Abstract:
A sharps end capture device is disclosed for use in a system and method for the safe disposal and/or temporary storage of sharp-tipped implements including medical sharps, such as, syringe needles (epidural, spinal, blood collection, catheter, dialysis, intravenous, ophthalmic, hormonal pen, and radiologic). The device is useful to prevent injuries related to the use and disposal of sharp medical instruments, commonly known as, “sharps” or “sharps objects” is disclosed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. Ser. No. 61/892,657, filed on Oct. 18, 2013, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to devices that are used to prevent injuries related to the use and disposal of sharp medical instruments, commonly known as, “sharps” or “sharps objects” and more specifically to a device, system and method for the safe disposal and/or temporary storage of sharp-tipped implements including medical sharps, such as, syringe needles (epidural, spinal, blood collection, catheter, dialysis, intravenous, ophthalmic, hormonal pen, and radiologic). 
       BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
       [0003]    Injuries caused by needles and other sharp medical devices and the related risk of potentially fatal disease transmission remain a major threat to the health and safety of health care workers around the world. In addition, the distress, sickness and absenteeism resulting from sharps injuries constitute a considerable strain on the already limited human resources in the medical profession. 
         [0004]    The majority of sharps injuries are suffered by nurses and occur in patient rooms and the operating theatre, but doctors, dentists and&#39; other medical staff are also victims. Ancillary staff such as cleaners and laundry staff and other downstream workers, are also at risk. Additionally, medical devices incorporating needles are frequently used for self-treatment outside of the conventional health care setting and this can create additional dangers for the general public. 
         [0005]    The term “needle stick” injury has come to be the term used to describe inadvertent penetration of the skin by a previously used, contaminated needle or other percutaneous device. A combination of training, safer working practices and the use of medical devices incorporating needle stick protection technology can prevent many of these potentially fatal injuries. 
         [0006]    The U.S. Congress took action in response to growing concerns over blood borne pathogen exposures from sharps injuries and in response to recent technological developments that increased employee protection. On Nov. 6, 2000, the “Needle Stick Safety and Prevention Act” was signed into law, requiring that all health care facilities in the U.S. evaluate, purchase and provide medical devices incorporating needle protection for their staff. Health care employers in the U.S. are also now required to maintain a sharps injury log and involve non-managerial potentially exposed health care workers in the evaluation and implementation of work practice controls and devices incorporating needle protection. 
         [0007]    Thus, safe disposal of sharp medical instruments, such as scalpel blades and syringe needles has become an important issue, addressed at the highest level of the U.S. government, due to the possible transmission of disease by accidental skin-penetrating contact during disposal of sharp medical instruments. 
         [0008]    There are several scenarios that describe the accidental needle stick injury: First, a handler may be stuck by a syringe needle while attempting to re-cap the needle after it has been used. Second, a handler may be stuck by a syringe needle while transporting it to a proper “Sharps Container.” Third, a handler or other individuals may be stuck when contacting a syringe and needle that has been left unprotected and unattended. Fourth, individuals that transport medical waste may be stuck by unprotected, uncapped or improperly stored syringes and needles. 
         [0009]    There are specific guidelines generally imposed to define proper disposal methods. However, the environment of a medical procedure, especially an emergency procedure, may often preclude close adherence to specific guidelines or protocol. 
         [0010]    In general, it is considered “unsafe” to re-cap a syringe needle due to the extreme possibility that the handler will be stuck by the needle while re-capping. Various attempts to provide automatic shielding devices have met with only limited success or acceptance. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,083,098 to Schaffer and titled STORAGE AND DISPENSING SYSTEM FOR NEEDLE SHIELDS, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety, discloses a delivery mechanism of supplying needle covers to be used to cover or shield the sharp and contaminated ends of used syringe-needles that automatically advance into a preferred position as each individual needle-shielding member is engaged and subsequently removed from the delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism comprises a storage base having a delivery groove; a spring within the delivery groove; a plurality of needle-shields stored within the groove and held in sequential compression by the spring; and a base-cap sized and configured to hold the spring and the plurality of needle-shields within the groove, the cap having an opening for releasing the needle-shields individually therefrom. A syringe needle can be inserted into a needle-shield that is advanced into position by thee continuous load of a coiled spring within a spiral pathway. The needle-shield is withdrawn when the needle is removed, at which point the needle-shields within the groove advance under the influence of the constant force spring. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In one embodiment, the invention relates to a circular tray for the capture of the contaminated ends of sharps objects for safe disposal and storage of contaminable needles. The circular tray comprises a substantially flat weighted base adapted to rest upon a supporting surface; a base disposed on the weighted base comprising an outer wall extending upward around the circumference of the base; and a lid; wherein the base, the outer wall and the lid define an inner cavity; a pick-up path wall disposed in the inner cavity on the base substantially equidistant from the outer wall defining a pick-up path; one or more access holes in the lid providing access to the pick-up path in the inner cavity; and a power spring in the inner cavity in a connective relationship at one end with an arbor disposed in the center of the floor of the base and at the other end with the lid. A first fixed stop is disposed in the pick-up path and a second fixed stop extends downward into the pick-up path from the lid. In one embodiment, the lid may comprise one or more component parts, for example and inner lid and an outer lid. In one embodiment, the second fixed stop extends downward into the pick-up path from the lid substantially adjacent to one of the access holes. 
         [0013]    The circular tray further comprises a plurality of sharp end capture members sequentially disposed in the pick-up path. Each sharp end capture member comprises an open top, a closed bottom impermeable to the sharps object, and a core comprising an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may comprise partially cured natural latex rubber, completely cured natural latex rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, silicone, vinyl, neoprene rubber, styrenic block copolymers, polyurethane or any other material that tenaciously adhere to the sharp end of an object. The size of each access hole in the lid is configured to substantially mate with the open top of each sharp end capture member. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the pick-up path is detachable from the inner cavity of the device. In this embodiment, the pick-up path fits between the pick-up path guidewalls. When the sharp end capture members disposed in the pick-up path have been removed as described infra, the user can remove the spent pick-up path from the inner cavity of the device and replace it with a pick-up path that is full with sharp end capture members. 
         [0015]    One embodiment of the circular tray is configured to receive syringe needles through the access holes and in the sharp end capture members. One embodiment of the circular tray is configured to receive scalpel blades through the access holes and in the sharp end capture members. One embodiment of the device is configured with multiple access holes to receive syringe needles through the access holes and in the sharp end capture members. One embodiment of the device is configured to receive diabetes and hormone type pens. One embodiment of the device comprises an upper access hole and a lower access hole substantially aligned with the upper access hole, where the upper access hole has a different configuration and/or a different shaped and sized access hole than the lower access hole, wherein further the upper access hole can be detached from the device allowing access to the lower access hole and then replaced. In one embodiment, the device is configured to receive needles used for suturing. The device can be manufactured in any configuration to capture the contaminated end of any sharps object, which includes manufacturing the sharp end capture members accordingly. 
         [0016]    The circular tray is assembled such that the plurality of sharp end capture members are placed in the pick-up path between the first fixed stop and the second fixed stop, and tension in the power spring causes a force to be placed against the plurality of sharp end capture members by the second fixed stop. In operation, when a sharps object has been used, the sharp end of the sharps object is inserted into one of the access holes in the lid. The sharp end is received within the sharp end capture member that is aligned with the access hole. The core of the sharp end capture member tractively receives and encases the sharp end of the sharps object. The sharp end capture member is removed from the circular tray through the access hole, within which the sharp end of the sharps object is encased. Removal of a sharp end capture member from the pick-up path releases tension in the power spring, causing the lid and thus the second fixed stop to rotate until rotation is stopped by contact of the second fixed stop with the next sequential sharp end capture member disposed in the pick-up path. This action can be repeated until all sharp end capture members have been removed from the circular tray. 
         [0017]    The encased sharp end of the sharps object may then be safely transported to a disposal location, thereby reducing or eliminating the probability of a health care worker receiving an accidental needle stick. In the instance that the sharps object comprises a syringe needle, the needle with the encased sharp end may be removed from the syringe and the sharp end on the opposing end of the syringe may likewise be encased in a sharp end capture member. The needle may then be safely “recapped” (inserted into the original, provided rigid plastic needle cover) even if a two-handed technique is used, without the possibility of an accidental needle stick. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates a typical syringe and needle in a supplied, capped condition. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates a typical syringe and needle in an uncapped usable condition. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates a typical syringe and needle in use. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates a typical syringe and needle after use in a contaminated condition. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates a technique common to recapping a syringe needle. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates a potential danger associated with recapping a contaminated syringe needle. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 7 to 9  depict a first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 10 to 12  depict a second embodiment of the invention having a single access hole for use with scalpels. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 13 and 14  depict an embodiment of the invention having a single access hole for use with syringe needles. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  depicts an embodiment of the invention having a lower access hole for use with insulin/hormone type needles and an upper detachable access hole for use with syringe needles. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a sharp end capture member according to one embodiment of the invention prepared for use to receive a syringe needle, in a first position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a sharp end capture member according to one embodiment of the invention receiving a syringe needle, in a second position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a sharp end capture member according to one embodiment of the invention shielding a syringe needle for transport, in a third position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a sharp end capture member according to one embodiment of the invention shielding a syringe needle during recapping, in a fourth position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    In one embodiment, the invention relates to a circular tray for the capture of the contaminated ends of sharps objects for safe disposal and storage of contaminable needles. The circular tray comprises a substantially flat weighted base adapted to rest upon a supporting surface; a base disposed on the weighted base comprising an outer wall extending upward around the circumference of the base; and a lid; wherein the base, the outer wall and the lid define an inner cavity; a pick-up path wall disposed in the inner cavity on the base substantially equidistant from the outer wall defining a pick-up path; one or more access holes in the lid providing access to the pick-up path in the inner cavity; and a power spring in the inner cavity in a connective relationship at one end with an arbor disposed in the center of the floor of the base and at the other end with the lid. A first fixed stop is disposed in the pick-up path and a second fixed stop extends downward into the pick-up path from the lid. In one embodiment, the lid may comprise one or more component parts, for example an inner lid and an outer lid. In one embodiment, the second fixed stop extends downward into the pick-up path from the lid substantially adjacent to one of the access holes. 
         [0033]    The circular tray further comprises a plurality of sharp end capture members sequentially disposed in the pick-up path. Each sharp end capture member comprises an open top, a closed bottom impermeable to the sharps object, and a core comprising an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may comprise partially cured natural latex rubber, completely cured natural latex rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, silicone, vinyl, neoprene rubber, styrenic block copolymers, polyurethane or any other material that tenaciously adhere to the sharp end of an object. The size of each access hole in the lid is configured to substantially mate with the open top of each sharp end capture member. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the pick-up path is detachable from the inner cavity of the device. In this embodiment, the pick-up path fits between the pick-up path guidewalls. When the sharp end capture members disposed in the pick-up path have been used, the user can remove the spent pick-up path from the inner cavity of the circular tray and replace it with a pick-up path that is full with sharp end capture members. 
         [0035]    One embodiment of the circular tray is configured to receive syringe needles through a single access hole and in the sharp end capture members. One embodiment of the circular tray is configured to receive scalpel blades through a single access hole and in the sharp end capture members. One embodiment of the device is configured with an access hole to receive diabetes and hormone type pens through the access hole and in the sharp end capture members. In one embodiment, the device is configured to receive needles used for suturing through a single access hoe and in the sharp end capture members. One embodiment of the device is configured with multiple access holes to receive the contaminated ends of any of the above sharps objects through the access holes and in the sharp end capture members. One embodiment of the device comprises an upper access hole and a lower access hole substantially aligned with the upper access hole, where the upper access hole has a different configuration and/or a different shaped and sized access hole than the lower access hole, wherein further the upper access hole can be detached from the device allowing access to the lower access hole and then replaced, for example by threads or other attachment mechanism. The device can be manufactured in any configuration to capture the contaminated end of any sharps object, which includes manufacturing the sharp end capture members accordingly to accommodate the contaminated end of the sharps object. 
         [0036]    The circular tray is assembled such that the plurality of sharp end capture members are placed in the pick-up path between the first fixed stop and the second fixed stop, and tension in the power spring causes a force to be placed against the plurality of sharp end capture members by the second fixed stop. In operation, when a sharps object has been used, the sharp end of the sharps object is inserted into one of the access holes in the lid. The sharp end is received within the sharp end capture member that is aligned with the access hole. The core of the sharp end capture member tractively receives and encases the sharp end of the sharps object. The sharp end is removed from the circular tray through the access hole along with the sharp end capture member, within which the sharp end of the sharps object is encased. Removal of a sharp end capture member from the pick-up path releases tension in the power spring, causing the lid and thus the second fixed stop to rotate until rotation is stopped by contact of the second fixed stop with the next sequential sharp end capture member disposed in the pick-up path. This action can be repeated until all sharp end capture members have been removed from the circular tray. . 
         [0037]    The power spring comprises a flat strip of tempered spring material wound on the arbor and attached at the other end to the lid. The spring&#39;s natural tendency to expand imparts a moment to the circular tray, producing usable torque in the nature of a rotational force exerted as the power spring unwinds. The power spring may be made from a variety of different materials. A person having ordinary skill in the art can determine the number of active turns to wind the power spring. 
         [0038]    The sharps object with the encased sharp end may then be safely transported to a disposal location, thereby reducing or eliminating the probability of a health care worker receiving an accidental needle stick. In the instance that the sharps object comprises a syringe needle, the needle with one sharp end encased in the sharp end capture member may be removed from the syringe and the sharp end on the opposing end of the syringe may likewise be encased in a sharp end capture member. The needle may be safely “recapped” (inserted into the original, provided rigid plastic needle cover) even if a two-handed technique is used, without the possibility of an accidental needle stick. 
         [0039]    With reference to the drawings  FIGS. 1 to 6  are illustrations of known prior art devices and practices. A medical syringe  10  is shown having an elongated barrel or body a proximal end having an enlarged handle portion  30 , a movable plunger  40  and a distal end having a connecting portion  50  sized and configured to accept and hold a needle  65  and needle hub connector  75 . Generally there are two types of connectors used in medical syringes between the syringe barrel  20  and the needle  65 . The first comprises a non-threaded, tapered fitting that allows the needle  65  and hub  50  to be pushed on without threading or twisting. The second comprises a tapered central portion in fluid communication with the inside of the syringe barrel  20 , and a secondary threaded portion  50  that secures the needle hub  75  upon the tapered central portion. These connections are commonly referred to as “Luer” connections. They have become an industry standard. 
         [0040]    Medical syringes  10  are generally supplied without a needle  65 , so a needle must be attached to the syringe  10  before use. Needles  65  are supplied in sterile containers and with rigid plastic caps  60  that are removed just prior to use for an injection or to fill the syringe  10  by aspirating fluid through the needle  65  from a supply. The needle cap  60  is relatively secure upon the needle hub  75  and is not easily removed until the needle  65  is secured upon a syringe barrel  20 . The needle cap  60 , once removed, is placed to the side or discarded. It should be noted that medical needles  65  have been designed and manufactured so that they are extremely sharp and smooth. Therefore, they present a real hazard unless handled properly. 
         [0041]    The process of administering an injection generally comprises the steps of: First, a handler  100  must prepare the syringe  10  and needle  65  by uncapping the needle  65  and filling the syringe  10 . Second, the handler  100  penetrates the skin of a subject  110  and injects the content of the syringe  10  into the subject  110 . Third, the handler  100  removes the syringe  10  and needle  65  from the subject  110 . Fourth, the handler  100  must dispose of the syringe  10  and contaminated needle  65 . 
         [0042]    In years past, it was common to re-cap medical needles  65  for safe disposal. However, recapping medical needles  65  is difficult and requires a high level of concentration, hand-eye coordination, steady hands and little distraction. Under the best of circumstances, recapping syringe needles  65  is troublesome. Under extreme circumstances, not uncommon in medical procedures and in emergency situations, recapping is unacceptable. The handler or health care worker  100  may easily miss the small target opening  61  of the needle cap  60  and inadvertently injure the medical practitioner as the cap  60  is held in the opposite hand  102  as shown in  FIG. 6 . There have been several official mandates stipulating that medical syringe needles  65  should NOT be recapped for disposal. It is simply too risky for the handler  100  to recap a contaminated medical syringe needle  65  under present conditions. The risk to health care workers involves communicable diseases easily transferred from one body to another from a single needle-stick. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 7-9  depict a first embodiment of the circular tray of the invention for use with syringe needles. The circular tray  700  comprises a substantially flat weighted base  710  adapted to rest upon a supporting surface; a base  720  disposed on the weighted base  710  comprising an outer wall  730  extending upward around the circumference of the base  720 ; a lid  740 ; an inner cavity  760  defined by the base  720  and an outer pick-up path wall  778  and an inner pick-up path wall  780  defining a pick-up path  790 ; two access holes  770   a  and  770   b  in the outer edges of lid  740  each providing access to pick-up path  790 ; and a power spring  775  in inner cavity  760  in a connective relationship at one end with an arbor  785  disposed in the center of the floor of base  720  and at the other end with lid  740 . A first fixed stop  754  is disposed in pick-up path  790  and a second fixed stop  757  extends downward substantially from one of access holes  770   a  and  770   b  into pick-up path  790 . 
         [0044]    The circular tray  700  further comprises a plurality of sharp end capture members  795  sequentially disposed in pick-up path  790 . Each sharp end capture member comprises an open top  796 , a closed bottom  797  impermeable to the sharps object, and a core  798  comprising an elastomeric material. The size and position of each access hole  770   a ,  770   b  in lid  740  is configured to substantially mate with the open top  796  of a sharp end capture member  795 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , first access hole  770   a  is configured to accept sharps objects such as insulin/hormone pens, and second access hole  770   b  is configured to accept sharps objects such as syringe needles. The circular tray is assembled such that the plurality of sharp end capture members  795  are placed in pick-up path  790  between first fixed stop  754  and second fixed stop  757 , and tension in power spring  775  causes a force to be placed against the plurality of sharp end capture members  795  by second fixed stop  757  through its attachment to access hole  770   a  or  770   b  and lid  740 . The placement of second fixed stop  757  on one of access holes  770   a ,  770   b  is determined by which access hole is situated at the end of the plurality of sharp end capture members  795  in pick-up path  790 . 
         [0045]    Removal of a sharp end capture member  795  from pick-up path  790  through access hole  770   a  releases tension in power spring  775 , causing lid  740  and thus second fixed stop  757  to rotate until rotation is stopped by contact of second fixed stop  757  with the next sequential sharp end capture member  795  disposed in pick-up path  790  from the sharp end capture member  795  that was removed. This action can be repeated until all sharp end capture members  795  have been removed from pick-up path  790 . 
         [0046]    Removal of a sharp end capture member  795  from pick-up path  790  through access hole  770   b  releases tension in power spring  775 , advancing the remaining sharp end capture members  795  between access hole  770   a  and access hole  770   b  to move along pick-up path  790  until their movement is halted by first fixed stop  754  while simultaneously rotating lid  740 . This action can be repeated until all sharp end capture members  795  have been removed from pick-up path  790 . 
         [0047]    In another embodiment, power spring  775  is configured such that the removal of a sharp end capture member  795  through access hole  770   a  from pick-up path  790  releases tension in the power spring  775 , causing lid  740  and thus second fixed stop  757  to rotate, advancing the remaining sharp end capture members  795  to move along pick-up path  790  until their movement is halted by first fixed stop  754 . This action can be repeated until all sharp end capture members  795  have been removed from pick-up path  790 . 
         [0048]    Circular tray  700  can be re-stocked with new sharp end capture members  795  or may be replaced with a pre-stocked circular tray  700  full of sharp end capture members  795  in pick-up path  790 . 
         [0049]      FIGS. 10 to 12  depict a second embodiment of the circular tray of the invention for use with scalpel blades and half-round suture needles. Circular tray  1000  comprises a substantially flat weighted base  1010  adapted to rest upon a supporting surface; a base  1020  disposed on the weighted base  1010 ; an outer wall  1030  extending upward around the circumference of the base  1020 ; a lid  1040 ; an inner cavity  1060  defined by base  1020  and inner pick-up path wall  1080  and outer pick-up path wall  1078  defining a pick-up path  1090 ; access hole  1070  in the outer edge of lid  1040  providing access to pick-up path  1090 ; and a power spring  1075  in inner cavity  1060  in a connective relationship at one end with an arbor  1085  disposed in the center of the floor of base  1020  and at the other end with lid  1040 . A first fixed stop  1054  is disposed in pick-up path  1090  and a second fixed stop  1057  extends downward substantially from access hole  1070  into pick-up path  1090 . 
         [0050]    Circular tray  1000  further comprises a plurality of sharp end capture members  1095  sequentially disposed in pick-up path  1090 . Each sharp end capture member comprises an open top  1096 , a closed bottom impermeable to the sharps object  1097 , and a core comprising an elastomeric material  1098 . The size and position of access hole  1070  in lid  1040  is configured to substantially mate with the open top  1096  of a sharp end capture member  1095 . Circular tray  1000  is assembled such that the plurality of sharp end capture members  1095  are placed in pick-up path  1090  between first fixed stop  1054  and second fixed stop  1057 , and tension in power spring  1075  causes a force to be placed against the plurality of sharp end capture members  1095  by second fixed stop  1057 . Removal of a sharp end capture member  1095  through access hole  1070  from pick-up path  1090  releases tension in power spring  1075 , causing lid  1040  and thus second fixed stop  1057  to rotate until rotation is stopped by contact of second fixed stop  1057  with the next sequential sharp end capture member  1095  disposed in pick-up path  1090 . This action can be repeated until all sharp end capture members  1095  have been removed from pick-up path  1090 . 
         [0051]    In another embodiment, power spring  1075  is configured such that the removal of a sharp end capture member  1095  through access hole  1070  from pick-up path  1090  releases tension in power spring  1075 , causing lid  1050  and thus second fixed stop  1057  to rotate, advancing the remaining sharp end capture members  1095  to move along pick-up path  1090  until their movement is halted by first fixed stop  1054 . This action can be repeated until all sharp end capture members  1095  have been removed from pick-up path  1090 . 
         [0052]    Circular tray  1000  can be re-stocked with new sharp end capture members  1095  or may be replaced with a pre-stocked circular tray  1000  full of sharp end capture members  1095  in pick-up path  1090 . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 13 and 14  depict an embodiment of the invention having a single access hole for use with syringe needles. Circular tray  1300  comprises a substantially flat weighted base  1310  adapted to rest upon a supporting surface; a base  1320  disposed on the weighted base  1310 ; an outer wall  1330  extending upward around the circumference of the base  1320 ; a lid  1340 ; an inner cavity  1360  defined by base  1320  and inner pick-up path wall  1380  and outer pick-up path wall  1378  defining a pick-up path  1390 ; access hole  1370  in the outer edges of lid  1340  providing access to pick-up path  1390 ; and a power spring  1375  disposed in inner cavity  1360  in a connective relationship at one end with an arbor (as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 ) disposed in the center of the floor of base  1320  and at the other end with lid  1340 . A first fixed stop (as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 ) is disposed in pick-up path  1390  and a second fixed stop (as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 ) extends downward substantially from one of access holes  1370  into pick-up path  1390 . The features not shown are the same or substantially the same as those seen for the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-9 . 
         [0054]    As also shown for the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , circular tray  1300  further comprises a plurality of sharp end capture members sequentially disposed in pick-up path  1390 . Each sharp end capture member comprises an open top, a closed bottom impermeable to the sharps object, and a core comprising an elastomeric material. The size and position of the access hole  1370  in lid  1340  is configured to substantially mate with the open top of each sharp end capture member. Circular tray  1300  is assembled such that the plurality of sharp end capture members are placed in pick-up path  1390  between first fixed stop and second fixed stop, and tension in power spring  1375  causes a force to be placed against the plurality of sharp end capture members by second fixed stop through its attachment to access hole  1370  and lid  1340 . Removal of a sharp end capture member through access hole  1370  from pick-up path  1390  releases tension in power spring  1375 , causing lid  1340  and thus second fixed stop to rotate until rotation is stopped by contact of second fixed stop with the next sequential sharp end capture member disposed in pick-up path  1390  from the sharp end capture member that was removed. This action can be repeated until all sharp end capture members have been removed from pick-up path  1390 . 
         [0055]    In another embodiment, power spring  1375  is configured such that the removal of a sharp end capture member through access hole  1370  from pick-up path  1390  releases tension in the power spring  1375 , causing lid  1340  and thus second fixed stop to rotate, advancing the remaining sharp end capture members to move along pick-up path  1390  until their movement is halted by first fixed stop. This action can be repeated until all sharp end capture members have been removed from pick-up path  1390 . 
         [0056]    Circular tray  1300  can be re-stocked with new sharp end capture members or may be replaced with a pre-stocked circular tray  1300  full of sharp end capture members in pick-up path  1390 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 15  depicts an embodiment of the invention having a lower access hole for use with short insulin/hormone type needles and an upper detachable access hole for use with longer syringe needles. Circular tray  1500  comprises a substantially flat weighted base adapted to rest upon a supporting surface; a base disposed on the weighted base; an outer wall  1530  extending upward around the circumference of the base; a lid  1540 ; an inner cavity defined by base and inner pick-up path wall and outer pick-up path wall defining a pick-up path; a lower access hole  1571  in the outer edges of lid  1540  providing access to pick-up path; an upper access hole  1570  detachably connected to lower access hole  1571 ; a holding unit for upper access hole  1570  disposed on lid  1540 ; and a power spring disposed in inner cavity in a connective relationship at one end with an arbor disposed in the center of the floor of base and at the other end with lid  1540 . A first fixed stop is disposed in pick-up path and a second fixed stop extends downward substantially from one of access holes  1570  into pick-up path. The features not shown are the same or substantially the same as those seen for the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-9 . In this embodiment, lower access hole  1571  is configured to accept insulin/hormone type needles and upper access hole  1570  is configured to accept syringe needles. Upper access hole  1570  is detachably mated with lower access hole by any method now known or later developed. For example, lower access hole  1571  and upper access hole  1570  may be detachably mated by screw threads or a pressure fitting. The method of mating can be determined by a person skilled in the art. Holding unit  1572  is configured to temporarily accept and retain upper access hole  1570  when it is detached from lower access hole  1571 . 
         [0058]    As also shown for the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , circular tray  1500  further comprises a plurality of sharp end capture members sequentially disposed in pick-up path. Each sharp end capture member comprises an open top, a closed bottom impermeable to the sharps object, and a core comprising an elastomeric material. The size and position of lower access hole  1571  and upper access hole  1570  in lid  1540  when they are attached is configured to substantially mate with the open top of each sharp end capture member. Circular tray  1500  is assembled such that the plurality of sharp end capture members are placed in pick-up path between first fixed stop and second fixed stop, and tension in power spring  1575  causes a force to be placed against the plurality of sharp end capture members by second fixed stop through its attachment to lower access hole  1571  and lid  1540 . Removal of a sharp end capture member through lower access hole  1571  from pick-up path  1590  releases tension in power spring  1575 , causing lid  1540  and thus second fixed stop to rotate until rotation is stopped by contact of second fixed stop with the next sequential sharp end capture member disposed in pick-up path  1590  from the sharp end capture member that was removed. This action can be repeated until all sharp end capture members have been removed from pick-up path  1590 . 
         [0059]      FIGS. 16 to 19  illustrate a method for safely transporting a device having a sharp end, in this case a contaminated sharp medical needle  65 , having a shaft  70 . First, in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , tip  80  of sharp needle  65  is placed into open top  796  of sharp end capture member  795  which is disposed within pick-up path  790  of circular tray  700  depicted in  FIG. 7 , whereupon tip  80  and shaft  70  become encased in core  798 . Next, in  FIG. 18 , syringe  10  and needle  65  may be removed from outer portion  155  of sharp end capture member  150  which allows needle shaft  70  to dislodge core  796 . Core  796  is carried away with needle  65  and shaft  70  through access hole  770  allowing the handler to safely place original needle cap  60  upon sharp needle  65  prior to disposal as shown in  FIG. 19 . During the recapping procedure, sharp needle  65  is completely encased in core  796 . 
         [0060]    In addition, residual fluid content of needle  65  is prevented from exiting the lumen of the needle  65  due to the elastomeric material forming core  796 . 
         [0061]    While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.