USOO8783453B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,783,453 B2 Short (45) Date of Patent: Jul. 22, 2014

(54) NEEDLE MAIL-BACKSYSTEMS AND (56) References Cited METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS (76) Inventor: Gregg R. Short, Solana Beach, CA (US) 4,623,3364,522,302 A * 1 6/19851/1986 PaikoffERAhoei ...... A. O. 206,570Gis: 4,917,867 A * 4/1990 Jensen et al...... 422/102 (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 5,024,326 A : 6/1991 Sandel et al. ... 206,366 patent is extended or adjusted under 35 SE A ck 32 Ei. gi. U.S.C. 154(b) by 1029 days. 6,662,941 B2* 12.2003 Lowry et al. 206/204 6,840,379 B2 * 1/2005 Franks-Farah et al...... 206,571 (21) Appl. No.: 12/205,096 2004/0031721 A1 2/2004 Mann ...... 206,570 2004/02442O2 A1* 12/2004 Bullet al...... 30,124 (22) Filed: Sep. 5, 2008 2007/01 19739 A1* 5/2007 Clegget al...... 206,365 * cited by examiner (65) Prior Publication Data Primary Examiner — Mickey Yu US 201O/OO58637 A1 Mar. 11, 2010 Assistant Examiner — Rafael Ortiz (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Withers & Keys, LLC (51) Int. Cl. B65D 69/00 (2006.01) (57) ABSTRACT B65D 7L/00 (2006.01) Needle mail-back systems and kits are disclosed. Methods of (52) U.S. Cl. making and using needle mail-back kits are also disclosed. USPC ...... 206/232; 206/571; 206/365 Methods of doing business involving needle mail-back sys (58) Field of Classification Search tems and kits are also disclosed. USPC ...... 206/232, 340,364, 365, 571 See application file for complete search history. 11 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets

112 11 M -/ 10 111

110 120

INSTRUCTION U.S. Patent Jul. 22, 2014 Sheet 1 of 2 US 8,783.453 B2

112 11 M ? 111

All- Y -- 110 120 17 C C 1 INSTRUCTION

FIG. 1 U.S. Patent Jul. 22, 2014 Sheet 2 of 2 US 8,783.453 B2

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NW2 NSZZZZZZZZŽ8||227 222 US 8,783,453 B2 1. 2 NEEDLE MAL-BACK SYSTEMIS AND mail-back kit, (5) an optional sealable comprising METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE at least one layer of packaging material, and (6) a return SAME operatively adapted and sized for mailing the appa ratus, the needle storage compartment, the tracking documen FIELD OF THE INVENTION tation and the optional sealable container within a postal system. The exemplary method of making a needle mail-back The present invention relates generally to needle mail-back kit may further comprise providing a for the return systems. The present invention further relates to methods of envelope, the label having a predetermined return address making and using needle mail-back systems. The present thereon. invention even further relates to methods of doing business 10 The present invention is further directed to methods of involving needle mail-back systems. using needle mail-back kits. In one exemplary embodiment, the method of using a needle mail-back kit comprises sepa BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION rating a needle of a syringe from a remaining portion of the Syringe, the remaining portion of the Syringe (i) being Sub Mail-back systems for used Syringes are known. However, 15 known mail-back systems for used syringes have a number of stantially free of a needle portion extending from the remain shortcomings. For example, known mail-back systems do not ing portion of the Syringe, and (ii) comprising a hollow attempt to separate the needle from the remaining portion of fitted with a plunger; collecting the needle in a needle storage the syringe (i.e., the hollow barrel fitted with a plunger) so compartment; and mailing the needle storage compartment to disposal of the Syringe requires disposal of the needle as well a predetermined address. The exemplary method of using a as the hollow barrel and the plunger components of the needle mail-back kit may further comprise one or more steps Syringe. Such as packaging the needle storage compartment (e.g., with There is a need in the art for a mail-back system that used/waste needles therein) in a sealable container compris efficiently disposes of used needles separate from other ing at least one layer of packaging material; verifying whether Syringe components. 25 personal information data or any other kit data is correct, and if the personal information data or any other kit data is incor SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION rect, correcting the data; and including at least a portion of the tracking documentation within the sealable container. The present invention is directed to needle mail-back sys The present invention is even further directed to methods of tems, which separate the needle portion of a syringe from a 30 doing business involving needle mail-back kits. In one exem remaining portion of the Syringe, namely, the hollow barrel plary embodiment, the method of doing business comprises and plunger of the syringe. The disclosed needle mail-back supplying a needle mail-back kit to a customer, the needle systems efficiently and safely enable proper disposal of waste mail-back kit comprising an apparatus operatively adapted to needles, while minimizing efforts relating to the disposal of separate a needle from a remaining portion of a Syringe, the remaining Syringe components (e.g., the hollow barrel, and 35 remaining portion of the Syringe (i) being Substantially free of the plunger). The disclosed needle mail-back systems provide a needle portion extending from the remaining portion of the a cost-effective and convenient method of properly disposing Syringe, and (ii) comprising a hollow barrel fitted with a ofused/waste needles without the additional costs associated plunger, a needle storage compartment; an optional sealable with the disposal of other Syringe components in known container comprising at least one layer of packaging material; mail-back systems. 40 tracking documentation; a return envelope operatively Accordingly, the present invention is directed to needle adapted and sized for mailing the apparatus, the needle Stor mail-back systems, and needle mail-back kits used therein. In age compartment, the optional sealable container, and the one exemplary embodiment, the needle mail-back kit com tracking documentation within a postal system; and a label prises an apparatus operatively adapted to separate a needle for the return envelope, the label having a return address from a remaining portion of a syringe, the remaining portion 45 thereon. The step of Supplying a needle mail-back kit to a of the Syringe (i) being Substantially free of a needle portion customer may comprise utilizing any entity to Supply the extending from the remaining portion of the Syringe, and (ii) needle mail-back kit to the customer. For example, a manu comprising a hollow barrel fitted with a plunger, a needle facturer (e.g., a kit or kit component manufacturer), a dealer storage compartment; a sealable container comprising at least or a retailer may be used to supply the needle mail-back kit to one layer of packaging material; and tracking documentation. 50 the customer. The exemplary needle mail-back kit may further comprise In another exemplary embodiment, the method of doing one or more additional components such as a return envelope business comprises receiving a needle mail-back kit from a operatively adapted and sized for mailing the apparatus, the customer, the needle mail-back kit comprising an apparatus needle storage compartment (e.g., containing used needles), operatively adapted to separate a needle from a remaining the sealable container, and the tracking documentation within 55 portion of a Syringe, the remaining portion of the Syringe (i) a postal system; and a label on the return envelope, the label being Substantially free of a needle portion extending from having a return address thereon. the remaining portion of the Syringe, and (ii) comprising a The present invention is also directed to methods of mak hollow barrel fitted with a plunger, a needle storage compart ing needle mail-back kits. In one exemplary embodiment, the ment; a sealable container (and/or return envelope) compris method of making a needle mail-back kit comprises combin 60 ing at least one layer of packaging material; tracking docu ing (1) an apparatus operatively adapted to separate a needle mentation; and one or more used needles within the needle from a remaining portion of a syringe, the remaining portion storage compartment. The step of receiving a needle mail of the Syringe (i) being Substantially free of a needle portion back kit from a customer may comprise utilizing any entity to extending from the remaining portion of the Syringe, and (ii) receive the needle mail-back kit from the customer. For comprising a hollow barrel fitted with a plunger, (2) a needle 65 example, a manufacturer (e.g., a kit or kit component manu storage compartment, (3) tracking documentation, (4) facturer), a dealer, a retailer or a disposal facility may be used instructions for a customer explaining how to use the needle to receive the needle mail-back kit from the customer. US 8,783,453 B2 3 4 These and other features and advantages of the present may further comprise a (e.g., a shipping invention will become apparent after a review of the follow slightly larger than outer box 133, an envelope sized to ing detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the contain outer box 133, etc.) (not shown) operatively adapted appended claims. and sized for mailing exemplary needle mail-back kit 10 to a customer within a postal system (e.g., the U.S. postal system). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In one desired embodiment, the apparatus operatively adapted to separate the needle from the remaining portion of The present invention is further described with reference to a syringe comprises a needle clipping apparatus, and the the appended figure, wherein: needle storage compartment comprises a clipped needle Stor FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of exemplary compo 10 age compartment. In a further desired embodiment, the nents within an exemplary needle mail-back kit of the present needle clipping apparatus and the clipped needle storage invention; and compartment are components of a single needle clipping FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary apparatus Such as exemplary needle separation apparatus 11. needle clipping apparatus within the exemplary needle mail In this embodiment, the needle clipping apparatus separates back kit shown in FIG. 1 as viewed perpendicular to a plane 15 the needle from the remaining portion of the Syringe and containing line A-A shown in FIG. 1. automatically stores the clipped needle within the needle clipping apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As shown in FIG. 2, exemplary needle separation appara tus 11 comprises a housing 112 comprising housing wall 116. The present invention is directed to needle mail-back kits. an opening 111 in housing wall 116 of housing 112 for inser The present invention is further directed to methods of mak tion of a needle (not shown) therein, a needle clipping blade ing, as well as methods of using needle mail-back kits. The 113 within housing 112 and proximate opening 111, a blade present invention is even further directed to methods of doing moving mechanism 115that moves needle clipping blade 113 business involving needle mail-back kits. from a non-cutting position (i.e., the position as shown in The needle mail-back kits of the present invention may 25 FIG. 2) to a cutting position (i.e., to a position below opening comprise a number of components. A description of indi 111 in a direction as shown by arrow A in FIG. 2), and needle vidual components and combinations of individual compo storage compartment 114 within housing 112. nents is provided below. A number of needle clipping apparatus may be used in the I. Needle Mail-Back Kit Components needle mail-back kits of the present invention. Suitable The needle mail-back kits of the present invention may 30 needle clipping apparatus include, but are not limited to, comprise one or more components either alone or in any needle clipping apparatus commercially available from The combination with one another. Suitable components include, Insulin Shop (Chaska, Minn.) under the trade designa but are not limited to, (1) an apparatus operatively adapted to tions “Bd Safe Clip Needle Clipper” and “Clip & Stor Insulin separate a needle from a remaining portion of a Syringe, Needle Clipper Safe Clip Safety System.” wherein the remaining portion of the Syringe (i) is Substan 35 Each of the above-noted needle clipping apparatus clip the tially free of a needle portion extending from the remaining needle at the intersection of the needle with the hollow barrel portion of the syringe, and (ii) comprises a hollow barrel fitted portion of the Syringe so that (i) there is a minimal length, if with a plunger; (2) a needle storage compartment; (3) a seal any, of needle remaining attached to and extending outward able container comprising at least one layer of packaging from the hollow barrel portion of the syringe, and (ii) the material; (4) tracking documentation (i.e., documentation 40 hollow barrel portion of the Syringe is not damaged in any that enables the supplier of the kit, the user of the kit, the way. receiver of the used kit, and any other entity track the kit); (5) The optional sealable container may comprise at least one a return envelope operatively adapted and sized for mailing layer of packaging material. In one embodiment, the Sealable the apparatus, the needle storage compartment (e.g., contain container is present and comprises an inner plastic sized ing used needles), the sealable container, and the tracking 45 So as to contain the needle separation apparatus and the needle documentation within a postal system (e.g., the U.S. Postal storage compartment; an inner box sized so as to contain the Service); (6) a label for the return envelope, the label having needle separation apparatus and the needle storage compart a return address thereon; (7) instructions for the customer ment within the ; and an outer box sized so as to explaining how to use the needle mail-back kit (e.g., how to contain the inner box. used the enclosed apparatus and how to return waste needles 50 As shown in FIG. 1, exemplary needle mail-back kit 10 using the sealable container and return envelope); (8) a ship comprises sealable container 13, which comprises an inner ping container operatively adapted and sized for mailing the plastic bag 131 sized so as to contain needle separation appa apparatus, the needle storage compartment, the sealable con ratus 11 (e.g., needle clipping mechanism 110 and needle tainer, and the tracking documentation within the postal sys storage compartment 120); an inner box 132 sized so as to tem (e.g., a shipping box, envelope, etc.); or any combination 55 contain needle separation apparatus 11 within plastic bag of items (1) to (8). 131; and an outerbox 133 sized so as to containinner box 132. An exemplary needle mail-back kit of the present invention Plastic bag 131, inner box 132 and outer box 133 may each is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, exemplary needle independently comprise one or more features that enable mail-back kit 10 comprises a needle separation apparatus 11, plastic bag 131, inner box 132 and/or outer box 133 to be which comprises needle clipping mechanism 110 and a 60 sealed. Suitable features may include, but are not limited to, a needle storage compartment 120, a sealable container 13, Zip-lock system for plastic bag 131, an seal tracking documentation 14, a return envelope 15, a label 16 for plastic bag 131, one or more box flaps on inner box 132 for placement on return envelope 15, label16 having a return and/or outer box 133, and an adhesive seal for inner box 132 address thereon (label16 is shown on return envelope 15, but and/or outer box 133. could be provided separate therefrom), and instructions 17 for 65 In other embodiments, the sealable container may act as the the customer (not shown) explaining how to use exemplary return shipping container. For example, in some embodi needle mail-back kit 10. Exemplary needle mail-back kit 10 ments, the Sealable container comprises a padded envelope US 8,783,453 B2 5 6 (e.g., similar to return envelope 15) that may be sealed. In this compartment; and mailing the needle storage compartment embodiment, the used/waste needles contained within a containing one or more separated needles to a predetermined needle storage compartment (i.e., as part of a single needle address. separation apparatus or a separate component) are simply The step of separating the needle portion of a Syringe from enclosed inside the padded envelope and shipped (e.g., the remaining portion of the Syringe may comprise any step mailed) within a postal service system. As with return enve (or steps) necessary to separate the needle from the remaining lope 15, a label such as label 16 having a return address portion of the Syringe. Desirably, the separating step com thereon may be placed on the sealable container used as a prises clipping the needle from the remaining portion of the shipping container/return envelope. Syringe via a needle clipping apparatus, such as the above 10 mentioned needle clipping apparatus, wherein the remaining Once utilized, the needle separation apparatus results in portion of the syringe (i) is substantially free of a needle used/waste needles. The used/waste needles may be stored in portion extending from the remaining portion of the Syringe, a needle storage compartment for a period of time sufficient to and (ii) comprises a hollow barrel fitted with a plunger. In accumulate a plurality of needles within the needle storage addition, desirably, the separating step does not damage the compartment. As noted above, in Some desired embodiments, 15 hollow barrel portion or the plunger portion of the Syringe. the needle storage compartment is an integral component of The separating and collecting steps may occur as a result of the needle separation apparatus. a single clipping step utilizing one of the above-mentioned After use, the kit components are reassembled for shipping needle clipping apparatus. In this embodiment, the needle to a predetermined location for storage and/or disposal. The clipping apparatus comprises a blade for clipping the needle, reassembled kit comprises the above-mentioned kit compo and a clipped needle storage compartment. nents (with or without the shipping container used to Supply The methods of using a needle mail-back kit may further the kit to the customer), as well as used/waste needles within comprise one or more additional steps. Suitable additional the needle storage compartment (e.g., clipped needles within steps include, but are not limited to, shipping (e.g., mailing) the needle storage compartment). Desirably, the reassembled the assembled kits) to a given customer, discarding the kit is substantially free of any syringe components other than 25 remaining portion of the Syringe in a trash receptacle (or other the separated needles (e.g., the clipped needles). state mandated disposal receptacle), wherein the remaining II. Methods of Making Needle Mail-Back Kits portion of the syringe (i) is substantially free of a needle The present invention is further directed to methods of portion extending from the remaining portion of the Syringe, making the above-described needle mail-back kits. In one and (ii) comprises a hollow barrel fitted with a plunger, pack exemplary embodiment, the method of making a needle mail 30 aging the needle storage compartment (i.e., containing one or more used/waste needles therein) in a sealable container com back kit comprises combining any of the following compo prising at least one layer of packaging material; reviewing nents with one another: (1) an apparatus operatively adapted personal information (e.g., customer name, customer mailing to separate a needle from a remaining portion of a syringe address, customer identification number, etc.) and tracking (e.g., the above-noted needle clipping apparatus), the remain 35 documentation of the needle mail-back kit; verifying whether ing portion of the Syringe (i) being Substantially free of a personal information data or any other kit data is correct; if needle portion extending from the remaining portion of the the personal information data or any other kit data is incorrect, Syringe, and (ii) comprising a hollow barrel (i.e., desirably, an correcting the data; including at least a portion of the tracking undamaged hollow barrel) fitted with a plunger, (2) a needle documentation within the sealable container and/or the return storage compartment, (3) tracking documentation, (4) 40 envelope; receiving a returned (e.g., used) kit from a given instructions for a customer explaining how to use the needle customer, documenting receipt of a returned (e.g., used) kit mail-back kit, (5) a sealable container comprising at least one from a given customer; placing a returned (e.g., used) kit in a layer of packaging material, and (6) a return envelope opera designated storage area; transporting one or more returned tively adapted and sized for mailing the apparatus, the needle (e.g., used) kits from the designated storage area to a disposal storage compartment, the tracking documentation and the 45 facility; and treating the used/waste needles (e.g., autoclaving sealable container within a postal system. or any other proper medical waste treatment). The methods of making a needle mail-back kit may further As discussed above, the methods of using a needle mail comprise one or more additional steps. Suitable additional back kit utilize a sealable container and/or a return envelope steps include, but are not limited to, providing a label on the that provides one or more layers of material between the return envelope (or the sealable container), the label having a 50 used/waste needles and anyone handling the reassembled kit. predetermined return address thereon, assigning an unique In some desired embodiments, the methods of using a needle number (e.g., a Waste Manifest Tracking Number) for each mail-back kit utilize a sealable container comprising an inner kit; packaging the needle mail-back kit within a shipping plastic bag sized so as to contain the needle separation appa container Suitable for shipping (e.g., via mail) the needle ratus and the needle storage compartment containing one or mail-back kit within a postal service system (e.g., the U.S. 55 more used/waste needles; an inner box sized so as to contain postal service system); and personalizing a given needle mail the needle separation apparatus and the needle storage com back kit for a specific customer. partment containing one or more used/waste needles within III. Methods of Using Needle Mail-Back Kits the plastic bag; and an outer box sized so as to contain the The present invention is even further directed to methods of inner box. In other desired embodiments, the methods of using the above-described needle mail-back kits. In one 60 using a needle mail-back kit utilize a sealable container that exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method acts as the return envelope? shipping container. ofusing a needle mail-back kit comprises separating a needle IV. Methods of Doing Business Involving Needle Mail-Back of a Syringe from a remaining portion of the Syringe, wherein Kits the remaining portion of the Syringe (i) is substantially free of The present invention is even further directed to methods of a needle portion extending from the remaining portion of the 65 doing business involving the above-described needle mail Syringe, and (ii) comprises a hollow barrel fitted with a back kits. In one exemplary embodiment, the method of doing plunger, collecting the separated needle in a needle storage business comprises Supplying a needle mail-back kit to a US 8,783,453 B2 7 8 customer, the needle mail-back kit comprising an apparatus The instruction sheet provided the following instructions operatively adapted to separate a needle from a remaining to the customer: portion of a Syringe, the remaining portion of the Syringe (i) Step 1—Save All Components being Substantially free of a needle portion extending from 1. Remove the white shipping box (e.g., the kit) from the the remaining portion of the Syringe, and (ii) comprising a 5 delivery box (e.g., the outer brown box); discard the hollow barrel fitted with a plunger, a needle storage compart delivery box. ment; an optional sealable container comprising at least one 2. Open and retain the white shipping box. layer of packaging material; tracking documentation; a return 3. Open the brown inner box, but DO NOT REMOVE from envelope operatively adapted and sized for mailing the appa the white shipping box. ratus, the needle storage compartment, the sealable container 10 4. Open the plastic bag inside the brown inner box and (when present), and the tracking documentation within a remove the needle clipping apparatus/clipped needle postal system; and a label for the return envelope (or sealable storage compartment. container), the label having a return address thereon. In some 5. DO NOT discard outer white shipping box, brown inner desired embodiment, the Supplying step comprises mailing 15 box or the plastic bag. Save these packing items in a dry the needle mail-back kit to the customer. area. They must be used to reassemble the container In another exemplary embodiment, the method of doing system prior to mailing. business comprises receiving a needle mail-back kit from a Step 2 Clip Needles into the Needle Clipping Apparatus/ customer, the needle mail-back kit comprising an apparatus Clipped Needle Storage Compartment operatively adapted to separate a needle from a remaining 1. Place the needle clipping apparatus/clipped needle Stor portion of a Syringe, the remaining portion of the Syringe (i) age compartment near point of use. being Substantially free of a needle portion extending from 2. Squeeze grips indicated by arrows to open your needle the remaining portion of the Syringe, and (ii) comprising a clipping apparatus/clipped needle storage compartment. hollow barrel fitted with a plunger, a needle storage compart 3. With the compartment in the open position, fully insert ment; a sealable container (or return envelope) comprising at 25 needle. Then push down on thumb depression to clip least one layer of packaging material; tracking documenta needle. Compartment is now closed and needle is tion; and one or more used/waste needles within the needle clipped storage compartment. 4. Keep compartment level. Discard remains of Syringe or The above exemplary methods of doing business may fur pen needle according to your local regulations. Clipped ther comprise one or more additional steps. Suitable addi 30 needle is automatically and safely retained within the tional steps include, but are not limited to, collecting one or needle clipping apparatus/clipped needle storage com more used/waste needles in the needle storage compartment partment. Holds up to 1,500 clipped needles. from the customer; instructing the customer to return the one or more used/waste needles within the needle storage com 5. Compartment can be used with needles including, but partment to a predetermined location; forwarding any 35 not limited to, 28 G through 31 G needles, 3/16" (5 mm) received used/waste needles to a needle disposal facility; and through /2" (12.7 mm) length needles. Not intended for properly disposing of the one or more used/waste needles use with lancets (e.g., via an autoclaving step). Step 3 Seal the Container and Prepare System for Mail The present invention is described above and further illus 1ng trated below by way of examples, which are not to be con 40 1. Place the needle clipping apparatus/clipped needle Stor Strued in any way as imposing limitations upon the scope of age compartment into the plastic bag provided. the invention. On the contrary, it is to be clearly understood 2. Then, insert the needle clipping apparatus/clipped that resort may be had to various other embodiments, modi needle storage compartment into brown inner box. fications, and equivalents thereof which, after reading the 3. Close brown inner box by folding the small flaps down. description herein, may suggest themselves to those skilled in 45 4. Close white shipping box containing the sealed inner the art without departing from the spirit of the present inven box. Insert locking tab in the and seal shut with tape. tion and/or the scope of the appended claims. ENSURE BOX IS SECURELY SEALED. Step 4 Keep a Record Example 1 1. Remove four-part serialized Tracking Document from 50 the plastic envelope affixed to the side of white shipping Preparation of a Clipped Needle Mail-Back Kit and box. Complete Generator Information, sign and date Use Thereof Tracking Document. If your information is not printed or is not correct, print or correct the information prior to A clipped needle mail-back kit comprising the following mailing the Home Sharps Disposal storage compart components was prepared: 55 ment. 1. an instruction sheet; 2. Remove the back copy of the Tracking Document and 2. a white shipping box kit with a biohazard symbol and retain for your records. return mailing label; 3. Place three remaining copies of Tracking Document into 3. a brown inner box; the plastic envelope affix to side of white box and close 4. a plastic bag; 60 the envelope (insert any other required documents 5. a needle clipping apparatus/clipped needle storage com behind the Tracking Document). We maintain a record partment; of your shipment. 6.a strip of tape; and Step 5 Mailing the Container System 7. a serialized four-part tracking document in a plastic 1. Add return mailing address on Merchandise Return Ser sleeve. 65 vice mailing label and attach to top of white outer ship The above clipped needle mail-back kit was placed in an ping box. No P.O. allowed. Use of incorrect outer brown box and shipped to a customer at a first address. address is in violation of Postal Service regulations. US 8,783,453 B2 10 2. Give properly sealed container system to your postal 4. A needle mail-back kit comprising: route carrier, or drop off at any U. S. Post office for a needle clipping apparatus operatively adapted to clip a mailing. needle from a syringe; a needle storage compartment; Total Residual Fluid Allowed is Limited to 50 ml. a sealable container comprising at least one layer of pack aging material; Total Weight Per System is Limited to 1 lb. tracking documentation; and a label for return shipping, said label having a return The customer followed the above instructions and the address thereon; sealed container system was returned to a predetermined 10 wherein said sealable container comprises: mailing address. The sealed container system was stored in a an inner plastic bag sized so as to contain said needle designated location. The sealed container system was Subse clipping apparatus and said needle storage compart quently transported from the storage area to an authorized ment, waste disposal company, where the clipped needles within the an inner box sized so as to contain said needle clipping needle clipping apparatus/clipped needle storage compart 15 apparatus and said needle storage compartment ment were autoclaved (e.g., or treated using any other proper within said plastic bag; and medical waste treatment) prior to disposal. an outer box sized so as to contain said inner box. While the specification has been described in detail with 5. A needle mail-back kit comprising: respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated a needle clipping apparatus operatively adapted to separate that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding a needle from a syringe; of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, varia a clipped needle storage compartment; tions of, and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, a sealable container comprising: the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of an inner plastic bag sized so as to contain said needle the appended claims and any equivalents thereto. clipping apparatus and said clipped needle storage 25 compartment, What is claimed is: an inner box sized so as to contain said needle clipping 1. A needle mail-back kit comprising: apparatus and said clipped needle storage compart a needle clipping apparatus operatively adapted to clip a ment within said plastic bag, and needle from a syringe; an outer box sized so as to contain said inner box; a needle storage compartment; 30 tracking documentation; a sealable container comprising at least one layer of pack a label for return shipping of the clipped needle storage aging material; compartment, said label having a return address thereon; tracking documentation; and a strip of tape; and a label for return shipping, said label having a return instructions explaining how to use said needle mail-back address thereon; 35 kit; wherein said needle storage compartment comprises a wherein said needle clipping apparatus comprises said clipped needle storage compartment. needle storage compartment. 2. A needle mail-back kit comprising: 6. A needle mail-back kit comprising: a needle clipping apparatus operatively adapted to clip a a needle clipping apparatus operatively adapted to separate needle from a syringe; 40 a needle from a syringe; a needle storage compartment; a clipped needle storage compartment; a sealable container comprising at least one layer of pack clipped needles within said clipped needle storage com aging material; partment; tracking documentation; and a sealable container comprising at least one layer of pack a label for return shipping, said label having a return 45 aging material; address thereon; tracking documentation; and wherein said sealable container comprises a return enve a label for return shipping, said label having a return lope that is operatively adapted and sized for mailing address thereon; said needle clipping apparatus, said needle storage wherein said sealable container comprises: compartment, and said tracking documentation 50 an inner plastic bag sized so as to contain said needle within a postal system. clipping apparatus and said clipped needle storage 3. A needle mail-back kit comprising: compartment; a needle clipping apparatus operatively adapted to clip a an inner box sized so as to contain said needle clipping needle from a syringe; apparatus and said clipped needle storage compart a needle storage compartment; 55 ment within said plastic bag; and a sealable container comprising at least one layer of pack an outer box sized so as to contain said inner box. aging material; 7. A needle mail-back kit comprising: tracking documentation; and a needle clipping apparatus operatively adapted to separate a label for return shipping, said label having a return a needle from a syringe; address thereon; 60 a clipped needle storage compartment; further comprising: clipped needles within said clipped needle storage com a return envelope operatively adapted and sized for mail partment; ing said needle clipping apparatus, said needle Stor a sealable container comprising at least one layer of pack age compartment, said sealable container, and said aging material; tracking documentation within a postal system; and 65 tracking documentation; and sized for placement of said label having a return a label for return shipping, said label having a return address thereon. address thereon; US 8,783,453 B2 11 12 wherein said sealable container comprises: 10. A needle mail-back kit comprising: an inner plastic bag sized so as to contain said needle a needle clipping apparatus operatively adapted to separate clipping apparatus and said clipped needle storage a needle from a syringe; compartment; a clipped needle storage compartment; an inner box sized so as to contain said needle clipping clipped needles within said clipped needle storage com apparatus and said clipped needle storage compart partment; ment within said plastic bag; and a sealable container comprising at least one layer of pack an outer box sized so as to contain said inner box; aging material; further comprising: tracking documentation; and a return envelope operatively adapted and sized for mail 10 ing said needle clipping apparatus, said clipped a label for return shipping, said label having a return needle storage compartment, said sealable container, address thereon; and said tracking documentation within a postal sys wherein said sealable container comprises: tem; and sized for placement of said label having a an inner plastic bag sized so as to contain said needle return address thereon. 15 clipping apparatus and said clipped needle storage 8. A needle mail-back kit comprising: compartment; a needle clipping apparatus operatively adapted to separate an inner box sized so as to contain said needle clipping a needle from a syringe; apparatus and said clipped needle storage compart a clipped needle storage compartment; ment within said plastic bag; and clipped needles within said clipped needle storage com an outer box sized so as to contain said inner box; partment; wherein said kit consists of said needle clipping apparatus; a sealable container comprising at least one layer of pack said clipped needle storage compartment; said clipped aging material; needles; said inner plastic bag; said inner box; said tracking documentation; and tracking documentation; said label; and a strip of tape. a label for return shipping, said label having a return 25 11. A needle mail-back kit comprising: address thereon; a needle clipping apparatus operatively adapted to separate wherein said sealable container comprises: a needle from a syringe; an inner plastic bag sized so as to contain said needle a clipped needle storage compartment; clipping apparatus and said clipped needle storage clipped needles within said clipped needle storage com compartment; 30 partment; an inner box sized so as to contain said needle clipping a sealable container comprising at least one layer of pack apparatus and said clipped needle storage compart aging material; ment within said plastic bag; and tracking documentation; and an outer box sized so as to contain said inner box; a label for return shipping, said label having a return further comprising: 35 address thereon; a return envelope operatively adapted and sized for mail wherein said sealable container comprises: ing said needle clipping apparatus, said clipped an inner plastic bag sized so as to contain said needle needle storage compartment, said sealable container, clipping apparatus and said clipped needle storage and said tracking documentation within a postal sys compartment; tem; and sized for placement of said label having a 40 an inner box sized so as to contain said needle clipping return address thereon; apparatus and said clipped needle storage compart wherein said kit is substantially free of any syringe com ment within said plastic bag; and ponents other than said clipped needles. an outer box sized so as to contain said inner box; 9. A needle mail-back kit comprising: wherein said kit consists of said needle clipping apparatus; a needle clipping apparatus operatively adapted to clip a 45 said clipped needle storage compartment; said clipped needle from a syringe: needles; said inner plastic bag; said inner box; said a needle storage compartment; tracking documentation; said label; and a strip of tape; a sealable container comprising at least one layer of pack wherein said needle clipping apparatus and said needle aging material; storage compartment form a single apparatus that con tracking documentation; and 50 sists of a housing, an opening in said housing for inser a label for return shipping, said label having a return tion of a needle, a needle clipping blade within said address thereon; housing and proximate said opening, a blade-moving further comprising: mechanism that moves said needle clipping blade from a instructions explaining how to use said needle mail-back non-cutting position to a cutting position, and said kit; and 55 needle storage compartment within said housing. a strip of tape. ck ck sk sk *k