CN108144159B

CN108144159B - Device for mounting a pen needle assembly

Info

Publication number: CN108144159B
Application number: CN201611111494.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 曾曦; 黄华盛; 胡炜; 王绯; 范婷婷
Original assignee: Becton Dickinson and Co
Current assignee: Enbeckta
Priority date: 2016-12-06
Filing date: 2016-12-06
Publication date: 2021-09-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-06
Also published as: CN108144159A

Abstract

A device for supporting at least one pen needle assembly is disclosed. Also disclosed is a storage device for supporting a plurality of pen needle assemblies for a pen needle delivery device, wherein each pen needle assembly includes a housing, a hub having a cannula and an internal shield, the device comprising: a housing having a top wall and a side wall, the top wall having an exterior top face having: a plurality of first wells to receive pen needle assemblies; and a plurality of second wells having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first wells and sized to receive and retain the inner shield; and a movable ejector to eject the housing and used hub from the first well and to eject the internal shield from the second well. Related methods are also disclosed.

Description

Device for mounting a pen needle assembly

Technical Field

In general, the present invention relates to a device for use in mounting a pen needle assembly to a pen delivery device. More particularly, the present invention relates generally to a device having a first well to retain a hub with an internal shield and to retain the hub after use to reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks. The device has a second well to receive the inner shield for separating the inner shield from the hub without the need for manual manipulation of the inner shield.

Background

Insulin and other injectable drugs are commonly delivered with drug delivery pens whereby a disposable pen needle hub is attached to the pen to facilitate entry of a drug container and allow fluid to be transported from the container through the needle and into the patient.

Various pen needle delivery devices for dispensing substances to a patient are known in the art. Delivery devices typically use a disposable hub having a cannula or needle extending from a patient end of the hub for insertion into a patient. The non-patient end of the needle hub is coupled to a pen delivery device for delivering a substance to a patient.

The needle hub assembly is typically packaged in a container that contains several loose needle hubs. A needle hub is selected from the packaging and attached to the pen needle delivery device for injection to the patient, and then removed and discarded. The needle hub package includes a cover enclosing the needle hub and a removable seal that is peeled away from the cover to open the cavity so that the needle hub can be removed. The hub may have a threaded non-patient end that is threaded to a delivery device. The delivery device with attached needle hub is then removed from the housing. The inner needle shield is attached to the hub to cover the cannula until the device is ready to be used. The shield is removed to expose the cannula for use to deliver the substance to the patient. After use, the hub may be inserted back into the housing to enclose the exposed cannula. The pen delivery device is separated from the needle hub leaving the needle hub in the housing.

Previous devices required the use of two hands to connect and remove the needle hub to and from the delivery device. During replacement back into the housing, the cannula is exposed and provides an increased risk of accidental needle sticks. Manual manipulation of holding the housing while positioning the used hub and cannula within the cavity of the housing without accidental needle sticks is difficult.

U.S. patent application publication No.2006/0229562 to Marsh et al and U.S. patent application publication No.2007/0149924 to r.

While prior devices have been adapted for the desired use, there is a continuing need in the industry for improved packaging for pen needle hub assemblies.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a device and apparatus for receiving at least one pen needle hub assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a package or device for a pen needle assembly that can be used in a manner that reduces the risk of accidental needle sticks.

In one embodiment of the invention, the device is provided with a well for the hub for holding and supporting the hub and cannula while attached to the pen needle delivery device and storing the used hub for disposal. The device has a recess or well for receiving an inner shield covering the cannula so that the inner shield can be removed from the hub without the operator having to manipulate the inner shield. The used hub may be inserted back into the well and stored until ready to be disposed of. An ejector mechanism is provided to eject the hub, housing and internal shield to a suitable processor such as a sharps container.

According to another aspect of the invention, the inner shield may be inserted into a well in the device such that the inner shield is retained by a friction or interference fit. The hub and cannula may then be pulled to separate the inner shield while maintaining the inner shield in the well without the user having to manipulate the inner shield.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a device for receiving and supporting a hub assembly to attach a hub to a delivery device without requiring a user to handle the exposed hub with the cannula exposed thereon. The hub assembly is positioned in the means for receiving and supporting the hub assembly such that the delivery device may be attached to the non-patient end of the hub. The inner needle shield on the hub may then be inserted into a well in the apparatus for receiving and supporting the hub assembly to grip the inner shield so that the inner shield may be separated from the hub without manipulation of the inner shield. After use, the hub is positioned in the well of the means for receiving and supporting the hub assembly and disconnected from the delivery device, wherein the means for receiving and supporting the hub assembly retains the used hub, the housing, and the internal shield. The hub may be held in the hub well by a friction or interference fit to enclose the cannula and reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks. An ejector is provided to eject a used component from the means for receiving and supporting a needle hub assembly into a disposal container.

The various features of the present invention are basically attained by providing an apparatus for a pen needle assembly including a housing, a hub and an internal shield covering a cannula on the hub. The device for a pen needle assembly includes a housing having a top wall and side walls. The top wall has an exterior top surface with at least one first well sized for receiving a pen needle assembly. The second well is formed in the top wall and has a diameter less than a diameter of the first well and dimensions for receiving and retaining the inner shield. The device for a pen needle assembly includes an ejector for ejecting the housing and hub from the first well and for ejecting the inner shield from the second well.

In one embodiment, the second well has dimensions for receiving the inner shield by a friction or interference fit such that insertion of the inner shield into the well can grip the inner shield with sufficient force to enable the hub to be pulled outwardly to separate the inner shield when attached to the pen needle delivery device, thereby exposing the cannula for delivery of a substance to a patient. After use of the hub and cannula, the hub is inserted into a first well where it may be held by a friction or interference fit so that the pen needle delivery device can be separated from the hub without the operator having to manipulate the hub, thereby reducing the risk of accidental needle sticks.

The features of the present invention are further achieved by providing a device comprising a housing having a top wall, wherein the top wall has an exterior top surface. The top wall includes a plurality of first wells having a first size and a plurality of second wells having a second size. Each first well houses a pen needle assembly that includes a housing, a hub having a cannula, and an internal shield coupled to the hub to enclose the cannula. The second well portion is sized to receive and retain the inner shield. The device also includes an ejector for ejecting the used hub and housing received in the first well and for ejecting the internal shield received in the second well.

The features of the invention are also achieved by a method of coupling a needle hub of a pen needle assembly to a delivery device using a support device. The support device has a top wall including a plurality of first wells for receiving the pen needle assembly and a plurality of second wells sized for receiving the internal shield of the pen needle assembly, and an ejector for ejecting the needle hub and pen needle assembly from the first wells and the internal shield from the second wells. The method includes the step of inserting the coupling end of the delivery device into the first well to engage and couple to the open end of the needle hub. The delivery device with attached needle hub is removed leaving the housing in the first well. The inner shield is inserted into the second well where it is held with sufficient force that the hub can be freely pulled and separated from the inner shield to expose the cannula for delivery of the substance to the patient. After use, the needle hub is inserted into a housing that is held in the first well and disconnected from the delivery device. The ejector is then actuated to eject the used hub and housing from the first well and the inner shield from the second well for disposal.

Objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, describes exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Drawings

The above-mentioned benefits and other advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pen needle delivery device in one embodiment showing a pen needle assembly including a hub, an internal shield and a cover;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a pen needle assembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a storage device in one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the storage device of FIG. 3 showing the gripping member;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the storage device showing the pen needle assembly positioned in the well;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device showing the delivery device coupled to the hub;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device showing the hub pulled from the housing;

figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a pen needle delivery device with an internal shield inserted into the well of the device;

figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the pen needle delivery device separated from the inner shield;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the needle hub inserted into the housing held in the well;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the needle hub positioned within the housing after use;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the delivery device detached from the needle hub after use; and

fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the ejector in position for ejecting a used hub, cover and internal shield from the device.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to a device for storing and supporting at least one, preferably a plurality of pen needle assemblies for use with a pen delivery device. The present invention also relates to a storage device for used needle hubs in which, without manipulation of the hub, the used hub can be replaced in the device after use and subsequently discarded to reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks.

The device for a hub assembly may facilitate easy and convenient assembly and removal of the hub on a pen delivery device with reduced handling of exposed needle cannulas. The device for the hub assembly may be placed on a flat surface, such as on a table, so that the pen needle delivery device may be attached to the hub assembly with one hand, thereby reducing the risk of needle sticks from handling the hub with an exposed needle cannula.

The pen needle delivery device 10 as shown in figure 1 typically comprises a dose knob/button, an outer sleeve 12 and a cap. The dose knob/button allows the user to set a dose of the drug to be injected. The outer sleeve 12 is held by the user while injecting the medicament. The cap is used by the user to securely hold the pen injector device 10 in a shirt pocket, purse, or other suitable location and to provide a cover/protection from accidental needle stick injury.

In a standard pen needle delivery device, both the dosing mechanism and the delivery mechanism are present within the outer sleeve 12 and will not be described in further detail since those skilled in the art will understand them. The cartridge is typically attached to a standard pen injector housing via known attachment means. Distal movement of a plunger or stopper within the cartridge forces the drug into the reservoir housing. The cartridge is sealed by a septum and pierced by a septum piercing needle cannula located within the reservoir or housing. The reservoir housing is preferably screwed onto the medicament cartridge, although other attachment means may be used. The pen needle delivery device may be a standard pen delivery device known in the industry and is therefore not shown in detail. The pen needle assembly 18 shown in fig. 2 includes a hub 16 supporting a cannula 20, an outer cover 22 and an inner shield 24. As shown in fig. 2, a protective seal 26 is attached to the open end of the housing to enclose the hub and cannula, thereby maintaining a clean and sterile environment. The seal may be a label or other closure member that can be easily peeled off of the housing to access the hub during use.

The pen needle delivery device 10 is connected to a hub 16. as shown in figure 1, the hub 16 has a non-patient connecting end with internal threads that thread onto the threaded end 18 of the delivery device 10. A needle cannula 20 extends from the patient end of the hub 16 for delivering a substance to a patient. A cover 22 may be provided to cover the needle cannula to protect the patient from accidental needle sticks before and after use. An internal shield 24 is provided on the post extending from the patient end of the hub 16 to enclose the cannula. During use, the hub 16 is connected to the pen delivery device and the inner shield is removed. After use, the cover is generally placed back over the hub to cover the needle cannula. The hub with the cover is then removed from the pen needle delivery device and discarded.

The device of the present invention is configured for receiving and supporting at least one pen needle assembly in a position in which a delivery device may be coupled to a hub for injecting a substance to a patient without requiring a user to operate the hub with an exposed cannula. The used hub and cannula may then be positioned back into the housing which is retained in the device and separated from the delivery device. The used housing and hub and internal shield are retained in the device. The device may then be inverted without the operating components and the ejector activated to eject the used housing, hub and internal shield for safe disposal.

Referring to fig. 3-5, the support apparatus 30 of the present invention includes a housing 32 having side walls 34, a top wall 36, an open bottom end 38, and an ejector 40 housed in the open bottom end 38. The top wall 36 has an outer top surface 42, said outer top surface 42 having at least one, preferably a plurality of recesses forming a well for a pen needle assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the top wall 36 has a plurality of first wells 44 spaced apart from one another and facing outwardly from the top surface 42. Each well 44 is sized to receive and support a pen needle assembly as shown in figure 5. A plurality of second wells 46 are also disposed in the top wall 36 and spaced apart from the first wells 44. The second well 46 is sized to receive and support the inner shield 24.

In the illustrated and described embodiment,

wells

44 and 46 are formed in top wall 36. In other embodiments, the well may be provided at a side wall or other location accessible to the user. The provision of a well in the top wall has the advantage that the transport device can be pushed in a downward direction to prevent movement of the device when placed on a stable surface or support.

As shown in fig. 5, the depth and width of the well 44 for the pen needle assembly is complementary to the corresponding dimensions of the pen needle assembly 18. The well portion 44 has: a first generally cylindrical upper portion 48 having a diameter sufficient to receive the pen needle assembly 18 and the threaded engagement end 14 of the delivery device 10. A second cylindrical portion 50 is spaced below the first portion 48 and is spaced from the first portion and is spaced from the top wall 36. The portion 50 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first portion 48 and a step 52 extends between the first portion 48 and the second portion 50 to mate with a shoulder on the delivery device. Step 52 is spaced a distance from top wall 36 to allow outer flange 54 of hub 16 to be recessed below top face 42. The step 52 forms a stop member for the housing 22 of the pen needle assembly and the delivery device.

A tapered portion 54 extends from the bottom end of the second portion 50, converging toward a lower portion 56. As shown in the figures, the lower portion 56 has an open bottom end 58. The lower portion 58 has a shape complementary to the end of the outer cover 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 56 has a slightly tapered or conical shape that corresponds to the conical shape of the end of the housing. The first well 44 defined by the various sections has a shape and size complementary to the shape and size of the pen needle assembly so that the pen needle assembly can fit in the well 44.

In one embodiment shown in fig. 3, a plurality of teeth 60 project inwardly from the bottom end of the second portion 50 to facilitate mating of ribs or depressions formed in the outer surface of the housing 22 shown in fig. 1. Each tooth 60 is oriented for engagement with the housing to prevent rotational movement of the housing 22 relative to the housing 32 when the hub 16 is engaged and disengaged with the engagement end of the delivery device. Well 44 is sized to retain housing 22 by a friction fit or by an interference fit. In other embodiments, gripping features may be provided to grip the outer cover 22. In one embodiment, the gripping mechanism may be an O-ring that is received in an annular recess in the well 44 to engage the outer surface of the housing 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of first wells 44 are formed in the top wall 36 for receiving a plurality of pen needle assemblies. The various first well portions 44 may be arranged in a suitable pattern as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first wells 44 is arranged in a generally annular pattern that surrounds the outer edge of the top wall 36.

The second well 46 has a shape and size to receive the inner shield 24 after it is separated from the hub 16. As shown in FIG. 5, well 46 has a first generally cylindrical portion 62 that extends from top face 42 and has a diameter that is complementary to engaging end 14 such that only engaging end 14 can be inserted into well 46. The first portion 62 has an axial length that corresponds to the axial length of the engagement end 14. The step 64 extends radially inwardly from a bottom end of the first portion 62 to a generally cylindrical lower portion 66. The lower portion 66 extends in a radial direction from the step 64 to an open bottom end 68. The lower portion 66 has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the inner shield 24. In one embodiment, the diameter of the lower portion 66 forms a friction fit with the inner shield 24 to grip the inner shield 24 to enable the inner shield 24 to be separated from the post of the hub 16.

The ejector 40 is mounted within the open bottom end 38 of the housing 32 for sliding movement in an axial direction relative to the housing 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the ejector 40 is biased away from the top wall 36 by a spring member 70 that extends between the top wall 36 and the ejector 40. The ejector 40 is formed by a bottom plate 72 having an outer diameter to fit within the open bottom 38 and to slide within the housing 32. The housing 32 includes guide posts 76 that extend in an axial direction to the bottom end of the housing 32. The bottom plate 72 is provided with openings 74 that receive guide posts 76 for sliding movement relative to the housing 32. Only the member 78 is provided on each guide post 76 to retain the bottom plate 72 in the cavity of the housing 32 while still allowing sliding movement of the bottom plate 72.

The housing 32 has a flange 80 that extends radially inwardly from the side wall 34 to the axial center of the housing 32 and is located between the top and bottom ends of the side wall. An axially extending inner wall 82 extends in an upward direction to top wall 36 and is radially spaced from and parallel to side wall 34. The flange 80 includes an aperture 84 that aligns with and receives a plunger 86 extending from the bottom plate 72. As shown in fig. 6, the plunger 86 is aligned with the open bottom end 58 of the first well 44 for sliding movement within the first well 44 with the sliding movement of the ejector 40. The flange 80 includes an aperture 104, the aperture 104 being aligned with each well 44. One plunger 86 is provided on the bottom plate 72 for each well 44.

The ejector 40 includes a central post 88 that extends upwardly from the bottom plate 72 toward the top wall 36 to support the plate 90. The plate 90 has a generally flat configuration with an outer dimension corresponding to the inner dimension of the inner wall 82 for sliding axial movement within the cavity of the inner wall 82. A lower sleeve 92 extends from the bottom face of the plate 90 for engagement with the center post 88, and an upper sleeve 94 is for engagement with the spring 70. A plunger 96 extends from the upper face of the plate 90 and is aligned with the open bottom end 68 of the second well 46 for sliding movement through the well 46. Each second well 46 is provided with a respective plunger 96. As shown in FIG. 5, the spring 70 biases the ejector 40 but rather points away from the top wall 36, thereby placing the plunger 86 and the plunger 96 in a retracted position so that the various components of the pen needle assembly may be inserted into the respective wells. The ejector may be manually pushed upward to bring the

plungers

86 and 96 into the second position as shown in fig. 13 to eject the respective elements from the respective wells.

The bottom face of the device 30 may include a non-slip surface or friction member to prevent slipping when disposed on a surface, such as the upper surface of a table. In the embodiment shown, the bottom face of the bottom plate 72 is provided with a non-slip mat 100 and suction cups 102 to stabilize the device on a support surface during use. In other embodiments, the bottom edge of the side walls 34 of the housing may be provided with suitable non-slip surfaces or features.

The support means 30 of the present invention serves to enable a pen needle assembly to be engaged and disengaged from a hub in a manner which reduces accidental needle sticks by avoiding the need for a user to manipulate the hub with an exposed cannula. The device also provides a convenient method for storing used needle hubs, and for disposing of used needle hubs, in a safe manner.

The device of the present invention is suitable for use in a method of "engaging and disengaging a delivery device from a hub after an injection and disposing of the used hub in a manner that reduces exposure of the cannula to the user". In use, the seal 26 is removed from the pen needle assembly 18 and the pen needle assembly 1 is positioned in the selected well 44 such that the assembly is located below the top face 42 of the device 30, as shown in figure 5. The delivery device 10 (e.g., a conventional pen needle delivery device) is inserted into the well 44 as shown in fig. 6. The teeth 60 engage the outer surface of the housing 22 so that the engagement end 14 of the delivery device 10 can engage the needle hub 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement end 14 has external threads for mating with internal threads on the inner surface of the needle hub 16, as is known in the art. The delivery device 10 may be rotated within the well 44 to screw the engagement end 18 into the needle hub 6. The delivery device 10 with the needle hub 16 is then withdrawn from the well 44 with the inner shield 24 attached to the end of the needle hub 16, while the outer cover 22 remains trapped in the well 44, as shown in fig. 7.

Referring to fig. 8, the delivery device 10 with the hub 16 and the inner shield 24 is inserted into the well 46 such that the inner shield 24 is positioned in the second portion 66 of the well 46. The second portion 66 of the well 44 has a size or other gripping mechanism to grip the inner shield 24 so that the delivery device can be withdrawn, leaving the inner shield 24 in the well 46, as shown in fig. 9. In this manner, the hub may be engaged to the delivery device with limited manipulation of the hub without requiring manual removal of the outer cover and inner shield in the hope of exposing the cannula. The delivery device with the exposed cannula shown in fig. 9 is ready for use so that a substance can be injected into a patient.

After use, the used hub 16 may be replaced in the housing 22 without the user having to manipulate the housing or hub. Referring to fig. 10 and 11, the used needle hub 16, when attached to the delivery device 10, is inserted into the first well 44. As shown in fig. 11, the hub 16 is inserted back into the housing 22 and the delivery device can now be rotated to unscrew the engagement end 14 from the hub 16. The delivery device 10 may then be removed for additional use, as shown in fig. 12.

The support device 30 of the present invention is capable of retaining a number of used needle hubs 16 and corresponding internal shields 24 in corresponding wells to reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks. The used hub 16 and inner shield 24 may be discarded by inverting the device 10 as shown in fig. 13. The ejector 40 may be actuated and moved to the position shown in fig. 13, where the plunger 86 ejects the housing 22 with the used needle hub 16 and the plunger 96 ejects the inner shield 24 from each well into a suitable waste container for containing the used needle and syringe. The spring 70 then biases the ejector 40 back to the original position to be used again.

The embodiments and advantages described above are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The description of the various embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the invention. Various modifications, substitutions and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A support device for supporting at least one pen needle assembly for a pen needle delivery device, wherein the pen needle assembly includes a housing, a hub having a cannula and an internal shield, the device comprising:

a housing having a top wall and a side wall, the top wall having an exterior top face having: at least one first well to receive a pen needle assembly and having dimensions to hold the housing; and at least one second well having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first well and sized to receive and retain the inner shield; and

an ejector to simultaneously eject a housing containing a used hub from the first well and the internal shield from the second well.

2. The support device of claim 1, wherein the first well is sized to engage a housing of the pen needle assembly to enable the hub to be separated from the housing.

3. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first well has a shape and size complementary to a shape and size of the housing so as to grip the housing with sufficient force to enable the hub to be separated from the housing and to prevent rotation of the housing in the first well.

4. The support apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first well comprises a plurality of teeth oriented to cooperate with the housing to prevent rotation of the housing relative to the first well.

5. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second well is sized to engage the internal shield to enable the hub to be separated from the internal shield.

6. The support apparatus of claim 5 wherein the second well has an inner surface to grip the inner shield by means of a friction fit.

7. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ejector is movable from a first position to a second position, the ejector including a first plunger to engage the first well and a second plunger to engage the second well, such that movement of the ejector from the first position to the second position simultaneously causes: the housing containing the used hub is expelled from the first well and the inner shield is expelled from the second well.

8. A storage device for supporting a plurality of pen needle assemblies for a pen needle delivery device, wherein each pen needle assembly includes a housing, a hub having a cannula and an internal shield, the device comprising:

a housing having a top wall and a side wall, the top wall having an exterior top face having: a plurality of first wells to receive pen needle assemblies; and a plurality of second wells having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first wells and sized to receive and retain the inner shield; and

a movable ejector movable relative to the housing to simultaneously eject a housing containing a used hub from the first well and the internal shield from the second well.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first well has a size to engage and retain a housing of the pen needle assembly in the first well to enable the hub to be separated from the housing.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the first well has a shape and size complementary to a shape and size of the housing so as to grip the housing with sufficient force to enable the hub to be separated from the housing and to prevent rotation of the housing in the first well.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the first well comprises a plurality of teeth oriented to cooperate with the housing to prevent rotation of the housing relative to the first well.

12. The device of claim 8, wherein the second well is sized to engage the internal shield to enable the hub to be separated from the internal shield.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the second well has an inner surface to grip the inner shield by means of a friction fit.

14. The device of claim 8, wherein the ejector is movable from a first position to a second position, the ejector has a movable plate including a plurality of first plungers and a plurality of second plungers, the first plungers to engage and slide in respective first wells, said second plunger being adapted to cooperate with and slide in a respective second well, whereby movement of said ejector from said first position to said second position causes the housing and used hub to be ejected from each of said first wells and causes said internal shield to be ejected from each of said second wells, the housing has at least one guide post extending through a corresponding opening in the plate for guiding the ejector relative to the housing.

15. A method of engaging and disengaging a hub with respect to a pen needle delivery device for delivering a substance to a patient, the method comprising:

providing a support device having a housing with: a plurality of first wells sized to receive the needle hub and the housing of a pen needle assembly; a plurality of second wells sized to receive the inner shield of a pen needle assembly;

inserting said pen needle assembly into one of said first plurality of wells and engaging said pen needle delivery device to the engagement end of said hub;

removing said pen needle delivery device and needle hub from said first well;

inserting an internal shield engaged with the hub into one of the plurality of second wells of the support apparatus, wherein the second well is spaced apart from the first well, wherein the internal shield is held by the second well and the hub is separated from the internal shield for use in delivering a substance to a patient; and

positioning the resulting used hub within the housing retained in the first well and disengaging the hub from the pen needle delivery device and simultaneously expelling the housing containing the used hub and expelling the internal shield with a movable ejector.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the housing includes a removable seal covering the needle hub, and the method includes removing the seal prior to inserting the pen needle assembly into the first well.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the ejector is movable relative to the housing, the ejector having a plurality of first plungers oriented to slide in respective first wells and a plurality of second plungers oriented to slide in respective second wells, the method comprising actuating the ejector to slide the first plungers and the second plungers to simultaneously eject a housing and a used needle hub from the first wells and the inner shield from the second wells.