Needle storage magazine assembly

A magazine assembly (1) that stores a plurality of needles (56) configured to engage a medication pen (2) via an adapter (4) for medication delivery, the magazine assembly (1) comprising a magazine housing (20) enclosing a plurality of hub chambers (22) each enclosing one of a plurality of needle hubs (50), a connector (28) in each of the plurality of hub chambers (22), each connector (28) engages one of the plurality of needle hubs (50), and a plurality of enclosures (30) each sealing the plurality of hub chambers (22), wherein a selected enclosure of the plurality of enclosures (30) is removed to expose a selected needle hub (52) of the plurality of needle hubs (50), the adapter (4) attaches to the medication pen (2) to engage the selected needle hub (52) while disengaging the selected needle hub (52) from the hub chamber (22), and the selected needle hub (52) is removed from the magazine housing (20) to prepare the medication pen (2) for medication delivery.

FIELD

Various exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to needle storage for medication pens.

BACKGROUND

Medication pens are typically used to inject medication into a patient. A person who must periodically self-inject doses of medication will typically carry a medication pen and several single-use pen needles. A medication pen is designed for safety and sterility. However, inefficiencies and inconveniences arise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a magazine assembly that stores a plurality of needles configured to engage a medication pen via an adapter for medication delivery. Such a magazine assembly provides advantages in minimizing the size of pen needle packaging, minimizing the volume of plastic used to manufacture components and grouping together a number of pen needles making them easy to use and carry. Such advantages are provided in a magazine housing, as well as in the adapter.

Having a magazine of needles available for medication delivery reduces needle reuse. Needle reuse is undesired for at least the following reasons. The needle dulls after a single use and so subsequent use may cause pain to the patient. Multiple needle use can also reduce the strength of the needle tip which may cause a potential fracture. Also, needle reuse increases sanitary concerns and health risks to the patient.

The needle assembly of the present invention advantageously reduces reuse for at least the following reasons. Although patients may desire to financially benefit from using a needle multiple times, the needle assembly is configured to prevent each of the plurality of needles from being used more than once. Convenience is another reason patients reuse needles. Patients may also be concerned about not having another needle available for use or not having access to supplies. However, the needle assembly conveniently provides multiple needles so that an unused needle is more readily available.

The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention can be achieved by providing a magazine assembly that stores a plurality of needles configured to engage a medication pen via an adapter for medication delivery, the magazine assembly comprising a magazine housing enclosing a plurality of hub chambers each enclosing one of a plurality of needle hubs, a connector in each of the plurality of hub chambers, each connector engaging one of the plurality of needle hubs, and a plurality of enclosures sealing the plurality of hub chambers, wherein a selected enclosure of the plurality of enclosures is removed to expose a selected needle hub of the plurality of needle hubs, the adapter attaches to the medication pen to engage the selected needle hub while disengaging the selected needle hub from the hub chamber, and the selected needle hub is removed from the magazine housing to prepare the medication pen for medication delivery.

Preferably, the adapter includes an adapter body, and a proximal end of the adapter body includes threads that are configured to engage the medication pen. A distal end of the adapter body includes an opening, and the opening is configured to engage one of the plurality of needle hubs. The adapter includes an adapter septum wherein the adapter septum is closed when the adapter does not engage the selected needle hub and the adapter septum is open when the adapter engages the selected needle hub. A proximal end of the selected needle hub compresses the adapter septum and provides a sealing surface. The adapter also includes an adapter cannula that is configured to pierce a septum of the medication pen to establish fluid communication with the medication pen and a distal end of the adapter cannula is disposed in the adapter septum.

Preferably, the magazine housing includes two magazine arrays disposed opposite each other, each magazine array includes the plurality of hub chambers. The magazine housing further comprises a storage bin that stores used needle hubs, and the storage bin is disposed between the two magazine arrays. Each magazine array preferably includes eight hub chambers and the enclosures include a foil tab. The storage bin includes an adapter chamber that is configured to store the adapter, and when the adapter is disposed in the adapter chamber of the storage bin, the adapter seals the storage bin. The adapter chamber is configured to engage an end cap and is sealed by one of the plurality of enclosures prior to use.

The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention can further be achieved by providing an adapter configured to engage a medication pen for medication delivery, the adapter comprising an adapter body having a proximal end and a distal end, an adapter septum disposed between the proximal end and the distal end of the adapter body, and an adapter cannula being fixed to the adapter body and partially disposed within the adapter septum, wherein when a needle hub is not engaged to the adapter body, the adapter septum is closed, and when the needle hub is engaged to the adapter body, the needle hub compresses the adapter septum and causes the adapter cannula to pierce the adapter septum to establish fluid communication with the needle hub.

Additionally, the foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention can be achieved by providing a magazine that stores a plurality of needles configured to engage a medication pen for medication delivery, the magazine comprising a magazine housing enclosing a plurality of hub chambers each enclosing one of a plurality of needle hubs, a connector in each of the plurality of hub chambers, each connector engaging one of the plurality of needle hubs, and a plurality of enclosures sealing the plurality of hub chambers, wherein a selected enclosure of the plurality of enclosures is removed to expose a selected needle hub of the plurality of needle hubs, the medication pen engages the selected needle hub while disengaging the selected needle hub from the hub chamber, and the selected needle hub is removed from the magazine housing to prepare the medication pen for medication delivery.

The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention can also be achieved by a method of using a plurality of needles in a magazine assembly, the plurality of needles being configured to engage a medication pen via an adapter for medication delivery, the method comprising removing a selected enclosure of a plurality of enclosures to expose a selected needle hub of a plurality of needle hubs in a magazine housing, attaching the adapter to the medication pen, engaging the adapter to the selected needle hub, and disengaging the selected needle hub from the magazine housing to prepare the medication pen for medication delivery.

The features of the invention are further attained by providing a magazine assembly for a plurality of needle hubs where the assembly includes a housing having a plurality of chambers, a connector in each of the chambers, and a needle hub with a proximal end configured for coupling to the connector by a snap fit. The needle hub has a cannula extending from a proximal end. The connector within the chamber in one embodiment can include one or more legs that are able to grip an outer surface of the needle hub to retain the needle hub within the chamber while allowing separation without damaging the needle hub. The legs can include a coupling tab that engages a flange or other member on the needle hub by a snap fit or interference fit. An adapter can be provided for coupling the needle hub to a delivery pen. The adapter has a proximal end for connecting to the delivery pen and distal end for coupling to the needle hub. The distal end of the adapter can include a connecting assembly for engaging the proximal end of the needle hub with a gripping force greater than a gripping three of the needle hub relative to the connector of the hub chamber whereby the needle hub can be separated from the connector in the chamber.

The magazine housing can also include an internal cavity, an opening communicating with the internal cavity and a disconnecting assembly. The disconnecting assembly is able to couple to the distal end of a used needle hub with a gripping three greater than gripping force of the needle hub relative to the adapter or delivery device whereby the needle hub can be separated from the adapter or delivery device. The disconnecting assembly can include at least one and generally a plurality of legs that are able to grip the distal end of the needle hub to separate the needle hub from the adapter and retain the used needle hub within the cavity of the housing.

Additional and/or other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description that follows, or will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

According to one embodiment,FIG. 1illustrates a magazine18that stores a plurality of needles or cannulas used by a medication pen for medication delivery. The magazine18includes a magazine housing20, a plurality of hub chambers22each including a connector28, a selected hub chamber24, and magazine arrays26. The magazine housing20is in the shape of a credit card and encloses each of the plurality of needles or cannulas.

The magazine housing20includes two magazine arrays26. Each of the magazine arrays26carries one of a plurality of needle hubs50in each of the plurality of hub chambers22. Each magazine array26can includes eight hub chambers22, although more or fewer are contemplated. The magazine arrays26are opposite one another in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of needle hubs50are inline and adjacent to one another. Such a configuration advantageously provides a small, compact, and optimized arrangement of the plurality of needle hubs50and allows the magazine18to be made from a minimal amount of material. Additionally, the plurality of needle hubs50are individually disposed in each of the plurality of hub chambers22to advantageously provide a separate cavity for each needle hub50.

Each of the plurality of hub chambers22includes the connector28which secures each of the plurality of needle hubs50. The connector28is preferably a quarter-turn bayonet connection, although a push-pull detent connector can also be used. Further details of the connector28are described below.

Each of the plurality of hub chambers22is enclosed by a peel tab or enclosure30. The peel tabs30can be foil tabs. Each peel tab30individually seals and provides a sterile environment for one of the plurality of needle hubs50disposed in the plurality of hub chambers22. Such a configuration advantageously provides independent access to each of the plurality of needle hubs50. As a result, one of the plurality of needle hubs50can be used without altering the sterile environment of the remaining needle hubs50.

FIG. 1also illustrates one of the plurality of peel tabs30removed to expose a selected hub chamber24of the plurality of hub chambers22. The selected hub chamber24includes a selected needle hub52ready for use.

FIG. 2, according to one embodiment, illustrates a medication pen2connected to an adapter4. The adapter4is attachable to a standard reusable medication pen2(i.e. pen injector). The components of the adapter4are illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4.FIG. 3illustrates the adapter4connected to the medication pen2and beginning to engage the selected needle hub52. The adapter4includes an adapter body6, an adapter cannula8and an adapter septum10. The adapter body6can be a two piece press-fit assembly that encloses and secures the adapter septum10. A proximal end of the adapter body6includes threads that are configured to engage threads on the medication pen2. A distal end of the adapter body6includes an opening. The opening is configured to engage one of a plurality of needle hubs50.

The adapter cannula8is fixed to the adapter body6. The adapter cannula8is disposed in the proximal end of the adapter body6and is configured to pierce a septum (not shown) of the medication pen2to establish fluid communication with the medication pen2. A distal end of the adapter cannula8is disposed in the adapter septum10. Operation of the adapter cannula8with the adapter septum10is described below.

The adapter septum10regulates the flow of medicament between the medication pen2and the selected needle hub52. The adapter septum10is closed in its natural state. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the adapter septum10partially engages the adapter cannula8at its distal end in the closed position. Since the selected needle hub52in not fully engaged with the adapter4, the adapter septum10remains in the closed position. That is, the adapter septum10ofFIG. 3is in its natural state.

The adapter septum10can include a preformed opening for the adapter cannula8to pierce. Alternately, a sharpened distal end of the adapter cannula8pierces the adapter septum10to establish fluid communication. The adapter septum10is preferably made of silicon rubber.

FIG. 4illustrates the adapter septum10in an open position. The selected needle hub52is fixed to the adapter body6via a plash-pull detent although other methods are contemplated. When the selected needle hub52is fixed to the adapter body6, the selected needle hub52applies an axial force to the adapter septum10. The axial force causes the adapter septum10to flex (or compress) and allows the adapter cannula8to pierce the adapter septum10and extend into the selected needle hub52. The axial force also establishes a scaling surface to prevent a leak path at an interface between a proximal end of the selected needle hub52and a distal surface of the adapter septum10. Accordingly, the selected needle hub52is now in fluid communication with the medication pen2.

According to one embodiment,FIG. 5illustrates the magazine assembly1where the selected needle hub52is connected to the medication pen2via the adapter4and is removed from the magazine18. Specifically, the selected needle hub52disengages the connector28in the selected hub chamber24of the magazine housing20. Each of the plurality of needle hubs50cannot be easily removed from the magazine housing20without using the adapter4. The medication pen2is now ready for medication delivery.

FIG. 6illustrates, according to one embodiment, that after the selected needle hub52is used for medication delivery by the medication pen2, the medication pen2returns the selected needle hub52back to the magazine housing20. Specifically, the selected needle hub52engages the connector28in the selected hub chamber24of the magazine housing20. The selected needle hub52returns to the selected hub chamber24that it was originally sealed inFIGS. 7 and 8illustrate the operation of the connector28being a quarter turn bayonet connection engaging one of the plurality of needle hubs50. Operation of the connector28is described below.

FIG. 9illustrates, according to one embodiment, one of the plurality of needle hubs50. The plurality of needles hubs50each includes a hub body54, a hub cannula56and a radial lug58. A proximal and distal end of the hub body54preferably includes threads or the push-pull detent. The proximal end of the hub body54is configured to be attached to the adapter4and the distal end of the hub body54is configured to be attached to the connector28in the magazine housing20.

The hub cannula56is fixed to the hub body54and extends from the distal end of the hub body54. The hub cannula56provides a means to deliver medicament to the patient. Specifically, when one of the plurality of needle hubs50is connected to the medication pen2, fluid communication is established. Accordingly, medicament travels to the needle hub50and exits through the hub cannula56. Although not illustrated, the distal end of the hub cannula56includes a sharpened bevel cut that is configured to penetrate tissue.

The radial lug58is disposed adjacent to the threads or the push-pull decent at the distal end of the hub body54. The radial lug58acts as a secondary retention means to the connector28in the magazine housing20. Two radial lugs58are preferably disposed on the hub body54approximately 180° apart.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, when the used needle hub50is returned to the magazine housing20, the used needle hub50engages the quarter turn connector28via the radial lug58. The used needle hub50is then rotated approximately 90°, as illustrated inFIG. 8, to engage the quarter turn connector28of the magazine housing20. Thus, the quarter turn connector28is secured to the needle hub52via the radial lug58.

According to another embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 10-13, the magazine18also includes a storage bin34.FIG. 10illustrates that the storage bin34is disposed between the two magazine arrays26in the magazine housing20and provides a cavity to store needle hubs50after use. Instead of returning the used needle hub50in one of the plurality of hub chambers22as described above, the needle hub50is disposed in the storage bin34. When the used needle hubs50are placed in the storage bin34, the used needle hubs50are inaccessible.

FIG. 11illustrates that the storage bin34includes an opening or adapter chamber32for the plurality of needle hubs50to access. The adapter4or an end cap (cover) engages the opening or adapter chamber32to seal the storage bin34. The opening or adapter chamber32advantageously provides access to the storage bin34, as well as provides a space to carry the adapter4when the adapter4is not in use.

The storage bin34is penetration resistant and leak proof. Such a configuration advantageously prevents used needle hubs50from piercing through the storage bin34. Also any contaminants from the used needle hubs50such as blood are contained and do not escape from the storage bin34. As a result, contaminants from the used needle hubs50are safely enclosed and sealed inside the storage bin34.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, one of a plurality of peel tabs30is used to seal the opening or adapter chamber32. The opening or adapter chamber32is preferably a larger size than the plurality of hub chambers22. Accordingly, the peel tab30for the opening or adapter chamber32is larger than the plurality of peel tabs30for each of the plurality of hub chambers22. In an alternate embodiment, the plurality of peel tabs30for the opening or adapter chamber32and the plurality of hub chambers22are all the same size.

During operation, the adapter4is removed from the opening or adapter chamber32and is attached to the medication pen2as described above. As illustrated inFIG. 12, when one of the plurality of needle hubs50is used, the medication pen2in inserted into the opening or adapter chamber32to release the needle hub50into the storage bin34. Specifically, the medication pen2overcomes a light interference fit when pushing the used needle hub50into the opening or adapter chamber32of the storage bin34. The opening or adapter chamber32then engages the thread at the distal end of the hub body54and/or the radial lug58. Subsequently, the medication pen2is rotated approximately 90° and the medication pen2is removed from the opening or adapter chamber32to disengage the needle hub50from the medication pen2. The needle hub50is then disposed into the storage bin34. This process repeats for each used needle hub50. Once one of the plurality of needle hubs50is placed into the storage bin34, there is no way to remove the needle hub50. Thus, the storage bin34advantageously secures the plurality of needle hubs50after use and prevents accidental reuse.

FIG. 13illustrates the process of repeatedly storing one of the plurality of used needle hubs50in the storage bin34. After all of the plurality of needle hubs50is used and placed into the storage bin34, the magazine18is ready for disposal.

Referring toFIGS. 14-22, another embodiment of the magazine and connector mechanism for the needle hub is shown. Referring toFIG. 14, the magazine housing70is similar to the previous embodiment with the exception of the connectors for the needle hubs74. As in the previous embodiment, the housing includes a plurality of chambers76where each chamber stores a needle hub74until ready for use. The chambers76can have a suitable closure such as label or door as in the previous embodiment to maintain the needle hubs in a clean and sterile condition until ready for use. For ease of illustration, the covers or labels are not shown inFIGS. 14 and 15. The chambers76have a dimension and are oriented in a direction for being accessed by the adapter78for coupling the needle hub74to the adapter78and/or suitable delivery device. The chambers can be arranged in one or more arrays where a needle hub can be selected by the operator for connecting to a delivery device for injecting a substance to a patient.

The adapter78is similar to the adapter of the previous embodiment and is configured for connecting to a delivery pen. Referring toFIG. 16, the adapter78includes a body80having an open end bottom end82with internal threads84for connecting to the delivery pen. The body80has a top end with a top wall86with a post88extending toward the open end82and supporting a cannula90for connecting with the delivery pen. The top wall86includes an outer ring92and an inner ring94extending axially upward and away from the top wall86. The delivery pen is not show inFIGS. 14-22for ease of illustration but is to be understood as corresponding to the delivery pen2as shown inFIGS. 3-6. In the embodiment shown, the adapter is configured for coupling with a delivery pen by a threaded connection. In other embodiments, the adapter can be connected by other mechanisms or can be integrally formed with the pen.

The outer ring92has an annular configuration and is spaced inwardly from an outer edge96of the body80at the top end to define an axially facing shoulder98. The inner ring94is spaced inwardly from the outer ring92and encircles an opening100receiving the hub cannula102. As shown inFIG. 16, the cannula90passes through the opening100and extends downward from the post88and extends upward from the top wall86. The inner ring94supports a septum104as in the previous embodiment. The septum104can be pierced or penetrated by the cannula90in a manner similar to the previous embodiment ofFIGS. 3 and 4. The septum104in the embodiment shown has an annular, substantially cylindrical side wall106received in the inner space formed by the inner ring94and a top wall108that can be pierced or penetrated by the top end of the cannula90when the adapter78is connected to the needle hub74. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 16, the top wall108of the septum104is spaced below the top edge of the inner ring94so that the septum is recessed within the cavity defined by the inner ring94.

The adapter78includes an outer collar110coupled to the top end of the body80. The collar110includes an annular, cylindrical side wall112with a top end114and a skirt116forming an open bottom end118. The skirt116has an annular flange120that fits over the outer ring92for attaching the collar110to the body80. The collar110can be attached securely to the body80by a suitable coupling, adhesive, welding, friction fit, or other mechanism. As shown inFIG. 16, side wall112is spaced radially inward from flange120and spaced radially outward from inner ring94. The side wall112has a substantially cylindrical configuration with an outer diameter to fit within the respective chamber76during the assembly of the needle hub74to the adapter78.

A connecting member122is provided in the annular space124between the inner ring94and the side wall112of the collar110for connecting to the needle hub74. In the embodiment shown, the connecting member122has a substantially cylindrical configuration surrounding the inner ring94with a distal end126and a proximal end128. The connecting member122has an axial height greater than an axial height of the inner ring as shown inFIG. 16.

The proximal end128of connecting member122includes a base130forming a skirt that extends radially outward with a bottom face for mating with the outer face of the top wall86of the body80. A top face of the base130is oriented to mate with a bottom face of the skirt116of the collar110to capture the connecting member122within the annular space124. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 16, the base130has a thickness corresponding substantially to the axial height of the inner ring94and an outer diameter complementing an inner diameter of the inner ring94.

Connecting member122includes a plurality of movable or flexible legs132extending axially from the base130to define a substantially cylindrical side wall of the connecting member122. The top end of the legs132defines the distal end of the connecting member122. Each leg132has a detent forming a coupling tab134extending radially inward with respect to the central axis of the connecting member122for coupling with the needle hub such as by snap fit. In the embodiment shown, the coupling tabs134have chamfered top edge136and a chamfered bottom edge138.

The needle hub74in the embodiment shown has a substantially cylindrical body140with a flange142at a distal end having a connecting portion144at a bottom end. An axial passage146extends through the needle hub74for supporting a cannula148. In the embodiment shown the cannula148has proximal end150received in the axial passage146and a distal end152with a tip for penetrating the skin of the patient during use. The tip as shown as a flat or blunt end although it is to be understood that the tip can be formed as a sharp, pointed or beveled tip as known in the art.

The connecting portion144has at least one recess shown as an annular recess154extending around the circumference of the surface of the connecting portion144for mating with the coupling tabs134of the legs132. A cylindrical axial end portion156of the connecting portion144has an outer diameter less than an outer diameter of the body140and forms an annular rib158between the cylindrical portion156and the annular recess154. As shown inFIG. 17, the cylindrical end portion156has a dimension to pass through the opening in the connecting member122and fit within the inner dimension of the inner ring94to form a fluid tight connection with the inner ring94and provide a fluid connection with the cannula90of the hub body80. The annular rib158has a dimension to mate with the inwardly extending tabs134of the legs132as shown inFIG. 17. In the embodiment shown, the adapter is coupled to the needle hub by a linear movement of the adapter relative to the needle hub without requiring rotation of the adapter relative to the needle hub.

The magazine70is provided with the chambers76for supporting the needle hub74until ready for use. Referring toFIG. 17, the chamber76has an open end160with a chamfered edge162to assist in guiding the adapter78into the chamber76. The chamber76defines a cavity receiving a connector164for retaining the hub74. In the embodiment shown, the connector164includes a plurality of legs166extending from a base168toward the open end of the chamber76and oriented around a central axis. The legs166can be moveable or flexible to enable coupling with the needle hub. A distal end of each leg166includes a coupling tab170extending radially inward with respect to the central axis of the connector164. The base168is fixed to the magazine70to capture the hub until ready for use. In the embodiment shown, a cylindrical member172is positioned within the central opening defined by the arms166with an axial passage174to receive the cannula148during storage of the hub. The tabs170have a chamfered inner edge176to be able to slide over the flange142of the hub when the needle hub is removed from the chamber. The outer edge178is also chamfered as shown inFIG. 18to allow ease of assembly of the hub onto the connector164. In this embodiment, the needle hub can be separated by pulling the needle hub in a linear direction outwardly from the chamber without requiring rotation of the needle hub relative to the connector164.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 14, an end wall180of magazine70has an opening182to a storage cavity184shown inFIG. 22for receiving the used needle hub74in a manner similar to the previous embodiment. A sliding closure or door186is provided to close the opening182when not in use. The opening182has a dimension for receiving the used needle hubs74and enabling the disconnection of the used needle hubs74from the delivery pen.

As shown inFIG. 20, magazine70includes a disconnecting assembly190positioned in the cavity184and aligned with the opening182for disconnecting the used needle hub74from the delivery pen. The assembly190includes a support192retaining a base194of a coupling member196. The member196has a plurality of movable or flexible legs198extending from the base194toward the opening182and spaced below the opening182. The legs198are oriented around a central axis of member196. A chamber200is provided between the member196and the opening182and has a dimension for receiving the cylindrical wall of the collar110while allowing the used needle hub74to engage the assembly190. The legs198include a distal end with an inwardly extending coupling decent shown as a coupling tab202and forming an axial passage204. The coupling tabs202have an inclined chamfered top edge206to allow the needle hub74to slide over the tabs202and into the axial passage204. A bottom edge208of the coupling tabs202extends radially inward with respect to the center axis of the assembly190and is oriented to engage the bottom face of the flange142. In one embodiment shown, the bottom face of the flange142of the needle hub74is oriented substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the needle hub. The bottom edge of the coupling tab202is also oriented substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the member190so that the tab202resists passage or movement of the needle hub74toward the opening once gripped by the tabs202and prevents removal of the used needle hub74from the magazine through the opening182.

During use, the delivery pen is connected to a selected needle hub74as in the previous embodiment. As shown inFIG. 17, the needle hub74is retained in the chamber76by the coupling tabs170on the legs166. The cover is removed from the selected chamber containing needle hub74and the delivery pen with the adapter78is coupled to the needle hub74by inserting the adapter78into the chamber74and onto the end of the needle hub as shown inFIG. 17. The legs132of the connector122are sufficiently flexible so that the coupling tabs134slide over the inclined surface of the rib158for connecting the needle hub74to the adapter78by a snap fit. The delivery pen and adapter78are then pulled away from the magazine to remove the needle hub74from the chamber76while attached to the adapter78. The inclined surfaces on the flexible legs166provide a gripping force sufficient to retain the needle hub74in the chamber74during storage but have a gripping force less than the gripping force of the legs132of the connecting member122relative to the needle hub so that the needle hub74can be removed from the chamber for use as shown inFIG. 18andFIG. 19by pulling the adapter away from the chamber. The needle hub74coupled to the adapter78as shown inFIG. 18is ready far use by the operator.

After use, the needle hub74can be discarded in the sharps container formed by the cavity184of the magazine70. The used needle hub74while attached to the adapter78and delivery pen is inserted into the opening182of the magazine70as shown inFIG. 20andFIG. 21. The axial end of the needle hub74is pushed into the opening to slide over the inclined chamfered edges206of the flexible legs198. The bottom edge208of the legs198engage the bottom surface of the flange of the needle hub as shown inFIG. 21. The gripping force of the legs198onto the needle hub74is greater than the gripping force of the legs132of the adapter78relative to the needle hub so that the adapter and delivery pen separate from the needle hub74when pulled away as shown inFIG. 22. The used needle hubs74then fall into the cavity184of the magazine70as shown inFIG. 2. The door186can then slide to a closed position.

The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments has been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. Any of the embodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one another to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed, as long as they do not contradict each other. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope of the invention. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and other orientation descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the structure of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention to any particular position or orientation. Terms of degree, such as “substantially” or “approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to reasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, general tolerances associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.