitudinal tension force T. .crclbar. is
the swung arc from the intersection of the clip 24 with the needle
82 and the opposite side of the post 130 and F=sin.crclbar..times.T.
The third and preferred embodiment of the device 20" provides
a joint free, fluid-containing tub like form. This allows the lower
member 122 of the device 20" to contain any small fluid droplets
that might exude from an inserted needle 82 without fear of a leak
from a low placed joint like that shown in the first and second
embodiments of the device 20 20'.
In this third embodiment, the barb 196 on the arm 194 could protrude
from the other side of the arm 194 and the barb 204 on the lower
member 122 would be provided on end wall 202 to provide for the
mating action. In addition, in this third embodiment, the arms 194
could be provided on the lower member 122 and the ears 160 provided
on the upper member 126.
In each embodiment, the spring clip 24 is harder than the hardest
needle 82 it will encounter. If the device 20 20', 20" is
to be used with larger diameter needles which have a hardness of
375 BHN, the spring clip 24 used in the present invention can be
formed of spring steel having a hardness of 48C Rockwell. If the
device 20 20', 20" is to be used with smaller diameter needles,
because smaller diameter needles receive more work hardening and
thus end up harder at 415 BHN than a larger diameter needle, the
spring clip 24 used in the present invention is heat treated to
harden the spring clip 24 preferably to 55C Rockwell to 60C Rockwell.
Preferably, only the portion of the spring clip 24 which bites into
the needle 82 is hardened by local heat treating. It has been found
that if the whole spring clip 24 is hardened, the spring clip 24
becomes too brittle if the device 20 20', 20" is used with
larger diameter needles.
It is to be understood that while the groove 192 is shown and described
with respect to the third embodiment of the device 20", the
groove 192 can be provided on the posts 30 30' of the device 20
20' of the first or second embodiments.
It is to be understood that while the posts 30 30', 130 are shown
and described as angled relative to the base wall 28 28', 128
the posts 30 30', 130 could be perpendicular to the base 28 28',
128. The angling of the posts 30 30', 130 keeps the overall assembly
height down and also serves to "aim" the needle receiving
apertures 66 66', 166 more naturally toward the user.
While the device 20 20', 20" is shown in the drawings with
five needle receiving apertures 66 66', 166 the device 20 20',
20" can be made to accommodate any number of needles 82 from
one to a dozen or more if required. Obviously, not all of the needle
receiving apertures 66 66', 166 need to be used for the device
20 20', 20" to function.
In addition, the base 28 28', 128 may take other shapes, such
as a square, and is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown
and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may
devise various modifications of the present invention without departing
from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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