Container for sterilization
A modular container for sterilization of medical devices. In various embodiments the container includes a slidable button for releasing the lid, the button being contained within a pocket. Other embodiments include a lid and container bottom arranged so that a pair of stacked containers have a gap between the lid and bottom to facilitate drying of the container contents. Yet other embodiments include arrangement of the container sidewalls to fit within the sides of the lid.
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This application is a continuation patent application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/218,345, filed Aug. 14, 2003, to be issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,485, which is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to divisional application No. 09/634,072, filed Aug. 8, 2000, which is a divisional application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/020,889, filed Feb. 9, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,850. This application also claims priority to provisional patent application Serial No. 60/371,188, filed Apr. 9, 2002. All of these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to containers useful for sterilization of medical devices. However, certain applications of the present invention may be outside of this field.
The use of a container for the sterilization and storage of medical devices is well known. The container is provided with a particular selection of devices for a particular medical procedure. The devices are placed within a container and the container is then subjected to the heat and sterilant (water and/or chemicals) necessary to sterilize the devices. Subsequent to sterilization, the container may be wrapped within a sterile covering and stored until required.
Various designs have been offered for sterilization containers. Some of these designs can be found in the following U.S. patents:
These designs generally depict containers comprising a lower tray and an upper tray or lid. The lower and upper trays are generally of a fixed, unitary construction. The lower tray and the upper tray or lid are generally of a particular size and shape which cannot be altered without damaging or destroying the trays. Some of these designs have an internal volume satisfactory for the quantity of devices necessary for a particular medical procedure, but insufficient volume for a larger number of devices required by a different medical procedure. Likewise, the containers resulting from some of these designs may be too large for a particular medical procedure, and thus be inefficient in terms of space and costs.
There is a continuing need for improvements in the field of sterilization containers and the present invention provides a novel and unobvious apparatus for an improved sterilization container.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne embodiment of the present invention provides a container for sterilization of medical devices. The container includes a base defining a plurality of through holes, four walls, and a bottom. There is also a button actuateable between an extended position and a depressed position; and a lid releaseably coupled to the base and releasable therefrom by actuation of the button. The button is slidable within a pocket formed by the lid and the base.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a container for sterilization of devices which includes an underside having a central portion and a bottom spacing feature, and a topside having a central portion and a top spacing feature adapted and configured to nest with the bottom spacing feature. During stacking of a first container on top of a second container the bottom spacing feature of the first container and the top spacing feature of the second container nest together, the bottom spacing feature and the top spacing feature being adapted and configured to establish a gap extending between the central portion of the underside and the central portion of the topside, the gap permitting flow of gas therebetween.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention concerns a container for sterilization of medical devices which includes a base including first and second endwalls and a base midsection having a bottom with integral or separable third and fourth opposing sidewalls, each third and fourth sidewall including a first edge projecting from a lengthwise ridge. The container also includes a lid including a lid midsection with a top and an integral or separable pair of opposing sides, each said side including a second edge. The lid fits on the base with the edge of each side being supported by a ridge of a corresponding sidewall and each second edge being displaced from the corresponding first edge.
Another embodiment of the present invention concerns a container for sterilization of devices which includes a base having a button slidably retained thereto. The button has a first position and a second position, and the base includes a first latching member. There is also a lid releaseably coupleable to said base and including a second latching member which couples to the first latching member to retain the lid on said base. Sliding of the button to the second position uncouples the second latching member from the first latching member.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved container for serialization of medical devices.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description of the preferred embodiment, the drawings, and the claims that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be sued to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
A bottom panel 30 comprising bottom pieces 30a, 30b, and 30c is in contact with and preferably supported by substantially flat ledges that extend in a generally perpendicular manner from the vertical walls of separable sides 24a, 24b, 26a, and 26b. Separable sides 24a and 24b include ledges 31a and 31b, respectively, for supporting bottom pieces 30c and 30a, respectively. Separable sides 26a and 26b include ledges 32a and 32b, respectively, for supporting bottom pieces 30a, 30b, and 30c. Additional support of bottom panel 30 is preferably provided by substantially flat ledges that extend from the corner pieces. Ledges 33a and 33b of corner pieces 28a and 28b, respectively, support bottom piece 30c. Ledges 33c and 33d of corner pieces 28c and 38d, respectively, support bottom piece 30a. In some embodiments of the present invention bottom panel 30 defines a plurality of attachment holes (not shown) to which fixtures may be attached which are useful for clamping medical devices thereto.
Ledges 31a, 31b, 32a, and 32b incorporate a combination of pins 34 and fastener holes 36 that align with locating holes 38 and fastener holes 36, respectively, on bottom panel 30. Fasteners (not shown) fasten bottom piece 30a to ledges 32a, 32b, and 31b. Bottom piece 30c is similarly fastened to ledges 32a, 32b, and 31a. Bottom piece 30b is fastened to ledges 32a and 32b. Pins 34 protrude through locating holes 38 and generally align bottom panel 30 relative to sides 24a, 24b, 26a, and 26b. Bottom panel 30 preferably includes a short cylinder protruding above the upper surface of bottom panel 30 and around hole 38 so as to provide additional bearing area for pin 34. However, the present invention also contemplates a locating hole 38 defined only within bottom panel 30. Also, although it is preferable to include pins 34 and fastener holes 36 within ledges 31a, 31b, 32a, and 32b, the present invention also contemplates pins 34 or fastener holes 36 as part of ledges 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d of corner pieces 28a, 28b, 28c, and 28d, respectively. Bottom pieces 30a, 30b, and 30c are repeatedly separable from sides 24a, 24b, 26a, and 26b, and/or from corners 28a, 28b, 28c, and 28d, by removal of the fasteners through holes 36.
Although apparatus 20 and 20′ have been described having multi-piece bottom panels 30 and 30′, respectively, the present invention also contemplates a single piece bottom panel 30 and a single piece bottom panel 30′ of different lengths. Further, although apparatus 20 and 20′ have been described incorporating a plurality of corner pieces separable from the sides of the container, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which corner pieces are integral with sides otherwise similar to sides 24a and 24b. In these embodiments the corner pieces are not separable from the sides, but modularity of the present invention is maintained by the separability of opposing sides 26a and 26b.
Corner pieces 28a-d include a first alignment feature 42 that is preferably spaced above the upper surfaces of adjacent separable sides. Lid 22 includes a second alignment feature 44 which is generally complementary in shape to first alignment feature 42. Coupling of lid 22 to sides 24a and 24b results in coupling of first alignment feature 42 with second alignment feature 44. Separable sides 24a and 24b incorporate upper surfaces 39a and 39b, respectively, and separable sides 26a and 26b incorporate upper surfaces 40a and 40b, respectively. Although one embodiment of the present invention includes a first alignment feature 42 spaced above the upper surfaces of the separable sides, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which first alignment feature 42 is recessed below upper surfaces 39a, and 39b, and 40a and 40b, and second alignment feature 44 includes a protrusion to fit within the recess. Also, although upper surfaces 39a, 39b, 40a, and 40b are generally at the same elevation above bottom panel 30, the present invention also contemplates upper surfaces 39a, 39b, 40a, and 40b that are at different elevations.
Lid 22 includes a pair of handles 46 on opposing ends of lid 22 as best seen in
Handle 46 and button 50 are substantially flush with the exterior surface of container 20. The exterior surface of container 20 is also generally smooth. By being generally smooth and not having abrupt protrusions beyond its exterior surfaces, container 20 is especially suitable for being wrapped in a protective covering after sterilization with little danger of the protective covering being ripped, abraded, broken, or damaged by the exterior surface of container 20.
Sides 24a and 24b each include a pair of stationary tabs 52 which are generally flush with the exterior surface of sides 24a and 24b, and which project inwardly toward the interior of container 20, as best seen in
Latchplate 60 incorporates a pair of tabs 72 moveable with latchplate 60 and button 50. These moveable tabs 72 extend upward and outward at an angle as best seen in
Although button 50 and moveable tabs 72 have been shown and described as moving in a pivotal manner, the present invention also contemplates a button and moveable tabs that move linearly within container 20 when pushed. This linear movement button and linear movement tabs would be guided along support rails coupled to supports extending from the handle. The means for releaseably coupling lid 22 to container 20 includes a stationary tab 52, a moveable tab 72, and a button 50 for moving moveable tab 72, the movement being rotational, linear, or a combination of the two.
A handle molding 73 comprising a portion of the present invention is shown in
Latchplate 60 is shown apart from button 50 in
Corner 28 includes a smooth, recessed first locating feature 80 on the top surface of corner 28. This first locating feature 80 is capable of being coupled to a second raised locating feature 82 on the bottom of corner piece 28 (refer to
Base midsection 1040 includes a pair of opposing sidewalls 1052 and 1054 which preferably are integral with a bottom 1050. Each lateral edge of base midsection 1040 includes a plurality of fastener holes 1051 for subsequent fastening to respective endwalls. Bottom 1050 includes a central portion for supporting instruments. Central portion 1056 and integral sidewalls 1052 and 1054 further include a plurality of through holes 1070 for the passage of sterilant vapor and liquid during a sterilizing process.
Preferably extending lengthwise along opposing sides of bottom 1050 are channels 1058 and 1060 which provide rigidity to base midsection 1040. Channels 1058 and 1060 laterally interconnect the central portion 1056 to sidewalls 1052 and 1054. Each sidewall projects generally vertically from the corresponding channel. Each sidewall 1052 and 1054 is preferably formed at the free edge to provide mating features and support features for lid 1022.
Referring to
Endwall 1044 includes a generally smooth and curving midportion 1072, a pair of laterally-projecting attachment ears 1074 and 1076 located on either end of midportion 1072, and a bottom portion 1078 which spans the bottom area between midportion 1072 and ears 1074 and 1076. Preferably, endwall 1024 is cast or molded from an organic material, although the present invention contemplates any method of fabrication.
As best seen in
In one embodiment, endwall 1044 defines a recessed handle 1028 for lifting of container 1020. As best seen in
Located immediately above handle 1028 is a portion of a pocket 1088 which slidably receives button 1030. As best seen in
Referring again briefly to
Placed to either side of spacing feature 1080 are support surfaces 1075 and 1077. Preferably, support surfaces 1075 and 1077 are spaced below spacing feature 1080. Support surfaces 1077 and 1075 support the weight of an assembled container 1020.
Lid midsection 1032 includes a top 1090 having a central portion 1100. A pair of lengthwise ribs 1093 and 1095 are formed along top 1090, and provide stiffness to midsection 1032. Each rib 1093 and 1094 project preferably outwardly and downwardly to sides 1092 and 1094, respectively. Each side 1092 and 1094 include a lowermost edge 1096 and 1098, respectively, which project downwards. Preferably, edges 1096 and 1098 are rolled over for additional stiffness, safety, and for improved fit of lid 1022 on ridges 1062 and 1064, respectively, of base 1024.
Endpiece 1036 includes a generally smooth and curving midportion 1104 with a pair of ears 1106 and 1108 that project laterally from midportion 1104. Midportion 1104 further includes a downwardly projecting surface 1105 placed centrally that provides an upward boundary of pocket 1088 when a lid 1022 is coupled to a base 1024. Preferably, endpiece 1036 is cast or molded from an organic material, although the present invention contemplates any method of fabrication.
A top portion spanning from ear 1106 to ear 1108 preferably includes a spacing feature 1110 which provides both stabilization to a plurality of stacked containers 1020 and also a predetermined gap between adjacent stacked containers 1020 as will be described later. Spacing feature 1110 includes a convex or outwardly rounded portion 1112 that projects upward from the top of midportion 1104. Rounded portion 1112 transitions smoothly to a planar portion 1114. A plurality of through holes 1107 are provided in endpiece 1036 for fastening of endpiece 1036 to a U-shaped lateral edge of lid midsection 1032.
As best seen in
In one embodiment of the present invention, top spacing feature 1110 and bottom spacing feature 1080 are preferably shaped complementary to each other, such that convex rounded section 1112 nests within concave rounded feature 1082, as best seen in the middle of
Top spacing feature 1110 and bottom spacing feature 1080 are provided with a thickness or vertical height such that stacking of container 1020 on top of container 1020′ results in a gap 1130 formed between bottom 1050 of the top container and top 1090′ of the bottom container. As best seen in
Referring to
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A container for sterilization of devices, comprising:
- a base including a bottom panel and a pair of endwalls, said bottom panel including a pair of sidewalls each defining a plurality of through holes;
- a lid-release button slidably received within each endwall, said lid-release button actuatable between an extended position and a depressed position; and
- a lid defining a plurality of through holes and being releasably coupled to said base and releasable therefrom by actuation of said lid-release button, said lid including a pair of latching members, each latching member being constructed and arranged to cooperate with a corresponding one of said lid-release buttons.
23. The container of claim 22 wherein sliding said lid-release button to the depressed position uncouples said lid from said base.
24. The container of claim 22 wherein sliding said lid-release button to the depressed position exposes a surface of said lid for lifting of said lid by a user of said container.
25. The container of claim 22 wherein one of said endwalls has an outer surface, said lid-release button has an outer surface, and in said extended position said outer surface of said lid-release button is substantially flush with the outer surface of said one endwall.
26. The container of claim 22 wherein said lid includes an edge and said lid-release button covers a portion of said edge in said extended position and uncovers said portion of said edge in said depressed position.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 3, 2006
Publication Date: Aug 31, 2006
Applicant:
Inventors: Terry Baker (Boggstown, IN), Bernie Berry (Indianapolis, IN)
Application Number: 11/396,747
International Classification: B65D 45/16 (20060101);