Abstract:
Devices, systems and methods that fixably, and/or permanently capture and cover the sharp end of “sharps” in order to allow for their safe disposal. The sharps can include but are not limited to sharp medical instruments such as but not limited to syringes, needles, scalpel blades, as well as other sharp devices such as but not limited to sharp-tipped ornamental pins, sewing needles, and the like. The devices can include containers having bendable flaps which can bind against needles being inserted into the container, resilient materials, reactive chemical materials, and the like, which can also bind and/or permanently capture the sharps.

Description:
This invention claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/819,453 filed Jul. 7, 2006 which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/399,201 filed Apr. 6, 2006, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/669,539 filed Apr. 8, 2005. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates, generally, to devices that are used to prevent injuries related to the use and disposal of sharp medical instruments, commonly known as “sharps” and more specifically to protecting human beings from unintentional needle-sticks when handling used “sharps” such as but not limited to syringes, needles, scalpel blades, sharp-tipped ornamental pins, sewing needles, and the like, and, more specifically, to devices, systems and methods that permanently capture and cover the sharp end of a “sharps” in order to allow for safe disposal of such “sharps.” 
   BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
   Injuries from handling sharp medical instruments, such as but not limited to syringes, needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp devices, such as but not limited to sharp-tipped ornamental pins, sewing needles, and the like, all commonly referred to as “sharps” to rise in the world and especially in the healthcare profession. 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. 
   Several attempts have been made to address the problems and dangers associated with the proper disposal of used and possibly contaminated “sharps” such as syringe needles. Generally, the attempts have involved complex shielding devices configured to attach to a conventional syringe or, so called, “safety-Syringes” that have various forms of “automatic” safety shields. 
   Other attempts has disposal have included devices designed to burn or melt a used needles or to capture a needle within a complex roller-binding mechanism. Most of these devices are costly or complex. It should be noted, that the cost of a “single-use” syringe is very low and that adding a complex and expensive device is prohibitive. There are also medical practices that involve the use of re-usable syringes with disposable needles. In these instances, there remains a need for a safe, efficient and cost effective way to dispose of, or re-cap a used and possibly contaminated syringe or I/V(intravenous) needle. 
   The subject of inventor&#39;s pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/399,201 filed Apr. 6, 2006, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/669,539 filed Apr. 8, 2005, both of which are incorporated by reference, addresses the recapping issues by providing a shield that can completely cover and encapsulates the pointed end of a syringe needle. A plurality of shields is placed in a holding tray so that a used syringe or I/V needle may be inserted into a shield. The shields comprise of rigid, preferably metal, shell having a closed distal end and an open proximal end and an elastomeric capturing material within the shell. The shielded needle may be safely recapped while the capture shield is in place. In addition the material disclosed prevents the needle from leaking into an area where there may be exposure to a human being. The capture modules are configured to be mechanically attached to an inserted needle by the properties of an elastomeric material into which the needle is inserted. It is obvious that, while the attachment is sufficient for safe recapping of the needle, it is not sufficient for disposal without the step of recapping since the capture module may be physically removed with sufficient force applied to remove it. 
   Thus, the need exists for a needle shield that cannot be removed so that a needle is permanently captures or shielded whether or not it is to be recapped for disposal. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A primary objective of the present invention is to provide devices, systems and methods that permanently capture and cover the sharp end of a “sharps” such as but not limited to medical syringes, needles, scalpel blades, sharp-tipped ornamental pins, sewing needles, and the like. 
   A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide devices, systems and methods that allow for the safe disposal of “sharps” such as but not limited to medical syringes, needles, scalpel blades, sharp-tipped ornamental pins, sewing needles, and the like. 
   A preferred embodiment, includes a containment member into which a used needle can be irreversibly inserted. The preferred embodiment additionally contemplates that a plurality of containment members is arranged in a matrix so that the containment members are easily penetrable by a used needle. 
   A captured or shielded syringe needle can be removed from a holding tray and safely transported for recapping or disposal. 
   One preferred embodiment of needle capture device can include an elongate metal channel having, at least, a hinged end flap sized and configured to allow a needle to pass into said channel in a first direction, where said end flap binds upon said needle when a force is applied to move said needle in a second direction. 
   Another preferred embodiment of needle capture device can include an elongate metal channel having a first hinged end flap extending from a first channel wall, where said first end flap is sized and configured to allow a needle to pass into said channel in a first direction, and where said end flap binds upon said needle when a force is applied to move said needle in a second direction; and a second hinged end flap extending from a second, opposing channel wall, where said second end flap is sized and configured to allow a needle to pass into said channel in a second direction, and where said end flap binds upon said needle when a force is applied to move said needle in a first direction, and where the hinged portions of the end flaps are arranged so that a needle extending through a first end flap is forced into the acute angular internal hinge portion of the second end flap, and where the hinged portions of the end flaps are arranged so that a needle extending through a second end flap is forced into the acute angular internal hinge portion of the first end flap. 
   Another preferred embodiment of needle capture device can include a capture element sized and configured to seize a needle in a binding arrangement; and a holding member sized and configured to hold a plurality of capture elements so that said capture elements can be accessed by a user. 
   Another preferred embodiment of needle capture device can include a permanent capture element sized and configured to irreversibly seize a needle in a binding arrangement; and a holding member sized and configured to hold a plurality of capture elements so that said capture elements can be accessed by a user. 
   Another preferred embodiment of needle capture device can include a permanent capture element sized and configured to irreversibly seize a needle in a binding arrangement; and a holding member sized and configured to hold a plurality of capture elements so that said capture elements can be accessed by a user. 
   Another preferred embodiment of needle capture device can include a permanent capture element sized and configured to irreversibly seize a needle in a bonded arrangement; and a holding member sized and configured to hold a plurality of capture elements so that said capture elements can be accessed by a user. 
   Another preferred embodiment of needle capture device can include a permanent capture element sized and configured to irreversibly seize a needle in a bonded arrangement where said bonded arrangement comprises a reactive chemical in a sealed container that can be breached by a sharp needle so that said reactive chemical can be dispersed as said needle passes through said reactive chemical; and a holding member sized and configured to hold a plurality of capture elements so that said capture elements can be accessed by a user. 
   Another preferred embodiment of needle capture device can include a permanent capture element sized and configured to irreversibly seize a needle in a bonded arrangement where said bonded arrangement comprises two-part reactive chemicals in a sealed container that can be breached by a sharp needle so that said two-part reactive chemicals can be mixed or dispersed as said needle passes through said reactive chemicals; and a holding member sized and configured to hold a plurality of capture elements so that said capture elements can be accessed by a user. 
   Another preferred embodiment of needle capture device can include a permanent capture element sized and configured to irreversibly seize a needle in a bonded arrangement where said bonded arrangement comprises a reactive adhesive chemical in a sealed container that can be breached by a sharp needle so that said reactive adhesive chemical can be dispersed into a preferred medium such as cotton as said needle passes through said reactive chemical; and a holding member sized and configured to hold a plurality of capture elements so that said capture elements can be accessed by a user. 
   Another preferred embodiment of needle capture device can include a permanent capture element sized and configured to irreversibly seize a needle in a bonded arrangement where said bonded arrangement comprises a reactive adhesive chemical such as cyanoacrylate in a sealed container that can be breached by a sharp needle so that said reactive adhesive chemical can be dispersed into a preferred medium such as cotton as said needle passes through said reactive chemical; and a holding member sized and configured to hold a plurality of capture elements so that said capture elements can be accessed by a user. 
   A novel method of capturing a needle, can include the steps of inserting a sharp end of a needle into a container; and binding the needle inside of the container, wherein the needle is captured for disposal. 
   The step of binding can include the steps of bending a flap inside the container by the sharp end of the needle; and trapping the sharp end of the needle inside of the container, by the flap. 
   The step of binding can include the steps of bending a second bendable flap inside the container by the sharp end of the needle; and trapping the sharp end of the needle inside of the container, by the first and second flap. 
   The step of binding can include the steps of a permanent capture element sized and configured to irreversibly seize a needle. 
   The permanent capture element can include a resilient material. The permanent capture element can also include a foam material. 
   The permanent capture element can include a bonded arrangement where said bonded arrangement comprises a reactive chemical in a sealed container that can be breached by a sharp needle so said reactive chemical can be dispersed as said needle passes through said reactive chemical. 
   The permanent capture element can include a bonded arrangement that comprises two-part reactive chemicals in a sealed container that can be breached by a sharp needle so said two-part reactive chemicals can be mixed or dispersed as said needle passes through said reactive chemicals. 
   The permanent capture element can include a bonded arrangement that comprises a reactive adhesive chemical in a sealed container that can be breached by a sharp needle so said reactive adhesive chemical can be dispersed into a preferred medium such as cotton as said needle passes through said reactive chemical. 
   The permanent capture element can include a bonded arrangement that comprises a reactive adhesive chemical such as cyanoacrylate in a sealed container that can be breached by a sharp needle so that said reactive adhesive chemical can be dispersed into a preferred medium such as cotton as said needle passes through said reactive chemical. 
   Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the risk associated with recapping a used syringe with an attached needle. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a shielding member according to prior art as described in the inventor&#39;s pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/399,201 filed Apr. 6, 2006, associated with a syringe and needle. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a shielding member according to prior art inventor&#39;s pending U.S. Patent Application 11/399,201 filed Apr. 6, 2006, associated with a syringe and needle and a needle cap. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a syringe, needle and a permanent, mechanical capture member according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a syringe needle captured by the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective section view of a syringe, needle and capture member according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a side section view of a syringe needle captured by the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective section view of a syringe needle captured by the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged detailed view of the present invention with a captured needle. 
       FIG. 10  is a side perspective illustration of a preferred embodiment of the capture member. 
       FIG. 11  is a top perspective illustration of a preferred embodiment of the capture member. 
       FIG. 12  is a side perspective section view of a preferred embodiment of the capture member. 
       FIG. 13  is a side, cut-away perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a capture member. 
       FIG. 14  is a front, cut-away perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a capture member. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a preferred holder for a plurality of capture members according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of a syringe needle being placed into a capture member within a holding member. 
       FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of a syringe needle being withdrawn with a capture member from within a holding member. 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the arrangement of components according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 19  shows a permanent needle capture element attached to a syringe needle in transport. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a preferred method of construction for a capture element according to the present invention comprising a foldable flat-form. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a series of seven sequential folding operations that may comprise a preferred construction method having hidden lines. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a series of seven sequential folding operations that may comprise a preferred construction method without hidden lines for clarity. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the capture element in series of nine sequential folding operations. 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention comprising a chemically activated capture member. 
       FIG. 25  is an exploded view of the individual elements of the capture member. 
       FIG. 26  is an exploded view of the individual elements of the capture member during the penetrating of a syringe needle. 
       FIG. 27  shows the chemically activated capture member within a holding tray. 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a syringe needle being inserted into a chemically activated capture member. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates a syringe needle permanently captured within a chemically activated capture member as it is removed from a holding tray for transport or disposal. 
       FIG. 30  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a binding capture element with a plastic shell. 
       FIG. 31  illustrates an assembled alternate embodiment of a binding capture element with a plastic shell. 
       FIG. 32  illustrates an assembled alternate embodiment of a binding capture element with a plastic shell with a needle approaching the open end. 
       FIG. 33  illustrates an assembled alternate embodiment of a binding capture element with a plastic shell with a needle within the channel. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates further alternate embodiment illustrating an alternate profile. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     FIGS. 1-3  illustrates the inventor&#39;s pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/399,201 filed Apr. 6, 2006, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/669,539 filed Apr. 8, 2005, both of which are incorporated by reference. A used and possibly contaminated syringe  10  needle  11  can be recapped in a two-handed  13 ,  14  operation. The recapping procedure presents the risk of unintentional needle stick injury. 
   As one hand  13  holds the syringe  10 , the needle  11  point is advanced toward the cap  12  which is held in the other hand  14  of the operator. Unless a user is very familiar with the recapping procedure, has adequate hand-eye coordination and gives the procedure full attention it is quite possible to stick the pointed end of a contaminated needle into the hand holding the needle cap. In order to minimize the risk of needle stick injuries, a temporary capture-shield  15  is disclosed into which a used needle  11  is inserted. 
   The capture-shield  15  can be sized and configured to adhere to the needle  11  by elastic compression of the material within the capture-shield  15 . Various elastic materials are disclosed that hold a needle  11  adequately for safe recapping  12 . A plurality of shields  15  can be provided in a holding supply-tray so that a used syringe needle  11  can be captured within one of the shields  15  and subsequently the shield  15  and captured needle  11  can be removed from the holding tray so that the needle  11  may be safely transported or recapped. The shields  15  are sized and configured to fit within a needle cap  12  associated with the needle  11 . If the operator fails to align the captured needle  11  with the lumen of the needle cap  12 , no injury to the operator will occur. 
     FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a syringe, needle and a permanent, mechanical capture member according to the present invention.  FIG. 5  illustrates a syringe needle captured by the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a perspective section view of a syringe, needle and capture member according to the present invention.  FIG. 7  is a side section view of a syringe needle captured by the present invention.  FIG. 8  is a perspective section view of a syringe needle captured by the present invention.  FIG. 9  is an enlarged detailed view of the present invention with a captured needle. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 4-9  a permanent needle capture element  20  is shown comprising a generally elongate rectangular, box shaped channel  21  having four side walls, a first penetrable end  22  and a second penetrable end  23 . In a first preferred embodiment the capture element  20  can be constructed of thin sheet metal that is folded into an elongate channel  21 . A first end  22  of the channel  21  comprises a flap  24  that extends from a first wall  31  downward toward the opposite wall  27  across the lumen of the channel  21  at an angle toward the second end  23  of the channel  21 . The second end  23  of the channel  21  comprises a second flap  25  that extends from a second wall  27  toward the opposite wall  31  across the lumen of the channel  21  at an angle up toward the first end  22  of the channel  21 . 
   A sharp ended object, such as but not limited to a syringe, I/V needle, biopsy needle, insufflation needle or the like,  11 , can be inserted into the lumen of the channel  21  from either end  22 ,  23  and then displaces an end flap  24 ,  25  inwardly toward the opposite end of the channel. A binding force can be created when an attempt is made to withdraw a needle  11  from within the channel  21 . There can be insufficient room between the extended end  28  of the end flaps and the opposing wall surfaces  27 ,  31  to allow the needle  11  to escape from the channel  21 . 
   A fully inserted needle  11  can extend to the opposite end of the channel  21  and come to rest at the folded hinge-point  40 ,  41  of the opposite end flap  24 ,  25 . In addition, the binding force can be concentrated by sharpening the extending ends  28 ,  29  of the end flaps  24 ,  25 . Additional traction can also be supplied by providing the opposing wall surfaces  27 ,  31  with a texture or grit. 
     FIG. 10  is a side perspective illustration of a preferred embodiment of the capture member.  FIG. 11  is a top perspective illustration of a preferred embodiment of the capture member.  FIG. 12  is a side perspective section view of a preferred embodiment of the capture member.  FIG. 13  is a side, cut-away perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a capture member.  FIG. 14  is a front, cut-away perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a capture member. 
     FIGS. 10-14  further illustrate the construction of a preferred embodiment of the capture element  20  where the walls  26  of the elongate channel  20  are formed by folding the wall material so that the walls  26  are double layered. The strength of the walls  26  can be increased by the double layer of material while the end flaps  24 ,  25  remain relatively flexible. 
   A shaped filler  50  such as but not limited to resilient foam, gel, and the like, can be inserted between the opposing end flaps  24 ,  25 . The resilient material  50  adds a binding bias to the end flaps  24 ,  25  so that a needle  11  can be firmly held within the capture element  20 . 
   An additional embodiment of the shaped filler  50  can comprises an element constructed from a thermoplastic material such as but not limited to polyolefin hot melt adhesive that can be extremely tacky. The adhesive material cooperates with the end flaps  24 ,  25  to secure a captured needle  11  within the channel  21  of capture element  20 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the capture element channel  21  can be folded so that the walls  26  are complete and a single “spot-weld” is provided to secure the channel  21 . The first end flap  24  can then formed inwardly toward the opposite end. Next, the resilient material  50  is inserted and the second end flap  25  is formed inwardly toward the opposite end. An alternate embodiment can eliminate the double end flap and provide a substantially closed second end. 
   A preferred embodiment comprises a double ended flap construction so that when the captures  20  are assembled into a holding member or tray  100 , they can be placed most efficiently without the chance of an upside-down placement. Additionally, the inward bias of the opposing flap  24 ,  25  maintains the needle point  17  in a preferred condition and position away from any open regions associated with the construction. 
     FIG. 15  illustrates a preferred holder for a plurality of capture members according to the present invention.  FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of a syringe needle being placed into a capture member within a holding member.  FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of a syringe needle being withdrawn with a capture member from within a holding member.  FIG. 18  is a perspective top view of the arrangement of components according to the present invention.  FIG. 19  shows a permanent needle capture element attached to a syringe needle in transport. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 15-19  a holding member or tray  100  is shown comprising a base having a bottom  101 , a top  102  and sides  104 . The bottom  101  of the tray  100  can be weighted or fitted with an adhesive material configured to keep the tray  100  in place as it is used. The top  102  of the tray  100  can be configured with a plurality of recesses  103  that are sized and configured to hold a plurality of capture elements  20 . The tray  100  can be constructed of an elastomeric material, and the like, that can be formulated to provide a light holding force to the capture elements  20  when they are nested into the recesses  103 . 
   An additional embodiment contemplates the use of rigid or flexible thermoplastics or other recycled materials, and the like. The tray  100  can be injection molded, vacuum formed, extruded or compression molded, and the like. The tray  100  provides a high density arrangement for the capture elements  20  with very little distance between the elements  20 . The high density arrangement can decrease any opportunity to miss a capture element  20  when attempting to pick up a capture element  20 . A typical wall  105  thickness between recesses can range between approximately 0.005″ to approximately 0.025″. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 15-19  a syringe  10  with a used or contaminated needle  11  can be aimed randomly at any of the capture elements  20  arranged within the holding tray  100  and moved forward until the needle  11  engages an end flap  24 ,  25  of one of the capture elements  20 . It can then be pushed into the capture element  20  until it is fully engaged within the capture element  20 . The syringe  10 , captured needle  11  and capture element  20  can then be removed from the holding tray  100  and recapped or discarded. 
     FIG. 20  illustrates a preferred method of construction for a capture element according to the present invention comprising a foldable flat-form.  FIG. 21  illustrates a series of seven sequential folding operations that may comprise a preferred construction method having hidden lines.  FIG. 22  illustrates a series of seven sequential folding operations that may comprise a preferred construction method without hidden lines for clarity.  FIG. 23  illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the capture element in series of nine sequential folding operations. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 20-23  another preferred embodiment of the capture element  20  of the present invention can comprises a folded metal channel  21  having hinged end portions  24 ,  25 . A preferred construction method can comprise a flat form  150  ( FIG. 20 ) that is sized and configured to be foldable into a channel  21  with hinged end portions  24 ,  25 . Preferably, the surface  160  that forms the inside of the channel  20  can be treated to increase traction upon an object in contact with the inside wall surfaces  27 ,  31  of the channel  21 . The treatment can include but is not limited to acid etching, mechanical etching, sandblasting, embossing, stamping, and the like. 
   The first section  151  can be folded along a fold-line  151 A over the second section  152  which is subsequently folded along a fold-line  152 A over the third section  153  and so-on to form a substantially square elongate channel  21 . A first end flap  24  can be folded inwardly to a preferred inward acute angle. Next, the shaped filler or resilient material  50  can be inserted within the channel  21  and the second end flap  25  can be folded inwardly to a preferred acute angle. 
   Depending upon construction preferences, the elongate channel  21  of the capture element  20  can comprise various numbers of overlapping, folded sections  151  through  156 +. For instance, five or six overlapping sections  151 +, and the like can be sufficient if the wall sections are adequately attached by weld or bond, and the like. Additionally if greater wall strength is required, seven, eight or more folded sections  151 + can also be used. 
     FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention comprising a chemically activated capture member.  FIG. 25  is an exploded view of the individual elements of the capture member.  FIG. 26  is an exploded view of the individual elements of the capture member during the penetrating of a syringe needle.  FIG. 27  shows the chemically activated capture member within a holding tray.  FIG. 28  illustrates a syringe needle being inserted into a chemically activated capture member.  FIG. 29  illustrates a syringe needle permanently captured within a chemically activated capture member as it is removed from a holding tray for transport or disposal. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 24-29  another preferred embodiment of the present invention can comprise a capture element  200  sized and configured to permanently hold an inserted needle  11  or other sharp object. The capture element  200  can comprise an elongate channel  201  having a wall  204 , a closed first end  202  and an open second end  203 . 
   The channel  201  can be cylindrical, square, hexagonal or the like. A preferred embodiment can comprise a hexagonal channel  201  so that, when arranged in a holding member or tray  260 , there is a great packing density, somewhat like a beehive. The channel  201  can be constructed of a material such as but not limited to rigid plastic, glass or metal, and the like, and can be sized and configured to nest into the recesses  263  of a holding member or tray  260 . 
   The capture element  200  channel  201  can be filled with a plurality of materials that cooperate to permanently capture a needle  11  or sharp object within the channel  201  of the capture element  200 . The materials used to fill the channel  201  can include but is not limited to chemicals that can react to each other on contact, chemicals that react to moisture, chemicals that cure on contact with air or chemicals that react to dispersion within one or more of the other materials within the channel  201 . 
   The activation of the chemical materials within the channel  201  can be initiated by the penetration of needle  11  or other sharp object into the materials within the channel  201  of the capture element  200 . An example of a combination of materials comprising a preferred embodiment can include a first, distal material  220  of natural cotton or other dispersing material, a second material  221  consisting of a penetrable sealed packet containing cyanoacrylate of very low viscosity (approximately 5 to approximately 15 cp (centipoises)) and an elastomeric entry seal  222 . 
   In use, a moist, needle  11  can be introduced into the capture element  200 , it first pierces and ruptures the sealed packet  221  and subsequently allows the supply of cyanoacrylate to wick into the cotton or dispersing material  220 . There can be a nearly instant reaction in this environment so that the needle  11 , cotton or dispersing material  220  and channel  201  are bonded together. Additional embodiments can include but is not limited to two-part epoxies or other adhesives, and the like, that can react upon penetration of a needle, introduction of air or presence of moisture. 
     FIG. 30  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a binding capture element with a plastic shell.  FIG. 31  illustrates an assembled alternate embodiment of a binding capture element with a plastic shell.  FIG. 32  illustrates an assembled alternate embodiment of a binding capture element with a plastic shell with a needle approaching the open end.  FIG. 33  illustrates an assembled alternate embodiment of a binding capture element with a plastic shell with a needle within the channel.  FIG. 34  illustrates further alternate embodiment illustrating an alternate profile. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 30-34  the needle capture element  20  can comprise a first external, elongate shell  300  having a proximal open end  304  and a distal closed end  302  and may be made of plastic, metal or the like. The shell  300  can be sized and configured to receive and hold a metal capture form  320  comprising a channel  321  having, at least a first hinged end flap  324 . The end flap  324  can be sized and configured to allow a needle  11  to be inserted into the channel  321  but to bind against an inserted needle  11  when said needle  11  is moved proximally. It can be seen that there can be alternate shell and channel profiles that comprise embodiments of the present invention. The capture element  20  can have a geometrical shape such as but limited to being square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, triangular, round, combinations thereof, and the like. 
   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.