Abstract:
A device is provided for the storage, transportation and disposal of used medical syringes. The invented container provides a storage cavity for a used syringe, whereby the used syringe is preferably depressed into the storage cavity such that the top of the used syringe is substantively below a projection set, such that the used syringe may not be easily removed from the storage cavity. The invented container may further create a friction fit around the used syringe, providing an additional layer of redundancy for the prevention of the removal of the used syringe from the storage cavity. The storage cavity may be stand-alone within container, or one container may optionally contain a plurality of storage cavities. The invented container may further provide a storage area for an unused syringe, whereby the unused syringe may be removed from the container with relative facility by a user. The storage area for the used syringe and the unused syringe may optionally be the same storage area within the invented container.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to methods and devices intended to enable the safe disposal of syringes. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods by which used syringes may be safely discarded. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions. 
         [0003]    Outside of medical facilities, syringes are primarily used by two categories of individuals: diabetics and unauthorized users of various drugs and opiates. In both of these categories, a means by which used syringes may be easily transported and disposed of provides both a hygienic necessity, and a greater convenience. Particularly necessary is a means by which used syringes may be prevented from continued use. This prevention of re-use of syringes helps to minimize the spread of transmissible diseases, particularly among users of various drugs and opiates, who might otherwise share and/or re-use unsanitary syringes. 
         [0004]    In the prior art, stand-alone disposal stations for used syringes are frequently inconvenient to those using the syringes, and thus the used syringes are disposed of in manners not conducive to individual or public health. The prior art fails, however, to optimally provide for a means by which a syringe may be securely inserted into a cavity from which the syringe may not be subsequently removed. 
         [0005]    There is therefore a long-felt need to provide a secure, post-use storage container for syringes. 
       SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Towards these objects and other objects that will be made obvious in light of the present disclosure, a device is provided by which medical syringes may be contained after use. 
         [0007]    In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cavity is provided into which a used syringe may be placed to be securely stored for disposal. The cavity preferably includes a projection set underneath which the used syringe may be pushed, so that the top of the plunger of the syringe may form a hermetic or near-hermetic seal with the projection set. Additionally presented is a projection set which may optionally cover the finger grip of the syringe, providing an additional seal against both the removal of the used syringe from the device, and the escape of liquid from a leak in the needle of the syringe. The projection set by which the syringe may be stabilized may optionally be one or more individual projections from a rim of the cavity, or may optionally be a full ring, encircling the entirety of the rim of the cavity, or a partial ring. 
         [0008]    Some or all of the length of the cavity may have a geometric cross-sectional shape of a circle, polygon, quadrilateral, or square. In addition, the internal cavity may have two sections, wherein the section comprising the projection sets has one shape, e.g. circular or polygonal, and the lower portion of the cavity may have an alternate shape, e.g. circular or polygonal. 
         [0009]    In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a syringe is provided having a plunger and a finger grip by which the syringe may be stabilized for use by a user. The diameter of the finger grip of the syringe is preferably equal to or less than the substantively parallel diameter of the plunger top of the syringe. 
         [0010]    In an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention, a storage container is provided having a plurality of the above-described cavities, wherein a plurality of syringes may be stored conveniently for a user. 
         [0011]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0012]    These, and further features of the invention, may be better understood with reference to the accompanying specification and drawings depicting the preferred embodiment, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a side view of an invented syringe; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B  is a rotated top view of the invented syringe; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of a first invented cavity with no syringe therein; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of the first invented cavity with no syringe therein; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2C  is a side view of the first invented cavity containing the invented syringe; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of a second embodiment of the invented cavity while empty, including a bottom of the cavity having a smaller width than a top of the cavity; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  is a top view of the second embodiment of the invented cavity while empty, including the bottom of the cavity having a smaller width than the top of the cavity; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3C  is a side view of the second embodiment of the invented cavity containing the invented syringe, including the bottom of the cavity having a smaller width than the top of the cavity; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a cut-away side view of the invented storage device showing a plurality of cavities in which used and unused syringes may be securely stored; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the invented storage device showing a plurality of cavities in which used syringes may be stored and a second, separate plurality of cavities in which unused syringes may be stored; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6A  is a cut-away side view of an alternate embodiment of the invented storage device having a single cavity, and containing an unused syringe; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6B  shows a plurality of the invented storage device of  FIG. 6A  contained within a generic storage container; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 7A-7D  are top views of a plurality of preferred embodiments of the projection sets of the invented cavity; and 
           [0026]      FIGS. 8A-8E  are cut-away side views of a plurality of design variations for the invented cavity. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1A  is a side view of a syringe  2 , wherein the syringe  2  comprises a plunger  4  having a plunger top  5 , a finger grip  6 , a barrel  8 , and a needle  10 . The diameter D 1  of the plunger top  5  and the diameter D 2  of the finger grip  6  are preferably substantively identical, or the diameter D 2  of the finger grip  6  may optionally be less than the diameter D 1  of the plunger top  5 , but is preferably not greater than the diameter D 1  of the plunger top  5 . The diameter D 3  of the barrel  8  of the syringe  2  is preferably less than the diameter D 1  of the plunger top  5  and/or of the diameter D 2  of the finger grip  6 . Also presented is a length L 1  of the plunger top  5 , a length L 2  of the barrel  6  of the syringe  2 , and a length L 3  of the needle  10 . 
         [0000]    The length L 1  of the plunger, the length L 2  of the barrel and the length L 3  of the needle each preferably extend along a first elongate syringe axis A 1 . 
         [0028]    The elements of the syringe  2  are preferably substantively circular, thus the inclusion of the diameters D 1 , D 2  and D 3  of the plunger top  5 , the finger grip  6  and the barrel  8 , respectively, but may optionally or alternatively have a polygonal or quadrilateral cross-sectional shape. The diameter D 1  of the plunger top  5 , the diameter D 2  of the finger grip  6 , and the diameter D 3  of the barrel  8  each are preferably orthogonal to the first elongate syringe axis A 1 . 
         [0029]    The plunger top  5 , finger grip  6  and the barrel  8  may optionally be composed of flexible materials, including but not limited to elastomers, or may be composed of inflexible materials, such as non-rubberized plastic, glass and/or metal, or other suitable syringe creation materials known in the art. 
         [0030]    Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to  FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 1B  is a rotated top view of the syringe  2 , including the elements described above in  FIG. 1A , and further including a plunger cap  12  and a needle cap  14 . The plunger cap  12  and the needle cap  14  serve to protect the plunger top  5  and the needle  10 , respectively, while the syringe  2  is in a storage position, prior to use. The plunger cap  12  and the needle cap  14  further create a quick and easy notification to a user  16 , nominally Alice  16  or Bob  16 , that the syringe  2  has not yet been used. The plunger cap  12  and the needle cap  14  are preferably composed of hard plastic materials, though may composed of other suitable materials known in the art. A syringe length L 4  is shown to extend along the entire length of the syringe  2  from the plunger top  5  to the bottom of the needle  10 , along the first elongate syringe axis A 1 . 
         [0031]    Referring now generally to the Figures, and particularly to  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2A  is a cut-away side view of a first invented elongate device  18  (hereinafter “first invented device  18 ”), including a first body  18 A that forms a first cavity  18 B. The first invented device  18  includes a plunger projection set  20 , wherein the plunger projection set  20  substantively prevents the plunger  4  from escaping from the first invented device  18  when the plunger top  5  is inserted substantively fully into the first invented device  18  when the syringe  2  has been used, and preferably provides a hermetic or near-hermetic seal when coupled with the plunger top  5 , preventing any escape of liquid from the first invented device  18 . The first invented device  18  further preferably, but not necessarily, includes a finger grip projection set  22 , wherein the finger grip projection set  22  substantively prevents the finger grip  6  from moving within the first invented device  18 , or from escaping from the first invented device  18  when the finger grip  6  has been inserted into the first invented device  18 , and pushed below the finger grip projection set  22 . The plunger projection set  20  preferably protrudes toward a first elongate device axis A 2  of the first invented device  18  in a range of ratios of the diameter D 1  of the plunger top  5 . More particularly, the plunger projection set  20  preferably protrudes toward the first elongate device axis A 2  of the first invented device  18  in a range of 0.1-0.5 of the diameter D 1  of the plunger top  5 . Yet more particularly, the plunger projection set  20  preferably protrudes toward the first elongate device axis A 2  of the first invented device  18  at a ratio of 0.2-0.4 of the diameter D 1  of the plunger top  5 . The finger grip projection set  22 , when present, preferably also protrudes toward the first elongate device axis A 2  of the first invented device  18  in a rage of ratios of the diameter D 2  of the finger grip  6 . More particularly, the optional finger grip projection set preferably protrudes toward first elongate device axis A 2  of the first invented device  18  in a range of 0.1-0.5 of the diameter D 2  of the finger grip  6 . Yet more particularly, the finger grip projection set  22  preferably protrudes toward the first elongate device axis A 2  of the first invented device  18  at a ratio of 0.2-0.4 of the diameter D 2  of the finger grip  6 . 
         [0032]    The first body  18 A forms a first well  24  and one or more first internal walls  25 , into which the barrel  8  and needle  10  of the syringe  2  may be inserted, preferably following the use of the syringe  2 . The first invented device  18  has a first device length L 5  that extends along the first elongate device axis A 2 , wherein the first device length L 5  along the first elongate device axis A 2  is preferably greater than the syringe length L 4  along the syringe elongate axis A 1 . A first cavity diameter D 4  is preferably set orthogonally to the first elongate device axis A 2 . The plunger projection set  20  and the finger grip projection set  22  may optionally be one or more of several types of projection, as discussed in more detail below, in reference to  FIGS. 7A-7D . 
         [0033]    The diameter D 4  of the first well  24  of the first invented device  18  is preferably, though not necessarily, slightly larger than the diameter D 3  of the barrel  8  of the syringe  2 , such that the primary means by which the syringe  2  is held in place within the first invented device  18  is the plunger projection set  20 , and optionally the finger grip projection set  22 . The first well  24  of the first invented device  18  is shown in the Figure to be cylindrical, but may optionally be a plurality of cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to, quadrilateral or polygonal as discussed in more detail below, in reference to  FIGS. 8A-8E . 
         [0034]    The first invented device  18  forms a non-porous first body  18 A and may optionally be comprised of or including of any suitable water-resistant, non-porous materials known in the art, including, but not limited to polyethylene, polyurethane, or polypropylene, but may be any other suitable material known in the art. 
         [0035]    Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to  FIG. 2B ,  FIG. 2B  is a top view of the first invented device  18 , showing the plunger projection set  20  extending orthogonally from the internal wall  25  and toward the first elongate device axis A 2 . The plunger projection set  20  is shown in the Figure to be two partial and separate projections, but this is exemplary embodiment not intended as a limitation as to the possible variety of shapes for the plunger projection set  20 , but only as an illustration as one possible means by which the plunger  4  may be contained within the first invented device  18 , as discussed in more detail below, in reference to  FIGS. 7A-7D . 
         [0036]    Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to  FIG. 2C ,  FIG. 2C  is a cut-away side view of the first invented device  18 , wherein the first invented device  18  contains a syringe  2 . The plunger projection set  20  is shown to substantively inhibit the plunger  4  from exiting or being removed from within the first cavity  18 B of the first invented device  18 . When the syringe  2  is inserted fully into the first invented device  18 , the first body  18 A in combination with the plunger projection set  20  and the plunger top  5 , create a hermetic or near-hermetic seal, such that little or no liquid which may leak out of the needle  10  may escape from the first invented device  18  from the volume defined between the well  24  to below the position of the plunger top  5 . 
         [0037]    The optional finger grip projection set  22  in combination with the syringe  2  may also create a hermetic or near-hermetic seal within the first invented device  18  when the finger grip  6  of the syringe  2  is inserted fully into the first invented device  18  below the finger grip projection set  22  to create an additional sealing layer to prevents or reduces liquid leaks from a second volume defined within the first cavity  18 B, wherein the second volume is defined by the first body  18 A between the well  24  and the finger grip  22  when the finger grip  22  is positioned below the optional finger grip projection set  22 . Furthermore, the first invented device  18  is preferably composed of a non-porous, liquid-proof material, so that any leaks from the needle  10  may be substantively contained within the first cavity  18 B of the first invented device  18 . 
         [0038]    In the Figure, the diameter D 4  of the first invented device  18  is shown to be sufficiently greater than the diameter D 3  of the barrel  8  of the syringe  2  so that the first internal walls  25  of the barrel  8  of the syringe  2  does not touch the first internal walls  25  of the well  24  of the first invented device  18 . This is for illustrative purposes only, and should not be construed as an exclusion on the size of the well  24  of the first invented device  18 . In the current embodiment of the first invented device  18 , the first internal walls  25  of the well  24  may optionally be close enough to the barrel  8  of the syringe  2  to touch the barrel  8 , or may be separated, as shown. The diameter D 1  of the plunger top  5  and the diameter D 2  of the finger grip  6  are preferably substantively equal to the diameter D 4  of the first invented device  18 , such that a hermetic or near-hermetic seal may be created and maintained by the insertion of the finger grip  6  and the plunger top  5  into the first invented device  18 . 
         [0039]    Referring now generally to the Figures, and particularly to  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3A  is a cut-away side view of a second embodiment of the invented elongate device  26  (hereinafter “second invented device”  26 ). The second invented device  26  comprises a second body  26 A having the plunger projection set  20 , optionally the finger grip projection set  22 , a second well  28  and one or more second internal walls  29  forming a second cavity  26 B. The second invented device  26  further presents a second device elongate axis A 3 . The portion of the second well  28  along the second device elongate axis A 3  nearer to the plunger projection set  20  and the optional finger grip projection set  22  preferably has the diameter D 4  of the well  24  of the first invented device  18 ; the diameter D 4  of the first invented device  18 , when present in the second invented device  26 , is preferably set orthogonally to the second device elongate axis A 3 . The portion of the second well  28  having a greater distance from the plunger projection set  20  and the finger grip projection set  22  has a diameter D 5  which represents some fraction of the diameter D 4  of the upper portion of the well  28 . The fraction of the diameter D 4  of upper portion of the well  28  that the lower portion diameter D 5  represents may preferably, optionally be within the range of 0.25-0.75 of the diameter of the diameter D 4  of the upper portion of the well  28 . 
         [0040]    The portion of the second well  28  along the second device elongate axis A 3  that is closer to the plunger projection set  20  and the finger grip projection set  22  preferably spans approximately half of a second device length L 6  along second device elongate axis A 3 , but may optionally comprise more or less than half of the second device length L 6 . The portion of the second well  28  at the cavity length L 6  having a greater distance from the plunger projection set  20  and the finger grip projection set  22  preferably spans approximately half of the second device length L 6  along second device elongate axis A 3 , but may optionally comprise more or less than half of the second device length L 6 . 
         [0041]    The second internal walls  29  of the second well  28  may optionally be composed of a flexible material whereby the barrel  8  of the syringe  2  may displace the flexible material for the purpose of ensuring the friction fit or interference fit between the barrel  8  of the syringe  2  and the material of the second internal walls  29  of the second well  28 . Alternately, the second internal walls  29  of the second well  28  may be composed of an inflexible material, whereby the snug fit of the barrel  8  within the second well  28  may be sufficient to maintain a friction fit or interference fit therebetween. The material for the second well  28  is preferably non-porous and liquid resistant, such that any leak from the tip of the needle  10  may be contained within the second well  28  by means of both the fit between the barrel  8  and the walls  29 , and by means of the hermetic or near-hermetic seal between the plunger top  5  and the plunger projection set  20 . The non-porous second body  26 A of the second invented device may optionally be comprised of or including any suitable water-resistant, non-porous materials known in the art, including, but not limited to polyethylene, polyurethane, or polypropylene, but may be any other suitable material known in the art. 
         [0042]    Referring now generally to the Figures, and particularly to  FIG. 3B ,  FIG. 3B  is a top view of the second invented device  26 , showing the plunger projection set  20 , and the upper diameter D 4  and the lower diameter D 5  of the second well  28 . The Figure shows the difference in diameter between the upper portion and lower portions of the second well  28 . 
         [0043]    Referring now generally to the Figures, and particularly to  FIG. 3C ,  FIG. 3C  is a cut-away side view of the second invented device  26 , having a syringe  2  stored therein. The diameter D 5  of the lower portion of the second well  28  creates a friction fit or interference fit with the lower portion of the barrel  8  of the syringe  2 . The diameter D 5  of the lower portion of the second well  28  is preferably, but not necessarily, within the range of 0.005 inch-0.025 inch of the diameter D 3  of the barrel  8  of the syringe  2 . More particularly the diameter D 5  of the lower portion of the second well  28  is preferably, but not necessarily, within the range of 0.010 inch-0.020 inch of the diameter D 3  of the barrel  8  of the syringe  2 . Yet more particularly, the diameter D 5  of the lower portion of the second well  28  is preferably, but not necessarily, within 0.015 inch of the diameter D 3  of the barrel  8  of the syringe  2 . The tightness of the lower portion of the second well  28  provides security against movement of the syringe  2 , in addition to the hermetic or near-hermetic seal provided by the coincidence of the plunger projection set  20  and the plunger top  5  of the syringe  2 , and optionally of the finger grip projection set  22  and the finger grip  6  of the syringe  2 . Additionally shown is that the entire length L 4  of the syringe  2  along the first elongate syringe axis A 1  may be contained within the second device length L 6  along the second device elongate axis A 3  of the second invented device  26 . 
         [0044]    Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4  is a cut-away view of a first invented container  30  in which used and unused syringes  2  may be stored in the same bodies. The first container  30  houses a plurality of the first invented devices  18  or the second invented devices  26 , wherein an unused syringe  2  preferably, but not necessarily, having a plunger cap  12  and a needle cap  14  placed thereon, and having an unused syringe length L 7 , may be accessibly stored prior to use. The plunger cap  12  of the unused syringe  2  optionally allows the syringe  2  to remain accessibly secured, rather than fully secured, within the first invented device  18  or the second invented device  26  by resting on the top of the first invented device  18  or the second invented device  26 . Once the syringe  2  has been used by the user  16 , the syringe  2  may be returned to the first invented device  18  or the second invented device  26  from which it was taken, and hermetically or near-hermetically sealed within the first invented device  18  or the second invented device  26  by means of the plunger projection set  20  and optionally by the finger grip projection set  22 , and further optionally, in the case of the second invented device  26 , by means of a friction fit or interference fit between the barrel  8  of the syringe  2  and the second internal walls  29  of the second well  28 . The syringe length L 4  and the unused syringe length L 7 , each along the syringe elongate axis A 1 , are both preferably less than the first device length L 5 . The diameter D 4  of the first invented device  18  and diameter D 4  and diameter D 5  of the second invented device  26  are preferably great enough to house both the used and the unused syringes  2 . Additionally, the diameter D 4  of the first invented cavity within the first container  30  is preferably set orthogonally to the first elongate device axis A 2 , and the diameter D 4  and the diameter D 5  of the second invented device  26  within the container  30  are preferably set orthogonally to the second elongate cavity axis A 3 . 
         [0045]    The first container  30  preferably has a weight and size convenient to the user  16 , and is preferably, but not necessarily, approximately the dimensions and weight of a cigarette box. The materials used to create the first container  30  are preferably polyethylene, polyurethane, or polypropylene, but may be any other suitable material known in the art. 
         [0046]    Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 5  is a side view of a second container  32 . The second container  32  includes a plurality of first invented devices  18  and/or second invented devices  26  for the storage of syringes  2  that have been used by the user  16 . The second container  32  further includes a plurality (preferably the same number as the plurality of first invented devices  18  and/or second invented devices  26 ) of slots  34  into which syringes  2  which have not been used may be removably accessed by the user  16 . The plunger cap  12  of the syringe  2  may serve as a means by which the syringe  2  may remain accessible to the user  16  within the second container  32 . 
         [0047]    The second container  32  preferably has a weight and size convenient to the user  16 , and is preferably, but not necessarily, approximately the dimensions and weight of a cigarette box. The materials used to create the second container  32  are preferably polyethylene, polyurethane, or polypropylene, but may be any other suitable material known in the art. 
         [0048]    Referring now generally to the Figures, and particularly to  FIG. 6A ,  FIG. 6A  is a cut-away side view of a third container  36 , containing a syringe  2 . The third container  36 , for the convenience of the user  16 , contains a single syringe  2  which may be removed from the third container  36 , used, and subsequently returned securely to the third container  36 . Contained within the third container  36  may be either the first invented device  18 , or the second invented device  26 . The third container  36 , having only one first invented device  18  or second invented cavity  36  contained therein, may be particularly convenient to a user  16 , as the user  16  may not need a plurality of syringes  2  each time the user  16  goes out. As the third container  36  contains only a single syringe  2 , the third container  36  may additionally be safely, easily and quickly disposed of by the user  16  upon completion of use. The third container  36  is shown in the Figure to have a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape, but may optionally be circular, polygonal or other suitable shape known in the art. 
         [0049]    The materials used to create the third container  36  are preferably polyethylene, polyurethane, or polypropylene, but may be any other suitable material known in the art. 
         [0050]    Referring now generally to the Figures, and particularly to  FIG. 6B ,  FIG. 6B  shows a plurality of the third containers  36  contained within a generic or prior art carrying case, such as a plastic or paper sack.  FIG. 6B  demonstrates the convenience of the third container  36 , as a user may simply grab one of the third containers  36 , and be easily on his or her way. 
         [0051]    Referring now generally to the Figures, and particularly to  FIGS. 7A through 7D ,  FIGS. 7A through 7D  show a plurality of options for the configuration of the plunger projection set  20  and/or for the optional finger grip projection set  22 .  FIG. 7A  shows two projections  38 , which may lay on top of the plunger  8 , creating a hermetic or near-hermetic seal;  FIG. 7B  shows a ring projection  40  through which a syringe  2  may pass in order to be securely stored within the first invented device  18  or the second invented device  26 ;  FIG. 7C  shows a single projection  38 , which is sufficient to create a seal with the plunger  8 ; and  FIG. 7D  shows a plurality of spike projections  41 , of which there may be as few or as many as is desired by the manufacturer. The projections  38 , the ring projections  40 , and/or the spike projections  41  given as examples in the Figures are to serve only as illustrative examples, and are not to be taken as limitations on the possibilities of means by which the syringe  2  may be secured within the first device  18  or the second invented device  26 . For example, rather than a projection  38  or a ring projection  40 , the entrance of the syringe  2  may trigger a spring-loaded reaction, such that, for example, a ball bearing may block the exit of the syringe  2  from the first device  18  or the second invented device  26 . The ring projection  40  or the projection  38  may optionally be composed of any material known in the art sufficient to the task of creating a hermetic or near-hermetic seal when coupled with the plunger  8 . 
         [0052]    The plunger projection set  20  preferably protrudes toward the center of the first invented device  18  in a range of ratios of the diameter D 1  of the plunger top  5 . More particularly, the plunger projection set  20  preferably protrudes toward the first elongate cavity axis of the first cavity  18 A of the first invented device  18  in a range of 0.1-0.5 of the diameter D 1  of the plunger top  5 . Yet more particularly, the plunger projection set  20  preferably protrudes toward the center of the first invented device  18 , or the second invented device  26  at a ratio of 0.2-0.4 of the diameter D 1  of the plunger top  5 . The finger grip projection set  22 , when present, preferably also protrudes toward the center of the first invented device  18  in a rage of ratios of the diameter D 2  of the finger grip  6 . More particularly, the optional finger grip projection set preferably protrudes toward the center of the first invented device  18  in a range of 0.1-0.5 of the diameter D 2  of the finger grip  6 . Yet more particularly, the finger grip projection set  21  preferably protrudes toward the center of the first invented device  18 , or the second invented device  26  at a ratio of 0.2-0.4 of the diameter D 2  of the finger grip  6 . 
         [0053]    Referring now generally to the Figures, and particularly to  FIGS. 8A through 8E ,  FIGS. 8A through 8E  show cut-away side views of a plurality of design variations for the invented devices.  FIG. 8A  shows the first invented device  18  as described in the above text, having the first device central axis length L 5  along the first device elongate axis A 2 , a circular cross-sectional shape, and a consistent diameter D 4  throughout the well  24 .  FIG. 8B  shows the first invented device  18 , surrounded by a casing  42  having a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape.  FIG. 8C  shows a third invented device  44 , having a third body  44 A that forms a first cavity  44 B, and having a cylindrical top, where the plunger projection set  20  and the optional finger grip projection set  22  are placed, and a third well  46  having a quadrilateral length. The third well  46  further has a width W 1  being narrower than the diameter D 6  of the cylindrical portion, and third walls  47 .  FIG. 8D  shows a fourth invented device  48 , having a fourth body  48 A that forms a fourth cavity  48 B wherein a fourth well  50  is textured along the length of the fourth walls  51  for an increased security of fit with the barrel  8  of the syringe  2 .  FIG. 8E  shows a fifth invented device  52 , having a fifth body  52 A that forms a fifth cavity  52 B, wherein the entire fifth invented device  52  has an orthogonal shape, including the fifth well  54 , and the portion of the fifth invented device  52  housing the plunger projection set  20  and the optional finger grip projection set  22 . The fifth invented device  52  displays a consistent width W 2  throughout the fifth well  54  and the portion of the fifth invented device  52  housing the plunger projection set  20  and the optional finger grip projection set  22 . 
         [0054]    The third invented device  44 , the fourth invented device  48 , and the fifth invented device  52  preferably form non-porous first bodies  44 A,  48 A, and  52 A, respectively and may optionally be comprised of or including of any suitable water-resistant, non-porous materials known in the art, including, but not limited to polyethylene, polyurethane, or polypropylene, but may be any other suitable material known in the art. 
         [0055]    The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. 
         [0056]    Any of the steps, operations, or processes described herein may be performed or implemented with one or more hardware modules, alone or in combination with other devices. 
         [0057]    Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based herein. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 
       LIST OF ELEMENT NUMBERS 
       [0000]    
       
         
           FIG. 1A 
         
         Syringe  2   
         Plunger  4   
         Plunger Top  5   
         Finger grip  6   
         Barrel  8   
         Needle  10   
         Diameter D 1  of the plunger 
         Diameter D 2  of the finger grip 
         Diameter D 3  of the barrel 
         Length L 1  of the plunger 
         Length L 2  of the barrel 
         Length L 3  of the needle 
         
           FIG. 1B 
         
         Plunger Cap  12   
         Needle Cap  14   
         User  16   
         Syringe length L 4   
         First elongate syringe axis A 1   
         
           FIG. 2A 
         
         First invented device  18   
         First body  18 A that forms 
         First cavity  18 B 
         Plunger projection set  20   
         Finger grip projection set  22   
         Well  24   
         First internal walls  25   
         Diameter D 4  of the first well 
         First device length L 5   
         First elongate device axis A 2   
         
           FIG. 3A 
         
         Second invented device  26   
         Second body  26 A 
         Second cavity  26 B 
         Second well  28   
         Second internal walls  29   
         Second device length L 6   
         Second elongate cavity axis A 3   
         
           FIG. 4 
         
         First container  30   
         Unused syringe central axis length L 7   
         
           FIG. 5 
         
         Second container  32   
         Slots  34   
         
           FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B 
         
         Third container  36   
         
           FIGS. 7A-7D 
         
         Projection  38   
         Ring projection  40   
         Spike Projection  41   
         
           FIGS. 8A-8E 
         
         Square casing  42   
         Third invented device  44   
         Third well  46   
         Third body  44 A 
         Third well  46   
         Third walls  47   
         Fourth invented device  48   
         Fourth body  48 A 
         Fourth cavity  48 B 
         Fourth well  50   
         Fourth walls  51   
         Fifth invented device  52   
         Fifth body  52 A 
         Fifth cavity  52 A 
         Width W 1   
         Width W 2